Thanksgiving Traditions

Every family has their own traditions, those rituals that you look forward to every year no matter how simple or dorky they may seem to outsiders... or at least I really hope that you do. My family has a longstanding tradition that even if only carried out in our hearts and minds on Turkey Day will be a part of each of my cousins', siblings' and aunts and uncles' fondest memories... guaranteed. We are not extravagant people, we don't do fancy, dressed up or color-themed... Where accommodations meant floor space, table decor meant butcher paper and some good markers, excitement meant the chicken coop before anyone else and entertainment was the latest lesson on the out of tune piano that accompanied wrestling matches... These are some of the fondest memories of my childhood... an overcrowded house full of loud people just happy to be together and rows of dirty shoes lined up on the deck outside. This may sound redneck to the majority but I wouldn't trade it for the finest table setting or gourmet food... This WAS my family. The scenery has changed in recent years... The farm is gone, the house is nicer, but for the first time in quite awhile, I am headed back to that "place" in my memory to revisit that coveted tradition. A few reminders as we go into the holiday season.
Enjoy your family, no matter how loud, backwards or stubborn
Enjoy the company, no matter how crowded (or how often you are allowed to flush the toilet)
Enjoy the food, even if it was beheaded in the backyard the night before
Enjoy the entertainment... regardless of what Monte Python movie has been chosen
Enjoy the tradition, even if (or especially if) it is cards and beer...
It is that "place" in your heart that counts... those fond memories of family and what it means to simply be together..
Happy Thanksgiving

What makes us normal?

normal...
What we all want for our children, our families, our own lives. What does that mean to you? What is your criteria? How far would you go to achieve it for yourself or your loved ones?
What are your feelings about Deafness?
I know not many of you have experience with Deafness, its children, culture or language... but lack of experience does not have to mean closed-mindedness. It does not mean disability, it does not need "fixing". We need to meet our Deaf children where they are, with the language that they deserve, with the knowledge that, just like any other child, they have the RIGHT to access. It is time to stop putting these children to the side because they are not the majority. All children deserve for us as parents, family, teachers and a society to step up and truly KNOW what they need... not to be afraid of what they are and to try to change them to what makes us more comfortable.
ASL is a language... Deafness is a culture... these children are being lost when their brains and hearts are there waiting for us to be ready to teach them.
It is time for us to find what works for THEM, not us.

"How does it affect children to find that they cannot express themselves in their own language because the grown-ups in their surroundings either do not understand it, or insist that they express themselves in another way?"
Bergman 1978

"I don't cause commotions, I am one!" —Elpahaba Wicked the Musical

For my very belated birthday present (almost 6 months later) Mike and I went to Denver for the weekend to attend the musical "Wicked" based on the book by Gregory Maguire. I read this novel about the other side of the wicked witch of the west last year and loved the message behind it. Mike bought the tickets back in May, knowing that we would be living here in CO by the time the show premiered in Denver so it has been quite the wait.... but WELL worth it.
I loved everything about the musical... from the incredible music and visual effects to the character of Elphaba and her causes... but mostly the message it conveyed. This musical spoke to the fighter in me, the person who is compelled to stand up for the underdog and fight for those unpopular and impossible causes.... These good intentions and the fire I have to support the victims of injustice get me into trouble at times. I have a difficult time controlling my passion and anger for the way that people treat others.
Although the book itself is great but strange... the musical was fantastic and moving... It is a reminder for all of us to fight the good fight... no matter the consequences or public view... it has changed me for GOOD :o)

"And nobody! In all of Oz! No Wizard that there is or was...Is ever gonna bring me down!"
"I'm through accepting limits
''cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know! "
"I'm Beautifully Tragic"....

Mikinzie Ella's baptism

Sweet Day to remind us all of our innocence, our humanity and our spirituality....
I have been very busy with my new job... the little preschoolers are running me ragged along with very high expectations from my school. I did, however, get to slow down for one weekend and spend it in Phoenix with my sister's family. Mikinzie is Bree's 3rd daughter and Mike and I were asked to be her God Parents... to guide her spiritually and be there for her. I am a God parent to two other little ones and it is such an honor to be asked once more. It is a strong reminder of the person that I aspire to be. The ceremony was beautiful and special, Kinz is such a sweet little girl.

Classroom

I have been working my BUTT off on my new classroom (shoulda taken before pics) but it is practically finished and the monsters come on Monday!! I am super excited. Here's to a good year!

the job

I am fortunate enough to be employed at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and am a proud Bulldog despite being a faculty member for only 2 weeks... I can't believe the warmth and support that I have received in my induction here and am truly excited to begin this journey with my 3 and 4 year old students. They have tested my courage and allegiance with a terrifying ropes course and my endurance with 2 weeks of 11 hour days. But I have a great paraprofessional and an amazing admin staff..
That being said... I am slightly terrified and exhausted and the kids haven't even arrived yet. This preschool program has been in duress for the past few years and they are thankful to have a certified teacher of the Deaf as an addition to their early childhood program... but as only a 4th year teacher and having experience only in the areas of science and english I am not sure that I am the savior that they have made me out to be. I have also been entrusted with the "early years" program which is a support/resource program for parents of young Deaf children that need support and that gives them ideas and companionship... it is such an amazing concept and I am nothing but proud to not only be apart of it, but run it... it is flattering... and OVERWHELMING.
I only hope that I have the strength to meet these parents and children where they need me to be... to be the teacher and shoulder to these families that I feel is my calling...
I am excited and scared to be a part of this endeavor... but what other feelings would be necessary?....
faith?

Page High School Reunion

I can't believe that I am old enough to have been to my 10 year high school reunion. The years have flown by but it was so great to see everyone. I am not sure why I thought it would be fine to plan this event from Boston and during all of our life changes in moving out west. I tend to pile things on... when you are crazy busy, what is one more little thing right? ha... There was quite a bit more involved in this little weekend gathering than I originally thought but after a few minor hiccups, I think that it turned into a great time. I loved seeing old friends (who still look amazing) and their little families. It is wonderful to see the people you have grown up with all grown up and being such great parents. We had a gathering at the Marriott patio on Friday evening, a family beach day on Saturday and then the dinner that night at a great sushi place in town.
Here are some of the highlights of the weekend from the PHS class of '99