Baptism

Cooper just turned 8 last Saturday and will be getting baptized next Saturday. Somehow I feel like, "This little kid is ready to get baptized? Does he know enough about the Gospel? Is he old enough to choose between right and wrong?" But then he goes and surprises me. Kyle and I were able to sit in on his Bishop's interview. He had very good answers and he didn't need much prodding. Then the missionaries came over to talk with Cooper. Again, very good, insightful answers. I was surprised that he knew that much. I commend his Primary teachers.

Now during both the Bishop's interview and the discussion with the missionaries they made comments about how much Cooper knew, and how impressed they were. They commented that they can tell that we have Family Home Evening, or that his mother is teaching him well. I blush and avert my eyes at these comments, because we haven't been doing well and having FHE regularly. Or scripture reading and family prayer for that matter. So, while I'm having a guilt trip, my mind also reflects on my patriarchal blessing. It makes a statement about my children being able to preach the gospel and serve Christ and that it will be through my teachings and faithfulness. Another guilt trip. I need to get on the ball.

How can my children live up to their potential spiritually if I'm not guiding, directing, teaching and preparing them?

Mental-Emotional Preparedness

I am going to school to get a teaching degree to be a Special Education Teacher. One reason is that I've been an aide for 12 years and just felt it was time to get the degree to have my own class. But, my main driving force is the money. I know, I know, teachers don't get paid much, but they make twice as much as what I do now.

My oldest is 15 years old. In 3-4 years I'm looking at a son who will be going to college and a mission. I do not have the money to support him in this. So, with a degree and higher paying job I will be able to help support my child in these endeavors. I just need to graduate college before he graduates high school. So I am mentally and maybe even emotionally prepared for the mission and college thing.

BUT, my oldest turns 16 in September. YIKES! I am not mentally and emotionally prepared for driving and dating! I am not that old to have a child doing these things! Where has the time gone? Funny how I am ready for things in 3-4 years, but not this year.

Meanwhile, I have a son turning 8 years old today and will be getting baptized at the end of the month. It was just yesterday (8 years ago) that my oldest was getting baptized. I remember telling my friend Brandon at the time that I'm not old enough to have a kid getting baptized. Of course, Brandon retorts that he can't believe I have a son worthy enough to get baptized. (see, Brandon knew me in my wild days, I guess he thought my sinning ways would have rubbed off onto my children)

So, there you have it. I'm old.

What the...?

Ok, I understand that I work with Special Ed. students. These kids are 2-3 grade levels below their grade. They have learning disabilities, behavior problems and physical problems that hinder their learning. Having said that, I am often surprised how "stupid" they are. They just say and do stuff that frustrates me and the teacher I work for. Now, I'm not saying that they are stupid because they are special ed. it's just their lack of attention, listening and following instruction skills. Here are some examples.

(names have been changed for privacy and protection)

During Guided Reading Group
Me: Janey, follow along.
Janey: I am. Wait, where are we?
I hate this. First they counter my correction by whining that they are doing whatever I say they aren't doing, then give themselves away with the follow up question.

During Silent Reading Time, or Silent Writing Time
Me: Janey, stop talking.
Janey: I'm not.
What bothers me about this is that I know their voices and can usually tell who's talking. If I can't tell, I'll watch for a bit before giving the instruction. So, I see Janey talking to her neighbor. I tell her to stop. She claims that she's not talking. I give her the look. She turns as if she is going back to the task at hand, and then begins to talk to her neighbor about mean ol'
Mrs. Phillips. So, now she's talking after being specifically told not to.

Instructions for any particular task.
I explain writing assignment. As soon as I finish explaining, Janey asks;
Janey: What do we write about?
AAaarrghhh!!!! What did I just spend the last 5 minutes doing?

I also hate that when I begin to exlpain instructions, I get barraged with questions. If they would just wait until I finish the instruction or explanation I would answer all of their questions. And they don't listen to each other's questions so I end up answering the same question about 3-5 times.

Somedays my teacher and I just look at each other, shake our heads and throw our hands up.

Caffeine Junkie Update

I still have not had any caffeinated drinks. I have had Fresca, Caffeine Free Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi. But I've had those sparingly. I think I'd like to limit soda pop to just the weekends, and try to do without on the weekdays.

For Family Home Evening this past Monday we read the articles in the December Ensign and New Era about caffeinated drinks, mostly energy drinks, and discussed our own experiences. I told the kids about my cravings and withdrawal symptoms and what that means to me. The article was very eye-opening.

Caffeine Junkie

I have become addicted to Diet Vanilla Pepsi or Coke. I can easily slurp down 4 cans or more a day. I guess I figured, "Their diet right? So I'm not taking in all that sugar and carbs."

Flashback to a few years ago; we are walking up to the store and the kids see a guy smoking outside. One of them comments that he is a bad man because he is smoking. I say that he is not bad, but has made a bad choice choosing that habit. We discuss why people would want to smoke when we know all the illness it causes. (The kids have taken DARE and health in school and are experts on health and fitness). I state that we all do things that aren't good for us. They of course reply with "uh-uh". So, I mention that they drink lots of soda pop and that is bad for you. Then I go into all the evils of soda pop.Evils: sugar rots your teeth, sugar and caffeine make you hyper, it leeches calcium from your bones, it leeches water from your cells putting you in a state of dehydration, cola stains your teeth, causes headaches, etc.

Now, fast forward to Dec. 2008 issue of the Ensign. There is an article about the amount of caffeine in soda pop, energy drinks, and comparing it to coffee and tea. It was a real eye opener to me. I already knew the aforementioned 'evils' of soda pop, but this article validated what I knew and taught me some more.

So, this past Sunday I had the last can of my Diet Vanilla Pepsi. I've referred to it as my last ceremonial can. I have not had any soda pop since. Today is Thursday and I've already had two close calls. I was at work with a caffeine withdrawal headache and craving a diet Coke. I texted my husband for moral support.

Tues. 12:30pm Naomi: I need a diet coke
12:31pm Kyle: Don't do it man.

12:33pm Naomi: But I NEED it!

no response from Kyle, he must have thought I succumbed.

1:00pm Naomi: Holding strong. Still drug free.

1:01pm Kyle: Be strong junkie!

I'd like to take this moment to say, Hi, my name is Naomi and I'm a soda junkie. (Hi, Naomi.) It's been 4 days since my last drink. I've suffered withdrawal symptoms, but with the help of Tylenol and the support of those around me, I've made it this far.