I Thought I'd Retired!

After twenty years of teaching, I retired last May. Aside from subbing in my daughter's class, I have been enjoying the slower pace of retired life as well as lots of time with my horse, Abby, and my collection.

Until I got a call Wednesday from a principal who had an emergency vacancy. There is an program called SOAR whose purpose is to provide an educational alternative for expelled middle school students with the purpose of continuing their education and increasing the likelihood that they will be able to reintegrate into the public and community. The current SOAR teacher has developed a serious health issue and cannot finish the school year.

Wow. Teach expelled kids? Me? It sounded like a tough assignment (and it will be.) But I told the principal that I would come visit the class Thursday morning and take a look at the program.

The SOAR class is housed in a building away from other schools and there are four middle schools which send their expelled students to it.  There is also a high school credit recovery program in the building, too, with another teacher and classroom. The rest of the building is offices for the heads of transportation, foods/cafeterias, grounds, and maintenance.

Currently enrolled in SOAR are six students who study Science, Math, Social Studies, and English for three hours in the morning and then go home. After an hour's break for the teacher, seven more students arrive for three hours of class in the afternoon.

If the expelled student remains in SOAR for the rest of the school year with no more issues, then he or she can return to their regular school the following year and have the expulsion removed from their record. I like that aspect a lot. Second chances for kids, in my opinion, is a good idea. Especially at this age when they are young and make foolish mistakes.

But, if they break the SOAR rules and get three write-ups for behavior, then they have to leave the program and the expulsion remains on their record. Apparently some make it while others don't.

I enjoyed my visit. It allayed some of my concerns and answered a lot of my questions. For example, I did not want to work with kids who might hit me. I was punched three times by a student very early in my career, and while it wasn't very painful, just the fact that a student was hitting me was an emotional shock. These kids are here for excessive truancy, disrespectful language and behavior, smoking, etc., not because they have been violent against a teacher.

I went home after my observation and discussed taking the emergency vacancy with Craig at length, deciding in the end to take the position. There are only five weeks left of school, and I figure that I can handle twenty-five school days, even if it is rough. (Besides, the unexpected money can be used for BreyerFest!)

 And, I will also get an aide. A former student of mine who is finishing her junior year in Elementary Education at Purdue has agreed to come do that (afternoons only.) I had her for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades and she has remained in touch since she left my classroom, so when they asked me if I knew anyone I'd like to hire for the aide position, I thought of Madeline and called her right away. She will do an excellent job, and this will look good on her resume after she graduates with her teaching degree in a year.

I'll admit that I am nervous, and I expect that the students will test me quite thoroughly tomorrow and in the coming weeks. No doubt I will come home in tears more than once. Time will tell.

In the meantime, I am hoping that this will provide me with a unique opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. Even if just one makes it to the end of the year, I will call that success.

My Stepping Stone Garden

I love my stepping stone garden! Originally intended to be a grandchildren handprint garden, it has grown into far more than that.

It has some "just because" stones that the grandchildren have made, too. See Braden's on the far right? And the one commemorating Hurricane Irma? 

Just because they have one that I made with their handprints (or footprints) doesn't mean that they don't want to make another.

Zeus' pawprints are there, and that "family stone" was Addie's idea - everyone who was present added a decoration.

 Oh the memories that flood back as I look at them all!

 Can you see JC's name done in white glass ornaments and his footprint right in the middle?

 Lukie's stone is our most recent. I still need to get Susie and I think I need Titan, too.

The back two here were made after others had been finished and we had leftover concrete to use up. That happens every now and then.

 Addie commemorated the date that we made some "just because" stones - they were here on September 11, 2017 as Hurricane Irma was roaring across Florida and they had come north to be safe with us.

It is getting harder and harder to find space for the stepping stones. And, there are an additional seven or eight that went home with the people who made them for their own gardens.

 Both Mila's and Cambria's are a little overshadowed by the tulips that are growing beside theirs.

 I've thought that it might be fin to make a pathway to a fountain or garden in the back yard using these stepping stones, but I've decided that I don't want anyone walking on them lest the stones crack and break.

After all, they really are treasures to me.

A Highly Unusual Gift

Yesterday my dear friend and colleague, Kathy Nimmer, sent me a gift. Out of the blue, no special reason, but "just because I treasure your friendship," as the note tucked in with it said. 

Inside was a carved stone necklace with a horse in the middle. It was carved by Sidney Bolam, a former student of Kathy's who now makes her living as a stone cutter and artist.

Kathy and I have been friends and colleagues for years, and she used to come and team teach or guest lecture in my classroom several times a year. 

Kathy is blind, but you soon forget that because you begin to see new insights and ideas as she shares her thoughts and knowledge.

She doesn't even shy away from using the board to illustrate the point she is making!

Nacho, Kathy's guide dog, helps her get to where she needs to go, and often we drive together to her speaking engagements across the state. (Nacho likes to reach over the seat and lick my cheek whenever he gets into my car.  Such a sweet boy!)

Good friends ARE a treasure, as Kathy said in her note with the pendant. 

I absolutely love my new stone pendant. But I also like it for a more unusual reason - it is tactile. Having Kathy as a friend has made me aware that there are experiences that she and I cannot totally share. I can describe the beautiful sunset or tell her that my horse is a varnish roan Appaloosa, but Kathy has to fill in the dots with her imagination. 

This necklace is three dimensional and she could feel the outline of the horse and its subtle defining marks before she gifted me with it. She KNOWS what this pendant looks like. That enables the two of us to fully share and enjoy the gift of the pendant together. 

That, for me, is the cherry on top of the gift.

General Conference - Sunay Afternoon Session

President Henry B. Eyring, Apostle, 2nd Counselor in First Presidency, conducting

Choir: Sweet is the Work, My God, My King

Elder Tyella B. Wakura, Seventy, opening prayer

Choir: Come Unto Jesus

President Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle, 1st Counselor in the First Presidency
Repentance an essential part of God's plan. Cannot be saved without it.

Elder Juan Pablo Villar, Seventy

Garrett W. Gong, Apostle

President Russell M. Nelson, Prophet, Apostle, President of the Church
God's objective should be our objective. Pioneer temples to undergo renewal and restoration. Work to preserve their uniqueness. St. George, Salt Lake,, Temple Square, and Plaza by the Church Office Builindg. Manti down the road. The temple is the most sacred building in the Church. American Somoa, Okinawa, Tonga, Tooelle, Washington, Honduras, Antofagasta Chile, Hungary.

General Conference - Sunday Morning Session

Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle and 1st Counselor in First Presidency, conducting

Choir: How Firm a Foundation

Bradley D. Foster, Seventy, opening prayer

Choir: I Feel My Savior's Love

Dale G. Renlund, Apostle
God desires to bless us. Most blessings require action on our part. Act in faith. We do not earn blessings but we do have to qualify for them. Accept His will and timing for the answer. Small actions allow us to walk along the covenant path.

Sharon L Eubank, 1st Counselor, General Relief Society
Stay connected to the source of our light, Jesus Christ, to grow. Satan works hard to isolate us. There is light in our darkness. Christ's scarlet blood returns us to white purity.

Quentin L. Cook, Apostle
Unique time in history. Love of the Savior and our fellow man and woman is the spirit of ministering. Missionary work. Patriarchal blessing said he would carry gospel all over the world. We need to align our hearts with God's, and move away from motivations of responsibility or guilt. Love is at the center of temple work as we gather those on the other side. Home is now our primary Family History Center. Home centered gospel learning.

Choir & Congregation: Come Ye Children of the Lord

D. Todd Christofferson, Apostle
Beyond selfless service, it is extremely important to prepare the world for the Second Coming. Do all we can to relieve suffering, but after the Second Coming, there will not be that need. Prepare now for both. A people prepared to receive Him must be on the earth. A new Zion will receive him (the pure in heart). Build Zion in homes, branches, wards, and stakes. Gather and partake of the sacrament. Gather the lost tribes of Israel. Publication of the Book of Mormon was the signal that the great gathering had begun.

Tad R. Callister, just released as SS General President
What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ? A series of events motivated by love, needing an innocent sacrifice, for our benefit. Purpose was to make it possible for us to return to God's presence. The Savior overcame death so that we may live. Don't limit the Atonement by not forgiving ourselves. We CAN be forgiven. If we feel the Spirit, that is the proof that we have been forgiven, evidence that the Atonement is working in my life. An eternal perspective can help us through our own trials. The saving ordinances manifest the power of God. The gifts of the spirit (Holy Ghost and other gifts) are attributes of godliness. Seek these gifts.

Choir: Oh, Thou Rock of Our Salvation

President Russell M. Nelson, Prophet, President of the Church
Lost daughter, Wendy, three months ago to cancer. Do not worry about her as they anticipate being with her again. Where is my family? His arms are stretched out still. Salvation is an individual matter; exaltation is a family matter. We qualify for exaltation by making covenants with God and receiving ordinances. Take the covenant path back to Him.

Jean B. Bingham, RS General President

General Conference - Saturday Afternoon Session

Henry B. Eyring, Apostle, conducting

BYU Student Choir: Come, O, Thou King of Kings

Brent H. Nielsson, Seventy, opening prayer

Dallin H. Oaks, sustaining of Church officers

Mark L. Pace, Milton Darocha Camargo, Jan Eric Newman, new Sunday School presidency

Kevin R. Jergesen,  Church Audit

Choir: I Stand All Amazed

1) M. Russel Ballard, Apostle
We can find peace, joy, and happiness despite the troubles in the world. Christ the only Savior, must take upon ourselves His name. Many changes to Church activities made recently but don't lose sight of the spiritual reasons behind these changes. Do things with thanksgiving and cheerful hearts. Keep testimony simple and focused on Christ. Keep things simple - no extra meetings. That will help us find that peace, joy, and happiness. Is having trouble keeping up with President Nelson who is the only Apostle older than he is.

2)  Matthias Held, Seventy
Joined the Church 31 years ago. Moved to Germany as nonmembers. Wife felt that they would receive a message of some sort. Salesmen included. :D Missionaries came and they were baptized ten months later after a very detailed scrutiny. Mosiah 18 was the final prompt to be baptized.  Perspective of truth.

Choir & Congregation: Praise to the Lord

3) Neil L. Anderson, Apostle
Pilate asked Christ if He were the king of the Jews. "What is truth?" Pilate then asked. Eternal truths are absolutely true for everyone. The Holy Ghost helps us know the truth of all things. Family Proclamation. A warning. Contains eternal truths. Our premortal growth influences who we are here. It is okay to have honest questions. Don't walk away from the boundaries the Lord has set. Many of us have lives that don't fit into the Family Proclamation. Have faith, patience, and diligent. Laws of man sometimes move outside the laws of God.

4) Takashi Wada, Seventy
Nephi reminds us to feast upon the words of Christ. Feasting is a celebration of joy, sharing, thanking God, and building relationships. Lehi's dream, fruit filled his soul with exceeding joy. The words of Christ increase our spiritual capacity to receive revelation. In coming days, we will not survive without relying on the gospel (President Nelson). The scriptures help us know who we really are. Lift others through the words of Christ. Mother was baptized two years ago. Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ having a perfect brightness of hope...

5) David P. Homer, Seventy
Near air accident. Multiple voices compete for our attention; vital to listen to the right ones. What is popular is not always right.

Choir: Jesus Once of Humble Birth

6) Jeffrey R. Holland, Apostle
Gentle guidance on improving reverence and on the Savior's sacrifice for us.

Choir: Jesus, Love of My Soul

General Conference - Saturday Morning Session

Saturday Morning Session

President Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle, 1st Counselor in the First Presidency, presiding.

Choir: Press Onward Saints

Steven E. Snow, Seventy, opening prayer.

Choir: There is Sunshine in my Soul Today

1) Ulisses Soares, Apostle
Teach each other. Ethiopian eunuch asked Phillip to be taught, life transformed. Raise our families in light and truth. "Come and see." Be attuned to the Lord, call on Him, learn how to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the center of our lives. Our actions must reflect our beliefs. Best teacher is a good role model. If our children stray, they are not totally lost. The Lord knows where they are and is watching over them. Love them, embrace them, pray for them. Never give up on them and always preserve our relationships with them.Think of the prodigal son.

2) Becky Craven, 2nd Counselor, Young Women
Where do we look for happiness? In cheap, temporal things? The covenant path will take us to our eternal destination if we remain on it. Casual efforts may lead us to forbidden paths. Don't rationalize.  John 14:15 - youth theme for 2019. Follow the prophet. We cannot live a perfect life, but we can be worthy. Living the gospel of Jesus Christ brings happiness.

3) Brook P. Hales, Seventy
God is involved in the details of our lives. Missionary coat too big, given to one who had none and had been praying for help. Sometimes the answer to righteous prayers is no. Sometimes we do not hear the answer in our lifetime. But the Lord has what is best for us in mind. Sometimes you have lessons to learn. Example of blind lady (like my friend, Kathy Nimmer!) All our concerns, injustices, and disappointments will be taken care of by Heavenly Father.

Choir & Congregation: Redeemer of Israel

4) Dieter Uchtdorf, Apostle
Discipleship. Share what is in your heart. Trust the Lord to work His miracles. It's not our job to convert people, that is the role of the Holy Ghost. Our role is to share our beliefs and live them. It is not a personal failure if someone does not accept the gospel. Believe. Love. Do.

Choir: Dearest Children, God is Near You

5) W. Christopher Waddell, 2nd Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
Brother with pancreatic cancer, hadn't attended Church in 50 years. Began listening to missionaries, got his patriarchal blessing 57 years after his baptism. Ordained on his deathbed to the Melchizedek Priesthood. Minister to the one just as Christ did. Needs come in a variety of conditions, big or small. No one is too far gone and it is never too late. Model our efforts after Jesus Christ. The Lord will direct our efforts. It is never too late.

Choir: I am a Child of God

6) Henry B. Eyring, Apostle, 2nd Counseor in the First Presidency
On this day in 1830 at Fayette, NY, Joseph organized the Church. Be spiritually minded. All parents have found parenthood a challenge. 4 Nephi - no contention in land because the love of God was in the hearts of people. Lead your children toward righteousness. Build on the Savior's gospel, build your faith. Use Come Follow Me to help build your faith and that of your family's. Alma the Younger remembered his father's faith in the Savior; your children may also when they desperately need repentance. Family prayer plays a crucial part in making home a sacred place. Repent of harsh words and thoughts quickly. Apologize.

A bluebird landed on our window screen and then hopped onto the shepherd's crook just as Elder Eyring completed his talk. Beautiful!

Choir: Rejoice the Lord is King