Big Ball night

Candids

One of my friends as she helped with crowd control.

He didn't know that I took the picture! LOL! I found a purse someone had left in the gym but I wasn't riding the bus to DU, so he took it and gave it to its rightful owner.

Primary Rally Time

Pledges

Coloring contest

Offering race

Booster Cheer

A balloon race

Boosters getting ready for their exciting day in class and for Rally Time.

"Egg"cellant work!

The wagon race.

The pizza race...and show me your mouth is empty before you take another piece

Tube-tug...it's a war out there!

The evangelist and some teens doing a funny repeat-after-me saying (it had to do with a bunny and squeaky voices)

On your mark....get set...GGGGGOOOOOOO!

Spell it! (had to spell their team names)

Stack it!

Sprint it!

Team cheers

About 30 teens came for the kick-off

Now for redneck softball. (Note: ducktape=ball, hubcaps=bases, 3rd base=1st base)

Here are some pics First up is human foosball.

Hi. Sorry for the absence. I've been pretty busy. This past week was Neighborhood Bible Time and I taught the second grade Bible lesson during the afternoon and then with the high schoolers in the evening. There will be picks and a more in depth post when I get back to Virginia.

I've had a pretty good week. Working in the library is nice. It’s a little tedious, but it’s a job. I'm averaging a couple hundred books each week. That's a labeling and shelving. If I work 2 1/2 hours tomorrow, I'll have 20 hours in this week of my allotted 44 for a three week period.

Saturday was fun. I went to the ALA conference in DC with both of my roomies (but I drove to metro in my own vehicle due to having some other plans). There were 1600 vendors there. I did walk through every aisle and got a few freebies, even a book signed to be by the author. It was very interesting.

I left the convention a little bit before my roomies to head to FBT for the video scavenger hunt. I had a great time there. I'm starting to remember some names, but not too many. We separated into teams of 3-4 people and got busy trying to complete our list. The team I was on came in 4th out of 5 groups. We still had a lot fun! :) I really enjoy the fellowship of the FBT group when I go. This was my second time. I'd really like to go to the next activity, but I'll be visiting my family. I wouldn't give that up. I guess the activity is an "Amazing Race" in DC. Sounds like a lot of fun. I'm now on their email list so I can get the updates and happenings.

Its been almost a full week since I hurt my back. Still not sure if I pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve. I recently learned about a condition that seems to match what I have. A while ago I went to the doctor about the side pain and the only thing that was said about my x-rays was that my lower back is narrow. I guess the technical jargon is Stenosis. I got that from the current Readers Digest I just got in the mail. I took some Motrin last night and slept the best I have in a few nights. Monday night was just awful. I was close to tears a few times. I don't think it helped any that did 3 1/2 hours of cleaning before I did the library work. I'm thinking about calling the doctor in the morning. I had some weird chest pains earlier as well. They're gone now, but I think I need to go in anyway, but I really am not impressed with my current PCP at the moment.

Praise the Lord! =)

Well, the Lord has answered my prayer in 4 different ways in the last two days! It makes me think of the verse that says "what is man, that thou art mindful of him." I'm nothing really, but God will still provide.

I'll be busy, but it will all be good.

Today, I went in to help out in the library. I labeled and shelved close to 200 books in 6 hours. The juvenile book section is being cataloged rearranged and that is going to be one of my projects this summer. Tomorrow I'm planning on being in the library for 8 hours. Now that I know more of what needs to be done, I think it'll move a little faster.

While working on the books, I think I pinched a nerve in my back. It hurts so much! I just took some pain reliever and have a heating pad on it to try to take the edge off the pain. If I am sitting or standing without any other movement, I'm ok. But, I can't be still for that long. I'm always shifting about. I do hope it gets better quickly.

Well, that's all for now. Have a blessed day!

I'm in quite a pickle. The one thing I need most is prayer. I thought everything was in order, but its not. I'm not sure why the Lord is having me go through this situation, but there is a reason for it. Otherwise, I wouldn't be going through it. I do not want to share the specifics of it because I was to see the Lord provide. In my logical, reasoning mind, there's no way its going to work out. BUT, I serve a God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He can provide.

I do have another request. My health is on the poor side as of late. I'm having asthma problems. With my health insurance, I can't even afford the meds I'm suppose to take on a daily basis. It's actually cheaper to have a full blown attack and go in to see the doctor than fill the prescriptions. (Wrong line of thinking, I know.)

I was asked about being a camp counselor for a church that I don't know. No, it wasn't a random thing, really. Watson, the youth pastor here, took a group of the younger kids to junior camp week. I guess while there, another church had need of a lady counselor. So, he called me. I told him I was willing (but that I had no idea where the camp is). So he called the camp back. Someone else filled the need, but I'm on-call now as a fill-in counselor. I think it would be a great experience.

Year in Review

Wow. School is over. Today is the last out-service day as well. My summer vacation is here. I don’t plan on working this summer (well, not a “regular” job, anyway) but there is still plenty to get ahead on. I have to think through a new discipline plan for my fourth graders. Oh, by the way, it is official that I am teaching fourth grade next year. Some people ask if I’m ok with that. I am. I did student teach fourth grade, so its not completely new to me. Only the second semester curriculum will be. J

There are a few changes for this coming school year. One K5, two 1st, one 2nd, one 3rd, two 4th, one 5th, and one 6th. There are 6 staff members not returning in the fall and I think that there are 2 people being hired. One of this year’s 4th grade teachers is moving up to 6th and will also be our department supervisor. I think he will do a great job. I did go up to his classroom to ask him a few things and for ideas about next year. There will be a music teacher and possibly a computer teacher (I really do hope for a computer teacher because I don’t want to teach it), but PE will now just be incorporated into recess. I hope I have a consistent aide to take mine out. If not, Sheila and I will alternate turns with the kids. Another thing that is changing is my involvement with the daycare. I don’t plan on working in it this next school year. I want to be available to meet with parents after school and to be able to get my grades done and posted.

I’m flying home Monday. I am excited about seeing my family again. It’s been too long. That’s the only drawback about moving so far from home. I know this is where God wants me for the time being, so I know that I will not be happy anywhere else. I’d rather be happy, far from home, and in God’s will than be where I “want” to be, miserable, and out of God’s will. I’ll be chaperoning my brother’s choir trip to Cedar Point on Tuesday. I think my mom going, but my sister cannot due to work.

Well, that’s all for now. There are still things to be done. I’ll try to update more often this summer, time permitting. God Bless!

From Friday, May 25, 2007

The past few days have been interesting, to say the least. Yesterday, the bookshelf that I use in my classroom came tumbling down. Oh yeah, this was during class, too. So, I challenged the kids to complete a 3 times table worksheet of a hundred problems before I got my shelf back up. Some finished before I did, but it certainly wasn't wasted time. They needed the review. So, after our check, 10 of my 16 got all 100 problems correct. =) My shelf looks fine now.
The other day at lunch, we ate outside. All was fine and dandy until I stepped on the rubber mats from the kitchen that were outside. My heels got stuck in the holes! I was trying to free one and stepped on the mat with the other foot and got that one stuck as well. Lisa (one of the kitchen ladies) came out right then and just started laughing at me. I was laughing too. Even some of my kids saw what had happened.
Earlier this evening, I went 40-45 minutes from where I live to attend a singles conference. I had a great time there. Of course, I didn't know a single person. No one else from my church attended. I still can’t believe I made it out there without getting lost! Praise God! I can get lost in my own back yard! While there, we played a few different games. In one of them, I almost lost my slip!
I get home and there's a message for me on the machine from one of my roommates. She asked me to shut the sprinkler off because she forgot to. I go out to check it and its not running. Ok, may she'd just losing it. Well, I try to do some laundry and there's no water. PERIOD! Great. I go to check the hose and sure enough, its on, but no water is coming out. She ran the pump dry! (Yes, we have well water right now.) I called my dad and he tells me what to do. I tried the easiest thing first and that does not fix the problem. Then, I try to unscrew the bolt and someone painted on it. I put some lubricant on it and it still won't budge. I guess I'll have to go to Karyn's or the school to shower. Not what I want to do at 7:30 a.m.
Oh well. The Lord knows all about it and He is in control.
We have one more week of school left! Today, my kids got to watch a movie. They are watching Ben-Hur ( a cartoon version) and they are enjoying it pretty well. I had to stop it early, but I will try to get the TV/VCR again on Tuesday for them.

Well, I found out some interesting information today. Not sure if I was supposed to know about yet. I asked my supervisor about the enrollment for next year's 2nd grade. It did go up from the last time, but the school as a whole has dropped in number. I think this is happening partly because people don't like change. There were 6 new teachers and a new administrator hired in for this year. He doesn't put up with all the junk. I like working with him. Anyway, I was told that about 6 teachers have decided that they aren't going to come back next year. Reminds me of a previous post I wrote about God's will. I was also told that I may be asked to change grades, going from second to fourth. I told my supervisor that I am willing if the need be. I do get to work a little bit with the future 4th graders since I have 2-3 grade afterschool care. Oh, that's what I'll not be doing next year. No daycare for me. Especially if I'm might be teaching 4th. There will be a lot more homework and tests to grade and I'll need the time to do. Other changes I'm not too fond of are that I (well, all elementary teachers) may have to teach their own computers, PE, and music classes along with the art class we already have to teach. PE can be their recess and music I can add to Bible class, but computers is what I am dreading. I don't have the training to teach the class, not even at a second grade level. I just know enough for myself to get by on. I don't have the technical jaron or the typing skills. I'll have to wait and see, though.
Well, I must be getting to bed.

Have a laugh today!

On a bathroom door:
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT

In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS

On a repair shop door: WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL >DOESN'T WORK)

Update

Hello everyone.
I have been busy, but that's nothing unusual! I thought I would share some updates:

Test results~ Of course, everything came back normal. The only thing that was "noted" was that with the back x-ray was that the lumbar area is narrow. That's all I was told. So, I still have no idea what is wrong with me.

School~ A month to go! Where has the time gone? I can't believe that the school year is coming to an end. Although, I am going to run out of curriculum before I run out of school days! :) My kids did a great job on this last fundraiser. We exceeded our class goal and I think I have the school's top seller as well. So, now I have to plan a pizza party for my kids as a reward. I'll enjoy doing that.

Preaching Conference~ I needed it so much. Yes, I needed the messages (and I still need to order the set) and I needed that refresher of being able to see people I know. Granted, I've been in VA almost 8 months now, I still miss so many people. I did find out that there are other alumni not too far from me, so maybe I'll try to get in touch with them.

Summer~ It looks like a trip to CA is out now. Mimi wants everyone there for her birthday, but I still have school at that time. Too bad. Now, I will be going to MI for two weeks! I asked Mr. J to let Pastor know that I would like my name on the helper list for Neighborhood Bible Time. I have missed it SOOOO much for the past 4 years due to working and staying at Fairhaven during the summer. I'm even willing to work with the teens! That's a shocker to me! I'm looking forward to this summer.

Please pray

I am curently waiting for some test results. I have been having some pain in my side, back, and stomach. It has been happening frequently the last few weeks. I was fianlly able to see a doctor on Monday, but I have been unimpressed with her. New insurance, new doctor. I was there at 3:30, my appointment was for 3:45 and I wasn't called back until 4:45. Not a fun wait.
Then, I had to go back on Tuesday for lab work and x-rays. I would like to know what is causing this pain.

God's Will

All too often I hear about people who have turned from what they claimed the Lord has called them to do. College, marriage, mission field, occupation. I don't think the Lord would have us changing it up every couple years. I know that young ladies my age who have taken on a teaching postion may stay a year or two at one place and then leave because they didn't get what they wanted (i.e. a husband). They are really searching out their own will, not God's. I've had a number of people ask me if I am returning to teach next year. Most certainly. This is where the Lord want's me. If I am to marry, then He will bring the guy here or make it quite clear in where I am to be. This time last year I had no idea that I'd be where I am at now. I love teaching my children and the ministries I am involoved in. I am getting to know the people and the area better each day.

One piece of information I got from college was to find God's Will and do it. Everything else will come in God's timing. I like listening to stories from peoples' lives when they just focused on God and everything turned out all right. It gives me goose bumps!

Double Standards

Ok, this is an area I know that I have things to work on, but I see so much of it in churches or "church people." There are many who claim to believe and follow the Word of God, but yet, they do not. Ladies ought to dress like ladies. Would you expect to see a guy in a skirt or dress? NO! So, why then is it not the same with a woman in slacks? How about music? There are things that some would listen to on the way to church, but then make sure it is off when they pull into the parking lot. Then there are the places one would go. Some would just die to been seen in a particular place, but why go there at all then? It's that guilty conscience, some say, but really, it's the Lord working on your heart. Too often, we say "do as I say, not as I do" and think that is good enough.

Why are people afraid of having godly standards? The Bible tells us that we are a peculiar people. I know that if I could change one thing, it would be the decision to honor God with my dress earlier in my life. Now, I can try to argue that I was pretty modest, but it didn't honor God. Now, people argue that a lady wearing slacks is actually more modest for certain activities. Well, think about it: If you have to wear slacks to be modest in a certain activity, should you really be participating in that activity?

Like I said, I know I have areas to work on myself. I'm not thinking of anyone in particular, but just an observation I've had.

Lost Innocence

I would think that a 7-9 year old would not know much of the ways of the world, but its not so in this day and age. Parents have let the television raise their kids and the product is not good. The television standards have dropped drastically since when it first came out. Adult cartoons are now being watched regularly by children. And no one seems to care. Kids are being shown that it is ok to lie when it gets them out of trouble. The Bible says "thou shalt not lie."

I am appalled by the lack of respect children have for adults. There should be no reason at all for a child to argue with an adult. I am trying to get my students to see that it is very rude to do that. When told to do something by someone of authority over them, they ought to say "yes ma'am/sir" and do it with no discussion. Parents are to blame for this lack of training, especially when they allow the child to argue. Kids are supposed to be sweet and innocent, but the reality is that they are rude, cocky, and have rotten attitudes.

Even working in daycare, the kids are so cruel to each other. Gossiping, scheming, bad mouthing. Where do they get this. Sadly, they most likely see it at home where their role models are. Mom, Dad, are you setting a good example for your children? Do you want them to be exactly like you. Really, take inventory of your life and figure out what characteristics you would like your children to have and improve upon them yourself.

As I have the time, the next few posts will be on differnt topics I've been thinking about or that the Lord has been dealing with me about. I've been doing a bit of thinking lately (so watch out!).