Dad's and their daughters = STEM interest...or not

This week I worked late one night to try to recruit newbies for my Gateway to Technology (GTT) class.

Of course, I thought I was supposed to be there at 6:30--so I showed up at 6:15ish.

When I got to my room and collected my posters, then headed to the cafeteria to set up, there were tons of parents already there.

I don't think I saw more than 30 parents, but the response was pretty strong. (Or so I hope.)

I had interesting conversations with three different Fathers.

One came by my table at least 3 times. He simply could not believe that 6th graders were learning 3D modeling/CAD/Autodesk Inventor. He said he had been studying CAD for almost ten years and really viewed this class as a start of his newest competition. I think he was obviously way more interested in GTT than his daughter, but you never know.

Another dad stopped by...he asked about my class and I filled him in. He said, "Oh, that doesn't sound like a class for girls." What? "Excuse me, I am a girl and I teach the class." I then told him that my girls were some of my best builders and most detailed when it came to Autodesk Inventor. He took a brochure and said he would make sure his daughter knew about GTT.

The third dad made me laugh. He told his daughter she could sign up for band, but only if she signed up for GTT. He told me that was his compromise since he really didn't want her to be in band.

Maybe it is because we have a little girl at our house? Maybe it was because my dad had to work out of town a lot when I was growing up, and he couldn't attend those orientation nights?

These conversations made me think about the importance that a father can have in his daughter's life. Truly, if a dad lets his daughter work with him to solve some of those "boy" problems--maybe that could change the course of her life? Show her it is ok to work on fixing things, ask her to help when you are repairing something, make her think outside the box.

You never know what can help spark that interest in STEM.

Little Talks: Daddy and Baby

I have officially been back to work for 12 weekdays. While it has not been the most fun--the sub let my students do whatever they wanted to for ten weeks, I look forward to the weekends more and more. It is the only real time I have to spend with Kedzie. 

Sadly, I always have a very long list of things that need to get done on the weekends. It's the usual...grocery shopping, tons of laundry, cooking meals for the week, cleaning the house and trying to get at least one decent work out in. Typically, I try to grocery shop late Friday night and then clean early Saturday morning. If I can get those things done, I have a little more time with the baby on Sunday. 

Well, due to my sister's baby shower yesterday, I wasn't able to get anything done around the house--so today I was in crazy lady mode. 

I am thankful that I have my husband around--and that he enjoys being a Daddy. 

Today, in between folding loads of laundry and vacuuming, I overheard hubby talking to the baby. He had no idea I was listening, but it was the sweetest thing. The short end of their conversation was his admittance to our three month old--how she has him wrapped around her finger. 

Then, after he got her dressed and fed, they took a nice nap on the couch. 

I know that she won't let us cuddle with her forever, but I am so glad that she loves her Daddy as much as I do. 

A sweet pic her Dad took while they were hanging out today. 

And, on those times when I am rushing around the house--and it is Daddy and Kedzie time, I can't wait to overhear more of their little talks. 

13 Things I am excited for in 2013

I knew good things were going to happen in 2012—so I decided to come up with a list of 13 things I am looking forward to in 2013.

1.       The birth of my first niece. (Can’t wait to meet her!) She is scheduled to arrive sometime the end of February to the middle of March. Baby V is currently breech—which is why she has a three week window of arrival.

2.       Watching my daughter grow. At only 10 weeks, she amazes me every day. I absolutely love being a mom!

3.       Losing baby weight. I had been on Weight Watchers about three years ago. It works. I lost over 20 pounds then. And with Weight Watchers new PointsPlus plan, fruits are zero points. I used to not eat bananas because they were 2-3 points...and now, I can and I don't have to count them.

4.       Twitter. I have not used twitter in the past, but as of yesterday I am kind of obsessed. My twitter handle is @kteachcampbell. You should follow me. J

5.       New Project Lead the Way Curriculum. I was selected to pilot a new Gateways to Technology program called Medical Detectives—the kids get to do some CSI stuff and learn about different body systems. This takes me back to my days of teaching 7^th grade science and I am so excited!

6.       Job possibilities for my hubby. As of December 2012, He has his Masters Degree in Administration--so in the near future he will be an Assistant Principal. I just know it!

7.       Our ten year wedding anniversary. Yes, we have been married ten years this June. We are planning a trip with just the two of us—maybe a cruise? I want to go somewhere with sun and sand…outside of Texas.

8.       Crockpot Recipes. My mom got me a new Crockpot Cookbook for Christmas and I am excited to try a bunch of new recipes. I hope to use the crockpot for at least one meal a week.

9.       Jillian Michaels Body Revolution. I have been doing her workout program for almost a month now. I haven’t been following her diet, but I notice every time I do one of her workouts; it is getting easier and easier.

10.   Summer. This summer I don’t have any major training planned (yet), so I hope to be able to enjoy each and every day with my little family.  

11.   Seeing family and friends we haven’t seen in awhile. With the arrival of our new baby girl, there are some folks who are coming to visit us this year—some of them we haven’t seen since we moved to Texas seven years ago.

12.   Recruiting a new group of kids for my classes next year. I am looking forward to being at the same school another year and I hope to grow my Gateways to Technology program more.

13.   Since I have to go back to work in two days, I want to do the best job I possibly can. In 2013, I have to learn to balance being a mom, wife, friend, teacher, and a fit person.

2013 should be a great year. I have a lot to look forward to! Follow me on twitter, @kteachcampbell, and I will keep you posted with all my little and big successes. #ExpectAmazing in 2013!