Happy Thanksgiving!

I am struggling to teach my first grade class math this year. I've never had a year like this before. I've worried and whined, complained and cajoled. Nothing was working. Then I made a mind change. I decided to look at what they DID know, what resources I had, and start over. Yep, end of October and I was starting over with math!

I decided to be grateful for what I had been given and make the most of it. They are curious; they love to discover and play - work with that! It was a revelation of sorts. We pulled out the tubs and have been counting and discovering. And what do you know....we are growing into mathematicians!! After only a month! Now, it's still not easy and I know I still have miles to go, but I am able to see progress and a deeper understanding. It has been a load of work on my part; not easy or pleasant. I am the one who has stretched and grown and for that I am grateful!!

I needed to be the one to learn the higher law; the one of Thanksgiving! I already had blessings - I just forgot to notice them. They are anxious to learn; I don't have to struggle alone. I hope I have learned to assess their needs more accurately, to look to MY resources, and how to swallow my pride and ask for help!!

"How wonderful it would be if we could help our children and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age. Thanksgiving opens the doors. It changes a child's personality. A child is resentful, negative-or thankful. Thankful children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw people." ~ Sir John Templeton

I want to be a more Thankful person midst the challenges and not just after!! I'll start today!

I am grateful for.... my testimony, the Gospel, my children, family, friends, first grade students, my husband - Rich, blogging friends and relationships, jobs, crisp weather, new blankets, football, airplanes, book group, trips, Emma-Gracie-Noah-Ariel-Hero-Jase (what great joys!), bookstores!!, Sonic, shopping, libraries, sunsets, gardens, choices, lotion, bed, lipgloss, soft socks, books!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving !!!

Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye is NOT my favorite thing to do....

As a child it meant sad airport kisses as we left daddy at the terminal gate, goodbyes to grandparents each summer vacation, and farewell to friends when we moved - again!!

I grew a bit and goodbyes still were NOT my favorite thing to do....

I sent a young man far away for two years and bid adieu to High School friends who I knew I would never see again. I said goodbye to double flips on the sidelines, size 6 jeans, stick straight hair, mini skirts, carefree days. I said goodbye to childhood.

I said goodbye to single life (okay, that was one goodbye that was not so hard!! As a matter of fact, I really scored in that department - thank you, honey!) But saying goodbye to snuggles and cuddles and baby breath was harder than I imagined. Loose teeth, feety pajamas, Saturday morning cartoons are a thing of the past now. When did I wave goodbye to them?

Today I said my goodbyes to a good friend. I stood by her bed tonight, midst tubes and machines, and told her I was there with her. Her goodbye comes too soon for us. We were not ready. I left her side, but not before tucking her grown daughter in beside her so she could sleep with mom one last night. Saying goodbye is NOT my favorite thing to do...

I am going to have to flip this coin and see the other part of goodbye. I am going to have to see the hello!! For every goodbye at the airport there was always a hello hug at the other end. I just forgot to remember it. It will take some practice this time, but I need to remember that there is a hello hug somewhere....

Things I KNOW....

I know Halloween is supposed to be all about the kids but it's truly fun for me...now!


I know that field trips are hard but holidays are harder as a teacher. Because of that truth, we took 100 first graders to the Children's Museum on the day before Halloween. It was great. No costumes, no class parties and the kids thought it was the "best day ever"!!! That's a direct quote! At the end of the day they are content with a treat from the teacher and we all leave tired and with a big smile.

I know relationships are worth it! All 5 of my kiddos made it to Las Vegas to celebrate their brother's wedding and a creation of a new family!!


I know that road trips are fun. But you will never catch me going across this new bridge at the Hoover Dam when it opens!! No way!!

I know that the first bite is the best! Maybe that's why fun-size candy bars are the perfect size...one bite!

I know that I am an expert at letting time get all sucked up... by reading blogs, watching football, surfing the internet. I really have such little self control at times!

I know a good book will keep me up, deprive me of sleep and draw me in....
good books this month . . .
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull ( a book group read for October that most all enjoyed. Interesting discussions, insight and snacks to match!!)
Die For You by Lisa Unger. A first for this author for me. You would think you know the one you married. But when they take your identity and nearly your life, it makes you think about everything.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman. An accomplished cellist, a loving family, a fun snow day adventure and tragedy collide. Narrated by the main character through flashbacks and out of body observation - I found it intriguing. The push and pull of heart-rending choices.
Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison. How do you help someone recover when all is lost? Who defines who we are? How can we find value in life again? Is it by facing our fears, learning to trust? Two characters from opposite backgrounds and experiences are cast together in a small town in the Pacific Northwest where one is recrafting a life and another is ready to start a new one. Scuba diving plays a large role in this book and would be my only complaint....when it got a little technical and beyond my basic understanding I felt lost. It truly is a minor complaint though...the rest was worth the journey.


I know where to find peace.

One Bite Did That?

I bought an apple yesterday. It was an ordinary apple, the kind I eat all the time. But this apple was amazing. One bite of that crunchy apple and my mind was aflood with memories. It was sweet and juicy and I was instantly transported to an apple grove where our kids reached for apples to fill our bushel basket. Another crunch and I was 14, it was a chilly fall night and I was at the Texas State Fair munching on caramel apples the size Texas!! My mind flitted to the colors of fall in the Utah canyons during my freshman year of college, the sounds of fall; football games as a cheerleader and marching with the band, the sound of helmet to helmet and the twang of the trampoline bounce as we rocketed into flips and spins with each touchdown. Another bite and I was watching my kiddos bob for apples at Fall Festivals, sewing Halloween costumes for the umpteenth time. Wow, how could one ordinary apple do all that?!?!?

It's Fall Break in our neck of the woods (or cactus as it may be) and that means a while week all to myself; days to read, ponder and make some more brain connections!! I made a list of things to do so I would not waste one precious minute of this week. My list was a simple one - some of the things it included were visiting Sonic for my favorite drink, walking through a favorite store, washing my sliding glass door, shopping with my daughter, getting my hair done, and calling a friend. I also included a few chores so anyone who saw my list might think I was at least appearing productive - yep, cleaning that closet really was therapeutic!! I even wrote down my favorite guilty pleasure - - laying in bed in the morning and reading til I was ready to get up for the day.

Actually each activity was a memory maker this week. Was it just because I had the time (or took the time) to watch, listen and enjoy the memories? The closet cleaning transported me again. Each pair of old shoes was a reminder of a dance, an event, an outfit. Each shirt folded up and ready to give away was a memory. Some items I could hardly bear to part with. These were the parts of my little girl, all grown up now, that I was unsure if I wanted to give away; unsure if she was ready to say goodbye to. Wow, one closet held all those thoughts and experiences??

The reading in bed each morning sent my memories back to flashlights and books under the covers in the bedroom with my sister, to cuddling in bed with my kiddos and reading story and after story to them. My brain was full of connections!! I am amazed at the connections our brain makes. When it somehow pieces places and names together, smells and sounds, images, events.

I'll see the cover of the book Black Angels by Linda Beatrice Brown now and always think of fall break, the Civil War, and friendship. I'll walk into my local bookstore and remember the smell when I picked up my copy Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins; it was the smell of pages, ink, books, the cafe, and fresh bread baking!! This week has been a feast for my senses.

We're finishing our week with a trip to Las Vegas to be with all of our grown kiddos and see one of our sons get married. My brain is already making connections as I pack books for the drive, select clothes for the wedding and plan restaurants to eat at and celebrate in. It will be another packet of memories for my brain to open next time I bite into the perfect apple. I know an apple can do that!

Does your brain ever do that??

When Little Things Become Big

Today I walked home for a mile in my sassy high heeled sandals. I tried to keep up with my husband and his incredibly long legs step for step. As we walked I could tell that my feet were beginning to hurt just a little. I was too proud to stop and fix what was bothering me. Instead I waited until I got home. What started out as a little blister is now a BIG blister. Ouch!

(I opted to not show you my real blister - too yucky!)

Other things go from little to big too!

Like:

My TBR pile .... it seems to be growing exponentially!! Just awhile ago it was a little pile....and then another must-read arrived this week. I can't wait for October break so I can catch up! Waiting in the wings: Black Angels, Catching Fire, Silksinger, Fablehaven (for Book Group,) The Other Queen ...and darn it, I'll probably add another book or two from some great suggestions!

Like:

My stacks of papers to be graded for Report Cards. I am doing much better than previous years but this last week of testing always snowballs. Where there only a few stray papers to grade now there are stacks!! I have English Language Report Cards, regular academic Report Cards, Reading lab Report Cards, Writing Portfolios, and End of Book Reports all due. I will need a Fall Break!

Like:

My silly mistakes!! They start out small and seem to grow overnight. When did I become so proficient at making mistakes? It seems the more I try to improve, the more mistakes I make; at home, at work, in my church service. I've decided to practice what I preach at school and remember that "Mistakes are the stepping stones to learning!!" Don't be afraid. It may take me awhile but I'll try to be willing to make mistakes!

I'm going to find some big bandaids now and admire my blisters....

The Eyes Have It!

Little Jase came to visit us last weekend... and Jennie captured images of him for me to keep. He's grown so much since Christmas! He's not a baby anymore. His eyes are still full of wonder and they are a piercing baby blue! He loves cars and trucks, his wagon, and his Daddy!


Jennie did such a great job on these photos! How has she just learned this on her own? She amazes me. She really caught the little boy inside. Check out Jennie's blog - Ampersand photography!!


We all "caught" something else from him....a yucky virus!! It was wicked and everyone this little guy had contact with seemed to get it. (10 people at least!) It was pretty nasty and I must say after that I was first in line to get my flu shot on Tuesday! I want no repeats of what was ravaging our house as well as that of my extended family. Needless to say we've gone through lots of Gatorade, saltine crackers and soup. Yeah for "real" food!

Looking at Jase's blue eyes it makes me think how our eyes are such a reflection of who we are inside. Wasn't it William Shakespeare who wrote, "The eyes are the windows to the soul."? With those words he reminded us that by looking into the eyes of a person we can see their hidden emotions and feelings.

Language is filled with metaphors referring to eye contact.... He/she had a "cold stare", their eyes were "steely and hard," she had a "penetrating look," shame faced, the child "stared at his shoes," "he and I came to see eye to eye." There are thousands of such metaphors referring to our eyes! And it's the eyes that play a big part in a book I finished this week called Graceling by Kristin Cashore.


From the website:

"Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.

She never expects to fall in love with beautiful Prince Po.

She never expects to learn the truth behind her Grace—or the terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone."

Debut author Kristin Cashore marked those who carried a Grace with two different color of eyes and eye contact is the subtle way the author communicates tensions, aggression, and power. Direct eye contact can be mis-perceived in our encounters with others as a challenge to a fight. Those in Katsa's world look on her two eyes and know that they are encountering one Graced with an extraordinary ability - her ability to fight and kill.

In our society, it is often said that, much like in the animal world, when two men who are strangers stare at each other, they are sending the challenging and dangerous message about being willing to fight. This is sometimes expressed as "get outta my face" or "whatcha staring at?" This is said in a loud and aggressive tone. On the other hand, when a man and woman stare at one another, they can be communicating an interest in one another and sparks can fly. Cashore used this psychological truth and melded her character around it.

Cashore's writing further enhanced her metaphor of the eyes. I loved her phrasing:

"Oll wasn't foolish; he knew to fear the quiet girl with one eye blue and one eye green." p.11

This was just an ordinary sentence that flowed with careful wording. The whole book felt that way - there was no accidental writing here. Each word was carefully chosen and crafted; placed in just the right space. I read the book slowly and savored this author's work!

p. 340 "The storm had been building all afternoon. The clouds knitted together. The snowflakes swelled and sharpened."

What word choice!! That sentence alone was a picture in my mind.

Kristin Cashore wrote a story of survival; a story of conquering self. Her characters take their weaknesses and hone them, develop them. Katsa battles her natural inclinations and strives to live on a higher plane. She conquers self to do it and the story soars as she does it!

The eyes have it - in more ways than one!!

Thanks bunches

Oh my goodness - I feel like I have won an Oscar or something!! Thank you to a sweet Susan for passing this on to moi!! It made my day.

This nifty little "feel-good" is given to bloggers whose posts come "from the heart." ( I do know I have one lately 'cuz it's been tugged and pulled and stomped on... sorta like the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz!!) I'm supposed to pass it on to 7 bloggers, then answer a little meme. But I'll break the rules and write first and tag next...this brain tries to do the most important thing first...oops, I think I got online to pay bills!! Oh, whatever! Here goes: 10 Random Things about Me!

1. I love rain! It could rain almost everyday and I would be a happy camper!! (Well, then again - not at recess time or at lunch time! Give a teacher a "break" would ya?!?!) I do love when it rains on weekends and I especially love when the clouds build up, all black and blue, and it just pours and pours! Can you tell I live in the desert? Actually I grew up for several years on an island in Washington state. Maybe that's where this rain-love comes from!

2. I do NOT like clear soda pop! My mom would always give us 7-up or gingerale when we were sick. Now it makes me feel sick whenever I even smell that stuff!!

3. Bird feet freak me out!

4. I had a monkey sit on my head once! It was on an island in the Caribbean and I really "paid" for it!

5. If I had a personal motto it might be, "Is this the hill I want to die on?" It's made me back down from ruining many a relationship.

6. It was my goal in high school to date the Student body President...and I did!

7. I love chick-flick movies but I don't like chick-lit books. I enjoy thriller books but won't even go near any thriller movies - no way! I enjoy fantasy books but not fantasy movies (okay, Harry Potter is an exception.) I hope the book-to-movie people are not trying to please me.... I'm a hard sell!

8. My favorite smells....desert rain, a bookstore, puppy breath, and the coffee aisle at the grocery store! Mmmmmm.

9. Greek food is my favorite! Wanna share a gyro?

10. I grew up playing tennis since I was in 3rd grade. I had the whole shebang...lessons, tournaments, cute little skirts, fancy rackets, and a killer lob. I don't think I could even swing a racket anymore. Goodbye Wimbledon!

So now on to some bloggers who deliver up their whole heart ---

Jennie at The Krazy Karges Life makes me laugh and smile - but she should, she's my "baby girl!" I am loving reading her take on life. She's forthright and more than bluntly honest with herself and others. I admire her BIG heart...

Jenn at A Storybook Story is fairly new with her blog. Her daily posts are so heartfelt and her "voice" is more than real. She sees things with clarity - plus she has really cute kiddos - my grandkids!

Jenners at Find Your Next Book Here is a hoot. She is one caring person and writes frankly and with a great sense of verve. What fun it is to read her blog and check on the heartbeat of her life and books!

I've been a lurker on Amy's blog, the English Geek for several months now and boy does she feel like a fellow soul mate. Her inner thoughts are recorded with passion and I admire her honesty with herself. What heart that takes. She doesn't seem to try to please anyone but herself. I think I want to be like her when I "grow up!"

Lesa at Lesa's Book Critiques is a professional librarian across town from where I live in this big hot state. Her blog is always full of new books, she has fun giveaways from her "closet" and she's always giving us rundowns of authors who visit or come to chat. I love her little glimpses into her life as a librarian and the heart she has for books, authors, and patrons! She is also so very supportive of everyone.n

I think I've been reading Melissa's blog, Book Nut, since I started blogging. She's led me to more fun (in book format) and she's a whiz in the blogging universe. Her interviews with authors and reviews on Estella's Revenge give an insight into the kind of heart she has...

I happened onto Amanda's blog, A Patchwork of Books, a long time ago. She was amazing as she blogged about her job as a librarian and then as she gave birth to a sweet little boy. Unfortunately his little life was so short but he won the heart of everyone who read about her journey. She and her husband are on to new adventures and she still blogs about almost daily. She gives the best "book commercials" for kids books!!

Thank you, Susan, for making my day - if I could play recess tag-backs I would. Your blog inspires me and I just know we should do lunch one day!! Now on to what I was doing when I sat down....paying bills.....ooh, look there's another cool blog.....