Maxine and Me

Sap Warning: If you don't like sentiment...stop now.





July 26, 2008 I legally became a Howard. As our 3rd anniversary approaches I've been reflecting on when I really became a Howard. When Trevor and I started dating in June 2004, I had already known his family for years. It was a fairly easy (most of the time) transition from friend to girlfriend.




















I married into a strong, close family. A family that put a lot of stock in it's history. A family where grandparents were highly involved and respected and loved. I quickly heard story after story of the impact that Grandma and Grandpa had on Trevor, and the whole family. (I should add that I remember attending Trevor's grandpa's funeral before we were dating, and I had met his grandma on a few occations) That being said, I didn't 'know' either of them other than the stories, memories, and home movies that I saw. I wanted so badly to have known these two that had such an impact on Trevor's life, and the man he became.

Trevor's Grandma, Maxine

For my college graduation, Tammy had asked what I wanted and I told her that it would be really neat if she would copy down some of the recipes that Grandma made for me to try out. Tammy will tell you, she doesn't love cooking. (though she's good at it) I didn't want these memories to die out with Trevor, I wanted our kids to be able to feel connected to great grandparents they would never know. So for my college graduation present Tammy gave me this cook book filled with family treasures, along with Maxine's rolling pin. To this day, it's the most important possession I own.

It may sound silly, but I feel like I know Maxine a little better as I bake more and more things out of it. I think she would be happy to know that her love of cooking and family are being preserved.

For Christmas 2010, I got a little more 'bonding' time in with Trevor's grandma as I pieced together this quilt. Tammy had given me the squares from an old box of her mom's before we got married. They had been sitting in my closet for a few years because I couldn't decide what I wanted to do with them. When Carter (Trevor's oldest brother) had his first baby, the first Howard grandbaby, I knew what I needed to do. Trevor and I gave Tammy this quilt for Christmas to use with all her grandchildren. I think it's a neat 4 generations thing.

Here are Connor and Audrey trying out the quilt! I love how happy they look.

So this while long, long post to say, I may have signed my name Mrs. Howard on July 26, 2008 but me 'becoming' a Howard has been a journey that I would trade for anything. I am so lucky to be welcomed into an incredible family who not only shares today with me, but also the past, and future.

The best worst garage sale ever

So you know Lindsey right? How could you not know her? If you need a little back story, you can find it here.

I'm pretty sure I'd go crazy without her. For heaven's sake I gave up sonic drinks to squeeze into a bridesmaid dress for her...if that's not true friendship, I don't know what is.

Anyways, we had grand plans for a garage sale. Guess what. Total we made like $6.00. It was a bust if there ever was one. It was a great weekend! Sitting on the couch talking, sending Trevor for doughnuts to go with our coffee, and packing up the garage sale early, to head out shopping turned out to be exactly what I needed to make it through these last 3 days of school.

If you don't have a Lindsey in your life, you should get one pronto!

This is what happens...

This is what happens when I have no grading to do...I change my blog up
This is what happens when I have no ice cream...I eat peanut butter with a spoon
This is what happens when my husband works... I sit in my pajama pants on the couch
This is what happens when I think a room smells funny ...I shut the door and open the window
This is what happens when I need to clean my kitchen... I write about it instead

Happy Saturday!

The countdown offically begins...

3 months.. Trevor begins Pharmacy School
4 years 3 months .... Beth Retires

Jeromey Cash

Sung to the chorus of Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash.
By Mrs. Howard. Inspired by Jerome.


Brought to school my orange trusty lighter
toilet paper
in the bathroom the flames burnt brighter
down down down
the hallway to the office
home for summer
I'm home for summer

Dear Oklahoma Christian Dept of Education,

Dear Dr. Cleveland, Dr. Vincent, and Dr. Martin,

Hi, it's me Beth. You know, the smiling, eager college student who attended your classes. You may remember that I sat on the front row, came to class in sweats, mostly with a coffee cup in my hand. I earned A's on my assignments. That lead me to believe I was sumitting work that was on par with your high expecations. You went so far to declare me the 'Outstanding Elementary Education Major of 2008'.

Lately, however as I finish my third year of teaching, I've noticed even with my college degree and state mandated education tests, somehow a part of my education slipped through the cracks. The part of my education that is missing, is no one taught me how to deal with crazy people. Crazy kids, Crazy parents, Crazy teachers. No one mentioned anything about it. There were no text book examples of 3rd graders who pee on the playground for fun. There wasn't a case study on a parent who comes in without a bra on, on state testing day, to complain about an incident that happened between students at a church event...on a Sunday. There was no lesson plan instruction on what to do when a student flips your desk and theirs..in the middle of the lesson.

I would like a refund of those hours I spent learning things that I can not use because my students won't sit long enough. I think that 'movement and fine arts', maybe should be replaced with, 'dodging desks and removing sharpie'. It would be more useful. If you would like any more of my helpful, real world suggestions, I'd be happy to share them during my 15 minute lunch break.

As always your faithful alumni,
Beth (Rumker) Howard

Eternally Changed...

** This is not meant to offend anyone, of any skin tone**

I got a new student. His name is Sean, well not really, but I'm going to call him that. He moved here from Alaska. He is of some Inuit culture. (is that that polite way to say it) His skin is a little darker than mine. Anyways, this brings the total count of Non-African Americans in my room up to 3. (myself included) So one day I caught the beginnings of this conversation..yes it is typed exactly how it came out of their precious mouths, so just bear with the lack of linking verbs. :)

Smauri "Sean white like Mrs. Howard"
Mariah "Nuh-uh Miss Howard mixed"
Smauri "No she not"
Montrea "Miss Howard not mixed, she black"
Mariah "No she not, she light"
Smauri "Mrs. Howard, are you mixed"
Mrs. Howard " Mixed with what?, I'm pretty sure I'm not mixed with anything, except maybe awesome" (laughing)
Smauri "What are you then?"
Mrs. Howard "Well I think my relatives are German"
Jerome begins making his way over to me, he gently lays his hand on my shoulder, while shaking his head back in forth and glancing at the floor. He pats my back and looks up at me in the most earnest tone and says, "Don't worry Miss Howard, you be black in Heaven"