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Events

Day 161/365: Graduation Hats in The Air

May 15, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The moment every high school senior waits for, the traditional tossing their caps in the air at the end of the graduation ceremony. Always puts a smile on your face.

Graduation Caps  in The Air
Graduation Hats in The Air

I have had four seniors graduate from high school and every spring I still get excited around commencement time. My son will graduate from college and although it seems as though the occasion should be celebrated with more fan fare it’s not the same as graduating from high school.

The end of high school marks not only twelve years of basic schooling but an entry into adulthood and the leaving behind of childhood.

To most 18 year olds it’s the start of a new life away from home, college, the military, moving away and living on their own without Mom and Dad hovering over them. It’s freedom to stay out as late as you want with no questions asked. I think the photo above says it all, pure joy.

Parents on the other hand tend to cry, weep and feel melancholy during May and June. Their baby is going away, they won’t hear their voices in the house and it’s the last pull of the apron string.

So what do you get a high school graduate to commemorate this special occasion in their life? How do you put into a gift what your heart feels yet give them something they will cherish and keep? If you think about it kids want money, but money doesn’t last.

I’ve asked my Twitter (I am @3Quarters2Day) followers what they suggested and I had many suggestions. Here are just a few.

  • Money (of course)
  • Gift cards
  • Movie Cards
  • Gas Cards
  • Then of course the gifts you can’t buy: a job, brains, common sense

 

Memorable Gifts for High School Graduates

American Tourister Luggage AT Pop 3 Piece Spinner Set, Black,Jeremiah 29:11 KeyringYay, You! : Moving Up and Moving OnWillow Tree Love of LearningThe Journey Begins with a Single Step – Pocket CompassVandor 17151 Dr. SeussCap and Diploma Charm Layered Over 2015 Penny Keychain –Seuss-isms! A Guide to Life for Those Just Starting Out…andSerenity Prayer Necklace Pendant – Dog Tag style (18.51001 Things Every College Student Needs to Know: (Like Buying

Graduation Around the Country

LSU seniors talk life after graduation

BATON ROUGE – While on campus at LSU on Wednesday, education reporter Leigh Guidry asked seniors in the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture about what’s on their minds as graduation looms. Elizabeth Boudreaux, of Houma. “I’m thinking …
2015 TeamMates Graduation

TeamMates held their annual celebration ceremony Wednesday morning to honor 72 high school seniors who are getting ready to begin new chapters- the most the program has ever had. Coordinators say the goal of the program is to help kids reach their full …
Graduation Etiquette and Preparing for the Next Chapter …

Graduation Day is right around the corner, and there are many anxious parents in the middle of planning a perfect day for their grad. Celebrating this milestone is always more pleasurable when those involved are mindful of a …
Why taking a break after graduation is the best move to make

Taking a break after graduation is a great idea to relax and recuperate from all the stress. (Courtesy of Flickr user jamelah e.) As graduation inches closer every day, many students are worried about their future. The entire …
This might be the best graduation speech of all time

America’s colleges have already selected impressive graduation speakers this year, but it’s going to be hard for even Tim Cook and Samantha Power to outshine history’s greatest commencement speech. Although the choice …
Great Graduation Party Ideas to Copy ASAP | StyleCaster

If you’re stressing about planning the perfect graduation party, no worries! Here are some of the best ideas from Pinterest.

Filed Under: Events, Project 365, Small Town Living Tagged With: 365project, Elmwood-Murdock, graduation, memories, Nebraska, postaday, project365

Day 139/365: Rose of Jericho, Resurrection Plant, A Sunday School Lesson

April 22, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Grow a Resurrection Plant for Lent and Easter

I love teaching Sunday School. I especially when I have a visual aid that gets the kids excited. Kids Sunday School lessons are always more fun, engaging and memorable when you kids can relate everyday items, events, and discoveries to Jesus and the Bible. 

The Rose jericho, or Resurrection plant is a perfect Sunday school lesson for Easter, Lent or during the church year when you want to teach the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Learn how to grow a resurreciton plant and where to buy a resurrection plant for your students.

Here is how to grow a Resurrection plant as an example of Jesus Christ and the Resurrection Easter.

On Palm Sunday I used this unique Resurrection Plant to show the death of Christ and how the Easter miracle of resurrection brings everlasting life and rebirth with the forgiveness of sins. Easter lessons in Sunday school classes should be especially memorable.

Easter Cards - Kids Easter Bunny
Easter Cards – Kids Easter Bunny
by ChristianGiftIdea

Sunday School Ressurection Lesson

I’m always looking for ways to keep kids interested and looking forward to attending Sunday School. When kids reach 4th-6th grade they often are bored with fill in the blanks, coloring, and crafts. A Sunday school resurrection lesson is perfect for Easter or Holy week but works just as well during other church seasons.

He Saved Ewe | Kids Easter T-Shirt
He Saved Ewe | Kids Easter T-Shirt
by ChristianGiftIdea

During my 25 years of teaching Sunday school at Trinity Lutheran Church I have learned a lot, and obviously every year I teach the kids about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is difficult for kids to wrap their tiny brains around “everlasting life”. It’s hard for adults to grasp as well.

The best way I have of getting kids to remember their lessons from week to week, or even from one year to the next is to give leading questions and they supply the answers. They discover the true Easter lesson of resurrection, life everlasting and how the water from their Baptism gives life to their faith.

Where to buy a resurrection plant for Sunday School activities

Introduction:

  • Does this plant look dead to you? Why? What makes it dead (get input from all the students, going around the room)
  • Do you think it could ever come back to life and be green again? (again get input from kids)
  • What if I said I can make this plant live again. Would you believe me?
  • Pass out the bowls, pour about 2 inches in each child’s bowl
  • What’s in the bowl? (obviously water- use references to baptism)

Give each student a Rose Jerico (Resurrection plant) of their own and have them place it in the water. Explain how Jesus remained in the tomb for three days before he rose from the dead on Easter morning.  Jesus appeared dead in the tomb. Your plant appears dead.

This resurrection Sunday School lesson is perfect for Palm Sunday, Easter or anytime during the church year
2 Hours- kids can come back down after church to see the progress
Scripture Confirmation Gifts for Girls Silver Plated Necklace
Scripture Confirmation Gifts for Girls Silver Plated Necklace
by ChristianGiftIdea

If you are doing this lesson on Palm Sunday this same Sunday school activity continues the next week as an Easter Sunday lesson.

Resurrection plant fully open

You can discuss how every living thing needs water. We can go without food for several days, but we can’t live without water. We can’t live without water, we can’t truly live in Christ without Baptism.

Pretty Flower Christian Happy Easter Card
Pretty Flower Christian Happy Easter Card
by ChristianGiftIdea

Word Association Lessons: Sunday School

  • Everlasting life – life everlasting – heaven
  • Water – baptism – life
  • Reborn – rebirth
  • Resurrection – miracle
  • Faith – feed your faith – water it on a regular basis – How? Answer: Scripture, attending church

What is a Resurrection Plant?

The Resurrection plant is also known as the Rose of Jerico,  Miracle Fern, or even the Dinosaur plant. While they are actually a couple of different species they have several traits in common. Both are from very arid parts of the world. During the dry seasons, the plant curls inward in a protection mode. It is thought this plant can lay dormant for 100 years just waiting for rain.

They appear dead without water, yet when their roots are placed in the water this grey dead (seemingly) plant uncurls, opens up, turns green and comes back to life. Much like water in baptism gives you new life.

We placed the Resurrection Plant in a bowl of water and I promised to take pictures during the next 24 hours and bring them the next week, along with the plant. Here is the sequence.

Resurrection Plant- Rose of Jerico
Time: 8 hours (SOOC)
Time: 10 hours (SOOC without custom white balance)
Resurrection plant fully open
Time: 24 hours (SOOC) A New Life in Christ

The kids decided they wanted to plant this remarkable plant and keep it in our classroom as a reminder of the miracle of Christs’ death and Resurrection. I think that is a good idea.  Sounds like another Sunday School activity to me.

Wooden Memory Boxes - Confirmation Gifts Girls
Wooden Memory Boxes – Confirmation Gifts Girls
by ChristianGiftIdea

Where to Buy A Resurrection Plant

It’s a good idea to purchase one for every student, then they can take it home after Easter as a daily reminder. You can purchase Rose Jerico plants in bulk from several nursery suppliers on Etsy.

A resurrection plant is the perfect Easter Sunday School activity.. Also know as the Rose of Jerico this plant shows an example of the resurrection of Christ.

They don’t have to worry about watering and killing the plant as the Jerico fern keeps coming back to life.

Time Lapse Video of a Resurrection Plant

It was actually very amazing how fast the plant opened. The video below of the Rose of Jericho plant opening is obviously a time lapse. 

But in just a few hours from the start of Sunday school at 9:30 until when church was dismissed the plant had opened halfway. I did use warm water, that might have an impact. All I know is the kids loved it.

So do you think you might be using a Rose of Jerico (Resurrection Plant) for your Easter Sunday School Lesson this year?


Photography Tips: You will notice the photo at the 10 hour mark is distinctly “off color” and the others are pure white, even with the SOOC, straight out of the camera. I left this on purpose. I have been experimenting with my cameras white balance and none of the preset options (fluorescent, incandescent) gave me the results I wanted, so I tried the custom and LOVED the results.

Mind you I don’t have a fancy camera, just a

Filed Under: Events, Photography, Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, Christ, christianity, church, Crucifixion of Jesus, Easter, Faith, Jesus Christ, Palm Sunday, Photography, postaday, project365, Resurrection Plant, Sunday, Sunday School

The Gift of Adoption: Father and Son Adoption Reunion Story

April 5, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Adoptee Reunion Story

I consider the greatest gift someone can give is life and for one parent to give a gift of adoption to parents, who either cannot have children of their own or want to unselfishly add another child to their home, is one of the biggest gift of love. I was lucky enough to witness a father and son adoption reunion and it was amazing all the way around.

For various reasons, pregnancy, a baby, and a family does not fit and is not the right timing. So choices are made.  A choice made forty-eight years ago resulted in a baby boy (my husband) placed with a farm family in western Nebraska through Nebraska Children’s Home. Then the same baby boy made a similar choice twenty seven years later and gave the gift of adoption and love to another rural Nebraska couple.

Ever wish to find an adopted family member? Here are some Adoption Reunion stories worth reading.
Father and son Meeting for the First Time

During those many years, the father wondered what had become of his son.  He hoped to eventually meet him, hoped and prayed that day would come. The son too also longed to one day meet his birth father who had written him letters when he was a baby.

Neither officially searched for each other, they were both quite happy with their lives, yet through a course of events and random contacts, the unbelievable happened. After reading this story I dare you to think of the course of life to be a random act of coincidences.

An Adoption Reunion Story Worth Telling

Randy (on the left, my husband)  lived in a small apartment complex in Lincoln Nebraska. This small community of neighbors has provided each one acts of kindness in ranging from sharing meals, rides to the doctor, friendship, or just an encouraging word. This weekend Scott, who lives across the courtyard from Randy, called him over to tell him he had some news.

Scott was helping a buddy out with a car and through the course of this repair got a ride from Brandon (right).  Scott was struck my this young man’s presence and appearance and said the commonly stated expression,  “I know you from somewhere.”

The normal course of the conversation ensued, referring to places they lived, schools, churches, and people. It got around to Brandon stating “I don’t know, I’m adopted, all I know is my birth fathers’ name is Randy and he lives in Lincoln.”

It was then that Scott looked at Brandon and a said: “I know your Father, he lives across from me and you are his spitting image.” I can’t even imagine the thoughts and feelings that were going through their mind and heart. They both told me later it made them shake and their hearts race. Phone numbers were exchanged.

When Scott told this to Randy the feeling intensified. There was no doubt, no questioning in any of these three men. Each one believed that this good news was the truth. As Randy and I were fixing supper he received the phone call from his first born son who wanted to know his Father. They spoke for a short time, as it was obvious that both wanted to meet.

An invitation to supper was extended and less than an hour later Father and son walked across the yard, shook hands, and embraced for the first time. Both were shaking and tears were shed. The picture above was taken shortly after when they came to the door. The resemblance is uncanny, not just in appearances but in how much they are alike.

Both are amazing singers,  sang in their University choirs, both took nine years of piano lessons, love to fish (and have made arrangements to go fishing), are very good cooks, and are avid movie buffs with a vast movie collection. At times they have only lived a few miles from each other.

An adoption reunion story that went right.Father and Son Update

Since I wrote this story father and son have developed a strong friendship. They hunt together, fish together and our families are connected in many ways. An antique farming disc belonging to my husbands family now sits in the garden at Brandon’s parents’ house, connecting the families together symbolically.

There are many connections between all of the families and no one feels threatened. It is an amazing relationship.

Christian View of Adoption

I know many people who are adopted, including my self. Some have the negative viewpoint that they were rejected by their birth parents. I look it at as the biggest unselfish gift a Mother (and Father) can give. I am thankful for life, for being given parents who wanted me enough to go above and beyond, to accept the gift of life from other parents who loved their child enough to give them a second chance.

Over the years I have often thought of looking for my own birth parents, if for only to say “Thank You.” Another choice could have been made, and I’m so glad it wasn’t.

I don’t believe in coincidence, but that God has a plan for our life. There are people placed in our lives for a reason, so the work of God can be displayed. This was also the lesson I shared with my Sunday School students this Sunday and part of Pastor’s sermon. There are events that happen to remind us of Christ unconditional love and forgiveness.  We just need to open our eyes, believe, and have faith.

What lies in the future for these men is unknown, but they both know that this random meeting was not random, and both are embracing the amazing work of God.

Find Adopted Family Member

Whether you decide to search for your birth parents, siblings or child make sure you think it through, do research, and ask WHY are you searching. Is it because you are unhappy with your current lot in life because if so finding more people to insert into your world may complicate things, not solve the problem.

I went through periods, every time I was pregnant, where I was interested in health history. But when my babies were born that desire passed. Every now and then my kids ask me if I know my ethnic heritage and I can’t tell them. So, for them, I may consider it, before I get too old. (UPDATE: I did find an adoptive family member)

But regardless, every adoptee has a family and a Mother and Father who raised them. They are your true family.

Searching For Jane, Finding Myself (An Adoption Memoir)10 Critical Guidelines to Begin Searching for YourBirthright: The Guide to Search and Reunion forThe Adoption Reunion Survival Guide: Preparing Yourself for the Search, Reunion, and Beyond

Adoption Reunion Stories

Mother battling breast cancer helps adopted son find biological family

COURTESY OF MAURIO FARLEY Maurio Farley of Cataula, Ga., meets two of his biological sisters in Atlanta this summer, Santiva Watkins, left, and Tondeleya George after they connected through the Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry. “In case something …

What Adoption Means To Me

In honor of November being National Adoption Awareness Month, Portrait of an Adoption is hosting the fifth annual acclaimed series, 30 Adoption Portraits in 30 Days. Designed to give a voice to the many different perspectives of adoption, this series …

Finksburg woman’s 40-year search to find birth mother inspires book

Lindsay warned Sayre that you can never predict how an adoption reunion will turn out. “Her parting word to me was ‘Do not expect an Oprah moment,’ ” Sayre said. “[Lindsay said] ‘I’ve had mothers come in here, shake their child’s hand, and say, ‘Nice …

Adoption reunion: Calgary woman meets her daughter after 39 years

Making and remaking the bed, taking long walks and writing in her diary, Jo-Ann Gerow does everything she can to pass the time. She is waiting for a very special visitor. “Surreal, like I’m waiting to wake up from a dream,” Gerow said about the day she …

Amazing Adoption Reunion Story, To Start Your Week Right …

Less than 2 weeks ago, “06880” highlighted a new state law, allowing adult adoptees the right to see their original birth certificate. The hook was John Suggs, a Westport forensic genetic geneaologist who helps adults find …

Are you planning an adoption reunion? | Adoption Detective …

Planning for an adoption reunion is like rehearsing for a critical job interview—you only have one chance to nail the job interview and make a good first impression. The anticipation of what might happen is highly emotional for …

What is a Successful Adoption Reunion? Pitfalls, Concerns …

Filed Under: Events, Family, Project 365 Tagged With: 365project, adopting, adoption, adoption reunion, adoption story, Faith, family, father, gift of adoption, inspiring, postaday, project365, son

Day 103/365: March Madness, Nebraska Style

March 18, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Waneeta-Palisade vs. Sterling
Wauneta-Palisade (Red) vs. Sterling

It’s March madness time! A time where college basketball fans, and those that just like to compete in office pools, fill out brackets to determine the NCAA championship. However Nebraska has it’s own form of March madness. The NSAA High school version.

For 101 years the Nebraska State Athletic Association has organized and crowned the high school basketball championships in the month of March.  You thought Nebraska was just a football state, well it is, except the first two weeks in March. Then basketball fans come out in droves from every corner of the state and every size school and converge on Lincoln Nebraska to cheer their hometowns and watch good basketball.

Twenty four teams from each of the six classes of schools (Class A to Class D2) in both the boys and the girls basketball compete in Lincoln Nebraska. That makes a total of 288 schools, and approximately 3,400 students compete in the Nebraska high school basketball tournament.

Passions run deep in small communities and many schools normally schedule school days off during the tournament so students can attend. This is especially true of schools that normally compete every year.  It’s also an opportunity for alumni who live in Lincoln to attend a “home town” game and have a reunion with classmates and friends.

I attended boys Class D2 games this year and followed Wauneta-Palisade. The high school student body is 49 students. Yes, you read right, 49 students from 9-12th grade, each graduating class contains approximately 12 students. Class D2 is the smallest class of school in Nebraska and as expected is comprised of rural schools in the far reaches of the state.  Class A is the largest with  a much larger student population of 1200-1800,  comprised  mainly Omaha and Lincoln schools.

But, regardless of the size school these students play hard! Each Wauneta–Palisade game was decided in the last seconds of the game with the Broncos making it all the way to the finals and losing by one point at the buzzer to Giltner. It’s always heartbreaking watching the seniors realize this is there last high school game.  But they can’t sit still for long, because spring track season starts the next week.

Yes, in small Nebraska schools we raise all-round athletes, the same boys will play football, basketball, and then track. So, welcome track season!

Filed Under: Events, Project 365, Small Town Living Tagged With: 365project, Nebraska, snacks, tradition

Day 102/365: Leprechaun Chase

March 17, 2011 by info@3QuartersToday.com

To put everyone in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit I thought this week called for a little green and a few leprechauns. Last weekend a thousand people took part in the Leprechaun Chase 10K run held at Mahoney State Park in near Ashland, Nebraska. The race started and ended at the Strategic Air and Space museum, located next to the state park, and it was quite the site to see. They were not little green men, but fun just the same. I wonder if they found a pot of gold at the end of the race?

Leprechaun Chase in Nebraska
Leprechaun Chase in Nebraska

I did not run, nor did I walk, I was a volunteer and helped my daughters Spirit Squad (cheerleading) from Elmwood-Murdock high school with their first official fundraiser. The premise of this race is the women get a 5 1/2 minute head start, then the men (leprechauns) chase them. If a women wins they get free drinks, green beer, and if the men catch the women and win, the men get green beer.

Never have I seen so much green in one location. Obviously there was a costume contest and it was difficult to chose between the kilted red bearded Irishmen, or the mass of green above. So, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day I give you the bearded leprechaun below as a bonus.

Lucky Leprechaun

If you have participated in a Leprechaun Chase race I’d love to see your costume or hear about your experience.

Filed Under: Events, Project 365, Small Town Living Tagged With: 365project, Holiday, leprechaun chase, Nebraska, project365, Saint Patrick's Day, St Paddy's Day, St Patricks Day, tradition

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