Christmas Wrap-up

Home again after some wonderful days in Houston to celebrate the holidays with family! We packed a lot into those days, and it began on Thursday when we saw Dana for the first time since Aug. While she looks pretty much the same, I know this experience has changed her; seeing all she has seen and looked at the world from a different angle opens ones eyes.

Our trip over was along the back way, so less hectic - until we missed a turn and ended up way out of our way. Doesn't matter, we got there in time to be with the kids when they woke up from their naps. Erin made some delicious taco salads for dinner, and then it was souvenir time! Dana brought some beautiful pieces of pottery from Egypt, a lovely picture frame and some foreign coins. Erin and I got colorful purses from her trip to Singapore; I now realize all the pictures I missed taking, but I carry them always in my memory!

The next day was to be our Christmas as the Johnsons were leaving the next day for Dallas to be with Gregg's family. We had sausage balls for breakfast - our tradition. Since we had cooking to do for the LaMore gathering, Dana and I braved the crowds at HEB to finish shopping. Not too bad, actually! Once we got home, and my cake was in the oven, it was time to open gifts. Erin put on some delicious green beans and potatoes, while Gregg cooked steak on the grill. A feast for us in the making.

Gifts were wonderful; Andy did great shopping at James Avery, the kids liked their toys, and the older kids seemed happy with their items. It's funny how a little "robot" dog can occupy a kid! In the middle of all the excitement, the realtor called; Gregg and Erin had received an offer on their house, and she needed to come over! We kept the kids out of their way - kind of - and ate when all was said and done. After finishing preparing the rest of our food and giving the kids a short nap, off we went to the Hampton.

Most of the family was there - Mom looked beautiful with a new haircut and pretty pink sweater. It seemed to overwhelm her some, and after our usual gift-card exchange, she was ready for bed. Some of us went over to Chris' house for a little visit, and then back to the Johnsons.

Christmas Eve started with the Johnsons loading up and getting on their way. The three of us relaxed until it was time to get out of the house. We took Dana to her favorite Mexican restaurant; Lupe Tortilla's - wow! Yummy enchiladas and fajitas! Then, some shopping at REI for books for our desert hiker, then on to Christmas Eve at Houston's First. Lovely music; overwhelmingly beautiful. Usually I sing with all my heart, and for the most part, I could just listen and look. One of Dana's friends met us there with saved seats, so we could just waltz in and be comfortable. On the way home, we stopped for Starbucks cocoa and Red Box movies. Too tired to watch but 1 of them, we fell in bed.

Sunday morning was just like any other Sunday. We worshipped at Memorial Church of Christ, where we saw some of Dana's friends from A&M. Mark is living in Peru now, and will be married soon in Montana. You have to wait in line to visit Mark, but it is worth it when your turn comes. Lunch at Luby's was a first for me (on Christmas Day!), then we went home. A brief rest and a change of clothes sent us back to the Hampton. There, we picked up Mom and Dad and their care-giver and went for dinner at Denny's. (Dad loves his poached eggs!!) After a short visit, we were in the car once again.... to the movie! Another friend of Dana's met us there, and we enjoyed "We Bought a Zoo!" Good choice, Chris!

Yesterday was our last day there. Dana and I headed out to the outlet mall to do some shopping for her trip back to Egypt, and I threw in some birthday shopping for her. It began to rain pretty good, and we were hungry, so we headed back to Erin's. While the parking lot was about half empty when we arrived, it was like Field of Dreams when we left; cars lined up out on the highway! At home, the lunch we planned on having Christmas Day was finally prepared and enjoyed, complete with Welch's Sparkling Grape Soda! Yummy if I may say so! We finished watching Super 8 (fun movie!), and by then the Johnsons were almost home.

So. We waited. Didn't want to pass up a chance to get one more grandbaby fix! Just a few minutes means a lot! Finally, we were on our way. Heavy traffic along with the end of the Christmas music made the trip go fast. At last the Spurs came on the radio, and Pleasanton was in view.

Today, I am so grateful for this Christmas. I came home with such sweet things from people who love me, video of Liz and Bladen to keep me happy, and a peaceful spirit. My daughter is safely home from across the globe, and I had her with me for several days. All of us are healthy, with dreams of a new Johnson in the mix for next year! I can't think of one thing more that I would want!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

7 year olds and Valentines' Day

I know that Valentines' Day is supposed to be about love, dinner out, and starry gazes. I know the card companies spend endless hours writing just the "right" cards for every sentiment. I know men dedicate hours wondering if they've made the right plans... but I've got it beat.

I spend the day with little children who worry about the fact that everyone brought cards for their friends but them, or who pick the "wrong" card and get laughed at, or boys who HATE getting "girl" Valentines. But the best thing is the big smile they have on their faces when they hand you the card or sucker or handmade flower that was chosen just for you - and hope with all their heart that you like it.

It makes you feel like you have all the power in the world!

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 !

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?!?

So, who's watching?

I've been SO hungry for pizza lately! I want it all the time, and Andy has placated me when he couldn't hush me. Don't know why, but it's been annoying! So, the other day, I took myself to the Pizza Hut for buffet, all by myself, and worked to quell that little craving. Good salad, good pizza, good people-watching.
After I'd been there a while, a little boy approached me. He looked like a ragamuffin from a movie; disheveled hair, cock-eyed ball cap, mis-matched clothes. Cute, blond and dirty; like kids I see at school. Couldn't place him, so I was curious that he'd walk right up to me.

"Are you still a teacher?"
"Yes."
"Do you still teach at the Elementary?" Kinda shy, quiet questions coming from this little stranger.
It was bugging me, because I take pride in noticing these little lost ones, and he was not ringing any bells.
"What grade are you going to be in this year?" I thought this would help place him; he was tiny.
Big grin: "6th."
"Did you have a good summer?" Safe, obscure question. Don't want to hurt his feelings that I don't know him from Adam.
"Yes."
I see that his dad has left their table and is heading to pay and leave.
"You have a good year and make good grades, okay?"
"Yes ma'am. You have a good year too."

I kept thinking after he left, and I still don't know who he is. But sometime in his last couple of years, he noticed me. And, luckily, I came across as approachable and friendly. Thank God for that - and I hope I remember him as this new year begins; each and every one of those little ones I meet everyday deserve to feel as important as I hope I made him feel on our chance encounter meeting at Pizza Hut on a hot August day.

So, that's why I was craving pizza!