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!

Wish I'd said it!

Yesterday, I was in Target picking up some things I "needed" - it was the middle stop of a great day of discretionary spending, and I was feeling happy to be out. The check-out lines were busy with other shoppers, and as I approached, I noticed the appearance of my cashier....

"Lydia" was in her early 20s - a beautiful girl with a round, young face, those dark brown eyes that Hispanics have that I have always loved, and short, cropped hair. She had a pleasant smile, but I could tell that she was tired. She greeted me with the usual, "good morning" that she'd been trained to do. In a minute, she looked at me again and said, "good morning" and when I didn't respond, she said that she's already said that, right? We chuckled about that, and she zipped my purchases across the scanner.

As I stood there, I noticed that in about 5 places, she'd had her face pierced. A couple on her cheekbones were recent, because the skin was inflamed from the procedure. A couple of scars were already forming, and all I could see was what she will look like at my age....

I hesitated, and decided against saying to her, "Look at me; I'm 57. Before you know it, you will be on this side of your life, and when you look at yourself, you will see scars on your lovely face." That kind of thinking hits you at this stage of your life - not in your 20s. And you sure don't want some middle-aged woman you don't know getting into your business. So, I smiled, thanked her, and left.

As I walked to her car, I regretted my decision. Why didn't her mom or grandma or boyfriend or SOMEONE tell her how lovely she is, just as God made her? Why does our society encourage people to embellish themselves with things that they will regret in their later years? Why didn't she feel pretty enough....

Then, I thought of my girls. Dana - Erin; the most beautiful girls I've ever known, inside and out. I hope I told them that enough.

Marriages In, Marriages Out

This has been a very difficult week in the land of marriage - while a sweet young couple faces their dreams of a great life together beginning this weekend, I know of three marriages that have fallen apart recently. Two marriages based on a commonality of faith, servants of the Lord, who have been torn apart. Two, couples I've known for many years, and loved with all my heart; the other, a couple I know through association. Doesn't matter - they are still losing the dream they once had; to grow old together and see life at its best along the way.

There are so many thoughts running through my head on this; where did it fall apart - surely not overnight, but - if you see it coming, can't you "fix" it??? Can't what you had be enough to hold it together???

When Andy is in court, and has to hear divorce cases, he comes home and holds on to me really tight - I think it scares him; I know it has me this week. No matter how much you deny it, this has pretty much ruined my week... and there's not much I can do - but pray. For them, for their kids, for their moms and dads who love them, for their friends who knew them as two, not one. For their church families, who looked to them as examples of commitment. For their God.

The thing that gives me hope is the knowledge I have of couples who have faced the unthinkable and survived with their marriages whole. I see them, and I think - "Why not? Who says we have to accept this decision they are making?? Who says the "easy way" is the only way...."

So, today, I will pray. And pray. And pray some more.

Their marriages are worth at least that -

Listening

Lately, I've been struggling with allergies, which cause me to cough a lot. It also keeps me from singing in worship - my favorite thing to do - because my throat begins to tickle and I end up distrupting those around me. Happens every Spring, so I shouldn't be surprised, but I do dread it every year.

During these past few weeks, I have paid special attention to Andy as he sings. In our fellowship, we sing 4 part harmony, congregational style, and I have sat next to Andy in worship for 36 years. I have never really listened to him, as I am usually singing myself.

No one loves music more than Andrew. He has it on in the car every mile he drives (unless the Spurs are on!) - and he remembers everything about every song he's ever loved. Outside of worship, he's not really a singer, but when the time comes, he's there. Music is very much a part of who he is.

Yesterday, as I sat beside him and listened to his nice, rich bass voice singing beside me, I fell in love again with this man. His praise to our God was true from his heart, and while probably no one else could pick out his voice from among others in the worship, to me, it was the most beautiful.

To be a Nana -

I want to wish my Liz a Happy Birthday - one day late. Yesterday was her 1st birthday, and my phone visit with her and Erin was so fun!! On speaker phone, I told her all sorts of silly Nana things, and Erin told me she was trying to push all the buttons to talk back. I understand that she really enjoyed her celebratory cup cake, but not so much the hat... I cannot wait to see how she handles the big family part coming up this weekend!

Everyone told me that I'd love grandchildren, and they were right. I can't look at a little boy now, without anticipating who Bladen will be, and how he will anchor himself to our hearts. My own grandmothers loved me with all their hearts; and Mamaw had 20 of us to love!! Combing her long, graying hair, going to the store to spend my valued dollar with her, getting letters from her that encouraged me and told me each time just how much she loved me are only a microscopic portion of her influence in my life - how I hated it when she left us at only 70 years!! My Grandma Annie was a hoot; a funny little Dutch German woman, who burned the sugar cookies and somehow still made them taste like gold! When I would spend the night with her, she'd pull me to the floor while she said the rosary - her false teeth clattering along with the rosary beads.

So, here we are at the beginning of my Grandmotherhood - the future is full of ways for me to show Liz and Bladen how dear they are to me, and all the fun stuff only Nana's get to do.

Elizabeth; thank you for opening the door to this next portion of my life - as your Aunt Dana would always say; "You are first!"

May 22, 1976

Today in our anniversary - 33 years. What do you say about being married that long; we both have changed a lot - like every couple that survives life together that long, and I'd say there are very few things that I look back on with sadness or regret. Those things I regret are thing I did, or said, or neglected to do; but through it all, there's been Andrew. His stability and strength are part of what attracted me to him to begin with, and when things have been hard, it was nice to know that he would be the same. It makes things do-able and bearable.

We've lived in 3 great places in 33 years, and have attended 3 wonderful churches. Each one was just what we needed at the time, and we have such great memories of each one. Our lives as Christians have been strengthened and nurtured by each one.

Now, we are starting this new season of our marriage with a beautiful grandbaby and retirement on the horizon - the blush of new, fresh falling in love long gone, but the deep commitment of a marriage to hold on to. The peace and assurance that brings are priceless, and allows me to face whatever comes with confidence, because Andrew will be there, right beside me.

A Mom's Dad Shout - Out!

I think one can be way maudlin and sappy on this particular holiday, and so for my post today, I'm going to keep it upbeat - I got to hear sweet Liz screeching in laughter last night on the phone, and that will keep me happy until I get to see her (and her precious folks!) in a couple of weeks. So, without further ado - my tribute to some great moms -

To Erin - the first of a lifetime of sweet memories; you have blown me away with your instinctual nurturing of Elizabeth - plus, you are one fun mom! Hang on, there's lot's more to come!

To Jackie - your Christmas scavenger hunts alone rank you high on my list, no to mention trampolines, hay rides, and loving my girls as if they were your own!

To Cathy - Dana was your baby as much as mine; thanks for all those trips to birthday parties and Cabbage Patch dolls!

To my dear cousin Deeann, raising Crystal while earning your degree as a single mom won my respect like you will never know. I love you -

Shanon - Shanon had Meredith 4 months after Dana was born, and everyday, after school, she came over and lay Dana across her pregnant belly, so they could "play"

Dianne - starting "late" and having 4 perfect stairsteps; you taught me so much about acceptance of each child as an individual!

Anne - my mother in law. What would Andy's life have been without her steadfastness, structure and determination to make those two boys her own. Words fail me.

Okay - I said I'd keep it light -

Jaci Hutton - a military mom who inspires with her love of those babies, and of her husband as he serves us - and can keep all those "J" names straight!

Kara - Anjane is so lucky to have her as a mom!

My mom - fun in a nutshell. Maybe not all of the time, but when she was "on", no one could touch her; tents, mudpies, laying in grass and looking at clouds; and the list goes on.

I see the "young" mothers at church, and I hope they are enjoying these days of little ones, with sticky fingers, toothless grins, and messy rooms. If I could, I'd take the chance to go back and visit a few of those days, not to change anything, but to smell in the sweetness of the hours. But since I can't, I move on - to Liz, and to the little ones who will follow her.

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....