The Summer Projects....

#1 A trip to Goodwill (Jennie's and my favorite thinking spot) netted Jennie this little end table for - - get this - - $3.99 (that's right it was 50% off!!) It's going to be right inside her front door as a "jumping off place" for her purse and under her bright apple red magnet board!! It's become MY project and is wonderful thinking time for me. So far it's required removing a broken laminate top, sanding, priming...you know, the fun stuff......
























#2 A new classroom to set up and make right for a new grade.....

I'm using this book as a great resource:


#3 I'm reading for school (I've got to learn to be a 3rd grade teacher now..) and I'm trying to pull together lists for read-alouds. But I'm also reading this:


Well I have MANY more projects that I'm up to my eyeballs in but these were the ones with pictures!!!! So little summer is left. I won't go into panic mode yet, but I still need to find the top of the desk......

Measuring My Dad

My Dad

The Measure of Man

Not “How did he die”? But “How did he live?”
Not “What did he gain?” But “What did he give?”
Not “What was his station?” But “Had he a heart?”
And “How did he play his God-given part?”
Not “What was his shrine? Nor “What was his creed?”
But “Had he befriended those really in need?”
Not “What did the piece in the newspaper say?”
But “How many were sorry when he passed away?”
Was he ever ready with a word or good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Author Unknown


Boy did my dad measure up!!
Someday, when the Texas-sized hole in my heart mends a little I hope to record my thoughts and feelings. Until then I'll just do a little healing...

My step mom wrote an amazing tribute:
http://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/obituaries/tribute.html?url=http://stei-23954.tributes.com/show/Gayle-Tinsley-88810232

There's a great video full of laughter and smiles that I don't want to forget there too. How do you ever pick out 35 photos to represent a lifetime?!?!

I miss you and love you, Dad!!