I AM FROM

The worst part of earning my Master's Degree is that I have to go to school on Saturdays.  I really don't like it when the alarm clock starts singing on my day off, but it won't last forever. :)  Anyway, today was the first class for "Literacy Across the Curriculum".   Dr. G started the class by explaining that in order to truly teach literacy to our students, we need to know about them, their personal lives, and their prior knowledge.  Makes sense, right?  She gave this great example of writing a poem entitled "I Am From" that would give us great insight into our students' lives.  Then she dropped the bomb - we had to write one and SHARE IT!  So, here it is. . .

I Am From
by Heather Hall

I am from Mom's well used Bible, chiming grandfather clocks,
and unique antique furniture with stories to tell.

I am from phone booths that really work, a claw-foot bathtub never used,
and a home overflowing with love.

I am from grapevines with sweet treats, trampolines,
and my favorite place to be alone - the pond.

I am from where everybody knows you whether you know them or not,
and childhood friendships that last forever.

I am from  Ma and Pa, Granny, a precious church family,
and Acts 2:38.

I am from, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!"
and every nights line, "Is your homework done yet?"

I am from Mom's famous meatloaf and banana ice cream
and family meals around the table every night of the week.

I am from album after album with thousands of photos
turned in to new scrapbooks with precious memories to treasure!

In God's Time

The past few months I've had a hard time understanding why life has to be so hard. Last night, as I was yet again trying to make sense of things, I realized that it's not mine to understand. This is God's business. He knows what's best for me and Andy. As difficult as life can get, I do trust that He has a bigger plan than I can see. I'm putting my trust in God and waiting for his time!

One more time?!

As Kellye and I watched the kiddo's on the beach today we couldn't help but wonder if this just might be the last time all three of them would be willing to hold hands and jump the waves together! For them to be so close is truly a blessing, but as the teen years approach I'm afraid that the simple joys might turn into more "grown up" activities - like jet skis! (Oh my!!)

The first time we took them to the beach Caroline was just a baby! She refused to touch the sand. Andy and Gracie spent hours digging in the sand and running up and down the beach. The next year, Caroline decided to touch the sand and Gracie and Andy decided to jump the waves. Gracie wanted Grandad to hold her hand as she squealed and jumped each wave - and you know he did so with a huge grin on his face. He held her hand for what seemed like hours one year - her jumping and jumping and jumping! ;)

Andy thinks that he HAS to run on the beach. Of course, he ran today just as soon as his feet hit the sand. One day down and 6 to go on this adventure!