Miracle Midnight

This is one lucky toad. In fact, he's a miracle toad. The kids were outside and decided to do a routine check of the window well to see what wildlife they can free from the "pit of death." I heard a scream and new it couldn't be good. There were toads, 6 of them to be exact, all dead. 5 of the toads were stiff and a bit on the crispy side. As we picked up #6 his little arm twitched. I told Grace that perhaps he was only little bits dead. We rushed him into the house and I ran warm water over his back. He opened one eye and then stretched his arm. We could not believe it! Seriously, the thing was as good as dead just moments before. His tummy was sunken in and his skin was dry and shriveled up. He sat in my hand with the warm water running over him so I decided to see what would happen if I warmed it up just a little more. As I did, he moved. If he'd had the energy I'm sure he would have jumped. As it was though, he just moved his little arm. I told Grace that she needed to prepare her heart for his impending death. I was 100% sure he wouldn't make it another hour. She gathered grass for a soft bed and threw in some rose petals just for color and we put him in a little water and waited. We stop to check on him every 10 minutes to see if he'd died yet . About 30 minutes later I saw what looked like him trying to drink. He actually drank almost all the water I gave him. He is now hopping around his box! One minute we were ready to bury him and the next he's enjoying life. Grace named him Midnight Light (after her desire to have Native American ancestors). I figure that name is fitting because before the evening is over he will be the newest occupant of my garden. Truly amazing!

Because I'm the Mommy

This is being written several days after I first started a firestorm at school. I've had time to reflect and calm down. Yesterday, I stood my ground. I had resolve. I wasn't the only one, but it was a lonely crowd. We did what we felt was the best for our kids. The passion is still here, but I'm weary. I've lost a little steam but I'm still hot. Wish I could have written in the midst of it because the writing would have been more intense. I probably would have used a few more all caps.
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I have no problem with people who want to encourage my children to be the best they can be. Who doesn't need or want encouragement? The fact that the President of the United States of America thinks it's his right to be streamed live into every public educated classroom in the country is unbelievable. The fact that the Department of Education thinks it is appropriate to send lesson plans to teachers and have them ask the kids how they can help the president is a slap in the face to both teachers and parents. His speech was good, he has smart writers, but it was changed. Only after the parents of America stood their ground and said, "Not my kids" did they decide to change things up. Our family believes Obama is harming our country. Why would we want our kids to write an essay saying how they can help him? WE DON'T. We are their parents. We have the authority. Not Obama, not the DOE and certainly not their school. One of the teachers said, "I don't see what the problem is but I will grant your wishes", as though she is some magical fairy and I'm at a wishing well. I know you don't see what the problem is. That's the problem. We are the parents. We make the decisions and you (teacher) do not have any parental authority. It wasn't a wish, it was a command. My children WILL NOT participate. Because I'm the Mommy.