Thought of the Day

I got this email from my dad today, and it very well could be one of those that seem get forwarded to EVERYONE. But this is the first time I’ve seen it, and I think the point is right on.

The  following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the  creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip.

You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them.
Just read the e-mail straight through, and you’ll get the point.

1. Name  the five wealthiest people in the  world.
2. Name  the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name  the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4  Name  ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name  the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name  the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the head liners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies…
Awards tarnish…
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.

10 Years Ago Today

10 years ago I became a mother to the most beautiful baby I had ever seen (totally objective, of course).

My son has grown into a smart, funny, kind, handsome, and thoughful person, and cannot wait to see what kind of man he becomes. That being said, the kids are growing up so fast,  I hope the next 10 years come slower than the first flashed by.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IAN! I hope this year is your best!

Love,

Mom

Don’t I Know It

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe”.

– Albert Einstein

Amen brother.

Not Too Shabby

I’m not sure why there is a little anxiety for me when parent teacher conference comes around, but I often wonder if I’m going to find out something unfavorable about my lil’ ones from their teachers. Like that they are really aliens who hijacked the brains of my offspring and are now threatening to infect the entire school.

My fears were unfounded, as usual. All of the kids got rave reviews.

Cooper is doing great. He’s almost at a 3rd grade reading level and has a great understanding of math. He can get a little chatty with friends and distracted, but that is a work in progress. His teacher said that he was such a sweet boy who is always considerate of his classmates and is super eager to please.

Emma was pretty much perfect. 4’s (that’s equivalent to and “A”) across the board and E’s (excellent) except for one “S”, because she can be a little chatter bug. I’m so proud of her! She’s always been a bright girl, but in the past year she has really come into her own and I’m pleasantly surprised at what a smartie pants she is. She’s jumped 4 reading levels since the last conference a few months ago… her teacher says that’s a big deal. She’s now at in the middle of a 3rd grade reading level and her teacher expects her to be at the end or possibly beginning 4th grade reading level by the end of the year.  She also has excellent math skills. Nice work sweetie!

Alex as always is in the top of her class with her reading! She’s at a middle 4th grade reading level (no surprise since she LOVES to read) and rising. Her teacher said that she can pretty much read ANY word and we just need to keep her challenged with some fun and interesting chapter books. She is doing also wonderfully in all of her subjects as well as being outstanding citizenship wise. She’s a smart and thoughtful girl who definitely has impressed her teacher as well as us.

Because Emma, Cooper & Alex have turned in all of their reading assignments, they get to participate in a kite flying activity with the principal next Thursday (which also gets them out of class for 30+ minutes). They are really excited.

Ian, the last of the crew, is my little boy genius. A boy genius who evidently happens to LOVE to talk. He’s at the top of the class in all subjects, including chatting with his neighbors ;). Minus his overly social nature, which we’re working on, he’s an excellent student (at a 6th grade reading level and doing awesome in math, social studies, etc). Great job!

I’m so proud of all of the kids for getting such great reports from their teachers.

Patch This

Talent in certain areas doesn’t always run in families. My mom got it. My sister got it. But the “quilting bug” did not bite me. I like them but have no desire to create one. That being said, I couldn’t be more proud or excited. My sis is being published! She has created a quilting book which has a number of adorable and equally awesome patterns as well as great instructions.

The coolest thing (to me) is that she came up with these designs on her own, has an amazing eye for fabrics that you wouldn’t think would go together but do, and just in general is a creative freak o’ nature.

Congrats, Sarah, on such a wonderful accomplishment! I’m pre-ordering my copy now (I of course expect you to sign it 🙂 ). You can go to amazon and check out a bunch of pages and see how cute these quilts are. OR even order a copy if your heart so desires.

Check it out folks… pretty dang cool.