The Rattle in my Head

Although I just upgraded my phone, I guess I'm still kind of old school, because I still need to carry around a notebook where I write down ideas.  Otherwise, these things rattling around in my head will never amount to much.  I've heard ideas.  I've been reading books.  I've been listening to music.  I've been teaching.  I'm not sure if that order is appropriate or reflects my priorities, but maybe it does.  I'll probably write this and then rearrange it several times.  Either ways, here are the thoughts rattling around in my head this week.  

I'm addicted to Mandisa this week.  Her songs are inspiring and moving.  I mean her songs inspire my relationship with God.  Her songs move me to get moving.  Her message is awesome and her beat is dancing!  Check her out.



As a teacher, I'm always reading something.  This week, I'm reading The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.  I got a copy because I saw one of my students reading it.  She said it was about a young boy in Germany.  That doesn't sound interesting, but she said it had some heavy concepts in it.  She was right!  This young boy moves next door to a concentration camp because his father is in the military.  I'm about 50 pages into it, and I'm guessing that this young boy will have to learn that what his father is doing is wrong.  I'll let you know when I finish.  Yes, I know it is a movie.  Multiple students have told me, but I haven't seen it.  You decide if the book is worth it.  Let me know.  Should I watch the movie too?


I'm also reading Pigs in the Parlor: The Practical Guide to Deliverance.  It is very interesting reading if you believe in the active spiritual world.  I absolutely do.  However, I'm reading this with a critical mind.  I don't mean that I'm criticizing it.  I mean that I'm thinking critically about everything it says.  Just because something is in print doesn't mean that it is true.  I completely agree with somethings in this book.  Other things I'm considering.  Still other things, I think I could cross off completely.  The book is still worth it.  Awareness of what we can't see is worth it.  The best source for awareness of what we can't see is still the Bible, and at the same time, there have been many wonderful authors since the end of Revelation.  Don't just take my word for it, check it out yourself.



But wait!  There's more!  One too many infomercials on TV lately.

My new principal has also recommended Ted Talks.  I signed up for the emails, and when there is time, I watch one.  Recently, the mayor of Oklahoma City talked about how he got his city off the list of most obese cities in the country.  My daughter tells me I need to get back to my Tae Bo, so I've dusted of the workout videos and already downloaded a Nike Ap on my new phone.  Now to find the time.



After a crazy day with students, Tae Bo feels much better than dancing.  The point is to get moving.  Take your pick and do something!  Check out this video of extreme jump roping too.

Model T is my inspiration for getting moving.

Until next week when I have time to organize my handwritten notes in traditional journals . . .

A Year in Review

This is for the family who wants to know what is going on.  I'm limiting facebook.  Enjoy!

Every year Model T gets a rabbit for the stock show.   Model C is showing off my skills in dress making.  And finally, we attended the Boots and Hearts Country Ball!

So much happened!  The kids spent Spring Break with my parents so I could work.  My college BFF had a baby shower.  Model T kicked some hiny and showed off her bunny.  Of course the Easter Bunny also visited.  And most important, Grandpa got to visit.  There are 90 years between my grandpa and Model C. 

Spending time with dad is the biggest event.  We built some memories with dad in the deer stand and shooting tin cans. 

Summer started off with me teaching summer school, but we found time to go to the beach and the dinosaur park.  

The girls headed out to their first rodeo on the 4th of July!  Small town rodeos are the best!  They also enjoyed VBS at our church and friends in the backyard.  

The first part of our vacation was the zoo!  We did local places and came home at night.  It was ridiculously hot!

Day 2 of our little vacation was thanks to a local radio station giving tickets away to Sea World.  

Model T attended her first camp away from home at the beginning of the month and stated school a few weeks later.  I, of course, organized my annual Tiara Dinner which was a huge success for a local charity.  My sweet husband brought me beautiful roses from work.  And we enjoyed spending time with my niece and nephew.  

Model T had her first slumber party with friends and her birthday buddy.  My sweet friend, Joy, has been my friend for years!  Now she shares a birthday with Model T.  

This past fall was very exciting.  Daddy had to feed two calves at work by bottle.  Model T participated in a half time show at a high school football game.  Halloween!  And Model C is showing off the deer that daddy shot when they went hunting together.  

Thank goodness for a sister weekend!  We were in desperate need of it!   

This is the photo shoot in my garage for Model C's birthday party.  I'm glad to have a brick wall like this because it was crazy cold outside.  

Finally, Christmas!  We participated in our first Advent reading with my brother-in-law's family.  We attend the same church.  We traveled several places to celebrate the holiday with different families.  And finally, my husband and I celebrated our 12th anniversary!  

Treasure Hunt

Over Christmas vacation, my kids needed something a little more creative to do.  Today began the treasure hunt.  They found one treasure today, but the possibilities are as endless as the treasures I can hide and the quatrains I can write.

First, I created a map of our home by crinkling packing paper.  It was the biggest piece of paper I had and worked great.  I used marker to draw the items and water color.  No, we don't actually live in a castle.  However, as the saying goes, "A man's home is his castle."  (Or something like that.)  Some map items are figurative.  I had to explain that to my kids.  This seemed to be an education experience.

Learning Objectives:
1. Read cursive handwriting.
2. Decode strange clues.  (figurative language)
3. Read a map.
4. Use a compass.

I used the compass on my iphone to help with the directions.
It isn't perfect, but it works fine.
Next time I will draw the map with the traditional North at the top.
Live and Learn.  

Here are my clues if you want to borrow my poetry.  

And the end result!  It was too cold to spend much time outside anyway. 

And the treasure today was a new movie.  My girls loved it when we went to the theater.  Now they can watch it any time they want.  

Click below and order a copy from Amazon.com.  Enjoy!