red, yellow, GLUE!

Over the past 2 1/2 years I have had enough experiences, conversations, and "open-mouth, insert foot" moments to write a book. I love the kids I work with - they make me laugh. Today, in particular, I've had a couple of these moments.

I was working on an art project for the 1st/2nd grade class - a paper hat fashioned after an African Kufi. Two of my favorite 8th grade students came in and one of them wouldn't leave unless I gave him one of these hats to wear. I wonder how long it'll stay on his head after he sees the 1st and 2nd graders wearing the same things. Mervin, you look fabulous.

Moments later, a 4 year old from the Pre-K class came in. Elijah wanted to show me what he had been working on in class - patterns. He had strung different colored and different shaped beads onto a string. He began reciting the colors of his beads....red, yellow, glue; red, yellow, glue....
I asked him if he could say "blue" - he said "glue". I said "ba-ba-ba". He said "ba-ba-ba". Then I said "loo-loo-loo", he said "loo-loo-loo". Then I said "ba-loo", he said "ba-loo". Then I said "blue", and he said "glue". (with a HUGE smile of satisfaction on his face). I was trying SO hard not to laugh at him.

Next week, when I'm dragging the same child down the hall, as he's screaming at the top of his lungs - please remind me of this moment so I remember that I really do like kids. :)

...check yes or no...

After Natalie and I hiked 3/4 of a mile from the far parking lot (we refused in wait in line for a shuttle)....we made it for George Strait - the King of Country.

(they didn't realize that while they were taking this picture, they had been put on the "Kiss Cam" on the big screen)

Some quotes from the concert:

"George Strait is such a stud." - Karen Flaherty

"Ronnie Milsap is such a stud and I like his shirt." - Jessi Ralston

"I still can't feel my finger or toes." - Natalie Palmer

FUN times ladies - we definitely need to do a summer concert before Jessi leaves the country...

Da Bears

GO BEARS!!!



So we all gathered at Natalie's for a rip-roaring Superbowl party. She made her fantastic chicken chili (which would have gone great with chocolate covered carrots, but someone forgot those)


Then Hester made history by scoring a touchdown on the kickoff return....and Karen inspired us to do a little cheer...

...and a pyramid
(to Jupp's credit, we forced him to join in - we couldn't have made a pyramid with only 5 people!)

At halftime we ate cake - Karen and Jessi made me a birthday cake, ahem, a Happy Groundhog's Day cake.

And then came the 2nd half...

"Cheer up, Jupp, there's always next year..."

Ahhh...

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Have you ever gotten done with a meal - a really good meal, perhaps your favorite - complete with dessert, and at the end you're not overstuffed, yet you're completely satisfied? A small, content sigh escapes your lips - aaahhh...that's how I've been feeling lately.

I used to look at this verse and think, "how selfish to think that I deserve or could receive more than I could ask for or think of." I was overlooking an important phrase - according to the power at work within us. Only by the Holy Spirit my requests, hopes, passions, and dreams are realized. All of it is for HIS glory!


This has been the theme of my life the past couple weeks. To quote my friend, Stephanie, "God bless your ministries." Well, He has definitely blessed my ministries...