Thankful Thoughts, the Feline Finale!

There was Ginger…and Sassafras…Taffy and Moses. Buckey and Sampson then there was Shadrach…but to top them all….was the most unique cat of them all!
Jasper, the territorial feline. Had a very uninviting hiss. And if you ever met him, he would let you know all this! All of the mail carriers used to laugh and shake their head…until he chased them down the sidewalk to prove they had something to dread… jasper4 Wow! That’s not too bad for not putting much thought into it! I may have to finish it into a full parody in December (Umm, that’s Monday. Ha).

I’ve always loved having pets. I had many living at home with my parents. Then, when I moved out after starting my teaching career, Sammy (Samson’s nickname) moved out with me. Then, Shadrach was with me a bit, but I was never home at that point due to both teaching full-time and working with collegiate ministry.

Then, there were a few feline-free years. However, when field mice thought they could move in, I decided that cat hair and kitty litter were much preferred over mice droppings! Thus, I adopted a calm kitten from a co-worker of my sister. Soon, his desire to be cuddled or petted as a kitten was pushed away. He developed his PURRsonality, which was like none that I’d ever experienced in a cat. His behaviors and habits became storytelling moments and inspire my model pieces ABC Cover during writing instruction. Then, in the midst of Jasper scaring grown men and chasing mailmen, he triggered me to finally act on a dream. So, even though his life sadly ended almost a year ago, his reputation and stories will endure. Though his 4-book memoir series has concluded, his voice will continue to teach and entertain in my picture books. Jasper, thanks for being the only attack cat on guard duty 24-7 I’ve ever met. I cried when I hung your ornaments, but you’ll be proud of my current felines. They’re enjoying the effects of your tree decorating instructions. Your jingle bells are bringing them great joy!

Within a week of Jasper’s passing, I became the human to two new kittens. One was five months old while the other was only 8 weeks old. R H and me RockyTop started with pretty white fur with orange accents (thus the name), but has transitioned into creamish with orange “lowlights” along the edge of his fur. I laughed when I had lowlights added in October as I told my stylist that the color almost matched Rocky’s. Topper was a cute black and white cuddler. Actually, he was a cuddler only when he was sleepy. Then he’d nuzzle my neck, cheek, or chin. On their instagram posts, I had him call me “Mama” due to his toddler behavior. He reminded me of little ones I’ve babysat who had no desire to be held or cuddled UNLESS they were ready to nap or go to bed. Speaking of instagram, Rocky refers to me as PoofyHair because as he’d sleep above my head on my recliner, he’d often sniff through my hair. Perhaps, my poofy hair reminded him of his mom or life on the farm before he came to be an inside cat in downtown Madison?

Anyway, I was shocked in August when HillTopperwas playing on the bed at 7 while I made the fb topper bed, then playing with Rocky in the living room, then….gone by 8. His sudden passing has triggered what I have named Feline-Death-Paranoia. Poor Rocky has been awakened from more naps than he’d care to lose due to my suddenly yelling his name to ensure he’s still breathing. This morning, as I looked for photographs for my blog post, tears fell when I got to ALL of Topper’s photos. They were either of him playing with Rocky or him nuzzling my neck during fb topper 2 his naps. What a sweet and playful kitten he was. HillTopper may have not been here long, but his impact on my heart was great. He & Rocky proved that felines can choose to cuddle and be lovable. After more than a decade of Jasper’s aloofness, it was a welcome change. For his cuddly disposition, I am thankful

Losing a pet is never easy whether you’ve had them a few months, a few years, or over a decade. However, to avoid Rocky becoming territorial like Jasper had been, I decided to get another cat “in a week or so”. Well, that same day a friend posted about a litter of kittens who needed homes. She specifically mentioned a black cat who had had a home for a small time, but due to too many pets, it came back. She shared how all it wanted was to be held and due to her allergy…she couldn’t oblige. So, my methodical planning went out the door, and I went to give this outdoor stray kitten an inside home.

I was so out of sorts with the suddenness that I referred fb black to him as Nameless for several days. I took suggestions from friends. Then, FB friends and a class of third graders voted, and BlackTop became official. [You see, third graders think it makes sense for both cats to have ‘the same last name’.]

RockyTop wasn’t so sure about this new roommate. He didn’t warm up as quickly as he did to Topper. Perhaps it’s because he’s older or perhaps it’s Blackie’s unique spirit. The poor kitten isn’t the brightest bulb in the bunch, but what he lacks in cat smarts he makes up with in feline enthusiasm.

Rocky? He’s my walking cottonball who loves to eat! I’m talking…he may love food more fb rocky than sleeping which says a lot for a cat. The funny thing is….until recently, he’d never put a cat treat in his mouth. As you can see by the picture, anything that I eat seems good for him to try (Don’t worry…I always research whether the items are safe before sharing.) Just like Jasper, he lets me know when it’s time to be fed. Only where Jasper would literally nip my ankles, Rocky meows. Then, the volume increases just like on some alarm clocks. He’s all about his food!

He has other similarities to Jasper as well. He has turned on his predator skills. I believe there must be an intruder somewhere in these walls, as he’s often on full alert. Between him and Blackie, I’m confident that I won’t have to assist like I did with Jasper. Perhaps it’s because they both lived outside prior to moving in with me. Who knows.

A final similarity between RockyTop and Jasper is the welcome home they extend me. At least once a week, I’d find Jasper’s face in the window fb rocky 2 as I’d walk up to the door. A few weeks ago, I saw this pretty boy beckoning me to pet him. He wasn’t quite sure how to get through the glass to me. As soon as I opened the bedroom door, he came running….right through the living room and to the kitchen, where he meowed for a scoop of food. Yep, the boy loves to eat.

The most noticeable thing about Rocky are his pretty blue eyes, but close your eyes and you’ll know he’s still there. Why? His motor is loud enough to hear across the room. What a sweet boy he is! Yes, I’m thankful for this MEOWvelous roomie.

My students ask if my new cats will get to write books too. To which I say, of course! I hope “Tales from Two Kitties” will begin next summer. I told my class that I need to “learn” Rocky & Blackie’s fb cats voices, so I can write as them. So far, Rocky is the smart one who loves to eat. (Did I mention that?) BlackTop is the not-so-bright little brother with a bushy tail and loud meow. I kid you not…when I first got him I didn’t know if I could get used to how loud his meow was. Thankfully, as he adjusted to life with Rocky and me, his volume decreased. Funny thing is, that his hearing must be extraordinary. Why? If I call Rocky’s name or give an “air smooch” to him, BlackTop will come running from wherever he’s been and do a running jump up onto my chair. Hmmm, I think he may be a little attention-seeking.

Yes, I am thankful to be “the cat lady”. No, I don’t want another cat, though I’ve been offered countless since becoming a 2-cat home. Yes, I talk to them. Who knows if they understand, but eventually I bet they’ll figure some things out just like Jasper did. So, as my final thankful thought…I’m honored to be the human who shares her home and her heart with two sweet felines.

So, for what are you thankful? Perhaps, as Jasper suggests in “his” memoirs, you could consider giving a cat or kitten a home. I know for certain that the animal shelter near you will have one who is waiting for YOU! Think about it. I think it’s a PAWSitively MEOWvelous idea!

jasper bye

Third Thankful Thoughts

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!

blog pare 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.

blog sisters 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, blog lacie 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 blog nephew 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. blog cats

Thankful Thoughts…the Sequel

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.

fb thanks 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.

Thankful Thoughts

About an hour ago, I returned home from my church’s Thanksgiving dinner. As we do each year, Pastor Mike gave people time to stand (or sit) and say a word of thanksgiving. I pondered standing several times, but my sentimental heart kept me from doing so.

There was a time many moons ago that I would chuckle (with my father) at how easily Mother would tear up during television shows. Alas, what goes around, comes around. Now, I’m the one that tears up during television shows. I’m the one who literally sheds tears like a waterfall when writing a letter to my state representative about public education. I’m the one who gets choked up when my grown third graders write sweet posts about their time in my classroom.

So, as I sit here watching a Christmas movie (the same one I watched last night) on Lifetime with two felines sprawled out on my throw-covered legs, I told myself to type out all that I thought of sharing this evening.

First, I’m thankful for my Sunday School class knowns as the M&Ms. I even wore my M&M shirt this evening. M&M stands for “Mary and Martha”, as we tend to be mixtures of the two. My Martha heart serves as greeter, leads in DiscipleTown, and sings on Praise Team while my Mary heart sits thankfully at the feet of my Savior thanking Him for my salvation.

From there, I was reminded of the Hamby family and the Kimmer crew. Pastor Mike and Pastor JC serve us earnestly by serving Him faithfully. As I hung out with sweet girls in DiscipleTown this morning, I wondered which fruit of the Spirit was the focus of today’s sermon. Each week of this series, I’ve went away challenged by Pastor Mike’s words to bear more fruit in my daily walk. Last week’s focus on patience repeated itself in my mind throughout the week. As much as I enjoy teaching His word to kiddos in DiscipleTown, I miss the sermon when I’m gone. JC blends hymns and contemporary praise as he guides us through the gospel in song. So much thought goes into the songs selected. Whether the songs are faithful hymns of my past, challenging messages set to contemporary melodies, or a whole new tune & lyric to learn…they bring me to worship at the feet the One who calls me daughter.

As I sat with friends at a table in the fellowship hall, I realized how much my church family is family. Some of the people I worship with have known me for (gulp) forty years. Some have known me for less than a year. Whether they’re “old family” or “new family”, I’m thankful that my church family is my family. On Tuesday, I shared lunch at Gallery 115 with a newer church member. The two of us shared stories of life, lots of laughter (with a few puns because…we are punny, punny girls), as well as some sorrow. Our lunch lasted three hours. You can only do that with people about whom you genuinely care. Today, due to the church dinner being scheduled and sick grandkids of friends, there were only 2 M&Ms at lunch. My friend and I sat in the corner of Empress sharing about family and life happenings. Yes, my church family is my family.

Of course, there are plenty of other things and people I could’ve mentioned which involve the rest of the world outside of CBC. Yet, in the setting of our church sanctuary, I was overwhelmed by how much that place and that group of people mean to me. I’m happy to serve with them, I’m thankful to grow with them, and I am gratefulto be a part of them.

Thank you, God, for leading my own family to that church forty years ago and for using it to minister to me and challenge me to minister to others. I am blessed.

Just Words

Have you ever had one of those days? Things are going great, but then…. Someone says something or writes something to you that tries to steal your joy. Yep, that’s my day. All of the WONDERFUL parts of my day, filled with blessings too numerable to name, were tarnished by a-not-too-respectful correspondence.

I had a choice to make. Do I let it achieve its goal of bullying me into submission or do I shake it off (Yes, Taylor Swift’s song started playing in my head when I typed that. It’s how I’m wired.)? I read and reread. I pondered. I tried to move past it, but those condemning words kept repeating like I hit “loop” on YouTube.

Then, I had an epiphany! Or…God brought His words to my heart to change my perspective.

blog words I was reminded that I should accept the words as they were intended. An opinion was expressed. The tone of the words let me know what heart that came from, and knowing that realization by mindset changed.

Instead of thinking hateful thoughts about the owner of the words, I prayed for the person. I prayed that peace, joy, and love would touch their heart by some means. I also prayed that when further interactions transpire that I would reflect a heart guided by His grace and mercy rather than tarnished by frustration and hurt feelings.

Then, as I finished my prayer and was prompted to write this, other words came to mind. The words of a child. Not just any child but a child who has struggled with some choices. Today, as the two of us worked, he shared how his favorite time of day is coming to school and his saddest part of the day is when he leaves. Then, he added, “The worst part is Friday when I have to leave for two days because I just really like being in your class.”

Words. Just words? I think not. Words are powerful things. I always hated this old cliche about words because it’s absolutely false. blog words2

Let’s be honest. Words hurt. But words also encourage. They inspire. They teach. They entertain. They make someone’s day. They challenge. They praise.

What do your words do? Do a heart & speech check because one affects the other. And….in the words of Cowboy Bob, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Or at least….think about how you can express your message a bit more respectfully.

blog words 3.png

A Human Barometer

I roused awake at 4:40. Seems my internal clock didn’t realize it was Sunday, and I realized I had a dull headache. I immediately went from “Ugh, I hate headaches” to “Thank you, Lord, for autumn.” I dozed back to sleep and got up at 6:30 to bake a corn cake for the Jubilee Celebration Meal.

As I mixed up the batter, my head contined to be irked by the pain of a weather-change-headache, but I refused to let it win.

Off to Calvary to run through the music with the praise team.

Oh, how I love to sing His praises, so I refused to let my headache steal my joy. However, I admit singing with your heart often makes a headache worse. Yet, the pain doesn’t generally hit until the song ends. Alas, I kept singing because the truths of the lyrics were so true and worthy of being brought to His throne.

Off to my Sunday School class to share prayer concerns and praises. As we began our study on First Kings, I had the joy of reading aloud part of the chapter one. I LOVE reading aloud, so I was thankfull to be able to read part of the chapter before exiting to greet worshipers. As I took my post at the welcome center, I thought, “You really should’ve taken something for this headache because you know it’s not going away.” However, those thoughts were pushed aside by fellowship with friends prior to the beginning of worship.

Then, I took my post on the platform to begin helping Pastor JC in the leading of worship. I offered a prayer of thanksgiving that today my allergy attack was a headache with just an occassional voice crack rather than a hacking cough or bristled voice.

The singing commenced. Members were recognized for years of commitment as I stayed standing until “Over 40 years” was announced. When it was time for the offering, the praise team sang a song that I’m not sure I knew prior to our Wednesday practice. Yet, each time I listened and sang it since then it would stir my heart to worship and thanksgiving. JC had suggested we each sing a verse if we felt comfortable, so I jumped on the second verse as it was the one that brought tears to my eyes while singing it at home. The song is “Loving My Jesus” by Casting Crowns, so my verse was…

Sin tries to make you hide
Whispers that same old lie
Keep all your pain inside
‘Cause no one will understand
The last thing this lost world needs
Is someone I’m trying to be
Truth that has set me free
Is that I’m just a broken man

Pastor Mike’s message was on being generous using the passage 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, and it reminded me how being generous wasn’t just something that happens. We’re called to be intentional in blessing others with not only our finances but also our time and talents.

After the service ended, we were going to gather in the fellowship hall to enjoy the Jubilee meal. Before doing so, my brother-in-law went out to his truck just to get me some ibuprofen to try and calm the headache which had grown from its dull ache to a throbbing pain. Yet, I refused to let it win.

As I went through the buffet line, a mother of a small child was trying to work salad tongs, which had closed, with a toddler on her right side and the tongs in her left hand. Suddenly, the lock fell and salad shot across the table right onto my black flowered dress. Oh how I laughed! Those who know me will understand that I don’t mean a little chuckle…I laugh like I sing…with full gusto. This guffaw of joy was like a hammer against my temples.

My plate and I made our way to a table. Delicious! The meal was quite tasty. I sat looking at my friend Patti who does so much for our church, She coordinated the meal and never did sit down to eat. In fact, as I was packing up my practically-empty corn cake pan, she was using the scraps in the pans as her meal. You see she served us the entire meal and had not gotten a plate of food. As I was getting ready to leave, she said, “If you give me a minute, I can wash that pan right up for you.” Um, no. She had worked preparing before today and worked throughout the two hours prior to the meal. I was fully capable of washing my pan. [It’s currently soaking.]

Home from church. Dress clothes changed into my robe. Dishes soaking in the sink. Felines fed. Me? I was getting ready for a Sunday afternoon nap in hopes of it fading my headache. Alas, I knew I couldn’t sleep until I wrote the words in my head and heart.

You see, my allergies make me a human barometer. It’s easy to let them have authority over my itenerary. However, the joy of singing His praise, worshiping with my church familly, and celebrating His goodness with our Jubilee meal were far more important than resting my headache away.

So, the good, the bad, and the ugly of allergies won’t steal my joy, but it may steal my afternoon and give me great excuse for a nap!

Hats, Hats, Hats.

First, I don’t wear hats. Well, on “Hat Day” I do….or a birthday party, if asked. My fluffy hair tends to frown at a hat, but today….I wore several figurative hats.

I started the day at Frisch’s eating breakfast with my parents and some friends. Daughter & Friend Hats.

Then, I was off to my church because we were hosting a Health Fair for our community.
Church Member & Citizen Hats.

While there, I visited with the grandma of one of my students and sold a set of all 7 of my books to a friend. Then, I had the joy of holding a cute baby while his mama signed some papers and took care of some other duties.
Teacher, Author, & Friend Hats.

From there, I journeyed to the home of the parents of one of my high school classmates. They were purchasing my three latest books. While there, we visited about our families as we’ve known each other for over 30 years. Plus, one of their grandsons had been my third grader several years ago.
Author, Friend, & Teacher Hats

After leaving their house, I drove downtown to deliver another set of books to a friend who was purchasing them for her granddaughters. When my friend had time, she invited me to the back of the building to be introduced to two of her granddaughters as an author who teaches. (Generally, I’m the teacher who writes, so this introduction made me smile.)
Friend, Author, & Teacher Hats

Then, Hanover beckoned, and I traveled west to Hanover Park for “Celebrate Hanover” where one of my girls came running up to give me a hug. I then visited a few minutes with her mother after she introduced me to her baby brother.
Teacher Hat

Finally, I stopped by the store to grab some corn to make a corn cake for tomorrow’s Jubilee Dinner.
Church Member Hat image1 (2)

Now, as I try to force myself to go finish the sink of dishes then take a shower, I have a cat curled up on my lap. Before this, I signed thirteen books to deliver tomorrow while the other cat was checking out my ink pen.
Feline Human and Author Hats

Hats! I often talk about how I’m “Miss Jodi” at church but “Ms. Pflaumer” at school. Now, I’m also “Jodi Lea Pflaumer” the author. In the end, it’s all me…I am she. At different parts of my day or week there are aspects of her personality that overshadow the other, but it’s all me. I am who I am because of the One who created me, gave me talents and abilities to do various things, and molded me in my mother’s womb. I’m learning to accept the “she” I am. She may not be everything I thought she’d be, but I’ve learned to love her….cause He loved her first and He loves her (me) best.

So, who are you? But more importantly….whose are you?

Love or Fear? Which Will Win?

I’m currently battling feline-death-paranoia. at3 Honestly, it’s not a medical diagnosis or a mental diagnosis, but it’s my personal realization that having both Jasper and HillTopper pass so quickly has created a huge fear that it could happen again.

What does this mean? It means that I often disrupt RockyTop & BlackTop while they nap IF I can’t see their body moving with their breathing. First, I gaze at them, then…I’ll yell their name until I get a movement from their body. No wonder they’re always wanting to nap! It doesn’t stop there. If I go a while without seeing one of them, I will find myself making a lap around the house until I find the (normally napping) cat who is ignoring my pleas for “here kitty kitty kitty” to come.

cat4 Today, as I realized Rocky was napping on my legs and Blackie could not be located, I got up and went on a lap. Fear and dread filled me as I turned the corner in the kitchen where I had found Topper last month. My heart leapt to my throat as I found Blackie laying in the same exact spot perpendicular to how Topper was found. Only Blackie’s taile was twitching this way and that. He looked at me as if saying, “I’m just taking a rest. This looked like a great spot. It’s halfway between my food bowl and litter box.”

Later as I went out to finish washing dishes, I again saw Rocky but Blackie was out of sight. Again, I went in search….All through the house I looked & called his name. Finally I found him laying parallel to the shoe rack in the dark bedroom. His dark fur makes him harder to locate in unlit rooms. He was laying with his paws outstretched and eyes opened. My heart sank. I yelled his name, and his tail switched and his meow sounded.

By this point, my heart rate was elevated, and I grasped cat2 how much my paranoia had developed into full-fledged-fear. This saddened me. I mean, I don’t like fear having a hold on me. During tornado warnings, I’m rarely phased. I pray for safety and prep my mattress. Why in the world am I allowing this fear to takeover? Then, it occurred to me. I’m a feline-loving-female. I have no children or spouse. My kittens are the ones who anxiously await my arrival in the evening or react when they hear my alarm go off. They’re the reason I opted to make tuna salad instead of a bowl of cereal for supper because I knew they’d get great joy from “tuna water”.

In the end, I realize it’s my love of my kittens that fuel my fear. But….it’s my love of the One who created me that can overcome it and give me peace.

He can overcome your fears too. However big or small. He cares about them all. He knows the number of hairs on your head, so He most certainly knows each worry on your heart. Place them at His feet and let Him give you a peace that surpasses understanding. It’s the PURRfect place for your fears….and mine as well.

cat1

Love-Hate-Relationships!

As I sit here with the head of RockyTop on my ankle as he sleeps, I was thinking about my throbbing headache. It’s hard not to think about it when it’s so irritating. It occurred to me that I have a love-hate-relationship with my allergies.

How could I love them, you ask? Well, I love many of the things I’m allergic too. I love the beauty of nature, but alas…it’s nature that makes me sneeze. I love to see a freshly mowed lawn, but alas….the mowing of yards make me sneeze and my eyes water. Get it?

Then, I thought of my personal joke about being a human barometer. I tell friends and students that I can predict a weather change as it generally prompts a headache. I love a good storm, as long as it doesn’t knock out the electricity. I enjoy a cool rain, but the change from one type to another triggers a reaction.

This transitioned into thinking about my feline roomies. One is sleeping by my legs on my recliner, but the other sleeps in a chair by the kitchen windown. BlackTop just came home from two nights at the veterinarian and his lungs screamed all the way home. I kid you not he’s the loudest cat I’ve ever experienced inside the house. Sadly, he’s not meowed much since getting home. He’s either mad at me or still feeling the aftermath of his procedure. I hate the volume of his meow, but I’d gladly take it now over his feline body not feeling grand and his inability to convey what’s bothering him.

Thinking of my cats made me think of my quote about why I have them. You see, I hate cat hair on my clothes and cleaning kitty litter…or sweeping it up….or stepping on it. Alas, I hate field mice and droppings oh-so-much-more! So, I love cat hair and kitty litter in comparison to my disdain for mouse droppings!

All these ponderings lead me to my classroom. I started thinking about a few challenges I’m dealing with like lying and irresponsibility. Yet, even with my students who are most challenged with these two issue, I love them. I accept them and realize…we’re just not there YET.

In the end, as usually happens, all of this falls to the foot of the cross as it becomes an analogy of me to God. You see, I know with all my heart that He HATES when I sin. He doesn’t allow it in His perfect kingdom. Yet, He loves me. How much? He loved me so much that He sent His one & only Son to pay my debt…on the cross.

So…in the end, I am thankful for my allergies because they too can be used for my good & His glory.

Note: There was a delay in finishing today’s post because my post-surgery kitten needed a bit of cuddling to get his purr-motor restarted.

My Teacher’s Mug Runneth Over

As a student, I had a certain image of a teacher. I had the notion they were “off” all summer and walked into school the first day to teach…just like us.

I was clueless as to what teachers, especially elementary teachers, fit in quote do each year during the summer before the school year begins. I had no idea the amount of personal money and “free” time that elementary teachers devoted to preparing for students.

Guess what? Now I do. Personally, I was proud of myself this summer. Why? I left my school on June 4th after a not-so-helpful training day and didn’t reenter Room 302 until July 4. For some, this may seem odd to be proud of going in a month before school begins. However, in the past, I’ve been known to “take two weeks off” then start my room set-up as soon as the “all-clear” came from our custodians. I’ve learned that “all clear” means the floors are waxed and “stuff” is back inside.

So, on July 4th, my cleaning supplies, boxes of materials, [I pretty much pack up my room at the end of the year to force me to reorganize and get rid of stuff.] and I spent some quality hours together. I manipulated myself by telling myself if I “was ready enough” by July 15th, then I’d not return until August 6th.

Well, I was “ready enough”, but the lure of preparing pulled me back in on August 1st. Then, on Wednesday, August 7th, from 5pm-7pm I met almost all of my students and a family member or more. Then, August 8th, at 7:45…my 24th year in third grade kickstarted.

Granted, it’s only been four days, but what a wonderfully spectacular four days we’ve had. I’ve been dubbed “the best third grade teacher I’ve ever had” and “the most fun teacher” by one or more students. My fan club of my oral reading skills has grown. One student even told me his mom, who once worked in our building, would stop by my class in the hallway to enjoy my read alouds.

Some think once you’ve been teaching the same grad level for this long, you aren’t being challenged. However, I challenge myself each other to start something new, to change something that can be improved, and to ditch something unneeded.

Our superintendent challenged us to focus on building relationships in the midst of teaching our curriculum. Let’s face it, no one learns much from someone s/he doesn’t respect or someone that s/he thinks doesn’t care about him/her. That has spurred me to engage my third graders in more conversations about non-curriculum chats to get to know them. It’s made me laugh, smile, and at times get a little teary.

I also try to pull in a lot of choices for my kids to have a say in what we do or what they read (when possible). One of the ways I’m giving them choices this year is by letting them pick their morning greeting. Last year, it was a fist bump for all. This year, they choose.

I’ve learned an important bit of information. What’s that you ask? Well, my 49-year-old body isn’t prepared to dab first thing of the morning. The past few days, I’ve only dabbed once or twice. Today? I think I dabbed at least a half dozen times. Another half dozen are big fans of starting the day with a hug. I did have one taker on “do a little dance” which is great because it gives a teacher who loves to laugh the right to be goofy in the hallway!

Another new thing I’ve pulled in is a “monthly challenge” for my students. This month’s is easy as it’s a Me-Collage like Judy Moody does in her first book. Other months they’ll be challenged to read an author they’ve never read or a genre that they don’t think they’re fans of at this point. I told them that each challenge I give them will likewise be a challenge for me as well. For instance, I’m not a fan AT ALL of historical fiction and science fiction [Seriously, I started making myself watch Star Wars movies last year when a fellow teacher was a big fan.], but I told them I’ll “make” myself read one that month in case my tastes have changed.

I could go on, but I really just need to get to the whole reason I wanted to write this post to begin with and that is….my new year. I don’t know if it’s my new crop of kiddos, the new schedule for my grade level, or the fresh attitude for a fresh school year….but I feel so blessed with this new crop of kiddos. I know everyday won’t be a breeze, but attitude makes such big difference. I may have done this 23 years previously, but this 24th year has the making of one of my best years yet! And for that reason….as well as the other things above….My teacher’s mug is running over!