Now that TAKS is over for another year, I can move on to the more important topic that needs discussion: the Spurs.
My boys lost in 5 to those pesky Mavs; the only good thing was the Cuban (their owner) kept his mouth shut for once about the lovely city of San Antonio. But his team out shot, out blocked, out ran, and out everything the silver and black, and they now get to move on. I guess, since no one is going to beat the Lakers this year, it's better to go ahead and let Timmy rest his knees and Tony quit scoring 43+ points in losing battles.
The really sad thing is, what will we do now with our evenings? May has always been filled with fellowship focusing on watching the playoffs, and now we have none to watch. It'll help with the eating late at night, but it'll sure be quiet....
So, until next season, "bye, Spurs, bye."
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
A beautiful sight
There is not much prettier to me than the sight of an American flag waving against the backdrop of a bright blue sky.
Today, while giving the Reading portion of the TAKS test, as I waited for my kids to finish reading their passage, I glanced outside the window of my room, and there it was - an American flag, waving in the yard of the people who live across the street.
Their house is nothing spectacular, just a little white frame house trimmed in green, but in the yard rises a tall flag pole. Today, with the wind blowing like it was, the flag would furl and unfurl itself, droop when the wind died, then raise itself straight out in all its glory, for all to see.
As I watched it, I wondered how many times I've looked at that flag and thought nothing of it; how many people pay no attention to it's being there. But the person who lives within the walls of that house takes the time each day to show their love for the country in which we live. Our nation is blessed in so many ways, and us with it, and the sight today of that flag brought a lump to my throat and a song to my mind:
My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty -
Of thee I sing.
The line "Sweet land of liberty" resounded in my heart like I'd never heard it before; is it because I'm afraid that the land that I love is in danger of being taken or changed before my grandchildren are grown? Could we lose this nation we so love by taking her for granted? We'd best be careful and pray for this land each chance we get.
That's my lesson from TAKS day -
Today, while giving the Reading portion of the TAKS test, as I waited for my kids to finish reading their passage, I glanced outside the window of my room, and there it was - an American flag, waving in the yard of the people who live across the street.
Their house is nothing spectacular, just a little white frame house trimmed in green, but in the yard rises a tall flag pole. Today, with the wind blowing like it was, the flag would furl and unfurl itself, droop when the wind died, then raise itself straight out in all its glory, for all to see.
As I watched it, I wondered how many times I've looked at that flag and thought nothing of it; how many people pay no attention to it's being there. But the person who lives within the walls of that house takes the time each day to show their love for the country in which we live. Our nation is blessed in so many ways, and us with it, and the sight today of that flag brought a lump to my throat and a song to my mind:
My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty -
Of thee I sing.
The line "Sweet land of liberty" resounded in my heart like I'd never heard it before; is it because I'm afraid that the land that I love is in danger of being taken or changed before my grandchildren are grown? Could we lose this nation we so love by taking her for granted? We'd best be careful and pray for this land each chance we get.
That's my lesson from TAKS day -
Monday, April 27, 2009
What a weekend
While nothing dramatic happened to me - save the Spurs losing AGAIN -, all around me was activity and drama. I feel like I was in a room, turning slowly in a circle, watching everyone going through their "stuff" from the distance. Some, I'll share with you...
We had a high school senior commit suicide Thursday night. On Friday, I called a friend who was one of his teachers (I didn't know when I called!) to see if she knew who he was... we spent quite a while talking about him, the action he had taken, the aftermath on all around him and so on. She spoke of him in a tender, concerned way, and it reminded me that teachers deal each day with children who are troubled, lonely, and often scary. His death could have been worse - we read about those kind of things all the time, and I am grateful to him for going alone. I have had students in the past that I could see being very dangerous; even in 4th grade, I've had students threaten to kill themselves. And yet, we cannot invest ourselves too much in these particular students, or we would be depressed ourselves. Which leads me to the next event.
Sat. night, Andy and I got to join some friends at a benefit for the Medina Children's Home. I've heard my friends talk about it before, but we'd never gone. At the last minute, a pair of tickets became available, so we went. It was lovely; a nice silent auction, delicious food, a beautiful song by a group of ladies, and testimonies from a couple of children who are residents there. One girl, in particular, spoke to my heart as she talked about her mother. We could have changed places, she and I. Our stories were very similar, except my mother stopped short of locking me out of the house. It ended up being the best thing for this girl, and her future is bright. Her scars are not yet completely healed, but she has learned that there is plenty of love and support outside the blood relationships we have that can get us through. I wanted to talk to her, but I was too emotional.
Then, came Sunday. In Bible class, something very hurtful was said in the class that should have been handled more privately. As I carefully watched the reaction of the person to whom the remark was made, I was impressed by the ability they showed to take the comment with all its brutality and go on without reacting in any way. The person who said it rarely makes comments, but boy, when they do!!!
Next, Erin called to give me an update on their weekend, and told me that her inlaws had a big, big mess going on with their home - a leak 15 years in the making finally showed itself and ruined about 3 rooms of their lovely home. (For the full report, see Erin's blog!)
So, it's been a weekend of seeing people handle life. Sometimes I marvel at how each person takes on the stresses of their life and process what it is and how to deal with it. It seems some can take more than others; their spirit more resilient.
Here's to each one - may today be much easier to handle!!
We had a high school senior commit suicide Thursday night. On Friday, I called a friend who was one of his teachers (I didn't know when I called!) to see if she knew who he was... we spent quite a while talking about him, the action he had taken, the aftermath on all around him and so on. She spoke of him in a tender, concerned way, and it reminded me that teachers deal each day with children who are troubled, lonely, and often scary. His death could have been worse - we read about those kind of things all the time, and I am grateful to him for going alone. I have had students in the past that I could see being very dangerous; even in 4th grade, I've had students threaten to kill themselves. And yet, we cannot invest ourselves too much in these particular students, or we would be depressed ourselves. Which leads me to the next event.
Sat. night, Andy and I got to join some friends at a benefit for the Medina Children's Home. I've heard my friends talk about it before, but we'd never gone. At the last minute, a pair of tickets became available, so we went. It was lovely; a nice silent auction, delicious food, a beautiful song by a group of ladies, and testimonies from a couple of children who are residents there. One girl, in particular, spoke to my heart as she talked about her mother. We could have changed places, she and I. Our stories were very similar, except my mother stopped short of locking me out of the house. It ended up being the best thing for this girl, and her future is bright. Her scars are not yet completely healed, but she has learned that there is plenty of love and support outside the blood relationships we have that can get us through. I wanted to talk to her, but I was too emotional.
Then, came Sunday. In Bible class, something very hurtful was said in the class that should have been handled more privately. As I carefully watched the reaction of the person to whom the remark was made, I was impressed by the ability they showed to take the comment with all its brutality and go on without reacting in any way. The person who said it rarely makes comments, but boy, when they do!!!
Next, Erin called to give me an update on their weekend, and told me that her inlaws had a big, big mess going on with their home - a leak 15 years in the making finally showed itself and ruined about 3 rooms of their lovely home. (For the full report, see Erin's blog!)
So, it's been a weekend of seeing people handle life. Sometimes I marvel at how each person takes on the stresses of their life and process what it is and how to deal with it. It seems some can take more than others; their spirit more resilient.
Here's to each one - may today be much easier to handle!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thoughts in the night...
As much as I want to, I refrain from lamenting the Spurs' last game. Hopefull, tomorrow will be more like I like them ....
I wake up in the night to visit the restroom, and more often than not, I have some weird thought pop in my head. It's about Dana, or Erin, or Liz, or school - you get my drift. While I am up, I take my thyroid medication, as my stomach needs to be empty. I put it on my sink with water every night, and gulp it down while half asleep.
Now, Andy and I have seperate sinks. His is on one side, mine the other. We are back to back when both using our sink. His is tidy and clean, with everything in it's place. It is ready for him each and every morning - good to go. Mine is a plethora of items - my slip, the afore mentioned medication, my blow-dryer and a clock. (I have a thing about knowing what time it is at all times!) It is not a reflection of Andy's at all.
For some reason, last night as I stood at my messy sink, taking my pill, I thought; "When I die, Andy will clean up this sink, and then he'll look at it, all stark and orderly, every day." Where does that come from; it's horrible to think like that in the middle of the night?!? I guess sometimes these notions just pop into our heads, and have no true rhyme of reason. I hope so....
I wake up in the night to visit the restroom, and more often than not, I have some weird thought pop in my head. It's about Dana, or Erin, or Liz, or school - you get my drift. While I am up, I take my thyroid medication, as my stomach needs to be empty. I put it on my sink with water every night, and gulp it down while half asleep.
Now, Andy and I have seperate sinks. His is on one side, mine the other. We are back to back when both using our sink. His is tidy and clean, with everything in it's place. It is ready for him each and every morning - good to go. Mine is a plethora of items - my slip, the afore mentioned medication, my blow-dryer and a clock. (I have a thing about knowing what time it is at all times!) It is not a reflection of Andy's at all.
For some reason, last night as I stood at my messy sink, taking my pill, I thought; "When I die, Andy will clean up this sink, and then he'll look at it, all stark and orderly, every day." Where does that come from; it's horrible to think like that in the middle of the night?!? I guess sometimes these notions just pop into our heads, and have no true rhyme of reason. I hope so....
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Colton, Brandon, and Cameron - Oh, my!
A while back, I mentioned that my little 3rd graders had passed their Reading TAKS on the first administration, and that I would not be seeing them for class the rest of the semester. I've really enjoyed that time to do valuable things in my classroom; getting caught up on testing, paperwork, MahJong, etc.
Well, yesterday and today, three of the boys dropped in on me! It made me realize how much I do like the little beggars - Colton is a little wrestler-maniac with an infectious grin, Cameron has his 3rd grade "dating" drama, and Brandon is just big and cheerful. They give me a hug and a grin, tell me they miss me, and scoot on back to class.
Lucky me! It's just the boost I need to get through the afternoon!
Well, yesterday and today, three of the boys dropped in on me! It made me realize how much I do like the little beggars - Colton is a little wrestler-maniac with an infectious grin, Cameron has his 3rd grade "dating" drama, and Brandon is just big and cheerful. They give me a hug and a grin, tell me they miss me, and scoot on back to class.
Lucky me! It's just the boost I need to get through the afternoon!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Half a year ago...
)
Little Elizabeth has turned 6 months old this week! She is - well, wonderful. Her Nana loves her very much, and just wanted to share her sweet angel face with you all!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Now THAT's my Spurs!!
Last night, about 15 of us gathered at the Norwood's home for the game. Katherine is a great hostess, and we had delicious brownies, tea, nachos, and ice cream with all the toppings (even a new, Dr. Pepper sauce!) The game was on in two rooms, so people were drifting between the tvs and food, visiting and cheering our boys on. After the big lead we let get away on Sat., we were cautious about getting too excited, but the guys put it to them, and we all left happy. It was a late night, so I'm drowsy, but my students are testing and I won't have them for a bit.
I do love my job! :)
I do love my job! :)
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Ugh - allergies!
Ugh. Along with the beautiful rain came in something that has hit me between the eyes full force.... I felt fine until yesterday right before my boys began their fateful loss to those pesky Mavericks. A little congested; sore throat. Now, I have a faucet running from my nose, and I just slept the day away. Andy is at worship for the second time today without me, and I miss being there. But no one wants to see me in this condition.
It's hard to pray for more rain if this is the outcome!
It's hard to pray for more rain if this is the outcome!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Spurs win, Spurs win!!
It was a long time coming, but it's here!!
Poor Dana - called last night to tell me about her day, and there we were, late in the 4th quarter of the Spurs last regular season game. I half-listened to her, and told her about my day, one eye on the tube at all times. Catching my breath as the lead went back and forth, with Chris Paul and David West daring to push my boys down into 8th seed.
Finally, I just had to be honest. "Dana. I hate to cut this short, but there's only a few minutes left, and I REALLY need to see the end of this game. Is there something else you wanted to talk to me about?" Now, I really feel like a bad mom....
We say our "I love you's" and I hang up. The game continues until the last shot of the game, with the Spurs down by 3. Guess who - Michael Finley - shoots a beauty of a basket to send us into overtime. The boys take that as a sign of good things to some, and we win big-time!!
Now, thanks to the dreaded Mavericks win over Houston, we actually play the Mavs this weekend. Home court advantage is ours, and Mark Cuban will come down to make an idiot of himself again, and we will play our hearts out. It's been a long season, and they've looked awful at some points, but here we are again, ready to go. How far is the mystery.
Poor Dana - called last night to tell me about her day, and there we were, late in the 4th quarter of the Spurs last regular season game. I half-listened to her, and told her about my day, one eye on the tube at all times. Catching my breath as the lead went back and forth, with Chris Paul and David West daring to push my boys down into 8th seed.
Finally, I just had to be honest. "Dana. I hate to cut this short, but there's only a few minutes left, and I REALLY need to see the end of this game. Is there something else you wanted to talk to me about?" Now, I really feel like a bad mom....
We say our "I love you's" and I hang up. The game continues until the last shot of the game, with the Spurs down by 3. Guess who - Michael Finley - shoots a beauty of a basket to send us into overtime. The boys take that as a sign of good things to some, and we win big-time!!
Now, thanks to the dreaded Mavericks win over Houston, we actually play the Mavs this weekend. Home court advantage is ours, and Mark Cuban will come down to make an idiot of himself again, and we will play our hearts out. It's been a long season, and they've looked awful at some points, but here we are again, ready to go. How far is the mystery.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Hard at work
If you ever hear me complain that my job is hard, hit me. Not that it isn't stressful at times, but hard - no. The Spring especially favors "support staff" like me; with the events of TAKS and the year drawing to a close, my students are pulled hither and yon from March to May. Here is an example of today:
8:30-9:00 2 students, as usual
9:00-9:15 break
9:15 - 10:00 no students - at their Field Day
10:00 - 10:30 see above
10:30 - 11:05 2 students; the other two were also at Field Day
11:05-11:15 transition to other campus
11:15-11:45 Lunch
11:45-12:30 Conference
12:30-1:15 - 1 student - others in Specials as a reward for passing TAKS
1:20 - 2:oo - no students - all at above (a chance to catch up on testing and documentation)
2:00 - 2:45 - 3 students - my second whole group for the day
2:45 - 3:30 - 1 student - his partner in Math support until TAKS
So - today, I taught 2 whole groups and a half of another. I'm worn out....
Tomorrow - 1st grade has Field Day, so it'll be just about the same.
8:30-9:00 2 students, as usual
9:00-9:15 break
9:15 - 10:00 no students - at their Field Day
10:00 - 10:30 see above
10:30 - 11:05 2 students; the other two were also at Field Day
11:05-11:15 transition to other campus
11:15-11:45 Lunch
11:45-12:30 Conference
12:30-1:15 - 1 student - others in Specials as a reward for passing TAKS
1:20 - 2:oo - no students - all at above (a chance to catch up on testing and documentation)
2:00 - 2:45 - 3 students - my second whole group for the day
2:45 - 3:30 - 1 student - his partner in Math support until TAKS
So - today, I taught 2 whole groups and a half of another. I'm worn out....
Tomorrow - 1st grade has Field Day, so it'll be just about the same.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Our life vs. the Fritsches
Andy has one sister, Christine. She is married to Alan, and they have one daughter and three sons. When they were small, the Fritsches would come over and spend the weekend, and we would have such fun. Now, all the kids are grown, save Brett, and our visits are few and far between. Christines' home is the LaMore family gathering place, it is warm, welcoming, and happy. They have a wonderful back yard and porch we all fit on, and if something is spilled or broken, life goes on. It was at this cheerful home that we had the "Peeps Challenge" this weekend.
Stephanie, my niece, had heard on the radio that a girl somewhere had gotten 19 Peeps (Marshmallow Easter Chicks) in her mouth at once, and still been able to proclaim, "Chubby Bunny". Well, being the family that they are, it had to be tried. Luckily, I got to be the videographer of the event. It was amazingly hilarious to behold, and Gregg was the LaMore participant of greatest value, but as I watched the whole thing unfold, I was once again reminded of the difference between our families.
Andy and I have a quiet family. Not a lot of Peeps competition going on here. Chris and Alan always have something fun going on - we are way more sedate. I forget how different families are from one another, and while I'm not always "on" - it was fun for a night to cut loose and enjoy their creativity. I'm really glad the Fritsches are part of our family, and look forward to spending more time together during our retirement days, when things slow down.
Stephanie, my niece, had heard on the radio that a girl somewhere had gotten 19 Peeps (Marshmallow Easter Chicks) in her mouth at once, and still been able to proclaim, "Chubby Bunny". Well, being the family that they are, it had to be tried. Luckily, I got to be the videographer of the event. It was amazingly hilarious to behold, and Gregg was the LaMore participant of greatest value, but as I watched the whole thing unfold, I was once again reminded of the difference between our families.
Andy and I have a quiet family. Not a lot of Peeps competition going on here. Chris and Alan always have something fun going on - we are way more sedate. I forget how different families are from one another, and while I'm not always "on" - it was fun for a night to cut loose and enjoy their creativity. I'm really glad the Fritsches are part of our family, and look forward to spending more time together during our retirement days, when things slow down.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Easter to all
Posting from Dana's apartment, where we've had a lovely weekend. While Andy was visiting with his mom and dad, Dana and I did a little running around the area where she lives, finding a neat resale store for children. Picked up some pretty dresses for Miss Liz, and then came home. Have been working on a puzzle with Dana of the globe - the continents came together pretty easy, but the oceans are giving us fits. Hopefully, we will complete it before we leave tomorrow.
After dinner tonight, we went over to Andy's sister's to visit. They are great fun, and we had an enjoyable visit. Seems like lately, all our visits have been over Christmas or some other special occasion, so it was nice to just relax.
Worship with the family at West Houston is always enjoyable, and tomorrow should be no different - but will miss our family in Pleasanton. Then, we'll do lunch, pack up, and head home. Monday will be a day of rest.
So, to all of you dear ones, enjoy your Easter. Even if it's just another day to you, I wish you a grand one. Sundays are the best!!
After dinner tonight, we went over to Andy's sister's to visit. They are great fun, and we had an enjoyable visit. Seems like lately, all our visits have been over Christmas or some other special occasion, so it was nice to just relax.
Worship with the family at West Houston is always enjoyable, and tomorrow should be no different - but will miss our family in Pleasanton. Then, we'll do lunch, pack up, and head home. Monday will be a day of rest.
So, to all of you dear ones, enjoy your Easter. Even if it's just another day to you, I wish you a grand one. Sundays are the best!!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Happy, happy memories
Easter is my very favorite holiday - and today, at Primary, it is Easter Egg Hunt Day! As I sat in my car, before coming in, I watched as all the little ones proudly walked from their car to the door, basket in hand. They looked like they were carrying their most prized possession - some looked like bunnies, some bigger than the carrier themself! One little girl passed me in the hall carrying the most delicious looking favors for her party; and it goes on and on. The main event will occur after I leave to go to another campus, so I'll miss that, but the preview was pretty exciting.
While I adore the stage of life that Liz is in, I'll confess - I do so look forward to the days when she is old enough to hunt eggs in Nana's yard!!
While I adore the stage of life that Liz is in, I'll confess - I do so look forward to the days when she is old enough to hunt eggs in Nana's yard!!
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
One of the Spring's most highly anticipated events in my social circle is the NBA playoffs. We gather in each others' homes, finger-foods in hand, and enthusiasticallly cheer on our SPURS. We've been there through lop-sided victories, squeakers, and disappointing losses. We've been through 4 trophy-winning championships. It becomes our world for a few weeks....
It's time to begin, and the furvor was building. One man told me he built his new home with the gatherings in mind - a nice, open living area with a big-screen hanging above the fireplace. So excited....
Well. The SPURS made it in again, and our 1st round team is yet to be decided, but we are assured at least one series. Trouble is, it may (probably will be!) the only one....
Manu is out. I got the news yesterday that he is injured and will not play again this season. It was the second time that day I'd gotten disturbing news, and I cannot shake the funk I am in as I write this. No Manu.
No Manu.
It's time to begin, and the furvor was building. One man told me he built his new home with the gatherings in mind - a nice, open living area with a big-screen hanging above the fireplace. So excited....
Well. The SPURS made it in again, and our 1st round team is yet to be decided, but we are assured at least one series. Trouble is, it may (probably will be!) the only one....
Manu is out. I got the news yesterday that he is injured and will not play again this season. It was the second time that day I'd gotten disturbing news, and I cannot shake the funk I am in as I write this. No Manu.
No Manu.
Friday, April 03, 2009
RIP, ER
Last night, Andy had a night out with some of his best buds, and I stayed home to see ER's final episode. 15 years, and now, it's over. It was a good ending; not too sappy, and they did a good job of wrapping story lines up. All the hype over past cast members and speculation of who would show up and who wouldn't made it a a must-see at our house. I taped it for Andy, even cutting out the commercials, so I'm sure I'll watch it again.
I'd be sad, except in this age of multi-channel surfing and dvd sales, those characters I've "known" for all these years are just a click away. Dr. Green, Sam, Dr. Morris, Abby and her crazy mother, John Carter - all part of a great ensemble cast. Now, they're just television history.
It was good while it lasted!
I'd be sad, except in this age of multi-channel surfing and dvd sales, those characters I've "known" for all these years are just a click away. Dr. Green, Sam, Dr. Morris, Abby and her crazy mother, John Carter - all part of a great ensemble cast. Now, they're just television history.
It was good while it lasted!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Sad, but happy, news
In my job this year, I share a room on both campuses with another teacher. I have been blessed this year to get to know Johanna, and am looking forward to another year next year with her. No matter how long you teach, you always learn from another teacher.
At Elementary, I have shared my room with Patti for many years. I have grown to respect her professionalism and judgement, and we have shared students that have given us heartache and lots of laughs.
I found out this week that Patti is retiring at the end of this school year. I am so happy for her - teaching has changed so much, and pretty much all the fun is gone. You newbies out there who read this don't know the difference, but Patti and I do, and those few of us who are still around miss those days. With her going, the list of those around me from those days grows shorter. I think, on the Elem. campus, there are maybe 5 or 6 left. I'm beginning to feel like a dinosaur, and anticipating coming back is weak. I know I have to wait my turn, and I have a few good years left in me, but Patti going opens a hole in my world, and I'm not looking forward to breaking in a new roomie!
So - here's to Patti. To borrow a quote from the Good Book: "Well done!"
At Elementary, I have shared my room with Patti for many years. I have grown to respect her professionalism and judgement, and we have shared students that have given us heartache and lots of laughs.
I found out this week that Patti is retiring at the end of this school year. I am so happy for her - teaching has changed so much, and pretty much all the fun is gone. You newbies out there who read this don't know the difference, but Patti and I do, and those few of us who are still around miss those days. With her going, the list of those around me from those days grows shorter. I think, on the Elem. campus, there are maybe 5 or 6 left. I'm beginning to feel like a dinosaur, and anticipating coming back is weak. I know I have to wait my turn, and I have a few good years left in me, but Patti going opens a hole in my world, and I'm not looking forward to breaking in a new roomie!
So - here's to Patti. To borrow a quote from the Good Book: "Well done!"
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