And More Weddings

There are a couple more weddings from Monday I want to share with you all.

I had first, a sighing bride. Dictionaries usually define a sigh as a cry, relief something is over, or even sadness.  This sigh was  tender, happy, full of love.  After the bride said her vows, she gave this sweet sigh .  It was the most heartfelt, happy, loving sound I have ever heard. 

The next couple had a large group.  I asked is everyone here.  And of course,  the answer was no.  But this time I wasn't upset.  Grandmother had gone to the bathroom, and since she is 98 she takes a little longer.  We waited and then we all started laughing.  Here came Grandmother rushing toward us pushing her wheelchair.  They got her to sit in the chair and they pushed her onto the elevator.  This wedding was already fun.

The bride wore a white lace knee length dress.  It had cap sleeves and a scoop neck. The skirt was a lined lace semicircle.  The bride's jewelry was stunning.  She wore a mother of pearl and turquoise necklace.  The turquoise was set to look like little leaves between each oblong mother of pearl part.  Her earrings were Mother of pearl. 

The bride cried and the groom wiped her eyes and hugged her.  She was so happy and so emotional.  After the ceremony she asked if she could hug me.  Of course she got to, hugs are my big payment for volunteering. 

Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic

A side note to the above title. I said something about arithmetic one day to the class. None of them knew what arithmetic meant. They have only heard the word math. When I was in school, a hundred years ago, it was arithmetic until high school, then it became MATH.  Now it is math in kindergarten. 

Tuesday I worked with the first graders.  They were in small groups: some reading with Ms H., others doing creative writing, a group was working on independent writing, another was again doing the dreaded math worksheets with the tiles. I worked with the math group and made sure they knew what they were doing.  Then I moved to the independent reading.  They read a story, write several sentences about the story, draw a picture, and read the story to one of the adults.

The  independent reading was great.  One little boy O had finished all his work.  He had several options to choose from for free time.  He picked none of them.  His choice was to sit and listen to the little boy H, next to him, read to me.  H was reading a take off of Chicken Little, The Sky is falling.  H reads fairly well, he has expression, good speed, and has fun reading.  O listened to the story and kept scooting closer to look at the pictures.  It really was sweet seeing O enjoying the story and H doing such a good job reading.  Man, I do love my first graders. 

I worked one on one with the slower readers.  Some of them are really coming along.  And others are just not progressing.  One little boy R hates working with me.  He just doesn't want to work with me, because it becomes work.  He is a goof off.  He was a week behind the little books we read.  I caught him up to the rest of the group and then worked with the rest of the group .

I had time to work with him on this week's book. I didn't want him upset because he had to work with me again.  Ms. H asked him if he wanted to have some free time or read to me.  He WANTED to work with me.  I nearly passed out.  He really read well.  I was so pleased he was improving and that he was willing to do extra work.

As the children were lining up to go to lunch, Ms. H. told the children if they wanted to give me a hug before I left they could.  Be still my heart.  There is nothing better than little ones giving me a hug or asking me to hug them. 

I so love my first graders.

More Weddings

Wednesday was very slow at the Alameda County Building.  Not just for marriage ceremonies, but for all areas of business at the Recorder's Office.  We figured that everyone was in San Francisco for the Giants' parade and celebration.   In case you have been living in the jungle somewhere, they won the World Series.

I did do three ceremonies.  Two were fun and happy and one was just strange.

Let's begin with strange.  If I had seen this couple walking down the street, I would have hung to my side of the sidewalk.  I would not have made eye contact.  They were scary and I am not sure why. He wore an ill fitting black suit, his hair was just a shade too long for a short haircut.  But not long enough for a long hair look.  And his eyes, just wild and staring.  And they babbled about everything. 

I would ask a question and they went on and on.  I asked if they had rings, and this was a little sad.  She said no one would sell them rings.  They had a costume jewelry cocktail ring, that was pretty, for her.  They told me it cost them $17.  For his ring they had a circular key ring that fit his finger.

After the ceremony I was reminding them about agencies to notify of her name change. That would be passport, Department of Motor Vehicles, and Social Security.  And she says,"And Welfare."

My last couple was just fun.  They were in casual clothes.  When they saw the Wedding Room they kept saying they should have dressed up.  She had sunglasses pushed up on her head.  He had sunglasses hanging from the neck of his shirt.  I told them I was going to play Mother and make them take the sunglasses off.  I said they would regret the look when they saw the pictures.  There was lots of laughter throughout the ceremony.  That is a good thing.  They were deeply in love and having a fun wedding. 

After the ceremony the groom threw out his arms and said, "You said you were playing Mother.  My Mom isn't here and I want a big hug from you."  I hugged him and then she wanted a hug too.  Even the witness wanted a hug from me.  A very fun wedding.

I have said the best thing about working with first graders is a child hugging me.  Well, hugs with the bridal couple is just as good.