Week 12: Project 365

SPRING!

Isn't it amazing how new life pushes through all that rubble?

I got out and wogged three days in a row!

That's husband Michael, one and only, leading the way.

Fun Saturday walk in the woods.

The grandmonkeys enjoyed climbing the thick vines.

Work days also brought joys:

Jesús is so excited about entering an essay contest.

I so enjoyed reading the life of St.Patrick with my various reading levels.

There is so much more to it than green, leprechauns and trebol (shamrock)!

Friday, our first day of spring break, my three colleagues and I attended an ESL conference in the convention center across from this view.

Thanks, again Sara for motivating me to blog at least once a week through Project 365!

Week 11: Project 365

Artistic Expressions:

More and more pieces of pottery appear daily.

Creativity abounds.

I am very drawn to this poster and its message.

I see it at one of the schools I visit weekly.

I also see this decorative figure at one of the schools.

Lately it reminds me that spring break is almost here--a time for well-earned recreation.

Last week I wrote about Ice Art Alaska.

Here is Stephan's team's masterpiece: a sperm whale attacking a squid.

Today we celebrated his birthday and heard all about the exciting Alaska adventure.

Then we went out for a walk in the woods to admire God's handiwork.

The granddogs, Gryffin and Gracie, love coming to Grandma's.

They start yelping their excitement as soon as the car turns on our road.

See them rolling in the leaves; this is after they swam in the pond.

Yet another artistic pleasure: our friend Chris playing the piano.

Now check out other artistic expressions at Sara's, our Project 365 hostess.

And don't forget to live out your worship this week--that is true art.

Phone Photos

The camera was sent away to be repaired, so I was forced to learn how to use my new cell phone for taking photos, sending, uploading, and all that stuff. That's why I'm late posting (if anyone happened to miss me).

I will try to show the week's goings and comings.

The first Saturday I enjoyed being with grandson Elijah. I hadn't been there for a while, so he had to show me all his new things: new bunk bed with desk and newly arranged room; almost all his toys, including a baby doll named Twinkle Star; his books and DVD's. I had a great time being brought up to speed on this little guy's world.


My work week takes me to four schools. One of them is like my base where I have a whole classroom and a computer, and spend two to three hours there every day. Here's a glimpse of a small little treasured spot I see on my desk every day.

When I look up, in the back of the room I see the Argentine flag and it brings back many memories.

Most of the students that come to me for help have a Mexican background and are not very aware of the Hispanic world beyond their borders. I am educating them by displaying the map of Argentina and many items from around the world.

One student decided to wear the gaucho hat while testing, for good luck perhaps?

The second weekend, I spent with Mother and we visited Dad several times, always at meal times.

Dad is frail and failing in many ways, but still has a good appetite and a great sense of humor. Here are some of his comebacks:

Nurse: Could I have your arm, please?

--But I need it.

Someone else: How are you?

--I'm on a sit-down strike.

--Did you sleep well?

--I didn't stay awake long enough to find out.

Mother wanted me to play the piano for Dad and the other Healthcare residents during their evening meal. Several thanked me, but the best part was Dad's concentration with head bowed enjoying the music.

Though his voice is feeble, his faith remains strong.

Hear his heartfelt prayer:

"Thank you, Lord, for Thy wonderful goodness.

Help us to be more appreciative day after day."

If you think of us, pray for the decisions we have to make regarding his long-term care.

Life Glimpses

At the beginning of Week 8 I finished the Christmas aprons project. Kayla and I had decided to include ourselves and chose appropriate fabric, but we did not feel so compelled to finish sewing our own aprons in time for the gift exchange. There must be some credit for not giving up. I for one, have really enjoyed wearing mine this week. I love the three big pockets that I can fill up with odds and ends I pick up and then put away. I like the marsupial concept!

So Mike's apron was finished for our anniversary and mine for Valentine's Day so we could take a joint photo. My dear one's photo won out and so made it into the blog as did his deer photo. These beautiful creatures have visited us almost every day this week. We watch them out our kitchen window.

Some of my dear little students brought belated Valentines and gifts. The bottom one especially made me smile--"...we will not forgive you..." Does God smile and enjoy our faulty expressions of love too?

My true love is home every evening now. He gave up his work with the robotics team that he had mentored so faithfully for so long. His heart was no longer in it, he was experiencing burn out.

Now he relaxes creating beautiful pottery while listening to my piano playing. Wow, I feel very honored that he even asks me to play and enjoys my attempts at making music.

I do believe he will soon fill up all our window sills with his art!

Another ongoing event this week is the ANGEM Tour of California with Lance Armstrong participating along with all the cycling greats we've come to 'know' over the years of extreme 'fandom'. You've got to understand that Mike is an avid rider and when the Tour de France is on every year the banner goes up on our house and life revolves around the watching of the famous race as part of our daily routine. He also travels with his buddies to a cycling event nearly every year and in fact, almost five years ago now, his life was spared in a serious cycling accident.

The following photo may seem totally unrelated, however it is a reminder of the special Sunday viewings when our fellow-cycling-fans come over to watch several recorded stages and we eat waffles. Brutus, the cat not being as interested in the exciting event cuddled up on one of our friend's lap and purred away as the rest of us chattered non stop.

No photo to commemorate my accomplishment for the week, but here it is in words, almost as a confession--the Christmas stuff is finally put away!

Daily Doubles

Most days I needed two photos to tell what was important to remember. Maybe I just can't make up my mind.

SUNDAY. A week ago today M and I went to visit my Dad in a Health Care facility. Due to a minor stroke his right foot buckles under and he can no longer walk unaided. His cheery disposition and humorous comebacks go a long way to make up for the advancing memory losses.

















Mother is very guapa. In my day, or at least in Argentina, that meant a woman with extraordinary fortitude, or so I understood it. Today it refers to good looks. At 87 she has both. She spends a major portion of each day going back and forth to spend time with Dad.
Here you see her very excited about her first cell phone.







MONDAY.
Remember MNMs at Chef-son's? As usual we laughed, ate and shared together. Two memorable weekend events dominated the evening: Chris and Rachael's engagement and Stephan's 5th in the nation placement at the NICA competition.


Here, our happy South African friend Chris is entertaining one of the younger attendees of MNM.

And the centerpieces you see are master ice carver's many awards.

WEDNESDAY:

My man and my brother meet to discuss options for the parentals. Here at brother's rebuilt and expanded auto shop, quite an impressive set up. He reminded us of the two year anniversary of "Global warming"--the fire that damaged Global Auto!

THURSDAY:

Stopped by daughter's place after school and got to meet a new grand pet, granddaughter Kayla's hamster--Moe. Does that make it my great grand pet?

The granddogs are very curious.

FRIDAY:

Me enjoying Mexican vegetable soup in the home of a couple 7th grade students after school, obviously not my photography.
These twins, after only three or four years in the USA are on the honor role. They begged me to come help them with their Reading Counts. We read a couple chapters of Old Yeller together, explaining and laughing.
Little sister is sooo cute.

SATURDAY:

We awoke to a beautiful dusting of snow. I had to capture it while it lasted.

How do you like our winter garden? The rotating hanging garden system still has some bugs to be worked out, not only mechanical issues but also gardening aspects. Spindly tho' they be, we are harvesting lettuce, spinach, parsley, and my favorite--cilantro!

And, finally, my favorite porch swing--reminder of happy moments and more to come, in spring.

Creative Fun

A new month, another week.

Don't you just love the calendar holder by creative Chef-son ?

Each family received their own uniquely crafted gift for Christmas.


















Day 2: I had to explain Groundhog Day to my estudiantitas. She wanted her photo taken with the famous rodent. I learned a couple things in the process: marmota is Spanish for groundhog, and their dientes just keep growing and breaking off!

Oh! And the official word from Phamous Phil is: 6 more weeks of winter.
So there you have it. Why not enjoy it?

The family decided to build a snow camel.

Chef-son, the sculptor is detailing the face.

Grandson Skye

Skye and Kayla's first ever camel ride.

Granddaughter Kayla

Is she just a younger version of her mother? That's what everyone says. But how can you tell from these photos alone?

Daughter Leah is her mother and this is my absolute favorite baby picture. (Read her story in the earlier post.)

Baby Leah

She was wearing a red fine-corduroy outfit. I think I still see fear in her eyes. I look at her raised finger and remember that when we first saw her, at three and a half months lying in a hospital crib, she was playing with her fingers. The room was bare, no toys, and she was the sole occupant. Even now her hands are very important. Her long fingers can create something artistic out of most anything. And, like some of our creative bloggers, she isn't happy unless she is creating.

Day by Day--Misc. Pics

Mike's hanging garden

Finally something to show for the months of designing, engineering, and building!

You can see things sprouting. Will let you know more after the first harvest.

It was back to school this week. (For those who don't know, I am a bilingual specialist in three schools, soon to add another!)

The first ones I see are the little kindergartners. They are so sweet and welcoming.

First thing was a group hug!

This is supposed to be an H.

Some other groupings I see only weekly. They really look forward to this time. This week the theme was: el Día de Reyes. The 6th of January, Epiphany, is typically when LatinAmerican children receive gifts. I used a very colorful children's book to talk about this custom. They loved the story and the pictures. Surprisingly, none of their families celebrate the tradition here in the USA. The kids had never heard about it.

The state office sends us books to distribute. I chose this week as an appropriate time for regalos.

Several of my little ones are either loosing old or growing new teeth.

Isn't she adorable?

A peek into Monday Night Meal (MNM)

Son Stephan (most call him Chef) and wife Karen host a meal for any and all who show up. It is a delightful time to look forward to fun, much laughter, meaningful sharing, and great food!

This week in particular, I feel compelled to add an older cherished photo memory that happened three years ago.

Christmas of '05 we included a very special Nativity photo in our yearly letter featuring all seven young ones in various roles. On January 4th the "wise men", the three little foster grands, were removed after 16 months of being part of the family. We will never understand why the agency made that decision.

When pastor urged us to truly soar in 2009 by allowing Christ to heal memories, the first and most painful that came to mind was the loss of the little ones.

Today I read the Lord's words to Abraham when he was asked to send his son Ishmael away and couldn't bear the thought. God said, "Do not let it be displeasing in your sight..." By faith I claim that healing for all of us and believe that God, who loves the children more than we ever did, is looking after them, growing and blessing them.