Spring Break Prayers

At the end of one of my classes today I held one student who is going through some tough times back for a minute... I just had one question:

"Do you need anything over Spring Break?"

His eyes fill up with water. "No, ma'am", he says. "We're fine... and guidance sent us a bunch of snacks."

"Okay, well have a good one. See you soon."

Praying special prayers that spring break is good to ALL of my school babies.

Grayster Randomness

I've decided that been a mom to a toddler might be my true calling in life. 

Seriously... this little guy is so much fun! We play ALL afternoon (I mean, right up until dinner). Out of the blue he will come up to me to give me a hug and say, "I love you!" He reminds me daily of all the mistakes I've made (like how I spilt some coffee a few weeks ago). I just laugh... 

We're still working on listening to mommy and daddy- but he is getting better and better! He seems to LOVE Jason's new work schedule (I do too!). 

Next week begins Operation Potty Train the Grayster. I'm planning on using "Toilet Training in Less Than One Day"... we'll see if it lives up to the hype. :) 

Monkey Is Off My Back

My students were awesome. 

I would have been super proud of them even if the judges had given us an excellent, but this sure does feel better than those yearly excellent ratings I've been receiving! :) 

Life

I didn't mean to leave you, blog...

I'm coming back... life is just... LIFE right now.

1) Concert Festival is approaching. I'm anxious/ excited/ frustrated. The big day is Tuesday. It seems like there are too many band directors who think this event is the end all, be all. Truth is- I teach my tail off every single day. I get a ton of kids in region band/ all-state, have a bunch of students who make superiors at S&E, but often feel bad about myself because I usually make an excellent at concert festival.

I know too many directors who begin rote teaching CF music into their students in October. I'm not one of those (if I were, I wouldn't have as many kids in Region/ All-State, etc). So honestly? We're not perfect on our music. We might get another excellent rating instead of that "superior" if the judges are tough. BUT- I can truly say that I've tried to give my students a great experience and they are beginning to sound great! We've had after-school rehearsals, brought in professional musicians for masterclasses, had a pre-festival concert with guest judges, and brought in a guest clinician. They also get my best each day. A few days ago a student told me that Thursday (our after-school rehearsal day) was his favorite day of the week because of rehearsal.

So- why am I so concerned about what others will think of me if my group doesn't earn that superior??? :(

2) I have learned so much from my mom and dad. They continue to amaze me with how big their hearts can be. They not only care for my family, but they also care for my extended family. My heart is heavy for some of my extended family members who are going through tough times right now, but my parents hearts are open... ready to do whatever needs to be done.

3) Jason just got a NEW job!! He is working at the same place, but he will be in a supervisory role, beginning MONDAY! This job is also more of a Monday-Friday 8-5 position (sometimes it will be different). I'm excited to have my husband back on weekends, holidays and evenings!!!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Well... I did something strange last week.

I made my own laundry detergent.

I had the idea a little over a week ago when I was reviewing some of the FlyLady FB group posts. Someone mentioned that she had just made a batch of her own laundry detergent. She said she had been doing it for years, loved it, and it saved her a bunch of money.

Okay... I'm listening.

So, I began to research recipes. I found this one from the Duggar Family. I figured if they used homemade laundry soap it had to work because no one wants to redo laundry for that many people... you'd need it to work the first time, every time.

I polled my FB friends. Many said they had made their own laundry soap or knew someone who did. No one said that it didn't clean as well as it should.

I found ALL of my supplies at Wal-Mart: Fels Naptha Bar, Borax, Super Washing Soda, storage container, and a cheapo set of measuring spoons (88 cents) so I could steal the 1 TBSP one from the set. All in all, my first batch cost around $10 (and I have PLENTY of Borax and Super Washing Soda left over for many more batches. By the way, I should mention that I had to look hard for these ingredients at my, very ghetto, Wal-Mart. They were on the bottom row, right beside the fabric softeners. Don't give up if you don't immediately see these things... keep looking!

I've used the homemade stuff for a week. I love the smell and have only noticed clean clothes. It looks like I won't have to make any more for 155 more loads. Awesome. :)

Our Duck Visit

This weekend has been jam packed with All-State Band events. We've been at Furman University with two of my students who made the band. Yesterday, I decided to take Grayson along with me.

He was GREAT! Everyone talked about how cute he was and he was sure to be on his very best behavior. I enjoyed his company!

Our favorite part of the morning was our visit with the ducks. Grayson fed them his goldfish and then we sat and read some books on a park bench. He is such a sweet little boy.

Attacks

I've recently become the target of an attack....

When Grayson was just a little bitty, Jason liked to blow on his little tummy. It made a rather unpleasant sound and both of them thought it was hilarious. Now it is two years later, and they still both think it is hilarious.
The table has turned, I'm now the subject for these tummy blows... and both of my guys are the perpetrators.

Grayson will cackle like it is his job. That makes Jason laugh and then I can't help but start laughing. Just another day... :)