Last night, we had our last speaker of the Summer Series. He talked a lot about the Church; how tied together we are all over the world. It's one thing my mom always told me, "go into any town, and if you find the Church, you'll have family." I love seeing "The Church of Christ welcomes you" signs as you pull into a town; it gives you a commonality right away.
Anyway, last night, he talked about how, usually, if you meet someone in the church and talk with them very long, you find that you have a person in common... kind of a "6 degrees of seperation" on a Heavenly basis. One person we knew in Katy, Mac Brockman, new EVERYONE. Looking back at him, he was a kind of Gregg - friendly, outgoing, welcoming. Never knew a stranger, and with the capacity to make you feel so important in no time.
I'm so grateful to have so many connections to the church - just think of all the folks we'll know in Heaven!!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Now, we begin
After all the hoopla, the first day of school has come and gone... all the work, meetings, papers to fill out, schedules to figure. Done. The kids are all here with their new supplies (which will be gone in a week/two!), fresh haircuts, and new shoes. Their backpacks weigh as much as they do, and the look of anticipation is on their faces.
For the first time in two decades, I was not on campus when the first kids arrived. I was working at the Annex, my new "home" and felt strangely out of place. No one to guide to their new teacher, no parents bustling to work with the kids safely in place. My job has changed, and it feels odd. I float from campus to campus not really belonging to either -
I just hope my paycheck finds me today!!
For the first time in two decades, I was not on campus when the first kids arrived. I was working at the Annex, my new "home" and felt strangely out of place. No one to guide to their new teacher, no parents bustling to work with the kids safely in place. My job has changed, and it feels odd. I float from campus to campus not really belonging to either -
I just hope my paycheck finds me today!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
My roomie - Patti
Teachers by nature are territorial; our rooms are our havens - our desks, our private sanctums. We can close the doors and rule the world from our own little area. It just comes with the job.
For 4 years now, I've shared my room with Patti. I was apprehensive, to say the least, just because - well, it's sharing. But I have to say, as we start this new year, it's been one of the things that have kept me laughing and sane when I thought nothing could.
Patti is one of the few remaining teachers that have been here longer than me. We happen to worship together, but never really became "close". I don't know that either of us would call each other "best friend", but I know I rely on her a lot. She has a good perspective on what's important to making kids successful and feeling good about themselves without all the doting and games a lot of teachers play these days. And she's a true warrior for the kids' she teaches. She's tough, but kind. She also has the talent to make adults chill out when things get goofy, and I appreciate that. She sees beyond "the test."
There are good things that I do for her as well. We make a good team. We both feel a little odd about this new schedule of mine, but we'll get through it together.
We confide in each other about family and work, and I value her opinion about things. I hope she does mine.
So, Patti, here's to another year. I'll stay if you will!!
For 4 years now, I've shared my room with Patti. I was apprehensive, to say the least, just because - well, it's sharing. But I have to say, as we start this new year, it's been one of the things that have kept me laughing and sane when I thought nothing could.
Patti is one of the few remaining teachers that have been here longer than me. We happen to worship together, but never really became "close". I don't know that either of us would call each other "best friend", but I know I rely on her a lot. She has a good perspective on what's important to making kids successful and feeling good about themselves without all the doting and games a lot of teachers play these days. And she's a true warrior for the kids' she teaches. She's tough, but kind. She also has the talent to make adults chill out when things get goofy, and I appreciate that. She sees beyond "the test."
There are good things that I do for her as well. We make a good team. We both feel a little odd about this new schedule of mine, but we'll get through it together.
We confide in each other about family and work, and I value her opinion about things. I hope she does mine.
So, Patti, here's to another year. I'll stay if you will!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
From Monday
Every year, our Superintendent gets us a motivational speaker. Last year's was amazing, and I was apprehensive about topping him this year. Well, our speaker was very talented, and kept us entertained not only with her topic, but also with her singing. She is the younger sister to Larry Gatlin, and shares his vocal talent. Along with her inspirational tidbits, she shared the following. I'll let you take what you will from it....
(Based on the musical scales)
DO - Do the right thing. Always
RE - Realize your potential by helping others reach theirs
MI - Mind your manners - manners count
FA - Fears can be turned around
SO - Solutions begin with me
LA - laugh !
TI - Time is valuable
DO - do it all again!
(Based on the musical scales)
DO - Do the right thing. Always
RE - Realize your potential by helping others reach theirs
MI - Mind your manners - manners count
FA - Fears can be turned around
SO - Solutions begin with me
LA - laugh !
TI - Time is valuable
DO - do it all again!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Off with a bang!
Well, the school year has begun, and I'll have to say, it's quite different. Monday's breakfast was the beginning - for the first time since 1981, I did not sit with the Elementary Campus for the meeting. Instead, I sat with my new co-workers. There are 3 dyslexia teachers and our supervisor, so we are an intimate little group.
For the beginning of the day, I will work with 1st and 2nd graders. Dana tells me I will love them, but right now, I feel anxious. I'm not quite the same temperment as Primary teachers, and I fear I will scare the little guys. I do mean guys, too. Our of a dozen, one is a girl. Moving on...
After I finish there, I will journey back to the Elementary and have my conference and lunch. Following that, it'll be 4 back - to - back classes. Now, I teach the same curriculum to them all, so by the 6th session of the day, I may be on rote recall. Hopefully, the day will go fast, and we will do just fine. I do have one group that is ahead of the others, so that will give me a bit of a break. I hope.
So, these early days of the 08-09 year are a little confusing and this old dog is learning to adjust to the new tricks given me, but I think I will end up liking it. I'll miss having a "home campus" but I like what I don't have - duty, meetings, etc - more.
And the best part - I have 2 1/2 years to go!
For the beginning of the day, I will work with 1st and 2nd graders. Dana tells me I will love them, but right now, I feel anxious. I'm not quite the same temperment as Primary teachers, and I fear I will scare the little guys. I do mean guys, too. Our of a dozen, one is a girl. Moving on...
After I finish there, I will journey back to the Elementary and have my conference and lunch. Following that, it'll be 4 back - to - back classes. Now, I teach the same curriculum to them all, so by the 6th session of the day, I may be on rote recall. Hopefully, the day will go fast, and we will do just fine. I do have one group that is ahead of the others, so that will give me a bit of a break. I hope.
So, these early days of the 08-09 year are a little confusing and this old dog is learning to adjust to the new tricks given me, but I think I will end up liking it. I'll miss having a "home campus" but I like what I don't have - duty, meetings, etc - more.
And the best part - I have 2 1/2 years to go!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Silver vs. Gold
Last night, we stopped our Care Group discussion to watch Michael Phelps swim for Gold #7. It wasn't a deep, religious discussion or anything, but everyone was watching to clock so we wouldn't miss the race.
When he squeaked by his next competitor, winning by .01 seconds, we all yelled and slumped back into our seats. Then, we heard that the team for the silver medal was posting a protest saying he'd won over Michael. (Silly people!) Anyway, even as the protest was going on, they had the medal ceremony.
As I watched the ceremony, something odd stuck me; usually, if an athlete thinks they have been "cheated" out of gold, they are more that dour on the podium while receiving a silver medal. Not this man - his pride and excitement over winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games shone brightly on his face, and he was truly happy. Would he have been happier with Gold? More than likely. But he had just come within .01 of being the greatest Olympian ever. That's a lot to smile about in any game.
To me, that was the face of the Olympics I'll think of when it's all over. Giving it your very best, and knowing you have been among others just as talented or better. Being at peace with what you've done. And loving it.
When he squeaked by his next competitor, winning by .01 seconds, we all yelled and slumped back into our seats. Then, we heard that the team for the silver medal was posting a protest saying he'd won over Michael. (Silly people!) Anyway, even as the protest was going on, they had the medal ceremony.
As I watched the ceremony, something odd stuck me; usually, if an athlete thinks they have been "cheated" out of gold, they are more that dour on the podium while receiving a silver medal. Not this man - his pride and excitement over winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games shone brightly on his face, and he was truly happy. Would he have been happier with Gold? More than likely. But he had just come within .01 of being the greatest Olympian ever. That's a lot to smile about in any game.
To me, that was the face of the Olympics I'll think of when it's all over. Giving it your very best, and knowing you have been among others just as talented or better. Being at peace with what you've done. And loving it.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Where to start...
The weekend in Dallas was wonderful, if for no other reason, I was reminded how much my son-in-law is loved. That translates into Erin being greatly loved as well, and that makes every mother happy. You hear horror stories about girls marrying into families that resent or dislike them, but I can honestly say, those people in Dallas love Erin. But I'll get back to that later...
On Saturday evening, we ate at III Forks Restaurant. There were 11 of us, and we were in a room to ourselves for the majority of the meal. Our waiter was a pro; his life's work was to serve people and help them to enjoy their evening out. Our one fault was that we were all tee-totalers, and so his "sales" suffered because of that, but I think he enjoyed us as much as we did him. If not, he's up for an Oscar for his acting.
This place was, for me, out of a movie in and of itself. The walls were covered with autographed celebrities who have eaten there, and that was fun to look at while we waited for our table. Then, came the food. Amazing; the best salad I have ever put in my mouth, and the corn was the next best. Corn. But not just corn. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. The beef tenderloin was good, but I'll stick with Saltgrass on that....
For desert, the best strawberry shortcake I've ever had.
Erin's shower the next day was something else. I think my gift to Gregg of a baby SPURS suit was the highlight of the day, but perhaps not... all the Dallas folks thought it was pretty funny!! Anyway, they were truly "showered" with everything you can imagine, the car barely had room for them to go back to Houston, but they made it just fine. All the men were there in the Johnson/LaMore family, so that was fun as well. It was amazing to see the turnout and the true affection the ladies feel for Gregg and his parents. Liz is a truly blessed little girl.
And to think, we get to do it again in Houston in a month!!
On Saturday evening, we ate at III Forks Restaurant. There were 11 of us, and we were in a room to ourselves for the majority of the meal. Our waiter was a pro; his life's work was to serve people and help them to enjoy their evening out. Our one fault was that we were all tee-totalers, and so his "sales" suffered because of that, but I think he enjoyed us as much as we did him. If not, he's up for an Oscar for his acting.
This place was, for me, out of a movie in and of itself. The walls were covered with autographed celebrities who have eaten there, and that was fun to look at while we waited for our table. Then, came the food. Amazing; the best salad I have ever put in my mouth, and the corn was the next best. Corn. But not just corn. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. The beef tenderloin was good, but I'll stick with Saltgrass on that....
For desert, the best strawberry shortcake I've ever had.
Erin's shower the next day was something else. I think my gift to Gregg of a baby SPURS suit was the highlight of the day, but perhaps not... all the Dallas folks thought it was pretty funny!! Anyway, they were truly "showered" with everything you can imagine, the car barely had room for them to go back to Houston, but they made it just fine. All the men were there in the Johnson/LaMore family, so that was fun as well. It was amazing to see the turnout and the true affection the ladies feel for Gregg and his parents. Liz is a truly blessed little girl.
And to think, we get to do it again in Houston in a month!!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Greetings from Big D !
Well, we made it to Dallas and Gregg's family home for the upcoming shower tomorrow. Can't wait for Gregg to open "his" gift; I looked high and low for it.
We are going to Restaurant Week tonight, that will be a blog in and of itself; I hope I can relax and enjoy...
Better go visit!
We are going to Restaurant Week tonight, that will be a blog in and of itself; I hope I can relax and enjoy...
Better go visit!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
10 Things I hope for Liz
Here, in no particular order, are 10 things I hope for Elizabeth Marin' Johnson:
1. That she will see faces and animals in clouds and dirt, and all sorts of interesting places.
2. That music surrounds her.
3. That she lives in a community that shows her a diversity of humanity.
4. That God is part of everything that surrounds her.
5. I hope her mom lets her make messes. (Erin's mom didn't, and I regret that.)
6. That books and puzzles and games stimulate her mind.
7. That Roarke lives to be an old, old dog.
8. I hope that God blesses her with lots of brothers, sisters, and cousins to play with.
9. I pray that she will see everyday how much her mommy and daddy love each other.
10. I hope she has curly hair.
1. That she will see faces and animals in clouds and dirt, and all sorts of interesting places.
2. That music surrounds her.
3. That she lives in a community that shows her a diversity of humanity.
4. That God is part of everything that surrounds her.
5. I hope her mom lets her make messes. (Erin's mom didn't, and I regret that.)
6. That books and puzzles and games stimulate her mind.
7. That Roarke lives to be an old, old dog.
8. I hope that God blesses her with lots of brothers, sisters, and cousins to play with.
9. I pray that she will see everyday how much her mommy and daddy love each other.
10. I hope she has curly hair.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Nothing in particular
Not much to talk about today. We had a busy weekend, with another coming up, and then it will be the end. The last week of summer vacation for this old girl. It's been both eventful and mundane; not at all what I planned, yet restful and given to lots of introspection.
Last night was our usual gathering at DQ after evening services. We pretty much packed the joint and had to re-arrange the furniture for us all to fit in our little clumps, but it was fun. One thing I love about my life is that, everywhere I look, I see love. I am surrounded by friends and family, and even when I am just sitting in a pew after the last "amen" I can look around and watch love in action.It is in the joyful faces of Dana and Erin's peers coming home with their babies to visit, or the look of compassion on one face while listening to the heartbreak of another, or the quiet concern of men gathered in a group discussing someone who needs help. Love. In all forms and functions. And it's mine to drink in and envelope into my soul.
So, perhaps I did have something to say today. I am blessed beyond measure.
Last night was our usual gathering at DQ after evening services. We pretty much packed the joint and had to re-arrange the furniture for us all to fit in our little clumps, but it was fun. One thing I love about my life is that, everywhere I look, I see love. I am surrounded by friends and family, and even when I am just sitting in a pew after the last "amen" I can look around and watch love in action.It is in the joyful faces of Dana and Erin's peers coming home with their babies to visit, or the look of compassion on one face while listening to the heartbreak of another, or the quiet concern of men gathered in a group discussing someone who needs help. Love. In all forms and functions. And it's mine to drink in and envelope into my soul.
So, perhaps I did have something to say today. I am blessed beyond measure.
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