TEACHERS

First off as an Elementary Education major, I am going to rant about how some teachers are portraying awful habits towards children in different high school among us. I do not know exactly what is going on in their heads it just puts me in amazement. Most of the Joplin Area has heard about the new allegations between the Webb City teacher and the football player having sexual relations although, she was fired the student is still approved to graduate and continue his scholarship on Football. He therefore had no punishment and it just amazes me how the Webb City School foundation works. I also did some research on other teachers here in the state of Missouri, there is a website known as http://www.teacherscrime.com/, you can locate any state and it will tell you the charges. I think it is rather inappropriate that teachers seem to find younger children “attractive”. I read up on a girl named Teresa Engelbach whom was a student teacher, had sexual relations with a 14-year-old boy, the charges were felony, second degree statutory rape and misdemeanor of sexual misconduct. I really did not expect to read about so many teachers doing this kind of action and I would think they could find someone their own age. Right? Guess not! I also read on CNN that two teachers were using unacceptable behavior at a pep rally using lap dances to draw attention. Who does that? Seriously, do you want to teach students that it is OK to sell yourself to SEX? I understand in health class that we teach student to use protection and be safe but that just makes them more curious. If the teacher is doing this behavior then they think they can as well. They are 13-18 years old it is not acceptable and it really makes me PISSED that schools hire these kind of people and the handbook is not followed accordingly. I think using the websites to locate sexual offenders near your home is a great to be protective of your home and know the people around you. Although, living near a few of them really worries me because of my daughter and people are just crazy at times. I pray that every family is safe… The world can be a scary place.

MAMA MOMMY

As the year pass I ponder over the relationships built spiritually, family, boyfriend and my daughter. I realize how much I have grown up through the years. During high school, I was a cheerleader and I enjoyed the long nights out with friends and gossip. I realize how much of a difference I have changed through out the past three years with my mother being sick. I am twenty-one years old with an eighteen-month-old daughter whom I adore everyday. I think back to the care, love and support my father and mother gave me, which pushes me to be a better person. My parents never gave up on me even when they were driving through Joplin to figure out where I had gone. My mother was rather strict although I completely understand WHY and HOW stupid I had been. My father is rather quiet but he is respectful and trustworthy towards my family and kept us together over the past twenty years and more to come. Once the doctor diagnosed my mother with ALS, I slowly pushed myself away from God. I was very angry towards my loved ones and did not have the patience to cope with this illness. After going to Forest Park, I have realized my reactions were ridiculous and how I needed to trust in God more. I am still with my daughter’s father whom I love with all my heart, which like every couple we have our differences and our spats. I know that after a long day I have him to help me snap out of any mood, relax and just talk. My daughter is the one that helps me feel even more appreciative because of the way she needs me to help her in every necessity. I love the feeling of her waking up next to me and trusting that I will not leave her. I am sure you are thinking “HER DAUGHTER STILL SLEEPS WITH HER?” Yes. Yes. I am a very attached to my daughter because of my mother’s death and I will nurture here until it is time to let her go. It brings me to a funny situation the past couple days. Last night I got her ready for bed and told her it was time to go potty and like a big girl, she went in there and went pee so I did a potty dance of course. I felt on top of the world and she though it was the funniest thing and danced around the bathroom clapping saying “bye bye pee pee”. She then woke up with the same intentions...POTTY. Although she is still young, I hope this attraction to the potty continues. I have my “mommy” weeks where I think about my mother and continue to follow by example. Since my mother’s birthday and almost a year since she has passed my sister and I decided to decorate her mausoleum with some fun Spring colors… I hope that it looks as good as we plan. I also want to thank God for everything he has done in my life and I will follow him until I meet him face to face! AMEN.

DRAMA...

My homepage on the Internet is set to AOL.com and I can see the latest breaking news around the world. I use to watch Jon and Kate plus Eight on TLC and I loved the interaction between the parents and children. The Gosselins seemed to be a normal family with life struggles and of course caring for eight children. I remember the Episode when Jon and Kate took the girls to Disney World and all of them had matching dolls and attended breakfast with the Disney Characters. It reminded me of going to Florida with my father, mother and sister about 10 years ago, but I preferred the beach more. Although this family has suffered a rough year with Jon not being “happy” and cheating on his wife, which is his highly unacceptable. The divorce was final December 18, 2009 and her words were "I am very relieved that our divorce has been finalized, and I look forward to the New Year, focusing on the children," Kate said in a statement. "On behalf of myself and my legal team, I want to express my deep appreciation to the Judge and his staff, as well as to the arbitrator, for resolving this case." It just blows my mind that they ended a marriage when the two needed to work out a plan and get help fast. Personally, I think TLC ruined this family because of all the fame that interfered with their marriage, but again they signed up for it because of the money. As an Elementary Education major, I think about the children’s background and hope that all of them can still find time to focus on school instead of divorce, fighting or even abuse in the family. I also noticed that the Gosselins have recently sold their home for twenty-two thousand dollars less than what they bought it for in 2006. The new Homebuyer Tax Credit is a great way for people to start a family and enjoy a few extra dollars to make house payments or necessities. It is based upon the choices we make and hopefully we can all be successful in our lives.

ASSIGNMENT GONE WACK

Well… These past few days have been a bit of a challenge for me as the work is increasing. In high school I took a Movie Maker class therefore, I had more knowledge going into my Education Computer Software. The computers on MSSU campus are so slow and I was determined to make this movie with pictures and music perfect. It took me the whole week and then on Friday the computer froze and lost some information. YES, I SAVED IT. I then came home and uploaded Windows Movie Maker to my computer and to my knowledge, it would not read my flash drive. I then went on with my day and just said forget it I will fix it on Monday, that was a bad idea.

I had a wonderful weekend with my boyfriend David and daughter especially with it being Valentines Day weekend. I chose some things to do to de stress through out the next few semesters and I am currently taking my daughter to the Flip Shop for Mom and Tot classes for forty-five minutes. I love watching her jump around and run like a wild girl on a mission and it is all about her of course it makes us feel complete. My boyfriend took me out on a wonderful dinner to Japanese Steak House and waited two hours but it was worth the wait. I enjoyed some quality time with my sister as I drove her to Pittsburg, KS to go dress shopping for prom and she found a beautiful dress. I remember shopping with my mother for dresses and I felt sadness for my sister because she did not get the opportunity as well. I finally played some Bingo at Bordertown Casino in Seneca, MO although, David and I did not win any money but it was a great time with old friends.

Then of course back to reality in total mondaze as I walk into class at eight in the morning just to realize I have to start all over on my project. I finished the project and emailed it to my professor and he said the servers were down and wanted to grade them in class while viewing. I have put my blogs off for the week because I have had two papers for my Educational Psychology and Educational in a Global Society. Now I am back on track but it just felt like a bumpy road and I had to trust in God. In addition, anyone who is interested in garage sales Forest Park Baptist Church is raising money for Haiti on Sat Feb 20... LOTS OF STUFF!

STUDENTS

During the past semesters, I enjoy going to the schools and observing different behaviors in students. The class I am currently in has a requirement of thirty-two hours needed. The first schools I observe are the Joplin High School, Elementary and last Middle Schools. I remember being a student in my teenage years but society has increased temptation in sex, drugs and other illegal actions. I cannot disclose which classroom, teacher but I will say the structure, and engagement was awful.

I think about the type of classroom and setting structure I want in my classroom. I love love love kids age 2-7 eventually I can teach Early Childhood and K-2, but I hope to move away after graduation. I want set rules so that kids understand that the classroom is a different environment than at home. I would like my lesson plans organized where the students engage and focus on learning in a fun atmosphere. Although, I still have a year to finish, pedagogy will help me to understand a classroom setting, and I cannot wait to student teach.

As I go into different classrooms, the students run wild and enjoy attention from a “new person”. I observed a few students and was so flabbergasted that I just questioned my self “did he just ask that?” I am sure you are wondering what he said… Well a few students were discussing how many times they interact in pleasure through sex, attended jail and the amount of tickets issued. I then over heard a student say, “Would you like to buy an eight ball” referring to cocaine, crack, meth etc. The student and his pregnant girlfriend replied, “How much, lets talk after class.” The teacher NEVER said a word about it to the students and then class dismissed. I just wanted to ring his/her neck and send them to the office but I am not obligated to say ANYTHING. I just pretended I did not hear it and went on with my day. In my psychology class, my Professor told us that in St. Louis thirty crack babies were born in ONE month (his daughter is in Labor and Delivery) Guess who is the main distributor of cocaine? YES JOPLIN! Unbelievable…What is wrong with these people? Most of these teachers just go to work, get a paycheck and do not care what is in the best interests for these students and their future. I WANT to be a part of a student’s life and for them to feel safe and talk.

I always think about my daughter’s future and pray that she will know what is best for her to make right choices. I think about school in 2006 and the parties but I do not remember these types of incidents, society has changed dramatically. No wonder Obama is trying to make education better in student’s lives and pass Reach for the Top. I understand it is more days in school but the focus would help teachers teach and help students who do not receive help at home. Please pray for our young children/students and that they overcome peer pressure.

Missing Boy

On Thursday February 4, 2010, a man named Eddie Salazar reported that two men beat him unconscious and abducted his eight-month-old son. An Amber Alert announcement showed up on headlines, text and flashing billboards to help find this little boy named Eddie Salazar Jr. The Carthage Police acted quickly and kept the father in a questioning room to further the investigation. A friend who works with the mother decided to go back to work, which come to find out many rumors started in the Joplin, Webb City and Carthage area. The mother had announced to friends that her husband was a drug dealer and that two men broke into their house and stabbed him. Although, the Police Department announced that the report was a false statement and he is now on a $100,000 bail bond. On Saturday February 6, a boy found in Spring River near Carthage, MO lodged behind a tree and fits the description: Mexican and 20lbs. The autopsy will determine the cause of death.

In a parents point of view it boggles my mind that a person would do this to his or her own child. How can someone have the nerve and rage to hurt a little human being who is learning to communicate? I think that if the father could not get the child to calm down then he should have called the mother to come home and soothe him to sleep then go back to work. In addition, if he had given the boy shaken baby syndrome he could have called 911 or dropped him off at the hospital in Carthage. Then the boy would still be alive and foster parents are available in the area that can provide a better life. I understand that at times it is stressful when a child is crying, teething, hungry, bellyaches and just uncomfortable but it takes patience. If a parent is having problems then they need to reach out to a friend or relative to ask for support or a few hours to get away. I would also recommend a place here in Joplin called Hour Kids charging $5 an hour and the child needs their immunization up to date. The atmosphere is welcoming and it is full of toys but the parent has to provide food because they have no kitchen. This is located on 4th Street near Rangeline behind the Subway in little outlet.

I then ask myself what is wrong with the American Society. Do people not understand the sixth commandment “You shall not commit murder” is it that hard? I think this is many of the reasons why I crawl myself into my daughters bed at night just to keep her extra safe. It is not hard to enjoy being a parent… PATIENCE and LOVE is all you NEED!

MTV Teen Mom

I guess this is just a mom week for me and I have been thinking about the past year. My daughter Paisly was born on August 29, 2008; she was 21.1 inches long and 7 lbs 6.4 ounces. I remember her moving around in my belly and kicking as if it was yesterday and a week overdue. While driving to Freeman Hospital I thought “WOW this is my last day of freedom and driving ALONE” my life was about to change in the most significant way. I was so nervous that I had a high blood pressure and was on medicine to help keep me calm and the epidural did wonders.

To me a mother is someone who cares for their child unconditionally from birth and puts her kids first. Paisly has always been my number one priority and I would do anything for her. One of the main reasons I have stayed in school is because of her and I want the best for our family. I have always had an interest in children and could not wait to have my own with the person I loved. It has all gone by so fast that I do not even know where to begin. I have always let Paisly sleep in bed with us especially after everything with my mother. I enjoy being at home with her and playing baby dolls, coloring, cooking etc...

After watching Teen Mom, related some of my problems with Farrah, Catelyn, Maci and Amber. Although, I was not 16 and pregnant I felt at times I could not experience college life and “friend time.” I think that Farrah never spent time with Sophia and felt she needed to find a man to fulfill that father figure when she needed to focus on mommy time instead of her parents. I could not imagine being in Catelyn and Tyler’s shoes and giving my daughter up for adoption. I think about adoption and it makes me sick knowing I would not be spending Christmas, Thanksgiving, Birthday and milestones. I think it is a great decision for younger kids because it gives their child a better future. Maci is a great mom and defiantly tried to make Ryan happy and still manage school full time- working and a new mom. I think that it takes a very organized and responsible person to care for their child especially when he/she is up all night from teething, ear and bellyaches. It is tough at times. Words cannot express how irritate Amber made me on the show and how inconsiderate she was towards her fiancé Gary. Gary always paid for her items that she needed or wanted and she had the audacity to yell at him. Seriously, why do men put up with that?

In conclusion, women are not your rulers. Especially if you are married, the woman should care for the husband as well. It is a bond between two people and woman should cook, clean and care for the children especially if the woman is a stay at home mom and the husband pays the bills. More information is in the book called: “The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands.”

MOMS SPEECH

Lou Gehrigs disease SUCKS! If you have no idea what it is please research it!

The words to explain my mother through the years would be strong, beautiful and most of all loving. No matter where we would go she could always have a smile on her face. She pushed our family to be respectful loving and generous throughout the years. They say women are supposed to be two things: classy and fabulous. Mom always made sure she looked her best and the right jewelry to flow with the outfit. Over the past few months, people have mentioned I dress like an old woman and a mirror image of my mom.

During the years before she got sick she was determined to take us on adventures. She would always tell dad “OK take off work” Then she would buy the tickets and make reservations. Some unforgettable times would be when the three of us drove to Lawrence, KS just to welcome Tatum into the world. Mom was defiantly not use to the hospital, but she was determined to get into the parking garage. She ended up hopping the curb and drove right on through Janelle then noticed that the top was scraping the car. Although, we promised not to tell because the car was BRAND NEW! When Christie was in second grade, she said she busted her chin open and blood was gushing everywhere, mom was so worried that she left the house with NO SHOES so she had to wear the hospital booties. Another funny story was at the lake again the four of us plus two of our friends out on the lake. Dad let us tube on the back and well he didn’t notice a big wave coming which went over the boat and started flooding and my mothers first reaction was to dump out the Pringles and get all the water out. She always wanted to protect our family against everything. Our dad sometimes wishes he would have traveled with her more and she was the direction map for him. All of us know that she is his guide through life and a beautiful angel in heaven.

I never thought I would be in this situation 20 years old, mother, and losing my mother. Our family has dedicated the past year and a half catering to her needs and wants. Our mother’s wants always consisted of McDonalds, fish filet, icees, ice cream and the most famous panera bread. This disease took over our mother’s famous attributes: she loved to talk, laugh, teach, learn shop and had the most flowing handwriting. She eventually got to the point where she could not walk and we would have to put her in the chair. Our family will never forget the showers outside with Robin and Terra (hospice nurses). Mom enjoyed the outdoors especially our last trip to Florida to visit her sister Merilee and the family. Ever since mom decided on the hospital bed I would ask dad “Do you think you and Jay can wheel the bed out to the pool?” Mom’s big brown eyes would start at us like “YES PLEASE”. I remember my sister and I getting dressed up for different events and she would always do her hand in the shape of a C, which was CUTE. Our mom always took us shopping so it had to look good of course. Even though she could not talk, I could always tell what she was thinking by the look in her big brown eyes.

I sometimes wonder which part of my mom I should remember: The one who satisfied our needs or the one who fought for her life. My dad said I will always remember both although, I hope one day I can be as strong as she can. The last few months helped us become closer with God and the Angels. The most significant days would be when she pointed around the room and open her hand up wide as if she was holding hands with someone. I asked “hey momma is someone in the room that I can not see” she gave me a thumbs up which meant “YES” I would ask her different names of people who had passed and I asked about her Father and she said “YES” and pointed to exactly where he was in the room. I did ask others and she would tell me “NO”. Our family knew what NO MEANT! I asked do you know when the angels are taking you home she had the big brown eyes like “YES”. During that time I asked those questions she would always point with two fingers but we all thought it was a different channel or to move her around in the bed. It went on for a few weeks towards the end. As her time got closer, I thought about it and sure enough, she knew she was leaving on 4-22 at exactly 12 PM. God and the angels were watching over her this whole time and waited for her although, she held out until we were ready. Picking out flowers my father noticed a plaque that read 2- live 2- teach = 4 forever. The two resemblance all runs together and it means have faith and everything will be ok. My last words to my mother were “I’ll love you forever and always my mommy you’ll be my beautiful angel”. There will be days she will be missed, but the pain is gone and no more suffering.

ALS

Kids of ALS- a group of people who have had parents diagnosed or passed away from ALS

Alpha 1- a new gene to diagnos ALS.

I can not believe it has been almost a YEAR.. Our family has grown so much...