Meeting "Dr. Jones"

A few weeks ago, I spoke with a lady from church who'd had her para-thyroid taken out about her doctor. My own tyroid is dead, so I needed to see a specialist, and she'd made favorable comments about him... when I asked, she told me what she'd liked about him, and that she would recommend him. Later, she called me, to tell me that she'd failed to mention that someone she knows felt like he was gay, and that she wanted me to know going into the meeting.

I met him yesterday, and there's no doubt in my mind - he's gay. So gay. I immediately liked him and felt very comfortable with him - he spent about 20 minutes with me - an eternity for a specialist these days. And now I wonder, is it a good thing I was told ahead of time? Would I have been so taken aback by his mannerisms that I would not have listened to what he told me?

Years ago, I would have been repulsed by this man. I would have seen only the lifestyle and not the person - a competent doctor. I would have not wanted him putting his hands on me; I'm ashamed to admit this, but I wonder how tolerant I can become. I'll probably see him once or twice more; it's not like I'm going to be socially in "his circle," but I don't want to become someone who accepts and approves of a lifestyle that I believe is wrong.

I really sound bigotted here, and I don't want to - this is just on my mind a lot. I've got to deal with these ideals on my own. Just venting.

My heritage, revisited

Twice, over the past several months, I've had an opportunity of visit with a couple of people who've known my grandmother and aunts. My grandmother died in 1970, at the age of 70, and so she's been gone a long, long time. When she died, it seemed to me as a teen that she was old - now I know how much longer she could've lived.

To sit and hear people talk of her - and yesterday, of her daughter (my mother's oldest sister Lee) is both comforting and interesting. The lady to who I talked yesterday, told me that my grandmother would go up to the school for something and wear an odd, knitted cap on her head no matter the weather. It would embarrass my aunt to death for her to do that, and I laughed at the thought that, even "back then," parents embarressed their kids. She (my Mamaw) had to have been a young woman then - and yet I only see her in my mind's eye as an elderly saint.

All this brings to mind - what is it my family and friends will say about me when I'm dead and gone? Will my granddaughters wrap lovely stories around them as I have these? Will they be proud to tell people, "Amy LaMore was my grandmother!" ? Will I leave funny stories and stories of good deeds for them to emulate? I can only hope....

Mondays

During the school year, Mondays are not my favorite. They are the start of another hectic week of work - and while I had a really good group of kids last year, I'm at that stage where I'm just tired of working. I know that sounds crazy, but I think it's a change I'm wanting. Those Mondays during school usually come after a wonderful weekend of being home with Andrew and my church family and relaxing.



My summer Mondays, however are just about my favorite day. After a busy weekend full of people, I am coming to love the quietness of Monday. Andy has gone back into his routine, everyone is back at work (save Dana, and she usually sleeps later) and so I have the morning to be by myself. It is a time I am truly coming to look forward to - and just about the time I begin to take it for granted, school will start. A little taste of retirement, I think.

I hope your Monday is going well!

Dana's Decision

From the time she was a little girl, Dana has said she wanted to live on her own. Having never had that - went from Daddy straight to Andrew - I thought that was a pretty neat goal. She's done really well for herself, and no mom could be prouder of a daughter.

Now, she's made the decision to box up her life and head to Houston. My nemesis - the one place on earth I gripe about going, and now the people I most treasure are all going to be living there. The good things about her move are wonderful things, and I know God is working in her life to make this happen, but HOUSTON?!?! Maybe this is God's way of making me repent and look for things to like about the city - other than family being there.

I'm happy for my girl - that school is lucky to be getting her, and I know a marvelous church family awaits her with open arms; not to mention Gregg, Erin and Roarke have her close by.

Please pray for her as she transitions into this new phase - I'd appreciate it a lot!!

Memories

The other night, we were eating with the Huttons, and the topic of our earliest memory came up. Andy, Robert, and Jackie all have very early memories, but mine doesn't come to mind until I am about 4 or 5 years old. I know that I have a lot of memories of that time in my life, because my mom did a lot with me; taking me to school to help sort beans with the cafeteria ladies while she gathered school news for the local paper, and stuff like that, but before then, there aren't any memories.
So, when does your earliest memory pop up? Let me know....

Oh, my word!!!

I watched "The Departed" today for my daily movie time. It won Scorsese a Best Director Oscar, and almost everyone in it was nominated for something as well as Best Picture. If nothing else, I wanted to say I'd seen it, and Andy wasn't interested, so I just went ahead by myself.

Do people REALLY use the F-bomb that much?!?! I mean, the movie would have been half as long just omitting that one word!
How many times does the brain hear it before it becomes desensitized to the sound of that? Even pretty boy Leo DeCaprio spewed it frequently, so unlike his nice guy Jack in Titanic.

Well, now I've seen it. It's in my collection, but it will probably gather a nice layer of dust before it's watched again.

I shoulda listened to my husband!!

Oh, brother!!

I HATE to look dumb. Usually, if I think there's a chance of that happening, I just close my mouth and let it pass. You know, "better to be silent and thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt?" or something like that.

Well, let's just say I'm not always successful at stopping myself.

We have a group of families that began attending our church a few years ago when their congregation "died." They are all the same age and sit together, and I've come to love them all. Recently, one of the women had serious surgery, and I was discussing her case with a friend. She asked me how this lady was related to the others, and as I tried to clarify, my mouth revealed my ignorance.

It seems that, while I've known all these folks all this time, something very basic never dawned on me. The conversation went something like this: (names changed for privacy)

"Now, is she Joe's mother?" "No, she is Paul's and Bob's mother." Is that Bill's wife?" "No, her husband is deceased. You are thinking of Ron's wife." "Isn't HER name Sue?" (Now at this point, I should have just shut up, but....) "She is Ron's wife and Paul's mother."
"No, she is Sue. Joe's mother is Mary." "But I thought Ron's wife was Mary." THINK, Amy, THINK! "Her name IS Mary, but so is Joe's mother!" By now, we both have headaches, and I have come to the awful realization that, even after knowing these three ladies all this time, it NEVER - EVER dawned on me that two of the three had the same name.

Is that pitiful or what....

Missing my girls - and Gregg, too!

Both my sets of kids have been out vacationing lately, and I sure have missed talking to them. I try not to call so much that I'm a bother, or cause them to roll their eyes upon seeing my name on the caller ID, but this inability to just up and call when the mood strikes has been hard on the old mom gene.

Erin and Gregg had a great time on their trip... I'm so glad to know they are able to go and do these trips now before too many responsibilities limit their flexibility. And Dana has had a nice long break from the trials of job hunting to clear her head and relax. Now, we'll see what the week holds for her.

It appears my computer is agreeing to work with the new modem, THANKS, Robert!! I've missed my computer time very much, such a part of my daily routine it had become. It'll take me a while to get caught up, but I will. How spoiled we have become to the technology!

Well, hopefully until tomorrow -

Sleep well!!

Perhaps tomorrow

Well, we're here at the Hutton's, bringing in the 4th of July - in the rain. So much rain the streets are blocked off and the yards look like lakes. After so long in a drought, one hates to complain, but REALLY - we've all had enough of the deluge.

Got two opinions on the old computer - we need a new modem, so we bought one today. Hopefully, I'll be writing from the comforts of my own space tomorrow or whenever we can get it installed.. I've really missed writing and reading the several blogs I keep up with - and I can't wait to become prolific once again.

Dana's in Denver with friends and Gregg and Erin are in NYC for a few days. I'm so happy they are out seeing and doing fun things. Can't wait to hear all about their adventures.

Enjoy this 4th of July - and remember to count our blessings that come from living in this land of the free!!

technology, smecnology!

Blogging from Jackie's. My computer is still down, so here's a quick update.

Had a wisdom tooth taken out today. Glad Dana was here to drive me and dish out icecream. Now if I can just heal without a dry socket. To do again, I'd take better care of my teeth....

Hopefully this weekend, I'll have some answers to the computer problem; we think it's the modem.

Have a great weekend!

Amy

Computers are a curse!

First of all, sorry it's been so long since my last post - my computer will not sign on; saying I have no dial tone. Right - I do have one, so it's internal somewhere and I'll have to wait for Robert to come home and look at it.

I'm north of Dallas at my cousin's. Her brother whom I'm written about passed away, and the funeral was today. Wonderful service, testament of a life lived to the fullest. His mother turns 84 tomorrow, and this is her third child to bury, along with her husband. Bobby Aaron was 57 years old, and leaves a loving wife, son, daughter-in-law, and 3 grandkids along with his mom and siblings. Too soon to die....

WON, SPURS, WON!!

Those of you old enough to remember the Beatles remember that there were basically two types of girl Beatle fans. Some were screamers and jumpers, and the others were cryers and hair-pullers.
I was the cryer-type, and during this past Finals, with my Spurs, I discovered that I still am!!

Lastnight, while everyone was jumping, high-fiving, and yelling; I sat on the couch and soaked it all in!! I was just as excited as everyone else, I'm just not a jumper/screamer. My passion stays internal, personal, intense. ( Wow, that sounds deep.)

We hosted the game, so I was able to just stay in my nest and watch the interviews and such instead of driving home, which was nice. It was hard to sleep afterward, and I would be in front of the tv all day listening to it over and over if Andy were at work, but he's heard all he wants, and we'll do something else.

So, here's my last SPURS blog for a while; thanks to Tim, Tony, Bruce, Manu, Pop, and all the rest for giving us such wonderful entertainment for another season. Thanks for sharing your friendship, commitment, and passion with us, and for showing the world that good guys do win. Take some time off, and come back ready to do a back-to-back; it's the one thing left for this newly born "dynasty" to do.

It was truly fun.

Green, green grass...

Living in South Texas, you become numb to color in the summer. Everything is dull, blah, brown; the color ranging from the light color of the sand that burns your bare feet to the dark, deep brown of old mesquite bark. Leaves that survive hang limp, and the wildflowers bloom and quickly die. Tanks dry up and crack, the thirsty cattle trying to survive. It's the way things usually are, and it has the ability to make you think everywhere is the same.

Today, Andy and I drove to San Antonio to Home Depot - the grown man's Toys R Us. Along the way, I saw several tanks with nice, blue water nearly up to their tops. Cattle standing under trees with lush, full leaves and green grass beneath them made me realize how unusual this is for us in June. The Spring rains have given rise to the world as it should be - and it is beautiful. Wild flowers are fading, but the ones still standing are in profusion and standing tall with their faces to the sun. How long has it been since this was the case?
The summers of drought and scorching heat have numbed us to thebeauty of our climate. I know that July and August may return us to the dryness to which we are familiar, but for now, it is wonderful.

Thanks, God.

My psychotic daughter who can't make up her mind...

It was SO much easier when she was a baby. She was compliant and obedient and such a people-pleaser. No more - she won't let me tell her what to do, and yet we talk about almost nothing else. I am at quite the breaking point with her making decisions, because I want to know when the move is taking place and where she will be and what her job will be, and she won't make up her mind!!!!

Dana - it would be so much easier if she'd let ME choose her destiny!

So where are the Christians?!?

Pleasanton is growing - you can almost see it happening daily. Chili's, Best Western, Walgreens - not to mention the explosion of housing surrounding me! I'm not sure what's bringing them all here - some say Toyota, but for whatever the reason, Pleasanton is attracting folks from all over.

Now, for many years, every Spring I begin praying for new families to move here to help grow the Church stronger. Ray kind of teases me about it - he's aware of my ritual and asks me each year if I've started adding that to my prayers. (I know I do it in Spring because of school being out and people tending to move then.) Anyway -

with all this growth, we've not added many members. Oh, sure, we've grown little by little and I've very greatful, but it's not in proportion with the cities' growth. I mean, surely some of these folks are bretheren, right?? Do I need to go door-to-door to check?

It's not that I want us to grow huge or anything - I just like new families bringing new ideas and excitement to perk the rest of us up.... a hold-up from growing up in the Poteet church where we WERE desperate for new members regularly.

I guess we'll just have to convert some....

Now, it begins!

My visit with Shanon was perfect. Two friends, a couch, a couple of salads, and lots of wonderful conversation. Andy keeps asking what we talked about, and I keep telling him, "everything." Now, I realize it was the past, the present and the future.

The past is always full of wonderful, fun memories; Meredith "tattling" on Dana before she could even speak, Meredith's and Erin's weddings, late nights of games and cheese-dip.

The present - teaching, church wonders and frustrations, motherly concerns about our grown children, and being married 30+ years to the same wonderful men.

The future is the most scary; retirement, aging, health and what is in store for us and those we love the most. I have faith in one thing, though - Shanon and Mark will be in the future with us, and that makes me VERY happy. I'm so very glad she came!!


Now, to the SPURS -- I feel nauceous!! It starts tonight, and I am literally shaking at the prospect of the SPURS actually losing to these guys --- does that mean I have no faith?!?! What if "he" actually is unstoppable?!? Can it be???

You just never know

Lord willing, Shanon will be at my dinner table in a few hours. She is coming over to spend a couple of days with me, to "catch up on life."

We met when our husbands worked together at a prison unit in Huntsville, before children and home ownership. Andy and Mark were buds together, and so it was natural that we meet. Soon afterwards, the place next door became available, and Mark and Shanon became our neighbors.

Shanon loves to antagonize Andy during games - we spent many hours together with Mark and I putting up with their battles, while Mark usually came from nowhere and won everything we did.

Anyway, in 1981, we left Huntsville. I think in many ways, it was the saddest and one of the most pivotal days of my life. I drove off with Shanon and their baby on their porch, waving bravely while Dana and I left for Brookshire.

We've kept up through moves and life for all these years, and love each other very much. For me, other friends have come and gone, and I've loved them all; and I think my friendship with Shanon showed me how to cherish people, even from a distance.

Now, it's just the two of us for a few days - don't expect to hear from me until she's gone back west; I don't want to give up a minute with her while she's here!!

20 and a few more to come

Blogging from Floresville - Andy's office to be exact. Brought a chocolate cake over to commemorate 20 years of his coming to work for the District. ( 14 here in Wilson County.) Most of his gang are off today - they work 4 ten hour days - but his sweet secretaries and another officer are here, along with some folks from the court house.

We didn't know he'd stay here when he was moved over, and for the most part, it's been a good place to work. He's a good boss, I hear, and while retirement is coming, it'll be home for a few years yet.

Great - now he's taking my picture -

Well, have a good weekend -

What else, the SPURS !!

I know some of you are pretty darn tired of my writing about the SPURS - well, tough.

We won last night in a dazzling display of talent and desire - it was a blood bath that I usually don't enjoy watching, but last night was sweet. Those pesky Utah fans and the lack of respect from the media about my guys just filled me with such a rage that I could barely stay on my chair and eat my Chex mix!! Well, maybe not, but it was sweet to see the boys (old men!) show anyone who cared to watch that they've got more in them than people thought.

Now, though, we have a long wait until the next, and last, series begins. I appreciate them finishing it out so they don't have to play on Sat. - I'd have hated to mess up the family party by sittin in the den while they all were outside talking about boring stuff like FAMILY!! (Can you tell I"m feeling a little goofy today?)

Anyway, the next few days will be filled with wonderful visiting with friends and family, and wishing my nephew Matt well on his graduation. Real things, not sports, to refocus my perspective. On marking time and getting re-aquainted with dear friends, and seeing Roark!! Should be a wonderful weekend!

Come Monday - Shanon comes to town!!!

Olan Mills memories.... :(

Last night, Andy and I had our appointment for our pics for the new church directory. I totally forgot about it until he reminded me about 5:15 - the appointment was for 6:30 ! Dinner was already going - which is a rarity for me! - so we had to swallow it down quickly to make it on time. I did have time to refresh (shampoo!) my hair and throw on some makeup, but off we went.

Having these portraits done always sadden me - I miss the girls tremendously! It marks a passage of time that, while I am content here, I miss the bows and pretty dresses and funny smiles of having my girls in the photos with me. Each one tells me that those days are gone forever; the 4 of us will never again live as we once did - happy and lovingly. And while I think our picture turned out good (even with me in it!) - it looks empty.

Do other moms feel this, or is it just me?

SPURS WIN!!

YES !! It was a nail-biter at times, but the boys pulled it out! Everyone is meeting at the Hutton's Wed. night after church, and we will sit in the same order as last night just for "luck's sake!" (Not really - we're not THAT rabid!!)

Anyway, to the topic of the day. My friend Jackie says she likes to go places with me because she likes the way I watch people around me. Never really thought about it, but growing up shy still surfaces sometimes, and I am overwhelmed by the goings on around me. Best way to pass the time in those circumstances is to sit and watch. I would say that is one of the best things my mom taught me - to see what people around you are doing and how they are in social situations.

Which leads me to this - I LOVE our little elitest group of SPURS folks. You can almost quote before the game what Jon or Lonnie or Andy or - well, you get my drift - is going to say. We've settled into this wonderful little company of friends who moan and laugh and cheer ourselves crazy for 48 minutes every other day or two. We rarely let anything else enter the moment (unicorns the exception!) and we don't need a word of conversation to keep the night pleasant. Dralena's cheese dip, Ann's peanut brittle and Jackie's eggs are staples of the evening, and life is just good for that period of time.

Like Jackie says, I'm really gonna miss it when the playoffs are over.

Thanks, SPURS!

13 weeks

Summer's here! Dana came down to use our washer and dryer - and to see us, of course. While she was in the kitchen with me, we counted up the weeks of summer - 13!! I have a whole week of May left, and then we start back to school on the 20th of August, so those add up to 13 with June and July thrown in!! Never thought of 13 as a "lucky" number before.

The sun is shining today - I swear my Burr Oak tree has grown 4 feet since the rains began !! I love looking out my kitchen bay window at the new growth and vibrant green shades of the new leaves! The rain has really been wonderful....

We host the SPURS tonight, so I'll be hostess. Hope it's a good win with the SPURS coming out on top. I'll watch with my fingers crossed!

Have a good Memorial Day -

Mrs. and Micter Richter

Tonight is the SPURS group - game 3 against Utah. We host game 4 on Monday; I'm hoping it'll close out a sweep for the guys in silver and black ! We have such a good time together - cheering and clapping and yelling against the refs - and eating. Lots and lots of eating goes on at these gatherings. Such sweet fellowship over a game of basketball and a team of guys who wouldn't know us from Adam if they met us on the street. That's okay - it's fun.

When the girls were little, we'd just moved here, and one day we were going down the street. We saw another couple from church, and Dana calls out "Look! There goes Mrs. and Micter Richter!" It's one of those silly family things we laugh at that no one else can get - well, not anymore!

We're going to Mrs. and Micter Richter's for the game tonight -

Go, SPURS, Go!! See 'ya there!!

"And, they're off!!"

I know, that's usually a quote you hear at a horse race, but it always come to mind when the bell rings on the last day of school. So today, I positioned myself to help with the raucous crowd, knowing they'd be blowing by me in hysteria, and wait. And wait. And wait some more...

Finally, the big doors at the end of the building open, and a kid or two walk calmly out. HMMM... it IS the last day, right? The kids continue to come out, in little clumps, and a few yell, "Have a good summer!" and then they walk to the bus, just like every other day for the past 180+. No bigs tears, a couple of jumpers and yellers, but for the most part, in 5 minutes the building was empty and I walked back to my room. The teachers I pass are worn out from their trek to the Plestex and back and an afternoon of "parties" now to face a full day tomorrow of putting the year to rest. I myself came home and slept from about 4:45 to 8:30. Poor Andy....

I love the beginning and ending of school. It defines the passage of time in my life almost more than anything else. The end of a year is time for reflection and planning - not just of summer activities, but of how to better myself as a professional for the next group of students who I'll face in the Fall. My 4th graders are gone - my time in their life is done, but I'll see Pate, and Jimmy, Max and Zoe in the Fall, and meet a whole new group. We'll begin again. I hope they all have a good summer.

For now, it's bedtime - we are having our campus breakfast in the morning. Time to say goodby to some good friends - Clara, Beth, Jackie - I hate to see them go, but hope their new lives are full of good things. Patti and I will close the door on our shared lives and call it a day.

I'm ready.

31 years in a paragraph

How do you go about encapsulating 31 years of a marriage in a paragraph? I've known all day that this is what I'd want to do, but just the memories overwhelm me... how did so much time pass so quickly? How did I know - Andy was the "high scorer" on my list of necessary qualities in a mate; strong Christian man (became a Christian AFTER we met), leader of our home - oh, yes, good dad-potential ( I can't imagine a better parental partner!) and an all-around best companion. He opened my eyes and heart to a life that has been full of blessing and fun. I praise God for His providing such a help-meet for me in all the areas of my life. I hope He continues to be with us all the days of our lives....

I love you, Andrew

Real dreams

Going to Dana's !! She's playing hostess to us overnight, and treating us to dinner, then we will worship with her tomorrow. Nice to see her in her element and interact with her friends. Can't wait to meet Jeff and Alyssa - and Abbie! Grateful for their part in her spiritual life - those are the people God gives us to make us want Heaven even more!

Back to the title: Ever wake up from a dream that was so REAL that you were sick to your stomach with the whole scenario?!? I did this afternoon -

Hope your weekend is wonderful!

200 and counting

According to my dashboard, this is post 201 for me. Wow - I'm sure I've not said anything earth-shattering, but it's been both fun and challenging for me this past year. I hope I continue to find things to share.

Like this - we had a bomb threat at school yesterday. We were all told to keep it quiet from the kids; and as I walked through the hall, I thought it sad that their lives at 9 and 10 already know about bomb threats and evacuations. Lots of parents came to pick up their children, which is their right, but it worried all the ones staying behind. Even though they did not know what was going on, they knew SOMETHING was very wrong.

It reminded me of the Cold War years. We would have bomb drop practices, where we would scramble under our little desks with our arms over our heads to protect us from the debris. Now I don't know what those desks were made of, but it wasn't long before I figured out that it wasn't enough to stop a nuclear bomb.

I guess every age has its fears - makes Heaven look even more welcoming.

One thing that I never have been able to do is not care if someone doesn't like me. It eats at me and makes me spend way too much time wondering what's wrong with ME that someone would not like me. My mom was the opposite; she wanted you to like her, but if you didn't, oh well - she' d move on to the next person who did like her and forget the other person. Figured it was their loss

I'm 52, for crying out loud!! I have loads of people who love me and find me quite fun to be around, some even seek me out for their fellowship. So why is it that I give a care if there's someone who's out there that just doesn't "get" me? Why can't I turn loose?

I guess it's just my burden to bear....

8 days and counting

Well - we are in single digits now on the school-day countdown. I find myself (and most around me) are already finished; bags packed and car loaded for Summer. It's an odd arrangement, actually. You have to pass the days, and go through the paces, before what has already ended ends. Once the TAKS tests and taken and baseball uniforms put on, school is over.

I will miss my little ones this summer. First time in a long time I've gotten this attached, and especially to my Amigo. I'd love to bring her home with me and make her life just one happy day after another. She's seen, heard, and been through way too much already, and she's 11. There will be tears on my end at our parting.

Well, the game starts in about an hour, so I'd better go get ready.

GO, SPURS, GO!!!!

Moms I Love - Past, Present, and Future

Tonight, we host the SPURS game party... GO, SPURS, GO! On the way to buy "stuff" to eat, I got to thinking of the moms in my life. I didn't do much with cards this year - my own mom-in-law's will be late, but this will serve as my tribute. Indulge me for a minute -

PAST: Margaret Alice Kersting - birth mother of my husband; died when he was 4 of Hodgkin's Disease; now 90% curable. I think - I know - she'd be proud of his life.
Inez Davidson May - my maternal grandmother. Could look you in the eye and with all the love she had tell you you were going straight to Hell because you were not a "Church of Christer." See earlier blog for her better qualities.
Margaret May Young - my mom. Mother's Day was never a favorite holiday for me... we just did not click on the same cylinders about much at all. But she loved me fiercely and lived her life for the three of us. I understand a lot more now.

PRESENT: AnneMarie Slor's LaMore - married my father-in-law when Andy was 4 against EVERYONE's advice. Took on two little men and a greiving widow, gave up her Dutch citizenship to make them a united family, and has loved and cared for me for 33 years, give or take a day. One of my true heroes.
CaLyn Johnson - what can I say; she raised Gregg!! A Godly, loving woman who has trained him to be a superb husband to my daughter, and I can't thank her enough.
Dianne Connell - a truly spiritual woman and mother. We got her when she married our friend Steve; smartest thing he ever did! Now that their 4 are grown, they've taken in 3 fosters kids (teens!) because, "I'm not through raising children."
Shanon Tissue - went through hell with her daughter and has been there beside her ever since. Didn't plan on things going the way they did, but when decisions had to be made, she put her heart aside and did what was best for the big picture. I'd give almost anything to take that episode away from her life.
Jackie Hutton - her whole desire is to bring up a child in the Lord, and she's giving it everything she's got to make it happen.
I love her for that passion. I hope it all works out.
Roxanna Varela - a single mom working her heart out to provide for her girls. I'm so proud of her.

FUTURE : Dana LaMore and Erin Johnson - when and if it comes, motherhood will take your breath away. You've been the ultimate blessing to me, and I try every day to make you proud of my life.
You are both Heaven on Earth for me.

My heritage

In reference to Dana's latest blog entry:

One topic I wanted to share with you during my "blogout" was a visit I had. On April 23, a group of us went up to Enchanted Rock Natural Area for an annual event. Several congregations were there, among them the LaVernia group. The leader of the group, Keith Johannson, is a old Camp Bandina peer, and I've loved his family since I was about 14.

On this day, he brought with him his father, Harold. Now, Brother Johannson lived in Alice and worshipped for years with my beloved grandmother, Inez May. I re-aquainted myself with Harold, and once everyone left to climb the rock, he and I settled down to reminence about Mamaw and Papaw. It was a time I wouldn't change for anything, I just wished I'd had a tape recorder!! Here are some highlights of the day:

Once, Mamaw really needed a new roof, and my Papaw had already "consumed" his last paycheck, so there was no money. It was going to cost all of $400.00 to replace. Bro. J. talked the elders into giving Mamaw the money she needed. Well, several weeks went by, and the old roof was still on. Finally, Bro. J. asked her where the money had gone. "There were some people on the other side of town that needed it more than I do." was her answer.

My papaw worked on oil refineries, and enjoyed his drinking. Mamaw worked it out with the bosses that if she would comme in the day befoe payday, they'd give her half of his earnings, so the three little ones would have money for food.

He's often see her driving her little brown Ford wagon all over Alice, picking up children and ladies to go to church.

On and on, all afternoon, just me and Brother Johannson. I felt like I was in Alice with him. He'll never know how blessed I felt that day!

Two long, frustrating weeks!!

Well, hello again!! I cannot believe it's been so long since I've been able to post -- I finally had to sign in on Andy's blog to get here, so this may or may not work. Hard to type with crossed fingers!!

So much has happened that I wanted to share; been to the Hill Country, on a Ladies' retreat, and the end of school are all writeable topics, and it's been agonizing (well, maybe not THAT bad!) not to be able to write and share. I'll try to hit the high points a little at a time.

My SPURS are having a terrible time with Steve Nash and the Suns. The crowd gathers here Sat. night at 7 p.m. to light incense, chant, and offer sacrifices before the tip-off. Jackie will not be here, so we may have to hang her Ginobili jersey from the ceiling fan in her honor. (That is not a commentary on her activity level during the game, by the way!) The SPURS should put it to them this time....

Just a few more days of school. Proud of my Dana's scores on TAKS - she pulled it off; three state tests, and all in the 90% range!! 89% her natural talent, 1 % A&M and 10% genetics. Hope my students fare as well.

Well, I'll close for now, before the computer figures out what I did and bumps me off. Hopefully, I'll be back soon!!

The Perm Story - well, Erin asked!!

Yesterday, I mentioned taking Spanish just to be in the same room with Troy Starr. Here's how bad it was: I'd had crushes before, even held hands with Jeff V. in 5th grade at the symphony, but nothing matched the adoration I felt when the Starrs moved to town. Now, I'd tried and tried to catch his eye; poor guy would have to have been totally blind and an imbecile not to see the efforts I was putting forth. Looking back, what a miserable little girl I was, but I digress.

School began our Sophomore year, and I joined the Pep Squad. ( In those days, it was a group of girls who sat together and cheered with the cheerleaders... no talent required, but it was too late to sign up for Band) It came time for us to start going to football games, and I'd still not won Troy's heart. In my desperation, I decided I needed a perm. Mom took me out to the place that would fix me up, and so on that Friday, I was newly curled. Ready to go. Finally, this would do it. I got plenty of attention and felt like this was going to be the night. Troy just didn't like me with STRAIGHT hair. Yea.

The game begins. Band behind the Pep Squad, so I knew he could see me and my bouncy curls. Then, it began to rain. And continued to rain, and all I could do was stand there with my newly chemically enhanced curls and feel the burn of the process cooking into my scalp and down my face. People held their noses, and wrinkled their faces and the black cloud of poison wafted through the football stands. Never before, and I don't think since, have I wanted to die so completely. As memory serves, the rain stopped, the game continued, and I rode home full of the knowledge that yet again, my unrequited love survived.

If I could ever see Troy Starr again, I'd beg his forgiveness for all the humiliation I put him through. I'd hope that with time, he'd come to remember this pitiful young girl who was so infatuated with him and laugh WITH her.

Mrs. Williamson would be so proud!!

The only reason I took Spanish in high school was Troy Starr. He was THE love of my young life, and I knew he'd be in that class. So, while I had the best teacher PHS had to offer, it was wasted on me because I was goofy in love. (Someday, I'll tell you the perm story!)

Now, I took two years of Spanish, but haven't really kept up with the lingo and rules, as life hasn't really taken me in that direction. Until last week during TAKS testing. On Wed., I was holed up in the room with 3 Special Ed kids, 8 books, and about 5 hours to kill. Hummph!
We pass the books around kid to kid, and I model by reading my book silently, but - hey; I can actually read my book, and my kids have books too hard for them. Needless to say, it doesn't take long to look at the pictures, and the books have all been shared.

Mercifully, lunch comes around, and we waste as much time in the cafeteria as we are allowed, then it's back to the class until 2:30. Oh my gosh; what now?!?! I look over at one stack of books, and I notice it is "Caps For Sale" -one of my very own favorites - in Spanish. Yep.
Well, I call the kids over to me, and begin to "read" this book. Now, all three are Hispanic children, and they don't read, but they sit there and listen to me butcher their native tongue while drawing on my knowledge of the story (which I haven't read since Erin was 4!)
Every now and then I'd ask, "Is that right?" and they'd all shake their heads. Not one of the sweet ones laughed at me (to my face, anyway.)
I'm sure had there been a video camera somewhere around, it would make it to the Funniest Home Videos, but hey, it killed a good 15 minutes.

Come to think of it, I think I hear Mrs. Williamson rolling over in her grave as I speak. "Caps, Caps For Sale, Fifty Cents a Cap!"

Let the Games Begin!!

We have a group of about a dozen couples who get together during the SPURS playoff games, and tonight was our first gathering. Didn't go our way; the SPURS let the Nuggets take the 1st game. Our guys just didn't look like themselves, but it's a 7 game series.

We take turns on hosting, but everyone gets to bring what they like to eat. Tonight was chalupas and delicious chocolate pound cake with a coconut frosting. We have a good time and try not to be too critical about the refs when it's OBVIOUS to us all they are against the poor SPURS. All us ladies wear our team earrings and t-shirts, and the guys have shirts and caps. We're probably pretty odd looking, when I think about it!!

GO, SPURS, GO!!

Not much to say today; tired from a week of TAKS testing and allergies. Coughing is aggravating and futile at this point; nothing is going to change until the pollens go away. A kid at school this week told me I need an inhailor! Those two factors leave me more tired than usual. Today, I feel like a person who has just had surgery.

Naps calling!!

Explain this to me....
When we are young, and are around adults like teachers, ministers, and our parents' peers, they look old. One-foot-in-the-grave old. Fast forward to our adulthood, and we see those same folks, and THEY LOOK JUST THE SAME ! If they are old now, that implies that in our youth, they were young - you know, like our age NOW! Can't get my mind around that.

Case in point. Today, I'm in HEB, and there are the parents of a childhood friend and my parents' friends. Known them all my life, and they look the same. Sure, there are a few more wrinkles, and their shoulders may be stooped with age, but other than that, it's like time has stood still for them. I'm thinking, hey - that means that when my students or daughters' peers see me in 25 years, I'll still young!! (But do they think I look old now?!?!) See, I'm confused!!!

One Down, One to Go!

This is for those of you who don't teach in the great state of Texas - a little info on the phenomenon called "TAKS."

Now, we aren't supposed to let it "drive" our teaching, but consider the following: if our class doesn't have a certain amount of passing, you don't get a contract. Right. Doesn't matter what type of class you get in the luck of the draw in August, if you don't get them up to standard, you're out of luck. We have to sign an oath, promising not to look at, discuss, modify or adapt the contents of said test. Doing so will cost you your teaching certificate. I have to sit with my little group of students at lunch so they don't talk about the test while eating - right. 4th grade boys who've had to sit silent for 4 hours, and they're going to discuss Math problems? Anyway -

After the testing is finished, the child has one option: they may read or sleep. I test students that are basically NON-READERS; how many times can they look at a book in, oh - 4 hours. No drawing, no word puzzles, no videos. Read or sleep. No talking. No nothing. It is miserable for me, and I'm an adult.

Well, tomorrow is the last day for testing for me. I'll have a group of 3. Should be fun.

Sorry about the griping....

"Crazy Little Thing Called TAKS"

Lots on my mind today - TAKS testing begins tomorrow, and I went to HEB to stock up on easy dinners and comfort food to snack on. Kinda like preparing for the Apacalypse. I'm already preparing to be exhausted the next two nights, based on previous years' experience, and am looking forward to Thursday morning, when it's all over. One teacher's husband got her SPURS tickets and a limo to celebrate Thursday night; I just want to come home and put my feet up.

Today we had our rally; one skit was based on Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz (Follow the road to your goal...). It was fun, and the kids liked it, but we were saying a lot of kids didn't know the Wizard of Oz. How un-American is that!?!?! Teachers acting silly and kids laughing like all get-out. The fun before the storm. The principal letting her hair down and the Superintendent urging the kids to "use their strategies" and "reach your goals." We'll see.

My big stress in 4th grade was to see who had the prettiest cover to their "Songs of Texas" folder in Social Studies. My, my, my.

Quite a Milestone

This weekend is the Poteet Strawberry Festival. Thought I had some cousins coming in, but that didn't happen. Kinda looking forward to joining them at the parade.... :(

At school yesterday, I was talking to some of the kids, and they had been to carnival wrist-band night. I told them it was easy for me to remember how long the Festival had been going on, since my parents married the first year.

This is the 60th year!! 60 years ago, a handsome rascal of a man married the challenge of his life, and together they lived in the same house on the corner of Avenue B and Boyd Street. The house grew as the family did, and it was a great place to grow up. My dad died in 1990, and mom in 2001; Gary, Marsha and I live literally across the country from each other, and the house doesn't look at all like it did. Except in memory. Mom's vibrate, artistic colors in each room, her lovely knotty-pine cabinets in the kitchen, and Dad's perfect grass.

I'm extremely grateful that, as years pass, the memories and feelings get sweeter and more kind.

Hugs

One of my favorite things to do right now is to hug. Not just a quickie, glad to see you, now move on hug; but a long, lingering hug.

In college, at the Bible Chair, we forbid FBC hugs - Full Body Contact hugs. They were off-limits because, well, you know those raging hormones on both sides of the species in college. So, we'd be sure nothing touched except for arms and maybe a hip if it was a side-to-side one. Only dating couples were allowed, and they were closely monitored!!

As I've aged, I've found great comfort in hugs that connect you with the soul of the huggee - one to share a moment of peace and love in an otherwise hurry-up world. I think it started in the latter days of my mom's life - we weren't always on the best of terms, but I'd heard that widows and widowers often craved physical touch when they were alone, so I tried to remember that when I was with mom. It was something meant for her, and yet I came to really enjoy those brief moments of affection. Now, I hug all my kids at school, and pretty much most people at church, just because it feels so good. To stand and hold Jackie or Roxanne in my arms while we talk is almost Heaven to me - a closeness that goes deep to my very soul.

It IS better to give than to receive - but in this case, it's all the same!!

Just Like Old Times, except Different!

Sunday was such a blessing - the ideal topping on the weekend. So many of Dana and Erin's group came home for Easter with their families that it was hard to see everyone. Everyone just wanted to stay around and visit as long as possible. A couple of the boys (men, now) served on the Lord's Table, and they looked so much like their dear dad, it was almost hard to look at them. As sweet as it was, it was a reminder that he is gone, and not there to see the amazing men they've grown into.

Dana, Erin, Gregg and Roarke were such a blast. We didn't get to work in the yard like I'd hoped, but we had fun. I spoiled Roarke just enough, and it was GREAT! Erin and Gregg did good picking him out. Dana stayed longer and went to evening services with us, and that was nice. I have wonderful memories to hold me for years.

I hope your weekend was good for you.

Chicks, bunnies, eggs, and cake

Kind of reminds me of that line in "The Wizard of Oz" - lions and tigers and bears, oh my!! Easter is all around me; sweet little stuffed animals, beautiful colors, reminders of the Savior's sacrifice and miraculous rising from the dead. It's a time of renewal and refreshing, and sweetness.

My kids are coming; Erin wants chocolate cake with white, crunchy frosting. We're having our dear friends join us for lunch on Sunday, and the games will be fast and furious. My yard looks grand, thanks to Andrew's hard work and some good choices we made in purchasing the right plants. Roarke is coming for all the excitement as well.

I'm a happy, happy woman today.

Allow me to vent, please !!!

First of all, I do not mean to offend anyone; I'm sure there are exceptions to every rule, and I know several who would apply to this post, but I gotta rant a little today....

Throughout the years, as far back as Dana's preschool days in Katy, I've been approached about private schools for children. It always makes my hair on the back of my neck stand straight up, because I feel very - can I say VERY strongly about certain aspects of private schooling. I know that the public schools have problems, and are not always the best in situations, and that there are kids who benefit well from attending smaller, more intimate, individual settings.
However -

Today, we received a letter from a student we know that attends a private school. Has for a while, and will continue there until graduation. Fine. That is the choice the family made and it is their sacrifice to provide this for their child. My beef comes when I get letters asking me to help with "fundraising" - tuition, and better yet, school trips to places like New York or such. I'VE NEVER BEEN; why would I pay for someone else's child to go? A couple of years ago, when Dana and Erin decided they were going to New York, they didn't send out letters begging for help to enhance their experience.
PLEASE! If you are willing to provide that for your child, go for it. I know many people who feel it is vital to their success, but don't ask others in carefully worded letters to "support" their choice. I want to shred it and return it in the enclosed envelope with a well-worded letter of my own. GRRRR!

Public school has supported my family and given me a fine career. While there were things about it when the girls were going through that I didn't like, I kept them there because I felt they had to deal with life and the people in the world. They came out of the experience having been exposed to a lot; good and bad, but with a rounded look at our society and the whole of the people that inhabit it. It was our choice.

Like I said, I don't want to judge or criticize those who choose to put their children in private schools - their reasons are theirs to deal with. But with that choice come the bearing of the debt.

Since it's the week of Easter, I'm thinking a lot about my life as a little girl. With all the cousins I had, Easter was quite a festive occasion. We'd often go down to Alice, where my grandparents and a couple of my mom's sisters lived, and everyone would be there. I was in the middle of 20 1st cousins, so I was in the best of all places.

My Mamaw, Inez May, had peacocks. Every time we went down there to visit, she'd have a feather or two to give me. I was so proud of those feathers, and knew that those birds were her pride and joy. (She didn't have much otherwise.) I could pick up whatever feathers I found on the ground, but I WAS NOT to go into the pen and approach the birds.

On one visit, the birds had held close to their plummage, and Mamaw had none to give me. Well, that was just WRONG. When I thought she wasn't looking, I went into the pen. There I stood, with evidence in hand, when out the side door of her "roundhouse" came Mamaw. I'd never seen her mad, especially at me, so it really startled me to see the look on her face. I couldn't move - the feathers weighed me down, and the peacocks were yelling my guilt at the top of their lungs! She got to me, took the feathers into one hand, and took me in
the other. I got dragged back into the house, where I spent the rest of the day alone. It was torture.

I never pulled out another peacock feather from then on.

Easter fun at school!

I'm excited about this week at school - it's Easter week! I got out my April folder and pulled all sorts of fun activities for the kids to do that have an Easter theme; multiplication sheets, vocabulary, abc order, etc. Also, a couple of just fun sheets to color - my favorite thing to do with my kids. (You want to know something about a kid - hand them a color! They concentrate on the coloring and spill their guts! ) Anyway, it livens things up and gets us ready for the fun of the holiday.

Another good point - only 4 days of school this week!! Have a good Monday!

One week down....

Tomorrow is the end of March. Two months to go... some people are already counting weeks and days until the end of school, but I usually wait until the beginning of May. Don't want to appear too anxious!

It was a good first week back. My stamina lessened as the week went on, but I still did better getting through the day than before my surgery. I told my principal that I guess I didn't know how bad I felt until I started feeling better. Some things are still uncomfortable and may be for a while yet, but many things are so much better!

I hope to stop talking about this surgery soon... I don't want to become one of "those" people who dwell on medical things, but right now, I have a lot to say. Hope I don't bore you!!

Enjoy your weekend; we deserve them!!

An "Unexpected" Gift

When I was in the hospital, Andy and the kids went down to the cafeteria so he could get something to eat. Later, he came in with a bag, and informed me that he'd seen something in the gift shop that he thought I'd like, and he'd give it to me when I was "ready for it."

Now, I'm not a peeker, but everyday for 7 weeks now, I've walked by this pink bag on his dresser; tempted but not giving in to looking to see what was in it. Andy isn't an impulsive gift-giver; he usually tells me about something he saw, but that's about it. With that in mind, I'm really anxious to see what the devil he would get, and WHEN WOULD I GET IT?!?

Today was the day..., well, actually it was supposed to be Monday, but he was sick and forgot to give it to me. As I opened it, I knew that no matter what it turned out to be, it was special. He'd written a check not in our budget (see Dave Ramsey here!) for something he thought I'd like. It was to commemorate my new beginning back at school; healed and back to the routine. As I opened the little blue box, out came a beautiful egg, covered in yellow tulips. Yellow tulips - Spring. New Beginnings. Love and hope, all in a pink bag.

I'm really glad I didn't peek!!

All Good Things Come to an End

Well, I'm back at school. Yesterday was the first day back, and it went pretty well. My legs and feet were tired and sore, but the stamina held up. Everyone I saw seemed glad to have me back, and the kids were so cute. My little Amigo, Cheyenne, stood back and looked at me a long time, not quite deciding what to do. I finally grinned at her and said, "If you want a hug, come on!" She came over and held on tight for a bit, then went back to get in line. Several people came in to visit, and even my custodian hugged me! How nice is that?!? Beth brought me back a WONDERFUL new cd from Tulsa Workshop, and I was singing along today. Medicine for my soul.

Today was a little more challenging. It's just going to take some time ....

On a whim....

Many years ago, I took piano lessons. For 3 years, I sat on the bench and did as little as I needed to to keep mama off my back and get through the lessons without too much embarrassment.
A friend and I took them at back to back, so my favorite part was playing with her before and afterwards. Not quite the dedicated musician my brother was proving to be.

Now, in my mid-life years, I find myself regreting quitting those lessons. I thought about taking up the violin, but seriously doubt I have the arm strength after going to the symphony a while back. Those people have the stamina of Olympic athletes!

Today, I was looking at craigslist.com, and went to the free area - thanks, Susie!! I found a listing for a FREE piano, in Floresville!! "May need tuning" - you think?!? It's in a storage unit, and "weighs a billion pounds". I have nowhere to put it, don't know a piano tuner at all, but I emailed the owner to see if it was still available.

Now, I thought Andy would flip when I told him what I'd done, but he just said, "I think I know that name." This is HUGE for my husband - he usually thinks I'm out on a limb big-time, and he didn't say a thing?! This surgery has really affected him!!

I'll keep you posted....

Amy has a little lamb

I've always liked collections that people have. I think they show a certain aspect of their personality, and offers nothing if not conversation starters.
I've had several collections - clowns, birdhouses, old hymnals, etc. Along the way, either I outgrew the collection or I just quit looking for them.

When Andy became an elder for the 1st time, I began to study more indepthly the Shepherd/lamb portions of scripture. I came to love the 23rd Psalm truly for the 1st time, and I began to "feel" Andy growing more and more responsible for his own little flock. With that came the next logical step; I wanted sheep.

Now, sheep are not always easy to find; usually in baby departments or around Easter. I have a Willow tree figurine given to me that is the woman tenderly holding a lamb, but don't try to buy the boy shepherd apart from the Nativity - it gets ugly!! Anyway, to date I have about 5 little white lambs.

Today, my friend Susie brought me my newest. She found her for me in Tennessee on a visit to see her son over Spring Break, and wanted to give it to me. Now, Susie has given me things for many years - and provided things for me which I can never attempt to repay. She loves me for some reason, and has blessed my life with her friendship greatly. I took my first trip to Tulsa with her (and Ed), and they've been with me through thick and thin. I wanted to name my new lamb after her, but she said to wait, she's looking for a special one that is more "like her". So, I'll honor that wish. But I'll remember her love for me every time I look at the lamb.

Her name? Roxanne - after another of Jesus' precious lambs.

friendships far away

I've been reminded twice in the past 4 days of the value of certain relationships. I get so caught up in my "here and now" that I tend to drop the ball with those I love who live far away.

Over the weekend, while Andy was off with his brother and other manly men, I spent the day with my mother-in-law. We don't see them a whole lot, so I was looking forward to having a whole day with her, almost to myself. (Dad was there, too, but busy with his own stuff) Now, Mom is not one to sit all day and not work at something, but on this day, she gave it up for me. I met up with her at the table about 8:30am, and except for about 30 minutes, we talked all day. It was wonderful. She's had a most interesting life, and even after 30+ years, I learned things I'd never known before. After my dear Mamaw, she is probably the woman I respect most on this earth. That evening, we drove over to her daughter's home for dinner, where I was once again reminded that, even though you don't see someone all the time, you can take up like nothing ever left off. She is gracious and fun, a good cook and dear sister-in-law.

This morning, as I was laying in bed, my phone rang, and it was my friend Dianne Connell. When all was said and done, we'd talked 10 minutes shy of 2 hours, like we saw each other everyday. We had babies together, and her husband is who brought Andy to the Lord all those years ago, so we have a deep history together. Her wisdom and clarity always bless me, and I hope she gets just a bit of goodness from my end. I do miss her....

This surgery has shown me so many ways in which I've been blessed - I hope I never forget!!

Call me "Editor"

I had some really good teachers growing up. All through school, they made sure we learned the spelling rules and grammar do's and don'ts, and my mom was a stickler for the same. I pride myself on my spelling abilities, and other teachers have been known to ask me to proof stuff for them. I find it an odd but pleasurable talent.

My friend has written a book, and we've discussed it over the past year on several occasions. Being her first effort at being published, she's doing all the little last minute things before sending it off to be printed. Last night, she gave me a big surprise when she asked me to read over and edit it for her!! WHOOPEE!! Today, she brought it over. I'm doing my first read-through when I finish here.

I know from writing my children's story how nerve-wracking it is to let someone read your writing, and what a big step it is to hand it over to someone else. It's like opening up your soul to someone for their inspection. Vulnerable isn't descriptive enough. I'm so honored she trusts me - I promised her I'll be very professional, and kind. I'm sure it will be great.

Who knows - this could be the start of a new career for me!!

Neopolitan, anyone??

When Dana moved home after completing college to teach her first year, she wanted to redo her room. It had been light blue since the house was built, and she'd outgrown it. So, she picked a lovely suede brown (dark) color and redid her room. Very cozy, just too dark (and brown) for my taste.

The other day, after seeing Dr. Massey, we went to get paint. Now, we'd picked out a couple of ideas, but when it came time to mix one of them, I'd changed my mind. I found a lovely mauve color that I thought would look just right in the room on the west side of the house, even though Andy thought it may not be quite right. I prevailed, we bought paint, and went home.

Thursday morning, Dana leaves to head back to San Marcos (sad face here!), and we begin the process. Andy tapes up the things he thinks need it, and begins to patch up some little holes with white stuff. Now the room looks patchy, but soon it will be alright.

Sure. He opened the paint, and it was PINK !! Once he began to do the trim work, it looked all wrong. That's when he makes his "this looks like neopolitan ice cream" remark, and I almost fainted. I ran to get the swatch, and it DID NOT MATCH ! This was not good, but we'd spent the money on the paint, and it was going on the walls no matter what!

Luckily, once it dried, it was the right color - the one that matches the swatch - and it looks good. To me, anyway. It's still too pink for him!! You'll have to come see and give us your opinion, even though it'll stay that color for a while!!

Enjoy this beautiful day!

Zing!! That speeding bullet you just heard was whizzing past my head. It's official, the cancer was taken care of during the surgery - no radiation, no chemo - no cancer!! Visited with Dr. M. yesterday, and he gave us the news. Praise God. I never really felt like I "had cancer" but just the idea that something foreign and life-threatening grows within is a sobering thought. I thank you all for your uplifting my name before the Father, and I hope never to have to repay the favor!

This has been an interesting time. Not a fun way to lose 20 pounds, but I'll take it as, I hope, a jumpstart. I'm more alert, have more energy - mentally, at least - and my head is just more clear than I remember being in a while. I guess I just didn't realize what all was going on. Duh!!

This weekend, I'm missing a "cousins' reunion" up near Fort Worth for my cousin Bobby Aaron. Bobby's dying of cancer, evidently it won't be long. He's fought hard, and will leave this life way too soon. I'm really sad I'm not able to make the drive, but just going to SA and back is cause for discomfort the next day. Luckily, I don't go back to work until the 26th, so I have a little more time to recoup....

Dana's headed home, and Andy's getting her old room ready to paint, so I guess I need to get in there and see what, if much, I can do. There's always that "moral support" !!

Rain!! We love it when we can get it down here, but it does hamper our plans for Spring Break... Andy planned to wash my car, which REALLY needs it, and we need to work in the yard, but we are thinking it's not going to happen.

What I am enjoying is the thunder and lightning- it's been a while since we have had good 'ol thunder boomers, and it's great movie watching weather. Dana's getting caught up on her laundry while we enjoy "Little Miss Sunshine", "Stranger Than Fiction" and "My Date with Drew." She's fun to "talk movies" with, and it makes Andy sit down with us... he is wanting to accomplish stuff on his days off, silly man!!

On a really happy note, I found out that the Johnsons and Dana will be spending Easter with us!! Easter is my very favorite holiday, and I have such wonderful memories from my childhood and that of the girls. I am way excited to fix baskets and dye eggs again - and now, with Roarke coming, I have to include a treat for him!! (Prelude to grandchildren!)
I'm a really happy mom right now!!

I've written a children's book. It's about my experiences as a little girl at the Strawberry Festival when I was growing up, and it's my first effort. I've sent it out to a couple of local places, and while they were encouraging with my "style", they were not into children's books, or suggested I try having it published in a magazine first as a short story. A lady at church recommended an illustrator to me, but I've yet to contact her. It's scary putting your writing out there for others to see, and I fear rejection big time! My thoughts are to get some published and take it in April to the Festival to sell at a booth, to see what type of interest there would be. As it is March now, I've obviously missed this Festival, but there's always next year.

Wish me luck (and confidence!! )

Last night was great. Andy, Dana and I went to the Majestic to do the Bugs Bunny on Broadway presentation by the SA Symphony. As usual, the crowd was ecclectic - everything from formals to jeans - we were in between there somewhere. I handled the stairs fine, with Andy's steady hand to guide me - I'm sure I was a sight to those who saw us!! Andy sat between us and had a blast - it was so good for us all to get out and relax. I sat next to a lovely woman who was dressed in an elegant black formal. She was sweet, and I enjoyed conversing with her.

The show was about 2 hours long; and I have to say that the conductor, who has traveled the world over for 18 yrs. with this show, had nothing but glowing reviews for SA's friendly folks, the riverwalk, and its symphony. He kept talking about the cheese in his hotel room shaped like Texas, with a pimento stuck where SA is. The crowd appreciated his comments, and it was a charming evening overall.

Culture at its best!

One of my blogs that didn't publish was on Tulsa. Every now and then, I get what I call a "Tulsa Blast." It's where, out of nowhere, I get the "feel" or "smell" of the Tulsa Workshop. I can hear the singing, taste the Brownie hamburgers, feel the cold March air as I walk from session to session, remember the laughter and lively discussion of the day's events. It makes me want to go with such a yearning that I can hardly bear it.

The first time I went, I invited myself to join the Pursches. I had no idea what to expect; I just needed a boost and could tell from what they said, this was the place to get it. Ed warned me that it would be like nothing I'd ever seen, and he was right! Over the following years, I flew, I rode in a packed minivan and I rode with Robert Hutton through Austin at 90 mph! It didn't matter how I got there, just so I did. I went with Andy and without (I prefer the with!) and with both, neither, or one of the girls. The workshop was one of the few times we ever let the girls miss school unless they were bleeding profusely or running a high fever. They just did not miss school - but Tulsa was the exception. We felt it was some of our best family times together and exposed them to the church universal. We were "free" to think outside the box of traditionalism and heritage, to sing and worship uninhibited and to meet and hear amazing men from the brotherhood.

Andy says he doesn't "need" Tulsa anymore. I don't need it like I did, but I still love it. I want to go again, to take Gregg and experience it with him for the first time. But not this year. Surgery and other things took it off the calendar for now, but Lord willing, I'll go back.

For now, I'll just enjoy those blasts!!

Well - here goes. I've tried everything I can think of to get these posts to publish, and it's been pretty frustrating for a novice computer woman to deal with. Usually, I'm a pretty patient person, but this has been too much!!

My surgery was a month ago today. I'm about 80% back, I think - maybe 85. I know the day is coming when I have to go back to school, but I'm not ready. It seems like I've come a long way, but there's farther for me to go. Andy says he sees nothing but good coming out of all this; I really hope he's right. He's a pretty smart guy.

Tomorrow night, we are going to the Majestic - one of my favorite places to go in SA. The symphony is playing classical music to Looney Tune cartoons, shown on a big screen over them. Dana is joining us, and I feel it's a celebration for us all. Dana's - Spring Break and the corner turning to the end of the school year; Andy - a brief and minute respite from being my caregiver, and me - just getting dressed up and out of the house. I need something to make me feel pretty and nice.

Well. I'm about to hit "publish", so wish me luck.

Have a great weekend!

hi mom

It worked!

I love my heritage. I love the Church of Christ - it's all I've ever known. I can count back 5 generations of my family who have worshipped within its walls, and I take great comfort in having raised my daughters in it. There is a peace and comfort I feel when I identify myself with that group of believers.

One thing I particularly loved and, quite honestly, miss about growing up in that fellowship was calling everyone "brother ____" or "sister ____". It was like a secret identification code; if you called someone brother or sister, it defined a relationship with that person. As soon as you were baptized, that person - no matter that they were your grandparents' ages - were your new brother and sister in Christ. No first names, no Mr. or Mrs., but "brother Spence" or "Sister Maxwell." It was formal but at the same time, intimate. It spoke to those among us as having a bond that no earthly relationship could surpass.

Now, in our more casual times, we're all comfortable with calling the minister Ray, or the elder Bob, but is it the same? Have we lost something with this familiarity that our ancestors in the church knew we needed? Is our family - our brotherhood - as dear to us as when we called each other by these titles? I, for one, wish we could get that part of our heritage back... we need all the closeness we can get.

I feel like I have been on a seesaw. You remember those; one minute up, the next down. That's how my energy level is these days - one day I feel really good and back to my "old" self, the next is like I'm 100 yrs. old and have been cut open and rearranged - wait, I have!

Andy says I'm moving around better, and I agree, except for when I've been sitting too long. Then, it's like everything is stuck in one place and doesn't want to move. I've got to get going more on my walking, but there's part of me that is afraid still. I hear everyone saying to take it easy, and I don't want to mess up, but I need to be more mobile. I keep thinking it's early still.

Well, today is supposed to be a beautiful day, so perhaps I'll get outside more and enjoy it - at least I'm not stuck in my classroom!

Have a wonderful day!