Lost in translation

Jason loves his job. And he's an amazing teacher. Latin and Ancient Greek don't always sound appealing to teenagers. They sound hard, old, and generally un-fun. But J's class is different. Here's a quick story from his class yesterday.

Mr. Lichte: So iste means "that dastardly one." Does anyone use words like that these days? Do you guys even know what that means?

Class: Blank deer-in-the-headlights stares.

Mr. Lichte: How about "that sneaky person?" Do you guys ever say things like that?

Class: Blank deer-in-the-headlights stares.

Mr. Lichte: So John,* what would be a better word? Something you'd use that everyone would understand?

John: [Thinking...] A**hole.

Mr. Lichte: Absolutely not. You know that's not an adjective. We need an adjective. Try again.

John: [more thinking...] Sh*##y.

Mr. Lichte: Maybe we should just stick with iste.

*Name changed to protect the innocent (and creative).

The first baby pics

Is this not amazing?!? I know I'm Mom, but seriously. This kid is in my BELLY! at this very moment, and hasn't ever seen the outside world, yet I can see him so clearly! The photo isn't even a photo - no camera involved - it's a 3D ultrasound. And the most amazing part of all is that just 35 (not-so-short) weeks ago, he was just a thought in God's mind. Or maybe a cell. And I did nothing. God "knit him" in my womb as I drank Dr. Pepper and ate millions of bowls of cereal. Incredible.

Candy cuteness

What a crazy, silly holiday. Fun, messy and, except for the sugar highs readily available for months afterward, exhausting. Neat opportunity to learn about giving to others for no reason, though. And I'm the learner in that scenario. I wanted to keep all the good stuff, but Zoe was at least as excited about handing it out to kids who would come to "visit" as she was wearing a tutu and leaving a glitter trail all around the neighborhood. So we gave away the good stuff (except for the Reece's pieces I smuggled into the pantry without her noticing...).

Whatever the origins of the holiday, at our house it's just become a good day to be together, be outside, dress up, and eat junk. Kind of like college for kids, now that I think about it. Anyway, it provided lots of good photo opportunities, and the girls had me in stitches all day long. And even if we do have enough candy to put a dino in dentures, those pudgy, sticky sweet faces at the end of the day were worth every single "That's enough candy today!" I'll have to say all month.