ever try to keep 6 to 9 year olds on task when the storm of the century is coming to Pleasanton? It is beyond even the most capable teacher's abilities. When is it coming? Will my house blow down? Could I drown? What will happen to our school, and so on and so on.
Sad thing is, those same questions are running through my mind!
You can almost FEEL him outside already; the sky looks stormy, the trees sway in that ominous way, and people are in a rush, even in our little town. I have things to do to prepare for the arrival, and know that everyone here is also going to be at the store. Football games have been moved, and we dismiss early tomorrow.
All this worry and preparation for something that may not even happen!! Gregg and Erin had to cancel their trip home thanks to this storm, so it better be a doozy!!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
so much for cuddling!
Lots of times, I go to bed and fall asleep before Andy turns in. I don't like it, but I need more sleep than he does, and I honestly think he likes the solitude after I am asleep. However, on Monday night, he announced as he left for visitation that Tuesday night, we would turn in early and cuddle. (I never said he was spontaneous!) Anyway, last night, we were watching Frazier on cd, laughing our heads off, and the episode ends. He grabs the remote, puts up the cd, and shuts down the living room. We are going to cuddle! I go in, get ready for bed, and - you guessed it - fell dead asleep. The last thing I remember is him turning on the shower.
I felt SO bad this morning - the man was being just what I wanted him to be, and I botched it up. So, during breakfast, I apologize. "For what?" he asks. For not being awake to cuddle, I reply. He grins and says, "We cuddled for 30 minutes! You snored, and I cuddled."
32 years of marriage. I'm so glad he still loves me!!
I felt SO bad this morning - the man was being just what I wanted him to be, and I botched it up. So, during breakfast, I apologize. "For what?" he asks. For not being awake to cuddle, I reply. He grins and says, "We cuddled for 30 minutes! You snored, and I cuddled."
32 years of marriage. I'm so glad he still loves me!!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Yet another storm
Ike. Another hurricane aiming at spoiling my plans... Erin and Gregg and Roarke are planning to come over for the weekend; Erin's last one out before Liz arrives. Now, we watch the spaghetti models to see what Ike has in store. Erin tells me they're still planning to come, and so Ike just better behave himself!! A pregnant woman has her mind made up and it will take more than a category hurricane to stop her!!
When I was little, my grandparents lived in Alice, Texas. During the 60s, there were several devastating hurricanes; Carla, Camille, and more who came in at Corpus. My grandparents' home was made of very thick concrete, and sat right on Hwy. 281 heading north. My grandparents would put a sign on the road, offering safe harbor to ride out the fury. Strangers by the carfull would find food and pallets laid side by side in the huge "front room." They stayed as long as was necessary, and were given what they needed.
It set a powerful example for me to see. Real-life Good Samaritans at work.
When I was little, my grandparents lived in Alice, Texas. During the 60s, there were several devastating hurricanes; Carla, Camille, and more who came in at Corpus. My grandparents' home was made of very thick concrete, and sat right on Hwy. 281 heading north. My grandparents would put a sign on the road, offering safe harbor to ride out the fury. Strangers by the carfull would find food and pallets laid side by side in the huge "front room." They stayed as long as was necessary, and were given what they needed.
It set a powerful example for me to see. Real-life Good Samaritans at work.
Friday, September 05, 2008
A realization in HEB
Yesterday, I faced HEB. I'd put it off as long as I could, even sending Dana last weekend, but now the time had come. No yogurt, milk, butter, eggs - well, you see why.
I don't shop with a list; I go down the same aisles in the same order, and the stuff I use hops in as I pass. Not really, I wouldn't dread it as much that way. But, anyway, as I scanned the rows and rows of items, it dawned on me that I was looking for cold-weather foods; chili, Taco soup, stew. Jambalya crossed my palate as I neared the sausage. That's it! My taste buds are tired of the same, hot-weather foods we've been eating since March! It's time for the good stuff, that warms you down to your toes.
Lucky for me, when Liz comes, and I go to stay a while, I can have all that good stuff ready for Gregg when he comes home after work. Assuming the Houston area knows it's winter by then!!
MMMMmmmm - can't wait!!
I don't shop with a list; I go down the same aisles in the same order, and the stuff I use hops in as I pass. Not really, I wouldn't dread it as much that way. But, anyway, as I scanned the rows and rows of items, it dawned on me that I was looking for cold-weather foods; chili, Taco soup, stew. Jambalya crossed my palate as I neared the sausage. That's it! My taste buds are tired of the same, hot-weather foods we've been eating since March! It's time for the good stuff, that warms you down to your toes.
Lucky for me, when Liz comes, and I go to stay a while, I can have all that good stuff ready for Gregg when he comes home after work. Assuming the Houston area knows it's winter by then!!
MMMMmmmm - can't wait!!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
And, they're off !!
My morning started watching a scene unfold that happens all too often these days in Elementary schools.
The teacher I share a room with is the Resource/Behavior teacher. She wears a radio so they can call her to come running when a child has a "crisis." Today, it was a 1st grader I'll call "John". He'd already been brought to the room for a "time out" and left seemingly under control. Things are not always as they seem.
About 9:15, I went out to pick up my first group of 2nd graders, and heard footsteps running toward me. It was John, and he was running. I stood there, because these days, you don't go after a kid unless you are specifically trained on the physicality of the moment. As I stood there, the teacher I am with and the principal chased John round and round for several minutes. He was an adrenalin filled 8 year old and they were grown women in work shoes. He clearly had the advantage and new his path well. After watching several laps and near-misses, John found himself cornered, and collapsed into a heap at the feet of the teacher. She and the principal put him in "transport" mode and took him to seclusion, where they called his mother. She came up, said all the right things, and went home. My co-worker says it will last for about a week, and then, they'll do it again.
There used to be one child like John in a district. Then, one per campus... later, one per grade level. Now, it's almost one "runner" in each class.
Please. Finger print me. Put my scores in the newspaper. Take away my laminating budget for the year. Give me a child or two like John.
Teachers don't ask for much. We just would like to teach and be left alone.
The teacher I share a room with is the Resource/Behavior teacher. She wears a radio so they can call her to come running when a child has a "crisis." Today, it was a 1st grader I'll call "John". He'd already been brought to the room for a "time out" and left seemingly under control. Things are not always as they seem.
About 9:15, I went out to pick up my first group of 2nd graders, and heard footsteps running toward me. It was John, and he was running. I stood there, because these days, you don't go after a kid unless you are specifically trained on the physicality of the moment. As I stood there, the teacher I am with and the principal chased John round and round for several minutes. He was an adrenalin filled 8 year old and they were grown women in work shoes. He clearly had the advantage and new his path well. After watching several laps and near-misses, John found himself cornered, and collapsed into a heap at the feet of the teacher. She and the principal put him in "transport" mode and took him to seclusion, where they called his mother. She came up, said all the right things, and went home. My co-worker says it will last for about a week, and then, they'll do it again.
There used to be one child like John in a district. Then, one per campus... later, one per grade level. Now, it's almost one "runner" in each class.
Please. Finger print me. Put my scores in the newspaper. Take away my laminating budget for the year. Give me a child or two like John.
Teachers don't ask for much. We just would like to teach and be left alone.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
There, but by the Grace of God, go I....
This weekend, with all the news of Sarah Palin and her pregnant daughter and other thought-provoking things, I have been thinking about my life. I have two daughters, and by grace, as well as good choices on their part, we were not faced with the situation she finds herself in. It does not always matter how hard we try to raise them, sometimes things just don't go the way we plan. I know that anyone can find themselves in settings or circumstances where things go tragically wrong, and life is changed. We have several friends whose kids made poor choices, either with sex or drugs or stupid driving or a multitude of things, and the outcomes were tragic. When we forget how close we ourselves come to the fire on occasion, we set ourselves up for heartbreak or disapointment. Then, God steps in, and spares us from ourselves. I've learned many lesson from hindsight, and I hope that life continues to work itself out as it has in my life and in the lives of my husband and children. I also hope I am spared from looking down my nose at those who find themselves needing God's grace.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A tiny, tiny world
Last night, we had our last speaker of the Summer Series. He talked a lot about the Church; how tied together we are all over the world. It's one thing my mom always told me, "go into any town, and if you find the Church, you'll have family." I love seeing "The Church of Christ welcomes you" signs as you pull into a town; it gives you a commonality right away.
Anyway, last night, he talked about how, usually, if you meet someone in the church and talk with them very long, you find that you have a person in common... kind of a "6 degrees of seperation" on a Heavenly basis. One person we knew in Katy, Mac Brockman, new EVERYONE. Looking back at him, he was a kind of Gregg - friendly, outgoing, welcoming. Never knew a stranger, and with the capacity to make you feel so important in no time.
I'm so grateful to have so many connections to the church - just think of all the folks we'll know in Heaven!!
Anyway, last night, he talked about how, usually, if you meet someone in the church and talk with them very long, you find that you have a person in common... kind of a "6 degrees of seperation" on a Heavenly basis. One person we knew in Katy, Mac Brockman, new EVERYONE. Looking back at him, he was a kind of Gregg - friendly, outgoing, welcoming. Never knew a stranger, and with the capacity to make you feel so important in no time.
I'm so grateful to have so many connections to the church - just think of all the folks we'll know in Heaven!!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Now, we begin
After all the hoopla, the first day of school has come and gone... all the work, meetings, papers to fill out, schedules to figure. Done. The kids are all here with their new supplies (which will be gone in a week/two!), fresh haircuts, and new shoes. Their backpacks weigh as much as they do, and the look of anticipation is on their faces.
For the first time in two decades, I was not on campus when the first kids arrived. I was working at the Annex, my new "home" and felt strangely out of place. No one to guide to their new teacher, no parents bustling to work with the kids safely in place. My job has changed, and it feels odd. I float from campus to campus not really belonging to either -
I just hope my paycheck finds me today!!
For the first time in two decades, I was not on campus when the first kids arrived. I was working at the Annex, my new "home" and felt strangely out of place. No one to guide to their new teacher, no parents bustling to work with the kids safely in place. My job has changed, and it feels odd. I float from campus to campus not really belonging to either -
I just hope my paycheck finds me today!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
My roomie - Patti
Teachers by nature are territorial; our rooms are our havens - our desks, our private sanctums. We can close the doors and rule the world from our own little area. It just comes with the job.
For 4 years now, I've shared my room with Patti. I was apprehensive, to say the least, just because - well, it's sharing. But I have to say, as we start this new year, it's been one of the things that have kept me laughing and sane when I thought nothing could.
Patti is one of the few remaining teachers that have been here longer than me. We happen to worship together, but never really became "close". I don't know that either of us would call each other "best friend", but I know I rely on her a lot. She has a good perspective on what's important to making kids successful and feeling good about themselves without all the doting and games a lot of teachers play these days. And she's a true warrior for the kids' she teaches. She's tough, but kind. She also has the talent to make adults chill out when things get goofy, and I appreciate that. She sees beyond "the test."
There are good things that I do for her as well. We make a good team. We both feel a little odd about this new schedule of mine, but we'll get through it together.
We confide in each other about family and work, and I value her opinion about things. I hope she does mine.
So, Patti, here's to another year. I'll stay if you will!!
For 4 years now, I've shared my room with Patti. I was apprehensive, to say the least, just because - well, it's sharing. But I have to say, as we start this new year, it's been one of the things that have kept me laughing and sane when I thought nothing could.
Patti is one of the few remaining teachers that have been here longer than me. We happen to worship together, but never really became "close". I don't know that either of us would call each other "best friend", but I know I rely on her a lot. She has a good perspective on what's important to making kids successful and feeling good about themselves without all the doting and games a lot of teachers play these days. And she's a true warrior for the kids' she teaches. She's tough, but kind. She also has the talent to make adults chill out when things get goofy, and I appreciate that. She sees beyond "the test."
There are good things that I do for her as well. We make a good team. We both feel a little odd about this new schedule of mine, but we'll get through it together.
We confide in each other about family and work, and I value her opinion about things. I hope she does mine.
So, Patti, here's to another year. I'll stay if you will!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
From Monday
Every year, our Superintendent gets us a motivational speaker. Last year's was amazing, and I was apprehensive about topping him this year. Well, our speaker was very talented, and kept us entertained not only with her topic, but also with her singing. She is the younger sister to Larry Gatlin, and shares his vocal talent. Along with her inspirational tidbits, she shared the following. I'll let you take what you will from it....
(Based on the musical scales)
DO - Do the right thing. Always
RE - Realize your potential by helping others reach theirs
MI - Mind your manners - manners count
FA - Fears can be turned around
SO - Solutions begin with me
LA - laugh !
TI - Time is valuable
DO - do it all again!
(Based on the musical scales)
DO - Do the right thing. Always
RE - Realize your potential by helping others reach theirs
MI - Mind your manners - manners count
FA - Fears can be turned around
SO - Solutions begin with me
LA - laugh !
TI - Time is valuable
DO - do it all again!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Off with a bang!
Well, the school year has begun, and I'll have to say, it's quite different. Monday's breakfast was the beginning - for the first time since 1981, I did not sit with the Elementary Campus for the meeting. Instead, I sat with my new co-workers. There are 3 dyslexia teachers and our supervisor, so we are an intimate little group.
For the beginning of the day, I will work with 1st and 2nd graders. Dana tells me I will love them, but right now, I feel anxious. I'm not quite the same temperment as Primary teachers, and I fear I will scare the little guys. I do mean guys, too. Our of a dozen, one is a girl. Moving on...
After I finish there, I will journey back to the Elementary and have my conference and lunch. Following that, it'll be 4 back - to - back classes. Now, I teach the same curriculum to them all, so by the 6th session of the day, I may be on rote recall. Hopefully, the day will go fast, and we will do just fine. I do have one group that is ahead of the others, so that will give me a bit of a break. I hope.
So, these early days of the 08-09 year are a little confusing and this old dog is learning to adjust to the new tricks given me, but I think I will end up liking it. I'll miss having a "home campus" but I like what I don't have - duty, meetings, etc - more.
And the best part - I have 2 1/2 years to go!
For the beginning of the day, I will work with 1st and 2nd graders. Dana tells me I will love them, but right now, I feel anxious. I'm not quite the same temperment as Primary teachers, and I fear I will scare the little guys. I do mean guys, too. Our of a dozen, one is a girl. Moving on...
After I finish there, I will journey back to the Elementary and have my conference and lunch. Following that, it'll be 4 back - to - back classes. Now, I teach the same curriculum to them all, so by the 6th session of the day, I may be on rote recall. Hopefully, the day will go fast, and we will do just fine. I do have one group that is ahead of the others, so that will give me a bit of a break. I hope.
So, these early days of the 08-09 year are a little confusing and this old dog is learning to adjust to the new tricks given me, but I think I will end up liking it. I'll miss having a "home campus" but I like what I don't have - duty, meetings, etc - more.
And the best part - I have 2 1/2 years to go!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Silver vs. Gold
Last night, we stopped our Care Group discussion to watch Michael Phelps swim for Gold #7. It wasn't a deep, religious discussion or anything, but everyone was watching to clock so we wouldn't miss the race.
When he squeaked by his next competitor, winning by .01 seconds, we all yelled and slumped back into our seats. Then, we heard that the team for the silver medal was posting a protest saying he'd won over Michael. (Silly people!) Anyway, even as the protest was going on, they had the medal ceremony.
As I watched the ceremony, something odd stuck me; usually, if an athlete thinks they have been "cheated" out of gold, they are more that dour on the podium while receiving a silver medal. Not this man - his pride and excitement over winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games shone brightly on his face, and he was truly happy. Would he have been happier with Gold? More than likely. But he had just come within .01 of being the greatest Olympian ever. That's a lot to smile about in any game.
To me, that was the face of the Olympics I'll think of when it's all over. Giving it your very best, and knowing you have been among others just as talented or better. Being at peace with what you've done. And loving it.
When he squeaked by his next competitor, winning by .01 seconds, we all yelled and slumped back into our seats. Then, we heard that the team for the silver medal was posting a protest saying he'd won over Michael. (Silly people!) Anyway, even as the protest was going on, they had the medal ceremony.
As I watched the ceremony, something odd stuck me; usually, if an athlete thinks they have been "cheated" out of gold, they are more that dour on the podium while receiving a silver medal. Not this man - his pride and excitement over winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games shone brightly on his face, and he was truly happy. Would he have been happier with Gold? More than likely. But he had just come within .01 of being the greatest Olympian ever. That's a lot to smile about in any game.
To me, that was the face of the Olympics I'll think of when it's all over. Giving it your very best, and knowing you have been among others just as talented or better. Being at peace with what you've done. And loving it.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Where to start...
The weekend in Dallas was wonderful, if for no other reason, I was reminded how much my son-in-law is loved. That translates into Erin being greatly loved as well, and that makes every mother happy. You hear horror stories about girls marrying into families that resent or dislike them, but I can honestly say, those people in Dallas love Erin. But I'll get back to that later...
On Saturday evening, we ate at III Forks Restaurant. There were 11 of us, and we were in a room to ourselves for the majority of the meal. Our waiter was a pro; his life's work was to serve people and help them to enjoy their evening out. Our one fault was that we were all tee-totalers, and so his "sales" suffered because of that, but I think he enjoyed us as much as we did him. If not, he's up for an Oscar for his acting.
This place was, for me, out of a movie in and of itself. The walls were covered with autographed celebrities who have eaten there, and that was fun to look at while we waited for our table. Then, came the food. Amazing; the best salad I have ever put in my mouth, and the corn was the next best. Corn. But not just corn. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. The beef tenderloin was good, but I'll stick with Saltgrass on that....
For desert, the best strawberry shortcake I've ever had.
Erin's shower the next day was something else. I think my gift to Gregg of a baby SPURS suit was the highlight of the day, but perhaps not... all the Dallas folks thought it was pretty funny!! Anyway, they were truly "showered" with everything you can imagine, the car barely had room for them to go back to Houston, but they made it just fine. All the men were there in the Johnson/LaMore family, so that was fun as well. It was amazing to see the turnout and the true affection the ladies feel for Gregg and his parents. Liz is a truly blessed little girl.
And to think, we get to do it again in Houston in a month!!
On Saturday evening, we ate at III Forks Restaurant. There were 11 of us, and we were in a room to ourselves for the majority of the meal. Our waiter was a pro; his life's work was to serve people and help them to enjoy their evening out. Our one fault was that we were all tee-totalers, and so his "sales" suffered because of that, but I think he enjoyed us as much as we did him. If not, he's up for an Oscar for his acting.
This place was, for me, out of a movie in and of itself. The walls were covered with autographed celebrities who have eaten there, and that was fun to look at while we waited for our table. Then, came the food. Amazing; the best salad I have ever put in my mouth, and the corn was the next best. Corn. But not just corn. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. The beef tenderloin was good, but I'll stick with Saltgrass on that....
For desert, the best strawberry shortcake I've ever had.
Erin's shower the next day was something else. I think my gift to Gregg of a baby SPURS suit was the highlight of the day, but perhaps not... all the Dallas folks thought it was pretty funny!! Anyway, they were truly "showered" with everything you can imagine, the car barely had room for them to go back to Houston, but they made it just fine. All the men were there in the Johnson/LaMore family, so that was fun as well. It was amazing to see the turnout and the true affection the ladies feel for Gregg and his parents. Liz is a truly blessed little girl.
And to think, we get to do it again in Houston in a month!!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Greetings from Big D !
Well, we made it to Dallas and Gregg's family home for the upcoming shower tomorrow. Can't wait for Gregg to open "his" gift; I looked high and low for it.
We are going to Restaurant Week tonight, that will be a blog in and of itself; I hope I can relax and enjoy...
Better go visit!
We are going to Restaurant Week tonight, that will be a blog in and of itself; I hope I can relax and enjoy...
Better go visit!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
10 Things I hope for Liz
Here, in no particular order, are 10 things I hope for Elizabeth Marin' Johnson:
1. That she will see faces and animals in clouds and dirt, and all sorts of interesting places.
2. That music surrounds her.
3. That she lives in a community that shows her a diversity of humanity.
4. That God is part of everything that surrounds her.
5. I hope her mom lets her make messes. (Erin's mom didn't, and I regret that.)
6. That books and puzzles and games stimulate her mind.
7. That Roarke lives to be an old, old dog.
8. I hope that God blesses her with lots of brothers, sisters, and cousins to play with.
9. I pray that she will see everyday how much her mommy and daddy love each other.
10. I hope she has curly hair.
1. That she will see faces and animals in clouds and dirt, and all sorts of interesting places.
2. That music surrounds her.
3. That she lives in a community that shows her a diversity of humanity.
4. That God is part of everything that surrounds her.
5. I hope her mom lets her make messes. (Erin's mom didn't, and I regret that.)
6. That books and puzzles and games stimulate her mind.
7. That Roarke lives to be an old, old dog.
8. I hope that God blesses her with lots of brothers, sisters, and cousins to play with.
9. I pray that she will see everyday how much her mommy and daddy love each other.
10. I hope she has curly hair.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Nothing in particular
Not much to talk about today. We had a busy weekend, with another coming up, and then it will be the end. The last week of summer vacation for this old girl. It's been both eventful and mundane; not at all what I planned, yet restful and given to lots of introspection.
Last night was our usual gathering at DQ after evening services. We pretty much packed the joint and had to re-arrange the furniture for us all to fit in our little clumps, but it was fun. One thing I love about my life is that, everywhere I look, I see love. I am surrounded by friends and family, and even when I am just sitting in a pew after the last "amen" I can look around and watch love in action.It is in the joyful faces of Dana and Erin's peers coming home with their babies to visit, or the look of compassion on one face while listening to the heartbreak of another, or the quiet concern of men gathered in a group discussing someone who needs help. Love. In all forms and functions. And it's mine to drink in and envelope into my soul.
So, perhaps I did have something to say today. I am blessed beyond measure.
Last night was our usual gathering at DQ after evening services. We pretty much packed the joint and had to re-arrange the furniture for us all to fit in our little clumps, but it was fun. One thing I love about my life is that, everywhere I look, I see love. I am surrounded by friends and family, and even when I am just sitting in a pew after the last "amen" I can look around and watch love in action.It is in the joyful faces of Dana and Erin's peers coming home with their babies to visit, or the look of compassion on one face while listening to the heartbreak of another, or the quiet concern of men gathered in a group discussing someone who needs help. Love. In all forms and functions. And it's mine to drink in and envelope into my soul.
So, perhaps I did have something to say today. I am blessed beyond measure.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
A Silver Anniversary
Earlier today, I was writing a long overdue note to a former teacher. Recently, I've run into two former students, Joe and Becky. Joe, as you may have read earlier, is among my top 5 students of all time, and Becky drove me crazy every day I had her. I prayed for her to be absent; she was HORRIBLE on 9 days out of 10. Several times, she'd - well, let's not go into all that, let's just move on. In spite of all that, she came up and hugged me and told me how she wished she was still in my class. (Perhaps I should try acting!!)
Seeing them both reminded me of Mr. Franklin. I grew up calling him "Dickie" because he was in my brother's class, and everyone called him that - his name is Richard. By the time I got into high school, Mr. Franklin was a teacher. He was also the yearbook sponsor, so my friend and I signed up to do yearbook with "Dickie." That decision changed who I am today in a powerful way - he made me editor, which forced me to deal with people and situations that I'd never have felt able to do. I doubt he gave it a moment's thought, but I see it as a pivotal moment in my life.
So today, after all these years, I'm sending Mr. Franklin a thank you note. I've intended to do it for many years, but just haven't. I hope I say what I want to express to him my gratitude. This is my 25th year to teach, and I hope there's someone out there that feels even a small portion of that towards me. It will make it all worthwhile.
Seeing them both reminded me of Mr. Franklin. I grew up calling him "Dickie" because he was in my brother's class, and everyone called him that - his name is Richard. By the time I got into high school, Mr. Franklin was a teacher. He was also the yearbook sponsor, so my friend and I signed up to do yearbook with "Dickie." That decision changed who I am today in a powerful way - he made me editor, which forced me to deal with people and situations that I'd never have felt able to do. I doubt he gave it a moment's thought, but I see it as a pivotal moment in my life.
So today, after all these years, I'm sending Mr. Franklin a thank you note. I've intended to do it for many years, but just haven't. I hope I say what I want to express to him my gratitude. This is my 25th year to teach, and I hope there's someone out there that feels even a small portion of that towards me. It will make it all worthwhile.
Monday, July 28, 2008
How did I know?!
On our first date, Andy and I went to a concert at the Student Center of our university, Sam Houston State. The artist was B.W. Stevenson, of "My Maria" fame, and he (Andy) promptly forgot my name when a buddy of his walked up and introduced himself. Great first impression that one was!
Fast forward to yesterday. I'm sitting in the pew following the invitation and a couple of responses, and there he stands, sharing with the congregation the needs and concerns of the folks who came to the front. As I sat there, my heart just filled up with the most wonderful sort of pride; to hear his speak so lovingly and compassionately about the circumstances these brothers and sisters in Christ had found themselves in.
How DID I know all those years ago that he would evolve into such a man? I knew he had good qualities and a love of God and a desire to grow in His will, but I didn't spend a lot of time thinking about those things. Over the years, God has molded and shaped his heart into what it is today, and as I sat and watched him yesterday, I felt so blessed.
Erin asked me once how I knew he would be a good husband. I told her I didn't, that I just loved how he kissed!! Thanks be to God for giving me so much more that I ever dreamed of!!
Fast forward to yesterday. I'm sitting in the pew following the invitation and a couple of responses, and there he stands, sharing with the congregation the needs and concerns of the folks who came to the front. As I sat there, my heart just filled up with the most wonderful sort of pride; to hear his speak so lovingly and compassionately about the circumstances these brothers and sisters in Christ had found themselves in.
How DID I know all those years ago that he would evolve into such a man? I knew he had good qualities and a love of God and a desire to grow in His will, but I didn't spend a lot of time thinking about those things. Over the years, God has molded and shaped his heart into what it is today, and as I sat and watched him yesterday, I felt so blessed.
Erin asked me once how I knew he would be a good husband. I told her I didn't, that I just loved how he kissed!! Thanks be to God for giving me so much more that I ever dreamed of!!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Teacher's Pet
I try to act like it at the time; I try to make them think I don't favor one over the others, but sometimes you just can't help it. There comes along one who jumps in you heart and you can't do anything but love them, no matter what they do. I've had several over all the years, but ran in to #1 this week at the store. (At least he's #1 until I run into another!!)
I don't know if I've posted about Joe before. He came up to me in the check-out line this week and grinned and said, "I'm going to have a baby!"
Now, even with the Manu-facial hair, he still looks like a 4th grader
and the twinkle in his eyes melted me right there. Luckily, there was no one behind me, and the checker saw we needed some time, so she didn't rush me. He pointed out his girl-friend and parents, and so after I grilled him there at the register, we walked over and I met "her." His mom and dad still look in their 20s, and we've had a great relationship through the years, so it was wonderful to see them as well.
Joe tells me he will be a Senior this year; they will make him shave, but he knows it will grow back. The baby will come in March; he is working two jobs so they can get their own place and not live with the folks. He promised me a graduation announcement, we hugged and each walked to our cars.
I don't know if Joe ever learned to read - I did everything I knew how to teach him. The day of his TAKS test (or whatever they called it then), he turned the page, looked up at me, and drew his hood over his face while laying his head down. I walked over to him, rubbed his back with one hand and pointed word by word though each story. We were both exhausted by the time it was over, but we made it. I don't know if he even passed this year; my guess would be "no", but he has stuck it out and is on track to graduate. School has not been easy for Joe, but he has earned it.
It's enough to make me ready to go back and find another Joe.
I don't know if I've posted about Joe before. He came up to me in the check-out line this week and grinned and said, "I'm going to have a baby!"
Now, even with the Manu-facial hair, he still looks like a 4th grader
and the twinkle in his eyes melted me right there. Luckily, there was no one behind me, and the checker saw we needed some time, so she didn't rush me. He pointed out his girl-friend and parents, and so after I grilled him there at the register, we walked over and I met "her." His mom and dad still look in their 20s, and we've had a great relationship through the years, so it was wonderful to see them as well.
Joe tells me he will be a Senior this year; they will make him shave, but he knows it will grow back. The baby will come in March; he is working two jobs so they can get their own place and not live with the folks. He promised me a graduation announcement, we hugged and each walked to our cars.
I don't know if Joe ever learned to read - I did everything I knew how to teach him. The day of his TAKS test (or whatever they called it then), he turned the page, looked up at me, and drew his hood over his face while laying his head down. I walked over to him, rubbed his back with one hand and pointed word by word though each story. We were both exhausted by the time it was over, but we made it. I don't know if he even passed this year; my guess would be "no", but he has stuck it out and is on track to graduate. School has not been easy for Joe, but he has earned it.
It's enough to make me ready to go back and find another Joe.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Deeann, the photographer
All through the years, my cousin Deeann has taken lots of grief over her passion for "capturing the moment" with her camera.
It didn't have to be any special occasion - stop on the side of the road and take a pic if the scenery were pretty and we were together. Her brothers especially grumbled on occasion at having to stop something they were doing - probably sports related - for a picture.
But on Tuesday, at Aunt Mary's funeral, I'll bet they were all glad she was so persistent. The video of family pictures flowed before us, some terribly funny and some heartbreakingly sad. It was a perfect panorama of the family's changes as the years went by. Not all of them were Deeann's - A beautiful, young Mary holding her son Ralph, who died at 3 years, and a portrait of Aunt Mary with a Deeann-looking Sandra who followed Ralph at 7 years. Her young, handsome husband, Billy, who she adored and lost so many years ago, and Bobby who we gathered together only a year ago to mourn. I think, however, my favorite picture was the last. It showed a huddled group of team and fans following a Millsap Bulldog football game. You couldn't tell if they'd won or lost, but you could see Aunt Mary. Right in the center of the group, there she was - tiny, frail and looking quite old. It was beautifully taken, and I'll bet those brothers were not complaining as we watched it that Deeann had had her camera ready as always, to catch a perfect moment in time.
It's funny, our roles in our family. Deeann, on this occasion, full-filled hers perfectly. Thanks, cousin.
Well, at Aunt Mary's funeral last week, I was thinking how glad we should all be with her now. The slide show was quite a documentation of the family's change through the years, both greatly funny and sad. To pick a favorite would have been truly hard, but I think the last shot of the show was my favorite. It showed a scene at the end of a Millsap Bulldog's football game, with everyone in the center of the field. I don't know if they won or lost, but there, centered right where you could see her, was Aunt Mary. Tiny, wirey, old aunt Mary
It didn't have to be any special occasion - stop on the side of the road and take a pic if the scenery were pretty and we were together. Her brothers especially grumbled on occasion at having to stop something they were doing - probably sports related - for a picture.
But on Tuesday, at Aunt Mary's funeral, I'll bet they were all glad she was so persistent. The video of family pictures flowed before us, some terribly funny and some heartbreakingly sad. It was a perfect panorama of the family's changes as the years went by. Not all of them were Deeann's - A beautiful, young Mary holding her son Ralph, who died at 3 years, and a portrait of Aunt Mary with a Deeann-looking Sandra who followed Ralph at 7 years. Her young, handsome husband, Billy, who she adored and lost so many years ago, and Bobby who we gathered together only a year ago to mourn. I think, however, my favorite picture was the last. It showed a huddled group of team and fans following a Millsap Bulldog football game. You couldn't tell if they'd won or lost, but you could see Aunt Mary. Right in the center of the group, there she was - tiny, frail and looking quite old. It was beautifully taken, and I'll bet those brothers were not complaining as we watched it that Deeann had had her camera ready as always, to catch a perfect moment in time.
It's funny, our roles in our family. Deeann, on this occasion, full-filled hers perfectly. Thanks, cousin.
Well, at Aunt Mary's funeral last week, I was thinking how glad we should all be with her now. The slide show was quite a documentation of the family's change through the years, both greatly funny and sad. To pick a favorite would have been truly hard, but I think the last shot of the show was my favorite. It showed a scene at the end of a Millsap Bulldog's football game, with everyone in the center of the field. I don't know if they won or lost, but there, centered right where you could see her, was Aunt Mary. Tiny, wirey, old aunt Mary
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
