Today Caden's Sunday School teacher told me that she has the same routine each Sunday and after the story but before the craft they always pray. Today in class she forgot to pray and Caden yelled out "Ms. Mitra, you forgot to pray!" and proceeded to lead the class in their pray time! I love that 3 year old!!!!
Nate is having trouble with a boy at school. The little boy has been "telling on him" and saying things that he isn't doing. Nate was telling me in the car earlier this week about the boy. He said he told them that he should treat people the way they want to be treated. The boys response was not very nice back and he told Nate "so what?" Nate told him that God said that so he should listen. The little boy proceeded to tell Nate that there is no god and that is dumb. Nate stopped his story and said, "Isn't that sad mommy? It makes me sad! He doesn't know God loves him!" Oh, how I hope he stays this tender hearted and in love with God. We continued to talk and decided that Nate would be nice but that he did not have to play with the little boy as long as he explained that he didn't want to play because the boy kept saying things that were not true. Then Nate decided he'd like to pray for the little boy that he will believe in God and begin to be nicer. Every night since then he has prayed for the little boy. Caden even asks Nate each day on the way home if the boy was nicer each day. Oh how I love my sweet boys!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Let's just say... I am not a kindergarten teacher!
This year at school we have a new principal and vice principal. Both are amazing Godly women! I am SO blessed to get to work there. They have been so encouraging right from the start!
Right before school started we had 28+ kids in each kindergarten class and were told that we were going to have to add a teacher. The teacher was to be determined but we needed to go ahead and pull those kids together into their own class before the year started. So my friend Lisa and I agreed to take on this class together until they found a teacher. Lisa and I had both taught first grade (she has been teaching first grade for a long time and now is a reading pull out teacher) and so we thought how hard can it be? Ha!! Lucky for us, and those poor kindergartners, we only had to be the teachers for the first three days of school. Lisa continued to be the teachers helper for the rest of the week just to get the kids settled. With this new experience I confirmed that I am not made to be a kindergarten teacher. This week I was back in my library. It was a great week. I am so blessed to have my job and my co-workers. So far it has been a great year. I can't wait to see what lies ahead.
Right before school started we had 28+ kids in each kindergarten class and were told that we were going to have to add a teacher. The teacher was to be determined but we needed to go ahead and pull those kids together into their own class before the year started. So my friend Lisa and I agreed to take on this class together until they found a teacher. Lisa and I had both taught first grade (she has been teaching first grade for a long time and now is a reading pull out teacher) and so we thought how hard can it be? Ha!! Lucky for us, and those poor kindergartners, we only had to be the teachers for the first three days of school. Lisa continued to be the teachers helper for the rest of the week just to get the kids settled. With this new experience I confirmed that I am not made to be a kindergarten teacher. This week I was back in my library. It was a great week. I am so blessed to have my job and my co-workers. So far it has been a great year. I can't wait to see what lies ahead.
A fresh start...
This was a great summer! I enjoyed time off, cuddling my boys, spending time with my hubby, and finding refuge at a church. I went into the summer with worry. What were we going to do about Adam's job? Would we have to relocate? How was I going to have a blast with my boys all summer with a budget of $0?
We also had some excitement... With all that we had been through at church, what could God possibly have next for us? We had several options come about that we prayed over and kept seeking answers. Fellowship of the Parks kept Adam busy. He led worship at both of their church plants and also led their Sunday evening service a couple of times. I even got involved in Summer Spectacular (VBS) and got to hang with a great group of third graders.
At one point things started to fall into place for a local church and we were getting really excited but as fast as the opportunity came-it went. Disappoint, yes. Discouraged, getting there. Defeated, not at all. Slowly, we began to come to grips with the fact that God really wanted us at Fellowship of the Parks for the time being. Through our time there we really did get refuge and comfort. After visiting their church plants I realized how ready I am to get back into the church planting scene. I fell in love with the Haslet campus! It had the excitement of a new pop up building and more construction to come. It wasn't perfect... there were way too many children in little rooms in a house yet my kids loved it. Until this moment every time Adam mentioned getting back into church planting I felt uneasy. There are so many ups and downs in planting, its hard work, and constant evaluation...who am I kidding? Church planting pushes you to evaluate your faith everyday and to trust even when you don't think you have it in you. I love that church planting pushes you out of your comfort zone and keeps you from complacency. So what is God doing?? We had two churches begin talking about planting in the next 2 years... funny how God does that... we are excited and already praying... we will see where that goes...
The next big thing that came out of Fellowship of the Parks for me was a break down. In just one simple comment made by the speaker God began to reveal to me how broken and bitter I was. I know that sounds crazy but I didn't feel like I was harboring any of that. Boy was I wrong. So God beat me up a little and redirected me. A good friend of ours that goes to FOTP gave me a book to read A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness. With some reading, reflection, and prayer God began to restore my relationship with him and carried me out of that place.
So what's next??
As the summer began to draw to a close Adam received a phone call from the church we just left in June. They asked him to come back and and take on a full time job in their worship ministry. (This began happening while I was dealing with the brokenness I spoke of above) so when Adam came home I told him I just wasn't sure about that...we would really have to pray and God was going to have to really show us that we needed to be there. Through a course of conversations with some friends from that church who did not even know the opportunity we had just been given and some crazy events God revealed himself again. With the revelation, healing, and restoration we agreed to go back. I feel like this may be a spot of preparation, for how long- I am not sure, because I do believe that God is preparing us to plant again. So the next step is a mystery for now.
Last week was our first Sunday back and it was wonderful! It was great to see our friends that we had been missing and great to see Adam on stage and in his element. He also is part of a three person worship team that includes a friend he already worked with before at CPC and an old friend Kim (McCurdy) Wells. It has been great to see them working together again. So we are back and Adam has a dynamic team to work with. So we have a fresh start at a familiar place and we are excited to see what God is going to do.
We also had some excitement... With all that we had been through at church, what could God possibly have next for us? We had several options come about that we prayed over and kept seeking answers. Fellowship of the Parks kept Adam busy. He led worship at both of their church plants and also led their Sunday evening service a couple of times. I even got involved in Summer Spectacular (VBS) and got to hang with a great group of third graders.
At one point things started to fall into place for a local church and we were getting really excited but as fast as the opportunity came-it went. Disappoint, yes. Discouraged, getting there. Defeated, not at all. Slowly, we began to come to grips with the fact that God really wanted us at Fellowship of the Parks for the time being. Through our time there we really did get refuge and comfort. After visiting their church plants I realized how ready I am to get back into the church planting scene. I fell in love with the Haslet campus! It had the excitement of a new pop up building and more construction to come. It wasn't perfect... there were way too many children in little rooms in a house yet my kids loved it. Until this moment every time Adam mentioned getting back into church planting I felt uneasy. There are so many ups and downs in planting, its hard work, and constant evaluation...who am I kidding? Church planting pushes you to evaluate your faith everyday and to trust even when you don't think you have it in you. I love that church planting pushes you out of your comfort zone and keeps you from complacency. So what is God doing?? We had two churches begin talking about planting in the next 2 years... funny how God does that... we are excited and already praying... we will see where that goes...
The next big thing that came out of Fellowship of the Parks for me was a break down. In just one simple comment made by the speaker God began to reveal to me how broken and bitter I was. I know that sounds crazy but I didn't feel like I was harboring any of that. Boy was I wrong. So God beat me up a little and redirected me. A good friend of ours that goes to FOTP gave me a book to read A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness. With some reading, reflection, and prayer God began to restore my relationship with him and carried me out of that place.
So what's next??
As the summer began to draw to a close Adam received a phone call from the church we just left in June. They asked him to come back and and take on a full time job in their worship ministry. (This began happening while I was dealing with the brokenness I spoke of above) so when Adam came home I told him I just wasn't sure about that...we would really have to pray and God was going to have to really show us that we needed to be there. Through a course of conversations with some friends from that church who did not even know the opportunity we had just been given and some crazy events God revealed himself again. With the revelation, healing, and restoration we agreed to go back. I feel like this may be a spot of preparation, for how long- I am not sure, because I do believe that God is preparing us to plant again. So the next step is a mystery for now.
Last week was our first Sunday back and it was wonderful! It was great to see our friends that we had been missing and great to see Adam on stage and in his element. He also is part of a three person worship team that includes a friend he already worked with before at CPC and an old friend Kim (McCurdy) Wells. It has been great to see them working together again. So we are back and Adam has a dynamic team to work with. So we have a fresh start at a familiar place and we are excited to see what God is going to do.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Endings?
I always love sappy girl movies... the ones that make you cry and all end up happily ever after....Lately I am dealing with too many endings I think... I have been stressed, grumpy, and hard to live with! My poor family... I guess its good being the only girl in our house at times like this...
Adam's job is winding down... part of me is ready and thankful and the other part is heartbroken. Falling in love with a group of teenagers is challenging and yet so rewarding. We have so many kids that we adore and saying goodbye is going to be SO hard! Anytime we have had to leave a church family behind it has been horrible but we have always known what God had in store next and at least had something too look forward to. Two years ago this weekend we were walking in to Center Point for the first time as the new youth pastor. It was all I could do to focus on the new students and not think about what the kids were doing at Journey and how the adult service was going... We were hurting and excited all at the same time... Right now not knowing the next step is making this harder and I feel more hurt than anything. On a brighter note, some opportunities are coming in (some more exciting than others) and they always come in and the right moment. About the time we are the most discouraged Adam gets a phone call or an email... I guess its just God's way of reminding us that He is still in charge and He knows what we need... Today as I was thanking God for another pick me up I was reminded that He is always on time-rarely early and never late so I will continue to wait for just the right time.
My mom is struggling with her health. She has had some big health scares in the last two weeks and I have been reminded of our mortality. I have struggled with the fact that someday I am going to want to call her and tell her about my crazy day (like I so often do) and she won't be there.... what a scary thought... for now I will hold her a little closer and continue to pray for her and her doctors that some of the mysterys will be solved and a remedy will be found.
Another school year is winding down. My oldest is about to finish Kindergarten!!! Wow, I can't believe it! The picture above was taken at field day! He had a blast! He has so many great memories of Kindergarten! As much as he has loved kindergarten though we are SO ready for summer!!! Our current principal is leaving and I had the opportunity to be a part of the selection process for our new principal. I am so excited about the person we picked and I know we made the right deicision. It is wierd though since I have had the same principal since I started teaching. The change should be fairly smooth so although this is going to be a transition I am excited about it for our school and for the outgoing/incoming principals.
Finally, the doctor has recommended a procedure that would prevent Adam and I from having any more children... which I really felt like I didn't want any more until that! The idea of not being able to rather than choosing not to is a rough reality. I am not sure I want to play God like that... Adam and I have been debating it back and forth and for now I am going to seek a second opinion and try to hold off... its too big of a decision with too many other things going on right now.
I am sorry this has been so down unfortunately I am staying down more than up right now. I've always known I wasn't good with change but ALL of these changes at one time is making me a bit crazy! Keep our family in your prayers and I will try to keep you updated. I know that God is at work in us right now. He keeps shwoing us little things to remind us. Today we had several cool God things happen that I can't share just yet... I hope to see them all the way through and then I will bursting with excitement and oozing all of the juicy details about God's amazing work... but until then I will have to leave you in suspense!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Heaven, Death, and What to wear
At the Green house some days are good and some are not. Lately both boys have been tired and grumpy and our house has not been a lot of fun. However, when I get discouraged God always provides me with what I need. In this case I needed a good laugh and some sweetness! I am so glad HE is always faithful!
Sunday morning I was driving to church and Nate was talking in the back seat about heaven. He then proceeded to ask if I would go to heaven first or if he would. I told him that hopefully I would because Mommy's should always go before their kids. He asked when that would happen and I said that I hoped that it would be when he was a lot older. He replied "Yeah, like when I am fat and old... that will be a good time... I will be a grandpa, you can go then." I just laughed and then he said, "Mommy, I will make a note for you. I will put it with you. It will say that I love you very much and I will miss you. It will say that I will see you when I get to heaven" He proceeded to go on about other things he would write in the note for me. I told him that I wanted him to know that no matter what when I was gone I wanted him to remember that I loved him very much and I'd be sending him hugs and kisses from heaven! Such a sweet boy... I needed that reminder this week!
For those of you who don't know we had one of our dogs (Trixie) die a few weeks ago so death has been a big part of our conversations lately. So Sunday night Caden coughed so hard that he made himself throw up. As he was getting sick in the toilet he looked at me with a sad face and said, "Trixie threw up and now she is dead! That means I am about to be dead too!" I hugged him and reassured him that he was fine and that Trixie was just really sick before she started throwing up. I have to admit I held back my giggles though. It cracked me up that he put all of that together and that it was a real worry for him... poor baby!
Finally, my good laugh...
Each night I set put clothes for Nate to wear the next day. When Nate gets up in the morning it is his job to get dressed. Sunday night I set out a windsuit for Nate that has a jacket to go with it. Monday morning Nate was dressed when I came out of our room ready to go. He had his jacket all zipped up so we headed out the door. When we got to school I told him he ought to take his jacket off or at least unzip it. Nate made a funny face at me and said I don't have a shirt on under this.... Apparently, he decided the jacket was enough or didn't see the shirt that was laying on top of his pants. Luckily, I had a good friend that was going home and coming back. She was nice enough to bring my son clothes. The nurse and one of the teachers told me that Nate came up to them and unzipped his jacket and showed off his chest! What a silly boy! At the end of the day my wonderful Asst. Principal, who had heard Nate's story, came up to me with her jacket all zipped up to let me know that she didn't have a shirt on underneath either. Her sarcasm was enough for another great laugh!
I just want you all to know that I DO have enough clothes for my children, I DO set them out for them, and from now on I WILL do a wardrobe check before we leave!
Sunday morning I was driving to church and Nate was talking in the back seat about heaven. He then proceeded to ask if I would go to heaven first or if he would. I told him that hopefully I would because Mommy's should always go before their kids. He asked when that would happen and I said that I hoped that it would be when he was a lot older. He replied "Yeah, like when I am fat and old... that will be a good time... I will be a grandpa, you can go then." I just laughed and then he said, "Mommy, I will make a note for you. I will put it with you. It will say that I love you very much and I will miss you. It will say that I will see you when I get to heaven" He proceeded to go on about other things he would write in the note for me. I told him that I wanted him to know that no matter what when I was gone I wanted him to remember that I loved him very much and I'd be sending him hugs and kisses from heaven! Such a sweet boy... I needed that reminder this week!
For those of you who don't know we had one of our dogs (Trixie) die a few weeks ago so death has been a big part of our conversations lately. So Sunday night Caden coughed so hard that he made himself throw up. As he was getting sick in the toilet he looked at me with a sad face and said, "Trixie threw up and now she is dead! That means I am about to be dead too!" I hugged him and reassured him that he was fine and that Trixie was just really sick before she started throwing up. I have to admit I held back my giggles though. It cracked me up that he put all of that together and that it was a real worry for him... poor baby!
Finally, my good laugh...
Each night I set put clothes for Nate to wear the next day. When Nate gets up in the morning it is his job to get dressed. Sunday night I set out a windsuit for Nate that has a jacket to go with it. Monday morning Nate was dressed when I came out of our room ready to go. He had his jacket all zipped up so we headed out the door. When we got to school I told him he ought to take his jacket off or at least unzip it. Nate made a funny face at me and said I don't have a shirt on under this.... Apparently, he decided the jacket was enough or didn't see the shirt that was laying on top of his pants. Luckily, I had a good friend that was going home and coming back. She was nice enough to bring my son clothes. The nurse and one of the teachers told me that Nate came up to them and unzipped his jacket and showed off his chest! What a silly boy! At the end of the day my wonderful Asst. Principal, who had heard Nate's story, came up to me with her jacket all zipped up to let me know that she didn't have a shirt on underneath either. Her sarcasm was enough for another great laugh!
I just want you all to know that I DO have enough clothes for my children, I DO set them out for them, and from now on I WILL do a wardrobe check before we leave!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The charmer
On Thursday we had picture day at school. My kindergartner was SO excited as all kids are about this day. For those of you who don't work in an elementary school let me let you in on a little secret... I don't know what it is about picture day but for some reason the kids act like it is the day before Christmas break. They are everywhere and by the end of the day all of the teachers look frazzled and like they NEED it to be Christmas break.... OK so now that I have filled you in I need to share my story.
My little guy did not want to wear a nice button down shirt but after a trip to Kohl's and a convincing talk about how handsome he was going to look he decided to give into my demands. So the morning of pictures he gets dressed and comes into me to report that he needs a flower. What???? So I asked him, "why do you need a flower?" to which he responds that it will make him look handsome. Again, What???? He proceeded to tell me that his daddy gets dressed fancy and goes out and when he comes home he always has a flower pinned to his shirt.
(Let me clarify just to be sure you understand, he is on staff at a church and has done several wedding recently. That would be the reason for the flowers- no girlfriends or other crazy scenarios...) So my little guy goes into the closet and finds one of his daddy's flowers that was a silk flower and tucks it into the pocket of his shirt. He comes in proudly smiling and revealing his lovely fuchsia rose that is sticking out of his pocket. I began to giggle.... and said "Honey, that is not necessary for picture day today." We had to have a long discussion before I could convince him to leave the flower at home.
So then later that day one of my best friends calls laughing hysterically. It seems that as my little boy's class walked out or maybe back from the portable to get their pictures taken my little guy spotted a flower on the ground he could pick. You know the kind I am talking about??? The lovely yellow weed? 
He decided to pick it up and stick it into the pocket of his shirt and made sure the flower was sticking out. So I am not sure what his picture will look like. Maybe it will just be my handsome boy or maybe it will be the little charmer with a yellow weed sticking out of his pocket... time will tell. Rest assured that IF his picture has the yellow flower sticking out you will be able to see the lovely picture posted on this blog.... until then we will have to wait and see!
After he got back to his classroom our super assistant principal spotted my little one and said hello to him. My little guy loves her and often stops into her office to talk to her. (So far that has been his only visits to her but I am sure he will get to have a very different kind of visit with her at some point) My boy, the charmer, smiled at her-pulled the lovely weed from his pocket-and handed it to her! Oh my! Just wait until this one is a teenager!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Monsters!
I know that all little kids have a fear of monsters. I can remember being younger and being afraid to go down the dark hallway to my room and out of my parents sight. I remember sometime walking until my parents couldn't see and then running in and out as fast as I could.
Today I had such a flashback as my youngest went in his room to get a toy. He came barreling around the corner and mumbled, "The cookie monster didn't get me!" The cookie monster? Really? That's the monster he is afraid of??? I laughed and called him over. I told him he didn't have to be afraid of the cookie monster.... he only liked cookies and there aren't any in the bedrooms. My youngest looked at me as serious as could be and said well then "we really need to be afraid at Christmas!" I laughed and said why... "because he'll take Santa's cookies!" So I think on Christmas eve when we set out our cookies for santa we will have to set out an extra set for cookie monster and a note that asks him not to eat Santa's cookies.
I just found all of this so funny! If my boys are going to be afraid of monsters I guess cookie monster is the best to have around!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Little Bit is turning 3!!!
We are having a birthday party for our youngest this weekend! I can't believe he is almost three! He loves Lightning McQueen, cars, dogs and babies. He is so tender hearted. The teachers at his preschool says he always makes sure everyone is included and taken care of! I am so thankful for his sweet spirit and tender heart! I am praying that this year will be wonderful for him. It is so great to se ehim chnge from year to year! What did I do to deserve such amazing boys. I am blessed beyond measure!
Funny Boys
So we were leaving school yesterday and my oldest turns to my AP and says, "Bye, we are going to Barnes and Oval"! Then as we leave he says, "What's at Barnes and Oval???" So excited and he doesn't even know why....
Today at Preschool, my youngest was rubbing a baby's head. He turns to the other kids and says, "It's ok... you can touch him.... he's real!"
Today at Preschool, my youngest was rubbing a baby's head. He turns to the other kids and says, "It's ok... you can touch him.... he's real!"
Thursday, October 8, 2009
My tender hearted boys
My youngest was at school today and they were playing with a litebrite making letters, counting etc. When they turned off the lights one of his friends began to get upset because he was scared. My little one turned to his friend and said "Please Mason, don't be scared! There are no bears in here! We are safe even when the lights are off. Its ok I will sit right beside you so you will feel better." Awwww... I am so thankful! At times my boys are relentlessly fighting so it is so good to know that deep down we are raising who will be sweet, tenderhearted young men!
My oldest finished his first six weeks of school! Kindergarten has been a blast! Last week they studied fire/police men. My boy loved that the home center had turned into a fire station. They topped off a week with a visit from the city firemen.
This week they have talked about space and darkness. Today they had dark day where they did everything with flashlights. He has been having so much fun! He did manage to get an S in conduct which I think is pretty good for the first six weeks of school. I was surprised at his letter assessment though. The teacher said he only knows 48 out of 54 letters (they have two different a's and g's that they test). I was surprised because at home he seems to know all of his letters! Oh well... I guess we have some practicing to do!
My oldest finished his first six weeks of school! Kindergarten has been a blast! Last week they studied fire/police men. My boy loved that the home center had turned into a fire station. They topped off a week with a visit from the city firemen.
This week they have talked about space and darkness. Today they had dark day where they did everything with flashlights. He has been having so much fun! He did manage to get an S in conduct which I think is pretty good for the first six weeks of school. I was surprised at his letter assessment though. The teacher said he only knows 48 out of 54 letters (they have two different a's and g's that they test). I was surprised because at home he seems to know all of his letters! Oh well... I guess we have some practicing to do!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Three weeks down...but who's counting???
We just finished week three of school. My oldest is doing pretty good! He is enjoying kindergarten and his amazing teacher. Mrs. F is a perfect fit for him! She has high expectations and knows how to equip her students to meet them. I am so thankful for such a great first experience for him.
We also have a new music teacher that Nate LOVES! This week Mr. P even let them play drums! I think he is brave to put drums in kindergarten students hands but my little man thinks it was the best decision ever!
I asked Nate what the three best things about this week were and he said:
Being King of the day! (Thanks, Mrs. F)
Playing the drums (Thanks, Mr. P)
and getting to visit the outdoor garden (Thanks again, Mrs. F)
My top three favorite things included
watching the PE teachers sing and dance to "5 little monkeys jumping on the bed" with K students
eating lunch with my little man
and the funniest moment...after losing my little man finding out that the reason I couldn't find him was becuase the boys bathroom locks weren't working so he decided to go in the girls bathroom because his mommy takes him in there when we are at the store.... Oh goodness... let the retraining begin!
Finally, on a more serious note...
We have a new teacher at school that is really wonderful. She is great with the kids but also an amazing woman. About a year and half ago she lost her four year old daughter to cancer. She, of course, is very sad and clings to the memory of her beautiful girl. After hearing her talk about it, I decided to go check out her blog. I sat and cried as I read of the heartbreaks this family has encountered and yet was amazed at what awesome memories they created for themselves. She is just a really incredible mom! Even more than that, as I began reading I discovered that her precious one that she lost far too early has the exact same birthday as my little man. She should be walking the halls at our school, finishing her third week of kindergarten, playing, running, etc. It made her pain feel that much more real for me. As she talks of losing her I imagine what my boy and I were doing, as she talks of her fears and worries I think of how many times I have not spent enough quality time with my boy. As she talks of how people don't treasure every moment and don't notice the little things their kids notice I realize that I am that mom! I get so caught up in the everyday life that I fail to notice the little things... so I am stepping back. I am determined to enjoy the moment, appreciate the little things, and create life long memories because in an instant one of these boys could be gone. So for my many readers (ha ha), I hope you'll hold me accountable. I hope you'll push me to enjoy each day and be thankful for the blessings that I have. I in turn, hope to inspire you to do the same!
We also have a new music teacher that Nate LOVES! This week Mr. P even let them play drums! I think he is brave to put drums in kindergarten students hands but my little man thinks it was the best decision ever!
I asked Nate what the three best things about this week were and he said:
Being King of the day! (Thanks, Mrs. F)
Playing the drums (Thanks, Mr. P)
and getting to visit the outdoor garden (Thanks again, Mrs. F)
My top three favorite things included
watching the PE teachers sing and dance to "5 little monkeys jumping on the bed" with K students
eating lunch with my little man
and the funniest moment...after losing my little man finding out that the reason I couldn't find him was becuase the boys bathroom locks weren't working so he decided to go in the girls bathroom because his mommy takes him in there when we are at the store.... Oh goodness... let the retraining begin!
Finally, on a more serious note...
We have a new teacher at school that is really wonderful. She is great with the kids but also an amazing woman. About a year and half ago she lost her four year old daughter to cancer. She, of course, is very sad and clings to the memory of her beautiful girl. After hearing her talk about it, I decided to go check out her blog. I sat and cried as I read of the heartbreaks this family has encountered and yet was amazed at what awesome memories they created for themselves. She is just a really incredible mom! Even more than that, as I began reading I discovered that her precious one that she lost far too early has the exact same birthday as my little man. She should be walking the halls at our school, finishing her third week of kindergarten, playing, running, etc. It made her pain feel that much more real for me. As she talks of losing her I imagine what my boy and I were doing, as she talks of her fears and worries I think of how many times I have not spent enough quality time with my boy. As she talks of how people don't treasure every moment and don't notice the little things their kids notice I realize that I am that mom! I get so caught up in the everyday life that I fail to notice the little things... so I am stepping back. I am determined to enjoy the moment, appreciate the little things, and create life long memories because in an instant one of these boys could be gone. So for my many readers (ha ha), I hope you'll hold me accountable. I hope you'll push me to enjoy each day and be thankful for the blessings that I have. I in turn, hope to inspire you to do the same!
Monday, August 24, 2009
First Day of Kindergarten
This year at our annual convocation for school our superintendant talked about parents who would be bringing their children into a school that was filled with strangers and trusting them to take care of their baby. I sat there and thought about how blessed I am that I do know all of the wonderful teachers at my son's school. Little did I know how hard it would be to drop off my baby even knowing what capable, warm, laoving hands I was leaving him in.
My oldest started Kindergarten today! He is just so big!!! He has an amazing teacher and I can't wait to see all the fun he is going to have. Today I took him to school. I stopped outside the classroom and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Which made him make a face and wipe it off!) Then I tooh him into class and got him to his seat. I asked for a high five and he gave me one and then he turned, smiled, and said "Bye mom!" I guess that's my cue to leave, huh??? I was so thankful that I do know his teacher but leaving him was still not fun! Luckily, there was plenty to do at school to keep me occupied!
After school Daddy picked up our new kindergartner and took him for ice cream. They stopped in to see me and my little man told me all about his day. He seemed to have a good time! His teacher also assured me that he had a good day! Thank goodness he has her fooled so far! After school my fabulous AP came by to tell me a story about my little man. She told me that she had spotted my little on spinning in the line in the cafeteria. She went over to correct him and found him singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy". So not only was he spinning, he was praising Jesus. Who knew he was so charasmatic???
Friday, June 12, 2009
Torrential Rain and Sweet Prayers
For all of my faboulous readers...(ha ha) I think I have two followers and love them both dearly...anyway.....for all of my fabulous readers who don't live in DFW you missed quite the storm this week. On Wednesday one of my best friends came over to watch my boys as Adam and I met with our realtor. My oldest boy proceded to scream at her from his naptime bed because she refused to give into his fit and go pick up his blanket......finally he was so tired he fell asleep. Now please know he is about to start kindergarten and we are working on getting rid of the nap but friends don't make friends endure either boy without a nap...and yet the nap was the worst part for her.....storm #1....she survived and I think we are still friends!
Storm #2...meeting with the realtor...We have been trying to sell our house since December to no avail! We are overpriced and we know it and the housing market has dropped which would help when we get ready to buy but not sell! Our realtors are friends of ours and have been really great but today was tough! Basically we need to be prepared to have $20,000 to get out of this house and into the new one. Now I don't know about you but I don't have that sitting somewhere. So what to do now???? Rob a bank???? probably a bad idea..... Sell my first born??? at times tempting..... Let our house foreclose? that integrity thing gets me everytime... Any other ideas??? Looks like we may have to stay put. I love my house but HATE the new three story apartements that loom in back yard and cast shadows across it all afternoon (they are really that close). I also hate that it takes 911 an hour to come to my house AFTER they call me back when I leave a message on their 911 answering machine!!!! So much for help in an emergency! Please keep us in your prayers... we are trying to make the right, godly decision and we believe that going into debt to pay off debt is just not smart! I just need to win the lottery that I don't play!
Storm #3...the real thing...so I get home to my wonderfully compassionate friend and we share yucky stories together, begin making corn dogs for dinner (a dinner of champions, I know) and make plans for white cake with thick chocolate frosting (how else do you deal with such awful news?). Then the sky turned black and the clouds began to move like crazy... The news forecaster had shear (spelling?) markers everywhere. The neighbors had shingles standing striaght up on their house, trees were splitting fences were falling, I wasn't taking any chances. My friend took the boys to the walk in closet while I got pillows. I put the dogs in the bathroom and grabbed the pan of cooked corn dogs, ketchup, mustard, four cups and the pitcher of tea and took them to the closet where we had a corn dog picnic and waited for the storm to pass. Then for the rest of that night and all morning the next day the rain poured down and the thunder and lightning were relentless! I was thinking about Noah in the bible and how awful that must have been when my good friend called and said "I am so glad God did not call me to be Noah! I don't think I could have been obedient to Him." I agree wholeheartedly!!!!
So I hope these storms of life shall pass... I hope to gain clarity and peace in what to do about our house and the safety I want it to bring to my family.
Finally, I love to listen to my kids pray...... My youngest thanks God everynight for his mommy, and daddy. Sometimes he even throws in his brother. My oldest has begun praying more specifically for people that he knows are sick or need safe travel. During the storms he was praying God would make the thunder, lightning, and rain go away. But a few nights ago as he finshed praying he finished with this..."and God do people like superman, spiderman, and the transformers help you with all their work? I know they are good helpers and could really help you...amen!"
Storm #2...meeting with the realtor...We have been trying to sell our house since December to no avail! We are overpriced and we know it and the housing market has dropped which would help when we get ready to buy but not sell! Our realtors are friends of ours and have been really great but today was tough! Basically we need to be prepared to have $20,000 to get out of this house and into the new one. Now I don't know about you but I don't have that sitting somewhere. So what to do now???? Rob a bank???? probably a bad idea..... Sell my first born??? at times tempting..... Let our house foreclose? that integrity thing gets me everytime... Any other ideas??? Looks like we may have to stay put. I love my house but HATE the new three story apartements that loom in back yard and cast shadows across it all afternoon (they are really that close). I also hate that it takes 911 an hour to come to my house AFTER they call me back when I leave a message on their 911 answering machine!!!! So much for help in an emergency! Please keep us in your prayers... we are trying to make the right, godly decision and we believe that going into debt to pay off debt is just not smart! I just need to win the lottery that I don't play!
Storm #3...the real thing...so I get home to my wonderfully compassionate friend and we share yucky stories together, begin making corn dogs for dinner (a dinner of champions, I know) and make plans for white cake with thick chocolate frosting (how else do you deal with such awful news?). Then the sky turned black and the clouds began to move like crazy... The news forecaster had shear (spelling?) markers everywhere. The neighbors had shingles standing striaght up on their house, trees were splitting fences were falling, I wasn't taking any chances. My friend took the boys to the walk in closet while I got pillows. I put the dogs in the bathroom and grabbed the pan of cooked corn dogs, ketchup, mustard, four cups and the pitcher of tea and took them to the closet where we had a corn dog picnic and waited for the storm to pass. Then for the rest of that night and all morning the next day the rain poured down and the thunder and lightning were relentless! I was thinking about Noah in the bible and how awful that must have been when my good friend called and said "I am so glad God did not call me to be Noah! I don't think I could have been obedient to Him." I agree wholeheartedly!!!!
So I hope these storms of life shall pass... I hope to gain clarity and peace in what to do about our house and the safety I want it to bring to my family.
Finally, I love to listen to my kids pray...... My youngest thanks God everynight for his mommy, and daddy. Sometimes he even throws in his brother. My oldest has begun praying more specifically for people that he knows are sick or need safe travel. During the storms he was praying God would make the thunder, lightning, and rain go away. But a few nights ago as he finshed praying he finished with this..."and God do people like superman, spiderman, and the transformers help you with all their work? I know they are good helpers and could really help you...amen!"
Friday, April 24, 2009
Crazy Connections
My oldest son will be 5 next week. Last week we were driving down the road and we drove past a neighborhood waterpark and of course he asked if we could go. I told him no, that it was still far too cold to go to waterpark. He got quiet for a few minutes and then responded, "Mom, do you know I have God in my heart?" I was shocked... I said "What do you mean?" He said, Well when I was at the water park I went all the way under the water." And so I am thinking where is he going with this??? Next he says, "But really mom! He thumps in there, so next time you drink that coke in church...I think I'll need some." Then it all comes clear to me and I am cracking up! So I said to him, "I think you are going to need to be little order before you are able to have some of that 'coke in church".
You see we have been in a church plant until this last year and all of our baptisms happened in backyard pools or waterparks. Then when we switched churches last summer we had a baptism service at the waterpark. Each time we talk about what that means. Then, at Christmas Eve service my oldest sat in "big church" with me and we took the Lord's Supper. (which he couldn't have and he was NOT happy about that) SO after church he had asked a lot of questions and I had answered them as best I could. So now he has put it all together. He understands the steps he has to take but doesn't quite get why we do them. I think that next time I take the Lord's Supper it will be hard to not giggle though as I drink my "coke".
I am thankful...
I am thankful that my oldest is learning and putting things together. After celebrating Easter all day we climbed onto one of the boys beds and began to pray. My youngest thanked God for Easter and the eggs and the bunny. My oldest's prayer was so simple. "Thank you God for my mommy, daddy, and brother. And thank you that Jesus came and died and went to live with the devil and then came back three days later." I am not sure where the went to live with the devil for three days part came from (we still have a few things to work out...) but he IS getting it! For Him church is becoming more than just a place to see his friends and he is asking us the questions he needs to so he can get it all together. Being a mom is so great! Just when I think Go has made a mistake trusting these sweet little boys in my care of me to mess up-we have these kind of conversations! I am SO thankful for His reassurance!
You see we have been in a church plant until this last year and all of our baptisms happened in backyard pools or waterparks. Then when we switched churches last summer we had a baptism service at the waterpark. Each time we talk about what that means. Then, at Christmas Eve service my oldest sat in "big church" with me and we took the Lord's Supper. (which he couldn't have and he was NOT happy about that) SO after church he had asked a lot of questions and I had answered them as best I could. So now he has put it all together. He understands the steps he has to take but doesn't quite get why we do them. I think that next time I take the Lord's Supper it will be hard to not giggle though as I drink my "coke".
I am thankful...
I am thankful that my oldest is learning and putting things together. After celebrating Easter all day we climbed onto one of the boys beds and began to pray. My youngest thanked God for Easter and the eggs and the bunny. My oldest's prayer was so simple. "Thank you God for my mommy, daddy, and brother. And thank you that Jesus came and died and went to live with the devil and then came back three days later." I am not sure where the went to live with the devil for three days part came from (we still have a few things to work out...) but he IS getting it! For Him church is becoming more than just a place to see his friends and he is asking us the questions he needs to so he can get it all together. Being a mom is so great! Just when I think Go has made a mistake trusting these sweet little boys in my care of me to mess up-we have these kind of conversations! I am SO thankful for His reassurance!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Easter!!!
Today we colored Easter eggs with our two little boys. They were in awe as the eggs turned colors. They kept putting them in and taking them out. Their fingers were so many different colors. At times this excitement led to much frustration for Adam and I as the dye would spill, or eggs were dropped. But all in all, it was a great time! I love their excitement over such a little thing!
Easter is one of my favorite holidays! It is a time when we get to celebrate without the awkwardness of opening presents while everyone watches and just hoping your expressions really show how much you appreciate something or someone. It is a time when there isn't the pressure of what to do, or who to invite, or what you should say in your cards. I love that I get to focus on my family at this time of year and there aren't expectations. But most of all, I love what this holiday means....
Christmas is nice because I get to celebrate my Savior, Jesus', birth. Yet, to me Easter is even better. Because Easter is about making Jesus my Savior. Before he sacrificed His life, after living it blamelessly, he was just another man. Many people say a good man, a man who did great things. Some people called his great things miracles, some called them coincidences. But when He was killed and put in a sealed and guarded tomb; yet, somehow managed to come back to life and live back on the Earth for 40 days before he ascended to heaven- that made Him extraordinary and divine. You see many people worship great men, Muhammad, Buddha, etc. And I must admit they were great men, but they weren't set apart like Christ was. They didn't die and come back to prove that they were who they said they were. And they didn't get beaten, and mocked and ridiculed and still forgive as they gave up their lives for people who didn't know that they needed him.
So tomorrow, as I celebrate Easter, I will be forever grateful. Because even when I didn't know I needed Him, He gave His life up for me. Even when I try to do things on my own, he stands by me and helps me anyway. Even when I don't understand why things are the way they are, or when I question Him, he remains forever patient with me. Because He is who he says He is, because He loves even when I am unlovable, because He made a way for me when I didn't deserve it- I will live for HIM!
Happy Easter everyone! I hope that this day means as much to you as it does to me.
Easter is one of my favorite holidays! It is a time when we get to celebrate without the awkwardness of opening presents while everyone watches and just hoping your expressions really show how much you appreciate something or someone. It is a time when there isn't the pressure of what to do, or who to invite, or what you should say in your cards. I love that I get to focus on my family at this time of year and there aren't expectations. But most of all, I love what this holiday means....
Christmas is nice because I get to celebrate my Savior, Jesus', birth. Yet, to me Easter is even better. Because Easter is about making Jesus my Savior. Before he sacrificed His life, after living it blamelessly, he was just another man. Many people say a good man, a man who did great things. Some people called his great things miracles, some called them coincidences. But when He was killed and put in a sealed and guarded tomb; yet, somehow managed to come back to life and live back on the Earth for 40 days before he ascended to heaven- that made Him extraordinary and divine. You see many people worship great men, Muhammad, Buddha, etc. And I must admit they were great men, but they weren't set apart like Christ was. They didn't die and come back to prove that they were who they said they were. And they didn't get beaten, and mocked and ridiculed and still forgive as they gave up their lives for people who didn't know that they needed him.
So tomorrow, as I celebrate Easter, I will be forever grateful. Because even when I didn't know I needed Him, He gave His life up for me. Even when I try to do things on my own, he stands by me and helps me anyway. Even when I don't understand why things are the way they are, or when I question Him, he remains forever patient with me. Because He is who he says He is, because He loves even when I am unlovable, because He made a way for me when I didn't deserve it- I will live for HIM!
Happy Easter everyone! I hope that this day means as much to you as it does to me.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
TLA
I just returned from a three day trip to Houston. I was there for the Texas Library Conference. I am always amazed to talk to librarians from across the state. I feel refreshed and ready to go!!!
First, I want to post the Texas 2x2 list. These are books that are chosen by a panel of librarians that are the best books published from 2008 for 2 year old through second graders. For those of you who have children in this age group these are some great books to check out!
A Visitor For Bear by Bonny Becker, The Littlest Llama by Jane Browning Buxton, Quinito, Day and Night, Quinito, Dia y Noche by Ina Cumpiano, On the Farm by David Elliott, Ten Little FINGERS and Ten Little TOES by Mem Fox, How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham, Chicken Said, “Cluck!” by Judyann Ackerman Grant, What’s Up Duck? A Book of Opposites by Tad Hills, Uh-oh! by Rachel Isadora, Sort it Out! by Barbara Mariconda, Let’s Eat! ! A comer! by Pat Mora, Baseball Hour by Carol Nevius, Jack Wants a Snack by Pat Schories, No Babysitters Allowed by Amber Stewart, Roadwork by Sally Sutton, What Can You Do With a Rebozo? by Carmen Tafolla, Grumpy Cat by Britta Teckentrup, The Doghouse by Jan Thomas, Duck Soup by Jackie Urbanovic, and 10 Things I Can Do to Help My World by Melanie Walsh.
You can go to this website http://www.txla.org/groups/crt/2x2intro.htm for more information or activities to do with your child. There are some really great books on the list this year!
Finally, while at TLA I got to meet several authors which is always fun. My favorite quote of the week came form one of the authors' presentations. Jeanne DuPrau, the author of City of Ember, said something that really sums up many of the children's authors. I am not going to put it into quotes because I was writing while she talk and I don't want to miss quote! She said something like:
I don't write books for children because I like children, although I do like some children just like I like some adults, I write because I love to write.
To me this was so funny because there are many children's authors who love to write books for this age but are not fond of children, don't know how to speak to them, or are just flat out terrified at the idea of having to entertain a group of children.... Let this be a warning to you....if ever you take your child to meet an author be ready for anything! Of course there are MANY children's authors who write because they LOVE children and they are fabulous with them. :) I personally, loved Jeanne Duprau's Ember's series and thought she really was a good speaker. I was thankful for her honesty and how genuine she really was.
First, I want to post the Texas 2x2 list. These are books that are chosen by a panel of librarians that are the best books published from 2008 for 2 year old through second graders. For those of you who have children in this age group these are some great books to check out!
A Visitor For Bear by Bonny Becker, The Littlest Llama by Jane Browning Buxton, Quinito, Day and Night, Quinito, Dia y Noche by Ina Cumpiano, On the Farm by David Elliott, Ten Little FINGERS and Ten Little TOES by Mem Fox, How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham, Chicken Said, “Cluck!” by Judyann Ackerman Grant, What’s Up Duck? A Book of Opposites by Tad Hills, Uh-oh! by Rachel Isadora, Sort it Out! by Barbara Mariconda, Let’s Eat! ! A comer! by Pat Mora, Baseball Hour by Carol Nevius, Jack Wants a Snack by Pat Schories, No Babysitters Allowed by Amber Stewart, Roadwork by Sally Sutton, What Can You Do With a Rebozo? by Carmen Tafolla, Grumpy Cat by Britta Teckentrup, The Doghouse by Jan Thomas, Duck Soup by Jackie Urbanovic, and 10 Things I Can Do to Help My World by Melanie Walsh.
You can go to this website http://www.txla.org/groups/crt/2x2intro.htm for more information or activities to do with your child. There are some really great books on the list this year!
Finally, while at TLA I got to meet several authors which is always fun. My favorite quote of the week came form one of the authors' presentations. Jeanne DuPrau, the author of City of Ember, said something that really sums up many of the children's authors. I am not going to put it into quotes because I was writing while she talk and I don't want to miss quote! She said something like:
I don't write books for children because I like children, although I do like some children just like I like some adults, I write because I love to write.
To me this was so funny because there are many children's authors who love to write books for this age but are not fond of children, don't know how to speak to them, or are just flat out terrified at the idea of having to entertain a group of children.... Let this be a warning to you....if ever you take your child to meet an author be ready for anything! Of course there are MANY children's authors who write because they LOVE children and they are fabulous with them. :) I personally, loved Jeanne Duprau's Ember's series and thought she really was a good speaker. I was thankful for her honesty and how genuine she really was.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Giving in....
So I have decided that I am going to transform this blog... I have always been terrible and journaling and so I have been reluctant to blog.... I mean who cares what I am thinking or what I have to say about life. But after increasing pressure I am giving in. I have this blog because I needed it for my children's literature class. I intend to still post book reviews some because I am also being pressured about that but I am also going to add information about our family on here. So here goes....
This week was crazy. We had some friends get married this past weekend and Adam got to perform the ceremony! It was such a proud moment for me!! Then C got pink eye and my dear mother got to take him to the doctor since we were busy with the wedding. So the week gets going and N trips on his shoes and falls on the floor and hits his elbow and forearm. He says it hurts and won't move it- this is not surprising since he is my little drama king. So we decide to give it a day or two. He goes to school the next day and falls on it AGAIN!!! This time it swells up and he appears to have lost his elbow. Or as N says "My bone fell out!" So we get to go get X-rays which are still confusing because they say he might have a crack but they aren't sure give it a few days and see if the swelling goes down and he can move it.... As of today, Saturday. he can move it but when he bumps it he still has to give a little bit of a dramatic presentation! THEN on Friday, the school calls me to tell me that N has pinkeye now.... thank goodness the week is over. I hope next week is much better!
This week was crazy. We had some friends get married this past weekend and Adam got to perform the ceremony! It was such a proud moment for me!! Then C got pink eye and my dear mother got to take him to the doctor since we were busy with the wedding. So the week gets going and N trips on his shoes and falls on the floor and hits his elbow and forearm. He says it hurts and won't move it- this is not surprising since he is my little drama king. So we decide to give it a day or two. He goes to school the next day and falls on it AGAIN!!! This time it swells up and he appears to have lost his elbow. Or as N says "My bone fell out!" So we get to go get X-rays which are still confusing because they say he might have a crack but they aren't sure give it a few days and see if the swelling goes down and he can move it.... As of today, Saturday. he can move it but when he bumps it he still has to give a little bit of a dramatic presentation! THEN on Friday, the school calls me to tell me that N has pinkeye now.... thank goodness the week is over. I hope next week is much better!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sports Illustrated Kids: SIKIDS.com
Huey, John. (Editor-in-Chief) April 2008. Sports Illustrated Kids. Time Inc. New York, NY. SIKIDS.com
This magazine is a perfect addition to a young sports fan’s reading repertoire. Each issue comes with a color poster pull out, sports trading cards, sports pro interviews, and pictures. Many sports are included in each magazine. In the April 2008 issue sports that are covered include horse racing, hockey, gymnastics, baseball, basketball, and rock climbing. Boys and girls sports are both represented making this a magazine that any young sports fan will enjoy. All ads that are included are appropriate for young readers. The website SIKIDS.com is interactive and a fun addition to the magazine subscription. Many poll results, funny photo captions, and magazine comments that are submitted online are published in the magazine. The funny photo caption section is funny even for those who are not sports fans. A still picture of a sports figure in action is placed online and readers write creative captions. I found the comments to be extremely entertaining. I also enjoyed the section “What’s the Call” where the reader reads about a situation and decides what the official’s decision should be. Later in the magazine the answers are revealed so readers can check their officiating skills. This subscription is a “must have” in any children’s library.
This magazine is a perfect addition to a young sports fan’s reading repertoire. Each issue comes with a color poster pull out, sports trading cards, sports pro interviews, and pictures. Many sports are included in each magazine. In the April 2008 issue sports that are covered include horse racing, hockey, gymnastics, baseball, basketball, and rock climbing. Boys and girls sports are both represented making this a magazine that any young sports fan will enjoy. All ads that are included are appropriate for young readers. The website SIKIDS.com is interactive and a fun addition to the magazine subscription. Many poll results, funny photo captions, and magazine comments that are submitted online are published in the magazine. The funny photo caption section is funny even for those who are not sports fans. A still picture of a sports figure in action is placed online and readers write creative captions. I found the comments to be extremely entertaining. I also enjoyed the section “What’s the Call” where the reader reads about a situation and decides what the official’s decision should be. Later in the magazine the answers are revealed so readers can check their officiating skills. This subscription is a “must have” in any children’s library.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
THE TOP OF THE WORLD
Jenkins, Steve. 1999. The Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest. Houghton Mifflin Company. New York, New York. ISBN 0395942187
This book gives fact about Mount Everest, statistics about the climbers that have set records, shows the gear needed to make a climb like Everest, and explains the thrills and dangers of climbing the tallest mountain on Earth. This non fiction book is fascinating for anyone who has ever thought about what it would be like to climb to the top of a mountain, especially Mount Everest. The pictures in this book are essential and are made of paper collage. Many of the pictures are diagrams of the mountain to help readers understand the distance that the text is referring to.
This book gives fact about Mount Everest, statistics about the climbers that have set records, shows the gear needed to make a climb like Everest, and explains the thrills and dangers of climbing the tallest mountain on Earth. This non fiction book is fascinating for anyone who has ever thought about what it would be like to climb to the top of a mountain, especially Mount Everest. The pictures in this book are essential and are made of paper collage. Many of the pictures are diagrams of the mountain to help readers understand the distance that the text is referring to.
HIDING FROM THE NAZIS
Adler, David A. 1997. Hiding from the Nazis. Holiday House. New York, NY. ISBN 082312881
This biography tells the story of the Baer family and their quest to hide from the Nazi’s. Lore’s grandfather is taken away and was never seen again. I like that this story tells of the heartache this family encounters without going into gruesome details that are too mature for a young audience. When the Baer family becomes too afraid to all hid together they send Lore off to live with another family. When her parents are finally freed from the concentration camp Lore hides from them because it has been so long since she has seen them. After a few days Lore warms up to her parents and goes to live with them but it takes her many years to learn to trust them again. The end of the story explains how the war ended and the Jewish people were free from hiding. This is a great book to help elementary age students identify with this part of history. The illustrations show the Jewish and Nazi symbols which will be good for young readers to see and gain better understanding of that time. Signs in the background are also written in German. The author’s note tells the details of the families depicted in this book and where they are now.
This biography tells the story of the Baer family and their quest to hide from the Nazi’s. Lore’s grandfather is taken away and was never seen again. I like that this story tells of the heartache this family encounters without going into gruesome details that are too mature for a young audience. When the Baer family becomes too afraid to all hid together they send Lore off to live with another family. When her parents are finally freed from the concentration camp Lore hides from them because it has been so long since she has seen them. After a few days Lore warms up to her parents and goes to live with them but it takes her many years to learn to trust them again. The end of the story explains how the war ended and the Jewish people were free from hiding. This is a great book to help elementary age students identify with this part of history. The illustrations show the Jewish and Nazi symbols which will be good for young readers to see and gain better understanding of that time. Signs in the background are also written in German. The author’s note tells the details of the families depicted in this book and where they are now.
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