Spring Blooms

I took photos of flowers.
I planned to blog.
It didn't happen.
But when I saw the asparagus was up and ready to eat, there was no doubt that Spring had happened, and I knew I'd better get something posted before it's suddenly Summer!

Related?

Done! Tomorrow morning, even though I may wake up at 6:30 like the alarm has insisted I do these past six week, I will not necessarily get up right away. Probably should just stay in the habit, but we'll see. ;)

Kindergarteners are an interesting age. Their emotions and words to match are always right there, ready to burst out, whether it's joy, anger, goofiness, hurt, pride, or whatever the current mood brings. For the most part they are eager to please, but need oh so much guidance. I hurt for some of them, all of them actually. By the things some of them talk about, it is obvious that they have been exposed to SO much (not necessarily good stuff) early in their lives. It is refreshing to be around the 5-year olds who are just, well, 5-year olds!
These are a few of the "self portraits" I asked the students to draw for me on my last day with them. The artist of the one in the lower right told me, "The second person is you, and we're both wearing high heels."

I have to share an ah-ha! moment one of them had. A little girl was printing her name, when a lightbulb went on for her. She exclaimed, "I'm related to Monday! My name begins with M-o-n, too!" That kind of comment just makes my day!

Another thing that is a definite "day maker" is getting 22 sweet hugs to close out a long-term job!

A Singing Surprise

Did I say snowed under? Yep, that's how it's been, especially the last three weeks. I've spent all of those days, except weekends, with 22 kindergarten students, as I've been filling in for a teacher on maternity leave. Three more weeks to go! They're a good group, and I do have a full-time aide, which is a definite blessing!

On Friday, just as we were starting a lesson with them all gathered around on the carpet, we had visitors in the room. It seems that someone had ordered a singing valentine to be delivered to me at school. (a rose and card, two songs by the barbershop quartet, and a packet of chocolate kisses) Several people commented how special they thought that was, and I do agree. : )

Thank you, B.
I love you too!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Now Let It Go!

Did I really say "hooray" for the snow in my last post? Well, we've definitely been getting it since then, along with major wind, drifting and low temps.

Feeling a little snowed under right now. Don't give up on me. I'll dig out from under everything and post again one of these days!

It's Beginning

Yep, it's beginning to feel like Christmas.

The nativity scene on the buffet, the inside tree, and the outside lights have been up since Thanksgiving weekend. But hadn't done much holiday-wise since then, until I finally started some baking this past week. I really need to bring the boxes from the attic and start some inside decorating. Hopefully this week!

This afternoon/evening my church circle did our annual caroling, followed by soup, goodies (cheesy, bacon cracker dip pictured here), and fellowship. It even started to snow today! Not enough yet to make driving bad, just enough to make it feel seasonal. Hooray!

I love the huge advent wreath that goes on our porch roof every year. The second candle was lit today. (This photo was from a few years back on Christmas Day, so it shows all five candles lit.)

Note to Self

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Last Weekend's Goal

The main goal last weekend was to help K find a wedding dress. We had shopped a few weekends earlier, but needed this trip to firm up a decision.

Last weekend's goal..... √

The dress is, uh, er, well, it's gorgeous and K looks great in it! That's all I'll say about it now, in case A reads my blog. : )

Here's part of the wedding party shopping party.

Why a photo of this truck? It was just part of the day's fun, as it seemed to lead us a l-o-n-g way across the city!

Oh, Beans!

We're done with the soybean harvest for another year!

These photos are actually from a couple of years ago, and some were taken by M.

God's Creatures--Chipmunk

This is my favorite photo from our Colorado trip.

This little guy was sitting perfectly still along the road on our way down from Pike's Peak. We drove past him, stopped, I got out of the car, approached with camera and took a couple of shots, and STILL he didn't move. Obviously, he didn't want to stop the feast he was having, but finally he decided I was just a little too close and disappeared into the berry-laden bush that was supplying his snack. I hope he came back out to finish what I interrupted!

Wow!

If you don't have time to watch this now (somewhere around 7 minutes), come back later. These girls are awesome!