They have to grow up so young.

We had just returned after a week off from music class, so I decided to designate the first ten minutes of class to sharing stories of the new and exciting experiences that spring has brought.

The students all walked in the classroom with their new haircuts, tans, and outfits, and after re-orienting and situating themselves in my room, we dove into story time.  I watched and listened as these bright eyed children told me stories of sea turtles, grand parents, skateboards, and sleep overs; until we got to K.

She began her story by telling us that her mom had taken her and her brother to California for spring break to visit relatives.  Attempting to set an example by offering her my undivided attention, I listened as she went on to tell us, in her matter-of-fact way, that she returned home from the trip to find that her father was gone--never to return.  She received a short, manicured explanation from her mother, before being expected to carry on with the routine of life without her daddy.

Just this past week, she learned from her brother that her father had moved to Colorado from Indonesia to escape the persecution from Muslims, but since he had stayed years past the expiration of his visa, he was taken away and is no longer allowed in the United States.  

Heavy.

There was a brief moment of silence, then whispering, and then it began: "Was your dad really taken away?"   "Duh!  That's what she just said!"  "Is he ever coming back??"  "Are the Muslims going to kill him now?"   

It was time for me to interject: "Okay, second graders, that's enough.  Let's talk about this."

So, we went on to discuss the persecution that is faced by many Christians across the globe, and stopped to take a moment to appreciate and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessing that it is to live in this country.  Their sweet little souls have yet to fully comprehend the pain and suffering of this world, but the sad, dark reality is beginning to surface in their realms.

Lord, help me to provide a loving, safe, and nurturing environment for these precious children.

Definitions are subjective...

Kalea arrived late for class today.  When asked by her classmates where she'd been, she responded that she had been in an appointment with a counselor.  

"What's a counselor?" asked Emily.

"It's someone you go to when your family is mean to you."

She is four years old.

Ending another chapter.

I finally brought myself to tell my first graders that I will not be returning next year.  Today was our last formal class together, and I have never received so many hugs.  On their knees, clinging to me, they begged me not to leave them and take music class away from them.  They told me that I would have to return to visit, and that they wanted to hang out with, and go on trips with me so that I could always be there.

My goodness, did this touch my heart!

Man down!

Someone had to do it. This morning, Ryan was that someone.   The pressure that we all feel just got to be too much, so he dropped...out of college. 

We all have days when we secretly wish we could do it--he just took one for the team.

In the red. Again.

Darn money!!  I'm at a loss.  There just aren't enough hours in the day to get all that I need to get done done, while making enough to get through the end of the month!!  This month has four days more than I can afford.  Blast.

So what do I do??  I call up the bank of daddy and beg for a loan.  (I think that he secretly loves it when I need him.)  Without hesitation, he asked for the address of my landlord and how much I owed, then assured me that the check would be sent out by the end of the day.

Now I have another month to try to figure out how/where to come up with the money.

Oh thank God!

Sneakin' Through Cherry Creek

Laurie and I ran the Cherry Creek Sneak together this past Sunday.  It was her first race ever, and she ran the whole way!  We were both so proud of her!!  She is preparing to study in Thailand next quarter, and her studies involve extensive backpacking through the mountains.  Needless to say, she needs to be in peak physical condition-- we're getting her there!  

It was the perfect day for a race, and it was so satisfying to watch her cross the finish line and face the rest of her day with a new found enthusiasm.

The running man.

So proud!

Victory!! I found the car!!

Pitter Patter

I laid in bed for hours listening to the rain on the windows.  The sound is so sweet.  

Then I woke up this morning, looked out the window, and those rain drops had turned to snowflakes.  Classic.