Farm Life

10 things I've learned while living on a farm

1) There are many unique smells that have helped my nose along in its maturity-cows, skunked dog blankets, calf milk, rhubarb pudding, deceased mice (and other miscellaneous vermin) in my walls, the garden, the cherry tree blooming outside my window, and good old fresh dirt.

2) Raw milk, homegrown eggs, beef, fruits, and veggies really do taste better. Whenever I leave this place I will do my best, even if it means paying more, to continue eating local food. My taste-buds have been spoiled!

3) Farming is hard work. Not only does it take immense physical strength, there is also an ever-present  emotional pull between family and work. Farming isn't a one or two person job it envelops the entire family. Farmers are on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Vacations are extremely rare and difficult to take. Whether its Cory or Dennis working, the kids having a special event that is missed, or the wife resorting to watching her shows by her lonesome (shoutout to you Beth!) everyone in the family has to sacrifice.

4) Even if you aren't a biological part of the family you will be adopted and given some task to complete. The familial atmosphere of the farm helps it run smoothly. I can say that my cow herding, gun shooting, calf feeding, kitten finding, barn climbing, kid watching, 4-wheeler driving, and car towing skills have improved since moving here.

5) With all of the hard work and sacrifice that is put into a farm the people who are doing the work see very little money. Running a farm where you are creating food and milk that isn't poison is becoming increasingly difficult. Do some research and you will find out all kinds of things you didn't want to know about regulation loopholes in this country. Safe food costs more money to make; therefore, you may have to pay a little more for it. Stop being stingy.

6) Speaking of feeding calves and unique smells I cannot stand the calf milk powder. I'm the only person that it bothers around here--yes me with the strong stomach, but that stuff whew, ick. It smells like a milky cake mix but the powder tickles my nose and throat and if you ever get the chance to see me around it I will be struggling. I would rather give up the easiest job on the farm and scrape poop instead.

7) If you ever need a cat a farm is a perfect place for you.

8) Geese are mean. They are mean because a certain farmer steals their delicious eggs from their nests. Geese will hiss, charge, and bite you. Just trust me. Stay away.

9) There are many types of transportation on a farm. From 4-wheeler to trampoline to tractor to 18 wheeler if you need to get somewhere or move something not only can it be done, but done in style.

10) Mice, ants, birds flying in through my chimney and around my head at 6 in the morning (don't worry that problem is fixed now), and even geese included I love this place. It is my home. I live with people who are dear to my heart and have a new founded respect for those who grow my food.

P.S. I'm still waiting for the old orders to accept me and invite me on a horse and buggy ride. I would even wear a skirt that covers my ankles.

This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.

I have mixed feelings about this post. I am ecstatic because one of my dreams is coming true. I have a special place deep rooted within for individuals with special needs (especially autism) that I can't fully explain and others can't fully understand unless they too have it.

I am also deep-down-in-the-dumps-depressed. *Sad because I will be leaving everything I know in the teaching world-from student teaching my school has molded and supported me. *Desperate because I know I won't see many of my students and former students ever again. I want so badly to see them continue to grow and bloom into who they will be. *Devastated because I am passing up an awesome opportunity to take over the jv basketball program at the high school across the street. *Guilty because I feel I am letting my K team down.

Teaching is a work of the heart. Unlike so many other professions it is impossible not to become emotionally attached to those you pour so much of yourself into. I know everything I'm feeling is normal. And, I also know that as the school year wraps up and the summer begins I will place Clymore in a special compartment of my heart right next to the core. I will take so many experiences and friendships and cherish them forever. Words certainly cannot express how grateful I am for the K and 3rd grade teams that I have worked with, as well as the many related service providers and special education staff who have been an integral part of my room for the last 3 years. When I am having a rough day, which I'm afraid may happen often in the future (fear of the unknown) I will pull memories from that spot and remember those who taught me, had faith in me, told me when I was wrong--using the strength and words of my friends to get through whatever comes my way, if only until the next day.

I have accepted a position in Harrisonburg City for next year as a special education teacher. The position is new so I don't have a lot of details, but I do know that I will be working with students who have high-functioning autism. This means I will have my own classroom; however, my students will also go into the general education setting some so I will be co-teaching with teachers in multiple grade levels. This school is part of the Shenandoah Valley Regional Program for Special Education-students from Augusta, Harrisonburg, Page Co, Rockingham Co, Shenandoah Co, and Staunton can come to this school. In addition it is a K-4 school serving students in Harrisonburg City. Students with and without disabilities making progress together. The climate of the school is warm and inviting and the administration seems superb.

So, as difficult as it is to leave my little comfort bubble I'm ready to work 2 minutes from my gym, 5 minutes from JMU, and 13 minutes from my apartment. I'm ready to use the skills I gained at JMU to help students learn. I'm ready to be the change I want to see in the world. As I have "talk-texted" friends to tell them about this new opportunity I know there's no coincidence that each time I say "autism class" it auto corrects to awesome class.
Excited.Terrified.Moving Forward. Being an Eagle. Making A Difference.

14 days

There are 14 days of school left. The bajillions of assessments are finally complete and the summer FEVER set in about 2 months ago. Between the tattling on their peers and class chicks alike I would like to change my name or the language I speak. "I'm sorry Miss Henderson is not taking tattling right now, please try her at a later date."  "No comprehendo. Hables Espanol?" Along with the tattling comes the end of the year projects. Trying to find the perfect keepsake for parents to remember their child's first year. This is supposed to be the most important year right? I must create, imagine, discover something amazing that will not be forgotten. Hold the door, this student is gone one week and another student the next? Where is my time going? I need them at school to create greatness. Forget vacation memories, obviously the picture your 6 year old draws is much more important that priceless memories. I'm such a selfish person, maybe I'm just jealous :-)

Let me set my delusion aside and savor the sweet summer that lies ahead. This year I will spend time at the beach, in Nashville, and possibly a cross-country road trip. I will sleep in late, a whopping 7:30 here on the farm, and live in my gym clothes. Reunited with Katelyn for the first time in two years, there's no doubt we'll wreak havoc somewhere. My days will be filled with giggles and gags with my favorite kids.My first summer since high school without class--thank you basketball, 5 major changes, and full time job during grad school equals  no major commitments.

I adore my job and my students, but we all need a break. 14 days-we. can. do. it.  Now, just don't make me think about the changes that come after this hiatus. My kinders are growing up!

I'll love you forever

Carol Dearest,
Today was Mother's Day. You have been my mom for 25 years. 25-that's a quarter of a century (WOW). I wasn't planning on coming to Roanoke today. Between end of the year kindergarten craziness, job interviews, and a 9 mile hike yesterday I just needed a day to rest. Then I realized I needed something more. I needed you.

 You have taught me uncountable things over the years. You molded me into the adult I am now with love, hard work, and LOTS of patience. Here are just a few favorite memories of you.

1) I loved when you used to let me skip school (which I hated) and come teach preschool (which I loved). Many people have told me my gift for teaching is innate. I know it comes from watching your talent over the years.

2) As much as I used to hate going to the nursing home as a family and visiting with the residents, because I was a self-centered egotistical shy kid, I am grateful for the experience now. You taught us that no matter what a person looks like, smells like, talks like, or feels like they deserve respect and love.

3) I always waited with anticipation for our dates to work the concession stand during my softball years-and there were a. lot.! Granted the fact that I was allowed to eat candy carries a lot of weight in why this is a favorite memory, I also enjoyed just spending the time with you away from the boys that ran our house. You taught me the importance of girl time.

4) This will come to a surprise to you but I cherish our shoe hunting shopping. Actually shopping in general with you has s-l-o-w-l-y become something I enjoy. Not many moms would have put up with the lack of shoes in size 13 or the 13 year old who constantly threw fits about it. Thanks for teaching me how to persevere and embrace my body the way it was made.

5) You don't remember much about your stay in Johns Hopkins. I do. It was in Baltimore Maryland that I realized you aren't going to be around forever. It was in the 5 star accommodations of the Marburg Pavilion that I finally understood that you are not as invincible as I always believed. And in that place we needed each other as a family. I sat/slept/ate/lived by your bed and across the hall for 10 days. And, then you were cleared to go home-pancreatic cancer caught by accident, early enough to not need any additional treatment. We will take scheduled scans for years, answered prayers and a new realization that God really does perform miracles over what could have been. Your unwavering faith makes mine stronger.

This Hallmark holiday brings joy and sadness to so many each year. Eventually I know it will bring a bit of sadness to my heart. That's why I needed you today and everyday. I don't want you to ever doubt your importance to your children. Thank you for showing me how to be patient, kind, spontaneous, generous, and that a little bit of rebellion doesn't hurt every now and again...wait, maybe that's what I'm teaching you.

Excerpt from Love you Forever by Robert Munsch-a childhood favorite.

There once was a mother who had a new baby and she picked it up and rocked it back and forth back and forth back and forth and sang "I'll love you forever I'll like you for always as long as I'm living my baby you'll be."

Well that baby grew and grew and grew until it was 9 years old and it never wanted to come in for dinner and when it did come in sometimes it said bad words at the dinner table. Sometimes the mom would say this kid is driving me craaazy. But at nighttime when that 9 year old was asleep the mother would open up the door to his room crawl across the floor look up over the side of the bed and if that kid was really asleep she would pick him up and rock it back and forth back and forth back and forth and sing "I'll love you forever I'll like you for always as long as I'm living my baby you'll be".

...Well that teenager he grew and grew and grew until he was a grown up man. He left home and moved all the way to the other side of town. But sometimes on dark nights the mother would drive across town. When she came to her son's house she would pick him up and rock him back and forth back and forth back and forth and sing "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be".

I'll love you forever I'll like you for always as long as I'm living my mommy you'll be.

I cannot wait to sing to my children one day because of you.

I heart you,

Rebecky

Wristband Sista

Here's another trip down memory lane post. I would apologize for being so reminiscent lately, but I feel that it goes along with my life changes that are up and coming. And, it's my blog, my thoughts, deal with it.

:-) This is a post about an unlikely friend for her birthday. I say unlikely because even though we have known each other for 17 years (wayyyy back to my soccer years), our friendship didn't truly take off until high school. Then right in the best years of our lives the girl decided to go to college across the country. She gets me-my shyhyperness, millionmilesaminutescramblebrain, exceedinglyoverwhelmingandneverceasing at times energy level. I am a the clumsiest walking antithesis and the woman takes it in stride. Lora has shown me what it means to be a friend by always listening, sometimes laughing, once elbowing me in the gut, and never judging.

It started on the soccer field but grew on the basketball court. If you know about me you probably know about my basketball journey through college. If you know me you probably know about my basketball journey before college. There are multiple people who shared the task of getting me through those delicate years. Lora took on the task in 10th grade at a team sleepover. She didn't know what she was getting herself into, but I know now that she doesn't regret it!

Junior year-we had some pretty AWESOME captains that year. Reagan and Pedro's First Annual Sausage Patty Fest. On the to bring list: karaoke, games, video camera, sleeping bags, Nemo if you can find it, practice clothes and playbook (shooting practice was at 5:37 am), laps/legs, and shiny rolls.

Got lots of shots off before the sun came up this week. Had breakout games as individuals and a team, playing in college became a true goal, and Lora's senior corruption year began courtesy of your's truly. Skipping open gyms, pregame slurpees, Chinese fire drills-you know, true rebellion.

My left-handed right wingman

All good things must come to an end. True friends are hard to find and impossible to forget.

I guess it's okay you left me for Utah. Now you can take me on fun adventures!

Great Salt Lake

I caught up with Lora this afternoon. Towards the end of our lengthy conversation she asked if she could send me a link with a message she had heard. This message contained a story that reminded her of me. I read it this afternoon and was blessed. Once again my friend shines wisdom on areas I have concern in. A quote from the article that displays my friend better that I can:
"The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket (although she has a pretty rockin' husband and is going to be a mama in June!!!); they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy."
Thank you for being one of the hardest working people I know. Thank you for being an uplifting voice to me. Thank you for always constantly forever pointing out positives. Thank you for being my friend. Most importantly thank you for being you!

  Feliz Cumpleanos a ti, feliz cumpleanos a ti, feliz cumpleanos querida Lora, feliz compleanos a ti!