First Parent Teacher Conference

We had our first official parent teacher conference this week with Jacoby's kindergarten teacher Mrs. Barclay.  We went through his testing scores at the beginning of the year and now.  He had make some improvements but to be honest there wasn't much to improve upon since he tested so high.  The academic stuff was great and she was very surprised I had home schooled him and complimented me numerous times on the job I had done.  But the part that made me the most proud was that she talked about what a good boy he is.  She told me that he is the most responsible in the class and has great problem solving skills.  She told us that he is so kind and thoughtful to the other children.  If someone's parent is late picking them up, he sits with them and waits until they get there.  I loved that she noticed this because I had too.  She had nothing but wonderful things to say about my wonderful boy.
After school the same day, I took Jacoby to the book fair at the school.  He picked out three books and as we were checking out we noticed a tree with kids gender and age on them so I asked about them.  The lady told us that they were kids that couldn't afford books and so you could buy one for them.  One of Jacoby's books wasn't available to take home that day so he wanted to look for a new one.  While we were looking, he told me that instead of getting three books he wanted to get two books and use his last book to give to one of the kids on the tree.  So he went and picked out the youngest child left who was a girl age 7.  He picked her out a Barbie book after carefully looking at all the girl options.  We went and paid and he was so excited to give this book to the lady and told her he was certain that the little girl would love it.  We left and walked home in the snow and tears streamed down my face.  My child is absolutely amazing.  He has the biggest heart and such a strong desire to help others.  He amazes me every day.  He makes me want to be a better person just so I can live to his level.  I am not sure how I got to be so lucky to be his mother but some day when I am face to face with my Father in Heaven I will thank him for the most incredible boy that he sent to me.

Teaching

Today I meditated on how I should teach and I was lead to these two scriptures in John 3.
2.  "we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him."
11.  Verily, verily, I say unto thee.  We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12.  If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things.

Harold B Lee Stand in Holy Places

You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You must be sure, if you would rescue the man, that you yourself are setting the example of what you would have him be. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul.

Omaha

We flew out to Omaha the day after Christmas and Jacoby was so excited when the pilot let him fly the plane.

That night we got together with all of the Jostes' for casino night.  It was a blast!!!  The boys had fun and so did we. 

We were lucky enough to stay and spend time with Matt, Kim and the girls.  They are so cute!  Jacoby was in love with them and tried numerous times to pack them around.  He also told me as we drove out of their drive way that he was sure going to miss those cute babies. 

At casino night, I gave all the sisters the family tree information that I have been working on.  They were very emotional and I was so glad that we were there in person to give it to them.

The big reason why we went to Omaha was to be there for the first annual Rita walk. 

There was many people there and we raised a lot of money for a scholarship for one of Rita's students.  Jarod and I were so glad that we were there.  Later that night we sat around the table at Dave and Betty's and laughed and cried as we told stories.  I learned so much about Grandpa George Daniel Jostes that night and Cleo.  I also shared with them how incredible I think it is how close they are and the support they give to each other.  Mike talked a lot about Rita and we felt the presence of all of them.  It was such an incredible experience and I am so glad that I was there.  The Jostes' in Omaha are the neatest family and I am so thankful that I get to be apart of such a great family.

After the Rita walk we went to Winter Quarters.  I have been wanting to come here for ever!  The missionary who gave us our tour did a great job and we learned so much!

On display was Pattie Session's midwifery book, my ancestor!  I thought it was really cool!

After that we drove to Dow City Iowa to see Grandma Leinen.  It's always good to see her.

Her and Jacoby played with army men and trucks.  He also played with Playdough.  She is such a character!  It was a great trip and once again we were so glad that we went and commented that we really need to go to Omaha more often.