Crock Pot Girls

I discovered my new favorite web site of the day:

www.crockpotgirls.com

They set up their Facebook page on the 19th of August. Within ten days, they have 219 thousand followers (and counting...probably 220k by the time I publish this post.)

If you're looking for a great site to save time, check out Crock Pot Girls (or find them on Facebook.)

Update: 24 hours later, they have 565 thousand fans...over a half million in 11 days!!! Why didn't I think of this?

Off and Running

I've got to say...this year has been a much easier transition to teaching than last year. Maybe I'm finally accepting that full-time is my lot for this season of my life. I find myself a bit calmer (okay, a lot calmer) in the classroom. My tone is not as harsh, but still firm. In fact...the only discipline issues I've had so far have really only been with kiddos that are new to my classes. The students who know me have responded very well to the procedures and lessons.

Even our home life is more relaxed. Schoolwork stays at school, and I'm home and emotionally available to my family in the evenings. Things are really on an even keel. The house may not be as clean, and the meals are sometimes grab and go, but really...the stress level in our home at the beginning of this school year has really been manageable.

I pray it stays this way.

BSF Theme Verse

We had our first leader's meeting this morning. I came across this passage in 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2, verse 8. It just really jumped out at me and has become my theme verse for my group of ladies this year:

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

I pray that not only will the gospel and God's truth be shared this year, but that our lives would become woven together as relationships build and become dear to us.

Oh...and Dear Jesus...

...could you help my Mom and Dad not to kiss so much?

I'm a Mean Lady

Yup...those words were muttered angrily at me by an indignant six-year-old boy who didn't like the fact that he wasn't supposed to touch things in the classroom that didn't belong to him. It seems that this youngster (like many other new kiddos in my life this year) has never been told "no" before. So as he stomped his little feet and yelled at me that he was going to tell his mom on me, I stifled my giggles and used my serious voice to tell him that I would love to talk to his mom.

Poor kid...I really can't blame his frustration. But rules are rules, and I'm just not the warm, fuzzy teacher type. So I held my ground.

The funny thing is, the next day, we were playing a silly little game and he was giggling and smiling and having a grand time. I asked him at the end of class if I was still mean. His response: "No...you're pretty cool."

That's kind of how life works in Mrs. Wilson's classroom. If you follow the rules, we have a great time; if you don't...

...well, don't make me use my "mean" voice.

*I do find it incredibly interesting that the only "issues" I've had so far this year involve students who don't already know me. So I'll take heart, continue to be firm, and remember that I'm there to help shape future adults...not to make friends.*

Family Game Night

When Papa and Nana came to visit, we decided it was time to teach Dayna how to play Tumbling Towers.
Let me show you how it's done:

Nana's not so sure about his technique.

Nana doesn't seem to have a lot of confidence in Dan.Papa looked almost bored.

Maybe it's easier with only 9 fingers...

The higher the pressure, the tighter the lips.

How can the tower stand up to such pressure?

The deft Dayna demonstrates her dexterity.

It took some intense concentration.

Dan even attempted the Jedi mind trick.
But alas...
...the walls did come tumbling down.
And who was the culprit?
Guilty as charged.

God Laughs

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15

I had an appointment this morning, but not the kind of appointment I was expecting. Yes...it was time for my annual exam. You know...the "I'd rather be having a root canal without anesthetic than be here" appointment.

So while I'm sitting there in all my glory, falling out of that skimpy little gown, the conversation turns to a former student (daughter of one of her colleagues). We both attended her graduation party in May. For her guest book, she had a wide-margin Bible where guests could highlight a special verse and write a message. We discussed what a great idea this was. The conversation quickly turned to the book of Isaiah and how hungry my doctor was to dig into the Word.

She shared that she recently turned a corner in her faith and wanted to go deeper into God's Word. Mind you...I'm sitting here mostly undressed in a vulnerable position when she asks if I've ever heard of this Bible study that's "three letters" and "takes seven or eight years." It was in this precarious position that I shared about Bible Study Fellowship and invited her to the intro class in September.

I must say...it's the most unusual place I've ever had a deep spiritual conversation.

I can still hear God snickering as I remember the verse to "always be prepared."