Productive Days...

I am thankful for a productive day today.  I got alot of stuff done.  Cleaning, sorting, laundry, shopping, lesson plans... now I'm tired!

Night all!

My Today,
Christy

Thankful for My Kids

I am thankful for my kids...

Tyler Marquette Howell... Junior at Southeastern University... Music Business
   He amazes me with his musical talent.  For the most part he has been self taught.  It started with playing the guitar.  I remember the day he announced he was going to learn to play the piano.  He sat down at the piano with his computer, pulled up a website with basic how to directions and started to play... and play... and play... lol... music is his passion.  What a wonderful man of God he has become!

Judah Gaston Howell... Sophomore at Legacy High School... (making amazing grades)... FCF member... but what I love the most is the gift he has with making people feel special by showing love, acceptance, being supportive and helpful.  No matter what the age, he will make them laugh.  I remember the trip he went on with the Diamond Club at church.  All the ladies couldn't brag on him enough for how he took care of them while they were gone.  I am so proud to have such a Godly caring son.

Charis Aleigha Howell... my baby... 8th grader at Hope... (making amazing grades)... my fashion advisor (she tries to keep me in style)... she has so many talents in many different areas.  She has an amazing way with babies and toddlers.  They love her and get so excited to see her on Sunday morning for their nursery Bible lessons.  Watching their little faces light up when they see her, warms my heart.  I am so proud of the Godly young woman she is becoming.

I know they are not perfect.  I know they make mistakes.  But I know they have a desire to do what is right.  I am proud of all three of them!  They are cool kids.

My Today,
Christy

Thankful...

Thankful for my sweet Nathanaelle! Today is her birthday.  She turned 9.


I'm so blessed to have been a part of her life these past 3 years. I never would have thought when she walked into my class 3 years ago, not knowing one word of English, that she would be such a blessing to my life! 


I'm very proud of her and all her hard work!


My Today,
Christy

A Month of Thankfuls

November 1st

I am thankful for my husband.  I'm thankful that he is supportive of all I do.  Work... family... hobbies...  I like that!

My Today,
Christy

Silly Socks and Monster Food

I now have three weeks under my belt with my new K/1st combo class.  It has been great!  I am truly enjoying the challenge.  I still have some adjusting to do, but overall I am very pleased with the way it is going.

So far we have enjoyed Silly Sock Day and made Monster Food.  The monster food was so much fun!  It is made up of Spider Eggs (Cocoa Puffs), Dried Worms (Oriental Noodles), Frog Brains (Raisins) and Bat Wings (Sunflower Seeds).  We have been focusing on realism and fantasy stories and have read books like Even Monsters Need Haircuts, as well as, There's No Such Thing As Monsters. 

We love to read in our class!  We are working on building our reading stamina.  We read to ourselves, to a friend, listen to books on CD and I read to the class.  It is so nice to have students say, "I finished my work.  Can I get a book to read?"

I'm very proud of my little bunch of readers!

My Today,
Christy

PS - Want to brag a little on Nathanaelle!  She got a school reward, to go out to lunch, for having one of the highest amounts of AR (Accelerated Reader) points!

A Great Day

Today was a very busy day to say the least.  I said good-bye to one class and hello to another class.  My kindergarteners were great with the change.  This morning 20 little smiling faces scurried into my room, ready for the day.  18 of my students would be transitioning to a new teacher.  I only had a couple sad faces for a brief time (we have focused on all the excitement of a new adventure for them instead of missing each other).  After lunch they joined their new teacher and I returned to my room to welcome my new class.  I had a short "Meet the Teacher" with several parents and before it was time to go home we read Even Monsters Need Haircuts.

It was a great day.

My Today,
Christy

The rest of the story...

I've always loved hearing "The rest of the story", so here is mine.

The last time I posted I wrote about some changes that were coming my way.

I am going to be loosing my kindergarten class (to a very nice teacher that has just joined our team) and gaining some new little friends in my new K/1st Grade combo class.  I have taught both kindergarten and 1st grade and loved doing both, but I have never had them in the same classroom at the same time.

I know it will all be a great experience.

Friday we will all be making the big switch and getting to know my new students and parents.

It's kind of like starting a whole new year over again...

My Today,
Christy

My Cheese is Moving

This week my cheese moved again.

(If you haven't read the book, Who Moved My Cheese, you have to read it!  It is a quick read.)

I have some changes coming my way and I am going with a touch of nervousness.  Uncharted territory for me in a way.  Really the merging of two worlds and I'm not sure how they will mesh together.  It will be an interesting journey!  One I will fill you in on as time goes by.  Just say an extra prayer for me this week.

Lord, give me what I need to find my cheese... with a smile on my face!  Amen!

My Today,
Christy

PS - Just started a new Dekker book!  That's always exciting!  Just saying...

Here it is...

I was challenged to write a statement that wraps up what I am about in 25 words or less.  Well, here it is...

"To creatively impart hope/dreams to elementary children and encourage them to realize their potential through Christ and know God will help them through life’s challenges."

I realize I didn't make it in only 25 words, it took me 26, but that's OK!  These words capture the passion in my heart and the desire I have to make a difference in a child's life.  

My Today,

Christy

25 words or less

So, can you sum up who you are and where you are headed in 25 words or less?
Hummm... only 25 words...
I can do this.

My Today,
Christy

There's a Price to Pay

I adore springtime!  The weather is amazing.  Especially when you live in Florida.  Every once in a while I catch a subtle whiff that makes me smile.  There is nothing like the fragrance of an orange blossom.  When the aroma first hits my nose it evokes memories from my childhood; Moonlight rides on horseback through the orange groves.  I feel like a kid again.  I breathe deeply, savoring the pleasant smell.  I try to make the aroma last as long as possible.  However, there is a price to pay for that brief moment of pleasure.  Yet, all of that wonderful fresh air takes a toll on my sinuses.  Along with spring comes allergy season.  Ugh!  I find myself weighing the pros and cons with each wonderful breath.  There’s a price to pay and I must decide if it’s worth it.

But that’s how it is… everything in life has a price.  The question is, “Is the payoff worth the price?”

When I do something I often think about the payoff.  I know that may sound childish, but it is the truth.  Don’t get me wrong, when I say payoff I don’t simply mean a monetary payoff.  Many times the payoff is greater than a dollar amount.  There are eternal payoffs.  I am compelled by eternal payoffs.  I desire to make a difference that pays eternal dividends.

Like I said, everything in life has a price.  It also has a payoff.  My goal is to assure heaven as my home.  I also want to bring others to heaven with me.  Giving my life over to Christ is a small price to pay for dividends such as heaven.  Many however don’t truly grasp the worth of such dividends.  In the past few weeks I have been challenged to focus on the awesomeness of heaven.  Now, I look at the pleasures of this life as a foretaste of what is to come.  Remember that lovely orange blossom aroma?  It is but a faint odor compared to the splendor of heaven!  The tastes of a magnificent buffet pale to the banquet that awaits us in heaven!  The passionate love for your family here on earth can’t touch the love we shall experience when we are in His holy presence in HEAVEN! 

Each day my longing for heaven increases.  Let’s get sick together… home sick for heaven!

My Today,

Christy

A Very Proud Mom

 Today, I picked up Judah and Charis' report cards and FCAT scores.  I was very proud!

It looked something like this...

Piggy would be me...    My kids were with me...

Yeah...  you got the picture!

I'm very proud!!

My Today,
Christy

Honoring My Father

This Father's Day I want to honor my dad, Major Terrial Marquette Throckmorton.  I am proud of my dad and all of his accomplishments.  He is a graduate of West Point Military Academy and served in the Army for over 20 years.  During the Vietnam war he flew helicopters for several tours of duty. It was during his time in the Army that I was able to visit him in Germany (he was there for 3 years) and Holland (there for 2 years).  They were amazing trips and I have great memories of spending time with him there.

My dad's Army experience is where my patriotic spirit comes from.  Every time I see a video tribute or listen to a patriotic song on the radio my heart swells with pride.  I find myself remembering the 1976 celebrations at Fort Bragg, NC - it is amazing what stays in the mind of a 7 year old.

I love my daddy very much!

Happy Father's Day Dad

My Today,
Christy

Celebrating Life

James 4:14
¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.


Today we will celebrate the life of a friend.  She lost her battle with cancer this past week.  Teresa you will be missed.


It is during times like these that we are reminded to cherish every day we have with our family.  In perspective to eternity our life is a flash.  Live it with purpose! 


My Today,
Christy

Nicaragua Bound

The sound of excited teenagers is all around me! They are laughing, singing and talking up a storm. They are headed to Nicaragua to share the love of Jesus with children. They will be working with King's Castle Ministries. The days will be long, filled with singing, dancing, hugs and sharing God's love. I am so proud of all our youth that have work hard to raise their own money and are giving up the first week of their summer to invest in God's Kingdom! This will no doubt be life changing for the children of Nicaragua but even more so for those going!
My prayer... God protect them and guide them, give them wisdom and favor! Rock their world! Amen.

My Today,
Christy

Scribbling

A fun little program I came across. ScribblerToo

That was fun!

My Today,

Christy

Thought for the day... Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you... Luke 6:27

Love Your Enemy

Today a friend posed a question...

"The Elixir you've taken, that one that makes you more loving and less judgmental than others, does it work for you? Do you really think kindly of your enemies now? Are you known for your unusual affection for the ugly?"

I know I'm not as good at it as Jesus, but I do know I am trying!

My Elixir is Jesus, my example. He forgave me when I had wronged Him and He loved my ugliness. So, I want to be like Him. But the question remains, do I really think kindly of my enemies? Who are my enemies? People who have hurt me, lied to me, want nothing more than to see me fail? Then there are the enemies I really don't know. The ones who hate Americans and want us dead. Do I hate people like that? I don't think so. I try to look at everyone in this world as a soul. (That is why I love missions.)

So the question remains, do I really think kindly of my enemies? Well, I think I do. The first thing I had to do was make a decision to walk in the direction of forgiveness and love even when others aren't kind to me. I have not arrived at the place where I love all my enemies all the time, but it is a journey.

Now for the second question... Are you known for your unusual affection for the ugly? Whether ugly refers to physical beauty, attitudes or those who don't live Godly lives, I try to be kind and loving to everyone. I know inside I feel affection for others and hope it is evident by my actions. I try not to be judgmental, but loving and compassionate.

I want to be compelled by love. God's love!

My Today,

Christy

An Ugly Cry

Today was the last day of school and I did the ugly cry. You know the one. Where you hope there isn't a camera anywhere near you. lol

I think it was because one of my former students isn't coming back next year. Nathanaelle is very special to my heart! She joined our class in December of 2008 when she moved here from Haiti with her dad. Her mom had to stay in Haiti. When she came in our kindergarten room she didn't know one word of English! Not one word! Yes, I did have a very bilingual class, however not one child spoke Creole! Eek! So before the interpreter left us we had to get some sign language down pat. The most important sign for the day... toilet! We made it through that day by pointing and a prayer.

When I looped to first grade the following year my kiddos got to go with me. Nathanaelle and I have formed a great bond. This year she was in second grade and has done amazingly well! She speaks very good English and is reading on grade level. Yesterday her teacher told me she made an A in Reading! She has done a great job. It is a challenge since her dad can't help her study because he doesn't speak English or read it. Nathanaelle would come see me on Friday mornings to study her spelling words for the day and if she had finished all of her homework for the week she would get to go to my treasure box. I am very proud of her!

The thought of her not being with me next year makes me sad. And that is probably where the ugly cry came from. As she and I sat hugging and crying she realized I was crying. She patted me on the back and told me it would be ok. Yeah... more crying.

At the end of the day I read my class the story No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Teachers Dirty Looks and when I got to the end I started crying again. It is a sweet story about the end of a first grade year. When my students saw I was crying they gave me a group hug. Wow, what a special day!

The good news is, I gave Nathanaelle's dad my phone number to keep in touch. She called me this afternoon. It was so nice. It made me smile!

That is why I teach!

My Today,

Christy

Waiting on a DVD

Tomorrow is the last day of the 2010-2011 school year. I have been working on my class DVD, which is the gift I give to my class each year. It is always fun to see how much they have grown and changed over the course of the year. I hope they will enjoy this DVD for many years to come.

I will truly miss this group. Tomorrow is also my last day in first grade.

I'm sure I will cry tomorrow...

My Today,

Christy

Fasting and Prayer

Lately, I am feeling a need to do some old time "Praying Through"!

It seems that the enemy of our souls is stirring up trouble! By troubles I mean, he is trying to get all of our focus off of the amazing things God is about to do, so we will miss it! I think I'm gonna dig my heals in and fight back!

I'm gonna love a little more, complain a little less, encourage a whole lot more, and look with great anticipation for what God has in store! Cause if there wasn't anything for the enemy to worry about, he would be leaving us all alone!!!

So if you find yourself in a mess, wether self inflicted or not, join me in praying and fasting! I am believing for wisdom, unity, focus, favor, and provision!

Can I hear an AMEN?

My Today,

Christy

What makes a memory?

One of our goals these days is making family memories that last a lifetime.

Gary and I realize that our kids are getting older and before long they will all be grown and out of the house. We want them to have great memories of these years together. So, how do we do that? We are focusing on spending more time together, because time is a very precious thing and many times we are so busy we don't have much to share.

I think back to when the kids were little and we would go to the Lake Morton and pull the kids around in the wagon. We didn't spend any money, we just enjoyed being together. Every once in a while we will go to Lake Eola and just walk around the lake. It reminds me of when they were little and it makes me smile.

Today we enjoyed a day on Lake Eustis. It was a blast! I do however have three kids that are burnt to a crisp! They were so busy having fun they forgot to put on more sunscreen after it washed off in the water. Ugh!

It has been a great day! A great memory!

My Today,

Christy

Fundraising

Hi, would you like to buy a car wash? I must have said this 100 times or more today.

Why? We are raising money to send 20 some teenagers to Phoenix, AZ. (My 3 included.) The first of August they are headed to National Fine Arts competition. They will meet up with about 7,500 other teens and show the talents God has given them.

So to get there...

They will...

Wash cars, crack eggs on their heads, have bake sales, bus tables at local restaurants, sell waters to joggers... whatever they find to do.

If you have any suggestions let me know. I'm listening...

My Today,

Christy

I'm Still A Kindergartener!

Wow! This past week has been soooooo busy!

I found out that I am going back to kindergarten next year. I am excited! I love kindergarten! It gives me an excuse to dress up crazy on Friday's!

Friday night was Girls Night Out! It was great fun! We had a night of random conversations. We learned that kangaroos can't walk backwards and were reminded that giraffes have very long necks. Some of our ladies admitted they felt like they were space cowboys and others have been thinking about buying a skunk. I even heard some ladies eat ostrich eggs. lol

Saturday was our community food giveaway. What an amazing experience. We spent the day just loving on people. We finished that afternoon totally tired, but totally refreshed in our spirits!

What a fun week!

My Today,

Christy

Really? Are you sure?

Have you ever lost something? Or perhaps put something in a very safe place, so you didn't loose it - but then you can't remember where that safe place is? I hate when that happens.

Oh well, it is what it is!

Somewhere in my computer is some information I need. I have searched for it, looked through every file I can think of with no luck. I'm not looking forward to redoing all that work, but it is what it is.

So today I lay claim to this...

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

My Today,

Christy

Chasing My Cheese?

This morning, I had a couple of friends ask me about the name of my blog. So for those wondering what it means...

I read the book "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson, about 3 years ago. A very good fast read. If you haven't read it - you should!

It is a story about four mice. Yes, mice!

Their names are Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw.

They find themselves in a bit of a situation when their cheese has been moved from their normal eating place. It is about how each of them deals with the changes that take place in their lives. It is a fearful time of change and the unknown.

What do we do when we have change in our lives?

Do we find a new route?

Do we sit around and complain?

I determined to push out of my comfort zones and chase after my cheese.

Keeping my mind open to run the race in what ever direction God wants me to head.

My Today,

Christy

Stay Connected with Glad Tidings: Mrs. Christy's Sermon

Stay Connected with Glad Tidings: Mrs. Christy's Sermon: My sermon from May 01, 2011

Hope you like it...

The Man Dog!

This is Jubi. She was one year old in October, 2010.

She has lots of energy and thinks she is a little lap dog.

Not!

Today, she couldn't decide if she wanted to get into the pool or not. So she settled into the fountain and cooled off there. It seemed that at any second she would lean to far over and splash right into the water.

Jubi definitely has alot of personality.

We love our Jubi.

My Today,

Christy

What is a Dekkie?

Lately I have been a little obsessed. Perhaps I am a nerd. But I am having a blast!

Within the last 3 years or so I have found an author that I love! I mean, I have enjoyed reading his books like no other author I have read. Why?

I am so emotionally drawn into the story it is crazy. Each book is addicting. I can't hardly put them down.
He has some different styles.

Mysteries, thrillers, love and romance, good and evil...
there is a book for any kind of mood you are in. And then there have been some I started to read and was mad because it was not a topic I wanted to read. However, I was so into the story that I couldn't stop reading it.

My 15 year old son loves them too! I never thought I would have to tell him to stop reading! What a great problem to have.

If you want a good book to read let me know...
I'll help you pick something you want to read.

My Today,
Christy