Wrapping up the Summer -

Finally, everybody got started back in school --- The Goodletts began virtually Aug.24  for two weeks and then on September 10 started in-person in Jenks.

Charlie and Clara began in a new School, Oklahoma Christian Academy, Aug. 24.

I returned to Owasso High School for my LAST year of teaching-- on Aug. 10.  I know I said that last year. --- I spent two weeks training for virtual and on Aug. 24 began online with my five classes and 125 students.  On Sept. 17 our students came back in person.

Our friends, Marinelle & Dan made this wonderful plexiglass shield for me so that I could teach CoVID - style

Pawpaw and I gardened this summer and created a play- space and potting shed from a couple of repurposed playgrounds

Sure it's a  sandpit -- the kids come in so dirty afterward.  It takes lots of cleanup and scrubbing  --but I believe that soil, sunshine, and fresh air make for the best adventures.

We enjoyed a wonderful visit from my cousin, Mary in mid-July -- her visit brought such a great time of sharing and reflection.

The Good kids
got their haircuts -- after quarantining 3 months.

The Goods hiked all over Colorado and fished with Jim and Jan

The Bells enjoyed a trip to Eastern OK to visit a farm.

Mid - July Terry and I got to keep the 3C's while mommy and daddy attended Katie's grandma Jeannette's funeral in Wisconsin.

 Charlie knows how to warm this Pawpaw's heart -- "Pawpaw - you're my best friend."

2020 has been a slower year -- time spent with family has been precious -- It's been a year to RE-SET --more time to reflect, read and ready ourselves for the Fall

What Now?

Viral Outbreak - Life as we know it shut down- Economic downturn - Unemployment at an all-time high - Senseless Killings -RIP - George Floyd -Ahmaud Arbery's murder -- Breonna Taylor --Riots / Protests - Growing unrest against police - More protests - Monuments torn down - Cities being taken over

It's like all of our nation is an elastic band stretched to the max and it snaps about every two to three days.

We could call it the worst of times -- it may be a while before we call it the best of times.  Cities are actually declaring their own separate country. We've been sheltered in place it seems like forever.  Just as we're beginning to return life to normal -- we are being affected by this virus again and then the killings began.

I have watched the news clips over and over during the pandemic -- and now I'm drawn to watching cities being destroyed. monuments being torn and the past being obliterated.   We need to learn from the past so to not make these same mistakes again.  

Here in Tulsa search has begun again for some 300 buried in a mass grave during the Tulsa Riots 99 years ago.  We can't repeat history!

My prayer is for faith to be evidenced -- I hear faith messages even from those most affected by all the mayhem.  People meet to pray -- FB is full of groups circling up to pray -- children praying with police.

I've seen peaceful protests - even just 3 blocks from our home and friends business broken into.  These protests are fertile soil for sinister types who would want to rob our nation of the true Christian values it was founded upon. 

There is an outcry for change and it is needed. .  . but how?

This morning we heard a wonderful sermon by Bill Clark at Redeemer Covenant on John 13 the portion where Jesus washes his disciple's feet.  His message in one sentence:  When the Church becomes the servant Church showing the world the Servant Jesus -- people can be drawn to that kind of Jesus Christ.

If every person with a true desire for justice --  would just choose one child or family in need and support them with time, care and concern and whatever else is lacking by determining their needs and trying to fill that need -- we would ALL be changed for the better.  The verse this reminds me of-- "To whom much is given: much is required."  It is one we taught our children from their early days.  

People could see JESUS living in our midst.

LORD, GOD, HEAL OUR LAND

My Heart is Full

Terry always says that I have a birth month -- not just a day.  It all started on last weekend when we kicked it off with a cousin sleepover and we got to have five of our six G'kids.  Sorry Calvin -- next year - little buddy.

On Tuesday we got to lunch with Dan and Marinelle McPherson -- dear friends -- tomorrow we will enjoy our traditional birthday celebration  with John and Janet Main outdoors on their lovely lawn.

Thursday Bethany and I brunched at our favorite restaurant in mid-town -- the newly remodeled --Wild Fork.

Terry and I went to one of our favorite restaurants -- Cheesecake Factory -- our first time to eat out since the COVID -- He has been planning for all sorts of ways to celebrate -- but the virus has redefined how we party just now.


 Rusty, Marshall and Katie's dog, was run over and had returned home with round-the-clock care so they were not able to come to Tulsa -- so I had two birthday parties!  What a weekend --  so much yummy food -- so much love and laughter --I am so blessed!

Katie had the house decorated --so fun!

Marshall had chosen the best of the best steaks!

Red Velvet cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes that was soooo delicious.  

A favorite of ours is the time we spend around the table after the kids clear out -- just doing what we do best -- telling our stories -- out-talking each other -- we can get pretty loud and rowdy - we LAUGH and LAUGH LOUDLY!!

Relaxing pool time let us see how Clara and Charlie advanced with their swimming lessons.

Bethany and Mat catered a wonderful Italian meal from Villa Ravenna 

Bethany knows how much I love Italian Cream Cake  -  

These decorations were by a former student and her husband Mallory Bowman Neph at turaloo.tulsa.  I'm so glad they got to meet Mat and Bethany!

Yesterday we got to celebrate Campbell -- she turned 10 and had her "friends" party last Tuesday to catch friends before they left for camp.  

Yesterday her daddy and mommy made outdoor brunch.  

We can't believe Campbell is already 10!  What a beautiful, special young lady she is becoming.  She taught us how to grandparent.  She has a curious mind and is one active girl!

Nana's Favs as Life Returned to Normal

We were finally able to open up and have everyone over for Holiday Brunch on Memorial Day.  It had been so many weeks of not having family in -- Life was returning to normal.  

Jack has been away from friends for 3 months and coming to our house is a big plus for him.  Jack loves projects he does with Pawpaw, to build & invent things, do chores to earn $Tree bucks, and loves Legos.  He is all about robots and creates personalities for them.  He helped me spray paint lawn chairs and ended up with blue hair and a blue forehead

.

Sydney found a tarp in our garage and immediately decided we could create our own Slip n Slide.

Pool time at Aunt Bethany's is always the most fun

When we picked up Clara and Charlie for Cousin weekend at the half-way point (Stroud) they were all smiles all the way home)

Coloring is still a big deal with 3 of our Grands -- Sydney, Clara and Charlie

We have to take turns choosing who gets to select the video to watch

We have worked and worked trying to get our fort together -- finally, we were able to make it happen.

Tea parties include -- water, juice, lemonaide or whatever Nana lets them bring upstairs -- Girl Scout cookies are a fav with our bunch for these "parties".