Wow! The tensions are high about my alma mater changing it's name. Now, I'm very protective of this institution because it was a way of life for me and so many of my dear friends. It still is such a large part of my life as its unique and sometimes wierd traditions succeeded in making life long friends for me. I simply love that place. It makes me sad to hear of the change. I want it to stay the way I remember it. The truth is the school is not the way I remember it though. It's numbers are going down fast. It's reputation is going down fast, and if this is what it takes to change it then so be it. Sentiment alone is not going to save that institution.
With that said, I don't think the name alone is going to be a cure all for MUW. All the legal battles alone are quickly sending the school down the toilet. Why would somebody want to go or encourage their child to go to a school that is so unstable. I know that if I seriously had thought in ten years the school might be going through so much turmoil and risked closing I would have reconsidered getting two degrees from there. What does that do for someone's professional credibility?
It's much easier for me to form solutions in the comfort of my home with no real influences on the school's demise so I want waste your time. It's really in vain. However, I do believe that the successful women's college in TX should be used as a model. What are they doing to make people go to thier school. Face it. It's not "cool" to go to the W anymore.
I just pray that so many of us are wrong and that there will be a turn around. Yes, it would have been better as the name I know best, but whatever it takes I suppose. Maybe somebody is making right choices.
God save the "W"!
See what I did on Saturday! Of course, I had Asher as an assistant since Mark had to work. We got up early and went to two produce stands until we found some jelly making fruit. Plums were the most abundant for the price. If I had my pick though, I would have driven to a blackberry farm about 45 minutes away, but I knew that wasn't realistic since we'd have to pick them. I just love blackberries though. Anyway, after getting our pretty little plums we went to Wal-Mart to buy our jars and stuff. I'd never done any kind of canning before on my own(I grew up around it), and Wilma said I bought stuff that wasn't really necessary. Oh well. Live and learn! Next time will be much easier since I understand the process better. I'm just very proud. I hope to make a different flavor real soon!
Like Father, like son...playing with electronics!
Asher is 16 months, and Monday was his first day in his new class. I think I just stood there for like 30 minutes waiting for him to freak out or something. I stared as he ate his breakfast. I had another mother peering on with me as her baby girl ate too. When I got in my car I realized it was ME that was freaking out. Sure, he's not starting kindergarten but this is huge for us! He's going from two naps a day to one. They don't eat in hi-chairs anymore either. He has to sit a little table like a big boy! It's just a whole other vibe in this class. There is much more curriculum. I'm excited but very scared to experience the things he'll learn. I'm scared only because of the realization of how quickly it all goes.
Well getting back on topic-- I called to check on him about noon. To my satisfaction the teacher said he was actually doing better than the other kids. Of, course! His transition was made a little smoother because four of his buddies from his previous class moved up too. Anyway, I was very pleased to hear he was just rolling with the punches. That evening he was very tired though. Evidently, they play hard in the new big boy class!
Today, he had his first gymnastics class. They have an instructor that comes to the daycare that you can pay extra for. They said he was so funny. He was trying with all his might to jump. When I asked how it went the daycare manager demonstrated for me what he did. It was a jumping motion that left him still very well planted on the ground. He's still a little too unsteady to be airborne. Once again I was happy to hear that he handled the new gymnastics time well since it's out of his sheltered little classroom. They went on and on about how social and cute he is. Tonight he was a little entertainer showing us his new trick of "jumping".
Then, my mommy ego grew even more as I entered his classroom to pick him up. His new teacher met me at the door gushing over what a good boy he is. She said that she just tells him that she needs to change his diaper and he comes right on. He never fusses, and he's a very happy boy! She went on and on, and of course I let her. I like to think he has the perfect personality. He's very social like me, but he's very chill like his Daddy. Man, am I glad he got the chill part:)
Well, thanks for humoring me by letting me brag. That's the latest on our very well adjusted little Asher!
Here are just a few highlights of our trip (in no particular order).
The lighthouse in St. Augustine
Asher and Mommy on the beach
Crawling around the condo floor after our family portraits.
Hopefully, I'll get those to post in the next few weeks.
The Fam at what is to be believed (and greatly debated) oldest house in the country
Playing on the beach at night
Asher and Daddy having fun. Don't be fooled though. Asher did not like the sand AT ALL. Most of our sun-time was spent at one of the pools.
Getting our fresh seafood fix...exept Mark. This was his first meal after the "plague". A turkey sandwich had to do:(
Asher's favorite part of the resort...the kiddie pool. He loved to let the sprayers knock his pacifier out of his hand and say "uh oh" over and over.
Doing it again!
It's Monday, and we just walked into the door about 30 minutes ago. We left Tuesday (22nd) and stopped half way. We arrived at our resort in Palm Coast on Wednesday (23rd). Then, we left there Sunday (27th) morning and spent the day in St. Augustine. Now, we're back in good ole Chatt-Town. We're grateful for our vacation but relieved to be back. I must be getting old because I'm looking foward to my own bed:)
The trip was interesting to say the least. It FLEW by. There were 4 couples each with a child a piece. Well, out of those 12 people and 2 condos only 3 did not get a stomach virus!!! We were the first family to get it so we had the burden of feeling like we ruined everyone's vacation by bringing the sickness. I promise we didn't do it on purpose!!! Not to mention, one of the girls lost her wedding set off the balcony and never recovered it! Someone will be a VERY happy person one day if they find it. Needless to say, she was sick for the rest of the time just for that. However, I'm going to try to focus on the short positive, well time we had. Asher loved the kiddie-pool, and St. Augustine was a lot of fun. The resort was beautiful, and the niceset place I've ever stayed really. It was the Ginn Hammock if you're ever looking for a great spot. There are pictures to follow, I promise! My gears are already turning planning our next family vacation!
“As a mother, my job is to take care of what is possible and trust God with the impossible.”--Ruth Bell Graham
