I'm done!!!!!

I'm done grading my papers! But it never ceases to amaze me the mystery of college students.
Yes, I am an easy professor. I really feel that the most important thing for students is to do the activity and learn the things that I want them to. So I do accept late papers, I do give a review sheet, and yes, I round up.
I really try hard to remember what it was like as a student. Maybe I haven't been a professor long enough to be burned by the students yet. I'm sure it will come, but hopefully it won't! I did have someone say- "I didn't know it was a test today, can I take it later?"
Yes, because folks- in grad school, that's right GRAD school- yours truly forgot to study for a final. I kept having those dreams that I was forgetting something and lo and behold. Well, the professor was kind enough to let me take the test the next day. So I HAVE to remember that kindness and let my students do it too.

Matthew 18:33-35 (New International Version)

33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

So here is what I am truly amazed by. That some students still choose NOT to do the work. There was a paper that was worth 30% of the TOTAL grade and I had 3 students not do it. WOW. And there was one student who came to class all semester and got A's on the tests, but because of not coming to class for 3 times she was dropped from the class as WF. That's an F.
So sad.
But I had 14 students with A's! So yea for them and all the hard work that they put in. And I know that they leave me with a not only some more info on special education, but a new found love of it as well!
Thanks to my wonderful husband and his wicked smart excel skills, and to my darling daughter that let me leave her one night a week and let daddy put her to bed! Thanks my family for another great semester!

An Ode to Fondue

Last night we had some friends over for fondue. We had all afternoon to prepare and clean the house. Our friends played with Gianna for a short time and then as she went down to bed we began our party. Now this was not an ordinary fondue. No this was extraordinary fondue. Cheese dip with bread, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, etc. We also had meat with some amazing sauces Charissa put together. And then for dessert.... Chocolate fondue!! Charissa made a fantastic chocolate sauce and then cut up bananas and angel food cake. We were stuffed. It was simply wonderful.

I love fondue. Not only is it good food but I love how you have to eat it. Its a very slow meal. You have to take one bite at a time. Savor it. And ponder your next bite. With more time comes more conversation. It lends it self to the European meals I remember well from Paris. It was a chance to enjoy the company and actually felt like dining when you take your time.

I now blog this for the mere chance to encourage you to bring back fondue. Its up to us to carry the banner and recreate a culinary trend that should become an American fixture. Share with me in my passion. Together we will change our culture's palette, one bite at a time.

Baby Talk

My Other Job

All of you know that I'm a full time mom, but some of you may not know that I'm a part time professor as well. I teach class at the local junior college here in town Blinn College
I teach one class a week. It's an introduction to Special Education. It's right up my ally. That's the area I got my Masters in and I am very passionate about sharing my love of teaching with others. I REALLY REALLY enjoy it- except for this time of year. It's the end of the semester and I have TONS to grade. Some you you teachers can feel my pain. But when I was a teacher- I never GRADED!!!!! What how did I do that?
Well, I taught 3 and 4 year olds how to toilet. Not much grading there. I also taught them colors, shapes and how to join a group of friends in play. Still no grading there. If you are not familiar with 3 and 4 year olds- most CAN'T write yet. And I taught ones that were developmentally behind- so no writing. No grading!
The good news is that I only have one class left and then the final. But they all have a major project to turn in, the last test I was supposed to grade, the pre/post test and a minor project left to grade. YIKES!
So if you don't get many updates in the next two weeks (Grades are due the 12th for me!) Just think of me trying to grade papers and projects while Gianna sleeps.

Updates

Here are a few updates from us:

1. No decision on the new name for the blog. We appreciate all the input and great ideas. But I guess for now we will stick with our non original, plain ol Baby Ludlow.

2. My baby has SEVEN teeth! Can you believe it? 7!!!!!!

3. Guess what Gianna can do now. Click on the Picture link to find out!

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving. Lots of food and football. It is the perfect American holiday. We have so many great pictures for all to see. Click on the web albums link on the right hand side. Or if you are feeling super lazy you can click on the last pic below. Gianna already knows the secret to a great Thanksgiving.

First you eat a very big meal of turkey, potatoes, peas, and Great Gramma's homemade bread.


A few minutes after her first Thanksgiving meal she was falling asleep in her Grandfather's arms....

Thankful Day 2

Here are 5 more things I'm Thankful for:

1.

2. I have a good friend- JENNY- who lives around the corner and we get to go walking every single day. Our girls are only 8 months apart and it's so much fun to have a little mommy conversation every day.

3. I feel really blessed to be crafty. I enjoy it and really have a good time creating things. I'm Thankful that God has given that to me and allowed me to start a business doing it.

4. My dog, Scooter. No, he has not got the same amount of attention as he did this time last year. But he is overall a good dog and still only lets me rub his ears.

5. A car that runs. I never have to wonder if this car will start. I am SO Thankful for it!