Blackberry Blessings

Dad before.

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:38:00 +0000

My dad hasn't been feeling too well lately, and will not be improving. This is the big thing that is going on in our family. I am blessed to have two parents at my age, (54) and have long appreciated it. My parents have been married since they were 18.

I want to post about this without offending a family member who objected to a post I made in June. I took the offending post down even though I did not feel it was disrespectful at all. I didn't want to offend. I still don't want to offend, but I have to post.

God is good, and he is bringing our family together in different ways in this situation. Dad is comfortable, for the most part, and will be staying at home as long as we can keep him there. I won't discuss the health details too much because my family member objects.

Blessings in this situation:

Big families are good. Brothers and sisters to share ideas, rescources, and time.
It's nice to have your family while you are young. You have more time with your children.

I'm back

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:54:00 +0000

I've been mulling over things and I've decided to resume blogging. I've had a lot going on in my life, and my blog has fallen by the wayside, as I've tried to figure things out.

So, you'll be hearing from me again.

Grow it in a Pot: Zucchini

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:14:00 +0000

I"m having a lot of fun with my "garden" this year. As you know, the growing season is very short in the mountains, and even though I tried to grow veggies something always happened. You know. Animal problems. Animals such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, or my own dogs would eat or dig up the plants. Or we'd get an unexpected frost.

But now I don't live in the mountains. I live in a canyon. With a real backyard. I've excited to be able to try again.

I began in March by planting Burpeee seeds in those little pellet pots. The germinated and thrived. I transferred them to big pots, filled with Miracle Grow Potting soil. I have to tell you that Miracle Grow it the best, if you don't have your own compost going.

On Monday I harvested enough fresh tender young zucchini for our family dinner with friends. I enjoy watching these vegetables grow, and I'm reminded that God created all life, and I'm thankful that He created gardens!

Roses for Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sun, 10 May 2009 17:44:00 +0000

I took these pictures this morning to share with you all.

A Mother's Day Basket

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sat, 09 May 2009 20:20:00 +0000

I was playing around with my photobooth program on my IMac again, and took a picture of a basket that I painted and had fired. It's a nice brown color, but I did it in sepia. Anyway, I'm filling it with something to give my mom for Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day, and Don't Drink Too Much!

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sat, 09 May 2009 20:15:00 +0000

I just had to say that! A really sweet parent (her son is in another first grade class), wished me a happy Mother's Day as she left school. She added, "Don't drink too much." Now, I don't drink. I am really puzzled by this. Do people consider Mother's Day a drinking holiday?

We finished up the Mother's Day gifts and cards, got them wrapped up, and sent home. The children loved making presents for their moms. I'm sure that the mother's will enjoy them!

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sat, 02 May 2009 15:43:00 +0000

This has been such a busy week for me. I've been in state mandated math training for the last three days. I think it that it has been worthwhile, but prepping and planning for the sub has taken me time each day after school. I have two days of training left to complete, and I'll be finished!

This week the children will make picture frames to give to their moms on Mother's Day. I have 40 pictures to edit and get printed today. I'm having the first graders paint and decorate wooden frames. Today I'll make a couple of samples to show the children.

I haven't been feeling well for the last week to two, and I think that it could be allergies, or a virus. I went to my hematologist for a six month "check up" appointment yesterday and he referred me for a couple of CT scans with contrast. I am thinking that I do not really need the scans. I appreciate his ordering them. Once you go through the type of "incident" that I did with the hypercoagulation which caused a DVT, Pulmonary embolisms, and hemorrhagic stroke, it is easy to be a little concerned about things. I am on Warfarin for the rest of my life.

I realized this yesterday evening that my stroke happened on Mother's Day in 2007. Next week will be the second anniversary.

I want to spent the gift of time that God has given me wisely. I want to show His love to those people around me, and care for my family.

I promise some fun posts soon!

It's Warming UP!

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 02:52:00 +0000

I'm trying not to miss the mountains. The weather there this time of year is usually so nice.

The thermometer in my backyard read 95 today in the shade. My house is air conditioned. We are quite comfortable at home. I have tile floors downstairs, which seem to keep the house cooler. I suspect that the water in the pool will be a good temperature for swimming before too long. I enjoy going outside at sunset and soaking my feet in the refreshing water while the sun dips lower and lower. Chloe and Riggley always come outside with me and enjoy investigating whatever they find. I have several large tubs of vegetables growing, mostly squash, tomatoes of various types, and onions. I also have herbs. I am enjoying this part of living "down the hill."

This week I'll go to the Los Angeles Zoo with my First Grade class. We've been discussing animals, and the children are a counting down the days until we go. Such excitement! We only go on one field trip each year, and the children have been looking forward to this for a long time.

I took pictures of these blooming flowers last year. I love the gardens at the zoo.

And of course, here is a Gorilla. I'm going to show this picture to my students tomorrow morning. I'll crop it a little so that the gorilla is bigger.

Baby David & Family

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:57:00 +0000

One of my students had a heart transplant as a toddler. He's been a happy boy and is doing well in school. He loves to run and play during recess, and I have often thought that having him in my class this year has been a special blessing. The only thing that I notice about him is that he constantly wears his coat. He gets cold easily, and keeps his coat on all day long.

His mother had another baby in November, and the doctors thought at first that everything was fine. They thought that baby David's heart was normal. The family rejoiced and brought their new son home. In March while we were off track things changed. Baby David got sick. Mom came to me yesterday to tell me that her baby, David, has fallen ill with a heart failing heart and is now on a Transplant waiting list. He has been on the waiting list for a heart for the last 23 days.

Mom is spending much of her time in the hospital and is concerned about her other two sons. Grandma is helping out at home, but the boys aren't wanting to go to school and are not happy at home. I think that going to school has helped them. Everything is "normal" there, with friends to talk to and work to do.

Please pray for this family and Baby David. Please pray that a donor heart will be found for him.

Oak Trees

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:52:00 +0000

Before my little trip to the San Fransico area, I was spending a lot of time working up at the mountain house. It's hard getting things packed up in a three level house with fairly steep stairs. The black bags you can see in this picture all were full of things for the Goodwill. They are gone now. We'll be back up there this Saturday working again.

When I need a break, I can go outside and look at the beautiful view. We had tree trimmers out and cleared out a lot of branches on the old California Oak trees that surround the house.

The view is so peaceful during this time of year. The lake beach will open on Memorial Day weekend, and then we'll hear the children's laughter as they go down the waterslide and frolic in the cool water.

And when I need a little cheer, I can think about Sarah. She is growing up happy and healthy.

More pictures!

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:47:00 +0000

I couldn't resist adding a couple more of my favorites!

Happy Birthday, Sarah Michelle!

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:29:00 +0000

I was so blessed to be able to go and visit my granddaughter for her birthday. She is walking and is just so sweet, happy, smart, and is truly a joy!

She is full of lovely smiles, and is walking well for a little one who is just now a year old!

INR 2.5

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:01:00 +0000

I woke up early today and feel wonderful. Not sick at all in any way. My INR (clotting) results came back at 2.5, which is good . It needs to be between 2 and 3. If it is under 2 I run the risk of clotting. Over 3 means that I am risking hemorrhage. It's nice to be right in the middle of the target range. I don't have to get another blood test for a month. The most important thing is to remember to eat a consistent amount of vegetables. I'm not supposed to have spinach or greens at all. (I'd advise everyone else to eat tons of them.)

Today we are driving back up the hill and packing up more junk. Yesterday we (mostly Scott) organized the garage and made room for the things we'll be bringing down today.

We planted a red rose bush by the garage to replace the one that died when the house was vacant. I've got 120 squash, tomato, and flower seedlings started. I have herbs growing in pots. I purchased a little Japanese cucumber plant.I have no idea where I am going to plant it all! If I were still living in the mountains, I'd never dare plant all of these things outside until May. And then it would still be a little risky. I'm thrilled to be able to garden!

I unpacked about 6 boxes of kitchen stuff. I'm getting rid of more things. I will keep my nice electric citrus juicer that I've had for over 25 years. We used to pick up big bags of juicing oranges from the LDS orchards and enjoyed the fresh orange juice. The orchards were open to the public at certain times. I use the juicer now when someone gives me a bag of homegrown lemons.

I don't have a place for my cookbooks. They are still in the garage in boxes. None of our bookcases are in this house yet, and very few books are unpacked.

I'll post pictures soon!

Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 03:59:00 +0000

I took this picture of our pool and jacuzzi a few weeks ago. I love the way that my neighbor's house and our palm trees are reflected in the water. I'm going out every day to see if the water is warm enough in the pool for swimming. I'm excited because I've always dreamed of having a home with a pool but never really thought that we would.

I've been having trouble getting used to my mac. I expressly purchased it for photography and blogging, but I've had a few little problems and I usually get sidetracked by doing something fun on the computer before I solve the problem. I have to call the MAC store and get some software installed, but all of my paperwork ~ receipts, everything, was misplaced. I blame it on the move.

Hello! Happy Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 03:54:00 +0000

I'm still around, but haven't been blogging. Things have been kind of hectic, but that's not the real reason that I haven't blogged. I've just been thinking that I need to revise the focus of this blog. I would like to share what is going on in my life, but I wonder how many people that I can really help. There are so many good blogs out there!

Tomorrow is my birthday, and I'm going to start blogging again! I'll redo and revise a little bit each day, and share recipes, ideas and things that are on my mind.

Friday

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:11:00 +0000

I have not been blogging lately. For more than one reason. But please keep checking back, I have a lot of things left that I want to blog, and some pictures that are ready to upload! I promise that there will be more soon!

A Mountain View.....

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:08:00 +0000

Next week I'll do better....36

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:19:00 +0000

A Verse to Consider

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:55:00 +0000

When times are good, be happy;
but when times are bad, consider:
God has made the one
as well as the other.
Therefore, a man cannot discover
anything about his future.

Ecclesiastes 7:14

Commentary

Ecclesiastes is an amazing book of the Bible. The main point of this book is that life without God is an exercise in vanity. We can work very hard over things that bring no real value to our lives. If we think that good circumstances are the validation of our lives, we have set ourselves up for despair when bad circumstances come. Both responses don't give us the perspective needed to know how to proceed in victory or defeat. The person who has been apprehended by God has a perspective that goes far beyond being blessed or experiencing want.

commentary by:
David Whitehead, Pastor, Grace NYC

More First Grade Secrets

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:57:00 +0000

One of the many things I enjoy about teaching first grade is listening to my student's conversations.

Today, a little boy raised his hand in class after I took the attendance. "My feet are shivering."

"What do you mean, " I slowly said. "Are your feet cold?" "No." "Do they hurt?" "No. They are just shivering." "Please tell your mother about it when you go home." What else could I say? I wanted him to know that I cared, but I can't imagine how the school nurse would feel if I sent him to the office with a note explaining that he had "shivering feet."

You never know.

One of my sweetest girls returned on Monday after a long absence due to a serious illness. We'd all sent her letters and cards and the children were delighted so see her. Everyone bent over backwards to help her in any way. She went to my classroom assistant and said, "Why does everyone love me so much?"

Kitchen Tip Tuesday: Cake Mixes

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Whenever I see boxed cake mixes on sale I purchase enough to keep my kitchen pantry well stocked. They can be used to make many types of quick cookies, cobblers, as well as cakes. I love to add ingredients to make the boxed cake mixes special. They are quick to make and easy to use.

Here are a few of the cake mix cookie recipes that I've written about in the past:

Cranberry Walnut Bar Cookies (click on "Cranberry)

Cranberry Pretzel Drop Cookies (My family loved these. The picture doesn't do them justice.) And please try the

Chocolate Banana Cookies

I have a Cake Mix Doctor cookbook that I sometimes use. You can visit her website by clicking here to get yummy recipe ideas!

For more Kitchen Tips, visit Tammy's Recipes!

A New Week! Fun Times in First Grade

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:49:00 +0000

Our principal will be back today! She's been out with a back injury and we've all missed her! She truly leads and inspires us. I know that one day she'll want to retire, and I'm trying to prepare myself!

We are starting Theme 6, "Animal Adventures" in our Houghton Mifflin Language Arts series. Fun stories.

My class is finishing up our group science fair project. We hope to win a prize! I'm going for the ant farm.

In'n Out Burger is coming to our school on Thursday evening with a big truck to prepare their food. They are donating ALL of the proceeds to our school! We are combining it with a literacy night and lots of good times.

Keebler's Peanut Butter Cracker Recall

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:53:00 +0000

I received a letter last week from Kellogg's Warehouse Club. It seems that their records indicate that I purchased Austin branded Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers between July 1, 2008 and January 12, 2009. I guess the crackers in question may potentially have been contaminated with Salmonella. The company apologized and said that there had been a breach in their supplier's process that was unacceptable to Kellogg. The letter included a hotline contact number (877-869-5633).

Two things:

1) It's amazing that a company can track down customers to mail them letters at home with this type of information. I do feel that they are sincerely sorry that this has happened.

2) I'm sure that the crackers in question were fine. When I received the letter the crackers had already been eaten ! I gave them to students who were hungry and didn't bring a snack. I ate some also. No one has been sick.

If you want to visit the Keebler Website, click here.

First Grade News

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:07:00 +0000

Yesterday after I took attendance a little boy raised his hand as high as he could. When I called on him he said, "I've got good news! We get to keep my baby brother!" Yes, I'd imagine the new baby was here to stay! What he meant to say was that the little one had just come home from the hospital.

Sheepish

noreply@blogger.com (GinnyBerry) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:22:00 +0000

In this game you have to catch the escaping sheep as fast as you can. I couldn't score higher than armadillo this morning. Click here to play the game yourself.