tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88013673839840693902024-02-20T01:37:53.414-08:00Wagon Wheels and High HeelsPatricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-76759411200623024062015-06-05T17:51:00.000-07:002015-06-05T19:13:35.884-07:00VerMeer's Top 10 List for Graduates<h3>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Congratulations graduates of 2015! You are now ready to start your next adventure...here's a little help from your beloved teacher.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">VerMeer's Wisdom List:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1. Kindness is MORE important than popularity or being right.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1 Cor. 16:14 Let all you do be done in love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">2. Today's choices build tomorrow's reputation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 22:1 A good name is MORE </span>desirable than great riches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">3. Get comfortable with being Uncomfortable; life is challenging and requires you to stick to your guns.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">4. Work at something you enjoy; something that is worthy of your time and energy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Psalm 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; In your right hand there are pleasures forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">5. Forgive - yourself and others.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ forgave you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">6. Happiness is NOT based on money, beauty, possessions, a killer pair of heels or prestige, but on loving and respectful relationships.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">II Cor. 9:8 God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things and at all times, having all that you NEED, you will abound in every good work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">7. Be Honest - <i>give</i> credit and <i>take</i> blame.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Phil. 4:8 Whatever is TRUE, whatever is HONEST, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY; think on these things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">8. Don't Gossip!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwelcome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is useful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">9. Discipline yourself to save money, pray daily and NEVER kiss on the first date!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">saiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, whose waters do not fail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">10. Never lie to your Doctor, Minister or Mother!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Therefore, graduates remember your path is ordained and as Romans 8:31 says, "If God is for us, then who can be against us?"</span></div>
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Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-67477672140699896732015-03-12T10:49:00.000-07:002015-03-12T11:58:55.284-07:00Eulogy for a Mentor-FriendMy friend, that I wrote about in my <a href="http://wagonwheelsandhighheels.blogspot.com/2014/02/facing-eternity-in-eyes-of-friend.html" target="_blank">February 24, 2014 post</a>, passed away this week. Her fight to survive, live her faith and witness is over. She was released from this disease that ravaged her body and delivered to Heaven.<br />
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Carol was a wonderful person and a beautiful addition to my life. I am deeply grateful. <br />
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These are some of the things I learned from Carol:</b></span><br />
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Hang the laundry out to dry <i>before</i> going horseback riding, but definitely go horseback riding without guilt!<br />
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Encourage others pursue their dreams.<br />
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Give generously of your time, talents and energy.<br />
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Raise strong kids through tough love, genuine love and true love.<br />
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Love your husband unconditionally.<br />
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Go to church; every Sunday because worshipping and fellowshipping is important.<br />
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Go to bible study (a cute bible is not necessary but a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/NIV-Quest-Study-Bible-Question/dp/0310949653/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426179792&sr=1-1&keywords=quest+study+bible+niv+leather" target="_blank">good study bible</a> will pay you back 10 times).<br />
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Make chocolate chip cookies often.<br />
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Hold your best recipes in secret; make them beg and drool. You can always promise to pass them on after you die. (Psst! we are all waiting for the cheesecake and slushy recipes!)<br />
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Live life and don't be paralyzed by fear. This means cantering in the woods, talking to everyone, traveling, and learning new things.<br />
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<i>Really</i> listen to your children but set boundaries of acceptable behavior. <br />
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Celebrate your children and help them know their strengths and weaknesses.<br />
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Your Mother is your best friend; treat her well.<br />
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Sisters are not limited to blood relatives. Be a sister to a sister.<br />
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Don't gossip.<br />
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Be Positive because negativity is a waste of a good life.<br />
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Get an education and use it for the glory of God.<br />
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Be pragmatic, practical, in all things.<br />
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Say your peace; be honest.<br />
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Laugh loudly, have fun and joke. The meek will inherit the earth but they will need to be entertained so go ahead and laugh.<br />
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Be a wise steward of your money so that you can give freely and splurge once in a while. <br />
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Sunday's are a day of rest and therefore, perfect for horseback riding!<br />
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Fight until God gives you permission to give up. His timing is always perfect. Healing <i>can</i> take place in Heaven.<br />
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<br />Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-15006940062540046822014-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:002014-05-19T10:17:45.463-07:00Prayers and Dr. Suess<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My elementary teaching days are like my shadow late in the day. I can see them but not touch the very top, for they are getting farther away as the sun sets. My love for Dr. Suess has grown in the absence of the demand. When I <i><b>had</b></i> to read <i>Green Eggs and Ham</i> over and over, my adoration for Suess' wacky nonsense wained. Now that I am freed of this repetitive responsibility I am finding a renewed appreciation. I am re-reading our collection of Suess books to my sons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I did not expect the impact it would have on our morning prayers. I started</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> modeling adoration, repentance, and supplication (asking) by praying over our day as we traveled to school. Recently, my fears of being widowed with two strong-willed boys to raise haunts my thoughts. How would they learn to shave, change the oil and fix a lawn mower?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, my deepest worry needed voice in our prayers. I wanted the boys to know that sometimes prayers are unanswered because God is choosing a trial for us, to make us grow. I also wanted to make sure they knew that God's will, <i><b>not our will</b>,</i> is the base of our asking. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">(Luke 22:44) "...and Jesus asked his Father to remove the cup of suffering. Then He surrendered, "Not my will, but yours be done." </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">And with that </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I started ending our prayer with, "if it is your will, please bring us all back home together again tonight." </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">This morning, deep in the thorniness of May, I asked the boys to pray as I drove. The Tall One </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #333333;">began thanking God for the natural world, family and friends. The Little One added a prayer of thanksgiving for chickens. His innocence shining through his words. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #333333;">Then, he closed the prayer with </span><span style="color: red;">"if it is Your will please keep us safe from here to there and everywhere." </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HcjvTaEWQdst9hx80Zy89Ugl6SUOjAe2kBO54avkuJc4EAk08YjSJfiuTHa_78Xx5k13hAg9ZkEn3MYM2rnJ-lZfHFrByLs25DQIQYFZ_S_15ms0GUR9GXGj2Wl3eCvC43Jq8rzB033R/s1600/photo-37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HcjvTaEWQdst9hx80Zy89Ugl6SUOjAe2kBO54avkuJc4EAk08YjSJfiuTHa_78Xx5k13hAg9ZkEn3MYM2rnJ-lZfHFrByLs25DQIQYFZ_S_15ms0GUR9GXGj2Wl3eCvC43Jq8rzB033R/s1600/photo-37.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Dr. Suess influenced supplication. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I believe I will continue <i>both</i> the read-alouds and the spontaneous prayers led by my boys. </span></span>Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-23836342910897771282014-03-11T07:19:00.000-07:002014-03-11T07:19:00.043-07:00Teamwork Employability Game<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Working Together – Employability Skill
Practice<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">Equipment
required: Pens/pencils and paper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">Split
the group into random teams of three or four.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">Instruction
to group:</span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">One
person in each team starts by drawing a shape or outline.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
drawing is then passed to the next team member who must add to the drawing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">And
so on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">Time
spent by each person in turn on the drawing is limited to 10 seconds. (The
facilitator will say 'change' when time is up.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">No discussion is permitted during
the drawing</span></u></i><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
drawing must be completed in two minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">Discussion
& Review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">Don’t tell what was drawn! Just talk about the process.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">Did the team draw anything
recognizable?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">How easy was the understanding
between team members?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">How did team members work
differently on this task?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">What was the effect of time
pressure?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">Was there a natural tendency to
draw supportively and harmoniously, or were there more conflicting ideas?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">The
drawings are then displayed on document camera so the other teams can tell what
they believe the drawing is or represents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">Final
Review:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">What factors enabled teams to
produce recognizable drawings?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">What factors led to drawings being
unrecognizable?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">Are 'drawing' skills especially
helpful in this exercise, or are other capabilities more significant?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">What does this exercise demonstrate
about mutual understanding and how to achieve it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">What obstacles to understanding and
teamwork does this activity illustrate?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt;">Courtesy
of <a href="http://www.wagonwheelsandhighheels.blogspot.com/">www.wagonwheelsandhighheels.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-4828924406133662392014-03-05T01:00:00.000-08:002014-03-05T01:00:04.129-08:00Breaking Up Is Hard To Do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-bQAYWrTvFKAIeirEAuLO_puFTORBQVhERaCW0e8rKcjbXMs7HGNgrTN96bFB14AZ_68bygjk9sGhE-rS-DOdgunpBnP6n_fMt5qZZb4CQAmnuVr5ThimNPkMIrW0Wm54E2e96-gtQyl/s1600/photo-36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-bQAYWrTvFKAIeirEAuLO_puFTORBQVhERaCW0e8rKcjbXMs7HGNgrTN96bFB14AZ_68bygjk9sGhE-rS-DOdgunpBnP6n_fMt5qZZb4CQAmnuVr5ThimNPkMIrW0Wm54E2e96-gtQyl/s1600/photo-36.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am officially breaking up with Winter! It's not Winter's fault. It's me. I thought I had the midwestern moxie to find the quirky, numbness of winter fun and adventuresome. I am not that person anymore. I think we've just grown apart. I am ready to move on from snowshoeing, shoveling and 4WD. I am ready to grow and see new seasons.<br />
<br />
Winter, you really must stop snowing and blowing. Please don't cry anymore freezing rain. I will always love you. I will remember fondly your frostiness and glistening drifts.<br />
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But, I can't see you anymore, Winter. It is not healthy for me. I am weary from shoveling and snow blowing. It's not you, really. It's me. Your beauty sparkles, your flakes form perfectly and your power is mighty. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHO-Oxx6lKbZMOPtQRLqK9FwKOIcwgU3aCSVxqhPFrJDG39oLcoRDa_JMTG-hywsEPHirLOXLqWNRV1Tm8P8zAti-Bs6bW2Y8yJ6zvUbO28SUSi8DKcswc1VWCR5UHwDaJ2bWsA_QprjD/s1600/photo-36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHO-Oxx6lKbZMOPtQRLqK9FwKOIcwgU3aCSVxqhPFrJDG39oLcoRDa_JMTG-hywsEPHirLOXLqWNRV1Tm8P8zAti-Bs6bW2Y8yJ6zvUbO28SUSi8DKcswc1VWCR5UHwDaJ2bWsA_QprjD/s1600/photo-36.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLk45lwneyWUIXgDQQXyeA1bH2sdsWyFlYUtfNGcHFmgIa583cC54rR6_MZsKEsFzn6EaX9-DX51LQ6C0cd3098SyIQPPsnLZqWsx2labbv50opmoPAC7LuIvJnHBH5J1KgO9Hshtv91D/s1600/photo-36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLk45lwneyWUIXgDQQXyeA1bH2sdsWyFlYUtfNGcHFmgIa583cC54rR6_MZsKEsFzn6EaX9-DX51LQ6C0cd3098SyIQPPsnLZqWsx2labbv50opmoPAC7LuIvJnHBH5J1KgO9Hshtv91D/s1600/photo-36.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span>You bury me in your icy piles and f<span style="text-align: center;">rosty window panes…</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Honestly, I am tired of snowshoeing and sledding. The intrigue and wonder has worn off. I have faithfully tromped through your drifts; marveled at your creations. I have enjoyed our time together, crunching through the woods. The adventure of an evening hike with headlamps cutting through the dark to highlight the tiny bits of white flakes, was a delightful double date. I appreciate our time together, the lessons you've taught me and the gifts you brought. I just can't accept your gifts anymore.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxUo8qGex0pbRvQcIsS6oU62upYMWF8ks3tAfqALqDomdyKmcJGc0iZ8mBxXOJS5M_x6_LpVaU8LOWEbXiIArecdTK4WLcnZ0C9kkirp8jaY-MWmmm4F88bH0XRZ9Hoyg4ljGA3BcP8Wn/s1600/photo-36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxUo8qGex0pbRvQcIsS6oU62upYMWF8ks3tAfqALqDomdyKmcJGc0iZ8mBxXOJS5M_x6_LpVaU8LOWEbXiIArecdTK4WLcnZ0C9kkirp8jaY-MWmmm4F88bH0XRZ9Hoyg4ljGA3BcP8Wn/s1600/photo-36.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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I find myself yearning for something different. Something you can't give me. I need to grow. I need to see more of the world than white drifts and icy piles.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwz6GhhyphenhyphenwEmraXmI-PP2wKkAQ6ubuOYGojs0x4AY1kEz6kPDUIAvbxn50lUs1swSzk9xDsSkFNs9FsddEegKIxqsPwMRdBcpXWZxBc4Qt7DBCP4XaQXS3Z81t5XOFrkRN_D5CXqi9lZi0/s1600/photo-36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwz6GhhyphenhyphenwEmraXmI-PP2wKkAQ6ubuOYGojs0x4AY1kEz6kPDUIAvbxn50lUs1swSzk9xDsSkFNs9FsddEegKIxqsPwMRdBcpXWZxBc4Qt7DBCP4XaQXS3Z81t5XOFrkRN_D5CXqi9lZi0/s1600/photo-36.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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I think I want to hang out with Spring.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spring and I deserve a chance. We would like to get to know each other better. So, Winter, you've been great but I am moving on. I will always love you.</div>
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<br />Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-10576161523385768492014-02-24T19:41:00.001-08:002014-03-04T10:38:40.038-08:00Facing Eternity in the Eyes of a Friend<div class="MsoNormal">
How many days do we have to impact this world? Love our
families?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give wisdom? Learn?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since that answer is cloaked in the gauzy film of unknown I
will not speculate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The veil cannot be
lifted to reveal the day of our departure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have a friend that is facing a terminal cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is close to that veil but still she focuses on love, wisdom and life
lessons.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went to console and comfort, armed with homemade
cookies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does one approach social
entertaining with a dear friend with a limited calendar?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awkward at first I talked too much and
listened to little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left feeling empty
and sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next visit, again toting homemade, warm cookies, I
prayed for peace and comfort for both my friend and myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked that God would contain my mouth and
allow for my emotions to be real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
prayed I could be a comfort instead of a distraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Here is the paradigm shift that God
orchestrated</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we chatted I carefully listened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened to the horrifying story of her
initial diagnosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fully engaged in
her story of transformation from healthy breast cancer survivor to terminal
cancer victim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard and felt her
anger and frustration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She transitioned quickly to expressing her desire to make each day count.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I found myself being easily agreeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I relaxed, I cuddled up next to her and shared pictures
on her Kindle. Her eyesight is failing
due to a bone tumor pressing on her brain.
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span>It appears that when you reach the time in which you can see the veil
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comfort and dote on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the
last days of her earthly partnership: oneness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, I am challenged by her decree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will l decide to live my days; no matter
the number?<o:p></o:p></div>
Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-27384612994121644912014-01-05T12:56:00.000-08:002014-03-04T07:59:14.312-08:00Working Moms Don't Iron Tablecloths<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many resources for stay-at-home moms. There are reams written to justify the
executive working mom. What of the
regular, middle-class working moms?
Where are the bloggers, experts and articles catering to the working
moms that have to work or choose to work so that their families can have a
middle-class income?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is what I believe: working moms don’t have time to blog
or become an expert on balancing both work and family. They are baptized in the fiery schedule of
working, family, housework, meals and extracurricular activities. I am one of those middle-class working moms. I am terribly grateful for my husband’s
sacrifice in pay for my education degree.
My degree and subsequent employment at our local public school has been
the financial stability we needed over the last decade of economic
depression. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is a list of things I don’t do that my fraternal grandmother
spent time doing:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working Moms don’t…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->iron tablecloths<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->iron sheets<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->iron shirts or pants<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->hand mop the kitchen floor <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->wipe down baseboards<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->bake homemade cookies<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->make cupcakes for school birthday parties<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->mend/darn socks<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->make bread from scratch<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->homeschool
their children<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms are happy to have a warm meal on a clean
tablecloth; unironed!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms are relieved that the sheets are <i>dry</i> by bedtime.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms are masters of using a damp cloth, dryer
sheet and the “dewrinkle” setting on the dryer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms use swiffers (or a damp rag and their foot).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms scrub baseboards when it’s time to repaint
them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms buy cookies at the grocery store in a tube of
doughy yumminess.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms are proud to stimulate the economy and buy
cupcakes at the bakery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms can’t find the match to the holey sock
anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms use their bread machines or visit the bakery
on the way home (again).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms trust the school systems to give their kids a
solid education of basics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBpr3TqPlYTfFbQm8oU1Y-gwVKPNEcoshnQxyE57em-gETg0IMCHc82M0ZUbB0Zg_NSSJjFuzqSKVDtGqHgPqWJ7I1x9gstSLww8EBYH1-tvMx25s_w4YUY3gdRPAzufD6AzD1Vg84TrE/s1600/photo-35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBpr3TqPlYTfFbQm8oU1Y-gwVKPNEcoshnQxyE57em-gETg0IMCHc82M0ZUbB0Zg_NSSJjFuzqSKVDtGqHgPqWJ7I1x9gstSLww8EBYH1-tvMx25s_w4YUY3gdRPAzufD6AzD1Vg84TrE/s1600/photo-35.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms are masters at short cuts and paring down
life to its <i>most essential</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms have good kids that are independent,
confident team players. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working moms have mad skills at work <b><i>and</i></b> at home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-61408234960290017112013-12-27T20:03:00.001-08:002014-03-04T06:35:21.362-08:00Christmas...season of giving or season of wanting?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Christmas is a special time of year for Christians. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aside from the obligatory family
parties, church services, shopping, gift wrapping and cookie making there is a
Facebook-Pinterest standard that adds a unique pressure. I am much like any other person with a
Facebook account. I post pictures of the
graceful moments in my life. I post the
champions and the glories. I also read
my friend’s posts of glory and advantage. Then we have to combat the television and all the ads; driving our desires beyond reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year I was challenged by a
book written by <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank">Ann Voskamp</a>, <a href="http://www.dayspring.com/ann_voskamp_the_greatest_gift/" target="_blank">The Greatest Gift</a>. However, this
challenge was not a good feeling; it did not present a clear path. It was a challenge! <o:p></o:p>This season I am taking a breaking from social media as I see that it is creating anxiety that clouds the reason I celebrate. So, I hung my christmas upside down. I did not anticipate the revolt and mutiny that would be my payment for such a spiritual revelation.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> My focus
needed to be rerouted from the commercialism and materialism so everpresent on
social media. I need to watch Charles
Schultz’s Charlie Brown Christmas. I
needed Linus to pontificate and remind me of the reason for the season. Dave Ramsey would be proud but my sons were less than impressed with their gifts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Now I find
myself reverting emotionally in these post Christmas days of sales,
opportunities lost and social media posts showing the glory given by people to
the ones they love. Do I not love my
people as much? Should I have purchased
different gifts; more gifts? More, More and More!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Have I
fashioned materialistic children or are we all programmed this way? How do I curb this incessant need for bigger,
better, more, more, and more? I have
participated in Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox; donated clothing and toys
with my young sons and done anonymous gift cards to those that need as extra bump during the holidays. The Tall One and the Little One see our
family’s frugality and financial responsibility first hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How do I teach them that our daily sacrifice
is not just a slight to them personally? Teach: to <o:p></o:p><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1" style="text-indent: -16px;">show</span><span style="text-indent: -16px;"> </span><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1" style="text-indent: -16px;">or</span><span style="text-indent: -16px;"> </span><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1" style="text-indent: -16px;">explain</span><span style="text-indent: -16px;"> </span><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1" style="text-indent: -16px;">to</span><span style="text-indent: -16px;"> </span><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1" style="text-indent: -16px;">someone</span><span style="text-indent: -16px;"> </span><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1" style="text-indent: -16px;">how to</span><span style="text-indent: -16px;"> </span><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1" style="text-indent: -16px;">do</span><span style="text-indent: -16px;"> </span><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1" style="text-indent: -16px;">something, </span><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1" style="text-indent: -16px;">to</span><span style="text-indent: -16px;"> </span><span apple_mouseover_highlight="1" style="text-indent: -16px;">learn or</span><span style="text-indent: -16px;"> understand something by example or experience. I will teach and continue to review the curriculum laid out by my God in the Bible. I will re-teach without attending to the complaints, and whining. Teach my sons to fully understand the meaning of the Greatest Gift, Jesus. (Psst! it isn't Nerf guns, mini-bikes or snowboards).</span></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-81995093432704544572013-09-06T06:23:00.000-07:002014-03-04T06:36:06.617-08:00Back to SchoolLabor Day weekend is the end to a carefree summer of fun. On Sunday, the boys and I packed and prepped for our first day of school on Tuesday. <br />
<br />
It is always a bittersweet time for our family. The transition back to school is tough on my family. I move from stay-at-home mom to full-time working mom. The boys have to adjust to a regimented schedule and schoolwork once again.<br />
<br />
I love my work, both at home and school, but the burden of responsibility is often a weighty yoke. I have vowed this year to better balance my work and home energies. I want to influence my students positively but without the cost being my own young men.<br />
<br />
My goal is lofty. I will need several factors to improve to see the level of success I desire. My first line of attack is to arrange a bi-monthly house cleaner. I have struggled over having the energy and organizational talent necessary to uphold the quality of cleanliness that makes me feel comfortable. I live in a small farmhouse surrounded by dirt and dust. It is a full time job beating back the impurities that mar my little home. I decide to take action in asking for help. God sent me to a fine lady who believes her mission is helping others by cleaning their homes. She scrubs, changes sheets, vacuums and dusts. Our home is a sanctuary after long hours away doing my own missions work at the public school. <br />
<br />
The second arm of my plan is organization and planning at school. I preach daily about the wise use of time. I teach these of a daily planner, long-term goal calendar and the all-mighty Post-It note. Now the teacher/preacher must DO. I printed a year long calendar by months off my computer using WORD. Then I checked my online IEP platform to list the due dates. Placing them on my calendar a week in advance with phone numbers and emails if listed, would hopefully help me arrange meetings well in advance on the impending annual review dates. <br />
<br />
Next, I created an email list of all my student's parents and guardians so I could send information out quickly. I also created a list of just my senior students as they will need different emails forwarded or sent to them. <br />
<br />
I also needed labels printed so I could send all my original paperwork to our local consortium for review and audit. I again had to ask for help. A sweet secretary in our office offered to simple print them for me when I asked her for guidance. So armed with my labels, housekeeper, and calendar I am hopeful that I will be an effective teacher and a wise, sweet Momma as well.<br />
<br />
My school district requires the use of a Moodle, which we received training on the last week of August. I have yet to see how I might organize this tool to help me be more efficient in the classroom. I am looking forward to learning this new format of curriculum delivery and curation. <br />
<br />
I will let you know if my plan works...Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0North America43.325177679992962 -86.132812517.803143179992961 -127.4414065 68.847212179992965 -44.8242185tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-40515988981943392762013-09-01T13:14:00.003-07:002014-03-04T06:36:51.390-08:00Summer Reading Review 2013Earlier this summer I read an autobiography written by Lyssa Chapman, <u><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/walking-eggshells-discovering-strength-courage-chaos/lyssa-chapman/9781451696080/pd/696080?dv=c&en=google-pla&kw=other-0-20&p=1167941&gclid=CN-08IGBq7kCFabm7AodiS8AiA">Walking on Eggshells: Discovering Strength and Courage Amid Chaos</a></u>. She is the 7th child of “Dog” the Bounty Hunter. It is a popular show about the family bounty hunting business on A & E. Her poignant retell of her lost childhood and the struggles of family addictions and narcissism was startling. She is an inspiration and a survivor. This book was a refreshing start to my summer reading. An unplanned read but nevertheless edifying and valuable.<br />
<br />
Next I sped through Irene Nemirovsky’s Suite Francaise. It is a compilation of two incomplete novels by Ms. Nemirovsky, who died in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp during the Nazi occupation of France (WWII).
The journals and beginnings of the books are translated by Sandra Smith with integrity. I especially enjoyed the maps provided and the character development in book one, Storm in June, and book two, Dolce. This novel was a rare look into the sociology and psychology of the fleeing French during the early days of WWII. I was better for reading this book.<br />
<br />
Lastly, I read, or listened to, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. Admittedly, I needed to read this book for my upcoming Senior English class. I was moved to tears, chastised by my own callousness and encouraged by the life lessons that I could impart to my students. This book is a necessity for anyone choosing to live instead of just exist. As a working mom, I exist, or survive, much of the time. Listening to this book during my “walking” workouts and then again in my kitchen canning beans with my husband brought me a sense of calm and purposeful enjoyment of my very full life.<br />
<br />
Next I might tackle something light and fun or Steinbeck’s The Pearl.Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-72328911501514708952013-08-01T13:48:00.000-07:002014-03-04T07:57:48.661-08:00Grunts, Guilt and Cravings<style>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It’s a low point in which I
find myself eating the dusty, broken crumbs of the Salt & Vinegar Potato
chips from the bottom of the bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
less than discerning tongue can’t even tell if they are stale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does my tongue, psyche or heart even
care?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not terribly hungry but I am
terribly emotional, exhausted and cranky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It is a few days post 4H
fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came home in the mud and
rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The camper is a wreck, the clothes
have been washed several times but still have stains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The house needs my attention and my kids are
exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exhausted kids; now that’s
another blog post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Yesterday, we started with
loading the remaining 28 market chickens into a trailer and off to the
butcher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next, Young Ones’s hog, Tiger,
is off to fulfill his destany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tiger is
close to 300 lbs of curious cuteness, if you like pigs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a complete gentleman and loaded
himself on the trailer in an aura of sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Young one came down from his bed, wrapped in a towel off the clean (unfolded and definitely <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> put away)
laundry pile and my flip flop sandals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He flopped his way out to the trailer to say to goodbye to his pet, er,
market hog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">We cracked the door and Tiger
snuggled Young One’s hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grunting his
goodbyes in piggy language, Young One did well bracing his emotions as he
scratched Tigers head one last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
all felt guilty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Back to my cravings, "Twinkie eating" in
the camper while I clean countertops, refrigerator shelves and floors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twinkies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are back!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to do a
scientific experiment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do the new
Twinkie taste like the old Twinkies? Yes, indeed they do but now they have the
new ingredient of guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> No one saw me eat the Twinkie except God. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Cravings are a substitute for
my lack of connectivity with my Maker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This week was an exercise in me exerting my will power, my agenda and
letting my hormones/emotions run my decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Needless to say this plan of attack was less than successful. Hence, the Salt &</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Vinegar Potato chips and Twinkies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Today is a sunny day made for
me to dry out the wet, soggy mess; metaphorically and physically?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to throw away the bag of chip crumbs,
lock up the Twinkies and say a prayer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I highly recommend the <a href="http://madetocrave.org/">Made to Crave</a> bible study by Lysa TerKeurst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It won’t keep you from eating chips or Twinkies but it will lead you to
a closer relationship with Christ, who made us to crave Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgiveness and grace is a wonderful thing
for those of us who eat emotionally and feel the guilt keenly.</span></div>
Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-12084985221777862802013-07-20T08:55:00.000-07:002014-03-04T06:37:29.475-08:00The BackstoryHere are some basic facts about my life and perspective. Maybe you share them; maybe not...<br />
<br />
Personal:
I am a 40-something wife, mother and special education teacher. I live in a Mid-western rural area. I am fond of saying I live “in the fishbowl” because I live, teach and attend church all in the same small community. My life is often on display.<br />
<br />
As a wife, I am seasoned with 16 years experience. I met my husband on a blind date and married him a little over a year later.
I am a mother of two boys. God knew exactly what he was doing keeping me out of the realm of pink and frills. I love pink and frills but find myself in the land of dirt, fishing, hunting and such. I love a happy, dirty little boy that has explored and found.<br />
<br />
On our farm, Bluebird Meadows, we have fresh eggs, 4H projects and produce (gardens) and of course, bluebirds. I love to grow, control; I mean cultivate, things. My garden is not perfect. It is a metaphor for my life. That patch of dirt starts out ready for the sun and seeds but ends up filled with orchard grass and weeds.<br />
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<br />
Although, I lost my two trusty steeds to old age in the last year and a half I am an avid horsewoman. I hope to regain my horse ownership status someday.
I read as much as my children will let me. I keep thinking it will be a great example in behavior to read in front of them. They are not taking the quiet leadership like I imagined.<br />
<br />
Professional:
Special education is a job for those that can see the hope in the unseen. I still see the possibilities and potential in my students. I spent my first 13 years in the local elementary school with short stints to the middle school arena part time. Now I play in the big leagues…high school. The game is the same but the rules have changed.<br />
<br />
Hobbies:
Really?! Does a working mom really have hobbies? Why yes, they just look like work to everyone else. I have to admit I have stacks of scrapbooking materials and loads of unorganized photos saved on a plethora of different devices. Even Apple’s iCloud can’t help me! I try to fit in a good bible study once a year. Does any of that count as a hobby? Then there is the housework, maintenance on the farm and animals to feed.<br />
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Maybe gardening is my hobby but frankly parenting is the only thing I can stick with. Oh, but I forgot bathing piggies for Fair! That's hobby for sure!<br />
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<br />Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-379277694198514702013-07-17T08:02:00.001-07:002013-07-17T08:07:57.771-07:00Blog Lovin<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/9904757/?claim=utvzd9h2864">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8801367383984069390.post-4532876694858326382013-07-17T07:33:00.001-07:002014-03-04T06:38:26.961-08:00No More Procrastination!<style>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I imagine myself as a blogger. But until now, I hadn’t the
energy or courage to actually set a blog and enter text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fear of failure loomed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The possibility of imperfection reared
its ugly head and I ran for the hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then there is the ever-present excuse that I am an exhausted, working
mom living on 37 acres of land that is trying to reclaim itself from my vision
of cultivation and manicured perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Blogging is something energetic, confident and qualified
people do, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a
Pinterest addict, I have visited many blogs; some good, some not so good and
some beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen the
“face” of these blogging people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could do this, if I could muster the energy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am a lifelong learner but consider myself an “apprentice
to all things, master of none.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All these life experiences and fodder for my inner blogger
and still; no blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Direction. Focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those are powerful words for anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed direction for my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh,
and a cheerleader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found a
blogging angel in my friend and peer, Lizzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="mailto:theteacherchick@blogspot.com">theteacherchick@blogspot.com </a></span>She is my mentor and cheerleader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She believes in me when I don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She leads when I am tired and she follows willingly when I
have a great idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The following
part is especially flattering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Liz is the mastermind behind my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She helped me find my focus, which is
actually a purposeful unfocused approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know a little about a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am fearless when it comes to trying new things in the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also LOVE horses, gardening and
reading. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Direction: Where ever the winds blow me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Focus:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things
that I love or want to learn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now I am blogging!</span></div>
Patricia Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00184242617522250799noreply@blogger.com1