Teacher of the Year Reception 2014 - Chalkboard Theme

It was so exciting to have women chosen in our school system to be the "Teacher of the Year", plus the "Support Staff of the Year" to also be a woman.  This mean that I could decorate using the color PINK! :)  

One of my sisters-in-law had recently done a chalkboard theme, so I copied her idea. Chalkboards are popular, but also fun! This chalkboard paper roll came from Target.

The pink just made everything bright and happy. And since it was teacher check-out day, I'm sure EVERYONE was really happy!

 The Tipton church of Christ provided the meal for the luncheon, which was held at the fellowship building.  The menu was smoked pork loin, smoked chicken, twice baked potatoes, green beans, homemade bread, and salad.

 I couldn't get pink roses, so had to settle for pink carnations for centerpieces, but they were still beautiful!

 My husband added some artwork to one of the chalkboards. See his nice bird? He's been perfecting it since he was a young boy! :)

 For an extra POP of color, I added in one bouquet of brighter colored flowers.

 These tulips and roses are actually fake, but they look very, very real. Some thought they were!

 It was fun designing these chalkboards for each recipient.

 I think I could practice and practice and never get as profession looking as some you see.

 And that's okay.

 The chalkboard cake was so cute!  The bakery did a fabulous job, despite the fact they spelled one first name wrong. It was an easy mistake.

 A close up of the "fake", but real looking flowers.

 The gifts for each of the winners were amazing!

 We have such generous people in our community and surrounding communities!

 What a blessing!

 If you're looking for chalkboard things, Target is a must-go-to place. The banners all came from there.

Some of the young ladies from Tipton Children's Home served the teachers and staff.  Service with a smile, for sure! Of course, after they served, they were able to eat themselves. Perhaps that's why she's smiling?! Maybe so. I don't blame her one bit! :)

Celebrating 90 Years - Tipton Home Homecoming

For 90 years Tipton Home (a children's home) served children who have been orphaned, obandoned, neglected, and abused.  Over 3,000 children have been at Tipton Home during those 90 years.  This past Saturday, a celebration was help to remember all of those years.

These "Hollywood Hills" type letters were lit up and displayed outside the cafeteria for the weekend. It's a beautiful sight to see, especially at night!

Just as the front of the administration building has four columns, these columns represent that building.  It made a great  focal point for the stage.

"Alumni Stars" was the theme for this years' Homecoming. Wooden clapboards were on each side of the stage to serve as photo backdrops.  Many alumni had their pictures taken in front of them.

 Oscar-themed centerpieces were on the tables on top of red runners.

 

A big red door symbolized the entrance into something very special.  Rope holders were lining the red carpet.

A special celebration required special touches, such as these imprinted napkins.

  The napkins will be kept as a special reminder for many who came to enjoy the special day.

 Clapboards were inserted into little stands to be used for centerpieces, as well.

The organizer of this event is Anita Davis. She and her husband, Charles, have been at Tipton Home for 47 years!  They will be retiring from full time work soon, so they were given a special award for their service.  Anita knows more about Tipton Home than anyone.  I'm not sure anyone loves it more than she does, either.  A special lady - a special couple.  They have been a blessing to others for all of these years.

My husband, Joe, was announced as the new Director for Tipton Home.  He loves Tipton Home, as well, and has spent 35 of his 50 years either living at or working for Tipton Home.  He will do a great job and lead by example.  Please pray for him in this new endeavor.

Alumni, you are the stars in our minds.  We hope that you enjoyed your weekend at Tipton and visiting Tipton Home. We hope to see you back next year!

Tipton Home Homecoming 2013

This past weekend, Tipton Home celebrated its 89th year of helping children.  In fact, Tipton Home has helped over 3,000 children since it first opened it doors!

Mrs. Davis chose "Building Character" as the theme for this year - with a special emphasis on the three years Tipton has won the state championship in football.

Those who attended Saturday's festivities could get an embroidered hat or one of these duffle bags.

Pictures were on display of each of the football teams from the winning years - 1952,  1997, and 2012.

In addition to the football displays, other extra-curricular activities were shown on the other side of the room.

My daughter and I decorated these lattice boards with pictures from present and past in the areas of FFA, FHA, 4-H basketball, more football, volleyball, softball, baseball, golf, and cheerleading.

Everyone enjoys looking at all of the old pictures, as well as the more recent pictures.

It was fun seeing how the uniforms have changed through the years!

A group of children, who call Tipton Home their home, sang several devotional songs. They did a great job!

Mrs. McCormack sang a beautiful song from her high school days.  She is also a former resident of Tipton Home and enjoys coming back to visit each year.

This former Tipton Home resident played on the 1952 state championship team. He shared memories of  that year.  It was an exciting time for he and his team back then!

And for the perspective of the 2012 winning team, assistant football coach, T. White told of special things about the present state champions.

A great day reminiscing with old friends and new friends - celebrating the accomplishments of students and athletes from the past and present.  A place that has changed lives and has been building character for 89 years.

May all glory be given to God for making all of this possible! And may He grant Tipton Home many more years of helping children.

The Race Set Before You

Last night my family (excluding me....I'm the photographer, not a runner) ran in a race with several others from our church family. Typically this race is held on a Saturday night.  We were all disappointed that it was changed to a Sunday night, but quickly realized that many wanted to run, so we got together and had an afternoon devotional before heading to the race.  I always think it is a good idea to show children (and adults, but especially children) that you don't have to be in a certain building to worship God.  We can worship ANYWHERE!  Isn't that a great thing?!?

His devotional had to do with the race that is set before us, as Christians. 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

I thought I got a picture of my husband with the kids, but I guess not!  My kiddos did very well in their races!  Two ran the 1 mile and placed 1st in their age groups.  Two ran the 5K and one finished 3rd in his age group.  The other one didn't finish the race. He's been having knee trouble and he didn't want to mess up anything for his basketball game Monday night!   But, all is well because he won a door prize!! 

My husband did the 5K as well.  He figured out that if he runs long enough, he'll eventually win the "oldest runner" award! :)

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

Galatians 5:7-8

My husband's sister and our brother-in-law serve as houseparents at Tipton Home (a children's home).  These are their sweet little girls.  They've gotten them active and interested in running!  One of them placed 3rd in her age division.  Another girl won a door prize!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

This is one of my favorite pictures from last night.  It's my sister-in-law running across the finish line holding hands with one of her little ones.  How sweet!  And, my sister-in-law placed 3rd in her age division, as well!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

(Grinch giving hugs...:)

Tipton Home Alumni 2011 - Fun Day

Every Easter weekend, the Tipton Home celebrates Homecoming for all alumni.  This year was the 88th year of existence for Tipton Home and a special theme that included the work that the Southwest church of Christ in Oklahoma City, has provided for the children of Tipton Home for many, many years.  

That "work" is called Fun Day.  The Christian brothers and sisters bring games, toys, food, and lots of fun to the children ever summer.  This year at homecoming, the "Fun Day" people were honored by making the alumni celebration in the theme of "Fun Day". 

Mrs. Davis, Tipton Home employee for decades, did a wonderful job at organizing the event, as always.  There was good food, fun, and fellowship all morning and afternoon.

This photo is of a clown that came to Fun Day for many years.  Such a cute picture!

Mrs. Davis displayed numerous photos of Fun Day through the years, had another employee make a picture video, and planned for the Southwest members in attendance to be given a much-deserved award for their service. 

This year I was asked to help Mrs. Davis with some of the decorating.  If you follow "Shine Like Stars", you know that I gladly said, "YES!".  So much fun and such a great work/theme.

More from Fun Days through the years....

 

 ....and more....

 Aren't the centerpieces cute?

 The little hot dogs are dog toys, I think.  So cute!

 Elementary children singing several songs for the alumni.

 Mr. Canan is a former Southwest member who helped with Fun Day years ago, but now serves as a houseparent at Tipton Home, so he has experienced Fun Day from both sides!

 Mr. Smith honoring the Southwest members with a plaque.

 Many alumni came to visit this year.

 My husband's parents were houseparents for 12 years.  This photo is his parents, he and his siblings, and many of their boys/friends.  The big trophy was a traveling trophy won at Fun Day one year!

This photo is my husband and our youngest at a Fun Day several years ago.  It looks like daddy is sharing the snowcone with Tyler!

What a great weekend celebration!  Thank you, alumni, for coming HOME so that we can visit with you and enjoy your company!  Thank you, Southwest, for your many years of service and dedication to the children at Tipton Home!