muses and mudderings

2009-09-25T05:50:00.001-04:00

Whirlpool Jet Boat Adventure

2009-07-28T10:48:00.000-04:00

Camp of the Woods

2009-07-12T21:49:00.002-04:00

Haven't blogged much lately. Hope to soon. Here is a very rough picture montage of our trip to Camp of the Woods. Beth and I had a week of "sister camp" which was a blast. We are working on a joint effort montage but that will take a while!! Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

End of the Year Fun

2009-06-29T14:49:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

09 Field Day at Hamlin Park

2009-06-08T11:54:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Gluten Free AGAIN

2009-05-17T20:31:00.007-04:00

25 years ago I ate gluten-free, caffeine free, sugar free, chemical free and dairy free for a year. The problem was - after a year of eating nothing but twigs and berries, I did not feel any better.

Sleepiness was the overwhelming feeling I had all the time. It was a year of dragging myself through everything I did so it hardly seemed worth continuing. I remember the day I had my first caffeine- a small diet coke from Burger King. My face burned, my hands shook and I thought hmmmmmm- there is something to this. But within 30 minutes I began to feel like myself again. Some energy returned. (If you want the scientific answer read about Type O blood and caffeine.)

Now, looking at my crooked fingers, I wish I had stayed on the gluten free part of the diet. But it's never too late! From what I read, maybe some of the damage to my hands and feet will go away and at the very least they will stop deteriorating.

So that brings me to my temper tantrum. I really don't want to do this. I have gotten lazy about planning for meals and making sure we have everything on hand. The fact that it is almost the end of the school year has something to do with it. I am tired from the big move so this new project feels overwhelming.

To help boost my sense of mission I have been reading accounts of people who have switched to a gluten free lifestyle and the changes in their lives. The stories are very inspiring and a bit scary. "Don't let your sweetheart kiss you if he has been eating pretzels.

Anyway - I am in the preparation phase. Mostly prepare my mind for this big change. Larry said he would eat gluten free for 2 weeks to see if it made a difference for him. Of course that means I will be planning for his mobile food too.

I am grateful for blogs like the one above. It is great to be able to learn some tired and tested tricks instead of having to make all the mistakes myself.

It will be an interesting journey, one I hope to chronicle here - if only for a record of the process. I welcome any input and tips from you gluten free veterans out there!! We have only just begun - again.

States of Matter - Explore & More

2009-05-06T10:15:00.008-04:00

Have you heard of Explore & More Children's Museum in East Aurora? I hope so because it is one of the gems of our area. I remember the start up and the quality programs that were offered even as they began. Now it is an established place with hands on learning activities for children. The price is reasonable and the experience wonderful.

Usually we take the children to the museum each spring. This year we opted for one of the workshops offered by the museum. It was wonderful! AWESOME was a word I heard whispered by the kids as we left the room. Here are some pictures of the workshop.

The topics covered were, matter- what is is, the 3 states of matter, solid-liquid-gas, adding and taking away heat, freezing, melting, evaporation, condensation and sublimation. For teachers looking for a substitute for field trips - these workshops are an option well worth exploring!!

Explore & More - click here to get the official scoop!

Making molecules with gumdrop atoms and toothpick bonds.
Human molecules demonstrating solid, liquid and gas.
How do we turn a solid into a liquid? Add Heat
Does gas really take up space? Making CO2 using baking soda and vinegar.
Using the CO2 to put out the flame.
Creating an implosion by heating and then quickly cooling the gas in a soda can.
Demonstrating sublimation with dry ice.
I'm sure the kids will remember the experience for a long time.
Thank you PTO and Explore & More.

NEW TREES!!

2009-05-05T11:58:00.002-04:00

Most of the morning has been spent running to the window, listening to the "digger machines" 5 feet outside our window and waiting for "our tree" to be planted. We are going to name it and take pictures as it grows!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Jamie Pugh

2009-05-03T14:36:00.003-04:00

Jamie Pugh
Click on Jamie to See Video

I have watched or listened to this video many times.
I am amazed at the courage this man had to actually get up on stage.

Then I read this about his life...
Walesonline
and my admiration increased.
What do you think?

Botanical Gardens

2009-04-23T15:16:00.003-04:00

Three second grade classes boarded the buses for the Buffalo Botanical Gardens 20 minutes after retuning from spring break. It was a cold, rainy day outside but inside was a display of colorful, lively spring. What a treat!!

Susan Boyle - our critical culture

2009-04-18T21:29:00.008-04:00

Susan Boyle

By now everyone has heard Susan Boyle sing. (Click above) I admit I have listened over and over. I just keep dragging the arrow back to (almost) the beginning to hear her sing again.

What has amazed me is the awful comments people feel free to write. I have scoured the net for articles about her. Everyone uses words like dowdy, frumpy, bushy eyebrows, peach fuzz face, ulgy dress, ulgy shoes.

Here is just one example - while talking about the Larry King show..

"I thought we'd never get to Boyle -- but then there she was, in all her un-tweezed glory. And wearing Wilma Flintstone beads, to boot! "
Link

Who have we become as people and what are we teaching our children?

I know the internet has given people a forum to say awful things with no accountability. But what does it say about we value as a people that "we" take the liberty to say awful, mean, hurtful things without blinking an eye?

I saw one article titled "What if Susan Boyle had not had a wonderful voice?"

What if? Was she then worthy of mocking and insults?

What if?

What we fail to recognize is the old adage that when you point a finger at someone there are four fingers pointing back at you.

Our subconscious is powerful!
It can't help but start sending questions to our hearts..

***What about me?
******I don't look like a model...
******I don't sing like a bird...
******I don't have the latest fashions...
******How would I be judged?
******Do I have any worth?

Could this be the reason for the verse...
Judge not lest you be judged?

It all began with one little tug....

2009-04-13T18:43:00.006-04:00

Today was the day to get the salt stains off the flagstone in our front hall. It sounds easy enough- just wash the floor. But for some reason it's not that easy. It usually takes 3-4 washings before the salt is gone. And yes I do use clean water for every swipe.

As I was washing the floor I noticed a dusty baseboard.

And as I was wiping off the dusty base board I noticed a spot on the wallpaper.

And when I tried to wipe the wall paper off I noticed a splitting seam.

And when I tugged on the splitting seam a great big piece of wallpaper came off.
And for some reason I can't just stop and one tug. So I kept tugging right down the stairs. The first layer came off easily but now...
When Larry came home this is what he saw on the front porch. He walked in as I was filling a garbage bag with shreds.
He accused me of trying to hide the evidence and then sighed a big sigh!!

You see last time I tugged - just one little tug- we ended up tugging the wallpaper off in FIVE rooms. You know - one just leads to the other. It's kinda like eating m&m's.

There will be no new wallpaper -EVER- in our house. We are paint people. It's not that I don't appreciate wall paper in other people's houses - just keep that paste away from here!!!
It will take me a few weeks to get the paste washed off of these walls. I don't need any more!!

AREA AND PERIMETER EXPERIMENTS IN SECOND GRADE

2009-04-10T19:04:00.006-04:00

We started with several "buildings" labeled A-F. The children cut 2 inch pink strips for measuring the perimeter and 4 inch squares for measuring the area of each building. Each group had a basket of strips, a basket of squares, one pencil and one recording sheet.

To make sure the measurements were as close as possible, children were given wider 2 inch strips which they then cut into "toothpick" size strips. I also copied inch graph paper with darker lines to show 4 square inches. Those sheets were copied on different colors for each group so they could keep their materials separate from other groups.

Kids used 2 inch strips to measure the perimeter of each "building".
Counting by 4's to figure out the area in square inches.

Recording the findings.
Recording sheet was simply

Group _____
Building A
Area - ________ square inches

Perimeter - _______inches

Building B
Area - ________ square inches

Perimeter - _______inches

...... through Building F

See more of the action in the Smilebox production below.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Oh No Not AGAIN!!

2009-04-05T19:20:00.004-04:00

I am getting a "getting old" complex!!

One day last week my car took me to my normal morning stop. The new Tim Horton's on Southwestern is now my Timmies of choice since it is less than a mile from our house.

I was later than usual which meant the garbage truck was blocking the drive thru! After a few "it never fails" I parked and actually went in to the establishment to get my fix for the morning.
Yes- it is true, I can not function until I have downed my extra large, double cream, double cup, tanker of coffee.

Having lost my most of my voice, I croaked out my order. A sweet young man (not pictured above) smiled and went off to get my elixir. Putting my order in the register he said "With your discount for being such a YOUNG lady, your order comes to ..."
It took me a minute to realize I had just been given the SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT!!! Choking on my own spit, I asked him at what age the discount started. He told me 55. (Thank goodness- I was expecting 65) I told him I had not quite reached that age yet but I appreciated the discount. He gave me a look like "who are you kidding lady" and handed me my coffee.

Driving to work found me entertaining all kinds of get young quick ideas. I could get a Mohawk, dye my hair green, get 11 or 12 piercings, start taking HGH, have several surgeries or ..... deal with it!! Hand me the cards, I think I'll deal!!

Footnote: all of the pic above were scrounged from the net and are not a true representation of the characters in this crime scene!!

Chalking Embellishements

2009-03-28T19:21:00.003-04:00

When you want a different look for embellishments or cards, try using chalks. Below is a Smilebox sideshow which shows you the project step by step.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Make Personalized Stationary

2009-03-27T12:04:00.015-04:00

I love personalized stationary .
Fine Stationary
Paper Wink

One of my favorite presents was a box of "Sharon Markell" stationary on extra white, heavy cardstock. The treasures in the box included a variety of cards, note pads, gift cards, post cards, note cards etc. Some were printed with my intials, some first name and some my full name. When I got married I put the box away, figuring I would use it up "later".

Almost fifteen years later, I unearthed the box while cleaning out the basement. It brought back memories of how much I enjoyed using the stationary. Personalized stationary makes a great gift.

Making cards for Tasha was a lot of fun. I wouldn't want to make 10 or 20 of each one though. It would take a long time. However in the day of scanners and color printers, making personalized stationary is as easy as buying quality paper, ink and choosing 1-2 favorite designs.

The cards were made by printing the base paper with green ink, stamping with versa mark ink and embossing with shiny green embossing powder. The "Tasha" paper was run through the Xyron before embossing but next time I would wait until after embossing.

Once you scan the designs, you can resize and recolor to make different types of cards. It is important to have a VERY CLEAN design because the scanner will pick up all the flaws.

If you don't want to use your own paper and ink you can order from VISTA PRINT!! Have you discovered them yet?
Vista Print

You upload your design to their website and for a very reasonable price you have your own set of cards. My plan for the weekend is to order 4 sets for gifts. I'll let you know how they turn out!!

Hmmm! This young lady does not look too happy!!!

But look what a few years will do!!!

Traditions ~ The Sap is Running

2009-03-22T11:22:00.013-04:00

~~TRADITIONS~~

We all know family traditions are important. When we were first married, I tried to be very intentional about establishing traditions. What I found was that most of the ideas out there revolve around families bigger than 2!! Many of the suggestions are focused on kids. Somewhere along the way I forgot about establishing traditions. Looking back, our traditions have naturally evolved out of living through the seasons with Larry who loves events of all kinds!

St. Patrick's Day at the Buffalo Irish Center and going to the sugar bush during Maple Weekend are two of our favorite traditions. This year we chose Moores in Freedom, NY. We decided to leave early since last year arriving at 1pm put us right in the middle of the crowds.

First we had breakfast at the pancake house. Best pancakes I have ever had!! Thin, eggy and hot- more like crepes than heavy pancakes. Then we left on the wagon for the woods. It is so peaceful to be in the woods on a crisp, sunny morning!!
I couldn't NOT take this picture. I'm sure most of you had the same thing come to mind that I did...

Two roads converged in the woods... And I took the road less traveled... And that has made the difference! Robert Frost.

Here we are learning that adding a vacuum pump at the end of the lines increases the sap flow by upwards of 50%.

Did I say it was CRISP?? read COLD!!

Cold

and BEAUTIFUL!!

Down the road from Moores there was a field full of junk. Someday I will blog about how drawn I feel to these places. My grandma's maiden name was PICkUP!!

Where other people see an ugly mess I see a collage of life and possibilities. Who know what secrets can be revealed by exploring such places.

A weathered gardening hutch slumped in the middle of the muddle. I wanted a picture! (Truth is I wanted to take home the gardening hutch but that was not an option!) Larry turned the car around and we went back so I could take pictures only to find my batteries were dead. Maybe I can convince him we need to go back for more pancakes.

Next blog- What' on my bookshelf these days??

I am trying to learn layers and having a hard time teaching myself!!!
and
Vicki Spandell says that when kids draw in preparation for writing they have composed a story, plot and all before ever writing a word. With all the focus on push push push - this is a concept we need to pay attention to!!

Like Mama Like Daughter!!

2009-03-12T21:20:00.004-04:00

Which one is the mama??

Almost a year ago!

CARDS FOR SOLDIERS

2009-03-08T20:41:00.006-04:00

My friend Debbie has gotten very involved with anysoldier.com. She communicates regularly with several soldiers, some who are moms with young children back in the states.
One thing I never thought about is how hard it is for soldiers to find cards, birthday, anniversary etc.. There are no local Hallmark stores in Iraq.
Debbie asked me if I could come up with some simple designs for cards that could be made quickly. These are my first attempts.
The base papers are made on glossy white card stock or matte colored card stock with Adirondack Inks. I LOVE the effects of the inks. So different than inks that blend. They react very differently on matte papers. The effect is much more muted.
It was hard to capture the true colors in the photos. They are brighter than the pictures show.

This is my favorite.

I am working on a way to send the sentiments separately from the cards. If we sent an assortment of xyroned sentiments, soldiers could use any card for any occasion.

Go Ahead- Burst My Bubble

2009-02-22T22:58:00.015-05:00

I haven't been very concerned about my age. Sure my eyes are wrinkled and my fingers are getting knobby, but I assumed I was still blending in with the 30-something set. Wasn't it just a month ago, on New Year's Eve, that Candace asked me if I was 29?
The events of Saturday night caused a cosmic shift in my perspective. We went to see The Sadies at the Bug Jar . I've mentioned before that life with Larry is an adventure and this jaunt was no different. Always early, we arrived an hour before the doors opened. Once inside, we discovered that the bug jar consists of the bar area and the adjoining "concert hall" which is about as big as my parents living room. Standing room only.

There were only 6 other people in the bar when we arrived. Larry was thrilled. He was able to watch sound check, talk to the band and get autographs while I sat at the bar drinking seltzer water and watching the Sabres. Looking around I noticed that except for the bartender(below), I was by far the oldest person in the place. The more I looked at the bartender, the more I thought he was younger than me too!

As the first band ended, we bravely made our way to the front about 3 feet from the speakers- big mistake!! . Once the music began, I remembered what amazing musicians these 4 men are and how much I dislike!! being in a crowd so close that if one person sways everybody sways!

After the 4th song I headed for the back. How I squeezed through the 6 inches people gave me to pass by is a miracle. Finding no standing room in back I made my way to a big empty table on the side of the bar.

For a while I felt a bit awkward. After all, I was sitting in a public place, alone, surrounded by fun loving "kids". I cleaned out the messages on my phone, downloaded Solitaire, updated my Facebook page, checked in with Beth and glanced around the room once in a while.

To my left there was a group playing pool. I especially noticed a blonde, good looking guy who had dimples just like Ladd Beach. He seemed to be the community builder of the group.

After a while the awkward feelings vanished. My head started bobbing to the music while my fingers drummed the table. I started trying to figure out the scenarios playing out on the "stage" before me.

My attention captured by a particularly animated couple, I didn't see the man walking toward my table. Suddenly, leaning over, looking right into my eyes, was Mr. Dimples. Without an introduction he said "We (pointing to the pool players) can't stop talking about you, we love you."

OK -this got my attention. I didn't know whether to laugh, give him my best "no bullying" speech or call 911. It was his next words that cut deep!!

He said something like "You are an older person in a bar that is CLEARLY for young people, and yet you are having fun and you're TEXTING" as he pointed to my phone "and we love you for it."

I wish I could remember his exact words because it was even more clear that the "boys"(men?) who couldn't stop talking about me, were wondering why Grandma Moses was taking sitting at a table in their "home bar", texting her friends.

We went on to have a short but fun conversation that covered topics from sleeping at rest stops to playing pool for a living to dimples. When he mentioned that he had graduated from college 12 years ago, my stomach flipped.This man who considered my an "older person" in a young person's bar was not 21 or 22! He was 31 or 32! So much for blending in with the 30-somethings.

I sat there trying to analyze what really prompted the conversation. Did they wonder if I was a private eye, a senile lady who had lost her way or worse? I decided to accept the "kindness" at face value. It isn't every day that a good looking, dimpled, pool playing 30-something man tells you he and his friends love you.

As the band was finishing their last song, I had a burning desire to color my hair and contact my doctor for a face lift !

As we were leaving, I found my dimpled friend and thanked him for coming over to chat saying "You made my night..." He gave me a hug and kiss and we were on our way.

Chances are I will never encounter Mr. Dimples again but every time I think of him I will smile. Unusual surprises are rare at 53!! Now excuse me - I am calling my hairdresser and taking out a second mortgage for a face lift!!

THE BOXROOM CHILDREN

2009-02-17T05:12:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

MY PARKDALE VALENTINES

2009-02-16T23:10:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Valentines with Computer Text as Background

2009-02-05T22:36:00.009-05:00

Most of us like to see our name in print. While in San Francisco, I checked out "Sharon" mugs, prison tee shirts, license plates and snow globes on the chacha shelves. Though I didn't buy any of the "beauties", it was fun to see my name in print. However, some names are left out of the souvenir "game".
"Tasha" is one of those names you can not find in souvenir shops. My niece has never seen her name on key chains, or tee shirts, snow globes or mugs. I decided I would find one "Tasha" bib, spoon or prison issue pair of underwear. (Alcatraz)
Unfortunately, I came home empty handed. "Tasha" was no where to be found!! When it came time to make Valentines, I remembered our conversation and decided it was time for Tasha to see her name in print. She has a wonderful husband named Scott and two beautiful girls, Ellie and Delaney. I thought it would be fun to include their names too!!

Step 1- Print name(s) in desired color on card stock or good quality paper. I found out you can not emboss photo paper, the film coating burns.

Step 2- Stamp and/or emboss over of names
Step 3, cut out stampings and put pieces through Xyron if desired

Step 4- Create cards
Step 5 - Get an early start on St. Patrick's Day

If you have a great idea for using text with stamping,
post a comment, picture or link!!

More Valentine Cards

2009-02-01T23:27:00.009-05:00

***Tab and Allison are the TAG winners.
Congrats ladies - enjoy your tags.

Valentine Cards
**Valentine give-away coming soon!!!

I am having trouble with my flash.
Sorry that thec olors in the pictures are a bit weird.

The above base cards were made with the homemade stamp below and acrylic paint. The yellow is a piece of styrofoam with 5 sticky foam hearts stuck one on top of the other and then a felt heart attached to the top. It took me a while to figure out how wet the felt needed to be.
The base paper for the embossed pieces was made by cleaning the foam brush I used to reink the felt heart. I made 5 or 6 sheets and did not need to add paint. I purposely left lots of while space and use a variation of swirls and lines. Below is the sheet after some images had been embossed before cutting.

Steps in Heart Card

2009-02-01T03:44:00.009-05:00

Here are the steps for making the heart card from the previous post. It is a fun card to make because depending on the colors you choose and your painting, each set of cut outs will look very different.

Be sure to use a very wet embossing ink or the image will not be solid because the watercolor paper is bumpy. It takes lots of pressure on the stamp to get a good image to emboss. I used VersaMark clear and put extra ink on it. I used clear embossing powder but it looks a bit pink because my VersaMark pad is stained.

1. Emboss shapes on water color paper

2. Use water colors or reinkers as paint. Choose 2 or 3 colors that will blend.
3. Cover the entire surface of the papers with water. Let soak for 2-3 minutes. Don't let it dry!
4. Paint random areas of color- let the paint blend in some areas.

5. After painting, wipe off only the embossed areas. You don't want the paint to dry on the embossing.

Embossed areas should "pop" after they are cleaned.

6. Cut out shapes, leave a tiny border or non at all.
7. Finish the card- lots of possibilities!!
I used a cotton applicator to wipe left over paint on the edges of the card and stamped the word "Love".

The red is not part of the card, it is the background I used so the card would show up in the picture.

Making Valentine Cards

2009-02-01T01:55:00.004-05:00

It's that time again. Time to make valentines. One Zillion Valentines is my favorite children's book for inspiring kids to make valentines. I found some cute ANIMAL VALENTINE PATTERNS. These were my first two attempts.

Steps for making this watercolor heart valentine are in the next entry.

And one more tag. I found a jar of fabric beads in the clearance bin. It is really beads mixed with glue. It works great on paper too. I wanted an uneven edge, but it would be easy to use a template to create a shape or straight line with the beads. It was fun to "play" with.

I Don't Like to Make Cards!!

2009-01-29T21:17:00.010-05:00

Believe it or not- I really don't like to make cards. I LOVE to make all the stuff that goes on cards. But actually putting the cards together- committing to an end product is not fun for me. So the way I go about things is probably very different than most people.
First I decide what color(s) I want to work with. Then I just start and make a bunch of stuff. I keep the little pieces in muffin tins and I end up with baskets and paper plates and bowls full of flowers, shapes, squares, strips and misc.. I experiment with embossing, resist, chalk and whatever else strikes me at the moment. Sometimes I want to work with squares sometimes with circles. I keep everything handy but limit the colors.
Sometimes I run a bunch of 5 inch paper through the Xyron before I start, other times I put the cut outs through the Xyron. This set of cards were "thank yous" for my mom's funeral. I ended up making about 125 different cards. No two were the same. It was my small tribute to her. She was a paper-crafter long before anyone had heard of paper-crafting.
Once I have a bunch of stuff made, I make a deal with myself. I will decide that I have to finish 10 cards before I can "play". For some reason making the "stuff" seems like play and actually putting the cards together seems like work.
The cord on the side was tied around each card. We printed each thank you note in orange/gold, two to a page. Once the notes were cut and folded, we slipped them under the cord and attached the back sheet with a glue dot. My dad and I both appreciated being able to type rather than handwrite the notes.
Some of you practical types are wondering why I would spend time making stuff I wasn't sure I was going to use. The handy thing about working the way I do is nothing ever goes to waste. I keep all the leftovers and paper scraps in double shoeboxes. I have one box for each color.
When I was done working with yellow and orange, I put it all away in the bin. The next time I want to work with those colors I will have a head start.
The other nice thing is I can run downstairs and put a card together very quickly using leftovers. If I have forgotten an event or a celebration a handmade card is never more than a few leftovers away!!
Another time saver is to print the message on photo paper. I printed "Thank You" in several different fonts, colors and backgrounds. I usually put a border around making it easier to cut out. Then I ran the printed sheets through the Xyron before cutting.

Thanks for stopping by!!

COMING SOON!!
Valentines for kids- to make for them or with them!!

Toronto or Bust

2009-01-29T06:29:00.005-05:00

We are headed back to Toronto for Valentine's Day. Larry got second row seats for the Jim Cuddy Band concert at Massey Hall. He sat at the computer, hand poised on the mouse watching the clock. He was able to connect 17 seconds after the tickets went on sale.

We don't have a hotel yet but I hope it is closer to the venue that the place we stayed for New Years!! That was quite the trek on a night when cabs were not stopping. Here is the famous Horseshoe Tavern. I was a bit surprised when we arrived. Doesn't look like a concert venue but the place has tons of history with pic on the walls to prove it!!

The Sadies,(below) the group we saw on New Years, are playing at the Bug Jar in Rochester on Feb. 21st. We thought it would be fun to get a bunch of people together to go. Not many people from the states know them but they are amazing if you like "rockabilly". So if you would like to join us.. Sue-Dr. Martin- Chris- Jim- and anyone else....

We met Candace and Johnny waiting in line. We ended up sitting together and had a great time. Candace in all her innocence said something like "you look like you are 29". Ok- I admit it. I could have kissed her but... considering it was New Year's Eve- everyone probably looked like they were 29. It was an amazing concert- 67 songs. It was also about 105 degrees inside and we were close to the stage so the lights made it hotter.

If two oldies and two youngsters can have a great time together - it must have been a great show!!

Larry is now on a mission to find CD's from The Goodbrothers. They are an older group- relatives of the Sadies, dad and uncles I think. The man is in the wrong business!!

Coming soon- Loads of Thank You cards in one color scheme.

Tags in Action

2009-01-28T22:11:00.006-05:00

Are you wanting your gift to look different than the rest???
Tags in action.

Check out the previous post
"Tags Tags and more Tags" and the tag give away!!

*** Check out Big Lots and Dollar tree.
I paid a dollar or less for each skein of yarn.

Tags, Tags and More Tags

2009-01-28T07:40:00.009-05:00

Martha Stewart's Christmas magazine had a picture of gift tags with the person's picture rather than their name. I loved the idea and my wheels started turning with ideas for gift tags. In December I took a package of tags to my dentist when I had to go in on a Saturday morning for an emergency. Monday she told me they are still on her dining room table- too pretty to use or put away.

***See "Tag Give Away" at end of blog.

I baked muffins for the neighbors and attached the above tags with lots of curly ribbon and buttons.

Dollar General has packs of precut scrapbooking scraps perfect for tags. One dollar for the package. Paper is in 5 intense colors. The gold above is one of the colors.

These are ready to decorate. I usually put the yarn on after the tag is finished but we had to travel on Sunday and I needed a project for the car.

The buttons give the tags a finished look.

When I give them as gifts I will include an idea sheet for using them on packages.

I love the design of this card because you can make it in any colorand it is appropriate for anyone. The dots on the black were made with the eraser on a new pencil and Versa Mark ink embossed in black. The dots on the white were made with a black Dotta-riffic marker.

Happy Creating!!

For more tag ideas click on "My Studio" or "Snow Day".
Scroll down on each page for tags.

***Tag Give Away- Two readers will win a set of 6 tags. Names will be picked randomly from entries. To enter, submit a comment using the word "tag" in a phrase or saying. Names to be picked Sunday, at half time of the Super Bowl.

You're What?? Packing your classroom??

2009-01-27T21:46:00.005-05:00

Common conversation lately...
x- What's going on in your life s?
S- Well the main thing taking my time right now is packing my classroom to move by Feb. 13.
(Blank stare puzzled look) followed by
x- Oh- been to any good concerts?
or
x- Why would you do that?
or
x- Oh- well it was good to see you!

I guess only another teacher could understand the enormity of the task.Packing a classroom and moving in the summer is one thing, but teaching all day and then packing until ... and then doing it all again the next day is .... well... is hmmmm......

The most interesting thing is most of us will arrive back to our "moved"
classroom about 30 minutes before the kids arrive on Feb. 26th.

Sometimes the boxes are jumbled and so am I. Thank goodness Larry has come in to help several times. Today when I went to record spelling grades I realized I had packed my gradebook and kept out an empty notebook that looks like my gradebook. OOOppps. Report cards are due Monday. I will have to find that gradebook!

Our new classrooms are smaller than our old ones so I will need to weed out. It is easier for me to do that when I am in the new space.

It's going to be an interesting couple months. Maybe I'll just move to Australia! I'm sure Alexander will let me live at his house!! :)

(If you are wondering about that last comment- Google Judith Viorst)

101 DALMATIONS

2009-01-22T12:55:00.001-05:00

Today was our 2nd grade musical. Whew. Our music teacher Heather is amazing!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Off My Chest

2009-01-20T19:20:00.009-05:00

I really don't like to talk politics. In fact I hate to talk politics. Maybe it's because politics are so divisive, maybe because there are few black and white issues, or maybe because of the emotion behind such discussions.

However, today is an important day in our nation's history. I recognize the enormous struggle and sacrifice that has allowed a black man to become president. It was moving and heart wrenching to watch tears streaming down the faces of older African Americans, wondering what all they had lived through to be standing at this place in history.

In the past few weeks I have taught my students about Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King. My eyes welled with tears as I read "Nettie's Trip South" about a young girl from the north who travels to the south and sees a slave auction where children are sold like cattle.

While recognizing the enormity of today's events, it has been a day of conflicting emotions for me.
Joy and great sadness
Pride and embarrassment
Hope and hopelessness

As I walked in the door tonight I caught the end of the Glenn Beck show as Glenn was saying thank you to outgoing President Bush. He took the risk to thank a man who has become our nations whipping boy. Below is the letter I wrote to Glenn in response to his comments.

I post this with caution, knowing many people think very differently than I do. In the current climate I often feel silenced by the "in crowd". At work, I was laughed at when I expressed my thoughts about the man ready to throw his shoes at President Bush.

It is not my wish to start a discussion only to be "unsilenced" for a few moments.

Dear Glenn,

Thank you - thank you - thank you - for taking the time on your show today to thank President Bush. You said so many things that I have wanted to say!

I do recognize the amazing shift in our culture as President Obama takes office. It is hard to imagine the affirmation felt by people who have had to fight so hard for freedom and then equality. However, I am saddened that such a great day in our nation has been diluted by those that still feel the need to malign President Bush.

As I watched the ceremonies, I tried to imagine the emotions of George and Laura Bush. I thought about what it would be like to watch the people of our great country continue to abuse my husband while at the same time talking about renewing respect for the office of the president. I wondered how it would feel to day after day wrestle with heart wrenching decisions, do your best only to be abused by the people you are working for.

My heart ached when I saw the pictures of a man ready to throw shoes at President Bush. He was in Washington to celebrate change but ready to attack. Then there was the pictures of all the shoes on the sidewalk outside the White House. What does such disrespect say to our enemies? How would the press cover such disrespect of President Obama?

My heart ached when I learned that some had taken the opportunity of "change" to chant the familiar sports chant "na, na goodbye" at President Bush. Is this putting behind us the immaturity that has plagued politics, as then candidate Obama said in his acceptance speech?

My heart ached when I listened to President Obama, who said this was a time for putting away childish things, hammer away at President Bush's performance. He struck me as an inexperienced, younger man, whose idealism allows him to discredit those who have walked the road he is about to walk.

As I watched the inauguration with my second graders, I watched people crying tears of jubilation. I too was crying for a nation that allowed the press to convince them that a moral, upstanding, caring man, one who has made hard choices to protect our country should be tried for war crimes.

My prediction is that within a year, President Obama will ask for powers that are distasteful to some. He will tell the public he needs such powers to keep our country safe. The press and the citizens will then give him a "pass" for the actions similar to those that George Bush has been vilified for.

As President Bush said to you. "No one knows what it takes to be president of our country." He's right!! President Obama may want to reconsider some of his words from his speech today once his finger is on the trigger and it is his decision alone which way to go.

As much as I have wanted to to be angry, as I have wanted to pound my fists about the double standard that exists in the press , as I have wanted to confront those who maligned President Bush for 8 years and who now want me to fall in line behind President Obama, I am reminded that Martin Luther King believed that only LOVE would overcome.

I believe, it is George and Laura Bush who have exemplified the values of Dr. King during this transition, President Obama has mentioned this himself. The Bush's have been gracious while being abused. They have been loving and helpful while being mocked and worse. They have been dignified and affirming of a new president who at times has overstepped his position.

I too, choose to respect and pray for our new president. I will pray for his success and safety. I will pray for the wounds in our country to be healed and for change on Capital Hill. While I hate the childish actions of the very people calling for change, I have to believe that in the end, LOVE is the only choice for those who really want change.

So again, thank you for having the guts to salute a wonderful, honorable man at a time when it has become fashionable to slam him. In a climate where hating President Bush makes you part of the "in crowd", you took the risk to share your heart. Thank you for saying what many heartland Americans would like to have said on this important day.

Sincerely,
Sharon L. Markell-Fien

I love saying "my studio"!

2009-01-18T21:57:00.011-05:00

Ever since I saw a picture of Mary Englebriet's studio, workroom etc., I wanted a creative place of my own!!

I have no idea why this is underlining but....

A few years ago I had a well organized area, that worked exactly the way I wanted it to and then.... the basement flooded.

It took me awhile to get up and running again but I did it. Again, I had a well organized area, that worked exactly the way I wanted it to and then.... the basement flooded again.

So now I am at it for the third time- trying to create a well organized area, that works exactly the way I want it to and hope that.... the basement never floodsagain.

This is my work table. Two hours before this pic was taken there was a nice big workspace with everything organized at hand. This is the result of my work style. When I end up with about 6 inches of workspace, it is time to stop, tidy up, put stuff away and make room.

I love AMVETS. They always have something I didn't know I needed until I walk in the store. I think God leaves me little presents in that store. Two years ago I bought a new Lands End barn coat for 7.49 and I have been wearing it ever since. Below is my 6.98 table on wheels. In the store it looked so small I thought it would roll under the table - ha!!! But I can pull it up to the edge of the table so I am sitting in a square!!

The dartboard doubles as a display/inspiration area.

I discovered YOUTUBE how-to videos. This is an acetate and tissue paper project I learned on YOUTUBE!! Gotta love the WEB!!

Here are some other fun projects I have been working on.

I have this pic hanging on the post (below) by my work table. Age is a weird thing. Sometimes when I look in the mirror I am not sure it's me. This picture reminds me of life at 21!! I was a senior in college and had a lot on my mind!! I love this pic for many reasons. The coat was a hand-me-down from our friends grandmother. It was spring of my senior year- I was about to go "conquer" the world. Anyway, what better place to remember who you are than in a room meant for creative play????

"BIG" STUFF PICTURE POST

2008-12-29T01:03:00.011-05:00

Since most of the snow from the big storm has turned into flood waters, it is time to post something new here. I don't have any burning issues to discuss so I thought you might like to this mishmash of stuff from the past week!!
(Please notice Sandy's address at the rehab hospital is on the right side.)

BIG D - Are these not the most adorable pictures you have ever seen?? Delaney is one!!! See her proud momma's post here. Tasha's post.
BIG L - Hmmmm!! Hamming it up at Christmas!
BIG J - Chris and "Little Jimmy" (Little as in 6'-5"+)BIG H- Hockey Skates. Larry is skating for the second time in 14 years. He's like a kid in a candy store!! (but much more sore!!)
BIG P - Parents or Patience!!! I watched this dad for 30 minutes. His son refused to move his feet and wanted to be picked up. The dad just kept encouraging and teasing and skating around the little boy. By the time we left the little guy had gone all the way around the rink a couple times with the cone and even skated a little bit on his own. No wonder NHL players always thank their parents!!BIG F- FEET The last day of school was PJ Day. Billy's slippers were the biggest!!
BIG SD- SNOWDAYS Friday and Monday were SNOWDAYS for most schools in our area. I had time to play and have fun wrapping gifts for our support staff at school. The silver package at the top of the page is my favorite! What a gift of time the snowdays were!! I slept a LOT and worked on getting our basement usable again and played!!

It's time for BIG S - SLEEP!! Hopefully the sandman will visit soon!!

SNOWDAY!!!

2008-12-22T09:42:00.003-05:00

I hadn't ventured outside since Thursday.
Friday was a snowday-no school.
I wondered why schools were going to be
closed on Monday too.
Then we went out to shovel. WOW!!

That's life in Buffalo!!

SECOND GRADERS SING AT THE NURSING HOME

2008-12-16T16:27:00.003-05:00

Our class and Miss Wright's class went to the nursing home to sing for the residents. We made starburst ornaments to give each person. The kids didn't say much before we went but we practiced looking people in the eye and saying "Merry Christmas".

Lisa and I did not realize how important it had become to the children to be able to connect with at least one person. By the time we got to the third room there were children expressing disappointment that they had not been able to give an ornament yet.

At one point I looked up and Billy had made his way through a maze of wheelchairs and was handing out ornaments. Most of the kids were too scared to go to the back to hand out ornaments. It is true we are all gifted differently. Billy obviously has the interpersonal gifts!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

50th Post!!

2008-12-15T10:36:00.006-05:00

Somewhere I read that on your 50th day of posting or in your 50th post you are supposed to share 50 things about yourself you think your friends and family might not know!

My favorite colors all come from the red and blue families.

I love to play with paper, paint, glue, etc..

I am a random thinker

I have a hard time reading written directions.

I am great at following picture directions.

I love to cook 5 or 6 times a year.

I love to read good fiction but hardly ever do.

I often read the end of a book after I have read the first 3 chapters.

I enjoy movies more if I already know the ending.

I love to color.

I try to follow recipes but I never do. I can't stop myself from adding some weird ingredient.

I have a very poor sense of time. I don't know if something will take me 5 minutes or 5 hours.

I went to the hospital on Christmas Eve when I was 1. I have the trach scar to prove it.

I mix up my right and left, especially when you ask me which way to turn.

Now I just point in the direction you should go.

I love to fold laundry.

I hate to put laundry away.

My 3rd grade teacher told my parents if she ever had another student like me she would quit teaching!

I love Christmas movies.

I believe ADD has it's benefits!!

I am hard to wake up!

I love to be near on the water. ocean, lakes, ponds, rivers, boats, tubes

I can often tell what a person is on the Myers Briggs just by talking to them.

Some days I think I will be an art teacher when I grow up and retire.

I can't balance a checkbook.

Big crowds give me the willies!!

My mom put flowers and candles on the table almost every night.

I am married to a man who should be a concierge.

I am allergic to most trees, grasses, weeds and herbs.

I dropped my purse in the dolphin pool at the aquarium.

8 year olds can drive bumper boats better than me.

I love roller coasters but ferris wheels make me crazy.

I went tubing last summer and couldn't move the next day.

Camp of the Woods was my favorite place when I was a kid.

Once I leaned against an electric fence in a barn yard. My shoes stayed in the manure pile as instinct told me to run!

When I was about 10 my brother in law taught me about football. I loved him so I loved football and still do.

Larry and I probably would have never met if the Bills had not gone to their fourth super bowl.

I cried driving home from the Stith's house after we lost the first super bowl!

In graduate school my professor read off the names of the people giving presentations during class. I was shocked to hear I was 3rd on the list. I had no idea. I came up with an outline during the first 2 and got up and talked for 30 minutes. I got an A. I wouldn't want to do it again though.

I talk to myself.

I can take 100 pictures in about 5 minutes- given the right subject.

I color code things in rainbow order because it's the only way I can remember what the order is supposed to be.

I love most technology!

I hate junk mail and newspapers.

I wish FACEBOOK had been around when I was in college.

Martha Stewart does not live at, nor has she visited my house.

I love to decorate for holidays- wish I had more time.

I love cheater recipes.

I love short cuts of any kind.

I tell everyone about "Bar Keepers Friend"! It was the answer to my Yahoo question about how to get an etched bathtub clean!

Disclaimer- this list does not reflect my values-
it does reflect the random wanderings of my mind at 2am when I can't sleep.

Jambo!!!

2008-12-13T04:30:00.009-05:00

Update on Sandy
Good News- Sandy is well enough to leave the hospital tomorrow. Stacy and Barclay will be driving her to a skilled nursing facility near their house. Please pray for a safe trip for them as she is very weak.

There is a wonderful site called Caring Bridge which offers a place for families to update people on a family member's condition without having to make lots of phone calls. Tasha started a beautiful page for Sandy. You can find it here.

Sandy's Caring Bridge Page

Thank you for your concern and prayers!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you to my sweet husband Larry!!!

As some of you know I have always loved to decorate for Christmas. But since my mom died we have not decorated or put up a tree. Larry overheard me telling someone that I didn't think I would put one up this year either. When I got home from work on Thursday, he greeted me at the door and told me to close my eyes. When I opened them in the living room, the tree was up and lighted and almost all decorated. It is amazing how calming and peaceful it is to sit by the tree, a time to remember all the wonderful past holidays. Thank you so much Larry!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------
On a lighter note

Karen D. posted a link to the 12 Days of Christmas video below. Once I listened I was hooked. The harmony is amazing.

Larry went to 5 stores today to try to find the CD. All said they had sold out days ago except for Record Theater. They had one copy left. The songs remind me of the rich music at Houghton which I miss!! The 12 Days reminds me of the classic crazy antics from the Houghton '77 singers with their wonderful rendition of "Trees shall Clap their Hands!!"

P.S. My next post will be my 50th. I have heard that it has become a tradition to post 50 things people might not know about you in your 50th post. I'm working on it!!

12 Days of Christmas - YouTube link- find more of their songs
Enjoy.

LETTER FROM HEATHER

2008-12-11T18:24:00.002-05:00

This letter from Heather is the latest update on Sandy.

Dear Friends and Family -

Thank you so much for your encouragment, notes, prayers, offers of care, etc. My sisters and I have been thrust into a new reality that is taking our breath away, but also causing on us to hold tightly to one another, appreciate each moment of life and health that we have and turn our faith into a tangible waiting on God - trusting that He will guide our mother and us through each turn and step.

Without going into too many details, physically and mentally she is at about 10% of what she was prior to the accident. Mentally, she goes from a completely aware conversation to sound asleep, to rambling about completely zany topics, not making sense at all. Physically, she is recovering simply being moved from the bed to a chair and not any real mobility on her own. She has stabilized to the point of the hospital looking to release her early next week and thankfully we have a facility near my sister Stacy's home in Philly which will take her in to start a rehab program. Today was the first encouraging day - with her feeding herself and even trying a few assisted steps.

And so, we ask specifically for your prayers:

1) that she would climb steadily up the recovery incline, gaining strength and clarity to the point of complete rehabilitation

2) that her timeline would coincide with her insured timeline, so that she is not forced to turn over her assets, sell her home, etc. in order to stay under the short term care she needs, not even knowing what longterm will look like

3) that she would find joy in the journey set before her- and on clear moments that is her prayer, "God help me to find joy in my suffering"

4) for my sister Stacy's peace and joy in her new role on top of her other hats (wife, mother of 5 homeschooled children and women's ministry position)

5) for wisdom for us in deciding whether or not to pursue legal counsel which everyone is suggesting but feels unsettling and overwhelming on top of every other overwhelming detail

Thank you for caring for her and us. Even in the midst of our tragedy, we celebrate:

1) Being by her side, Caressing and kissing her, telling her everything on our hearts and loving her in such a tangible way, singing with her, praying with her, laughing and crying together

2) Cherishing her and the strong woman she has always been

3) Being in a city where we were able to reconnect with an aunt, cousin and second cousin and having their company and support

4) Basically free lodging for over two weeks for the three of us, provided by a non-profit group at the hospital and right next to the hospital so we were able to get there early and stay late each day

5) Husbands and family and friends watching over our own families while we've been away

6) Beautiful, loving and tender care for her by the hospital staff

7) Loving friends and family offering their hearts and carrying the burden with us

8) A faith passed on to us by our mother, enabling us to lift our heads each day, confident that a loving God is right with her and us and that there is a picture much bigger than the one our little fragile eyes can see......

Thank you and bless you and may your home be filled with joy and worship this holiday season (and for the first year, I now have an excuse as to why I don't have my Christmas cards in the mail........I had to send out my mom's!)

Love,

Heather

SANDY - WED. DEC. 10TH

2008-12-10T11:32:00.005-05:00

I don't have many details but...
* Sandy was out of surgery last night and "OK"
* There is some confusion about how well the thumb will heal
* The biggest concern is her cognitive ability-
some days are better than others,
but the overall trend is that she is less able to
think,process and communicate than
she was right after the accident.

Obviously this is very concerning to the family...
But...we serve a big God and he knows best.

Please pray that Sandy will get the best
and appropriate care for her specific needs.

SANDY'S CONDITION UPDATE Sun. 12/7

2008-12-07T12:54:00.009-05:00

Sunday- what a difference a day makes!! Sandy woke up with a TO DO List for Tasha! They got lots done today before Tasha headed back to Chicago tonight.

Surgery is postponed until Tuesday or Wednesday. Pray for Sandy and the girls as they won't be together for a while!!

Saturday was a tough day for Sandy and Tasha. She did not recognize Tasha and only knew who Carol was after some coaxing. She was running a fever around 102 and was very confused when talking.

Monday is a critical day. Sandy is supposed to have surgery on her thumb but with a fever, Tasha was not sure what would happen. Going under anesthesia is risky for someone with brain injury. The doctor warned the girls that the days following surgery will be difficult. Sandy may be even more confused and difficult to wake up than when the accident first happened.

The girls see God's care in little ways every day. Kind words from an aide or an attentive nurse that takes action when it is needed, mean so much.

It is clear that the road to recovery will be long and hard for Sandy. She is beginning to understand that fact. On Friday Sandy prayed that God would give her JOY in the midst of all her struggles. What a great example to all of us!! I pray that we would all find the faith to ask for JOY each day in the midst of whatever mess we find ourselves!!!

We give thanks for the Hospitality House. They are offering a place to rest and be safe for the girls. I cried when I watched the video. I am glad they care so much!!

Hospitality House

SANDY-QUICK UPDATE

2008-12-05T07:18:00.002-05:00

Good Morning!!
I talked to Tasha last night. She said Sandy is stable but there are some changes that could be concerns. As with all brain injuries things change day by day, hour by hour and sometimes minute by minute.

Sandy was supposed to be moved out of the ICU yesterday but was not. There is some difficulty waking her up at times. Tasha said yesterday the nurse had to use a "sternum rub" to wake her up. This must be very painful because Sandy is so bruised.

Stacy is going home for the weekend. She has a big women's event to run at church. She also hasn't seen her kids for a week. Tasha will be holding down the fort at the hospital. They are trying to get to the hospital really early to catch the doctors on rounds for a daily update.

Please continue to pray for all of them. The girls are tired, every small physical hurdle brings an emotional hurdle as well. More later!!

SLIDESHOWS THANKSGIVING AND THOUGHFUL ED.

2008-12-04T14:42:00.002-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

SANDY'S CONDITION UPDATE

2008-11-30T12:39:00.006-05:00

On Thanksgiving,
my sister Sandy was hit by a car.
She has a significant brain injury,
bleeding in her brain,
fractured skull, broken thumb
and severe bruising.
It has been a roller coaster ride
since then. Initially things did not look good,
she was not alert. Then she surprised even the
doctors by being totally alert and
communicating well.
Today we are in a down sweep of the roller
coaster. She is once again confused and
not communicating well. There will be
another CT scan today.
We are praying for a miracle!

Please God ~ another miracle for Sandy...

You can read about Sandy's history at Tasha's blog.
Suburban Momma
This is the picture she mentions.
It is Sandy holding Tasha before she goes into surgery
that will alter her life forever.

When I look at the picture above
it makes me think
of the picture below.

Tasha holding d.

Tasha mentions Sandy in a scarf to cover her scar.
Tasha is not in the picture because
Aunt Pam cared for her the first year of her life.

Depending on God,
Sandy had the strength and stubbornness
to persevere and create an independent life.

33 years ago God gave Sandy a miracle
and saved her life.
She now lays in a hospital bed
needing another miracle.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

LIFE CHANGES IN A HEARTBEAT

2008-11-28T02:32:00.010-05:00

***Update Saturday Night 11:00pm Nov.29th
After quite a good day Sandy has had a significant setback. Stacy and Heather have decided to spend the night at the hospital. I don't know the details, just that everyone is very concerned.
I do know that God is in control and that recovery
is often a rollercoaster ride. Please pray for a miracle for Sandy!
See Sundays update- Click "Sandy's Condition Update" on right.

My sister Sandy went for a walk after
Thanksgiving dinner.
The bright sun
blinded the eyes of the woman
driving toward her.
In an instant she was hit by a car,
the impact leaving her motionless and still.

She regained consciousness and was
able to communicate.
Once in the hospital,
she became confused and
no longer was able to communicate normally.
The CT scan revealed she is bleeding internally,
the blood is putting pressure on her brain.

This would be a serious situation
for any one of us.
For Sandy it is doubly so.
At the age of 33, pregnant with Tasha,
Sandy suffered a stroke due to an aneurysm.
It took many surgeries to save her life,
including one to remove part of her brain.

Right now we are just waiting to hear.
I wonder if I should be be packing to
make a quick trip to Virginia tomorrow.
I pray for her girls and the
medical people taking care of her.
I wonder if she feels alone, and
I pray she is unaware of the situation and
is in a deep peaceful sleep.

It is amazing how life changes in a heartbeat.
Suddenly the unimportant falls away.
Heading to Kohls at 3:30am with a
shopping list and coffee to fight for
a parking spot has been crossed off
my list. "Black Friday" will have to
survive without me.

I am also so thankful for the days we spent
together this summer. After years of being apart,
we spent 6 fun, silly days together.
I pray that God's hand will be on Sandy.
He is the one who knows and loves her best.

I don't know what the tomorrow will bring
but as the song says,
I know who holds tomorrow.

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
Ira Stanphill
I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from it's sunshine,
For it's skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

Refrain
Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.

*** Update 1- Saturday, Nov. 29
Sandy is doing better. The doctor said the accident may have been fatal if she had not had the earlier surgeries. The blood pooled in the space where part of her brain had been removed. That open space saved her life!

She was coherent yesterday and ate a bit of jello and ice cream. That was the first she had eaten. Stacy and Heather are with her and Tahsa is arriving on Tuesday. Please pray for all of them for emotional, physical and spiritual strength.

THANK YOU LAURA BUSH!

2008-11-26T18:40:00.006-05:00

At a time when role models
are hard to come by,
Laura Bush is one of mine.
I admire her for many reasons.
I am sorry to see her leave the White House
but am happy for her that she will
no longer be in the fish bowl.

Why do I admire Laura Bush?

She is a genuine, classy, accomplished woman.

She values education, reading and
has given voice to forgotten children.

When foes attacked, maligned
and tried to discredit her man,
she never wavered
in her support of and love for him.

She stayed true to herself,
her style and her interests.
In a world that would mold
her into a "visual mirage",
she did not bend.
She remained Laura Bush,
not a stylized version of Laura Bush.

No matter the occasion,
with a queen or a group of young children,
Laura Bush was a compassionate,
humble and gracious First Lady.

The best teachers are role models.
Laura Bush has been that and more!

Thank you Laura Bush!
You made us (me) proud!

OUTDOOR RECREATION- FUN IN THE SNOW

2008-11-25T17:12:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Giving Thanks

2008-11-19T23:10:00.007-05:00

Melodie Beattie : Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.

My second grade students are keeping a Thankful Journal for the month of November. The things they are thankful for are so sweet and often very unique. One girl said she was thankful for door knobs because you would be locked in a room without them.

So, in the spirit of gratitude, I will keep a Thankful journal right here...

I am thankful for...

1. a beautiful ride to school complete with a sunflower field, a wide creek to cross and lots of trees and deer.

2. Tim Horton's coffee- now extra large

3. sweet Larry who gets me to do things I never would have done without him (curling ??)

4. wide eyed students who LOVE books, today it is Scaredy Squirrel. (I am suffering grammar guilt. How do I underline?)

5. hot showers!

We'll see what tomorrow brings. Until then I am thankful for 6 soft, squishy pillows and a 7 comfortable, warm bed.

8. car starters

9. gourds of all shapes and sizes

10. fluffy white snowflakes

11. did I say hot Tim Horton's coffee??

12. pumpkin pie

13. our church family

14. friends who listen

15. Sabres on the radio to keep me company while doing report cards!!

16. football

17. new beginnings

18. Trent Edwards

19. the Bills - if it weren't for the Bills, I would not have met Larry!!

20. days off from school

21. Canada - our favorite get away place!!

22. my garden

23. freedom

24. the United States of America

25. randomness- to my linear friends. please don't think this in the order of importance - ramdom minds think random thoughts!!

26. friends that stick with you through thick and thin

27. opportunities for change - every day is a new beginning

28. forgiveness- makes the world work

29. seasons- every thing becomes new all over again

30. Christmas decorations

31. Christmas lights

32. Christmas movies

33. the first gift of Christmas - Jesus

34. moments of peace, moments of fun, moments of sparkle

HONORING VETERANS

2008-11-11T19:06:00.010-05:00

"Thank you for your service to our country.
I am able to live free because of your sacrifice.'

The above is a quote from cards my students made cards to honor and say thanks to the men and women who have fought to keep our country free. My eyes teared and my voice cracked as I tried to explain to 8 year olds that we stand on the shoulders of people who have sacrificed for us.

Many Americans do not understand freedom's price nor what life would be like if our freedoms were taken away. Daily our country is maligned by it's own citizens who scoff at the values that allow them to dissent.

My immigrant grandfather understood. Grandpa came to America from a war torn, oppressive Germany. He knew of neighbor spying on neighbor and the lack of freedom to openly worship. He experienced the heartbreak of having loved ones imprisoned on the wrong side of the Berlin Wall and and family members who were beaten, threatened and lost jobs because they helped their children escape.

Grandpa Wilde was so proud to be an American citizen that he held a private flag raising ceremony at dawn every day and lowered that same flag with respect and honor each evening. He tolerated no disrespect for our country, flag or anyone in the service of our country whether he agreed with their policies or not. He sent beautifully penned letters to express his views when they differed from a politician while maintaining respect for the position.

How do we say thank you to generations of men and women on whose shoulders we stand? The enormity of the question stopped me from being able to write anything for this blog. Then I came across this the letter below. It was written by a veteran in response to a student asking for help on how to complete a homework assignment to "honor veterans".

Dear Student,

I'm a veteran, and I really don't think you need to demonstrate any kind of honor in the terms of physical or financial action directly. The topic of veterans could give you some cause for deep introspection.

Consider that over the years millions of men and women have stood up and said I love this country so much I'm willing to give everything I have just to ensure it's survival.

With that said, all I really want other Americans to do is to make the best of everything they have and put forth the effort to ensure this country remains the light of the world, which is has been for the past 200 plus years. Which sadly seems to lacking greatly these days.

The military has allowed me the opportunity to live in and experience the cultures of many different countries. From these experiences I have concluded that the US is the best place live without reservation.

To truly honor our veterans all I would ask anyone to do is make the best of the opportunity the sacrifices of our fighting men and women have provided. Love your country with passion, and do what you can to make it a better place.

Your friend,
A Proud Veteran

What a country!! We all have the opportunity to honor veterans by loving our country with passion, and doing what we can to make it a better place everyday!!

THE VINE FALL FESTIVAL

2008-11-08T07:32:00.003-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

THE ELECTION

2008-11-06T04:02:00.005-05:00

We have a new president elect, there is dancing in the streets and celebrating around the world.

President Elect Obama was not my choice, however as an American I will support and respect him as our country's leader.

He had some great things to say in his acceptance speech.

*A new dawn of American leadership is at hand,

* To those who would tear the world down, we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security, we support you.

* In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people.

However, my stomach churned when this sentence crawled across the bottom of our TV screen.

* Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Hmmmm - “Working to put aside partisanship, pettiness and immaturity.”

Let's look back...

Was that the cry when George Bush was elected president?

Did our leaders in Washington, who did not support President Bush for president, put aside their partisanship, pettiness and immaturity when he took office eight years ago?

Not from what I have observed. The day President Bush was elected, partisanship was ramped up in an attempt to discredit him and turn our image of him into a “cartoonish bumbling idiot “.

What will happen in the future if I have concerns or questions about President Obama, and I have the audacity to express those concerns?

Will I be labeled "partisan, petty, immature" and maybe even racist?

Why is it that those who continue to discredit and question President Bush are labeled "enlightened"?

For the sake of our country

I hope a new day of civility has dawned.

For the sake of our country

I pray that unity will prevail.

For the sake of our country

I hope decency will return to political rhetoric.

For the sake of our country I hope

we will get on our knees to pray for the wounds to be healed

and the work of democracy to be successful.

For the sake of our country

I pray President Obama will be wise beyond his years,

decisive and compassionate.

HALLOWEEN - GOING TO THE NURSING HOME

2008-10-31T21:25:00.005-04:00

Pictures are Worth More than A Thousand Words

2008-10-27T20:34:00.005-04:00

Disclaimer- these pictures are from some long forgotten website. Sorry- I can't tell you where.

Sometimes an image speaks more than a sermon, paragraph or chapter - all without a word of text. These three pictures, spur me to action, laying out a blueprint for success. Some people collect quotes or phrases for inspiration.
I collect images.

What do they say to you?

LIZZIE IN THE LEAVES!!

2008-10-17T18:24:00.003-04:00

2008-10-14T20:21:00.006-04:00

My class mugging for the camera!!
Aren't they the cutest hobgoblins you have seen??

God's Amazing Paintbrush

2008-10-13T14:25:00.010-04:00

Evidence of God's amazing paintbrush!!

Where is Larry and what have they done with him?

Author Visits

2008-09-28T15:34:00.013-04:00

We have had several author visits at Parkdale. Vera B. Williams and Steven Kellogg were two of my favorites. Arranging for author visits usually costs thousands of dollars, takes months of planning and involves the PTO, teachers, administration and lots of work.

However, for the past two years, my class has had the privilege of having a private author visit from Jan Siebold, the author of...

Last year after Jan's visit, my students ramped up their writing and published about 100 books before the end of the year. Students loved calling themselves "local authors", conferring with classmates to make their books better and shining as they shared their books with the class.

I sense that this year will be no different. Already 2 boys have finished their first book and several others are fired up.

Taking it all in!!

You might be wondering how I managed to arrange for Jan to visit my classroom. We are blessed to have Jan as our school librarian. I can't tell you how many times she has found me just the right book for a unit or lesson. I am always amazed at the quality of our new book choices each year. Not only is she our librarian ~ she is my friend.

UNITED GRAPHICS PICNIC

2008-09-21T17:26:00.008-04:00

I love it when adults have a great time acting like kids. The old fashioned egg toss was a big hit at Larry's company picnic. It was fun to watch and even more fun to photograph. I think your body gets a big shot of endorphins from forgetting you are an adult for a while.

If you look hard enough you can see the eggs!!

Good Vibes!!!

OOOOPPPPS

The Party Planners enjoying the party!

Showing off his new ink!

2008-09-13T11:49:00.007-04:00

What do I want for my birthday?
I want the Buffalo Bills to win!!
Last week my class predicted the Bills would win!
I hope they are right again!!
Go Bills!!

Update- Bills Win 20-16
Yee Ha!!!

Sept.06 Mom's Homegoing

2008-09-08T17:57:00.014-04:00

Two years ago next week my mom started going downhill fast. She had been in Father Baker nursing home for several years. She had been living through variable levels of coherence but physically remained strong. It was so sad to see a strong willed, brilliant woman reduced to helplessness, her only holds on control were fits of anger over imaginary injustices from invisible forces.
We knew the end was coming because her body started shutting down. It wasn't clear how long she would have to suffer, there is no road map when the end is near. She was in pain most of the time and the slightest touch to her right hand would cause her to yell in pain.
The week before she died, I took time off from school to sit with her. There wasn't much communication, but I know she knew I was there. I would rub her good arm and hold her hand. I read scripture and played CDs of hymns. I did not want her to be alone when she died. Based on her physical condition, the lack of water and food and the amount of morphine she was being given, it was clear she did not have long. Yet day after day she languished.Finally, Brenda a wonderful, loving nurse took me aside. She said, "Sharon, your mom is going to die on her terms not yours. She was a strong willed woman and my guess is she wants to be alone when she finally crosses into heaven. When she was well, she was a capable, in-charge woman. That is how she will die- in-charge. You need to go home, early tonight, get some sleep and go back to work."

So that night, instead of leaving at midnight, I kissed my mom goodbye at 6pm and went home to sleep. I never did go back to work, because she died at 3:30 that morning. The nurses assured us that she was peaceful. They kept the music playing and the morphine flowing.

During those days of sitting with her, the nurses that had taken care of her for years came in one by one to say goodbye. They didn't really say goodbye, they just told her they loved her and squeezed her arm or rubbed her head. These were the same women who had showed me the bruises or scratches she had inflicted on them, yet they still loved her in a way that I could not fathom. God bless them!!
In the end, she made the final decision. She decided she wanted to die alone and she did. The day she died was a scramble of emotions and activity. Funeral preparations, getting her stuff from her room at Father Baker's and preparing pictures. Ahhh the pictures. My mom had been a scrapbooker before the word was popular.

It was only fitting that the funeral home would be full of pictures for her wake. We created picture boards and displayed some of the many scrapbooks she had made. Our dear friend Denise prepared a dinner for our family between the afternoon and evening wakes. It was at the OP Church where my dad had been pastor for 48 years. The house my parents had lived in was right next to the church. It was a rainy afternoon but the sun came out. After dinner we came out the door...
looked up and this is what we saw. Right above the ridge of the trees behind the gym was a beautiful hot air balloon. It took my breath away for its beauty and the symbolism. I thought of mom- soaring like the balloon, finally free of a body and mind that failed her and caused her pain. She was in heaven with Jesus and free, free, free!! Not only free of physical pain but also finally free of the emotional pain that kept her bound for so many years.

When it came time for dad to send thank you notes, I felt compelled to make each one by hand. No two cards were alike. I ended up making about 125 different cards. It was a creative way to honor mom and acknowledge the creativity and skills she had passed down to me.
It is hard to believe that it has been two years since mom's home-going. I often wonder if I have even begun to process her death and yet when someone has dementia~~ it is a very long goodbye. I wouldn't wish her back but I do miss her encouragement and unique take on the world.

The weekend after mom's funeral was the "October Surprise" storm, which shut down Buffalo for almost a week. That Thursday as I was driving home over round hail pellets that seemed to come out of nowhere, I wondered if mom was starting to cause mischief in heaven. By Saturday when we were home and snow bound in mid-October, I was sure of it!!!

Sight Sound Smell = Memories

2008-09-05T21:26:00.001-04:00

It's September

Isn't it amazing how a quick glance at an image or the faintest smell can trigger a cascade of vivid memories. What do you think of when you see a bushel of apples, or a flat tire, or a pick up basketball game in the street?

Recently, my sister Beth and I were walking near some pine trees. I remarked "That smell!! It reminds me of Camp-of-the-Woods." Her comment was "Everything reminds you of Camp-of-the-Woods."

It's true. Growing up, COW was my favorite place on earth. I can't remember what I did last week but I can still remember the feeling of learning to sail a sunfish when I was 12!! I'm sure the more emotional the memory, the stronger it comes back.

Speaking of memories- are you ready to go back in time? What memories, sights, sounds and smells, do these pictures bring back?
Do they fill you with good feelings or dread?

First Day of Second Grade 2008

Time for a nap!!!!