Show and Tell: tatted up!

As this student came forward to do her show and tell, I saw no items in her hands. She then proceeded to show the class her various tattoos. This does not technically meet the criteria I had given for show and tell, but I decided to allow it. (Since more than half of my students have tattoos, I really wanted something that I knew had been brought from home) However this student was new.... She explain how she had been "put out" of her home Her last conversation with her mom ended up with her mother shouting " I wish you were dead" Then a physical confrontation followed.

Each tattoo represented a different sibling, she missed her brothers & sisters. This generally well spoken, lively, diligent, new student picked show and tell to become vulnerable. I guarantee there is no one in her home reminding her to do her homework. The insight one can gain from show & tell has been amazing!

Show & Tell: The necklace

This show and tell involved a beautiful silver cross necklace. As my student held her precious possession she explained ... "In life there are times when one has to pawn jewelry, to eat or survive but no matter how bad it gets I will never pawn this necklace" I thought how such a young girl already knew about pawning items.

She then went on to say how there had been several Christmases and birthdays that her mother was unable to purchase her any gifts, however, she said, she was fine with that because she had received this special necklace. Then she explained how it was a git from her mother, and to her how it represented a mothers love...at this point another student pipes in " Wow, the last time I saw my mother she said she wished I was dead...." The class gasped.... Another memorable show and Tell.

Show & Tell in a High School Class: He's shot!

As a teacher I shouldn't have favorites but I do... I just hide it. This day one of my favorites was giving her show & tell. We have a history, I taught her last semester and I have seen her come such a long...long way. She has transformed from a very ADD / foul mouthed student to my number one helper. Tough girl from a tough neighborhood already living a tough life.

She brought an obituary from her cousin. Same age as her. They were raised together and living in NY. They had gone to a party at her request. While there her cousin was shot in a gang related incident. He died in her presence. She shared that she felt it was her fault because she asked him to go to the party. As a result of this incident (her words) She was shipped to NC to live with other family members so she would not be around that gang. She has never mentioned a mom. Only a dad in NY and Aunts here. The one year anniversary is approaching for both the death & his birthday. She is planning to travel to NY for his birthday celebration..as all the family will be gathering together to remember him.

I assured her it was not her fault. If the gang had something against him, they would have approached him one day or the next. I know she said, but I still feel guilty. "Be safe" I said... "It's good you are here" I encouraged her to make wise choices if she goes back for a visit. Again... I am given many reasons to pray, and pray I will do!

Show & Tell in a High School Class: I-pod

I have one male student. For his show& Tell he brought an I-pod. At first I wanted to correct him, as I-pods are not generally allowed on school property. Then he said... wait Mrs Hucko, this is a real show & tell.

He then proceeded to tell how his Father gave him the I-pod as a special gift two days before he was deported! He said his father has been gone now for 3 months. No family n Mexico has heard from him nor has anyone in the US. This was unusual for his dad because he was always in touch and part of the family. He is very worried about his father being detained or shot at the boarder.

One of the students was not really understanding and asked "Why was he deported?" My student looked at her and quickly replied, "because he was illegal" then she asked him, "Are you legal?" "No" he replied. Then he added, I am jut hoping to hear from my dad soon. The class clapped and he sat down. Wow.

Show & Tell in a High School Class: Baby!

One of my students brought their 1 yr. old baby boy for show and tell. Mom is now 16. She shared about her c-section birth, his name, weight, favorites... He was so happy and so good! She passed him around just like a baby doll.... from person to person so everyone in the class had the opportunity to hold him... he never cried.

Meanwhile she took questions from the class. Grandma watches him during the day, it's hard for her to have any social life now, etc then the following exchange took place: "What is the hardest thing about having a baby now?" Her response: "When his daddy stopped talking to me around Christmas time" "He has nothing to do with me or his son" Then after a brief exchange one of the stundents replied ... that's what all our daddy's do... they all leave us! How sad.

However, we all enjoyed the special visit from this little blessing.

Show & Tell in a High School Class: Book of Poems

I have a rather difficult, aloof student. She always boarders on a disrespectful attitude. She is quick tempered and does not respond well to structure or rules of any sort. She definalty gives off a "stay out of my way" temperment.

However, as she took center stage for Show & Tell she became alive and had outstanding presentation skills... I was shocked! Miss personality! She had brought a book of poems that she had written. The girls wanted her to read one... she was more than happy to share.... but as she flopped open the book her demenor instantly changed. It was a heart-wrenching poem of loss and death... death of siblings...father..mother... cousins...and friends. After she read the poem she shared that she (at age 16 or 17) has lost 20 family/close friends. The room was silent.

I complimented her on the quality of her writtings and encouraged her to continue to write. She quicly took her seat in the back of the room and as she did her "wall" surrounded her once again. But for a brief moment... in show & tell of all things she let us peak behind that very hard exterior...

Show & Tell in a High School Class: Porcelain Bunny

A rather shy young lady brought a cute porcelain bunny for her show & tell. With her head hung down and her soft voice she shared her story. As she spoke it was completely silent... the rest of the class wanted to know her story as well

This bunny was a gift from "one" of her step-fathers. He had come into her room at bed-time and gave her the bunny. He knew she always wanted a real one and he was sad that they were unable to ever give her one. He wanted her to know that she would always be special to him and if she ever doubted that, she would have this bunny to remind her. The next day he left her mom. She has started a bunny collection now. Then she sat down.

Show & Tell in a High School Class: Three Funerals

This particular day involves three young ladies with their show & tell. The first girl stood in front of the class, then began to cry. She was sharing the obituary of her Grandma who had died this past summer. She "stayed with" Grandma.. and she misses her very much... The class clapped & I thanked her for sharing.

The next student, a rather bubbly girl, quickly comes forward for her show & tell. Then suddenly she burst into tears and keeps repeating I cant talk, I can't do it... I quickly stood by her side and told her I would help. I unrolled the T-shirt she brought. On the back was a R.I.P. with dates on the front was a mans face. She shared this was a picture of her father who had died in a motorcycle accident four months ago. The family had T-shirts made to wear to his memorial service. She misses him very much. Again The class clapped & I thanked her for sharing...

The last student sharing for the day came forward... She quickly said "I can't do this!" and turned her back to the class. Again, I immediately stood beside her. She took out a poem and began to read it. A love-letter from her boyfriend. Then she shared how he died this past summer of a heart condition. Again, the class clapped & I thanked her for sharing...

As she took her seat I overheard one of my students say " Man... when it's my turn for show & tell I'm bringing a happy one!"

I am amazed as these girls choose to share such intimate stories with their classmates and me. But I sure do pray for them now on a regular basis. Oh... the experiences I am having with Show & Tell!

Show & Tell in a High School Class: The Christmas Card

The class was in aww of a beautiful handmade card that one of the young ladies brought for her show and tell. She shared how it was originally a food container box covered with white paper. The person who made the card had no access to construction paper.... and my student was very proud of his ingenuity and the overall quality of the card

The intricate hand drawing was of a beautiful African-American baby girl, all done with colored pencils. It had to take many hours. She read us the poem on the inside of the card, an original, beautiful poem from a father to a daughter, no matter how old she will get, she will always be "his little girl"

This hand made card was her Christmas present from her Dad in prison. He has been incarcerated since she was in 6th grade (she is now a senior) It has been well over a year since her last visit, and she has no idea if or when he will be released. But she wanted to share with the class, that she will always be "His little girl"

Show & Tell in a High School Class: Introduction

Each day three to five students will be sharing a show and tell until everyone (36 students) in two classes has taken a turn. I totally expected a variety of stuffed animals or electronic gadgets however peppered in with those items have been items attached to heartbreaking and unbelievable stories. By far the most common item has been obituaries.... Grandmas, Mom's, Cousins... Dads.....

What has taken place for most of the students is a window into their life where they are freely sharing their heart ache with the entire class. After the show & tell time we continue with our scheduled classwork, but often my heart is aching for theses young lives who have experienced so much. At the end of the day I sit... grieved....for this pocket of society.. for this generation... and I am challenged to speak words of hope to those who will hear. The following will be the stories of our Show & Tell

Show & Tell: Baby oh Baby!

I gave the first homework assignment... Bring something meaningful for show-n-tell. I proceeded to do a meaningful show-n-tell example. We then discussed the benefits of this type of activity in the classroom. For a grade the students have to sign-up for a day to bring their show-n-tell. I had three of my students ask if they could bring their babies for show-n-tell! I can't wait!

How many siblings do you have? Easy question?

In one of our get-to-know-you-games the action was to "stand if you have more than 6 siblings" I then proceeded to ask the students standing, how may siblings they had. One had 10, another 6, then when I asked the next girl standing she said, "I have no idea" and tried to count, then she said; "just take my word for it I have a lot! " Then another student suddenly stood up. As I looked her way she began to explain... I didn't know you meant my siblings from both my parents!

Full time ministry?

I got a call a week and a half before school was to start for CMS... asking me to sub! The teacher I was filling in for last semester was going to be out for a while, a couple of days later I found myself at new teacher training meetings, unpacking boxes, moving a classroom, and welcoming students at orientation. It's the strangest thing! Here I am, technically only a sub, now with a computer log-in, keys and pretty much functioning as a full time teacher. No loner referred to as a "substitute" but now an "interim teacher".

I have several of the same students from last year (in the Early Childhood II class) well as a whole new class of girls. Most are from tough neighborhoods and have experienced tough circumstances, and I will be spending "quality" time 5 days a week trying to make a little difference (Please pray I have wisdom)

My classes are basically training young ladies for a future in jobs such as day care & child care. Setting up nurseries and environments for young children ( I think I am qualified for this one) I kind of stumbeled into this job, I thought it would be a good fill-in until I could find a full-time ministry job.... Hmmmm I wonder when that will be!

Final thought on Haiti

It was my first time to this island nation, but I hope it is not my last. The needs are great. I saw their palace, the equivalent of our white house, in ruins. There is a shortage of food, water and housing. The government is not their provider, and they know that well. I was awe struck at the dedication of the missionaries that I was privilege to sere with. Some have ministered in this country for 20 years. While they have seen very little progress in the county, their "wins" are many. Their focus has changed greatly since the earthquake from that of discipleship to that of relief efforts. But the earthquake has brought a strange blessing as well. Equipment! Equipment that had been desired for many years was finally able to be purchased with earthquake relief funds. In addition many teams are coming and the church has doubled in and lives are being changed.

Each morning I ate fresh fruit and watched boats on a crystal clear ocean.... each night I jumped in that clear water and was refreshed from the heat. I sat on a rocky beach and watched the most spectacular sun-sets. There is such beauty amongst the rubble... smiling faces... encouraged believers... dedicated missionaries. I believe this is a strangely beautiful time for the country of Haiti as God's presence is certainly residing there amongst his people as well.

School Days...in Haiti

School was cancelled for several weeks after the earthquake. Therefore, school is still in session in Haiti. I was privileged to speak at two school assemblies. When we pulled up to the "school" I was amazed at what I saw. A series of tents under shade trees. The school building was too damaged to hold classes. Chalk boards were screwed into a "former" exterior wall, the desks were as primitive as I have seen, the floor dirt, but the children full of smiles as we entered this maze of tents! The administrator quickly greeted us in his perfectly pressed dress pants, shirt and tie. The children were all in beautiful uniforms sitting in a most respectful way.

I had so much fun! We laughed, sang, encouraged them in God's love, taught fire safety and of course handed out candy and limited supplies.

These were the blessed ones. Over half of Haiti's children do not get to attend school. While public school technically does exist, one must have uniforms & shoes and transportation to attend. This is near impossible for many Haitian children. However, again... THE CHURCH...has stepped in to educate, to provide shoes & uniforms and give a future & a hope.... Jeremiah 29:11 I am so blessed to be part of "THE CHURCH"

Clean Water

I watched a young woman emerge from her tent after a brief rain shower. She was holding a water pitcher in her hand. She then began to scoop the water off the top of the tent that was caught in a small intentional fold. This water was precious. She poured it into a large bucket. Earlier I saw small children being bathed by the roadside in small trenches that again held water after the rain. I take clean, fresh water for granted... but when you don't have it, life is consumed obtaining it We were able to hand out hundreds of very simple water filtration units. They were so lightweight that any of us ladies were able to carry them and put them together. With simple care, they last a life-time! It was such a privilege to be part of a blessing and to literally give a cold, clean cup of water! Matthew 10:34

Sunday Services!

I have always loved going to church. I especially enjoy the opportunity to worship with those of other cultures. I would not be disappointed this Sunday. Five hundred lively congregants sang of their hope in God and while I didn't understand the words the tunes of the hymns were familiar. I could sing in english as they worshiped in Creole. This is a little taste of heaven. I was so struck at how beautiful the people were. They live like refugees, many in tents, yet they put on their Sunday best for the Lord, dresses and suits, hair fixed smiles wide. They rejoiced as the offertory was played and gave what they could. The walls were literally plastic wrapped about four feet high leading to open air with a poles supporting a hot tin roof. Sunday school begins at 6:00 am...yes that's AM... this is in order to beat the heat. A "lovely" out-house is located near the rear of the "facility" This sure is a wonderful reminder & challenge to be grateful and not complain. When we are hot, we crank up the air... Oh the words of Paul ring in my head..." ...for I have learned to be content what ever the circumstances... Philippians 4:11

This is Haiti

The airport was the most basic airport I have even seen. One I would expect in a remote area of Africa not in the capital city of a nation. Customs and luggage were located in a metal warehouse building. These are clear signs of a country in disarray. While I have been in more congested traffic I have never traveled on roads in such bad shape. We literally bounced as if on an amusement park ride and it took hours to go small distances... again this is the capital city, not the outback of Australia. As I watched out the window, tents were everyplace... along the side of the road, a-top a pile of ruble, in the fields and on the mountain sides. Random port-a-jons dot the landscape again, this is not the national park in the Grand Canyon it is a capital City... This is Haiti. It has been 7 months since the earthquake, however, the progress since that time has been slow. The challenges are many. I am amazed as I see white vehicles passing in all directions. Theses are the vehicles that bring hope. Samaritans Purse, Convoy of Hope, and even the UN. If it were not for the Christians, this country would have starved and much more life would have been lost as the basic shelter and needs have been supplied by people of God. God's word in action... Matthew 25:35

Observations of a High School Sub-texting

In a standard form I was going through the students had to write in their hobbies. I found it so interesting the overwhelmingly, the majority of the students listed "texting" as a hobby! (Here all along I just thought it was an annoying form of communication)

Observations of a High School Sub-last day

Because I did a long term "sub" job I actually worked until the last day of school. Making sure grades were in and packing the classroom. This is not the norm for subs. As I was going through the students projects and papers and saying my goodbyes, I was very grateful for the opportunity I was given. I don't really know if the girls will remember me, or if I make any real difference in their lives but I will remember them and they did make a difference in mine.

Their challenges were so vast I find it necessary to step out of my bubble and into different worlds, and right here, down the road... 10 miles or so... a very different world from mine exist. It sure does challenge my thinking and my reasoning but most of all it has challenged my prayer life. Because in the end, that is the only thing meaningful I can do for theses students who are now out of my sphere.

As hard as they were.....I will miss them. I am grateful I was given the opportunity to make theses observations of a High School sub. And I move on to my summer role....being the Mother of a soon to be bride

Observations of a High School Sub-It's all in the name!

I found it ironic that the History teachers name is "Betsy Ross"

Observations of a High School Sub-driving with no license!

After asking several of the students about their week-end plans, I learned some were picking up others for various activities. I asked when they got their license. They sheepishly smiled and began to admit one by one that they didn't have their license! Some had permits, others had nothing. Yet they were taking parents' cars and picking up other students! Yikes! Any lecture I began to give was falling on deaf ears, so I won't bore you as well with those details!

One students said her parents were out of town...in fact out of the country...and she needed to drive herself around. Another student admitted taking the car keys without permission. Her single, exhausted working mom was sleeping. While yet another English-second-language-sweetest-girl-you-would-ever-meet, took one look at the test and said she couldn't comprehend it, so she left.

I had remembered one gal talking about her plans to get her license, as I looked at her and asked if she got hers? She quickly pulled me aside. She said she wanted to chat "privately" Her step dad is a drug addict. He makes promises to her younger siblings and gets their hopes up... but then he doesn't show for days disappointing everyone. She went on to explain how she and her mom try to protect them. This step dad was like a dad to her. And even though she knew better, she too got her hopes up... he promised he would take her to the DMV to get her license. She waited all day, another no show. As she shared this with me, It was apparent it wasn't just her younger siblings who had to deal with the disappointment of un-kept promises. "I just drive without one" she stated.

So all of us trained, licensed drivers out there.... be careful! I have learned there are more unlicensed teen drivers on the road than I was aware of! Just another scary observation of a High School Sub!

Observations of a High School Sub-pregnant...again!

This morning, before class began, a young lady asked how long someone could wait before they could get an abortion. The bell rang and students began to file in, we had a brief conversation, but I knew I would need to revisit this question.

Class had gone particularly well. After our quiz we played an EOC review game. The students were squealing like little girls, shouting "Bingo" and excited to win prizes, then with about 20 minutes left, one young lady, who was happily playing the game, abruptly gets up and announces she is leaving! After firmly telling her she can't just walk out of class, she picked up her purse and stomped out of the room. I was totally bewildered.

Then the story began to pour out from the other girls. She had received a text (I didn't notice her looking at her phone) her DAUGHTER was taken by her FOSTER parents to another location. This teen mom was heading to the bus station to go find her daughter. To complicate matters, (As if they needed being more complicated) she found out she is pregnant...AGAIN!

"That's why I was asking you about abortion this morning, Mrs. Hucko, for her!"

The story, as told to me, goes something like this.... This pregnant 10th grade student lives in foster care with her 2 year old daughter. She has no support from family and her child's daddy is in jail. If she has the new baby, she believes her 2-year old will be taken from her and placed in a different foster home.

With issues like this, no wonder her grades are poor, her attitude is edgy, her attendance is sporadic and her behavior can be exhausting! How can a child think about EOC's when they have no family to live with, and two children to think about. It took all my will power, to not stop then & there and have the entire class pray for this young lady (But, I can't do that) However, I certainly began to pray silently from that moment on.

We resumed our EOC Bingo game, the girls squealed once again, as they picked "fabulous" prizes such as a notebooks, bubbles or markers. As I reflect on the day, I am struck by the extremes.... the simple joy of playing a child's game mixed with the overwhelming issues of complicated adult life....

I was ready for the bell. It was hard to remain up-beat and light hearted with such heavy issues going on in the shadows. I really hope she comes back to class. I'd like to talk with her before summer break. My goal.. is to spread hope.... in hopeless situations and this situation certainly calls for that. For now, I just pray and thank you for your prayers for the students of this High School Sub

observations of a High School Sub-@#!&%

I have been teaching a class called early childhood development to a tough group of kids. I have spent several weeks with them now, and we have made great progress. We have been talking about positive & negative reinforcement. I decided to show the kids a practical application of this method to achieve desired behavior. I have been addressing the "language" in this class. So I told my students that if the entire class could make it through an entire block without ONE swear word I would bring in Krispy Kreme donuts. (and I had to explaine it was what I considered as a swear word!) Anyway.... a few students were not paying attention. At this point my one male student pipes up "d!@#%it class listen to Mrs. Hucko I want those donuts!" I'll let you know when...or if they finally earn the sweet treat, until then I try to keep a straight face on the outside while I am laughing (or some days crying) on the inside!

Observations of a High School Sub-rabies!

While escorting a special needs gal to the water fountain she began to explain to me why she was so thirsty.... " It's a side affect my rabies"

observations of a High School Sub-invisible friends

I was in the computer lab with a group of special needs kids. A sweet autistic student was rocking back & forth playing his computer game. When I went over to check on him he told me the following: " I'm playing this game better than my imaginary friends" My response... well ok!

observations of a High School Sub-Positive Reinforcement

We were discussing the benefits of positive reinforcement vs. negative reinforcement. As an example I brought a $5.00 McDonald's gift card attached it to some decorated construction paper and taped it on the board. I have a student who can't seem to go 4 sentences without using a swear word... great heart...terrible mouth! I have heard the "f" word to the point I barly flinch... and if you know me... that would seem impossible. Anyway, I have addressed the language "consistently" but she would giggle and say it was "Impossible Mrs. Hucko!"
The challenge... get through the entire double block...3 hours... without ONE swear word & the gift card was hers.
And much to my surprise & hers, she did it! When the bell rang this sweet, tough, girl smiled ear to ear as I handed her the gift card then to she hugged me... a very heart felt hug & thanked me. I told her I was proud of her & now that we know she can do it, I expect her to continue this becoming behavior. I look forward to seeing how this goes.
My only fear is that the rest of the girls will beef up their language with the hopes of the same challenge! Oh well....

Observations of a High School Sub-Arrested

I had a tough day yesterday with my class. Some of them were really off kilter... and we had been making such progress. They were not engaging and disrespect had to be addressed. I was really hoping for a better day today. And actually, the girls were all very good. In fact we had a great day together. But I was missing a few. I found out they had gotten into a fight after school yesterday and they were arrested. My heart sank.
I guess they were off kilter all day & night...knowing this fight was coming!
Theses girls have so many strikes against them, one of the students arrested is already a mom and she is only in the 10th grade... that's right I said 10th grade! Their social skills are so underdeveloped. I hope they get to come back to school, I don't want my last day with them, to really be my last day with them. However, they will continue in my prayers

Mother of a soon to be Bride: Addresses!

I have now checked off another item from the never ending to-do list. The save the dates have been mailed thus the tedious task of collecting the addresses and working on the guest list. Those who have planned a wedding know how "fun" this process is. Cutting & Adding. I still can't blog about it as these are the things that can cause a divorce! After typing most addresses twice for reasons I won't admit to because you will question my IQ... I was so ready to put the guest list / addresses away for awhile... at least for Spring break... but this was not to be....
When I went to order the invites I found out they would actually print the addresses on the envelopes for me. Yea! However, they needed the addresses in Excel & I had them in Word! I had no idea how to import the file so thus I began re-typing all the addresses (yet again) into the correct format! Well over 150 addresses going to over 25 different states, all needing to be completed before the end of the week. As I sit by the computer I comfort myself by munching on Baked Lays, cookies & chocolate covered pretzels! This will only complicate the next item on my list.... finding the mother-of-the bride dress!

Observations of a High School Sub-Young Grandma

Last week in class I was mentioning about my daughters upcoming wedding. I said something to the affect that she would be a young bride (21) That's not too young! Several girls responded. Then they told me the following: "I have an aunt who had a baby at age 12 then that baby then had a baby at age 15...making the Aunt 28 when she became a Grandma." WOW!!!
So in the end I guess it is just perspective....but any way you look at it 28 is way too young to be a Grandma!!!

observations of a High School Sub-mamma's cooking

I was having a conversation about our favorite home cooked meal. One young lady, shared with me that she really missed her mamma's cooking. I asked who she was living with and found out she "stays with" her aunt. She went on to explain that her mama just wasn't good for her. She described going to her Grandma's to see her family. "Crack on the counter and weed on the TV, they don't even try to hide it!" I told her I was glad she had her aunt to "stay with". She said she was too, but she missed her mamma's cooking.....

Oh God...I pray for your dear sweet children....

Observations of a High School Sub-steeling

During a recent conversation one girl proudly announced, " I ain't never stole anything my entire life, if I want something I tell my brother and he steels it for me!"

Observations of a High School Sub-We were robbed!

In study-hall one of the students shared with me that they were robbed. When I asked what was taken? she replied, " two cartons of orange juice and a package of cheese!" before I could reply, a young man in the back of the room spoke up... "You weren't robbed, your neighbors were just hungry!"

Mother of a soon to be Bride: Date Change!

After carefully laying out monthly plans of a thorough to-do list, I was thrown a curve ball. "Mom, what would the possibility be of changing the date.. From October to August! I literally felt my heart skip a beat... "I thought you always dreamed of a Fall wedding?" Well... I did she responded but, financially it would be better for our FASFA if we were married before the semester began. I understood that...in fact I understood that back in January when she set the October wedding date. I talked till I was blue in the face about having an August wedding or a Christmas wedding... I said over (and over again) how difficult it was going to be to be married mid semester. But at that time, The mother of the soon to be bride was unable to convince the dreamer of another season. However I underestimated the influence of FASFA, Fiancee & Finance! Tonight I will re-write my to-do list. They will be a little longer than they once were However I will do all I can to enjoy the process because now I am the Mother of a sooner to be bride!

Observations of a High School Sub-Conversation Starters

I have three basic lines when I engage a student in a conversation:

1. How many brothers & sisters do you have?
2. What are your plans after High School?
3. Every tattoo has a story, tell me yours..... (lots of interesting tattoos in High School!)

Anyway, I recently asked a young lady the easiest (or so I thought) of the three above questions. How many brothers and sisters do you have? Her response was, "On my mom's side or my dad's side?" On my Mom's side I'm one of five. But on my dad's side I'm not sure. She began to name various names while tapping her fingers.... then she stated "I do know I have 17 brothers!"

Wow...I was speechless!

Observations of a High School Sub-Three Pee Sticks!

"I took three pee sticks... and I'm pregnant!" Announced a young 11th grade girl today during English class. I decided I would take a few moments with her. I asked how she felt about being pregnant. Her response was full of excitement and future dreams. This will be the first grandchild on both sides! She has the support of her family and prenatal vitamins... how much better can it be?!!
However, she let it slip, that the boyfriend is not happy. He is not even in NC anymore.... but he is going to return & provide a home for them before the baby comes. She certainly has dreams of living with her boyfriend and raising their child together. My heart ached for all she didn't know, all she was going to miss, for all the disappointments coming her way.
She is due in August. She will not return for her senior year... a GED is her main goal now. But truth be told, I don't think it is really a priority,it is just what she knows to say. I encouraged her to continue her education and explained how it will open doors...But I know.... a High School Sub has no influence. All I can do is pray... and pray is what I shall do this week as a High School Sub.

Observations of a High School Sub-Dance with no shame!

The highlight of my day came during PE class. I was an aid in an EC room. I was delighted when I walked into the practice gym and saw the kids dancing. The joy on their faces as they danced with no shame, as if they were the only ones in the room! One student was completely shut-down the entire morning, but there he sat, rocking, smiling and singing to the music. Around him were the downs students dancing, a blind girl swaying, and the students in the wheel chairs singing all the words and moving their arms to the music. If theses students, with all their challenges can find the joy in the dance, how much more the rest of us should be challenged to put on some music and just dance! Ecclesiastes 3:4....a time to dance!

Observations of a High School International Cooperation

Today was the end of the semester. It was officially a testing day but, it should have been referred to as "Watch a Video at School" Day! However, I greatly enjoyed a conversation with a young lady during lunch. She is of Vietnamese background. Her mother and her aunts own a local nail salon. Recently between customers they have been totally engrossed in a soap opera...but not just any soap opera. This soap opera truly took International co-operation!

Her Uncle downloaded and recorded the program off of the Internet. He lives in New York. He then mailed the DVDs to his sisters in Charlotte. He has sent over 200 hours (that's right...200 hours.. of the downloaded soap to his sisters.) As it was explained to me, the soap is all Korean actors, performing an American script and dubbed into Vietnamese! It took me a few moments to process that!
Again, I learned something new as I am enjoying my "Observations as a High School Sub!"

Observations of a High School Sub- Death by Chapped Lips

While subbing in a 3rd grade classroom a student approached me with an emergency! He had chapped lips!! He then went on to give me a detailed explanation of why he needed to go to the office to call his mother to bring him chap stick.... "People can die from chapped lips" I tried to calm him concerning his fears however, he then went on to explain that he saw a documentary on the Discovery Channel about a person who died from chapped lips! I am no match for the Discovery Channel. I sent him to the office. (Sorry office girls!)

Observations of a High School Sub- Collecting Papers

I made another "rookie" mistake while subbing. I asked the student to pass their papers forward and I would collect them. It was taking them forever.... Then I noticed, they were copying the answers from the papers as they were passing them forward. When I said..."Hey, you are copying answers!"... they looked at me and literally said "So?"

Next block I went to each desk and collected the papers!

Mother of a soon to be Bride: "Our Wedding"

When Alysse and I were driving together in the car, I remarked about how great something was going to be at "Our Wedding!" She burst out laughing. Mom, you just called it "Our Wedding!" Oooooops!

Mother of a soon to be Bride: "The to do list"

Alysse was sharing the progress of the wedding plans with her fiance', Harry. We have booked the venue & ordered the wedding dress! His response was, "You pretty much have the wedding planned!" He has NO idea....

Before she boarded the plane we compiled an extensive "To Do" list. When I say extensive... I mean EXTENSIVE! It was 4 pages long. This list was broken down by items to be accomplished by the end of each month from now until the wedding. We literally have 98 items on our "to do" list!! This is the difference between the men planning a wedding and the daughter & her Mother of the soon to be Bride!

Mother of a soon to be Bride: "The Venue"

Today Alysse had to fly back to school. We had two items on our "to do" list for Christmas break, the dress & the venue. We accomplished them both! After calling several locations, looking countless hours on line and visiting four locations, we made a decision. We picked The Ballantyne Resort...It is BEAUTIFUL! It had everything we were looking for and more. However, I had to share all the research with "The Father of the Bride" I laid out my comparison worksheet explaining all the details. His eyes just glazed over.... I kept showing him all the money we were going to save by choosing various options.... All he saw was the money we were going to spend!

Observations of a High School Sub- Christmas Song Pictionary

OK, OK... this is an rookie mistake... what was I thinking???

When playing Christmas Song Pictionary with 9th grade students, make sure you remove the song title "The Nut Cracker" (I couldn't get to the board fast enough to erase that visual!)

Observations of a High School Sub- cell phones & prison

I generally learn more when I sub than I present to the students. I recently learned the following information while subbing:

A young lady was explaining that her sister was mad at her because she missed her phone call from her boyfriend in jail for the week-end. She then went on to explain that cell phones are not able to receive phone calls from jail. Then another girl quickly commented, "No that's not true... My daddy's been in jail for 10 years and he calls my cell phone, You just have to call your provider and get a special code" The first girl responded, "That's good for your dad but it's not worth going through all that for the occasional weekend jail stay"......I hope I never have to use this new knowledge!

Observations of a High School Sub- my cuffs!

I was subbing in a double block High School class (That's 3 hours!). The class only had 8 girls. We had approximately 45 minutes worth of work, but no problem... girls can talk! During the conversation, I overheard one gal say "Man, they made my cuffs too tight!" Another girl commented "They did that to me when I got cuffed as well!" Girls! I asked, Why did you get cuffed? One young lady went on to explain her poor judgement in stealing from a grocery store. Then the other girl offered her story.

There was a shooting in her neighborhood, when she heard the shots she took off running. The cops thought she knew something and pursued her. When they caught up with her, they cuffed her & took her in for questioning. I asked, "What happened to the person who got shot?" Her response, "Oh, he was shot 5 times, he died". "Did you know know him?" I responded. "Yeah...I knew him and the shooter, but I didn't tell the cops who the shooter was." Everyone was listening.... I responded. "That must have been traumatic for you" "Ma'am", she said, "It should have been traumatic, but in my neighborhood that is just the way it is!"

This is Charlotte, not New York City, Yet this is a very real part of Charlotte, the city I live in. There are so many needs around us if we just stop and notice. This is not my side of town, not my neighborhood, yet, this is still my city. My heart went out to this young lady. When I think of her, I pray for her. Our world needs Hope.... (Romans 15:13)

Mother of a soon to be Bride: "The" dress!

I have had an exciting holiday break with Alysse. Right before she came home for Christmas break her boyfriend proposed. After quickly asking if he had her fathers' permission, she excitedly exclaimed Yes! The date was set for October and I became the "Mother of a soon to be Bride!"

This entire break has been filled with organizing the wedding plans! She & I quickly decided the two items on our agenda for Christmas break was to find a venue and find a dress. It is amazing how much time can be spent on appointments and information gathering to accomplish theses two goals.

After years of collecting Bridal magazines and countless hours of watching "Say Yes to The Dress!" It was our turn to share in this special shopping spree! After a quick stop at a large Bridal store, we headed downtown for our appointment at a specialty Bridal shop. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish... All the dresses looked fabulous on her from the Kenneth Pool to the Modern Trousseau... each dress had an individual name! Once purchased the brides name is sewn into the dress in blue and a sketch of the dress is drawn by the designer and given to the bride. Wow!

Then it happened, they put her in "The" dress "The" perfect dress! It really was just like it is on those TV shows! I teared up and she exclaimed, "this is the dress, I LOVE it!" She was breathtaking... my baby, now a soon to be bride, beautiful beyond words. Then the price tag... we left without the dress.

More appointments were made and dress shops visited, but none of the dresses lived up to "The" dress. Alysse was a good sport, maintaining a great attitude... but as we looked back at the pics, and talked through the styles, we kept going back to "The" dress.

I have never experienced an attachment to any piece of clothing, it is just a dress. When I purchased my own wedding gown, I found it at a side-walk sale for $99.00, no alterations needed, and I gave it no more thought. I liked my dress. I remember really liking my veil. My sister-in-law wore my dress when she married my brother and my veil was worn by a total of three different brides. We sure got our $99.00 out of my purchase. Practical. That was who I was... Practical.

Now here I am 28 years later, drawn to such an impractical purchase. But... it really isn't just a dress it is "The" dress! No man, (no husband, or father of the bride) can truly understand I am sure. But a mother and daughter sharing this time together, we get it. She wants to look and feel stunning for her day, not just for her guest, but for her husband to be. It's not a dress, it's a memory... a moment.... And that is what I cherish now, the moments and the memories.

OK, OK now I am justifying this impractical purchase.

Amazing blessings came our way. A dear family friend DONATED the photography! The wedding was moved to a Sunday, a great savings! Another connection and tweaking got us an incredible savings on catering... and this list of some practical choices combined with incredible, surprising blessings continued. Monies were moved and subtracted from various columns in the wedding budget (I'll write another blog about this word...wedding budget, because it is really just a word) However, truly, the amount we were saving was well more than the extra amount we would need to pay for "The" dress.

Alysse and I had lunch at the Red Bowl today... a fabulous Chinese restaurant in Charlotte. She has a little less than a week left before she returns to Missouri for school. We have a contract in front of us for an incredible venue..(yet another soon to be written blog) Just for fun I always open my fortune cookie, it read: "Seize from every moment it's uniqueness, especially this week." We then headed down town to the speciality bridal shop. You guessed it... we ordered "The" dress! She must have thanked me a hundred times. We certainly did seize a wonderful moment. I am sure there will be many more wonderful, frustrating, exciting, practical and impractical moments as I live life this year as the mother of a soon to be Bride.

Observations of a High School Sub- inclement weather

I was called to sub on the last school day in December. It was a cold rainy / snowy day. The following announcement was given over the intercom: "Due to inclement weather all after school activities have been cancelled, with the exception of Drivers Ed!" What more can I say??

Back to Blogging!

It's been forever since I have blogged, not because I haven't' had anything to write about, but quite the opposite, I didn't know what to write about first! So I didn't write at all, big mistake! In addition to Hope Church responsibilities I began subbing as a High School teacher for Charlotte schools. I will certainly have some blogs entitled "My Observations as a Sub!" My daughter also became engaged, so I am sure I will have several entries as 'Mother of the Soon to be Bride" I also signed up for a class at our local community college and have tons more going on. Sooo I know if I am aware of my surroundings I will have many interesting stories to share and life lessons to learn... Back to Blogging for me!