Inside the Mind of an Educator

The Race for the Cure is a fantastic opportunity for runners and walkers to get out and share in a great cause. As a runner, I have never actually been involved with this race until this year.  My mother-in-law  is a breast cancer survivor, and I lost my aunt to breast cancer a few years ago. So, my husband, Gavin, and I, decided to run with the Des Moines University team, Team DMU. Anyone who knows me understands I love to capture moments, and I had planned on creating a great collage of the DMU participants to share with the campus. The streets were lined with people of all ages, some dressed in crazy outfits others had pink hair. I laughed as I passed women who wore bra-caps, feather boas,little boys wearing sports bras over their hot pink tees, and even those sporting pink mustaches.  I was encapsulated by all the smiling faces, face paint, and pink as we prepared to run. The streets were lined with supporters, survivors and those still battling the d...

Our church, Crossroads  in Norwalk, has been a wonderful new home for our family. We have come to enjoy new friends and fellowship and are feeling connected more than ever before. This past week Pastor Glen and his wife, Sally, paid for half of the subscription to an amazing collection of bible studies online for the entire church family. This subscription is through RightNow Media  and it has an app and everything. Gavin, Nehemiah and I watched a great study entitled, "Watch Your Mouth."   We had a wonderful discussion about the power of our tongues, and the ways we destroy or build up those around us. I was overcome with guilt as I thought about all the ways I have harmed or hurt others with my words in the past. I confess I have had problems with profanity, careless insults or inappropriate comments. Another area I acknowledge as a weakness for me is gossiping.  Dave Ramsey defines it as talking to someone about someone else or venting a problem when that ...

I notice When you look at me with love in your eyes of blue I notice When we cuddle close and you pull me closer to you I notice When your hand finds mine while we drive or walk I notice When you listen to me process and talk I notice When you rub my back just as we start to fall asleep I notice When the little notes of love I leave, you keep I notice When you go out of your way to show me an ugly car I notice When you go on a run with me no matter how far I notice When you bow your head, hold my hand and pray I notice When you show God through the way you act each day I notice When you tell others I am wonderful and a lady too I notice When you wrestle with our son and do the girls' hair too I notice When you hold me when I am feeling lonely or cold I notice When you tell me stories about when we grow old I notice When you take great care to fold the laundry or clean the dishes I notice When you do all you can to make me smile and grant my wishes I...

Every time I go to the doctor who is hosting a medical student, someone says, "Gavin Gardner is your husband?! I love that guy! He is hilarious." I was beginning to wonder if he just went around with a joke book in his pocket all day or something.  However, today I learned why he is famous among the medical students in our area. I had the pleasure of attending a lecture of which my husband, Gavin Gardner, was a facilitator. It was by far the most enjoyable, engaging, and enlightening two hours of my teaching career, and this is not coming from a place of bias.  The content was medically-based and important for patient safety; however, it was not the content that made this lecture come alive. The educator, Gavin, breathed life into every aspect of it. Each story Gavin told, the videos he embedded, and the pieces of information he relayed were delivered in a way that gave students more than just content knowledge. He taught students not material, and that m...

 There are only a few days of school left!!! So, I asked my 9-year-old about her summer bucket list. The answers were not quite what I was expecting, but they warmed my heart and I had to share. Lily's Summer Bucket List 1. Go to our new church 2. Go for family bike rides 3. Go to the library a lot 4. Read under the trees 5. Read with Mommy on a blanket 6. Play games 7. Camping  in the backyard 8. Swimming at the lake at least two days 9. Cuddling with Mommy and Daddy 10. Exercise with my family Her bucket list is simple, yet so incredibly powerful.  Her faith and heart are innocent and beautiful, and her list stunned me. I was thinking of all the places we could go, saving for a vacation I am not sure we will be able to afford, and finding time to fit in a new job, gymnastics, karate, and workout time. However, she listed activities that involved spending time with our family, God, and sharing the greatest gift; love. My little girl has her priorities str...

Monsters...as a parent you understand there is a variety of them in this world. The imaginary ones that like to hide under beds or in the closet. The snaggle-toothed ones that growl every time the furnace kicks on in the dark basement. The green ones that seem to be portrayed as a friendly, blob on tv. Then there are the ones based in real life. The bully on the bus, the dog down the street, the neighbors cat, or the creepy guy that follows your daughter a little too closely in the grocery store. As a mother, protecting your children from these monsters is a 24:7 job. However, we can never fully understand the reason some monsters suddenly attack, and when one of the scariest monsters hits we are powerless to deflect its blows. This monster is named "Cancer." Cancer...A six letter word that is more terrifying than most of the monsters we have battled for our babies. One that brings you to your knees and tests the faith of even the strongest believers. As a mom, it is one wo...

This past week, the pastor at church spoke about the onslaught of religious bullying young people are facing in our schools.  There is a constant attack on their morals, a call to be “cool,” and a desire to destroy the connection they have or could have with the Lord. As the mother of three children and a public school educator, I know all too well what this "bullying" looks and sounds like. In fact, some days, I feel like I am headed into battle with a secret that must be shared. After all, I know I could be the only “Bible” some of my students ever see. Knowing this fact, I strive to make connections with every student in my room. I shake their hands when they come into class. I laugh with them and share important moments in their lives.    I challenge them, care for them, and even hug them. I have been teaching for over a decade and have experience from preschool through college. Therefore, I have taught students fighting battles and religio...