Funny isn't it, how in the span of a few moments you can be made to feel as if your life just isn't "up to par" with the expectations of the world! As a "stay at home"schooling" mom, this happens to me quite frequently.
There was a time that I always held a "job". In fact, I had my first job around the age of 15 when I went to work in the local dairy bar during the summer. I moved up to a restaurant, then factory work, back to the restaurant scene, and just kept right on going. I held jobs as a secretary in different types of offices. I have been a cashier, and moved up to managing aspects of the store. I have worked in the public school system as an aide and a substitute teacher. My list of "jobs" is rather long! During much of that time, I was also raising three daughters and trying to be involved in their day to day lives as well. That was, after all, how it was "supposed" to be done. In the eyes of others, my life had worth!
Now that I am staying home and schooling Michael, I have found that in the eyes of (most of) the world, what I do is of little, or no, importance! I really do find this quite sad, and not just for me, but for the countless other moms who are being made to feel this exact same way!
At a recent gathering of a group to which I belong, the "pedigrees" of those involved were being touted to the audience.... doctors, nurses, professional musicians, computer techs, artists.... the list went on.... and not once was a "stay-at-home-mom" (SAHM) mentioned! Now, I was not surprised by that in the least. But it did get me to begin thinking about how people view those of us who have made the choice (dare I say sacrifice!) to stay at home. We are viewed as being "less" by the world, but I believe that we deserve more than that!
When we made the decision that I would remain at home, it was a sacrifice of an additional income. That means that, while we have everything that we "need", we don't always get everything that we "want". I have had to become careful about our spending. I have learned to be on the look-out for deals and shop the clearance aisles. I have become knowledgeable about the best times to shop the meat department, and I've learned that there is nothing wrong with being frugal! While I do not "make" money as a SAHM, I have found creative ways to save money!
Our decision was a sacrifice of "alone" time. I am now with our son 24/7. That means that from the time that his feet hit the floor, until the time they lead him back to bed, he is by my side. From his first words of the day, to his last words of "good-night".... I get all the words in between. And let me tell you, there are a LOT of words! Occasionally, I will sneak away to Walmart while he stays with his Dad... it is kind of like a mini-vacation!!! Time for myself is not very plentiful!
Our decision was a sacrifice of career. You see, I had gone back to college, and had just switched my major to Early Childhood Education (from a medical field), having made the decision to finally go for that teaching degree I'd always wanted. When I was younger, I had dreamed of being a teacher, it just didn't happen. Having been a substitute teacher for several years, I knew that this was what I wanted to do, and I was determined to make it happen. God had other plans, and while I may not have my degree, I AM the teacher that I knew I was meant to be. Yet, if I had that degree, people would view my teaching in a much different light!
At times like these, when I am feeling that I am "less", I am learning to dig deep and remember WHY I am here. I remember that it was answering God's call on our lives that led us to adopt our son. I remember that He placed him with us because he trusted us to do what was in his best interest. I remember that God, who created me with this purpose in mind, isn't the God of "less", but the God of "more", and that my worth is found solely in Him alone.
I trust in that.... I truly do. And when I am made to feel "less", I just remember that God has "more" in store for me than I can even imagine. He has given us "more" so that I can stay at home and give Michael all that he needs. He has provided "more" patience than I thought it was possible to have! He has led me to "more"ways to help Michael learn, even at those times when I thought I was "less" than capable. God has led us to a church home, where I can continue to grow in Christ. We have become part of a Community Group, and even on those nights when Michael goes with us, I find that I am able to recharge by "adult time" batteries! I love the "more" than comes for listening to God's prompting!
I love being where God has planted me..... I am His child, I am a wife, I am a mom and nanny, and I STAY AT HOME.... which also makes me a doctor, a nurse, an office manager, a teacher, a cook, a custodian, a transportation expert, a personal shopper, an accountant....and the list goes on an on!!!
And before you say it.... this is NOT a slam to those of you who not only work, but do all of the above... I have been where you are!!! You are AMAZING!!! You deserve a huge pat on the back, because I know that it is hard to work and juggle a household. In fact, you deserve a standing ovation!!!
But.... to those of you what have chosen a different path... a path that has led you to become a SAHM.... you deserve the same affirmation. You are AMAZING!!!! Don't ever let anyone tell you any different!!!
YOU are MORE than enough!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
It Isn't How you Learn...
We have started our fifth year of homeschool. It really doesn't seem possible that we've been doing this for that long, but we have!!! While there are times when I still question whether or not this is the right choice for Michael, I can honestly say that God has always stepped in to give us a clear answer.
Michael has made great strides in the past month... yes, we just finished day 26 of his 5th grade year. We have chosen to go to a year round format, and there are many that would say that just "isn't right". For us, it is going to be what makes all the difference for Michael.
At the end of Michael's third grade year we took off the entire summer, as we had based our calendar on the public school's calendar. When we started back up in August of that year it was a total disaster. Talk about stress!! He had forgotten just about everything he had learned. Oh, he could still read, do simple math, and could still write, but anything beyond that was, simply, gone! I knew that neither one of us was ready to go through that again. The solution was simple - don't take such long breaks.
This year we took off for three weeks at the end of his fourth grade year. We are now on a four day school week, taking Friday off each week. If something comes up during the week and we'd like to take off an additional day, we do it. We make it up the following week on Friday! So far, it has really been great. We have been able to pick up right where we left off, and he has retained everything. This has been a huge blessing for both of us!
I have also found out over the years that Michael likes to move around when he works. There have been many a day where he has stood up while learning a subject. And when he reads... well, I'm never quite sure just what position I will find him in!!!
This used to drive me crazy, but now I don't even mind, as long as he is reading, and retaining what he reads.
As long as I allow him to "fidget" he gets the work done. This is something that would never be tolerated in a public classroom. He would be forced to sit in a chair, and that just does not suit his learning style!
When we first began our homeschooling adventure I tried to keep our day as close to a public school day as I could. After all, I had worked in the public school system for a number of years in a substitute teacher capacity, and that is what I knew. Now, if he wants to stand to do his math... go for it! Stand, sit on the floor, work in the dining room, work in the school room... I don't care, as long as the work is completed and retained!
You see, it isn't HOW you learn that is important, but the fact that you LEARN that truly matters. Here, we work at Michael's pace... and we keep plugging away until he has the concept down. We don't rush through things just to say that we're finished.... slow and steady wins the race!
I'm beyond thankful that God has given me this time to spend with Michael, and that we have chosen to head his call to homeschool. It isn't always easy, but it IS what we've been called to do. I know there are many who feel that kids who are homeschooled don't get enough "socialization". Many feel that kids need to be "making friends" and that the only way to learn to get along with others is to be out in the classroom. Mickey and I??? We feel that a classroom environment would force Michael to retreat into his shell... we fear that he would be bullied because he is "different"... we know that he would be "lost" in a world that moves at too quick a pace. We trust that what we are doing is following God leading, and that He wants only what is in Michael's best interest. We will continue to ask for God's direction, and follow wherever he takes us. Homeschool isn't for every child. It isn't for every family. For us... it is right where Michael is meant to be.
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Michael has made great strides in the past month... yes, we just finished day 26 of his 5th grade year. We have chosen to go to a year round format, and there are many that would say that just "isn't right". For us, it is going to be what makes all the difference for Michael.
At the end of Michael's third grade year we took off the entire summer, as we had based our calendar on the public school's calendar. When we started back up in August of that year it was a total disaster. Talk about stress!! He had forgotten just about everything he had learned. Oh, he could still read, do simple math, and could still write, but anything beyond that was, simply, gone! I knew that neither one of us was ready to go through that again. The solution was simple - don't take such long breaks.
This year we took off for three weeks at the end of his fourth grade year. We are now on a four day school week, taking Friday off each week. If something comes up during the week and we'd like to take off an additional day, we do it. We make it up the following week on Friday! So far, it has really been great. We have been able to pick up right where we left off, and he has retained everything. This has been a huge blessing for both of us!
I have also found out over the years that Michael likes to move around when he works. There have been many a day where he has stood up while learning a subject. And when he reads... well, I'm never quite sure just what position I will find him in!!!
This used to drive me crazy, but now I don't even mind, as long as he is reading, and retaining what he reads.
As long as I allow him to "fidget" he gets the work done. This is something that would never be tolerated in a public classroom. He would be forced to sit in a chair, and that just does not suit his learning style!
When we first began our homeschooling adventure I tried to keep our day as close to a public school day as I could. After all, I had worked in the public school system for a number of years in a substitute teacher capacity, and that is what I knew. Now, if he wants to stand to do his math... go for it! Stand, sit on the floor, work in the dining room, work in the school room... I don't care, as long as the work is completed and retained!
You see, it isn't HOW you learn that is important, but the fact that you LEARN that truly matters. Here, we work at Michael's pace... and we keep plugging away until he has the concept down. We don't rush through things just to say that we're finished.... slow and steady wins the race!
I'm beyond thankful that God has given me this time to spend with Michael, and that we have chosen to head his call to homeschool. It isn't always easy, but it IS what we've been called to do. I know there are many who feel that kids who are homeschooled don't get enough "socialization". Many feel that kids need to be "making friends" and that the only way to learn to get along with others is to be out in the classroom. Mickey and I??? We feel that a classroom environment would force Michael to retreat into his shell... we fear that he would be bullied because he is "different"... we know that he would be "lost" in a world that moves at too quick a pace. We trust that what we are doing is following God leading, and that He wants only what is in Michael's best interest. We will continue to ask for God's direction, and follow wherever he takes us. Homeschool isn't for every child. It isn't for every family. For us... it is right where Michael is meant to be.
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Another year... come and gone!!!
Ahhh... yet another year of blogging failure!!! Why is it that for so many years I kept up, and now... I fail!!!!
ANYWAY.....
We are at the end of yet another school year... our fourth. SO hard to believe that the boy will be in the 5th grade soon! As he reminds me often that he will be 12 years old in September. Time just seems to keep flying past me, and there isn't a thing that I can do to make it slow down!
This has been a year of more surgeries and dental issues. He has had numerous teeth removed... not once, but twice! His bone graft has healed wonderfully, and we are preparing for the next phase of the game - orthodontics. I have a feeling that we'll be waiting for some of these permanent teeth to erupt before we move on, and that is fine with me. Think he is ready for a break!
On the school front, he has made some progress this year. We've been working on reading comprehension, and it has really made an improvement in his understanding of what he reads. I began using Spectrum Reading mid-year, and I really love the way it works for him. Even though he is "techically" in the 4th grade (you know, in homeschool it REALLY doesn't work that way?!) he has been working through the 2nd grade book. I am a firm believer that you need to meet a child where the need is. These workbooks are filled with short, one page stories that are followed by questions he must answer. It is really helping with his comprehension skills. He still has a way to go, but I see progress.
Math has gone much better since we made the switch to Singapore math. He just started working in the Primary 3A book. Again, I went right back to the beginning when we switched. There were skills he was lacking, and he was able to pick them up by doing this. When I first thought about going so far back, I had a hard time with that... I felt that I was admitting to failure. But then I remembered that it was OKAY to meet his needs where they are. That is part of the reason we decided to homeschool!!! So back we went, and I'm so glad that we did. His frustration level (and mine!) saw a sharp decrease almost immediately!!!
In reading, he finished Farmer Boy a few weeks ago and he really enjoyed it. We've had to go back to "reading together" as he was 'cheating' a bit on his reading. He was just wanting to get finished so he could play or watch TV. Now he has to read TO me again, but that is okay. If he has a GOOD day, then he can have cartoon time in the afternoon. If he isn't concentrating, then he gets no TV until after supper. That has really had him working harder! And on an "exceptional day" I might let him have an hour of Wii or Xbox during the week!!! (We have found an incentive that works for him.... and we're not afraid to use it!!!) He is currently reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and we're discussing what makes this a fictional book!!
This year we've also found some great unit studies to "fill in the gaps". He has also completed some lap books as well. He is a "hands on" learner, and those have been a great way to get his brain in the game!! If you're looking for unit studies, Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett is a great resource ! (www.unitstudy.com) There are sales often! With a little searching you can also find many studies that are free!! Above was one of Michael's favorite projects this year!!
In other news.... Mickey retired in March after 30 years with the Indiana State Police. He had 35 years total in law enforcement. To celebrate he and I took a trip to Jamaica! Since our return he has had plenty of jobs in the "job jar" to keep him busy, and he has taken a part-time job. We're happy to have him home more often. However, if I keep adding more jobs to the jar he might be out looking for a full-time job so he can get some rest!
Well, it has been nice "visiting"! I hope it isn't another year before I get around to another post. I'll try to do better.
Did I mention... only 10 more school days until we take our break??? Excited?? Yes.... we're counting down the days!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
ANYWAY.....
We are at the end of yet another school year... our fourth. SO hard to believe that the boy will be in the 5th grade soon! As he reminds me often that he will be 12 years old in September. Time just seems to keep flying past me, and there isn't a thing that I can do to make it slow down!
This has been a year of more surgeries and dental issues. He has had numerous teeth removed... not once, but twice! His bone graft has healed wonderfully, and we are preparing for the next phase of the game - orthodontics. I have a feeling that we'll be waiting for some of these permanent teeth to erupt before we move on, and that is fine with me. Think he is ready for a break!
On the school front, he has made some progress this year. We've been working on reading comprehension, and it has really made an improvement in his understanding of what he reads. I began using Spectrum Reading mid-year, and I really love the way it works for him. Even though he is "techically" in the 4th grade (you know, in homeschool it REALLY doesn't work that way?!) he has been working through the 2nd grade book. I am a firm believer that you need to meet a child where the need is. These workbooks are filled with short, one page stories that are followed by questions he must answer. It is really helping with his comprehension skills. He still has a way to go, but I see progress.
Math has gone much better since we made the switch to Singapore math. He just started working in the Primary 3A book. Again, I went right back to the beginning when we switched. There were skills he was lacking, and he was able to pick them up by doing this. When I first thought about going so far back, I had a hard time with that... I felt that I was admitting to failure. But then I remembered that it was OKAY to meet his needs where they are. That is part of the reason we decided to homeschool!!! So back we went, and I'm so glad that we did. His frustration level (and mine!) saw a sharp decrease almost immediately!!!
In reading, he finished Farmer Boy a few weeks ago and he really enjoyed it. We've had to go back to "reading together" as he was 'cheating' a bit on his reading. He was just wanting to get finished so he could play or watch TV. Now he has to read TO me again, but that is okay. If he has a GOOD day, then he can have cartoon time in the afternoon. If he isn't concentrating, then he gets no TV until after supper. That has really had him working harder! And on an "exceptional day" I might let him have an hour of Wii or Xbox during the week!!! (We have found an incentive that works for him.... and we're not afraid to use it!!!) He is currently reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and we're discussing what makes this a fictional book!!
This year we've also found some great unit studies to "fill in the gaps". He has also completed some lap books as well. He is a "hands on" learner, and those have been a great way to get his brain in the game!! If you're looking for unit studies, Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett is a great resource ! (www.unitstudy.com) There are sales often! With a little searching you can also find many studies that are free!! Above was one of Michael's favorite projects this year!!
In other news.... Mickey retired in March after 30 years with the Indiana State Police. He had 35 years total in law enforcement. To celebrate he and I took a trip to Jamaica! Since our return he has had plenty of jobs in the "job jar" to keep him busy, and he has taken a part-time job. We're happy to have him home more often. However, if I keep adding more jobs to the jar he might be out looking for a full-time job so he can get some rest!
Well, it has been nice "visiting"! I hope it isn't another year before I get around to another post. I'll try to do better.
Did I mention... only 10 more school days until we take our break??? Excited?? Yes.... we're counting down the days!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Monday, May 13, 2013
The Countdown is ON!
And exciting week here in the Neal household... it is our last week of school! Yippee!!! And Michael is EXCITED!
We've had a pretty good 3rd homeschool year. Half way through the year, I totally changed up his math. Switching from Horizon to Singapore Math has made a huge difference. He seems to be doing much better with their approach. His reading has taken off! He has gone from easy readers to chapter books this year... and he really is beginning to enjoy reading! He began writing stories at the end of this year, and is doing pretty good with that as well.
It hasn't all been roses... he still struggles with some concepts... money is a biggie. He also has a hard time with word problems in math. There are still areas where he is behind, but I've seen great strides. That has been awesome to see.
A major portion of his excitement to have school over stems from the fact that we'll be going on vacation soon. He really enjoys going to the beach... he loves the pool, and where we are going we'll have both. He thinks that will be pretty sweet. Not sure how he'll manage without his "grandkids" being there, or his Carly... but I hope that he'll still have fun with his "old fogey parents"!!!!
I've already purchased a good portion of our schoolwork for next year. I've got a few options that I'm looking at. A Classical Conversations group meets in the area. There is also a homeschool coop that meets as well. Not sure which would be good for him... or if either will work. Still checking into both. He is pretty shy, and has NO desire to be part of a group... so we'll see! I'll sit down and begin planning next year in earnest after our vacation is over...
What I'm absolutely sure of is that Homeschool has made a difference for Michael, and I'm so thankful that we are able to do this for him. His is growing is so many different aspects of his life, and I feel that being able to work one-on-one with him has been a huge blessing.
While I'm looking forward to taking a break, I'm also looking forward to what next year will bring....
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
We've had a pretty good 3rd homeschool year. Half way through the year, I totally changed up his math. Switching from Horizon to Singapore Math has made a huge difference. He seems to be doing much better with their approach. His reading has taken off! He has gone from easy readers to chapter books this year... and he really is beginning to enjoy reading! He began writing stories at the end of this year, and is doing pretty good with that as well.
It hasn't all been roses... he still struggles with some concepts... money is a biggie. He also has a hard time with word problems in math. There are still areas where he is behind, but I've seen great strides. That has been awesome to see.
A major portion of his excitement to have school over stems from the fact that we'll be going on vacation soon. He really enjoys going to the beach... he loves the pool, and where we are going we'll have both. He thinks that will be pretty sweet. Not sure how he'll manage without his "grandkids" being there, or his Carly... but I hope that he'll still have fun with his "old fogey parents"!!!!
I've already purchased a good portion of our schoolwork for next year. I've got a few options that I'm looking at. A Classical Conversations group meets in the area. There is also a homeschool coop that meets as well. Not sure which would be good for him... or if either will work. Still checking into both. He is pretty shy, and has NO desire to be part of a group... so we'll see! I'll sit down and begin planning next year in earnest after our vacation is over...
What I'm absolutely sure of is that Homeschool has made a difference for Michael, and I'm so thankful that we are able to do this for him. His is growing is so many different aspects of his life, and I feel that being able to work one-on-one with him has been a huge blessing.
While I'm looking forward to taking a break, I'm also looking forward to what next year will bring....
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Monday, April 29, 2013
Busy Weekend!
What a weekend!!! VERY busy!!!
Saturday was the Pekin-Eastern Alumni Banquet. It was a very nice evening. Left Madison at 8:30 AM and arrived back home at 10:45 PM... that made for a VERY long day. But in between setting up the banquet and the actual event, I had the opportunity to visit with my parents, and that is always nice!
For me, one of the best things about this years banquet is that my middle daughter was a member of the 10 year class. She and a few of her friends came, and it was awesome to see them all there together.
Yesterday, I was pooped.... and I could feel a fibro flare starting up... AND we were expecting Rachel and family for the day... so we didn't go to church. And yes, we missed it, and it didn't feel like Sunday!
We had hoped to take them downtown and give them the Madison Main Street Tour. There are just so many neat buildings and shops here. However, it seriously POURED down rain for the longest time. Around 4:30 the sun finally came out, and a check of the radar indicated that we were in a dry slot, so we did go down and walk the river front. It is so beautiful down there, and peaceful. The kids even walked with Mickey and Robert down to the boat ramp and checked out the ducks that were swimming there.
They ran and played and had a great time. And it is always good to get to spend time with one of the girls and their family. We are truly blessed!
Today, we're back at school. Michael only has 14 more school days left, and as we have finished most of his books, we're just doing some unit studies, math and writing. Oh, and reading... there is always reading. In fact, we'll be heading to the library this afternoon to get some books on butterflies, our next unit study!
As for the flare I felt coming on yesterday... it is visiting full force today. But I am thankful... thankful that I KNOW it is fibro, it could be something worse... thankful the flare will NOT last forever (while I have pain all the time, these "bad days" come and go) and thankful that I can look forward to "good days" ahead. I have managed to go without the usual fibro meds (thankful again for a high pain tolerance!!!) and hope to be able to continue to do so! A silver lining exists for EVERYTHING if you just look for it!!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Saturday was the Pekin-Eastern Alumni Banquet. It was a very nice evening. Left Madison at 8:30 AM and arrived back home at 10:45 PM... that made for a VERY long day. But in between setting up the banquet and the actual event, I had the opportunity to visit with my parents, and that is always nice!
For me, one of the best things about this years banquet is that my middle daughter was a member of the 10 year class. She and a few of her friends came, and it was awesome to see them all there together.
Yesterday, I was pooped.... and I could feel a fibro flare starting up... AND we were expecting Rachel and family for the day... so we didn't go to church. And yes, we missed it, and it didn't feel like Sunday!
We had hoped to take them downtown and give them the Madison Main Street Tour. There are just so many neat buildings and shops here. However, it seriously POURED down rain for the longest time. Around 4:30 the sun finally came out, and a check of the radar indicated that we were in a dry slot, so we did go down and walk the river front. It is so beautiful down there, and peaceful. The kids even walked with Mickey and Robert down to the boat ramp and checked out the ducks that were swimming there.
They ran and played and had a great time. And it is always good to get to spend time with one of the girls and their family. We are truly blessed!
Today, we're back at school. Michael only has 14 more school days left, and as we have finished most of his books, we're just doing some unit studies, math and writing. Oh, and reading... there is always reading. In fact, we'll be heading to the library this afternoon to get some books on butterflies, our next unit study!
As for the flare I felt coming on yesterday... it is visiting full force today. But I am thankful... thankful that I KNOW it is fibro, it could be something worse... thankful the flare will NOT last forever (while I have pain all the time, these "bad days" come and go) and thankful that I can look forward to "good days" ahead. I have managed to go without the usual fibro meds (thankful again for a high pain tolerance!!!) and hope to be able to continue to do so! A silver lining exists for EVERYTHING if you just look for it!!!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Friday, April 26, 2013
What's in a Name!!!!
So, what is in a name.... EVERYTHING! I'd recently gone back to blogging and thought I'd go for something a little different... "On the Porch".... but then what happens??? Patsy Clairmont announces that she is going to be doing a little something called "On the Porch with Patsy".... yeah. So what is a girl to do?? Go back to the original Blog - Neal at the Cross... and remember why I started to blog in the first place!!!
So here I am... back home, where it all started. I will admit it has been kind of fun to go back and see some of the pictures that I've posted. Some of the stories. Most of which seem like a lifetime ago...but really aren't.
This has definitely been a busy week. Saturday is the Pekin-Eastern Alumni Banquet, and I'm the treasurer for the committee that puts it all on. I graduated from Eastern High school a LONG time ago... 1977! That is 36 years ago!!! Isn't that crazy?! Last year, my class gathered for our 35th reunion...
... yes 35 years... and we had a BLAST! It was wonderful to get to see so many friends. This was about 1/3 of our class... and I think that is great! But I digress....
The Alumni not only give away hundreds of dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors, but it honors those who have been out of school for 50, 25, and 10 years. This year is middle daughters 10 year class reunion! Only a few of her classmates have decided to come to the banquet, but I am excited to see them! Just a few more of the 25 year class will attend than the 10 year class. And the 50 year class has a little over half of their graduate attending.
This has made me wonder, when my class gets to its 50th year out of school... how many will come to the banquet? How many will even come to a reunion? There was a time when people graduated from a school, they didn't move very far away. They got jobs, married, had kids, and did it all where they were born an raised. That is just no longer the case!
As honored classes searched out addresses so that I could send invitation letters to the banquet, many had a hard time getting current addresses. And the 10 year class just had a hard time finding classmates, period! People had moved. They'd married (or divorced!). They were living out of state. And some were living out of the country. I sometimes find this a hard concept to understand... but this is coming from a girl who lives 52 of her 54 years on earth in the same town.... until this year!
We have become a society on the move, and I wonder if that is really a "good thing"! It has me wondering... where are your roots? Where do you call home? And if you've moved... and you think of home... is it where you live, or where you grew up? To me, Pekin will probably always be "home".... even if it isn't where I live....
And that brings me back to my original question... "What's in a name?" The answer for me... family history... and at the Alumni banquet tomorrow, there will be three generations of our family present! Four generations have graduated from the Pekin-Eastern schools... I think that is pretty impressive!!!! No matter how far away you may travel from home... never forget your roots... your history... it is part of who you are!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
So here I am... back home, where it all started. I will admit it has been kind of fun to go back and see some of the pictures that I've posted. Some of the stories. Most of which seem like a lifetime ago...but really aren't.
This has definitely been a busy week. Saturday is the Pekin-Eastern Alumni Banquet, and I'm the treasurer for the committee that puts it all on. I graduated from Eastern High school a LONG time ago... 1977! That is 36 years ago!!! Isn't that crazy?! Last year, my class gathered for our 35th reunion...
... yes 35 years... and we had a BLAST! It was wonderful to get to see so many friends. This was about 1/3 of our class... and I think that is great! But I digress....
The Alumni not only give away hundreds of dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors, but it honors those who have been out of school for 50, 25, and 10 years. This year is middle daughters 10 year class reunion! Only a few of her classmates have decided to come to the banquet, but I am excited to see them! Just a few more of the 25 year class will attend than the 10 year class. And the 50 year class has a little over half of their graduate attending.
This has made me wonder, when my class gets to its 50th year out of school... how many will come to the banquet? How many will even come to a reunion? There was a time when people graduated from a school, they didn't move very far away. They got jobs, married, had kids, and did it all where they were born an raised. That is just no longer the case!
As honored classes searched out addresses so that I could send invitation letters to the banquet, many had a hard time getting current addresses. And the 10 year class just had a hard time finding classmates, period! People had moved. They'd married (or divorced!). They were living out of state. And some were living out of the country. I sometimes find this a hard concept to understand... but this is coming from a girl who lives 52 of her 54 years on earth in the same town.... until this year!
We have become a society on the move, and I wonder if that is really a "good thing"! It has me wondering... where are your roots? Where do you call home? And if you've moved... and you think of home... is it where you live, or where you grew up? To me, Pekin will probably always be "home".... even if it isn't where I live....
And that brings me back to my original question... "What's in a name?" The answer for me... family history... and at the Alumni banquet tomorrow, there will be three generations of our family present! Four generations have graduated from the Pekin-Eastern schools... I think that is pretty impressive!!!! No matter how far away you may travel from home... never forget your roots... your history... it is part of who you are!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn
Monday, August 10, 2009
Oh NO!!!!, What is this, and Women of Faith
Last week we had a pretty hefty storm move through, and as Carly and I were helping Rachel get the "grands" out of the van we heard a huge popping noise. When I got in the house and looked out the window this is what I found! Fortunately, the playset was NOT damaged... just a lovely old tree.
And WHAT IS THIS???? Mick found this in the woods near our home. We have NO clue what kind of plant this is, so I am thinking that some of my bloggy friends might have a clue.
Whatever it is, it is kind of cool looking isn't it?
And Friday we were off to Women of Faith where we met up with 50 women from our church and an additional 12,000 of our newest friends! Prior to our arrival in Indy, we stopped off at the outlet malls for a little recreational therapy... one of Carly's purchases...
... these truly amazing sunglasses. And she and Bec managed to put on a fashion show in Rue 21...
Normally, Bec would have just KNIT these hats, but hey... for $6 AND it matched her shirt... yeah....
And WHAT IS THIS???? Mick found this in the woods near our home. We have NO clue what kind of plant this is, so I am thinking that some of my bloggy friends might have a clue.
Whatever it is, it is kind of cool looking isn't it?
And Friday we were off to Women of Faith where we met up with 50 women from our church and an additional 12,000 of our newest friends! Prior to our arrival in Indy, we stopped off at the outlet malls for a little recreational therapy... one of Carly's purchases...
... these truly amazing sunglasses. And she and Bec managed to put on a fashion show in Rue 21...
Normally, Bec would have just KNIT these hats, but hey... for $6 AND it matched her shirt... yeah....Our first speaker at WoF was Patsy Clairmont... how I LOVE this woman. She can have you laughing like crazy one minute and bawling like a baby the next. She is truly a gifted speaker and the way she weaves words into stories... only someone truly gifted by God could do what she does....
AND ... yes... Steven Curtis Chapman was our concert the first night. Thought I was gonna have to chain Bec to her seat... but she was a good girl. She DID rush the stage, with Carly close behind camera in hand. (check here to see the picture). He was truly amazing... and I was in tears listening to this man's testimony.
And meet two of my wonderful friends.... Vicki and Sha. This mother / daughter duo are some pretty awesome people!!! My friend Vicki opted to attend the second day of WoF "topless"!!! Yep... she is battling cancer, and is just beginning to get a little "peach fuzz" going... and I was SO VERY PROUD OF HER for leaving her hat in the car! I am so excited to see that her hair is beginning to peek through, and believe that she should wear it PROUDLY like a badge of honor. She is truly an amazing lady, and has raised her daughter to be pretty amazing as well. Sha just happens to be one of the most awesome children's ministers I've ever had the honor of working with!
And who knew that "pop art" could be so colorful??? The lovely "street artists" below are my best sister-friend Rebecca, my oldest daughter Chandra, my youngest daughter Carly and my middle daughter Rachel. They literally almost knocked a couple of guys over on the sidewalk striking this pose!!!
The weekend was amazing... we were all moved... we were all touched by the speakers... and we were all sad to see the fun end... and if you want to join us next year... mark your calendars for August 20-21st!!! It's an awesome time and we would love to see you there!!!
AND ... yes... Steven Curtis Chapman was our concert the first night. Thought I was gonna have to chain Bec to her seat... but she was a good girl. She DID rush the stage, with Carly close behind camera in hand. (check here to see the picture). He was truly amazing... and I was in tears listening to this man's testimony.
And meet two of my wonderful friends.... Vicki and Sha. This mother / daughter duo are some pretty awesome people!!! My friend Vicki opted to attend the second day of WoF "topless"!!! Yep... she is battling cancer, and is just beginning to get a little "peach fuzz" going... and I was SO VERY PROUD OF HER for leaving her hat in the car! I am so excited to see that her hair is beginning to peek through, and believe that she should wear it PROUDLY like a badge of honor. She is truly an amazing lady, and has raised her daughter to be pretty amazing as well. Sha just happens to be one of the most awesome children's ministers I've ever had the honor of working with!
And who knew that "pop art" could be so colorful??? The lovely "street artists" below are my best sister-friend Rebecca, my oldest daughter Chandra, my youngest daughter Carly and my middle daughter Rachel. They literally almost knocked a couple of guys over on the sidewalk striking this pose!!!
The weekend was amazing... we were all moved... we were all touched by the speakers... and we were all sad to see the fun end... and if you want to join us next year... mark your calendars for August 20-21st!!! It's an awesome time and we would love to see you there!!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Can she REALLY be that old????
Last night I took my BABY GIRL prom dress shopping!!! How can it be that she is a Junior??? How can it be that she is old enough to wear anything more than a frilly little Easter Dress and shiny black shoes??? I am not sure how it happened... or WHEN it happened... but isn't she beautiful????
When we entered the store we had just around one hour and forty-five minutes to accomplish our goal... find THE perfect dress. (Carly accused me of cruising through the mall at the rate of a "mall walker" but I knew that every minute was precious.) We began our search at our local Dillard's... where she actually found this dress. BUT... we knew that we could leave no stone unturned so off we went to DEB, which is on the other end of the mall. She tried on several dresses there, but none seemed to fit her style and personality like this one.
Needless to say, we found ourselves sprinting (okay... as fast as I sprint, which is a fast walk!) back to Dillard's with 15 minutes to spare before the store closed. As they were announcing that shoppers should make their final selections, we were slipping this dress back on Carly for a final look. And as all the patterns were different, she ended up trying on three... but this one was it, and had been right from the beginning.
While this dress may have been a little more "pricey" than I would have liked (I am a certified, card carrying member of the "Clearance Rack Club") I must say, this smile makes it all worthwhile!
When we entered the store we had just around one hour and forty-five minutes to accomplish our goal... find THE perfect dress. (Carly accused me of cruising through the mall at the rate of a "mall walker" but I knew that every minute was precious.) We began our search at our local Dillard's... where she actually found this dress. BUT... we knew that we could leave no stone unturned so off we went to DEB, which is on the other end of the mall. She tried on several dresses there, but none seemed to fit her style and personality like this one.
Needless to say, we found ourselves sprinting (okay... as fast as I sprint, which is a fast walk!) back to Dillard's with 15 minutes to spare before the store closed. As they were announcing that shoppers should make their final selections, we were slipping this dress back on Carly for a final look. And as all the patterns were different, she ended up trying on three... but this one was it, and had been right from the beginning.
While this dress may have been a little more "pricey" than I would have liked (I am a certified, card carrying member of the "Clearance Rack Club") I must say, this smile makes it all worthwhile!
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