That September Day

September is almost over and Daniel and I are enjoying a leisurely Sunday afternoon watching a special about the attacks on 9/11 on the National Geographic Channel.

This year I cried on anniversary of this day.  I was preparing a lesson about the day for my advisory class which consists of freshman.  That means these children were only about 1-2 years old when this historical event took place.  I  listened to Alan Jackson's "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning" over and over.  When the students arrived  I showed a slideshow of pictures and played this song for my class. The students began to talk and become disrespectful.  After they left, I cried.  I guess it is nice they don't have to know that type of heartache, hopefully.  Yet I also got so angry.

Students today act like it is literally painful to say the pledge.  I have to pass out detentions because they won't be quiet during the moment of silence.  When did these kids become all about themselves?

Then Grant comes home with a knowledge about September 11 and had a patriotic picture he colored for me.  I smiled.  My children will not be one of those who don't feel the need to use the moment of silence or pledge their allegiance to our country.

They will also hear about 'where I was' when the event happened, just as I heard from my parents where they were when JFK was assassinated.

I was starting my sophomore year in college and living in the dorm.  The week before, I was talking to people about things happening in the world and I realized I knew nothing.  That week is when I started watching CNN while I was getting ready for my classes.  I had just turned it on when they were showing that something had hit one of the towers.  I watched it live as the second plane hit the second tower.

It was dead silent on campus.  My professors didn't teach that day, they decided to talk about how this made us feel and what changes may be to come.  I walked into the student union where there was a large TV.  The room was packed like sardines and was dead quiet.

Email was the primary means of digital communication that day, no social networking.  I would get 'forwards' daily on conspiracies and pictures.  I kept this one because it was my favorite.

You know Jesus was there waiting for everyone (except those ones waiting for Allah) through that black smoke on that clear day.

Aim Towards Chi

Listen In:  Daniel is putting up groceries that he got at the store, Nick Jr. is on the tube, and Grant is getting in trouble for playing too rough with Reagan.

Dinner Plans:  Chicken fried steak, corn on the cob, and sweet peas

View From the Kitchen Window:  cooler weather, which I'm hyped about

The cooler weather has gotten me in the mood for Halloween.  Here is a scary preview.

 Grant got to see his buddy, Samson, at the pep rally on Friday.  This time he didn't cry!

 Grant had been preparing all week for his first Tae Kwon Do tournament.  He is in the silver helmet.

 Saturday it was time to go.  He was so excited!

 There were all sorts of ages and divisions.  It was fun to watch the black belts.

 Grant in his sparring gear.  We had to go get him a cup and a mouthpiece.  He was so excited about it that he wanted to take both to school on Friday!  That would have been a shock to the teacher!

 Grant got third in kata and did not place in sparring.  In fact, the kid he went against was about twice his size and he got beat pretty bad.  However, Grant learned a lesson from it and was still excited about his medal.

He didn't give up when he got scared and felt defeated.  I am very proud of him.

Off to school we go...

Before school started, we did the best to cram in as much last minute fun as possible.  

On our last day 'off' as a family, we headed to Fair Park in Dallas to the Children's Aquarium.

 We hadn't been in several years.  Last time we were here it had just opened and parts were still under construction.

 I could have watched this giant snapping turtle all day.

 Reagan was only interested in everything for 0.5 seconds.

 This sea turtle was my favorite.  He had 2 gimpy fins from being out in the ocean.

We visited Grammie and PePaw before school started.  The kids got some good swim time and hit their quota of popsicles.

Grammie and PePaw wanted to keep the water fun going and sent the kids this pool.  It was fun for the kids, while it lasted (big hole showed up later!)

During in-service week some co-workers and I went to "Painting With a Twist".  We had a good time and got pumped for the school year with our new room decoration!

Convocation day, duck face, selfie.  Mentally preparing ourselves for those high schoolers!

Going back to school means back to school shopping.  I do mine early, but had to go stock up at the grocery store on all the lunch foods.  I love my new insulated Costco bag!  Its the right giant size for all my recyclable grocery bags.

 Grant was ready for school to start.  He is in the same 1st grade classroom that I was in.  So far he is loving it!

 Reagan started Mothers Day Out and is still getting used to it, but I know she is learning so much.  It is also giving my parents a little break during the day.

Daniel also had a new day at a new school.  He is still learning the ropes and loves the fact that the kids are actually trying!

I have finally got my class sizes down and diving into the curriculum.  If only I had an assistant to help me grade all these papers!

On Labor Day weekend, Grant traveled with his great grandmother, GiGi, to see his Grammie and PePaw.  He had his first whole weekend away from us, and did well.  It looks like they had  a great time together.

While he was gone, it was a little strange going out and about with only 1 child.  We went to Olive Garden, Costco (which Grant was disappointed about), and moved our cousin Melanee into the dorms.  I'm sure Reagan enjoyed the one on one attention.