Monday, December 22, 2008

Yummy Creations

Lori Rickle made (yes, made!) gorgeous gingerbread houses for her sons class and mine as well. A few weeks ago she brought them in and set them up on our lunch tables with four bowls of candy for each student to use for decorating. The icing was homemade, also. So yummy! Lori made houses for me and Nancy to decorate, too. My first gingerbread house! I took it with me to Anhalt's that night and we sampled the sugary goodness. What a fun Christmas activity!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Remembering "Joy to the World"

I love the song "Joy to the World." When I was in college we had PC (Prayer Captain) and RA (Resident Assistant) meetings every Tuesday night. Usually we would sing a few songs to start things on the right note. (Pardon the pun!) Being the silly college girl that I was, I would always request "Joy to the World" - no matter the season. When I left, my friend and fellow RA, Hayley (a.k.a Hayles) realized I wasn't there to request "Joy" so she did it for me, in my honor. Such a silly little thing, I know. But college held such sweet memories of people and moments, and I wanted to share this holiday memory with everyone.

Monday, December 15, 2008

What more could I want?

I'm sitting here at school with some time to spare before our staff party, listening to the great music on my blog. I love Christmas music! My little brother doesn't share that passion, he can be a bit of a scrooge. =) I love him though, as you all should know. In fact, he called me today about getting a plane ticket. He needed to know where to look, and I could help with that. I was honored that he called for my help, even for something as simple as finding a plane ticket. Anyway, as I was sitting here thinking about what to write and recalling the events of the day, I thought for some reason of Christmas gifts. As usual I made a list for mom. I generally know exactly what I want and that's all I want. My list included things like new slippers (mine are falling apart), gift cards to certain stores, a crock pot, and a variety of other items I cannot even remember at the moment. After I gave mom the list I decided I need a new cell phone, so if they wanted they could just give me money toward that. But in all honesty, I don't need or want anything this year. God has given me so much more than I could ever ask for or imagine already, what more could I want? I have a mom, dad, and brother who love me and love eachother. I have a soon to be sister-in-law with whom I get along tremendously well and can't wait 'til she is part of our family. (Legally that is, she's definitely been a part of our family for a long time already=) God provided not one, but two lovely duplexes to live in this year. I had the privilege of living with my brother in one of those places. Now I have the great joy of living next door to one of my favorite families in the world, and close by several others.
God has literally given me furniture, cash, and a big gift card (the amount was big, not the card!). I say that God gave me those things because the cash and gift card I found in my box at school after thinking and praying about specific needs, and there they were. No one but God and me knew about the need, and I sure didn't put those things in my own box! The furniture now in my house came almost entirely as gifts from friends and family. Without them, without God's provision, I would be eating dinner on the floor and my guests would have to sleep on the floor. I may not have the nicest furniture in the world, but to me each piece is a treasure.
God has given me a job that is my greatest joy in the world. He has given me sweet, smart students. He has given me money to fix the car that He provided two years ago. He has strengthened old friendships and introduced new ones. God has worked in the lives of numerous indiviudals to bring my focus to Himself and His great glory. God has used tough, nasty situations to teach me valuable lessons. God has given me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Because of His Son, I have victory over sin. I'm dead to that! And by His grace I am and will continue to be alive to God's purposes in my life.
This is long- winded and I apologize. Thank you for being patient. I ask you to think this year what God has done for you, and I hope you can say, "What more could I want?!"

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Movies, Medicine, and Minute Maid

Last year I got the really yucky flu Thanksgiving weekend. This year it's the allergy/sinus crud. Woohoo, super fun. So I stocked up on movies, cold meds, and oj with extra calcium and vitamin D. I am Sadie- sitting this weekend so I have the quiet, cozy Anhalt home to myself. Even though I'm sick, I have lots to be thankful for. Even a few things just from this weekend - I've had good times hanging out with mom and dad, I got to spend some time with Amanda and Adam and their kids, and Stacie P. and I were able to get out early to do some Christmas shopping yesterday. Though I am not a fan of early mornings nor did I have a list of specific ideas for gifts, I found Christmas presents for all but one person. Every thing I found was right on or under my budget, and I am really happy with all of it. I thank the Lord! Today is a gorgeous day, and being sick is not my idea of a fun holiday weekend. But, I have so much to be thankful for so I can't complain!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Friday, November 14, 2008

Why Sam & Jeff's is My Favorite mini- Vacation Spot

Screen porch overlooking the lake (bayou?)
Sadie to keep me company
At the end of a dead end road
Treadmill
Lots of wood floors to dance on
A huge (huge!) comfy bed to sleep in
Cable and surround sound
Lots of bathrooms to choose from
Jacuzzi tub
Quiet area to walk in (outside)
Big comfy couch downstairs
Internet
Tons of pictures of their family which I love so much
Yummy food
Not too far from everyone so I don't get scared
Far enough from everyone that I feel like I'm away

(I'm staying here this weekend, so I felt this post was appropriate for today)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Extraordinarily Ordinary

Hugs from Meredith

Syd's reminder that I love Charlie and her better than all the other kids, but when I get my own kids I will love them the best.

Getting hooks in the room for coats and bags

Seeing so many church ladies every day as they work in the day care

The big window in my classroom to see the beauty of God's creation all day

My girls telling me I'm "so pretty"

Mom bringing me stuff at school when I don't feel great

New friends to chat with on lunch break

Extra cash

Watching my 5th graders with the K-4 kids, especially as they help with K-4 PE

K-5 kids getting excited about computer class

Charlie telling me she likes giving me kisses on the cheek

Getting a dentist appointment scheduled

Positive suport and feedback from my students' parents

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Write On

Today I updated my class writing blog so take a look. I am going to try try try to keep it current this year. The assignemtn they did today was so fun. We laughed alot.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Proverbs 4:7 & 23:23

Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom; though it cost all you have, get wisdom. Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Abundance

The past several weeks I have been working on doing loving deeds for others, talking to others about them instead of myself, and so on. Last week, the tables were turned it seemed. As I made it my goal to give - time, energy, money, anything - I was the recipient of all those belssings. Here is a list of what God did for me last week, and the people He used in my life:

*Trish noticed I was not myself and listened to some struggles I was having and gave some encouragement.
*Trish had the tool I needed for a school project.
*I was able to find what I needed, and more, for my new unit on Africa. Everything came together quickly and expeditiously.
*Jenna was happy to see me and didn't cry when her family left her with me for a few hours.
*I planned to take some girls home from school, out of my way, and their dad showed up after all.
*On our "sewer" day, Sam bought my lunch and Karin paid for coffee later.
*The day I thought about a specific, expensive need, God put a gift card in my box at school to the specific store for the exact amount I needed!
*All the Woodbys were home and I got to spend some family time with them.
*Trish was willing to get together and help me establish a budget. What a friend!

In all of this I was, and still am, amazed at how God has blessed me even as I am working at using my life for the benefit of others. This past week I was humbled and encouraged to continue to press on and work at being a blessing. It is truly so much greater to give than to receive, but I thank God for allowing me to be on the receiving end last week so I could be reminded that, without Him, I have nothing. I need Him every hour, and He is all I need.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God- breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Wacky Week

Wow, this week was crazy and speedy! Last Sunday through Wednesday I stayed with the Green teens while their parents were at a pastor's conference. Then Wednesday after school we teachers left for Indy to attend a teacher's convention. We got home last night at 6:30. Today I have a bunch of errands that must get done, then I might go up to the deer woods. Tomorrow is, of course, church. For dinner, I am going to Paul and Stacie's with Ben, Abby, and kids. Since I have jail service tomorrow also I will pretty much have to eat and run. Yeah, well, and next week we have MEAPs, an all- day field trip, and pajama day with the "Eggstravaganza" at the end of the day. Maybe my life will slow down by Halloween...or Thanksgiving......perhaps Christmas. I shouldn't complain, it sure beats sitting around home by myself with nothing to do. Praise God for a job, friends, family, and ministries!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Matthew 6:19-21

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

October projects






My October bulletin board...maybe a little Halloween-y, but that's ok. I'll do more autumn/harvest next month. The kids loved the spider web as I made it. Found some great plastic spiders cheap at Meijer in the Halloween section. Got the idea off the internet, so don't credit me for being creative, as some have already done!

My students made kites for their Social Studies project this month. We've been studying China, so they did some research about the origin of kites and built some kites of their own. Josh's flew. We're going to try Lindsay's and Abbie's again next week. They all did a really great job! My students are the best. =)

Friday, September 26, 2008

Friday, September 19, 2008

Bug Hunt



My kids are the cutest, sweetest, funniest, smartest, most creative students in the world. You'll probably hear me say that all school year...or see it written here anyway. =) Why am I so blessed? I don't know, but I thank God for such a blessing and plan to take advantage of such great learners! Wednesday we took a walk in the woods and fields back behind the school. We saw tons of great spiders, grasshoppers, bees, and a myriad other specimens of God's creation. In science class we have been reading about insects that you might find surrounding a golden rod plant especially. Come to find out, "the back forty" is chock full of golden rod!! So many bees, even ones with their pollen baskets full! Lots of interesting spiders - Josh saw one catch a mosquito on its web then proceed to wrap it up and eat it! Science is so much more interesting when we can actually see and hear and touch the things we have been studying. The day was perfect for a bug hunt, too. Sunny and warm, but nice and cool in the shade. What a day, a beautiful day!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

National Play-doh Day...seriously!

Tea Party



Our K4/K5 teacher, "Mrs. Stacie", spent many years living in different countries in Asia. Last week my class joined Mrs. Stacie for a Central Asian tea party. She served us tea in beautiful china from Uzbekistan, and shared with us many interesting facts about hospitality in Central Asia. She also showed us many wonderful photos from Bangladesh, Thailand, and a few other countries. The students and I truly enjoyed our little "trip" to Asia,and we are so thankful for Mrs. Stacie's willingness to share her experience and knowledge with us!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Origami




My class is learning about Asia right now, so yesterday we made origami pinwheels. Origami actually means folded paper in Japanese. Go figure!

Then and Now



When I saw this picture of Kendall, Jack, and Grace at the piano, it brought to mind another photo of three little ones at a piano. The little ones in the older photo are my cousin Stacy, cousin Nicole, and me. We were probably 9, 4, and 4 years old respectively...or somewhere around there. Mom, of course, is at the piano. I must say, many of my memorie include a piano: singing around the piano at Gram and Gramp's on Christmas Eve, listening to Mom practice at home, listening to Mom's many students over the years, taking piano lessons from Aunt Angie. Thanks to Mom, I have a love for piano music. Notice I said piano music, not playing the piano!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Everything

I honestly have not felt like posting for a long time, especially since going back to school. In the spring I started being tired all the time. I remember telling mom "I just can't stop being tired, no matter how much I sleep." The summer was really rough because of that, too. I was always, always tired. Not yawning and dozing all the time, but my whole body was just exhausted. It was awful. Finally, mom and Sam told me to go to the doctor. But how dumb I felt going to Doc and saying, "Well, I'm tired, have been for about six months now." It seemed ridiculous to me. But Doc was really nice and patient and ordered some blood work done. Hopefully this week I will find out something. I realize that tons of people, and possibly some who are reading my blog, are suffering far worse than I, but I can't describe how the fatigue has affected my thoughts, my emotions, my relationships, and my everyday life. It has been such a struggle to just get through every day, much less get through it well! I praise God for His faithfulness and patience because my spiritual life has suffered as well. On top of the fatigue, my allergies are bugging me a bit. Oi! For a long time I just let it get to me, but the last few weeks I have been able to get back on my feet and get my mind where it ought to be. I have found hope in God's strength since I have none of my own. I have found peace and relaxation through reading His Word, praying, and listening to encouraging music. I have made some changes in how I spend my evenings which, I hope, will help me sleep more peacefully as well. I wish I had been able to see this as a growing time earlier, but I praise God for helping me now.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Freaky Face!



I promise I was not playing with my food this time. The two "eyes" were pieces of cereal that looked a little questionable so I scooted them off to the side. When I tipped my bowl to get the last couple spoonfuls, this face appeared! I have to admit, it was a little creepy to see this face looking up at me from my cereal bowl. =)

Monday, August 25, 2008

Ephesians 6:10-11

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Water,Sun, Popsicles, Friends...We Can't Get Enough!!







We showed up at Aunt Sandy's today just as Amanda did with her kids. My mom came a little later, and Cindy Curtis was there to babysit. What a party! With so many adults we don't have to worry about the kids as much. It was a super hot day and the pool was refreshing as ever. The girls swam today with NO SWIMMIES! I was sooo proud of them! They told everyone "We can swim already!" What an awesome time. I still smile thinking about it. =)

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Psalm 50:14-15

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

This is the way we spend our days....







Beating on pots, pans and peanut butter jars. Shaking the bacon bits and sippy cups full of Cap'n Crunch. Playing with Lindsey's camera. Reading "the news". Playing restaurant - Lindsey can be the girl who asks what the people want.
Me: "How do I do it?"
Charlie: "You ask the (pretent=) people what they want, then you think in your head what they want. Then come tell us and we will make it."

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Psalm 50:12-13

If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine and all that is in it. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

Monday, August 11, 2008

What was she thinking?!

Just before noon today, Charlie and Sydney were playing restaurant at home. Besides their kitchen play set, they were using some plastic beads for rice. Suddenly, Charlie looked at me and said, "I have a bead in my nose." I promptly replied, "No you don't." Unfortunately, she was right and I was wrong. Doh! She did, indeed, have a bead up her nose. So I called her mom the nurse and we trekked on up to Mercy so Kelli could check it out. (We decided it was too far up for me to try to get it out.) Syd and I waited while Kelli and Charlie went to the ER, and finally, about 1:15 or so, they returned. The procedure was successful, and Charlie did not want to keep the bead. Seriously, child! At least I am being prepared for my own children, eh? Sorry, no pictures of this ordeal. =)None of us had eaten lunch yet so Kelli treated us to lunch at the hospital cafeteria. Well, "treat" isn't exactly the word I would use for whatever it was we ate there, but it was fine. We all survived the day and spent the rest of our afternoon enjoying the sunshine at Aunt Sandy's.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

John Ball Zoo





Gone to Tahiti...



Super cute sign on an exhibit at the zoo.