For the love of the game... and a few plastic rings...

Aiming plastic Halloween themed rings at buckets,

my students were engrossed in the experience.

All the excitement was donated by a loving mother who,

like you and I,

was so happy to make sure the ones she cares for had a very memorable day.

Collecting small trinkets,

the children played the simple game

grateful to have the experience.

What a blessing it was to watch them enjoy a timeless experience.

Whether with bean bags or rings...

buckets or balloons...

Childhood should be allowed simple silliness.

I think...

I believe...

Happy childhoods are worth more than winning lottery tickets.

=-)

Spring!

Laughing,
covered in seeds and garden tools...

Flowers on my head and a kite hanging on my back,
I was, "Spring" today for our Harvest Party at Kindergarten today!

We played games,
made crafts,
had a scavenger hunt,
heard stories,
made Witches Brew,
played balloon ball,
laughed,
smiled,
watched Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin,
had popcorn and even went Trick or Treating at our Learning Center next door.

Sigh....
There were a few moments when dear ones got a little too excited.
(All Fourteen boys were clad in superhero costumes.)

When the day was done...
it had been a blessing to us all...
a day of memories...
no lasting trouble...
A happy day.

I pray that your week has wound down and that the moments before you will be peaceful ones. If you are working this weekend and your time off occurs on a different day, I thank you. Life only works because we all do what needs to be done.

Now and always,
may you be blessed.

Witches Brew!

Add:

• One small can of monkey ears
• One frozen bag of dragon teeth
• One frozen bag of lizard eyeballs
• One bottle of ladybug juice
• Two cans of mud juice

Stir and Enjoy your witches brew!

• Meat of a beast could be added for added enjoyment and possible a box of those elbow shaped creations that humans call noodles!
  

Spunk and Sparkle...

Pretty...
happy...
always in motion.

This dear one always sparkles,
I absolutely love her zest for life...

Can I have another cup of coffee though?...
=-)

Always arriving in beautiful clothes...
a proper young lady...
Somehow though,
she is the only one
who ends up with shaving cream
all over her face...
Friday she'll be five.
She makes me smile.

It was Gym time...

With a volunteer,

I demonstrated how to look where you want a ball to go.

Happily I paired the dear ones up...

Squealing and laughing they practiced their skills...

Pure joy...

Such is a moment in Kindergarten

Treat bags... portfolios... reading groups...

It is almost ten fifteen
and I am thinking I'd better head to bed soon.
I find that I have gotten so much done tonight
that I want to keep going and do just a bit more.
Logically I know this is silly,
as I will be very sleepy come morning if I don't soon call it a day.

This evening:

• I have made considerable headway on my Kindergarten students' portfolios,
• talked to family and friends,
• gotten some Christmas shopping done,
• made sure my children have milk and bread for tomorrow
• and even loaded my dishwasher.
• I've discussed curriculum with my co-teacher.
• I've eaten dinner with my children,
• kissed them
• and gotten them to bed
• and now...

Now I am blogging to you as I consider that putting together my students Halloween bags will probably need to wait for tomorrow.

Though I wish for more "time",

I know it is a good thing my wish is not granted.

We all need to sleep.

God Bless you this night and always.

May you rest easy.

companions on our journey...

Too many cookies can cause a stomachache...
Too much given to us can convince us that we are entitled to things
and that someone else should provide what we need.

I find, perhaps you do too, that I am tempted by the extra cookies in life. I am not a lukewarm person. Either I am excited about something or I'm not. I do not seek out things I feel, "iffy" about. It is hard to accept that there are things in life that must be done carefully regardless of how I feel.

One good example can be found in how we choose those who walk with us through life. Whether the companion is a platonic friend or someone who makes our heart smile, forming relationships takes time. Experiences form common memories, conversations allow us to learn about the one we are interested in. How someone has responded to what they have encountered in life tells a great deal about the kind of person they are.

Days turn to weeks, weeks to months and if you are fortunate, months to years... friendship is formed. If along the way you find, or they do, that there is something that makes a relationship impossible, you are blessed with the knowledge.

Trust...
Friendship...
Relationship...

Beautiful words, worth more than gold.
Now and always,
I ask that you,
that I,
that we,
are blessed with wisdom and patience.

May we choose companions carefully for this journey we call life...
and may we...
become,
each day,
better friends
to those who care for us.

Sunday night

Winding down...
lunches packed...
kids in bed...
I'm headed out for a bit of relaxation...
My robe,
a fire,
my swing.
May you be blessed this coming week and always with joy and peace.

Veggie Tale Christmas Video

I saw it at Target.

I thought of my boy.

I purchased the treat and took it home.

It never saw my Christmas stash box...

=-)

A happy picture of my guy

a little nervous

that he just might find

himself tickled again.

"ay" family pumpkin hunt

Following clues, my students will go searching for their word family cards tomorrow. Tied to each one is a jack-o-lantern ring that will be their reward for reading what the card says. I have a strong feeling that my kiddos will enjoy this activity.

Even the dog loves it...

Like most of you,

I love kind people,

happy memories,

joyful surprises and

the beauty of our natural world.

Like many of you,

I enjoy a hike up a forest path,

small children,

furry pets

and pumpkin pie.

But...

I must confess...

I also love PB&J,

macaroni and cheese,

french toast made with stale bread

and

from time to time...

Banquet Salisbury Steak!

Yup...

it's frozen...

inexpensive...

and loved by all my children,

including my dog son.

Thanks to my grandpa,

long gone,

not forgotten...

The king of frozen foods;

a man who had lived with little

and always liked to have comfort food about.

For simple fare shared with our nearest and dearest...

I give thanks.

Pumpkin hats... I love Ohio!... You should too!

I live in the most wonderful state in our country. Yup, sorry to the other 49 lesser states. Though you hold beauty and I want to see you all, there is nothing quite like Ohio. From basket shaped buildings, to chocolate factories, amazing natural parks, wonderful zoos and pumpkins that weigh as much as a car... we have it all! Seriously, come and see for yourself if you are not a native, we love visitors. Now and always, may you be blessed with beautiful adventures. (And, if your adventures bring you to Ohio, even better!)

Adventuring with those we love

Standing in the mist,

getting ready to leave,

I sighed.

I took a picture of the happy people around me and I was so very grateful for the blessings granted to me this day. My daughters, my best friend and her son all enjoyed our outing today. A festival... a happy one... a moment of true American culture shared with those who share my daily life. Time together is so precious, happy memories were made today to hold close on days we need them. Blessings, happy times... a wonderful day.

Wow!

This year's winners!

Laughing with my favorite girls...

• Pumpkin ice cream
• Pumpkin fudge
• Pumpkin donuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Pumpkin pie
• Pumpkin chilli (not kidding)

Add all together....

Sigh...

I might be hungry by midnight...

better find a salad then...

glad I skipped lunch first...

=-)

Simple American Joys....

A dollar...

ping pong balls...

Happy children...

Did someone just win...

A goldfish?

A Giant Pumpkin Pie!

Located at 127 Main Street

in Circleville Ohio,

is the lovely Lindsey's Bakery!

This week, a giant pie graces their store in honor of the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Though the pie I bought actually came from another vendor, their pumpkin donuts are delicious!

Sadly, the Pumpkin Show is over tonight; so unless you hurry, you'll be out of luck to view the amazing confection this year. Soon local swine will be invited to dine on its yummy but unrefrigerated greatness.

Happy....

My day started off a bit rough. A mess at home, a typical moment from a wilful preteen, the usual. I was sniffling a bit on the way to work, just plain tired. Thankfully my day got better.

I'm sitting here listening to happy, hopeful, light hearted music. The Beach Boys, "Kokomo" is playing as I type and I find myself typing in rhythm to the tune. A smile is on my face.

At school, my morning small group and I sat on the patio and watched the rain fall. We wrote about what we saw in our journals. We ate raisins left over from our ladybug lesson and talked together.

Later, we used our class computer to look up information on starfish when a dear kiddo asked about them. We had just read a counting by five's book that used starfish to count on and my students wanted to know more. So, learn we did! We promptly went over and discovered all we could. Monday I'm bringing in a dried starfish to share. It is so much fun to follow whims some days. Our standards were met, my students were interested and engaged and I was blessed with well behaved dear ones.

My afternoon was full of pumpkin math and floating veggies, a tasting party and a double check of progress reports that were sent out. I was exhausted when I made it home but satisfied. Pizza was the choice for dinner. Thank heavens for Little Caesars. My kids were happy and with my oldest entertaining the other siblings, I took a power nap.

Now... I find that I am beginning to slow down. I have groceries safely tucked into my cupboards, a new book to read and happy plans for my family tomorrow. I pray that your night, your tomorrow, your always is a blessing. That the adventure before you brings you more joy than sorrow. Now and forever, peace to you.

Autumn leaves are falling down...

While at the pumpkin farm today,
my students, chaperons and I were treated to a hayride.

Through the woods we went,
the children chattering happily,
the adults enjoying their innocent joy.
Floating on the breeze,
landing by our feet,
being caught by children
crunchable leaves.

Glittering bits of joy...

• Sandstone rocks... glittering in the sun...
• Hallmark cards that sing or sparkle
• Mashed potatoes
• Someone else cooking... even PB&J
• Tim Horton's coffee... let's just face it... coffee in general...
• Family and Friends who care
• Adventures in the great outdoors
• Jewel covered jeans that make grownup girls smile

Happy things...

Enjoy your ride!

With burlap in hand,

I made the trip...

Swirling light,

bumpy happiness...

Happy days...

Happy bunnies....

Bunnies, bunnies everywhere....

Today when my students were feeding the goats and donkeys,
I wandered past the rabbits.
I smiled and thought,
"How nice... rabbits"...
then I did a double take
and laughed outloud.
Take a look at the picture,
you'll see why.
=-)

Questions... questions... questions...

There is a plethora of ladybugs in our area, perhaps yours as well. My Kindergarten students have taken to catching them everyday. Yesterday, two very concerned girls inquired about what their new friends needed to eat. I told them I wasn't sure and that I'd look it up on the computer. I found a website www.ladybuglady.com that I will share with my curious students this morning. Beyond just telling my girls that ladybugs eat "aphids", this site will show them all they could ever desire to know.

I could have supplied the word "aphid" myself however, if I had, they would have lost the opportunity to really discover the answer to their question. I am excited about their interest and have figured out a way to work the project into our morning activities. Our writing will now be about what we learn, our fun project? A construction paper ladybug of course... with movable wings and spots!

I love to learn new things, meeting new people is one way to do this. Each of us has varied interests and experiences. When someone is talking to me and I don't understand what they are saying, I try to stop them and ask. Because of this, I am often able to recall what they have shared and use the knowledge later.

I am grateful to know that pet ladybugs can eat moistened raisins, that some people hate them and that sitting under a rustic chandelier covered in the critters is not a good idea if someone turns off the light for prayer. Some of this knowledge I learned today, some I have discovered talking to friends and some... like the unpleasant tickle of a ladybug that has fallen down your shirt... I learned from life experience.

I pray that you learn something interesting today. May this day, and everyone that is given to you bring you wonderful adventures. Now and forever, may you be blessed.

Healthy Foods....

Apples...
Pears...
Chicken too...

I teach my students...
Moderation...
Variety
and other healthy concepts....

I wish my stomach would listen to my lesson plans...
'cause all I'm dreaming of is mashed potatoes, frozen noodles and pumpkin pie...

Sigh...
I'm always hungry when it's cold...

Tonight and always,
I wish you only the best...
and if that includes "comfort food"...
all the better!

God Bless

Practicing the ABC's

My students were asked to write their ABC's today for an assessment. They were delighted when they were led outside and given chalk and their own patch of blacktop. It was endearing to hear their voices raised in whispered song as they used the familiar Alphabet Song to aid them in their endeavor. When they were done, and their work was checked, each child was allowed to go play on the playground.
Chalk...
Singing...
Smiles
and a slide...
Kindergarten...
is a nice place to be.

A little chuckle...

At the Franklin Park Conservatory on this past Saturday, I noticed a beautiful star shaped flower that I had never seen before. In the desert room down in the gravel, purplish pink, it caught my eye. Yesterday, catching up on the weekend's paper, I was reading all the interesting parts. Once again my eye was "caught" by a photo almost identical to mine. It seems... that my flower... is the "carrion" flower... and it apparently smells like rotting meat! Well, I don't know if the size of the room prevented a stink or if the flower just wasn't "ripe", but I smelled nothing when I bent to capture the image.

It just goes to show...
everything is not always what it seems to be...
=-)

Monday

I set my alarm a bit earlier this morning in anticipation of moving slowly. I was happily surprised that everything still worked despite the exercise it was given yesterday.

As I climbed out of bed, I said thank you and pondered my weekend. Thought over the week before me and considered the path of my life.

The people I climbed with yesterday were all strangers to me before the day began. Now, a common interest and a shared experience have made them something else.

As the day had wound down, I found myself standing with the four other women who came without a guy in tow. We watched as our guide took his own trips over the edge and we shared a bit about ourselves. It turned out that we had all been divorced. We all felt regret over the sadness in our past but affirmed that even when the path you find yourself on is not what you would have originally chosen, the world is a magnificent place.

Divorce is a horrible thing. Something awful happens when sacred bonds are broken. Yet, it is not the end. The world is beautiful. People are kind and there are adventures out there to be considered.

Despite the rush of yesterday, my most important adventure is the one I was entrusted with more than fourteen years ago. I am a mom. I pray that I am given the wisdom to lead my children and the strength to care for their needs.

I ponder my life, my example and I find that I am not perfect and I sigh. Then, I consider the truth. That if anyone puts their faith in a human, they are bound for disappointment. Regardless of the kindness and integrity of the human chosen, none of us is perfect. Yet, to walk in this world happily, we must form relationships. We all need people to care for and individuals to care for us.

It is a tricky path we trod. Who or what is the center of our lives? Do we believe that God is looking out for us, that He cares? If we do, how then do our lives reflect our beliefs?

It was dark when I started out this morning.

Headed South, the sun began to lighten the sky.

As the world awoke, there was a smile on my face, a song on my radio and happiness in my heart.

Later...

Up the hill we went...

Ropes were set... instruction given... encouragement offered...

Then over the edge I went!

What a day!

My cell rang at six this morning.
I popped up,
grabbed my things
and hit the shower.
Before seven,
I was dressed;
shared donuts with my sis
and left some off for my kids.
With a grin on my face,
I headed South,
taking a detour
before I headed to Hocking Hills.
I daydreamed as the sun crept over the horizon.
Happily, I turned on to a lovely road in Southern Ohio.
Chuckling,
I called my favorite number
and woke a very special man up.
I shared some tea
and my excitement over the coming day.
Then, collecting a kiss and a hug,
I hit the road and headed East.
I pulled into the State Park rappelling area right on time.
After meeting up with the leader and group,
we picked up the gear and headed up into the forest.
The path was steep and unbelievably beautiful.
Rocks,
tree roots,
colorful leaves,
moss
and even towering rock faces...
I sighed...
smiled
and
felt grateful to have been invited.
Later,
after stepping off the side of the rock...
climbing up again...
only to step off again....
My body was tired,
but the satisfaction in my heart...
Was something that is still with me as I write to you.
New friends...
a new experience...
Wow...

Lunch together...

My oldest didn't have school today.
In celebration, we found some lunch together...
spaghetti of course...
back home...
out again...
errands...
Did somebody say ice cream?
Happy Friday!

The gift of photos...

I have a meeting today.
A meeting about a small human in my care. In charge of a conference that is not an easy one; I am starting with pictures. Positive ones of a dear child who has honestly found a special place in my heart. I am bringing coffee, offering baked goods, I do not have any "easy" answers. Like countless teachers before me and those after me, I will step up to my "plate" and do the best I can.
Nothing in college taught me what it is that should come out of my mouth.
My words, I pray, will instead be drawn from what I have learned in life. Compassion, strength, intelligence.... I have seen them modeled. I claim these assets of my own. I pray that today I demonstrate these gifts.
Today, for you,
I wish a smile for your heart,
a chance to use your own talents and maybe....
just maybe a delicious pastry.
May you be blessed.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly...

This afternoon, for the first time in more than perhaps twenty odd years, I saw a Western. The movie, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly starred Clint Eastwood and a hidden box of money. It was a wonderful way to spend a misty afternoon.

I was outraged at the opening death, appalled, though not surprised, when the murderer killed his contractor and happy when the bad guy met a deserving end. The plot twists and interesting characters made me wonder exactly what would happen. There was enough money to share, and yet the main characters spent the whole movie keeping secrets from each other that bred distrust and unhappiness.

Me?
I was not unhappy like the men on the screen before me. Nestled in, warm and cozy, all was right in my world. There is nothing like a sharing a good movie on a rainy day. As an added bonus, I am excited at the new genre of movies that now peak my curiousity.

The world is a beautiful place.
Even on cloudy days.
Mist,
fog
or
rain.
My heart is warm and my smile fixed happily where it should be.

May your today,
your tomorrow,
your always,
bring you blessings.

Starting with home!

My students are learning the location of important states in our country. We start with our own state and branch out from there. We learn where Disney World and many grandparents live (Florida), we learn the edge states and where one of our Crew leaders is from (Maine). We look for states that mean something to us and those that we might have heard about on the news or from our parents.

Last year, my students knew fourteen without struggling. I think the children this year may top them. They already can find, Ohio, Texas, California, Florida, Michigan, Washington and Maine! We started learning New York today. The children are very proud of themselves and if an adult wanders our way during map work, we always "show off" our skills!

Pizza for Math?

Comparisons....

What are some differences between Matzo Cracker Pizza and "real" pizza?

How are they the same?

Counting...

How many spoonfuls of cheese are you supposed to use?

How much sauce?

Following directions...

What order do I complete the steps in?

What did Ms. Susan say I should do when I am done?

My students and I made pizza together today.

Every child except one enjoyed the taste and several begged for more. I love learning through real life experiences. Sure my students do worksheets and flashcards like everyone else, we just are blessed with a principal who encourages hands on activities as well.

"School" is over for the week!

Only play days remain as our local schools are out and there will be "big kids" at our building for the next two days. I have a few hours of work to do and one parent meeting. The rest of the time is mine courtesy of a bit of personal time.

I am surprised you can't hear my happy sigh...

I pray that your week and weekend are wonderful... I'm starting mine early.... YAY! =-)

Welcome to Bunny Day!

Last night when I returned home from my CPR class it was around 10:30 pm. I was very tired and I knew that today could be a difficult day. When my feet hit the carpet this morning, my mind was still whirling on what I could do to make today a very good day. I thought about my standards, about my lesson plans and about my goals for the day and week and I came up with a happy idea. I decided to declare Tuesday, "Bunny Day". Armed with a "Perfect Pumpkin" Max and Ruby DVD, foam pumpkin shapes from a parent and handwriting paper, I headed to work.

At breakfast I told the children that today was a special day and that when we got our normal work done, we were going to do something, "fun". With this knowledge shared, the children and I began our normal Circle activities, Language Arts games and even completed our weekly assessments and a Math paper.

When ten o'clock rolled around and my co-teacher arrived, it was time for small group work. I took my students to the theater room and we watched one episode about our favorite naughty bunny and his sister as they searched for the, "Perfect Pumpkin".

Afterward we used the computer to learn about real rabbits, compared and contrasted the fantasy to reality and talked about what we knew about rabbits. When we made it back to our classroom, each child was encouraged to sound out their own sentence. We discussed spacing, capitalization and even punctuation and clarity. My Kindergarten students then wrote their own thoughts down.

The results made me smile and every dear one was rewarded with their very own bunny to color and cut out. When they were done, they glued a pumpkin on their bunny and I helped them use brads to make their creature's ears move.

Bunny Day made my students happy, helped us meet our goals and made a day that could have been long and exhausting for me into a pleasant experience. I am so glad for the job I have and the children I have been entrusted to teach.

I am also grateful for....

bunnies!

=-)

"Ms. Susan, it looks like a Monarch!"

Oooohing and Ahhhhing, my dear ones came to me today carrying a bug they had found. Though it was not a Monarch as they thought, the colors were very similar. I smiled at their identification and their innocent joy.

I am tired tonight, it was the evening of my CPR renewal and I just got home a bit ago. Just the same, I wanted to pop in and say hello and wish you all a blessed day. Goodnight, God Bless, Sweet dreams.

Sunday afternoon...

This afternoon I helped my daughters overhaul their "nest".
Bunk beds were dismantled,
Lego's rounded up
and an empty aquarium was finally removed.

After a couple of hours of cleaning,
carrying and plan hard work,
the girls room looks completely different.
My daughters' room done,
I set about tackling my room.

It seems that I am always buried in school papers,
personal paperwork
and clean laundry.
Later,
the room looked more peaceful.

I got a lot done this weekend.
My son's room clean,
my daughters' room a complete makeover,
lesson plans done,
an adventure day
and even some errands run.

I have three days of "real" school this week
and I am looking forward to a bit of a break at the end of the week.
My oldest is happily squeaking because she doesn't have school on Friday either.
After a parent- teacher conference,
we will be heading out to enjoy some time together.

Sigh
grin...
roll my eyes...
yup!
We're already planning our next adventure together.

I feel so blessed to have children, family and friends to share my life with. The world is a beautiful place; full of adventures that make me smile. But, without a loved one to share the time with, it just wouldn't be the same.

Now and always,
I wish you peace and happiness.
I pray that you will always have someone to share your adventures with.
May you always have a bit of sunshine in your heart.

Blessed

With my trusty alligator hat on my head,
(it was girl's day after all... so of course I needed a silly hat)

We headed out...

Down route 33 we went,

smiles on our faces...

Donuts in our tummies...

Radio rocking...

"old" people singing to eighties music...

Teenagers humoring the grownups they love...

A small boy exclaiming delightedly

as his "Miss Suzy" rounded the curves

on one of her favorite roads..

Sandwiches eaten together,

a woolly bear found...

examined and returned unhurt...

smiles from strangers...

time together...

Saturday...

Adventure Day...

My favorite day...

peaceful

a view of heaven...

Water on a table cloth...

first spilled by the little one...

accidentally...

Oops!

When it beaded up and rolled about...

Every child grinned....

The oldest spilled some more...

and we watched the fun begin!

A beautiful reflection

We saw a wedding today...

In this lovely place,
just to the left of this shot,
there was a wedding party.

A white dress,
a very happy groom...
Smiles on every face...
happily pledging their lives to each other...

Around them,
hiking respectfully on other paths,
pausing to peek in their direction...
Strangers wishing them well...

I was one of the onlookers who clapped along with the rest when they were announced as man and wife. I hope their life together is as beautiful as the natural cathedral they were married in...