PCS's Newest Addition...

Okay...so I'm thinking there is this little empty spot (not so little, actually)...it would make the perfect place for a gazebo with seating for parents to watch their little munchkins play (or a teachers lounge??????) Hahaha!

A couple of years ago, a donor gave $10,000 toward the school playground. As you know, the Health Dept. has pretty tight regulations on equipment, spacing, foundation materials, etc. After spending over $5,000 in pea gravel, and placing the equipment from our former property, we began to look at options for a large playset. If you have been involved with an organization that does not receive government money, you know how frugality is a must, and wasteful spending just doesn't exist. I think we could feed all the orphans in the world, as well as educate America's children, with what the government spends on educational programs! Anyway, the types of equipment that the parks and public schools get for free was just out of the question for us. $35,000 would be more the kind of money necessary to get what they have.
Our search led us to an Amish company that builds quality, durable playsets. Since we are a church, the kind gentleman gave us a $500 bonus (free staining), and brought the thing out and put it together. Within just a few days, the children were having a wonderful time on the new set! Thank you to the donor!!!

Havin' Fun At The Apple Festival!

The "gang"...I don't know how many times Mrs. Pouzar and I get to say, "Yes, this is our WHOLE school - kindergarten through 12th grade. Yup, this is ALL of them....uh huh, yes, that's right..." But as I shared with Mrs. Pouzar the other day, I am amazed by the downpour of compliments we receive anytime we are out and about with the kids. We take lots of little field trips, educational ventures, whatever you want to call them, and people just can't get over how well-behaved and respectful our students are! We don't threaten them or give them orders before we go, they just know what is expected. The piano tuner came during the schoolday a few weeks back (yes, that was a bad idea, hopefully never to be repeated - lol-) and he was able to watch the students for several hours. He said that he had never seen such well-behaved kids. That speaks well of the training they are receiving at home. I'm very proud of them!

Kaitlynn with her buddy, Isaac, who is in kindergarten this year...

Learning about Johnny Appleseed (who, according to my grandmother's investigation into the family tree, is a long, lost relative of ours)...

Each student was able to choose their own apple to take to the press...


I think he could pass for a pioneer!


Explaining all of the different foods and products that are derived from corn and from the cob itself. He was amazed that our students could correctly answer his questions without hesitation. He said most of the kids that come through don't know much about any of it! Sad!

Awwww...

One of the groups enjoying cider...

With Thansgiving....

We welcome Aubrey Nicole Profitt to our family! To see a few pics and read a commentary by Adam, head on over to Valerie and Adam's blog.
From an aunt's perspective :), I am very excited! Now I just get to wait, and wait, and wait for the day when I can hold her in my arms! She's quite an armful now (8lbs./4.5oz), so hopefully she can still cuddle comfortably in a few months!
Things were a lot different on this end than I had assumed they would be. For those who don't know, Adam and Valerie have an internet phone (I think that is what it is) and we can call them without it being long-distance, let alone international calling. That is cool. They also have high-speed internet with a web cam at the apartment. Also cool. I can also send and receive texts to my phone from their email, chat on Messenger, etc. What I didn't understand is that the hospital seems to me a whole lot less hi-tech than the rest of the island! I haven't been able to talk to Valerie yet. I guess I'll have to wait until she is home, which I assume will be tomorrow.
After quite an unpredictable course of events in my own child-birthing experiences, I usually tell new moms not to have expectations for labor/deliver, because it seems things don't usually go as predicted anyway! Valerie had quite an experienced doctor, who was world-renowned and was a surgeon before being an ob, but he made a few predictions that were, let's say, not even close! Honestly, I'm surprised doctors even venture to make statements about how things will be...it's usually anyone's guess.
I'm so thankful God protected Valerie and Aubrey. It puts a new perspective on family visiting down there! I sure hope none of them ever have to experience a hospital visit for any length of time!
Well...I should quit rambling, but not before I tell you the dumb thing I did this a.m. I usually stop at Speedway on the way to school to grab some caffeine (I know, bad girl). I filled my cup, and headed back out the door to the van. Halfway to the van, I realized I still had a handful of quarters! I hadn't paid for the coffee! Embarrassed half to death, I headed back in, where the two employees gave their explanation on what they thought I was doing...one thought I was going to the van to get my money, the other thought I had given the cashier a Speedy Rewards coupon for a free coffee. I laughed and told them that my sister had just had a baby and I was thinking about her, and not paying attention. I also said, "Thank goodness this is Cridersville! If I had been in Lima they probably would have called the cops before I could make it back inside!" Hope this isn't an indicator for the rest of my day...I'm taking 4 kids to Penney's for pictures this evening...and I'm going alone!!!

Allison Update...

Allison had her 10 month checkup last week. She is doing very well, and growing like a little weed! I didn't get her length (I'll try to do that tomorrow), but she weighs 21 lbs. 8 oz. Her vaccinations are all in one injection (thank goodness!) so it really didn't bother her too much.
For those of you who don't get to spend a whole lot of time with Allison, her personality is described by many as "contented", "pleasant", "friendly", "happy", just to name a few. She loves people and music. So far she knows a few words (mama, dada, baba, byebye, uhoh, and PAPA - he's quite happy about it, too!). She is my only child who didn't crawl at 7 months...she still doesn't, but will sit for an hour at a time with a few toys around her. If she can get her left leg "out of the way", she'll be crawling soon. She stands up to things, and scoots around the room on her bottom. She is an explorer, and will definitely keep us hopping once she starts walking! Allison hasn't cut a tooth yet. I think she's taking after Evan who grew a whole mouthful between 11 and 12 months. Her hair is tending toward mine in color and texture. Hopefully, for her sake, it isn't as long!!!
The other day I was thinking back to my life a year ago this time. I was eight months pregnant, teaching full-time, taking three kids with me to school, and winding down my Master's degree. There were plenty of other responsibilities, but those were foremost. I didn't continue thinking along those lines for too long because it just totally overwhelmed me! Life now is more manageable, you could say. I'm quite thankful that the "pregnant" days are over. There were days that I was stressed to the hilt, and although I tried to hide it (my pet peeve is whiny pregnant women), it sometimes spilled out!
Now we're in a different stage, and loving *almost* every minute of it. :) The kids are growing and learning, and it is a beautiful process!

She's Here!!!

Miss Profitt has arrived (for those of you who were still wondering), and I'm sure her mother is thankful that this day is over! Anyway, she is still 'Miss Profitt' to me, cause as far as I know, she still doesn't have a name. I'll save the rest of the news for the possiblity that someone may be able to post from Cayman. It's been a pain...I haven't even had a clear phone connection with them today. Every word has been broken, and I've only been able to get bits and pieces. I had assumed they would have internet access at the hospital since it is pretty modernized down there, but I guess not. Anyway, thanks for your prayers!

Weekend Happenings...

Last Friday was our Fall Educator's Convention. Normally we attend Ohio's convention (close to beautiful Amish country), but this year's schedule wasn't working out quite right for that. Instead, we headed for Indianapolis, where we were able to see lots and lots of friends and aquaintances. We had a wonderful day (did anybody say 'Pasta Bar'???) and came back refreshed and having gained new insights into the educational process. Several years back, ACE went from a two-day format to a one-day schedule. Since I really didn't want Greg to take a day off just to watch the kids, I began to think about a sitter. My grandma called and was coming up for mom's birthday, so she agreed to come a day earlier and watch all the kids. She did an amazing job! Although I won't share her age (that would mean certain death for me), her oldest child is in his mid-60's. I know some grandmothers who are WAY younger, and won't hardly ever watch their grandkids cause they "just can't handle the stress"! I know I am blessed because the grandparents on both sides of our family are so helpful and always willing to lend a hand. Thanks Grandma! See you this weekend!

Mom and I were laughing one day about how men always dream about new toys, expensive ones...cars, boats, etc. Mom said, "You know, the only thing that I really want is one of those grapevine trees for my porch." She's always been more of a giver than a taker, in fact, she's not a taker at all, so I was really happy to know what she actually wanted! I had no idea, though, that these things could be so difficult to find! It's like they are everywhere until you want one...
Anyway, I finally found one. Now I just have to locate white lights with brown cord. Any ideas short of ordering online???

What ever happened to the adorable little thing he used to be? LOL! Ryan is definitely growing up, and the parenting challenges are ever changing. Dr. Dobson is becoming my best friend!

I just want to say a few words about my mom...
My mom is an incredible person. From her willing sacrifices that I witnessed as a child, to the selfless acts that continue to flow from her life today, she is one in a million. Although I grew up in a parsonage where money was not growing on trees, I never felt poor. We didn't run out to the mall to buy our Easter dresses, but mom made sure each stitch was lovingly sewn, sometime before midnight on Saturday night!
Throughout my years as a child and teenager, mom never allowed her career to come before her husband and children. She didn't fall into the "work more...get more stuff...work more..." mentality that many in healthcare do. She taught me that one's children are her first responsibility, and not the responsibility of daycare or a babysitter. Most of my friends would have probably labeled my mom "strict". I wasn't allowed to do many of the things my friends did. I went to a small, Christian school from grades 1-12. She taught me that one can both "protect" and "prepare" their children. We were "sheltered", and that wasn't a bad thing. You have no idea how thankful I am for that today. The "eyes in the back of mom's head" kept me from sooooo much. I didn't have regrets to carry into marriage or adulthood because my parents were "strict". I am thankful for "strict"! :) Even though I'm "all grown up", the influence of my mom is still huge in my life. She is a wonderful example for my kids - I never have to worry that they are going to see or hear things that I wouldn't approve of when they are with her. Thanks for all you are to me, mom! Love you!

Here's the funny story behind this pic...Kaitlynn received these glasses as a prize in Jr. Church Sunday morning. When it came time for mama to open gifts, Kaitlynn presented her with these glasses wrapped in the sheer, sticky plastic that had previously covered the top of mom's laptop. Kaitlynn said, "Mama, these are for you for the beach!" Awwww, how thoughtful of you, Kaitlynn!

One of the pretty gifts mom received...

Allison's expressions are so cute. Here she is sharing a moment with her mama...

Just Waiting...

For those who know my sister, Valerie, here is an update on her pregnancy status:

She was at the hospital by 8 this a.m. (Cayman time), 9 a.m. our time. My mom called me as she and dad were leaving for the hospital around 10:30 our time (they were catching a ride with the pastor who is serving as chaplain this week). The hospital itself is quite different than what we are used to here, mom found last night as they were touring it. No amenities whatsoever (not even a radio or tv & you have to bring everything that the baby will need - down to the soap and lotion, blankets, everything.). Once the baby arrives, though, she will be the amenity! I have no idea whether labor began on its own, or whether induction was as scheduled, but Miss Profitt should arrive today, on her due date! Yeah! I won't be posting an announcement of her birth unless I get the all clear from Valerie. I have no idea what their computer access is like, so keep checking their blog. If I get the all clear, I'll post as soon as I know.

Field Trip to Suter's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch...

Alli spending time with the bus driver :)...

Receiving instruction...

My group...we had lots of fun getting lost in the maze...

Um, yeah, we pretty much stayed lost the majority of the time...

Havin' fun...

God's beautiful creation...

Mr. Suter allowed us to each shoot his "Corn Cannon". It was cool!

Ryan and Evan's class on their wagon...

So many pumpkins, so little time...







Hangin' with Papaw on the bus...

All tuckered out...

Remembering...

Seven years ago today is a day that is forever etched in my memory. I had scaled back to teaching three days a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so on that beautiful Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, I was at home with my two very young sons. Ryan was just a couple of months shy of being 2, and Evan was almost 8 months. It was a typical morning there on Mackenzie Drive, just relaxing on a day off, and enyoying my babies. Typical, that is, until I recieved a phone call from Greg saying that one of the Towers had been hit by a plane, and no one had any idea what was happening. I immediately turned on the news, but found no answers. Those who usually knew what was going on in the world were as clueless as I. A few short, but never-ending moments revealed a horror that only those full of hatred could devise and fulfill. It was no accident. America was being attacked and no one knew where it would stop. The sunshine of the morning quickly turned to clouds of fear and anxiety, as I became aware of my own vulnerability. Not wanting to be alone, I packed the kids into the van and went to Pilgrim Christian. I stayed there for awhile, welcoming the opportunity to talk with others about the events that were taking place. Those of us you who were adults on 9-11-2001 probably fully understand those feelings.
September 11, 2008...It is a beautiful morning. The air is crisp, the sun is bright. My responsibilities are a little greater than they were seven years ago. I now have two daughters for whom I am responsible. As we all packed into the minivan this morning and headed for school, tears filled my eyes. The emotions of September 11, 2001 flooded back over me in waves. Clips of the horrible day were being replayed on the news, and the boys began to ask more questions. Although they had watched taped footage of the nightmarish events, they still could not fathom the enormity of the Towers or the immposibility of a safe escape for its occupants. I began to explain...tall buildings, fire, smoke, thousands of people, airline fuel, bad men who hate America...it was more than I could cover in the short drive to school, but this evening I plan to pull out those tapes, and go back with them to September 11, 2001. I want to once again explain to them why our friends and neighbors are leaving their families and heading to Iraq and Afghanistan to fight terrorism. I want to make sure they understand there are those in America who want to destroy her from the inside, not with planes and bombs, but by destroying her Biblical foundation and her democracy. I want them to understand that if they want a free America, they will either fight for her abroad or at home. Either place will bring a fight, a struggle between right and wrong, and a victory that must be achieved.
Yes, I'm saddened that I will never be able to take my children to the top of the World Trade Center, a privilege that I had on my senior class trip, but I can pass on the stories of hope, courage, and patriotism that were written that fateful day, September 11, 2001. We Will Never Forget!

Save the Planet...Recycle! :)

No, I'm not really one of those "green" people, in fact, I don't even recycle !:(
But when the opportunity came to our students to help with our local recycle day, we jumped on it, and the students received a nice check for their convention account...
Nice sign, wrong name...I guess they didn't hear me when I said Pilgrim Christian School!