Taking it to the Streets

Changes in the gym scene have occurred.

I canceled my membership with the fancy gym.

I joined a small and simple gym across the street from my house.

I'm saving (big gulp) $140 per month.

Yup, that's some serious ka-ching.

But, now that I'm only paying a teenie tiny amount each month for the gym

($19.95)

I don't feel bad about walking outside.

So, yesterday I did just that.

In fact I walked 5 miles.

Yup, I did.

These photos I took while walking.

Taking it to the streets so to speak.

More like the lake next to the high school.

But it was a welcome change.

Teachable Moments

Third Grade has been interesting this year.  My son got a first year teacher and she was amazing.  But she has given some assignments that reach a bit over the top for the abilities of a third grader.  For a parent, this is frustrating.  I have done my best to use these situations to not only spend quality time with my guy Thomas but to use them as teachable moments.

The project for the month of April was a biography.

You had to read a biography, write a report/speech, prepare visual aides, and become your person while giving your speech/presentation to the class.

This can be overwhelming when you're 9.

But we have a rule here.

With every opportunity (challenge) given to you in school, 

you are to jump in with both feet and give 110%.

Thomas loves history.

Thomas loves Abraham Lincoln.

Fortunately he was first to choose Mr. Lincoln.

We worked all month on this project.

He read a great book and knew his facts.

We scoured the internet for photos of Mr. Lincoln

We ordered some museum documents of Lincoln's writings

as well as some posters from when he ran for presidency.

He practiced all weekend on his speech presentation

He wore a stove pipe hat and black beard and black suit jacket.

He had his presentation board detailed with photos and timelines

and general highlights.

I sent him off to school yesterday - probably just as nervous as he was.

But he rocked it!  

All that hard work (even when he wasn't happy about it) paid off.

He was so proud of how awesome his project was

 in comparison to some of his classmates' projects.

His comments while telling us how it went?

"You could tell that some of the kids didn't work very hard"

"If you aren't going to give 100%, others will notice"

"I loved becoming Abraham Lincoln"

"Thanks Mom, you're the best mom for making me work so hard and helping me"

So, as much as I tried to teach my son something about the importance of hard work,

and I am certain he learned something, he taught me something too.

Teachable moments are everywhere, everyday.

Moments where we can both be the teacher and the student.

Merry Monday!

Merry Monday - what an odd sounding phrase.

But I am attempting to find joy in every day.

My pastor has been preaching on beatitudes.

HIs words have really been speaking to me.

Life here is crazy right now.  Super crazy.

But I see the light at the end of the tunnel.  

But for today, make it a Merry Monday and give thanks.

Thanks for another Monday.

A job to go to, children to tend to, bills to worry about, 

a roof over our heads,  all things to be thankful for.

Merry Monday Everyone.