At School With Mr. Smith

A couple of days ago, my friend Ruthann and I went to visit her son's 4th grade classroom. And although in our minds, it's easy to think of him as a 4th grader, he is, in fact, the teacher.

Yes, this little cutie, pictured here all wet from a water ride on one of our trips to Kings' Island together, is all grown up and teaching his own students. How. Does. That. Happen?

It was so much fun to see him in action. He was great with the kids, and they were well mannered and respectful. They were quiet and attentive, engaged in the lesson, and obviously adore their teacher. Of course.

During their guided reading time, we pulled them out into the hallway individually to do a little project Ruthann had seen on Pinterest. So cute.

They willingly and cooperatively posed for the two crazy ladies they had never seen before. Of course if you're the mom of Mr. Smith (or even his 'might as well be my aunt') you have a sure in with this group.

We even got a little silly ourselves experimenting with pose ideas.

After the pictures were taken, we had a chance to sit in on the end of the lesson.

Then we got to work printing and cropping the photos.

Soon it was time to put things away and get ready for dismissal. Mr. Smith had them put their reading boxes away by those whose classroom number was a multiple of 3, then 4, and so on, until all boxes were lined up in order on the shelf. That number stuff always makes my palms sweat, and I'm pretty sure I had tears in my eyes imagining my fourth grade self trying to figure it out. There's a reason I kept kleenex in my math book.

It is great to see young teachers like Mr. Smith who are passionate and enthusiastic about teaching. It is obvious how he cares for each student, is aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and recognizes individuality and potential in each one. He is following in the footsteps of some pretty great teachers in his own family, so it's not surprising.

We cropped the photos, and mounted them on construction paper,

laminated them, punched, and tied a ribbon at the top. All set for a holiday gift as a bookmark or ornament!

Mr. Smith and his mama.

As we were leaving, he showed us his discipline chart. The students start with their clips on 'Ready to Learn,' and clip up or down depending on the choices they make during the day. He described a similar chart he has for his roommates in the house he shares with 3 other guys. Hopefully, it is as successful in eliciting the desired behavior with that group as it is with the 4th graders! :)

We had a great time, and it was a blessing to spend the day with my friend Ruthann. I would be grateful if you would join me in prayer for her as she faces treatment for cancer. You can read about her journey here.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, 

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 15:13

Peace, Love, and Hodgepodge

It's the last Hodgepodge of the year, and I am sending thanks to our hostess Joyce for the great questions each week, for inspiring us to think, and for helping us connect with others in this great big bloggy world of ours. I invite you to enjoy my answers, then click over to visit Joyce and the others.

1. How will you spend 'the night before Christmas'?
We will attend the Christmas Eve service at church, which we have done every year since I was a child. (I think we missed once when our children were little, and we took a beach vacation the week before Christmas. We flew home on Christmas Eve, and I'm pretty sure we saw Santa from the air that night.)
Our service includes special music, traditional hymns, scripture readings, and the lighting of candles during the singing of 'Silent Night.' 

As a child, it was always a magical night as we got to sit up front in our robes and sing special songs like 'The Friendly Beasts.' Then during the candle part of the service, we used small penlights to hold high. (Safer for children than fire, I guess. :) ) 

As a young mom, I remember the scramble to get everyone pressed, dressed, and ready for church where I was then in charge of the children's choir. Following the service, we headed home to prepare for Santa, which always brought to mind the phrase, 'miles to go before I sleep.' 

These days, it is much more relaxing for me, but still very special, especially when we are able to attend with my parents, our children, and our grandchildren. Here is a photo of our sanctuary all decorated for Christmas.

2.  What is one thing you are not?
Tidy. Organized. A good cook. Oops, that's 3 things. I could go on....

3.  Fudge-are you a fan?  Your favorite flavor?
Of course I'm a fan. My favorite is probably good old chocolate with nuts. My niece and her mom make the best fudge ever. We may or may not have had a few family scuffles over a plate of fudge. 

I did make some peppermint fudge this year, which I thought was very tasty as well.

Here's a fudge photo from this summer on Mackinac Island. Fudge heaven.

4. Did you attend any craft/vendor fairs in the month of December?  Do you prefer homemade goodies or the more professional stalls? Are you giving any homemade gifts this year?
I did purchase a few homemade items in Haiti, and browsed briefly in the trade show at the Hoosier Beef Congress, but that's about it. I may give some homemade gifts this year... but I'll have to share about it at a later date. :)

5. What's your favorite type of holiday gathering?
Any time the family is all together.

6.  We're approaching a new year...what's going to be different in 2013?
Different.... hmmmmm. Well, in May, our youngest will graduate from college, so no more tuition payments! (And hopefully, he will find a J-O-B!)

7. Share a favorite scripture, quote, saying, or song lyric relating to peace.
I learned this song as a child in choir at church, and I have never forgotten the words.

Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on Earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally
Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
It has been a tough month.

A plane crash.
A dear friend diagnosed with cancer.
A school shooting.
A 10-year-old boy gone after a bout with the flu.

Sometimes life is hard. Really hard. And we have questions. And we don't understand. And we ask why. 
I recently read a blog post by Pete Wilson, pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee.

He said, in part:

"We wonder if there is anything that STILL holds true. Even in the face of unexplainable circumstances like this I do believe certain things still hold true.
I believe…
Love still defeats hate.
Hope is still stronger than despair.
There is a God who still answers prayer.
His mercies are still new every morning.
His forgiveness is still stronger than sin.
His guidance is still greater than human confusion.
His promises still remain more certain than human fear.
The cross is still sufficient for grace for us.
The tomb is still empty.
All this is true because 2,000 years ago, a baby named Jesus was born in a town named Bethlehem. Governments, economies, civilizations, and cultures keep coming and going, but the kingdom Jesus started is still spreading, and his light shines brighter today than it did when it started."

I wish each of you a blessed Christmas. Hold close the ones you love. Cherish every moment. Slow down. Hold fast to the promise of hope bestowed upon us by the baby Jesus. May the new year bring the peace that passes all understanding, to your world and beyond. Amen.

Hark the Herald Hodgepodge

 It's been a busy week at our house. I had the little granddaughters here last week for a few days, and didn't make it to the Hodgepodge. I really don't know how those young mommy bloggers do it! I'm glad to be back this week, and have finally come to the realization that Christmas is just around the corner. How did that happen?
Please enjoy reading my answers, then click on over to visit Joyce and the others.

1.  So, when did you last take a walk in the woods? A stroll along the beach? A drive going nowhere in particular in the car? 

My last walk in the woods was this fall with my young geocacher.

My last walk on the beach was last month, in Haiti.

And my last drive going nowhere in particular in the car was probably... 1998? when the kids and I took off in the car for an overnight adventure with no destination in mind. I had little slips of paper they took turns drawing from a bag that said things like: 'stop at at church', 'stop and buy a pop from a machine', and 'stop in a college town', which we did along the way. We ended up just south of Chicago, where we spent the night, then drove into the city the next morning. It was fun and memorable.

2.  Are you sending Christmas cards this year?  About how many do you send?  Photo card or something more traditional?  How do you display the cards you receive?
I love Christmas cards. I love sending them, and I love receiving them. I guess I send around 50, and our card always includes a photo. I usually tape them up in the dining room so we can enjoy them all season.

3. What's a word you've heard too much of in the past week?

Sick. We have been. Husband. Son. Daughter-in-law. 2 granddaughters. 1 grandson. And a partridge in a pear tree me. No. Fun. At all.

4. December 13th is National Cocoa Day-are you a fan?  Plain or flavored?  Marshmallows or no marshmallows?
 I am a fan of cocoa, usually called hot chocolate around here. It's a great winter warm-up, especially since I don't drink coffee. My favorite? Peppermint, of course. With or without marshmallows. Mmmmmm.

 5. What is something you do to help alleviate the hectic pace of the Christmas season?
#1: Stay away from the mall. :) 
Enjoy the quiet of the Christmas tree in the evening or early morning. Focus on the reason for the season.

6. Besides jewelry, what's a favorite sparkly-glittery item in your home or closet?
Our little business is all about bling, and I spend a good deal of time 'stoning' clothing for our clients so that they will shine in the (horse) show ring. You can read the details here. 
There's not much bling in my own closet, but when we purchased jackets with our business logo, we thought it only fitting that we add just a little sparkle.

7. Share a favorite line or two from any Christmas carol.
I think I have shared this before, but I love this verse from In the Bleak Midwinter:
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb,
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part,
Yet what can I give him, give him my heart.

And from Joy to the World:
He rules the world, with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness,
And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love,
And wonders, wonders of his love.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Our little town is reeling from a plane crash that killed two young couples ten days ago. The crash happened just about a mile from our small airport in foggy conditions. The pilot, his wife, and the couple they were traveling with were all killed in the crash. One couple leaves four teenage daughters, the other leaves two teenage sons.

And we ask why, and what if, when we can't understand, and when the only answer is "I don't know."

What we do know is that a community has rallied around a hurting family, hurting children. Where most everyone in town was touched by those who are gone from us. We know there are hard days ahead, so many questions. We do know that those families, those children will be surrounded by love and we pray that they will keep memories close, drawing strength and comfort. And we know that the God of joyful days is the same as the God of dark days. The same. Yesterday, today, forever.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:10-12

"That gives thanks in the pitch and the thunder, the wind and Gethsemane black, that gives thanks even staring into the face of death because it sees His face in all things -- because it fiercely believes in relentless Grace and the Hound of Heaven who can't stop pursuing in Love." -Ann Voskamp

Of Trees and Trains

Today we made our annual trip to the Christmas tree farm to cut down select our Christmas tree. We used to cut one down, but for the past few years we have opted to be lazy go with one of the carefully selected pre-cut trees available at the farm.

With rain in the forecast for most of the weekend, we decided to take advantage of a break in the weather, even though the sky was still cloudy. There were others there with the same idea.
It has been a busy week at our house, with Haleigh and Ella with us for three days while their dad and mom were on a business/shopping trip. :) We had a great time, despite the fact that Ella had a bit of a stomach bug, which she shared. :) Jim was one of today's unlucky recipients, and since I was feeling better, I got to handle Christmas tree duty.

Fortunately, I had two willing (and cute) helpers to make the job easier. :) They selected a tree, and even posed for a picture in front of it.

Then it was time to get it ready to take home. First, they put it on the shaker.

Then they measure it, and we decide how much to take off to make it the right height for our living room.

Haleigh and Matthew supervised the cutting.

Haleigh was checking out the wagon on the way to the tree field. That looks like fun!

Matthew made sure the tree was straight before they drilled it for our tree stand.

And when I asked for one more picture, this is what I got. :)

Haleigh was pleased with her candy cane.

And this is how she looked at the end of the 20-minute ride home. Christmas tree shopping wears a girl out!

Jim got himself up long enough to help get the tree in the house. Matthew helped him get in onto the stand. The stand has a spike that fits into the freshly drilled hole in the trunk of the tree. Always straight, always steady, and it turns easily to show the best side of the tree. Best. Stand. Ever.

In they go.

And here's the tree ready for lights and decorations. I'll have to post an 'after' picture when it is all decorated.

A little later, we went to an electric train display at one of the churches in town. Haleigh liked the trains with various characters aboard.

Matthew was interested in the sleeker, faster trains.

He pointed out this car, bound for New Orleans. He knew I would like it.

There it goes, Granny.

Santa was also there, and Haleigh went over to say hello. She wasn't too sure about him at first...

but was happy to have a candy cane and join him in a quick round of 'Jingle Bells.'
Merry Christmas, Santa!

Just Keep Showing

On Sunday, we went to the Indiana State Fairgrounds to the Hoosier Beef Congress to watch grandson Matthew participate in his very first cattle show. Grandpa and the kids were just hanging out until it was time to get ready.

Haleigh was happy to be there, in her new shirt her mom bought her. She was a little sick on the ride to the fairgrounds, which necessitated the purchase of a clean shirt.

Ella was ready to do some brushing.

And she and Grandpa watched as the pre-show grooming began.

Everyone gets into the act.
Andrew was scooping poop,

Darci was working on the tailhead,

and Matthew was spraying the feet.

THEN, it's time to get the little showman dressed!

Here he is, giving his heifer, Lucy, a little pep talk.

I hope she was listening!

Here they are in the makeup area, waiting for their turn in the ring.

To share a little bit about Lucy, she is an Angus heifer, nearly a year old, who weighs around 750 pounds. Matthew is 8 years old, and weighs about 55 pounds. Can you see where this is going?

Here he is working hard to set her up. He uses the show stick to scratch her belly, so that she'll stand straight for the judge. This class is judging heifers (young females) of similar age for correct body structure and conformation. Just after this photo was taken, Lucy decided she wanted to be the boss. With around a 700 pound weight advantage, guess who was the winner? And I'm not talking about the class winner. :)
He held on to her until he went to the dirt, at which point it is both smart and prudent to let. go. of. the. lead. strap. Which he did, thankfully.

He picked himself up, brushed himself off, took his heifer back from the ring man, and kept on showing. Very brave of him. I have watched a few cattle shows over the years, and I have seen a few many calves loose in the ring. I've even seen them loose on the midway (Jonathan), and a calf named Jerry (not ours this time) that almost made it to the bypass. If you have shown a calf, chances are you have had one many get away from you, especially in your first years of showing. Especially for a little guy who can barely see over her neck.

He finished the class, and his perseverance, along with the dirt on his jeans, earned him a nice round of applause from the crowd. You can see some of them smiling in the background, probably remembering a time when they, or someone they love, was a first year showman with a great big calf on the end of the lead.

Back at the stall, he was proud of his ribbon. And I was proud of him.

And the whole thing was recorded on video so his mom could show him the instant replay.

Little Haleigh was all worn out from the show day (and the stomach bug that hit her).

Ella enjoyed a cookie while Grandpa enjoyed a little nap. I know. Hard to believe.

And Matthew, with his first show under his belt, was still smiling as he posed with Lucy. He is already looking forward to their next show together. Granny, on the other hand, will just keep praying. :)