Four years ago

I set my bright, new "professional" bag on my new desk. My stomach was alive with a million butterflies clammoring for my every thought. "Hmmm, should I rethink how I organized the desks in here?" "Is that really where I want those posters?" No time now to change it anyway. There would be students in my room any moment. Would they like me? After all, I was only 4 or 5 years older than some of my students. Would they respect me? Would this be the worst thing I had ever done? I had met a few of them at the open house a few days before. Most seemed less than impressed. Afterall, I was replacing a much beloved woman who had invested a lot of her personal time into helping these kids out. Here I was, still wet behind the ears from my internship...in their eyes, what did I know? I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Only ten minutes and that homeroom class would come pouring in. I was not expecting to have a homeroom when I started at school. I just thought I would teach my classes and go home. But, that was not what God had planned. The bell chimed and in walked a pack of freshmen...the class of 2012. These would be the lives I would be expected to get from freshmen to seniors. How was I to do that? Would they seek me out for help? Would they trust me? I took attendence and decided I would have to worry about that later. Four years later I sat in a pew at the graduation of my "babies." How had four years gone by so fast? How had this group of little freshmen suddenly become men and women ready to go out into the world? Together we had conquered so many things. We had fundraised, we had planned events, we had gone on the senior trip. My "babies" had come to me to talk through college application processes, friends moving away, what outfit to wear to homecoming, recommendation letters, and everything in between. With each name called and each diploma passed out, I could recall happy memories and sweet times. What a blessing that God had allowed me...plain old me...to be IN their lives. What an honor...and what a responsibility. As I looked at each face I thought to myself, "I got to have a part in that kids life!" I never expected when I walked into that classroom four years ago that I would be sad to see my kids go. With each speech that night, I laughed and cried. I felt a little silly at first when I packed tissues before I left for graduation...I thought to myself, "I will not need these." I was wrong. I will never forget that class. They blessed me and taught me things that will forget leave a mark on me. I wish them all the best and pray their lives honor God in every way.

Episode 13

Today I added the December 20th angel to the nativity mural. It has so many memories connected to it. My sister always wanted to put this angel on because it was her birthday...so naturally she wanted to put it on the mural (naturally, she also wanted to put on the baby Jesus...but you cannot have your cake and eat it too). Then, one year the angel had an unfortunate moment and her head fell off. So, that poor angel was marked for life and mom had to reattach her head many times. In fact, today when I put up this angel I was extra careful with her head...even though I knew I didn't need to be.

But, that is not my reason to rejoice today. Today it is my sister. 22 years ago today my little sister was born. She is my only sister...my only sibling and I am happy to say, my oldest friend. Now, from about ages 8-15 my mom probably would have said differently about us being friends. We had many a fight...usually about nothing. Once we had a fight over who would clean the toilet (least favorite bathroom chore) and I may have "accidentally" sprayed Ray in the eye (Ray can now finally be avenged for that one because I am pretty sure my mom never knew about that one because I think I bribed Ray not to tell...probably by giving her gel pens or stickers which were my currency in that day and age). Another time we were fighting over who would vacuum (second least favorite chore) and I pushed her over to get my point across and she hit her tailbone on the vacuum (this one mom knew because I vaguely remember my tailbone hurting later over that one). One time Ray flicked a penny directly in my eye...cannot remember what that fight was over, but I am still amazed by her aim. However, over time, I can say that I have never had more happy memories, more belly laughs or more inside jokes than with her.

I do not remember much about her birth. I remember most of the things from home movies and pictures and cute anecdotes from my family members. Before Ray was born, I wanted her to be twins (doubtless my mom and dad was happy that Ray was NOT a twin...that's a lot of babies at one time). Anyways, I wanted twins so mom could name them Isaac and Rebekah. The day Ray was born, all I remember is mom and dad bought me the game "Shoots and Ladders" and I stayed at someone's house till they came home. I was pretty stoked because I really liked that game.

Time went on. Ray grew up...she peed on my lap (she was an infant!!!)...she crawled after my toys...there was no place to escape. She got bigger and wanted to be just like me. She stole my clothes, played with the same toy I always wanted to play with. She copied what I said, she followed me everywhere I went and did all the things I did. She became a teen and suddenly my clothes were not as cool as hers, so I never had to worry about her stealing my stuff. Then the day came where I moved away and we saw each other less and less. Then came the day where I watched my baby sister walk down a grassy path on a spring day and get married. I think I cried more that day than I did at my own wedding. The pictures of that day show me walking down to the front of the ceremony with a grimace on my face because I was doing all I could not to ruin my make-up. Suddenly miles and miles separated us. I miss her so much and am so thankful for the built-in friend that God gave me so many years ago. I would give anything to have her be close enough to steal my sweaters or borrow my stuff (although heaven knows my style is probably still too old lady for my trendy little sis). I am rejoicing tonight for this reason...my baby sister. Thanks God for that extra special gift in our family's life.

Episode 12

A little update on the advent calendar. We are into the wisemen at this point. Getting closer all the time. I cannot believe how quickly the Christmas season is whizzing past. This past week was final exams at school. It is by far my favorite part of the school year. I love the idea that we get a fresh start when January comes around. The kids are excited and happy because Christmas is coming for them too. As you grade finals you can play your quirky Christmas music as loud as you want...it is the one time of year you can get away with being quirky.

Last night Ryan had to work super late at the store so I had a marathon of Christmas movies. I watched one of my all time favorites, The Miracle on 34th Street (the old black and white one with Maureen O'Hara and Natalie Wood). It is just so cute. And even though I do not believe in Santa Claus, my parents never had him as part of the equation, and I do not plan on telling my kids that he is real either....I do love a good movie with Santa in it. This one is by far the best one about Santa. If you have never seen it...I highly recommend it. Clearly the best line in the whole thing is when the little girl tells the mom that "Sometimes faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to." I love it.

My reason to rejoice today is the fact that God is a God of miracles. I was thinking about this the other day. The God of the impossible planned to send His Son to earth...so how would it happen? Naturally it had to be through a virgin for Jesus to be perfect and sinless. But also a VIRGIN...how amazing...how miraculous. Would we really expect anything less from a God like ours? Why do we question HIS ability to provide for our needs...to fulfill the deepest desires of our hearts? We shouldn't...He is the God of the impossible.

Episode 11

Sorry I missed a few days. We had our Christmas program on Sunday so we were busy all day Sunday. SATURDAY we spent most of the day cleaning house and then shopping for a shepherds costume for Ryan. Yesterday was the last day of full day school days...then I had to mail Christmas boxes (so I stood in line for 42 hours). Today I had a half day...but felt really icky so I went home at noon.
My reason to rejoice....the lost art of the Christmas card. Each year we get less and less. My theory behind that is 1. there are busy busy people out there. 2. postage is ridiculous. But for those faithful few....thanks for sending....it brightens my day!!!

Episode 9

Just a little update on the Rejoice countdown. We are out of the "trees" which are still fun, but not as fun as the sheep, angels or people. It is a sure sign that Christmas is closer when the "trees" are on the board.

Today's post is all about conversations around the tree. My Grandpa Arnold was a notorious "filmer." He recorded everything from the kids in their Easter Sunday best to the family eating Christmas dinner to the "pile" of presents my Dad got each year (even though my dad tried to tell us for years that he was so poor growing up that Grandma would wait till he was asleep Christmas Eve so she could wrap up his hands, because in the words of my Father, those were "nature's Christmas gifts." and the only gifts they could afford) Anyhow, he must have transferred that urge to film all things. The other day I was watching some Christmas footage while I cleaned house (we no longer have cable...so sometimes finding something to watch is a stretch). Here are some of the conversations I heard around the tree, the names have been changed to protect the innocent, but I am sure most of the family will be able to figure out who is who.

Mystery Aunt: "I was so COLD in here earlier."
Uncle Spike: "You are COLD? IN this HOUSE? Geo-therm's been down here already today testing for nuclear material."

Parent of mine after getting the gift of money: "Oh look, I got paper...with green ink on it."

Sister-type: "Oh wow, just what I wanted. Thank you!" *promptly throws item over shoulder to dive into the remaining pile of gifts.

Mystery Grandparent: "Keep the box for that Barbie, Rachel, for someday when you are old and you want the box. Could be worth money."

Mystery Grandparent: "Hey, you mayn't open any presents until you pick up ALL the wrapping paper on the floor."
Aunt Starla: "Yah, and then wash and wax my car while you are at it!"

Ah, the family Christmas tree captured for all time on film. It does not get much better than this. So, today's reason to rejoice is my Grandpa and Dad taking the time to preserve those memories (the good, the bad and the ugly ones too) for future generations. Thanks!!!

Episode 8..a little late

You know each family has them. Traditions. I plan to devote a couple of posts later on to traditions that my family has had and maybe even some new ones that Ryan and I have begun. The one that always makes me smile is stockings. Every single Christmas of my life I have gotten a toothbrush as one of my gifts. Now to you it may seem odd but in fact it became one of my anticipated stocking stuffers. Funny isn't it? But I can remember our first year being married telling Ryan not to forget my toothbrush. It is possible that he thought I was crazy.
The only other predictable gift that is traditionally given is pistachios for my dad. No matter how many bags of those crazy nuts he gets, he acts suprised. My Mom gets a nativity scene each year practically. This Thanksgiving I was home to help Mom decorate. There were nativities all over. it reminded me of Christmas past and the time she got that scene . I am blessed to have such a rich heritage of traditions...even the toothbrush one.

Episode 7

I am rejoicing this late evening that i only have to make these little boogers once a year. I remember growing up, my mom would spend half the month with us kids making cookies to eat, to share and just for fun. Mom always made it seem so very effortless. My sad little mice had their heads crack open...poor little frankenstien mice!! However, the little awana girls that will be eating them tomorrow will like those yummy sad little critters and THAT is my reason to rejoice tonight.