There comes a time....

It's a parent's reflex to want to protect your child. I am/was no different as a Mother - when Dana and Erin were exposed to something or someone that I saw as a threat, I jumped right in there to take care of them. Those instincts don't go away even when your baby girl has a baby girl, or is in the 7th year of teaching. You want them to only see pretty things, or know nice people, or so on.

Andy and I have always felt like you need to let children live their lives and face their challenges on their own in order to grow into well-balanced adults. So far, so good.

Now, I'm having some issues with the parents of today. Our school district, like those evidently all over the nation, is being inundated with calls from parents not wanting their child to hear the President's address to school children on Tuesday. All the big heads got together and decided not to show the speech live, but to tape it for parents to watch with their children later if they choose. The big threat to damage the all-important Average Daily Attendance by parents keeping their children home that day was the deciding factor, or so I suppose.

Now, I am NOT an Obama fan. I was not a Clinton fan, a Nixon fan, or even always a Bush fan. But I would not keep the girls home from school to prevent them from hearing what the President of the United States said in a speech to school-aged children. As the girls grew, we would make them sit and watch the speeches with us, and discuss the content of the talk afterwards. I know that this is different in that it is during school when parents cannot likely be with their child, but this just doesn't feel "right" to me - what is it that we are teaching theses kids? Is this man truely going to say things to indoctrinate a bunch of kids that blatantly? I find that really hard to believe, but maybe I just don't want to believe it.

Tuesday will tell. Right now, I'm giving him the benefit of a doubt. If he blows it, I'll come back here and apologize to you all. I really, really hope I'm wrong. Really.

Rolling with the punches

No matter how organized the beginning of school looks on paper, there are always glitches. Those who are homeroom pretty much get priority, because - well, they have the hardest job. The kids show the first day, and they are needing routine, so those of us who are "support staff" line up for our wishes.

Since I'm in two different rooms at Elem., that means I need two stations. No biggie; except when you need furniture swapped out and arranged. Luckily, the custodial staff likes me, and two weeks into it, I'm set and ready to go. Now, if the old dinosaur computers hold up, I'm good!!

Hope your day is going as well....

It's gotta be that heat!

Usually, by Friday, I am tired. Lots of dealing with children can do that to a person, and so Fridays are the night I look forward to the most. No partying or going out for me; just let me come home and be quiet.

Yesterday was truly the same, with the added feature of it having been the first week of school. Getting a new year up and going is stressful even when things go well, as mine have. So, I was in my usual Friday mode.

Then, Andy came home. He was just as wiped out as I was!! He usually is a little tired, but he was gone. Out by the count of 3; we decided it had to be this heat stripping us all of out last ounce of energy - his whole office was the same.

So, more than ever, I am ready for the beginning of September. While it will still be hot for a while, at least the Calendar points us to cooler weather in the future!!

At least, that's what I'm hoping for!!

Stay cool!

Thanks, Dave!!

I grew up in a money-challenged home. By that I mean, even though we were in the age of "Women's Lib" - the 60s, my mom never was allowed to write a check until I was probably a Senior in High School. She was a stay-home mom, and my Dad was in control of the money. (Now, knowing what I do, I understand why!!) But, because of that, my mom taught me some very unhealthy-to-the-marriage things about manipulating the budget. Some of them I carried on to my marriage, and it really hurt us, in more ways than one.

Like a lot of young American couples, we ran up debt; a teacher and a probation officer don't make oogles of money, but we both admit now that we did not manage it well.

Then, we met Dave Ramsey.

Dave has shown us "the way" - and we are closer than ever to being Debt-Free. Last night, Andy wrote the last check on my car, almost a year early!! It was a great feeling, and not because now I have more money to spend, but the list of what we owe grew shorter by a big one. With retirement not too far in the future, every bit we do helps a lot. (I want to retire and get to be with Liz, Bladen, and grandbabies still in my future!!)

So, with the check in the mail to pay off my car (and let's all pray it runs for a long, long time!!) - I say, "Thanks, Dave!!"

One day down....

I am so tired.

Getting back to work after a summer off is draining - I know, poor me!! But when your brain still thinks it can stay up until midnight, and sleep in and wake up at your leisure, it takes a while to adjust to just that. And wearing shoes 9 hours a day?!? Torture!

But the kids are back, the schedules are set, and the calendar's ticking!! We're off!!

Such Irony!

I am so spoiled. I'm just coming off my nice, long (realitively) summer, and the first week has been productive and encouraging - yet I'm pouting because Andy has the day off and I don't!! How goofy is that?!?!

All summer, Andy gets up and leaves me in my nice, comfy bed while he goes off the make humanity better. He never whines of grumbles, just keeps up with his routine and goes off the provide for our home. Me, I get to do whatever I like and still get my check. Now, that's what's great about teaching!!

On a serious note, things seem to be off to a good start here at school. I was pretty apprehensive at the end of school about some changes that were coming, and tried very hard not to let it color my Summer, but into the 1st week, things are better than I dreamed. Let's pray it continues!!

Thanks for the reminder, Jackie!!

Everyone I know needs a friend like Jackie. She punches me in the gut regularly with her honesty and passion, and she is the Jiminy Cricket on my shoulder. Let me just say that I love her more and more as we take our journey together.

In her blog today, she talks about being in a group of people and realizing as she watches them the importance of showing Christ to those around her, many of whom she doesn't know or will see again. This is a sobering prospect for me as I begin school this year; new co-workers, new students, returning students that I had last year - will they see the Christ in me?! Will I show His love and compassion, His tolerance for those I might in some way feel superior to, kindness to someone in need that others are rushing past in an effort to "get things done"? How will I face each day?

So far, things are going well - but the year is three days old. I am committed more now than before to make this a year in which I glorify my Lord to the best of my ability.

Thanks, Jackie - I love you.

About a 7....

Yesterday at church, I asked a lady how she would rate her summer. She thought a minute, then said, "Oh, about a 7." Now, over the summer, this woman had gotten married and gone on an Alaskan cruise! I wonder what SHE would rate a10?!?

So I got to thinking about my summer, and I also give mine a 7. Some really good things happened; visiting with my girls, having the Johnsons, complete with Roarke for a visit, going to the mountains, the successful lumpectomy, and enjoying nice, quiet days at home were the highlites. But there were some down sides; I again did not accomplish the "tasks" I set for myself, and I worried about things over which I have no control. The heat and lack of rain were a real downer, on top of it all. But overall, it was a good break from school.

Now today, we are back. As I looked over my list of students, I saw their little smiling faces and wondered if they were anxious to come back. I will see them next week, full of excitement. I pray for a good, productive year.

So. How would you rate your summer?!? Hope it was good!!

Voices of the past

Earlier in the summer, Jackie made Farmville and Farmtown on Facebook sound like so much fun that I signed up. I am having lots of fun with both those farms; but the coolest part of it is that I've caught up with so many people!! Old classmates (one of whom asked me if I still walked on my toes!), old friends, and my niece that I haven't spoken to in 20+ years! My connection with her led to finding out that my brother's "wife" had passed away - can you tell we're close!?! - which led me to contacting my sister and her son. It's been very cool to reaquaint myself with everyone, and look forward to keeping up with them.

So, thanks, Jackie!!

So, here we are

Well. Today is the last Monday before school starts. Every summer, I make all these plans of things I want to do, and only a few are accomplished. As I get closer to retirement, I find myself enjoying the solitude of being at home, doing things at my own pace, "calling my own shots." My mother enjoyed being by herself, and she used to say to me, "Amy, if you don't like being with you, no one else will either." Funny how that makes so much more sense to me now. I spend so much time during school taking care of my kids and being - hopefully,- a good employee, that when summer comes, it takes a while to readjust and clear my head. Thankfully, Andy understands this and lets me spend my days to my liking.

So, as I enter this last week at home, I will try to pull together some of those not-accomplished plans and prepare to return to work. All the while, watching the last blitz of movies still on my list!!

Oh, Man -

I really hope that, if I die before Andy, his next wife is a morning person!! Guilt!

News from Houston!

Erin and Gregg (and Liz!) are having a boy!! The sonogram today gave them the news, and so we got the news a bit ago. All looks well, and things are still a go for Dec. 12, 2009.

Welcome, baby boy Johnson!!

Quiet after the weekend

Well, as Dana drove off yesterday, I looked over to see my empty driveway. After being full of cars over the past few days, it looked pretty lonely, and suddenly, I felt lonely with it. We had a peaceful, happy visit, full of good memories from home videos of days gone by. Bekah and Jace's reception was nice; Katherine Norwood is an amazing woman!! Liz was a champ through it all; going to folks she didn't know but who wanted to hold her and take in her charm. Her calm, patient mom putting up with my desire to do things perhaps not to her liking, but tolerating me to a point.

I think my favorite view of the weekend was watching Andy with Liz. He's not one to get in there and play, but he loves just walking around with her. At worship yesterday, he and Liz made the rounds, her placidly nestled in his arms, her little arm draped relaxed over his shoulder. It made me smile to see them doing such a simple, but sweet thing. Our house is empty and quiet now....

Today, we learn the gender of Baby Two. I can't wait. Don't know yet if they'll share the name or not, but some info is forthcoming!!

Dana brought school stuff to share, and we huddled on the loveseat and went over it. She is such a professional, full of passion for her profession. I wish her the very best school year yet!! Children are blessed to have her in their world.

So, with Gregg and Roarke along to finish out the family, it was a great weekend. I am so blessed to have them all in my life - and the fun thing is; I know we're not finished!! More wonderful souls will join their lives to us in the future to complete us, and I can't wait!! Come soon!!

Until then....

What a week!

This has been a really busy week - dentist appointment, 2 doctor's visits, a greatly needed haircut, a good visit with a friend, and now, today my girls' come in to town!! Gregg follows on Friday, then Bekah's reception on Saturday. Whew - I'm exhausted already, but it's all from such good stuff!!

I'm just getting started on Facebook, and it's a trip! Two really neat things have come out of it already - I'm getting reaquainted with my brother Gary's daughter whom I haven't personally talked to in over 20 years! Her life has been apart from ours for a long, long time, and mom kept me up to her whereabouts through Gary, but since Mom died, she's been aol (absent without leave to you older readers!). It's been nice to hear from her!

Also, old classmates are approaching me to see if it's really "me", and that's been fun. I had to laugh out loud yesterday when one asked me if I still walked on my "tip toes." It's odd to me the things we remember about each other! By the way - I don't. I don't know that we will continue long conversations along these lines, but it's been fun to run across their names and catch up.

Well, I'd best go prepare for the girls to arrive. Andy stayed up late to do his part in "Liz - proofin" the place, but I've got chores to do.

Poverty at it's most evident

After leaving Ouray, with it's wonderfully expensive Swiss architecture, we headed South. All through Colorado, we enjoyed the beautiful villages and towns along the way. Even when we went through areas not so economically blessed, they were still - well, attractive in their own way. I guess mountains, streams, and green grass do a lot to "fix up" a joint.

Then, we entered New Mexico and it's Indian Reservations.

Growing up in South Texas, I've seen poverty; I've taught children of poverty, and my own family has known poverty in my parents' past. But not like this.

I tried to explain it to Dana today on the phone; the hovels plunked down with no seemingly rhyme nor reason, surrounded by dirt, dirt, and more dirt. No trees, bushes, plants of any nature other that a weed here and there. The people live in clumps of humanity or solely in the middle of nowhere, where it looks like there is no water for hundreds of miles. Sometimes the doors were open, as if trying to let any semblance of air inside, and sometimes a poor, starving animal would be wondering around as if searching for a drop of water or morsel of food.

On the highways, we would see in the distance a huge casino, calling travelers to come in and try their luck; Andy wouldn't indulge me, but I would have gone in in a heart beat. Those buildings, along with the state-of-the-art schools within the boundaries of the reservations, made me almost sick to look at. A couple of the schools has astroturf football fields, and other niceities. It made me feel like a person coming upon a horrific auto accident; I didn't want to look at these places, but I had to. It was beyond my understanding that people in America could live like these people did. It almost made me ashamed to go past them in my nice, air-conditioned car wearing decent clothing. It mad me sad.

I know that having "things" does not determine happiness or success. I know that people are people no matter their status in society. I know that people can pull themselves out of a situation if the desire is within them. I just had a very hard time fathoming their lives in those conditions. It broke my heart.

Home again

All week, I've been trying to remember the interesting points of our trip to include in this post; not just "stuff" to share, but what made this trip any more special that any other. Here goes:

I never knew the earth was so many colors! New Mexico especially - I saw soil and rocks in every shade known to man almost - not green except for algae - but black, brown (duh!), orange, coral, white, gray, purple. I truly understand why New Mexico is the "Land of Enchantment" with all these colors and textures. The Valley of Fires was very impressive with it's black rock covering mile after mile of ground.

Sometimes, just sittin and watching the folks around you is the best entertainment. In Ouray on Tuesday, a rain "shower" hit as we were going from shop to shop. Luckily, we found an alcove between some buildings that had a place to sit. For 20 minutes, we watched first the rain, then hail fall out of the mountains. The temperature dropped by 20 degrees at least, and the people were a blast to watch. One guy was actually out in it catching it in a cup - must be a fellow Texan!

Ouray, Colorado had 2 places that were "chains" - a Best Western, hidden way off the beaten path, and a Conoco station on the edge of town. Every other shop, market, hotel, or restaurant was local. Not one drive-thru beverage barn to be found; not even a DQ! No pharmacy, no Wal-Mart, no Blockbuster. You are FORCED to take in this quaint, historic little town and make do. Poor us!!

I don't think I would have survived in those mountains during the mining days. Life was just plain hard, and you died young. Going anywhere and getting anything done was a big process, and there wasn't any timed to be bored or in mischief.

The second part of our trip was totally unplanned. We had a little car trouble, and so we needed to get to a dealership. This cut our time in Ouray one day short, and we headed to Durango. Luckily, the car was fine, and so we headed back to Albequerque. Soon, Andy decided we needed to go to 4 Corners; the place where 4 states meet. It is a LONG, slow drive, through some dirty, poor little towns to the Navaho Indian Reservation where 4 Corners is found. When you turn in to this desolate place, you have no idea what is ahead. It was full of folks from all over, laughing and playing; taking pictures of everyone, seeing just how many ways the human body can get itself into all four states at once. A great place to observe people and to call your daughters to share your discovery!!

We went then into Gallup. Ate at Cracker Barrel and slept in white, white sheets at the Hampton Inn.

Next day; the VLA. Very Large Array - the satellites used to look for ET. Again - a long, long drive through more Indian Reservations (another post on another day!) to a spot filled with people. (I kept thinking of Field of Dreams - "If you build it....") It was awesome to see what God has created and allowed His creation to study.

Smoky the Bear Monument. They actually had to smuggle his dead bear body in at night and bury him at 3 am because of all the threats to steal his body! Early Michael Jackson hysteria!!

Back to Roswell; back to home. Tired. Dirty laundry in many bags, some souvenirs and lots of pictures to develop. Lots and lots of miles - 2,400 I believe - in a car with the man I love. Lots of talking, lots of silence as we took it all in. The brain can only hold so much before the facts begin to run together.

It was a good trip.

So far, so good!

Our trip to Colorado has been great, so far. I am posting from a little internet cafe where we had a delicious breakfast. I find this very interesting since this little town has no DQ, drive-through beverage barn or any "Stop and Go' kind of places!

We have met folks from all over, even some Amish - it's a very touristy kind of town, with lots of history and flavor. Yesterday, we took a jeep trip to the top of Imogene Pass (13,113 ft.) and had lots of fun. The roads were treacherous at some points, but our guide was great.

More details later - Andy is ready to move on.

Ready, Set - Go!

Well - Lord willing, tomorrow we head off for our Vacation!! I'm washing and gathering, and listing things we need to remember; battery charger for the camera, phone charger, hotel confirmations - all necessary to make this the wonderful, relaxing get away I've so been anticipating. Andy works all day today, then we'll finish putting things together so we can head out early.

Won't have access to a computer for 8 days; or so I think. I'm selling off my animals and harvesting my plants on Farmtown so it can sit and wait on me, then I'll buy all the animals back when I return. I can only imagine my email after that many days!!

So, until we return, take care! Andy has his cell for emergencies, and maybe a call or two to check in with the girls; otherwise, we will "talk to you later!" Try to stay cool -

Memories of the past

I love my sister-in-law, Christine. She is an amazing mother, wife, and daughter. Her home is welcoming and happy; even when things are hectic, she is calm. She is one of the only things I love about going to Houston, and we never seem to have time to just visit.

A couple of months ago, she began a project that is daunting; she is asking each family member (about 22 of us, not counting Liz!) to answer questions about our childhood. We answer them, and then she plans to put them in a book for us all! I cannot wait to read all the answers, and I look forward to each question.

Here are this week, and next's:

What is a favorite tradition you had in your family?

What is one thing that your parents taught you that you will pass on to your children?

Now, some of these take a while for me to decide, and some come instantly. What I'm looking forward to seeing is how siblings recall the same event or teaching!

How would you answer the questions above?? Share, if you please!

Enough, already!!

It's pretty bad when the thing you look forward to most is not having to cook dinner in a kitchen in July in Texas!! It doesn't matter that the a/c is blowing, by the time I'm finished, I look like I just got out of the shower, and want to get in the shower!! I'm keeping a close eye on the temperature in Colorado; the high today was 79!! I think I can do a few days of that!! Add some majestic peaks and a waterfall, and I just may stay there permanently!! One week to go!

Dana's visit

We've had a nice, long visit with Dana this past week! She came in on Sunday night, and is heading back to Houston in a bit. She's gotten to sleep in, relax with me on the couch, watched a movie or two, had lunch with Jackie, and played Wii with her buddies. It's been so nice to have her here - I never tire of being with her and talking, talking, talking. Andy wonders what it is we talk about - but it's more what don't we talk about. I'm so grateful she and Erin still want to come home!! She is in a good spot in her life; content and optimistic, and that's such a good thing for a mom to see!!

I love the summer for this reason; Dana is here now, then all the group will come in about 3 weeks for a reception, and then I hope to journey back with them to Houston for a few days before the new school year begins. I want a few lazy days with Liz before she outgrows this marvelous stage that she is in right now, and before my ability to just go as I please is replaced by work.

Life is good right now -

Good, good news!!

Dr.'s office called today - all the results are benign!!! Jackie said she knew it, and I wanted to know it, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little anxious when the phone rang!!

So, thanks be to God for His loving care, and thanks to all of you who've been with me through the ordeal!! Now, I can plan on that trip to the mountains with nothing hanging over me!!

Happy Birthday, America!

The year I was in 4th grade, Mrs. Stinson was my teacher. I remember her and that year like it was yesterday. Two pivitol things happened that year that changed my path forever; my sister, Marsha, was born, and I had my first traumatic visit to the dentist. But that's not the reason for this post.

Mrs. Stinson taught me everything. What I mean by that is, she was my only teacher - we did not change classes, so what I learned that year, I learned from her. I remember her physical prescence; stout, plain dresses that buttoned down the front; short, curly hair, glasses. I have no idea her age; people I thought were old at the time I learn now were only in their late 40s.

Why I think of her today is the songs we sang while in her class. She was ahead of her time; "crossing the curriculum" combining handwriting, Social Studies, and music appreciation. We had these yellow folders (Social Studies; Texas' yellow roses!) filled with page after page of all these patriotic songs in our best cursive handwriting. Now, being 4th grade, a lot of them were songs about Texas, but a lot of them were about our nation. We would open them up, and while she led us, we would sing with all the gusto 4th graders could produce.

One of my favorites was, "This is my Country":
This is my Country,
Land of my birth -
This is my Country,
Grandest on earth!

I pledge thee my alligiance -
America, the Bold!
For this is my Country -
To have, and to hold!

Mrs. Stinson was a great teacher - she filled us with a love and respect for this great land that has only been impacted throughout the rest of my schooling. I
honor her today, as we celebrate this great land once again.

Up and moving

Andy and I got home about 10:30 last night... the whole episode taking about 12 hours from pulling out of the driveway to pulling back in. The main things that hurt today are NOT what I went in for at all; it's my tailbone from sitting in the bed all day and my throat from the tube they put in. All in all, the rest was/is pretty painless. Have mammo after mammo to make sure the wire went into the exact spot was unpleasant, but if it guided the surgeon, then I could handle it.

One thing I know is, the people at Methodist are some of the nicest I've ever had to be around. Those people truly act like they love their job and serving people. It makes the nastiness of being in a hospital bearable.

One comical note: while getting registered, they asked if I wanted the chaplain to come and pray with me before the procedure, and I said, "Sure". 8 hours later, just before they put in my IV, I told the nurse to just forget the prayer; let's get this done! She laughed, gave me my pre-surgery "margarita", and out I went. I was not in the mood to wait for one more person - chaplain or not!!

Now, if my head will just clear!! :)

Out of pocket

Well, Andy and I are about to go up to Methodist for my lumpectomy. Today, I feel apprehensive; told Andy I'd just like to change my mind, but that's not an option. So, please pray, and I'll post all about it soon -

Jim Lassiter

Andy and I met Jim and Faye Lassiter in Huntsville during our dating/newlywed days. Their daughter, Theresa, ran in our Bible Chair group, and they were always around, or we were at their house. He was a grumpy, complaining sort of guy; Faye the charmer of the group. At first, he scared me.

Heart trouble ran in Jim's family, and we soon learned that Jim had retired because his cardiologist basically told him to "go home, sit down, and wait to die." Right. That was 1975ish. Now, he didn't run marathons, or eat crazy stuff with lots of fat, but he certainly didn't sit down. They served in everyway he could, loved his two daughters and grandson with all his - pardon the pun, - heart, and even outlived dear Faye.

After we left Huntsville, they began Soujourning with their camper. Faye began having strokes; small at first, becoming more incapacitating each time. We kept in touch with Christmas cards and on visits to Huntsville. And then, we heard that Faye died. Now the man she took care of all those years was alone. He kept going on Soujourn trips, and met and married Delores in 4 days.

We ran into them in Tulsa right after they married; they showed us pictures of the wedding; his two girls and her four boys. One happy family, and Jim was not alone anymore. They later moved to Kerrville, and we saw them a couple of times afterwards; they came to Gregg and Erin's wedding. People from Pleasanton that visited in Kerrville would meet them, and they'd always ask about us.

When their Christmas card came back this year, I got worried, but not enough to investigate, and I learned this weekend in Huntsville that Jim has died. They moved to Phoenix to stay with Delores' son, and he died there. We never heard.

While I wasn't truly surprised, it made me so very sad to learn we've lost Jim here on this earth. He always loved strongly, and told things boldly. I felt like his daughter when I was with him. I know he is at peace, but I will miss not seeing him again.

Andy has 5 men he considers mentors in his Christian walk; Jim was one of the first.

A weekend of remembering

I know, that title is a lot like the last one; but it fits the past few days for Andy and me. The 45th reunion of the Bible Chair was very nice - we felt very welcomed and very loved, if not very far removed from our years there. The group was small, if the couples that live in Huntsville had not been there, it would have been very, very small!

Our arrival in Huntsville brought back lots of good memories; once we checked into our hotel, we drove around the city and took in lots of old haunts. Our little duplex where we first lived is still standing, but the barbeque place next door is shut down. We had dinner where we had our rehersal dinner 33 years ago; I think the same curtains were still hanging, and the waitresses had definitely not been born yet!! The food was okay....

Saturday brought lots of familiar faces and stories. I told the one about meeting Andy in the funeral home, he told the one about me "stealing" the donuts on a weekend trip to Dallas. We talked about those not there, and gave the new director some interesting facts about the groups that came before him. That night, we had a nice banquet at the church building, and two of the three elders who began the BC were there! Our sweet Brother Ray King has recently passed away, but we recalled his influence on getting things running. It is amazing the lives these men impacted with their decision - elders, deacons, ministers, Godly husbands and wives, and so on are the result of their desire to touch young Christians on a college campus.

Sunday, the alumni conducted services, so Andy served on the Lord's table, along with the others. We sang great songs, visited with those we had not seen yet, and then had lunch with the Taylors. It felt really good to be back. Of course, everyone asked about Dana and Erin, and I'd come prepared with lots of pictures, so that was an added bonus!!

Leaving Huntsville is always sad for me; I have such good memories of living there. I just hope that those who were not able to be there can make it next time -

Back where we started

Tomorrow morning, Andy and I leave for a reunion in Huntsville. We met in the Fall of 1973; he a Sophomore, me a Freshman at Sam Houston State. To say we fell in love fast is an understatement; I was only there two months before I met him, so all my college memories have him in them. This weekend, we will travel back to visit with our Bible Chair group and attend worship with the saints.

Huntsville is so many things to us; the Tissues, getting married, graduating from college - my dad so proud I thought he would pop! - having Dana there. We always said we would go back there to retire... don't say that anymore, but it will be so lovely to see that place again!

Andy grew to love the church in Huntsville. It was his first exposure to the Body of Christ, and so many loving people taught him about the Christian family. A large number of those have gone on to Heaven; Brother Kramer, Faye Lassiter, Betty Waldron - sweet people who just made it known that we were a part of their lives. Some have moved on to become elders, some have divorced, some have stayed right there and lived out their lives in the tall pines and rolling hills.

While I am a little apprehensive about going, since I don't quite look the same as they last remember me, I'm going to put on a brave face and enjoy myself. I'm sure we all have changed some, and it's our inner self that matters, right?! So, we'll talk about the past, share photos of past adventures and new grandbabies, and hug each other tights when we leave. Not a bad way to spend a weekend, right?!

A change in plans

Way back in December, when the board funded our little bonus, I mentioned that I was wanting to take a trip with the "discretionary income" I'd been afforded. Right away, I knew I wanted to do something different - something Andy and I had not done before; a new place.

All Spring, I'd banked on Philadelphia. Got the brochures, scoured the internet for sites, found the hotel on Hotwire; the works. (I learned a long time ago that, for me, the planning is one of the best parts of the trip!) Then, came the mammogram. The decision to wait to book the trip was a good one, now in hindsight.

So. Our plans have changed. With my procedure July 1, it will be in end of the month before I will feel like traveling, and then the walking and standing in Philadelphia's heat (while not Texas, still very warm!) became ominous to me. I decided that - for now, anyway - we need something cool; relaxing; peaceful.

Our plan is to leave for the Southwestern part of Colorado the 19th of July and head to some unfamiliar mountains, with their brisk air and majesty. I am once again on the hunt for lodging, activities, and routes, and have even booked us on a jeep trip high up into the mountains of the area. The only thing I am dreading is the long, long days of driving it will take to get us there, but it is a means to an end. I really need this adventure, and while it is not new and different, it will be wonderful. Nothing like the mountains to refresh this couple, and I'm banking on coming home rested and joyous!

A weekend to remember

What a wonderful, wonderful weekend... congratulations to Gabi and Caleb on their marriage, which was celebrated in grand fashion!! So many friends, past and present, were there, and so many little ones of the next generation to meet! Erin said wouldn't be great if they all ended up at A&M together in about 17 years; Liz, Cy, Pearson, Julie, Abbie... the Pleasanton connection, one generation removed!! That was an amazing youth group, and their lives now show they are still living their faith, which makes me so proud of them all! We missed Robbie, David, and Sean, but they were in our thoughts.

The Royals' yard looked like a glorious garden all dressed up for the party; lights around and in the massive trees, flowers blooming everywhere, pretty tables in their white finery with candles and flowers on top. It was a fun, romantic, God-filled wedding, and I can't imagine one thing that was missing!! We stayed until the happy couple left, then headed home. I was so glad the girls got to see and visit with their friends!!

I have to say; having Liz here for a nice, long visit was tops! I honestly could not take my eyes off of her - afraid I'd miss something cute. She got in good play time with both Andy and me, and her aunt Dana took more than her fair share of cheek kisses! It's so magical to me to try and figure out what she is thinking, and to watch her think things through - but the best is to see her with her mother. Erin finds every opportunity to teach her and to show her God in everything. I'm so proud of her.

And then, it was Father's Day. Andy had a nice one, proudly wearing his tie from Liz. I think he showed everyone at worship the tie (it has her 6 mo. footprint on it) and told them the story of getting it in Austin. So fun to watch him. Then, we went to eat at a new restaurant in town so he could have shrimp on his special day. The wait was long, but worth it. We'll be back.

So, that's my weekend. My sweet family, except for Gregg, surrounding me for a wonderful couple of days. Dana and Erin's good cooking to treat me, and lots of cuddles all around. I am so blessed.

I hope your weekend was a good one!!

An amazing realization

Today - and yesterday - have been so amazing.

Let me back up to Sunday - it's all been this wash of love flowing over me (and Andy, too) about this biopsy. Kisses, hugs, pets, rubs, eyes glistening with tears from men - what a humbling, reaffirming feeling I have received these past days while my friends and family have worried and prayed over my results. Am I truly so dumb as to not have known what I was facing that I wasn't as worried as they were !?! The sounds of concern and fear in the voices on the phone until I say "no cancer!" - then the obvious sounds of relief and thanksgiving. It's almost as if I have been watching this from a distance happening to someone else.

I know that I was scared; I watched Marilyn Tello die of this merciless disease, and that has always been my fear; along with being lop-sided in my clothes - but this time, I dodged the bullet. By the grace of God and the love and prayers of my family. Iwill never be able to thank them all enough for how they've loved me through this -

God is good!

Finally - news and a plan!

Good news - no cancer cells!! YIPPEE !!
Other news - however, there were "a-typical" cells that need to be removed so that they do not become cancer.

Plan - July 1st, a lumpectomy (goofy word!) at Methodist. Day proceedure - should be home in time for bed. Hopefully. I've learned that, if you're going to be cut open, Methodist is the place to be. They are amazing at their care for you.

Thank you for all your prayers while I was waiting through this. It's a big deal to go from nothing to the thought of cancer, and so many people have taken time to love on me and include me in their prayers. Yesterday, the elders surrounded me and prayed, then they all hugged me and told me they love me. I know they do; it's just so nice to hear the words.

God is good.

Something to think about...

At the congregation where I worship, we sing with the words and music projected onto a screen; lovingly called singing "off the wall." It was a big change when we put it into play; some folks did not care for this new innovation, but it's come to be a matter of practice now. The song leader posts his song selection numbers on the board as usual, for the song-book-hangers-on, and off we go!!

Now, we have several men in our congregation who rotate leading singing. They all are giving their best, and try to make worship as meaningful as possible. But today, the leader accidently looked at his other list, and as we sang, faces upturned and voices in tune, he started another song! The screen went blank, and those of us recognized the other song sang. As the first verse came to an end, he stopped us, apologized, and turned us to the correct number. Everyone kinda chuckled, we got the correct song up on the screen, and off we went. Worship went on, without a hitch.

So here's what filled up my head the rest of the time (I know, I should have been concentrating on the sermon!). Why can I chuckle and go on when the leader I like so much messes up totally on a song, but when it's another leader, I get angry and think he should be taken out of the rotation due to lack of ability?! Why am I unforgiving of some, and yet blow off the same "error" done by another? This is something that bothers me about myself, and I need to work on my attitude. Perhaps now this realization today will stay forefront in my mind the next time another leader makes a miscue. I hope to be more loving!!

waiting still

I'm trying hard to put this biopsy result thing on the back burner and not let it affect my having Dana here for a few days, but it's beginning to wear me down, I'm afraid. I find myself sitting and staring at nothing a lot, and wanting to go spend money - how that fits in, I'm not sure, but it's there. Last night, I needed out of the house, and bad.

After Dana left to go visit some friends, we went to eat at a little place out of town. They have great pizza, but I was in the mood for a French Dip - messy dip and all! The place was busy, but we weren't in a rush, so we just sat and talked. After a long while, they brought out salads, and our money!! They said since we'd waited so long, they were making dinner on them! Wow - okay.

We ate our salad, and a bit later, the owner came over to apologize herself. I told her we wanted to pay for our dinner, but I'd take a piece of their delicious German chocolate cake if she insisted... she said they would throw in the cake on top of giving us our dinner! This lady was persistent!!

After we ate - good sandwich, but not the best French Dip I've ever had - I went up to get our cake. I tried to pay for it, but she wouldn't let me. I smiled, thanked her again and walked out the door.

Her tip - the price of our dinner. I still figure we came out ahead, what with the free pieces of cake and all!!

tick - tock - tick - tock

Well, the call should come today - about the biopsy results; they told me Wed. or Thurs. - so I should be hearing something.

I can accept whatever they tell me, but I can't totally block it from my mind. I want to get on with the summer, but Andy is holding me off until we know what - if anything - we are facing. I hate it when he is so logical!!


On a happier note; it's great having Dana home for a few days, even if it is only in the evening. She loved the first day of her workshop, so that makes getting up early in June worth it. Most of the folks she hangs out with when here are out of town, so her dad and I get the majority of her time. Yippee!! It makes the waiting easier to have her here.

I'll post news when I have it; until then, please pray -

Summer schedule

How I do love Summer!! Here it is, the 10th of June, and I'm already in a routine.

7:30 - kiss Andy "bye", go back to sleep.
9:00 - watch "Frazier" for 1 hour - good way to start a day, with laughter!
10:00 - catch up with Drew Carrey on "Price is Right"
11:00 - check emails and blogs :)
12:00 - eat lunch
afternoon - watch movie, straighten up the house, call Erin, nap - whatever.

5:30 - get dinner ready for Andrew!

Isn't it great?!?

4:30 am and beyond

Normally, when I wake up at night, I use the restroom while running a song through my head, get a sip of a drink, and go back to sleep immediately. Not this morning. Faces of folks I love kept popping in my head along with what is going on with them at this moment and how they need prayers. Here is the short list:
- Erin is having a new baby while she has a baby. Not an easy task, but she will be fine. I just worry...
- Dana is changing jobs, and her car is wanting every spare dime she has and then some. I hate - hate - spending money on cars!!
- Andy - work stress and the neverending thoughts that come with being an elder.
- myself and this stupid biopsy.
Father and I had a talk, and soon, I was back asleep.


Well, it's 12 hours later, and the deed is done. The doctor who did it said it could not have gone better, she got really good samples, and I should know something by Wednesday.
I have to tell you - as I lay there, listening to the team as they walked me through it and feeling the nurse petting my back ever so softly, I wasn't scared of having cancer. I wasn't worried about radiation or surgery or chemo or any of that. I was calm. I was focused on the moment and dealing with the sensations all around me. I was ever so appreciative of all the women who offered me best wishes and comfort yesterday, and who shared their experiences with me so that I was not walking into something totally unknown and fearful.
And now, I wait. The phone call that could change everything should come Wed. or Thurs. I will keep you posted !!

Kicking off summer with a Bang!!

Yesterday was eternal in it's length... I had absolutely NOTHING to do except watch the clock. Finally, at 3:30, my supervisor came in and told me to go on home. I almost knocked her down - not really!

We spent our evening with the Huttons and Kelleys eating deliciously grilled steaks - thanks, Robert! - and then, watching some "24". Wild folks, I know, but the good life is the good life, however you find it. Their grandkids are just about the best behaved little ones I've ever seen, and quite entertaining.

This weekend is full, as the past three have been. Today is a baby shower, then tomorrow is our elders/wives lunch after worship. Then comes Monday....

Andy and I are getting up and going into SA, where I will be having a biopsy on my left breast. Some SMALL calcification was found at my screening mammogram, and then we did some magnification images. I met with a surgeon, and we got me set up to do asap. I want to deal with this, and then get on to summer!! So, if you don't mind, pray that this is just a little tiny bit of nothing that they can just zap out. Right now, I've very calm and optimistic about it, and I plan on staying that way.

So - here we go!! Happy End of School!!

3 days to go....

On Friday, I'm outta here - another year of teaching will go into the books, and another summer will begin. This is the first time I've ever worked into June, unless it was Summer School, and I can say, I don't like it; it's just wrong. I know; whine, whine, whine! :)

Last night, Andy and I drove into SA for a wonderful dinner with our friends from Ohio, Steve and Dianne, and their "new" daughter, Wynter. She just turned 13. They adopted her out of Foster care after their own 4 were grown; a sad, sad story with a happy ending. They told us all about the adoption ceremony and celebration a year ago, and she is a very sweet girl. She has "baggage" as all foster kids so, but with the Connell family as her own now, she has a future brighter than she can imagine.

We ended up at Spaghetti Warehouse - Andy loves that place! - and enjoyed our meal. We were just settling in to visit, when I see a man walking past the other tables and right up to ours, pulls out a chair, and begins to sit down, all the while asking Andy to buy him "dinner and a piece of chocolate cake." Huh?!? Andy asks him if he is supposed to even be in there, and the guy says, well, no; but could we buy him something to eat. Andy looks him in the eye, and sternly tells him, "I will buy you dinner, but you have to wait outside for me." The guys says; "And a piece of chocolate cake?" No, dinner and a glass of tea. So the guy leaves and goes to wait outside, Andy goes to the manager, and they talk. Seems the restaurant has a Criminal Trespass Order against him for doing this kind of thing, but if Andy wants, he can buy him some food. So, the Probation Officer orders him spaghetti and tea, and takes it to him outside; asking him tons of questions, and taking him to the side table to be away from the door. We sit there, all the while, trying to keep Wynter in her chair, because she is fascinated by all this and wants to go with Andy and "see the guy". Turns out he is Paranoid /Schitzophrenic (sp) and off his meds. Andy tells him what he wants him to do and comes back to the table with us.

I have to tell you, I was nervous when he left us to go get the car - watched too many movies, I guess.

Welcome to San Antonio, Wynter Connell!!

Liz's noises

Liz is quite entertaining right now; she has found her voice and is sharing it with lots of enthusiasm! Every time I get Erin on the phone, she lets us know she is in the room - and I love it! Erin tells me it gets a little old after half a day or so, but for this Nana so far away, it's pure music!! I just can't wait until they come again so I can watch her in action.

From the sound of it, she's a born Soprano!!

I just do not believe this -

The majority of my teaching career, I worked with a wonderful woman, Billie Maderer. She loved me, respected me both personally and professionally, and she trusted me to make the right decisions. I felt happy and competent at school.

Then, Billie retired.

On of my co-teachers was named her replacement, and so began our relationship on a new level. Soon, it became obvious that I was not the same person in her eyes that I had been in Billie's. There were times when I felt old, tolerated, used up.

At the end of the year, Spring, 2008, I was transferred to another department with a new supervisor. I was no longer on the same campus all day; half day somewhere else, then there the afternoon. The new supervisor treats me with great respect and gives me freedom to do my job. My new co-workers and principal on the other campus are very complimentary and encouraging. I feel like I am returning to my old feelings of confidence, and I enjoy school again.

This week, I have learned that my new supervisor has been re-assigned. Her replacement will be my previous supervisor! I will once again be under the "leadership" of someone who I feel was more than happy to see me leave her staff. Now,instead having about 80 folks to focus on, she will have less than half that number. Great.

So... instead of ending my year with great enthusiasm about the Fall, I dread it. My summer will now be filled with concerns about the coming changes, and my attitude in how I will positively deal with them.

And then, I receive this quote from the mother of one of my 2nd graders: "I feel so blessed to have you touch the life of my son. It takes such special teachers to make a crazy mom relax, but I see your hard work everyday when he comes home proud and excited about overcoming his dyslexia. I will always hold a space in my heart for you."

I guess I will just try and focus on that -

A welcome sight

This week, I am working at what is called the Annex; the home office of all support services with PISD. Since I don't have scheduled classes with students, I am loaded up and boxed away, and finding things to keep me busy the next two weeks. I do have some things, but not two weeks' worth!!

Today, I am working on an application for one of my students to begin receiving disability payments because he has dyslexia. Hmmm - now, aside from making reading hard, his life at this point is not really affected by having dyslexia. It is not keeping him from a job, nor is it causing him any lifestyle discomfort, so I'm thinking that he just doesn't need it. Is that wrong? I know that, in the future, he will have difficulty doing some jobs, but he should be able to support himself in some manner in spite of his reading problems. Jay Leno and Tom Cruise come to mind, along with a myriad of other very capable folks. You just suck it up and deal with it! I will be curious to see what the powers that be decide.

On a nicer note, I sit here listening to the glorious sound and sight of a good old soaker rain!! We've gotten some off and on the past week or so, but this one is really giving up a good measure of the wet stuff!! I tell you, get these ranchers and farmers praying, and that's all it takes! I'm so glad God invented storms - they remind us of the power and majesty that only He provides to us - may we never take them for granted!

Have a wonderful, wet day -

That Gregg Johnson!!

I tell you what, if my son-in-law ever wants to meet you somewhere for lunch, just be prepared for something grand!!

Before he proposed to Erin, he asked Andy and me to meet him for bar-be-que in New Braunfels. We kinda had it figured out, but it was still so sweet the way he had it all planned out.

6 years later, and we're planning another "date" for lunch in Austin, along with his folks, Dana, Erin and Liz. I say to Erin, "I remember the last time we met Gregg...." and laughed. Well...

TaDa! Erin is pregnant! At the restaurant, they put a little bib on Liz that said, "Big Sister Liz" and turned her around for us to see. I sat there, dumbfounded, the rest of the time. What news!! Babies add such joy to lives, where ever they go, and this child will be no different! I am anxious to meet him/her in December when the time comes.

So, here we go. What's next?!?

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.

My, how things change

Today, I went to SA for a dr's appointment, and on the way home, I drove through my hometown. I took the turn at the DQ and drove down the street to the house where I grew up. As I slowed to take the corner, so many things crossed my mind. The corner lot where our house stood was always so large, and so meticulously groomed. The stately cotton wood trees that gave such good shade placed so carefully in their spots to add beauty and comfort to the yard. The crisp white paint job with the green trim, calling me home. But that is not what I saw.

Somehow, the yard shrunk. It is only a portion of it's size, as I remember it. The trees are long gone - only stumps remain. The house itself looks almost like a miniature; it's tan and melon colors make it look like someone else's home, not mine. A tall, ugly privacy fence surrounds the yard like a compound, and the grass is overgrown.

At first, it made me sad - several of the yards of dear neighbors looked about the same, and I was sorry to have gone. And then, I decided that all that matters are my memories. Memories of daddy mowing that grass to perfection, then sitting with his smoke and the water hose to cool down afterward. Checking the Four O'Clock's blooms to see if it was time for daddy to come home. The swing where Cathy and I, among others, sat and told all our teen-age secrets, and waited for friends to drive by. The yard full of cousins and friends during Strawberry Festival weekends. Not knowing where our yard ended and the Carr's began, so seemless they appeared. All memories of growing up happy in a place all our own. Nothing grand or expensive, but paid for and well-loved. Those things will never go away, as long as I remember them and the life that it represented.

So, I don't think I'll be going by that place again anytime soon. It belongs to someone else.

Yes, another blog about the end of school - sorry.

Anyone who thinks the school year should be longer needs to hang out in one the last two weeks....

Today, the second graders toured Elementary and the 4th graders saw PIC (their new campus) earlier in the week. They always see a sibling or cousin or neighbor on the tours, and being a small town, they've most likely been on the campus before, but it is still scary for them. They come back with all sorts of questions and conceptions and fears, and it's nice to see them a little intimidated for once!! It's only one of the "End of school" activities that make them even crazier than they would normally be!!

We have a tradition at the Elementary that the last day of school, we walk down to the local theatre and spend a couple of hours at the movie. The kids are cool, fed, and confined to their chairs during that time, and we always look with anticipation to what the movie will be.

No more. With our staggered dismissal this year, the movie is a thing of the past. It makes me sad, and I've not even gone the past few years !! Usually, I'm back on campus working of folders and such, but it just isn't right. There's so little that's fun about school these days, and we've just long another one....

Oh, well.

When words fail you -

Last night was our last Secret Sisters' gathering of the session. We met at Linda's beautiful new home, and the place was decked out with Hawaiian themed tables, murals, candles, etc. Lots of grass skirts and coconut bras, leis, and bare feet added to the festivities. We even had a couple of hula dancers, thanks to Caleb and Alex!! It was a night full of laughter, hugs, a few tears, and sweet expressions of love. Out of 33 women, only 4 were not in attendance; what a great turn-out!! The best part to me was going to be sitting back and just soaking it all in, or so I thought!

Before we ate, Linda and Darla stepped up and informed me that before everyone learned the identity of their sister and received their last token of affection from her, that I needed to get mine!! Now, I did not take a sister this round, and so I had no idea what she meant. Then, they began to carry out package after package and laying them at my feet - each lady had brought something for me!! Some were whimsical (Jackie!) and some very needed - A nice supply of lovely note cards - some wonderful new things for my home, and some very personal (Susie!). Let's just say the sentiments on the cards meant the world, and many times I just had to touch my heart to express my thanks.

Taking it all home and showing it to Andy was great fun - and rereading those lovely cards again made me realize how very little it takes of our time and energy to show someone we love them. Watching those ladies see the face of their special sister, whether it was someone they already knew or a new person in their life, was
all the gift I needed; but I truly love each and every one I received!!

One just never knows...

Yesterday was a regular day at worship; well, not really... our missionary from New Zealand was here, and he was scheduled to speak. But other than that, it was just another Sunday. Well, no. We'd moved 2nd Sunday birthday lunch to the 3rd Sunday because of Mother's Day, but other than that - no biggie. My back was bothering me, so I didn't do my pew-hopping before services or even read the screen of announcements; I felt pretty blah... then Wes did the greeting, and Bobby got up to read off the prayer requests and last-minute announcements. Half-listening, I heard him say, "And we are happy to announce that on Thursday, **** ***** was baptized for the remission of his sins.!" You could hear people gasp, and I immediately turned to look at Jackie. She was literally shaking in her pew, crying her eyes out, and the auditorium erupted in clapping.

Why the hoopla over one soul? (I know that's a silly remark - there is much hoopla over every single soul!!) This man has attended worship here every week since before Andy and I moved back; 1987 - and had told countless concerned members that he did not need to be baptized. His wife sat steadfastly beside him, and ministers preached directly "at" him all these years, to no avail. Yet, Thursday night, he gave his life to the Lord with only those he loved around him. Why now... who "got" to him after all this time?? He always said his saintly mother had never been baptized, and if she wasn't going to be in Heaven, then he didn't want to be there without her.

However, there is one thing that can change a person's mind when nothing else can. He has cancer, and it's not going well. I heard that he is going to begin a new treatment and no more chemo, and that is what made him take the step.

It doesn't matter why. It doesn't matter when, in the long run. As of Thursday, all those denials became moot, and he realized that he DID need the Lord's salvation. So we all cheered, and clapped, and hugged him. He stood by, stoicly, a sly grin on his face, taking in everyone's well-wishes. God waited patiently until he took the step, and now all is well with his soul. He can face anything now.

Photographs and reality

Today, we had a guest speaker at worship. He has come before; his wife grew up here, and so it was one of those "we've heard him before" kinda days for me. Before class began, they ran some pics of him, his wife, their school, etc., and one particular picture caught my eye. It was a nice, casual picture of the couple in their lovely yard. A flattering shap shot of both, but this is what stuck in me head: "When she looks at this picture, does she see him as he was, or as the middle-aged man he now is?"

Now, I feel Andy is more attractive now than ever; age is agreeing with him, but we still look older. The camera does not lie, and having it flashed big and bold on the ol' screen for all to see took me back a bit. What was she thinking as we all looked at them high above our heads??

I know that right now, I want pictures taken of me with Elizabeth, so that when I am gone, she will know her Nana loved her and wanted to hold her; but for me, the pictures are not flattering. They force me to see me as I am, and I don't like that. The camera does not lie, and I want it to.

3 quick thoughts

Three quick thoughts - in no particular order -


1. YIPPEE - Darla blogged !!!

2. Who would ever have thought the Rockets could force a game 7 on the Lakers?!?! Go, Rockets!!

3. I love my husband now more than ever before.

Apologizing ahead of the fact -

It's May. I'm grumpy and tired, and it shows all over me.... it reflected in Jackie's face in class last night that I grumbled when she spoke to me as I sat down.

Sorry, Jackie - you were just in the line of fire, and that's not right. But then, you are one that I can be me around without pretense or concern that you will not
"get it." For that, I am thankful, even when I don't like it myself. It's really better if I just hang back and not speak to anyone.

I just wish, once, that the end of school was not on a calendar - that one day, when the powers that be decided, the bell would ring, and we could all just go home. All the drama and excitement would be missing, but so would the stress. I don't like stress - it makes me grumpy...

So, if I come across "wrong" the next few days (until June 4 this year!), just give me the benefit of a doubt, and I'll bounce back. I promise!

A great night was had by all - if you're a Trekkie!

My mother's day weekend was rather, shall I say, sickening?! I came down with a nasty bug toward the end of the week, and by the time school was out on Friday, I knew I was in for it. The best thing to do was to just lay very still and sip Sprite. Saturday came and went with Andy working on his lesson for Sunday and me lying and moaning. The sounds emminating from my belly would be great sound effects for the loudest thunder storm ever, and if were not so painful, would have been rather fascinating....

I made it to and through worship, and Andy cooked us a wonderful lunch. Then, some more lying down until evening services. It's afterwards that the fun began!

The new Star Trek was GREAT!!! Several of us went to see it, and I cannot say enough cool stuff about it. The audience in the theatre LOVED the characters (a younger version of the original cast, in case you are not aware.) The actors captured the flavor of the characters perfectly, and the lines were right out of the tv series! To some, I guess, it would have been better to make them in their own interpretation, but it just fit so well that you could really feel they'd pulled out the old guys and done plastic surgery. I sat several times up on the edge of my seat, watching it was so fun.

I promise - the first time "Bones" said, "Dammit, Jim, I'm a doctor!" I thought Andy was going to choke!! And it just went on from there ---

Wanna go with me - I'm ready to see it again!!

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.

Wes and Nicole

People come and go all the time at churches. Some come in, just wanting to know what a place is all about, hang around a little while, and leave, never making an impression one way or another. Some come in, asking "What can you do, provide, give me?" They get what it is they come for, and leave; not adding or giving or providing a thing.

And then, there are people like Wes and Nicole.

They walked in our door a little less than a year ago, and went to work. They just became part of us as easily as if they'd been born to us. Their quiet nature and steadfast involvement made such a good impression, and we grew to love them. And they us, so I hear. It was meant to be a brief relationship, while Nicole did her two year program at school, Wes biding him time. But they didn't just show up and do their obligatory attendance - they came to work.

As time passed, we realized that God had dropped them in our laps, and we'd better show our faith and intelligence. You see, Wes has his degree in ministry - but he never pushed or hinted or begged. He just ministered as the opportunity presented itself. And we grew to love him more. Another congregation was interested in him, which would have probably been more money and less commute for Nicole, but they picked us! And now, he is on our staff - doing a wonderful job, with more excitement being shown in the youth than we've seen in years. It is wonderful to behold.

Thank you, Father, for blessing us with this sweet, Godly couple! I just hope we bless their lives a portion of what they have done for us.

Hopefully, it's going to last a lot longer than Nicole's two year program!!

Hurry up and wait

Andy and I are hoping to book a trip for this summer, but I wanted to wait until I'd seen my surgeon for my yearly check-up just to make sure nothing's going to interfere.

My appointment was in March. March 13th to be exact, and I am STILL waiting to hear the results!! I've called and called, and either the nurse "will return your call" or something else. Those of you who know me know that I don't just keep my phone on all the time, but the last few weeks, I've had it on pretty much until 7:00 daily, giving them time to call.

Today, I called AGAIN.(I know it's not polite to type in these capital letters, but, grrrr!) Anyway, this time, I actually talked to the nurse, and she tells me that my test results are on the dr.'s desk and he hasn't gone over them yet. March, April, now May has come, and I'm really, really hoping there's nothing bad that has been sitting there all this time!!

She tells me today that he will be in the office tomorrow, and she will talk to him and call me. You reckon?!? I tried to be as nice but firm as I could be; but if I don't hear soon, I'm driving up there....

I want to book this trip!!!!

How can it already be May?! The school year just started, Liz was just born... and now, it's May. A month from today, it will be the last week of school!

I have really enjoyed this year - a nice thing to say after the last couple of years. I'm not saying it's been my best, but the changes in my day and the people I've worked with have added a refreshing perspective to getting up and going this year. How nice to look back on the year with a smile on my face!

Yesterday at Primary, the lights went out during my second grade group that is the - shall I say, most active? Since we are an inside room, the only light coming in was from the emergency hall light, so that added to their excitement. I had to remember that they are little children with vivid imaginations, and try to hold them to a relative amount of hysteria! It was only about 15 minutes, and not a monster was to be had, but it made for an interesting morning. They couldn't quite figure out why, if the electricity went off, the clock still worked!

Then, to Elementary, where everyone was recovering from 3 days of TAKS. In my room, games were played with chocolate flowing. Everyone looked about beat - but we got it done. Yes!

Now, it's time for the fun part of the year. The pressure's off, and the count-down has begun. Field Days and fun projects loom ahead, with enough work to keep them settled.

For now, it's rest from the testing and quiet from the hysterics of the darkened room. Have yourself a good weekend -

Now, for the really important topic

Now that TAKS is over for another year, I can move on to the more important topic that needs discussion: the Spurs.

My boys lost in 5 to those pesky Mavs; the only good thing was the Cuban (their owner) kept his mouth shut for once about the lovely city of San Antonio. But his team out shot, out blocked, out ran, and out everything the silver and black, and they now get to move on. I guess, since no one is going to beat the Lakers this year, it's better to go ahead and let Timmy rest his knees and Tony quit scoring 43+ points in losing battles.

The really sad thing is, what will we do now with our evenings? May has always been filled with fellowship focusing on watching the playoffs, and now we have none to watch. It'll help with the eating late at night, but it'll sure be quiet....

So, until next season, "bye, Spurs, bye."

A beautiful sight

There is not much prettier to me than the sight of an American flag waving against the backdrop of a bright blue sky.

Today, while giving the Reading portion of the TAKS test, as I waited for my kids to finish reading their passage, I glanced outside the window of my room, and there it was - an American flag, waving in the yard of the people who live across the street.
Their house is nothing spectacular, just a little white frame house trimmed in green, but in the yard rises a tall flag pole. Today, with the wind blowing like it was, the flag would furl and unfurl itself, droop when the wind died, then raise itself straight out in all its glory, for all to see.

As I watched it, I wondered how many times I've looked at that flag and thought nothing of it; how many people pay no attention to it's being there. But the person who lives within the walls of that house takes the time each day to show their love for the country in which we live. Our nation is blessed in so many ways, and us with it, and the sight today of that flag brought a lump to my throat and a song to my mind:

My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty -
Of thee I sing.

The line "Sweet land of liberty" resounded in my heart like I'd never heard it before; is it because I'm afraid that the land that I love is in danger of being taken or changed before my grandchildren are grown? Could we lose this nation we so love by taking her for granted? We'd best be careful and pray for this land each chance we get.

That's my lesson from TAKS day -

What a weekend

While nothing dramatic happened to me - save the Spurs losing AGAIN -, all around me was activity and drama. I feel like I was in a room, turning slowly in a circle, watching everyone going through their "stuff" from the distance. Some, I'll share with you...

We had a high school senior commit suicide Thursday night. On Friday, I called a friend who was one of his teachers (I didn't know when I called!) to see if she knew who he was... we spent quite a while talking about him, the action he had taken, the aftermath on all around him and so on. She spoke of him in a tender, concerned way, and it reminded me that teachers deal each day with children who are troubled, lonely, and often scary. His death could have been worse - we read about those kind of things all the time, and I am grateful to him for going alone. I have had students in the past that I could see being very dangerous; even in 4th grade, I've had students threaten to kill themselves. And yet, we cannot invest ourselves too much in these particular students, or we would be depressed ourselves. Which leads me to the next event.

Sat. night, Andy and I got to join some friends at a benefit for the Medina Children's Home. I've heard my friends talk about it before, but we'd never gone. At the last minute, a pair of tickets became available, so we went. It was lovely; a nice silent auction, delicious food, a beautiful song by a group of ladies, and testimonies from a couple of children who are residents there. One girl, in particular, spoke to my heart as she talked about her mother. We could have changed places, she and I. Our stories were very similar, except my mother stopped short of locking me out of the house. It ended up being the best thing for this girl, and her future is bright. Her scars are not yet completely healed, but she has learned that there is plenty of love and support outside the blood relationships we have that can get us through. I wanted to talk to her, but I was too emotional.

Then, came Sunday. In Bible class, something very hurtful was said in the class that should have been handled more privately. As I carefully watched the reaction of the person to whom the remark was made, I was impressed by the ability they showed to take the comment with all its brutality and go on without reacting in any way. The person who said it rarely makes comments, but boy, when they do!!!

Next, Erin called to give me an update on their weekend, and told me that her inlaws had a big, big mess going on with their home - a leak 15 years in the making finally showed itself and ruined about 3 rooms of their lovely home. (For the full report, see Erin's blog!)

So, it's been a weekend of seeing people handle life. Sometimes I marvel at how each person takes on the stresses of their life and process what it is and how to deal with it. It seems some can take more than others; their spirit more resilient.
Here's to each one - may today be much easier to handle!!