Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
What You Do Matters
There are always so many reminders that I've made the right career choice.This morning the seventh grade team met in the pod to learn the results of last week's Penny Challenge. Altogether the students raised $1,028.31 in one week for Minnesota Nice, which helps out soldiers who are deployed. The students were so respectful throughout our gathering as well as super excited to hear the final results. It was such a neat moment and I'm so proud of all the students who participated and made a difference. (I'm proud of Wonder Jenn, too, for coming up with this idea and organizing everything for our team. GREAT JOB!)
After the meeting a student gave me a letter she wrote as a homework assignment for another class. She needed to let someone know that she appreciates them and that they make a difference in their lives. The letter really was sweet and validating; a definite keeper. (Plus she mentioned that it was actually fun learning more about nouns and adjectives! It's must have been the awesome video we watched in class; I still have the song stuck in my head.)
During my prep another student visited me to give me her amazing smiley face cookie creation, which was unbelievably thoughtful, so appreciated and a great surprise.
Like in any career it's nice to know what you do matters.
Sledding Time
The first major snowfall of the year last week brought some frigid temperatures along with it. When Mark got home from work he needed to shovel the driveway and Anthony wanted to "help" daddy. When I peeked out the window I saw zero shoveling and lots of fun happening in the backyard. Even though his time outside only last fifteen minutes max because of the cold he was loving the snow. I'm sure this winter is going to be a fun and busy one enjoying the great outdoors!
Asher John
Asher John Tuttleaka The Cutest Little Peanut Ever
Born December 14 at 8:50am
7 pounds and 18 inches long
Clearly Asher was ready to come and he wanted to be here to celebrate Christmas with his mommy and daddy. Even though his due date was on January 13th he decided to come early and surprise everyone. (Oh, with the exception of Uncle Erik. He eerily knew this was going to be the case all along.) On Monday morning we finally answered our phone after two hours of Manda calling every ten minutes trying to get a hold of us. (We've come to the conclusion that we definitely need to get a phone in our bedroom.) The news we received at 3:30 was that her water had broke, she was dilated to four and that baby (elephant) Tuttle was going to be entering this world soon.
OH THE EXCITEMENT! I felt like those Walt Disney commercials --- "I'm too excited to sleep..." Instead of sleeping I was busy praying that everything would go well and making some serious sub notes for the next two days so we could head up north. The hardest part was waiting for Anthony to get up. I wanted him to wake up on his own accord (typically he's less crabby then) and eat some breakfast before we headed up to Grand Rapids.
When we made the 2 1/2 hour trip up north Anthony insisted on going to hospital to see his cousin first. He was busy asking every possible question regarding the birth --- How did they get that baby out of auntie Manda? Why did they have to cut auntie? (She had a cesarean.) Why did she have to go to the hospital? Why can't she have this baby at her house? Where's uncle Damon? And on and on and on and on...
Once we got to the hospital, though, Anthony was very serious and didn't talk at all. He just stared at Asher through the nursery window with an occasional smile or giggle. When he saw auntie, though, he became even more serious and nervous. She was extremely out of it and was covered in tubes and ice packs and machines. Thankfully the next day when I brought him back for a visit auntie was feeling much better as well as Asher and Anthony wasn't nervous any more. He was busy checking out the room - especially the hospital bed - and having fun.
Being up north for those two days was an absolute joy. Damon and Manda are just BEAMING and so in love with their little guy. It was an honor to be privy to those first moments of parenthood and know that Asher is going to be so completely loved. I am so proud of my sister - not only did she do a great job, but she found a wonderful husband who is going to be an amazing teammate with her on this journey of parenthood. The look of love on Damon's face when he looks at either of them or talks about his wife and son makes this proud auntie beam.
OH THE EXCITEMENT! I felt like those Walt Disney commercials --- "I'm too excited to sleep..." Instead of sleeping I was busy praying that everything would go well and making some serious sub notes for the next two days so we could head up north. The hardest part was waiting for Anthony to get up. I wanted him to wake up on his own accord (typically he's less crabby then) and eat some breakfast before we headed up to Grand Rapids.
When we made the 2 1/2 hour trip up north Anthony insisted on going to hospital to see his cousin first. He was busy asking every possible question regarding the birth --- How did they get that baby out of auntie Manda? Why did they have to cut auntie? (She had a cesarean.) Why did she have to go to the hospital? Why can't she have this baby at her house? Where's uncle Damon? And on and on and on and on...
Once we got to the hospital, though, Anthony was very serious and didn't talk at all. He just stared at Asher through the nursery window with an occasional smile or giggle. When he saw auntie, though, he became even more serious and nervous. She was extremely out of it and was covered in tubes and ice packs and machines. Thankfully the next day when I brought him back for a visit auntie was feeling much better as well as Asher and Anthony wasn't nervous any more. He was busy checking out the room - especially the hospital bed - and having fun.
Being up north for those two days was an absolute joy. Damon and Manda are just BEAMING and so in love with their little guy. It was an honor to be privy to those first moments of parenthood and know that Asher is going to be so completely loved. I am so proud of my sister - not only did she do a great job, but she found a wonderful husband who is going to be an amazing teammate with her on this journey of parenthood. The look of love on Damon's face when he looks at either of them or talks about his wife and son makes this proud auntie beam.
Team Tuttle 
The proud daddy
Grandma Kathy
Love you, Little Buddy! Auntie cannot wait to see you again and give you lots of love.
Enjoy your trip home tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
A's Shopping List
We've been trying to teach Anthony that Christmas isn't just about getting presents, but it's also about giving to those you love. After he goes through his list we always ask him what he would like to give to someone else.
Here's what we've got so far:
Grandma Carol? A library book (I'll be sure to steal one in the next two weeks to give to her!)
Grandpa Marv? A bunny (I'm sure another animal to join Eddie, Kolbie and Joey is just what he would like!)
Daddy? A white candle (Ha! This one just makes me giggle! Mark loves lighting scented candles and relaxing after a long day at work and commute home.)
And me? After much thought and consideration yesterday he came up with --- underwear (Maybe he's actually getting closer to the perfect gift!)
Watch out! If I let the Bubsa Beetle do the shopping this year who knows what everyone will end up with.
Breaking Anthony Gift Giving News!
Apparently, Ry and Cam will be getting a Christmas tree this year and Grandma Kathy will getting a snowman and underwear too.
Got to love the ideas he comes up with!
Here's what we've got so far:
Grandma Carol? A library book (I'll be sure to steal one in the next two weeks to give to her!)
Grandpa Marv? A bunny (I'm sure another animal to join Eddie, Kolbie and Joey is just what he would like!)
Daddy? A white candle (Ha! This one just makes me giggle! Mark loves lighting scented candles and relaxing after a long day at work and commute home.)
And me? After much thought and consideration yesterday he came up with --- underwear (Maybe he's actually getting closer to the perfect gift!)
Watch out! If I let the Bubsa Beetle do the shopping this year who knows what everyone will end up with.
Breaking Anthony Gift Giving News!
Apparently, Ry and Cam will be getting a Christmas tree this year and Grandma Kathy will getting a snowman and underwear too.
Got to love the ideas he comes up with!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Gift of a Card
Too many people don't see the value in a card. Mark always tells me to skip the card; I could just tell him happy birthday. However, I don't see things that way. In my eyes, a card is such a wonderful gift in and of itself. I cherish the ones I receive.
I love buying, giving and receiving cards. Yes, an email or note on facebook is nice, but nothing could be better than physically going to the mailbox and finding a handwritten envelope waiting for you. I love cards so much that I typically take a monthly trip to Hallmark to stock up and I even keep the cards we receive in a special place in our kitchen. I love looking back on old cards and rereading them too. My favorites are from my Grandma J. She continued to write to me even when she became blind. Even though the writing is hard to read the love she had for me is completely evident. She cared enough to still want to stay in contact and send something special. (Plus she loved using stickers and has definitely passed that trait onto me.) The best cards are the ones that are unexpected throughout the year. I have two cards from my friend Rach that she sent just this year. I'll probably never want to throw them away because she rarely writes and will admit she's not always the best when it comes to keeping in touch.
This time of year is wonderful for a card addict like myself! I look forward everyday to coming home and seeing what mail has been delivered for the day. Getting the yearly updates - I enjoy the "brag letters" even though some poo poo them - and photos from family and friends is such a joy. We put up all the pictures for a few months to look at and then they all go into a holiday album so I can look back on them and enjoy them throughout the year and years to come.
So thank you to all the individuals and families who take the time to do this every year. I know it's time consuming and it cost money, but it really is wonderful and gives me something to look forward to each and everyday. Just this week I had three wonderful gifts waiting for me in our mailbox! Thank you Lefebvre family (First place this year! I LOVE the family shots, Erin!), Follstad family (Solid second place --- you'll get back on top next year! Great letter, Dawn!) and Zenner family (Renae you are amazing. I still cannot believe your shopping and cards are completed for the holidays! You get a holy-smokes-you-can-do-EVERYTHING award!) for the gift of your update.
I am looking forward to finding many more gifts as the holiday season continues on.
I love buying, giving and receiving cards. Yes, an email or note on facebook is nice, but nothing could be better than physically going to the mailbox and finding a handwritten envelope waiting for you. I love cards so much that I typically take a monthly trip to Hallmark to stock up and I even keep the cards we receive in a special place in our kitchen. I love looking back on old cards and rereading them too. My favorites are from my Grandma J. She continued to write to me even when she became blind. Even though the writing is hard to read the love she had for me is completely evident. She cared enough to still want to stay in contact and send something special. (Plus she loved using stickers and has definitely passed that trait onto me.) The best cards are the ones that are unexpected throughout the year. I have two cards from my friend Rach that she sent just this year. I'll probably never want to throw them away because she rarely writes and will admit she's not always the best when it comes to keeping in touch.
This time of year is wonderful for a card addict like myself! I look forward everyday to coming home and seeing what mail has been delivered for the day. Getting the yearly updates - I enjoy the "brag letters" even though some poo poo them - and photos from family and friends is such a joy. We put up all the pictures for a few months to look at and then they all go into a holiday album so I can look back on them and enjoy them throughout the year and years to come.
So thank you to all the individuals and families who take the time to do this every year. I know it's time consuming and it cost money, but it really is wonderful and gives me something to look forward to each and everyday. Just this week I had three wonderful gifts waiting for me in our mailbox! Thank you Lefebvre family (First place this year! I LOVE the family shots, Erin!), Follstad family (Solid second place --- you'll get back on top next year! Great letter, Dawn!) and Zenner family (Renae you are amazing. I still cannot believe your shopping and cards are completed for the holidays! You get a holy-smokes-you-can-do-EVERYTHING award!) for the gift of your update.
I am looking forward to finding many more gifts as the holiday season continues on.
Anthony's Booger Saga
This story started a few weeks ago and has continued during our morning trek (okay, it's a five minute drive) in our spaceship (technically, it's a mini-van, but I tell Anthony it's a spaceship because it just sounds way cooler and fun) on the way to daycare.
A: Mom.
M: Yes, Bubsa Bo.
A: I not like my nose.
M: Why?
A: It keeps making boogers. (Then comes the sniffing, snorting, and other awful sounds from the backseat as he tries to suck back all the gunk in his nose.)
Of course this made me laugh and kept me giggling throughout the day at work.
Next day
A: Mom
M: Yes, Bubsa Bo.
A: I'm mad.
M: Why, Bud?
A: It's doing it again?
M: What's "doing it"?
A: My nose is making lots of boogers again. (Insert the sniffing, snorting, and other awful sounds from the backseat as he tries to suck back all the gunk in his nose noises once again.)
Another day
A: I not like you snot. (Sniff) I just wish you would go away. (Snort) I don't want boogers in my nose.
Yesterday morning
A: (Singing) Boogers, boogers, boogers, (big suck in of snot) boogers, boogers, (another snort) go away. I not like you boogers, boogers, boogers, boogers...
For five glorious minutes I got to hear the song, snorting and lots of whines from the backseat. Clearly Anthony's nose and the amount of snot it's producing is creating a problem for him. Although, I have to admit his serious problem has been a great chuckle for me on so many days!
Oh, I cannot wait for the day when he learns to blow his nose and show those boogers who's boss! Maybe I should try the blow bubbles with your nose through a straw trick or do you have a better suggestion that's tried and true? Otherwise it could be a long winter for Anthony being mad at his nose and you could be stuck reading more posts about boogers.
A: Mom.
M: Yes, Bubsa Bo.
A: I not like my nose.
M: Why?
A: It keeps making boogers. (Then comes the sniffing, snorting, and other awful sounds from the backseat as he tries to suck back all the gunk in his nose.)
Of course this made me laugh and kept me giggling throughout the day at work.
Next day
A: Mom
M: Yes, Bubsa Bo.
A: I'm mad.
M: Why, Bud?
A: It's doing it again?
M: What's "doing it"?
A: My nose is making lots of boogers again. (Insert the sniffing, snorting, and other awful sounds from the backseat as he tries to suck back all the gunk in his nose noises once again.)
Another day
A: I not like you snot. (Sniff) I just wish you would go away. (Snort) I don't want boogers in my nose.
Yesterday morning
A: (Singing) Boogers, boogers, boogers, (big suck in of snot) boogers, boogers, (another snort) go away. I not like you boogers, boogers, boogers, boogers...
For five glorious minutes I got to hear the song, snorting and lots of whines from the backseat. Clearly Anthony's nose and the amount of snot it's producing is creating a problem for him. Although, I have to admit his serious problem has been a great chuckle for me on so many days!
Oh, I cannot wait for the day when he learns to blow his nose and show those boogers who's boss! Maybe I should try the blow bubbles with your nose through a straw trick or do you have a better suggestion that's tried and true? Otherwise it could be a long winter for Anthony being mad at his nose and you could be stuck reading more posts about boogers.
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