Brandon's candid moments

I have always said that Brandon's candidness with strangers is one day going to get me, him, or both of us killed. I thought that moment was going to happen yesterday while we were out shopping.Brandon needed some new shoes so we went to Famous Footwear to pick some up.

Of course it was busy since it was the day after Thanksgiving, but he needed shoes and I knew there would be some sales. We finally picked out shoes that we could both be happy with and went to check out. The line was really long because there was only one register open. One of the ladies in front of us had on a Barack Obama T-shirt. I didn't even notice, but Brandon did. He took the opportunity to strike up a conversation. "Hi," he said, "you like Barack Obama?" She said, "yes." "Well you know he isn't good and McCain is better" he continues. At this point, I notice her shirt and tell Brandon that in America it is ok for people to have their own opinions. I was hoping that would be the end of it. "Look, on your shirt ma'am, Obama won't wear a flag. That is bad" he explains.At this point the woman is getting irritated. And just for a little more emphasis Brandon tells her, "You should have voted for McCain."Now I am wanting to run out of the store. But I notice a distraction to try to redirect Brandon. A tiny baby behind us. Thank goodness it worked.

When we got in the car I explained to Brandon that we don't need to talk about politics in public with stangers. He said "well she had on the shirt." And I told him yes she did but it didn't mean you had to comment on it.I thought Brandon is smart for bringing up the fact that she had the t-shirt on. If you are going to wear something of that nature, you should be ready for people to like or dislike your display. I just think the woman didn't like being lectured by a little white boy.

Be Thankful

**I snagged this from our church bulletin**

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you are tired and weary,
because it means you have made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. (author unknown)

Mammoth Cave

Brandon and I had a great time this weekend. We travelled to Byrdstown, TN on Saturday morning and met Dan there. We were able to keep Dan a secret from Brandon and he was very excited to see Dan.

As soon as we got there, we had to meet up with my parents, brother and his two sons. We ate some good ole country cooking at The Bobcat Den. After a very filling lunch we went over to visit my Granddad. He is in a nursing home for rehabilitation after a bad bit of sickness. He was with the physical therapist when we got there. In order to get him to work out, we had to join in with the exercise. Brandon at one point told Grandpa that he would put him in time out if he didn't do his exercise. Grandpa replied, "Good I will take a 10 hour time out." The PT asked him why he was here if the grandkids were going to do all the work. He replied "That's what I wanna know."

That evening we went down to the Dixie where we took in some more good country food and some live bluegrass music. Sierra Hull and her brother sang and played for us. Brandon enjoyed it so much that we had to buy the CD before we left.

The next morning we got up early and headed for Cave City, KY. We headed to Mammoth Cave and got ready for a 4 mile hike through the cave. We were able to see some beautiful gypsum formations, some amazing canyons, and incredible stalagmites and stalagtites. Brandon was amazed that we were actually INSIDE the earth. He was able to ask many questions to the ranger and he had a great time. He did get worried when he found out that they were going to turn the lights out on us.

We finally made it through the cave tour and headed back to the hotel. There was a indoor heated pool. It wasn't heated enough for me but Brandon loved it. We hadn't been there long before 2 more boys that were on the same tour with us showed up at the pool. The boys played so well together. Dan and I were able to play some UNO while they swimmed.

The next morning we had to head home in the rain. :( But we had a great time hanging out and seeing some incredible natural wonders.

A long drive with Brandon

Time in the car is usually a great time to find out what is going on in Brandon's head. The trip to Tennessee this weekend was fairly quiet. But the closer we got to our destination they more chatty Brandon got.

We were driving past a large area that had recently been plowed. Brandon took in the sight and then explained to me that "Apparently, they are about to build a house." Now if that is the case, I would LOVE to see a house that big.

Then he was reading his Pepsi bottle. "Mom, Did you know there are 250 calories in this drink? No wonder Granddad is so hyper all the time."

Why I teach

Today I assigned a writing assignment. I used the Thanksgiving holiday as stimulus for the kids to write using many different ideas. Here are some of the responses from the assignment.

People that are important in my life:

Mrs. Carroll (a fellow teacher of mine) because she takes care of us and helps us with our math work and lets us write on the smart board.

Mrs. Ball (another teacher) because I can talk to her when I got a problem.

Ms. Kreismanis because she is nice and sweet and gives you candy and does fun things and lets us watch movies.

This year I am most thankful for...
My mom because she brought me through my problems.
for trying out a regular class

When I think about Thanksgiving I think about...
sharing and give to the homeless and I think of my family for helping me through my problems.
spending time with my family.


No matter how difficult each of these kids can be at times, they have sweet innocent hearts and if we look hard enough we can see the beauty in each one.

YUM!!!!!

I am going to watch this beautiful man on the big screen tonight!! I can't wait!!! Swoons!!

HUBBA HUBBA

another drive conversation

The other day as we drove home from school Brandon compared himself to a monkey.

"You know mom, I am a lot like a monkey. I like to jump. I like to run and make noise. I like to climb trees. I guess God made us a little like monkies. But I sure am glad he didn't make me like to eat other monkey's fleas!"

I am glad too!!! :)