It flies Ms. Susan!

Kindergarten kiddos can be a challenge. I suppose if they could put into words their thoughts, they might say the wishes of adults are sometimes hard to comply with. Some weeks of teaching are easier than others. This was not one of the breezy weeks. However, there were moments of sincere pleasure, for the little ones and for me as well. The bitty one pictured above truly enjoyed creating a creature during our "Animal Parts" Science lesson.

One paper bag... a little bit of recycled newspaper... two wiggly eyes... a couple of feathers... two paper wings... It really takes very little to make imaginations soar. The smile on this small dear one's face was one of the highlights of my week.

I truly love the moments when students are engaged, happy and learning; they make teaching worth while.

I pray that your evening is calm, your weekend full of recuperative powers and that deep in your heart you are at peace.

Now and always,
May you be blessed.

A world without speech...

Happy...
then sad...
content
and then worried...

My son can not share his wishes through recognizable language.

Sometimes it is hard for "normal" people to express their feelings. Sometimes we feel as if we are not understood. How frustrating it must be to honestly not be understood. Tonight Andrew has been agitated and we are not sure why. All we can do is speak kindly and try and calm him.

I pray that if you are feeling a bit out of sorts you have someone who understands. If you find, that like my youngest child, you feel alone in your sadness, please know that you are loved. Most likely by many people around you who wish they could help and most certainly by the One who made us all.

Tonight,
Tomorrow...
Always,
May we be given strength for challenges,
peace for our journeys
and love to share with those we hold dear.

May we be blessed.

Hike number five is successful!

The road of life is sometimes an odd one. Sometimes hard, sometimes one of ease. Each moment is part of the experience and makes us who we are. Several years ago my husband and I fell into hard times. We had issues that, we seemingly couldn't resolve. A year ago we were divorced. The past year has been one of ups and downs... of sadness and joy. Somewhere along the way we started on paths that have led us back to each other.

Today we hiked together. First stopping at my favorite Clear Creek park for the fifth installment of the Columbus Metro Park Winter Hike Series and then it was onto one of the most lovely spots on Earth, the Conkle's Hollow Rim trail. Midway along the path we stopped for a picnic lunch and looked out over the valley. The view was breathtaking, but honestly, it was the man beside me that held my attention.

We started out our marriage with faith in our hearts and a promise... somewhere along the way we lost our way. Today, it was with thankful hearts that we sat and ate. Only God's grace has brought us to where we are. We both know that the world will be sceptical, our breakup was horrible. They would be right to feel this way, if it was just the two of us in the relationship together. However, both of us have come to the conclusion that God's way is so much better than our own. We are going to trust Him.

What we face will not be easy. Life's adventure can be difficult. What we have faced, our past, is a reality that has left scars. But, we truly believe that with God, anything is possible.

Family

I have two brothers. One about a year and a half older than me, one more than ten years younger. My "little" brother pictured above just became a Kitchen Manager for Ruby Tuesday's. I had to smile as he tried on his new Chef's coat. I snapped a picture and warned him he was about to be, "blogged".

Nicholas is one of those people who always are helping others, it is nice to see something good come his way. Nick is the one who is called if someone doesn't show up or if there is suddenly a run on the salad bar and an item needs to be picked up from another store. No matter what he is asked to do, Nicholas can be relied on to do what needs to be done.

Three cheers for hard work being rewarded! How nice it is to know such a sincerely decent individual. Our path through life is made more beautiful when those around us honestly do their best.

New Metro Parks!

The Columbus Metro Park Winter Hike Series consists of thirteen hikes at thirteen different Metro Parks. This past weekend, I went hiking twice. In the process, I was able to explore two parks that were previously unknown to me.

What fun to "map quest" a park! That doesn' t usually happen. Our local Metro Parks are generally one of the only places I could find by memory (in the dark, in my sleep, blindfolded).

I was delighted to discover Scioto Audubon http://www.metroparks.net/ParksSciotoAudubon.aspx and Prairie Oaks http://www.metroparks.net/ParksPrairieOaks.aspx parks. I love finding new places to explore with my family. Perhaps you feel the same way; click on over if you are looking for new adventures as well!

Goodnight...

God Bless...

Blessings... sadness... Life is a journey...

Today I ate lunch with a very old friend.

The path of life seems to have brought the two of us full circle. What happens next is up to us. Will we renew a once beautiful friendship? Life, I always say is an adventure. Some of what comes our way we can neither prevent or call into being. What though, about the moments in our journey when, somehow we find that grace... God's grace, may allow us to begin an adventure we thought was finished?

As a Christian and a preacher's daughter, I have heard about forgiveness and mercy my whole life. For most of my life they were words that applied to other people. Sure, I "believed" Christ died for us all... but honestly, what had I done?... surely everyone else needed grace more than me... I wasn't nasty to those who fell into trouble... but I would never choose such clearly wrong things. Didn't "they" see what they were doing would make them unhappy? I felt pretty happy and satisfied from my safe and happy vantage point.

The last years of my life have tested me and I have not always lived up to what I have been taught. There have been times when I have very nearly lost my way... my faith... I know that is simply grace that has brought me "home" where I belong. God's love is so much better than anything offered by any other source.

Today, as the conversation with my dear friend unfolded, we asked each other's pardon. I found that in the giving and receiving of forgiveness we were both blessed. My world, feels right. I have missed my friend.

Life's adventure is an unusual mix of so many things. Sometimes we do not know exactly how to deal with everything that comes our way. Today... I smiled, shared lunch and went home, unaware of what I would find there.

Walking in, I went upstairs to put my coat down and check on our dog, who'd been feeling a bit under the weather. I found my furry son on my floor sick beyond anything I've ever seen. I reached for the phone and called my dad to come and help me and then I dialed the vet to say we were on our way.

In the end, our dear one, our Ben died. I couldn't believe it. How could he have gotten so sick so quickly? How didn't I "know"?

Ben was our first family dog. A good friend, a wonderful companion and the most tolerant pet ever created. He was a blessing. I am so grateful for his presence and so sad he is gone.

Life...

such a mix....

Good things like

Faith,

Family

and Forgiveness...

Sad things

like dear ones dying

and horrible lessons learned the hard way...

Ordinary things...

like rainy days,

cookies

and a good hike...

Through everything...

God is here with us...

life is...

a blessing...

This day and always,

I pray that I may always thank God for his presence...

come what may...

I'd rather walk through the darkest valley with Him...

than the most opulent palace all by myself...

I choose mercy over justice...

grace over riches...

I wish you good things...

blessings...

happiness...

Today,

Tomorrow...

Always...

Find a little joy...

Today...

find a bit of joy...

Hug a friend.

"steal" a bit of happiness...

Laugh at a good joke.

create a little island of peace...

Let go of some small annoyance.

Find a bit of joy today...

Do something silly, just for fun.

I wish you happiness,

I pray that you are blessed...

today...

tomorrow...

always...

It is report card week. Though I have been conducting assessments for the last few weeks, I am knee deep in evaluations. Thank God for good family and friends... For yummy chicken casserole made by parents... For coffee... for kindness... for blessings... I give thanks...

Goodnight.
May you be blessed.
Tonight... Tomorrow.... Always...

I wish you only happy things.
I'm headed to bed.
Maybe... just maybe... I'm a bit tired...

I take it back... I'm sorry...

Not long ago my kiddos and I went on an after work hike to Sharon Woods Metro Park. With darkness quickly approaching , we hiked on the first trail visible and ended up next to the freeway on a paved path. I was not impressed. I think I even told all of you I wasn't. I feel rather bad that I made unhappy noises about an honestly nice park.

This morning my girls and I went back to Sharon Woods for the second installment in the Winter Hike Series and had a very nice time. Even though my girls wonder why I find such joy in the outdoors, the hike was not too long and there was food at the end so they didn't mind the adventure. The yummy cookies, steaming flavorful soup and warm drinks made them forgive me.

Truth be told, I think they just like to complain. They were smiling and chatting too much to actually be suffering.

... teenagers
...Gotta love them...

Blessed by beauty

After our hike, we headed to McDonald's and enjoyed lunch together. We all love their grilled chicken. It was wraps for them and a salad for me. (yum!) At lunch, my cell rang and it was my sis. With a happy impulse, we invited her and her little guy along on the next leg of our adventure.

....A wonderful stop at Franklin Park Conservatory...

Orchids were everywhere...

Glistening glass shone all around us...

Time together is precious...

Then it was time for my "date"...

Back at home I rested with my kids for a while and helped my son get ready for our "date". We were headed out for our own happy time together.

We went to Three Creeks!

Heading out... I must confess I took a "short cut" and ended up on the wrong freeway. Aaaahhhh! I was so aggravated. I was afraid I had wrecked our outing. I prayed that the Ranger would be waiting for stragglers.

As we pulled in, I saw a ranger truck and one young man leaning against it talking to the Ranger. Since there are always at least two Rangers in the park I thought the one I saw was the "extra" Ranger. Happily, it was the one leading the hike and the young man leaning against the park vehicle was our only hike mate.

I was overjoyed and so relieved. I had been so worried, Andrew would not have understood what had happened. As I had driven the last ten minutes, I had formed a back-up plan. I was going to use the charcoal in my trunk and have our own cookout if I had to. Fortunately, tonight I was given a wonderful blessing by my patient fellow adventurers.

The perfect ending to a lovely day...

We took a short hike in the woods. We saw deer bedded down, some on the ice by the creeks and some out in the wetland area. Snow lay like frosting on the evergreens that lined the path through the woods and the sun set as we walked.

Snow and a path...
Friendly fellow hikers...
A fire when we got back...
Hot dogs...
Marshmallows on fire!
Yay!
Chocolate and Graham crackers too...
What a perfect end...
to a very blessed day...

Thoughts...

As I sit at my computer, I am looking out my window. The snow is falling again. The flakes are small. The sky is bright. It looks cold out there.

Though it is not yet five o'clock, I've already fed my crew. It was burritos for dinner with peas and corn for side dishes. I think I was the only one eating peas. I really didn't mind. I love peas.

I feel quiet and thankful. It was a "Play Day" at school as our two major client schools were out for the day and we had "Big Kids" with us too. It was a nice day. We had free choice during Gym; coloring, floam and stuffed animals in Art and mashed potatoes and meatloaf for lunch.

My day had started out wonderfully. Before I even began to worry about the possibility of being late, my boss had called me and told me not to be concerned. The teacher who lives right across the street was willing to come in at seven. So, with a peaceful feeling, I heated up my car, helped my daughters get ready to go to babysit their cousin and made a thermos full of raspberry zinger tea.

The way to work was not too bad, everyone was being careful. No one seemed to mind that I was driving a bit slow and I arrived at school grateful. It was the beginning of a tranquil day.

I was able to get some report card assessments done which will put me ahead of the game next week. I was also allowed to leave an hour early because of my teachers' meeting early in the week!

All in all, it has been the kind of day that has left me feeling cozy and quiet.

I even managed to get through to two kiddos who discovered that Ms. Susan adds minutes onto a naughty child's "Reflection time" if eyes are rolled or rude remarks are directed her way. It was a good educational discovery on our "non-curriculum" day. =-)

I pray your day has been a good one...
That your night will be a happy one...
That your weekend will be wonderful...

Yeah...
I wish you only blessings...
now and forever...

Somebody get this chocolate away from me...

I would like to tell you that my pup's walk tonight was simply inspired by the kind heart of a dog mom. But, I try to be truthful. So, I must confess that the seemingly endless supply of chocolate in the break room at work is actually the motivating factor.

I'm not sure if it was a gift from our boss or a "loving" parent, but the Dove chocolate and fancy truffles that appeared, would be hard pressed to have come in a bigger box. Don't even get me started on the gooey box of goodness from Russel Stover's that somehow is finally gone... (I wonder who helped polish those off?)

I suppose it is a good thing I have a dog son... or I'd really be in trouble.

On the plus side, the walk was lovely. The snow makes everything seem brighter and a few people still have glowing Christmas lights to brighten the wintry mood. My best friend called me after working out to an aerobics DVD... I couldn't quite motivate myself to that level of exercise this evening.

No matter what you have done today or this evening, I hope that you are now safely tucked back into your nest.

Thankful for...

Tonight I've been blogging on my classroom blog and I've been to a teachers' meeting. I'm tired and it seems time is slipping away from me. I think I'll just name five things I'm thankful for today and call it a night.

1.) Tuna- My girls absolutely love it. A tuna fish sandwich in a lunch makes my dear ladies think they've won a million dollars. How nice to be able to make them happy so easily.

2.) Making it home safe- I am not fond of night driving or winter roads. Tonight I had to drive over an hour round trip to my meeting and while most of the way was clear, side streets and turn lanes were still a bit spooky in some places. I am so thankful to have made it home all in one piece.

3.) Brussel Sprouts- I picked some up at the store and treated myself at dinner. They are yummy little cabbages!

4.) Hugs- I collected some from each of my kids today, including an unsolicited one from my son when I came home. He was very happy to see me! It is nice to be loved.

5.) Imagination- Today for a writing prompt I made up an elaborate story about the "Snow Fairy" who came and visited our school causing mischief and mayhem. The kids loved the story and in the afternoon I treated them to a scavenger hunt for a treat she left us. Even my principal was in on it!

Perhaps my list will inspire you to make your own.
Goodnight my friends.
God Bless.


What about the picture you may ask?...
I forgot to talk about it...
I really am tired, please humor me...
That can be my number six...
Yesterday my kids happily ate "Breakfast for Dinner".
We hadn't had french toast in a while and honestly...
it made me really happy.
The mounds of powdered sugar...
made my older daughter happy...
I pretended not to see...

Back to the routine... not a bad thing...

With laughter my students and I welcomed our new year. We did "Calendar" time and happily talked about the different year that was now posted. We read poems and sang our alphabet backwards... just for fun.

I also introduced a new center during Welcome Time where my students can use http://www.starfall.com/, an amazing reading site. It was delightful to hear them exclaim when they realized they knew how to spell and read so many "word family" words. If you have a young child who is learning to read, or know one who is, may I suggest checking out this effective and ad free site.

I will not pretend that my students didn't need to be reminded of a few policies or that they were not tired in the afternoon. However, I was very proud of their first day back. Tomorrow will likely be a challenge, as they will still be tired and the novelty of being back may have worn off. Like anyone, small people often chafe under the restraints of routine after a "break". However, I know that they, like the rest of us, truly crave the safety and comfort of the normal day to day.

Curling up on the couch watching "nothing exciting" with my kids, doing a "normal" phonics game, even walking my dog down the same path everyday. The familiar makes me smile. Like friends we have known forever and mac and cheese, the days that hold "no surprises" are not unpleasant.

So today,

I give thanks

for PB&J,

Coffee with cream and sugar,

infomercials,

comfortable jeans

and my dear ones who always love me.

Life is good.

May your night,

your days...

your forever

be blessed with normality.

May you find comfort

and just enough adventure to make your path all it is meant to be.

Good night my friends.

=-)

Zinnias or Sunflowers?

Today I amused myself by beginning to move a garden. Before this afternoon, the side of my townhouse contained a lovely perennial garden, a large empty annual garden, an area with my tomato pots and a small section of raspberry bushes. Since I would really like a larger berry patch, I made a decision to move the annual garden out into my front yard.

Today I began moving the pavers. (Yes, I do know the ground has snow on it... Have you missed the fact that I'm trying to deny winter?) The picture shows only the first layer. I actually got part of the second layer moved before my hands got a bit cold and I had to call it a day. Sigh... apparently refusing to acknowledge the onset of frigid weather does not negate its affects.

Tomorrow I'll move the remaining ten stones and ponder moving the dirt once in warms up a bit. The space where the annual garden was last year is large enough to hold at least four or five more berry bushes. The thought of homemade berry cobbler makes me smile.

My father laughs that I would love to plow everything into garden. I protest that this simply isn't true... Somehow though, every year, no matter where I've lived, a bit more yard no longer needs to be mowed! (One year I was even in charge of the garden in front of my dorm at college. Go ahead and chuckle... I did.)

Once the garden is filled, the only question will be what to plant in it. I know I have mentioned a great desire for a zinnia garden, but I haven't completely ruled out one filled with sunflowers. Either would be nice. I'll have to think on it a while. Thankfully I won't have to rush, I have plenty of time to consider the possibilities.

One of the good things in life!

Plans change... but you do need to make them...

Today, I came home from church and checked my email before heading out to meet my hiking buddies. I'm glad I did, as there was a note saying our hike was cancelled due to the cold weather. Though I know it was probably the best choice, I am still a bit disappointed. Oddly, I am also slightly relieved as well. It would have been a very cold walk.

Sometimes plans change. There are times when things do not unfold as we feel they ought to. Occasionally we see immediately that the unexpected change is a good one, other times the disturbance is entirely unwelcome and we complain bitterly to anyone who will listen. Despite the inherent uncertainty in life, I think it is a good that we feel called to look out into the world and think things over.

Everything in life is not possible...
I will never speak conversational Japanese with a flawless accent,
no matter how many lessons I seek...

I am grateful that my happiness is not dependant on the acquisition of this skill.

There are times when what I desire seems so far out of my grasp. Other times I know that persistence will bring me what I want..

On the back of my door near my desk is a Candy Land style grid that plots a goal of mine that is almost entirely dependant on "stick-to-it-tive-ness". I have had these types of goals before and I know I can eventually accomplish what I want.

I have some "goals" that could be more aptly named, "dreams". Some of my dreams are hopes for my loved ones, others are my own deepest desires. These fervent whispers of my heart can not be reached by making a grid.

These are the things I must give to God. I struggle to do this. I do not want to wait and see... I want results... NOW! (insert a stomp of the foot here) I sigh... I shake my head and know that it is the acknowledgement that I am not in charge that bothers me the most. I am so like the Sarah of the Old Testament Bible... I question... I think it all over... I'm pretty sure some days that God really couldn't expect me to honestly wait on Him...

Hasn't He heard what I want?....

Goodness how very human I am.. how very much in need of grace... so many blessings... yet I still question... The story of the "fleece" in Judges Chapters 6-8 really speaks to me. I could easily stand stead for Gideon in the story.

Have you ever felt this way?
As this new year begins,
I invite you join me in a prayer
for the faith
to trust the One
who has made the road
we walk upon each day...

To find a way to stay true to who we are called to be...
to be patient...
to look for the good around us...
to find satisfaction with things that are truly good...

Today,
Tomorrow,
Always...
May you be blessed.

Tiny tots and grandmas too....

This morning, the Columbus Metro Park's Winter Hike Series began (http://www.metroparks.net/UserUploads/UserDocuments/Winter-Hikes-2010-schedule-rfs.pdf). A newbie, I pulled into Blacklick park a bit before ten and immediately knew that this "event" was unlike any other "hike" I'd been part of. There was a line of cars waiting to park. The lots were marked with three foot florescent yellow signs and I have never seen so many Rangers and Volunteers... ever... anywhere...

I literally laughed outloud and pulled into line. When I passed the Ranger standing in the road, I too rolled down my window and received a map and instructions. With a shake of my head and a grin, I parked my car. I tried to find the "guided" four mile hike but no one seemed to know where that group was. So, I decided to head out on the self guided path.

Hiking solo in a deserted park is not odd; I do not find it lonely. However, hiking alone when most people are with others... that is a different matter. I was hiking rather fast, as I was not wearing an extra layer under my jeans and I find it feels rude to walk too close to couples. (It makes me feel as if I am eavesdropping.) I passed several groups, wishing them a good morning as I did. About ten minutes in, I fell in step with an older woman, who was also hiking by herself. We started chatting and hiked the rest of the path together.

Back at the lodge, Volunteers handed out soup and big containers of hot water stood ready. I happily made myself a cup of instant coffee and snapped a picture of the turtles that stood, snow covered, outside. Bitty toddlers in snowsuits held parents' hands... the crowd was a friendly bunch. I smiled at the hikers who had patches covering their gear from amazing places. Someday... someday... that will be, God willing, me...

The world is a lovely place. Each day a new experience... new people to meet... new places to go... wonders to explore...

Even within our daily routines, there are bits of joy to find... the discovery by my eldest and I that anteaters ride their mother's backs... the happy greeting posted by a fellow hiker on my meetup profile... Good people... a beautiful world... pretty scarves... snow covered turtles... laughter shared between strangers...

Yes... I give thanks... We are blessed...

The beautiful world...

On this beautiful New Year's Day I took a hike. Go ahead and chuckle... I know it is no surprise that I was wandering in the great outdoors. Today though, I was very fortunate to be in a most lovely location. Nestled just over the border in Hocking County is the secluded Clear Creek Metro park. (http://www.metroparks.net/ParksClearCreek.aspx)

Today's back country hike took us onto the Nature Preserve, an area not open to hikers except during park programs. Happily bundled in layers, our group left the Ranger's station with anticipation and returned satisfied. It is delightful to meet new people, see familiar faces and enjoy the breathtaking beauty that is "out there" for each and everyone of us to enjoy.

Not a dime traded hands...
I heard not a single unkind word...
No major injury was sustained...
I did manage to scratch my nose...
I was admiring the scenery
and a berry bush caught me unaware.
Ouch!
I guess I should honestly pay more attention.

I am struck by what a blessing our park system is. Everyone is welcome. Rangers are glad to see you and fellow hikers chat happily with each other.

Sigh... what a happy day....

snow fell... I smiled...

It was sincerely a most wonderful winter's day...