Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Self love

I had semi-low self esteem growing up. I mean, I didn't dwell on it, but like most pre-teens and teens I thought I was "too this" or "too that" or "not enough this" or "not enough that". I always promised myself that when I had kids, I would make sure they always knew they were beautiful and smart and that they should love who they are. My parents were awesome parents and they would tell me they loved me, but it was never over the top affection.

Anyway, this is the note that Shaye's teacher handed me yesterday:

Maddy & Caroline,

I had to share with you what Shaye said in circle to all her friends. It was beautiful! She said, "I love myself because being me is who I am." She is amazing!

Ms. K


I have to say when I read that note I wanted to hug her teacher. Not only did she NOTICE the beauty in that statement, but she took the time to write it down exactly how Shaye said it so that I would have it. She told me that she had to quickly grab a notecard and write it down because she didn't want to forget what she said. Then she said, "You are doing EVERYTHING right with her, Maddy. She is truly a special little girl." I was just beaming with pride and had to choke back the tears.

I can not say enough that this school is everything I dreamed of for my children. These years are SO incredibly crucial to their development and we couldn't have picked a more loving, engaging, caring environment for them to learn in. We just found out at a parent info. night last night that they are now considering buying a large piece of property across the street and building a larger school. This means that they are looking into expanding their kindergarten program into a 1st grade program and were hoping to know something in a couple of weeks. Because this is the first year of their kindy program they said that they didn't want to watch the children leave kindergarten only to have to leave the Montessori realm and everything they have learned up to this point. Crap, I'm worried about 9th grade!!! If we get into the K-8 charter school we are home free. I'm thinking Sudbury school for high school unless, of course, the charter school expands to 12th. ;) We have some time to think about that, but the thought of my kids EVER leaving a Montessori environment really bums me out. :(

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

She rocks my world!

I just got my mail and this is the incredible card I just received from Caroline's dear Grandmother. It's a beautiful card with 4 little kids painting a mural.

Maddy,

Urgency compels me to get paper so I can talk to you (even one-sided) because too much time goes by that I let the important things get left unsaid. I chose this note because we share a deep interest in welfare of citizens-of-the-world like these pictured, and I always admire the way you have taken on the HUGE job of doing what is in the best interest of each one of those voluntarily in your care to fit them for tomorrow's world. There is no end to the wish list in ideal circumstances, and I admire the zeal and commitment you and Caro have on their behalf.

[sideline: Elba came in early to M's birthday celebration with Naia, saying "she doesn't feel well." echoed by Naia herself. Within 10 minutes of the arrival of A's 3 boys she was leading the hilarious parade around the "traffice circle" in my house - orchestrated by the oldest boy, S, -of course he's too sophisticated to run - the rest are not!]

I thought right then that you needed to know how many times, how many times as I met one-after-the-other-happy-smiling-faces and thought that I wished you were here - you too might have relaxed just as I did.

There will be other times, too - I just needed to say how easily Caro made Shaye's experience into a happy one also - just with a few quiet words. This kind of loving restrained discipline is SO hard to notice while it is happening - you both need confirmation that it is working whether or not the moment is tranquil. Have I told you of the most excellent pre-school teacher who told me about one of my offspring? "Don't worry - by Kindergarten they all walk and talk and go to the bathroom"!!

And so much more - and we will have more chances to talk, too.

With love,
Grandma Judy

WOW!!! I am so incredibly blessed to be a part of this family. I am not sure what I did in a previous life to have so much love in my world.

I love you Grandma Judy! xoxo

Monday, February 2, 2009

Name dropping

Since reconnection with a lot of people on Facebook, I've come to realize that I know a lot of very famous and successful people!! A friend of mine from high school went off to LA wayyyy back in the day and I knew that she was one of the characters on the re-make of WKRP in Cincinnati and I just found out she has one of the leading roles on Army Wives! WOW! We played on the Varsity softball team in high school and that girl would throw the ball so fucking hard that I dreaded a hit to center field (I was the short stop). Covering 2nd base when Wendy Davis threw the ball, well, you kinda prayed that you'd still have a head when the play was over. Also, a friend of mine from Baltimore that I used to play around town with (we were both in bands) has a very successful band playing kid's music. They are called Milkshake and they ROCK! Anybody who has ever watched Jack's Big Music show is familiar with them (they do the Bottle of Sunshine song. Lisa is the one in the tutu). I highly recommend them. They are in the Laurie Berkner vein. You know, songs that rock out and won't annoy the parents. We just got a huge package in the mail today from Lisa and the girls were so excited. They think it's cool that Mommy is friends with a "rock star" ;) Oh, if they only knew how many of those I met when I worked at Sony/BMG. Heh.