Looking back and smiling

My firstborn turned 28 today - Happy Birthday, Dana Elizabeth! My labor was very long, and by the time she was born, the sun and risen and set again. Too much demeral almost took her from us, but we didn't know that until later; don't think about that much, but when I do, it shakes me to my core. She wonders why I say, "be careful" all the time, but I guess in the back of my mind, I'm remembering that.

She got to be the guinea pig, and there's really very little I think I messed up. I had so much fun playing with her and watching her learn and grow. I stretched one year at home with her and Erin into two, and almost bankrupted us with not teaching, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat to be with them every day.

I don't doubt that all moms think their daughter is the best, but I understand it more every day. To see what God does with a life given to Him is amazing, and while I miss the little girl Dana, I relish my time with the woman she is. Who knows what the future holds, right?!?

Truly empty nesters now

It began in Aug. of 1999, when Dana left for Lubbock. The empty nesting was upon us, as well as the adjusting to goes with it. Then, Erin left in 2001, and while our children were gone, there was still the responsibility of our cats, Smudge and Cinder.
We lost Smudge during December a couple of years ago, and now yesterday, Cinder died. She went into renal failure and the vet gave her at most a couple of weeks. So, we did the humane thing and put her to sleep. The vet assured us that we can get another good cat from them as soon as we are ready, but I think we'll pass.
She was a good kitty and did a fine job of keeping moles out of the yard. I'll miss her, probably not as much as Andy, but we'll be pet-loose and fancy-free for the time being.
Maybe we'll wait for grandchildren !!

Rest in Peace, Jennifer

In the Spring of 1990, I was teaching an MR class at the Elementary. There were enough students for two classes that year, and the other teacher had been there since Adam. As school was drawing to a close, I was informed that since the majority of the two classes were moving on to Jr. Hi, my position was no longer necessary, and I would be going on with them. That year was eternal, high-lighted by the death of my dad. (In Feb. of that year, Andy told me I could flip hamburgers in the Fall rather than go back to Jr. Hi. Another story for another day.)
Each day of that year, I walked myself to my classroom chanting, "May will come, May will come." The day was spent working with emotionally disturbed 8th graders who disliked me only marginally more than I them, and I felt my life a waste of time, at least professionally.
Except for Jennifer. I read today that she is dead at the age of 30. I wept.
For one period a day that year, 3 students made me smile.
Trey - a long, skinny, talented boy, Amy - a poised, warm, knowing young lady I still see around town, and Jennifer. She was funny and bright, and kept me from killing a kid or two. I lost track to her until just a few years ago, when I came upon her on campus, picking up her son. She looked just like she did all those years ago, and smiled and hugged me tight. Over the next couple of years, we'd see each other and visit a minute, and it was so wonderful to see how things had turned out for her. And now, she is dead. It takes the air out of my lungs to
type it. How - do I even want to know? I almost hope it was a disease or accident rather than something more horrible - does that even make sense?!
She leaves behind two pre-teen sons.

Thanks, 43!!

I found out Friday that Pres. Bush is trying to send me a cash bonus this Spring. Depending on what Congress decides, I could end up with about $800.00 ! Wow. I mean that - COOL !Little windfalls like that are part of what keeps the excitement going in my life - I have several areas where I can place it when it gets here - now, I will just have to decide.
Have fun spending yours !!!

When the wife is the last to know...

Last night, it happened. Right in the aisle of the church auditorium, I found out something that everyone else already knew.
I'd always asked Andy to tell me these things first; that I didn't want people to know things about out lives before I did, and here I was - the odd one out. They were all talking and laughing about something he'd done, and I had no idea. I felt so out of the loop -

he'd blogged. Twice in two days. And I had no idea.

I hope I can get over it.

psych!

Gossip in the Lounge ...

I never go into the lounge; for one, my lunch doesn't really coincide with others eating at the same time, and for the other, I just don't gossip.

My roomie comes in yesterday to say that one of our newer teachers is planning a boob-job and the others are filling her in (pardon the pun.). Now, she is lacking what some of us would like to rid ourselves of, she seeks to add. To each his own, but I don't think I'd be talking about it in the lounge. I hope it works for her, if she's determined to have it. If she gets the results she's hoping for, should she have to say anything to us?!?
Have a good weekend -

Memories from birthdays long ago

Today, I am 53 years old. I wish I understood time better; but I don't. I don't think about getting older much, but sometime it forces me to look it square in the eye and deal with it.



Today, I'm remembering being a little girl who LOVED bakery cakes. Not those HEB ones that don't have any flavor and the icing comes from a tub of Cool Whip. I'm thinking of Earl's Bakery cakes, across from the old Rick's side entrance. You could smell the goods baking at about El Castillo, and staring in the display cakes at cookies, donuts, and pies was almost sinful. I don't know when she would order it, but every year, for my birthday, my mom would order MY Earl's cake, and we would drive the whole 8 miles from Poteet to pick it up. I can feel the rich, creamy icing in my mouth today, all these years later. Such a simple thing for a kid to want - a birthday cake, but when mom was on a budget, and we DID have to come all the way from Poteet - it made my day for weeks!
Tonight, there's an Apple pie in the oven with my name on it - one of three choices I gave Andy as to what I wanted. My mouth is watering already!!
Dinner calls - see 'ya!!

Well, it's back to school tomorrow... here's hoping the Spring semester goes by as quickly as the Fall one did. I know I have more kids to screen for dyslexia, and kids being qualified for Special ed, so I'll be busy. My friend starts her last semester tomorrow - after 26 or so years, it's time. Wish I was joining her!!
The Norwood kids are out of Kenya and safe in Tanzania. They should be there about a week, then come home. I've heard the boys were willing to stay, but the girls wanted out. Imagine - a foreign country in a revolt, and wanting to come back home....
Dana left to go back to Houston today. Her life pretty well changed over the past two weeks. I'll not divulge too much, except to say that prayers are answered, even after a long, long time. I'll share more when I can.
I hope that everyone is ready for a good week, and that we all are in for a spell of good health and financial peace. Have a good one -

On Dangerous Soil

I'd ask you to pray today for Rebekah and Matthew Norwood and 4 other A & M college students. They are on a mission trip to Nairobe, Kenya right now, and if you have seen the news, you know they are in a bad place. Last night, we had multiple prayers on their behalf, and several of the elders and our minister went to their home; their parents are on the phone and internet with the other parents, trying to figure out the best course of action. As of lunch, the situation looked better than it did last night, but the decision has been made to bring them home as soon as possible. Just getting them safely to the airport is the challenge.
I've been wondering if I've ever put my life on the line for the Lord. Have I been fearless for my Saviour? Have I sacrificed any of my comfort or security to aid those who need Him?
I honor those in Kenya right now, and hope their homecoming will be quick and safe. I also hope this doesn't quench the fire in them to seek chances to serve those in foreign fields.
I'll keep you posted.

While you were sleeping

Happy New Year, friends and family!
One of my favorite movies is "While You Were Sleeping" and there's a line that fits me today. Jack and his dad are at the table, and the dad says something like, "You work hard and do you best, and then - one day- it all comes together and everyone is happy is safe."
That's me today. Somewhere in the past few months, things began to fall into place, and today - the first day of a new year, I feel that way. Erin and Gregg are starting to look at buying their first home, and Dana is in the beginning of a new relationship with a man we feel fits her like no one has before. Our lives are peaceful and, thankfully, healthy. We have been blessed this past year in so many, many ways, and it's almost scary to think about how good this all feels.
I hope your 2008 treats you as well!