Cookie Exchange

Okay, so I participated in a cookie exchange yesterday....I am not going to get into how many hours I spent Sunday night making 12 dozen cookies....I thought I could probably put some plates together for my neighbors with a variety of cookies, instead of the lone loaf of bread they usually get.
I brought the cookies home and planned to set up a goodie plate factory....only Tennille started early in the game sneaking the wedding cookies...you know, the ones with the powdered sugar...I caught her munching away, she said...with a mouthful...."these things are delicious"....and as mean mom as I could get, I said, "you know there are nuts in there"....Tennille said, "no, there are not"...I said, "yes there are...the lady just chopped them up super small so you wouldn't notice....but they are definitely in there" (thinking that would keep her out of them permanently)...she just said, "well, they are still delicious" as she grabbed another.
I had just given the girls the 'hands off' lecture when the boys came in from wrestling practice, headed straight for the truffle plate and yelled, "Oreo balls, my favorite!" Huh? Apparently, the home ec dept makes and sells something similar at school...so there went my truffle plate.
By this point, I had become the cookie warden standing guard over them so I did not have one more runaway and started making plates. I was making my plates look pretty when I started asking, "wait a minute....where are the peanut butter chocolate chip?....look in the car...maybe I left them out there.....they are on a plate covered with foil..." The kids said, "that plate? I saw Dad take those a long time ago when he went into the kitchen...." To Dave's defense, he claimed those are, like, the only ones he can eat (maybe you don't know how picky my husband is) and those should not be going on the gift plates.
I gave up and only three of my neighbors were given treats...while what is left of the 108 cookies are in Bode tummies or dark hiding places.
And then to top it off, I sent the kids to give a plate and the neighbor accepts the plate and then says she has diabetes and won't be able to eat any of it....but thank you....but she keeps the goodies.
And of course you know what I am thinking..... "GIVE THOSE COOKIES BACK!!!!!!"

I forgot to add....

I love how teenagers are so totally self-absorbed, I really do. It is fascinating to observe how the world revolves around them and no one else.....maybe it is just a boy thing because I don't even think their friends come to mind when they are making decisions...just whatever completely concerns them.
For example, on the morning of my surgery...when I was in the pre-op room getting the I.V. hooked up, loading up on the happy meds....I get a phone call from Bryce asking me if he can go somewhere in town....after a too-long conversation about whether the place was open, he was like 'whatever'. And I'm like, "you really shouldn't call unless it is an absolute emergency, they are about to wheel me down." (I also love how they never call Dave's cell phone.) Bryce says, "wheel you down where?" I'm like, "MY SURGERY"......and then he goes, "Oh. I thought you were at work."
HOW DOES ONE NOT KNOW YOUR MOTHER IS AT THE HOSPITAL HAVING SURGERY WHEN THAT HAS BEEN THE MAIN ENTIRE ALL-CONSUMING FOCUS FOR THE PAST WEEK?!
Then....afterwards when I am in the recovery room, Parker calls and asks how much longer are we going to be there. Oh, you might say, how lovely.... Parker is concerned..... Nope, he was just wondering if we would stop somewhere on the way home to pick him up a hot dog.

These are the stories that warm the cockerels of a mother's heart.

Next week....

I just have to post that next week cannot come soon enough. I have school on Wednesday, we are leaving for my parents' immediately after..... Tate's birthday is on Thanksgiving this year...and my sister and her family will also be there.... I am loving teaching first grade, but I welcome the break away. Whoo-Hoo! Six more days!

Out of the woods...I think...

So, I had my kidney stone surgery on Friday....everything seemed successful and fine. Sent home with pain meds and I was on my way. Saturday night my kidney felt like it was on fire and I was back at the hospital...after declining the invitation to be hooked up to IV meds and staying the next day, I was released on Sunday morning at 4:00 am....apparently, the kidney stone was so big that it was not blasted into dust during the surgery, but pieces that also have to be passed...so I was sent home with more powerful meds...this time dilaudid (sp?) and more anti-throw-up meds....
I think I am fine now....lots of water and no caffeinated soda.
Thank you for all of the well wishes and offers to bring meals, we are surviving fine, you are all very thoughtful!

Not having a fun week....

Saturday was Halloween and we, as most families, had a lot of plans. However, I spent the entire day at the hospital with a 7mm kidney stone. (Most of the time, they send size 5 and under home to work wonders on their own.) After being put on happy meds, I convinced the staff I did not need surgery...nor did I need to stay for the whole weekend...and was allowed to go home with an appointment to meet with an urologist on Tuesday.
After my meeting yesterday (and x-ray), the stone is 8.8 and my surgery is scheduled for Friday. They sent me home with Vicadin (which makes me throw up) and stuff to make me not throw up (doesn't work).
Currently, I am at a conference in Bloomington, and will be cutting out early to hopefully sleep the rest of the afternoon. I am crossing my fingers that teaching tomorrow will go well....vicadin is a narcotic, so I will not be taking any...and ibuprofen is not allowed before my surgery.
You do not realize the greatness of good health until you temporarily lose it.
Thank you to our friends who have brought a meal or have offered. I feel bad accepting because my family knows where we keep the cereal in the cupboard.
I have surprised myself by posting the details of my ordeal, but I have friends who wanted to know and this is easier than making phone calls when you are feeling yucky.

Happy Birthday, Bryce!

Bryce turned 16 when we were at my parents'. I can't believe he is now officially old enough to date....let me be more clear...group/double date...

My dad thinks birthdays are too fussy...and for some reason he tends to think he is the only one who should light candles...don't get me wrong, he will celebrate them...but always thinks it is just a bunch of 'hulabaloo'....but he insists on giving you a birthday phone call that involves singing.
Go Bryce!
So, the next weekend after we got home, Bryce had the opportunity to go out....but the girl he wanted to go with had homecoming that weekend and so he was left out in the cold....he didn't seem to care...but I thought I could be helpful and offered to call in a few connections....what?! Didn't your mother ever set you up before?!.....Unbelievably, Bryce would have nothing to do with my offer....I even said I would give Julie Nye a call and see if she knew any girls who had just moved here...you never know...but I got vetoed immediately. Bryce said he would rather stay home than have his mother 'hook him up'....whatever. His loss. I even said that Dave and I were going to the movie that night (we saw "Whip It"...I'll give it three stars out of five) and we could take him and a date....I would even pay for snacks. Bryce basically said that pigs would be flying out of certain body parts before he would ever double date with his parents. What?! When you have parents as good looking as Bryce's, why wouldn't you want to be seen in public with them...with a date?! Whatever. Bryce obviously doesn't know how good he has it...and I could have set him up with someone foxy and 'choice'...I just hope one day he doesn't look back and say, "Why.....why didn't I just let my mother call the shots?"

Forgot to post

I forgot to post the rest of our pictures from my parents...When my dad drives to his friend's farm, he lets the kids ride in the back of the truck....when I was growing up, we rode like that a lot (with a million rules)...but now I don't even think it is legal....although it seems you can do most anything if it involves farming.
Mike has a calf, he went out of town, so my dad said he would take care of feeding it....which made him a superstar with the grandchildren. The calf has to be bottle-fed twice a day, above he is helping Tennille.
My niece, Sarah, was next in line.
A little closer, Riley.
Even Zack got in on the action.

Yep, the big boys all need a turn.
My father is gross. Anything to make the kids think he has a cool factor.
Grandpa and Tate at feeding time.
Tried to get Tate to take a ride, but it doesn't look like he is going for it. (I wouldn't know, I opted to stay in the house.)

Food From My Childhood...

Growing up in California, my parents' best friends were Mexicans from 'the old school'....I was exposed to the fabulous Mexican culture and authentically delicious food. Tamale making is a huge "everyone-involved" production that is saved for special events, typically made in December and served on Christmas Eve. For the wagon train weekend, my parents' friends came to visit and we were fortunate enough to talk them into making tamales.
My parents cooked the pork the day before and then set up a production line in their garage. Lily made the bucket of masa....which you spread on soaked corn husks.... very specifically....which is why I moved to putting-on-the-pork station....then they are folded over....very specifically....and then steamed for an hour.
Pano is from a family of fifteen children, he had fun stories to share...and is a tamale expert, which is why I had to move on from masa spreading.
My dad also trying to show me exactly how it should be done. Eventually, I moved on completely and fed the baby.....if I can't be the winner, I really don't want to play.
Serious production line....I don't remember how many dozens we made. They freeze awesomely, so after everyone took some home, we still have some to share at Thanksgiving.
Tamales are being steamed in that big pot, while my dad stirs the homemade refried beans.
Dinner is ready!
So good....fun memory lane...
My dad loves to serve everyone up.
This is the part where Lisa should stop reading.
When we were growing up, Lily lived in our neighborhood. I think she made tortillas every single day....I knew the time and would stop by to watch her...knowing nothing would be better than a fresh tortilla off the griddle with some butter on top. A few years ago, Lily had a hand injury and has not made tortillas since. My sister and her family had to leave early to go home. My parents made Bryce a birthday brunch and Lily came out of retirement and made fresh tortillas!!! Sorry Lisa! Eat your heart out! If it helps, we thought of you while eating them!

Riley following in my footsteps and sneaking the warm tortillas....
I love this picture....I can't begin to guess how many tortillas those hands have made in their lifetime.

Wagon Train!

We did our Annual-Fourth-Weekend-In-September-Wagon-Train at my parents' in Missouri. This time, my sister and her family also came and all the kids were able to ride in the parade...except Tennille who always chooses to stay with the bystanders and collect candy.
Tennille and Uncle Brian
Tate in his usual spectator mode...
I don't know how Bryce always seems to wind up with his own team to drive. Parker and Riley, along with Zack and Sarah, rode with him.


That is my dad thinking he is Homecoming King on the back of a float....
This is how much Tate loved the parade.
Tennille has a newfound love: shaved ice....and beaded necklaces...and candy.

Bryce Paying It Forward

From the time Bryce was Tate's age, he always loved a ride with my dad as he mowed the lawn. When he became a toddler, my dad rigged up a wagon, and later a barrel to ride behind the mower. Now Bryce returns the favor with Tate.

Boost for the day....

Okay, as Elizabeth noted, some of my first grade experiences are just like Kindergarten Cop....for instance, this week I have a cold...but initially thought it was allergies....
Whole class is on the carpet.
Me: Excuse me while I grab a Kleenex, my allergies are very bad today.
Suzy: Do you have H1N1?
Me: No, I do not have H1N1.
Suzy: Are you sure? (but you have to imagine Elmer Fudd saying it because that is how she talks) Because you might have H1N1.
Me: No, I do not have it. Just allergies.
Little Johnny: Do you have that pig flu?
Me: No.
Little Johnny: Do you know the pig flu I am talking about?

But today's conversation was the best:
Me: Does anyone know what bragging is? (It was our vocabulary word. And we had a discussion that was almost ending.)
Me: So basically, two things will happen if you brag...one, you can hurt someone's feelings because they might feel bad about themselves when you tell them how great you are....and two...if you are like me and know how fabulous you are, you will find someone who brags to be very annoying...and not even want to play with them.
Student boy (who is now my favorite): (with much sincerity and another Elmer Fudd accent) Yeah, Mrs. Bode.....cuz you are probably the most beautifulest person at this school.
Me: You got that right.

Have I mentioned how much I love first graders?

Charming

While I do not do much as far as humiliating discipline in the classroom...I do have a 'reflection' chair....a child who is having trouble being a 'success' in our room or preventing a friend from being a success is sent there to reflect on what put him there and what he is going to do to be successful.
YES! I KNOW!! IT IS A GLORIFIED TIME-OUT!! WHAT CAN I SAY?! BY THE SECOND WEEK, THE HONEYMOON WAS OVER!!!
Anyway, I sent John Doe to the reflection chair during a class meeting on the carpet. He tried to answer a question to which I reminded him that while one is in the reflection chair, one must reflect...and may not participate in the discussion.... YES! AGAIN...I KNOW!!! IT SOUNDS HARSH...BUT YOU TRY TEACHING 21 SIX/SEVEN YEAR OLDS WHEN THEY ARE ROLLING AROUND ON THE CARPET CHATTING WITH THEIR NEIGHBOR!!
So anyway, I get back to the class discussion and all of a sudden, John Doe cups his hand like he has a megaphone and yells from across the classroom, "MRS. BODE! I LOVE THE SHIRT YOU ARE WEARING!!

After three weeks, how do they already know what will get them out of time-out?...I mean the reflection chair...

More first grade

We were having a meeting on the carpet when one of my students said he was wondering if he should tell me something....me, quite content to remain ignorant....said if he was wondering, than that meant he probably shouldn't tell me.
He blurted out," I know how chickens show their love for each other!" (Yes, people....he lives on a farm.)
Before I could respond with anything other than the deer-in-the-headlights look...he went on to add, "THEY CLIMB ON EACH OTHER'S BACKS" And then to my students' look of wonderment, he proclaimed, "IT IS TRUE! MY DAD TOLD ME!"
Me: just hoping there are no parents' e-mails tonight asking for an explanation: "Thank you, friend. Everyone line up for lunch and remember, we must zip our lips in the hallway."

My First Week in First Grade

Exciting news, people!
Today, I had my first student with head lice. The nurse came and did a search....then reported that one girl would not be returning. I felt bad for her and sent her home with a new box of crayons and a worksheet....the best I could do on short notice. By the way...in case you are wondering....and I know you are....she is always very lovily (I think I just made that word up) groomed and her hair is cut in a short, sassy, cute style...to be honest, I tend to stereotype that sort of disease and was surprised it was her. I thought about making everyone put on hairnets the rest of the afternoon, but decided to pull up the big girl panties and deal.
(However, I did leave the custodian a request to 'spray down' her locker and all of my class beanbag chairs. The principal assured me they do not live on 'un-alive' things for more than 24 hours.)

First Day of School!

Tennille is all ready for first grade. We have half day kindergarten here, so the "eating lunch at school" is a big deal.
Riley started sixth grade, which is jr. high here. She had a great day and luckily ended up with friends in her classes.
Parker is a freshman!
Bryce is a sophomore.
And me...I started first grade today. It went fine....I was exhausted, but it was a good exhausted because I was doing what I want to do. My school does not have the access to give each teacher a website, so (if you want to take a peek) I created a classroom blog for parents to have an easy way to be informed of our class info: http://bodeclassroom.blogspot.com/

Tennille's new friends

Towards the end of a meeting at church last week, Tennille decided she was done.
Her: Mom, can I go get a drink?
Me: No.
Her: Can I go to the bathroom?
Me: No.
Her: Can I go spit my gum out?
Me: No.
Her: CAN I AT LEAST GO SIT WITH THE ROGERS??!!
Me: No.
Her: THEY NEED MY HELP!! ONE WAS JUST TAKEN OUT AND THE OTHER IS SITTING THERE ALL BY HIMSELF!!! (The Rogers' have toddler twins...how she saw all of this twenty rows away is beyond me.) PLEASE!!!!
Me: Fine. (And I am thinking, Heaven love the Rogers....because I am done with this child.)

So, this week Tennille said we better be there early because she would need to sit with the Rogers' because they 'love her help'... (I am guessing Kristin will choose her words more wisely next time...)
Again, I said no.
Again, she spent the last few minutes sitting with the Rogers'.

Detasseling

So, if you are like me and not from around here...you may not be familiar with the child labor camps held in the summer...otherwise known as detasseling. Area kids (this company takes them ages 14 and up) show up at 5;45 each morning and are driven to corn fields where they detassel the corn fields. Don't ask me the details on that, I really have no idea....what I can surmise is that they take off the tassels of "eating corn" versus "feed corn" (don't hold me to it)...They do about 8 hours a day for around two weeks. My boys like the spending money they earn, and they impressed me by not complaining...they got themselves up and just woke me up to drive them over.
They had to wear long sleeves to avoid "corn rash" (I swear, their job has increased my vocabulary), the bandanas to cover their neck from corn rash, the orange hats have netting to keep the corn away from their eyes, and they also wore eye goggle things to protect their eyes. They had to wear long pants, but not jeans, or their legs would "chaff"... Is this legal?! This whole thing makes sweat shops look like a day at the spa.
Drop off in the parking lot...I had to hide in the car to take pictures.... Parker was mortified that I might get out and start zooming in...
Heading over to a crew meeting....they all have their lunches in the igloo ice chests and most carry a gallon of water...this year the boys bought those 'camel' backpacks (they carry water with a long hose thing to drink from) to walk down the fields with...I made fun of them mercilessly but they didn't care.
End of the working day....hot, tired, dusty....you would think they would lie around and recover the rest of the afternoon (that is what I do after a morning spent running errands with Tate and the girls)....but they shower and go ride bikes or swim with friends.
At home, I made them change their filthy, pesticide-ridden clothes in the garage....where I would put them in the washer with hot water and lots of bleach.
Detasseling seems to be a rite of passage for the kids here....many of their parents did the same thing....and they are all too quick to recount the horrible memories...but I don't think my boys really minded it. Let's face it, it was a way to get out of the house :)