Working Heart-ily

Vocation: Special Ed Collaborative Aide, Ayala High School, Chino Hills, CA.

It's been awhile since I've written a blog post here. Don't worry, I've had many "considerable thoughts." I've posted on my other blog, shared shorter contemplations on social media and maybe just been a little too busy these last 6 months.

Summer break is now upon me. I've considered what to do...no, it was never considered, it's more in the imperative! ---Rest, Refresh and WRITE!

Something to ponder...what are you doing this summer? 

Many photos within my phone take up needed space, as my device keeps telling me--it is feeling FULL. So, here's a photo-blog and hopefully, some inspiration for your own considerable thoughts.

The school library right at dawn. 

The school year started out with an unknown assignment as a one-on-one aide. I found myself placed with a student who never showed up until late October. By then, another position opened up in that same classroom. I applied and got the job. I now work with a teacher, several other support staff like myself, in a population of high schoolers with very special needs, one of which is communication. This environment has taught me a lot through observation, interaction and dialogue with the more experienced. I have fallen in love with the kids, esteem my co-workers and just truly look forward to going to work each day. Enjoying the culture of high school and all it entails--football games, rallies, plays, presentations, interactions and challenges, I am blessed to work at a great high school with wonderful people.

Have you considered the blessings your employment brings, other than paychecks?

Philippians 2: 1-3 If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 

Cheering for our National Award-Winning band and color guard. 

Mascots, cheerleaders, teams and fans.

Are you part of a team?  What does that look like for you?  

Ephesians 4: 16 "...from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love." 

Dancing at the Special Ed Prom

Inclusion

Student "K" with our Student Body VP, Prom Fashion Show 

One of our students  modeling with one of our gen. ed. sudents 

 He is 15 and a freshman this year. He has a thick head of dark wavy hair and a smile that lights up a room. He loves to watch things fall to the ground and cheers for himself as he goes on the lift of the bus. He has my heart.

Is there someone or something who just "has your heart?"

 A gathering spot for our Thursday outings, English Springs Park gets us outdoors and enjoying the lake and its many attractions. We went a few times this year. It's a great place to take pictures, move to the music you create, walk, build strength, enjoy nature and swing your feet to touch the clouds.

Be free today. Be creative.  Reach your hands and feet to the sky. 


Psalm 36:5 "Thy lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness reaches to the skies." 

Have you enjoyed a picnic lunch with some friends lately? 

Be observant. You don't want to miss the goose on the bathroom roof, right?  I think he--or she,  is the observant one. 

There is something to be said about order, balance, linear design, color and grouping like items.

Aesthetics. What does this communicate to you? 

Proverbs 22:29 Do you not see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings...

Our ASL kids (American Sign Language) include our class in their annual Variety Show. During 2nd period, they joined our kids in teaching them sign and to dance to the song, "I Like to Move It, Move It" from the Pixar movie, Madagascar.  Here are a few practice shots.

What "moves" you? 

Even one of our security guards got involved. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean onto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."


Bowling, another popular activity of learning and playful competition became one of MY favorite outings. A strike never marked my scoreboard, but I can say I did achieve a couple of spares. The kids beat me--always by a long-shot!  But then again, I've never claimed to be the sporty-type, more the "stay-the-heck-away-from-a-ball" type.  There's always, always hope.

Have you tried anything new lately, challenged yourself or have something on your bucket list you're anxious to cross off---maybe sky diving?  


Christmas time. The beauty and message of love for all is so visual. Decorating the tree with snowflakes and giving our friend and school receptionist Mrs. Sue more reasons to smile; we delight in the Season of Sparkle and Light.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from D125

We're 6 months in. Consider your new year's resolution if you made one. Better yet, a new summertime goal. Whatever you choose to do, do it well and love one another in the process. 

God is good. Thanks for reading to the end!


Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do , do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men." 

Glitches, Great Kids and Grammy Awards in the making...

Hello out there.....My blog has been silent because something evil was keeping me away...some computer gliches, viruses, something ugly for sure.   Well, these gliches are not fixed but I found a way  around the problem today.  I am using a different browser...one I thought was messed up  too, but it seems to be allowing me access today.  Computers never get easier!  Yes, I see a lesson in all that.  Ignoring a "problem" and going around it... I have done that a lot in my life unfortunately.  I have found though as my faith and trust have been put to the test that  God  ultimately always shines  through. I am facing issues better than I used to, giving things over to prayer first instead of last.  If I could, I would have some "Geeks" out here vaccinating and surgically removing that which "bugs" my computer, but it is not in the budget right now.  I am sure glad my spiritual "bugs" can be dealt with in meditation.  What it costs comes in the form of time, and pride.  I think I can afford both, when Peace is the result. 

I just completed my "Third" Freshman year in High school.  (and I thought it took Corey a while to get finished...)  Just kidding.  Well, of course my original was back in well, 68-69. What a volatile year! My 2nd was my 2nd year with the school district when I was assigned to my special student Michael, both of us starting out as "Freshman" at Don Lugo High School. 

Here is Michael with another special lady, Art Teacher, Anita Hunt.  Anita helped to ressurect the dormant artist within me and showcased Michael's fantastic artwork as well. 

After completing four years with Michael, I am reassigned to another high school with another special kid, and together, we made it through our freshman year again.  It was hard for both of us for different reasons.  For my student, he had never been in a school setting or classroom where everyone could "hear."  Being 80% deaf and reading lips, his adjustment was more to the outside,  everyday noices of  special kids with hyper tendancies and  the busyness of high school life.  He has an amplifier which helps him to hear.  He is a very conscientious hard working student who also finds time to play baseball, both at school and a club team.  I am blessed to be able to work with this great kid.  Next year we are both taking a sign language class together.  I look forward to that.

For me, it was a hard adjustment to a new school, one very different from the one I came from.  It is a much larger campus, both is population and size, and the kids come from a different socio-economic background.   I wasn't well accepted by the kids and some classrooms and situations were a challenge. 
God allowed for friendships to form though,  and by the end of the school year, I felt more comfortable and knew I had once again formed special friendships.  Thank you Lord for my "lunch bunch."  You always know what You  are doing. 

On my campus as well is another freshman student named Haleigh Bowers.  Finally, our paths crossed.  Haleigh's mother is my husband Ted's, 2nd cousin.  Haleigh is very special and more than talented; she is a gifted  singer and song writer who I know God is going to use in mighty ways.  Please log on to her Demo CD sight and check out her music. 

As I was leaving my lunch hideaway,  I walked by this girl sitting with a friend strumming a guitar and singing with a voice like an angel.   I had walked right past her, then I stopped, turned around and walked back to her thinking...This has got to be Ted's cousin...

"Hi, I just heard you singing...What is your name?"  I boldly asked and with grace she said, "Haleigh" with  her beautiful smile. Ungracefully I said..."we are related...I am Coleene...I mean... your mom and my husband are cousins...well,  your grandma..."  by then we were laughing for she had heard that I existed on campus somewhere from  her mom who I chat with on Facebook. 


Please listen to her Demo CD
and YouTube performances. 

www.cdbaby.com
type in Haleigh Bowers in the search box and please listen.

check her out as well on YouTube:  Haleigh Bowers:  "Have it Your Way."