12/31/12

It is the end of 2012.

It is time for some reflection.  I always enjoy looking at the past year and recall what I have learned and what I continue to learn.  There should always be some sort of growth in a year.  I thought I would share a bit of what I have been thinking on in the last few days.

In 2012 I have learned....

• I can't change other people's hearts... only the Lord can do so.
• that no matter how many times I give advice or try to help someone, I cannot make them take or do it.
• burnout can happen and it isn't pretty.
• it takes a long time to recover from burnout.
• it is painful to watch your child go through something and there is nothing you can do yourself to change it.  
• it is OK not to do a blog every day.  I found that I was putting forth a lot of time for no one to read or comment.  It has been freeing to be able to post whenever I want...
• I became busier than I thought I would have when we hit Middle School.
• Pinterest is an addiction that I have to use wisely. lol
• I can tolerate my house not being deep cleaned from August until December.  Oh, wait... I really can't, I just had to learn to overlook it.
• Electronics and technology are here to stay.... more on that later.
• I still love my Rainbow vacuum cleaner.
• I am not an abstract painter. 
• it is OK not to teach the same way I did for 17 years prior.  
• What a FREEDOM I have had by changing things up this year and teaching in a way my heart has desired for a long time but was afraid to do so because it might not be "right."  The kids are less stressed and so am I... and we are having a super time together while doing it.

In 2012 I continue to learn....

• that true faith in the Lord requires a daily putting away of myself and  constantly believing in God.
• it is a comfort to know that the Lord guides our steps.  When I have no understanding of what to do, that is when the Lord can do the greatest moving and work in my life.
• that just because someone thinks of something differently than you does not mean they are wrong and you are right.  
• we all have differences and we should rejoice in them.
• I have different gifts than others.  I can't compare myself to someone else, but see it as not my gift.
• I have the ability to use my talents to bless others.  There is an unspeakable joy when I can do something for someone that they didn't think could happen.
• kindness goes a lot farther in life.
• change is OK.  Change is good.  Change is a part of life.
• it is OK for us to LIVE in this house.... and it doesn't have to be perfect.
• it is also OK for people to come in and see your house looking not-so-perfect.  They find out you are human, too.
• teaching is an "evolving" profession.  If I don't move with the times I am going to be set out by the curb!

In 2013 I want to ....

• learn more about my Lord.
• find out more about others needs.
• lose some of this weight that has decided it likes me since I turned 40.
• keep exercising and improving my health.
• continue building my faith in the Lord.
• keep finding new ways to teach my students and help them love to learn without getting burnt out myself in the process.  :)

2012 was not the best of years, but also not the worst of years. 

It was a year that was LIVED and for that I am blessed.

2013 will more than likely be the same. 

If you stop and think about it, EVERY year has its highs and lows.  It is how you look at your circumstances which makes it to be "successful" or not.  There have been some rough moments throughout this year for me, but I can honestly say God has been with me every step of the way and has guided my steps and those of my family.  Nothing happens by chance... even those things we do not understand.  I am thankful that I know Who is holding me at every moment of my life.

Do you know Who holds you?  Don't put your faith in the new year in horoscopes, resolutions, or wishes/dreams.  My desire for you is that you know the One Who can give you freedom and peace ALL year no matter what happens:    

Jesus Christ - the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Much Love to you all......


I wish you all a wonderful and happy New Year. 

12/24/12

The Christmas tree holds special memories for me.  I love the lights, the ornaments, and the presence of its beauty in our home during the month of December.  I can remember as a child staying in the living room or den, wherever Mom and Dad put it that year, and staring at the lights.

As I have gotten older, the tree holds different meaning.  It is now part of my past, present, and future.  Past because of ornaments and memories from long ago, present because of the ornaments bought and memories made this year, future for the memories I pray the Lord will allow to come in more years.

Whenever I teach Christmas to my students or kids at church, I always like to share with them how the Christmas tree is very special.  I talk to them about how the Christmas tree is just a symbol for the real Christmas tree... the cross.  I drew these out on Microsoft Paint today to show you how I demonstrate it to the kids. 

Here is a Christmas tree as we think of it....  I draw it out on the board like this:

 

I then take another marker and show this:

The first, real "Christmas" tree was actually the cross where Jesus gave His life for you and me.  Without Christmas there would be no cross.  Without the cross there would be no hope for us... no gift of eternal life to save us from our sins.

This past weekend I read a booklet that I was given by a student.  It is called Trees and the Christmas Story by Dr. Stephen Davey.  It was wonderful and it affirmed some things I have taught to my students/kids in years prior, but also taught me a few things as well.  I just had to share these with you on this Christmas Eve.

I have always loved the story The Tale of the Three Trees.  If you have never read it, or heard of it, please feel free to click on the link of the story name and it will take you there.   It is a story of how three trees desire to become something great when they get older, but their plans and God's plans were different.  God's plan was better.

In reading this booklet this past weekend, it brought new meaning to that story for me.  There are three important trees mentioned in God's Word.

The first tree is found in Genesis - the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.  This was where man had a choice to obey God and failed. 

Because of that failure, God had to send His Son to die on a tree, the cross, the real reason for the Christmas tree.  This tree was needed for God had to send His perfect Son to take on human flesh to become one of us so we could know Him.  Then, He had to die on that cross for my sins and your sins... that tree. 

Lastly, there is the Tree of Life.... the tree that stands in heaven.  Adam and Eve were banished from the garden after eating of the first tree because God did not want them eating of the Tree of Life and live in their sin-cursed bodies forever.  Once those who have accepted the gift of salvation from the second tree get to heaven, there will be no banishment from this Tree of Life.  We will be free of sin and there will be no more curse.  This tree will bear twelve different kinds of fruit every month, all year long.  (Revelation 21 and 22)

The book summarizes all of my thoughts from reading so beautifully so I want to share what Dr. Stephen Davey wrote here:

There was a tree in Eden that exposed man's pride.  

There was a tree on Calvary that exposed God's pardon.

The tree in Eden caused separation from God, but the tree on Golgatha brought reconciliation with God.

So, when you see a Christmas tree during this season, remember all three trees of the gospel story:

• The first exhibits prohibition and pride;
• the second embodies pardon and peace;
• the third exemplifies the grace of God, the glory of heaven, and the gain of eternal paradise.

Of these trees we've noted together, one tree stands above all others.... without it, the Tree of Prohibition (Garden of Eden) would be an everlasting regret and the Tree of Paradise (Tree of Life in heaven) an unreachable haven.

But the Tree of Pardon (the cross) has turned regret into redemption and a haven into our eternal home.

The cross of Christ.... what glory!

• The base of the cross stretched downward, as if to say that God has descended to earth;
• the top of the cross stretched upward, as it to say that there is a way to heaven's shore;
• the arms of the cross stretched outward, as if to say that whosoever will may come!

~ Dr. Stephen Davey

12/18/12

Tis the Christmas season.

Let me just ramble for a minute... or two.  I haven't done that in a while.


I feel ahead, yet behind.  I am not feeling as stressed this year for some reason, however, my house still looks like there was a tornado that came through or something.

Ask me if I have wrapped any presents yet.  No, really.  Ask me.



Since you asked.... the answer is.....

NO.

Sweet Man has wrapped up a few but I have been lost under piles of laundry and plan on doing some soon.  I better....

I have been enjoying my Christmas tree.  I do love the lights.  If I could photograph them constantly I believe I would.

We did our second grade Christmas play last week.  In fact, I can't believe it has already been a week since the kids performed.  It was the easiest time we have ever had getting the kids to know what to do.  This group of kids all learned their parts quickly and listened to our directions more.  My fellow teachers and I talked often about how much we actually were enjoying the practices and not over-stressed.  lol  (We have had awesome kids in the past, too, please don't get me wrong if you are reading this and I taught your child before... this is just the first time the entire cast of children cooperated to the fullest extent!)

School gets out tomorrow for Christmas break and I am ready....we all are just ready for a break.

Wesley and Mikayla asked me last night what I wanted for Christmas.  I told them I didn't know.  I was thankful for what I had and happy with just them.  I realized then that I have become my parents.  lol  They can be quite difficult to buy for because they always say... "As long as I have my family..., etc."
Well, it is true.  I am just thankful for a home, food, clothing, etc. .... I am blessed beyond measure and am appreciative for all.

I did have to laugh today when one of my students was telling me about how he and his Mom had to unwrap my present he is giving me to repaint it.  He began to describe what it looked like and then explained again that he would bring it tomorrow once it was wrapped.  I'll just be surprised as to what it ACTUALLY is since he just described painting and colors.  :)

This has nothing to do with Christmas but it made me laugh yesterday....

One of my students who has to get out what he is thinking as soon as he thinks it had his hand raised yesterday.  Once I finished what I was saying, I called on him, but it slipped his mind.  After a minute of trying to remember what he was thinking he said to me, "It's OK, you just keep talking and I'll let you know when I have it again.".....

Why, thanks for that permission, little guy.  :)

On that, I'll end this rambling. 

12/16/12

In light of what has happened this past Friday in Connecticut with the killings of the elementary children and adults, my heart has been heavy.

As a teacher, I know the drills we go through to protect our children.  Whether it is a fire drill, a tornado drill, or a "code blue" drill where we go into lockdown, we go through them as calmly as we can to help the children know how to react if those drills actually became reality.

I can recall so many times of sitting in the room with my children during a lockdown.  I think of the possibilities, think of how we need to be quiet, and get on kids who think this is just a time to get under a desk and make noises.  We wait patiently for the few minutes to pass before the "all clear" comes on the loud speaker and we go back to our normal activities.  We give no thought as to "what if" because we can't live there.... we are there to comfort our students and help them know everything is going to be alright.  We have to show calmness in times of fear because little ones depend on it.

On Friday, a drill became reality for those children and adults in Newtown, Connecticut.  A reality that I cannot fathom.

I will be honest... I have not been able to shed any tears.  My heart has been in too much shock and my mind cannot comprehend what transpired there.  I look at the pictures of the children who were killed and I see my own students.  I look at the pictures of the brave adults, whether teacher, counselor, or principal and cannot imagine their last moments alive.  I think of what it would have been like to be them.

What must have gone wrong in that young man's head that he chose to walk into an elementary and kill so many innocent people?

What goes on in ANY person's mind when something like this occurs?

There has been much debate on the news and social media as to what is the reason behind this madness.

There are many who want to blame what has happened on guns.

There are others who feel it is because God has been taken out of schools.

There are even others who say we shouldn't even be discussing this in that way and only think of the families who were affected by this tragic event.

I can't help but think of all three.

Guns are dangerous.  Guns can also be used for good.  Guns did not kill those precious children and adults.  A young man who made a choice to use a gun is who killed them.  

God has been removed from public schools.  Our hands are tied with what is and is not politically correct.  There are Christians in public settings, in public schools, but in this type of tragic event a Christian is not a super hero... we are human just like everyone else and we do our best to protect and help those around us.

These people who have been affected have lost their loved ones, whether a child or a Mom/sister/daughter/friend.  They need the time to come to grips with what they have lost and to mourn without all of the analyzing from media and the ridiculous questions that are asked. 

We, as humans, want to pinpoint the answer on something or someone.

The root of all of this is simply sin.

We live in a fallen world. One where man chooses to do what is right in his own eyes.

Satan, the great Deceiver, has blinded the minds and hearts of many people.  Just as he tempted Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden, so he continues in our world today.  He wants to do everything in his power to cause us to fall and to cause us to blame God.  Scripture tells us that the world will grow worse and worse the closer it is to the Lord's return.  We can love as much as possible, but our humanness causes even our love to be imperfect.

Perfect love came when God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to become payment -the sacrifice - for sin.  It is the reason we celebrate this season of Christmas.  With society wanting to move farther and farther away from the reason for this season, is there any wonder tragedies like this still occur?  

No amount of human love can take away tragedies.

No amount of laws can change tragic events such as this.

Most people today do not want to be reminded or told of their sin.... they only want to find a way to make it all better while excluding the only One Who can and will.

My mother's heart aches for the families.

My teacher's heart can't wait to see my students in the morning and hug them and let them know I love them.

My spiritual heart yearns for the Lord to bring His eternal peace.

.... Even so, come, Lord Jesus......
 for YOU are the only One Who can save us from ourselves.

11/28/12

 

I have heard people talk about this show for months now, but never saw it... until recently.

Have you seen it?

It is H.Y.S.T.E.R.I.C.A.L.

I started watching it in early November on a night that Steve and the kids were gone.  I began to record them, showed it to the family, and now we are all hooked.

It is about a family who are millionaires because of the duck calls that they make.   The thing is... they might be millionaires but they never forgot where they came from.  They are as redneck as redneck can be and just live life as simply as possible... even the ones that live in huge homes.  They go fishing, frog-gigging, crawdad hunting, etc....  They all have beards that are quite long and wear camo pretty much all of the time.  (Except Willie who seems to really like plaid shirts.)

Who are they?

There is Phil and Kay, the patriarch and matriarch of this Lousiana family, and the founder of the duck call company.  They are simple people, CHRISTIANS, and love their family.

There is Willie and Korie.... Willie is Phil and Kay's son (and his wife) and the CEO of Duck Commander.  It is a company Phil started around 40 years ago and Willie has taken it to new heights.

There is Jase, Willie's brother.  He's married, too, but she isn't on as often as Korie.  He is just a hoot.  He is one of my favorites.

There are others that are part of the show, including lots more family, but the member that we laugh at the most is.....

UNCLE SI.

He takes the words "Hey!" and "Jack!" to a new level.  We find ourselves using them quite often around each other.  I tried to find a video on Si using "Jack" at the end of each sentence, but had no luck. Enjoy this one on his use of "HEY!"

HEY!
Just know, if you haven't watched this show yet.... you need to get to watchin'.... JACK!

11/27/12

The picture below reminds me of me and Sweet Man.

 

He and I are birds of a feather, for sure.

As the kids are getting older, we are finding that our unwind time in the den at night has turned into a 3-ring circus of asking children if homework is finished, working on stuff ourselves, and telling the kids to just GO TO BED.

Therefore, that leaves little to no time for an actual private conversation with Sweet Man. 

Don't get me wrong.  You know I love my children with all my heart and cherish the moments we have together.  I also know that Sweet Man was here before them and I want my downtime with him.

My love language is "Quality Time" so I really need that time with him.

He and I have resorted to "dates" at home.  We tell the kids, who are usually doing homework, taking showers or watching something, that we are going on our home date.

What does our home date include?

Just watching a movie or television show by ourselves in the quiet solitude, with a door that is open in case the kids need something, of our room.

It has become addictive and I find myself getting giddy thinking of time to just snuggle and watch a show with Sweet Man.  We can actually have a conversation without children interrupting at all times because the kids know we are on our "date."

Who knew something so simple could turn into something so important?  Even the small things in a relationship are important if you want to keep it alive.

Now, if we could just stay awake the entire time to see the end of the show.

11/26/12

You may wonder why I have a picture of eggs today.

I did not photograph them.  But I do want to talk about them.

This is not a deep, thought-provoking post today.

It is all about my lack of ability to crack an egg.

I am a heavy-handed individual.  Most of you that know me in real life realize that if I "lovingly" punch you, it actually hurts.  I do not mean to do so, but I inherited that trait from my father.  Wes has inherited it from me.  No matter what we do, it is with gusto... and that also includes cracking eggs.

My brother, Kevin, has ridiculed me in this department for years now.  He just shakes his head at my endeavors in the cracking of eggs.

In the last couple of months, Mikayla and I began to eat eggs for breakfast instead of just cereal.  I was finding I was not completely satisfied and at school I was getting the munchies.  I have wanted to watch what I eat carefully so I was reading up on some things and found that eating more protein in the morning would help with that.  Eggs are a great source of protein so that is where my egg cracking good times come in.

I have my routine all set as to how I get breakfast ready along with the rest of the stuff I have to do before going out the door to school in the mornings.

When I crack an egg, two things will happen.  

1.  I may not hit it hard enough for fear of great destruction of the egg from my heavy-handed self. This leads to more soft hitting until finally it looks as if I am afraid of hurting the egg and fearful that I may never get out the insides.

2.  I hit it too hard resulting in a crashing together of shell/insides in the pan or bowl, which is not pretty or healthy as you chew the final product.

SO, what is a girl to do?

Think of her brother every morning hoping that one day a glimmer of hope will shine forth that I have arrived at the destination of officially knowing how to crack an egg.

That hasn't happened yet.  I have seen a few shining moments, but they were crushed immediately after when trying to crack the next egg.

And if you think I am going to try cracking them with just one hand, you are sadly mistaken.  I am not seeing that in my future.

At least I am able to cook them better than cracking them.

Well, at least I THOUGHT I did.

One morning my precious Wesley responds:  "Mimi's eggs never have this hard edge when she cooks them for me."

Thanks, Wes.  No, really.... thanks.

11/25/12

I can't believe I have not posted at all in November.

I haven't been sitting around doing nothing as the picture below would make you think.  Life has just gotten in the way of my thoughts and I have failed to get on here and share.

Today, I want to take this time to think of Thanksgiving.... although it has passed by a few days and we are now gearing up for Christmas.

I take the time each year to talk with my students about thankfulness.  I was reminded of what I teach them when I heard our pastor speak this morning.  I thought I would share a bit of what I share with my students as well as what I was reminded of today.

You woke up this morning.  Be thankful.

Most of you woke up in a warm bed.  Be thankful.

Most of you woke up in a warm bed in a house that has heat.  Be thankful.

Most of you woke up to a home with a bathroom inside.  Be thankful.

Most of you woke up to electricity.  Be thankful.

Most of you ate breakfast of some type this morning.  Be thankful.

Most of you can see, hear, taste, feel, smell.  Be thankful.

Most of you opened drawers or closets full of clothes.  Be thankful.

Most of you have something with which to wash and dry your clothes.  Be thankful.

Most of you had a bath last night or a shower this morning.  Be thankful.

In that shower or bath you had warm water.  Be thankful.

Most of you drove in a vehicle of some sort to and from church (I hope) or some other place.  Be thankful.

Most of you are going to eat lunch today.. and it will be more than a loaf of bread and slice of cheese.  Be thankful.... even if it is the leftovers you have had for three days.

Most of you are going to have dessert.  Be thankful.

Most of you are going to relax in front of a television watching your favorite show or sporting event.  Be thankful.
 
Most of you are going to eat again tonight.  Be thankful.

Most of you are going to eat a snack again before going to bed.  Be thankful.

Most of you are going to go back to sleep in a nice, warm, clean sheeted bed.  Be thankful.

Most of you will be able to sleep tonight without any type of critter crawling on you. Be thankful.


Some of you are dealing with some type of pain.  Be thankful.... for out of it you know you can feel and the Lord will heal.

Some of you are dealing with heartache.  Be thankful.... for the Lord is always near.

Some of you are dealing with uncertainties in your future.  Be thankful.... for the Lord is already there.

Some of you are not able to do things that you used to do.  Be thankful.... for now the Lord has given you different gifts.

Some of you are struggling.  Be thankful..... for the battle is not yours, but God's.

All of you reading this have a computer or some other device that allows you to read my words.  Be thankful.

We are more blessed than we care to realize yet how quickly we whine and complain about what we do not have or cannot do.  

Today, and every day, be THANKFUL.

TRULY thankful.

I Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

10/28/12

Philippians 3:7-8

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

10/25/12

I will get back to some more nighttime pictures tomorrow, hopefully.

For now, I feel led to share something else.

Do you ever feel like you are alone?

Do you ever feel as if you are the only one going through a certain trial?

We all battle days of the deep valleys.  Unfortunately, sometimes those valleys become so wide and deep that we are in the pit of despair and see no way out.

Earlier this week I had brought this devotion to school to type it out on my blog in my free time (yeah, right... what was I thinking!).  I thought about it that morning and then immediately remembered to grab the book as I was getting ready for school.  That is not always a normal occurrence now... it has to be placed there at night because the mornings are so crazy.  I now realize the Lord had a different reason for me remembering to bring it to school. 

It was to help a friend.

This devotion had really spoken to me recently and the Lord immediately brought it to mind when I was talking with my friend.  She is in a deep, wide valley right now and just doesn't see a way out.  It is hard to have true faith when everything around you keeps "failing" or things keep happening.

I pray it will encourage you as it has encouraged me... and my friend.

Test of Faith

John 11:40 

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Have you ever felt the pangs of doubt?

When you are feeling weak in your faith, when your life seems gloomy instead of blessed, and when it seems as though every ounce of energy is drained, the Lord would want you to persevere.

Every time you venture out in the life of faith, you will find something in your common-sense circumstances that flatly contradicts your faith.  Common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense; they stand in the relations of the natural and the spiritual.  Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him?  Can you venture heroically on Jesus Christ's statements when the facts of your common-sense life shout - "It's a lie?"  On the mount it is easy to say - 'Oh, yes, I believe God can do it' but you have to come down into the demon-possessed valley and meet with facts that laugh ironically at the whole of your mount-of-transfiguration belief.  Every time my programme of belief is clear to my own mind, I come across something that contradicts it.  Let me say I believe God will supply all my need, and then let me run dry, with no outlook, and see whether I will go through the trial of faith, or whether I will sink back to something lower.

Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict.  What is your faith up against just now?  The test will either prove that your faith is right, or it will kill it.... The final thing is confidence in Jesus.  Believe steadfastly on Him and all you come up against will develop your faith.... Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that H will not stand by us.  (Chambers, Oswald.  My Utmost for His Highest.  New York:  Dodd, Mead & Co., 1935.)

What did Jesus say to Martha in John 11:40 (above)?  The same is true for us.  When your faith is tested, when your rational side struggles against your life of faith, realize that Jesus will never let you down.

Spiritual strength comes when you have a resolve, a determination to walk with the Lord despite any hardship or infirmity.  Paul might not have been happy about the pain that his frailty caused, but he had happiness in knowing that the power of Christ was revealed through him because of it (@ Corinthians 12:7-10).  The weaker we are as humans, the more visibly God's grace is seen.  We can't give up because of it!

~ Dwell Devotional, Friday, October 19, 2012

10/24/12

Forgive me.

There are a lot of nighttime fair pictures today.

I can't promise this is the last you will see some... I have others.

This is one of the Ferris Wheels at the Fair.

I was amazed at the beauty of the lights as they swirled and moved along the railings.

The first few I captured hand-held.  Let's just say that is a feat in and of itself.

I hope you enjoy the different views of lights.

There is nothing like the lights at night at the fair.

They mesmerize me every year.

These were taken using my tripod to help with steadiness. 

I love how the colors in the last two here are similar but you can see the colors moved to different spots.  I also love the Zipper as it moves on the right.

10/23/12

Some people do not love the State Fair like we do.

Some people get tired of the crowds.

Some people do not like the money that can be spent.

I say CAN because you can always go and not spend a lot....  :)

There are people who only go for a couple to a few hours and have had enough.

There are those that go just one time and that is more than enough.  

Then, there is our family.... and we do not go as much as some of our extended family!!

This picture below shows one, no two, very special reasons why we love to go.....

We go because of the memories we make..... and have made for as long as I can remember.

Mom and Daddy took Kevin and me to the fair all of our younger years.  I remember those times fondly.

As we have grown older, and Daddy began working at the fair when I was in highschool, it became even more popular.

Now that we participate in the competitions at the fair, it has a whole new meaning.

However, the main reason is just being together.

Making memories.

Laughing.

Eating.

This is an apple chiller.... Oh. goodness.  I'd love another one right now.

Enjoying.

Sweet Man.... I could eat him up!

I treasure the memories made every October.... and every day.

10/22/12

One of the highlights for us at the fair has always been seeing the animals.  We got to take the above picture because Daddy works at the fair in the "cow building" managing the Milking Parlor for the dairy cows.  We are glad we have an "insider" because things have surely changed!!!

When Wesley and Mikayla were little they had the petting zoo and we were able to walk in among the animals and pet them. 

We just knew that the kids needed to wash their hands afterwards.

This year, we were more disappointed than ever.  Over the last few years things have increasingly become worse with seeing the animals because of lawsuits to NC over E. Coli outbreaks after the fair.

Don't get me wrong.... I hate that E. Coli happened to anyone, but blaming the state for your negligence is just another facet of the "sue happy" world we live in today.

How are kids going to understand about animals.... FARMING... where there food comes from if they are only seeing them through fences and far away from them at that? 

I realize we live in a non-agricultural society today.  Got that.

However, we are so "smart" in our society, yet do not take the precautions needed when around animals.  When we don't, we want to blame others.

Having lived on a farm and desiring for my children to have more access to animals and such, it makes me so sad to see what the fair has come to.  In our opinion it really isn't even worth it to go in the cow barn at the fair anymore because you are just herded around and out the door.  You can't even go up to the Milking Parlor (where Daddy works each year) to watch the cows because of the lawsuits.  Now kids can view cow milking by sitting on bleachers and watching them milk through a trailer with windows. 

That is realllllly close to agriculture.  (Can you feel the sarcasm dripping??)

Children today are going to grow up not understanding the importance of agriculture.

This summer I took an "AG in the Classroom" workshop that dealt with Agriculture.  It was awesome and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.  I now do "AG Facts" each day in my classroom to teach the children interesting facts and bring agriculture to the room.

I just wish we could get up close to them like I did living on the farm. 

I miss those days.

One day, people are going to wake up and realize where their food came from, but it just may be too late.

10/17/12

So what in the world have I been doing that I couldn't get on here for a month and talk to you all????

Life.

I could not believe how busy life had gotten when school started.  It is always busy at the first of the year but when you add in the Cross Country and Lego Club, etc.... it became ridiculous.  Last week all I wanted to do was just get HOME at a decent hour.

My teaching this year is so different and I am loving it.  That Hovercam I shared with you in a previous post has been something that has opened up a whole new world for me in teaching.  It is allowing me to visually show things that before I could not show as well because of them being too small.  Now I can project all kinds of things on the board and ALL of the kids see it.  Today I was showing them the difference between 1/2 and 1/4 and which one was bigger.  I could SEE on the faces of the kids how much better they were getting it than years prior.  Being a visual learner myself this is something I am loving, too.  haha!  I am also seeing a lot less stress in the getting work done area and that makes me feel better.  I am not as exhausted by trying to explain something a million times while standing on my head, and the kids are grasping things quicker and carrying it through on their next work. 

Photography for me has been kind of busy!  I haven't been able to photograph "stuff" lately, but I have been able to photograph people.  It excites me when people love the moments I am able to capture for them.  I also learned that wearing Birkenstocks while climbing on wet rocks because you forgot to change into tennis shoes is NOT good for photographing anyone or anything.  NOTE TO SELF:  Do not do that again.

I have also had writer's block.  I think one of the reasons is because I truly have not had time to think on things to write because my brain is so full of all things school/home/photographing/etc...
My juices just aren't flowing as of late.  I couldn't get over how wonderful it felt to write that post yesterday.  It showed me how much I really miss getting out my thoughts. 

I am also behind on READING other blogs.  I know it has been since August since I have read my friend's blogs!  I just need to sit down with the laptop one evening and have a reading session.  For those of you that might hear from me from a post in August/September, don't be surprised.  I do like to let you all know I am still alive and reading.

We were proud of our boy doing Cross Country this year.  We had a lot to work through and understand to help him.  First it was getting his shoes right, then it was hydrating and eating the right stuff, and finally it was learning how to juggle it all with school.  I loved the season, loved cheering him on and am looking forward to him running more over the next year to get ready for next Cross Country season.  He actually wants to run an 8k on Thanksgiving morning so I am going to sign him up for that.  :)  Here is a pic of my little guy going to the finish.

I have had several people tell me they missed my blog.  I am glad to be missed.  Hopefully I won't have as much of a lull now.    :)

10/16/12

Here are some things I have been learning these first nine weeks of school with two middle school kiddos.

Watching your children grow is like watching them as the life stages of a butterfly.


In the early years they were the egg, then they turned into larva that began to eat more than they used to... and grow out of all of their clothes faster than you can get them in new ones!  Caterpillars have been a comfortable place to be because we knew what to expect.  Feed them, clothe them, help them along and we are good to go.

That pupa stage is just a bit different.

OK, A LOT different.

They are in a stage that can seem so quiet, so strange, yet so transforming.

Inside the pupa a butterfly is being transformed.  If you have ever watched one, they wiggle a lot at first when they are just beginning the pupa stage.  They are shedding their final layer of skin to produce the chrysalis.  Once they are in the chrysalis, the transformation is miraculous, but you cannot really see it because of it being "covered."  After the time appointed for the butterfly to reach adulthood, the butterfly struggles as it gets out of the chrysalis.  This struggling is good because it produces strong wings and body for the butterfly to take flight.

Right now, our two butterflies are covered by a chrysalis of new feelings, emotions, expectations and responsibilities.  We can't always see on the inside what is happening because so many things cover what we can actually see.  Sometimes we sit back and feel we are watching something happen before our eyes and we don't know what to do to change it or help it.  They are doing some struggling right now finding their place in the world while still safely in their chrysalis of home.

When our butterflies are ready they will come out of that chrysalis, pump their wings and fly.  They will be strong because of the struggles they have faced.  If we were to "cut open" the chrysalis to make it easier for them, we are actually damaging them from a stronger life.  When we struggle we learn; we become strong. 

I have been learning that even though I sometimes do not know what to say, or know how to make something better, God is using this "pupa" stage of their life to change them into something amazing.  They are going to be totally different in many ways because God is allowing things in their lives to make them who He wants them to be.

It is hard to watch your child go through hard things.  It is hard when you know things can be better but they have to learn in their own way just like you did.  You know how you were transformed by God to be who you are, but when you are talking about your own child.... well, that is different, huh?  You don't want them to experience the pains, disappointments, etc. that you faced.

Making things easier isn't the answer.

It is our job as parents to be there to hold them up -- to be that limb holding the chrysalis.  After the struggles and hardships to get out of the chrysalis, they know we are still there.  On that day we get to stand back and say, "Pump those wings, you are ready to fly!"

10/15/12

I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting the results of the fair.

I apologize for not getting this up yesterday..... it kind of goes with my crazy life lately.

Without further wasting of time.......

OK.

Here goes.

Are you ready?

Really?

Hee hee...

I'll do Wesley first since he is my firstborn by 44 minutes.

He got a third place on his pineapple jam.  :)

Second place for his scrumptious chocolate pound cake.

 Third place for his honey muffins.

 

FIRST PLACE for his macadamia nut brittle!  :)

His Legos did not place, but I don't think he can complain!!

Now on to my girly girl....

Mikayla got Honorable Mention on her blueberry muffins.  

Seeing as they were the last out of the very hot oven, we felt that was major.  :)

She also got third place on her brownies!  :)

Her layer cake did not place.  We are wondering if they didn't like the fact she used buttercream frosting.  We'll see when we get back the comments because that was some STINKIN' good cake, even if my daughter did make it!

I guess you want to know how I fared.

I reckon I'll tell ya.....

 I got second place on my mango chutney.  :)

I got first place on my apple raisin bread.  I wonder if they had that with some coffee??  :)

 My peach jam, cheese straws, and photograph did nothing, nada, zip.  However, I did enjoy seeing them proudly displayed if nothing else.

 We are already working on what to do for next year.... and how we'll tweek a few things.  

We had a great time finding our things, even though it was difficult to see the names.  Grrr....

We feel quite honored to have placed at all with all of the competition out there.  

Have I mentioned lately how much we love the fair?

Just checkin'.

Thanks for always supporting us in our fair time endeavors!