Do you know what my dream is?

To train teachers in developing countries.  To take an abundance of resources to these teachers for use in their "classrooms" (did you know the majority of schools in developing countries don't have pencils and paper and use slates instead?).  While volunteers and mission trips bring a breath of fresh air to schools in developing countries, the reality is that they leave and go home, and the teachers remain to deal with the challenges they have so passionately taken on. 

Can you help me achieve my dream?

When Dad's in Town

When I moved away to college, my parents only lived 45 minutes away.  I could drive home whenever I wanted to see them, or they could come up and take me out to dinner and grocery shopping.  Parental outings like these are highly valued by college students.

After college I stuck around for a year or so before venturing off somewhere overseas....and then ending up in Michigan...before venturing again for a longer period of time...and then returning back...and then moving to NYC and then overseas...and then returning back to Michigan.  My dad and I grew really far apart during this time as my parents were no longer together and other circumstances existed.

In 2005, I ventured away...but I didn't return back...at least not for good.  I had met Will, we had fallen in love, had Seth, bought a house, got married...and stayed...here...in Knoxville.

My dad hadn't yet met Will when I told him that dear little Seth was on his way.  I clearly remember his reaction on the phone when I told him I was pregnant and and his statement to "HAVE HIM CALL ME." Followed by my reply, "No, Dad.  I'm 31 years old.  I'm not 18 anymore.  You can meet him when you come to our home in Knoxville."  Daddy's little girl had grown up, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

I couldn't ask for a better relationship between Will and my dad.  When dad is in town,  the two of them go golfing as much as they can.  They hang out around the fire together.  They aggravate me together.  Today they're working on building projects all day.  Will also loves when he's here because I wait on them all hand and foot.  Not because I have to - but because I want to.

So when my dad comes into town. I love it.  I do all the scheming I can to get him to stay as long as possible.  4 nights?  Why not stay 5?  5's a good number.  Hey, how about 6?  You can go golfing on Friday and leave Saturday!  Why not just stay until Sunday.  It's not that my dad is in a hurry to get out of here - it's just that he's on his migration north and wants to get to his home - eventually.

My father lost both of his parents 3 days apart last fall.  I know he still thinks about them all the time.  I know someday I will lose my dad but I can't bring myself to really think that it is an option.  I know it's inevitable.

So while I can - I'm going to do all that I can to keep him here as long as possible.

Easter Break

It's been a busy week and I'm ready for a day off tomorrow and a light day on Monday.  Dad is coming into town either Friday or Saturday and I am excited to see him!

This weekend we will be flower planting, power-washing, kitchen tiling, and oh...hopefully relaxing.

7 years ago I celebrated Easter in Antigua, Guatemala.  A remarkable experience!  Here's a link to that post:  Click Here:  Semana Santa in Antigua, Guatemala


Happy Easter to you and yours!

I LOVE to host...

Parties
Potlucks
BBQs
Get Togethers
Holiday Dinners
Wine Nights
Game Nights
Poker Nights (well, I do the cooking - Will does the hosting)
you get the point...

I should have warned my husband before we got married that I LOVE to host people at our house.  In the last month we've had an impromptu seafood boil, a double-birthday party, and tonight is Guys Poker Night...I LOVE having people at our house.   We don't have the biggest house or the newest house, but I want to think that it's a place where people feel at home.

When I was growing up it seemed like we were always having people over to our house for one reason or another.  It would feel weird not having people around my home...it's just what I know and love.  

I love to cook for people
I love to use pretty napkins
I love to use pretty plates and cups
I love to get the house all tidied up and ready
I love seeing people happy, laughing, and eating
I love it when the kids tear through the house and through the backyard and feel totally safe
I love that Seth really loves having all the kids over and has become really good about sharing his toys
I love that our friends and family don't have to ask to use something or ask if I can get them something, they feel comfortable finding it on their own
I love it when Will helps with the clean up :-)

Will always says..."no more parties for awhile" (right after the clean up)...but he knows...that's impossible.  It's just how it goes around here...and in truth...he has grown to really like having get-togethers too (but that he will NEVER admit ;-)

This and That

I haven't had much time to write lately...this and that has been going on.

 - Will has been in Atlanta since Sunday night.  This is the 2nd of the 4 week-long trips he will be taking to ATL between now and the end of May.  I have no idea how single full-time working moms manage to do it all without falling apart!

- Seth has decided he does not like soccer.  He gave it two good attempts and decided it just wasn't for him.  We're not going to push him.  Some kids just don't like soccer.  He does like golf, football, and baseball...so we'll spend more time playing those sports.

- Next week is TCAP week here in Tennessee.  TCAPs are the standardized tests that 3rd - 5th graders take.  Teachers and administrators are totally stressed as to how the kids will perform as there is way too much riding on those test scores (jobs, salaries, funding).  It has stressed more than one of my teachers to the point of tears :-(

- Yesterday was the first game of our co-ed softball team - The Goodfellas.  I rather liked being in right field where the balls didn't come.  I was walked once and struck out once.  I am best as a cheerleader and child-wrangler.  It's nice to be out in the beautiful spring weather getting exercise, so I have no complaints.

- Seth has all of a sudden starting having serious separation anxiety.  He was in absolute tears when I left him at our friends' house with their kids while we went to play softball.  I'm sure a lot of it has to do with Will and I both traveling quite a lot the last few weeks (sometimes being out of town at the same time).  It just breaks my heart when my little buddy is sobbing for me when I leave :-(

- Dad is coming to stay with us for a week on his twice yearly migration between Florida and Michigan.  He is a true "snow bird."  I love it when he comes to stay with us and Seth adores him.  Will and my dad go play golf together (they get along famously) at least a few times.  This time he's going to help us with some things needing attention around the house - like tiling a backsplash in our kitchen (yay!)

- Tomorrow night we're hosting a Spring Fling party for Tom and Sue's birthdays and to celebrate our sweet neighbor Taylor making the Varsity Cheerleading Squad.  They are some of our closest friends here in Knoxville, and we're always happy to throw a party to celebrate any success (big or small) and birthday!

- Seth is having his first slumber party with his best buddy Kevin - here at our house on Saturday night.  Kevin is exactly one year younger than The Hoo (3 and 4 respectively) and is absolutely adorable!  His nickname at school is "Pidger Pot" - or as we like to call him "Pickle Pot!"  It's sure to be a blast for these little guys!

- 34 days of teaching left before summer break.  Ahhhhhhhhh

Light It Up Blue for Autism

1 in 110 children are diagnosed with autism. 1 in 70 boys are diagnosed with autism.  While children with autism fall many places on the autism spectrum, one thing is for sure...life for the family of a child with autism is full of many challenges.

My friend April lives in Nashville, Tennessee. We met back in the late 80s in high school, way back before life became serious and we had to grow up.  April is the mother of a Luke, her child with autism. Not only is she a mother to two wonderful boys, she is also a huge advocate for children with autism and a huge supporter of Autism Speaks.  April details her struggles and successes at her blog April's Doorway.   I have been so blessed to have reconnected with her in the last few years and have learned so much from her.

As a teacher, I have taught and currently teach students that are on the autism spectrum.  While I only work with them for a few hours at a time, every day she wakes up not knowing what the day will bring.  She is awesome.  Truly awesome.

What a coincidence it is that the month of April is National Autism Awareness Month.  God had great things in store for April before she ever knew...

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day and we are asking you to Light It Up Blue for Autism.  Around the world on April 1st and 2nd, homes, buildings, stadiums, and landmarks are lighting it up Blue.  It could be your niece or nephew, you neighbor, your child, or mine.  Won't you light it up blue for them and help solve the puzzle of autism?