Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
My Students
I loved teaching. There are so many things my students taught me--that teaching taught me. I am so thankful for the awesome responsibility of teaching these little ones. Summer hasn't started yet and I'm already looking forward to next year! I have so many ideas and projects that I will be doing this summer for the fall.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
In grade school, I read the books required in our curriculum with relish. My high school teacher, Mrs. Fountain, instilled in me a love for literature—from classic authors such as Charles Dickens, the Bronte sisters, and Jane Austin to Lucy Maud Montgomery, Louisa Mae Alcott, Mark Twain, Hawthorne and many, many more.
I don’t think I have a ‘favorite’. I remember reading so many books over, and over…My mom would often say, “You’ve already read that book—you know everything that happens! Why are you reading it again!?!”. But regardless of how many times I’ve read them, there is a magnetic pull to read them again.
For me books are measured by their content, and of course, author. The Bible is our standard for everything and a good verse to use is Philippians 4:8--
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
To be able to read is such a gift from God and I am very thankful for it.
I also love to bake. I got my first Taste of Home book as a Christmas present. Ever since then, I have been collecting different types of cookbooks. My favorite thing to make is cookies. I have a cookie book that is falling apart from use. I also like to experiment. I’m looking for the perfect cookie—aesthetically appealing as well as scrumptious. My friends have had many laughs over how some of my cookies turn out, but I have fun all the time.
When I was young, I was banned from making cookies because I would make a mess—until I came up with a solution….my brother!! In exchange for cookies, he would help me clean up—oh, yes, I also had to let him crack the eggs J
Spring Break/Preaching Conference--Part I
At Coffee Creek
I was also able to see my fifth grade students of last year in their sixth grade glory. I enjoyed talking to many of them of what they were currently learning and such things. My sixth graders were now 'cool' junior high kids who were struck with sudden bashfulness. But I still managed to talk to most of them too.
Thursday night curfew was midnight, so a several of us planned to go to a local restaurant. That was also a great time with lots of food and lots of fun. Apart from a couple of workers, we were the only group in there. We got discounts with our appetizers and service was good--even better when they turned the radio off.
It was a great time filled with lots of memories.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Finished Product--ONLY Finished Craft Project
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Things I Used To Do As A Kid!
For me it was well....what do the majority of kids not like? Yup, vegetables. But, gagging did not get us out of eating our veggies--not only did we get a good dose of Vitamin C, but also plenty of heat on our bottoms. My mom was and still is a health food addict. We ate veggies all the time. Salad, cut up broccoli and cauliflower, carrots, cabbage--anything and everything. (I won't even start on the juice kick our family went through!) If I couldn't just swallow my veggies, I came up with unique ways of getting out of eating them--I was naughty and when my mom figured out what I was up to, I had to change my methods.
Our kitchen table had a ledge underneath where I would stuff handfuls of my veggies. This only worked until we needed to extend the table and my hidden, days-old veggies fell to the floor.
My siblings and I often "traded" certain types of vegetables...tomatoes for peppers...
Mom, did you know that cooked carrots are bad for you? Yup, they release toxins--oh, yes, spinach too.
On occasion I feigned a full stomach/drowsiness until lunch time was over and everyone was relaxed. Then I would come to the table only to find the salad eaten up! This only worked on Sundays.
Several times we stuffed our mouths full of vegetables only to head straight for the bathroom. One flush, and they were all gone--or so I thought. I remember one time there were remnants that did not go all the way down: I got my hide tanned and I had to eat more!
Once, I said that it would go much quicker if I just had to drink my veggies. So, my mom let me blend them together--just thinking about it gives me the hebbie-jebbies! It was sooooo gross! I only tried that one once.
I stuffed my pockets once, just until I could get to the garbage can, but alas forgot all about it. My mom found it on wash day...
Now that I'm a grown, mature adult, I realize the importance of eating my greens. I am grateful for what my mom has taught me about nutrition and for the most part, I like vegetables. I have learned my lesson of getting out of eating them, so now, I just make careful choices about what I put on my plate :)