For Education.

I want to express my gratitude to live in a country where education is provided for all of its children. Noah has a classmate in his class who is disabled, and has become good friends with him. When I've volunteered in his class I see how happy that little boy is, and how sweet all the kids are with him. Noah has learned not to complain about something being too hard because he has seen Luis commit to the tasks that are harder for him to do while being in a wheelchair.  I love that Noah is learning from his example, and that at the same time is teaching him to do work that is 10 times harder! I admire the teachers that work so hard on his behalf because...third graders! Seriously though, I have loved participating in both Noah, and Chelsea's classes, and look forward to continuing to help out until they finish school. We certainly are fortunate to get the education we receive here not only for us, but for our kids as well! 

Around The Table With Lily Garcia.

Every now and then I receive emails about participating in certain campaigns and this past weekend I was invited to a conference for the New Jersey education system to meet the new president of the NEA Lily Eskelsen Garcia, to discuss key concerns, and issues in regards to back to school and otherwise. I have to admit I was a little nervous walking into a conference room full of educators, especially Lily Garcia because her resume is impeccable, and historic! However I was filled with excitement to hear what we were going to discuss in regards to public education. For a moment I felt a little out of place because I felt I didn't have enough "experience" to sit among such a great group of educators. I've only completed two years of college, and being surrounded by educators with a vast extensive experience in teaching was a little intimidating, yet very humbling. 

As we were introducing ourselves one by one around the table there was one particular parent advocate that really impressed me and when it was my turn to introduce myself, again...I felt a little out of my league because I was amongst a group of educators who have been teaching for years. I then felt super comfortable when Mrs. Garcia expressed her gratitude for my presence, and for sharing anything that I'd have to say. The fact that she mentioned "I am an educator...in motherhood" made me feel so much better and that's when I knew I was in the right place. 

There were so many stories, ideas, & experiences exchanged an in finding solutions as to how to "stop the madness" as said by Mrs. Garcia especially when it comes to "toxic testing", or overworking our children. Especially those with special needs, and/or disabilities where they can't even write down their own name because they're blind such as the story of Ethan Rediske which you can read here. 

I can tell that Mrs. Garcia has been "in the world" and having been a teacher before becoming president of the NEA has experienced, and seen a lot of what goes on in schools while traveling to different school districts. She definitely has empathy and compassion for everyone of color, and while I sat in on this meeting she was all action!

I've been living in New Jersey now for six years and having lived in other states I've had the opportunity to experience many different school districts.  My two oldest daughters are the only ones so far who have attended various schools in different states. My oldest who is now in college attended at least three different elementary schools as well as three different middles schools...in different states. And it was very interesting how every curriculum was different especially at the charter school they both attended when we lived in North Carolina. It was well maintained, and structured for an x amount of students, and very low key.  I think that's why when we moved from North Carolina to New Jersey I was a little overwhelmed at all the testing that they did and all the reading programs they have especially when my youngest daughter began first grade. It seemed as if they were giving double the work which in my opinion is not needed, but luckily my kid was able to handle double the writing, and double the reading. However...I do feel for the other kids who cannot be able to handle all that. I'm very grateful for my two oldest daughters who so far one has graduated high school, and that my 14 year old is not overwhelmed with all the work they incur...yet! Then again...that's the perk of being an honors student!   

I tend to get very involved in my children's schooling and try not to incessantly make complaints with the teachers or principal, but there have been times in the past when I had to in emergencies, but have long since eased up a bit. 

One thing I got out of this conference was that our children are important. Not only are they our future generation but they have a lot of potential and teachers need to realize that they are also the key to their success as well as the parents. I'm very grateful for educators & parent activists such as the ones that I met last weekend. They were quite lithe in their mannerisms and love the fact that they all have a voice, and are not afraid to use it. They were all bold in sharing their thoughts, and plans as to how we can find a resolve to all that is going on which has led up to negative experiences for both the teacher, and child today. 

I have quite a few friends who are educators and at least one of them has said to me, "It's just not fun anymore." They want out or are struggling to find a resolve in how to make schools a better place not only for the children, but for the teachers as well. 

The 90 minutes I spent in a room with these people was a great experience and I know that the NEA will continue to strive to find solutions to the matters at hand, and hope for a better education system in our children's future.

"And look where were are [today]: Nobody cares about real teaching and learning. We have turned these tests-something that means so little into everything. We are corrupting what we teach. We must end toxic teaching. We must end making high-stakes decisions based on one commercial standardized test."

~Lily Garcia, President of NEA

**all photos taken by Jen Marsh

Class of 2014...Lewis Indian for Life.

It's surreal to have had Lexie graduating from the same middle school as her sister did. Reason I say this is because Sierra went to three different middle schools in two different states, and we seriously thought that Lexie would be graduating eighth grade from a totally different school in a different state as well. To tell you the truth it feels good to finally have some stability when it comes to the girls education. So far we have managed to stay put in the same state for six years, and have Lexie be in the same school district since the third grade! Luckily God had different plans for us and obviously the timing to move to the New England area was not meant to be, and after seeing all the experiences Lexie has gone through with all the friends she has I realized that she was totally meant to stay in Jersey to conclude her eighth grade year here at Lewis.

And I'm glad.

Glad because who knows if she would have participated in volunteering to have her head shaven for cancer research, be chosen as a Lewis Legend, be recognized for her award-winning Safety essay, be chosen as Lewis' Shining Star, and receive the Anthony Graves Music Department award, and other amazing accomplishments had she attended another school in a different state. Who knows...who knows. 

All I know is that she was indeed meant to stay here not only for herself, but for others as well. The Lord has blessed her with so many successes, and experiences for her to grow, and learn. As I see those blessings pouring down upon her reassures me that she...we are supposed to continue to reside here in the Garden state.

I will always remember Mr. Nichols, and his witty sense of humor calling Lexie "the girl from Connecticut." He teased her with that saying all year long! One thing for sure is how happy he was to have found her name on his list of students for advisory for this year. Even though she told him she wouldn't be returning next year he never removed her name from the list. It was as if he knew she wasn't really going to move. Imagine his surprise when she actually walked into his class on the first day of school. He was so thrilled. It definitely has been a good three years for them. 

^^^ Photo collage of the band students that was given as a gift from all the band kids. ^^^

I was amazed at how crowded graduation night was. I don't recall Sierra's graduation being this crazy,  and filled to capacity! Oh...and get a load of this throwback photo of Sierra. She hasn't changed a bit on looks where I feel as if Lexie has changed a ton! So proud of our girls for the lovely young women they are growing up to be!

^^^ Sierra, circa 2009 & Lexie Class of 2014 ^^^

The past three years for Lexie at Lewis have been phenomenal. I look back at all her accomplishments and we are extremely proud of her. 

Noah and Chelsea were so excited for her too! They constantly wanted to take pictures with her all evening long.

Just a note to the Lewis Class of 2014:

Congratulations on your advancement on moving on up to high school. Y'all have so much more to look forward too. Always keep focused in all that you do especially when it comes to your academics, and in living a life filled with light, kindness, good friends, and in being yourself. It's your turn to shine, and like the banner reads that the school made in memory of your class "There's A Place For Us" there will definitely be a place for you in this world. 

Keep up the excellent work, and never give up on your dreams! 

xo

pre school screening.

Earlier last month Noah had taken a preschool screening test for preschool this fall. This program is half a day which I love, but the only downside to it is that they will only choose 12 kids, and do it by  lottery. He's an "old four year old" who has yet to experience a major schoolroom setting, and if he only turned five before November he could officially start kindergarten. So it would be nice if he gets in, but if he doesn't that's okay because that gives me a another year to have him all to myself. Most moms may want their kid to start preschool at a young age, but not me. See...I really wish I could have one more child, but I seriously don't think that's going to happen. I think my clock has run out of time, and at the age of 42 my satisfaction of being able to create a son has reached an all-time high, but how nice it would be if Noah had a brother. I am grateful for this little guy, and that my days spent with  him continue to be glorious added with a side of small stress, and some sprinkles of sunshine. So if he doesn't get selected I won't mind it one bit. 

^^^ Noah listening with intent as the teacher quizzes him for preschool. ^^^

He is sharp as a whip, and the lady that tested him was kind, but had some sternness in her. You can tell she meant business while testing him because when she'd ask him questions, and he wouldn't answer her right away she'd call his name out again, and then he'd look right at her and answer. She only had to do that once, and he "got the picture." Literally. (No seriously...she was showing him pictures of animals, numbers, colors, parts of the body, etc.) He knew then that she meant business, and that this lady was going to see if he is capable, and "smart enough" to go to school so that he can be able to help other kids who have learning disabilities. That's what I love about this program. The kids that are chosen will help mentor those kids with special needs that are already enrolled in the class. I think Noah would be a perfect candidate because he's so sweet, and polite. I've seen him be kind, and respectful to other kids. His Sunday school teacher always compliments on how well behaved he is in class, and how well he listens. Part of me would love for him to have this experience of attending preschool with special needs kids so that his compassion will enhance, and the other part wants him home with me so that we can continue to make full time memories. We'll see what the lottery decides, and either way is fine with me. I'll find out at the end of June. 

I love being a stay at home mom playing with him, and listening to the darndest things this kid says to me. Especially when his sisters come home. 

This week some of his words have been too funny to hear. Here are some of his euphemisms that he's uttered recently:

"Mommy, you have snakes." Me: "What! Where?" Noah: "The ones on your face." (He meant my pimples.) No, I was not squeezing them so I have no idea where he got that from. 

I found this really cute hat at a thrift store, and when I was about to put it on he said, "mommy you don't need a hat...you already have your hair." Very funny Noah...haha! (reminded me of Steel Magnolias when Julia Roberts told her mom Sally Fields that her hair looked like a football helmet!)

So Chelsea comes home, and loves playing with my hair on the days that I wash it, and is easy to comb. Noah says to her, "Stop playing with mommy's hair...it's not a toy." Gee, I wonder where he gets that tone from.) 

Yep...that's my boy. Each day he says the funniest things, and I kick myself for not jotting the ones I missed so that when he's older I can tell him the things he'd say to us. I'm sure that if he gets into this preschool that he'll be on his best behavior, and that he will learn and use his words wisely without getting into trouble. Boys will be boys.  

three years of middle school drama productions.

Seeing my children's accomplishments brings me great joy. Especially when it's doing something they love. I was never involved in any drama productions in middle school & my attempt to be in a drama class my throughout high school was a joke...on my part. I believe I was a better dancer than an actress, hence being a part of the drill team the following year. Nonetheless those experiences taught me quite a bit. It helped me build more confidence within myself & helped me carry myself through all the hardships that I was experiencing at that time in my life.

This past weekend was Lexie's third & final drama production of her middle school career. She played Goldilocks in "Princess Who?" It was a cute play & everyone did such a great job. 

As each year goes by I am amazed at her level of maturity because when I saw her in her very first play "Frog & Toad" as a second grader, I swear her level of maturity was that of a fifth grader. We had been living in North Carolina & she was the only second grader in her class who had a singing part. She even had more lines than any of her classmates. She has always been so mature for her age & that is something that I've always been impressed by. 

^^^ Lexie in Frog & Toad, circa- 2007 ^^^

^^^ Lexie as a mole in frog & toad, circa-2007 ^^^

And now she's an eighth grade student who has the maturity of a "mature" 18 year old! 

^^^ Goldilocks ^^^

The entire cast gave a stellar performance this past weekend & I can't believe she has six more weeks of middle school left. She has enjoyed being a part of the drama productions for the past three years. You can view the past drama productions here (A walk in the Woods), and here (Spell of Sleeping Beauty).

Since this is their last year, the eighth graders had the opportunity to give a little 'speech of gratitude' at the end of the play. 

Everything that she does never disappoints & my proud mama moments just keep piling up. I look forward to many more of her accomplishments in the near future. Not sure where the time goes, but it sure flies super fast, and it's hard to believe that in just four years we're going to have another high school graduate in the house. Yikes!