He is going to be such a lady's man!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Happy Holiday
The cards were signed, sealed, stamped, and sent. Christmas parties were in full swing at school and there are cookies everywhere. It is the time for the roads to be filled and cars to be filled to the rim with gifts and luggage. Christmas is a wonderful time for most, sad times for others. I personally like the traditions that Christmas brings. In our family we start out by going to Christmas eve service and then opening one present before going off to bed. My mother now, still to this day, waits until everyone is ready for bed and puts things in our stockings. Christmas day we always get up (not so early any more) and open gifts and have a large lunch that normally includes ham and noodles. Christmas in our home use to not be about material items per say. We normally only got things that you have needed all year long like new socks, pajamas, and all that kind of stuff. I only remember getting the unnecessary things like dolls, blocks, and games from my grandparents. Money normally came in envelopes that are placed in the tree resting on the branches. Every year we use to get my grandfather a Budweiser holiday stein that is only issued once a year, since he has passed I have continued to pass that tradition on with my father. When he built the addition on the house he built a shelf to display the steins. Those are my Christmas traditions not counting the way that I decorate my tree after Thanksgiving and all of that jazz.
I have traveled home for break, spent time at my parents, joined my friends for a little girly gathering with games and holiday drinks. Managed to get the flu Christmas Eve, (come to find out like many of my other friends…bla) Christmas day I spent in a chair, eating little, and sleeping as much as I could. John (nephew) fell on a pan and had to go to the emergency room to get staples put in his chin. I came up to my sisters after that, did the sale shopping after Christmas in Des Moines and met up with Mr. Hopper for hot chocolate and a stroll around the mall. I went to Ames and saw some of the formative year gang, lunch with Leah, met with Pastor Osslund and Pastor Mark, then for ice cream with Phil at Cold Stone. I hung out with Anderson and his parents whom I haven’t seen in a while and with Eberly. I was in a room full of too many Josh(es).
I’m heading home on the 31st to Missouri, skipping RUSH, because of the fear of getting stuck or having it take forever to get home on the 1st and having to be at school on the 2nd all day. Without going to RUSH I feel a little empty right now, like I’m missing out on something special. This is Pastor O’s last time before he retires from ministry and becomes a full time grandfather. I miss out on Jason’s birthday and seeing his family, filling up the box of transgressions and lighting them on fire out at the point on New Year’s Eve. I miss the devotions and the game of mafia that we sit around and play out of tradition and fun. I miss the worship and the feeling of renewal of my spirit.
How is your new year starting off? Do you have ambitions, goals for yourself. The typical “I want to loose weight, eat less” doesn’t apply to me and I normally don’t set a new year’s resolution. I do have goals for myself like writing a book or two, getting published in magazines or with a book company, another goal is to redo my resume to get ready for a decision that I will need to be making soon about my future in education…where will I teach? Another goal for myself is to find a new friend or two, to find a companion. That leaves the door open for meaning a dog or a man.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
I have traveled home for break, spent time at my parents, joined my friends for a little girly gathering with games and holiday drinks. Managed to get the flu Christmas Eve, (come to find out like many of my other friends…bla) Christmas day I spent in a chair, eating little, and sleeping as much as I could. John (nephew) fell on a pan and had to go to the emergency room to get staples put in his chin. I came up to my sisters after that, did the sale shopping after Christmas in Des Moines and met up with Mr. Hopper for hot chocolate and a stroll around the mall. I went to Ames and saw some of the formative year gang, lunch with Leah, met with Pastor Osslund and Pastor Mark, then for ice cream with Phil at Cold Stone. I hung out with Anderson and his parents whom I haven’t seen in a while and with Eberly. I was in a room full of too many Josh(es).
I’m heading home on the 31st to Missouri, skipping RUSH, because of the fear of getting stuck or having it take forever to get home on the 1st and having to be at school on the 2nd all day. Without going to RUSH I feel a little empty right now, like I’m missing out on something special. This is Pastor O’s last time before he retires from ministry and becomes a full time grandfather. I miss out on Jason’s birthday and seeing his family, filling up the box of transgressions and lighting them on fire out at the point on New Year’s Eve. I miss the devotions and the game of mafia that we sit around and play out of tradition and fun. I miss the worship and the feeling of renewal of my spirit.
How is your new year starting off? Do you have ambitions, goals for yourself. The typical “I want to loose weight, eat less” doesn’t apply to me and I normally don’t set a new year’s resolution. I do have goals for myself like writing a book or two, getting published in magazines or with a book company, another goal is to redo my resume to get ready for a decision that I will need to be making soon about my future in education…where will I teach? Another goal for myself is to find a new friend or two, to find a companion. That leaves the door open for meaning a dog or a man.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas Card
Dear Friends and Family,
Tis the time of year when the stores are filled with Christmas items, decorations, gift baskets, and everything in-between. The televisions have holiday shows one after another and radio’s fill the airways with holiday music. Most of us are sitting inside away from the cold, but secretly wishing for a white Christmas.
The last few days I’ve to enjoyed snow-days, when school is closed and the roads are packed with ice and snow. It is a wonderful time to scoop the drive, sit by the warm heat with a cup of my favorite hot chocolate, and make my very own snow angels in the backyard.
The year is going by quickly and I start to think about holiday plans and even plans for the upcoming year. School is wonderful, for those who don’t know, I’m teaching down in the Ozarks in southwest Missouri. It is taking a lot of time to get use to the area, but my fifth grade students and cheerleaders are magnificent. All is well. Over Thanksgiving my sister, brother-in-law, and my nephew John (14months of age) came to my parents’ in southwest Iowa. The weather was breathtaking; we spent a lot of time outside soaking up the fall air. We will all be joining together at my parents’ again this Christmas season. Being farther away from home makes me appreciate the opportunity to spend time with my family, friends, and all the things I feel I left behind to go on to the next stage in my life as I start my career in education.
Christmas is a great time to bring families together, many people focus on the gift giving and the real spirit of Christmas has faded in to the background. Suppose you could give a gift to Christ, what would it be? I caught Red Boots for Christmas, a children’s Christmas cartoon on television just yesterday. An older shoemaker has been visited by and angel and told that he going to be given a great gift from God. In return he wanted to give something back to God. He went all over town to find the best gift he could. When he couldn’t find it he decided to make the best pair of shoes with only the best materials he had. On Christmas he was prepared to give that gift to God, the best gift he could. God didn’t come to him like he thought. There was a little girl, homeless, cold, and wearing a hole filled pair of shoes while walking through the snow. The shoemaker ran inside to get the boots from the window. He gave the red, spectacular boots, the best he has ever made, to the little girl.
How could you possibly select a gift for the One who not only has everything, but who made everything? The Wise Men did. They, like the man in the movie, can be an example to us this holiday season and all year round. In addition to the gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they gave the Savior some gifts we can still give him today: hope, time, and worship. The wise men came to seek Christ, to give their gifts, show their presence so that we can do the same. You will seek him and find him when you seek him with all your heart. (Deuteronomy 4:29) Christmas has taken a turn in the wrong direction. The reason for the season isn’t a jam-packed stores and gifts overflowing under neither the tree. It is a birthday celebration to share with the world. Think of the gift you want to give to each other out of love and friendship, but also think about the gifts you can give because of the love of Christ to those you don’t even know. The reason for the Christmas season is Christ.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,
Kris
Tis the time of year when the stores are filled with Christmas items, decorations, gift baskets, and everything in-between. The televisions have holiday shows one after another and radio’s fill the airways with holiday music. Most of us are sitting inside away from the cold, but secretly wishing for a white Christmas.
The last few days I’ve to enjoyed snow-days, when school is closed and the roads are packed with ice and snow. It is a wonderful time to scoop the drive, sit by the warm heat with a cup of my favorite hot chocolate, and make my very own snow angels in the backyard.
The year is going by quickly and I start to think about holiday plans and even plans for the upcoming year. School is wonderful, for those who don’t know, I’m teaching down in the Ozarks in southwest Missouri. It is taking a lot of time to get use to the area, but my fifth grade students and cheerleaders are magnificent. All is well. Over Thanksgiving my sister, brother-in-law, and my nephew John (14months of age) came to my parents’ in southwest Iowa. The weather was breathtaking; we spent a lot of time outside soaking up the fall air. We will all be joining together at my parents’ again this Christmas season. Being farther away from home makes me appreciate the opportunity to spend time with my family, friends, and all the things I feel I left behind to go on to the next stage in my life as I start my career in education.
Christmas is a great time to bring families together, many people focus on the gift giving and the real spirit of Christmas has faded in to the background. Suppose you could give a gift to Christ, what would it be? I caught Red Boots for Christmas, a children’s Christmas cartoon on television just yesterday. An older shoemaker has been visited by and angel and told that he going to be given a great gift from God. In return he wanted to give something back to God. He went all over town to find the best gift he could. When he couldn’t find it he decided to make the best pair of shoes with only the best materials he had. On Christmas he was prepared to give that gift to God, the best gift he could. God didn’t come to him like he thought. There was a little girl, homeless, cold, and wearing a hole filled pair of shoes while walking through the snow. The shoemaker ran inside to get the boots from the window. He gave the red, spectacular boots, the best he has ever made, to the little girl.
How could you possibly select a gift for the One who not only has everything, but who made everything? The Wise Men did. They, like the man in the movie, can be an example to us this holiday season and all year round. In addition to the gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they gave the Savior some gifts we can still give him today: hope, time, and worship. The wise men came to seek Christ, to give their gifts, show their presence so that we can do the same. You will seek him and find him when you seek him with all your heart. (Deuteronomy 4:29) Christmas has taken a turn in the wrong direction. The reason for the season isn’t a jam-packed stores and gifts overflowing under neither the tree. It is a birthday celebration to share with the world. Think of the gift you want to give to each other out of love and friendship, but also think about the gifts you can give because of the love of Christ to those you don’t even know. The reason for the Christmas season is Christ.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,
Kris
Sunday, December 03, 2006
school site
i haven't had time to edit my side pannel or switch blogs so here is the site to my school site!
www.exeter5grade.blogspot.com
www.exeter5grade.blogspot.com
snow days
Well I have been shut into my house now since Thursday! We had a little ice/ snow storm. Teachers enjoy not having school just like the students do. I did get out to shovel my drive, went a while without electricity for a few hours, and had one tree broken into 4 smaller pieces because of the weight of all the ice. My neighbor said that this is the most snow they have gotten total in 3 years….I must have brought that Iowa weather with me. I was going to be sad if I missed all the beautiful snow!
My small break wasn’t all it was cracked up to be the only thing I have done is sleep, eat, sleep some more and today I got ¾ of my Christmas cards ready to send out.
I hope all is well in the world, I don’t get out much in it any more. I went home for Thanksgiving break and spent time with my family, went to a lighted parade, played in the park with some beautiful children, and met the girls for doughnuts and drinks down on main street. Before that was my birthday…someday it is hard to remember how old I am, the older I get the more I have to think about it. 24 that is my age….it is young I know, but some days it feels very old. For my birthday some of my co-workers and friends went to the new bond movie (would love to know what people thought of it) and went what was suppose to be ice cream end up at Applebee’s for a drink and chocolate cake. Well I’m off to bed…little up date on my life it is hard to keep up with so many small writing tasks. I hope everyone is in the holiday spirit!
God Bless
Ps sorry if this makes no sense and has many errors…I typed and didn’t reread any of it.
My small break wasn’t all it was cracked up to be the only thing I have done is sleep, eat, sleep some more and today I got ¾ of my Christmas cards ready to send out.
I hope all is well in the world, I don’t get out much in it any more. I went home for Thanksgiving break and spent time with my family, went to a lighted parade, played in the park with some beautiful children, and met the girls for doughnuts and drinks down on main street. Before that was my birthday…someday it is hard to remember how old I am, the older I get the more I have to think about it. 24 that is my age….it is young I know, but some days it feels very old. For my birthday some of my co-workers and friends went to the new bond movie (would love to know what people thought of it) and went what was suppose to be ice cream end up at Applebee’s for a drink and chocolate cake. Well I’m off to bed…little up date on my life it is hard to keep up with so many small writing tasks. I hope everyone is in the holiday spirit!
God Bless
Ps sorry if this makes no sense and has many errors…I typed and didn’t reread any of it.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Talk about the Weather
“Try not to become a person of success, but rather a person of value.” ~Albert Einstein
Last night I went through a box to find my old poms. If you didn’t know I am coaching cheerleading (again J ). I found a quote in a box along with many fine memories of high school; it is amazing how times seemed not so good then, always stressed and all that jazz….now I look back and wish some days I could have it just that easy.
School is almost to a break, which is great. Thanksgiving break, a great time to go back home and spend time with my family and a girly get together. Oh and a break so I’m not so grumpy with my students would be great!
I know my students are trying or attempting to try to listen and behave, but I haven’t really been feeling well since last week. Friday I lost my voice and it isn’t fully back yet. I have bronchial infection of some sort. We had a carnival on Friday too, talk about stress level at an all time high. My classroom was awesome. Pitch black with student traipsing around scaring people, livers, worms, and bloody eyeballs, cob webs everywhere.
So back to my quote above….why did I type it? Well today in a meeting we talked about Ruby Pyane and her books written on poverty. Talking about rules that we have in middle class, upper class, and in lower class. I thought about what class level I fall in. I thought about the things that are important to me…and what are important in other class levels. To me success is important, not just success today…but in the future as well. Sometimes working towards that success is blinding and I feel like that takes away from my value as a person cause I don’t always focus on the goals in front of me and making the full connection with people around me. As much as I want to be successful in my life I want to be excepted in many different lights as a hard working person with good values. What are your values...that may define values in the class that you place yourself in society?
Sorry for the ramble…it was either this or the rainbow I saw on my way to school this morning even though there was no rain. ….or I could talk about how it is suppose to be 80 tomorrow…it is fall…80 degrees blows my mind!
Last night I went through a box to find my old poms. If you didn’t know I am coaching cheerleading (again J ). I found a quote in a box along with many fine memories of high school; it is amazing how times seemed not so good then, always stressed and all that jazz….now I look back and wish some days I could have it just that easy.
School is almost to a break, which is great. Thanksgiving break, a great time to go back home and spend time with my family and a girly get together. Oh and a break so I’m not so grumpy with my students would be great!
I know my students are trying or attempting to try to listen and behave, but I haven’t really been feeling well since last week. Friday I lost my voice and it isn’t fully back yet. I have bronchial infection of some sort. We had a carnival on Friday too, talk about stress level at an all time high. My classroom was awesome. Pitch black with student traipsing around scaring people, livers, worms, and bloody eyeballs, cob webs everywhere.
So back to my quote above….why did I type it? Well today in a meeting we talked about Ruby Pyane and her books written on poverty. Talking about rules that we have in middle class, upper class, and in lower class. I thought about what class level I fall in. I thought about the things that are important to me…and what are important in other class levels. To me success is important, not just success today…but in the future as well. Sometimes working towards that success is blinding and I feel like that takes away from my value as a person cause I don’t always focus on the goals in front of me and making the full connection with people around me. As much as I want to be successful in my life I want to be excepted in many different lights as a hard working person with good values. What are your values...that may define values in the class that you place yourself in society?
Sorry for the ramble…it was either this or the rainbow I saw on my way to school this morning even though there was no rain. ….or I could talk about how it is suppose to be 80 tomorrow…it is fall…80 degrees blows my mind!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Yeild Sign
Ever feel like life is at a dead end? I’m not sure I’m there at a deadend, but I just feel like I’m driving down the road and I’m stuck behind a really slow vehicle and there isn’t any place to pass them. You know it is possible, but there is on coming traffic. Well that is what life feels like….I have things coming at me…I can deal, but I’m hesitant, I’m at a slow down…not quite a yield. I can’t wait until coming to Iowa! School is going great, I get called the over achiever because I don’t have a life outside of school yet. I get my grades done on time, I decorate my classroom. (spider webs for October, how very fun) I pray that my life gets a jump start I don’t like yield signs.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
5 Years of Remembering
5 years ago today my grandfather passed away. I sit here in my living room and it feels like it was yesterday…911 was called at 2:08pm they said my grandfather suffered from a heart attack. He was dead when the ambulance arrived. My grandma tried to save him. I remember being at work after a long day as a freshman in college. My parents were suppose to meet me in Clarinda for dinner something we hadn’t done since we were all so busy. We had planned it all week. I was outside on the playground with some 3 year olds when my boss Shirly came out and said I was to go to Corning as soon as I could. I knew right then something was wrong, but didn’t know what. So many things flashed in my mind. I ran and got my stuff and started driving. It is a 40min drive to Corning from work and the whole time I just kept trying to get a hold of my parents and anybody else I could. I finally got a hold of my sister as I hit hwy 34. By that time the tears were steaming down my cheeks. My sister didn’t know what was going on but would keep calling to find out. 5min later she called and told me the news. I had just reached corning and stopped at my other grandmother’s store to collect myself, because of so many tears and shaking so hard I couldn’t drive.
I had seen him the day before and he was fine, he looked so good. He had just got back from being in the hospital with some blood infection and pneumonia. I was going to be seeing him that evening before a game. ( I was coaching at the time) He had just come back from a little vacation with my grandma at the clay county fair in spencer. Since 9/11 he had been stressed and worried about things. I feel that my grandmothers thinks it may have been too much for his heart. I never thought his heart would go, I always thought it would be his lungs (one lung and didn’t quit smoking until about 6months before his death)
I remember rushing to hold my grandmother. His face looked like he hadn’t shaved in days. His skin was blue and purple tent. I couldn’t stay at the hospital. I left soon after and went to the church and cried for what felt like eternity on the altar.
I made it back before they took his body away. I touched his right hand and left the room so my great grandmother could spend a minute alone. She out lived both her children and her husband.
I had never cried so much.
I remember staying at my grandma’s that night, she slept in his bed and cried all night. I don’t remember going to class that next day or work. I went to SYAP at the high school I coached for and ended up in tears while Josh held me up and gave me a tight embrace.
My grandpa and I were really close, we were sooooo much alike. We are very rational thinkers, most often like to eat the same food…like bacon. He stood me and listened to me. I saw him almost every day. When I was born they moved to Colorado to live with us and then came back to Iowa with us. I miss him and it is hard to know that he never got to meet his great grandson or to see any of his grandchildren get married.
Here is the end of my little saga of remembrance.
“ To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O Lord.” Psalm 25: 1,2
I had seen him the day before and he was fine, he looked so good. He had just got back from being in the hospital with some blood infection and pneumonia. I was going to be seeing him that evening before a game. ( I was coaching at the time) He had just come back from a little vacation with my grandma at the clay county fair in spencer. Since 9/11 he had been stressed and worried about things. I feel that my grandmothers thinks it may have been too much for his heart. I never thought his heart would go, I always thought it would be his lungs (one lung and didn’t quit smoking until about 6months before his death)
I remember rushing to hold my grandmother. His face looked like he hadn’t shaved in days. His skin was blue and purple tent. I couldn’t stay at the hospital. I left soon after and went to the church and cried for what felt like eternity on the altar.
I made it back before they took his body away. I touched his right hand and left the room so my great grandmother could spend a minute alone. She out lived both her children and her husband.
I had never cried so much.
I remember staying at my grandma’s that night, she slept in his bed and cried all night. I don’t remember going to class that next day or work. I went to SYAP at the high school I coached for and ended up in tears while Josh held me up and gave me a tight embrace.
My grandpa and I were really close, we were sooooo much alike. We are very rational thinkers, most often like to eat the same food…like bacon. He stood me and listened to me. I saw him almost every day. When I was born they moved to Colorado to live with us and then came back to Iowa with us. I miss him and it is hard to know that he never got to meet his great grandson or to see any of his grandchildren get married.
Here is the end of my little saga of remembrance.
“ To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O Lord.” Psalm 25: 1,2
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Gas Prices
Can you believe the gas prices? Honestly I didn’t think I would see the price go under $2.50 in my life time again. $2.09 I remember when I was 14 and just started driving gas was $0.98 then I remember when it got over $1.50 wow what a leap…then it hit $3.00.
Grades are due by Wednesday…..wow the pressure of perfection and not procrastinating. All through college I worked well under pressure paper after paper. I think I can do the same here…even though I haven’t been procrastinating anything.
I went shopping today, got a nice bottle of wine to start of the next episode of nip/tuck!
Oooo and Today was the ISU vs. Iowa game. Sad day L I can’t wait to come up and go tailgating for the ISU vs. Nebraska game! Dancing in Ames will be a nice treat too!
Hoping by October my little nephew will be walking???
This is just random thoughts!
Grades are due by Wednesday…..wow the pressure of perfection and not procrastinating. All through college I worked well under pressure paper after paper. I think I can do the same here…even though I haven’t been procrastinating anything.
I went shopping today, got a nice bottle of wine to start of the next episode of nip/tuck!
Oooo and Today was the ISU vs. Iowa game. Sad day L I can’t wait to come up and go tailgating for the ISU vs. Nebraska game! Dancing in Ames will be a nice treat too!
Hoping by October my little nephew will be walking???
This is just random thoughts!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
In the Fog
Do you ever feel lost in the Fog. Hidden from things? How think is the fog really? This morning I drove to school in the thickest fog I have seen in a long while. For most of the drive I sat in silence. (not normal for me...singing is the only way to get to school) Back to the fog...the thickness really made me think about how think everything always feels to me in my life. That may sound ridiculous...but My life is so full of stuff that fogs my judgment on everything else. Since I moved I have tried to focus on finding a church, getting along with my peers at school settling down with my career. I am struggling on finding myself...I don't feel like myself...I'm all foggy. I don't want to say depressed, cause I'm not...a little nub, confused...sure. I know that the foggy drive I can make it through and with God's mighty hand the fog always clears. In the back of my mind I can't wait to go back home to see my family, my friends. I have none of those things where I'm at and people are either way to old or way to young and in grade school...there isn't much in-between. I have been contemplating going to the Y just to me people....to be social (to me that is just sad) I don't really look forward to much at the end of the day, I just hope that I get better at leaving my school work at school and not letting my career take over my life. Any ideas for some low cost hobbies?
ps school blog http://exeter5grade.blogspot.com/
ps school blog http://exeter5grade.blogspot.com/
Monday, September 11, 2006
How or What do you remember?
Monday, September 11, 2006
We started reading about volcanoes today in reading. There seems to be tons of questions on the topic. English we are focusing on nouns. Today team one (the left side of the room) won by a land slide with a game of Name that Noun. We had buzzers and everything. The math test didn’t go as well as planned. It appeared people are forgetting all of the divisibility rules: 2 goes into the product if it is an even number, 5 goes into the product if the number ends with a zero or 5, 10 goes into it if the number ends with a zero, and 3 goes into the product if the sum of the digits is divisible without a remainder. Ex 123 is divisible by 3 because 1+2+3=6 and 3 goes into 6 evenly. The rule is the same for 9 except the sum of the digits must be divisible by 9. The last rule we learned is that 6 is a factor if the number is divisible by 2 and 3. We got brand new journals the other day. We write normally for 3-4 mins. Without stopping everyday before lunch. Today we talked about the students feelings of remembering 9-11. “Where were you when the airplanes hit the World Trade Center and the Pentagon?” Most replied in kindergarten or preschool learning. They said they remembered seeing it on the TV a little bit and heard it on the radio. “How has this event effected your life?” It hasn’t? “What about those you know in the Armed Forces?” Response was Oh Yeah! “ What has changed in our country since that day?” 1 replied airport security has gone up….there was nothing else said. They were asked to go home and ask this question to their parents….and how did their parents feel, where were they when 9-11 happened? If not that situation have them think back to when JFK was assassinated. Teacher: I wasn’t alive when JFK was assassinated, but 9-11 I remember clearly. I remember I was a freshman in college leaving my parents house and commuting to school. I was driving when information came over the radio and no one was clear as to what was going on. I felt shocked and scared. I knew we had been in red alert. I remember trying to call my dad. He is in the service and I couldn’t get a hold of him. I was crying all the way to school. I walked in to my first class with a solemn look on my face. No body new what was going on and we found a tv with cable and turned to CNN. All morning not a TV was off, nobody attended classes hoping to do work. I remember not going to work that day because I couldn’t get a hold of my dad. I have family friends 3blocks from where the crash took place, I have friends and acquaintances in D.C.. I feared for their lives. I remember the days after 9-11 with SYAP a students’ right movement of prayer outside my old high school and a moment of silence that following week. My grandfather entered into the hospital after being glued to the TV. The thought of my father having to go off to war was setting at the back of his mind and was ultimately stressing him to the point where his heart gave out. He died later following the tragedy of 9-11.Question of the day: Where were you when the 2 towers fell, when people gave up thier lives for those of the unknown, when the side of the Pentagon was hit? How did if feel? How will you remember?
We started reading about volcanoes today in reading. There seems to be tons of questions on the topic. English we are focusing on nouns. Today team one (the left side of the room) won by a land slide with a game of Name that Noun. We had buzzers and everything. The math test didn’t go as well as planned. It appeared people are forgetting all of the divisibility rules: 2 goes into the product if it is an even number, 5 goes into the product if the number ends with a zero or 5, 10 goes into it if the number ends with a zero, and 3 goes into the product if the sum of the digits is divisible without a remainder. Ex 123 is divisible by 3 because 1+2+3=6 and 3 goes into 6 evenly. The rule is the same for 9 except the sum of the digits must be divisible by 9. The last rule we learned is that 6 is a factor if the number is divisible by 2 and 3. We got brand new journals the other day. We write normally for 3-4 mins. Without stopping everyday before lunch. Today we talked about the students feelings of remembering 9-11. “Where were you when the airplanes hit the World Trade Center and the Pentagon?” Most replied in kindergarten or preschool learning. They said they remembered seeing it on the TV a little bit and heard it on the radio. “How has this event effected your life?” It hasn’t? “What about those you know in the Armed Forces?” Response was Oh Yeah! “ What has changed in our country since that day?” 1 replied airport security has gone up….there was nothing else said. They were asked to go home and ask this question to their parents….and how did their parents feel, where were they when 9-11 happened? If not that situation have them think back to when JFK was assassinated. Teacher: I wasn’t alive when JFK was assassinated, but 9-11 I remember clearly. I remember I was a freshman in college leaving my parents house and commuting to school. I was driving when information came over the radio and no one was clear as to what was going on. I felt shocked and scared. I knew we had been in red alert. I remember trying to call my dad. He is in the service and I couldn’t get a hold of him. I was crying all the way to school. I walked in to my first class with a solemn look on my face. No body new what was going on and we found a tv with cable and turned to CNN. All morning not a TV was off, nobody attended classes hoping to do work. I remember not going to work that day because I couldn’t get a hold of my dad. I have family friends 3blocks from where the crash took place, I have friends and acquaintances in D.C.. I feared for their lives. I remember the days after 9-11 with SYAP a students’ right movement of prayer outside my old high school and a moment of silence that following week. My grandfather entered into the hospital after being glued to the TV. The thought of my father having to go off to war was setting at the back of his mind and was ultimately stressing him to the point where his heart gave out. He died later following the tragedy of 9-11.Question of the day: Where were you when the 2 towers fell, when people gave up thier lives for those of the unknown, when the side of the Pentagon was hit? How did if feel? How will you remember?
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Running in the Rain
Can you believe what a beautiful day? You may think what in the world is she thinking…it has been raining all night….not just a little sprinkle, the full down pour. I am in Southwest Missouri now and they are just as dry as every other part of the mid west. This rain is a delight. I woke up this morning to a bird running into my bedroom window…(didn’t die) My windows aren’t clean like the Windex commercials so I don’t know what its deal was…lol After the rude awakening I decided…it isn’t 100 degrees outside so I should go for a run. What a run it was…nice and cool. I came back extremely soaked, but it felt wonderful. The whole time I was running I was thinking that people sometimes say that the rain is God crying…I would like to think of each drop as an answered prayer at this point in time. For those of you who love rain go take a run!
God Bless
God Bless
Sunday, August 20, 2006
school days
Wow I made it through the first week of school. I got kids in my class on Wednesday. Most are the same size as me, but they still call me ma’m. I am enjoying the idea of teaching….but scheduling my time and making sure that everything gets covered in the day sure is tough. I find myself thinking about what I need to get done for school even out boating this weekend. I can’t wait until I get in a stedy rutine. I can’t believe that the next break I have is Labor day weekend…Oh and I’m looking forward to coming back to Ames for Amanda’s wedding in Oct. and staying for 5 whole days! Little John didn’t recognize me and I was only gone for a few weeks….so sad. I miss not being in college I will admit. I miss seeing my friends. I get along with my co-workers and hope that I can build on that relationship with all of them. I am longing to find a church down south still. I hope things are going well for you, the reader. Well I’m off to work some more.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
All Move and nothing to Do
Well here I am….sitting in my house way down in southern Missouri. I went to set up part of my classroom. It is huge…as far as classrooms are concerned. I’m excited to start school and get on with the whole new step in my life.
The move down here didn’t start of so smoothly. Friday it was raining in Iowa all morning and in fear of getting my favorite couch really wet we didn’t get on the road until like 9am 3 hours later than planned. Then the lights kept going out on the trailer (which was packed full….I know I have a lot of stuff) We got to my new house that I am renting for now. Got everything unpacked even though it smelled like know one had let air in the house for years. (nice and musky)Not too mention really BUGGY. The pink bathroom is ok, meaning I’m getting use to it. I planted some greenery outside in front to make it more homey for me, but I’m not sure they are going to live cause the soil down here is hard and there is little rain right now. I went to the lake tubing on Sunday, managed to get a good upper body work out and feel the burn as well as the burn on my body…nice and red. Oh did I mention that I’m feeling alone down here and a little different. I know Keith is helping a lot, but I miss my family and friends back home. I can’t even go for a walk around here without the strange looks and honking. People are a little scary. At least my neighbors are really nice. There is this older couple that lives across the path from me that seem great. The people at my school are nice, a little scatted right now but nice. I hope everyone keeps in touch and knows how much I miss them.
God Bless your day~Love Kris
The move down here didn’t start of so smoothly. Friday it was raining in Iowa all morning and in fear of getting my favorite couch really wet we didn’t get on the road until like 9am 3 hours later than planned. Then the lights kept going out on the trailer (which was packed full….I know I have a lot of stuff) We got to my new house that I am renting for now. Got everything unpacked even though it smelled like know one had let air in the house for years. (nice and musky)Not too mention really BUGGY. The pink bathroom is ok, meaning I’m getting use to it. I planted some greenery outside in front to make it more homey for me, but I’m not sure they are going to live cause the soil down here is hard and there is little rain right now. I went to the lake tubing on Sunday, managed to get a good upper body work out and feel the burn as well as the burn on my body…nice and red. Oh did I mention that I’m feeling alone down here and a little different. I know Keith is helping a lot, but I miss my family and friends back home. I can’t even go for a walk around here without the strange looks and honking. People are a little scary. At least my neighbors are really nice. There is this older couple that lives across the path from me that seem great. The people at my school are nice, a little scatted right now but nice. I hope everyone keeps in touch and knows how much I miss them.
God Bless your day~Love Kris
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Moving Day
I successfully passed my Spanish classes with flying colors if I do say so myself. Taking two years worth of Spanish in 35 days isn’t bad….don’t think I would ever do it again. I feel like I haven’t accomplished anything this summer because I was in class everyday for two months. I haven’t been working any where or at least not enough to do any good financially. I have spent the last week in my home town or at my parents’ house I should say. I got to watch my nephew all week (which is more tiring than one may think) He is almost 9 months…but is very intelligent has is close to standing on his own. He has a wonderful recognition of everything and responds well to things. Fine motor…great…throwing ability is massive. Give the boy a beach ball and a bos and he is set for the day. I came home yesterday with a bunch of stuff to pack….my sister was nice enough to help me and it was still late when we went to bed. (not past midnight)…but I was up at 4:30am with her son so I was “hitting a wall” it is starting to sink in that I may not see a bunch of people ever again…and how drastically my life is about to turn. My dad came up and we loaded all of my stuff up filling a whole trailer nice and tight in just under an hour. Now it is cleaning time. I’m going to spend my week visiting people and saying some good byes and see ya laters. I want to make a memory page for a scrapbook from some of my favorite places in Ames so I will do that some time this week if anyone is up for a walk give me a shout out. Don’t let this 100degree weather get ya down! Well I’m off to nap and then get cleaning. Hope all is well in the world…I’m moving ONE week from today…..wow….where does the time go. Missouri can’t be that bad can it. I was given a lot of advice…I’m not sure I want to follow example: knock out a few teeth…get some flannel…forget a few letters here and there when I talk, grow a mullet….find a cousin that I know and date him instead of my boyfriend…..I could go on with other helpful advice but I don’t think I’m going to take any of it because it all scares me.
PS Side Note:if you have moved and I don’t have you new address please send me a little postcard so I can write it down or just message me via email.
PS Side Note:if you have moved and I don’t have you new address please send me a little postcard so I can write it down or just message me via email.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Summer Blues
Wow it has been a long time. My internet hasn’t wanted to work fast enough to do anything so I apologize for the long awaited side notes of my life.
Well things are going well. I’m overwhelmed and stressed out. The story of my life….but at the same time anxious and excited to be moving on in my life.
I am currently taking some fast track espanol. Which I will tell you SUCKs. I don’t think I have ever studied so much in my life and that isn’t even a full effort. I had a finally this past Friday and am starting the second round of what is going to be a hard, long, boring 4 weeks.
I started back to work at Formative Years…last resort to making money that and Target didn’t want to hire me to work for just a month. Ggrrrrrr o-well. Ciara and I have hit up a lot of garage sales on early Saturday mornings (I have found a lot of really good stuff for school!) I realized garage sale-ing is only fun if you go with lots of friends, you can talk people down by ½ the price, and you can drive all kinds of crazy.
John (my nephew) now has 6 teeth 4 on top and 2 on the bottom. He is full of drool so some more are bound to come in this week. 7 months old…wow where does the time go? He can sit up, army crawl everywhere….and pull himself up on things as well as walk everywhere using walkers and your fingers. I get to see him every 3 weeks or so, but soon it will only be once a month or every other month depending on what is going on.
I am moving to Monett Missouri in a month. Starting school the first part of August. I’m so excited and over planned for before even getting there. I have talked with some up coming 5th graders I know in the area and they have given me the inside scoop on what to expect. I will miss so many people here at ISU and in my home town…and state. I will return. The school I am at doesn’t have a spring break instead they space it out amongst the different months there aren’t holiday breaks and create seasonal breaks using 4day weekends! I have lots of weddings coming up so Congrats to Amanda (October) Taylor &Ann (July) Jen (August) and my cousin Josh E. (this fall?)and another cousin Kendra getting married next fall! Oh and who could forget Luke (July wedding) I can’t believe that people I babysat for as young children are getting married too….wow! (I’m getting old)
Well I’m off to get some packing started. I don’t want to feel to rushed when moving, I’m already freaking at so many other things in my life….I want to take my time on what I can.
I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer. God Bless.
Well things are going well. I’m overwhelmed and stressed out. The story of my life….but at the same time anxious and excited to be moving on in my life.
I am currently taking some fast track espanol. Which I will tell you SUCKs. I don’t think I have ever studied so much in my life and that isn’t even a full effort. I had a finally this past Friday and am starting the second round of what is going to be a hard, long, boring 4 weeks.
I started back to work at Formative Years…last resort to making money that and Target didn’t want to hire me to work for just a month. Ggrrrrrr o-well. Ciara and I have hit up a lot of garage sales on early Saturday mornings (I have found a lot of really good stuff for school!) I realized garage sale-ing is only fun if you go with lots of friends, you can talk people down by ½ the price, and you can drive all kinds of crazy.
John (my nephew) now has 6 teeth 4 on top and 2 on the bottom. He is full of drool so some more are bound to come in this week. 7 months old…wow where does the time go? He can sit up, army crawl everywhere….and pull himself up on things as well as walk everywhere using walkers and your fingers. I get to see him every 3 weeks or so, but soon it will only be once a month or every other month depending on what is going on.
I am moving to Monett Missouri in a month. Starting school the first part of August. I’m so excited and over planned for before even getting there. I have talked with some up coming 5th graders I know in the area and they have given me the inside scoop on what to expect. I will miss so many people here at ISU and in my home town…and state. I will return. The school I am at doesn’t have a spring break instead they space it out amongst the different months there aren’t holiday breaks and create seasonal breaks using 4day weekends! I have lots of weddings coming up so Congrats to Amanda (October) Taylor &Ann (July) Jen (August) and my cousin Josh E. (this fall?)and another cousin Kendra getting married next fall! Oh and who could forget Luke (July wedding) I can’t believe that people I babysat for as young children are getting married too….wow! (I’m getting old)
Well I’m off to get some packing started. I don’t want to feel to rushed when moving, I’m already freaking at so many other things in my life….I want to take my time on what I can.
I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer. God Bless.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
college graduate
College Grad am I.
Now what am I giong to do? I have interviewed at several schools and I have been praying that I can figure it out soon so I can plan the rest of the year. Am I going to teach 5th grade....kindergarten....grrr the frustration. I currently have 5 job offers on the table and another interview today. All are in Missouri. The other day though I got the erge to teach in Iowa...but I don't think that is going to happen.
Congrats to all those who have finished their student teaching and for all my friends that graduated college.
I realized that a lot of the people I know and have enjoyed spending the last three years with I may never see again. :-( That makes me sad, it makes me want to stick around ISU. I don't like huge changes all at once they kind of scare me.
Now what am I giong to do? I have interviewed at several schools and I have been praying that I can figure it out soon so I can plan the rest of the year. Am I going to teach 5th grade....kindergarten....grrr the frustration. I currently have 5 job offers on the table and another interview today. All are in Missouri. The other day though I got the erge to teach in Iowa...but I don't think that is going to happen.
Congrats to all those who have finished their student teaching and for all my friends that graduated college.
I realized that a lot of the people I know and have enjoyed spending the last three years with I may never see again. :-( That makes me sad, it makes me want to stick around ISU. I don't like huge changes all at once they kind of scare me.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Waiting Game
Playing the waiting game…
It is almost my nap time…my eyes are getting heavy. Yesterday I spent all day in my car driving….I could probably tell you how many times I sang the same exact song over and over again. I managed to fit in 3 interviews in all different directions in to one 8hour school day and still make it back home so that I wouldn’t miss the farm field trip my kindergarteners have been looking forward to.
I’m playing the waiting game….sitting and waiting so I can go on to the next step of planning where I’m going to live, what grade I have to prep for, what role I have to take on next. I have had three interviews and another school (4) that offered me a position straight up—which I turned down. I have heard back from one school today….and still want to hold out that better offers that may arise. I’m still waiting, I have more interviews that I’m lining up as the phone calls come in this week. I’m not stressing out yet, heck I didn’t even prep for my interview…(thought that might be a little to nerve racking for me)
I'm just waiting....what is next?
It is almost my nap time…my eyes are getting heavy. Yesterday I spent all day in my car driving….I could probably tell you how many times I sang the same exact song over and over again. I managed to fit in 3 interviews in all different directions in to one 8hour school day and still make it back home so that I wouldn’t miss the farm field trip my kindergarteners have been looking forward to.
I’m playing the waiting game….sitting and waiting so I can go on to the next step of planning where I’m going to live, what grade I have to prep for, what role I have to take on next. I have had three interviews and another school (4) that offered me a position straight up—which I turned down. I have heard back from one school today….and still want to hold out that better offers that may arise. I’m still waiting, I have more interviews that I’m lining up as the phone calls come in this week. I’m not stressing out yet, heck I didn’t even prep for my interview…(thought that might be a little to nerve racking for me)
I'm just waiting....what is next?
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Direction
Today pastor brought up how most of us are looking for direction in life. I know I’m not the only one. I will say that things seem to be fitting into place. I don’t have a job yet, but I’m not worried. I’m not sure where I’m going to be living come July, but I’m not worried. I am more excited than anything. I can’t wait to have my own classroom, teach thing that I want to teach (following standards J) I can’t wait to be some where new…taking that next step in my life. I know that it will be hard going somewhere and not knowing anybody. I promise you this…I’m not going to be hanging out with parents and teachers all the time….I need to find a hobby maybe something athletic that I can find some friends. I guess you could say I’m concerned with teaching consuming my life. I don’t want that to happen…I know it has for the most part now. The only time I have seen my friends this month is when I had to call them to come help me jump my car this week. Graduation is like 5 weeks away, I can’t believe college is almost done.
Can you believe that March is over and April is here? Last year I played some great April fool's jokes...not one trick this year :-(
God Bless, have a wonderful week!
Can you believe that March is over and April is here? Last year I played some great April fool's jokes...not one trick this year :-(
God Bless, have a wonderful week!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Spring Break
Spring break is here. I am enjoying my time to sleep in, lay around doing nothing, play games like fooseball, air hockey, and quiddler. I am eating a bunch and enjoying every minute. Tomorrow I meet up with my parents for some quality time for the next few days before heading back to their home and visiting some friends. I get to see my nephew on Sunday....and then head back home to sleep in my very own bed....right before heading back to kindergarten. Oh and amoungst the sleep and eating I'm writing lesson plans and applying for jobs and all that fun stuff too.
I hope everyone is enjoying a little break. Please pray for the memorial group that went to help rebuild down south and for a friend who is in Africa who has malaria. God Bless you on this Tuesday.
I hope everyone is enjoying a little break. Please pray for the memorial group that went to help rebuild down south and for a friend who is in Africa who has malaria. God Bless you on this Tuesday.
Monday, March 06, 2006
DAY 1
18 kindergarteners will make any sane person tired. Today went well some quotes that I will walk away from this experience is: “Cheesy Easy” “Meatball and Spaghetti Space” “Flew out of your head” “Kiss your Brain” Not only did I hang out observing in the classroom today, but I also observed in a K-3 resource room. It is a little weird knowing some of the students in the school that I am at. (haven’t had that feeling the last 3 schools I have been at)
I am doing devotion on Wednesday night I’m going to sit everyone down on the ground and do a read-aloud. It is the teacher in me what can I say. lol I am reading You Are Special by Max Lucado. I am focusing on how each person has their own talents and gifts we don’t always show them at the right times or we don’t use them for all that they could be used for.
What is new in my life….well not as much drama, the soap opera has come to a close…JBD hasn’t been out in over a month. I have managed to be ill for almost 3 weeks now. Student death center hasn’t really been much help. Spring break plans involve me riding down to see Keith and catching up with my parents for a little vacation while still trying to apply for a job. Oh and I get to see my nephew (who is getting so big)
Being in college I know that it is hard to keep in contact with people, but I’m trying hard. If I haven’t talked to you for a while don’t feel bad, I’m just really busy. Drop me a hello tho and I will reply back asap.
I hope everyone is doing great and I pray for blessings to come into your lives.
God Bless
I am doing devotion on Wednesday night I’m going to sit everyone down on the ground and do a read-aloud. It is the teacher in me what can I say. lol I am reading You Are Special by Max Lucado. I am focusing on how each person has their own talents and gifts we don’t always show them at the right times or we don’t use them for all that they could be used for.
What is new in my life….well not as much drama, the soap opera has come to a close…JBD hasn’t been out in over a month. I have managed to be ill for almost 3 weeks now. Student death center hasn’t really been much help. Spring break plans involve me riding down to see Keith and catching up with my parents for a little vacation while still trying to apply for a job. Oh and I get to see my nephew (who is getting so big)
Being in college I know that it is hard to keep in contact with people, but I’m trying hard. If I haven’t talked to you for a while don’t feel bad, I’m just really busy. Drop me a hello tho and I will reply back asap.
I hope everyone is doing great and I pray for blessings to come into your lives.
God Bless
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Student teaching
Well done with the first 8 weeks without getting lice. Now I'm off to teach kindergarten, I'll need your prayers.
I haven't posted anything in a long time because I have been sick and my computer hasn't wanted to work...sorry for those who read these posts.
I haven't posted anything in a long time because I have been sick and my computer hasn't wanted to work...sorry for those who read these posts.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Color My Mood
I'm working on a poetry unit currently the one for tomorrow is having them fill in the color words to match them...so I thought I would share mine.
Color My Mood
By Mary Sullivan and _______________________
Colors name the way we feel.
When we’re angry or we’re sad.
I’m blue when I’m lonely.
I’m red when I’m mad.
I’m green when I’m jealous.
I’m orange when I’m glad.
I’m purple when I’m good.
I’m black when I’m bad.
And I made up a new name
For when I’m feeling mellow.
I think I’m gonna call it:
Lemon Jell-O yellow!
Color My Mood
By Mary Sullivan and _______________________
Colors name the way we feel.
When we’re angry or we’re sad.
I’m blue when I’m lonely.
I’m red when I’m mad.
I’m green when I’m jealous.
I’m orange when I’m glad.
I’m purple when I’m good.
I’m black when I’m bad.
And I made up a new name
For when I’m feeling mellow.
I think I’m gonna call it:
Lemon Jell-O yellow!
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
direction
My prayer tonight is that I find direction. I have been offered a job in Washington to watch three kids for a week, they would fly me out and everything. However it is my first week at Gilbert. I don't know what to do. I would love to go out and not have to pay for the entire trip...I would love to watch some kids and get a feel for a new area.
Also direction in life as a whole, my prayer is for where do I go from here...graduation is around the corner.
Also direction in life as a whole, my prayer is for where do I go from here...graduation is around the corner.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Down To Earth
I went back home this weekend for a baby-shower, which I threw in honor of my best friend Casey. It was great to have everybody back in the area. We started talking about our 5th year class reunion and how we aren’t really sure if we want to go because it is going to be a keg on the farm with a bunch of farmers that stuck around town. I personally think it won’t be that bad if those that actually left come back so we might know where everyone is at in life. I know that I want to be a mother, I hope someday soon, but I will wait for everything to fall into place in its own time.
I went to church on Sunday. We had a visiting pastor, which means I stayed awake for the sermon. He talked about all the ways we describe Jesus: All Powerful, Almighty, All knowing, Emmanuel, Savior, Redeemer, Gracious, Mighty…and on and on. How many times do you hear that Jesus is a down to earth guy? The pastor went on to tell a story about a man that fell in to a hole, broke both his legs, and couldn’t get out. There was also a venomous snake in the hole with him ready to attack at any time. A man walked by this man was a Hindu man that leaned over the hole and told that man that he need to envision the hole as not being there and he would be free and walked on. A Buddhist walked by and told the man in the hole that he needs to let go of all desires including the desire to be set free from the hole and he would be free. Then the man continued on his way. The next man to walk by was a Muslim. He looked down at the hole and told the guy to face the city of Mecca and pray five times a day then Allah will set him free from the whole and when he was to get out of the whole he was to walk the journey to the city and pay his prayer of thanksgivings to Allah. The man continued on his way. A man who claimed to be studying Confucianism stopped by and looked down the whole and told the man if he would have been logical and thought about each step he would not have fallen in the hole to begin with and felt no pity for the man and walked on his way. The next man to walk by was Jesus. Without saying a word he jumped down into the hole and lifted the man out of the hole into the sunlight. In the process the snake bit him and he died. Pastor told us that was how we describe the name Jesus. A Savior. A man who came down to earth just to dig us out of sins and to take away the death we should have had. Jesus is our down to earth man.
The last few weeks I have been struggling in life, no lie. I think about the direction my life is to lead me and while I thought I had everything figured out everything took a right turn and led me into a brick wall. While I’m still loving my student teaching experience I question my next step. I’m not sure where I want to teach, what I want to teach…do I want to stay in Iowa, do I want to do special education. I know that I don’t need to worry about these things but I don’t want to end up on my own all alone teaching at a school living in a small town ALONE. I fear that I’m going to end up that old lady on the corner with lots of cats. And I don’t even like cats… Sad picture I know, but I feel a little lost right now. I planning a going out on Friday, maybe that is what the doctor ordered a sober night of dinner and dancing!
Tonight my prayer is for my heart that it can mend from all its brokenness, that it won’t give up on what it is to find or what it has all ready found and is waiting for.
I went to church on Sunday. We had a visiting pastor, which means I stayed awake for the sermon. He talked about all the ways we describe Jesus: All Powerful, Almighty, All knowing, Emmanuel, Savior, Redeemer, Gracious, Mighty…and on and on. How many times do you hear that Jesus is a down to earth guy? The pastor went on to tell a story about a man that fell in to a hole, broke both his legs, and couldn’t get out. There was also a venomous snake in the hole with him ready to attack at any time. A man walked by this man was a Hindu man that leaned over the hole and told that man that he need to envision the hole as not being there and he would be free and walked on. A Buddhist walked by and told the man in the hole that he needs to let go of all desires including the desire to be set free from the hole and he would be free. Then the man continued on his way. The next man to walk by was a Muslim. He looked down at the hole and told the guy to face the city of Mecca and pray five times a day then Allah will set him free from the whole and when he was to get out of the whole he was to walk the journey to the city and pay his prayer of thanksgivings to Allah. The man continued on his way. A man who claimed to be studying Confucianism stopped by and looked down the whole and told the man if he would have been logical and thought about each step he would not have fallen in the hole to begin with and felt no pity for the man and walked on his way. The next man to walk by was Jesus. Without saying a word he jumped down into the hole and lifted the man out of the hole into the sunlight. In the process the snake bit him and he died. Pastor told us that was how we describe the name Jesus. A Savior. A man who came down to earth just to dig us out of sins and to take away the death we should have had. Jesus is our down to earth man.
The last few weeks I have been struggling in life, no lie. I think about the direction my life is to lead me and while I thought I had everything figured out everything took a right turn and led me into a brick wall. While I’m still loving my student teaching experience I question my next step. I’m not sure where I want to teach, what I want to teach…do I want to stay in Iowa, do I want to do special education. I know that I don’t need to worry about these things but I don’t want to end up on my own all alone teaching at a school living in a small town ALONE. I fear that I’m going to end up that old lady on the corner with lots of cats. And I don’t even like cats… Sad picture I know, but I feel a little lost right now. I planning a going out on Friday, maybe that is what the doctor ordered a sober night of dinner and dancing!
Tonight my prayer is for my heart that it can mend from all its brokenness, that it won’t give up on what it is to find or what it has all ready found and is waiting for.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Curve Ball
Life seems to throw curve balls when you least expect them. My life feels like it is in a dryer right now. I really thought things were working out for me that everything was fitting together like a puzzle should….but no I must have been dreaming because I sure got awoken suddenly. I like to dream…..
Student teaching is going well, I pray for my kids daily because I never know if they are going to be returning to school the next day and if they do what kind of moods they will be in.
I have learned being in education that you have to put on a mask…people expect you to be a certain way all the time…they expect you to be on top of everything, covering all the ground needed with a smile no matter what happened 3mins before they walked in the room or the two hours of sleep you got before teaching a reading lesson.
I feel like I walk through life like that…hiding behind a mask, not that I always mean to, but I fear wearing my heart on my sleeve because it might hurt others and show others how hurt I really am. Did you know that I get hurt, that I get scared…but I have learned to pray…and to take a stand “have some balls”
Grrrr. I have so much anger in me, I wish I had a punching bag. I don’t have anger against others…more with myself. Maybe I’m to hard on myself (I know that am)
That is all I have in me to write about, I’m off to bed.
Student teaching is going well, I pray for my kids daily because I never know if they are going to be returning to school the next day and if they do what kind of moods they will be in.
I have learned being in education that you have to put on a mask…people expect you to be a certain way all the time…they expect you to be on top of everything, covering all the ground needed with a smile no matter what happened 3mins before they walked in the room or the two hours of sleep you got before teaching a reading lesson.
I feel like I walk through life like that…hiding behind a mask, not that I always mean to, but I fear wearing my heart on my sleeve because it might hurt others and show others how hurt I really am. Did you know that I get hurt, that I get scared…but I have learned to pray…and to take a stand “have some balls”
Grrrr. I have so much anger in me, I wish I had a punching bag. I don’t have anger against others…more with myself. Maybe I’m to hard on myself (I know that am)
That is all I have in me to write about, I’m off to bed.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Wow....
There is nothing like wearing shorts and a t-shirt in IOWA in January! I hope everybody enjoyed the beautiful weather God has given us the last few days. Wow.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
just another day
I haven't had lot of time to write. I have been taking the time to work out after teaching all day and then going to bed early when not at church.
There is some unusual weather here in Iowa about 4pm it was 51degrees and it is January. My mouth is dropped open too. I don't tend to write to much here just because I have to keep a journal for student teaching which takes a lot of time out of my day. I have enjoyed my student teaching thus far, have been learning a lot, and have been gaining a lot of resources. I am learning to deal with a lot of issues that are within the school...fun stuff.
quote from last night's devo "school is like toilet paper long and useful."
Monday, January 09, 2006
Loved to be Loved
Today the thing that brighten my day was a little hello email note from a boy who misses me a lot (m.a.c). I miss all my kids from work, but this made my day. It is like walking into my first classroom the other day and they had all made me pictures. ( i don't start in that room until March) I love to get little notes in the mail or little sticky notes on my car just to say hello. it makes me feel all warm and cozy.
God Bless
God Bless
Friday, January 06, 2006
Just another day....
I have now visited both of my classes and I’m so excited to start on Tuesday. I got to watch my nephew today...we took a nap together. I miss all of my kids very much and I want to call them and stop by to see them, but I know that I have to move on. I called up a superintendent today that I know very well for a recommendation, he wants me to teach in his district and I was calling so he can help me get into a different one….does that make me a bad person. I don’t want to be stuck in the small town where I grew up, 13 years in a district is long enough. I know some people have already started teaching, and while I’m in a hurry I felt is best to leave my place of employment when I did for a reason. So far this New Year has started out a little rocky; I pray that all gets better from here. I wrote in a card to send to a friend today that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle, I hope I can cope with everything heading my way.
Oh side note and invite…dancing….tomorrow night…ames?
Something on my mind…what are traditions that you have with your family?
Oh side note and invite…dancing….tomorrow night…ames?
Something on my mind…what are traditions that you have with your family?
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Unemployed
Unemployed: Not having a paying job.....student teaching as much work as it is going to be....doesn't pay the bills.
Wow, to be unemployed for the first time in 10 years….it feels kind of weird.
Yesterday was it….my boss didn’t schedule me to work on my last day (I would say it was an accident…but I know it wasn’t) I went any way….my kids mean the world to me and I was in tears for a good chunk of the day. The hardest was Matt (the tongue picture from previous post) he means so much to me and he has been distraught over this for weeks. And I wasn’t there Tuesday because my best friend Casey had a beautiful baby girl Kyra Payton born 1-3-06 at 9:18 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 19 ½ inches long. I drove down there as soon as I knew she was in labor. Matt was so sad all day because they started back to school yesterday and he had intended on spending the whole day with me. He made a gift just for me and not only was he crying in the hall and would let go of me…but his little brother and his dad even started to cry. That was the hardest good bye I have done in a long time and I am hoping to see him soon too….oh the tears.
After work a bunch of us went for a drink I had a “Kristy” and some nachos Mmmm. And everyone else was having a great time. I’m going to miss my kids and some of my co-workers. I’m off to go meet my kindergarten co-op teacher. Have a wonderful day!
Wow, to be unemployed for the first time in 10 years….it feels kind of weird.
Yesterday was it….my boss didn’t schedule me to work on my last day (I would say it was an accident…but I know it wasn’t) I went any way….my kids mean the world to me and I was in tears for a good chunk of the day. The hardest was Matt (the tongue picture from previous post) he means so much to me and he has been distraught over this for weeks. And I wasn’t there Tuesday because my best friend Casey had a beautiful baby girl Kyra Payton born 1-3-06 at 9:18 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 19 ½ inches long. I drove down there as soon as I knew she was in labor. Matt was so sad all day because they started back to school yesterday and he had intended on spending the whole day with me. He made a gift just for me and not only was he crying in the hall and would let go of me…but his little brother and his dad even started to cry. That was the hardest good bye I have done in a long time and I am hoping to see him soon too….oh the tears.
After work a bunch of us went for a drink I had a “Kristy” and some nachos Mmmm. And everyone else was having a great time. I’m going to miss my kids and some of my co-workers. I’m off to go meet my kindergarten co-op teacher. Have a wonderful day!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Crack Pot
January 1st 2006
Let me start off saying Happy New Year!
Wow does it feel weird to write the 06. It is now about 2am an I was the police chief…but my star-crossed-lover Jodi died so I then jumped off the cliff and fell to my death as well…but not before finding out who one of the four mafia members were.
The fire tonight was just barely a spark….our sins must have been hard ones to get rid of cause they did not want to burn. We brought in the new year with a spark of a fire that was lit just with a piece of paper and some diesel fuel, Holy Communion with one another, and with a lot of hugs.
Before heading out to the Breezy Point Pastor O talked about how we are all crack pots. Yes you read that correctly we are crack pots….we have flaws (what were you thinking???hmmm). Back in the day in the markets the women would go out and buy their pots to cook with and the makers would use wax and melt over the cracks so that you wouldn’t know it when you bought it, but you would soon find out come some heat that the pot was no good and would often time explode. So some sale’s men would write a word similar to sincerely at the bottom of the pot. Sincerely you know the kind we write at the bottom of letters. Well it mean genuine or real. Which really fits in well with our topic about “Does God except Plastic?” Well with sincerely written on it they knew that they didn’t have crack that it was really the real deal. We are like that pot with a crack…
Let me start off saying Happy New Year!
Wow does it feel weird to write the 06. It is now about 2am an I was the police chief…but my star-crossed-lover Jodi died so I then jumped off the cliff and fell to my death as well…but not before finding out who one of the four mafia members were.
The fire tonight was just barely a spark….our sins must have been hard ones to get rid of cause they did not want to burn. We brought in the new year with a spark of a fire that was lit just with a piece of paper and some diesel fuel, Holy Communion with one another, and with a lot of hugs.
Before heading out to the Breezy Point Pastor O talked about how we are all crack pots. Yes you read that correctly we are crack pots….we have flaws (what were you thinking???hmmm). Back in the day in the markets the women would go out and buy their pots to cook with and the makers would use wax and melt over the cracks so that you wouldn’t know it when you bought it, but you would soon find out come some heat that the pot was no good and would often time explode. So some sale’s men would write a word similar to sincerely at the bottom of the pot. Sincerely you know the kind we write at the bottom of letters. Well it mean genuine or real. Which really fits in well with our topic about “Does God except Plastic?” Well with sincerely written on it they knew that they didn’t have crack that it was really the real deal. We are like that pot with a crack…
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