Lessons and Likes

*Always carry a bag big enough to hold papers and crafts from church, camera, unwanted bows, etc.

*Keep bag stocked with Kleenex and gum at all times.

*Call it “rest” instead of “nap”.  Less complaint, more sleeping.

*Having to create a seat rotation at the table so that everyone has equal chances to sit by you is a GREAT problem to have.

*Never leave the house without a potty stop.

*When the older girls are big enough to fix breakfast and start the coffee, life is GOOD!

*With four girls, mediation skills are a MUST!

*Nothing like being awakened by sweet little girls sneaking in your bed.

*Make chores a game.

*Positive reinforcement is the best thing for dogs…AND kids.

*Shower time is an exercise in hilarity when two little girls are involved.  Expect streaking and giggeling.

*Always use the special “no hurt” brush.

*Singing makes a long walk shorter.

*Always check the distance before choosing to walk.

*Always pack snacks.

*No matter how tired your feet are, you still have the strength for a piggyback if it means making the trip faster.

*Magic kisses heal all wounds.

*When all else fails, get your “banana hands” ready!

Ivy League

Of all of the plants I enjoy growing, I love ivy best.  One of the most common houseplants, the pothos ivy, add a touch of vibrant green to any room.  My love of ivy began years ago with my mom.  Mom has always loved and grown houseplants.  I’ve watched her water, prune, trim and transplant for as long as I can remember.

Ivy is special to me for several reasons.  The most obvious reason is that they are difficult to kill.  You can forget an ivy for a month, notice it looks wilty, neglect it for another week, water, and in hours, it is perky and full of life again.  It is such a resilient little plant.  If you do not have a green thumb, the ivy is your best friend.

When my family moved from Michigan to Texas, my mom brought her plants.  And they survived.  When I moved from Amarillo back to Houston, it was my ivy that best weathered the climate change and the twelve hour drive complete with spills and squashing.

My favorite thing about the ivy is their rebirth potential.  Growing up, I always watched my mom’s ivy clippings in wonder.  You can cut a portion of the ivy vine from the momma plant, set the clipping in water, and the tiny nodules on the vine will grow into roots.  The longer you leave the ivy in the water, the longer the roots will become.  Once the baby plant is rooted, you can pot it in soil to become a separate and new plant.  One ivy can literally turn into an endless supply for your home, work, and friends.

The best way to make a new pot of ivy is to combine a couple of rooted clipping samples into one pot.  When I moved home, I asked mom for one of her clippings.  It is rare that she doesn’t have a rooting strand of ivy on her bar.  I combined one of her clippings with one of mine to make a whole new pot that now lives at my school.  For me, it symbolizes the deep roots that we have in the Pasadena school district.  It seemed appropriate to have it there.

The ivy that I purchased two years ago in Amarillo has thrived.  It has become a large and lush and vibrant plant.  Since I’ve been in Houston, I’ve started two new plants from it and just clipped some new pieces tonight.

I feel as though my life in the last two years has mirrored my Ama-Ivy.  I had a slow start, and some bumps and spills and squashings.  But two years later, I’ve rooted and grown into a more bright and healthy me.

I’ve decided that I want to continue to be like an ivy.  I want to be able to bounce back quickly from a period of drought.  I want to continue to grow despite climate change and comfort level.  I want to plant seeds in my kids that will root and grow.  I think the ivy as role model is just the thing.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you."

John 15:1-3