Reflection

It seems like just yesterday when I was sitting here designing this blog.  And here we are...at the end.  I don't know what happens to time these days.  For my pre-teen, his day yesterday took "forever".  My day didn't have enough hours in it to finish all that I need to accomplish.  It is amazing to me how the older you get, the faster time goes.

This experience has been so good for me.  I made myself read.  I know that isn't what you are looking for as a reader.  I realize we as teachers want to create a desire in students to read rather than make it something they are forced to do.  And now that I have been reading, I am so grateful for the assignment to make me do so.

Let me back up.  This assignment hasn't been about making me read.  It has been about making reading a priority in my life.  I have always loved reading.  I also have always loved writing.  But as a mother, what I love becomes last on the list.  Which up until now has been just fine with me.  However...with my desire to finish my degree, comes my desire to do other things that I've put on hold for the last twelve years.  I don't want to shuck  my life completely from how it was, but am enjoying the way that I am integrating the things I love into the things that need to be done.  One Saturday, I let everything go.  It was cold and rainy.  I decided that I was going to finish my book.  Not because I had to, but because I wanted to know what was happening.  I didn't get laundry done.  I didn't get a big meal cooked.  I didn't get the house straightened or the decorations completely put up.  But I learned something from the book.  I cried as it ended.  I felt moved to do more.  And guess what happened to all of my chores?

They waited.

And they were still there the next day.  I realized that there are days when I can put other things aside to reward myself with a good book.  In fact, the number one thing on my list for Christmas is a Kindle.  I want to be able to slip my book world into my purse and take it to practices or to read in between games.  I realized through this experience that I have a desire to read. 

So I will.

I love to write as well, and I believe I'll keep up with this blog.  Journaling about my experiences is something all too familiar with me.  So I would like to keep this going for my kids to read someday when they too are having a hard time finding the balance.

I have NOT become a runner.  I would still love to tackle that goal.  But for now, I am finishing school.  And through many hours of "training"...I've become a reader again.  I am excited to open my mind to the possibilities that come with new books.

In my classroom, I'll use the PRABE experience for many reasons.  One...technology isn't going anywhere.  This is a good way to integrate technology with reading.  It also allows them to think freely as they practice their typing skills.  I might have them journal on paper to make sure they have the opportunity to truly "write".  Perhaps putting the PRABE in as a centered activity once a week would be a good idea.  For my classes, (3rd and 4th grade) I would have them only write four or five sentences describing what happened in their book and why they enjoyed it or why they didn't. 

Thank you for the experience.  Thank you for your enthusiasm.  Thank you for your grace when it comes to our learning.  It is hard find the right balance in living...learning...and succeeding.  I am blessed to have had the opportunity to re-learn this about myself.  I love to read.  I have learned to make it a priority and will continue to teach that to others.

Have a blessed day!
Amy

Week 11

I finished the book!  Here I thought I'd be done with this a month ago.  No such luck.  But I took the time and finished it yesterday.  I closed the book with tears in my eyes.  And the desire to want to do more.  I love to write.  The Help was about so many things, but one of the topics was Skeeter's desire to be a writer.  Not just a writer, but someone who wrote about something that meant something in this world.  She wanted to make a difference.  And I believe she did.  What a great book.  What a sad time in history.  I think so often we think...

that was a long time ago.

And then I see the dates listed in the book.  1964.  That wasn't that long ago.  How can we be living in a time when just almost fifty years ago, life happened like that.  And people let it happen.  It is unbelievable to me.  It is too much for me to wrap my mind around.  I can't imagine treating someone like those women were treated.  And yet...it happened.  Not that long ago.

I think there are several things in our history that we'd rather turn our cheeks to.  They were horrible.  And if we don't talk about it...it maybe didn't happen.  But this happened. I think the book is an incredible way for people to see just a glimpse of what took place just not that long ago.  Children will read this story and think to themselves...did this really happen?  And the ugly truth is that it did.  But the beautiful truth is that because someone was courageous enough to stand up for others...things changed.  And the wonderful thing about this particular book is that because a woman stood up and used her writing to tell the world a perspective that might not have otherwise been heard...things changed.  What an amazing story.  What an amazing book.  I am anxious to see the movie, but don't want it to change how I view the book.  I have an image in my head from reading and I am afraid the movie won't do it justice.  I guess I'll just have to see. 

Anyway, I believe I'll wrap up this PRABE project with a few more devotionals and some light reading.  Thanks to my attempt to finish the book yesterday...the laundry is still rolling through...as I type.  It was worth finishing the book though.  Completely and totally worth it. 

Amy

Week 9 & 10

Keeping this blog going has been quite a challenge for me.  I have enjoyed my reading time immensely, but I can't say it enough...life goes on.

Almost two weeks ago, a very good friend of mine lost her Father in law unexpectedly.  We got the call on my birthday that he had passed and from then on it was a blur.  Life is like that.  One moment, you are celebrating your special day with friends.  Enjoying every minute of the attention and loving the fact that you are alive to see another birthday.  The next minute...you get a phone call that the life of a friend has forever changed.  My friend has three young children the same age as my kids.  They were very close to their Grandpa.  And he was gone.  One week before Thanksgiving. 

Life is so very fragile. 

I read his obituary over and over.  Trying to make sense of it all.  Something that doesn't make sense.  But I read it anyway.  He was 62 years old.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  He was survived by his only son, Jeff.  His son Jeff has a wife named Shannon.  He had three Grandchildren and he was crazy about them.  He was also survived by his wife of 36 years.  He had two sisters and one brother. 

Life is just so very fragile. 

I am a woman of strong faith.  I believe everything happens for a reason.  I don't dare attempt to understand.  When you can't trace His hand...trust His heart.  Him being God.  I don't always understand the journey.  But I am on it and I trust that He has a plan for all of our lives. 

I spent the week buried in my devotions.  Sometimes when bad things happen, I need to be closer to God.  I need to feel that security in the word.  And I did.  That was my week nine.

Week ten brought me many things to be thankful for.  We were given the opportunity to pay our respects for my friend's Dad on Tuesday.  The service was nice.  As nice as a funeral can be I suppose.  But we were there to support our friends.  And two days later, we were gathered around our table.  We gave thanks for our family and for our friends.  We prayed for those who were hurting and for those who weren't with us.  It seemed as if the events of week nine gave us much to be thankful for in week ten.  We are so blessed.

I am continuing to read The Help and am really getting into it.  It is hard to get into the heart of the book when you are constantly distracted by life.  But it seems to me that the book is based on a white woman writing a story on the black women's perspective of working for white women.  It is an upsetting thing to read about.  It brings tears to my eyes to think of the way things used to be.  It is amazing to me that it isn't fiction.  This was life.  This was the way things were.  These women gave their lives to raise white children that were raised to turn on them when they were older. 

I realize this is a LONG post.  And I also realize that it includes more than you were looking for.  But it was on my heart and my mind.  And those things tend to come out through my fingertips. 

Have a blessed week!
Amy

Reading Roller Coaster

Reading a good book is like...

The feeling after a roller coaster.  The ups and downs of the roller coaster making you uneasy with every turn.  The fear and the excitement all rolled into one.  The ups and the downs...not knowing where it will take you next, but trying to predict where you might be heading.  It happens so fast that you barely have time to think about the emotions that take over your body.  You look forward to the ride.  You enjoy the time when you are there.  And you have fond memories as you walk away.  A smile...a rush...a moment of pure excitement when you hit the first hill and the last.  A roller coaster has a beginning and an end.  It has all the twists and turns of the in between.  A thrill that you can't wait to share with your friends.  They MUST try it! 

I can only hope that when I am teaching my students to read, they'll respond with the enthusiasm of a child coming off of their first roller coaster ride. 

Have a blessed day!
Amy

Week 6

This week was a challenge in the reading for enjoyment department.  My husband's football team went on to play in the regional play offs in Topeka.  Our middle son was finishing up his football practices and took first place in their bowl tournament this weekend. 

However...I read.  I trudged along in my book, trying to keep my eyes open.  The book itself is quite good.  I love the story line and feel like slowly, but surely, I am getting into the heart of the matter. 

My daily devotions have been almost the only thing carrying me through this busy time in our lives.  I am looking forward to the holidays as I know they will bring a much needed break in all of our schedules. 

I keep telling myself as Dori tells Nemo in Finding Nemo...

Just keep swimming
Just keep swimming
Just keep swimming swimming swimming

or running/reading.  Just keep running/reading...

Have a great week!
Amy

Week 5

I have heard from runners that running can become increasingly more difficult as you continue to train.  I am finding this very thing to be true with reading as well.  Life just gets in the way sometimes.  This week was full of football games, birthday parties and holiday parties at school.  It was also red ribbon week (drug free & proud) and the school was buzzing with activities and themes.  My drive and determination were deterred by other priorities.  There are times when running takes a toll on your body.  Many factors affect your running. 

• Have you gotten enough rest?
• Have you had your daily dose of water?
• Are you eating the right foods to help fuel your runs?

The slightest things can change your running success as well as create issues for the success of your training.  Weather, illness, lack of motivation...all can lead to a bad week of training. 

The important thing to do, is to learn from your mistakes.  This week made reading difficult.  It got done every day...but not without a lot of self convincing.  Devotions are such a good way to start your day...if you get up on time and have your life in order.  Reading at night is a perfect way to escape life and settle into your bed.  If you don't have a million things to do from the moment you get off work until your head hits the pillow. 

Your desire to read has to outweigh the things that keep you from doing it.  You have to get out of your own way and get motivated to continue on the path to reading for pure enjoyment.  I really do enjoy the times with my book.  They just come so few and far between sometimes.  Ninety minutes doesn't seem like a lot...until you barely have ninety minutes to give.

Oh well...next week is a new week.  The book is still very interesting and I am learning a lot about women's equality and the battle for equal rights.  It is hard to believe that we as a country used to act this way.  I can't imagine going backwards, but know it was a different time that brought forth a different attitude altogether.  Thank goodness we have the blessings we have now in equal rights. 

Hopefully this next week will allow for more enjoyment reading and less obligation.  Have a wonderful week!

Amy

Week 4

Training myself to read is becoming easier and easier with each week.  I have been getting up every morning and reading my Max Lucado devotional, followed by reading each night with my book, The Help.  The devotions in the morning give me such a great start to my day and also give me material to write about for my other blog.  I have to surrender myself each morning to the Lord.  I have to let go and let God have my day.  Knowing I have no control over the things that happen in my life gives me the peace to get through the day.  Knowing I have all the control to handle the things that happen in my day gives me the opportunity to be a reflection of Him every, single day.  I love that feeling.

Each night, I've been finishing up my nightly routine by reading my book.  I love getting a cup of coffee and snuggling up with this book.  I only allow myself a little at a time so I can continue to read each day.  If I overdo it, I'll become tired the next day.  After a long day with our life, I struggle to keep my eyes open long enough to enjoy the book. 

I have really enjoyed our class readings this week as well.  I thought the chapter was so interesting and helped me to remember the importance of vocabulary in the process of becoming a reader.  Understanding words gives you the foundation to be a comprehensive reader.  I can be honest in saying I had no idea teaching children to read had so many important parts.  It all makes sense and I look forward to using these concepts in the classroom. 

As I go through this journey, I am reminded how much I love to read and how grateful I am that I've been given the opportunity to do so.

Amy

Week 3

This week, I read my devotional by Max Lucado every morning.  Each devotion offers me peace and guidance for my day.  I also read my book The Help over the weekend and am almost half way through.  I am LOVING this book.  Can't wait to finish to give my final review of the story.  I wanted to share one of the devotions I posted to my other blog about one of the devotions I read this week.  I hope you enjoy.  Have a wonderful week!

My devotion this morning was too good not to share. The prayer at the end said:

Lord, we cannot control the storms of life, but we can control where we look in the storm. We choose to look to you. We choose to see you in the middle of our heartbreak and our health crises. When we are tossed about by the trials and temptations of life, remind us not to be overwhelmed by fear and doubt, but to look for your calming presence, amen.
(Max Lucado, Live Loved)

The devotion for today was all about being in the middle of your storm...whatever that may be...and how you choose to handle it. We all have storms in life. But where you look in your storm is key. I thought the prayer for today was just too perfect. We don't usually look for Jesus in the middle of our storms. We look for Him at church and in prayer time. We feel his presence as we worship, and sometimes in other happy times in our lives. But we don't usually look to see Jesus as the tears are falling. Yet...through the blur...there He is. Crying too. He calms the raging seas. He tells us not to fear. And we are to obey...no matter how hard that might be. Let go of the fear and allow God to be the calm in your storm.

Finances...
Divorce...
Broken Homes...
Health Issues...
Parenting Troubles...

In the places where you might least expect to see Jesus...He is there.

I know personally, I am depending on my relationship with Christ to get me through the tough times in life.  I have no where else to turn.  And one of my favorite quotes says...

When you can't stand...

kneel in prayer. 

Have a blessed day!
Amy

Day...what day is it anyway?

I have been staring at my book all week.  I have taken it everywhere, hoping I'd have a second to crack it open.  But, no such luck.  I had homework...the boys homework...football and more.  So there sat my book...waiting patiently on me to open it. 

Finally, I told myself...

you are never going to finish this race if you don't start.

 
So, I cleared a little time in my schedule last night.  After my husband went to a fish fry with his friends, and the boys were tucked safely in their beds, I made a cup of coffee and climbed into my bed. 

An hour later, I couldn't put the book down.  I knew that would happen.  It was almost as if I was avoiding the book because I knew it would become another addiction in my life.  Like I need something else to occupy my time.

Or did I?

You see...reading this book is giving me time to escape the worries of the kids...our marriage...our finances...and our life.  The craziness subsided for the next hour and I was able to fall back in time.  The intensity of this book gave me a new perspective on things I've just never allowed myself to think about.  I know three other people who are reading this book and who are loving every minute of it.  I woke up this morning and read for another hour.  I finally had to make myself get in the shower to get ready for church. 

So...when will I be reading again?  Oh, as soon as I wrap up this post.  Can't wait to get into the heart of the matter. 

This "running" stuff isn't so bad after all.  Looking forward to logging a few more miles this week.

Amy

Day 2

Step one in the training process is always to make a commitment to your goal.  It seems to me that step one might be the very hardest part.  I can say I will finish this race all I want to.  But actually doing it?  Well, that is something completely different.  I want to finish.  I really do.  And by finish, I mean I want to make reading a bigger part of my life.  It just takes time and dedication.  Both are things I am going to have to find in the back of my minivan under should pads and water bottles.  However...after purchasing the book I've been waiting to read at Target last night, I think I'll be more motivated to find them.  I have heard nothing but rave reviews of the movie 'The Help'.  I kept myself from seeing the movie because I really wanted to read the book first.  Now...I can! 

As I stretch and get myself all ready for my first "run" with this book, I am excited to dive into the story that has so many people talking.  I have heard there will be laughter and tears.  Both being things that come quite easy to me.  I am an emotional person.  There is no better way to describe my feelings other than fragile.  I laugh loud and cry easily.  Things touch my heart before they ever reach my brain.  And I am just fine with that.  I am anxious to take off my make up, put on my sweats and cozy up with my new book.  Later tonight of course...after dinner, homework, football practice and bedtime.  This is where dedication comes in.  :D

Amy

Day 1

This is such a neat assignment for me personally, because I love to blog.  I also love to read.  (LOVE IT)  I very rarely have time or make time for this activity, but I do read a daily devotional in an attempt to keep myself on track spiritually.  I have a list of books that I am looking forward to reading now that I have to for class. 

I am not a runner.  I have never been one that purposely ran for anything.  Unless someone was chasing me of course.  But I have a lot of friends that run.  In fact, several of them are currently training for the Wichita Marathon coming up in October.  Watching them follow their training schedules has been extremely interesting to me.  Some started from nothing.  Some have run before.  But each person has their own personal training schedule that they follow without fail. 

I have chosen to look at this assignment as my reading marathon.  I have always wanted to be more of a reader, but it takes time to make yourself disciplined enough to do it on a daily or weekly basis.  Life is crazy for our family.  We are very busy with school, sports and other activities.  I wish I could say that I read more than I do.  But the truth is...reading has been put on my back burner for quite sometime.  This assignment will allow me to "train" myself to read.  I feel that after I put myself on this schedule, reading will become a habit.  One that I won't want to break.  Reading allows your mind to escape the craziness of life.  I am welcoming this escape.  No doubt!

Have a great day!
Amy Nelson