tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74207263160332681002024-02-20T14:11:22.140-08:00Working With WordsThis is what my second graders call the time we spend spelling, writing in our journals, grammar, dictionary skills, vocabulary, poetry and creative writing. It seems a fitting name for my Blog as well.Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-53424648676978378902010-08-14T16:44:00.001-07:002010-08-14T16:44:34.315-07:00Our Third Anniversary<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(99, 32, 53); "><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="margin-top: 13px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 13px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(186, 71, 107); font-size: 18px; "><a href="http://workingwithwords2.blogspot.com/2010/08/third-anniversay.html" style="color: rgb(186, 71, 107); font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; ">Third Anniversay</a></h3><div class="post-header"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content">August 13, 2007. I started the day in a huge jacuzzi tub in Las Vegas. The evening already knew what the morning couldn't even imagine. At 5 o'clock a limo came and took us to the Chapel, and then took us to the courthouse, then back to the chapel. William Robert Stephenson and Carol Ruth Holbrook were married. The limo took us to the restaurant, where they treated us so royally. I felt like a movie star. The owner even came to our table with champagne to toast our new marriage. We took a cab back to the hotel. Flash forward now three years. We went out to dinner. He even said I could take a picture, but of all times, I didn't have my camera. We exchanged cards. His said To the Woman I'll Always Love. Mine On Our Anniversary. It had other better sentiments. I opened his card and there was a little piece of paper. It took me several seconds to realize my husband had written me a love poem! Instantly tears sprang to my eyes. My husband writes poetry. It is usually existential, thought provoking, profoundly aiming at some spiritual truth. But a poem for me, this is the first.<div><br /></div><div>When We've Kissed by Bill Stephenson to Carol August 13, 2010</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>"When we've kissed,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>New life breathes into me,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>And I feel the hope of a new beginning.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>When we've kissed,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>She then holds me and looks into my eyes,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>And I feel my life becoming stronger.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Fear has no place in my heart.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>I look to the now with confidence</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>And no longer feel controlled by regrets.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>When we've kissed,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>I feel myself giving to the adventure</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Of a love that will never let me go.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wow! And I fall in love with this man who is my husband all over again.</div><div>We come home and watch a movie on our new flat screen TV after a few frustrating moments of getting it to work and having the Geek squad talk us through it over the phone. It's the start of a beautiful romantic evening I will refer to as our "couple time."We even watched the video of our wedding. What a wonderful 3rd anniversary! I feel wonderfully loved and happily content to be in this here and now.</div><div style="clear: both; "></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="font-size: 10px; color: rgb(200, 143, 162); text-align: right; "><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1"><span class="post-author vcard" style="display: block; float: left; text-align: left; margin-right: 4px; ">Posted by <span class="fn">Mrs. Carol</span></span><span class="post-timestamp" style="display: block; float: left; text-align: left; margin-right: 4px; ">at </span></div></div></span>Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-85307949920745000532010-07-05T16:49:00.000-07:002010-07-07T09:52:16.381-07:00Random thoughts now that I have summer time to remember....It's summer and my mind really has time to wander, but that's what summer is for.<div><br /><div>Prayer: I am a praying woman. When I can't sleep, I pray for whomever and whatever God puts on my heart. Family and friends usually come to mind, but lately it's also been the dishwasher.</div><div>When we first got the dishwasher I was totally overjoyed. Each time I took out the clean dishes, that I didn't have to was first, I felt like I experienced a miracle. I could have totally been used on a commercial. Then, the soap started to not totally leave the soap dispenser... Called the repair man. It is under warranty. They have been out three times and a fourth time scheduled for Wednesday. I'm so sad. It's been a year. Why did it stop working correctly? No one seems to know. The hard water in San Diego has been blamed, but other people in San Diego use dishwashers and get clean dishes and no soap residue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jump tracks with me. Pretty nightgowns. I am now convinced they are just to make me feel better. The other night (no, no graphic details) Mr. announced that he thought we should have some "couple time" (my words, not his). He had showered and shaved and was sitting in his bathrobe watching a movie. I went upstairs to take a bath (my usual before bed routine) and just for fun pulled out a lacy, red, halter, nightie. Feeling quite pretty I decided to prance downstairs to his movie. Just as I reached the bottom step, he came around the corner. I totally startled him! All he could say was "Oh, red." I just smiled and he added, "the movie is almost over," and he turned and went back. I pranced back upstairs, smiled at myself in the mirror and waited. Not too long later he came in the room "I guess I can finish the movie up here." I just said, "I guess you can," and continued reading my People magazine. Movie over, lights out and the sweet little pat..."Oh, I didn't think you were interested." He must have thought it had something to do with the nightie cause he said. "I noticed...I said it was pretty." "No, I corrected, you said Oh, red." Then I gave him a kiss and we had a lovely "couple time." Mr. Romantic maybe not, but nightgowns are for me, not him. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Do you ever notice that just when you think everything is going well, something happens to spoil that thinking? Well, we had a wonderful trip to Portland, Oregon. The highlight for me, of course, was seeing the Rose Gardens. I couldn't believe there were 4.5 acres of roses. roses, roses. I couldn't even begin to capture the place with the camera. I have just random shots of a few rose bushes. Anyway we were leaving Portland to go see his mom. We stopped at a coffee shop on the way. I had my usual hot chocolate with gobs of whipped cream. We left. We were about 40 blocks away from the coffee shop on the freeway...I had just mused that this was the best trip yet with no major incidents. I went to text Erica and noticed I'd forgotten my purse. Quietly he just turned the car around and drove back. He didn't get mad or yell or scream or tell me what a dumb thing to do. Believe me that is what I was doing to myself in my head. That and wringing my hands praying for a miracle. We finally got back to the place. I went in and I didn't have to say a word. There was my purse...right where I'd left it. I just walked in and picked it up off the floor and walked out. No one even saw me. I thanked God for the miracle and thanked my husband for not getting mad. He just said, "You are really blessed. This is not a good neighborhood. People just walk in and take purses right off the table." So there was my very own miracle and yes, I am truly blessed.</div>Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-88211282155302480662010-05-31T21:36:00.000-07:002010-05-31T22:00:18.933-07:00Butterflies and BeetlesSo, one of my 2nd grade science units involves growing butterflies and beetles from caterpillars and mealworms. It's very exciting to watch the metamorphosis.<div><br /></div><div>I got to thinking about my life.<div>The caterpillar stage is ugly and down in the dirt dirty. Parts of my life have had those aspects, as I wandered around aimlessly. Not very proud of some of the things I did during that stage.</div><div><br /></div><div>But then the caterpillar comes to the still stage. That was when my life reflected the Bible verse that says "Be still and know that I am God." That was when God wrapped me in the shiny chrysalis of his love and grace and told me to just hang tight.</div><div><br /></div><div>The metamorphosis is time specific for butterflies and beetles, but when God is working on you, it is HIS timing, and while it is perfect, it is different for different lives. It seemed sometimes like I was hanging there forever.</div><div><br /></div><div>But then it happened... I emerged as this fragile butterfly and God breathed life into my wings so I could fly. And wonder of wonders, I met another butterfly, who had gone through his own caterpillar stage and had his own metamorphosis in God's timing. And guess what? We are perfect for each other right NOW. We are flying together for as long as God lets us.</div></div>Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-36376815278306207942008-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:002008-11-18T06:00:01.365-08:00Zing went the ZsI can't believe this is the last letter...Well, theoretically I could start at the beginning cause I only jumped in on this alphabet list with K. But, let's just get the Zs done with before I Zzzzzzzz.<br /><br />1) Everyone knows this darked striped animal on a white or tawny body---ZEBRA<br /><br />2) That point in the sky directly overhead---ZENITH.<br /><br />3. Giving that stimulating and exciting quality to life---ZEST. I also remember it as a soap.<br /><br />4. This word makes me think of rickrack. Homemade clothes used to always be edged in this<br /> pattern---ZIGZAG. <br /><br />5. Those colorful fall flowers---ZINNIAS.<br /><br />6. My jeans are getting a little easier to zip---Yay for ZIPPERS.<br /><br />7. One of my favorites is 92124---ZIP CODES. That has been true since 1972.<br /><br />8. My casserole recipe made me love this vegetable---ZUCHINNI (Honestly it was probably <br /> the cream cheese and butter!)<br /><br />9. San Diego has one of the best---ZOOS. When Erica and Amy were little, we went there <br /> often. Now, I've spent my 62nd birthday and my lst wedding anniversary there.<br /><br />10. This word is actually a high pitched sound but it is often confused with fling---ZING!Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-49471914823032605472008-11-11T14:18:00.000-08:002008-11-11T14:35:00.517-08:00Ten on Tuesday: The Ys<span style="font-family:verdana;">It's good to have a day off. I just completed v, w, x and now y in one day and it really is Tuesday--Yay! Sorry it's taken so long to get back on track.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">1. Yahoo It's my new email address and I love email.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2. Yard My husband has done a remarkable job on our yard, well actually the whole house, but he's definitely added curb appeal.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3. Yawn I just yawned so it made me think of it. That's what happens on days off.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">4. Year I have now been married more than a year, and it is the best thing that has happened.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">5. Yellow It is my favorite color to look at. I really don't wear it. I have a yellow reading table at school that brightens my day, and my yellow roses are blooming today. It's just a sun shiny happy color.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">6. Yes. I was thinking that it must make God happy when he can say Yes to some of our requests.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">7. Yosemite National Park It's been a long time since I was there but it still stands out in my memory as a majestic place.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">8. Yummy Erica's garlic mashed potatoes, </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">9. Yogurt I take it for lunch almost every day. My favorites are blueberry, orange popsicle (not it's actual name) and apricot mango.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">10. You All my family and friends and I am praying for YOU!</span>Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-5342898769077673202008-11-11T13:52:00.000-08:002008-11-11T14:13:58.797-08:00Xylophones and X-rays<span style="font-size:85%;">I started doing the alphabet lists with my 2nd graders. They would make a list of 10 and then each one of us would choose one to put on our class list. One of my mother helpers typed it up for us. It is really special.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">When we got to X the title said it all. Then one of the boys came up with ex words that sound like you're saying X. Here is their list.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br />1. <strong>Exit </strong>The sign that tells you where to leave the movies.<br /><br />2. <strong> Excited/Exciting </strong>Things that are super fun like going to Disneyland.<br /><br />3. <strong> Extra </strong>Like when you have some left over.<br /><br />4. <strong>Excellent </strong>Like when you get all your spelling or math right.<br /><br />5. <strong>Exercise </strong>My mom does it to stay healthy.<br /><br />6. <strong>Extraordinary </strong>The difference between extraordinary and ordinary is that little extra.<br />(It always makes a teacher smile when kids give back your words.)<br /><br />7. <strong>Explanation </strong>Like when you explain something and give an example so people know what you mean.<br /><br />8. <strong> Expression </strong>Like when you can read feelings by looking at the face.<br />(This was one of our vocabulary words--my expression was a big smile)<br /><br />9. <strong>Exhale</strong> When you breathe out. If you do it loudly it's a sigh.<br /><br />10. <strong> Experience </strong>It's something that happens that you write down so you won't forget.Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-15534794764664885002008-11-11T13:30:00.000-08:002008-11-14T20:15:25.884-08:00Working With Words--wwwI love the title of my Blog. At school we call it WWW so it fits for this list of Ws.<br /><br />1. <strong>Weather</strong> I am definitely a hot house flower--I love it to be hot and sunny. But whatever the weather, there is some kind of weather each day of the year. San Diego gives me the best choice for my hot and sunny.<br /><br />2. <strong>Water </strong>My drink of choice. I drink a bottle every day on my walk, too.<br /><br />3. <strong>Write </strong>On my to do list for someday is to sit down and write.<br /><br />4. <strong>Walking </strong>I am on day 134 today. It has been a big change in my life for the better.<br /><br />5. <strong>Weekends </strong>I love weekends. But I also love working so that I know the difference when it is the weekend. I thank Bill for adding this balance to my life.<br /><br />6. <strong>Waltz </strong>One of my fantasies is to Cinderella Waltz across a big dance floor. Not likely since I really can't dance.<br /><br />7. <strong>Wedding </strong>I loved my wedding, but our children weren't there. I look forward to Erica, Amy, and Mai getting married and going to their weddings.<br /><br />8. <strong>Watermelon</strong> Especialy since they now have seedless ones. It just says summer.<br /><br />9. <strong>Waffles </strong>Thinking of Christmas Waffles. That is one tradition I love.<br /><br />10. <strong>Wife </strong>I love being Bill's wife, and I feel blessed to me his wife.Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-18491088724857209172008-11-11T13:10:00.000-08:002008-11-11T13:30:35.023-08:00Very Very VThe Very Very Vs were never posted because of #1<br /><br />1. <strong>Vacation</strong> We took a vacation in the middle of October to Palm Desert, and it was so relaxing I forgot to post Vs.<br /><br />2. <strong>Vitamins </strong>I faithfully take them twice a day and whether they help or not I feel good so they work for me.<br /><br />3.<strong> Vase </strong>I love to cut my roses and put them in a vase or two. It just makes flowers more glamorous than a jelly jar.<br /><br />4. <strong>Vancouver </strong>The city in Washington where we started our cruise to Alaska in 07.<br /><br />5. <strong>Vanilla </strong>It's my favorite kind of ice cream. And I love the smell in bubble bath, too.<br /><br />6. <strong>Vegetables </strong>On a health exam it was suggested that I need to eat more of these. My favorites: petite peas and corn and green beans. Theoretically and botanically speaking most vegetables are really fruits so add Tomatoes and Avacadoes to this list :)<br /><br />7. <strong>Verbs</strong> As I tell my 2nd graders, Verbs are where the action is, and includes everything we <strong>do.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />8. <strong>Vote </strong>I thought of this list before the big election, but this was one vote I didn't want to miss.<br /><br />9. <strong>Violets </strong>Such sweet smelling little flowers. I once heard a quote that said Forgiveness was the fragance of a violet on the heel of the one who crushed it. Don't step on flowers.<br /><br />10. <strong>Voice </strong>Not just singing, but speaking. Nothing feels more frustrating than when a teacher loses hers.Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-62277514493234796422008-10-19T12:15:00.000-07:002008-10-19T13:56:14.276-07:00Utterly U, not to be confused with cows...<span style="font-size:85%;">You all know I didn't post U this week. I was going to but it just didn't happen. I thought about U and YOU this week on my walks, but even those were not usual.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Thinking about U I can't help but think how that little letter following Q gives us all are wonderful Q words. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">So here's to U though so utterly late:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1. Underwear--specifically bras and panties from Victori'as Secret (I should own stock)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2. United States of America--still the best place on earth to live.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">3. Ursa Major and Minor--so fun when star gazing.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">4. Uphill--the daily uphill walking that has been tiring, difficult and called for so much more effort than I ever</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">thought, but has been so good for me. Day 110!!!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">5. Unique--Each one of us is different from all others and yet...we all share unique similarities. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">6. Useful--I love all the useful gadgets I have in my life... like DVR. I'm sure you can think of lots more, but I am </span><span style="font-size:85%;">already five days late.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">7. Umbrella--Anyone who knows me well knows I do not like rain unless I am in bed, but on those occasions </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">when I need to be out in the rain, I have an umbrella with a print of Monet's Garden that I do </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">love using.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">8.Understanding--The quality we want from others, but the one that isn't always easy to give to others. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">9. Us--You and me= us. I love "us" when it is my family, friends, school, church and especially when the YOU </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">is my husband..with ME</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">10. Usually--That is a Reader Alert word that signals that this time something will be different. I usually write </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">my alphabet blog on Tuesday and sometimes on Thursday, but... this week , it is Sunday </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">afternoon. But any day is a good day to be thankful! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-35763758693872088522008-10-09T21:30:00.000-07:002008-10-09T21:22:24.072-07:00Totally Ts not to be confused with TeatotalersHow did I skip Tuesday?....now it is Thursday<br /><br /><br /><br />1, Time I need more of it, but we all have the same amount allotted for each day. When people say "I didn't have time to..." It just means they like me chose to use their time in a different way. God put me in this time and this space.<br /><br /><br />2. Television I remember when I first got a TV back in 1952. I would watch the test pattern for hours. Now I can tape the show and fast forward all the commericals. I can choose a more convenient time to watch a show. Television has come a long way...<br /><br /><br />3. Thank yous I taught my children to write them and I am teaching 2nd graders to write them. When someone has taken the time to do something for you, you need to take the time to thank them. If you have a lot of thank yous to write, then you have much to be thankful for.<br /><br /><br />4. Toasted cheese, toasted almonds, toasted english muffins are foods I love.<br /><br /><br />5. Turtle Parade That is 3 or more cars in a row when you are trying to cross the street either in a car or on foot.<br /><br />Favorite joke three turtles walking in a row out of a pet shop and the owner behind them yelling stampeed.<br /><br /><br />6. tacos and tomatoes more T foods I love.<br /><br /><br />7. taste We would definitely eat less if we couldn't taste, but think of all the tasty things we'd miss.<br /><br /><br />8. Trips and travel. I've been on so many trips in the last two years. The cruise to Alaska, the trip to the Spa in Sedona, New Mexico, New York (not the city) and Washington D.C. I am learning to like travel...with my husband.<br /><br /><br /><br />9. Our triune God. The trinity God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.<br /><br /><br /><br />10. Tables where friends and family gather to eat good meals. My dining room table, the patio table and the little table in the kitchen that makes it okay to watch TV at the same time.Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-66941519613179798742008-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:002008-10-01T19:13:54.496-07:00Ten on Tuesday--Special Select eSes<span style="font-size:85%;">So it is time for the Special Select eSes to go sailing on by:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1.<strong> so--</strong> That very little word that seems to expoentially add to any feeling. So tired..., so happy...., so fine...,</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">and so much more... Then there is my personal favorite way to start a story: So there I was.....</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2.<strong> sex</strong>--as a newly wed I simply cannot leave that off my list. That and that I am a sexagenarian. Sex at sxity is still sexy. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">3.<strong> seriously silly</strong>---Now that is an oxymoron if ever I heard one. Silly just seems to slip and seep out of certain situations without any sense of seriousness.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">4.<strong> sweet</strong>-- Whether it is the sweet smell of a sweet pea, the sweet sight of my sweetheart or the sweet taste of a </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">sweet potato. (Okay I'm really reaching with that one. There are so many other sweets that I like tasting so much better including Sees candy.)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">5.<strong> serendipity</strong>---It just slides off your tongue. Those unexpected, fortunate surprises that amuse and delight us.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">6. <strong>sleep</strong>--that soundly silent time when the mind and body slips and sinks into unconsciousness, hopefully for seven hours each night.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">7. <strong>smiles</strong>--The second grade word with a mile between the two eSes. Seriously that sea of smiling faces has sent me to school each day for 38 years. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">8. <strong>sentimenta</strong>l--I stand accused of being so sentimental with such an emotional attachment to things that it seriously interferes with the reasoableness of not saving so many things.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">9.<strong> sandwich</strong>--the super fast substantal thing that I can take for lunch. Turkey and cheese is my favorite.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">10.<strong> Saturday</strong>--the one day of week when the siren sounding alarm doesn't startle me awake.</span>Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-12129864479459724672008-09-22T19:44:00.000-07:002008-09-24T19:43:47.312-07:00Regardless of Rhyme or ReasonAnd the Rs go randomly rolling along....<br /><br />1. <strong>Rochester</strong>--The city in Western New York where almost 63 years ago I was born.<br /><br />2. <strong>Ruth</strong>-- My middle name and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">momma's</span></span> first name. We were named after Ruth in the Bible. Now my husband uses it as part of my name Carol Ruth.<br /><br />3. <strong>Rest</strong>--Jesus says to come to Him when we are weak and heavy laden and He will give us rest. I try and reclaim that promise every night so I will wake refreshed and renewed.<br /><br />4. <strong>Recess</strong>--that required time in the school day when the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">rambunctious</span> children run outside to play and the teachers run to the restroom.<br /><br />5. <strong>Red Roses</strong>--actually any roses are my favorite. But I will always remember when Bill brought me sixty-one long stemmed red roses for my 61st birthday.<br /><br />6. <strong>Remember</strong>--that wonderful ability to recall and reminisce the special times of our lives.<br />It usually starts with "Remember when...." All of us can fill in the blanks with random musings.<br /><br />7. <strong>Relax</strong>--the ways we find to recuperate. Sometimes it's taking a nap, a warm bubble bath, drinking a cup of hot chocolate, reading a good book or magazine, and sometimes it is just sitting still and doing nothing.<br /><br />8. <strong>Retirement</strong>--It still seems years away although technically I am past retirement age. I just love teaching school even after 38 years.<br /><br />9. <strong>Radiant</strong>--That great word from Charlotte's Web that totally describes how I felt on my wedding day a year ago.<br /><br />10. <strong>Ruby Ring Red</strong>--the color of our front doors. They brighten our house so much!<br /><br /><strong>* An extra one since I was a day early<br />I have been relentlessly, resolutely, resolved to resume walking each day--Today on Tuesday was day 85!!!!</strong>Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-2564320966976984352008-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:002008-09-15T23:03:41.764-07:00Quaintly Quizzical Qs<span style="font-family:verdana;">As I think of Q words, I realize so many have to do with my being a teacher for so many, many years.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">1. <strong>quizzes</strong>--always giving them, always grading them. It sounds less scary than </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">test, but don't tell, it's the same thing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2. <strong>questions</strong>--children are always asking questions. I have invested in many </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Q/A books to satisfy their curiosity. I learn things by reading them also.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3. <strong>quintuple</strong>--We quintuple a number when we learn to multiply by 5 and they </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">can't wait to use that word with their parents.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">4. <strong>quibble</strong>--We try not to quarrel over silly things. Let's not quibble or quarrel.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">5. <strong>quadrillion</strong>--2nd graders love those big numbers. We had to look up that it is </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">a number followed by 24 zeros. 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">6. quiet--as in those moments of peace and quiet. There are not too many of </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">them in a typical school day, but I love coming home at the end of the busy, noisy day.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">7. <strong>quotations</strong>--I try to collect them so that I can share them with the class. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">They make great handwriting practice.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">8. <strong>quarter</strong>--I have the state quarter collection. There are only three states</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">left, Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii, much to the relief of my family and friends.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Be on the lookout.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">9. <strong>quixotic</strong>--This is a great romantically idealistic word, which is fun to say.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">No, it is not a 2nd grade word. I think it originated with Don Quixote. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">10. <strong>Quest</strong>--When I met Bill, I knew my quest was over and my heart was finally </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">at rest. </span>Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-77105571630429330602008-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:002008-09-09T06:00:00.739-07:00Pears, Peaches, and Plums--Ps on ParadeSo it is time for my list of Ps. I always love to see what pops up, in no particular order:<br /><br />1. Pictures--the tangible evidence of special times. Most of my photographs are perfectly filed in myspace. The more tangible ones are just in a box. <br /><br />2. Purr--the most calming, comforting sound. Nothing seems quite so bad in the presence of a<br />purring cat,<br /><br />3. Persnickety--an especially fussy word that's fun to say. When I get really old I am sure I'll be<br />a persnickety old woman.<br /><br />4. Palm Springs--Many happy times were spent there with grandma and grandpa. Bill and I<br />also had a wonderful vacation there at the Hilton.<br /><br />5. Peace--When Bill and I got married, not a lot changed, but this wonderful peace settled over<br />both of our hearts. We cherish the peaceful times together.<br /><br />6. Passionate--I am very passionate. I put my heart and soul into everything and everyone I<br />care about.<br /><br />7. Prayer--I believe in the power of prayer. I love that God is always ready to listen. If God<br />doesn't change the circumstances, then He changes me.<br /><br />8, Purposeful, Persistent, Perseverance--That is what it has taken for me to walk 3 miles a day<br />since July1st.<br /><br />9. Praise--As in praise God from whom all blessings flow...As in I can never cease to Praise God for his grace, mercy and presence in my life. His praise will always be on my lips.<br /><br />10. Palindromes--My second graders love working with words. mom, dad, sis, sees, did, peep,<br />toot, WOW! They love finding patterns in numbers, too. 58285 16361. Sentences are<br />too difficult for 2nd graders. But I always show them: Never odd or even. Working with<br />words is fun!!!Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-26368620607418724032008-09-02T08:00:00.000-07:002008-09-02T08:00:01.869-07:00Ten on Tuesday: Ostentaciously OnSo it is Tuesday. Thinking about the Os I immediately thought of on and that is when my brain turned on.<br />1. <strong> On</strong>...on task...on time...on call...on shore...on board...on track...on schedule...on purpose...<br />on the money...on the spot...on the train...on the boat...on the bus...on the plane...on the top...<br />on the bottom...on the whole...on your mark...on your heart...on your mind and on and on....It definitely needs to be turned off.<br /><br />2. <strong>onomatopoeia</strong> My second graders soundly love this word. It sounds so fun to say and they love that their parents don't always know what it means. <br /><br />3. <strong> Old--older--oldest </strong>I am old (oh yes, 62 is old even to me). Lord willing, I will get older (63 in October). I am the oldest of all my brothers and sisters.<br /><br />4. <strong>Owls </strong>I have an owl collection and one wall in my classroom is an owl collage. There are four big owls that sit on the cupboard and oversee our classroom (supposed to remind us all to be wise workers.<br /><br />5. <strong>Ovens </strong>Specifically microwave and toaster which are two of my must have always used appliances. Bill is the one who uses the real oven, and we need a new one.<br /><br />6. <strong>Office</strong> I worked hard this summer to get my office useable. It is now my own space. Bill has his own office which he's still working on.<br /><br />7. <strong>orthodontist </strong>Erica, Amy and I owe our smiles to the orthodontist. <br /><br />8. <strong>oyster </strong>The little cracker kind I used to put in tomato soup. <br /><br />9. <strong>opal </strong>The birthstone of October birthdays of which mine is one. I have an opal ring grandma gave me that is very special.<br /><br />10. <strong>obession </strong>This is my favorite perfume, but I fear it is becoming obsolete. I can't find it in the real pure form just in spray--not the same.Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-35281811650516575032008-08-26T08:55:00.000-07:002008-08-26T16:25:39.376-07:00Too ImpulsiveAug 26, 2008 8:55 AM<br />Subject:<br />I did it...sort of...<br />Body:<br /><a href="http://workingithwords.blogspot.com/">http://workingithwords.blogspot.com</a> That is where you will find my Ten on Tuesday today 8/26/08 I will do my blogs there, but school is starting tomorrow so don't expect a plethora of them.Notice the URL spelling mistake, but don't tell me about it. I am very sensitive still and almost didn't ever use the blogspot . I am so trying to overlook the error and just move on.Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-43596928788815761582008-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:002008-08-26T08:00:01.020-07:00Ten on Tuesday: To the Nines1. Nuts--of the almond, walnut, pecan kind. I put them on ice cream or cereal mostly, but they are very good covered in chocolate, too.<br /><br />2. Names--I think everyone's is important and love to hear the stories about how people got their names. I've always liked mine. My favorite name, Chloe Marie, I gave to my cat.<br /><br />3. Niagra Falls--one of the places we went last summer. What a lot of water!!<br /><br />4. Newly wed--We are no longer newly weds. It's official we've been married a year, and it was a very good first year.<br /><br />5. Nurse--my sister is a nurse in Colorado.<br /><br />6. Nails--getting my nails done makes me feel girly and cared for.<br /><br />7. Nature--The beauty of God's world, especially flowers and trees.<br /><br />8. Night light--God's night light is the moon. Ours is the electric toothbrush charger.<br /><br />9. Nursery--The plant kind where we've spent a lot of time and money this past year.<br /><br />10. New York--We both were born in New York and it is where we plan to go this Easter vacation.Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-872850185232244442008-08-19T18:29:00.000-07:002008-08-25T17:02:13.558-07:00Ten on Tuesday: The M's are marchingAugust 19, 2008 - Tuesday<br />Ten on Tuesday--The M’s are marching<br />1 .M & ms. At school I give every kid one<br />m & m just for showing up—if you're at school, it's an m & m day. If everyone is here, we all get three m & ms!!! Three is my favorite number good thing it wasn't in the double digits.<br />2. Mercy I'm reminded of the hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness "morning by morning new mercies I see."<br />3. Miracles. When the impossible is suddenly possible, that's a miracle. I've had many in my life and each time I put down a new faith marker. With God nothing is impossible.<br />4. Mapquest. I don't leave home without it. Seriously I feel so less lost thanks to mapquest and I am willing to venture out a little more.<br />5. The Millionaire. One of my favorite shows as a kid was The Millionaire. Each week some unknown benefactor would give a person a million dollars and the rest of the show was how that money impacted his or her life. I take the Three Bearish approach to money: Not too little, not too much, just right. It keeps life good.<br />6. My marriage to Bill. After 40 years I finally got it right. We are well matched, soul mates. It could also go under the miracle category.<br />7. Moon God's own nightlight. Seeing a full moon always seems romantic to me. Seeing a full moon with my husband is romantic.<br />8. Miles. Three miles a day for 50 days = l50 miles...and many more to come.<br />9. Method. My momma always said there was a method to her madness. Liz always said I was a method actress. She even gave me an award for that once. I do love to methodically make meaning of a character. I miss Act I.<br />10. Marichino cherry. The perfect topping to a mound of whipped cream on a hot fudge sundae.<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=30600805&blogID=425742980&Mytoken=902B6A26-5D14-4C57-A1F644107AA916D2204900894">6:29 PM </a>- <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=30600805&blogID=425742980&Mytoken=902B6A26-5D14-4C57-A1F644107AA916D2204900894">5 Comments</a> - <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=30600805&blogID=425742980&Mytoken=902B6A26-5D14-4C57-A1F644107AA916D2204900894">8 Kudos</a> - <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.comment&friendID=30600805&blogID=425742980&ticket=MHMGCisGAQQBgjdYA7egZTBjBgorBgEEAYI3WAMBoFUwUwIDAgABAgJmAwICAMAECB%2Bsdi6NeHi0BBCxIyQOI2TBGpH96RYoZIeDBCgs5CUPQsw2%2BZCj7%2Fi94a0sdEC4%2FgLpA4G%2FT7qXdvJD%2BxmVNHgeQqYq&BlogCategoryID=12&Mytoken=902B6A26-5D14-4C57-A1F644107AA916D2204900894">Add Comment</a> - <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.edit&editor=true&blogID=425742980&Mytoken=902B6A26-5D14-4C57-A1F644107AA916D2204900894">Edit </a>- <a onclick="if( confirm('Are you sure you want to remove this Blog?') ){return true;}else{ return false; }" href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.confirmRemove&blogID=425742980&Mytoken=902B6A26-5D14-4C57-A1F644107AA916D2204900894">Remove</a>Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-17143253631523558772008-08-11T13:44:00.000-07:002008-08-25T17:01:37.709-07:00The Latest Ls are Lining up a Little earlyAugust 11, 2008 - Monday<br /><br />Ten on Tuesday: THE LATEST L'S ARE LINING UP A LITTLE EARLY<br />1. LOLLAPALOOZA I always remember my grandpa saying it. Sometimes referring to a really big fish that some fisherman caught.<br />2. LIGHT One verse that I learned as a girl was: Arise and Shine thy light has come. Isaiah 60:1 I know it has other meanings but for me, I've always used that verse to greet the morning. When my kids were little I'd say, "Arise and Shine, " and they were not so thrilled.<br /><br />3. LADY OF LEISURE That's exactly how I feel in the summer when I can go out in the backyard wearing my silky bathrobe and cut roses for vases.<br /><br />4. LESSONS LEARNED--even the hard way. Lessons are to be learned, but if it takes more than two times, that's the hard way.<br /><br />5. LITTLE LULU "Little Lulu, Little Lulu with freckles on her chin, always in and out of trouble but mostly always in..." Now that's a song that just went leaping through the recesses of my childhood. Also lurking is Leaping Lizards from Little Orphan Annie.<br />.<br />6. LEAN That what I had to do to learn to roller skate. Once I leaned too far and cracked my head on the basement wall requiring lots of little stitches.<br /><br />7. LET'S GO FLY A KITE That's a song always makes me feel bright and breezy with lots of emphasis on LET'S.<br /><br />8. LAUGHTER You know the kind that won't let go even if you try to will it away like when you're in church.<br /><br />9. LEFTOVERS To me they're the luscious lingerings of a lovely lunch or dinner.<br /><br />10, LOVE Love in it's many forms and facets: . Love of God., Love of husband, Love of children, Love of friends. . Love of family, Love of pets , Love of quiet, Love of flowers, and Love of ice cream. And the greatest of these is LOVE.<br />1:44 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.comment&friendID=30600805&blogID=423261032&ticket=MHMGCisGAQQBgjdYA7egZTBjBgorBgEEAYI3WAMBoFUwUwIDAgABAgJmAwICAMAECA1B3Ri4D66sBBDg0kFVco4GiFo4KpcsN%2FRaBCjA0IuYPdudKrXgI6QdbFaeuN7x8mtiy2kXsbE9lw9BtYwpLf0T%2B4eo&BlogCategoryID=0&Mytoken=0B407C1D-9CB3-4CDF-B628D4A8C92D97F0205239572">Add Comment</a> - <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.edit&editor=true&blogID=423261032&Mytoken=0B407C1D-9CB3-4CDF-B628D4A8C92D97F0205239572">Edit</a> - <a onclick="if( confirm('Are you sure you want to remove this Blog?')){return true;} else {return false;}" href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.confirmRemove&blogID=423261032&Mytoken=0B407C1D-9CB3-4CDF-B628D4A8C92D97F0205239572">Remove</a> - <a onmouseover="return addthis_onmouseover(this, event, '', '', 'myspace', 'eng')" onclick="return addthis_to()" onmouseout="addthis_onmouseout()" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php"></a>Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7420726316033268100.post-75646162363216298442008-07-30T12:39:00.000-07:002008-08-25T16:59:24.242-07:00Okay Ten KsTen on Tuesday: OKay Ten Ks Current mood: okay<br />10 Ks in no particular order. Not even sure I'm doing it right.<br />1. kaleidoscopes that create amazing colorful patterns.<br />2. keys to my house and my heart<br />3. Kenya where my daughter, Amy Lynne, is going soon.<br />4. kindness which is really love in its working clothes.<br />5. kisses from my husband as often as possible.<br />6. kitchen where Bill cooks and enjoys cooking.<br />7. kittens that grow up to be the cats I love.<br />8. keep as in keep promises.<br />9. known that I am known by God and He still loves me.<br />10. koalas and kangaroos just because they start with k<br />3:09 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.comment&friendID=30600805&blogID=419555409&ticket=MHMGCisGAQQBgjdYA7ugZTBjBgorBgEEAYI3WAMBoFUwUwIDAgABAgJmAwICAMAECPE8UVVUyY%2BzBBBe09dMh1sRnjzj2upbFt49BCh9e9JqBzFNO57rPRrVOInd7ZR88xVIODpFqz%2FkZ2gTTRWhpKdtPtGt&BlogCategoryID=0&Mytoken=FD9BE6FA-45F5-48F1-BB10A166DC58FC1E206479416">Add Comment</a> - <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.edit&editor=true&blogID=419555409&Mytoken=FD9BE6FA-45F5-48F1-BB10A166DC58FC1E206479416">Edit</a> - <a onclick="if( confirm('Are you sure you want to remove this Blog?')){return true;} else {return false;}" href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.confirmRemove&blogID=419555409&Mytoken=FD9BE6FA-45F5-48F1-BB10A166DC58FC1E206479416">Remove</a> - <a onmouseover="return addthis_onmouseover(this, event, '', '', 'myspace', 'eng')" onclick="return addthis_to()" onmouseout="addthis_onmouseout()" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php"></a>Mrs. Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913836387314579391noreply@blogger.com0