New beginnings

I've never been the most reflective person but in all my life, all 44 years, I don't think I have ever been so glad to usher out a year and start a fresh one. Last year at this time, life was calm, happy. The biggest thing we were expecting in 2014 was for  our new exchange student, Eva, to move in with us. Looking back, that surely was one of the best things that did happen. She is such an incredible young lady. She fit in our family like a long lost relative.

A lot of what has shaped the rest of 2014 for Abbie, Philip and I was not so great. If you haven't read/heard about our accident then look at my other posts. I don't even want to think about it.
Though, it shaped us in many news ways and has taken us in new ways that I never even considered.

It's easy to talk about the negative but let me instead highlight just a tiny bit of what I've learned/experienced from it:

• The Shriners are an amazing group of people who do amazing things for free for children. Donate to them every single time you see them. Even if it's just a dollar. They are unbelievable. 
• Philadelphia is a place I cannot wait to go see again. 
• That tragedy can bring people into your life and make fast friends. We met a woman from NH who came to help in Moore. We connected in such a great unexpected way. Deb, Abbie and I and even her now 2 dogs. I hope when we go back east in May, we are able to see her and NH. 
• Neurosurgeons can be personable and fun and still do things that are mind blowing. I will forever feel gratitude to Dr. Martin and Dr. Yaun from the OU hospital in Oklahoma City. FOREVER. 
• The people of Cherokee Hills Christian Church are some of the most amazing people ever. People who don't just talk the talk but actually live it. 
• I love Jeeps. :) 
• Bethany Oklahoma has an amazing rehab facility for children, The Children's Center. I live about 3 miles from it and had no idea that it was what it is. It is an incredible place for special needs children. 
• I think maybe part of the plan of our family moving to OKC was so we would have the amazing support we did from the accident. People I work with now and have worked with the past 7 years, church family, friends and even strangers. 
• Abbie loves being on camera. 
• I really was unhappy and so confused about why I had to, but now I am so grateful I traded my Mazda in. The sheer size difference in the mini van saved lives. 
• The US govt needs to change insurance laws for semis. 
• Abbie and I are closer than ever! 
• True friends stay friends no matter time nor distance. Dr. Louis Caragine was a friend before he was became the astounding neurosurgeon he is. He helped me the night after the accident in a way I can never ever repay. Some families from Ferndale chipped in and surprised Abbie with a kindle (that has come in handy !!) and another friend from Ferndale sent her an amazon gift card so she could get started on her kindle. These are all people who loved Abbie before she was even born and are still a blessing in her life (and mine too!) 
• Philip loves Abbie in a whole new way. It's glorious to see. 
• Trauma can continue to affect you long after. This is a hard one for me, as I feel I have moved on but need to be aware it was not me that needs to heal.  
• For weeks maybe months before, this song was literally stuck in my head. I would heard it all the time. I never loved it before and somehow I knew God put it in my head for a reason. I am certain the calmness of the song resonated throughout my soul the first days after the accident. Keeping me same, helping me to be calm and reassured and LOVED.  

• .......... Higher than the mountains that I face, Stronger than the power of the grave, Constant through the trail and the change, one thing remains, Your Love Never Fails, never gives up... Never runs out on me. And on and on and on it goes, it overwhelms and satisfies my soul, and I NEVER EVER NEVER HAVE TO BE AFRAID, one thing remains In death, In life, I’m confident and covered by the power of Your great love, My debt is paid, there’s nothing that can separate my heart from Your great love...

God is

Good , all the time!! 

Before and After... A New Life (part 2)

The title comes from me feeling like our life is now and forever more set into two categories.. before the accident and after. It is still surreal how easily one moment in time can truly just change everything.

In my last post, I gave some of the details of the injuries we survived. Three of us are mostly back to normal. Abbie is a little different. Abbie suffered an  atlanto-occipital dislocation injury. It is also know as an internal decapitation. OUCH!! Wikipedia says this: This is generally fatal, since it generally involves nerve damage or severing the spinal cord. Thankfully Abbie's accident was not fatal and did not severe any part of the spinal cord.

Here are a few pictures, in order, of Abbie...

Before the accident 

My poor baby!! This was at the scene I believe. 

Abbie is wearing a non invasive halo. Thank God they didn't have to put the screws in her skull

. 

Riding a therapeutic bike at the Children's Center.

Whiskey the dog came for a visit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This next photo is when Abbie was getting out of the halo into some new hardware. The man you see pictured, Jonathan, is amazing. He helped Abbie with love and kindness, even when she was cranky! He came to see her numerous times while she was at the Children's Center, fixing her brace, trying his best to make her comfortable. He is simply a gift from God.

Abbie and Jonathan, the OU orthotist

The new brace. She looks happier here than she has in months!

Dressing up as Dr. Who for a friend's birthday party. She sure was excited. She still has her brace on here, and looks larger than life :) But in reality she has lost close to 10 lbs throughout the whole ordeal. 

YES!! Yes, this is Abbie with NO BRACE!! PRAISE THE GOOD LORD. 12 weeks later, the brace is off. Her neck is healing. She has been set free, with only a few restrictions. 

Abbie's amazing recovery is not over. She still has far to go, but the miracle God has performed through her is just evident. Look at her long giraffe neck :) You can't see the scar because it is in the back of her neck. It's about 5" inches long (that's what brothers are for... measuring the scar! HA!)

Sometimes it's hard in our lives to stop and really think about the things we have to be thankful for. I challenge you to do that today, right now. Because truly, in the matter of moments, your whole life can change.. for the better or worse.. and maybe a little bit of both at the same time. I, for one, am so grateful that I had God with me throughout this whole process. And the best part is... He will continue to be with me forever!!

Before and After...... A New Life (part 1)

I have never liked reading someone's blog and hearing how they are so sorry for not posting. Well, I now understand. It has been awhile for me, and truthfully I have no idea who even reads these posts :)

On March 15, 2013, my daughter, Abbie; my son, Philip; and our exchange student, Eva and I were all so pumped for Spring Break to start. We were all ready at about 4:30 to FINALLY get on the road and head to Chicago. The plan was to just drive until Philip and I were too tired to drive, get a hotel and then finish the ride in the morning. We were on our way to see John, my oldest, at college and to see my brother and sister in law, Kevin and Glazia. I think I told every one I knew we were going. I had posted on Facebook, even spent time counted down the time. Now, just in case you don't know, I grew up just outside of Chicago. We weren't just going to Chicago (which is awesome on it's own), but in my heart and mind... we were going HOME.

So we jumped in the roomy mini van, and headed out. Bought some gas just up the road then got on the turnpike. Listening to music, eating snacks........ I am sure you know where this is going.... Approximately 34 miles from home... we were REARENDED by a semi. WHAT!?!?! Yes, yes we really were. No joke!!

This is a real true picture of my mini van after the accident.

We survived ONLY by the grace of God.

I really have been somewhat busy these last 3+ months. Philip suffered a severe concussion and 18 staples in his head. Thankfully he is doing great. Eva broke a bone in her foot, dislocated and fractured her elbow. She has since gone home to Denmark (oh we miss her!!) but the doctor declared her a healed "perfect" patient before she left. I am still sore and have a swollen right leg (it's about 4 inches bigger than my left.. no joke!). Abbie, however, has not been as fortunate. Well, she is so fortunate. She is indeed a walking miracle!! I'll post more about her and her recovery tomorrow......

So, if you missed me... now you know what has been happening........

The weird thing is... we are on summer vacation and I am feeling like it is time to go back to school. I know I know, I sound crazy! HA!! But I have been out since March 15th, so it is somewhat understandable. I just hope and pray I can be somewhat productive between now and when school starts... maybe tomorrow.. after my nap :) HA!

Some of my favorite times

Every year I try to do activities with my students outside of school. This has been a great way for me to build relationships with all my students, especially those that are hard to reach. Building relationships with our students I feel should be top priority for all teachers. The famous unknown quote:

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world" really makes me stop and think about these lovely children in my care, daily. 

This year I took many to Braum's the first time around. They had earned a free ice cream coupon, so the adventure was very light on my budget. The students had a great time. It sure is fun to talk and enjoy them without any school stress going on.

Fun at Braum's with some of my favorite students!

January 2013 started my new round of adventures, and I was able to take 3 students to Pizza Hut with me. This time around they earned free pizza coupons, so they were able to order their own pizza with whatever topping they wanted.

Two sweet girls out on the town for dinner!

I love when my daughter Abbie tags along. This young man is not in my class, but another fun "tag along" this time. He brings a special joy to my heart!!

What are some things you do to build relationships with your students? I would love to hear!!

Will Rogers

Not having grown up in the great state of Oklahoma, Will Rogers has never been a person of interest to me. Until this week this is. Oklahoma has recently changed their teaching standards and now third grade teaches Oklahoma history. Personally, I thought this is going to be great, to learn all the history of the state along with my students. Yeah, well, it's not all that exciting. Until this week.

The students were quite attentive the whole time. 

So what happened this week, you wonder? We were treated to a presentation by Dr. Doug Watson, a Will Rogers expert. He came out to our school yesterday and spent about an hour talking to the students about Will Rogers. He did rope tricks, using his lariat.

Roping tricks

He talked of how he (Will) had to ask his wife 3 times before she agreed to marry him. Will made over 70 motion picture movies, most of which were silent. He was born on Nov. 4th (happens to be the same day as a boy friend I had... and my students found that to be GROSS!! HA!).

My class and "Will Rogers"

We spent some time after writing thank you letters. This is by far m favorite. "Out of the mouths of babes"...as they say. 

"It was sad how Will Rogers passt away but I took it like a man!" 

Here is another good response: 

We have to end on an illustration :) I love third graders!

If you are interested in learning more about Will Rogers, the man and legend, visit the
Will Rogers Memorial Museum.

December was an exciting month is our classroom. I feel blessed we are able to celebrate Christmas, though not the real reason behind it.

Here are some of the lessons and activities that happened in our class:

We were secret elves to our Kindergarten Rocket Buddies. Every day we secretly sent a note and a fun surprise to their class. The notes all started with...
On the 12th (descending order) day of school before the Christmas break, my secret elf gave to me.....

What fun for both classes. The last day we barged into their classroom to deliver gifts to each students. We were pleasantly surprised to get a gift back from them, too.

Check out the fun!

Two cuties in their pj's!

Brothers and Buddies! Very exciting :) 

Student decorated this gift for one of their buddies! Isn't it beautiful :) 

Opening gifts is always fun!

I always feel so blessed as a teacher. December was no exception!

Benchmarks

(this is from October, I didn't realize I had not published it! and now we are getting ready for the second benchmark!)

Whew.. most of our benchmark testing is over for the first nine weeks. I have 2 who still need to finish tomorrow with the special ed teacher. While this is a stressful time, I really like having the data to look at and use.

It's hard for third graders, because they have never really taken a big test before. Using bubble sheets (I always want to call them scantrons but I am thinking that is not "politically correct") is new to them. Being totally quiet for an extended period of time is also new. I understand the big push in stamina for students, I just wish younger grade teachers would catch on.

The best thing is that our district has subscribed to Mastery Connect. Have you tried it? You can find it at www.masteryconnect.com.  You put your test in, the answers and align it to your state standards.Next you take a picture of your bubble sheet and it scores it automatically for you. It is amazing. It then scores it and you see instantly how your students did individually and as a whole class. I never knew it could be so easy!!

Coming back to third grade sure feels like I have come back home! While there are definitely bumps in the road, it feels good to be home.

The Top 10 Things I Miss most about Chicago (area)

I was a lucky kid. I grew up just less than 20 miles outside of Chicago in Bolingbrook, Illinois. At that time, Bolingbrook had only about 27,000 people (thank you Wikipedia.. I look smarter than the average bear now!). Today Bolingbrook houses over 75k!!! Amazing

I went back "home" this past fall to get my oldest, John, settled in at Wheaton College. He is a freshman and seems to be doing ok (thanks for asking!).

It really is as nice as it looks. 

I, on the other hand, am feeling homesick. For many of the past 20 (I hate admitting that, makes me sound old.. but I am not!!) years, I have not felt homesick for the area at all. But starting Thanksgiving 2011, I have been.

I want to share a list of what I miss most. Let me know your thoughts on what you miss about your hometown!

10. The way people talk. Never really realized it but having heard it, as well as some phone calls I have had with strangers lately, I miss it! Weird!! I know.... But I will tell you if I ever move back, I'm not giving up the y'all I have come to know and love!!

9. The beef sandwiches at Portillos. No way to describe how the gravy seeps into the bun and makes it just soft enough....yet not soggy. The rest stays harder, crunchier, for that just right taste!! A trip home wouldn't be the same without it.

8. The drivers. What?!??!!! Yes, the drivers. While they do seem to be more aggressive, they also are more polite. I noticed people always waved when you let them in ( no! not just with one finger), they seem more likely too to let you in. I like that!

7. Burritos. Football sized. Made by true Mexicans. No other explanation necessary!

My mouth is watering just thinking about the taste of this. Mmmm 

6. Life long friends. One of my best friends are from there. Well, she now lives in Vegas, but she can appreciate all that I know and love there. One of the best blessings this year is that John has met my high school best friend's sister, Annette. Annette and her family have somewhat adopted John. He is a part of their family now, they pick him up for church, have spent time with him, and truly seem to be loving him. This seems to go with #5 but not all went to high school with me, and how can you limit the amount you want to count the true blessings of friendship!

This is my friend, Ronni. Doesn't she look great!! She is the one who lives in Vegas, and while deciding which photo to choose, I figured one that shows her beauty (not sarcastic attitude) would be best. She is also a popular blogger. You can check her out here. 

5. High school friends. Believe me when I say there is nothing better than hanging out for the night with some friends that you have known over 25 years. The laughter, even some tears, just make you feel like your heart is home.

Some of my best friends, in life. 

4. Family. I am so fortunate to have a best friend in my brother and his new wife Glaiza. Growing up, yeah not so much, but today he really is one of my best friends. I also have a great cousin that I always try to connect with when I am lucky enough to be in town!

3. Always something to do. The museums are interesting enough that you could often and still enjoy them. The lake is amazing all year long. Once I went and was able to walk out on it all covered in ice. Train rides in and out are great for people watching. Lincoln Park Zoo is free. The Morton Arboretum is amazing. The list goes on and on. (I don't find Oklahoma City to be exciting, at all!!)

Arboretum, so peaceful
(photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum)

2. Chicago style pizza. Whether it is Uno's, Giordano's, Lou Malnaty's, or any others.... Nothing compares. Many have tried (trust me, I've tried many who claim to be just like theirs), but none have succeeded in even coming close!! I personally prefer to go to Uno's downtown; it's just fun!!

Waiting just builds the excitement!

1. A few months ago, my number one would have been different, but now that John is in the Chicago area, he is the person I miss most there. I am so proud of him. I am so looking forward to seeing the plans God has for him in his life. I do, however, have to admit that I am slightly jealous of him being there. I hope he learns to love it there as much as I do!

Moving on to third ........

2011-12 school year is over. I had the best year, working as a librarian in an elementary school. I made some great friends and met some amazing students. My principal was amazing. He gave me full reign on what I did, though I am sure he kept his eye on me!

With that all being said, I have decided to go back in the classroom. Back to third grade. Back to what I know and truly LOVE. I so miss having my very own class. I have been out of the classroom for 3 years, and I am so ready to go back.

I am also changing schools (but not districts), so I can teach third. Rollingwood is our neighborhood school, and thankfully I already know some great women there. I also just met our new custodian, and he happens to be the Dad of one of my favorite students from my last school. Small world!

Look for classroom posts, pictures, and questions!! If you have any advice for me, bring it on!! I am not too nervous, yet I know I have bunches to learn!

Happy End of the Summer!

Kathy

Found a great resource

This is a great article for teachers of all grades. With more emphasis on non fiction, you can't go wrong checking this out.


Online Sources for Informational Text

Blessings Gathering

Last night was my first Blessings Unlimited gathering hosted at my house.  I am hoping word will spread, and then the business will take off. We shall see! Here are some of the fun pictures from it.. notice my Abbie and her friend Molly. They were the "setup" gals!

If you still would like to order, please check it out here:
http://www.myblessingsunlimited.net/kathywhitinger/default.aspx
If you are unable to attend, you may still shop online and receive the great Guest promotions available for each month. When placing an order online, please use the User Name and Password provided above at checkout to ensure your Hostess receives credit for your order.

Don't forget to come check out this new adventure for me :) I would love if you would see what it is all about. No PRESSURE.... Thanks :) Kathy

Hard working sweeties!!

More reserved and looking sweet!!

This is just a SMALL sample of what is in the catalog. Check it out!

I need to work on my photography skills! darn iPhone! :)

This apron is so adorable!

 

WHY YOU SHOULD READ CHILDREN’S BOOKS AS AN ADULT

WHY YOU SHOULD READ CHILDREN’S BOOKS AS AN ADULT

BY JEN ROBINSON

(From Donalyn Miller’s The Book Whisperer)

1. It’s fun.
2. It keeps your imagination active.
3. It strengthens your relationship with the children in your life who read.
4. It sets an example for the children in your life, making them more likely to become readers.
5. It clues you in on cultural references that you may have missed (both current and classical).
6. It’s fast. Children’s books are usually shorter than adult books, so if you don’t think you have time to read, you DO have time to read children’s books.
7. It allows you to read across genres. Children’s books aren’t limited to mystery OR science fiction OR fantasy OR literary fiction. They can have it all.
8. It’s like time travel- it’s an easy way to remember the child that you once were, when you first read a book.
9. It’s often inspirational- reading about heroes and bravery and loyalty makes you want to be a better person. And couldn’t we all do with some of that?
10. Did I mention that it’s fun?

Creating a Reading Culture at Home

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/book_whisperer/

Parents often ask teachers and librarians for tips on how to encourage their children to read more at home. The conditions that foster lifelong reading habits in children are remarkably robust and apply to both home and school reading. Here are some suggestions for parents who want to create a reading culture at home.

This is my graduating senior!! who LOVES to read :)

Dedicate time for reading. If we make time for what we value, we must set aside reading time each day. Set aside at least twenty minutes each day for family reading time. Each family member may read something of their choice or the family can gather for a shared read aloud.

Carry books. Add a book for every family member to your leaving the house checklist. Running errands, doctor and dental appointments, haircuts, shopping--all provide stolen opportunities to read when children (and adults) are waiting and bored.

Read aloud. For most children, sharing books with family members is their first experience with books. Reading aloud to your children, even into the teenage years, reinforces a pleasurable bond between books and family. Sharing books as a family creates memorable experiences and provides topics for discussions, too.

Provide access to books. Children should experience a "book flood," with abundant access to a wide-range of reading material. Take children to the library, buy books as presents, and subscribe to children's magazines.

Role model a reading life. Children mimic the behaviors we model for them. If they see adults reading daily and enjoying it, children are more likely to perceive reading as meaningful. Adults, who read and share their love of reading with children, send a powerful message that reading matters.

Allow children to choose books. Children should choose most of the books they read. Forcing children to read books that don't interest them turns many kids off reading altogether. While you may bemoan the less than highbrow selections your child chooses to read, support his/her independence and self-direction as a reader by celebrating free choice.

Blessings Unlimited

We only have 18 days of school left this year. I have a book fair starting tomorrow, and I am so grateful it is all set to go. I have rearranged or relocated different things in the library this year, and thankfully it seems even more roomy where we hold the book fair. I hope it goes well. I hope children are able to buy books they love and want to read. That's really what it's all about it!

On another note, I decided to become a consultant with My Blessings Unlimited. This is a Christian company that has amazing products. I hope to own at least 80% of the products. They are awesome. They call their home shows.... gatherings. I like that. They want all gatherings to start with a prayer. I like that. The don't allow alcohol at their gatherings (ok I do love margaritas but... I like that).
They encourage hearts, build relationships, and want to bring beauty to where we all live. It really is as good as it seems.

If you want to take a look, here is the website. If you want to host a gathering, I would be THRILLED to share it all with you. If you want to order without a gathering, I would be BLESSED to help you!!

http://www.myblessingsunlimited.net/KathyWhitinger

                                            

 Here are some of the products:

By the grace of God, I am what I am. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:10 KJV This block sign uses soft brown, cream, and turquoise to state all of the gifts that the promise of God’s grace gives us throughout our lives. It can be placed on a table or shelf, and has a saw tooth hanger on back for hanging on a wall. It fits well on a desk in an office, a kitchen counter, or on a bedroom nightstand. The statements on the sign are comforting reminders of how much God brings into the life of those who believe in Him. Measures 8"×8"×1¾".

 

  Add beauty to any wall of your home with this distinctive metal wall décor. In a polished finish of rich brown tones, this piece is a continual reminder of the loving God your household serves. Use inside or in a covered area outside. Hand-crafted in India. Measures 17"×23".

 This fashionable bangle bracelet set is a fun way to enhance your style, while bringing to mind that delighting ourselves in the Lord brings complete fulfillment in our lives—His desires become our desires as we delight in Him. Written on one silver finished bracelet is the first part of the verse of Psalm 37:4, Delight yourself in the Lord…, with the completion of the verse on the other silver bracelet, and He will give you the desires of your heart. The light celadon, glass-beaded bracelet, with small silver beads inserted between each glass bead, adds color and style to the overall look of the bracelet set. Imprinted on the delicate heart-shaped charm attached to the fastener is the Scripture reference, Psalm 37:4. 

 

 As a full-time husband, dad, and minister, Max Lucado has seen the power of encouraging words. This assortment features engaging photography and sensitive styling and is sure to bless both your heart and soul. Assortment includes: 2 Birthday, 3 Encouragement, 1 Sympathy, 2 Praying for You, 2 Thinking of You, 1 Get Well, 1 Thank You

The verse, He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. PSALM 91:1 NIV is stamped in a copper finish on this metal door knocker. What a creative way to bless visitors, the mail deliverer, and anyone else who comes to your door. Hanging hardware included. 4½"×4¼".

 

 Like a breath of fresh air, our Enjoy Life apron instantly brings inspiration and color to your kitchen, whether it’s hanging or being worn. The Scripture, God has given us these times of joy. Psalm 81:4 TLB, is stitched in a playful font across the double, mid-level pocket, along with the simple message, Enjoy Life

Dr. Seuss Bookmarks!

Are you planning on celebrating Dr. Seuss's bday?  Michaels has these C(color)IY bookmarks. Won't your students love them? Mine will. I wish they had the Lorax, since the movie is in theaters on March 2nd.

Enjoy! I am off to bed, finally! :)

Click here to get to Michaels page!

100 Greatest Books

This new list is located at Scholastic's Top 100

This is the cover from the audio book. I like this one better!

Some of my thoughts on this list:

One of my very most favorites is Are You There God, It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume. I really believe I knew all the words to it when I was younger!! I must have read it 100 times.

This is an older version, maybe the one I had??

When purchasing books for my new library this year, I was sure to order all the Judy Blume books. Well, I didn't order Forever. I loved that book too!! But, I do remember my 5th grade teacher taking it away from my friends and I during class. I do believe it is better suited for middle school. 

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Another one of my most favorite books is the Giver, written by Lois Lowry. My first year teaching I read this book with my class. They didn't like it at first, but by the end... they were so into it, they didn't want it to end. It was amazing to see these students get so hooked into a book, especially a book as good as this one. The Giver has won several awards and remains a book that many teachers use in the classroom.
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What Shall We Do With the Boo Hoo Baby by Cressia Crowell is the last one for tonight. What a fun book to help toddlers look at what they are or are not doing. The baby is crying, and his animal friends try to figure out how to make him stop. Is he hungry? Does he want a bath? Could he want to play? Despite all these good ideas, the baby just keeps crying. Will the animals ever discover what the baby really wants? A must read for parents of young children!!!