Graves' This and That

I was in class last week and I saw a Prezi for the first time. I have been working for two hours and don't have it down yet. Of course, when I saved it, I can't find it in that place! One of the frustrations of being older is that it seems to take longer to get a skill down or it could be just me! I guess that practice is the key to competency. Always the same. I was hoping to use a Prezi for Sunday's Bible study lesson on Jeremiah 11-15. But alas, I may just have to sit and WORK on it over and over again. Father, I would like to have the desire of my heart of the bedroom in good shape for Sonny and Dana....I am willing to release that "wanna". It was a lovely thought though. I am glad that the leak is not in the floor, so I will just again say, "Thank you Lord Jesus for disappointments and blessings that come in different packages." Praise you Lord for the rain last night. I pray that it will be gracious tonight and just give rain for the ranche...

While I was with 3 of my 6 "sisters" someone mentioned a blog that we could all talk back and forth. I set up a very crude KISS blog and so far Phyllis and myself are the only two who have blogged. We will see. It may be a turn off for the other sisters. This month, one of my continuing education classes was writing. Then a few days later, I picked up a book from my last 4 th grade round: Absolutely Write! Teaching the Craft Elements of Writing by Tommy Thomason and Carol York. One of his major statements which was AHA for me: Use a Writer's Notebook and just write! Just do it. Enjoy the process and have fun, and do not worry about the product. Last Sunday, I taught from Jeremiah in Bible study. It has also helped me to connect some dots for future reference concerning inferiority and insecurity. Jeremiah 2:11 b, "But my people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, O Heavens, and shudder with great horror." The word...

I am not a fan of hot weather, beaches, and sunshine, but for fun to watch Jackson play his baseball game, it is never too hot! Famous last words! I will use good ole sunscreen of 70 SPF. I didn't get to see his first game afterall. I am sure that he is now more fun to watch. I will post pictures or video. Grands are great!

We had a great visit to family in the Hill country at Lake Medina. They have experienced little rain, the lake is used for irrigation, and the 18 months of little if any rain has the lake down about 12-15 feet. I did love the covered deck and the time to spend with family, and the fun reading. It was great! A great refresher for mind and body even though very warm. Took 2 grands, Presley and Boston, to see Up in 3D. Wow, could I ever pick up some thoughts from a simple kids' show! Off in the morning to see Jack play his first YMCA baseball or maybe t-ball. Not sure, but it will be fun and HOT! Only 66 more days until school begins. I need to make these days count!

Thank goodness for students, staff, and parents that summer vacation time has come. For some, the vacation means just that: no more teachers, no more books, etc; for some, it is a time of family enjoying one another later at night and having fun making some good memories; for some it is a time to catch up on all that was set aside until summer; for me, it is a time gearing up for the fall with the students, reading for just the fun of it, and find special times with all of the twelve grandchildren and their parents. Have a great summer of fun and making memories with your student!

These are our two videos from " The Water Cycle" from Readers' Theater. We had a ball watching and hearing ourselves!

This week has not been calm! I have completed 39 TPRI and DRA Fluency Probes. I will finish one DRA on Monday. I was thrilled that 9 of the 20 reached the district goal of 90+ and 5 more could be ready if there is no slacking off reading in the summer. All 20 have made progress toward 90 or 90+. I am so grateful for the work of parents, Mrs. Goin, and students. This was our first go at Daily 5 for second grade. Reading is all about words, communication. I have to correct myself with the words I speak to the students..I do have a wonderful Inner Counselor who taps me on the shoulder to remind me that the stress is running out and I will be careless if I am not careful. Surely as an adult, I can be more careful and not discourage any of these guys and girls. Second graders? Sometimes they become intrigued with words, especially inappropriate words that are seen and heard in media, even on computer games, and from others about them. We have been self -correcting with the guys about their ...