Our Neighbors

Emil's Video: Missing Child

Emil is a former student! He recorded this for The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Amazing!

Emil Bishaw - Missing Child from Emil Bishaw on Vimeo.

Getting to Know You

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It's a very ancient saying,

But a true and honest thought,

That if you become a teacher,

By your pupils you'll be taught.

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As a teacher I've been learning,

You'll forgive me if I boast,

And I've now become an expert

On the subject I like most.....

GETTING TO KNOW YOU!

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BOOYA! The Denver Magazine 5280 named our school,

Flagstone Elementary, as one of Denver's Best Elementary Schools!

School Site = click here

Article in 5280 = click here

8 million other reasons I love

my kids = basically every other post on this blog!

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Getting to know you,

Getting to know all about you.

Getting to like you,

Getting to hope you like me.

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My little ones are SO funny. We used these colorful scarves in a movement lesson last week - the kids were all over them, putting them on their heads, wearing them as veils on their faces, you name it. Try as I might, I cannot get them to keep them away from their faces! Ah, germs.

SO, lots of use last week, I brought home the scarves and got them nice and clean in the wash. Laundered them with fresh-smelling fabric softener, and brought them back to school. Ahh.

NOT TWO MINUTES after I handed them out, EVERY SINGLE KID had the scarves shoved up to their noses and on their FACES! AGGHH!

"WHY?!?!?!" I cried.

"WHY must you put them on your faces?!"

"Ms. G! They smell so delicious! Mmmmmm."

Note to self: use non-scented EVERYTHING! HA!

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Getting to know you,

Putting it my way, but nicely,

You are precisely,

My cup of tea.

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Affirmations from an older student.

I wrote something to this effect when we opened Flagstone.

Actually, I believe I wrote that I was thankful to just have a cup.

Glad to see the kiddos and I share some positive energy!

Well, there you have it. HOPE.

Insanity it is.

I will enjoy this commentary if things get challenging.

Correction: WHEN things get challenging.

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Getting to know you,

Getting to feel free and easy

When I am with you,

Getting to know what to say

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That's right, ladies and gentlemen.

She's a Bronco's Cheerleader AND she takes piano lessons!

Could he get much cuter? I think not.

Happy #1, John Boy!

Just in case I wasn't bursting with pride already, here comes a wallop:

This would be Emil.

Former Student Emil.

And his CDs!!!!

Yeah...pretty proud music teacher here! This young man has totally starting chasing his dreams! His sister and cousin brought the CDs to me and have kept our classroom up to date on the latest Emil News. My biggest moment of pride? Finding out he had recorded a song for The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children...and then donated the proceeds back to the cause. A singing boy, a great role model for others, giving back to those in need...WOW!

Check out his website!

(A student of mine has his own website...dang!)

If anything, take a moment to watch

his music video, "Missing Child".

I'll try posting it on this site, too.

(A student of mine has his own music video!?)

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Haven't you noticed

Suddenly I'm bright and breezy.

Because of all the beautiful and new

Things I'm learning about you,

DAY BY DAY!

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Grace and Faith

I really didn't imagine there would be any photos accompanying this particular blog post. Then, I downloaded the latest images from my camera, and they seemed to be a perfect fit for the following message: GRACE.

My former congregation here in Castle Rock is prayerfully considering officially withdrawing their membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). They disagree with the decisions made at the Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis back in August 2009 (mainly, issues that deal with the ELCA's Social Statement on Human Sexuality). After a congregation votes to leave, they enter into a 90-day discernment period before the second and final vote. The synod bishop also consults with the congregation for further prayer and conversation during this time period.

I was saddened to hear of their decision to leave the ELCA - I think the organization itself magnifies the Christian connections we can have with each other and offers resources unlike any other denominational branch I've come across. I care about this congregation and its members, and I'm sure this is an emotional and challenging time for everyone. I hope they can continue to remain true to their faith and their love of God, regardless of their national affiliation.

In one of their more recent newsletters, the church published the recordings of their conversation with our Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop, Allan Bjornberg. I met this man back in April, and he is a kind and wise leader. I was impressed by how responded to the questions of the congregation. He remained firm on churchwide policies and listened for the real concerns of those who attended the meeting. (If you happen to have an extra two hours on your hands, you can listen to the full conversation by clicking here.)

I've participated in quite a few discussions regarding the above-mentioned Social Statement, have read it thoroughly (along with the many other social statements from the ELCA) and appreciated the concise way in which Bishop Bjornberg was able to present the material. His ability to continually re-focus the conversation on grace was lovely. A few highlights:

"It's about grace.

It's about the hospitality in the heart of God for all humanity.

How much unity is required in our diversity?

How much diversity is allowed in our unity?

Always important questions for organizations.

The fallacy of unanimity needs to be exposed."

"The heart of Scripture is about grace.

Our witness as Lutherans is that we are saved by grace.

And if it's grace for me, why is it not grace for you?

And for all those other folks."

"I'm also pretty convinced that human sexuality is for this life.

Revelation continues.

We struggle to live, as one of my pastor friends says so articulately, outside of Eden. We're imperfect. And we're trying to find our way. And we are better at that when we try to find our way together as a forgiving community of grace."

"Love your neighbor as yourself.

Question: If we leave and want to come back, will you take us?

Response: Are you committed to the mission we share?"

I think that final question (and Bishop Bjornberg's answer) gets at the heart of the entire issue: are you committed to the mission we share? A mission that we share. One that's more challenging when you go it alone. It's the partnership between the smaller congregation and bigger church that really lets people put their faith into action.

The Bishop's response about a shared mission is parallel to my thoughts on just how well things go when WE as humans start to plan things for our life, forgetting that we aren't the ones in charge. I'm thankful each day that I'm not the one calling the shots. Nothing we can DO will earn us the grace of God. No amount of work or good deeds can earn us a place in heaven. Only by grace are we saved. I'm rather thankful and comfortable with that notion. Heaven only knows (literally) that earning it would be an impossible challenge for me!

The fact that the question itself was even posed makes my heart sad - people are clearly deeply concerned with whether or not they are making the "right" move. It's a scary time - it's a big decision to sever this kind of tie. I can't imagine the ELCA would turn their back on a returning congregation. I do think it's only fair, however, that they reserve the right to explore what made that church leave in the first place, and then work together to make sure their future partnership is aligned.

I also think that the Bishop's comment about the fact that revelation still continues is important. That's big. If revelation still continues, that means that answers are still coming to us. It means our ancestors didn't have it all figured out. It means that there are social issues that we are confronted with today that need our prayerful discernment, and that things are still being revealed to us today. To me, that's an active and dynamic faith.

And then, in the end, it comes down to grace. Wonderful, free, unconditional grace. Whether they choose to stay in the ELCA or leave the ELCA, I will continue to hold my former congregation and its leadership in my prayers.

Hunk of Joy

This is Emma.
This is Emma happily gnawing on a hunk of CHEESE.
This is a fabulous child.
This is JOY.

Good News

HA! Love it!

Ninjas, Crime Scenes, and a Singing Bunny

(r.a.n.d.o.m s.t.u.f.f)

We bid our Bethany Early Childhood Center (BECC) Director, Mary, adieu last Sunday. She's a hoot and has spent many (15+ years!) making BECC a child-centered place where kids can grow and learn about God! We'll miss her energy and spirit and wish her the best in retirement!

Considering neither of us really hold still

for very long, this is a pretty good photo!

Ron Squared. Dual-Ron Ron. I could go on...

Mary, her husband Ron, and Pastor Ron.

Judi prepped some gorgeous flowers for the reception!

There was a glowing bead in each glass jar! Beauty!

Sweet pea, Eliza, and I dancing.

I love hanging out with the BECC kiddos!

Jeremiah, the ninja. Tattoo included.

Seriously!? Enough already.

OH, the HORROR! When will I learn that maybe I just need to take more than ONE trip up the stairs to my third story home!? Nope. I am determined to carry everything. ONE TRIP. Super B.

I'd like to think that the bottle jumped all on it's own...

The crime scene.

Three flights of stairs covered by this gruesome liquid.

ALLIIIIIIVE! No, really. It's just fine!

I need my fish to be made out of this material...

Grandma Dot made me a bunch of awesome

dish towels a few years ago. Here's the one I'm

enjoying this week. Hand-sewn!

No, seriously. 105? Done.

And, finally, here's what I found in my classroom this past Friday. Gathered the kiddos at the piano, started singing our songs, only to hear these little giggles behind me.

"Ms. G, I just wanted my bunny to have as

much fun as I did in music class yesterday!

Don't worry, he's a good singer."

Cupcakes in Heaven

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Me: That's a great drawing! Where did you learn to draw like that?

Kid: The people in my brain have taught me how to draw turtles.

Me: Oh...well, thank them for me.

Kid: No need. They already heard you.

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Me: Awesome mission assembly this morning. Highlights?

Kid: There was some kind of rule about a Golden Pool.

Me: I think you mean the Golden Rule...

Kid: Bummer. I was looking forward to the pool.

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Introducing children to Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald has been an absolute delight this year. This batch of first graders just seem to be in awe of the human voice, and the contrast between the gravel of Louis and the glide of Ella is reflected in the glee on their faces. They cannot get enough! Love these little learners!

Kid 1: He's hiding something in those cheeks.
Kid 2: It's just air. He's just a really good breather.
Kid 1: Not if he holds it all in. That's gotta hurt.

Kid 1: Did Mr. Chubby Cheeks marry Elbow?

Me: Elbow? You mean Ella?

Kid 1: Yeah, Ella. The singing lady - did she marry the guy with the cheeks?

Kid 2: He couldn't be married - did you see those lips? You can't kiss with lips like that, and if you don't kiss, you're not married.

Listening Excerpt: Cheek to Cheek - "Heaven, I'm in Heaven..."

Kid: OH MY GOSH!

Me: What?! What's wrong?

Kid: He's talking to us from beyond the grave!

Me: Oh, honey, those are the words to the song.

Kid 1: No, Ms. G. The Cheek Man is telling us where he is!

Kid 2: He's in heaven, Ms. G!

Kid 3: Are there cupcakes in Heaven?

Me: Cupcakes? What?

Kid 3: Cupcakes. Are there cupcakes in Heaven, Ms. G?

Kid 4: Of COURSE there are cupcakes in Heaven. Didn't you see his full cheeks?
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St. Paul and Ada Blenkhorn

The letters from St. Paul...
The text from Ada Blenkhorn...
I sense a common theme.

"Keep on the Sunny Side"
(read more here)

There's a dark and a troubled side of life

There's a bright, there's a sunny side, too

Tho' we meet with the darkness and strife

The sunny side we also may view.

[chorus]

Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,

Keep on the sunny side of life

It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way

If we'll keep on the sunny side of life.

The storm and its fury broke today,

Crushing hopes that we cherish so dear;

Clouds and storms will, in time, pass away,

The sun again will shine bright and clear.

Let us greet with the song of hope each day

Tho' the moment be cloudy or fair

Let us trust in our Saviour always

Who keepeth everyone in His care.

Chew on This

The parentals are sportin' the family pride back in Wisconsin.

We won't tell Brad that my sticker CLEARLY looks bigger.

Would you look at that, all legal in the state of Colorado!

Who knew looking out the

ENTIRE rear view window

would be so exciting.

Honestly, you would swear I'm not actually IN my classroom while teaching. I no sooner give directions, and am roaming about the room, checking in with teams, only to come across THIS! Quite frankly, I would much rather have this kind of relationship with my oldest kids - engagement is engagement! (And apparently, Space Man now knows his notes and rests, too!)

The kids figured out pretty fast that sub-dividing beats gets a bit predictable. One kiddo picked up the pink marker and added his very own important note. It's a fast one.

Seeing some pretty funny T-shirts this year.

I concur.

FAVORITE!

Each generation has their own trendy thing: slap bracelets, jelly bracelets (ok, perhaps it's just bracelets...) Anywho, the kids are loving these things right now: Silly Bandtz. Stretchy wrist bands in cool shapes. Animals. Sport figures. You name it.

And they are loving them by the HUNDREDS. Obviously, there is a NO TOUCHY TOUCHY rule in my classroom, and for the most part, the kids are really good about it. (There are some teachers that are all-out banning them already. I don't really think we have to go that far. Yet. It's just like any other craze - you model how to use them, and if that doesn't work, you remove the distraction. Really, now. Give 'em a chance.)

I can see some perks - I watched a child take 5 random bands off of their wrist, and then make up a story about how they were connected! (Example the kids said using bands seen above: "There once was this beautiful, yellow snail. She was the most beautiful snail in the land, forever staring in her blue mirror, etc...") I think it's a great way for kiddos to stretch their imagination! And their bracelets. Right now, I'm all for them. Stretch away.

Red Fish named Blue, meet your new Beta brother, Ulysses.

I know, I know.

I should stick with pet rocks.

But, rocks aren't as PRETTY!

And they certainly don't swim as gracefully.

3:58 pm. Two minutes before Friday dismissal.

The child RUNS into my classroom to deliver her birthday treat.

What is LEFT of her birthday treat, that is.

"Here, Ms. G! You can

have the part I didn't chew!"

50 days, 10,000+ pounds

These days, I'm busy maintaining two blogs: my personal one, The Cheese Stands Alone, and the Hunger Relief Day blog. While I've always had a link to the HRD blog on the sidebar of this blog, I just had to share two exciting posts with you tonight: our 50th Day post and our Big Food News!

Day 50. Dollar 50.
Marking the halfway point
on a journey toward wholeness.

Living with Christ and in the communion of saints,
we grow in faith, love and obedience to the will of God.

Let your light so shine before others that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

You took on the Hunger Relief Day challenge, letting people
know that fighting hunger was not a pipe dream after all.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your
welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope."

"In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body give for you, Do this for the remembrance of me."

You are playing a key role in helping end hunger right here in Denver!

We are called to act with justice, We are called to love tenderly,
We are called to serve one another, To walk humbly with God.

Day 50. Dollar 50. Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God. (Hebrews 12: 14-15)

God of Grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may celebrate your glory and worship you in spirit and truth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE!

Between additional food donations and the
food breakdown event, we delivered another
2,625 lbs to Metro CareRing this past week!

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE!

This means we have officially passed the 10,000 lb mark!

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE!

Our collection total as of Friday, August 20th is
10,304 pounds and counting!

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE!

Imagine the number of pounds we will be able to
collect between now and October 10, 2010! AMEN!

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE!