Did my title hook you?  That was the goal.  I always tell my kiddos that they need to either have a title or opening sentence to grab their readers.

I have various random thoughts I wanted to share today, so this may lack focus….but in the end….it’ll fit together like pieces in a puzzle.

You see this morning I had to grab a new roll of toilet paper.  Yep.  TP.  Normally, I just grab one and go on with my day.  Those are not the times we live in currently.  We live in a stretch of weeks where toilet paper is like buried treasure.  I’ve not worried about it.  I mean, it’s just me and my two cats, and they opt for their litter box.  Yet this morning, I made myself count my remaining rolls (six).  I suppose I could find the “toilet paper calculator” to see how long it will last, but I’ll just take it one step (or square) at a time.

As I drove up to my church to get materials to teach a SS lesson online, I realized that I spent more time pondering the longevity of my toilet paper supply than I ever have.  Generally, when I start my final roll, I simply stop at Dollar General on my way home & pick up a new package.  Based on FB, finding it isn’t that easy anymore.  I decided when I have three left, then I’d start looking for a package to purchase.  When that time arrives, I suppose I’ll make that “Who has TP for sale?” post on Facebook.

The drive continued, and I realized I was approaching Circle K.  Normally, anytime I’m heading to church or somewhere on the hilltop of my old historic town, I’d stop and buy a Polar Pop.  That was my plan as I left home.  Yet, I’m a teacher….a rule follower.  Governor Holcomb said only essential trips/shopping.  Yes, I needed my teaching material, but a Polar Pop may have been nice, but not needed.  I drove by.

Seems my thoughts have changed on a lot of things.

Generally, I’m not a fan of being in front of a camera.  During the past week, I’ve recorded 22 songs.  Two of them….I wasn’t even hiding behind a costume.  The reason I faced my fear of being in front of a camera was the power of laughter….the need to lighten serious times with humor and music.  [Plus, it’s not a whole body shot, so that makes it a lot easier. Ha!]

Today, I recorded four songs as “Jade Verde”, then posted one.  I also recorded the reading of the next few chapters of one of my chapter books.  Then, I grabbed teaching material, a takeout meal, and transferred money from one account to another.

During those things, I must’ve washed my hands a half dozen times and used sanitizer after touching everything and anything while in the car.  I spent an hour teaching/recording a Bible lesson and several hours trying to get technology to cooperate.

Then, right before sitting back to write this post, I checked Facebook.  I saw that a few friends had shared some of my parodies.  Yesterday, I sang one as “Axel Ramone”.  Why?  To make people laugh.  To make a heavy news day seem a little lighter.  Anyway, one of my friends had a comment on her post from one of her friends.  He wrote, “Not much of a vocal talent.”  Apparently, he thought I was trying to impress people with my singing rather than make them laugh a bit.

I admit, my first reaction was to be hurt followed by being defensive.  “Well, of course the singing isn’t good, I’m a FEMALE trying to sing in the voice of a MALE.  Goodness!”

That was promptly followed by conviction.  You see, I don’t know that man.  My friends KNOW the purpose behind my daily parodies or songs.  I’m not trying to impress you with my vocal skills.  I’m trying to help us laugh in the midst of scary news.  I’m trying to help us smile when it’s really easy to let tears fall.

Did this come together?  I’m not sure if it did or not.  Here’s my big take-away.  NONE of us will be the same person we were a few weeks ago when this uncertain journey concludes.  Some of us will have learned to be kinder.  Some of us will be demonstrating more acceptance and forgiveness to others.  Some of us will have learned to be grateful for EVERYTHING….even our toilet paper.  How will you be different?  I hope….I pray….it’s a positive change.  Afterall, we’re all clay in the Potter’s Hands….

Usually, I say my biggest fans are my parents.  They’ve been known to promote my books to hotel managers, waitresses, and cashiers….especially my mom.  However, this past week, I started realizing that my students may be shooting to take the title.  Why?  I’m glad you asked.

On Monday morning, when I was typing the URL to check my email, I hit a K instead of an L.  This brought up KDP’s website.  So, I checked my sales report.  Honestly, this can be discouraging at times as most of my sales or local.  I think I only sold 11 online last year.  Regardless, it showed someone purchased one of my books from Amazon last month.  I was thrilled to learn it was “Jasper, the Figurative Language Feline”, and I guessed a teacher happened upon it.  I mean, that’s how I have purchased most of my figurative language interactive read aloud books.  I was pumped.

As I taught my class, I shared the “big news” with my students.  One of my students replied, “Miss Pflaumer, you’re like world famous.”  Aww, aren’t they the sweetest!

Then, another student chimed in with, “You should really start your own YouTube channel, Ms. P.  That way everyone could listen to you read stories!”  You see, “Rock N Read” is probably the favorite part of the instructional day for a majority of my students.

Ever since….his suggestion has stayed in my head.  I mean, my grown third graders always ask, “Do you still read with all your voices and sound effects?”  So…today, I did a Google search to ensure reading the works of others wasn’t breaking copyright law.  Why did I do this?  I’ve been using the recordings of other people for YEARS when focusing on a genre, topic, author, so I had to chuckle at my search.

Next step, I searched for a “how to” site.  Now?  I just need to figure out the mechanics of recording and uploading.  Then?  I’ll see where my student’s idea takes me…and my voices.

Since it was their idea, perhaps I’ll create a “suggestion box” where my students can pick books for me to record.  Hmmm, I could even have them write a review of the book to share as well. Let’s face it…I’d love for someone else to give my books a shout-out on their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, blog, or website.  I kid you not; I even submitted a request to #ellendegeneresshow for her to read and tweet about my books.  Seriously, the show has “CAT WEEK” in the fall, so a series in the voice of a cat sounds like a PURRfect fit.  Am I right?  Or am I left? [Shout out to “The BFG”]

I digress.  Biggest fan?  Yes, my parents and my students are most likely tied for tops in my writing fan club.  However, BlackTop and RockyTop are HUGE fans of mine as well, but they don’t give a hoot (or a meow) about my writing.  But…my biggest fan? 

The One who created me in His image.  The One who knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  The One who sent His Son to pay a debt I could never pay.  Let’s  face it, when compared to the One who loves me most…my other fans pale in comparison.  He’s not my biggest fan — He’s my Mighty God, my Loving Father, my Forgiving Savior, and my Eternal Lord.  He wants to be yours, too.

I could talk about how I’m thankful for headache medicine when you wake up before 5 with a throbbing headache, but I’m thinking that’s not blog-worthy!  So, what is worth my time and thought on Thanksgiving?

Family & felines, of course!

I’m thankful for my parents.  I took this picture on their 55th anniversary when I met them for dinner.  They’re most likely the biggest fans of my writing.  Mom’s been known to tell retail cashiers about my books.  I know this because my former principal heard her once and let me know about it.  I also know they’ve told the manager of the hotel where they stay in Tennessee.  Even though I live on my own, I know I can always show up at their house and be welcomed.  My mom volunteers in my classroom now that she’s retired.  Dad helps with time-consuming tasks during set-up in July.  If I forget something I need for the day’s lesson, they’ve been known to run down to my house to get it or stop by Walgreens or WalMart to get it for me.  On Saturdays, I generally meet them for breakfast to check in and just visit.  As a teacher, I know that not all children are blessed with two parents who love each other, but I was and am.  Yes, for my parents, I give thanks.

These cute girls holding my hands are my sisters. I am the youngest of three girls.  Dianna, on the right, was the one who played dolls with me when we were growing up.  We were HUGE Barbie fans.  We could play for hours. She lives in a different town with her husband, Tim.  They are active in their church and welcome many others into their family.  In the midst of health concerns and the challenges of life, they are vocal in their faith.  For that, I am thankful.

Sherry, on the left, is the one with whom I shared a bedroom until I went to college.  I think there was one house where I had my own, but I don’t recall much about that.  She and her husband are just a few minutes down the road, so when I need help…they come running.  For instance, when my kitten died suddenly back in August, I called her in tears.  Within thirty minutes, she and Matt arrived to take Topper to their place and bury him for me.  She’s the one who saved me from a scavenger hunt for caramels a few days ago by picking them up on her lunch break.  Matt’s the one who checks my car when needed and finds the best deal for tires when they needed replaced.  They’re my guinea pigs for new recipes since cooking for one doesn’t allow much feedback.  Their commitment to their family and their faith is evident, I am blessed to call them family.

Speaking of sisters, I always wanted to be someone’s big sister, but after three girls, Dad didn’t wanted to take a chance on  a fourth! Ha! So, about a dozen years ago, I took the plunge to become a “Big” through Big Brothers & Big Sisters.  First, I was matched with Courtney, but her family moved after about a year.  I waited six months, in case they moved back, then agreed to a rematch.  My next “Little” was Lacie.  We were matched the summer before her first grade year.  Now, she’s a sophomore.  She’s lived in several houses and attended a handful of schools, but her smile hasn’t changed.  Such joy!  She often would ask, especially on her birthday, how long we would be “Big & Little”.  I told her I think officially it lasts until graduation, but I’m sure we can grab meals and conversations as long as we want.  To which she replies, knowing how much I dislike driving, that she’ll drive me when she gets her license.  Ha.  Yes, I’m blessed by my Little Sister.

Nope, Connor wasn’t forgotten.  I just saved him for last.  I figured he’d appreciate the distinction.  Back in 1998, I learned that my sister, Sherry, was expecting a baby.  What would any good teacher-sister do?  She’d start collecting books, of course!  They may not have turned him into someone who loves reading as much as I do, but I guess they’ve been our connector.  When he was little, I’d read to him like I read to my students.  He’d look at me with his little boy face and say, “Top it Dody.”  Hmm, he wasn’t a fan of my voices….yet.  In 3rd grade, he was in the room next to  mine, as I didn’t want to be his teacher but wanted to stay “Aunt Jodi”.  As his teacher and I did Rock N Read each day, his appreciation grew.  Before long, as he’d go home with me after school until his parents got off work, he & I would both pull out various accents and entertain ourselves.  Fast forward to the summer of 2018 when I finally acted on a personal dream, books connected us again.  How?  He offered to illustrate my picture books.  Then, when I offered him a percent of the royalties for the picture books, he was thrilled.  This fund helps finance footwear….what more could a college guy want? Whether it’s bear hugs, ladder work in my classroom, puns, or texts….he’s one of the best gifts I’ve received.  He said it best when he told me last spring, “You know Jodi, we don’t have a normal aunt & nephew relationship.  My friends don’t text or get cards from their aunt as much as me.”  To that, I say….who wants to be normal when you can be special?

There you have it!  Don’t get me wrong.  I was blessed with a grandpa I loved dearly.  I am thankful for childhood memories shared with Grandma and Aunt Eva.  My grandpa’s brothers impacted me by either their faith or family commitment.  I still have an aunt, uncle, and a couple of cousins who hold special places in my heart.  I’m thankful for each connection.  Yet, the eight mentioned above are the family ties that affect me most.  They’re the ones who walk this journey of life with me.  For that and so much more, I offer my thanksgiving.

Oops!  I forgot the cats?  I guess there will be a Feline Finale later today!  Hmmm, that sounds like a great name for a children’s book.

Sunday’s blog post focused on my thankfulness in the realm of my life at church, so it seems fitting that today’s post would focus on my school arena.

For 24 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching  a class full of third graders.  Some years have been challenging in the area of classroom management.  Other years the emotional and differentiating needs have been exhausting.  Still others have been taxing by the “other stuff” involved in being a teacher.  Yet, regardless of which of those I find myself facing, I enjoy the students planted in my classroom.  We share laughter and sometimes tears. We have celebrated successes while overcoming challenges.  We have cheered each other and confronted areas in which all of us need to improve.  Yes, I’m quite thankful for my 24 classes of third graders.

I share this journey with many educators.  There have been some whom I’ve planned with and others with whom I’ve led clubs, but all of them have impacted me in some way.  I’ve been appreciative of the experienced teachers who’ve guided me when I was a newby and welcomed the young teachers who have seen me as “the Old Wise One”.  We’ve shared inside jokes and personal struggles.  We’ve dressed up in crazy costumes and cheered in the bleachers of our students’ games.  I’ve witnessed weddings of three of them, held the newborn baby of one, attended funeral visitations of the parents, siblings, and sadly a child of some people I hold dear.  We are family.

Over the 24 years, many ladies and a couple of gentlemen have joined my classroom as an aide for a part of my day.  I’ve been blessed with people I work well with and who truly care about my kiddos.  Some have been parents of former students, some have become friends because of it, a few were friends beforehand.  They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to teach one.

Speaking of this village, we have five “aides” that are teachers.  What does that mean?  It means cutbacks in funding caused us to lose licensed teaching positions in four of our special classes.  In order to still provide those opportunities to our kiddos, the corporation found five of the most wonderful ladies to bridge the gap.  Honestly, they do the work of a teacher without the pay or benefits of the title.  The only thing, to my knowledge, that they’re not required to do is give grades.  They get evaluated…just like a teacher.  They must write sub plans when they’re absent, but I don’t believe they’re given any sick or personal days.  That’s one of those things I’d change if I was in charge of the world…or at least our funding.  For these ladies as well as the licensed teacher completing her final year before retirement, I am truly grateful.

I am also appreciative for the administrators who’ve led us, even when personality conflicts may have kept a close relationship from forming.  Each had areas where their focus was more present.  Each had a value in helping me become the educator I’ve learned to be.  For these lessons and insights, I’m thankful.

I almost forgot the parents.  Now, I could be talking about my parents as my mom volunteers in my classroom once or twice a week and my dad does a few time-consuming tasks in the summer to help prep my classroom.  However, I’m referring to the hundreds of parents who’ve entrusted me with their child.  Honestly, I can count on one hand the negative letters or messages from parents.  Looking back, all but two ended on positive notes later in their child’s education journey.  Countless parents have written letters, sent emails, purchased or made sweet gifts to let me know my efforts with their child were appreciated.  Ah, little acts of kindness from students’ parents are always meaningful!

Oops, I almost forgot the office staff, custodians, bus drivers, IT, maintenance, and cafeteria crew.  They are often overlooked, but let’s be honest…without them…
My classroom would be messier….
My students would have a hard time getting to school…
My stress level would be higher…
And….I’d have to buy more groceries!
Yes, though I may not say it often, they all are important to me and my kiddos in Room 302.

Finally, I’m thankful for my Monday prayer circle.  When I started teaching, we gathered either in a second grade teacher’s room or a kindergarten teacher’s room.  Then, when the second grade teacher retired, it moved to my room which is somewhat the center of the school.  For many years, it’s been just me and two (and sometimes 3) other teachers.  How exciting it is that this year we have increased to four and recently we’ve climbed to six and seven. Whoop!  Whoop!  Most weeks, I’m the one who voices the prayers on our behalf, but when my life is in a tailspin my neighbor steps up to voice them.  My faith is my foundation, so my Monday prayer group may be one of the sweetest blessings in the realm of my career.

I think that covers it.  My students, their parents, my fellow educators, special class teachers, teacher’s aides, administrators, and Monday prayer group….All are essential parts of my teaching year.  God is good, and I appreciate the blessings He’s given me in the arena of my career.