Yesterday, one of my sweet, young, innocent little 2nd graders...who is a priss pot...answered my question asking "what is a habitat?". Her answer, with hands on hips and eyes a blinkin' was this: "It is what you get when you get very, very sick. You can DIE!!!"
Habitat, heart attack...quite similiar, I suppose!
Then, Miss Betty, the hen who is setting in the classroom, flew the coop during reading group. I was cleaning out the poopy newspaper and she flew out!! She sat on the couch and had much to say. Then, she strutted around the entire room while the kids sat still as statues. I was able to corner her into her box of eggs...WHEW!!! It was a tense few minutes!
All in Room 13 on a Monday!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Multitude Monday--counting my 1000 gifts
I look forward to Multitude Mondays!
82. I'm thankful for miracles. For the God who still performs them in our lives. For little ones, for big ones, for those I didn't recognize until I look backward at life and see how He was working when I didn't realize.
83. For songs and song writers whose songs touch me so deeply. For example, many songs sung by Casting Crowns.
84. For my girlfriends. Yes, my closest ones, but today, I'm thankful for those sisters who barely know me and I barely know them. But somehow, we encourage each other and love each other in a deep, but very shallow kind of way. A comfortable acknowledgement.
85. For mothers who give their babies up for adoption. What a sacrifice of love!
86. I'm thankful for convictions in my life. I love realizing I really am solid in something I once was shakey about. I'm thankful for growth.
87. I'm thankful for teenage humor at its worst. For the eruptive laughter it brings that is contagious. And most of all for the power of laughter that makes you forget what started it all!!
88. I'm thankful for my parents interest and excitement in our lives. For their gracious grace!
89. For today, when I told my Dad I broke a tool of his and would replace it and he made a joke of it and insisted I not replace it. It brings back so many memories...like when I wrecked a vehicle and his words were, "as long as you are okay, the car can be fixed."
90. I'm thankful for more healing, warming, wonderful sunshine! I wasn't done with summer and I'm glad it wasn't done either.
91. For front porches and neighbors.
I want to live thankfully. Less critical. More gracious. More forgiving. Savoring each moment.
Giving thanks for every little thing and taking nothing for granted. Happy Monday!
82. I'm thankful for miracles. For the God who still performs them in our lives. For little ones, for big ones, for those I didn't recognize until I look backward at life and see how He was working when I didn't realize.
83. For songs and song writers whose songs touch me so deeply. For example, many songs sung by Casting Crowns.
84. For my girlfriends. Yes, my closest ones, but today, I'm thankful for those sisters who barely know me and I barely know them. But somehow, we encourage each other and love each other in a deep, but very shallow kind of way. A comfortable acknowledgement.
85. For mothers who give their babies up for adoption. What a sacrifice of love!
86. I'm thankful for convictions in my life. I love realizing I really am solid in something I once was shakey about. I'm thankful for growth.
87. I'm thankful for teenage humor at its worst. For the eruptive laughter it brings that is contagious. And most of all for the power of laughter that makes you forget what started it all!!
88. I'm thankful for my parents interest and excitement in our lives. For their gracious grace!
89. For today, when I told my Dad I broke a tool of his and would replace it and he made a joke of it and insisted I not replace it. It brings back so many memories...like when I wrecked a vehicle and his words were, "as long as you are okay, the car can be fixed."
90. I'm thankful for more healing, warming, wonderful sunshine! I wasn't done with summer and I'm glad it wasn't done either.
91. For front porches and neighbors.
I want to live thankfully. Less critical. More gracious. More forgiving. Savoring each moment.
Giving thanks for every little thing and taking nothing for granted. Happy Monday!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
We are PRIMED!!
More dancin' than painting was going on! We will be ready for paint by the end of the weekend! YEA!!!! Sorry for the sideways video..does anyone know how to change the direction of a video?? It is hilarious, even if you have to turn sideways to see it!
Ok, whose idea was this??!
I looked out to find this little escapade int he makings.....so I grabbed my camera and came outside.
When I asked whose idea it was, I got three different answers. None of them were "mine". Hmmm...still don't know who thought it up.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Update from the west end of the east side
I don't have any exciting pictures to share and life is a bit mundane, in a good sort of way, but I thought I better just post a little catch up for you!
We have TEXURE!! We can paint in a day or so! YIPPEEE!! We are picking up Cody's furniture this weekend and buying carpet etc. It is finally getting closer! We are all pretty excited.
The kids are good...as I type, I hear a conversation like this, "If you were a girl, would you shave your arms?" the answer..."NO..why????" "because a girl in my class did". Yeah, the kids are fine.
Jerry is doing fine also. He is anxious to get the plumbing in upstairs..his next project. Oh, and the woodstove is in the immediate future thanks to Old Man Winter showing up without a reservation in September. Brrrrr......I was just getting thawed out good.
School is fine for all who participate in that endeavor. I love my classes and have my challenges cut out for me. I have "Betty" the hen in my classroom setting on eggs. They have about 1.5 weeks to go until birth. My students are loving it.
That's it in a nutshell! Thanks for checking in on us.
We have TEXURE!! We can paint in a day or so! YIPPEEE!! We are picking up Cody's furniture this weekend and buying carpet etc. It is finally getting closer! We are all pretty excited.
The kids are good...as I type, I hear a conversation like this, "If you were a girl, would you shave your arms?" the answer..."NO..why????" "because a girl in my class did". Yeah, the kids are fine.
Jerry is doing fine also. He is anxious to get the plumbing in upstairs..his next project. Oh, and the woodstove is in the immediate future thanks to Old Man Winter showing up without a reservation in September. Brrrrr......I was just getting thawed out good.
School is fine for all who participate in that endeavor. I love my classes and have my challenges cut out for me. I have "Betty" the hen in my classroom setting on eggs. They have about 1.5 weeks to go until birth. My students are loving it.
That's it in a nutshell! Thanks for checking in on us.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Multitude Monday--counting my 1000 gifts and being thankful
In Bible study today, we talked about how keeping a prayer journal helps us praise God for what He does because we see answered prayers. I think this little thankfulness journal, though only weekly, has a similar positive impact on me. I find myself realizing, much more often, the many millions of things I am blessed with.
71. I am thankful for renewal. Last week, I was flat, today, I am thankful and full of happiness and hope.
72. I am thankful for friends who love my other friends just because of a common connection.
73. I am thankful for uncomplicated, simple moments.
74. For the de ja vu emotions that stir in my heart when I walk into my house and smell dinner cooking in the crockpot. Childhood memories of a warm home, loving parents and safety. Ahh...I hope my kids feel that too.
75. For Betty the hen who decided to set on eggs in September. She's in my classroom letting my students experience nature, a mother's crazy dedicated love!! It amazes us all how she can sit on eggs for three weeks, barely getting up for food and water. God doesn't make mistakes! And Betty is allowing me to subtley take God to school!
76. I am thankful for the last few fall evenings on the porch swing. I have come to love my porch after dark...millions of stars in an unclouded, country sky...emotions shared by words, by silence, by hugs. Moments with my husband, my daughter, my son...or just alone with my own thoughts.
77. the smell of citronella candles and the sounds of dogs snoring...the river rushing in the distance..the elk bugling..the coyotes calling their friends...Im thankful for after dark and the closeness to nature. It has all become so familiar and yet so precious.
78. for Mom's banana bread. It is the cinammon toast of my youth, to my children. No one's tastes as good and a loaf never stays wrapped for long once Grandma sends it over. Grandmother memories are often the reserve in my fuel tank on tough days. I'm glad my children can get their fuel tanks stocked. They'll need it someday.
79. for old hymns. My daughter singing along in the back seat. "Jesus keep me near the cross...." "Amazing Grace" " Oh Lord, my God, as I in awesome wonder....." Touches my heart today like it did when I sang it out of the Reader Digest songbook the day after my friend's funeral when I was 16.
80. For those moments so long ago that still impact me. For friends, like Jacqui, who still desire to share our lives because of those childhood bonds. Proof that moments matter and friendships last.
81. I'm thankful for Sunday. For worship, for encouragement, for newness. For not needing to feel what it is for anyone else, but knowing God knows me and loves me. It overwhelms me because I am so insignificant and small and yet I matter to Him.
Have a great week! Thank you for sharing a few moments in my life today.
71. I am thankful for renewal. Last week, I was flat, today, I am thankful and full of happiness and hope.
72. I am thankful for friends who love my other friends just because of a common connection.
73. I am thankful for uncomplicated, simple moments.
74. For the de ja vu emotions that stir in my heart when I walk into my house and smell dinner cooking in the crockpot. Childhood memories of a warm home, loving parents and safety. Ahh...I hope my kids feel that too.
75. For Betty the hen who decided to set on eggs in September. She's in my classroom letting my students experience nature, a mother's crazy dedicated love!! It amazes us all how she can sit on eggs for three weeks, barely getting up for food and water. God doesn't make mistakes! And Betty is allowing me to subtley take God to school!
76. I am thankful for the last few fall evenings on the porch swing. I have come to love my porch after dark...millions of stars in an unclouded, country sky...emotions shared by words, by silence, by hugs. Moments with my husband, my daughter, my son...or just alone with my own thoughts.
77. the smell of citronella candles and the sounds of dogs snoring...the river rushing in the distance..the elk bugling..the coyotes calling their friends...Im thankful for after dark and the closeness to nature. It has all become so familiar and yet so precious.
78. for Mom's banana bread. It is the cinammon toast of my youth, to my children. No one's tastes as good and a loaf never stays wrapped for long once Grandma sends it over. Grandmother memories are often the reserve in my fuel tank on tough days. I'm glad my children can get their fuel tanks stocked. They'll need it someday.
79. for old hymns. My daughter singing along in the back seat. "Jesus keep me near the cross...." "Amazing Grace" " Oh Lord, my God, as I in awesome wonder....." Touches my heart today like it did when I sang it out of the Reader Digest songbook the day after my friend's funeral when I was 16.
80. For those moments so long ago that still impact me. For friends, like Jacqui, who still desire to share our lives because of those childhood bonds. Proof that moments matter and friendships last.
81. I'm thankful for Sunday. For worship, for encouragement, for newness. For not needing to feel what it is for anyone else, but knowing God knows me and loves me. It overwhelms me because I am so insignificant and small and yet I matter to Him.
Have a great week! Thank you for sharing a few moments in my life today.
At our house
A rainbow, this evening, that is much more vibrant than this photo shows. A view from the front porch looking east.
My flowers are smiling their prettiest fall smiles these days.
Cowboys football is in full swing, which means folding clean laundry is more enjoyable, though it takes hours!
....and growing is still the ongoing event in Jess's life, thus...another large box of hand me downs made its way out of her drawers and closet today. ( I hear "ka-ching, ka-ching" over and over in my head!) Oh, and she has officially caught up to me in the "tallness" area.Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It's that time of year!
The 7th/8th grade team...they won their first game last weekend. This year, because of the budget cuts, the two middle schools in our district had to combine teams. It works out well, in my opinion for many reasons. So..Jess is on a team with some of her elementary school friends and classmates. Their head coach, Tycie, was a v-ball player at the college level!!
She LOVES sports!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Multitude Monday---counting my 1000 gift a week at a time
It is evening, on Monday. I've been thinking about my blessings all day and knowing I'd post before bed. Can I be honest with you? Sometimes I don't feel like being thankful. Sometimes I want to be selfish, ugly and self reliant. Quiet, guarded, walls built around me. Sometimes I don't want to share my heart or thoughts with anyone. I hope you can relate so I don't seem to you as ugly as I feel writing those things. And yes, today is one of those days.
61. In the midst of my selfish emotions, I'm glad for the feeling of my conscience telling me to change my attitude.
62. I'm thankful for the beautiful, foggy, fallish morning that reminded me that God unveils the mountains only when he chooses.
63. For recess duty on days like today when the sun soaks into the depths of my soul and warms me as I listen to children's games, giggles, arguing, swings creaking as a lone child soars...and I wonder what is on his mind.
64. I'm thankful for my students who make me laugh by their innocence. Like "vitamin DC" being the vitamin we get from milk.
65. For the memory of teenage feelings, emotions...the good, the bad, the bullet proof.
66. For quiet moments with coffee before my world wakes up.
67. For distant clouds and powerful lightning. We pray for rain, for nourishment and then fear the storms when they arrive to bring it. I pray for growth and understanding of God and then fear the storms that send me running to Him, seeking closeness that brings growth. When will I learn? He keeps trying to show me in so many ways.
68. For sadness and hurt. No, I don't wish for those things but, if life on Earth were always perfect, we wouldn't need heaven.
69. For hugs. Cyber hugs from my sister, prayer hugs from friends, hugs from my children, the safe arms of my husband. Hugs heal. Instigate them. Often.
70. For the lump in my throat as I type this. I don't know who reads my words on this blog. I am baring my naked soul, with all of its imperfections, to an unknown audience. Thank you for caring about me and my family. Thank you for reading because writing is a form of therapy even for the happiest of days. I love words, I love the pictures they paint. Today is muted colors with splashes of dark...not a living room masterpiece, but still a masterpiece of Life...never to be painted quiet like it again, ever.
61. In the midst of my selfish emotions, I'm glad for the feeling of my conscience telling me to change my attitude.
62. I'm thankful for the beautiful, foggy, fallish morning that reminded me that God unveils the mountains only when he chooses.
63. For recess duty on days like today when the sun soaks into the depths of my soul and warms me as I listen to children's games, giggles, arguing, swings creaking as a lone child soars...and I wonder what is on his mind.
64. I'm thankful for my students who make me laugh by their innocence. Like "vitamin DC" being the vitamin we get from milk.
65. For the memory of teenage feelings, emotions...the good, the bad, the bullet proof.
66. For quiet moments with coffee before my world wakes up.
67. For distant clouds and powerful lightning. We pray for rain, for nourishment and then fear the storms when they arrive to bring it. I pray for growth and understanding of God and then fear the storms that send me running to Him, seeking closeness that brings growth. When will I learn? He keeps trying to show me in so many ways.
68. For sadness and hurt. No, I don't wish for those things but, if life on Earth were always perfect, we wouldn't need heaven.
69. For hugs. Cyber hugs from my sister, prayer hugs from friends, hugs from my children, the safe arms of my husband. Hugs heal. Instigate them. Often.
70. For the lump in my throat as I type this. I don't know who reads my words on this blog. I am baring my naked soul, with all of its imperfections, to an unknown audience. Thank you for caring about me and my family. Thank you for reading because writing is a form of therapy even for the happiest of days. I love words, I love the pictures they paint. Today is muted colors with splashes of dark...not a living room masterpiece, but still a masterpiece of Life...never to be painted quiet like it again, ever.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Old friends
Cody and Cole were best buddies from kindergarten until Cole moved to "Missippi" a couple of years ago. Cole and his dad came back to hunt and Cole slept over. Let me rephrase that...spent the night. The boys stayed in the trailer and I think very little sleeping was done! We ALL miss the Hillmans. Kathy, Cole says you peek at our blog, so these are mostly for you! I miss you and wish you were much, much closer!
I used to say Cole was the only one Jess could go to prom with. I've changed my mind. He is pretty handsome, very mannerly and has a very cute little southern accent.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Multitude Monday--Community of Gratitude
In counting my 1000 gifts, I'm only getting started! I think of them all week! Because of this, this little endeavor has served me well. By the time Monday rolls around, they don't all get posted, but I remember to say "thank you" to the one who deserves to be told!
If you are wondering what this is about, see the button at the bottem of my page. This comes from a blog I follow.
51. I am so thankful for holiday weekends when I have my family all to ourselves!
52. ....for my fun kids! They are so much fun to be with.
53. ...for my husband who is so good at driving a huge truck with a long trailer and never, ever, ever gets stressed over it, but likes it!
54. For camping. There's something about sleeping in the same smallish space that is so good for the soul.
55. For the cool church experience we had Sunday. We walked into a neighborhood church, we just took a chance and randomly picked. We have come to enjoy this in places we visit.We learned it was two churches, merging into one. Blacks and whites...burning down the barriers and loving each other. Heaven won't have separations by races, I'm quite sure. So why do we here on earth? I love our God of rainbows!
56. For coming home and loving home.
57. For the ache in my heart of wanting to cling to family time. My kids are growing up so quickly and I know these wonderful times are limited. God, give me the grace to enjoy each moment.
58. For email. Hearing from Riley, across the world from us, brings so much comfort. Just a few sentences, but they mean so much from such a foreign land. My nephew, so familiar, in a foreign place. So scary. I'm reminded that God is in control, I should not fear.
59. I'm thankful that tomorrow matters. Not as much as today, but it matters. Tomorrow needs my prayers because only God knows what it holds. And I trust Him!
60. I'm thankful for growing pains in my kids. Yes, even the kind that hurt the very depths of my own heart. I know God is working and building trust in Him. Again, I am so thankful I know I can trust Him.
If you are wondering what this is about, see the button at the bottem of my page. This comes from a blog I follow.
51. I am so thankful for holiday weekends when I have my family all to ourselves!
52. ....for my fun kids! They are so much fun to be with.
53. ...for my husband who is so good at driving a huge truck with a long trailer and never, ever, ever gets stressed over it, but likes it!
54. For camping. There's something about sleeping in the same smallish space that is so good for the soul.
55. For the cool church experience we had Sunday. We walked into a neighborhood church, we just took a chance and randomly picked. We have come to enjoy this in places we visit.We learned it was two churches, merging into one. Blacks and whites...burning down the barriers and loving each other. Heaven won't have separations by races, I'm quite sure. So why do we here on earth? I love our God of rainbows!
56. For coming home and loving home.
57. For the ache in my heart of wanting to cling to family time. My kids are growing up so quickly and I know these wonderful times are limited. God, give me the grace to enjoy each moment.
58. For email. Hearing from Riley, across the world from us, brings so much comfort. Just a few sentences, but they mean so much from such a foreign land. My nephew, so familiar, in a foreign place. So scary. I'm reminded that God is in control, I should not fear.
59. I'm thankful that tomorrow matters. Not as much as today, but it matters. Tomorrow needs my prayers because only God knows what it holds. And I trust Him!
60. I'm thankful for growing pains in my kids. Yes, even the kind that hurt the very depths of my own heart. I know God is working and building trust in Him. Again, I am so thankful I know I can trust Him.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
I little peak into the weekend
Us...
breakfast of champions!
teenage priorities!! Ugh.
Nice grill, huh?? One had blueberry, one had cherry snowcones. You guess which one.
Not as tall as he wishes he was!
Just a little shorty!
More kid funnies
At the campground this morning, Cody was in the shower. He heard two little boys in the next stall, whose grandma was waiting outside:
One little boy, "where's the soap?"
Other little boy, "You don't need soap. Are you hands clean?"
"Yes..."
"Just wash them over your body"
Cody was very entertained! I am pretty sure he once bought into that philosophy on soap!
One little boy, "where's the soap?"
Other little boy, "You don't need soap. Are you hands clean?"
"Yes..."
"Just wash them over your body"
Cody was very entertained! I am pretty sure he once bought into that philosophy on soap!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Happy holiday weekend!
Today we met the cutest little 4 year old at the restaurant at lunchtime. His name was Patrick.
He had an overload of personality! Jess said "Hi" to him and he replied, "what is your name?" She replied with her name and asked his. He said, "How old are you?" She replied and asked his age. He replied, "Why are you with (big circles with his arm) all those guys?". Hmmm....Dad and brother.
Then, the man next to him was leaving and gave Patrick $1 to spend at the fair, where he was headed, apparently. The graciously said thank you and began to examine it. He said, "It's only one." Soo funny!!
On our way our, we waved and said goodbye. He said, "Bye! Thanks for meeting you."!
I love kids.
He had an overload of personality! Jess said "Hi" to him and he replied, "what is your name?" She replied with her name and asked his. He said, "How old are you?" She replied and asked his age. He replied, "Why are you with (big circles with his arm) all those guys?". Hmmm....Dad and brother.
Then, the man next to him was leaving and gave Patrick $1 to spend at the fair, where he was headed, apparently. The graciously said thank you and began to examine it. He said, "It's only one." Soo funny!!
On our way our, we waved and said goodbye. He said, "Bye! Thanks for meeting you."!
I love kids.
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