What do you want to be when you grow up?

There is never a dull moment when teaching Kindergarten. We are currently finishing a unit on Community Helpers and I asked the children to draw a picture of what they might like to be when they grow up. Here are some responses:

"I want to be a pirate when I grow up." (Illegal, but doable)

"A princess." (Umm...how about an actress?)

"A King." (Of what?)

"A monkey." (What do you want to be WHEN YOU GROW UP. Not when it's Halloween.)

"A ghost." (When you grow up. Not when you're dead."

"A circle." (We're doomed.)

Hubby-isms: Guest Appearance by a Co-Worker

The husband has really been watching himself or perhaps he's really improved his vocabulary and speaking skills. I'd like then, to introduce my friend, co-worker, and teaching partner. Unwittingly thrown into the kindergarten mee-lee, he is still learning kindy-speak. Here are a few examples:

To a pair of student teachers who want to learn the ropes:

Ladies, ask lots of questions. Tell me what you need. Just SUCK ME DRY.

To the kids as they enter the class:

C'mon and take off your clothes quickly so we can have fun on the carpet!

To his group of attentive 4 and 5 year olds:

Who wants to come up and touch Mr. Pickle?

Literal Music Videos

Omigod, I haven't laughed this hard in a while. Thanks to the sis for sending this to me! Sorry, don't know how to put the video up properly but check this link. Worth it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-x9ygQEGA

Shameless mommy blogging

Warning: The following is endless blathering about how interesting my kids are lately. This verbal diarreah does not mean to assume any sort of developmental superiority of my children. It is more likely an indication of how my kids may one day end up on the wrong side of law. Also, it is an indication that I have no life.

Avery is becoming ever more verbal. He doesn't do party tricks like Bowie did (Bruce Lee and Jet Li imitations) but he's now able to say, "Moy!" (don't want it), juice, nai-nai (milk), wo-wo sit!, blast off!, and "play!" but he still can't quite say "Mommy" with any kind of clarity or consistency. If he sees any exposed thigh or belly, he runs at it to give it a big, sloppy razz (which sometimes turns into a bite). He learns words that are of personal interest quickly if not accurately (Jello is Je-no, marshmallow is ma-no-no). And the boy is learning to fight! If he has a long stick of any kind, he'll run at people yelling "Da-da!" which means "Hit-hit!" Today, he was playing with the condensation on the window and he gave my sister a questioning look. "Moisture" didn't work with him so she told him, "Sup, sup" meaning "wet" which her repeated over and over as he slapped at the window.

Bowie is up to all her old tricks and some new ones. Today, she lost sight of us for a moment at Ikea. She let out short gasp of fear and realization then walked back to where we were last but still did not see us (it was crowded). I watched as she approached a nice looking old lady and said, "Excuse me. Where is my mommy?" Good for her.

But my latest favourite is when she pulled a "sword" from her back, pointed it at him and demanded, "BOW TO ME!"

You tell him, Bowie.

Restaurant Review: The Rushton

One kid-less evening, the hubby and I knew vaguely that we wanted a very nice yet fairly casual dinner but didn't want to go to our usual spots. Driving along St.Clair West, I told him to "Stop the car!" because a pleasant looking corner restaurant with large windows immediately beckoned with the promise of good times. From the street, I noticed stacked stone walls lit with LED lights contrasted by antique light fixtures hung from the ceiling and candles at the tables. It was almost full for Monday night around 6:30 which was another indication that this was likely a good place to go. The menu had many of my favourites such as moule et frites, crab cakes, braised lamb shanks, and duck confit. It also had some impressive looking burgers. All in all, the food was mostly very good, the servers young, attractive, and pleasant, and atmosphere great. Definitely worth another visit.

I don't know about this.....

I've ranted previously about my dismay over "Phantom of the Opera: The Musical Part 2." I don't think I've ever mentioned, but "Lord of the Rings: The Musical" was a disaster. Now I hear on the radio that they have "Spiderman: The Musical," apparently the most expensive musical to be produced. I'm sure the rights weren't cheap nor was hiring Bono of U2 to do the music.

Don't get me wrong. I love both off-beat and traditional musicals. Pop culture based musicals also have their place as I've thoroughly enjoyed "Cobra: The Musical," and "Evil Dead: The Musical." (I'm hoping to see "The Toxic Avenger: The Musical.") The genre is fun and can make even the most dismal and depressing of topics fun and up beat (Urinetown).

But Spiderman? Like Lord of the Rings, I think this is just another money grab off of something that is currently hip and already has a large fan base that enjoy spending money. And of course, I'm part of that demographic. Here you go, Stan Lee.

Slip of the Tongue

I recently went to an Equity Symposium to further enlighten and reinforce the good examples and interventions we need to be and make as educators. While there, I met a high school teacher. I asked her what she taught: "Design and technology. We plan, design and build things that the students are interested like a one bedroom home, a line of designer clothing, a landscape project or a new vehicle. Then the students present them to each other and even to other schools or universities." My reply, "This week, we're learning the letter F!"

Here's a short and empowering (and entertaining) video they presented:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQZwZVBDAHI