A Roller Coaster Ride

Thanks to my Father-in-Law who found this comic strip in the Sunday paper. Truer words have never been spoken!

What's a Guy To Do???

Today is the BIG IU-Purdue Men's Basketball game. So the big question is...who will Ethan root for??? Kevin is a Boilermaker, and I am a Hoosier, which means we are... 

I think, according to {Jewish} law, Ethan must root for the Hoosiers. Follow me on this one. In the Jewish religion, if a Jewish woman and a non-Jewish man get married, their kids are considered Jewish, since in the Jewish faith, religion of children is determined by the religion of the mother. Therefore, Ethan is a Hoosier!

This game should be a good one, as are all games between two huge rivals. It happens to be on our home turf... in Assembly Hall, so I'm hoping we defend our territory and kick some Boiler Butt!!

Giggly Guy

Someone loves when Mommy blows raspberries on his belly!

On Flirting

There is a right way to flirt, and a wrong way to flirt. I witnessed two incidences of flirting today.

All Wrong!

Ethan and I went to lunch today with "Auntie Debbie". I got up to get some coffee. A pretty good looking gentleman was also filling up his cup. Here's how our conversation went.

Man: Don't tell me you are the one that had that baby over there.

Me: Yeah. That's my baby.

Man: Wow! Where did all of your weight go?

Me: Umm...it left with the baby.

Man: Well, he is one lucky guy...and I'm referring to your husband!

Me: Thanks. I'll remind him of that tonight.

Man: My wife had twins 20 months ago, and she still doesn't look like you.

Me: Well, twins are a whole other story! 

Man: Did you have him naturally?

Me: Yep. {At this point, I was appalled that he felt it appropriate to ask me this...as if the rest of the conversation were somehow more appropriate!}

Man: Wow. You just have all the right qualities, don't you?

Me: I try.

At this point, I walked away. I didn't know that having a child naturally {and I assume he meant sans c-section} was a quality, but OK. At first I couldn't figure out if he was complimenting me, ragging on his wife {who, after having this conversation, I feel sorry for}, or flirting. I chalked it up to this guy being an awful flirt. Strike out!! 

Note: Mentioning your wife, and mother of your twins, is NOT a recommended flirting tactic!

 All Right!

After lunch, Ethan and I had some clothing to exchange. At Francesca's Collections {heaven}, while checking out, the woman behind me was "oohing" and "aahing" over Ethan. Here's how that conversation went.

Woman: You are so adorable!

Ethan: {big gummy smile}

Woman: Are you smiling at me??

Ethan: {smile with giggle}

Woman: Oh my gosh! He just giggled at me! You're such a flirt!

Ethan: {cooing noises}

Woman: What a sweetie! He's such a wonderful shopping buddy! You're so lucky!

Now that's how it's done!! Always keep 'em wanting more. Maybe the guy from the restaurant should take some notes from Ethan!

{Almost} Put Together

I feel like I got SO much accomplished today! Ethan and I took a trip to Michael's, where I picked up some frames for the professional pictures we had taken when Ethan was five days old (I know...it's about time). By the way, if you're in the market for frames, they are having a great deal - buy one, get one free! I also got some items to make Valentine's cake pops for my class. I promise to post pictures of those when I make them next week.

Later, Ethan was kind enough to take a really long nap, which gave me a chance to write some thank-you cards, frame the pictures, and even write personalized Valentine's Day cards to each of my students. 

My mom came over and I made dinner for the two of us - yummy Thai Ravioli...and it's a Weight Watchers recipe, too! 

It wasn't until after all of this that I realized...my sweater had been on backwards ALL DAY! Oops...I guess I wasn't as put together as I thought I was! 

Out and About

Boy, did we have a packed day yesterday! Momma and Pops drove in from Cincinnati to spend the day with us. 

First, we went out for a late lunch at Scotty's. Ethan was wonderful. He was awake and content in his carseat, something that he's only recently started to do. He fell asleep towards the end of our meal, so we decided to take a trip to the JCC to sign up for our membership, since there was a great deal going on which ended at the end of this month. 

While we were registering, Pops and Ethan walked around the JCC. We realized that he was probably getting hungry, so we decided to feed him before leaving. As Kevin lifted him out of the stroller, he felt a wet spot on the back of Ethan's pants. Yes, folks, Ethan had a HUGE blowout. He had to be stripped naked in the main entrance of the JCC, given a "wet-wipe bath", and changed into his spare clothing. Thank goodness I was prepared for such a fiasco (except I forgot a spare pair of socks...oops)! Let me tell you, it was quite the scene! Momma and I couldn't help but laugh the whole time. I don't know what was funnier - Kevin's reaction to the whole thing (including the icky smell), or Ethan's proud demeanor. 

After feeding Ethan, we stopped at Huddles, a local self-serve frozen yogurt shop for a sweet treat. Ethan was getting a little fiesty after being in his carseat (and not napping for longer than 30 minutes at a time), so we went home.

We said goodbye to Momma and Pops, and got Ethan ready to go out to dinner with some of our friends. Kevin let Ethan hang out on his lap for a while during dinner, I fed him, and then he was pretty entertained by all the things to look at in the restaurant. 

This was Ethan's longest day out, and he did exceptionally well. I know he enjoyed himself, and was exhausted. He slept from 10pm to 7:30am!!

The Moby Experiment

We've been putting it off...testing our infant carrier and wrap. We have an ERGObaby Carrier and a Moby Wrap. We decided that today was the day, and we'd attack the more overwhelming of the two...the Moby Wrap.

After 15 minutes of frustration trying to get it onto me (where we consulted both the instruction manual and YouTube videos), I decided I'd gotten it right. All I needed was a baby...but he was sleeping, and I was NOT about to wake him. We resorted to the next best thing...

A POPPLE!!

Hopefully, Ethan is as accommodating as this non-moving, non-crying ball of fluff!

What NOT to Say to a Pregnant Woman

Do you know what is NOT OK to ask or say to a pregnant woman? Here are some things that people have asked of or said to me. I've thought, Is this person actually expecting a response, or are they just kidding? Turns out, they were serious! As a public service to other pregnant women, I am posting my "favorites" here.

"Are you eating?"

Response I've Given - "Yes, I'm just watching what I eat, with my gestational diabetes."
Response I Want to Give - "No. I don't believe nutrients are necessary for the health and well-being of my child."

"Are you going to get an epidural?"

Response I've Given - "I'm keeping my options open."
Response I Want to Give - "How is that any of your business?"

"Why would you even consider natural childbirth?"

Response I've Given - "I'm not asking my body to do anything it wasn't meant to do."

Response I Want to Give - "My hospital gives you a brand new car if you can deliver a baby without drugs!"

"You look REALLY pregnant today!"

Response I've Given - "I guess it depends on what I wear."

Response I Want to Give - "Really? That's totally the look I was going for! That, or beached whale!"

"When I was in labor, [insert horror story here]."

Response I've Given - "Wow! That's awful!"

Response I Want to Give - "Wow! I appreciate you giving me more things to worry about, you know, besides all the normal stuff like being responsible for another human being!"

Anyone else got questions/comments to add to this list? How about other responses I could give to the ones above? Do share!!

Not Our Day

I have been much less coordinated since I've been pregnant. Let's not forget the coffee-spill-on-the-computer incident at the very beginning of my first trimester, and my little trip down the stairs at the beginning of my second trimester. Now with my belly making itself known to the world, I am trying to be more cautious. It's not always possible.

Yesterday, I got up from the couch, and I guess I didn't see the edge of the coffee table. I slammed my right pinky toe into the corner...I think I misjudged the distance. I went to bend down and grab my foot, and my belly immediately stopped me. I couldn't reach it! I was in a lot of pain...but it was so funny, we couldn't stop laughing!!

Later that evening, I hear a HUGE thud upstairs. I yelled to make sure Kevin was OK. He shouted down that he was fine...he just went to sit down at the desk and the chair was not there. Fortunately, he said that he had plenty of padding in his behind to cushion the fall! 

Perhaps my clumsiness is contagious???

Pregnancy Brain...Gotta Love It!

Today, I woke up early to go to a teaching workshop. There were three different sessions going on simultaneously, and I was signed up for the one entitled, "Inquiry". I signed my name on the registration form, and wandered into the conference room. After finding some of my co-workers and getting settled, I began to chat...and chat...and chat. It wasn't until 15 minutes later, when the workshop leader said, "Hi, my name is Cheryl. Welcome to the 'Teaching and Learning' workshop," that I realized I was in the wrong place! Of course, I was sitting front and center, so I couldn't just get my stuff together and leave. With my luck I'd drop/trip over something...too risky. I just sucked it up and decided I'd be taking this session instead. I don't feel I learned very much at this session, but I heard that people felt similarly about the other two workshops...so at least I didn't miss out on anything!

I did learn two things today...

• I look more pregnant than I thought I did. People kept coming to me and asking when I was due. (I thought you weren't supposed to do that, though???)
• People are very nice to pregnant women...so I'm kind of glad I'm showing!

Today, I Almost Said...

Scrotum. 

In class.

(Julie, I KNOW what you're thinking!) 

By accident, of course.

I was reading an article about how the Plains Indians used all the parts of the buffalo. My kids were actively listening to all the odd parts that were used, and how they were used. I was quickly trying to get through it, and flipped the page over. 

That's when I saw it (and almost said it)...Scrotum. I hope the kids didn't notice my eyes get wide as I fumbled over that word to the next one. 

Can you imagine the parent phone calls and e-mails I would have gotten for that one?? Not to mention the awkward questions I would have had to answer point blank. I just thank my lucky stars I didn't make copies of it for the kids!

By the way, those crafty Plains Indians used the "unmentionable" for...ceremonial rattles. Odd.

What Dentists Don't Tell You About Flossing

It could pop your fillings out. That's right, this morning I "flossed" my filling out. Two things bother me about this. First, I was just at the dentist last Thursday for a cleaning. My dentist told me my teeth looked great, which is a big deal for me, since I am the Cavity Queen. Apparently, my teeth did not appreciate the compliment, and unfortunately, I had to make an impromptu visit to the dentist for a "re-fill". The second thing that bothers me is I didn't even lose my filling by doing anything fun, like eating gooey and delicious candy! That might have been worth the shots in the mouth, numb right side of my face, and drool dripping down my chin. Did I mention I went back to school to finish the day out with my paralyzed face???

My advice to you? Flossing could be dangerous to your teeth! :)

Must View This...Especially Teachers!

Normally, I do not post links to YouTube, but this was too funny. Well, not so much funny, as true. This is very much what teachers have to deal with. I've often wondered if it sounded as ridiculous looking in from the outside, as it did being a part of the conversation, and it does! Special thanks to our Media Specialist for sending this out to our staff. Enjoy, and don't forget to comment!

Collaborative Teaching

Kid Quotes

It's been a while since I've posted some of these. Lately, my students have been saying some of the funniest things. Here are some of them.

Student: Mrs. Pinsky, what's a scholar?
Me: It's someone who enjoys learning.
Student: Oh. Well, that's what I'm going to be when I grow up.
Me: That's a really good thing to be.
Student: Yeah, and I'm gonna be a famous one, too!

 ~~~~~~

Me: You are supposed to staple the paper on the left side, not the right, and you forgot to put your name on top.

Student: Oh. Well, I just got a little confused.

Me: OK, well, get un-confused and please fix it. Then turn it in.

3 minutes later...

Student: Here you go, Mrs. Pinsky, and thanks for correcting me.

~~~~~~

Yesterday, one of my fifth grade students printed out the story she typed. Upon reading it, I asked her if she had proofread the story. She, of course, said yes. I pointed out that the word "As" had one too many "s's". She was VERY embarrassed. 

~~~~~~

Student: Mrs. Pinsky, do you know what the problem with "Blacktop Only Recess" is?

Me: No, what is it?

Student: Everyone is in everyone else's way. It's like, you're screwed!

 ~~~~~~

Today, several kids asked me questions about Chanukah. One of them was why there was a "C" in front of Chanukah. I explained that the "Ch" does not make the same sound as in English. It represents a Hebrew letter that makes a sound similar to the one you make when creating phlegm in your throat. It's not really Hannukah, but CHanukah. One of my students started saying, "CHelp me! CHelp me!" I explained to the student that not every "H" word made a "CH" sound, and that just because you pronounced it like that did not make it a Hebrew word.

The Fridge Debaucle

Last weekend, Kevin and I spontaneously bought a new refrigerator. We've had our eyes on the new Samsung 4-door fridge. You know, it's the one with the cute little boy reaching into the nifty refrigerator drawer for a juice box. Well, we decided that we should just get it. Plus, it was on sale for 25% off! 

The refrigerator came this Friday, and while Kevin had measured correctly, we found that the wall on the right of the fridge narrowed towards the bottom. Therefore, the fridge did not fit. Kevin took the cabinet next to the fridge of the wall, and moved the counter, so now our kitchen looks like a bit of a construction zone. The carpenter is coming this Friday, and hopefully all of this will be an easy fix, because we are NOT getting rid of this amazing fridge!

Something Fishy Going On

At camp, there is a large fish tank with all sorts of pretty fish in it at the end of the "Big Room". When it's too hot outside, we take the kids in the "Big Room" to ride the various scooters and bikes around. One of the little girls rolled her scooter over to the fish tank, and all of a sudden, I heard, "Ahhh! A fish jumped out of the tank!" I looked over, and sure enough, there was a fish flopping around on the ground. I was so shocked, that rather than picking it up, I ran into the office and yelled, "A fish just jumped out of the tank!" The assistant director ran out, scooped it up, and plopped it back in the tank. The little girl told me that the fish had actually smacked her in the arm on the way down, and told me it was because he was trying to kiss her on the cheek and missed!!!

Quote of the Day

Today was my first day back at summer camp since my surgery. I don't think I've mentioned on here that I work with 3-year olds, three days a week this summer. I was snapped back into the world of toddlers when the following escaped from my mouth: "Are we playing or are we using the potty???" I'm not sure I would've wanted to hear the answer to that, and fortunately, just got some funny looks from the boys in the bathroom!

The Vocabulary Lesson

Today I went on a special teacher-student outing. Two of my students and I ventured over to Pottery By You to paint and decorate our own ceramic pieces. It was so nice to spend time with them outside of the classroom, as they are two of my most special kids, who I will miss sorely next year. I'll stop the sappiness here. On our way home, we were talking, and I realized that I had NO idea what half the words they were using meant. I asked them to give me a vocabulary lesson...this is where the teacher became the student. Here are some new terms they taught me: beast (adj) - awesome, really cool idk (abbreviation) - short for "I don't know" sarf (n) - someone who copies off of someone else swagger (n) - the state of being cool P.S. - I officially felt old after this conversation. Anyone know any others???

Teacher Appreciation Week

You may or may not know that this week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Today, my students created a card and they all signed it. When I opened the card it said, "You have just been appreciated!" They were so proud of their wittiness, it made me giggle. I am so ready for summer break, but it's moments like that that make me realize how much I'll miss my kiddos. Teachers, I know how hard you work and how invested you are in your kids. Even though you may have challenging students (and parents) to deal with, state testing and standards to incorporate, a thousand and one meetings to attend, more data than you know what to do with to discuss and record, and endless piles of papers to grade, keep it up. We are the only stable people in many of our students' lives, and just knowing we are there makes them feel secure. So, in the illustrious words of my students, to all my teacher friends out there, "You have just been appreciated!"

I'm a Follower

I have been secretly blog-stalking, and have finally taken the plunge. I am now a follower of a blog entitled My Charming Kids. The author, known to her readers as "MckMama" is the mother of 4 kids (and number 5 is on the way)! Her posts are hilarious, insightful, and informative. One thing I love about her blog is that MckMama is very honest about everything, including her opinions, motherhood, marriage, and life in general. While I don't have many things in common with MckMama, like the fact that I'm not a mom yet, or that we have different religions, I appreciate the things she has to say, and am in amazement at how she juggles her marriage, kids, blog, and all the other components that make up her busy and full life. Like a good book, I would highly recommend you check out My Charming Kids. Definitely worth the read!!