20 Years Ago

Yes, it’s been 20 years since I graduated from High School. Our 20th reunion was this past weekend.

I thought I give you a peek at my senior picture. So, here it is, just remember this was 1988. I still can’t remember why I choose this pose with a wagon wheel. It’s not like I lived on a farm or even had been around a wagon wheel.

Here is another pose. At least it’s basic.

Since, it’s been 20 years since I graduated; I have been looking back at my old year book and our senior memory book. It’s funny, they always ask you to fill out what you think you’ll be doing in 5, 10, 20 years. One thing remained the same for all these years that I would be a teacher. This was my goal from the time I was in third grade. But the one thing that was different was the way it would be accomplished. I had my own plans on how it would be accomplished: I would go to Ohio State University for 5 years and graduate with my masters. I did go to OSU for the first year and then I returned home. My grandfather was very ill and not expected to live much longer, since I was very close with him I came home so that I could spend time with him before he passed. Well, he didn’t pass until 9 years later. In the time, I was at home I began attending a local branch of Kent State University and working at Daycares/Preschool. I did this for the next 7 years, until I made the decision to attend Emmaus. My three years at Emmaus were an unexpected blessing.

My path to becoming a teacher didn’t follow the map I had drawn out for my life.

Why? Because as always I forgot I wasn’t in control.

“‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will see Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Jer. 29:11-13

Yes, The Lord knew where I needed to go and just how to get me there, but as always he was waiting for me to seek Him. He gave me the desire of my heart to be a teacher; he just did it in his time and not mine. This is a lesson that I seem to continue to learn over various points in my life.

Happy 4th of July, Finally

I have to admit to having a lazy 4th of July. Of course, we had our usual family picnic but I didn’t get my camera out until the Blue Heron came. So, I basically have some pictures of the Blue Heron that flew and stayed for a while, which is really amazing considering that he lingered by the pond. The four wheelers and screaming kids didn’t seem to faze him. He just looked like he was taking flight, but would only fly/hop to a quieter patch.

Are these two cute? Trying to sneak up on the heron?


Of course, they also love to ride the 4-wheeler



Hillbilly Golf- a game our family proudly plays



We had a great 4th, too much food and a lot of fun!

School's Out- End of Year Funny

At the end of the year, my students were completing a little booklet. The various pages contained write your best letters, numbers as high as you can, write about what you like at school, write about what you like to do, write about your friends.

One student wrote this on the "This is what I like about school page"

A little shocked, well I was too when I first read it, so I asked the student to read it to me. This is what the student said " I like eating lunch." See it was just a little phonics mistake, but such a funny one, the nurses especially liked this one.

Summer Break is here yeah!

Happy Birthday Waylande

Today is my brother Waylande’s 37th birthday. My mom had a surprise party for him this past Saturday. We had lunch first with all of his favorites: chicken and dumplings (the dish my grandma makes and everyone loves) and of course red rice and beans. Below are some pictures from the party.

Notice my niece playing with the ribbon? She's a nut!

My brother loves to play pool. He always goes to tournaments, so I found this clock for the pool room that he has in his basement.

My brother and mom
My niece, actually did her hair and dressed up. Usually, she takes a shower and throws her hair up in a pony tail, because the drive from their house is 1 1/2 hrs, so she usually sleeps. She dressed up for two reasons 1) I called her and reminded her that in the last four sets of pictures she was basically wearing the same thing and 2) Her friend Amber came with her.

My grandma and brother

Look how excited they are to take this picture!

My brother had a good birthday today and a good party!

A Great Field Trip

Well, thankfully it is the end of the school year. We have just 6 more days left. YEAH! Anyway, at the end of every year Kindergarten goes on a great field trip. Before we embark we have students with the help of their parents complete a short research project. I know you are saying but they are only in Kindergarten, well, it happens to be one the State of Ohio Kindergarten Indicators. The students only have to answer two questions 1) where does the animal live; 2) what does the animal eat and then they tell 2 interesting facts they learned about their animal. It’s very cute to see them present their project to the class.

After this project is over and we have had time to learn about these animals we head to Wagon Trails Animal Park in Vienna, OH. It’s a great place! We board a safari vehicle (a converted semi-truck) and prepare to feed the animals. Each student gets a bucket of feed and as we travel through the park we make various stops to feed the animals. The driver informs the students of how to feed the animals: all horned animals are feed by throwing the feed under the seat and the animals lick it up.

Other animals are feed from the bucket. This is so great! The camels are greedy creatures and they like to stick their heads very close, in hopes of snagging your bucket or getting you to feed them.

So, if you plan on a trip to Ohio and are looking for a great stop try Wagon Trails. Here is the link to their site: http://www.wagontrails.com/ It has a cool video of the safari ride. Be sure to the sound on, it's complete with a Lion King Sound Track! And Yes, we drive through the water! It's so exciting! This is my fifth trip and I had just as much fun as I had the first time.

Melsie has gone home to her Savior!

I took this of Melsie and Dave Glock at Ben & Jenna's wedding

I logged on EBC alumni and saw a posting that Melsie has went home to be with her Savior. Please pray for her family and extended family of ACC and Emmaus.

Melsie has always held a special place in my heart. I was fortunate enough to work in her office during my time at Emmaus. She embraced all who came to her. She and Dave made my time Emmaus the wonderful experience that I remember.

My favorite memories are just the normal day to day time in her office before and after chapel, when students would stop in for candy or a talk and always her joyful laughter. Oh, don't forget the cookies from the cafe.

I know she is rejoicing with the angels now and I am thankful she is suffering no more. In her letters to me and phone calls her last thought or comment was always "Keep on Keeping On!" Melsie would want us to remember this, even in our saddness over her going home.

My Uncle is Home

My uncle Jimmy got out of the hospital today. He is doing well. He is off the pain medication for which is very glad. He still has his staples which he'll get out in a few days. The total recovery is expected to take a 5 weeks. He is glad to be home.

Thank you for all your prayers!