Post-Thanksgiving Post

Hi,

The lethargic blogger strikes again! With the speed of a transatlantic sloth, my fingers hurtle across the keyboard one keystroke at a time.

For teachers like me, we love breaks because we get all the breaks the kids get; although we often spend part of our vacations catching up on our work. Yesterday I got a lot of work done planning the next few weeks of lessons till Christmas Break; but I have taken some time off. All work and no play makes Brian a dull boy.

My favorite book this month has been reading for myself the first time William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation.

To my few readers out there, please leave a comment on your favorite book or Scripture you have enjoyed reading in November.

The Cold Splendor of Fall

Today was the first day my walk home was in the dark. Cold, yet fresh like autumn; not like February. It feels good to walk up to my door, to our home and the warmth and the family and the love waiting for me. Isn't it strange how this simple pleasure is so easily missed by the common preoccupation with ourselves that prevents us from seeing what we truly have?

This November I am resolutely preparing for Thanksgiving all month.

Brian

Drumheller Springs Field Trip

A few weeks ago we took our 4th-graders to the edge of the North Hill of Spokane, to Drumheller Springs Park. This is a special place to me because this is where the first school in eastern Washington began. Chief Garry of the Middle Spokane Tribe was the teacher in about 1870. I am trying to raise awareness of his educational effort within the larger Christian school community, showing that his story is part of our story. Neither education nor settlement began with the whites. In order to include their achievements we must see that though cultures make us different we are all from the human race. As Garry once said in the 1855 treaty council with Isaac Stevens,

"I think that the difference between us and you Americans is the clothing; the blood and the body are the same."

My students are learning to respect this Native American peacemaker and Christian who tirelessly worked to prevent bloodshed, secure land for his people, and give children an elementary education.

Idaho Humor

Great Lord of the Rings Quote

"You have your own choice to make, Aragorn… to rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness… with all that is left of your kin."

What a Dad!

I had the video attached, but it has been pulled by the source... I unwittingly copied it without permission. Anyway, the dad caught a fly ball, gave it to his little girl, and she promptly threw it away. After his initial shock, he did an incredibly loving thing... he hugged her instead of scolding her.

Rainy Day School

Ahh, the hot weather in the 90's this week is cooling down. I woke up this morning to rain. That means I can wear a long-sleeved shirt today without it being torture.

Of course, rain also means "indoor recess"... a phrase that can strike fear or at least mild anxiety into the heart of the most seasoned elementary teacher. However, I think I have a pretty mild-mannered class this year. More on that later.

Brian