End of School Year Blues....

Yes, you read the title of this post correctly. Our school year is winding down...we only have two and one half days left to the year. Everyone at school would think that I am nuts...teachers usually look forward to the summer months. I do look forward to the summer, but I have always had trouble with the end of the school year.
Even as a child, I didn't want the school year to end...I loved my classes and especially my teachers very much!
My students will always be in my prayers. I pray for each of them to love God with all of their hearts and to follow His will for each of their lives.
I am sad.
And...I know that this year will be no different than all of the rest of the years. After the students leave on Wednesday, I will sit at my desk and drink in the quietness. Memories of the year will come to my mind...the faces, smiles and laughter too. I will think of the teaching successes and the lessons that could have gone just a bit better. I will remember the challenges and the frustrations...and will immediately utter a prayer.

Thank you Almighty and Loving God. Take care of all of my children that You have so lovingly placed in my care for the last year. Let them always think of You first and never forget how much You love them. Be with them always! Amen.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!
"Let every action of mine be something beautiful for God." Blessed Mother Teresa

Missing my mom and dad this Memorial Day...Dad was a WWII vet. Memorial Day was a huge day for us with the parade going right past our home in Oconomowoc, WI. Thank you to all of our veterans...
The pic with dad and me coming in through a door...I was 2 years and dad was 47!!!

New Path for Me?

Please pray that God's will continue to shine in my life. I am considering and applying for a new position in my life. I am passionate about children and their continual growing toward Christ...teaching them to love Jesus and our Blessed Mother! I am anxious and need your prayers of comfort and knowing that God will always place me where He needs me to be.
Thank you...

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

May is Mary's Month

Our Parish Priest has this video on his blog...I just needed to post it too.
Enjoy...and find a white shirt!!!
Fr. Joel's blog is www.holypriesthood.blogspot.com Thank you Fr. Joel!

Before you play the video, scroll down to my playlist and stop the songs from playing...I want you to be able to fully enjoy the video.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

Where I'm From...

I found a template for this poem on the web...thought I'd give it a try.

Where I'm From

I am from Baby Tipee-Toes, from Dawn Dolls and Spirograph.
I am from the 9:00 pizzas, the 'watching Dad bowl' and potato chips and dip.
I am from the calm, loving, gentle touch.
I am from the snapdragons, the purple lilac bushes and bleeding hearts.
I am from the popcorn ball days and cowlicks in my hair, from Ma and Dad and Leitzke.
I am from the 'helping our neighbors' and never arguing or fighting.
From being born to 45 year old parents and everyone running to my bassinet when I cried.
I am from placing God first in our lives and living our faith.
I'm from small town Wisconsin, German and Prussian, potato pancakes and homemade noodles.
From the sister story of 'hand caught in the pickle jar', the yearly family reunions at Fowler Park, and the favorite blue gill fishing with Dick on very early camping mornings.
I am from cedar chest, and photo albums and journals written too...I am from love and I am from missing my Ma and my dad especially when I kiss and hug their beautiful, loving grandchildren.
Where I am from...

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!

"Hope and Pray"

"Hope and pray"... I have said these three words many, many times in my almost 46 years here on this Earth. Please know that I am not talking about responding to someone's plea for a prayer to be asked in their time of need. I take prayer requests very seriously and yes, I do pray for those individuals who ask prayers of me.
What I am talking about happened last night at a little dinner that my family attended at a dear friend's house. Another family was invited and all us 'moms' were in the host's bedroom, looking at paint samples and trying to decide which color would look best on the master bedroom walls. (I consider myself to be hopelessly bad at choosing colors for my home..)
The host looked at me and said, "Mary, what do you think about these colors? Your home is so colorful and beautifully done."
I replied, "Oh my, thank you for saying that, but I usually choose the colors first and then hope and pray that they end up looking nice."
The host laughed, but the other gal quickly looked at me and said,"...and how did that work?"
I was confused and answered, "I'm not sure what you are asking me?"
She said, "So...how did it work? I mean the prayer and all? Did your colors turn out nicely because you prayed about it?"

Hmmm.....
A teachable moment for sure. I spoke about prayer and truly had no intention of actually praying for the colors in my home. You also need to know that this actually was a beautiful teaching moment for this young lady and I blew that as well. You see, about two months ago we were invited to her church for her anniversary party. When we arrived, we realized that her church wasn't a Christian church. They are called unitarianists. I hope I have the spelling right. They not only do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, but according to their website, they do not all believe that God even exists. They leave that up to each member of their church. Of those who do believe in a supreme being, they do not believe that he is concerned with our lives down here on earth and do not believe in prayer.

I so blew it. Even if I would have had a response to her, I should never had said what I said. So now...I am going to be more conscience of the phrase 'hope and pray'. I have learned a lesson. Isn't it amazing how much God loves us? I have added this gal to my prayers. I also need to write that at one time the dad in the family was Catholic. It so amazes me how we are given life's situations to learn and grow and fall in love over and over again with our loving God.

Mary
Jesus, I trust in You!