My Connections to Play

There are children playing in the street who could solve some of my top problems in physics, because they have modes of sensory perception that I lost long ago.

J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER,

You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.--Plato, Greek philosopher 

I was so excited to write about play and the impact it had on me as a child...I grew up in the 80's what a great time too!  We played outside all day and used our imagination and came home when the streets lights came on.  My parents were a great supporter of my play they encourage it and supported my passions of my love for my Cabbage Patch Doll which I still have today including my adoption papers.   My doll is Lila Julienne and she went every where and had all the accessories I would need to be a great mom :) My mom would tell people that is her granddaughter and supported me in wanting more children by buying three more siblings.  I played for hours with my dolls and created elaborate scenarios in playing house.  I never let my friends hold any of my children but I always created ways they could join in the fun!  My second love was my big wheel, of course it was not exactly like the one pictured  because the seat was higher but I remember burning some rubber in my cul-de-sac.  My friends and I would race carry our babies on the back and be the police to the older kids because we knew that we were the fastest.  My childhood was fantastic I was always outside, never even knew what a video game was until I was in the 7th grade and then still preferred to be outside.

 I think the difference of youth today is they don't know how to play.  They prefer electronics over imagination and exercise and show no interest in interacting with friends because it is so hot outside!  I never knew what hot was and I lived in Oklahoma for 7 years as a child.  I understand that the dynamics have changed with urbanization and children missing but take them to the park for goodness sakes or go outside with them and watch them play!  We grow up as adults and I know for myself that play with and without my parents was an integral part of my childhood still today. 

I believe what separates us from our childhood is the ability to play....if  recent studies can be found that taking a 30 minute nap improves our thinking abilities at work, than why not study the measure of play and how an imagination can improve your overall abstract thinking.  I bet if we asked a 4 year-old the best way to build a bridge they would come up with a better solution than a 28 year old who has a masters in engineering.  Its all about the ability to think beyond the problem in the box but to explore the problem beyond its realms.   

Relationship Reflection

I will begin by stating that relationships are a key component of who we are and what we become later in life.  It is a known fact that our parents and environment influence us beyond our years before we even realize it is happening.  Relationships are the glue that holds us together and defines who we are on the inside.  I grew up with great relationships stemming from my mother, siblings, and aunts to now a wife and mother. 

I cannot recall the events that took place with those wonderful relationships but I have not spoken to my mother, siblings, and aunts in over three years now....instead I fill my days with caring for my three children, and being a teacher, and a wife.  My positive relationships begin with my three beautiful children whom I love with all my heart.  Each of my children are unique and different, a relationship I cherish as I spend quality time with each of them understanding why they are so special.  My oldest son is 15 and I must say there is something about your first born because we have a bond that is tight like glue.  He tells me his dreams and aspirations, looks to me for support and comfort and always willing to share his special moments with me.  In return I empathize, laugh, and celebrate his life.  We are so alike and yet so different.....My middle child is 12 going on 13 and though he reminds me allot of myself, he such a polar opposite of what I envision for him too.  Smart and witty he makes me laugh and smile but his teenage perceptions of the world make me want to scream!  I am not sure if he is going through a phase right now or I am just seeing more of his dad in his personality, but I long for my sweet child's affection and  kisses.  My son use to love to sit in my lap and read and now I have to compete with his IPOD and phone.  I miss my little man but i look forward to the man he will become.  My youngest is 4 and a princess, I hope she never grows up!  She is such a joy so warm and giving and always thinking of her brothers.  She loves giving kisses and telling me how much she missed me...a word  I don't take for granted for I know as a mother there will be an absence of time before she remembers to say it again in her adult years.

 Here is a picture of my family and our nephew...my greatest joys and achievements!

Although, my children are a true blessing I learned how to love and be patient from my husband. Marcus is my rock and salvation, the only person who has been true and loved me unconditionally. We are complete opposites yet he makes me whole in every way. We have been married for 13 years and although we have been through some tough times we always made a promise to work through it together. I know there is no one I would rather argue, love, or want to make me happy then my husband who commits himself to me everyday of our lives.

I know that my positive relationships come from the love and joy of my family, but I do understand as a parent and mother the perspectives of my parents and children I interact with every day. I know what it is to empathize and have concerns about your child and be a military spouse, and that is why I keep the lines of communication open. I know sometimes that I maybe the person they need to vent to or give him or her support. Being a teacher is not just about sharing the love of learning but I am also a counselor, mentor, and advocate. Parents need to know they have a partner in their child's learning and I do my best to rest assure they can count on me. I am the beginning of the education system. I determine the positive and the negative of children's lifelong learning success. I am the first impression.