Jodi,

Our paths crossed in August 2017 when I was blessed to partner with you and Dave as Bob began first grade at Simpson Elementary. It was an absolute joy to call Bob one of my darlings! Your gentleness, kindness, and steadfastness could be seen in all of Bob's actions. As we worked together, I was always impressed with your unconditional love for him, and how you persevered to find just the right support to help him be successful in all areas of his life. I continue to be in awe of your parenting skills.

It has been so wonderful to watch our teacher-parent relationship grow into a friendship as teaching colleagues. We share the same philosophy on educating children, and I am forever grateful for our many conversations that helped me to stay grounded as an educator and keep what's most important at the forefront, the child. 

When I acccepted the job at Cornerstone, you were there to welcome me with your beautiful smile and a warm hug.  I'm so happy that your impeccable style made it all the way to the lower school as you and Ava Mei helped me set up my classroom.  

You have inspired me in many small, but meaningful ways to be a better teacher, friend, and follower of Christ.  You are a true blessing to all, and I know that I am one of the lucky ones to be on that list. I thank God every day for purposely placing us together.

All my love, Maria 

Jodi,

Your presence in my life that began at Cornerstone over three years ago has been so precious to me. Thank you for all those lunch conversations and the encouragement and love you represent to me.

One of my favorite moments and memories will be that DC trip we went on together my first year at Cornerstone. Laughing with you and talking about personality types, how you met Dave, and your adoption story are moments that have remained so vivid in my mind. You are a vibrant and deeply caring person. It was clear then, and three years later I am inspired still by your humor, resilience, and selflessness. 

The blue octopus you left for me this year continues to be so loved by our 5th grade class (he receives random little gifts constructed by the 5th graders weekly). It's one of the many reminders of your impact and love that surround me in room 119.

Love you, friend.

Sara

Jodi, 

You had such a profound impact on Jenna's life.  We still talk about how you nurtured her creative writing gift.  It's amazing that a third grade teacher has the power to transform a child's confidence for life.  Jenna attended DeKalb School of the Arts to do creative writing.  Now, she is working in the business world, but talking about taking a creative writing class to keep the spark alive.  You created that spark.  We speak of you often.  Thank you!  

You are an amazing teacher and friend.  I feel so fortunate that our lives intersected.  It's been an honor to see Ava Mei and the boys grow up—I can imagine all the sparks you've lit in them.  You have changed so many lives for the better with your warmth, passion, and dedication.  Thank you.

Sending you lots of love,

Allyson

Jodi,

You have been such a gift to me and my family! We instantly bonded over our love for Tiffany smile necklaces and the fact that we both have a twin sister! You became Avery's teacher and instantly my friend! You loved my Avery so well that year, but we often joked about how we looked forward to the teacher part of our connection wrapping up so you and I could fully jump in to the friendship part! I always looked forward to our daily carpool chats. No matter how long the line was I always got in the your lane so we could catch up even if just for a few minutes. You were always so sweet to make Arden feel important and to let her tell you who we were picking up. 

To top it all off, I got to spend time with you at the ballpark while we cheered on our boys at baseball. Even when they weren't on the same team we managed to find each other during summer tournaments and pick up where we left off. Although you never were Brandon's teacher at Cornerstone, he got something even better...to see you and know you as Bob and Henry's mom. What an amazing mom you are! 

To know you is to love you, Jodi, and it has been an honor to call you both teacher and friend! We love you! Praying without ceasing for you and your family! 

I just want to thank you for wrapping your arms around Callie during a year that was so hard for her. You definitely hold a special place in our hearts for that. Through that time you nurtured her love of science and that continues on through high school. You honored her with the science award, and that meant so much to her, to me and to us. I always tried to find my way to your carpool line just to say hi and have some friendly conversation with you, plus, as others have mentioned, to awe in your amazingly beautiful fashion choices. My prayers are with you, your husband, and your wonderful children during this time. I wish that there was more that I could do, but I hope these memories provide some comfort. 

Hi, Jodi,

Do you remember when we tried to light the outdoor fireplace and almost burned off our eye brows? And when our boys were young and I thought I was so smart spelling out something I didn't want them to know - only for you to gently tell me Ava Mei could spell.  Sigh.

I loved that Dylan was nervous if he had you as a teacher and asked what would happen if he called you Mrs. Jodi at school.

You have always spoken your mind and been true to your beliefs.  Everything you do you do all the way, never half way.

You have made me a better person.  I am so thankful for your friendship.  I look forward to the day when we can give you a big hug.

We love you!
The Sikes

Jodi,

I am so thankful we got to meet 10 years ago through our mutual friend Johke. I remember many mornings of fun, laughter and tea at her kitchen table. I'm so glad our paths crossed again at Cornerstone. Thank you for your contagious smile, fun songs about science and early morning Bible studies with Lindie.

I pray for God's blessings for you and you family. Blessings that can not be destroyed or spoiled or lose its beauty. Blessings that are kept in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:4

Much love,
The Liebenberg Family 

Jodi,

The first time I saw you, you were watching Ava Mei's soccer game (she must have been in kindergarten) while pushing the boys around.  I remember thinking, "Wow, that's a handful!"  A year after that, for my 40th bday bucket list goal, I rallied a group of friends to train for the Irongirl triathlon with me.  We were a bunch of newbies and to ease our minds, I set up a dress rehearsal brick workout at Lake Lanier.  Even though you were new to our training group (brought in because you loved tris!), you were driving me home and we were having the best time getting to know each other and bonding over our same-aged girls.  Through the years, as the girls grew closer to each other and had more shared activities, so did we.  From countless sleepovers, to sharing Korean food, to coaching softball together (hahaha), I equally loved our girls' growing friendship as well as ours.  

And then, you became our eyes and ears and confidante at Cornerstone when Derek started middle school.  We were all unsure whether CCA was the right place for him, and he was worried he would forget to address you as Mrs. McMahon vs. Ms. Jodi.  God used you to help him feel comfortable getting plugged in and assuring us that he was in a great place.  

Rest assured, that you and your family are covered in prayer and love.  And if I ever get confused for a mother of twins or triplets again, it would be my honor.  Till we meet again, dear friend.  HE>i

In Christ Alone
"No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand.
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand."  

Jodi,

Since leaving Oak Grove we have lost touch, but I still miss our second grade team. I loved those years of teaching. You were such a pleasure, and I admired your teaching abilities so much.  From what I have read, your faith is strong. God bless you and your family. 

Jodi,

Early on we knew we hit the neighbor lottery when you and Dave moved across the street! Kathy and I have so enjoyed the many phases of our friendship over the years and our lives have been so enriched by you both. And we're grateful for the wonderful influence you've had on our children. One of Sarah's fondest memories is of her time with you as a "Mother's Helper" when Ava Mei came home, and I know she cherishes the bond she developed with both you and Mei Mei over the ensuing years of babysitting. 

I'm including a photo from last year that reminds me of your generous spirit, as you selflessly shared Dave's time (for sooo many hours) to indulge his desire to build you a hand-made porch swing.  I enjoyed the fellowship, but even more I enjoyed hearing Dave talk about you and the kids and how much meaning you give his life.