Gathering Graces 2/17/2017

*Since reading the book American Wife, I have been interested in learning more about George W. and Laura Bush.  So I put some books on hold at the library.  They arrived this last week, and, since my sister Christy is now one of the librarians, I was able to have her take my old books in to return, and she delivered my new books to me while we were over at Mom’s having dinner last night.  The two books I got are Laura Bush: An Intimate Portrait of the First Lady by Ron Kessler, and Ambling Into History: The Unlikely Odyssey of George W. Bush by Frank Bruni.  These are two books Curtis Sittenfeld used in her research when she wrote the fictional novel American Wife.  I think reading these books will add to our book group discussion about American Wife in a couple of weeks.

*In keeping with the George W. Bush theme, I also borrowed the movie W from the library.  This is an Oliver Stone movie made in 2008 that chronicles the life and presidency of George W. Bush.  It was very interesting, especially the parts leading up to the invasion of Iraq and the aftermath of that decision. 

*Last Monday I was in a discussion about what we used as stress relievers in our lives.  Household chores was on the top of many of our lists.  I wasn’t stressed by any means yesterday, but I did enjoy taking some time to empty and fill the dishwasher, wash some dishes by hand, and clean up the kitchen.  I have a big project I want to work on in the kitchen this weekend and I need a clean kitchen to do this project.

*Last time as I was searching for ways to cook London Broil in the crockpot, I noticed you could cook this particular cut of meat in the crockpot, and use it for French Dip sandwiches.  So that is what I did today.  After seasoning the frozen London Broil with Montreal Steak Seasoning (my favorite go-to seasoning), I cut up an onion and put it on the bottom of the crock pot.  I put the meat on top of the onions, then added two cups of beef bullion and a bay leaf, and let the crock pot do its’ magic.  And it did.  By 4:30 p.m., the meat was nice and tender, and I cut it up, strained the juice and got as much fat off the juice as I could, and headed over to Mom’s house.  I toasted some sourdough bread, buttered it, and added the meat and some sharp cheddar cheese.  I put the juice in small bowls so we could dip the sandwiches in the juice.  I threw together a bagged Italian chopped salad that was in Mom’s fridge, and we had a wonderful meal. 

Gathering Graces 2/16/2017

*I spent part of my morning visiting Pinehurst Elementary to check out the rooms I will use once I start the Drama Class as part of the PASS after school program.  I will begin this on February 28th.  It has been quite a while since I worked with elementary-aged students on a long term basis.  I am looking forward to the challenge.  It was fun seeing the bustling halls with students and teachers.  Pinehurst Elementary is a very inviting building to walk through.

*When I got home from work, I pulled up President Trump’s press conference.  I wanted to watch it for myself, before I read about it through other people’s impressions.  I was actually impressed with the way he had command of the room.  I am realizing our President conducts himself in a manner different than previous Presidents, and I think we just need to get used to it.  And I don’t think he will change.  He will share things that are not true.  He will sidestep or refuse to answer questions.  He will be rude to the press.  But that isn’t any different than he was throughout his campaign.  But yesterday I saw the Donald Trump that was so appealing to so many of the people who voted for him.  It reminded me of seeing Hilary Clinton speak at a conference back in 2009.  She was a commanding, passionate speaker in person.  Yesterday, I didn’t feel like President Trump was ranting and raving and out of control.  This is his normal.  And I think I need to get used to his normal.  I don’t have to like it.  I don’t have to agree with it.  But my conclusion is, this is who he is, and he isn’t going to change.  And I need to spend time fact checking everything he shares from the podium.  It has been hard for me to show grace toward our current President, and today I think that changed a little bit. 

*Paul and I went up to the Sixth Street Theater to take photos of the cast and get some information on them for some publicity for the upcoming play, Escanaba in da Moonlight.  It opens March 3rd, and you won’t want to miss it.

Gathering Graces 2/15/2017

*Taxes done and submitted!!  Woo Hoo!!!

*Had a nice P.E.O. meeting tonight at Sandy Scott’s house.  Carolyn Gibbs did an interesting program on blood typing, and talking about donating blood.  It was fun to hear the comments from the ladies in the room talking about how interesting the topic was, and how smart Carolyn is in her field of expertise!!

*I have had an unusual week of being showered with unexpected gifts this week.  My friend Anita sent me a calendar and three new cookbooks, I received a coloring book and colored pencils and some chocolates from the secret pal at work, Christy brought me back a scarf to thank me for watching the cats while her and Everett were on their recent trip, and Jane brought a lovely bouquet of flowers to dinner Tuesday night.  I am thankful for each and every one of these lovely surprises!!

Gathering Graces 2/14/2017

*I had three very special Valentine’s presented to me by my husband and the three different KHS drama classes.  I was sitting in my office and one of the students came in and said she was to escort me to Mr. Roberts’ class.  I was then handed off to another student and taken to the front of the room.  The music began as 8-10 young men were snapping their fingers and swaying back and forth.  They parted, and Paul started singing Nat King Cole’s L-O-V-E.  Toward the end I danced with him and joined him for the ending.  Fourth period, I was escorted upstairs again, and this time Paul started out singing “How To Handle A Woman” to me, and the music began, and we both sang “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”.  The Technical Drama students also had me come up, and they performed “Somebody to Love”, with me joining in at the end.  These were the best surprises, and the best Valentine’s EVER!!!! 

*After posting the video (found here https://youtu.be/4TV7nvYZvtM ) of the second Valentine, is was fun to read people’s comments.

*The day ended with a wonderful dinner at my house with Mom, Christy, Everett and our friend Jane.  We had Chicken Thighs in a Creamy Mushroom, Bacon and Thyme sauce, four bean salad, bread and Champagne, with homemade Cream Puffs for dessert.  It was a wonderful evening.

Gathering Graces 2/13/2017

*After a small hiatus from having our early morning walks up at KHS, Nikki and I were back at it this morning, and boy did it feel good to have our early morning walk together.

*On the way home, there was a beautiful sunrise to greet us. 

*The day continued to be beautiful with lots of sunshine and blue skies.

*Our book discussion after school today on the book  Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom, had the focus on Self-Care, and making sure, as you deal with students throughout the week, that you are taking care of yourself so you are able to deal with the issues that come up.  One question that arose was asking how school districts can do a better job of making sure their educators are receiving some self-care, taking care of themselves, so there isn’t such a tendency for burnout, and teachers leaving the profession.  In this book, teachers are not referred to as just educators, but as care givers and members of a service-oriented profession. I think this is a big shift in thinking from even ten years ago.  I look forward to more discussions from this book.

Gathering Graces 2/12/2017

*What is Jesus telling us in Matthew 5:21-37?  That is what Pastor Dave shared about today in church. The question was posed to us, “Is the Sermon on the Mount about a list of new Christian Commandments, or is it about Grace?”    It was a timely message as we looked at how anger can hurt, not only our relationship with the person we are angry with, but with our relationship with God as well.  And we examined the things we treasure, and were given the following choices:  Anger or Friendship, Using People or Cherishing People, Brokenness or Wholeness, Cunning or Truth.  Is the transforming power of the Gospel a myth or a reality?  I must examine my life and ask myself this question as it relates to me tod

*I got my federal income taxes done (and got a little bit of a refund.  Thank you Zoe and Cosette for getting me your college information!!), and should be able to finish the state later on Monday and get it submitted!!

*I am starting an after school Drama class in a couple of week as part of the after school program at Pinehurst Elementary.  I took some time to start drafting a schedule for the time I will be with the students (twice a week from February 28 to April 27).  I am looking forward to working with younger students and getting them on stage!!

*I talked to Zoe on the phone for a bit this evening.  She is so funny as she shares stories about her slow journey into the realization that she is an adult living on her own, and the things she has to take care of herself.  She cracks me up, especially because she is handling this journey quite well!!

Gathering Graces 2/11/2017

*The morning started off with Hailey (6) and Hayden (4) showing up for the morning, as their mom Heather, who is the counselor at KHS, had to proctor the ACT test all morning, so Paul and I got to spend time with her girls.  What a fun morning!  We made music by playing the piano, the xylophone, the hand bells and ukuleles. They discovered the pool table downstairs, and likes rolling the balls into the pockets.  We baked some sugar cookies.  We walked over the Silver Mountain and didn’t fall once on the icy road in front of our house.  We then decorated the cookies. We looked at books. We pushed the girls on the swing outside.  A whole morning full of fun!!  Paul and I make a good team.  We look forward to another visit soon!!

*I was able to take a nice afternoon nap today on the couch.  I love taking naps, especially when I sleep well.

*Christy invited us over to Mom’s house for dinner and some Gonzaga basketball.  She made Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili that was delicious!!!  Mom made a batch of deviled eggs, and Christy threw together a salad, and we had a wonderful meal.  And Christy was impressed I actually sat and watched the whole Gonzaga basketball game.  Go Zags!

Gathering Graces 2/10/2017

*It was a nice Friday to be home and enjoy reading, and catching up on things, and enjoying a quiet house.  I was sorry I missed the balloon launch at school for Sarah McFeeley, but I watched the videos and saw photos, and it was awesome!!  Especially the one where the Kellogg School District IT Department used a drone to video the balloon launch.  Not only did they capture the balloons, but also some beautiful footage of the area surrounding KHS and the town of Kellogg.

*Our dog Sadie has needed a bath for a while, so today was the day.  She actually does really well taking a bath, and she looks all clean and fluffy and nice, and smells great, too!!

*When I arrived at Mom’s this morning, she had a grocery store list for me.  I had told her the day before that I could go shop at Stein’s for her.  I got her stocked up on some fresh fruit and veggies, some meat, but haven’t found the elusive Sunbelt Granola that she likes, and also had a coupon for.  It wasn’t at Yoke’s last week, and wasn’t at Stein’s either.  The search continues!!

*I have a large collection of bottles that I am going to make into a variety of items to sell.  My plans are to make hummingbird feeders, bird feeders, and tiki torches, at least to begin.  I researched some today on what supplies I need to purchase to get those things started.  I also found a couple bottle projects I would like Paul to work on, such as a wine bottle shelf and a wine bottle chandelier.  He then showed me a wine bottle fountain he want to build in our backyard.  It was fun sitting down this evening and planning these projects together.

*I remember my girls reading  The Series of Unfortunate Events books growing up, and then a movie came out based on the books.  Now Netflix has a series based on the books.  Many students at school have given Paul and I great reviews on the series, so we decided to start watching it tonight.  It is a very enjoyable show and very clever.  We made it through two episodes tonight, and plan on watching more tomorrow. 

Gathering Graces 2/9/2017

*Each evening I sit down to write myself some notes about my day, so I can share them the next morning.  The journal I use to do this is titled Meditations, and on every other page is a quote to meditate on if you choose to do so.  Here are some from the last few days.  “God’s nature is given me...  All His attributes are woven into the pattern of my spirit.  What a God is this!  His life implanted in every child.” ~Jim Elliot  “Prayer immerses us into the silence of God.” ~Richard J. Foster and today’s quote is “God gets down on His knees among us: gets on our level and shares Himself with us.  He does not reside afar off and spend diplomatic messages.  He kneels among us.” ~Eugene Peterson.  Wonderful word to think and meditate on throughout the day.

*I had planned on baking some chicken breasts for dinner to take over to Mom’s house, but they were still frozen.  I looked in the fridge and had eggs, mushrooms and cheese, and thought, maybe I could make an omelet.  Wait...Mom doesn’t like eggs like that.  Then it hit me...I have been kind of craving a veggie pizza from Yoke’s,  so I put in a call, and ordered a pizza, picked it up, and Paul, Mom and I enjoyed veggie pizza for dinner.  And it was delicious!

*While at Yoke’s picking up the pizza, and ran into my friend Cheryl Hunter Gladish, and had a nice visit.  I was complimenting her on her granddaughter, who is one of my GEAR UP students, and we talked about the upcoming KHS All Class Reunion and our graduating class getting a float put together for the parade that weekend.  It is always fun running into Cheryl and having a little visit.  She is just a really wonderful person...someone I have known since we were in first grade together at Sunnyside Elementary.

*I had a call from Cosette today.  Sometimes when she is walking home from classes she will call either her dad or myself, and I just love these surprise phone calls.  She was talking to me about her possible plans for the summer, and it sounds very exciting!!!

Gathering Graces 2/8/2017

*I have been spending a lot of time lately reading a book titled American Wife.  It is fictional story based on the life of Laura Bush.  I hope to finish it tomorrow.  The premise of the book is showing the life of a woman who ends up marrying a man who becomes President of the United States, and how she deals with this in her life.

*The snow was falling again today, and people were grumbling about wanting winter to be over.  Not me.  I love to watch the snow fall.  But tomorrow may be a different story.  I really do not like it when the rain begins to fall, the days are drizzly, and the landscape turns gray.  But it looks like that is in the forecast, so time to stay upbeat and not let the gray get me down.

*I am really blessed to work with a wonderful staff at Kellogg High School.  I really believe they have the best interests of our students in their hearts, and want to make their learning experience and just their time at KHS a very positive experience.  I love the short visits I am able to have with staff members to hear about how they do help students and care for them. 

Gathering Graces 2/7/2017

*Another day working with seniors in the classroom.  Helping them with scholarships, reminding them to get their FAFSA submitted, sending home GEAR UP Parent Surveys...just helping them stay on track.  It was a very productive day!!

*I went to my first practice for this year’s Community Easter Cantata under the direction of Joy Persoon.  Paul and I always love being a part of this community choir.  The Easter Cantata will be performed on Palm Sunday.  The name of the cantata this year is “The Tomb Is Empty Now”.

*I love my time in the morning when I first get up, when I read my Bible, and pray and have thinking time.  I feel like it is stirring up many things in my life that need changed and, although it can be hard, it is also good to realize I need some transformation in my life.  And for me, the Holy Spirit is who makes those changes... gently, lovingly, patiently.

*I had to go the my bank this afternoon, and all of a sudden I hear behind me, “Is that you Carol?”  I turned around, and was delightfully surprised to see my friend Marian Russell standing there.  She, of course, gives me a big hug, and we had a nice visit for a few minutes to get caught up.  She was a wonderful ray of sunshine to be blessed by this afternoon!!

Gathering Graces 2/6/2017

*This winter there have been elk roaming through Kellogg.  I have seen photos from the Kellogg City Park and the Sunnyside Elementary building.  Paul keeps seeing them on his way to and from work on the dike road behind our house.   This morning during our walk, Nikki said they were sleeping in our subdivision in an open area behind a group of houses.  So on my way back home from Mom’s this morning, I took a different route to see if I could see them, and there they were.  I was not able to see them for long, but my goal is to at least get a photo of these beautiful creatures who sleep only a block away.

*My Gear Up program purchased some books, and today some of the KHS staff and myself started a book discussion on the two books.  They are both about dealing with students who have Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), and how this trauma can effect their brain and the way they are in the classroom.  We had a wonderful discussion and I look forward to the many weeks ahead to further discussions.  The two books we are reading are Fostering Resilient Learners and The Body Keeps the Score. 

*We noticed evidence of water dripping from our ceiling earlier this fall, where we have a small leak.  Yesterday, when I came home at lunch, I realized the ceiling was leaking again.  So I grabbed a pot to put under the leak.  Paul climbed up in the attic and tried to make his way back to where the leak was, but couldn’t quite make it.  But he could tell there was not a lot of water, and we will have to wait until things dry up on top to see what can be done.  I am so thankful for this husband of mine who loves taking on all our little household mishaps, and figures them out!!

Gathering Graces 2/5/2017

*This morning at church, our Pastor shared a wonderful sermon about True Devotion, and how we, as Christians, shouldn’t just go through the motions of being a Christian, but have True Devotion, and build a relationship with our Lord.  It gave me many good things to ponder and meditate on today.

*I had posted on Facebook a phone number to call to Homeland Security regarding not appointing Steve Bannon to the National Security Council.  After posting, I had several people ask me what my reasons were for not wanting this nomination.  So I spent some of the day getting my thoughts together so I can write my thoughts on the subject.  I will be sharing it with those friends who inquired soon.

*Mom has not been able to cook full meals because of her health issues for quite some time, but she was determined to make a roast and other fixins’ for today’s family dinner.  Mom cooked the roast, peeled and boiled potatoes, put the cauliflower in the microwave ready to steam, and made a fruit salad.  In the midst of all this, she realized her dishwasher had quit working, so she hand washed all her dishes.  By the time Paul and I arrived before dinner, she  needed a little help making gravy, mashing the potatoes and setting the table.  Which we did gladly.  We had a wonderful family dinner including Christy, Everett, Molly, Travis, Paul and myself.  After dinner, Paul and Travis headed to the dishwasher, realized Mom needed a new water valve, so we got that ordered on Amazon, and it should arrive on Wednesday so Paul can install it.

*Since we had an early 2 p.m. dinner today, I needed a snack early evening.  Popcorn sounded just right.  I love using coconut oil to make popcorn, because it gives just a small hint of coconut flavor.  So I melted the coconut oil in a pot on the stove, and popped up the popcorn, then added some Hawaiian Black Salt.  Quite a delicious treat....and healthy, too!!

Gathering Graces 2/4/2017

*The snow has been falling, so much so that I got stuck pulling out of the driveway to get over to Mom’s house this morning.  So I went in and told Mom I would be a bit delayed, went and woke up Paul, and he got me safely to Mom’s house without getting stuck again.

*Later in the morning Paul, Molly and I attended the service for Sarah McFeeley at St. Rita’s Catholic Church.  What a beautiful service.  I love the Mass, and the tradition and the liturgy of a Catholic service.  I love the bells, the incense, the music throughout the service.  I love the reverence given to reading the Word of the Lord. One passage shared was from Ecclesiastics 3, which reminds us “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven.” Father Jerome shared some beautiful thoughts about Sarah and there were lovely poems shared and other readings.  I always think funerals should leave you uplifted, remembering the person with fondness, even though you mourn, and this funeral did just that for Sarah. 

*The afternoon was quiet around the Roberts’ house.  We watched the snow fall, and I worked on my taxes until I couldn’t do anymore (waiting for college information from Zoe and Cosette...hint! hint!), Paul build a fire and it was warm, quiet, cozy and safe inside our home all afternoon.

*We had an unexpected surprise with son-in-law Travis arriving early evening.  He was doing his Naval Reserve weekend, but, because of the weather, it was cancelled for Sunday, so he came over here to spend the night, then Molly and he will head back to Moscow after dinner at Mom’s house tomorrow.

Gathering Graces 2/3/2017

*My name is Carol Roberts.  And I love snow.  For me this has been a particularly beautiful winter.  I want my winters to be white.  And this winter has had the bonus of blue skies occasionally, keeping my spirits up.  Give me this type of winter over a gray, drizzly, never see the sunshine for weeks kind of winter.  No, I don’t want to drive in it.  But I love all four season, and I love the beauty of the snow.  And I continue having white icicle lights in my windows and snowmen decorating my house to keep it cheery.

*I woke up really tired today, and with a headache, (which I don’t get that often) so I slept off and on throughout the morning, and I watched the snow fall.  Finally I got up and showered, did some dishes, and perked up a bit.  I headed to Yokes to do some grocery shopping for myself and Mom, making my way through the throngs of Fresh Friday shoppers.  Then I headed home to start preparing the chili for tonight’s dinner.

*Had a wonderful evening with the Schramfam tonight.  Our niece and her husband, Jenn and Dave, and their four children decided to leave the iciness of the Portland area to experience the snow of the Silver Valley.  We enjoyed  great food, great drink, and great conversation. I got to play a game of Quelf with Iris and Ella, (Iris did an exceptional job using two spatulas as drum sticks to perform some air drumming, and Ella performed quite a feat of stamina holding her body in the shape of an “X” as we played) and enjoyed some ping pong with Peter.  We always enjoy our visits from this wonderful family, and are so glad they make it to the Silver Valley to visit their grandparents so we get some time to see them too. 

Gathering Graces 2/2/2017

*Spent a few periods today helping seniors with the scholarship process as they continue to travel through the maze of college preparation.  I tell them, the key is to make a list of local scholarship you are going to apply for, write down the deadline and what you need for them, and stay organized.

*I had been trying to get with another student who was having trouble logging into her college account and getting her web account and college email set up.  She came down, made a phone call to the college help desk, and mission accomplished!!

*Paul drove over to Coeur d’Alene to pick Molly us.  Travis has Navy Reserves this weekend, so she decided to come home so she could attend Sarah’s funeral on Saturday.  Paul cooked dinner tonight, and made steamed clams, salad and bread.  Very delicious!!

*For many of you reading the comics in your local newspaper between 1985-1995, there was a comic strip by the name of Calvin and Hobbes.  It was one of my favorites.  Netflix has a documentary called Dear Mr. Watterson that I watched tonight that brought back many fond memories of reading this comic strip.  We have some of the books around our house.  Calvin and Hobbes is so funny. You can see the trailer for the documentary here.

Gathering Graces 2/1/2017

*I had a student come into my office to talk about a fund-raiser we were working on, and he ended up staying the whole period, and we had a great visit on subjects ranging from the death of Sarah, his classmate, current pets, losing pets, not thinking we could live life without pets, and a few other topics.  It was a great conversation.

*Spent some time with another student who has an unusual family situation which makes verifying her situation with a college for financial aid very interesting.  But I think I was able to help her and calm her fears about not thinking she would be able to get any financial aid.

*Had another student come into my office to vent a bit about things going on in her life.  I was glad I could be a pair of ears to listen.

*Something was said to me today that was hard to hear, and made me realize I may have a wrong attitude about an area in my life, and I may need to make some changes.  I could have got mad, and pouted, and got defensive.  That was my first reaction.  But as I think about it, I want to show grace, and learn from this comment, and hope it makes me better, and do better in the future.

*At our P.E.O. meeting, we celebrated one of our members, Rebecca Jenicek, who recently got married, and we had a cake for her.  It was a nice little celebration of a wonderful event.  Congratulations Rebecca and Geoff!!

Gathering Graces 1/31/2017

*I hope I provided comfort as I talked to various students about Sarah at school today.  I was impressed with our students throughout the day, and the fondness in which they spoke of  and remembered Sarah.

*I spent most of the day with the Juniors prepping them for their upcoming ACT test they will take on February 11.  Gear Up monies pay for them to take this test, so I help them get ready to take test.  As I went over some of the test questions, I was impressed I could at least answer the first two Math questions correctly!!

*My friend Kellee came over for a visit tonight, and we had a wonderful time visiting, opening gifts from our friend in Italy, and talking about books, movies, and other interesting topics.  Our visits are always way too short. 

*I spent way too much time on a new Twitter account called @WinnieDancing.  It is a GIF of Winnie the Pooh doing dance moves to any pop song given, and they all work.  My favorite...Law and Order.  Read about it and check it out here.  It could be I like it so much because my dad gave me the nickname of Pooh when I was little, and that is what he always called me.

Gathering Graces 1/30/2017

*One of the three Graces is names Thalia.  She represented youth, beauty and good cheer.  Today I am focusing a bit on Thalia as I share my one and only grace today, my memories of Sarah McFeeley,  a person full of youth, beauty and good cheer.  You see, Sarah passed away in her sleep this morning, and didn’t make it to school.  She was a 10th grade student at Kellogg High School.  She was light, and life and so much joy.  The photograph above is from right before this last Christmas.  I am so glad Paul and I took the time to get our photo taken with Sarah in the “Elf Yourself” area at KHS.  Sarah was a delight.  There were certain things she would ask me each time I saw her.  One question was “Where’s your car Mrs. Roberts?”  Another was “What’s for lunch Mrs. Roberts”.  I would often sing the Starship song  Sara, Sara to her as she walked down the hall.

Sara, Sara
Storms are brewin' in your eyes
Sara, Sara
No time is a good time for goodbyes

Paul and I spent a quiet evening at home mourning her loss.  What a gift to be able to do that tonight.  We took Mom dinner, then returned home, and were able to be with each other to comfort, but also quiet enough with our own thoughts, writings, songs, etc. to mourn and grieve as we needed.

Our daughter Molly had worked with Sarah at Kellogg Middle School.  I texted her to ask her to call me after she was done with school.  She asked me if it was worrisome.  I said not worrisome, just sad.  She asked, person or animal?  I replied, Person.  She said, Okay. Just preparing myself.  Will call you later.  It was hard to share the news with her about Sarah Bearah, (Molly’s nickname for her.)  Molly always had fun Sarah stories to share.

She was also one of Paul’s students.  He had her in Drama class last year and this year.  Drama was one of Sarah’s favorite classes.  This was a tough loss for Paul.

An outpouring of love from students and KHS staff started coming across my Facebook feed.  Everyone loved Sarah.  She was delightful. She was fun.  She was funny, and had a great sense of humor.  She was preparing to participate in the Winter Special Olympics coming up February 11th.  She was a good athlete.

This was a new experience for me.  I have never had a student pass away at school that I knew.  This is a different kind of loss.  It took me back to the summer before my senior year of high school when our classmate Mark Walkenshaw drowned up the river.  What a shock. Just like Sarah.

Sarah couldn’t have had a more wonderful group of people who worked with her at KHS, surrounding her with care and love.  From the special education staff, Erin, Tori, Julie, Lori, Deborah, Cory, and Jeanne, to her special friends in class, Brandon, Sean and Mikey, as well as her teachers this year, Paul, Rachael, Kandace and Joy.  She spent each day in a wonderful place.

My life is better for having Sarah a part of it.  My prayers are with her family, her friends, and all the people in the world touched by her life.  I knew her father a little bit, and he took such good care of Sarah.

One student asked me if it was weird that they could still hear her voice in class even when she was not there.  I said, no, that her spirit will always be with us.  And later I thought, what a special gift to be able to continue to hear Sarah’s questions, laugh and jokes.  She is probably cracking them all up in Heaven right now.

The image I have of Sarah in Heaven is from the song I Can Only Imagine, because when I asked Sarah about preparing for the Winter Special Olympics coming up, all she could talk about was the dancing involved at the party after the competition.  I think Sarah is now dancing with Jesus.

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Gathering Graces 1/29/2017

*Paul and I, with Simon on the drums, led worship at church this morning and shared a beautiful new song King of My Heart.  It was good for me to be reminded this morning, in the midst of  the happenings in my life, that God is Good.

“Let the King of My Heart, be the mountain where I run, the Fountain I drink from, Oh He is my song.  Let the King of My Heart, be the shadow where I hide, the ransom for my life, O He is my song.  You are good, good, Oh. You are good, good, Oh.”

*I had the luxury of taking a Sunday afternoon nap today.  Need I say more?

*I had grabbed some hamburger out of Mom’s freezer to fix something for dinner tonight.  As I looked through my trusty Betty Crocker Cookbook for ground beef recipes, I found one for Meat and Potato Pie, next to the meatloaf recipe.  Basically, you mix up the meat like you were making a meatloaf.  But then you take the meat mixture and spread it in a pie pan and bake it.  Then I boiled some potatoes, made mashed potatoes, and spread it on the cooked meat.  You add a little shredded cheddar cheese on the top and Voila`, you have a delicious meat and potato pie!!

Gathering Graces 1/28/2017

*It was a lovely morning as I sat and wrote some cards and did some planning, while Paul was in the living room playing his guitar and singing songs as he prepared for our worship time on Sunday morning at church.  So beautiful and relaxing.

*With the washing machine fixed, that meant a lot of clean clothes to put away.  So I gathered all the clothes I had separated on the couch in the living room, scooped them up and went to my bedroom to put them away.  Success!!  They were all put away.

*While in my bedroom, I noticed the top of my dresser was a mess, so I scooped all the contents off the top of the dresser, put it on the bed, and proceeded to organize.  Much of this organization involved my jewelry.  It felt good to get some semblance of order within my earrings, necklaces, bracelets and pins.

*During my putting away of clothes and jewelry organization, I decided I wanted to listen to something.  On Friday, Bill had mentioned in his Three Beautiful Things post about listening to a podcast featuring Malcolm Gladwell.  I still had a couple of audio books of Gladwell’s that I hadn’t listened to, and his books are always a great thing to listen to while working on projects.  So today I began listening to  “What the Dog Saw and other adventures”.  The majority of my time was spent listening to the story of Ron Popeil.  He was the creator of Ronco products that he sold on television using infomercials.  I love Gladwell’s writing, and he always narrates his own books.  Other books of his I have listened to are “Blink”, “The Outliers” and “The Tipping Point”.  If you have never read or listened to Gladwell’s books, I encourage you to try one out. 

*Once a week we try and have a family dinner with Mom, Christy, Everett, Paul and myself.  Tonight Christy and Everett hosted at their house.  Mom was even able to navigate over to Christy’s house with her walker.  (What a blessing that walker has been!!)  We had Beef Barley Stew, Cornbread and Salad.  And they served Gewürztraminer, a lovely white wine I had not had in quite a while, and it was delicious!  It was a wonderful evening to have all of us together.