Flower Blessings

I mentioned a few days ago about going to my youngest daughter's class and teaching the children about plants, flowering bulbs and such. What I didn't mention was how I obtained the flower bulbs that each of the children planted that day.

While driving around our town, I noticed a few places that had muscari (grape hyacinths) blooming in large patches. They are such pretty, dainty flowers. In one location, I saw thousands of these adorable flowers and noticed that the property was for sale. I pulled over and called the number. When the fellow at the other end of the line answered, I told him I was sadly not interested in buying the property, but that I was hoping to dig some of the flowers that were growing there.

I love to scavenge, especially plants - and even more so if they might be getting bulldozed due to new developments. What a great way to add to your plant collection for only a bit of labor. Most of the time I get permission without any questions asked. Sometimes I have to do some convincing. :) Only once was I told a definite "no" and that was due to liability concerns.

All of the flower bulbs the children planted in their peat pots were dug from this one property. I had enough to plant some in my own yard, give some to a neighbor and offer a nice amount to the classroom teacher, too.

Close to thirty people blessed because one man said "yes" to a simple request.

How many blessings can you provide to others by simply saying "yes" when asked?

~Carla

The Power of Saying Thanks

There are over 20 children in my youngest daughter's first grade class. They are all precious and beautiful. They each bring something special to the wonderful moments of learning. Every child is unique. Every word, every action is authentic and real. It is poetic joy to witness the wonder in their little faces as they grasp a new thought and make it their own.

When I went to my daughter's school to talk to them about the flowers the other day, I experienced their passion for learning. They asked amazing questions, some of which I couldn't answer and I'm a Master Gardener! :) They really WANT to learn.

I cannot get over my own delight at sharing what I know with these children.

Apparently, they enjoy my being in their class, too. It is the best of all worlds.

Their classroom teacher is a lovely lady. She is so good about reaching the children where they are and lifting them to new levels of learning. Anyway, she had the children write out thank you notes to me. When my daughter gave them to me after school yesterday, I was so touched. Most of the notes had flowers and/or hearts on them. Some cards said, "I love you" and others had happy faces drawn on them. Of all the cards I read, one actually brought me to tears. The outside of the card had a flower drawn on it and the inside said, "Your a grate teacher." It was perfect. It was what I needed to hear.

The classes I am taking for my Master's degree are focused on early childhood education. I still have so much to learn about being a good teacher, but to receive such a sweet card from a little boy confirming my love of teaching made a tremendous difference to me. Yes, I cried, but I did so because this little boy helped me reaffirm that I am making the right choice in choosing the field of teaching.

I also learned two things:
The power of one card, one thought
The power of saying thanks