Exceeded expectations

Maybe I didn't have faith... maybe I didn't want to be disappointed. But, my sisters exceeded my goal, so we are off and running!!

I had said that I would do "Secret Sisters" again if I had enough interest. Following the lead of a great example in the Bible, I said, if there were as few as 12, I would do it. Just like Lot bargained with God to save Nineveh, I set to bar. I wanted to do it, but sometimes, well - the interest just isn't there.

Once I saw I had my 12 (including myself!), I set the meeting and ran off 25 copies of the information sheet. Well, I'm happy to say, Andy had to go run more off!! I was so happy to see all those ladies coming my way, it pumped me up all over!! We are only meeting until May, and we have a good cross-section of the congregation, so I am very happy! Of course, there are a couple who changed their minds for reasons of their own, and still a few more I wish were involved, but I am more than happy for the turnout!!

Now, let's start the fun!!

January 30, 1980

When Andy and I married, I was ready right away to have a baby. Not him; he wanted some time to be together, to work out bugs and "know" each other. So - I waited. Almost 4 years passed before we had Dana Elizabeth - 8 lbs.7 oz. 21 inches.
I wish I could show you a picture of what a beautiful, plump, perfect baby she was, but I will just let you imagine her!

I was in labor a long, long - long, time 21 hours, and toward the end of it, I was given demerol to relax me and allow me to rest. Unfortunately, the nurse who gave it to me didn't write it down, so when the shift came, the new nurse came in and gave me another dose. We questioned her, but she convinced us that I was to get it then. It not only relaxed me, but Dana as well - so much they would not let her sleep after she was born for fear she would not wake up. I was put to bed with no idea, and Andy went home to get some rest. Later, we learned some friends from church stood at the nursery window all night, watching over her. Thankfully, all turned out well, but it's pretty sobering to sit with your four month old sleeping in your arms with electrodes all over her head while they do a brain scan.

My Dana - Happy Birthday!! My birthday wish for you is that this 29th year will bring answered prayers on many levels for you, and that you breathe in the beauty of your life each and every day. You are such a blessing to Dad, Erin and Gregg, Liz, and me.

Mom

Finally, broadband arrives!

well, after years of dial-up, we are enjoying the wonders of broadband internet here at the house! Thanks to Karnes Electric, we are signed up and going strong. I can even talk and surf at the same time!! It is a beauty to behold....

We have a new family at church. All those summers ago, when so many folks left for various reason, I didn't think we'd ever build back up. It's not totally back up to where we were, but we're getting there. God is good.

A long day of Benchmark testing today; keeping kids still and quiet all day is not my idea of fun, but I did have it easy. One really cool little boy who was well behaved. After sitting all morning, we walked slowly back to the Alamo for the rest of the testing. I sat on a bench and timed him while he walked backwards, hopped and ran some energy off. By the time I was through with him, he was panting pretty hard, and gladly sat still for the rest of the testing period!!

Am I good, or what?!?

Dentists, Aggies, Spurs and showers, oh my!!

Getting up this morning was hard!! It was a busy, hectic weekend, and I usually protect my Sunday afternoons for rest!! After a quiet lunch, Andrew and I usually settle in to nap and read the paper; but there was little time for that this past weekend...

Friday, I sucked it up and went to the dentist. The good news is, I did it - the bad news is, I have to do it again and again and AGAIN until I repair all the neglect of my teeth. It told him I was mad at him because he did not put my buddy - nitrous oxide- in his new office!! He assures me the little pills he gave me will be better, but I'll see. The next trial is set for Friday - a wisdom tooth. The best part of the day was dinner and games at the Huttons....

Saturday was okay. Not a lot of drama. But Sunday made up for it.

The Aggies for Christ were in town, so we had a big luncheon for them, combined with January birthdays. A good crowd in attendance, and delicious food. Sunday afternoon, I made brownies for the shower and watched my Spurs lose big time to the Lakers - of all people - on network tv. My boys looked bad!! Then, we had worship and the shower. It was nicely attended as well - we were afraid of having two fellowships in one day, but it was great! They had some family come in, and I think they were pleased with how it all turned out. Katherine made a yummy cake, and we had some to bring home; I'll enjoy it tonight during "24".

Now, I start another week of little ones. They crack me up and make the day go by fast!!
As I wrote letters on Justin's back this morning, he giggled and wiggled because he's so ticklish!! What a job I have!

GRRRR

I really try not to use the word "hate" very often, but I HATE when simple, easy things turn into a big deal!! If people would just do things my way, it would be a lot simpler around here!!

GRRR!

Obligatory topic

I would guess that every person who posts to a blog today will address the Inauguration of President Obama, so I'll join in....

This would not be the first President that I have seen sworn in whom I did not vote for. I remember two Clinton swearing-ins that made my stomach turn, and a couple more before him. I've also voted Democrat and been glad they won (at the time.) I've also lived in the 60s.

I think that alone - the remembering the racial violence and ridiculous days of that decade - make today do-able for me. I never, ever want to see our nation torn apart like that again, with the fear of who was going to be assassinated next on everyone's mind. It was worse that 9-11 in that we were doing it to ourselves.

If he can do something to inspire families and men to take responsibility for their families and pride in working to make something of themselves, then he will convert me over to a supporter.

Until then, I'm skeptical. He will be my President, and I hope no harm comes to him or his family, but my fears of what else he will push forward keep me at bay.

So, here's to you, Barak. I'll bet George is more than ready to give the whole mess over to you and get back on Texas soil. I would be. There's nothing worse than giving it your best and being beat down for it.

May God continue to bless this land.

An internet drought

Well, we won't have internet at home until Jan. 26. You can only play Hearts or Spider Solitaire so many times....

Andy has been forwarding my AOL emails to me at school, because I can't access it there. Most of it is trash or forwards, but every now and then, I get a jewel. I appreciate his keeping me posted. I think it will be wonderful to be back on line at home again, but I am reminded that there was life before email.

Have a nice, long weekend, and I'll see you on Monday!!

54 and counting

Well. 54 has come and reared it's ugly head in my life. I told Dana that while it doesn't "sound" old to me, 55 does. I hope it doesn't go too fast!!

Went to a wedding the other day, and sat with a friend I met when I was 6 years old. We have been through all of life's scenarios: teen years, falling in love and marriage, my children, her widowhood... you get the picture. At one point, we were estranged due to some bad decisions on both our parts, but we overcame that and stay in touch. She is now in love again, and we are facing our retirement years with anticipation. Most of all, we have our common Lord. When He is the basis of a friendship, it is the best. I hope we both have many years to come.

Andy brought me roses on my birthday. Love does get better as it grows....

Yes!!

Well, we bit the bullet and got our new computer, which meant it was time. We've joined the high-speed world of the internet!! Finally, we are eligible to get service through our Electric Cooperative, and while we won't be hooked up for a week or so, it just feels great to know that, at last, dial-up is in our past!! (Jackie always said she had time to put in laundry while it chugged and spun and finally loaded!!) Well, soon.

That means I will need a new email provider, because I don't want to type the long address. It's a hassle to let everyone know, but I think it will be well worth it. Any suggestions as to a provider; hotmail, yahoo, gmail., etc.? AOL has been good, but we can't get highspeed through them. Besides, they are too expensive.

So, for now, I'm not blogging at home. I'll try to keep you posted elsewhere. Have a marvelous weekend!!

Welcome Back to School!

All right, so I had two weeks off. I worked hard in college to earn that break, and believe me, I used it to the hilt. The first few days were fast and furious with Christmas still to come, but the second week was nice and quiet. I would have liked a little colder weather so I could justify a fire, but it was not to be. Andy and I went out and bought ourselves a computer, ta-da!! He's been wanting one for a long, long time, but I was putting it off in case something happened and we needed that money. Well, I gave in when I saw the sales, and he is a happy camper. It IS nice, and much faster, even though we are still on dial-up.

So today, when I get to school, I learn that one of our students lost his father. Late 30s, in the high mountain altitude, he died of complications from pneumonia. A pulmonary-embolism or something like that. So sad. To top it off, it happened on his son's birthday, two days after Christmas!! I didn't know the man, but am saddened for his family.

As I get back into the routine of school, I am reminded just how fast each semester goes. Some say the first part of school is quicker due to the holidays, but the Spring just slips by. In no time, we will be at Spring Break, and then once TAKS is behind us, summer looms. Not that I want my life to fly by - just my career!! My 4th graders will go to PIC, and I will miss them, but I know the kids I will have next year, and will be glad to have most of back. I find myself settled nicely in this new position and feel it lends itself to a more relaxed me. Let's hope it lasts!!

Well, I've rambled enough. Have a great day!

Happy January 1st

Someone on the radio yesterday said, "I am so glad this year is over - it was a horrible year!"

How can you look back over a year of your life, and proclaim it "Horrible?" I will say, 1990-91 was a low point; my dad died and it was the worst year of my teaching career, but I won't say the whole year was horrible. That is the year I met Mary Beth, who became a dear friend and sister in Christ, and I learned things about myself that were necessary to get me through the traumas that hit me. Not bad things at all.

This past year is one with good memories to recall. Following several medical proceedures the previous year, I was healthy and blessed with good reports as follow-ups. I began a new teaching assignment in the fall which has renewed my confidence in my career and introduced me to new co-workers who are very supportive and appreciative of my efforts. I grew in my love and appreciation of my husband, and my daughters developed into more wonderful, Christ-filled women before my eyes. And, oh yes, Elizabeth was born. So, all in all, not a bad 2008.

I look forward to this year on many fronts. I see retirement nearing and our financial status improving. I know that God is going to continue to watch over me and mine, and that His ways will bless us.

So, I wish for you good memories of the past year, and hope for good things ahead. Watch for happiness, and choose to see the good in each day. Look into the eyes of a child and find love and excitement. Sing.

Christmas re-hashed

What a wonderful week of memories --- I hope you all had the same warm and happy time with friends and family that I've had; I'll hit the high points...





My week off was hectic with finishing shopping and wrapping gifts and heading to Houston. We arrived after lunch on Wed., and Liz was not too sure about who these people were grabbing her. It took a bit for her to warm up again, but I was patient. After all, it had been a couple of weeks since we'd been there, and that's a long time in baby time. We went to Christmas Eve service with the kids, and enjoyed the beautiful singing. Just glorious, 4 part harmonious voices, recalling the Saviour's birth. Then, we headed over to Mom and Dad's, and enjoyed some time of refreshment and visiting.





Christmas Morning!! Dana spent the night with us at the Johnson home, and we had a wonderful time. Liz took it all in, even posing for a "few" pictures, and we all stayed in our jammies quite a while. About 3, we headed over to Albert's for a wonderful dinner and gift-card exchange. The highlight was being splashed with greenbean casserole as Albert carried it to the table in one of the flimsy alumunium pans. Not too bad, and still had plenty to serve!! After the festivities, we went back to Erin's and played more Wii. Santa did good with that gift!!





We came home on Friday, and went to rehersal for a wedding that Andy was officiating. His first, he did wonderfully!! I was so proud of him - he's awfully handsome in a suit with a red rose boutineer!! The Johnson's left Sunday afternoon - Gregg is sick. He has developed Walking Pneumonia and their plans for Dallas got changed. Later....

Anyway. For me, one of the highlights was watching Liz lie on the table and kick and grin and coo; I have to wonder, does the all-encompassing love I have for that baby girl as I look into her dark, full eyes come even minutely close to the love God has for me when He sees me seek His face?
I am so overwhelmed with love and wonder at this child, as I was with her mother and her aunt at that age, that I feel my heart and mind just overfilling with emotion. It's at that moment, when I "Get It." That love that knows no boundaries, that would give whatever I needed to give to secure the safety and redemption of that baby. What my Father sees in me. And in us all -

Pure love.

Huntsville on my mind

Lately, I've been thinking about Huntsville a lot. It's where Andy and I met, married, had Dana, and lived very happily for about 10 years. Our dear friends, the Tissues, were a big part of our happiness, as was the congregation where we worshipped. I've often said leaving Huntsville was one of the saddest days of my life. And lately, I want to go back and visit - to see the campus of our youth (I don't know if I could manuever the hills or not!), to attend worship with the saints there, and to feel and see the beauty of East Texas.

I think the reason for my yearning is Liz. This part of Erin and Gregg's life takes me back there - before we knew that life can be hard, and dreamed big dreams - some of which have come true, but not all. It was a sweet time for us, and I'd like to renew that feeling, if just for a few days....

Most of the people we knew there are no longer there; some from moving, but most from passing from this life to the next. The Lasaters, Bro. Kramer, Faye Lassiter, Betty Waldron and more. They played a role in our life of example, caring and faithfulness. The Tissues have moved on in their life as well, and driving through the old neighborhood makes me sad, but also brings back sweet, sweet memories of when my babies were young and we thought our whole life was still ahead of us.

Long ago, we said we would return there to live at retirement, but I don't think that will happen. Our life is here, now, and I imagine we will stay. But sometimes, lately, I sure miss Huntsville!!

Funny quote of the day

Since I haven't had but a few kids today, I have to borrow a quote from another person on campus....

"Mrs. P, what do you want for Christmas?"

"What I want is for you to go all week without getting a signature in your planner." (Discipline method used to communicate with parents.)

Moments pass while he considers this probability.

"What else would you like?!?"


And that's how it goes this time of year.


Happy Day!!

Well, the semester ends tomorrow. I have a few students strolling in and out - the kids at Primary are being treated to "The Polar Express" at the local theatre, and so I am having an easy day here. Elementary will be my regular groups, except one class will be out on a field trip. YIPPEE - it's the class that gives me a headache every single day. They aren't bad boys - they are just LOUD when they talk. I really don't think they mean to be, because as soon as I close my eyes, their volumn goes down!!

I'm really looking forward to the break, however it is filling up with only one day before Christmas not booked with errands or invitations somewhere. After the big day, and Lindsey's wedding, the week following should be nice and quiet. Someday, I want to go somewhere snow-filled for that week!!

Have a wonderful, Christmascy day!!

Even though I get "offended" when a child asks me if I am, or have ever been, a "real teacher," it's days like today that I am glad that I am not. My students are all at an assembly, so I get to catch up on other things or relax before they return. While I do miss the excitement of parties (not the mayhem, just the excitement), and never cash in on the load of gifts (candles, socks, and lots of cheap perfume!), I don't miss the long, long days of the week before Christmas. I get to see the children in small doses, and listen to the wishes and dreams when they come, my routine is much calmer these days. And best of all, I still get the two weeks' vacation!!

I like my job!!

Grace Received in Large Measure

We always talk about the grace we receive from God, and it is a wonderful concept, but sometimes I have felt it is a little abstract for my comprehension. Not after today, because I received it in human form when I should have been bludgeoned, scorned, yelled at... you get the idea. I will try to make it a short version.

We are doing these tests called Benchmarks, where I take my students in a small group to another room and read the questions and answer choices to them. Today was Math, and we were testing along, when one of my students said he needed a Hundred's chart. None to be found, I told him just to try another method to solve the problem. He asked me to write the chart on the board, so I did; but only to 50 as that was all he needed. Fine; he solves his problem, we continue, and they finished the test.
About an hour after my writing the numbers, the librarian comes in to get a teacher a laptop. I tell her that something is wrong, that the board would not erase. Now, this is a white board on rollers, and I was SURE I had used a dry-erase marker to write with. She turned and looked at the board, and her face went as white as the board itself. Her eyes bugged, and watered up, and she mumbled out, "That is not a dry-erase board. It is a, and called the name, which I have already forgotten, but it starts with a P." I could tell I really had messed up. I told her I would pay to clean it, or replace it or whatever, that it was truly and accident. That is when she told me that it costs $4,000 and has never been used. It works with a computer and uses a specific pen to write with. Then, she left the room. I felt like throwing up, and my little boys were suddenly very quiet.
"Miss, we will bring money to help you."
"We will help you pay for it."
"Are you going to have money left for food?"

Next, the door opened, and the principal walked in. She stopped beside me and just looked at the board. Then, she patted my shoulder, and smiled. "Don't worry, Amy. It is a thing, and things can be replaced. We will call the company and see what they say to clean it. Don't feel bad." DON'T FEEL BAD??? My stomach by now is way up in my throat, and I'm wondering how Andy is going to take this news. She leaves the room, and I want to vomit, but I've got to sit with the little boys and try to control them when all I want to do is cry big, wet, loud tears. $4000. (One boy asked me if I made that much in a year....)

Eventually, a couple of ladies came in. They had talked to the company who told them to get it off AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I did not volunteer that it had, by now, been about 2 hours. She had baby wipes and cleaner for dry-erase boards. Very timidly, with all our eyes focused on her arm and the boys crossing every body part they could, she sprayed on the first number and wiped.

It worked. Praise God. It worked. She had to wipe and wipe, and the principal came in to see, and the boys were sent back to their rooms. I sat there a bit, knowing that today, I am the talk of the campus.

The principal is going to post a sign on the corner of the board now, explaining that it is not to be written on, just in case.

Grace. So appreciated this day.

Give a kid a color...

I love to color. I love to give kids a crayon and turn them loose. They tell you all the things they probably shouldn't, and you gain a wealth of knowledge about them and their family.

Here's my favorite conversation overheard last week:

"Did you know that Santa gets his Good Kid and Bad Kid list from Jesus?"
"The list that says who gets toys at Christmas?"
"Yes - Santa and Jesus are best friends, so Jesus gives his list to Santa. That big book has all the names in it. That way he knows who to take toys to."

Go figure!!

Not my doings!

If you've noticed the picture of Liz and me, and the links to the side of my post, you may think this old dog had learned some new computer skills. While I'd like to think I will someday by able to, I have to give the credit to these additions to Erin.

While we were in Houston to visit and support the Johnsons a while back, I asked her to add the links for me... and promptly forgot I'd asked. A nice surprise yesterday to find them there!! Thanks, Erin!!

Hope you have a good weekend. We are going to the Riverwalk with the church folk Saturday night, and then have the bi-monthly elders/wives' luncheon at the Evans' following morning worship. Translation - I don't have to cook all weekend!! Yippee !!

How time flies!

I can't believe I have not posted in almost a week! I thought I had, but now know that I was mistaken....

Coming back to school after a long break is not easy, especially when a longer one is looming in the near future! Teachers are spoiled, as I've said before, and we covet out time away. All jobs have their stress, but the only one I'll say is more stressful might be air traffic controller or soldier in Iraq. Children excited about Christmas and stressed-out administrators make life hard unless you can put it aside and just think about what is ahead; for me, it a first Christmas with Elizabeth!!

Erin has posted some wonderful newborn pictures they had taken; you can see them at http://www.johnson-junk-drawer.blogspot.com/ She is a most beautiful and serene young lady. To quote a frame I gave to Erin: She has her mother's beauty.

Now, to get ready for my next group -