January 30, 1980

When Andy and I married, I was ready right away to have a baby. Not him; he wanted some time to be together, to work out bugs and "know" each other. So - I waited. Almost 4 years passed before we had Dana Elizabeth - 8 lbs.7 oz. 21 inches.
I wish I could show you a picture of what a beautiful, plump, perfect baby she was, but I will just let you imagine her!

I was in labor a long, long - long, time 21 hours, and toward the end of it, I was given demerol to relax me and allow me to rest. Unfortunately, the nurse who gave it to me didn't write it down, so when the shift came, the new nurse came in and gave me another dose. We questioned her, but she convinced us that I was to get it then. It not only relaxed me, but Dana as well - so much they would not let her sleep after she was born for fear she would not wake up. I was put to bed with no idea, and Andy went home to get some rest. Later, we learned some friends from church stood at the nursery window all night, watching over her. Thankfully, all turned out well, but it's pretty sobering to sit with your four month old sleeping in your arms with electrodes all over her head while they do a brain scan.

My Dana - Happy Birthday!! My birthday wish for you is that this 29th year will bring answered prayers on many levels for you, and that you breathe in the beauty of your life each and every day. You are such a blessing to Dad, Erin and Gregg, Liz, and me.

Mom

Finally, broadband arrives!

well, after years of dial-up, we are enjoying the wonders of broadband internet here at the house! Thanks to Karnes Electric, we are signed up and going strong. I can even talk and surf at the same time!! It is a beauty to behold....

We have a new family at church. All those summers ago, when so many folks left for various reason, I didn't think we'd ever build back up. It's not totally back up to where we were, but we're getting there. God is good.

A long day of Benchmark testing today; keeping kids still and quiet all day is not my idea of fun, but I did have it easy. One really cool little boy who was well behaved. After sitting all morning, we walked slowly back to the Alamo for the rest of the testing. I sat on a bench and timed him while he walked backwards, hopped and ran some energy off. By the time I was through with him, he was panting pretty hard, and gladly sat still for the rest of the testing period!!

Am I good, or what?!?

Dentists, Aggies, Spurs and showers, oh my!!

Getting up this morning was hard!! It was a busy, hectic weekend, and I usually protect my Sunday afternoons for rest!! After a quiet lunch, Andrew and I usually settle in to nap and read the paper; but there was little time for that this past weekend...

Friday, I sucked it up and went to the dentist. The good news is, I did it - the bad news is, I have to do it again and again and AGAIN until I repair all the neglect of my teeth. It told him I was mad at him because he did not put my buddy - nitrous oxide- in his new office!! He assures me the little pills he gave me will be better, but I'll see. The next trial is set for Friday - a wisdom tooth. The best part of the day was dinner and games at the Huttons....

Saturday was okay. Not a lot of drama. But Sunday made up for it.

The Aggies for Christ were in town, so we had a big luncheon for them, combined with January birthdays. A good crowd in attendance, and delicious food. Sunday afternoon, I made brownies for the shower and watched my Spurs lose big time to the Lakers - of all people - on network tv. My boys looked bad!! Then, we had worship and the shower. It was nicely attended as well - we were afraid of having two fellowships in one day, but it was great! They had some family come in, and I think they were pleased with how it all turned out. Katherine made a yummy cake, and we had some to bring home; I'll enjoy it tonight during "24".

Now, I start another week of little ones. They crack me up and make the day go by fast!!
As I wrote letters on Justin's back this morning, he giggled and wiggled because he's so ticklish!! What a job I have!

GRRRR

I really try not to use the word "hate" very often, but I HATE when simple, easy things turn into a big deal!! If people would just do things my way, it would be a lot simpler around here!!

GRRR!

Obligatory topic

I would guess that every person who posts to a blog today will address the Inauguration of President Obama, so I'll join in....

This would not be the first President that I have seen sworn in whom I did not vote for. I remember two Clinton swearing-ins that made my stomach turn, and a couple more before him. I've also voted Democrat and been glad they won (at the time.) I've also lived in the 60s.

I think that alone - the remembering the racial violence and ridiculous days of that decade - make today do-able for me. I never, ever want to see our nation torn apart like that again, with the fear of who was going to be assassinated next on everyone's mind. It was worse that 9-11 in that we were doing it to ourselves.

If he can do something to inspire families and men to take responsibility for their families and pride in working to make something of themselves, then he will convert me over to a supporter.

Until then, I'm skeptical. He will be my President, and I hope no harm comes to him or his family, but my fears of what else he will push forward keep me at bay.

So, here's to you, Barak. I'll bet George is more than ready to give the whole mess over to you and get back on Texas soil. I would be. There's nothing worse than giving it your best and being beat down for it.

May God continue to bless this land.

An internet drought

Well, we won't have internet at home until Jan. 26. You can only play Hearts or Spider Solitaire so many times....

Andy has been forwarding my AOL emails to me at school, because I can't access it there. Most of it is trash or forwards, but every now and then, I get a jewel. I appreciate his keeping me posted. I think it will be wonderful to be back on line at home again, but I am reminded that there was life before email.

Have a nice, long weekend, and I'll see you on Monday!!

54 and counting

Well. 54 has come and reared it's ugly head in my life. I told Dana that while it doesn't "sound" old to me, 55 does. I hope it doesn't go too fast!!

Went to a wedding the other day, and sat with a friend I met when I was 6 years old. We have been through all of life's scenarios: teen years, falling in love and marriage, my children, her widowhood... you get the picture. At one point, we were estranged due to some bad decisions on both our parts, but we overcame that and stay in touch. She is now in love again, and we are facing our retirement years with anticipation. Most of all, we have our common Lord. When He is the basis of a friendship, it is the best. I hope we both have many years to come.

Andy brought me roses on my birthday. Love does get better as it grows....

Yes!!

Well, we bit the bullet and got our new computer, which meant it was time. We've joined the high-speed world of the internet!! Finally, we are eligible to get service through our Electric Cooperative, and while we won't be hooked up for a week or so, it just feels great to know that, at last, dial-up is in our past!! (Jackie always said she had time to put in laundry while it chugged and spun and finally loaded!!) Well, soon.

That means I will need a new email provider, because I don't want to type the long address. It's a hassle to let everyone know, but I think it will be well worth it. Any suggestions as to a provider; hotmail, yahoo, gmail., etc.? AOL has been good, but we can't get highspeed through them. Besides, they are too expensive.

So, for now, I'm not blogging at home. I'll try to keep you posted elsewhere. Have a marvelous weekend!!

Welcome Back to School!

All right, so I had two weeks off. I worked hard in college to earn that break, and believe me, I used it to the hilt. The first few days were fast and furious with Christmas still to come, but the second week was nice and quiet. I would have liked a little colder weather so I could justify a fire, but it was not to be. Andy and I went out and bought ourselves a computer, ta-da!! He's been wanting one for a long, long time, but I was putting it off in case something happened and we needed that money. Well, I gave in when I saw the sales, and he is a happy camper. It IS nice, and much faster, even though we are still on dial-up.

So today, when I get to school, I learn that one of our students lost his father. Late 30s, in the high mountain altitude, he died of complications from pneumonia. A pulmonary-embolism or something like that. So sad. To top it off, it happened on his son's birthday, two days after Christmas!! I didn't know the man, but am saddened for his family.

As I get back into the routine of school, I am reminded just how fast each semester goes. Some say the first part of school is quicker due to the holidays, but the Spring just slips by. In no time, we will be at Spring Break, and then once TAKS is behind us, summer looms. Not that I want my life to fly by - just my career!! My 4th graders will go to PIC, and I will miss them, but I know the kids I will have next year, and will be glad to have most of back. I find myself settled nicely in this new position and feel it lends itself to a more relaxed me. Let's hope it lasts!!

Well, I've rambled enough. Have a great day!

Happy January 1st

Someone on the radio yesterday said, "I am so glad this year is over - it was a horrible year!"

How can you look back over a year of your life, and proclaim it "Horrible?" I will say, 1990-91 was a low point; my dad died and it was the worst year of my teaching career, but I won't say the whole year was horrible. That is the year I met Mary Beth, who became a dear friend and sister in Christ, and I learned things about myself that were necessary to get me through the traumas that hit me. Not bad things at all.

This past year is one with good memories to recall. Following several medical proceedures the previous year, I was healthy and blessed with good reports as follow-ups. I began a new teaching assignment in the fall which has renewed my confidence in my career and introduced me to new co-workers who are very supportive and appreciative of my efforts. I grew in my love and appreciation of my husband, and my daughters developed into more wonderful, Christ-filled women before my eyes. And, oh yes, Elizabeth was born. So, all in all, not a bad 2008.

I look forward to this year on many fronts. I see retirement nearing and our financial status improving. I know that God is going to continue to watch over me and mine, and that His ways will bless us.

So, I wish for you good memories of the past year, and hope for good things ahead. Watch for happiness, and choose to see the good in each day. Look into the eyes of a child and find love and excitement. Sing.