Sunday, October 18, 2020

Mid October

 


Quarter one is half way over. Teaching virtually to 9 and 16 in class. Most days it’s quite the challenge - sounds like me teaching, “turn in your mute button”, “raise your hand and wait your turn”, looks like labs and reading and making anchors charts and technology galore - at first all things technology, but now reducing my computer grading time and making paper copies for students in class. We had a teacher workday on Friday and I was able to get paperwork complete and conference with parents. I need to remember that while I love teaching and learning with my kiddies at school that my personal kids- family- are more important.

Chris is getting help in the neighborhood this coming week Austin and Dylan continue to do well at school. Not much has changed for them and their studies. Ashleigh finished one of her classes. She applied for a summer job in MH and is hoping to road trip with a couple of friends on this journey. They are contemplating on taking the “blue rocket” or another friends car. Chris and she plan to do some body work to finish up the car in three coming weeks after class She is serving and sharing the gospel in so many ways big and small, continuing to overcome some battles but building trust and loving God as her almighty father. Her mentors are also encouraging her. (Thanks if you are reading this). I love the little “gang” she is part of and their time together bond intentionally whether it be while surfing, watching movies, worshipping, downtown, coffee/tea, or whatever college kids do. I am glad she is able to also come home and feel that home when she visits and hangs out. 



This weekend went to corn maze. Ashleigh and Austin finished first. We also had fried Oreos, pet the animals, played Corn Hole, took a tractor ride around the farm, and picked out a pumpkin. The weather was perfect! The time we spent there was like pre-covid or like time had frozen - except for the tractor ride ( wear we wore mask). People were respectful snd having fun outside!









Sunday, October 4, 2020

Daughter and Sons Days



 I love these kids I get to call mine. I thank God each day for these blessings as they grow physically, emotionally, relationally, and in Christ- serving, worshiping, and growing spiritually and in faith. 

School - began writing this sept 27 -





 The boys and I have been in school for 10 days today. Routines are in place for Austin and he is beginning to learn sixth grade content. He has two core teachers and two RAZ teachers- agriculture and Chorus. At dinner each night, we discuss his day. So far I know he is learning about bees and has had a quiz in SS and Science.  Dylan has a  different teacher this school year. Each day when we discuss his day, I know he has had snack, lunch, and PE. I wish I could be a fly on his wall at school to see what else goes on during his school day. I have some idea (thanks to e learning ) but not really quite sure. Chris takes Dylan each morning and he loves this part of his day. Plus he gets to sleep a little  longer. Today was his first day riding the bus home; I have been picking him up in the afternoons.  Austin rides with me and walks over from my school to his school each morning. I love this as he tells me by each morning and sometimes even gives me hugs. In the after he walks back over and this is my signal that it is time to go home. I have been teaching 25 kids - 14 face to face and 11 blended. I have had two change gateways to face to face and one blended no show. Students are managing masks, sanitizing, and we are beginning content learning this week. I am taking one day at a time. Parents have been very helpful. Students have been very patient. Ashleigh is starting week four - now that it has taken me several weeks to write this - week 6 maybe 7. She will be finished with one class this week. She and her roommate two peas in a pod. Her suite mates are awesome too. She and Anne, her dorm mate, went to CBH. On Wednesday they have been joining Mr Bennett’s church choir. What a great way to sing praises to God but also help out a local church during Covid. (You should hear the story leading to the first time she and Anne sang. Since Corona Virus has also led to closing church buildings ; it has been difficult to join in person services. We have been listening online. The church plant in our neighborhood is beginning missional communities and we hope to visit and worship. Ashleigh has been visiting various churches also. Pray for us during this journey to find a church.