Still Reading - Updated

Here's what's been read in 2011:

1. Essays 1: First Series - Ralph Waldo Emerson (love Emerson!)
2. Stuck in the Middle (Sister to Sister) by Virginia Smith (Christian fiction: so-so)
3. Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow (Christian mystery: okay)
4. Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry (Christian mystery, based in Amish country: I really liked it)
5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (for the 50th time, still love it!)
6. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (brilliant!)
7. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson (magic!)
8. Drums of War by Edith Morris Hemingway (great for lit circles)
9. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
10. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (love these stories)
11. Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher (sweetly old-fashioned)
12. Emma by Jane Austen (what can I say? A-u-s-t-e-n!)
13. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi (incredible)
14. Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo (faith-building)
15. Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson (Christian Romance… cheesy!)
16. Invisible by Lorena McCourtney (old lady mystery, like Murder She Wrote)
17. The Apothecary’s Daughter by Julie Klassen (old England novel, beginning and end were good)
18. Fated to be Free by Jean Ingelow
19. Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli (great book, quite disturbing)
20. Fated to be Free by Jean Ingelow (long… read)
21. The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne (like Sherlock Holmes, good read)
22. The Heart of Rachael by Kathleen Thompson Norris
23. A City Schoolgirl by May Baldwin
24. Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie (love her style!)

Where were you?

On the morning of 9-11, I headed to Miami International Airport with my friend, Jennifer Paultre, who had just spent a couple days with us. I dropped her at the departure area and drove back to SW Miami to the grocery store. I was shopping when the news came over the intercom that the United States was under attack. A few moments later my cell phone rang, and Jennifer asked me to come pick her up. She would not be able to go home to Haiti for a week! Tonight, I had our television on a music station as I read an e-book. After finishing the book, I opened my facebook page to entry after entry: Osama bin Laden was dead. I switched to my MSNBC bookmarked page, "Justice has been done, Obama says" and he was right. Flipping on the TV, I watched our president deliver a carefully crafted speech. He needed to say it right. And he nailed it! He was firm, righteous, and articulate as he used his God-given gift of public speaking to present the details to the country and the world. I was in Miami, FL when the towers collapsed. Ten years later, I am in Olympia, WA, when the perpetrator was brought to justice. Ten years, oh my.

Enough Already!

It's cold outside, 46*, April 28th. This is nuts. Usually at this time of year we get the 60* weather, but not this year. I know I shouldn't complain; I have chosen to live in Western Washington, the Evergreen State - green because of all the rain that keeps things growing. I don't live in Kansas or Alabama or Tennessee or any of the other eastern states that are being destroyed by the twisters. I remember promising God that if He would keep us safe, I would go to Kansas City so my husband could complete his master's degree and then, when he was done, I would leave and NOT return to live there again. The four years we lived in KC, no tornadoes touched down in our county until two days before we moved. I remember looking to the heavens and shouting, "We're not gone yet!" It really doesn't matter where you live, there will be some potential for deadly natural disaster. Hurricane Katrina passed directly over our house when we lived in Miami. The good news for us was she had not yet attained stage 2 status! Now, in Washington, we think about earthquakes. There are a lot of them hitting different parts of the world. We'll have one at some point in time. I just hope it's deep enough that it doesn't destroy our lives and property the way it has in Haiti and Japan. Maybe God is trying to get our attention. Pay attention world! Enough already!

Grading

Due to the creeping crud that both my hubby and I had last week, I didn't get a set of 7th grade autobiographical essays finished until this weekend. I should have had them ready to hand back a week ago but it just didn't happen. I was really feeling awful, and as I told the students, they certainly didn't want me grading their papers while I felt that terrible. Who knows what kind of grade they would have received!

Well, I'm going to be busy this week. Tomorrow I will collect persuasive essays on Positive Thinking (based on Hatchet) and my Writers' Workshop students will turn in their fourth short story. I watched one of these stories come off the printer - 9 pages - oh my! The next day, I have research papers due from my 8th graders who have been reading A Single Shard. These papers all have something to do with Korea, but since I didn't want huge papers to grade (5-7 pages required), I provided the list of possible topics. So I will be occupied with about 90 essays/research papers. I really need to plan this month better!

However, I do know it could be much worse. The junior high teacher at the public school across the street has 30-35 kids in each of her classes. Imagine... That would mean at least 180 essays to grade. Normally, I read each student's paper three times, and depending on the paper, this can take from three to fifteen minutes each. That's 4.5 to 22.5 hours. Just think, it could be 9 to 45 hours! That's a lot of grading!

Round Two

After a week of the crud, it looks like I should prepare for week #2. My hubby is starting week #3! This thing is nuts: congestion, coughing, extreme fatigue! I can't wait to be finished with this. All that said, I haven't quit. I taught school every day, sometimes with very little voice. I worked in my garden for 30 minutes at a time, and we enjoyed the Easter Classic, the new annual wiffle-ball game at our son's house. Great group of people, tons of little kids, fabulous food, and beautiful sunshine. I'm sure our pastor was glad to see the rain come back today since sunny days around here are tough on church attendance!

Sharing

My hubby stayed home from school for three days last week. He has a hyper-vigilant sense of responsibility toward work so everyone knew he was really sick. Plus he went to the doctor - need I say more! We have really tried to keep his cooties confined to him, used Clorox wipes on the phone and TV remote, sprayed with Lysol, cleaned constantly, coughed and sneezed into Kleenex (or his sleeve), and washed our hands until they are peeling... but... Saturday I developed a serious sore throat and started sneezing. Guess who didn't go to church today? Yep... and I love Palm Sunday. We always have the little toddlers come in with their palm branches - it's so sweet - and we missed it. Oh well... at this point, I'm not near as sick as he was so we are hoping that our preventative measures will help me out to some degree. That and all the meds I'm taking to control symptoms, something T doesn't like to do. Anyway, we shared and shouldn't have; hopefully my students won't get it!

Mélange

I have been reading several blogs lately and have noted how some people are so well organized, topically. I mean, if she is a teacher - she follows other teachers. If he is reviewing books - he lists other blogs that do the same. If they live in Haiti - they have other Haiti blogs noted. If it's all about the family - there are other kid-oriented blogs listed.

I am not organized like that. My life is a jumble, having lived in Haiti, teaching junior high English, loving books, and enjoying life with my little adorables. So my blog follows a random group of people, undefined, just like my life. I think I like it that way.

My Commute

A friend of mine just started working from home. It feels a little strange to her because she's always been a part of an office culture but with one little boy who's two and another little person on the way, I think she's going to appreciate the advantages that this change will bring her. I started thinking about my commute. I live 3.5 miles from my school, and in traffic, it takes me seven minutes to get to school. I never get on the freeway and I only have three traffic lights that are of any significance. There are two others but they're always green, very little cross-traffic. As far as commutes go, it is ideal! I always listen to the local radio station both going to school and coming home, and I feel so sorry for those who are stuck on I-5 in the mess that exists between Seattle and Olympia. I am so glad I don't have to do that!

Randomness

I haven't written here for ages; somehow I am just not inspired. I have topics in my head but I need to take pictures in order to do those topics justice. And it is Spring Break. I seriously love Spring Break, always have. It arrives as old man winter is hitting us with fierce rains and we get to sit all cosy and warm inside by the fire. Then the sun peeks out for a moment here and there and I scoot outside to pull weeds, prune overgrown shrubs, and plant pretty flowers. It's also the time I go to the dentist. I know, that's a dumb thing to do, but I really don't like getting a sub for something like that so I always schedule my cleaning at the beginning of break so I will have time for dental work if I need it... which I don't! Yes!

This Spring Break we are going to watch our three local adorables for three days! Their parents are heading to the beach this afternoon for a much needed rest and we get to play with the kids. We'll stay at their house, much easier than staying here. Did I mention they have a German Shorthair? yeah... not my favorite part of hanging with the kiddos but it's okay as long as we are at their place. So, I need to get dressed and get going. Time is moving on and I'd much rather be doing than writing.

SATs

This week is Stanford testing at our junior high. The kids are doing pretty well. We dedicate our morning to it... well, a good portion of the morning, from 9-12. After each test, we give the students a 15 minute break. They play basketball, eat a snack, talk up a storm, just hang out and it works. They get more morning free-time than ever but they also have to quietly sit still more than ever so it's a nice trade-off. And next week, oh bless my heart and soul... next week is Spring Break! And it's loaded! I have a dentist appointment on Tuesday afternoon, I'm babysitting my grandkids from Wednesday - Friday, and I just got an email from my sister-in-law whose mother died yesterday, and the funeral will be sometime next weekend. Bless her... her mother had been suffering for quite a long time but losing a mother is still a tough situation! Anyway, I think I'll sleep all day Monday. It's the only free time I'm going to get all week!

Don't Cross That Line!

Sometimes I hate rules. I know I hate dress codes, even though I do believe in them. Enforcement is NOT fun! Yesterday, Missy showed up to school with two jackets on over a black tank top that was too large for her. Every time she moved, well, let's just say that no imagination was needed. I sent her down to the office to call mom. Missy didn't actually argue, she just offered to zip up a jacket. I told her to call. She left and I called the office to get them prepared. Missy called mom who could not come with better fitting clothes but agreement was reached that the jacket closest to the tank would be zipped all the way up. Later, mom called the school to thank us for our intervention. Seems that Missy has been feelin' like she's all that these days and home has been a war zone. Mom was grateful for the support. Our office secretary was so shocked at her gratitude that she probably stammered all over herself! First thing she did after hanging up the phone was send me an email expressing her delight over a mother who gets it and is willing to say so.

This afternoon, T was the admin guy at a game, one where a pretty good player had to sit on the bench because homework was not turned in so the overall grade was pretty awful. Although he was pretty upset, he got to work and turned in a pile of homework today. Mom thanked T for holding the line, said she didn't have to do a thing or say a thing, he got the message and did the work. Mom was grateful. It absolutely made T's day!

S is in a meeting on the other side of the country, and the temperature of most of those meetings is pretty much near boiling. We've been praying non-stop, for protection of his heart and mind, for answers that are full of clarity and seasoned with wisdom. Tonight we learned that all is well and the power of prayer is palpable around him. Go God!

We have had some tough days, nearly three weeks of tough days. Today was a sign of relief. We do what is right, because it is right, not because it is easy. Because it's not - it's tough! But it is right!

Spring - kind of

The seasons have changed according to the calendar and Spring has arrived... sort of. At least we're not totally positive here in Washington state. It did approach 60* today but the wind kept it a bit chilly. I am ready for the sun to shine and the rain to stop for a while. The somber, gray skies wear me down, make me tired. This is the last week for third quarter and the last study skills class with my girls for a couple of weeks. Shining brightly, tempting us beyond our ability today, the sun came out in all her glory. We did a walk and talk around our campus for about three or four laps total. I was so glad for a change and hope it stays around for a while, a long while!

Three Days?

It's been three days since I posted. I don't usually wait that long, or I haven't in a long time. But this week has been totally crazy! I'm ready for the little men in the white suits with the strait-jackets for blubbering teachers to come pick me up and put me out of my misery. But I've been told they are busy at another nearby school so I guess I'll just have to go back to junior high.

The Pain of Others

I follow many blogs, not formally, not clicking the little follow button on their website, but I read them none the less. Some of them are bookmarked on my page and others I have in my bookmark menu on my computer. Many are written by people in pain. It may be horrible to say but one of the things that I always do is come away from their sites inspired by their resilience and humbly grateful for my ordinary life. I follow several people whose children have cancer or have died from cancer. I follow several whose children suffer from RAD or other acronyms that are no fun. And I follow several people who live and work in Haiti, a place we called home for 18 years. My life has changed. Ten years ago we were dealing with the challenges of Haiti. Seven years ago we were introduced to cancer and its ramifications. When we were living through our personal challenges, it just seemed like life... I mean, that was just our life. Now we are in a different space and when I read other blogs and hear about those challenges, my heart just bleeds for people! And I pray, I really do. I do not know you personally but I pray for you faithfully. My guess is that it is one of the reasons people write some of the things they write, so others will pray. God help you all!

Poetry Friday: Stay Away From The Flu

So I don't really have the flu, just a bothersome tummy, but I thought this was kind of cute. From someone in a health department, trying to keep people from spreading their germs.

Stay Away From The Flu

It is nice to get a flu shot it's true
But if you can't, here is what you can do

Tiny droplets of flu are out for you
Stay away from the droplets - stay away from the flu

If someone is sick stay three feet away
Or a sneeze or cough may spray droplets your way

And don't touch your eyes or nose or mouth
Cause droplets of virus come in by that route

Your food can bring droplets of virus to you
So first clean your hands and I'll give you a clue

Can't find a sink - don't know what to do
Use hand sanitizer, always carry with you

Place a dime size amount in the palm of the hand
And rub over both hands the best that you can

If these do not work, there is medicine too
But you have to take it within two days of flu

I hope this poem helps you not get the flu
But if you do, try not to spread it too

Coughing at someone just is not fair
Cough or sneeze into a tissue with care

And if there is no tissue that's okay too
Sneeze away and down, your sleeve will do

And if that fails, use clorox wipes - that's my mantra in my classroom. I've been through the entire class supply already this year and hit parents up for more, which they graciously provided. They didn't want their kids getting sick and it seems to make a difference. I think it's because I have each of my students wipe his/her own desk (and hands) so they are sterile as well as their work surface!

Yo dit

So the word on the street is that the little man is coming home to Haiti tomorrow. I guess there just isn't enough chaos quite yet. Big earthquake, massive death, destruction, homelessness, cholera, money not getting where it needs to go - but if the big silly baby dictator with millions that weren't his gets to come home then the little guy who also took millions that weren't his gets to go home too! (Stomp foot!) What incredible egos these two have, and boy, do they like to let everyone know they've got 'em. None of this helps anyone, except the two of them. They get to feel important, loved, worshiped, and act arrogant, powerful, and influential, when everyone knows they're just insignificant, worthless, little beings. Ridiculous!

Makes Me Crazy!

I cannot abide poor grammar and spelling on websites and facebook. It drives me crazy! I suppose I should tolerate the facebook language, texting language, but the grammar errors - there, their, they're, - where, were - its, it's - to, too, two - these things really irritate me. It is especially awful to read poor grammar on mission websites. People asking for money should be careful to ask properly.

Electives

For most of each quarter, students are involved in one enrichment class every day. These include Applied Science, ESL, Pacific Northwest History, Spanish, and Writers' Workshop. At the end of each grading period - the last 14 class days - students are involved in electives that range from Lego Building to Sewing to Weight Training to Cross Stitch to my class, Word Games. Makes sense right? English teacher = word games! Two of my boys just couldn't get into a game today so asked permission to get some poster board, then, using the scrabble tiles, began to create a crossword puzzle. They'd draw a tile from the box, think of a word that began with that letter plus the definition or clue, and work it into a grid. I love their creativity! The rest of the boys (yes, only boys signed up for this class) had about fifteen games to choose from but they all huddled around one - Apples to Apples - and laughed and played and learned. I do enjoy electives; it's so nice to watch my students having fun!

Daylight Savings Time

I have a wonderful husband. Last night he went around the house, changing all the clocks - yes, we have a lot of clocks! This morning we decided to only go to second service. It's been a hard week, for various reasons, and the lazy morning was perfect. I updated my reading list for the year. Here's what I've read:

1. Essays 1: First Series - Ralph Waldo Emerson (love Emerson!)
2. Stuck in the Middle (Sister to Sister) by Virginia Smith (Christian fiction: so-so)
3. Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow (Christian mystery: okay)
4. Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry (Christian mystery, based in Amish country: I really liked it)
5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (for the 50th time, still love it!)
6. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (brilliant!)
7. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson (magic!)
8. Drums of War by Edith Morris Hemingway (great for lit circles)
9. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
10. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (love these stories)
11. Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher (sweetly old-fashioned)
12. Emma by Jane Austen (what can I say? A-u-s-t-e-n!)
13. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi (incredible)
14. Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo (faith-building)
15. Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson (Christian Romance… cheesy!)
16. Invisible by Lorena McCourtney (old lady mystery, like Murder She Wrote)
17. The Apothecary’s Daughter by Julie Klassen (old English-style novel, beginning and end were good)

We also i-Chatted with our kids in France. My those babies are growing! Love being able to watch it happen.

Sierra Sleepover!

Tonight three-year-old Sierra is having her first sleep-over at Grandma's. This is a first for her, at least the first without her siblings. We have been going non-stop, playing outside scooping toys out of the pond with the cleaning net (then throwing them back in again), racing up the hillside to be on top of the world, playing hide-n-seek in the rhodies, watching Angelina Ballerina and Bob the Builder, fixing tacos for dinner, building roads with blocks and racing cars on them, splashing in the bathtub and playing with funnels... whew! When it was time for bed, we couldn't cuddle close enough to suit her! What a precious child! Mommy's parting words were that Sierra could call home all she wanted... not once! Wow! We'll hit the ground running in the morning, I'm sure. We stopped at the store to get bananas on the way home this afternoon and had to buy powdered sugar covered donettes as well and a little package of M&Ms. We may have to go shopping tomorrow too. This, my friends, is the meaning of life!

Treasure Island

We started Treasure Island in my 8th grade classes today and it went pretty well. I've had different reactions to this book over the years, so today I began by reading the first chapter aloud. It worked; they're interested. I just hope it holds, since I don't have time to read the entire book aloud!

Painting? or Taxes?

And painting wins every time! T has known all week that I planned to go to my mother's and help her paint today. Sooooo he decides it's time to do taxes. I hate doing anything like this! I think I'm allergic. When we lived overseas, we would say to our sons, "We're going to do the books!" The boys would get on the phone, call friends, and disappear for the day. To this day our boys laugh about our dysfunction when it comes to finances. It's still happening! So this morning I spent an hour separating receipts into monthly piles then I got into my painting clothes and left the building! Didn't come home until 4 o'clock but the man's still going strong. Augh! I hate taxes!

Next Blog Button

Have you done it? Clicked the next blog>> tab at the top of the blog page? I do this frequently, especially if I am tired - like tonight. I learned that I could read Italian. The fact that I'm pretty fluent in French helps I'm sure, that and I've had six or seven years of Spanish... they're all rather related. Anyway, it's fun. Sometimes you may fall into something really weird. There's some odd cult activity out there! Sometimes you go from one new mom blog to another but quite often you will stumble upon something interesting. I've bookmarked a few that I've stumbled on... I honestly don't know all the people I follow, not at all. But what they write interests me and sometimes, that's all I need - a quiet place with a teeny bit of intellectual challenge, nothing too demanding. But I really am tired so I think I'll skip reading and try sleeping!

Poetry Friday: He Knows My Name (lyrics)

My father-in-law used to say "He knows my name" quite frequently. He did this before Tommy Walker ever wrote the lyrics to the song that I love so much. It was important to T's dad that we remember that Jesus knows us, our name, our situation, our very life. He knows it all... and He loves us anyway. That's such a good thing!

He Knows My Name

I have a maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hand

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call

I have a Father
He calls me his own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
Copyright ©1996 Doulos Publishing

Teacher Trash!

I don't know about you but all the nasty talk about teachers just burns me up! I teach in a private school and our kids get high test scores, as one might guess when there are fewer than 20 students in a class. But I used to teach in public schools, and when I moved here from Florida in 2006, I spent a year as a substitute teacher in several public schools, just so I could see how things are done these days in the states. I was amazed at what I found.

Many schools face a transition rate of 40% or higher! That is huge. Kids get moved from state to state, city to city, school to school. Some students, granted not a high percentage, attend three or more schools each year! Moving like this can lead to big gaps in education. Because there isn't a national curriculum, some 7th graders will take Life Science while other schools will teach their 7th graders Earth Science. Move a couple of times and you may never get Life Science!

All the medication kids take today is crazy, often quite necessary, but crazy! Many people think that ADD and ADHD kids simply lack self-discipline. Wow, that is not true! While subbing in the public schools, I have seen kids literally whirl around a room or rock themselves until they sweat just because they forgot to take their meds. These kids would give anything to be able to get through a day without driving themselves crazy! How many of these kids had parents who experimented with recreational drug use while conceiving or carrying their kids we'll never know but I am quite sure that the drug culture of modern society has led to at least some students today who are truly incapable of controlling themselves. Again, not all situations are like this but if I had a nickel for every parent who referred to experimenting during their 20s... well, my savings would look very different today! Yes, I know, I've been teaching forever!

Home life is not what it used to be either. With two parents working, or single-parent situations, kids do not get the academic help they once received at home. Learning the multiplication tables used to be a family event. Now everything is supposed to be done in school. It just doesn't work that way, especially with kids who need extra help. But it's not all the fault of home either. Society today is so different. Kids are connected to media nearly all day long, in school and out. Just ask a teacher how many of her students text each other during class. Kids are good at it. I've seen kids text with their phones in their hoodie pockets! It's crazy how wired we are in today's world.

Teachers work hard, day in and day out, and often are blamed for low test scores of students who are not getting proper rest, nutrition, supervision, interaction, or stability at home. Supposedly the going rate for babysitters these days is $8 - $12 per hour per kid. Wow! That would be amazing, right? Teachers would be well over the six-figure salary mark if that was the case. But for the vast majority of us it isn't about the money, never has been. It's about changing the world, one child at a time. I sure wish people could see that and be more respectful of the public school teachers who serve, yes serve, in their communities!

Grammar

I am almost finished with a grammar unit on parts of speech with my 8th graders. I am so ready for this to be over! I'm sure they're even more excited to move on to literature again. Although, I'm going to bring out Treasure Island again this year and historically speaking, students have found this to be a difficult study. I debated... wasn't sure I was going to go there but it's one of those classics that students should read, should be able to identify with, should be able to produce some pretty good writing on a variety of related topics - so why not. We're going to go through it pretty fast this year. I'm cutting two days out of the reading calendar but my 8th grade classes are really small this year so I am able to accomplish so much more in a class session. I saw an interactive voting site on MSNBC asking if class size makes a difference. Are you kidding? The public school across the street has 35-40 7th/8th graders in each class and I have 11 students, 12 students, 16 students, and 18 students in my language arts classes. 40?! I think I would lose my mind! Oh Yes, Virginia, it most certainly does make a difference!

Soooooo tired!

I won't bore you by repeating all the days off we've had but I will say I was terribly disappointed by several of my students today. Work that had been assigned last Tuesday was not done. I have four students who just won't do it. I am not sure they should go on to 8th grade or maybe they just shouldn't return to our school. It always bothers me terribly when parents pay for private school and we are unable to motivate their students to do the work necessary to pass. I've tried everything I know and the only thing that works is bringing them into my classroom, everyday, during lunch break. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to give up my precious 20 minutes to these little dears. If I do this, make them come in everyday and do my homework, it gets done. But it is so artificial! I've had late bloomers before but these kids have attitudes and issues. If it's just one or the other we can usually make progress. Both? Not so much.

My planning period is the last one of the day on Mondays and generally I love it. Today I used it to go to the dentist and have my crown reset. It came off with the yummy salt-water taffy that I enjoyed in Cannon Beach. Thankfully everything was in good shape and the dentist was able to just clean it up and re-cement it into place. I'm pretty sure this will be cheaper than a new crown!

After the dentist, I came back to school (about 4 o'clock) and worked until nearly 7 in the evening. I just had so many loose ends and I do not like that feeling. Finished planning, photocopying, organizing, uploading grades... I'm ready for the next two weeks. I like being prepared two weeks in advance! I feel so confident when I do this.

However, I came home and totally crashed afterward. Made black bean soup, toast, and carrots for dinner then watched reruns of NCIS and Bones. Now my bed is saying, "Get in here you idiot!" so I think I'll stop for now.

Back to work!

This has been a great couple of weeks. Thursday, the 17th after work, T and I headed to the beach and stayed there until Sunday. We also had Monday off for Presidents' Day. Tuesday was a school day then I took Wednesday off for my birthday. Thursday and Friday were snow days which made for a second four-day weekend. We really enjoyed the extra time to rest and we really did rest. We sat by the fire in our living room, reading, chatting, and roaming through the internet. Saturday the grands and their parents came over for one more party, which was lots of fun. Other than that, relax, refresh, renew... and now - Monday's comin' - back to work! I actually feel ready for it.

Another Snow Day!

Last weekend was our four-day break, thanks to Presidents' Day. This week it's all about the snow (and ice) that has roads a mess! So here's what Robert Frost has to say:

Dust of Snow by Robert Frost

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

Enter our garden

Our school mascot is the gator. This one is in a bit deep!
The dust of snow - shaken onto our reading little ones

Our new old fence that we installed last summer

We are loving our snowy mid-winter break!

God's Birthday Present to Me: Snow!

So yes, I have moaned and groaned about having snow days built into our school calendar and not getting any snow but today... we got snow!

Yeah, that's enough snow to warrant a snow day!


Tonight it is supposed to snow some more and then drop to 17* - quite cold for this part of the world! So maybe... well... I won't say what I'm thinking just yet. It is a nice winter break, especially as I sit by the fire sipping coffee!


Outside, it is cold and beautiful. Our backyard hillside project looks so pretty covered in snow. But everything looks nice in white, right?!

Lovely, lovely snow!

Zuppa Toscana

My cousin emailed me a recipe for Zuppa Toscana and I absolutely think this is the real thing! It tastes just like the Olive Garden soup to me. I made it for dinner tonight and we really enjoyed it. This makes about 4 quarts of soup when it's all put together. The one thing I did differently from the recipe is the sausage. Instead of a pound of spicy Italian sausage, I used a half pound of spicy and a half pound of mild Italian. My cousin had warned me that the spicy was really spicy! So I thought I would share the wealth. Here's the recipe:

Zuppa Toscana
Serves: 10
Prep Time: about 40 minutes

1 pound Italian sausage (half spicy/half mild) crumbled
1/2 pound smoked bacon - chopped (I used Real Bacon crumbles)
1 quart water
30 ounces chicken stock or broth
2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean, cut into cubes
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped (I used dried since fresh bothers me)
2 cups chopped kale OR Swiss chard (I used kale, a bit firmer than chard)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
salt and pepper to taste

*In a skillet over med-high heat, brown sausage, breaking into small pieces as you fry it; drain and set aside.
*In a skillet over med-high heat, brown bacon; drain and set aside.
*Put water, broth or stock, potatoes, garlic, and onion in a big pot (6 quart); bring to boil then simmer over medium heat until potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
*Add sausage and bacon to pot; simmer for 10 minutes. Taste. Add salt and pepper according to taste.
*Add kale to pot and cook for 10 minutes.
*Add cream to pot and heat through.

Note: If you are on a low-carb diet (like Atkins) you can substitute cauliflower for the potatoes and you will hardly notice the difference.

The 6-0

Ha! As I was typing the title, I accidentally typed 8-0 instead of 6-0. Yes, that was a weird feeling. But if God grants me the time, I hope to see that decade as well.

Today I am 60. I got emails from two of my cousins this morning. We went to different grade schools and junior highs but finished at the same high school. One turned 60 in December and the other in January. We were inseparable, not just cousins but friends. I have so many great memories of our childhood together. One cousin is enjoying her retirement on her little farm, just east of town and the other lives in CA, travels to lovely places, doing all the things that appear to be fun. The farmer is loving retirement; the traveler doesn't like the fact that she is now 60. It's all about attitude not numbers or lifestyle!

So I'm off to the PO to mail two packages to my adorables in France and then to my mother's to paint and help her reorganize her stuff after my brother remodeled her bedroom and bath. It has been a mess for a month and she hates clutter! My mom is going to hit 83 in June and she is the best! Great attitude, always busy, never complains (although she is a worrier), and will try to do anything and everything for herself before hinting she might need help. I have to stay a step ahead of her or I would find her on ladders and other silly places! I am grateful for my gene-pool because I am a very optimistic person with an incredibly high energy level. I think that's good, for me and for my family.

So welcome 60! I'm planning to enjoy every year, every day, every moment I get!

Decadal Change

I am on the verge... in moments... of adding a new decadal numeral to my age. Incredible! Where have the decades gone? In the first decade, I lived in this very town, went to one school, lived in two different houses. In the second decade I still lived in this very town then moved to another state, went to three different schools, and lived two different houses and a college dorm room. In the third decade I married, had two children, lived in three different states, two different countries, a bunch of different residences. In the fourth decade my children left home, then got married, I became a grandmother, I traveled the world. In the fifth decade life got complicated. Cancer invaded our family, I became grandma to four more beautiful children, we changed careers - twice, and we moved back home. And here I am... ready to begin decade number six and wondering... can it really get any better than this? I guess I'm ready to find out!

Cannon Beach, OR

CB has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It has long stretches of deep beach area; a person could walk for miles. When the tide goes out, there are huge rocks that are home to all kinds of sea life. Snow-capped mountains frame the area bringing another dimension of beauty. We had such an amazing time on the beach, in spite of the cold temperatures.

Very cool starfish crawl all over the rocks. I don't know why some are purple and some are pinkish orange.

I have never seen blue green sea urchins before but they are all over the place at Cannon Beach!

And then there are the sunsets!


It was a wonderful weekend!

My First Birthday

For my first birthday, I got a brother! Today is brother Bob's birthday who's celebrating in sunny Palm Springs, CA. Nice! We are not quite a year apart in age (2 days shy) and I honestly cannot remember a moment of my life without him. I am hyper and outgoing and he is calm and reserved. We both love books. As young children we had a Saturday ritual. After cleaning our bedrooms, we would spend all morning at the library - coming home with at least 20 books each - followed by the Disney matinee at the Capitol Theater. We did that every Saturday during the school year and some summer Saturdays as well. We actually hit the library more often than that during the summer because we both read books like some people plow through a bag of chips! So happy birthday Bobby! Yeah, he would love that old nickname.

Complex People

I have several complex people in my life but no one more intriguing than my brother, the middle child. This guy and I have been at cross-purposes for years. He is incredibly high-energy and totally focused on work. For years it's been about making money... lots of money... something he does very well. He also loves Asia and Eastern religions, not that he believes any of them or any religion at all for that matter. He used to be incredibly foul-mouthed around me, baiting me... yeah, it worked. But when my dad started to get sick, he was the one who made sure dad had everything he needed. When dad had the bad stroke, he was the one who convinced me to come and I did and it made a big difference for dad and for me. He was the one who handled all of my dad's finances after his death, selling seven or eight properties, making sure we all got what dad wanted us to have. He even reserved a few grand and whenever something special comes along, takes us all out to dinner on dad's dime. When we moved here after 25 years overseas, he was the one who lined up all kinds of help for us to fix up our house. He has hosted the family dinners in his huge, beautiful, historic home. And just a few weeks ago, he moved a woman, suffering with brain cancer, and her son into his home. She has nothing left and needed a place to live - they are friends - he has a big house. That's how he recounts his decision. Such amazing generosity. She knows that if it comes down to it, she can die there. She hopes to be healed but it's not looking very promising. In the meantime, she and her 16 year old son live in a beautiful home with absolutely everything they need. I am so proud of my complex brother, who still has an amazing capacity for driving me crazy!

Grandparent's Day

Today was Grandparent's Day; it was also Spirit Day, as in patriotic red, white, and blue day which meant I got to wear blue jeans. I wear black ones every day but my blue jeans... I love my blue jeans! Anyway, the entire school was mobbed with grandparents - all but the junior high. Oh I had three sets, the other 7th grade homeroom had two, and the 8th grade had one. But the sixth grade had at least two dozen, fifth had 30+ and I swear there were five adults for every kindergarten and first grade student! It was crazy! I wish junior high could just skip it but being part of a K-8 school means there are some things we just can't avoid, and this seems to be one of them. Of the three sets of grandparents who came today, one set has legally become the parents of my student. They took him when he was a year old and have had him ever since. We did have an interesting 30 minutes though. A few years ago I came up with a questionnaire for kids to ask their grandparents about the cost of things when the grandparents were the same age as the kids are now. Then a year later I added questions about the president at that time, the national fear, hourly wage or yearly salary... that kind of thing. The kids were freaking out at the idea of a movie for 25 cents. So that was fun and we had snacks. Done for another year!

Four-Day Weekend

Last spring, my brilliant administrator husband and the rest of the crew around here made the sound decision to not follow the path set out by the surrounding schools for this coming weekend. Public schools will have next Monday and Tuesday off. We, however, will have this Friday and next Monday off. So smart! So much more teaching is accomplished in two four-day weeks rather than a five and three! Plus, just think of all the teacher-joy, knowing that there are two short weeks back-to-back! We are headed to Cannon Beach. I don't care if it storms... I will enjoy it!

JOY!

This little cutie showed up in my classroom today, cupcake and homemade valentine in hand. There are times when being the youngest is just not as cool as it should be. Big sister and big brother spent a good portion of Saturday and Sunday making Valentines for their classmates at school. Since she had no classmates, she brought Valentines to Grandpa and Grandma! We're not complaining although she might be. Sierra does not go to school... yet. But just ask her, she'll be four in June and she will go to school when she is four. I'm not going to be the one to tell her that school won't start until September! Her name is Sierra June but it ought to be Sierra Joy because that's how she makes me feel - so full of joy it's running over.

Valentine's in Junior High? Absolutely NOT!

Yes, I am the meanest teacher in the west! The first year that I taught in the junior high, we had a Valentine's Day party. It was nuts! Beginning a week or two before the party, all the girls were whispering about the boys and the boys were scheming and dreaming about the girls. It initiated previously uninterested students into the Life of Boys and Girls, something they simply do not need until much later in life. After that first year, I just said no. The rest of the school could have a party if they wanted but my homeroom class was not going to do it. The other junior high teachers were delighted that I said no and jumped on the bandwagon. So today, while K-6 teachers were frantically losing their minds, we conducted a normal school day. No flowers, no candy, no cards, no silliness. A few parents brought their children flowers or balloons and I do think some of the girls brought valentines for their friends, which they gave out quietly before school or between classes, but there was none of the craziness of that first year. Fortunately the high school is in a completely separate building; I have been praying for my principal husband today. I can't imagine the level of insanity over there! But junior high? No problem!

4-day weeks

We have two four-day weeks ahead of us. I like that because I could really use an extra day off. We haven't had all the snow days that folks South and East of us have enjoyed. Not that I would want that much time off, but a day here and there is quite nice. Our administration chose to give us Friday and Monday rather than Monday and Tuesday. I, for one, am very grateful! I don't care for three-day weeks very much but four days - perfect!

I rewarded my short-story grading frenzy on Saturday and let myself read two books today. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi and Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. Two very different books! One challenged me intellectually and the other reinforced my faith.

Tomorrow, Valentine's Day, the Whittaker family will honor the life of their little girl, Susana. I would love to give them the second book I read tonight but I think they could probably write one themselves. These people have incredible faith. God bless them.

The Smell of a Bookstore

It's incredible, right? I mean, we used to go to Barnes & Noble in Miami and spend hours thumbing through books, seeing what was on the bargain racks, enjoying a coffee. On vacations, anywhere, we find the little out of the way, odd bookstores, usually full of used books and other cool stuff. We'd literally spend days in these quirky little places. I've been thinking about bookstores lately. Word is that Borders is going to file for bankruptcy. I rushed right in and used up all my gift cards from Christmas! Hope you've done that... they won't be worth much after chapter 11.

When e-books first came out, I scoffed. Never... never would an electronic whatever replace the beauty of holding and reading a good book. Then my hubby bought me an iPod touch. I am not a gadgets kind of person. I'd never had an iPod because I couldn't think of a reason to get one... until we decided to go to Israel for Christmas. Right... l-o-n-g flights, plus terrible luggage restrictions and books are heavy! In comes my new iPod touch with my 20+ books downloaded and it fits in the little front pocket of my purse. The back-lit screen means I don't need a light to read at night so I don't keep my hubby awake. I absolutely love it!

So I'm really sorry Borders but I understand why this has happened. Amazon is my new bookstore... but I do miss the coffee, leather chairs, and that amazing smell of books!

Do not go gentle into that good night by Dylan Thomas

One of my 7th grade students is having a bad year. Her father has inoperable, stage 4 esophageal cancer. He is not yet 50 years old but unless a miracle happens, it is unlikely he will see his daughter graduate from junior high school. The sad thing for us was that we didn't know about this. She started missing school, not doing her work or doing it poorly, and we just thought she was being lazy. We asked the office to find out what was going on and they did... they found out that dad was sick. Period. End of story. Then I saw him. I about flipped. He has lost about 50 pounds; I over-heard him talking to a volunteer bus driver, saying "They got it too late." A bit more probing and I had the full story. Chemo is hopefully shrinking the tumor so it can be removed. Cancer is evil! Dylan Thomas seems to fit today:

Do not go gentle into that good night

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Yes, we have no bananas

I forgot to buy bananas on Monday so I went without on Tuesday. Then I forgot to buy them on Tuesday so no banana this morning. Every day I head to work with my breakfast: coffee and a banana. The past several days I have noticed a lady in a car next to me at the stop light on Carpenter Road and Martin Way. Every day, same car, same lady. She eats her breakfast on the way to work as well... a big chocolate covered doughnut. Normally I would be quite envious but eating that, before seven in the morning? Just the thought makes me kind of sick to my stomach.

Late night; questions...

Yesterday (Friday) was one of those days. We are finishing up literature circles in 8th grade language arts. Our focus has been novels that deal with the Civil War era. It's been fun, good reading for the students, plenty of work to do for those who are actually doing their work. One of the quirks about this results in me writing individual tests for each group. Now... to be honest, I don't exactly write totally individualized tests. The first page is always vocabulary based on the words that the students have chosen to highlight: new, interesting, or difficult words. The second page has the same essay questions, framed around the elements of literature, which the students answer based on their particular novel.

Thursday afternoon I began preparing the first test over Across Five Aprils. I dug into the folder, pulled out all the word list sheets, and began to read: wonderful, picket, idle, --- WHAT? The little darlings had chosen wimpy words, thinking they would beat me at my own game. So... I typed up their word list and next to each wimpy word I place a word that would challenge their learning. And no, I did NOT give them the definition! I finished the list and saw that only six of their words had survived the exercise. I printed one copy and gave it to a young lady in the group, telling her that she would have the dubious honor of presenting it to her group the next morning. The look on her face quickly confirmed that she knew exactly what was up! I went through each of the lists that afternoon, finding one more group who thought it would be a good idea to produce wimpy words. I doctored that list and gave it to a young man... who told me a few moments later that all his words had survived the cut because he had taken his responsibility seriously. I agreed with him; he did a good job choosing his words. However, he knew exactly what the others were doing and he didn't stop them nor did he choose to tell me what was happening. Brandon announced that there ought to be a banner in my classroom that simply states: Don't play around with Mrs. K or you will pay! I understood and agreed with that concept. To be fair, there was only one group who did not have any words replaced or added to the list but the four other groups had obviously taken their job seriously, I mean... prestidigitation? Good word. So last night I finished the tests.

Friday night, 8 o'clock, and there I was, working away... ridiculous but necessary. I have a ton of essays to grade this weekend and I didn't need those tests hanging over my head. As I worked, two of my former students dropped by to visit. There were basketball games going on in both gyms on our campus. Both girls are sweet, bright students. They didn't get all As from me but they did fine. One attends the high school on our campus and the other is at a nearby public high school. Miss Public High School Student began to tell me about her Honors English class. My head snapped up, "You are in honors? Congratulations." All the while my brain is saying, how in the world did that happen? I don't mean to belittle Miss PHSS; she's so sweet, a good reader, but certainly not among my top students. We chatted amiably for about 30 minutes and then the girls headed off to the game. I sat for a few moments, thinking of my students who had moved on to public high schools. Every one of my former students is part of an Honors English program in high school. I did not think Miss PHSS would be one of those, nor Mr. R, nor Mr. S, but they are. All of my former students tell me that they have yet to work as hard in high school as they did in 8th grade. And remember... they are in honors! I learned last night that they read one or maybe two novels each quarter and that their grade is based on a 50-minute timed essay. They will write three timed essays during the quarter and they are allowed to choose which one gets graded. The teacher rolls a dice which determines which part of their essay she will grade. R-e-a-l-l-y!

I think... no, I honestly don't know what I think! Good writing, in my very humble opinion, is not about a student's gut reaction to a topic. Remember, students have 50 minutes to make some notes, organize their thoughts, write, edit, and rewrite. I suppose that this works from a strictly testing point of view but to my understanding, this is the only essay writing these students will do during the year.

I am hearing this everywhere... timed essays... just sayin' - I'm not a fan.

2-3-4

Seven years ago today, my husband and I were in Martinique for meetings when we received the call: our first grandson had entered the world! Colton Gage Ketchum is a force like no other. He is smart, strong, daring, beautiful, and sweet. He is his dad's best friend, his grandpa's buddy, and reminds us often of his Uncle Brian. I love him with all my heart and rejoice that tonight he is coming (with his family) to our house for dinner and a birthday celebration. What a wonderful day!

Coffee!

For the past 21 days, my husband and I have participated in a Daniel Fast organized by our church. We didn't eat meat, dairy, sweets, bread or drink anything but water and juiced fruits and vegetables. We were faithful and learned to enjoy all kinds of vegan dishes. I didn't miss a thing... except my morning coffee. Oh my, it was tough! I learned that it wasn't necessarily the coffee itself, it was the routine of my day that was changed. It wasn't the taste of the coffee, it was the comfort of holding my favorite mug, starting the day with it, feeling warmed by it. Of course I had the headaches for the first three days, but after that, it really wasn't about withdrawal, I just missed it - like I miss good friends.

Today is the first day post-fasting and yes, I am sitting here with my coffee. The aroma, the flavor, the warmth! My husband says I don't really taste the coffee because I add a flavored creamer (vanilla-caramel!) but I taste what I like in my big old mug! Somehow, I was even more comfortable in my devotions today. I know meeting with the Lord in the morning isn't about coffee but He must like it too because our early morning communion was so cozy and comfortable today.

Fabulous Drivers

I find myself reading several blogs from people who live and work in Haiti. We lived a big chunk of our lives in that part of the world and still have many wonderful friends and co-workers who minister among these resilient people. One of the blogs I enjoy is from a couple who have a large family and often share fun family challenges. The one I just read was about their daughter getting her first lesson driving a stick. That brought back some great memories!

Both our boys learned to drive in Haiti. Their dad taught them, for obvious reasons. Not only is he a great driver but he is very calm, a skill that is quite important when teaching teenagers to drive... in a place like Haiti! Our first born learned quickly and after one really scary accident, became more than just a good driver - he's a great one! Our second son learned even faster (since his brother and he would sneak out with the jeep) and didn't have his horribly scary accident until he was in the states.

One thing we decided right away was that both boys would have to take driver's training in the states for several reasons. Even though they were great drivers, Haiti is so unique that there were things that could not be learned. The law: well, I'm sure there are driving laws in Haiti but I'm not sure what they are, nor apparently, is any one else. Signage: it is important to be able to follow street signs and directional signs - something not required in Haiti since there aren't many to follow. The Kamikaze Technique: while it is a gift and talent in Haiti (weaving, dodging, using whatever lane is available), it can result in a big ticket in the states. Speed limits: there is little need of speed limits in Haiti; the roads are so bad that no one can drive too fast. But in the states, our boys loved to put their foot down!

As a result, the summer of their 16th birthdays, each son made the trip home to the states for summer school driver's training. The first born did a great job and got his license the first try. The second born showed up for class, was doing just fine and then went on his first drive. The instructor was very complimentary of his skill and told him that he had only had one other student, four years prior, who was as proficient the first time out. Then he said, "Come to think of it, he had red hair like you but he was from some other country..." to which younger son asked, "Haiti?" The instructor looked at him, startled, and replied in the affirmative, asking how he knew that. And the younger son replied, "That was my brother." A long discussion followed about life in Haiti and driving and the instructor stated that he thought all teens should learn to drive in Haiti. By the way, second son also got his license on the first try.

I have to agree that all teens should go to Haiti, or some other third-world nation, but not to learn to drive! One of the best ways for kids to learn to appreciate their blessings, to care about others and try to make a difference in the world, is to show up in a place like Haiti and do something to make it better. I still remember Shauna who came at age 15. After her two-week stay, she announced that she was never going to complain about anything again in her life. And I do believe she was changed by her experiences with the Haitian people. It's hard to avoid it. I bet there are many parents of somewhat spoiled kids who would love to have a child who learned to appreciate what it meant to be well fed, well clothed, well educated, and also know that someday - with a little hard work - a decent job would be possible. And I know for a fact that there are hundreds of thousands of Haitian parents who work harder than anyone can imagine and will never be able to provide that for their children. It isn't fair but it is a fact.

Sunshine!

I left school about five minutes later than allowed so I could stand in the sunshine. Ahhh... I'm so tired of rain right now. I know the NE is tired of snow but I'd take snow - at least it's bright! I don't wish for tropical weather; I never did. I loved the Caribbean from December - March and after that, it just was too hot for me to appreciate the sunshine. I'm sure that's because I was raised in this rainy town; I like cooler temps. I know we will only have a couple days of this nicer weather and then the rain will return so I think I'll head outside. Seems like a good idea to enjoy it while we have it!

Sunshine, Ocean Waves, Family

What a great weekend! It took us a while to pack up everything we needed for our ocean beach get-away but we were able to leave the house before our 5:30 target and we made great time, arriving by 8 o'clock that night. Our three grandkiddos were standing on the upper deck, cheering as we pulled into the driveway. The house we stayed in was originally owned by the child star, Darla, from Little Rascals-Our Gang Comedy. It has passed through a variety of family members and is now owned by someone living in the Tacoma area. The house is quite mid-century modern, very open and comfortable. Someone had the brilliant idea of adding on a sun-room that completely opens the view on three sides. Gorgeous!

We played on the beach for a long time on Saturday, and ultimately, got hit by a big ole sneaker - a series of small waves that joined together to be bigger and faster than we expected. I had Sierra by the hand, running with her toward shore, when I realized that I'd better pick her up or she was going to be washed over. I grabbed her into my arms, still truckin' when T reached for her. I was glad to hand her over as my stability in the water, while looking down at its movement, is not the best. Sierra was pretty wet and not a bit happy! Both T and I had water cascade over our boots so it was time to walk back home. We were heading toward the trail when T spotted a kelp whip and began to play with it. Kayla wanted a turn and did well. Then Colton got a hold of it. In the process of whipping sideways, he nailed his face and ear. Not a good move. We held the sobbing boy for a while so he could regain control. A short walk later, clothes changed and in the washer, we all relaxed and played and snoozed the day away. That evening, we insisted that our son take his wife out to dinner for her birthday while we babysat the kids. They had a great evening and we played table games and watched cartoons most of the evening with the three adorables plus their dog, Scout.

After packing up and cleaning a bit, we left Sunday around 11, headed to Cape Disappointment. We decided against hiking up to the lighthouse as the trail was muddy as well as rated difficult. We chose to hike up to the interpretive center and the ruins of Ft. Canby instead. That was a smart choice. All three kids were beat! Sierra didn't think she could make it back to the car, walking down a paved path. We said our good-byes in the parking lot and headed home.

We have told ourselves repeatedly that we need to get away like this more often, but somehow it just doesn't happen. We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We simply must take the time to enjoy it.

Too Sad!

Some things just don't seem right! Early last year I wrote about not being exempt from suffering and specifically requested prayer for little Susana. For a long time, Susana did so well. She went through one procedure after another and was just getting so healthy. All of a sudden, things headed the wrong direction, so much so that Susana is looking toward heaven soon. My heart just breaks for these parents, people I don't even know but I ache for them. Please, please pray for Susana and her family. I don't know how but if she is not to be healed on this earth, may she pass gently into the arms of Jesus.

My connection to this family is Haiti. No, they weren't there during our eighteen year tenure; they were only there a few months before they realized they had a very sick little girl. Even as they have cared for their baby, they have continued to support their ministry with direction and occasional trips in country. When they return to Haiti, as I imagine they will, there will be three of them, not four. Isabela, age six or seven, will return without her little sister and playmate. May God rain down his blessings of healing on this little family and allow that those around them will truly be the support and encouragement that they need. God have mercy!

Fun weekend ahead!

Have I mentioned that I love my girls? My dad had thirteen brothers and three sisters; mom had two brothers. I have four brothers; my husband has two brothers. And we have two sons. I was so excited when our firstborn brought a lovely California girl home to meet us! Our first daughter has a birthday this weekend and she has planned an ocean-beach get-away that includes us! I find that absolutely amazing. We will head out on Friday, sometime after school, and not come home until sometime on Sunday. This will be fun; I am so glad that our sons married well! Happy Birthday to my dear Kassie on Saturday! You bless our lives!

What does one say?

It's interesting that many of my friends/acquaintances in Haiti have little to say on their blogs or Facebook posts about current events in Haiti. There's a lot going on down there these days. Jean-Claude Duvalier got his tush hauled off to the Attorney General's office - wherever that is - and as yet, I haven't heard the outcome. My guess is they'll ship him out without his suitcase! But I do understand the predicament of living in the place that is blowing up over one thing after another. Either one is hesitant to say anything because of repercussions or just plain tired of all the chaos.

Speaking of chaos, my 8th graders today (shake head wearily) were not demonstrating any level of self-control. Tomorrow they start novel studies so I'm hoping they'll improve. They like doing this. Well, it's 5:25 and I still have journals to grade. Time to get cracking.

Quiet Comforts

Today was a day-off from school. MLK, Jr. Day. My hubby and I had a slow start to the day but once we got going, we got quite a bit done. Our garage has looked like a collection site for a while. From my mother to T's brother to our kids, people have given us things to share with others. We also have cleaned out a lot of very good but seldom-used items of our own and today - it was time. We filled the back of the Explorer and headed out to share the goodness. I still have one large bag of beautiful draperies in the back of the SUV that I will give to one of my colleagues tomorrow. It's destined for her in-laws who had their house burn down 18 months ago and are now in a new home. They still need a lot of stuff so we help when we can.

Then it was time to grocery shop. Since this is not one of my favorite activities, I tend to just rush through things. Now that we're on this fast, it takes a lot more thought and label-reading. We began at the Top Food store, which has beautiful produce and a ton of organic foods. Then we went to Trader Joe's, which was mobbed! We kept searching for mint at Bayview Market, and although they didn't have any, they did have a great little deli where we had vegetable soup, cole slaw, and hummus for lunch while gazing out the big picture windows at Puget Sound and the snow-covered Olympic Mountains. Such beauty! Heading closer to home, we found mint at Ralph's Thriftway and continued on to Lowe's to search out chandelier lightbulbs and door-stoppers. I know, big spenders! One more stop at Costco for water, nuts, dried fruit, and gas, and we were finally able to head home.

Both of us snoozed by the fire for a bit and then I made a new recipe, Easy Creamy Cilantro Penne. It was so good! I have been finding more ideas for our meals in the Vegan section of the web-based recipe sites. I used organic whole-grain penne for this recipe.

Our tranquil evening continued, reading by the fire. We sat in our living room, fire burning, and read for three quiet hours. I would say silent but we had music playing. It was lovely. I've started tracking the books I'm reading in 2011, something I haven't done before. Tonight I finished rereading The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson. I want to encourage a few of my students to give it a try but it had been so long since I had been through it that I thought I'd better give it a read. Love it still. So here's what I've read so far this year:

1. Essays 1: First Series - Ralph Waldo Emerson (love Emerson!)
2. Stuck in the Middle (Sister to Sister) by Virginia Smith (Christian fiction: so-so)
3. Deeper Water by Robert Whitlow (Christian mystery: okay)
4. Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry (Christian mystery, based in Amish country: I really liked it)
5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (for the 50th time, still love it!)
6. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (brilliant!)
7. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson (magic!)

I'm also in the middle of a YA civil war novel... cannot remember the title for the life of me, but it is going to be a good choice for the novel studies starting tomorrow. I started reading it at school last Wednesday and haven't been able to get back to it. I have several of Jane Austen's works that I want to read again as well as many other classics that I'm eager to re-visit. This is comfort food, just like penne pasta and a fire in the fireplace. A perfect day.

Confusion

I'm trying to wrap my head around the fact that Jean-Claude Duvalier has returned to Haiti. His father was vicious; sometimes I think Jean-Claude was just young and stupid. I mean, he became president of Haiti at age 19. I think we all know he wasn't calling the shots - literally or figuratively. I still remember George S saying that the day would come when people would be begging for JCD to come back. While talking with one of my colleagues last week, I made the comment that I didn't think every country benefited from democracy. I think countries with decades of incredible, demoralizing disaster (like Haiti) would benefit from a benevolent dictatorship or monarchy... maybe a constitutional monarchy. I was as down on the entire Duvalier clan as anyone when I first arrived in Haiti in 1988 but now... after more than twenty years of corrupt, greedy, thieving presidents... I'm not as critical as I once was. The country was clean and people could eat when the Duvaliers were in charge. I know they did a lot of horrible stuff, but seriously, which one of the many presidents hasn't done the same? And now, even before the earthquake, the country is a mess and people are starving in unprecedented numbers. I don't know. I am confused about the entire scene. I know there will be many, many people who welcome him with open arms and about a 100 times more who want to lynch the guy. I hope he knows what he's doing, coming back at this time. Everything is such a mess, physically, politically, economically... I just hope his presence doesn't make everything worse. It just seems as though Haiti can't catch a break. One crisis after another. Oh well, more to pray about while hoping for the best.

Respect Fasting

I'm here to tell you that following the Daniel Fast is not for wimps! Oh my goodness. Day one I experienced one of the worst headaches of my life! I'm quite sure it was a lack of coffee that was killing me. I went through two days of pretty intense headaches. By day three, there was just a slight residue of pain and now, the headache is gone. However, I've had some muscle pain (probably a lack of protein) and some tummy issues but it's all okay. I did find something that makes my heart sing or my tummy warble.... avocados with pear vinaigrette. Oh yummy! From my first days living in the tropics, avocados became one of my favorite foods. They grow big ones down in the islands! I still remember walking through the markets in Fort-de-France, Martinique and seeing huge baskets full of gigantic avocados. No joke, half of one was a big meal! Here in the Northwest, we get the little California avocados. They taste pretty good, especially with my pear vinaigrette. Yum! And they are quite filling, essential when following a prescribed fasting regime. I eat no meat, no dairy, no coffee/tea/soda, no bread. This will probably not become a lifestyle but I have discovered a lot of new foods that we are enjoying so I don't know that we'll ever be big meat eaters again. Although, come to think of it, I can't remember the last time we had any meat other than chicken or hamburger. We used to eat steaks regularly but I haven't fixed one since last summer when we had company over for a BBQ. Anyway, it isn't easy to give up the sweets and the coffee. I really don't miss much else but I will be so thrilled to get my morning java back in my hands... in February!

1.12.10

I don't know how to write about what happened in Haiti a year ago. A ton of emotions rush through me just remembering. Horrific is the best word I can find to describe what we saw on television. Helpless is the one that describes how we felt watching it. My husband and I lived in Haiti for twelve years then moved to Miami. For six more years, we kept a house in Haiti and would go back for a month to six weeks about four or five times a year. We lived through all kinds of disasters, hurricanes and such, but never, ever, anything like what happened in Haiti last year. As we sat in our recliners, in our comfortable home, we felt like dirt. We knew the language and my husband knew every rock in that country, but we were of no help to anyone. Neither of us can do more than put a bandaid on a bo-bo. So we prayed and talked to people who wanted to help. Then facebook became more than a social network. It became a lifeline. We were able to contact people in Haiti via facebook and give them contact info for people who had serious resources that they were willing to give to Haiti. My seven years of teaching at my sons' school was a tremendous benefit as I connected with former students who were in the hospitals, at the airport, coming and going from the DR to Haiti. It was all we could do so we did it. We know it helped a lot with immediate needs. But now, a year later, it doesn't seem like it was much help at all. So much is undone, broken, destroyed. So many are homeless, broken, hurting. My heart hurts for those I know and love who live in Haiti, who cannot go somewhere else for a new beginning, who cannot leave to take a break from the stress of that life, who must keep putting one foot in front of the other and surviving. Haitians survive. Oh how I wish they could thrive instead.

Fasting

Our church is calling its members, those who wish to participate, to a 21-day fast. That's a long fast. It comes from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. I have never done this before but my husband and I have committed to participate in this event. It begins tomorrow and ends the 31st. Before we made this commitment, I went to the store and bought big quantities of meat and chicken. I don't really enjoy grocery shopping so buying in quantities allows me to avoid this task. Now it will sit in my freezer for three weeks. Today I stocked up on vegetables and fruits, soups and whole grain foods. It's a lot cheaper than meat but of course, cheap is not the reason for the fast. We desire to see God accomplish something important during this year and in order for that to happen, we have to change. The focus cannot be on someone else finally getting it together and realizing that we were right all along... ha! If God is going to change someone, it will need to be me.

Search me, Know me
Try me and see
Every worthless affection
Hidden in me
All I'm asking for
Is that You'd cleanse me Lord

Create in me a heart that's clean
Conquer the power of secret shame
Come wash away the guilty stain of all my sin

Clothe me in robes of righteousness
Cover my nakedness with grace
All of my life before you now I humbly bring

That's what this fast is all about. It just happens that it will begin the week of Haiti's earthquake anniversary. A second area of focus for us will be a miracle for Haiti. It is long overdue... but of course, that's just my opinion, although many would probably agree with me.

A third point for me will be generational salvation. My father-in-law once told me that he was praying for my grandchildren, for their salvation. My sons (his grandsons) were little boys at the time. He told me it would be my job to pray for my grandchildren's children. I want to do that for I have five wonderful grandchildren who have the potential to change the world for Christ. I want to pray for the generations to come that they would know Jesus and would be known by Him.

So we will fast, we will pray, and God will be at work - in us and through us - this I pray.

Grocery Store Encounter

I'm one of those people you meet in the grocery store check-out who chats with strangers. I know, it's weird, but I meet so many interesting people that way! For example, I left school late last night, after 5 o'clock on any Friday night is late! I needed to stop by the store because I had no coffee creamer and no fruit left in the house, two essentials for my life. I was setting my purchases on the belt and dropped the avocado. I picked it up off the floor and set it back on the belt, announcing there was no sense getting a different one because that one was going to be guacamole that night. The lady beside me started talking about avocados, then we talked about oranges and I realized she was not the 'normal' African American that I meet from time to time. I told her that she knew far more about oranges than most Americans and asked her what country she called home. She said Ivory Coast and I replied, "Oh, Côte d'Ivoire, I have friends who live there." We were instant friends. We talked about tropical fruits and vegetables, I mentioned Haiti where we lived for 12 years + 6 years (off and on), and then politics came up. Third World Politics. As we walked out of the store, chatting away in French, we spoke of the underlying reason politicians can't seem to walk away when they lose. Simultaneously we each said, "Money." They want access to the international money. Sigh... I'm such an idealist. I want to elect people (everywhere) who truly desire to help the needy in their countries. But life has changed from those first days of the people's choice and now one must be a multi-millionaire or have access to someone else's millions in order to mount a political campaign. I seriously wish leadership was more about service and less about money and fame. It's not going to happen so I will just be glad about my wealth of relationships, including those born in a grocery store.

Poetry Friday: My Favorite Winter Poem

I've gotten out of the habit of Poetry Friday, even in my classroom. Before Christmas break, I read aloud A Christmas Carol to my 8th graders and we watched the George C. Scott (Scrooge) version of the movie. I worked my 7th graders half to death then did my Children's Holiday Book contest the last three days of class. I have a huge pile of Christmas and Hanukkah books that the students read and rate. It's a lot of fun and since many of the books are poetic in nature, I don't do my Poetry Friday that week. So after a long break, today I shared Robert Frost's "Stopping By The Woods On a Snowy Evening" with my 7th graders. I love that poem! It is my favorite Winter poem. I also handed out "Woods in Winter" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to my 8th graders. Love that one too. But here's the favorite:

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost (1923)
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Sleepiness

After days of bitter cold, the rains have returned to Washington state. Something must happen with the barometric pressure that makes me want to sleep because I can barely keep my eyes open. Just talked to another teacher, same thing - called my hubby, same thing. So, an hour and a half of school, a hour of staff meeting, and then Home Again - and a nap! Bliss!

First 2011 School Day

And yes, I am tired! It doesn't help that I'm still a bit jet-lagged from our Israel trip, nor that I have a deep, hacking cough that woke me up at 3:30 this morning and didn't let me go back to sleep at all. Also, this year for the first time, my 7th graders did not meet their reading goals. This group baffles me. Teaching in a private school usually leads to a greater percentage of high-performing students. Roughly one-third of my 7th graders received zeros today. That is so discouraging! Not one of my 8th graders did that, not this year and not last year when they were 7th graders, but this group is quite an unusual bunch. I chewed them out pretty thoroughly but it felt like I was getting the old water off a duck's back attitude. It is their loss. Several have very low grades and the semester ends in less than three weeks. Guess we'll see what happens next. Normally third quarter is the lowest grading period of the year; I am hoping it won't get any lower this year! Well, the sun is shining and it's supposed to rain tomorrow so I think I'll head outside, even though it's cold, and see if I can get some vitamin D!

Home Again in 2011

After a whirlwind ten days in Israel, we are home again in Washington state. It's 38* outside and sunny. I really need to go to the grocery store but I'm having a hard time getting out of the house! The weather in Israel was spectacular, high 60s to low 70s every day which makes it difficult to adjust to the cold around here. Best of all, we were able to spend these ten days with two fabulous little kids, Gracie and Eliott. Oh how I miss them already! In addition to playing with our adorable little redheads, we walked many miles in Israel, including several uneven cobbled alleyways behind the walls of Bethlehem, a rocky shore on the Sea of Galilee between Tiberius and Capernaum, and a sandy beach of the Mediterranean near Caesarea. Amazing, it was totally amazing!