A what in a what?

Some of the kids really like to sing while they are working on other projects. The other day, this is what I heard:

Student 1(singing): "On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a pinecone in a peach tree."
Student 2: "Hey, I thought it was a parrot in a pear tree."

Personally I think it should be a parrot in a peach tree.

Christmas Madlib for you:
(Sung to the tune of "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire")

Mountains roasting on an open Marker Burp Drying at your Nose Lime Green carols being sung by a Tree And folks dressed up like Bushes Everybody knows a Puppy and some Planes Scratchy to make the Season Blood Red Tiny Tots with their Legs all a-glow Will find it Fast to Ran tonight. They know that George is on his way He`s Butted lots of Noodles and Apples on his sleigh. And every Mother`s Spaghetti is going to Hopped to see if Monkeys really know how to Flew. And so I`m Typing this little Nighttime To Stickies from Crawford to Hotchkiss Although it`s been Smelled many times, many ways A/An Tasty Christmas to you!

These can be created here, and they are fun to do with students!

4 calling birds...and children....and dogs

This week, even though it's my last week here, I offered to watch a family of 3 kids, while their parents are away on vacation. I'm not sure what I was thinking. I still am teaching lessons, right up until I leave. I'm also supposed to be packing up the house, to be able to move back home on time. For teachers with children, I don't know how you do it. I got all of the kids in bed, and was working on my lesson plans, and got myself in bed at a decent time. Granted, I don't teach the whole day anymore, so I had less to work on than earlier in the semester. The night seemed to be fairly flawless. I must say, I was proud of myself.

2:15 am...The dogs started barking, and would not be quieted. Of course the door to the kids' room was wide open, and the dogs were running all through the house. One dog was sanctioned to the kennel, and the other came into the room with me so I could keep closer tabs on her. After being so rudely interrupted, I climbed back into bed to make another attempt at sleep.

3:30 am...It was just one of those nights that I was so nervous I wouldn't wake up to my alarm I guess. I woke up and started getting ready for school. I felt like an idiot when I saw the actual time on the clock on my phone. I was also glad, because it meant that I could go back to bed for two more hours.

Oh man, some moments need to be captured somehow, so I can save them in a file for a rainy day. First graders are stinkin' cute. That's all.

5 Golden Rings

With only four more days to spend in Crawford, it is getting harder to be excited about leaving. Last week I was ready, and in the right state of mind to head back home. I don't want to leave. I feel such a strong sense of community already, and potential for so many things. I had the chance to sit down and talk with an older couple for a good 2 hours the other night, just visiting, and enjoying time together. It was one of the most enjoyable evenings of the whole semester. I've met friends that are close to my age, and in the same season of life as me, and they have been such a great encouragement to me. I've had lots of fun with the youth in the area: sleepovers, candy making, movie nights, and hot shop nights. I wish I had more time to spend with them, without the obligation of lesson planning, and grading hanging over my head. My kids have their Christmas program this week, and I know I'm going to bawl my eyes out. 

I know that there are great and wonderful things that I will be doing in Durango, but today I'm not ready for it. I'm a very happy person, disgustingly so sometimes, and so this feeling of sadness and loss is hard, but I don't think it's a bad thing. I rarely take time to reflect and think about where I've been, and I usually keep a very constant forward push toward whatever the set goal is. Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" I rejoice in the Lord, and what He is doing here in this area, and the hearts that are so teachable among the youth, and the teachers He has prepared to work with them. I love that they are close enough that I can come back and visit. I'm definitely going to enjoy the rest of my time here, with people I love. It's going to be a busy week, but it's going to be great!

3 in one special

11 pipers piped, and I was sick as a dog. Typically, if I get sick in a semester, it is closer to the end of it, when my defenses are lowered. It doesn't help that it's flu season as well. This one came hard and fast, and left in the same manner. It's interesting that one day a person can feel like they may not make it through the night without a trip to the ER, and the next day feels mostly normal. Our bodies are really neat things, designed by God to fight off things that are harmful to them.

Moral of the story is: Stay hydrated, by drinking lots of water!

10 lords a' leaping...it is exactly 10 more days until graduation. Lots of details begin to catch up with me. There are several forms that still need to be turned in to the school. I need to start packing boxes to be able to move on time. At some point I need to get a cap and gown, because all of the cool kids will be wearing them. It's so hard to find time to work on getting things together to be in Durango, when I'm still so immersed in the Crawford community. I have a slumber party tomorrow night, spelling lists to write, and 1st and 2nd grade concerts to attend. Somehow things come together, and everything will happen. Yes, this is what I tell myself everyday.

9 ladies dancing...The kids sang Christmas songs at the bank today, which had their student teacher in tears. I'm going to miss seeing these faces, mostly consistent since the beginning of the semester, and what a quick semester it's been! I can't believe they still have the other half of the year, and I won't get to see the rest of the process. I'm so grateful to have been with an excellent teacher who has enough humor, imagination, and "sanity among the insane" to carry her to the end of the year. I will miss the collaboration and laughs that we've had when funny comments are made by the kiddos. I love to hear all of her new ideas that she incorporates into her class, and hope to emulate her spirit for continued learning throughout life, whether in teaching or other things. Long live great teachers!

The Countdown Begins!

It is officially 12 days until graduation, and I thought I would celebrate by borrowing the characters from the 12 Days of Christmas (seems appropriate). With just 12 days until graduation, there are 12 days until many other things....


12 Days until
I move back home
I have to think about a "real" job
I have to think about insurance
I have to start answering to several decisions
I leave all of the people who have been a big part of my life this semester
I don't have to go back to college 
I may be able to sleep in until at least 7 a couple of mornings a week
I begin to rebuild community in Durango
I can take slivers of time to do things that I enjoy 
I can take time for reflection
I walk across a stage and make my parents cry
Graduation.


One door will close as many are opening. I am, in this slice of time, excited and ready for the change that the completion of school will bring. I am at peace with the assurance that God provides me with the things I need in life at all times, and knows what those things are. At any moment, this feeling may change hands over to nervousness, sadness, or worry, and when those times come, peace is still to be found, because He provides even in those times. To some extent, graduation is no biggie, because it doesn't change the overarching goal in my life for each day. I will continue to seek God's favor and deepen my relationship with Him. I will love the people in my life and learn from them, whether they are 7 or 70 (or older...). I will live abundantly, in the salvation I have through Christ's sacrifice. 


John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

Baby Steps

I'm almost done! It's all downhill from here. The final presentation of my college career is over, and the only thing left on the list is a paper. Papers seem like a piece of cake compared to the rest of the things required over the course of this semester, maybe it's because I teach other people how to write them now. Below are some pictures from my Professional Exhibition to prove to myself that it really did happen, and I really am almost done.

The PEX Panel

My Groupies

I will finish out strong this semester with lessons learned, friendships made, goodbyes said, and hellos waiting in the wings. "'Cuz my daddy taught me good!"(line from a youtube video)