My Week in a nutshell

This week I had the opportunity to substitute teach 4 times. Tuesday I subbed for the band and chorus teacher. I wasn't sure how I was going to conduct a band...but I was willing to try anything. Fortunately, they have an assistant conductor...so all I had to do was keep kids from talking. The chorus students had a worksheet so all in all it was an easy day. Wednesday I found myself with 5th graders. One student thought it would be funny if he would scare the "sub" by pretending like he passed out. I came into the classroom to find him face down on the floor not moving. I ran to him and called out his name with no response. I told a kid to hurry and get the teacher next door. When he heard this...he suddenly was "healed" and made a quick recovery. I have a feeling the next day he spent some time in detention.

Thursday I taught 8th grade language arts. Another experience came when a student decided it would be cute to hide in a cabinet. Memories from jr. high came rushing back to me. I remember when we coaxed Allison Silverman into letting us lock her in her locker. I was scared when we couldn't get her out. He survived his time in the cabinet and I survived another day.

Today, I taught 9th grade science. What was I thinking? I was thinking that they would probably watch a movie. NO! I had to help them find objects that were either a compound, element, solution, homogenous material etc. Needless to say...I learned alot about science today. I also learned who is dating who, who is breaking up with who and things I wish I hadn't heard. It was a great week. I love it.

FROM THE MOUTH OF A CHILD

QUICK POST:


The other day my 5th grader asked my adult daughter the following question:

"Is is true when you kiss a girl fireworks go off?"

"No Austin" she replied.

"Good" said Austin...I'm afraid of fireworks"

RED HAT LADIES

Yesterday I spoke in Mentor at a luncheon. Several times I started to cancel due to the weather. I was driving on 271 and was scared to death. I hate traveling on highways when it is icy and snowy. I actually found myself getting mad for agreeing to speak. I arrived at the luncheon late and to say my heart wasn't in it ...would be putting it mildly. The Lord grabbed ahold of my heart and reminded me that it wasn't about me...it was about Him. I was able to share the Gospel that day with 60+ women. It turned into a great day. Through this event...I was able to book possibly another 4 speaking engagements. One is with the "Red Hat Ladies" in April. I am excited. It is a mother and daughter event, so there will be women/girls there of all ages.

I also met a lady who wants me to be part of an outreach event for girls and teens. I was moved by her story. She is a one year ovarian cancer survivor and wants to do this. She feels motivated to do this now because of her illness. Pray for her. She is only in her forties and is a mother. I am speaking again tomorrow in mansfield. I can't wait to see what God has in store.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from the Trachsel family. The first day of 2007 was a day of relaxation and rest. We had a New Year's Eve Party at our house last night. My mom and sister were in town, we had about 11 college students and Austin and Alex had a friend over. I was excited that I actually stayed awake. The kids and I counted down the last 10 seconds, celebrated with sparkling juice and Alex did our traditional "beating of the pans at midnight." We have done this since I was a little girl.

Today I allowed everyone to pick their favorite dinner and we had a smorgasbord. We had everything from pasta to steak. Today our children received a "New Year's Day" present. I took a picture of them participating in their favorite sport and had it enlarged and framed. On the picture I had the following scripture placed on the picture. "This is my son (child) whom I love, with whom I am well pleased."

I think they liked it. I told them this was to remind them of how much they're loved and how well God is with them when they use their gifts.

I hope 2007 brings everyone much joy and happiness.