Daddy's Girl

I think I've always been a Daddy's Girl.  Today, on Father's Day, I realize that I will always be a Daddy's Girl.  Even though my father is not just at the other end of a phone call, or wrapping me in a strong hug, or even firmly reminding me that I don't know Everything with his presence here on earth, I realize that he is and always will be with me.

I am Daddy's Girl when I beam with pride of family.  I am so fortunate to have had him and my mother supporting, guiding, and nurturing, first me and then my children.  Bridgette and Bryan turned out to be better people as a result of his getting in the floor and playing with them, laughing with them, cheering for them, and even giving them and their friends bubble gum, ice cream, and chocolate.  Without even realizing it, I find myself striving to be that kind of parent and grandparent.  In just the past several days I have had the opportunity to spend time with my children, bonus child, and grandchildren.  I have never felt more alive and more happy than when I am in their presence.  This Daddy's Girl learned to love and cherish her family and relish that time shared with them.

I am a Daddy's Girl when I work. I was taught to attack a job, go after it with gusto. and keep driving till the job is done.  Don't expect somebody to do something you are not willing to do yourself.  A strong leader is right there in the thick of the work with those he/she is trying to lead.  Work elbow-to-elbow or knee-to-knee with folks.  You are no better than the next person but you are every bit as good.  There will be time to rest when the work is done; so, stick to it and give it your all.  Give everything you do your very best because it is your stamp, your signature, your reputation that you are offering as you work.  This Daddy's Girl knows that her work ethic and dedication to the job are important and stand as a pillar in this world long after you are gone.

I am a Daddy's Girl when I interact with people.  I was taught to meet people where they are.  We never know what hurdles somebody else has overcome or is facing and it doesn't cost a thing to be kind. A little kindness goes a long way.  They get in their britches just like I do and should be treated as I want to be treated.  Always share a smile or a chuckle with them - a little humor serves as a pick-up and makes each encounter a pleasant memory.   It is alright to disagree with somebody and even to oppose their stance fervently but be ready to shake hands, share a hug, and walk away with an attitude of cooperation and respect.  Treat folks with respect - even when they don't deserve it.  We never know when a chance encounter may make a huge impact on another person.  It is more important to know people and know who they are than to know where they are from, or what they do, or what their station in life is - just knowing them as they are.  This Daddy's Girl learned that it is important to leave people with a positive memory of your interaction.

I am a Daddy's Girl when it comes to learning.  I recognize there is always more to learn and embrace learning something new constantly.  Get as much education about every thing you encounter that you possibly can.  Knowledge is something nobody can take away from you.  Be a student even as you are being the teacher because we can always learn from somebody else - anybody.  No matter how many degrees you earn, you still don't know Everything!  Even those who don't have a stack of degrees have a world of knowledge to teach you.  Share what you know but share it with love and even if the knowledge isn't appreciated, the love will be.  This Daddy's Girl has a passion for learning and relishes the opportunity to learn.

I am a Daddy's Girl when it comes to embracing life.  I realize that we only have one chance here on this earth and we should live it to the fullest.  Stand up for what is right and good.  Take advantage of every opportunity and realize that sometimes an opportunity doesn't seem like an opportunity at all!  In everything we do there can be an element of fun if we choose to make it so.  Experiences are important and people are even more important.  Take time to enjoy and appreciate both.  This Daddy's Girl doesn't want to miss a thing and wants to be sure that I and the people around me have a big time.

The person I am is certainly a reflection of being a Daddy's Girl.  It takes commitment, diligence, and dedication to become a good person and I am lucky enough to have had a role model to give me guidance and encouragement to keep striving toward that goal.  Oh, Daddy was far from perfect and certainly didn't lay down a road map.  He did, however, show me a world map and instilled in me that whatever I wanted to accomplish is possible.  He also instilled in me that there is a responsibility bestowed upon each of us and to take that responsibility seriously.

I miss his presence each and every day.  I feel lucky that I had Billy Noland as my Daddy and am proud to be a Daddy's Girl.  Happy Father's Day to you and yours.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to the guys in my life who are fathering day-in-and-day-out!  

Mike

Helping out

Providing support

Sharing work

Learning and laughing

Playing games

Sharing tunes

 Sharing love

Silly faces

Corey

Smelling the roses

Teaching patiently

Stephen

Encouraging and protecting

Loving

Bryan

Enjoying and discovering nature

Guiding and modeling

I admire the job you are doing as a father and am proud to have you in my life!

Awards Night

Recently, our eldest grandson was part of his Mother's Day Out Awards program.  Well, I think all of the little folks who attend were a part - some more than others!

This is the cool dude on his way to the big event.

He did a little cheesing for the camera right after we all arrived.

He also had to show off the bruise and knot on his head - earned when he flipped over the handlebars of his bicycle onto pavement during play time a couple of days before!

It looked painful but he hadn't complained.  I guess he is a roughneck!

They sang a little song and Harris did a little singing and even kenw the hand motions.

He made sure we were watching a time or two.

He seemed best at the part where the mama on the bus was shh, shh, shhing.  Maybe he is most familiar with that part!

Each little person was recognized for his or her own special gift and went up to get the certificate from Mrs. Rachel, the teacher.

He gave her a high-five...

...and turned to head on down the steps to sit with the rest of his mates.

His award was for Best Attitude.  Of course, this grandmother thinks it was spot-on as a recognition even though his mom and dad kind of rolled their eyes.

It seemed especially spot-on when he had to be bribed to take a photo with his teacher before we left for home!

Climber

Somebody is a climber!  Somebody learned a new trick recently!  Somebody is really excited and proud of herself!  Somebody thinks it is great fun to climb up the bunk bed ladder and wake her big sister!

Big sister doesn't like quite as excited about the matter, does she?

Late Afternoon Visit

I went up the hill the other afternoon to wish our daughter-in-law a happy birthday... and to play with two little fellows.

This fellow was fun and games for a bit but it was about that time of day when a guy just needs his mama and to get ready for bed.  He is at a fun stage of life.  He will just chuckle and interact and kick his feet in excitement when one talks to him.  He has such a sweet disposition.

This fellow was busy.  First, he had to tromp through a little slick of mud that had formed from the water-trough run-over.  Then, he was gathering up rocks and tossing them.

Rocks make universal toys for little guys, don't they?

Pick them up...throw them...see how far they go...repeat.

Rock work is serious business!

Summer Break!

As of last Friday I have been enjoying my summer break from school!  The weather has done its best to show me that it is indeed summer, too.  It has been HOT!

For the past few days I have been serving as Mike's farm hand.  It isn't such a bad job.  The hardest part is reading his mind and his directions.  He will be on the tractor and use hand motions to indicate what he wants me to do and where he wants me to drive my rig for hay hauling.  I'm very close to being a failure at reading those hand motions!  Here is my rig:

I drive the truck.  It isn't so bad, indoor, air conditioned.  Of course, the window has to be down so that I can hear Mike if he shouts out something so I can watch his hand motions.  So, there is a bit of bugs flying in along with the dribbles of hay when he plops that bale into the bed of the truck.  Plus, with the window down, a couple of days have been sweaty ones even with that air conditioning blowing in the truck.  Most loads look like the one above.  Sometimes, though, there would be two more bales added to the trailer.  The tricky part is turning through the gates and not snagging a post with either the truck or the trailer.

So-far-so-good!  As of lunch time yesterday, we have 90 bales stored in his barn.  (All posts and fences are still standing untouched, too!)

Virtual Visit

Have you seen or tried any of these virtual reality apps and sites?  Last week our instructional technology team led a professional development that was all about virtual reality.  My part was to share a couple of apps and provide time to interact with a Google Cardboard.  The Cardboard is a lot of fun and does give the sensation of actually being there in a lot of ways.  I dropped Mike down in a photosphere a few miles from our house and he kind of panicked because he was right in the middle of a state highway and feared he was going to get run over by a vehicle!  The roller coaster was a little too realistic for me and I could have gotten a bit woozy if I hadn't stopped after a big old dip.

One of the gals was sharing an app that goes along with the Guinness Book of World Records.  We could stand next to the tallest man who lived; it was like having a virtual visit from him.  Below is how I would look standing next to him.  I barely reached his waist!

You can see that he looks like he is standing on a book.  That is the Guinness book.  There is a trigger on the page that tells about the tallest man on record.  The app will project an image and then a photo can be made of a person standing next to him.  Below is what it looked like from my perspective.

The girl making the photo with a tablet was standing in the doorway of the classroom that can be seen.  It was a bit of fun to get the morning started.  We had stations for participants.  They could create lessons using VR apps or online sites.  They could use a 360 app to create their own photospheres using a phone or tablet.  They could take virtual field trips using available photospheres.  It truly was a chance for folks to experience something in a classroom that many students might never be able to visit in reality.  Our district was fortunate enough to participate in Google's Expedition testing this past spring and we are looking forward to using that in our classrooms in the fall.  Exciting learning opportunities which also bring in an element of fun!