Legacy

This past summer, my family lost a woman whose legacy is her faith. At 102 years, 8 month and 24 days old, my Granny joined the church triumphant. But the end is unimportant, her story, her legacy is everything that happened in between November 4, 1913 and July 29, 2016,  On and off since her passing, I've been writing this. Sometimes I stop because I'm crying, others it's because of life getting in the way. I've finally finished...it only took me 8+ months.

Granny was raised in a farmhouse built by her father on 48 acres of land. The majority of her life was lived in that same house. It, like her, is a legacy and a testament to a life well lived. She had married, twice, and left the old homestead and her parents but returned after the death of my grandfather. It was in the early sixties and she had two fairly young children to raise (my other aunt and uncle were already grown and on their own). She returned to a place where she could help her parents as they aged but also raise my mother and uncle on what little income she had. While, clearly, I wasn't around then, at least later in life she never complained about her struggle during that time. I know from my mom that it wasn't easy. I know she worked as a bookkeeper at the hospital but, beyond that, there isn't much I know.

She retired on December 8, 1978, the eve of my birth. But she still actively worked as her church's treasurer - though that may have purely been volunteer work.

Granny came to our house often in my younger years to keep my sister and I when my parents were out of town. She was loving and caring but tough and fair when we  misbehaved. I don't remember how old I was exactly when I learned that, as much as Granny loved me, she would "switch" me if necessary. I must have been 7 or 8. I had done something very bad (though I do not remember now what) and had lied about it saying it was my sister. After punishing me, Granny comforted me and reminded me that, even if I am in trouble, I should be honest because my word is important.

I remember going to visit Granny all by myself for at least a week during the summer during my preteen and early teen years. She always made sure, even with her meager social security income, to have my favorite foods on hand. She also would take me with her to her church, St. Mark's UMC in Center, Texas for worship on Sunday and Bible study on Wednesday. It was after one particular Bible study that I recall one of the few times I've ever seen Granny upset. I won't go into the particulars because it doesn't matter but the pastor had been condemning people and, at the age of 11 (ish), I didn't understand what she was upset about exactly. My father, a preacher, didn't use his pulpit to condemn but I knew others did. My Granny didn't agree with condemnation. Beyond the simple fact that he had done so to anyone, she was angry that he had, without realizing it (I hope) condemned her and while her granddaughter was present. I'm sure she spoke to him later about it. But that night as we drove back to her house, she and I had one of many faith discussions. It is from those conversations over the years that I knew it wasn't my place to judge or condemn others because, amongst many reasons, I am not God and I do not know the hearts of others.

Granny also instilled a sense of what family is and should be in me. When the family gathered at the farmhouse, the house was bursting at the seems. And that was before the grandkids got married and had her great-grands! This was back in the day when my 7 cousins and I would have a pallet spread in the front room and camp out, one of those led to many of us having chicken pox shortly thereafter! Television wasn't really an entertainment option, unless of course football was on, as there were 3 channels and one small TV in the dining/living room. So we played outside on the porch, in the yard, and walked up and down the red dirt road. Or, if outside wasn't an option due to rain or heat (it is Texas!), you could always count on a game of Monopoly to be had. And we are a slightly (cough cough) competitive bunch. I believe the term cutthroat would apply to our games that might last 3 days! Even now, when get together, there is a game. Generally not Monopoly as it takes too long, but Mexican Train nowadays. And it's still just as competitive but also just as fun and loving...

Granny's legacy of faith and family is evidenced in each of us, as is her legacy of education. She was once a teacher and made sure we all valued learning. One of her children, 2 of her grands, and 1 of her great grands are all in the education field. Two of my favorite "Granny" stories from recent years show this value perfectly. When Mr. C was 2 or 3 she sat with him on her lap and held his hand while he held a crayon to teach him to write. As I talked to him about her passing, he told me that was his favorite memory.

Even now, all these months later, my kids talk about Granny. How much they love her. How much they miss her. How much they want to see and talk to her again. Even how much they want me to send her an invitation to the birthday party that's coming up. They know she's in Heaven and that they'll see her again one day. For now, that's enough. One day, when they're old enough, I'll tell them all the things they didn't know.

Getting ready for Kindergarten, sniff sniff

This post doesn't deal with faith, but it does deal with another passion of mine: educating the future (in this case my own future). Earlier this week, I posted about Embark12 by K12 on my FB page. I wanted to correct something I said and to write about it now that we have paid for it. 

There was a misprint on the site when I looked Wednesday that said you could pay by month, which you can do for their non-prekindergarten classes. You can't for the kindergarten readiness courses (sad Patty) BUT it is considerably less expensive than that original price too (happy Patty). You have two options:

1) What we chose for our 3 year old: Embark Comprehensive, a combination of online and offline activities, is $99 for 12 months of unlimited access, if you don't purchase the supplemental kits which are $29, $99, $79 respectively and explained below. This program requires parent involvement pretty much for all of it but the plan is provided for you as are suggested supplemental activities. It is very in depth and organized into themes/units (whatever term makes you happy). The $29 kit includes some one the parts of the program offline that are exclusive to Embark. The $99 kit is full of manipulatives (list is on the website but I don't remember it all). The $79 kit is all of the books needed in the program which are readily available at a library or bookstore. I have no doubt that the $79 kit is a good value but we already own some of the books so I would rather buy/borrow as I need them. The $99 kit again probably is a good value but several of the items in it I have something similar enough from my classroom years that it works. ;) So we got the $29 kit but not the other two. You may want/need the other two if you don't have the stuff. :) 

2) What we chose for our 5 year old headed to Kindergarten in August: Embark Online, all online (as the name suggests), is $69 for 12 months of unlimited access. Depending on your kid, you can be super involved or more supervisory if your child knows his/her way around the computer. Our son is familiar with a computer and since it talks as he rolls around the screen, we can be in the room but playing with the 3 year old while he learns. The activities here are  organized around subjects not themes. So if your child wants to work on math right now, s/he can just click on math. It also allows your child to pick beginner or advanced for most activities. Personally, I only recommend this program if you have a self starter who already knows letter, numbers, shapes and colors. It's good for supplementing and we are using it as a boost for a few months until he starts school. 

C, my 5 year old, loves the program! My husband had to make him walk away to eat lunch. He chose mostly to play beginner level learning activities but since he was just learning the system today, that's okay by me. He already has a lot of background knowledge in many area so it was a little easy for him but I feel like advanced will likely stretch him a bit. The online only program is really good for where he already is and who he is as a person. 

B, our 3 year old, has not started hers yet because I was working and because I haven't received my kit yet so I'd like to wait until I have. Since the kit isn't a necessity, I could start but I haven't had a chance to look over unit one. Though I may have to start before the kit arrives, B is really excited to get started because she keeps asking, "my turn?" when C gets up. ;)

As a mom and educator, I definitely prefer the more structured. Even though we haven't really started the Comprehensive program, I feel like it does a better job of planning for progression, based on the unit guides that I have flipped through. The Online only is what I would call more loose. Unless the parent is standing there watching every single thing, there is no way to track what your child has completed. Since I was working and my husband was playing with B, I don't know for sure what all C did today, that could be covered if you monitor closely. But I still prefer the mix of online and offline activities offered by Comprehensive. Since C just is using this to prep for 4 months and since I can easily include him in all activities for B. Overall, I think both programs have their places. I also think having both in our house allowed me to know what's prefer and also meet the needs we had for them. 

*Disclaimer: I do work for K12 for their managed schools in Texas. I received no compensation for my review and I paid for the courses, though at the employee discount. All opinions here are my own based on one day of use. 

The greatest gift

This boy right here melted my heart this morning. You see, it's Christmas. And while he was excited about presents and Santa, like any 5 year old is, I heard him start to sing. But it wasn't Rudolph, Jingle Bells, or we wish you a merry Christmas. No, the song he started with today was about Jesus, the whole reason for this holiday. As a parent trying to raise children of faith, hearing Joy to the World instead of a secular Christmas song indeed brought joy into my celebrations. Don't get me wrong, he also sang secular songs and I enjoyed those too but I have always wanted him to realize that today is about JESUS. 

From going to church last night to reminding him frequently that today is Jesus's birthday, he was so aware today isn't Santa's day but Jesus' that at lunch he speculated about whether Jesus was handing out goody bags at his birthday party. Apparently to a 5 year old, birthday automatically means there is a party and therefore a goody bag! As adults, I think we often forget that this is Jesus' day and that we got the most awesome goody bag in that we received a savior. All the other stuff is just that...stuff. And while I love my new stuff, it isn't the best present I received today. The best one is that my 5 year old gets *IT*. Perhaps he will follow in his Grand-père's footsteps and become a pastor. Perhaps he won't. But at least I know that he knows "unto us a child is born"! Glory to God in the highest!

Faith forming moments in the minivan

This morning as we were getting in the kid taxi to drop Cam off at Mother's Day Out, I asked him if he was excited to go play with his friends. He reminded me that one of the boys was sick last week. I asked him if he wanted to pray for his friend to be better. He immediately bowed his head and clasped his hands, so we prayed. Granted it was just a bad cold but to Cam, that's the worst illness! ;) We pray with him regularly but usually just for family members. It touched my heart. 

Fast forward to driving to "school" and singing songs, I sang "Rise and Shine" (if you don't know it, it's a kids song about Noah). Cam asked me to tell him the Noah story. As I did, when I got to key parts Cam started oohing and ahhing. It's awesome that he is starting to show faith and excitement about faith moments!

Usually on the way to school he plays with toys and mumbles to himself while I listen to the radio. Today showed me that these are teachable, usable moments with my son. I need to start taking advantage of them when I can. 

Confessions of a Christmas-aholic

In years past, my tree is up before Thanksgiving (yay artificial trees!), I listen to Christmas from Labor Day to Epiphany, my house is decorated a little bit at a time until Christmas Day. I buy Christmas gifts from October to about mid December so I don't have to make a mad dash. 

This Christmas doesn't feel like Christmas at all. I realized today that we are a week and a half away from the day itself. I have no tree. No nativity sets out; I have 12, give or take. The new matching stockings are in the car, waiting to go to the monogrammer. I just started Christmas music about a month ago. My Advent wreath is in the closet. My only decoration is the wreath on my front door. 

I tell myself that illness and injury have prevented it. That's partially true. But, in reality, it just hasn't been something I've wanted to do this year. There are plenty of reasons, not the least of which is postponing the big family gatherings. The first Christmas where I won't see my sister. The first Christmas since my grandmother passed away. The first Christmas with so many changes that I can't list here. All of these have affected my mood in a less than positive way. 

But tonight, I found a book, Christmas Stories for Bedtime, at the grocery store. It is meant for kids 5-8 but my 3 year old really enjoyed it. All of the book is sections of the birth narrative with prayers and songs. As I read to C (and B) about Gabriel's visit to Mary, I was reminded that Christmas ISN'T about the decorations, the music, the gifts, or even our families. It IS about the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. 

(FYI, that's the tree at church!) ;)

I am in the Christmas spirit once more. Not the commercial trappings of a Santa-driven holiday, but the real deal. The gift that changed the world. Will I still go buy gifts for those on my list? Yes, even if it means the mall on Christmas Eve! Will I still listen to Christmas music? Absolutely, and sing along! But I will also return to my Advent devotionals of years past that keep me focused AND I will do the same for my kids. Merry Christmas, y'all!

On the eve of Cam's 3rd birthday...

Tomorrow my son turns 3. It is a day that 6 years ago I was told would never happen. I was told I was infertile, that we would need expensive treatments to *hope* we would have a baby, that I was broken (my words not the doctor's). I cried so much I got sick in my front yard. I prayed. I got ANGRY. I prayed some more. I became depressed. I prayed more. I had a hard time going to friends' baby showers, not because I wasn't happy for them but because I was despairing. I continued to pray. 

That process continued from November of 2007 until January of 2010. What changed? Well, I got the flu in January and lost 10 pounds - YUCK! Then I decided I needed to keep working towards losing the weight. Low and behold, shedding some weight and getting my head in a good place seemed to do the trick. We were having our miracle. Throughout the pregnancy I knew our chances that this would be our only baby were pretty high. So I cherished everything. Down to singing the Doxology when I saw the positive pregnancy test! (Yes, really.)

On November 8th, I was induced. Believing thoroughly that it would be that day that Cam was born, my students made a calendar at school saying that was his birthday. Alas, even then Cam was strong-willed. He came at 2:50 pm on the 9th. :) Oh my sweet boy, you can never understand just how much that moment touched my soul. 

So tonight, 3 years later, as we were hanging out before his bedtime, when he brought me books, I read them, even the kid cookbook made by my Granny, where we chose things to make together (hot wassail and fudge)! The second book, also made by Granny who turned 100 this week, was the manger story. Then my husband reread it, as any parent of a preschooler knows is absolutely necessary. My hubby and I then broke out into "Away in a manger". Cam insisted that we stop singing since this book didn't have a button (meaning the VeggieTales book of the same name). We didn't so he joined in. It was one of my most favorite moments of his little life. We continued singing other hymns that are our favorites, though we did stick to Christmas ones (yes I know it's early and Advent comes first!). When we got to "O little town of Bethlehem", Cam wanted so bad to join us but didn't know the words so he chimed in with E-I-E-I-O. This is how we celebrated with our miracle. Tomorrow there will be cake and presents. Today there was an informal worship. 

The Apple Orchard and life lessons

Last week we were in Massachusetts for my sister's wedding so we decided to take the kids to an orchard. Living in a region where they just aren't found, we thought it would be fun, different and educational. 

We, upon my sister's recommendation, headed out to Honey Pot Hill Orchard. If you are up near Boston, you should TOTALLY check them out. My son loved picking the apples and the Spencer apples were the BEST apples I have ever eaten. Cam even found a long stick to "get the apples out of the sky"! After the apple picking, we had fun at the petting zoo area. He got to feed goats and pigs. But his favorite was talking to the chickens. Even better for us was when he saw an egg in the coop and explained where it came from and what it might contain (baby chicken or food). 

Because of the way all the orchards up there price the picking, we had to pick well more than we could possibly eat before heading home. Likewise, taking them home isn't an option because of some law about transporting them across state lines. As a result, we decided to donate them to a food pantry. We called around until we found one that was open and that would take our apples. We had to have them to Saint Brigit's Catholic Church of Framingham by 9:30 the next morning. So Friday morning, after our breakfast of apples, apple cider donuts and fresh apple cider, we talked to Cam (and Bailey) about feeding the needy. We read Matthew 25:31-45 as a family. Cam informed us that they sing about it at school. :D And then we bundled up and headed out. We all went to the church, got out and handed the volunteer our bag of apples. He was appreciative and Cam was excited by the whole process.

From this point forward, we will strive to do something for others with the kids as often as possible. I want my kids to have a servant's heart and to help others as they are able. My fervent prayer is that they grow to love missions as I have but that as they become adults thy do a better job of fitting it in their lives than I have.