"Heal the world...make it a better place"

This past Thursday, the world lost a music legend. Michael Jackson left this world abruptly leaving many to mourn the loss of an icon. He was arguably the most influential, the most innovative and the most talented entertainer of all time.

I didn’t get to witness firsthand the greatness of his early years – I’m too young. MTV was banned in my house, so even in the 80s and early 90s, my Michael Jackson intake was limited. But, somehow, I know words to the songs and dance moves to the videos. That’s because his musical talent goes way beyond the moment.

Oddly enough, just last week, one of the little kindergartners I’m teaching in summer school said, “I like the song Thriller! You know, Mrs. Roe, that’s Michael Jackson.” I laughed out loud. I couldn’t believe this six year old was telling me about MJ. Too funny! When I learned of his death, the reflection of this conversation led me to think about all the many fans, from old to young, that enjoyed the music of Michael Jackson.

I have already received horrible jokes about MJ’s death. I have read countless articles reminding everyone of the bizarre behavior in the latter years of his life. The very day after I heard co-workers bash on the media for making such a huge deal out of it when he was such a “bad person” and for complaining about all the coverage when it hadn't even been 24 hours. I’m not here defending him. I’m not saying I don’t agree with some of it. But, I do know that he was acquitted of the charges brought against him. And, I do know that I have no right to judge. And, I’m sorry, but it really bothers me when people negatively talk about things when they have no proof or knowledge of the absolute truth.

A few years back, I remember watching the documentary on MJ. I remember feeling so sad for him. As everyone kept calling him “Wacko,” I couldn’t help but feel deeply sorry for him. He never experienced true childhood. He missed out on so much. I don’t know if it contributed to his troubles. Yes, I understand the argument on the flipside. But, personally, I think there was more to him than we know....a genuine love for people and the wish to truly change the world.

The one thing we cannot deny is the brilliance and artistry that Michael Jackson brought to the world. If you think about the performers that we love today, most in some way were influenced by MJ. I know that many, including my friends, will not agree with me. But, I hope that Michael Jackson is remembered for the imprint he has left on music, not the headlines that ruined his career.

I wonder if Neverland Ranch will become a Graceland?

The first man in my life...

I can remember racing to the phone, answering and asking who was on the other end when I knew exactly who it was at the first word. "Yogi Bear," he would reply, followed by "Hey Hey BooBoo!" Every once in a while, he might add a "Don't forget the pic-a-nic basket" line. It was my dad, the one and only.
My dad wears socks with his houseshoes, the kind that pull up over the calf. You'll never catch him without shoes on. I have never known him to wear any other jeans other than his trusty Levis. He may replace them, but it's always the same exact style.
I always thought my dad was the coolest because he could do flips off the diving board...even if he did wear cutoff jean shorts as his swimsuit.
I honestly cannot think of a time in all my many years of playing sport after sport, season after season, that my dad was not there - He was my number one fan. After every game, I always went straight to my dad for his take on my performance. His opinion mattered most, even if it was a little tough sometimes.
My dad carried the same black lunchbox to work until sometime after I left home. I'm pretty sure it had duct tape keeping it together at the end of its life. He is a creature of habit.
He's the one who examines each and every plaque at the battlefields in Mississippi or the lighthouses in Florida. He once got pooped on by a bird at Johnson Space Center. He rode with me on my very first roller coaster at Disney World. (Actually, he was behind me as we found out once we got to the top. AHHH!)
I can hear my dad singing "The Beverly Hillbillies" theme song, waving his hands in the air. Man, that would embarrass me. I blame Kelli for that.

There is so much more about my dad that I'll keep for me: the times he's been there for me without ever questioning the circumstance, the times that it only took a hug to make me feel better, the times that all I wanted to do was go home. Each day, I appreciate him more and more.

I wish I could take back all the nights he worried about me or all the guys I dated while he just bit his tongue. I wish I knew then what I know now. Having just celebrated my dad's 28th father's day, he's just as amazing as he was 28 years ago.

As I now watch my husband with my girls, I see the same look in his eyes, the same joy on his face, the same emotion fill his heart as my dad has. I can't help but smile as I know how many memories they will make as the years go by. I thank God for blessing my girls with a dad as great as mine.

Summertime and the livin's easy...

You can add "Pool Rat" to Elliott's long list of titles...this girl is a water loving, floatie wearing, true to definition pool rat. The summer will officially begin in a couple of days and already Elliott is absorbing every minute!

The minute I walk in the door or she wakes up from a nap or finishes her lunch, she'll ask "Pool, please, Momma." We find her putting on a swim diaper over her clothes, trying to put on her own bathing suit, or wearing floaties on each arm. I'm not going to lie; it has been a bargaining tool a time or two. (I know it's horrible, but seriously, a mom's gotta do, what a mom's gotta do, right?) One day, Elliott was hanging out with Gigi and she kept begging to go to the pool. Gigi explained, "Gigi doesn't go to the pool, but when Mommy gets home, you can go." Well, not ten seconds after I entered the house, Elliott's up and ready expecting me to swoop her up and be pool bound.

She counts one, two, three and jumps off the side. She's newly discovered that floaties actually help her float. She chases Flippy and screams at the boats cruising by. She lets every bug in the water know to "Shoo!" She has even yelled "Kid! Kid!" at some little guys on a jet ski.

Just tonight, her face lit up when Eddie pulled out her swim gear. I adore her obsessions. Her passion for the things she loves is contagious. This summer is going to be one of the best yet.

Miss Piggy!

For seven months, our world has been so, so much sweeter with the addition of our precious baby Beck. She sleeps, she plays, she smiles constantly. She's a little sensitive and maybe a tad bit needy. She loves to grab her sister's hair and she's climbs on everything! She doesn't have to sleep in a swing. :) She'll let pretty much anyone hold her. She's my Beck Beck and I love her so very, very much!

Sweet baby Beck has now discovered food! She just developed this big appetite! I am amazed at how much this girl is eating! I am proud to say that she has officially started on Gerber Graduates! (If you didn't know, this was unheard of with Elliott until she was much older. I was crazily overprotective. Little did I know, her Papa had already given her tea and crackers!) So, our tiny, little petite baby won't be petite for much longer! I think she's taking after her cousin Malachi who went completely crazy at first taste. Eat on, baby Beck...just wait until you get to the good stuff!

Elle rocks the 'potty'!

The past two evenings I have spent the majority of my time in the bathroom. No, I'm not sick. And I'm definitely not cleaning (I'm sure that you could have guessed that). I've been hanging out with my everchanging two year old. We haven't said much at all to her about using the potty. She just very recently even became the slightest bit interested. We haven't been in a rush; we realized that when it's time, she'll let us know. (Yes, I'm keeping my vow to take it one day at a time).

Elliott's Gigi bought her a Sesame Street potty seat and got it out for her a couple of days ago. One look at that seat and the potty is now her best friend. She has yet to actually USE the potty, but she's talking about it non-stop and wants us to cheer for her when she hasn't done anything but sit on the potty. But, of course, we do! and we think it's too cute!

Here's a peek at our big girl... (Notice the empty toilet paper roll. She pretend 'wipes' until it's all gone, flushing the potty a crazy amount of times.)

School's out for summer! Well, for most...I'm teaching summer school, but the 2008-09 school year has officially come to an end. While I absolutely LOVE summer, swimming, spending time with my baby girls, and just having some free time, I also miss school! I miss my kids, my colleagues and just my daily routine of living a teacher's life! It never fails; each year, I cry like a baby as I read my students the final book of the year. It's just something about their tiny little hugs, big giant smiles and the innocence of their first year in school that makes me realize how lucky I am to be a teacher.

On May 10th, 2007 around 11:00 pm, I went into labor with Elliott. I remember waking Eddie from his deep sleep. As soon as the words registered, he jumped up. Ahhh, the look on his face! Priceless! Surprisingly, we were packed and ready to go. I laugh now about how I thought that the cramps I was having were contractions. Just a few hours later, I would know just exactly what contractions were! Eddie and I were so nervous yet so excited. It was definitely an amazing experience.
At about 12:30 am on May 11th, we got checked into the room and were assigned a nurse, Ruthie. At first, all was great. I was fairly comfortable and handling the pain quite well. Eddie was just settling in as we knew we had a long day ahead of us. Believe me, Ruthie, the nurse, let us know more than once. A few hours later, the pain became more intense. I informed Ruthie of the pain. She instructed me to try and work through it, that I wasn't anywhere close to being to the 'strong' ones. All through my pregnancy, I was always paranoid about being that girl who couldn't take it or that always thought she was in labor. So, I held my breath and tried again. But, soon after, I called. When she got around to it, she came back. She told me that with first babies it is always a long process, but if it got to the point I couldn't stand it to call her as she could give me something to help. About 6:00 am, it was that time. I think I might have bitten Eddie's hand. I don't remember the pain, but I do know it was something I had never ever felt. Ahhh! We pushed the call button. 10 minutes. Nothing. We pushed the button again. 10 minutes. Nothing except the same "we'll let her know" response. About this time, Eddie was getting upset. He called and told them I was in a lot of pain and to please send our nurse in. We waited. Again nothing. Now it's 6:45 am and I am hurting! Eddie couldn't take it. I kept trying to tell him that maybe she was super busy and that she was helping in a delivery or something important. He went to the nurses' station himself. Boy was I wrong, there Ruthie was sitting down doing paperwork. He explained the situation only to be told that Ruthie's shift ended at 7 am and that she was doing her end of shift paperwork. He was told that our day nurse would be in shortly.
Straight up 7 am walks in my angel, our day nurse, Robin. She sensed that I was in a lot of pain and immediately gave me some medicine to take the edge off. She then called Dr. Motley right away (who by the way is super awesome). Dr. Motley told Robin to order an epidural as soon as I want one. Seriously? She didn't even ask me, she just ordered. A short time later, I'm feeling great! At 1:23 pm, Elliott Kate Roe entered the world. Robin was there the entire day, rubbing my head, making sure I was comfortable, coaching me through each step. She handed me my sweet baby girl for the first time. Tears streamed down her face as I became emotional showing off Elle to my family for the first time. For the next two days, Robin was happily there with us and we were more than happy for her to be. To tell you the truth, when she left for the night, I felt lost.

Ruthie performed her job for what it was... a job. She went through the motions, getting in and out. She's been here and done that. As soon as she began her shift, she was counting the hours until it was quitting time. Could I have caught her on a bad day? Sure. But, not once did I feel like she cared or that she was there to help me.
Robin began working before her shift started. The love of her job was obvious from the minute she walked into the room. She made me feel like I was her only patient. Robin cried after MY baby was born. Even though she had been doing this for 13 years at that time, you would have never known. You would have thought this was the first time she had seen the birth of a baby. She completely understood the magnitude of this experience for me, Eddie and our entire family.

As I reflect on each child that left my classroom yesterday, I pray that I was their Robin, not their Ruthie. The experience I had 2 years ago inspires me to not just do my job, but love every single minute of it. My hope is that I made each family feel as if I am a part of their world. I want it to seem as if it's the first time I've ever seen a child learn to count to 30 or master all the letters of the alphabet. As I complete my fourth year of teaching, I hope to be like Robin when it's been fourteen.