Stay True to the Red, White and Blue

Have I talked about how much I love my job? Well, let me tell you that I have one of the best jobs in the world. Every day is a new adventure and not only do I have the privilege to tell someone's story but I am educated on a new topic within each encounter.

Some days I'm a little more touched than others. Today, Memorial Day, was one of those days. I've never celebrated in Memorial Day festivities other than bbq-ing or going to the beach. I've also never had any connection to the men and women in the military. Although I wholeheartedly support those that fight in such a selfless act for our country, it's something that's beyond my understanding.

Bozeman celebrated it's first Memorial Day parade since 1964 this morning. There is no exact reason why it's been so long but I think there has been a craving for more patriotism lately. I was honored to cover the parade and was amazed at the turnout of so many that came to support America's fallen soldiers.

My favorite part was the hundreds of elderly people that showed up. Talking to them was very comforting. They were all very warm people with so many stories to tell. I realized that this honorable procession was mostly for them. They were the ones deeply touched and in remembrance. They were very emotional and it touched me. Loving and supporting this country had been a way of life for them and it triggered something that I didn't have. I loved seeing their deep passion for this country and their pride for the friends and family in their life that have fought for our freedoms.

People lined the streets waving their flags. Old military vehicles and hot rods filed down Main Street. Some of Bozeman's own veterans were marching and saluting. It was truly a Memorial Day experience.

The procession led to Sunset Hills Cemetery where a memorial service was held. The cemetery was filled with people, probably an individual for ever fifth tombstone. Flowers and American flags were scattered across the graves and people were kneeling with their heads bowed. It was truly a beautiful sight.

I hope that I can make future Memorial Days as special as this one and appreciate the men and women that fight so I can live the life I live.

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

¹ There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

² a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Thursday

I cried twice on Thursday and it’s fairly rare I shed a tear.

It was pajama day (what could be better?). I walked into my classroom wearing my sock monkey robe and matching bright pink slippers. I had a full day of activities planned; it seemed as though it was going to be a typical fantastic day in second grade. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my first two years of teaching though, it’s that no day goes quite as you’ve planned and many stray far from it.

Reading groups are amazing at the end of the year because each child has come so far in their fluency, expression and passion for reading aloud. Today was slightly more fun because, well, we were all in our PJs! In fact, my adorable Jeanette commented, “Ms. Boyer, I feel like I’m at home right now!” I’m sure it was a mix of the end-of-the-year warm fuzzies, our close-knit community in room 18 and our comfy attire. All that aside, it was another great morning with my kiddos.

I may have been feeling particularly warmhearted when Trevor approached me with a question. Trevor is my most challenging student, but the main reason I get up and go to work everyday. He entered my class with a history of first-grade spitballs, major tendencies to scream, yell, hit, poke and find ways to express his impulsive nature. He started the year reading at a kindergarten level and was below basic in all other academic areas. It took me weeks, actually months to know how to calm him down and begin to understand his personal frustrations and home life. He has grown to know and trust me as a teacher and friend; I’m astonished to think about what it was like when he enrolled in October. Trevor has trouble with stuttering alongside a consistent tone of frustration. We’ve worked extremely hard getting him to slow down, smooth out his words and calmly ask questions with a respectful tone. On this particular Thursday morning, Trevor slowly walked up to me, held up the assignment he was working on, looked into my eyes and said, “Ms. Boyer, I don’t understand what this question is asking, can you help me?” Was this the same Trevor?! I responded. “I love the way you just asked me that question. I’d love to help you, but wouldn’t it be great if one of your friends showed you how they figured it out?” He nodded. “Why don’t you walk over to someone you trust and work well with and ask them for help? Ask them just the way you just asked me.” As I watched him walk up to one of his darling girl classmates and do just what I had suggested, an unexpected feeling came over me. It was a feeling of joy and pride in my dear student. My eyes welded up with tears as I watched the two cooperatively work together. These were obviously “good tears”, the type that catch you by surprise and help you realize you’re more passionate and invested in something than you even thought you could be.

The second set of tears was the other type. It was Thursday afternoon and my students had gone to music. Trevor (yes, both cries were in regards to him) has a tough time behaving for any other teacher or adult. Perhaps they don’t spend enough time with him to build up a relationship, but I’ve found most tend to give up on him within the first ten minutes of being exposed to his outlandish behavior, which screams, “Give me attention!” The music teacher is no exception. She generally writes me e-mails or leaves phone messages about how bad Trevor was each day she has him. I’ve given her ideas about how to handle his behavior, what motivates him, what escalates him etc. She continues to ignore the suggestions and expects him to fail before he enters into her classroom each week. Anyone would crumble under those expectations. On this particular day, she decided to discuss things in person with me. She proceeded to tell me how “bad” Trevor had been and how nothing she tried seemed to be working. I apologized for his behavior and tried to stay positive and encourage her to approach the situation in a different manner, but everything I said seemed to go in one ear and out the other. By the end of the conversation I must have been worn out, because the moment she walked out the door, a waterfall of emotion streamed down each cheek. I once again didn’t realize how passionately I felt about this student of mine, but the thought that another person was giving up on him and not giving him the chance he deserves, craves and needs ripped my heart right from my chest.

Working with these kids day in and day out gets you attached; they become your own family. In fact, I probably spend more time with most of them than they do their parents.

This particular Thursday was an emotional one. I realize now this is going to be one of those kiddos I’ll never be able to forget. Thank goodness for the Trevor’s each year. Without them, my days would be ordinary and my eyes would remain dry.

For the Women

We live in a world where image is everything. We define our status by the clothes we wear, how thin we are, the job we have and what we drive. Not only do we define out status by these measures but most of the time it's what we are chasing.

But who sets these standards and puts these ideas in our heads? Yeah we see tabloids, advertisements and celebrities filled with fame, power, and luxury of the rich and famous. But it's more than that. When pondering this topic, what it really came down to was, who are our role models in our lives? Who do we strive to be like?

Being a woman in the 21st century I'm realizing there aren't a lot of quality women role models. The women society looks up to aren't those of integrity, intellect, and possessing a heart of gold. It's the women with a pound of make-up on, worrying about their weight, wearing skimpy clothes, loud, seductive/flirtatious, which all those attributes lack any true meaning.

The Bible says: "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." -Proverbs 31:30

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful." -1 Peter 3:3-5


Think about the women you admire. Is it for their physical beauty or for their heart and good deeds? Is it for the positive impact they've made in others' lives?

What about you? Do you obsess over your looks or how you compare to others? Or do you focus on loving and serving others and strengthening your values?

If only we could see more women living with integrity and righteousness, full of the spirit and not worldly things. I think of women in the Bible like Mary and Martha who truly were righteous women and humbly feared the lord. I challenge you to read about women in the Bible (especially the Proverbs 31 woman)...or find women in society that are/were true women of integrity and read about them.

By the time a women is a teenager she is bombarded with thousands of images of what beauty looks like according to society. It can be damaging and life altering. Be the difference and be a woman full of integrity, value, and substance showing the young girls in this world what real beauty looks like. Also show the men what a true woman of beauty possesses. We expect men to treat us with respect but we dress and act in such a way to cause them to lust and fall.

Don't take the beauty God has given you and serve others gods with it. Be an example. God gave us spiritual and physical beauty to please him not ourselves.

God's Plan for My Life

My mom gave me this poem. I fell in love with the the beauty and simplicity of the words.

God's Plan for My Life

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone-

to have a deep soul relationship with another

To be loved exclusively and thoroughly...
But God, to a Christian says,
No,
Not until you're satisfied and content
With being loved by me alone.
I loved you, my child;
And until you discover that only in
Me is your satisfaction to be found,
You will never be united with another
Until you are united with Me-
Exclusive of any other desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning...
Stop wishing...
Allow me to bring it to you....
Just keep watching Me
Keep experiencing that satisfaction
Knowing that I AM.
Keep learning,
And listening to the things I tell you.
You must wait.
Don't be anxious.
Don't look at the things you think you want.
You must keep looking off and away,
Up to Me
Or you'll miss what I have to show you.
And then, when you are ready
I'll surprise you with love
Far more wonderful
Than any would ever dream.
You see, until you are ready
And until the one I have for you is ready
I am working even this moment to have you both ready
at the same time.
Until you are satisfied exclusively with
Me and the life I have prepared for you,
You won't be able to experience the love
That exemplifies
Your relationship with Me...
And this is the perfect love.


-Author Unknown

Potty Training

If you live in an apartment or home without a yard and have or are getting a dog, you might be wondering how to handle the bathroom situation while you’re at work all day. I can help!

About six months ago I moved into an apartment and brought my dog (of course!), Callie, with me. She’s seven years old and I’ve had her since I adopted her from a local humane society six years ago. Callie’s been used to using a regular backyard with grass and landscape bark/mulch to do her business ever since then. When I planned to move to an apartment, I wasn’t sure how smooth the transition would be in regards to Callie’s normal routine. First off, she’d be alone much more than she was used to. I thought this might cause negative behavior or create unwanted accidents. She also wouldn’t have full rein of a large backyard anymore. Where was she going to go to the bathroom besides her daily afternoon walks when I returned home from work? I researched this topic before the move and was disappointed with the lack of information available. Six months later, I am happy to be able to share a success story and hope someone finds it useful.

To begin, I realized I needed to designate a place for her to relieve herself. There are many options available including crates, cardboard boxes, grass “potty patches”, paper or cloth potty mats etc. Callie isn’t the bravest canine, so she was nervous to enter into any type of box or crate with high walls. We’ll save that ridiculous topic for another time. The grass platforms could have been a good idea, but they were generally more expensive than I was hoping and they seemed hard to clean. I can’t honestly say they don’t work because I didn’t try them. Callie tried hard to be “attracted” to the potty mats (as they all claimed dogs would be), but she just wasn’t thrilled about the idea. I decided to go a simpler route once I’d exhausted these previous ideas and hoped for the best because I was moving the following weekend.

Success! I ended up buying a doggie litter box, specifically the Contour Dog Litter Pan from Petco (pictured with dog litter). They have two sizes (small and medium), but I recommend getting the larger one because unless you have a dog that will remain under five pounds, your pup will want a little room to be comfortable enough to be successful. Next, the litter pan needs to be filled with some sort of absorbent material. They recommend dog litter or pads, but to be honest, you’ll end up spending quite a bit of money for the rest of your time living in a yard-less place.

Also, like I said, Callie wasn’t attracted to the pads and a friend of mine who tried the litter ended up with a sick boxer and unwanted vet bills after his dog ate most of the little litter pellets he’d put out.

My Dad suggested the winning idea- landscape bark! After all, Callie was already used to using it as her bathroom (she generally preferred it over grass) and it is cheap, easy to replace and quite absorbent! It has worked like a charm.

Lastly, I’m lucky to have a balcony so Callie can get fresh air throughout the day (she thoroughly enjoys basking in the sun). I’ve found a doggie door to be extremely useful through this move. You can attach them into any sliding glass doorframe. This allows Callie to come and go as she pleases throughout the day. This eliminates any odor buildup throughout the week if you were to have your litter pan indoors.

Here are some quick tips I’d like to share to make this successful for you:

• If you have time, place the litter pan in the place your dog is used to going potty. This will introduce the new object and help them relate the two.
• Carefully choose the material you’ll fill the pan with (bark, litter, pans, fake/real grass).
• If you have/are getting a puppy, use the pan from day one so they won’t know any different.
• Place your dog into the pan repeatedly and tell them to go to the bathroom when you do so. Once they go, reward with treats and praise. Make it a really big deal the first dozen times they’re successful.

Baking with Nutella?!?

Who doesn't get excited when they think about Nutella? And how did I never think to bake with it?

Well, today is Mother's Day. Since I can't be with my mom and everyone is hanging out with their moms, I thought what's something Mother's Day-ish I could do? I went to church and then decided to bake. Cupcakes were on my mind. While rummaging through my pantry looking for what baking essentials I had and some inspiration, I found some Nutella stacked next to the peanut butter in my pantry. Hmm...

So I did some research on baking with Nutella. I found this recipe and... wow. Cupcakes and Nutella. Best of both worlds.


10 tbsp(140 grams) butter, softened3/4 cup white sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 tsp vanilla essense
1 3/4 cups (200 grams) sifted all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
Nutella, 12 teaspoons. (1 teaspoon for each cupcakes)

Preheat oven to 325F. Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners.
Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy,about 2 minutes. Add in eggs one at a time, until fully incorporated. Don’t worry if the batter doesn’t look smooth. Add vanilla. Stir in flour, salt and baking powder until batter is uniform and no flour remains.

Using an ice cream scoop or spoon , fill each muffin liner with batter. They should be 3/4 full, if you’re not using a scoop. Top each cake with 1 heaping teaspoon of Nutella. Swirl Nutella in with a toothpick, making sure to fold a bit of batter up over the nutella.
Bake for 20 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 12 delicious cupcakes.


For those that don't know about Nutella, here is a little history:

Nutella is the brand name of a hazelnut sweet-spread founded by Ferrero, an Italian company. It was registered in 1963 after being modified from an earlier spread released in 1949 by Ferrero. Nutella is a modified form of gianduja, a type of chocolate containing 50% almond and hazelnut paste. It was developed in Piedmont, Italy, after taxes on cocoa beans hindered the diffusion of conventional chocolate. It's sold in 75 countries.