Gossip in the Lounge ...

I never go into the lounge; for one, my lunch doesn't really coincide with others eating at the same time, and for the other, I just don't gossip.

My roomie comes in yesterday to say that one of our newer teachers is planning a boob-job and the others are filling her in (pardon the pun.). Now, she is lacking what some of us would like to rid ourselves of, she seeks to add. To each his own, but I don't think I'd be talking about it in the lounge. I hope it works for her, if she's determined to have it. If she gets the results she's hoping for, should she have to say anything to us?!?
Have a good weekend -

Memories from birthdays long ago

Today, I am 53 years old. I wish I understood time better; but I don't. I don't think about getting older much, but sometime it forces me to look it square in the eye and deal with it.



Today, I'm remembering being a little girl who LOVED bakery cakes. Not those HEB ones that don't have any flavor and the icing comes from a tub of Cool Whip. I'm thinking of Earl's Bakery cakes, across from the old Rick's side entrance. You could smell the goods baking at about El Castillo, and staring in the display cakes at cookies, donuts, and pies was almost sinful. I don't know when she would order it, but every year, for my birthday, my mom would order MY Earl's cake, and we would drive the whole 8 miles from Poteet to pick it up. I can feel the rich, creamy icing in my mouth today, all these years later. Such a simple thing for a kid to want - a birthday cake, but when mom was on a budget, and we DID have to come all the way from Poteet - it made my day for weeks!
Tonight, there's an Apple pie in the oven with my name on it - one of three choices I gave Andy as to what I wanted. My mouth is watering already!!
Dinner calls - see 'ya!!

Well, it's back to school tomorrow... here's hoping the Spring semester goes by as quickly as the Fall one did. I know I have more kids to screen for dyslexia, and kids being qualified for Special ed, so I'll be busy. My friend starts her last semester tomorrow - after 26 or so years, it's time. Wish I was joining her!!
The Norwood kids are out of Kenya and safe in Tanzania. They should be there about a week, then come home. I've heard the boys were willing to stay, but the girls wanted out. Imagine - a foreign country in a revolt, and wanting to come back home....
Dana left to go back to Houston today. Her life pretty well changed over the past two weeks. I'll not divulge too much, except to say that prayers are answered, even after a long, long time. I'll share more when I can.
I hope that everyone is ready for a good week, and that we all are in for a spell of good health and financial peace. Have a good one -

On Dangerous Soil

I'd ask you to pray today for Rebekah and Matthew Norwood and 4 other A & M college students. They are on a mission trip to Nairobe, Kenya right now, and if you have seen the news, you know they are in a bad place. Last night, we had multiple prayers on their behalf, and several of the elders and our minister went to their home; their parents are on the phone and internet with the other parents, trying to figure out the best course of action. As of lunch, the situation looked better than it did last night, but the decision has been made to bring them home as soon as possible. Just getting them safely to the airport is the challenge.
I've been wondering if I've ever put my life on the line for the Lord. Have I been fearless for my Saviour? Have I sacrificed any of my comfort or security to aid those who need Him?
I honor those in Kenya right now, and hope their homecoming will be quick and safe. I also hope this doesn't quench the fire in them to seek chances to serve those in foreign fields.
I'll keep you posted.

While you were sleeping

Happy New Year, friends and family!
One of my favorite movies is "While You Were Sleeping" and there's a line that fits me today. Jack and his dad are at the table, and the dad says something like, "You work hard and do you best, and then - one day- it all comes together and everyone is happy is safe."
That's me today. Somewhere in the past few months, things began to fall into place, and today - the first day of a new year, I feel that way. Erin and Gregg are starting to look at buying their first home, and Dana is in the beginning of a new relationship with a man we feel fits her like no one has before. Our lives are peaceful and, thankfully, healthy. We have been blessed this past year in so many, many ways, and it's almost scary to think about how good this all feels.
I hope your 2008 treats you as well!

Thanks, God.

Today, I am once again reminded how glad I am that God knows so much better than I what is good for me.
My mom did not like little girls. She liked boys. She did like all the trappings of having a daughter and did not feel it necessary to teach me many of the things mothers are "supposed" to teacher their daughters to prepare them for life.
She liked to sew for me, and buy me dolls, but the parts of my life that needed a "woman's touch" were largely left undone. I resented that and held it against her for years, and in my early married life, prayed that God would give me sons; surely I would not know what to do with a girl after hearing all my life how below we were to boys.
All the time I was pregnant with Dana, I prayed for a boy. I was truly scared that I would ruin a girl, and that she would grow to feel toward me the same way I felt toward my own mother. Then, Dana was here. Now what?!?
I decided to model my mothering based on my peers and the other older women at church that I felt had good relationships with their daughters. We did fine, and then I was pregnant again. Surely now, a boy, but I was less scared, with 2 whole years of experience behind me. Enter Erin.

Almost 28 years later, today I know that history does not have to repeat itself. I have two amazing young women who make my heart burst with laughter and joy. They proved my lack of confidence wrong, that I COULD raise them to be wonderful, God-loving women with quick wits and the ability to be independent when they need to be. There sits before me proof that God took my insecurities and used His power to show me that I had what it would take. I'm glad it was one day at a time, or surely I would have given up, but in the end, it is all together wonderful.
I'm sure glad God didn't answer those prayers.

My sweetest gift, so far....

I hope everyone is feeling peaceful and happy the day after Christmas; I am home alone - Dana will be in after a while, Andy works today and tomorrow; and the Johnsons arrive Friday for the LaMore round of festivities.
We had a lovely, quiet day. Talked to Mom and Dad, ate blueberry muffins for breakfast, opened gifts, watched the latest installment of Looney Tunes, and then went to the Huttons for dinner. Delicious Cornish Game Hens - my first ever. They really wanted to build the anticipation, because they took twice the normal time to cook. A feast with friends; what more could one ask?! Thanks, R & J !
Monday, I received the sweetest gift I've gotten in a while. We'd been out and came home to wrap gifts, a call came in with a number I did not recognize. I usually don't answer, but it was Christmas Eve, so I did. This little voice asks for me, and identified herself as my little Amiga from last school year! She'd come across my number while looking at her "favorite" books, and wanted to wish me a Merry Christmas! I put "favorite" in quotes because she's one of my most severely dyslexic students ever, and to have favorite books makes me crazy!! Anyway, she clued me in on all her latest happenings - they're spending the holidays visiting all the family bars; she loves to sing with the Karaoke machines! She is writing country songs for when she becomes famous, and she got a straightener for her lovely, curly blond hair. Her little girl voice filled my heart so full joy that it was all I could do to respond. She's one of those I would bring home with me and raise, if I thought I could. I hope she calls for years to come!!
Relax, enjoy your left-over pies, and watch a good movie.
Amy

After the Fact

When Andy and I picked out the lot on which our home sits today, there was nothing but dirt and a few weeds. I wanted it because it was directly behind our friends' home, and I'd have ready access to visiting with her. No other houses were on the street.

When it came time to "Landscape" we knew we wanted nice, tall trees that would have Fall color. We bought Red Oak, Chinese Pistache, Chinese Tallow, and Burr Oak. And waited.
And waited. Slowly they grew, and with each year, we had a little more color. Our goals were coming to be!

This year, both our front and back lawns are resplendent in reds, oranges, yellows, and earthy browns. No live oak leaves falls in my yard - lovely as they are - but nice, big , bright leaves that crown the trees like a halo and then fall to gather like a rug on the ground . It is just what I envisioned all those years ago.

Nice when things turn out the way you wanted them to.

Time for a break

In two days, the Christmas break begins.

I'm ready.

Teachers are SOOOO spoiled....

Deal with it! :p

Making peace with the Devil

I teach children with dyslexia. At first, I didn't like it - in fact, I really hated the curriculum. Now, though, since I've seen it work it's "magic" with some kids, I've decided it's a good place for me to be right now. I"m the only one on my campus that teaches it, so I'm kinda alone in it, but that has it's good parts, too.

When you can't read, books (and any written word) are demonds to be conquered. By the time you're in 3rd or 4th grade, books have tortured and humiliated you enough for a life-time, and there are years yet to face them. That's why I am adamant about reading books to my classes at the beginning of each session. I find books that are low level enough for them to be able to approach them, and that have colorful illustrations and interesting pictures to draw their interest from those WORDS. As we read together, I let them feel the pages, and take time to
really take in the picture, we discuss each and every one as we go, and after a few, the books have become not quite so much a big evil monster.
Especially here at Christmas, the kids who are so grown up as to not believe in Santa anymore come around and sit with big wide eyes and wanting to take one more look or touch one more embossed illustration.
I hope one day, they will remember that Mrs. LaMore took time to go over these with them - and smile.

FYI - tomorrow's book is a picture book - not a word to be found; and it's one of my favorite!!

Name That Tune (Hymn)

I work with this woman who is very private and quiet. She doesn't often approach me, and when she does, it's usually school related. So, one day this week at lunch duty, she comes us and tells me this story: It seems she has a hymn stuck in her head, but she can't remember this certain part of a line. She begins to hum it to me, and it's one I'm familiar with, so I begin to hum it to myself, along with her. I'm sure we looked adorable, standing in the cafeteria with our heads together, humming.

Well, the kids come in, and we separate, and I forget all about it. 20 or 30 minutes later, she slides up beside me and without
saying a word, begins to sing the song again. It took me a moment to remember just what she was doing, and then I took off again. Now, we've sung every verse EXCEPT the one she can't remember. (By the way, did you know that the Baptists have different lyrics than we do? Another topic to debate, I'm sure.) Anyway, we have to part ways again, and so I'm stuck now, with this song wafting through my mind.

Finally, about 2:30, she comes up to me, and sings in a nice, soft voice, the entire verse with which we'd been struggling all day. Success at last! Now, to move on to other important tasks of the day.

The song: I can't remember!

When will it return?

I'm quite frustrated right now. It's been almost 2 months since my thyroid surgery, and my voice is still weak. I know that it will "take time", but two months of not being able to sing like I used to is getting very old. Not that I have the greatest of voices, but I do think I could hold my own and use what I had to glorify God. Now, I sit and listen with my eyes closed and praise Him in my heart.

Do you know that you can hear specific people if you listen in their direction? Randy Beard has an amazing bass voice, Alice Lester actually sings TENOR, Jackie Hutton goes to town with her voice, and Meaghan Eisenhauer sings like an angel. So, while I am lacking in ability right now, I find others taking up the slack for me, and it'll have to do for now.

I hope it won't be too much longer until I'm able to do my part again!!

Have a great weekend -

Still here!

No real news today - just wanted to check in and let everyone know I am still standing. I"ve gotten encouraging words from friends and family and reminders of what life is all about.
I'm a good teacher and a good person to work with. They are lucky to have me, and I intend to do my best to point some of that out when appropriate. I will not be bullied.

My love is hungry and on a time schedule; me - I'm finishing Christmas cards tonight!

13 school days to go.

Many people would title this blog with profanity!

Well, I guess I caught your attention with that title, now didn't I?!? The other one I considered for today's post was, "I'm the queen of Non-confrontation!" Take your pick.
I will do ANYTHING to stay out of trouble. I've swallowed lots of feelings and thoughts throughout the years to avoid trouble and fights. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.
Yesterday, I made my boss furious with me. I made a decision based on what I thought was best, and to say the least, she REALLY disagreed with it. I was called in and, while she didn't for once curse, there is no doubt in my mind that she really wanted to. In about 20 minutes time, she let me know exactly what she thought of me and threatened me with being written up - I assured her that will not be necessary. When asked about someone else who was also in my predicament, I told her that she was scared of being in trouble, and she looked me dead in the eyes and said, "And maybe you should have been, too." Should an employee be AFRAID of a boss? I feel a little old to be playing these games right now, myself.

Andy took me out to eat ribs at Chili's - he knows how meat calms my soul. Leaving the restaurant, full and greasy, I met one of the dearest little boys I've ever taught coming in for their dinner. He ran and hugged me, and his mother said very kind things about me. Suddenly, the afternoon felt far away and insignificant - I'm good at what I do, and I make children happy. Isn't that what teaching is all about?

Pray that I can let go of this.

Nature vs. Nurture

Which is it - the genetics and pre-dispositions put into us before we are born, or the very house and parents that determine our lives; our personalities, success, happiness? I used to really believe it was nature; be sure to check the horse's teeth before you buy it and all that stuff. There was a boy in my hometown I really liked and wanted to date, but mom squelched that before it ever got a chance because he came from "bad seed."
I had an email from my sister today, which I read over and over again. Our lives, while having grown up in the same house with the same parents, could not be farther apart. It is like reading something from someone I don't even know - how did her life get where it is? Maybe my life was intended to go in that direction also, but God blessed me with Andrew and His church, and I am the one who changed. Whatever it is, I am eternally greatful.
Each day, as my students come and go from my room, I think about their lives, and where they will end up. Some truly were born with disabilities, and some were just born in a home that did not know how to foster them to their highest potential. Where one stops and the other starts is a mystery. I guess the answer is to make the most of what life offers us.

Back at Home

Well, after a few days away, we are home. Houston was cool and cloudy - Andy's favorite weather for Thanksgiving. Dana was our Hostess; Erin and Gregg provided a delicious brunch for us Thursday morning. We had a wonderful time, and got home in time to see the Ags beat the s not out of UT !!
On Thursday, we ate dinner at my sister-in-law's home. All the nieces and nephews were there, and everyone but my other sister-in-law was there. As I sat around the table and watched my grown-up neices and nephews all around me, I was struck by what a blessed family the LaMore's are. All the kids are well-mannered, and healthy and intelligent. We are the only members of the clan who live away, so our visits are sporadic at best, but I feel close to them none the less. I hope they all think kindly of their Aunt Amy.
Well, I hope you had a good Thanksgiving as well; it's so important to sit back and relax before the great activity of the holidays come full-swing.

Frustration, thy name is computer !!

Grr, Grr, Grr. I've written, and for some reason, it's not posting. Not Pulitzer Prize stuff, mind you, but still... hopefully, this one will go through.
Yesterday was the "anniversary" of my father's death. 17 years. How could it have already been that long without him? I didn't at the time, but as days and years go by, with major life events coming and going, I feel cheated. When he died, I was relieved, because he was so badly injured and I didn't want him existing in his body without his quick wit and loving spirit around us, but now I know - he should have hung around a lot longer for us all.
I'm a lot more like my dad than my mom. In good ways and in bad, I am his daughter. He made me feel safe and while he was not a gushy kind of dad, I knew he loved me a lot. We did things -- just the two of us, and I miss that.
If I could talk to him today, I'd tell him how much I look forward to being reunited with him for eternity. He loved the whole idea of "church" and what it brought to our lives, and he was quite the song leader. Tempo meant nothing to him except sing it loud and sing it fast. I hear him in my head as I type these words. "Kneel at the Cross"....
Someday, I'll be a grandma, and I hope to Heaven that I'm as cool a grandma as Daddy was a grandpa. Cardboard boxes to play in and wagons to ride in. Swings to push high in the air! And lots and lots of whistling!

Happy Birthday, Margaret

Today is my mother's birthday. She would be 80. Wow. It's hard to realize that 6 years have passed since she died, very suddenly one Sat. morning. I was impatient with her the night before; she was fussing about our plans for the next day, and I was trying to cook dinner - I needed her to get OFF THE PHONE! My last words: "I'll talk to you tomorrow when we get home, mom. Good-bye." I don't feel guilty about that; we had lots of conversations like that, so what was one more. I truly don't feel guilty about anything in regards to my life with her; I just wish...
but wishes don't come true, and you can't change the past. You don't get too many second choices to undo the seemingly harmless things that come back to bite you in the rear. I was a good daughter, and I lay my head down at night knowing that, but I wish...
I hope that Joe Beam is right, that in the hereafter she is looking "down" on my life and knows how I feel about the whole "relationship" thing. I've made peace with a lot of junk and have grown amazingly stronger because of how she raised me.
I hope that when people hear me talk about my mom, that I honor her and leave the other stuff for me and me alone. She gave me all she had and then some, and for that alone I love her.
In case you didn't know her, she was artistic, beautiful, crafty, diligent, extravagant, faithful, generous, hospitable, inquisitive, jovial, kind, loving, menacing, neurotic, open, petulant, quizical, rebellious, smart, talkative, understanding (sometimes!), verbal, will-full, x-troverted, and zealous.
Happy birthday, Mom.

Dave Ramsey, I wish I'd never met you!!

I've written before about how Andy and I are disciples of Dave. We are grateful for how we've been able to "see a better way" and get ourselves into better financial situations. Andy is happier than he has been in years, and it is nice to see a brighter future.

BUT I WANT TO BUY STUFF!!! Right now, I'm having a really, really hard time holding back on some major purchases, like new furniture, and doing some stuff around the house that needs it big-time. But, Oh No, not when you live according to Dave and haven't got it all saved up!! GRRRR !

We had a budget meeting Sat., and things are moving along where we need them too. My surgeries have set us back some, but we are still way ahead of where we started. Last night, I broke a tooth. Yep. Saturday morning, my dentist wasn't in the running of where I wanted to spend money; now, he's WAY at the top. Good news is, it isn't hurting, so I have time. Wait, that's what put me in this mess to begin with!

I shouldn't be complaining, but I really could go with a nice afternoon of swiping plastic and not thinking about the bill. Therapy - escapism - living in a dream world. Yep. Big time.

A long, long week....

Few weeks wreck havoc in the lives of teachers as does Red Ribbon Week. It usually falls right about the time of grades due and Halloween, which makes for a "testy" mood among the adults, at least. But, we plod onward, and try to enjoy the festivites of the week amid a school year where not a lot of fun stuff happens.
This year, our "theme" for RRW was High School Musical. We played snipets over the intercom, we played the sound track during lunch, and our Rally was based on the theme, "We're all in This Together."(one of the "hit" songs, if you are not familiar with the show." It was fun to watch the kids who either LOVE it or HATE it - "Miss, that song AGAIN!", and I feel that for the most part, our committee (of which I was NOT a part) hit it on the head this year. Participation was great, although my SPURS earrings broke on the day we wore sports stuff- and the week ended with success with team building tug-o-wars. If it was just that easy to stick the message that RRW teaches - stay with buddies and away from drugs - then we wouldn't have another thing to worry about. However -

on the way to the playground the first day, a little girl, skipping with glee, came up and said, "Mrs. LaMore, why are we celebrating High School Musical this week?!?" Somedays, the message just doesn't translate the way we imagined!