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!