We got the tree today. Then we rearranged the living room to accomodate the tree, only to discover the tree is much bigger in the house than outside in a field. So we rearranged the house again.
Then I started pulling out Christmas stuff and out fell last years Christmas card from Joice. I'm so sad that I don't go home more often. It is just so hard to leave here and so expensive! But I thought I had forever to see my friends...
Friday, November 27, 2009
A Week
On Tuesday Dan was involved in a wreck that totaled Matt's Jeep. Yesterday I realized how fortunate I am when I found out a dear friend of mine was killed Tuesday in a wreck similar to Dan's.
First, let me tell you about Joice. When we got married Dan worked for Joice and her husband. It wasn't long till she took me under her wing and was my best friend. We had horses in common. Many a day I sat in her kitchen drinking coffee. I loved her and she loved me, but more importantly she loved Drew. It was a wonderful time for me, and through the years we kept in contact. I think we spoke last year at Christmas.
Next, the Dan thing. Joice was in a wreck that rolled her Suburban, much like Dan's wreck. Only Joice was thrown from the car and Dan wasn't. Dan managed to miss telephone poles and trees. One lived and one died. Many times over the years I spoke to Joice about Jesus. If she ever acknowledged him I don't know. I hope she did.
I do know that the world is a little sadder place this week without my spunky hyperactive friend who could never sit down. I know that she left a wonderful daughter who was her whole life. And three grandchildren who I'm sure she spoiiled rotten. She always thought spoiling children was the way it was suppose to be. She would say, "I know Joette is spoiled, but so what, I can."
Thank you God for saving Dan and giving us more time together. Thank you for letting me have really known Joice Heim. Thank you for Rhonda inviting us to her house for Thanksgiving and for Freda.
I may have been around, but I have been blessed.
First, let me tell you about Joice. When we got married Dan worked for Joice and her husband. It wasn't long till she took me under her wing and was my best friend. We had horses in common. Many a day I sat in her kitchen drinking coffee. I loved her and she loved me, but more importantly she loved Drew. It was a wonderful time for me, and through the years we kept in contact. I think we spoke last year at Christmas.
Next, the Dan thing. Joice was in a wreck that rolled her Suburban, much like Dan's wreck. Only Joice was thrown from the car and Dan wasn't. Dan managed to miss telephone poles and trees. One lived and one died. Many times over the years I spoke to Joice about Jesus. If she ever acknowledged him I don't know. I hope she did.
I do know that the world is a little sadder place this week without my spunky hyperactive friend who could never sit down. I know that she left a wonderful daughter who was her whole life. And three grandchildren who I'm sure she spoiiled rotten. She always thought spoiling children was the way it was suppose to be. She would say, "I know Joette is spoiled, but so what, I can."
Thank you God for saving Dan and giving us more time together. Thank you for letting me have really known Joice Heim. Thank you for Rhonda inviting us to her house for Thanksgiving and for Freda.
I may have been around, but I have been blessed.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Dreams
Two Writing Teachers are back from a convention and Ruth heard Nicholas Sparks speak. In his speech he said, “I decided I’d never let another 12 year period go by in my life where I started with big dreams and ended with none.” Whew what a statement! In 2006 I started with big dreams, I was finally going to get my doctorate. Let me explain something...the classwork was the easy part. Now here I am with a dissertation that continues to go through rewrites. I tried to get a new chair, and was basically told to get over myself and move on. A lot of money has gone into this dream, but now I question is it worth it.
The daily pressures of a job that is nearing impossible makes me sad! NCLB has a huge flaw at the elementary level. Teachers must be considered "highly qualified". because of this students are being moved from class to class all day. Watching 125 5th graders moved all day long, from teacher to teacher, in a quest to meet the standard for highly qualified is just sad. Big government doesn't understand that what children at this age need is stablity. For instance, when 5th grade was self contained F's class scored 100% on the CRCT in reading, language arts, and math. To me that proves highly qualified teaching!! And it worked out okay when they went between the two of us. Things worked out well. Last year we finished with 98% passing math and around 95% passing reading. Not bad!!! Yet, according to NCLB there was a problem over who was qualified. Unfortunately, NCLB does not measuring the most important attributes of a classroom teacher. It doesn't understand that in reality "highly qualified" has nothing to do with what is on certification papers. "Highly qualified" teachers are measured by something else...caring, compassion, and committment.
So back to Nicholas Sparks quote, do I still have the desire to live a dream or has the government robbed me of all dreams. HUUUMMM...I thought it wasn't that long ago that they encouraged people to live the American Dream. Will I be able to flesh out my dream, or am I going to be left with nothing? That is the question of the year...
For today I'm going to research and write. I'm going to pray that God helps me find the voice and brain power to finish what I've started. Today I'm going to dream of a day when a dream becomes reality...I'll think of NCLB next week.
The daily pressures of a job that is nearing impossible makes me sad! NCLB has a huge flaw at the elementary level. Teachers must be considered "highly qualified". because of this students are being moved from class to class all day. Watching 125 5th graders moved all day long, from teacher to teacher, in a quest to meet the standard for highly qualified is just sad. Big government doesn't understand that what children at this age need is stablity. For instance, when 5th grade was self contained F's class scored 100% on the CRCT in reading, language arts, and math. To me that proves highly qualified teaching!! And it worked out okay when they went between the two of us. Things worked out well. Last year we finished with 98% passing math and around 95% passing reading. Not bad!!! Yet, according to NCLB there was a problem over who was qualified. Unfortunately, NCLB does not measuring the most important attributes of a classroom teacher. It doesn't understand that in reality "highly qualified" has nothing to do with what is on certification papers. "Highly qualified" teachers are measured by something else...caring, compassion, and committment.
So back to Nicholas Sparks quote, do I still have the desire to live a dream or has the government robbed me of all dreams. HUUUMMM...I thought it wasn't that long ago that they encouraged people to live the American Dream. Will I be able to flesh out my dream, or am I going to be left with nothing? That is the question of the year...
For today I'm going to research and write. I'm going to pray that God helps me find the voice and brain power to finish what I've started. Today I'm going to dream of a day when a dream becomes reality...I'll think of NCLB next week.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Need Something
I need to find unusual. I like different and think it has a place in life. I can't even remember when I found this picture. It has been a long time ago. I fully intended to ask my favorite artist to make these and sell them...of course to me first. However, my favorite artist is so busy with her growing business that I didn't ever get around to it. However, now that she knows about it perhaps we could plan on next year...
I love my favorite artists....MonkeyBean
Friday, November 20, 2009
Things Change
Apparently my baby boy is a big one! Yesterday, while playing football during PE it was discovered that he is so tall he can swat the ball down. This was a big deal and made him a bit of a menace yesterday to those short, skinny middle school jock types. He was stoked! Now you know I love football and would love Baby Boy to go out, but I am resigned to the fact that he is a computer geek and will probably do very well for himself in life.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Guess What
As if my life isn't exciting enough I've entered a swap. Yep, a holiday swap. I'm excited for a little change in my routine. I just hope I feel better soon.
Lennye
Lennye
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