Monthly Archives: October 2012

Planting Seeds

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Give a bunch of 1st graders some dirt, a few seeds and a pot to put it in, and you will see a bunch of happy faces! I know that for a fact, I saw it with my own eyes. “Can I have some more seeds,” “When will it grow,” “I’m going to put mine in the sun,”… Filled with enthusiasm, they are bright, and ready for some action!

 Planting is the process of cultivation, and proper planting ensures healthy growth… There is opportunity for us every day, to plant seeds of love in the lives of others. There is also the gift being watered.

 Before my grandmother left for heaven, she shared with me some memories of beautiful letters my dad had sent to her when he was in the army. Her biggest regret, was that she did not keep them all. She said; “It would have been a book in itself!” As our younger son left for Italy, this past August, his semester abroad. My grandmothers words came back to me. I shared this story of grandma with him, and asked if he would journal his trip, so someday his kids and grandkids could hear about it. He said he would think about it.  Just a few weeks into his trip, he sends me this e-mail; “Whats up mom… I know you wanted to me write a journal but I’m probably not going to do that. Bobby is a pretty good writer though, and he has a blog online. So far he has made a post for everyday so if you want to keep up on what were doing all the time you can read it at… and he has pictures to go along with it. tell vin dad and the girls I said hi. love you. -Joe.   Well, at least I have a picture of what he is doing through the hand writing of his friend.

  Reading his friends stories, short, funny, and right to the point, inspired me to share my journey of teaching, through the land of 1st grade. Through my grandmothers story, I have been encouraged to write it down, and keep it!

  So, embracing the planted words of Grandma’s loving regret, and the watering of my sons friend; My Blog Bloomed!!! I hope you enjoy reading them 🙂

 Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. ~Proverbs 19:20

 Bible; Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth

Many blessings,

Have a great day,

Deanna  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m3sp-lDOzM&feature=channel&list=UL

Unconditional Love

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Getting to know you!  Speed meeting, a mix of musical chairs and Speed dating. Just a few minuets to get the kids to know each other better. Hi, my name is… Where do you go to school?… What’s your favorite game?… How many Brothers or sisters do you have?… The bell rings, they quickly switch and meet a new friend. Hi I’m… Who is your teacher?… and the game goes on. It’s spending time with each other, that we can better know and care for one another. As God has given us this special gift of friendship, He also calls us to know Him better, and there is no better way the to spend time together!

 All you have to do is spend a little time with these little ones, to see that their love is pure and it is unconditional!  I remember when our oldest son, was just a bit younger then our class. I did not feel very well one day. As I laid on the couch, with no energy, to do much of anything. I felt his lil’ hands lift my head. Only to put a pillow underneath it. As I thought, how sweet is he. The next thing I knew, was that, he’d also brought me a blanket. Placing it on me, and tucking in all the ends underneath me. I thought to myself, he has nothing on his mind, but me. Do I love like that? All I can say is, that very day, he taught me how to love. How to give your all to someone, with nothing else on your mind.

Today in class my daughter said to me, “Mommy, look how cute, I’m going to cry” as she smiled, Gianluca drew a picture of his fish and himself. He had a few words coming out of the fishes mouth, saying; “I love you too.” All the kids did great drawing of their families and to see how much effort they put in to their work. It’s these precious moments that no money can buy.

As we get to know each other, and the love that God has for each and every one of us is beyond words! It’s an awesome privilege to spend time with children. No-wonder Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Have a blessed day!

Deanna http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEO1op4wTPE

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Hello Everyone! Welcome to the 1st grade

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Why 201 boulevard, you ask? It’s the place we meet every monday, at 3:30 to share the awesome love God has for us. Hey, Sesame Street had great success with their address, I figured, how could we go wrong!!!

I’ve been teaching for 10 years, from grades 3-8th. This is my first year with the 1st grade, and I love it! I love the innocence. No one is sneaking under the desk a quick text 🙂 while I am talking… Although now, I have to remember, when I am reading a story about David and Goliath, I have to ask does anyone know what a giant is? Funny, only two raised their hand. I heard, “It’s was a big snake!” and, “Oh, I know! It’s the man in Jack and the Beanstalk!” Then another brave voice called out, “It’s a scary monster!” Ok, so we have a little work to do, but I am looking forward it!

I’ve been very blessed, my daughter Dominique is there to help. She amazes me. She fills in the gaps, keeps me organized and is great with the kids. It’s wonderful to teach with another set of eyes, you can see more 🙂

Making the sign of the Cross, no problem. Being a visual learner myself, it is the only way I can teach. Funny, how somethings can never go out of your mind, when you can see it! I remember my children watching Barney & The Backyard Gang, back in the day (they are now 22, 20, 16 and 14). When Barney said; “When you are getting in the car, always think of your seatbelt as a great big hug!” I have been wearing it ever since, I can’t get in the car without it!  So to that I say; When you make the sign of the Cross, remember:

  1.  Jesus is on our mind  2.  Jesus is in our heart                                                                          3.  Jesus holds us tight   4.  Jesus gives us freedom.

  When I was younger, I asked my Dad, Why he tapped his heart after making the sign of the cross. He told me, he was giving his heart to God. So, to me there is now 5 steps, to making the sign of the Cross 🙂

“Let the children come to Me”  Luke 18:16

Many blessings,

Have a great day,

Deanna                                                                                        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prvv2cQAtdg