Yesterday was Homecoming for PHS. There is quite an odd feeling about seeing 9 and 10 year old boys and girls in mums and garters - and while I shook my head in disbelief, I also know I made mums for my girls when they were that age. Somewhere, we've lost the total concept of what "Homecoming" is and stands for.
It made me remember my old mums from the late 60's and newly born 70's. Those gigantic, live mums that were the size of a dinner plate and only came in white. Their smell fills my mind right now - the one aspect not replicated in the new century. They were so beautiful in their simplicity; a green back medallion, a few ribbons with glittery letters and a pipe-cleaner "P" for the good-old high school. Picked up the day before, they were gorgeous until about 2nd period, where the petals began to turn brown from handling and some actually falling out leaving great holes. By game-time, some looked quite sad. Then, hung to the wall at home, they died a slow, memory-filled death.
I've been to Homecoming in Poteet I think once since I married. At our 10 year reunion, Cathy and I stood in the front of mom and dad's house, mums on our shoulders. We were beautiful, and so much smarter that in high school. To come back and see how lives have changed (or NOT!) is the real focus of Homecoming. To touch base with the past, and to focus on what that time really meant in the grand scheme of things.
To see those people who were so "IT" and are stuck in that time, to run across a favorite teacher and let them see that their faith in you was not misplaced. That's what the mum is really all about.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Lots of random nothings...
Sorry about the long void of posts... I come home from school so tired that nothing is getting done right now. I am ready for this surgery to be over with so that I can see how I feel. I really am planning on being less tired and having more pep about me. I'm ready for Amy to be back....
One of my 4th graders said, with a very worried face,"But I thought if they cut your throat, you died!" I assured him that 's why the docs get the big bucks!
Sat., Andy and I have our date to see Spyro Gyra. I hope he loves every minute of it - to me, jazz kinda all sounds alike, but he DID go see Josh Groban with me. A night out at a nice venue with my man - I'll be in heaven in no time.
The ground is hard and dry - how can that be after 40 consecutive rainy days? I walk across the playground at lunch, and the grass is brown and brittle and the cracks show in the soil. Weather is a funny thing. Feast or famine.
Well, I need to go fix dinner. I'm looking forward to not having to cook a lot next week. See - don't I sound grumpy?!? I want ME back!!!
One of my 4th graders said, with a very worried face,"But I thought if they cut your throat, you died!" I assured him that 's why the docs get the big bucks!
Sat., Andy and I have our date to see Spyro Gyra. I hope he loves every minute of it - to me, jazz kinda all sounds alike, but he DID go see Josh Groban with me. A night out at a nice venue with my man - I'll be in heaven in no time.
The ground is hard and dry - how can that be after 40 consecutive rainy days? I walk across the playground at lunch, and the grass is brown and brittle and the cracks show in the soil. Weather is a funny thing. Feast or famine.
Well, I need to go fix dinner. I'm looking forward to not having to cook a lot next week. See - don't I sound grumpy?!? I want ME back!!!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
News
Earlier in the week; Andy and I met with Dr. Brown, the guy who's taking out my thyroid. I very likeable fellow; laughing eyes and a quick wit - gentle hands around my throat. The visit started off on a bad note, though; they sprayed this deading down my nostrils, and it was nasty - gagged me and made me jump sky high! That did not sit well with me - I like to know what's coming! Anyway - once Dr. Brown came in and we chatted a bit, he began to look in my nose. His eyes widened, and he proceeded to inform me that my septum is very deviated!! So, after he takes out my thyroid, he's going to do a little rinoplasty!! It's apparently a win-win deal; no bruising or swelling and little pain. I'll sleep much better and breathe through my nose for the first time on that side. Nothing will change externally, so you'll recognize me next time we meet after that -
My insurance is going to begin to wonder if I'm trying to come up with these duo-surgeries if I don't stop soon!! Hey, why not get the most out of those anesthestiologists and operating rooms while I can!!
The date: Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007 - 11:30 am. Please pray.
My insurance is going to begin to wonder if I'm trying to come up with these duo-surgeries if I don't stop soon!! Hey, why not get the most out of those anesthestiologists and operating rooms while I can!!
The date: Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007 - 11:30 am. Please pray.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Happy B'Day, Andrew
Happy Birthday, Dear Andrew!!
We spent the weekend in Houston, staying at Mom and Dad's to visit at celebrate Andy's turning 53. We had lunch on Sat. with all 3 kids, then back to Dana's place to have Cake and yummy strawberries. Andy nor his parents have seen Dana's apt., so that was fun - she's made herself a nice, homey nest. Later, we played games and had a light dinner at Jason's Deli; then we headed back to visit a little more with the folks.
On Sunday, we worshipped at West Houston. Such a friendly, welcoming place. I think Dana's beginning to find her spot, and it's nice to hear the joy back in her voice. Transitions are hard, but she's coming around again.
Anyway, back to my sweet husband. He got tickets to the upcoming Spyro-Gyra concert from me, and the Planet Earth dvds from the kids. I hope he thinks it was a good birthday; as exciting as they get at our age!!
He's my guy, and I'm so glad we got to spend the day together!! No one else I'd rather be with on any given day -
We spent the weekend in Houston, staying at Mom and Dad's to visit at celebrate Andy's turning 53. We had lunch on Sat. with all 3 kids, then back to Dana's place to have Cake and yummy strawberries. Andy nor his parents have seen Dana's apt., so that was fun - she's made herself a nice, homey nest. Later, we played games and had a light dinner at Jason's Deli; then we headed back to visit a little more with the folks.
On Sunday, we worshipped at West Houston. Such a friendly, welcoming place. I think Dana's beginning to find her spot, and it's nice to hear the joy back in her voice. Transitions are hard, but she's coming around again.
Anyway, back to my sweet husband. He got tickets to the upcoming Spyro-Gyra concert from me, and the Planet Earth dvds from the kids. I hope he thinks it was a good birthday; as exciting as they get at our age!!
He's my guy, and I'm so glad we got to spend the day together!! No one else I'd rather be with on any given day -
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Qualities of a wife
For several years now, Andy has served as an elder in our local congregation. After being a Christian for a long time and serving as a Deacon in two different places, he was approached about being considered to serve as an elder. We were humbled and honored. We both knew the "qualifications" that scripture puts out for us, which describe a man of maturity and wisdom, of good reputation and worthy to be both a leader and a model. After the process made its way through, Andy began to serve.
Several times during this adventure, I've thought about the qualities of an elder's wife. Surely, I've known many different ladies in my life, those of every temperment and personality type. I've tried to find commonality amongst my fellow elders' wives, and I'll be honest - we don't all have a lot in common or seek each other out as a unit.
However, I have come to see one - perhaps the most important- quality that we all appear to have. We have the honor of sharing our husbands with the whole church; sometimes to our dismay. Dinners go uneaten, movies interrupted, and plans changed at the last minute. To be truthful, there's a part of me that sometimes loses focus and recalls the days when there weren't these demands placed on our lives; but that is the reason we waited until the girls were gone to college before we took this work on. They deserved a full-time dad, and especially not parents under the microscope.
I'm pretty glad there isn't a list somewhere that delegates how elders' wives are supposed to be - I find myself pretty different from most of the other wives and that would be a problem. I draw strength from a couple of fellow wives who encourage and uplift me and I love them to death. I'm just going to love my husband and try to make his service to others an easier and more joyful situation. Perhaps that's my biggest job of all.
Several times during this adventure, I've thought about the qualities of an elder's wife. Surely, I've known many different ladies in my life, those of every temperment and personality type. I've tried to find commonality amongst my fellow elders' wives, and I'll be honest - we don't all have a lot in common or seek each other out as a unit.
However, I have come to see one - perhaps the most important- quality that we all appear to have. We have the honor of sharing our husbands with the whole church; sometimes to our dismay. Dinners go uneaten, movies interrupted, and plans changed at the last minute. To be truthful, there's a part of me that sometimes loses focus and recalls the days when there weren't these demands placed on our lives; but that is the reason we waited until the girls were gone to college before we took this work on. They deserved a full-time dad, and especially not parents under the microscope.
I'm pretty glad there isn't a list somewhere that delegates how elders' wives are supposed to be - I find myself pretty different from most of the other wives and that would be a problem. I draw strength from a couple of fellow wives who encourage and uplift me and I love them to death. I'm just going to love my husband and try to make his service to others an easier and more joyful situation. Perhaps that's my biggest job of all.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Where - and why - did they all go?
We are about to get a new church directory. Usually, I notice the big change is that the babies are not babies anymore, or that some dear ones that were with us before have gone on go be with God. In looking at this directory, I'm going to be missing some really dear people who have moved on from us since the last directory.
About 2 years ago now, we had an exodus. Almost 40 families that were with us are no longer calling us their church family. Some moved due to jobs, some moved due to retirement, but the majority of them moved due to situations that should not have happened. It wasn't a big, ugly split like you read about, but just a departure. We were too traditional, we were too liberal; we were too inclusive, we were racist. I guess, bottom line, we just were not what those people wanted.
Even now, I grieve over this; why I don't know. Andy and I have moved our membership from place to place before - life goes on. You make new friends. We've almost added back in number those we lost, they are great people and we love them dearlym but just think where we'd be if we were ALL here, worshipping together.
If I could put all those people in a room together, I'd tell them that I love them, that I miss them and what they brought to the brotherhood here in Pleasanton. That I wish they'd talked more to us before deciding to go. That they'd given us a chance to come to an agreement on what it was that took them from us.
All I can do now is to really love the folks God has given to us even more; to make this the place they want to be, so that we never go through a time like that again. If we can learn from this and become more the church God plans for us, then perhaps that is the good that came of this. I've got to believe something good is ours for the taking, or it will all be in vain.
About 2 years ago now, we had an exodus. Almost 40 families that were with us are no longer calling us their church family. Some moved due to jobs, some moved due to retirement, but the majority of them moved due to situations that should not have happened. It wasn't a big, ugly split like you read about, but just a departure. We were too traditional, we were too liberal; we were too inclusive, we were racist. I guess, bottom line, we just were not what those people wanted.
Even now, I grieve over this; why I don't know. Andy and I have moved our membership from place to place before - life goes on. You make new friends. We've almost added back in number those we lost, they are great people and we love them dearlym but just think where we'd be if we were ALL here, worshipping together.
If I could put all those people in a room together, I'd tell them that I love them, that I miss them and what they brought to the brotherhood here in Pleasanton. That I wish they'd talked more to us before deciding to go. That they'd given us a chance to come to an agreement on what it was that took them from us.
All I can do now is to really love the folks God has given to us even more; to make this the place they want to be, so that we never go through a time like that again. If we can learn from this and become more the church God plans for us, then perhaps that is the good that came of this. I've got to believe something good is ours for the taking, or it will all be in vain.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Books, books and more books
Today, I took my kids to the library for the 1st time this year. Since they miss their regular library time with their class to meet with me each day, it's usually just the 4 or 5 of us with the whole library to ourselves. (Yes, Dana, I said 4 or 5 - I have a tough job!!)
This year, I worked it out with the librarian to come with all classes on the same day, so I basically camped out there. As the schedule fell, the last two groups actually are coming with their classes, so that fills the room up nicely. We help them search for books on the computer, and monitor them to make sure they are getting books on their reability levels. I always have a little one who reads 1st grade level and wants Harry Potter.
Or they only want Great White Sharks and no other shark book will do.
One little girl, who I don't work with, wanted to read me a portion of her book. She dragged up her chair next to mine, and promptly took off. She was having the best day ever, sharing a book with a teacher. I would never have had the nerve to approach a teacher with that request, which made it all the more something I was glad to be part of. Unfortunately, library time was over before we read the fate of Sacagawea, but I think I've heard the story once before.
Well, we made it through with everyone happily finding the perfect book to last us until next time. Now, if we can all just remember to get back to school with it in good condition!!
This year, I worked it out with the librarian to come with all classes on the same day, so I basically camped out there. As the schedule fell, the last two groups actually are coming with their classes, so that fills the room up nicely. We help them search for books on the computer, and monitor them to make sure they are getting books on their reability levels. I always have a little one who reads 1st grade level and wants Harry Potter.
Or they only want Great White Sharks and no other shark book will do.
One little girl, who I don't work with, wanted to read me a portion of her book. She dragged up her chair next to mine, and promptly took off. She was having the best day ever, sharing a book with a teacher. I would never have had the nerve to approach a teacher with that request, which made it all the more something I was glad to be part of. Unfortunately, library time was over before we read the fate of Sacagawea, but I think I've heard the story once before.
Well, we made it through with everyone happily finding the perfect book to last us until next time. Now, if we can all just remember to get back to school with it in good condition!!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
God Calling
I love storms. I know a lot of people are frightened by them, but they have always been something I have taken pleasure in.
Right now, as I type, I hear loud, rumbling symphonies of thunder to the west. It's been going on for a while, and the power of its message to me is that God is near. I know, people "see" God in nature; a sleeping baby, a rainbow, a sunrise or sunset. I take pleasure in those beautiful sights as well, but for me, it's the sound of the thunder that moves me most. I find great comfort in the fact that all is working as it should, and that the storm that came will pass, and that my God is in control of it all. I think I've especially enjoyed it so much this summer because of the drought we've been through - the silence of the thunder was lonesome. The oddest part is, I didn't realize how much I'd missed it until it came back.
Right now, as I type, I hear loud, rumbling symphonies of thunder to the west. It's been going on for a while, and the power of its message to me is that God is near. I know, people "see" God in nature; a sleeping baby, a rainbow, a sunrise or sunset. I take pleasure in those beautiful sights as well, but for me, it's the sound of the thunder that moves me most. I find great comfort in the fact that all is working as it should, and that the storm that came will pass, and that my God is in control of it all. I think I've especially enjoyed it so much this summer because of the drought we've been through - the silence of the thunder was lonesome. The oddest part is, I didn't realize how much I'd missed it until it came back.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Coming, here, then gone again.
This past weekend, we had Gregg, Erin, and Roarke for a visit. It was a nice, quiet break after a long first week of school, and I had really gotten excited to have them come. Anticipation is a great thing!
We didn't do a whole lot of exciting things - laughed and commiserated with Roarke and his head cone, went out to eat, and worshipped with everyone yesterday. Several of Erin's church friends were home for the long weekend, so they got to catch up on things, which was nice. Then, we had Erin's requested lunch (meat loaf, corn, mashed potatoes, and peach cobbler), quick dozes for naps, and then, they were gone.
Wait! I'm not ready! It went too fast. But we'll visit again in Houston in a couple of weeks, Lord willing. And perhaps Roarke won't have to be wearing the cone!!
We didn't do a whole lot of exciting things - laughed and commiserated with Roarke and his head cone, went out to eat, and worshipped with everyone yesterday. Several of Erin's church friends were home for the long weekend, so they got to catch up on things, which was nice. Then, we had Erin's requested lunch (meat loaf, corn, mashed potatoes, and peach cobbler), quick dozes for naps, and then, they were gone.
Wait! I'm not ready! It went too fast. But we'll visit again in Houston in a couple of weeks, Lord willing. And perhaps Roarke won't have to be wearing the cone!!
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