Random Ramblings #18

It's that time again - time to clear out the hard drive of my brain and make room for more data. Hence, the Random Ramblings.

Fall (or autumn, as Linds pointed out is a better word - why DO we call it fall, when autumn is such a superior word?) has come to our area. I LOVE the crisp mornings and evenings. Even 86 degrees doesn't seem as hot as it does in summer. Why is that?? Saturday DC and I are taking the senior group from our church (to which we will soon belong) on a fall color tour in the mountains.

I am sadly behind in expressing my appreciation to Angela for the "You Make Me Smile" award. Thank you so much, Angela! You make me smile, too, and I'm glad we "met."

I have a new blog friend that I'd like to introduce you to. Her name is Nancygrayce and I've enjoyed getting acquainted with her. She wrote a wonderful poem today - check it out!

I have to give credit where credit is due - as usual, my new look is thanks to Kristen, my techno hero! She has taught me everything I know, and has designed all of my fanciness. Thanks to all of you for your prayers for her and Feisty and the twins. Feisty also got a clean bill of health from the children's hospital - we don't know why she keeps getting UTIs, but at least we know it's nothing that requires surgery. Praise the Lord!

Feisty is changing every day. She gets much more time with me now that her brother and sister are in school, and she is blossoming every day. I love holding conversations with her. She makes me laugh every day. Her smile lights up my world, and her tears break my heart. What fun to watch her develop.

Anakin is in 4th grade already. That is the grade I used to teach, but he doesn't really trust me to help him with his homework. He told me yesterday that he got a nice compliment from his music teacher - she told him he had "great vocals." I reminded him that I'd been telling him the same thing (well, not the exact same words) since he was a little boy. It's true - the kid can really sing! He said, "I know, Grandma, but when a music teacher says it . . . " Oh, well!

Care Bear is loving school - unfortunately, kindergarteners do not have art class, but she continues to create at home. The other day she made this collage out of all sorts of textures:

She cut up ribbon, gathered leaves and flower petals from the yard, and the fuzzy stuff on the left is snipped from a couple of her stuffed animals - that girl is dangerous with a pair of scissors! Remember this episode a few months ago?

Today she picked out a couple of books at the library about little fairies - one had her name and it was spelled the same. She sat down at the kitchen table, pulled out her paper and marker, and copied pictures of the fairies from the back of the book (did you notice the little pair of scissors at the end of the long hair on the middle bottom fairy?!) I thought Pea would especially enjoy seeing this picture!

I went in to H*bby L*bby last Saturday. I haven't been in there much since the weddings 6 years ago, when I spent a lot of time and money there. I avoid it, because it is too inviting! But I realized I really love that store - I felt like I was in the presence of the Lord - the music they play glorifies God. And the sign on their door "Closed on Sundays so that our employees may enjoy family and worship" made me want to go there more often and support them. What a blessing to have a company that honors the Sabbath (as does Chick Fil Ā).

I have made a huge decision. I announced to my faculty last week that this is my last year with them - I'll be retiring at the end of August next year (yes, it's early - I'm not retirement age yet, but things are working out). It is exciting. It is also kind of sad. Students always tell me, "You can't leave until I graduate." Since that will never happen, and a class will always be in the middle of the process, I have to leave some class before they finish. That is the sad part. I am mentally making lists of the things that have been sadly neglected for the last 14 years.

I love this devotional by Max Lucado:

God's Mighty Hand

Colossians 1:16 - Through His power all things were made - things in heaven and on earth, things seen and unseen.

"With one decision, history began. Existence became measurable.

Out of nothing came light.

Out of light came day.

Then came sky . . . and earth.

And on this earth? A mighty hand went to work.

Canyons were carved. Oceans were dug. Mountains erupted out of flatlands. Stars were flung. A universe sparkled.

Look to the canyons to see the Creator's splendor. Touch the flowers and see his delicacy. Listen to the thunder and hear his power. . .

Today you will encounter God's creation. When you see the beauty around you, let each detail remind you to lift your head in praise. Express your appreciation for God's creation. Encourage others to see the beauty of His creation." from In the Eye of the Storm.

The sky is changing as summer ends. The sunset is farther south. It has a different look. It is, of course, much earlier. It is awesome.