A Good One

Today was an absolutely wonderful day! I haven't had many of those in the past few weeks, but today was a good one. I had the luxury of sleeping late even though I slept in a twin bed with my precious eight year old daughter, Addie! Nothing like flannel sheets on cool winter mornings. Once I finally dragged myself from beneath those toasty covers, I got cookin' in the kitchen. Pancakes were on the breakfast menu! Sam's favorite. He doused his third helping with so much syrup we had to sent round 3 down the disposal, but he ate his fill. Drew even gobbled a couple of pancakes before he scooted out the door for a cross country meet in Charlotte this weekend. I pray he does well and can't wait to hear all about it when he returns. Sam and I made plans for a playdate with Evan and headed to pick him up for his "sick house" at about noon. It seems the stomach virus has hit the Vaughn household. After dropping the boys at the house with Chelcie, I headed to Webster's for a little surprise birthday lunch with Sherry Storms. Katrina and Nathan were taking their momma to lunch at her favorite restaurant. To reward Chelcie for holding down the fort for me, I brought her back a "Dante" - ummm, quite delicious!

When I got home, I had an overwhelming desire to make my house more homey, so I fired up the oven and made some homemade chocolate chip cookies AND some chocolate chip banana muffins, AND a little chicken tortilla casserole for dinner! Between recipes, I singlehandedly built the most beautiful fire! As Christmas music played festively in the background, I took great pride in my accomplishments and felt that this day was one of the most relaxing I have had at home in quite a while.

Chelcie went ice skating on Market Square and returned in time for dinner with two injured ankles from her skates rubbing on raw skin. She was impressed and happy with the homemade goodies filling the counters in the kitchen. The comfortable smells and flavors helped her relax and enjoy being with her little siblings and mom.

Now that the young ones are snuggled safely in bed, Chelcie is out on the town with her high school friends, and I am trying to catch up on my blog therapy, I realize that no matter what happens I have the unconditional love of my family and a few close friends. Most importantly though, I have the sacrificial love of my God and Savior Jesus Christ. I must use every day of my life to His glory.

I'm grateful for a peace-filled evening overflowing with love for my children, my home and my God. Sleeping well tonight!

Thanksgiving Day, 2008

As I pause this morning to think about being thankful, I can't help but immediately think of my children. Chelcie, our firstborn daughter, has grown into a beautiful young woman. She lights up the room with her smile. Her heart is warm and welcoming, especially to those who need a hug. Drew, my high school senior, a quiet, gentle spirit. Drew helped me all day yesterday! He moved three rooms full of furniture and didn't complain a single time! I think he took as much pride in his accomplishment as I did! Addie is a little workhorse! She likes order to her things. She will work on a task 'til it's done! She is mature and thoughtful. Sam, the baby of the family, greeting me this morning with a happy Thanksgiving picture complete with a cornucopia and a hand-traced turkey! He's affectionate and spirited! Four blessings sent from heaven! More to come later...

Lost My Camera

Lost my digital camera the day we had to take 11 ambulances full of 8th graders to the hospital, so my blogging is suffering greatly! I just had to post this really quickly before I forgot it. Today, Sam came home from school and informed me that his friend had "Shrek throat!" I thought it was hilarious hence the documentation here in my virtual world.

Working on Reach Them follow-up. It's very hard to get everything tied up while I'm working at school. The thought of leaving the classroom is a little scary. God is working. I wanna listen to him and not hang on to my security blanket.

I'm trying to get something started with Chelcie and friends to help the Burudian refugees and their children. Getting off to a good start. We'll see what happens.

Monthly Update

A month? A month with no updates? I assure you, I have not been slacking this time! This is been one of the busiest months of my life! There is no way to include all the details that I'd like to document here for posterity, but I'll hit the highlights.

Last Tuesday night was the highlight of the month-hands down! Our third annual "Reach Them to Teach Them-The Power of One!" was held at the Tennessee Theatre. Our entire team showed up in force and everything worked beautifully! With the addition of Summer Tucker and Theresa Nixon, our administrative team increased its efficiency many times over! Our corporate sponsors, Jack and Sue Wickstrom from American Print Solutions, have also really brought it to the table! They have been incredible! Their support and generosity have far surpassed my expectations! Our team is amazing! It's hard to believe that we're an all-volunteer organization! I know that our team is working for the Lord. They inspire me! Let's see if I can recap...

The week before was fall break, so I spent most of the break tying up loose ends and sorting tickets. Theresa and Sherry came by to help on Friday then we distributed tickets to our team for distribution on Monday. They got tickets delivered to over 80 schools in ONE DAY! Also, Emmette Thompson used his influence to bring a group of teachers from Scott County by way of Gentry's Bus Lines. Monday morning, Dean and I fly to Akron, Ohio to pick up an anxious Dr. Bartlette. I was anxious too because I had a bit of difficulty dealing with Dr. Malcolm Smith re: the honorarium. Fortunately, everything worked out and once Dr. Bartlette got a taste of east Tennessee hospitality, he knew we could take good care of him.

Monday evening, we had dinner at Seasons. Jack and Sue, Summer, Chuck and Lori, Mom and Dad, Ed, Tom, Jo, Mardee, and Dr. Bartlette were treated to a shrimp and filet dinner. It was incredible! It was a busy day, so we headed home early to rest up for the big day!

Tuesday, I got off to a slow start by meeting Jo, Mardee, Miles, Ed, Dr. Bartlette and Travis at Chick-fil-A for breakfast. We had a great time of bonding together. I managed to get to the theatre about 12. Everything was under control. I wish we had large posters to display in the lobby and out on the street. Also, we needed an autograph table for HHH and Bartlette. Also, we didn't stress the post-it note feedback wall from the stage and we needed to to get good feedback.

The event kicked off with a chick-fil-A dinner for everyone. Oh yeah, prior to the doors opening at 5, people were lined up down the sidewalk and around the corner! We ran a powerpoint of quotes and general information from 5:00-6:00. Then at 6:00, we started with an introductory video message featuring kids and a message from me. Scott did an awesome job as our emcee! He looked a little uncomfortable in a suit. Hallerin asked me if I minded if he changed into something more comfortable. Of course, I didn't mind a bit! He did a great interview with Live at Five at Four at about 4:30. Cavanaugh was nervous before the event, but HHH eased his nerves and made him relax! Anyway, after the video, Mayor Ragsdale shared a message of support via DVD and Mayor Haslam welcomed everyone Live and In Person! HHH did his thang! His message played off the word BELIEVE. He said we need to Be. Then LEAVE. He was better than I've ever heard him! Then Cavanaugh wowed the crowd with an incredible performance. Theresa's idea of having the words behind him on the screen was a great idea and added a lot to his message. Next Dr. Bartlette shared his story, Macaroni and Midnight, and the audience was on their feet. Our closing was a little too long, but Scott then challenged the audience to accept the challenge to be different because of what they experienced tonight. As a visible sign of their commitment, they accepted a bracelet declaring, "Reach Them-It's Worth It!" Finally, I shared a videotaped message and then said thank you in person. Scott dismissed the audience, and all was completed by 7:56! EARLY!

I heard many, many positive comments and shook many hands. Everything was packed up and out by 9:15! Mardee, Jo, Ed, Dr. Bartlette, another teacher from Willow Brook, and I went to Chick-fil-A for a quick bite to eat. Ed bought me a milkshake. I was home in bed by 11, but keyed up, so I wrote a quick thank you email to our team before allowing myself to sleep.

Wednesday morning, I met Ed and Dr. Bartlette at TAC Air, and as luck would have it, ran into Mayor Haslam at the airport. I was surprised he knew my name! I thanked him for the role he played at the event, and he expressed his gratitude for being invited to play a part.

The trip to Ohio was pleasant and we enjoyed our last few moments in each other's company. Dean was a wonderful pilot and as always, pledged his continued support of our efforts to "Reach Them."

Thursday morning back at school was surreal. Many folks were supportive and gave me positive feedback. I was surprised by an email from Dr. Bartlette offering to return to Knoxville next year for free! All he asks is that Dean provide air transporation and Mardee and Jo provide hospitality services. I told him we'd discuss the possibility around our de-briefing table.

Friday was crazy at school. Two unplanned fire drills and the fall frenzy dance party. Just more chaos in the middle school world!

"Sow" Many Seeds, So Little Time!

The weekend was spent at the soccer field. Sam scored a goal and his team won! Addie only played 2 quarters of her game. She played well, but did not get to score this time.

Sunday, Tom was out of town, so Addie and Sam and I went to church without him. We were amazed to see a hot air balloon in the parking lot. Kinda took us off guard because that's not something you see every day! Sunday afternoon, Dad, Ed, Dean and I flew to Nashville, courtesy of Dean to hear Susie Vanderlip's performance for Legacy of Hope. We ate dinner at Cracker Barrel and Dad treated all of us. The performance was entertaining, but did not inspire me to action. I was not emotionally touched, but was impressed with her athleticism and youthful appearance! We got home about midnight.

Monday was a "dream come true" day as Hallerin Hill and Bill Williams visited my classroom to film a commercial promoting "Reach Them to Teach Them" for Comcast. I can't wait to see the finished product! Nolan Smith is working on putting it together for us. Dave Gorden did the voice overs. Tom dropped Sam off because he was headed back to Athens with Steve Mathis to finished up a project. Ed and Olivia came to make sure we got what we needed for the website and spent most of the time playing baseball in the hallway!

Tuesday, I blew off my Dept. Chair meeting and chose to cheer Addie on at her Cross Country meet. She did great! I think she was in the top 25 girls to finish. She's going to be amazing by the time she hits 5th grade, especially if she keeps it up! I was so proud of her. Sam and Tom had soccer practice, so Tom dropped Addie and me off at the BreadBox. I drove thru Tropical Smoothie Cafe for a chicken salad and Addie slurped down some cereal before heading to bed.

Wednesday was the slowest paced day of the week, so far. I met with Mickey Lee, my protege, at school for about an hour. I stopped by my mom's to get the kids because Tom had to do something in Maryville and they didn't want to go with him. Sam was having fun drawing pictures, so I let him stay a little longer while Addie and I went to the grocery store for chili fixin's for Lisa's birthday tomorrow. I sent Drew to get him so he would get to see his grandparents and his grandparents would get to see him!

The evening was spent working on Addie's seed project, practicing Sam's weekly words, and checking out the test data website. YUCK! I STILL have a gigantic stack of papers to grade and no intention of tackling them tonight!

Like Sand Through My Fingers

That's what I've been up to for the past two weeks. :)

I must mention that I had the opportunity to meet Pat Summit last Wednesday. She agreed to be interviewed for "Reach Them to Teach Them." Scott Cagle had the courage to ask her how she knows when she meets a winner, and she gave him three ways. First, she said they have to be hard-working. Second, they must be passionate, and third, they must be about something bigger than themselves. Her story of influence was about her 9th grade History teacher and basketball coach. He was the first teacher she ever had who paddled her for not giving her best. The paddle's name was "Mr. Blister." Pat said he paddled her so hard, he lifted her feet up off the ground. Things are progressing well for Reach Them, but I miss having Anderson full-time. We have an exceptional team and Summer Tucker is doing a tremendous job leading our Outreach team. Several of us are supposed to go to Nashville to hear Susie Vanderlip speak. Dean plans to fly us, so it should be a quick, fun trip.

Addie's cross country is proving to be enjoyable for her. She ran her first mile in 7.30. Not bad, for an 8 year old. I'm so proud of her! She is also in a Brownie troop, so I suppose we'll be hitting up all our friends to buy cookies and such. Her first meeting was today.

Sam loves soccer and his daddy! That child absolutely adores Tom! He would rather be with Tom than do anything else! School is starting to "click" for him and it's great to see him try hard and be successful. His art is unusually creative-so much like Drew's art used to be when he was in elementary school.

Chelcie is adjusting nicely to college. She took her first official "roadtrip" to Auburn this weekend. She's having a ball, testing her wings and preparing for her solo flight from the nest. Drew is right behind her. He is smokin' this year with cross country. I had the honor of driving him, Billy, and Peter to Nashville last weekend and Drew set his PR at 17.40. What a beast!

Tom is working hard all time. His blackberry is constant companion. I am proud of how hard he is working. A tree fell across the driveway last night and he had to cut it up at about 10, after working all day. He didn't even complain!

Well, we're heading to Greek Fest now! Pictures to follow...

Young Life, Comcast, Soccer, and Cross Country

I'm doing well to get some pictures taken these days. Addie and Drew are running cross country. Addie had the first meet of her life last Tuesday and I missed it because I had a staff meeting at school. Turns out the staff meeting was just an opportunity for the administrators to chew us out about a few people who did have their grades in on time. Unfortunately, I got Sherry Storms in trouble by laughing when she bumped her head on a table. Ms. Fuqua stopped in mid-rant and said, "Ladies, do you have a problem?" in the most hateful voice you could imagine. Of course, I said, "Yes," and when on to explain that Sherry had hit her head on the table. Ms. Fuqua was not amused in the least! She folded her arms, tapped her plastic flower clad foot and scowled for the rest of the afternoon. Sherry almost lost it because her feelings were so hurt, and I just got madder by the minute. I had come in early to supervise detention, and had to stay late for the parent meeting from 6-8. I felt disrespected, humiliated in front of the staff, and taken for granted. I wanted to get up and walk out the door for good. I could not believe she talked to us like that. It was not a good day for me.

Addie ran great and finished with a time of 7.43 for the mile. Not bad for a third grader and her first time running a cross country course. By the time I got home from school, she was already asleep in bed, but at least I got to talk to her on the phone.

Reach Them news of the week is that we have added Comcast as a sponsor. They've promised us heavy coverage, and donated $1,000 toward teacher tickets to the event. Eddie Jessup also contributed $1,000 this week for teacher tickets. We've got $10,000 worth of tickets promised, and now we only have $6,000 more to raise to cover the cost! Hallerin has agreed to "star" in our Comcast commercial along with Phil Williams. We've been abundantly blessed with many good people who are willing to help get the message out about Reach Them to Teach Them. I spoke to John Lee of the Boys and Girls Clubs this week. We met with the folks and the TN Theatre to firm up our details for the night of the event as well. Many, many things to do, but we're making definite progress.

Sad news, Linda McGhee, former secretary at A.L. Lotts Elementary passed away on Wednesday morning. I heard she was only 61 years old.

Chelcie's 19th birthday is tomorrow. I can't believe it's been 19 years since she came into our lives and made life so very interesting!

Tom, Addie, Sam, and I went to the Bearden/Farragut game last night. Bearden lost, but we had a good time sitting with Chelcie and Tyler Rosenbaum and Tyler's two roommates. Chelcie looked beautiful and I was almost caught off guard at how mature she looked. Drew was at the game too, but we didn't see him 'til we got home. He'd had some girl paint a bulldog on his chest. Sure wish I had a picture to show you here, but the moment passed. He didn't stay for the whole game because he had to take the ACT this morning. I sure hope he did well.

This morning, Addie and Sam had soccer games, so the first half of the day was spent at the soccer field. Sam's team lost, but Addie's team won! After the games, Tom left for Georgia and the kids and I went of find a keyboard cover for Chelcie's birthday. We got one for her along with a Cookie Cake from the Great American Cookie Co. It's a "cookie-themed" birthday for Chelcie because I sent a cookie bouquet to her dorm room yesterday. I sure hope she doesn't "toss her cookies" after we take her to Chili's for dinner tonight! We also went by Morgan's house to pick her up because Tom told Addie she could have her over to spend the night.

The Young Life banquet was last Saturday. We had the Slacks, the Gibsons, and my mom and dad at our table. Unfortunately, the Alfords didn't show up. The Eldridges canceled at the last minute and the Creasmans couldn't find a babysitter! Mayor Haslam shared a powerful message about the impact Young Life has had on his own life. He remembered a speaker at Windy Gap telling him that the decision to accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life is too important a decision not to make. He was urged to accept Him or reject Him that weekend, and it's made all the difference in the world to him.

It's been a pretty good couple of weeks. There've been a few bumps in the road along the way, but I am grateful to have been on the journey.