Farewell, 2009

Today doesn't feel like New Year's Eve. Part of it is because we haven't had Christmas yet with the Johnson clan, a situation we are going to correct by driving over this afternoon. Another thing is, this year just went too fast!!

While overall it was an average year, the first year of Liz's life, and the recent addition of Bladen to our family has made it extraordinary. The sweetness and gentleness of their lives flows over into ours, and makes simple things seem so amazing. I guess the memories of my own two darling babies so long ago has something to do with it - yet while the love and enjoyment is there, the pressure of responsibility is not. What a wonderful blend of emotions that produces!!

While there have been times of concern this fleeing year, overall it was without problems. We got to enjoy a relaxing vacation atop the beautiful mountains of Colorado and saw the vast scenery of New Mexico. (I can't think of a color that I did not see in the rocks of that state!) I found again my confidence in my ability to teach (thanks, Mary!), and my enjoyment of my career has resurfaced. I'm so grateful for that; I was afraid I would retire doubting myself. Hopefully in the not too distant future, I'll look back on these past few years as the ones that taught me the most about not only myself, but dealing with others and nurturing little ones in those first years of school.

Overall, I think the best thing about this year is that I grew to love my husband and daughters in ways I never imagined. Andy and I reached 33 years of marriage in a day when most people just get tired or quit. We still laugh, love, and worship together, and I'm so proud of the man he is.

So, as this year turns to a new decade - I look into this coming year with confidence and expectation. I ask of God's blessing on all my loved ones and friends, and for peace in our land.

Happy New Year!!

Finding old friends

I'll confess; I joined Facebook because Jackie wanted me to "farm" with her. It's been fun setting them up, and keeping them going, and that would have been reason enough to like it. But the neatest part to me is recapturing old friends and distant relatives that I've lost touch with.

The first person I "found" was my niece, Amanda. I haven't seen her in probably 15 years; Dana has seen her once, and doesn't remember her at all. Divorce will do that to a family... anyway - she and I have become reacquainted, and I am glad.

Yesterday, I was approved as a friend with a woman that Andy and I knew in college in the 70's. Her mom and dad were my pseudo-parents away from home, and when they would go out, I'd watch their daughter. She was only about 5 years younger than me, but sometimes those are the kids that need the most watching. (Side-note: these people didn't have bedframes; they slept on matresses on the floor. Claimed he had a bad back....) Anyway, when I searched her name, there were 4 listed; she was the first one that popped up. Now, we begin the process of getting to know each other again. Such fun!

With that in mind, I have one person left I'd like to find; an old flame from Georgia. So far, no luck. But I'll keep looking from time to time!!

You never know....

The finish line is in sight!!

Like everyone right now, I have a lot to do to finish up and be ready for Christmas. For some reason, though, I dawdle and meander on this computer, "wasting" time. The getting up and getting started is the hard part; once I'm going, I get it all done, but it just isn't happening right now.

Andy and Dana are off helping Santa with some last minute business. For some reason, I was not invited to go along. It's so great to have Dana here, and yet our house feels a little quiet and empty without the Johnsons. It's their turn to be with his folks on "the day" - and I don't begrudge them in the least for having it - but I do feel my nest has a big hole in it. We've been invited to share Christmas Day dinner with some friends, and I told her it will help to be with some more folks. Several of us are at that stage in our lives where our children are away for various reasons, and so we find each other to share... it's another reason I love the Church.

So, I guess I should get busy. HEB has to be dealt with, one way or another, and so does the bank. Afterwards, I'll put in another movie and finish wrapping gifts. Perhaps some hot chocolate with find it's way to the table!

Hope your holidays are going well -

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,
The bell's about to ring, and all the kids are heading home for the holidays. I'd like to send my wishes along to you for their Christmas:

For Dawson, Shane, Sammy, Isaiah, Jesse, Cody, Shane, RJ, Kristy, Brandon, Joshua, Colton, Madilynn, Savannah, Riley, Robert, Garner, Alexys, Justin, Sebestein, Mark and Hailey - I wish for happiness and gratitude for what they receive; for tender hearts with their families, for good, warm food and beds in which they can have sweet dreams. I wish for them love lavished on them by those around them - not just a mountain of "things" bought to keep them busy. I wish for them laughter and wonder - for faith in God and in you.

Thanks, Santa !

Victor, my new best friend!

I've now been without my computer at home for weeks - at least 3!! We thought we were waiting to be contacted by Dell on when we would get serviced, but Andy found out yesterday that we were supposed to contact THEM!! Grrr......

So, after he left last night, I gathered up the info on our computer and called Dell. 7:15ish. The first guy I was connected to, I hung up on. He couldn't understand me, nor I him. After reading the same number to him at least 10 times, very distinctly, and him reading it back TOTALLY wrong, I hung up.

Mona was next. Wouldn't even connect me until I promised to update my service plan. She kept saying 2 years, I kept saying 1. Two years, one year, over and over and over until I shouted at her. I could barely understand her as well, but she was better than the first guy!

Then, Victor. Finally. Someone who understood me and I him!! We tried several different things to get me rebooted, all the while, my phone battery is beeping. And beeping, and so on. He even took my cell number so in case my phone died, he could call me back directly and I wouldn't have to start over with someone new.

Finally, with my phone seriously beeping every minute or so, we got things done. Now, hopefully, in a matter of days, I will be back on line!! I asked to speak to his superior, and lavished praise on this faceless man in the Phillipines (I asked him!) who was so polite and thorough.

Time: 8:40. One and one-half hours.

Frustrating.

Beauty all around me

Right now,if you turn onto my street, you see lots of trees, but only one is glowing with red, yellow and orange Fall leaves. My goal, when we moved there, was to plant trees to give me beautiful Fall colors, and after 16 years in the house, my goal is a reality! They have never looked more brilliant and bold; my Red Oak in the front lawn is surpassed only by my Bur Oak in the back.

At breakfast, as I sit at the table and look out, it fills me with such a wonderful feeling of the glories of God. How did He know we would take such pleasure in the simple changing of colors in His creation? How kind of Him to bless us with these simple things which are all around us. I almost hate for winter to come and take the leaves from their branches, because this year has been so bountiful!!

Thank you, Father, for red, gold, orange and yellow leaves!!

Testing, testing, testing

My least favorite part of my job is Benchmark testing. At the end of every quarter, we test the students in Reading and Math, and it takes my kids three LONG days. They take their test, then we sit for the rest of the day until 2:00. Now, if you finished your test at 1:00, that's not too bad, but when you finish by 9:30 in the morning, it is the pits. They have to read or sit with their heads down. No talking, drawing, or anything else that may disturb someone.

It is eternal.

It is cruel.

It is part of the job. So. We do it, and make the most of it.

At the end of the day, the teachers are worn out; just because of the stress of the situation. It makes for a long, long week.

How long till retirement?!?

Bladen Joel

Little Man", "Buddy", "The Boy" - we're just trying out all kinds of names over here; all I know is, whatever we call Bladen, he's going to make our lives a happier place. His sister is aware of him, but not overly - she seems content to go about her playing and laughing just as before. His mother is calm and composed; I guess still being a little sore plays a part, and her Dad is just proud. He's such a good dad - I'm so glad God plunked him down into our family to be Erin's partner in this.

Two days into "Helping", and I'm a little tired. Just a little, though - glad to be able to be here to help them our while Gregg works a couple of days. He takes over when Dana and I go back to school on Monday. Luckily, Christmas vacation comes soon, so I can come back if I need to. Just try and keep Nana away!