This is SO Curt

Curt loves NBA basketball. A lot. That means that the play-offs are a big deal to him.

And that is why I love this picture of him in the hospital the day after Ian was born, watching a play-off game while holding his new son.

Seeing a Dear Friend Again

Sunday I went down to Carmel to help a friend, Laurel, get to church. I used to be her visiting teacher when she lived here, and would give her rides to church alternately with her home teacher, Steve Son. She moved to Carmel last August in order to be closer to the Indianapolis Temple.

Due to domestic violence about a decade or so ago, Laurel has some significant disabilities. However, she is fiercely independent, and chooses to forge her way on her own instead of asking people for help. (Often I wished she would ask me for more help than she did!)

The only thing Laurel ever asked for was the occasional blessing from a  priesthood holder and then a weekly ride to church (a highlight of my week when it was my turn!) So, when I learned from her bishop in Carmel that they were having trouble finding reliable people to get her to church on Sundays and that she had missed a few weeks of church as a result, I told Bishop Roper that  I could do this week for him and would get her to church.

It was wonderful to be with Laurel again! How I have missed her and the light of Christ that shines through her. You cannot be around Laurel and not feel the spirit - she lives that close to the Lord. Often I have felt that the veil between her and the next life is gossamer thin and that she may even see things that others cannot, at least not yet.

Knowing that local leaders who worked with her here in West Lafayette might like an update, I sent the following to the Bishop, Relief Society president, and her former home teacher who faithfully made sure Laurel got to church every single Sunday.
--

I went to Carmel on Sunday and gave Laurel a ride to church. I thought you might like an update on how she is doing.

She is steadier on her feet and still has the same wonderful attitude. Health-wise, though, I think she is going downhill somewhat. She was puffy and I could see wires that were underneath her neck and blouse. She did not mention them but she was hooked up to something. A monitor began beeping while we were together and she pulled out a handheld device and made some adjustments. 

She had some breathing issues and several times had to stop and catch her breath as she walked to and from the building. She also spoke a lot about going to the next life. She has no fear and is looking forward to being herself again.

Laurel is living independently and has found that difficult. She has three women who come in throughout the week to help her but is alone most of the time. Her plan is to move into an assisted living facility when her lease is up in August.

She likes her ward and sits in the Relief Society room for Sacrament meeting. It is close to the outside door and allows her to leave quickly. As we arrived and left, people greeted her, and even though she can't remember who they are, it was clear they knew her and were friendly and caring toward her.

There have been issues getting her reliable home and visiting teachers and she has been missing church. That's one of the reasons I went down - there was no one to take her to church Sunday. Bishop Roper came in during the closing hymn and spoke to us; he has assigned new ones that he hopes will be more faithful in getting her to church. I gave them my number as someone who is also willing to come and drive her if need be.

(Steve, you may remember Bishop Roper. He did his PhD at Illinois around the time you were there. His wife is named Jerilyn. I think they were in the Champaign 2nd ward.)

Laurel lives very close to the temple (we drove past it on our way to church) and says she sees it every time she is driven somewhere. Her plan is to hopefully watch a broadcast of the dedication from her home, and then "wait until everyone within 500 miles has come to do a session" (love her sense of humor!) and things quiet down - then she will begin attending sessions. I am hoping to arrange a private tour during the open house where she can go through in a wheelchair by herself to minimize the sensory overload.

Laurel had about $1500 on Indiana Unclaimed. I looked her up in the database before I drove down, and her name no longer appears. I did not have a chance to ask her about it, but I will follow up and make sure she got her money. Also, JoAnne Guntrip had been helping get Laurel's family's temple work done and has records to return to Laurel. I will get those from her and take them down to Carmel.

As always, I came home more uplifted than having done any uplifting! But that's what happens when you are around Laurel. She lives very close to the Lord and brings you along with her. :)

The Doubles - Happy Birthday!!

Two years ago today, I took the plunge and brought home this gal:

My lovely Abby, rescued from a terrible situation in Beech Grove, Indiana. (She was one of nineteen neglected horses on the property where she was found, one of which was too far gone to survive and had to be euthanized.)

 Since then she's enjoyed an easy life of carrots, candy canes, fresh grass, and the ever popular, um, er, how to say it politely...  "backside" rub.

As we were hauling her from the Indiana Horse Rescue in Frankfort, my cell phone rang. This little cutie had just been born!

Corinne, Kyle and Ashley's daughter.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Corinne!!

We have the quads who were born this year, but I have always thought of Corinne and Abby as "the doubles."

Visiting Indianapolis

I spent some time in Indianapolis this weekend. While there, I met my sister, Jenny, for lunch Saturday. She took me to her favorite Greek restaurant, Santorinis. I have become a fan of Greek food!

We were going to order our drinks, and our server said he recommended the strawberry sodas. We were expecting something like a Cherry Coke. Instead, we got soda fountain strawberry sodas!

 Complete with cherries on top! And he was right - they were delicious!

So, with that recommendation being a hit, we asked him for lunch suggestions. The sample platter was what I went for.

 Opa!! 

I am going to bring Craig down sometime for lunch or dinner. Best Greek food I have ever had.

Then we drove past Jenny's old home in Fletcher Place and the heart of downtown Indianapolis. That's LucasOil Stadium at the end of her street. She'd moved to her current home just before the Super Bowl so she wasn't right there amid the festivities. (That might've been a good thing - a ten day party in your backyard??)

Even so, despite being downtown, her home was always quiet - none of the traffic noises or crime you might expect when you live downtown. She even had hawks come to her backyard! (While I love Jenny's new home in Irvington, I do miss spending the 4th of July in her blue bungalow.)

While down in Indy, I stopped by the temple site in Carmel and snapped a few photos of the temple's progress. It was more massive and imposing than I had realized.

Under construction.

The artist's rendering.

The temple is slated to open in mid 2015 and I am looking forward to having one so close. (And, no more white knuckle drives through Chicago!)

Cambria on Easter

Jessica sent me this lovely picture of Cambria - I think it's her Easter picture.

When she was born, I thought she looked just like her mama. Then, a week later, all I could see was Andrew.

Now, I see Jessica again!

Great Grandma Meets Ian

After Easter dinner, we piled into the car and headed to the hospital. My mother had yet to meet Ian, and this was her opportunity.

 Curt tenderly placed Ian in her lap.

 I love the joy on my mother's face in this picture as Vanessa proudly looks on.

 Peeking at his face.

 What a wonderful family shot!

 Curt and Jenny. Jenny is ALWAYS there for my kids and holds a special place in their hearts.

 Cindie made a lovely bouquet for Curt, Vanessa, and Ian. She is so talented!

 My turn to hold little Ian.

Just a fun shot of Lisa as we enjoy spending Sunday afternoon together.

When a Name is More Than It Appears

Curt and Vanessa called Ian "Vanurt" throughout their pregnancy, and did not disclose the name they had chosen for him until after he was born. So, as soon as I laid eyes on Ian, that was one of my first questions.

"Ian Nicholas," Curt replied quietly. Our eyes met over the tiny bundle, but before I could ask the obvious question, someone else had pulled Curt away.

A few moments later, I was able to ask. Had they named Ian after Ian Follis, Curt's dear friend from kindergarten on into adulthood who passed away several years ago just after Curt got home from his mission?

They had. And the middle name is for another close friend who goes all the way back to kindergarten, too. Nick Shoda.

I felt tears spring to my eyes. I could only imagine how this tribute would make Ian's parents feel.

I soon found out.

"Wow!" Don posted on Facebook. "Wow! Congrats! ...And what a name!"

Jennifer messaged me, congratulating us on Ian's birth and then saying that she was "so moved by Curt and Vanessa's choice of name."

Later, Don wrote me again. "Jennifer and I are deeply touched. We both wept. That's a true friend - wow. I don't have any words. Just very touched."

I cannot imagine losing a child, especially under tragic circumstances such as what happened to Ian. But to know someone honored your child's memory by naming their son after him? That's huge. And, it means your child is always remembered, one way or another.

I cried all the way home from the hospital in those early hours of Saturday morning. Tears for Don and Jennifer. For Ian. (Big Ian, now.) For joy at the choice Curt and Vanessa had made and for the comfort it would bring the Follises.

I wonder if Curt and Vanessa will call Little Ian Sha-Sha.

(For a link to another post about Big Ian and a picture of him with Curt, go here.)

Quad-radical!!

In honor of Ian's birth, Jessica made a composite of the four cousins. All pictures were taken today.

Clockwise from top left: Julie (and Cole), Cambria, Ian, and Whitney.

 We are so blessed; our cup runneth over.
     

Quad #4 is Here!

Meet Ian Nicholas Isenbarger!

April 19, 1:43 AM, 8 lbs. 1 oz., 21 inches long, IU Arnett Hospital. 

 Mommy, Daddy, and little Ian.

 The proud papa.

 Ian has some spectacularly long feet. Here, Daddy shows them off.

The nurses gave Curt little Ian-footprints after they inked him for the hospital certificate. Look at that length!

Vanessa and Curt had been at our home last night for dinner and games, but left at 8:00 because she was not feeling well. Craig and I thought she might be in labor; sure enough, we got a text at 11:00 saying that they'd just checked in at the hospital and that she was already at an 8!

At midnight, Curt and Vanessa asked us to come over. I had been asleep for two hours, but got dressed and hopped into the car with Craig. Vanessa's family was there, and at 2:15 we were invited in to see the baby.

This is the first "local" grandbaby we have had since Trinity was born eleven years ago, and we are going to enjoy having Ian so close!

Congratulations, Curt and Vanessa!!

Quad Mommies

The quad mommies did a photo shoot together earlier this year.

 Vanessa, Jessica, Ashley, and Emily.

A belly shot!

Vanessa (due in April), Jessica (due in early February), Ashley (due in February), and Emily (due in January.)

I love this picture of the moms.

And a Little Child Shall Lead Them

The kids who were responsible for the Civil War as part of our Conflict unit presented for an HOUR AND A HALF today. (I had allotted fifteen minutes for them. ) They were thorough, they had done excellent research, were well rehearsed, played music from the era, and shared literature that came about as a result of this particular war.

It was fabulous, and to say they caught me by surprise with the depth of their presentation is an understatement.

But they also caught me by surprise in a different way.

COMPLETELY by surprise.

As the presenting kids smoothly switched back and forth in sharing their information, it became TM's turn. She said, "Now we're going to say a prayer for all those who died in this war."

And the seven presenters lined up, linked hands, and TM then led them in a beautiful, innocent prayer, straight from the heart of a very tender, kind little girl.

I was so surprised, I was unsure of what to do. Technically, prayer like that is not allowed in schools. But clearly the group had practiced this portion of their presentation, and all were willing to stand in the prayer circle. As for the students who were watching, most of them did as I did and simply bowed their heads, murmuring "amen" after TM did.

And then another child stepped forward and began his part of the presentation, moving us all past the prayer part.

I suppose I could get in trouble for having allowed that to happen. But I don't regret my decision to let TM and her group pray. It came from the children's hearts in reaction to what they were learning about a terrible part of our country's history.

And a little child shall lead them.

Flying High!

My class slogan, coined in 2007 by Jake Fernung for the first 4/5 multiage class, is "Flying high with Mrs. I." ("I" is SUCH a good letter to have for your name - you can do so much with it!) 

And right now, origami cranes are what are flying high in our room. The kids have folded 1,100 plus peace cranes, and then strung them as part of our unit on Conflict. A parent volunteer came in this afternoon after school to help me hang them all.

 Aren't they lovely?

These strands are up permanently. The cranes are all by former students who have folded them and then sent them to me as a gift. I have them hung in the corner by my desk, and they mean a great deal to me. Most of them are signed by the kiddos who made them.

I do this project every two years, so this is the fourth time I have cycled through it. Thinking of the four strands from past students, I decided that this time I would ask the kids to each make me a crane. Those will be strung and then hung with the former students' cranes. Ideally, I'd like to add a string every two years until I retire.

Another view of the classroom and the origami cranes.

The Power of Good Literature

Once again, I see the power of classic literature and how it can touch a life. Case in point? I have a 4th grader who is moving and won't be in the High Ability class for her 5th grade year. She approached me at the end of the day yesterday and asked, and asked seriously, if she could come back next year for a visit and present a classic while she was visiting.

Historically, royalty, dictators, and other political leaders have banned and burned books during their reigns of power. Adolph Hitler banned Felix Salten's book Bambi, a Life in the Woods because Salten was a Jew. (Salten wisely fled to Switzerland and survived.)

Felix Salten, 1910

The Bible, The Book of Mormon, The Torah and other great religious texts have all been confiscated and destroyed throughout time by those who fear their messages and influence.

Books pass on our culture, our mores and morals, teach, and enlighten us. (Ever read Bambi, a Life in the Woods ? There's more there than just the story of a fawn; there's quite a message, in fact!)

Quality literature profoundly influences our world. KO may only be a 4th grader, but already she's been touched by its power.

And yes, KO, if your parents agree, you may come back and present your paper and project.

Stuck in Traffic

I crested the 52 hill this morning and saw traffic stopping down below me. There was a wreck at the far end of the bridge. We'd had about an inch of snow which had turned to a heavy layer of ice on the bridge, and cars were sliding out of control. (It was the slickest I had ever seen it.)

I sat for an hour and five minutes, waiting for the accident site to be cleared. I discovered later that ten cars had been involved. I was lucky - if I'd been a few seconds earlier, most likely I would have been part of the wreck.

As it was, I was nearly rear ended by this car as I slowed for the crash. He was coming down the hill behind me and could not stop on the ice. I swung into the left hand lane to get out of his way and he just missed me.

As I sat there waiting, another wreck happened on the westbound bridge. This time, seven cars were involved for a total of seventeen crashed cars on the bridge!

The bridges were so icy that a salt truck came down the hill from West Lafayette and made a couple of applications before traffic was allowed to flow.

I called Hershey and Jocelyn MacLaverty was going to keep an eye on my kids if I was late, but I made it just as the buses were unloading. 

Because of the line of cars of parents dropping off children, I could not get to the teachers' parking lot and had to park in the visitors' lot behind the buses. I followed the kids into the building.

Not the way you want to begin your morning!

There's a Lobster at the Bus Stop!

This afternoon while on bus duty, I noticed a late bus pulling into the parking lot. Wanting to ensure the kids' safety, I quickly walked down the line of waiting buses to put myself between the kids on the curb and the bus, just in case any anxious ones stormed it before it was fully stopped.

I needn't have worried. They were too busy looking at something on the ground.

"Look!! Mrs. I., there'a a lobster on the pavement!" shrieked a child, pointing at an object nearly under my feet as the other children chimed in with excitement.

There on the ground was the biggest crayfish I have ever seen - probably eight inches long. An old one, for sure, and probably roaming and looking for a mate.

The bus rolled to a stop, and I stepped over the crayfish, straddling it to protect it from being trampled by the kids as they piled onto the bus. (It occurred to me that that might not be the wisest decision; I was wearing a long skirt and realized that the crayfish might try to climb up the fabric in an attempt to hide. Yikes!!)

The bus driver popped out of her bus and held out a tub about the size of a shoebox. I scooped up the animal and held him out so that the kids could see it as they walked past and to the bus.

 Such a beautiful animal!

Later that afternoon I drove him down the access road and let him out in the cornfield near the tree that had been struck by lightning.

As big and old as he is, I am sure he will be able to fend for himself and continue to survive.

They don't tell you how to handle these situations during your teacher training, that's for sure!

Pulled Along into Their Future

This is a new one for me - an invitation to a party for a former 5th grade student's graduation from college. Kate Srikant is graduating from the University of Illinois in May, and she has included me in a Facebook invitation to a graduation party her friend is having for her.

facebook Kate Srikant invited you to Toria Shamon's event: Kate's Graduation Party UIUC 14 Saturday, May 17, 2014, 6:00pm - 9:00pm in CDT at Black Rock Pizza Co. at 88 Broadway Molly Facer, Kate Srikant and Courtney Lynch are guests. Join Maybe · Leave

The party is on a Saturday and I just may go over for it. The guest list includes a bunch of other former students, all adults now, and I would love to say "hello" to them, too.

Most of all, I am feeling a quiet pleasure that Kate would like me to come. Teaching, for me, is like mothering - one of THE most meaningful things to do in this life. Like mothers, teachers hope to touch and change lives, to help children become the best they can be. And when a former kiddo reaches back through time to pull you along with them into their future more than a decade after they left your sphere of influence, you think perhaps you did make a difference for that child. (Rather, FORMER child.)

And that is all I could ever hope for.

Congratulations, Kate. Your 5th grade teacher is so very, very proud of you.

A Spelling Test Funny

Every week my students learn two to three new Latin or Greek roots. The roots have vocabulary and spelling words associated with them, and a small weekly dictionary that defines those words and uses them in sentences.

Clearly, TM did not read her dictionary this week in preparation for today's tests. She was asked to spell the word "maneuver" and then use it meaningfully in a sentence. She wrote,

My sister said, "Whew, that pig maneuver sure smells today!!"

Glad I graded that after school - I burst into peals of laughter!

Doubly Thoughtful Kids

I had a surprise when I unlocked and opened my classroom door this morning - a piece of paper had been shoved underneath it and was lying on the carpet.

 It was from three girls who had been in my room the past two years and were now sixth graders at East Tipp. (I think they must've been in the building the previous evening for kindergarten registration.)

Dear Mrs. Isenbarger,

We really miss you over here at East Tipp! Thank you for all you've done for us and to prepare us for middle school. We miss our classmates and buddies. We really miss classics on Friday. I wish we could see you when the 5th graders came to visit! I think we are speaking for all the former multiagers.  Please continue to do what you have been. Please tell the class we said "hi." Is it all right if we come and visit our buddies?

Thank you!
Sophie A.
Jessica G.
Emily P.

They want to visit their buddies? Wow. The buddies will LOVE that. I spoke with Mrs. Fields about their request and she is going to work with Mr. Buss, East Tipp's principal, to see if it can be arranged. These girls will be so happy! (And so will their buddies.)

And then, just before Math, I got a second dose of thoughtfulness, this time from my current students. TM, LW, and AD approached me with huge smiles  and obviously concealing something behind their backs.

A book on horse breeds from the Hershey book fair! (And actually, I had just bought the same book to send to Trinity!) These three kiddos pooled their money to buy me a book. 

Lucky me to have such neat children in my classroom.

General Conference - Sunday Afternoon Session

Conducting: Elder Deiter F. Uchtdorf

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Sweet is the Work

Opening Prayer: Bishop Dean M. Davies, 2nd Counselor in Presiding Bishopric

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: I Stand All Amazed

Boyd K. Packer, Quorum of the 12
World War II story. Private spiritual experience. Knowledge of eternal value comes through personal prayer, fasting, reflection, whispering of Holy Ghost. What we learn hear will rise with us to the next life. God lives. He is our Father. We are His children. He has many titles but chose to be called "Father." The promise of eternal increase is not denied anyone who lives up to their covenants. The Holy Ghost is real. His mission is to testify. By the power of the Holy Ghost we may know the truth of all things. Strong testimony.

William R. Walker, Quorum of the 70
Every Latter-day Saint should know the conversion stories of their forefathers. (Do our kids know ours?) Strong connections to our righteous ancestors help keep us strong.

L. Tom Perry, Quorum of the 12
Family lived close to each other when he was growing up. Nowadays, families are spread out. Abraham's faith empowered him to do as the Lord asked.

(I missed the rest of conference as I was cooking Sunday dinner.)

General Conference - Sunday Morning Session

Sunday Morning Session

Conducting: Elder Henry B. Eyring, 1st Counselor in the First Presidency

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: On This Day of Joy and Gladness

Opening Prayer: L. Whitney Clayton, Presidency of the 70

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Let Us All Press On
(This was THE BEST arrangement I have ever heard of this song!!)

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2nd Counselor in the First Presidency

At times it seems as though the world tears at the fabric of our lives. No one is immune. There is something that will take away the bitterness, which makes life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. We can be grateful. There is a purifying aspect to lifting the goblet of gratitude instead of drinking from the bottle of bitterness. Let your heart be full of gratitude toward God. Commandments are opportunities to exercise agency and receive blessings. It is easy to be grateful when life seems to be going our way. See gratitude as a disposition independent of our current situation. Focus on being thankful in our circumstances whatever they may be. Nephi’s heart never faltered. Even at the hardest moments, he looked unto God and did not murmur because of his affliction. Think of Job. Our tears of sadness and loss will be replaced with joy running over some day. We are made of the stuff of eternity, children of He whose name is Endless. Endings are not our destiny. They are interruptions, temporary pauses, that will one day seem small compared to eternity. In His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings.

Elder M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the 12

Develop the habit of being clear that we belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Yes, we are called Mormons or LDS, but be sure it is clear that we are members of His church. Follow up when sharing - don't just invite. The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. We have the greatest number of full time missionaries in the history of the world. Seek the one. Invite. Follow up. Help God's children find purpose and peace.

Jean Stevens, 1st Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

Our Father in Heaven reaches out to all of us. His goal is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life to man. Experience of helping a lost boy 25 years ago. The boy had been praying for help and considered her an answer to his prayers. He is now a man and uses this story to teach his own children. Rememebr those in the scriptures who prayed for help or deliverance and received it. (David, Nephi, Jospeh Smith.) God's power and love is still manifest in the lives of God's children today.

Choir and Congregation: Teach Me to Walk in the Light

Bishop Gary E. Stevenson, Presiding Bishop of the Church
(Missed part of this talk as I changed computers from upstairs to downstairs.) Who can you help to do their best?

Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the 12
Load of wood in bed of truck helped it get through the heavy snow. We carry individual loads. Is the load producing the spiritual traction that will give us traction on the strait and narrow? Bearing a load is an essential part of the pan of happiness. A yoke places animals side by side so they can work together. He asks us to "take my yoke upon you." He is yoked with us. As we trust Him and pull our load with Him during mortality, His burden is light. We are not alone.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: A Child's Prayer
(One of my favorite songs!)

President Thomas S. Monson, Prophet and President of the Church
The greatest commandment - love the Lord thy God with all thy heart; second is to love thy neighbor. None greater than these. All are spirit children of Heavenly Father and are brothers and sisters. Christ's life was a legacy of love. Even as he was reviled on the cross, He asked the Father to forgive His tormentors. The greatest opportunity to show love is between the walls of our own home. Forgiveness heals.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Guide Us O Thou Great Jehovah

Closing Prayer: ??