Thankful Thursday!

I was thankful for a lot of things yesterday, but one thing in particular made me even more thankful!  I was going to go from Black Hawk where I was teaching to Wm. Byrne where Sam teaches and help him put up bulletin boards for the New Year.  He got to Byrne before I did due to technical difficulties with the sound system at Black Hawk and me now starting my class late.  The doors were locked.  He couldn't get in.  School was officially closed for the holidays.  He sent me a text.  It came during my last unit of First Aid.  I did not have to go to Byrne.  I could go home.  I was so thankful because I was just plumb tuckered out!

He, of course, will be going to work early now on Monday and I can't (legally) go in to help him due to Covid restrictions.    

CPR, FIrst Aid, and Farewell!

I taught CPR and First Aid this week at ISD 196 for the final time with Pat Bennett, our Aquatics Director, at the healm!  Fortunately, my time there this week was much better than hers!

She met me at the door Wednesday morning saying, "I am so ready to retire!  You won't believe the week I've had!"  She proceeded to tell me everything that had gone wrong - from sick staff to needed Covid tests to finding more certification staff!  I was just happy those were her problems and NOT mine!

My problems were easy - one of my students looked just like my supervisor, Mo, at ISD 194.  I had to work hard to call her "Terri" and not "Mo".  One of the WSA students came up to me crying, "I don't feel well."  "Um . . . call your parent and go home."  Cheesy peasy easy!   

Best wishes in your retirement, Pat! 

Dinner with Dad!

We were able to drive down to Iowa on Sunday in order to celebrate Christmas a day late with Dad.  We had a fun time, save for watching the Vikings attempt to play football!  Unfortunately, the weather dictated an earlier leave time that what we had wanted.  Fortunately, the roads were fairly decent.  The winds were miserable!   

2021 Steiger End of Year Recap

Micah and I went to Ukraine in 2017 with Steiger International's "No Longer Music" Team.  We were impressed with their dedication to Jesus while on tour and Sam and I have grown even more impressed as we've listened to their podcast, "Provoke and Inspire."  They are not your Sunday morning suit and tie church goers, but men and women who are out there sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in what some would consider non-traditional ways.  To God be the glory!

 

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

 

Christmas Eve Dinner!

After our respective Christmas Eve services last night, Sam's Aunt Lenore, cousin David and his wife Jeanette joined us for one of my family traditions - pizza and ice cream!  Sam made us a delicious homemade stuffed crust pizza and the Dureys brought the ice cream.

We had so much fun, just laughing the night away, from the story of how David and Jeanette met to Uncle George had hair!?!  And not just any hair - beautiful golden locks!  It made for a wonderful Christmas Eve!  

Christmas Eve Services

At Christmas Eve Services last night, Pastor Terry asked us whoever reads Matthew 1 at Christmas?  It's the genealogy of Jesus!  So, he sang it for us!  Just listen:

 

Burgers or Cokes?

On Wednesday, Micah and I met our friend Heidi for lunch at Red Robin.  We weren't there for the burgers!  In fact, Micah had chicken fingers.  We were there for the cokes!  

Between the three of us, we went through at least twelve glasses of soda!  I confess, I was probably the biggest drinker, but I had gone swimming in the morning and I was thirsty!

Family Swim Day!

I know, I know!  You all thought it was Christmas Eve yesterday, but at the Y, it turns out we had a totally different event going on in the  lap pool!  In lane one, we had a married couple working out.  In lane two, we had Sally and her daughter Hailey doing laps.  In lane three, neighbor Nancy and her daughter Mary were doing laps.  And in lane four was me.  All alone.  Without family.  Bummer.

Twins Day!

Our teachers declared Monday "Twins Day" and Angela and I carried through on being our favorite fifth grade twins:

 

Gifted . . .

I had been blown away by the generosity of Julie and Aimee on Monday and I truly didn't expect anyone else to gift me on Tuesday.  I was shocked!

I stopped by my space and there on my table were three gifts.  My anonymous gift contained a package of nuclear popcorn, hot chocolate and a candy cane.  Leo literally shocked me with a Target gift card.  I mean, how unexpected is that?  And then there was the sweetest gift from Kai and Otto, the twins.  

Kai and his mom had made Micah's "Malted Milk Ball Cookies" in competition with Otto and his dad's peanut butter cookies with a Hershey's kiss on top.  I was told at recess by Kai that I needed to eat them before I left so I could let them know who's cookie was the best.  Honestly, it was Kai's hands down because it really tasted just like Micah's and I like them alot.  Otto's cookie had been decorated with green frosting to make it look like a Christmas tree and I just don't like frosting!  Sorry, Otto - Kai won my vote!     

MIssing . . .

 When I left school on Monday, I couldn't find my phone.  I turned around in the school parking lot, went back inside and retraced my steps.  No phone.  Thinking maybe it had fallen under a seat or something, I went back to my car.  Still couldn't find the phone, so I prayed, "God you know where my phone is.  Please let me know" and went to the grocery store.

At the store, I ran into Stephanie who I hadn't seen since Covid started.  We caught up and then she asked me how I was doing, really.  I told her my phone was missing and I was a bit worried about it.  She was so sweet.  "My son-in-law, Tim, will be at my house at 5:30 tonight.  He's found my lost phone in Wyoming.  I'm sure he can find yours.  You call me.  And we'll get him to work on.  He's a techo-guru."  With a thank-you and the hope that I could send a text from my phone instead, I finished my grocery shopping.

I got home and asked Ol' Eagle Eyes, more commonly known as Micah, to go to my car and look for my phone while I checked my school e-mails.  Relief.  I had left my phone on Julie's desk.  One of the kids I work with recognized it, and once the groceries were packed away, it was back in my hands!

Over . . .

Overwhelmed by love?  Overjoyed by what was given?  I'm not sure what is most accurate here, but both were quite true on Monday afternoon . . . 

The two fifth grade teachers I work most closely with had sent me texts that morning, asking me to stop by their rooms before I left school (I only had lunchroom and recess duty on Monday).  I stopped by Julie's room first and she went to her desk to grab a gift bag.

M: "I know that gift bag.  I went shopping there on Friday!"

J:  Smiles.  

Class:  "Mrs. Zupke, will you open it and show it to us?"

M:  "Only if I don't have to share!"

J:  "No sharing . . ."

M:  "This is my most favorite chocolate in the whole world!  Thank you, Ms. Urban."

It was Droolin' Moose Mint Melters - absolutely amazing!

Aimee's class was headed to the library when I came out of Julie's room.  

A:  "You open that gift from me and come into the library and find me."

I opened the gift from Aimee and began to cry.  I cried even more when she told me why.  In fact, we were both in the library crying. 

Last year, one of my earrings from South Africa had fallen out (while removing my face mask) in the school parking lot.  I found it the next morning, crushed.  

Aimee had spent the summer looking for earrings similar to my South African ones and look what she found.  A perfect pair!  In Iowa, of all places!

I am so blessed to work with this two wonderful women and they say how blessed they are to work with me!

 

   

What if . . .

My friend, Karen, who attends Lugogo Baptist Church in Uganda, sent out this quick videos of their Thanksgiving Church Service.  It brought back many great memories of worshiping in Africa . . . and made me wonder, as I was sitting in church today, what if . . . 

• We worshiped so joyfully in our churches
• We gave, not from our abundance, but from our hearts.
  

 

A Lars Update

We received an update on Lars yesterday.  He's still in the hospital, they were hoping to take the breathing tube out today.  He was able to nod his head and squeeze his wife's hand on Wednesday.  Not what we hoped for, it's been hard on staff and students, so we pray . . .   

Tik Tok Holiday

Sadly, our school district received a social media threat that caused it, along with Farmington Schools, to close for the day.  To whoever made the threat, I don't know why you did it, but I do know you left many disappointed staff and students at my building, including me.  One of our fifth grades had declared today "Twins Day" where you could either wear Minnesota Twins clothes or dress like a twin.  It has been the lunchroom talk for the past two weeks as students plotted and planned!  I spent last night texting my blonde co-worker Angela as we decided to be our fifth grade twins, blonde Kai and dark-haired Otto.  We were looking forward to hearing what they had to say when we told them who we were!  And we didn't get to . . . because media won and we had an unwanted Tik Tok Holiday.     

Thankful Thursday!

Earlier this fall, I helped Heidi make snowman ornaments for the Holiday Craft Sale in November.  She gave me some leftover bits and I made some snowmen to give to friends for Christmas, including the teams I work with at school.  I snuck them onto desks during lunch on Thursday and got a lot of "thank-you" texts back, but my two favorite thank you's came from our special ed teacher who interrupted my lunch to tell me how much she liked and appreciated the snowman.  The other most favorite thank you can from my recess counterpart who sent me this picture, saying the snowman fit right in!  I'm thankful that I could bring smiles with some help from my friend, Heidi! 

Teaching in the Classroom . . .

With Rich in the hospital, and his sub not quite sure what to do, Monday morning Aimee and I decided I would have a much easier time teaching her class while she taught Rich's.  She was right!  I had fun . . . and her class survived me!  Fortunately, it was only for half an hour!

Last Friday's Snow . . .

. . . Made Monday's and Tuesday's recesses a winter wonderland!  There wasn't a child to be find on the playground because everyone who had snowpants and boots were making snow balls, snow men and snow forts!  Loved it!

Lars

Lars is one of our fifth grade teachers.  We found out this morning that he had slipped and fallen on sidewalk ice yesterday afternoon.  He has a fractured skull with bleeding on his brain.  He does recognize his wife, but has no idea what day or month or time it is.  Our hearts are heavy . . . we have no idea what this means, but pray for the best.

The Saga Continues . . .

Sears said (promised?) that once our new dishwasher was installed, they would come out and pick up our old dishwasher.  After all, it was a replacement.  So Monday afternoon, I called and was told that the person I was speaking with had put in a manual order.  That meant that within one to two business days, someone from Sears would call us and schedule the pick up.  

I called again today, five days later, and said that no one had called us back to schedule a dishwasher pickup.  Low and behold, I got a date.  Someone is supposed to be here to pick it up on Tuesday.  I can only think of the old song, "Dream, dream, dream, dre-e-e-e-am . . ."  

Thankful Thursday!

I can not tell you how thankful (and happy!) staff and students were in both Sam's district and mine were about the two-hour early out today!  The fact that we found out on Thursday evening made it even better Party on!🎉

An "F" Means "Fabulous!"

Not really!  Not at all!  Imagine my (horror? dismay? shock?) when I came home from the Tutor Christmas Party Monday evening and Micah said, "Mom, I got an F on my 1500-word paper."  

"You mean the paper that we worked on for a couple of hours on Saturday and again for a couple of hours on Sunday?  An "F"?" 

It turns out that she had (misunderstood/misinterpreted/made a major mistake) on the directions and her prof flat out gave her an "F".  So she want to bat for herself, explaining why she chose to do what she did, and asked for another chance, saying if he'd let her, she'd redo the entire paper this weekend.  In return, he said he'd read the paper on Tuesday and make his decision then.  

Imagine my (shock? surprise? joy?) when she came out of her room Tuesday night and said, "You won't believe this!"  Her prof had read her paper, reconsidered her grade from the night before and changed that lowly "F" into an "A-" saying that she had written the best, most thorough, paper in the class, even though it was on the (incorrect?) information and he was glad she had advocated for herself.

Look out Dean's List!  Here she comes!

Buns and Lyerlys!

Sunday mornings after church, Sam and I stop by Lunds and Byerlys for a loaf of my current lunch addiction - handcrafted artisan cranberry walnut bread.  This morning, we discovered they were having their "members only" baking sale.  Of course, we are members!

We walked out of the store with butter, white sugar, powdered sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, two bags of chocolate chips, one bag of peanut m&m's, a dozen eggs  and my loaf of bread to the tune of $18.28.  Savings?  $18.98.  We actually saved more than we spent!  

We Have A Dishwasher!!!

And it works, too!  Our friend, Jerry, came over this afternoon and helped Sam install it.  After a few more rounds with Sears, we just said "to halibut", and took Jerry up on his offer.  One wash down, and it's looking good!  We may have rejoined the First World . . .

Out Too Late?

Micah and I knew Matt had been out too late last night when he grabbed a box of cereal and a plate this morning for breakfast.  He looked at what he had done, shook his head, and said, "That's not gonna work."  

Thankful Thursday!

Frosted

Today, I am thankful that Micah was one of the top five finishers in the StarTribune 2021 Holiday Cookie Contest.  While she didn't win first place, she was thrilled to be one of the top five finishers out of over two hundred and fifty recipes.

We've known that she was one of the top five since the end of October when we took an oath of silence.  Naturally, today was the day the paper arrived late.  She went out a couple of times to check.  I went out once and Sam brought it in just before he went to work.  Micah came down and let me know, with a big smile on her face.

"I didn't win, but I'm one of the top five and THAT is cool".

And you know what?  Those "Malted Milk Ball Cookies" are a winner every time, too!

Sandwich Version

TOMORROW!

When you get up tomorrow morning, grab your Thursday's copy of the STAR TRIBUNE and turn to the Variety Section.  We know for a fact that a picture I took will be in there . . .

You'll Never Guess What We Got!

Ever since our dishwasher was "repaired" in early September and that repair fried our dishwasher leaving a hole in the basin, Sam has said over and over and over, "I think they put in the wrong part."

He'd be right.  Based on the fact that the part we needed finally arrived yesterday!  But it will do us no good because there's still the hole in the bottom of the dishwasher . . .

My recommendation?  Don't buy from Sears and certainly don't purchase a totally worthless protection agreement! 

I say that as our new dishwasher remains in the box because Sears can't find an installer.  We've been told that twice now and we have a really hard time believing that there isn't a single dishwasher installer in the entire Twin Cities Metro . . .

NLFS Merch

Micah's New Life Family Services merchandise came yesterday, and boy, was it nice stuff!  She got a baseball hat, a stocking hat and a sweatshirt, all with NLFS logos.  In fact, it was so nice, I went on-line to see if I could get a sweatshirt like hers.  NLFS IS an organization I'm always willing to promote and/or support.  No such luck . . . and I can't borrow her sweatshirt.  It's a couple of sizes too big!😢  

Our Black Friday Tradition!

For the second year in a row, Micah and I have gone to donate blood on Black Friday.  Last year, my iron wasn't high enough so only she gave.  This year, her iron wasn't high even so only I gave.  But, because she tried and they pricked her twice, we now each have a pair of American Red Cross Holiday socks!  Eat your hearts out!

 I'll wear mine for laughs.  She'll give you hers for free!

BTW, if you ever catch us wearing our socks without our shoes on, you'll be encouraged to "Give Blood".😁

Thankful Thursday!

I was thankful we finally got to meet Matt's girlfriend yesterday when they joined us for dinner at Dad's.  She's a sweetheart and we enjoyed getting to know her!

We made . . .

. . . a quick trip to Iowa yesterday to spend Thanksgiving Day with my dad.  We carried an already cooked turkey, a box of stuffing, a pumpkin pie, a container of Cool Whip, a package of crescent rolls, the makings for cabbage ramen noodle salad, and 9x13 pan of sweet potato souffle in the trunk.  

The best part of the whole meal?  After we had finished eating, Dad said, "Well, I get to keep the leftovers, don't I?"  

You betcha, Dad!  Enjoy! 

A belated . . .

 

Bad, Bad Margo

At the Y, we have the lap swimmers, some of us who desire to stay in the water until the last possible second to get in as many laps as possible in the limited amount of time we have been given to swim.

Then, there are the Water Ex people who believe that when they arrive, we (the lap swimmers) need to leave.  Some of them literally jump into the water in front of us in an effort to get us out of the pool.  Well, today, I got them out . . . 

I asked the lifeguard when I arrived at 8:00 a.m. if he wanted a break.  I normally do not do this, but the short end of a long story is that the custodian asked me to ask him if he needed a break.  He did not.  When I finished swimming at 8:50 a.m., I asked him again, saying that I would love to kick all of these water ex people out of the water for five minutes because they irritate me!  Bad Margo.  Bad, bad Margo.

He said, "Yes".  So cleared the pool and got everyone out while I made sure no one got into the pool - I am still Y staff so I can - and he took a potty break. The water ex instructor came over and asked me what was up.  I said, "Well, he's been here since 5 a.m. and he needed a break to use the bathroom."  Not really.  But I wasn't giving up my real reason!  

The New Dishwasher.

There it is.  Our brand new dishwasher that arrived yesterday morning.  Our brand new dishwasher that remains in the box because it was just delivered yesterday.  Not installed.  Delivered.  Never mind that we have seventy-two hours after delivery to determine if the dishwasher works.  We can't use it as is - like in the box.

I spent over thirty minutes on the phone yesterday, trying to get that baby installed:

• Person One:  Let me confirm your information and then I will connect you to the right party for installation.  
• Person Two:  I'm sorry we have no installers in your area.  I can't help you.
• Me:  Then transfer me to someone who can.
• Person Three:  Let me confirm your information  . . . 
• Person Four:  Someone will call you within the next twenty-four hours to set up your installation.  If we do not, you can call someone and we will reimburse you for the installation fees.  
• Me:  Really?  And I have some great swamp land . . .  

Sam is back on the phone with Sears as I type.  All I can say is this:

• I need to thank God that I have water (and I don't have to go to the river to fetch it);
• I need to thank God that I have running hot water coming out of my faucet (and that I don't have to boil it);
• I need to thank God that I have a sink in my house that has heat (and that I am not homeless);
• I need to thank God that I am so much more privileged than most of the world.

This is a first world problem.  It's frustrating, but in light of all I have, I have no need to complain.  Besides, I have a brand new, albeit useless, dishwasher! 

She Wins Again!

You know, the next time the lottery gets really big, I think I'm going to have Micah buy a ticket!

Earlier this year, she entered an on-line drawing sponsored by two bakers she follows on Instagram and won a $50.00 Amazon gift card and a $25.00 Sweetapolitasprinkes gift card. 

Today, she tells me she's expecting a package because she's won another give-away!  She entered one by our adoption agency, New Life Family Services, on Give-to-the-Max-Day Thursday through Instagram.  She won two hats, a beanie and a baseball hat, and a NLFS sweatshirt!  

What's Zup? 

A New Song!

There are so many songs out there, like "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause" or "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer".  Well, today's new song is "Daddy Got Hit by a School Bus".

When I called (my almost ninety-year-old) Dad today, he said he wasn't very happy yesterday.  He had been driving home from downtown Lake Park (population maybe 900) and a school bus ran a yield sign and clipped the back end of his pick up!

Of course, there were children on the bus!  Fortunately, the only thing injured was Dad's truck.  The school representative and chief of police stopped by Dad's to look at the damage (it's a small town thing) and they thought it would be well over a $1000.00 to repair, but of course, the school will be paying for it!

Dad's just not happy because now he has the hassle of dealing with it all.  Meanwhile, we're just thankful that he wasn't hurt, he does have another vehicle to use, and we have a new song for someone to write!  We are giggle every time we say it!   

Thankful Thursday!

Some day there are so many little things to be thankful for . . .

• Like the two boys who picked up all the balls after recess.  They had spread out all over the recess area complements of one strong wind!
• A terrific long winter coat to wear that kept me warm during that wind.
• A lifeguard who actually looked at the pool while I was swimming and he was lifeguarding!
• The two students I proctored in their science test on Thursday PASSED! with scores  two points higher than mine (which the teacher did note I was never present for the science lectures so my score was based on memory?!?) 
• I am no longer doing our after-school program RISE, a mutually agreed upon decision due to low numbers - and I'm SOOOO happy!
• And then, there's always that possibility of a new dishwasher . . . 
  

The Dishwasher.

You remember.  The never-ending saga of our dishwasher, officially broken since mid-May.  It happened again on Monday.  The repairman came out.  Asked where the piece was to replace the basin.  Sam had already called Sears.  He had been told the repairman would have it with him.  Of course, he did NOT.  You will NEVER believe what happened next . .

He FINALLY declared our dishwasher DEAD, as in "it will never work again".  Six long months, multiple repair visits, too many parts ordered (right and wrong!), and now it was officially DEAD.

Sears called yesterday because we are on the "replacement plan".  After about an hour and a half on the phone last night, we are supposed to be getting a NEW (UPGRADED!) dishwasher next Tuesday morning.

I think I'll believe it when I see it.  

  

The Pea.

The other day at lunch, Savannah told me she had dropped her peas on the way to the waste bins.  I told her not to worry about it.  I would pick them up as soon as I was done wiping tables.  Savannah put her tray up, turned around, walked through her fallen peas, stopped, picked one up and ate it off, yes, the floor.😝  

The Holiday Craft Boutique

I would hate to name names, but one of our family members stayed up until close to midnight last night baking chocolate chip cookies and rose somewhere around 6:30 a.m. to begin frosting cupcakes for the "Holiday Craft Boutique" today at Cornerstone Community Church.

At 8:20 a.m. this morning, I tossed that same someone a banana and said "Eat" as we began our drive over to Cornerstone.  Bless the men and women who helped us carry everything in just before it opened!  We were set up in record time . . . and so began a day of fun and fellowship with old friends and new!

We were blessed to be at a table across from my college friends Deb and Jay and right next to my former roommate Heidi.  Oh, the people we saw and loved!  Heidi's friend, Becky . . . our Joyful Noise friends Deb and Kim and Sue and Marilyn . . .our family David, Jeanette, and Aunt Lenore . . . my swimming buddy Carla . . . my co-worker Julie . . . our neighbor Bernice and her daughter Donetta . . . a former co-worker Becky . . . Heidi's sister-in-law Ellen . . . I'm sure there were more!

Then there were the new friends . . . Heidi's boss John and his wife, who I did not know was a good friend of Carla's . . . Katelyn who made Micah and I the lanyards we wanted . . . Rachel who announced cookie discounts as the end drew near . . . and all the people who stopped by our booth.

I can't tell you how many people said to us, "Those cookies are a real temptation," to which I responded, "Go ahead and yield to temptation.  You're in a church where there is forgiveness."😁   

We sold out of all the chocolate chip cookies, all of the ginger snap cookies, almost all of the regular cupcakes, but not nearly enough of the gluten free cupcakes.  So Micah texted our friend Jane and asked if she'd be interested in some because she has purchased gluten free items from Micah before.  Bless Jane's heart!  She bought two packages of gluten free cupcakes from Micah for family and one package of regular cupcakes for small group tomorrow night.  We dropped them off on our way home . . . and Jane TOLD Micah she was going to pay full price because she wanted to support her business!  

An awesome day.  If you missed it this year, there's always next . . .  

Thankful Thursday!

Today, I am immensely thankful for the third grade boy who said to me in the lunchroom, "Mrs. Zupke, you're so young.  Why do you have gray hair?" because some days you just need the perfect "pick-me-up".😀

Round Up!

In fifth grade math, we're working on rounding numbers.  Anything with five or higher needs to be rounded up!

This morning, as I was driving to work, I was following a car dead set on going 38 mph in a 45 mph zone.  All I could think was "Round up!  Round up!"  

I'm thinking that may mean I tend to drive a bit close to that rounded up 50 mph mark than ever heading down to the 40 mph mark. 

Happy, Happy Birthday!

 

 

Micah needed a picture of herself with a white background, so the other day I was out taking snaps of her.  

This one is my favorite!  Totally useless for the purpose she needed, but so genuine.  So fun.  I love it!

Happy 

22nd 

Birthday, 

Micah!

 

Next Saturday . . .

Micah will be selling baked goods at this Holiday Craft Boutique!  

I'm going as her helper.

 

First Aid in First Aid?

 We were laughing hysterically in First Aid yesterday!  I had a group of ladies who worked together in the child care for CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid and CPR at the Y.

During CPR, one of the students, who is a lead and I've know forever at the Y, got a blister on the palm of her hand from a wrinkle in her glove while doing CPR.  (We all thought it was weird, too!)

The blister, naturally, popped and we actually got to do first aid in First Aid!

A Chat with the Principal

I ran into our principal in the hallway today and I asked him if he knew _____ ______.  He said he did and I told him ______'s dad was Sam's first principal.  (Names are eliminated to protect the innocent!)  My principal then said he had met Sam's first principal when he applied for a fifth grade teaching job at Sam's old school in 1993. 

That got me to thinking and I was pretty sure I knew who had been hired instead of my principal.  A couple of texts later and I had the confirmation I needed.  My principal hadn't been hired, but one of Sam's very favorite co-workers ever had been.  Not sure my principal and Sam would have hit it off anyway.  He likes to golf.   

Thankful Thursday!

 I hate sitting around "doing nothing" at work, either because a teacher or student isn't ready for me yet, or a student is absent, or really, there is just nothing for me to do at that time. Unfortunately, that has been my story with first grade, mostly because of my "available" time frame.  It was more waiting than I wanted.

Thankfully, today, that story changed!  I will now be with second grade from 9:00-10:15 a.m. every day!  Those teachers are excited to have me and have all sorts of plans and ideas on how to use me, and if all else fails, I will be "an extra pair of hands and eyes in the classroom".  I will be busy - thankfully!

I had no idea!

We met Keith Brinkman aboard the Africa Mercy in 2007.  We've gone from being acquaintances to friends to supporters of Keith as he currently serves as Mercy Ships Country Director in Liberia.  I had no idea that lives were still being changed in Liberia through the ministry of Mercy Ships!  Read this excerpt: 

  

KRB Update 2254 Two Verses - Thanksgiving - Training Keith R. Brinkman                                     31 October 2021

Surgeries continue here in Liberia with one of our volunteer surgeons at a partner hospital. As of last Friday, 169 patients (100 women + 69 men) received their healing and all in-hospital costs paid for by Mercy Ships.  They do not need to wait for the ship's arrival but so many others I am meeting are waiting for the hospital on the Mercy Ships to open in early 2023.  Our training with healthcare professionals continue.  We are in the midst of our second Biomedical Technicians training and once finished in two weeks, all of the technicians in Liberia will be trained and equipped to do their important work.  Through our partnership with CURE International, we have welcomed three of their English-speaking biomedical technicians to come and receive this vital training also.  From the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery, "Universal access to safe, affordable surgical and anesthesia care when needed saves lives, prevents disability, and promotes economic growth."  By training these biomedical technicians they can be a vital part of safety in the operating rooms by having the equipment serviced, maintained, and ready for use in the provision of safe care for Liberians.    Prayer Requests:  *Patients recovering from their surgeries and those on schedule to come that they don't miss this opportunity.  We have some upcoming complex mandible surgeries, pray that all would go well and without complications - all of these surgeries are life-changing and for some, they are life-saving   *Health and Safety for me, my team, and the people of Liberia. *Wisdom and discernment and insight as I serve in this nation. Serving together, Kofa Keith

 

Done . . . Finally!

With a warm temp of 55º today, we finally finished painting the house.  I did the painting and Sam did the stirring and pouring whenever I needed more.  He also tackled the leaves, while I cut down hostas and Matt brought the logs down the hill.  Next on the "to do" list - making those logs into firewood. But not right now.  Right now, we're just going with exhaustion in the easy chairs!  

Recue Hero!

 

When Matt was little, one of our favorite shows was "Rescue Heroes".  Today, I got to be a real life "rescue hero". 

I had gone for a swim at the Y this morning and returned home without showering to finish my workout when I heard the door bell ring.  We were expecting some packages today, so I said to myself, "Leave it, Amazon man.  I'll grab it later."  When the door bell rang a second time and I could see a person at the door, I decided to check it out.

Joe Rust, who we knew from church, was at the door.  Turns out he had gotten a flat tire on his way to work today.  He dropped his car off at a repair shop, then walked to his son Kevin's house, which happens to be across the street from us.  

Neither Kevin nor his wife were home and Joe really wanted a ride home, so I grabbed my keys, apologized for my appearance and drove him home!

Thankful Thursday!

Today was a VERY.LONG.DAY at work.  Things did NOT.GO.WELL.AT.ALL, including rain at recess, which we stayed out in anyway.  My first words to Micah when I got home were, "I.NEED.CHOCOLATE."  

Fifteen minutes after fortification, I began to clean the kitchen.  While cleaning, I listened to "Episode 336:  Our Reaction to the Storming of the Capital Building" on my favorite Podcast, Provoke and Inspire.

I am thankful that these men, who Micah and I went to Ukraine with, speak truth and walk with Jesus and let their lights shine brightly.  

Data Digs Results

Nothing like the results of the "Data Digs" to totally turn my life upside-down!  Up until yesterday, I was shared equally between the three fifth grade classrooms because as far as anyone knew, the classes had pretty much identical educational needs.  I found out yesterday how inaccurate that perception was . . .

It turns out the classroom that I had spent last year in, and somewhat had tried to avoid this year so I would not be accused of playing favorites, had over 50% of the students qualifying for additional help, compared to the classroom next door in which only 3% of the students (or just one child) qualified for additional help.  

Friends, I'm going home!  I love Aimee and I love working with Aimee!  Today, we worked out a schedule where her classroom IS the priority.  Any time I have left, can be used by the other classrooms.  It's going to be a crazy fall . . . but fun because we'll be together once again!      

Sharing the Good Ship Mercy!

Friday morning, Micah and I drove up to the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, to share Mercy Ships with forty-some nursing students.  When we arrived, our friend Melinda, who had invited us to speak, said that they had had technical difficulties with their first speaker and were now running about fifteen minutes behind.  The students would skip their break, though, and we should have our full allotted time to speak.  Except the first speaker went on and on and on - even with two instructors trying to stop her!  What should have been a twenty-minute talk that I had spent two days preparing, was now cut down to five minutes (because I felt it was very important to show the two videos).  I was feeling a bit whiney - save for two things:

• There were a small group of girls that stayed after to talk with us, asking great questions, and very excited about the ministry of Mercy Ships.  In fact, one of the girls had been onboard when the ship was in Cameron as her parents are missionaries there.  It was a joy to speak with them.
• God reminded me later through 1 Corinthians 15:58b to "always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Only God knows the fruit our time will bring . . .

 

The Cheerleaders

 

I saw my cheerleaders on Thursday!  It was so fun!  They've cheered me through two knee surgeries, one ankle surgery, two graduations, five trips overseas, and so much more!  They're the MS ladies at the Y (MS being multiple sclerosis).  For years, their class was during my swim.  We'd end at the same time and I'd walk and talk with every Tuesday and Thursday, matching my pace to theirs. It was such a joy to see my favorite four - Lori, Shannon, Barb and Diane!

Do we have a winner?

 

Every year the Star Tribune has a Christmas cookie baking contest and this year, for the second time, Micah entered.  

The first time she entered, she entered "Grandma's Sugar Cookies", not realizing that sugar cookies were too ordinary and that they were looking for something more "outside of the box".

This year's entry is "Malted Milk Ball Sandwich Cookies".

My high school friend Beth makes them every year for Christmas.  Micah did a few tweaks to Beth's recipe and now we'll wait and see if we have a winner . . .

Thankful Thursday!

Today I'm thankful for health and time and friends.  I am thankful that I feel well and that I only worked two hours (for pay!) this week which allowed me some special time with friends . . .

In the beauty and warmth of Monday afternoon, I met my friend Katie and her four kids at a park between our houses.  Katie has leukemia and it's not getting better.  Add to that, her kindergarten daughter has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and it's getting worse.  Then, when she brought her three-year old son in for preschool screening, they thought he had cognitive learning problems.  And, did I mention, her husband has started to travel for work?  Last time, he brought home a Covid scare.  I'm thankful for my time with Katie.

Last night, Sam and I went out for dinner with our friends, of whom the wife has early onset Alzheimers.  They leave for Florida tomorrow morning so it was special to spend those few precious moments with them before they return in six weeks.

Tomorrow, Micah and I will be having lunch with my friend who has had four brain surgeries and is now looking at a fifth.  

I am ever grateful for these women and the roles they have played in my life.  And I am so thankful for the time I had to spend with them this week . . .   

Dinner with Dad

We drove down to Iowa on Saturday and had dinner with Dad.  He wanted to go out and he wanted hamburgers and French fries.  So off we went to Burger & Company in downtown Spirit Lake, Iowa.  We beat the lunch rush and got the last four seats at a table - and some pretty good burgers, too!

 

Frosting with the F.O.O.'s

Allison and the kids came down yesterday to frost cupcakes!  Check it out:

The girls had some really cute and creative cupcakes.  The boys, not so much.

If you need to see everyone with their favorite frosted cupcake, I have pictures.  But, somehow, the thought of putting all of those pictures in here was just TOO much sugar!

We also had pizza, watched the game and enjoyed lots of fun conversation!

Age update:  Lincoln is in kindergarten, Kingsley is in fourth grade and Kennedy is in eighth grade.  

Q:  Why can't you give Elsa a balloon?

A:  Because she would "let it go"!

Thankful Thursday!

Today I'm just thankful that it was Sam and not me!  It was after supper, after I had cleaned the entire house (with some vacuuming help from Micah), after working all day, after making dinner, after doing laundry, after working out and I was tired.  Exhausted might be a better word.    

Sam decided to make himself a pot of coffee.  He got out a brand new spanking full can of coffee grounds and somehow managed to spill them all the over still pretty darn clean kitchen floor.  

Like I said, I was thankful it was Sam and not me.  I didn't say a word while he cleaned up the major mess, save for the fact, "Well, the floor's the cleanest it's been in a while!"

For those of you wondering, of course he kept the coffee!

2501

Miles swam since I began swimming fourteen years ago!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

That's exactly what my dear friend Heidi did today! Here we are at the Vikings/Detroit game.  She won some killer seats which I thoroughly enjoyed!

She won free parking across from the stadium, access to all the free food and beverages you could want, and we sat right next to the field.  Even Viktor the Viking stopped by!

Besides the Vikings win the game, my most favorite thing was Detroit player Jamal Williams warming up before the game.  I wanted him to win! 

Dish Pan Hands!

This will be the story that never ends.  Sure enough, while our dishwasher control panel arrived this week, we have now since heard from Sears that the bottom which the repairman thought was in stock, is NOT.

For the third time since May, our concern has been escalated.  They used to say, "You will hear back from us in twenty-four hours."  Now, they're saying, "You will hear back from us in two to three business days."  Fortunately, Sam had spoken with the person he talked to when he called today previously.  After all, our contract does read, "If we are unable to resolve your problem within two weeks, you will receive a new appliance."😂😂😂

And that, my friends, as we had supper on paper plates again tonight, is a FIRST.WORLD.PROBLEM.

Thankful Thursday!

Laugh all you want - today I'm thankful for my daughter's knees.  We currently have supper in the crock pot.  Tomorrow night's supper will also be in the crock pot.  I wanted to get it all put together before I go swimming at 5:00 p.m. so I wouldn't have to cook when I get home.

Lovely daughter got on her hands and knees and dug through far back of the cupboard where I was pretty sure saver husband had stored a second crock pot base.  Lucky me!  I was right!

And, I'm also thankful for Sam's saver tendencies!  At least this time😉   

NOT an Option.

Some stories just break your heart.  Like the fifth grade girl who is so, so, so far behind in math . . . When her teacher asked her what was up, she said she was home schooled last year and her mom didn't like math, so she didn't teach it.  Now her daughter is suffering the consequences . . . and spending lots of time with me!

This is the Song That Never Ends!

 Actually, in our case, this is the dishwasher story that never ends.  Sure enough, the repairman who we thought had put in the wrong part, said that wasn't the problem.  Nope, our control panel went out and caused extreme heat and that's what melted the bottom of our dishwasher.  So he said they had new dishwasher bottoms in stock and the new control panel arrived today.  He's scheduled to return on October 20.  We can only hope that we have a functioning dishwasher after that because the four of us are really getting tired of washing dishes.  

First.World.Problem.  

Just a thought . . .

Back in my younger days, there was a joke about a guy stuck up on his roof during a flood.  He wasn't worried about drowning because he had prayed that God would save him.  

A row boat came by and asked if he needed help and he replied, "No, God's going to save me." 

Another boat came by and asked if he needed help and he replied, "No, God's going to save me."

Finally, a helicopter came by and asked if he needed help and he replied, "No, God's going to save me."

The man drowned in the flood.  When he got to heaven, he asked God why He didn't save him.  God replied, "I sent a row boat, another boat and a helicopter.  You didn't get in."

I just share this because, in this time of Covid, God has provided Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson and I got in!

New Swim Schedule

The opening lifeguard at the Y resigned last week, which meant beginning on Monday, there were no early morning swims.  Nada.  Zippo.  Sadness.  I decided I could either be a whiner (which is the easiest course to follow) or be a winner and swim whenever I could make it work.  Here's the funny story . . .

I swam at 4:00 p.m. on Monday - and Linda was there.  We used to swim together (before Covid) at 9 a.m. but hadn't swam together recently.

I swam at 2:00 p.m. today - and Linda was there.  

I asked her what the odds were of us swimming together tomorrow.  She said she'll be swimming at 4:00 p.m. and I'm scheduled for 5:00 p.m. so we'll just see each other in passing.

We either need a morning guard or the Y to decide adults can swim at their own risk without a guard!  These afternoons just aren't the same - save for Linda!

Whistle-blower!

Since today was the first Wednesday of the month, the emergency sirens went off at 1:00 p.m. while we were having third grade recess.  Because the sirens were MUCH louder than my little whistle would ever be, we were late coming in from recess.  Not a child complained.  The teachers just laughed. 

My New B.F.F.

Two third grade boys were talking at recess today about how old they were.  One was eight and the other was nine.  The nine-year-old turned me to me and asked how old I was.  Before I could respond, he said, "You must be like twenty!"  I said, "Nope. I'm twenty-five!" 

sigh.

Micah received an e-mail from her advisor on Monday saying he was having a special guest come in today to talk with a handful of students about what it means to lead an organization as a follower of Christ.  The note said he wanted to personally invite her to be a part of this lunch as she was killing it this semester and was the type of student he had envisioned when inviting the speaker to come to campus.

Of course, Micah said, "Yes" and then she reminded her advisor of her peanut/tree nut allergies.  Sadly, accommodations were not provided.  She enjoyed meeting the guest speaker, but received no lunch.  Sigh.  

Y? Not.

One can always hope that their request for the correct paperwork for their Saturday morning CPR class is fulfilled.  Or they can set up their teaching space, and begin the mad hunt for tests and answer sheets for the second week in a row.  Fortunately, I didn't have to hunt long.  The powers in charge had left my paperwork in the same place I had left it last Saturday, only further down in the pile.  Really?  Filing is THAT hard???

Rachael and I rectified that situation today.  We cleaned the CPR closet.  Three hours later, we had filled a dumpster and a recycle bin (or at least it felt like it!) and put all the paperwork and equipment in the most logical, easily accessible spaces we could find.  Then we labeled everything.  We're hoping that our co-instructors can read and return . . .    

Wondering . . .

Thursday morning, I went in to talk with my supervisor, Mo.  Fifth grade got early prep this year so from 9:30-10:30 every morning, I wasn't having child contact time.  Add to that, from 9:00-9:30, fifth grade was having morning meetings, and while it was great fun for me to get to know the kids, it probably wasn't the best use of my time.  So I got moved to first grade from 9:00-10:30 every morning.  I was excited until . . .

We had a tutor meeting yesterday.  There are M*A*J*O*R problems in first grade, specifically in the classroom I will be spending most of my time in.  Great.

I told Aimee, one of the fifth grade teachers, I'd either be running down the stairs at 10:30 every morning with great joy in having survived first grade for the day or in tears because of how challenging it really is.  She laughed and said she had an entire locker full of kleenex just waiting for me!

I told Sam last night, you know, the only way I'm going to make it through first grade is with Jesus and the power of prayer.  I can't do anything.  BUT.HE.CAN!    

Thankful Thursday!

By the time Thursday rolled around, I was pooped.  Just plain worn out and tired.  In addition to work and working out and cooking and laundry, I had given blood and gotten groceries - twice.  

I can not tell you how thankful I was to walk into our house Thursday afternoon and hear these words, "Mom, I vacuumed the whole house, even the stairs!"

Thank you, Micah! 

WOW! Wednesday

My job title is "Title One Tutor".  That means I mainly work with students who are behind in their grade level or just aren't quite getting it.

I've had a fifth grade boy multiple times over the last couple of weeks who I've worked with in long division.  On Wednesday, HE.GOT.IT!

It all connected.  It all clicked.  Division was his.  And it was wonderful to see. 

What a Wonderful Wednesday!

It has been my goal to blog all week, but obviously, it just hasn't happened!  We'll only go back as far as Wednesday . . .

Students have been raising funds at school for a Walk-a-thon that was held yesterday.  For each portion of the goal that was reached, students got to celebrate.  A week ago Friday, we were able to wear hats to school.  On Wednesday, we got to dress up as our favorite Olympian or sports personality.  I went as Regan Smith.  The story only gets better . . .

Obviously, I couldn't wear my swimsuit all day, so I did the next best thing.  I called my friend Carla Regan and asked if her boys had any Lakeville North swim shirts at home that I could wear.  Little does Aiden know . . . 

I borrowed his shirt!

I sat down next to a second grader at lunch who was wearing a swim suit and asked her who she was.  "Regan Smith."  "Me, too!" 

It turns out that 2021 two-time Olympic silver medalist and Olympic bronze medalist, swimmer Regan Smith, attended the elementary school that I work at.

Lori Quall, a second grade teacher, had Regan's picture up on her bulletin board because she was her second grade teacher.  My supervisor, Mo Long, had no Regan pictures up, but she did have the dubious honor of being Regan's third grade teacher.

If only we could have gotten the real Regan Smith!

 

 

LOL

For the past six weeks or so, I've been quite vocal about the fact that every time I've gone in to teach CPR at the Y, I have not had the equipment I needed - not enough manikins, no gloves, no face masks, AEDs not working.  I was guaranteed today would be different!

Sure enough, those in charge came through as promised!  I set up my space with manikins, gloves, face masks and AEDs.  Then I went to grab the tests.

They were gone.  A great BIG bin with all of our Red Cross tests. Lifeguarding.  CPR.  You-name-it.  Gone.  No one knew where they were.  I even called Courtney while she was coaching her daughter's soccer team.  Nothing.  Nada.

Rachel said she could get onto a Y computer and pull up the Red Cross website where we could find the tests and print them.  Except she didn't remember her Red Cross password.

But I remembered mine!  We got in.  We printed the tests.  We printed the answer sheets.  We printed the answer keys.  We printed some things we didn't even need.  I taught a great class and we just laughed afterward!