The guy in Chicago....

I know you have been hearing about the guy in Chicago who has (at this count) 11 bodies of women in his yard and home. These guys fascinate me, and there have been times when I have taught children that I think will someday be involved in the same activities. Jeffrey Dahmer was a tortured soul, and his life of cruelty and hatred will be studied for the rest of time.

So, how do we get smarter than these men? Where in their childhood was the breaking point of the soul; the decision that it is their right and priviledge to do what they do to another human being? I had a neighbor growing up who, when they had a cat give birth to a litter, filled up a tub and drowned each and every one. He didn't grow up to be a killer, but the other factors were not in place.

I don't know that this post even has a point to it; I just had this on my mind. I guess the fascination I have is partially a hope that I can pick up on some little one and make that part of his heart go the right direction. A big task, but I'm willing....

November 1

How in the world did it get to be November already?!? I love turning calendars to the next month, and it seems like I just did October the other day.... with so much going on, I guess the days go quicker than ever, and with Bladen's arrival almost eminent, I'd better just get ready for it to be December!

We had a good weekend; Andy wanted to just "veg out", and so we did. I slept in; no surprise there - Andy watched some college sports and his beloved PBS This Old House Hour. Trick or Treaters visited us in groups, and then it was time for the SPURS. Manu was the "hit" of the game, with the "batting" down of the bat, and we turned in early after setting our clocks back. It was a peaceful, relaxing day.

This week, I have a couple of second graders to screen for dyslexia, but the week should be calmer after celebrating Red Ribbon Week. That, plus Book Fair, and Halloween, had the kids hyper and the teachers tired. I'm hoping for calmer, quieter days!

So - that's it. Hope you had a good weekend, and that your week is all you need it to be.

Things I like about my job -

When you are a "real" teacher (i.e. - classroom), and then move out to become "Support Staff", it is a real adjustment. Now, I haven't been a "real" teacher in some time, but even my shift to my current position has caused me to find new and more appreciated levels of work:

1. I get to actually talk to my students. Homeroom teachers do not have the luxury of having conversation with their students. I know this because, when I ask them things about their students, they look at me like they have no idea what is going on. Teaching now is about curriculum and scores, not children.

2. No duty. Enough said!

3. No grades, and for me, no lesson plans!! My curriculum is set so rigidly, I just follow the manual and go from there. (Can be boring, so I try to come up with some variants)

4. No grading. See above.

5. I'm not going to say no discipline problems, because I do have some, but a lot of it is referred back to the homeroom teacher or office. I just have my little 45 minutes, and that's enough with some children!!

6. 45 minutes a group and they move on!!

7. I get to laugh at the kids; we have a relationship all it's own. I'm lucky and, and I hope they feel the same way!!


So, in the twilight of my career, I have the dream job. It makes life a lot easier!!

Camping with Dana and other highlites of the weekend -

For the second time in several weeks, Dana has been our hostess as we invaded Houston. She is a gracious, welcoming hostess, and shares her apartment with us openly.

As I look around at her life away from me, I see so much of her and what is important to her; friends, family, special times, God. (Perhaps I should not have listed Him last, for He is certainly not last to Dana!) Her home is comfortable and happy, filled with all the things that comfort and enhance her life. We appreciate her willingness to let us move in and stay a while!!

The weekend was memorable. Erin and Gregg put on quite a first party for Elizabeth, and she was a trooper!! Went to everyone and took it all in stride. While the concept of the candle was obviously lost on her, it marked for us a celebration of a wonderful year; first everything - tooth, sitting up, solid food, smiles; you name it, we celebrated it. And while my mother and father in law were not able to attend, you could see their legacy all around. Bladen, growing strong deep inside Erin, pointed to the future. It was a day all of us will hold on to.

The Johnson family was happy to be there; our lives have blended pretty well over these past 6 years. We are greatful to them for raising such a fine man as Gregg and for loving our daughter and welcoming her into their tiny (by LaMore standards of number!) family.

And then the weekend ended; too soon as usual. But we plan to return, November 7, for the shower awaiting Erin and Bladen. We anticipate his joining us very soon!!

A GREAT day to be a teacher!!

Here's how my day ended:

Student: "Mrs. LaMore, how long have you had this job?" (Uh-oh, I think to myself!)

Me: "Teaching dyslexia classes? Hmmm, about 4 years of doing it full-time. Why?"

Student: "Well, you're pretty good at it!" Delivered matter-of-factly.

I grin - then he goes straight for the heart:

"I'm pretty sure it's because of you that I passed the TAKS Reading test last year."

"Thanks, ________. I appreciate that!" as my heart swells full beyond measure.


Makes getting up a lot easier tomorrow morning!

To be a Nana -

I want to wish my Liz a Happy Birthday - one day late. Yesterday was her 1st birthday, and my phone visit with her and Erin was so fun!! On speaker phone, I told her all sorts of silly Nana things, and Erin told me she was trying to push all the buttons to talk back. I understand that she really enjoyed her celebratory cup cake, but not so much the hat... I cannot wait to see how she handles the big family part coming up this weekend!

Everyone told me that I'd love grandchildren, and they were right. I can't look at a little boy now, without anticipating who Bladen will be, and how he will anchor himself to our hearts. My own grandmothers loved me with all their hearts; and Mamaw had 20 of us to love!! Combing her long, graying hair, going to the store to spend my valued dollar with her, getting letters from her that encouraged me and told me each time just how much she loved me are only a microscopic portion of her influence in my life - how I hated it when she left us at only 70 years!! My Grandma Annie was a hoot; a funny little Dutch German woman, who burned the sugar cookies and somehow still made them taste like gold! When I would spend the night with her, she'd pull me to the floor while she said the rosary - her false teeth clattering along with the rosary beads.

So, here we are at the beginning of my Grandmotherhood - the future is full of ways for me to show Liz and Bladen how dear they are to me, and all the fun stuff only Nana's get to do.

Elizabeth; thank you for opening the door to this next portion of my life - as your Aunt Dana would always say; "You are first!"

I really wish I didn't think of these things -

Had a lovely, sweet visit with my cousin Randall and his Linda this weekend. They were passing through, and we had lunch together. Broke out the grandbaby pictures, and vacation pictures. Had good laughs and sweet memories. I really wish I lived closer to them....

Later, Andrew and I drove to SA. He was hungry for shrimp and those delicious biscuits at Red Lobster, and I'll always take a good steak (Different blog for a different day!), so we went up. Did some birthday shopping for Miss Liz, and then went to dinner.

Somewhere along the route from Pleasanton to SA, in some conversation that I can't remember, this came out of my mouth; "In 15 years, I'll be 70."

15 years - are you kidding me?!?! Do you know how fast 15 years flies by?!? I wanted to put on the brakes, reverse, and take that thought out of my mind - it keeps reverberating over and over the past two days - 15 years to 70.

Now, I know. None of us are guaranteed 70 years, but my dad and my grandmother both died in their 70th year, and that is just coming too soon! Erin will be 42 - Dana, 45. Liz will be a teenager, and so will Bladen.

Breathe, Amy. Enjoy today - anticipate good years, but don't focus on the realization. Don't look back at how fast the last 15 years have passed - just relax.

Thy will be done.

Only half a pill!

I've shared before about my phobia towards the dentist chair. I, at one point, required music, gas, and a "happy pill" to even get me in the office - many years went by while my teeth suffered and I avoided the inevitable. Even now, the memories of some of those visits make me quiver with nerves!!

But last year, I decided, "You are 53 years old - get over it!" That decision, along with my dentist no longer having the invaluable nitrous oxide to comfort me, has gotten me to my visit today. I have all but two repairs done - a victory of sorts - and today, when I go get the next part of my new crown, I will be going on only half a happy pill! Two reasons - I don't want to sleep tonight and tomorrow away in a stuper, and I want to wean myself off totally. I trust my sweet Dr. David, who is so patient with me, and so I reach this milestone. I'm not sure I can do the last big appointment without it, but for today, it's a plan. Keep me in your thoughts as I take this step -

I'm hoping to one day be his patient of the month!!!

Ray's sermon

This past Sunday, Ray spoke on discipleship. He spoke to us about the commitment we make at baptism, so be a true follower of the Christ. To face the unimaginable and stand up for Who it is we believe in, rather than the everyday "I'm a Christian" talk we may or may not own up to. When the sermon turned to even facing death at the hand of a non-believer, for the first time in my life, I really felt compelled to consider that happening. Growing up in unconquerable America, I've never considered the fact that this is a possiblity, and now - with so many people arming themselves with the express point to taking us out, I felt threatened.

At dinner later, some friends were talking, and I said that I don't think we will be taken over by someone even expected by us as an enemy, but rather from the south, or some rebel nut with a cause. I think I miss the old Cold War - at least we had a face to fear!

So, while this isn't the most encouraging post of my blog, please consider it. Is your discipleship firm and committed? I hope so; I'm looking forward to our spending eternity together!

For the most part....

I am a happy person. I have a lot of wonderful things in my life, things that - while I wasn't arrogant enough to expect them, I wasn't surprised when they happened. I have a husband that keeps on going with me, even though after all this time, I think he's going to realize one day that I'm not "all that" and leave me for someone else. He says he still likes to hold my hand above all else - how sweet is that ?!? Sometimes, I think I want to leave me; to run away and make his life better.... but I'm not strong enough to do it.

I have two daughters that wrote the book on loving their mom. Erin and I have learned together how to manage the "married-daughter-too-many-phone-calls" situation, and I think we've done pretty good! My son-in-law hasn't blown a gasket yet, anyway!! Dana still takes it in stride when I treat my first-born like she is Liz's age and not a grown woman, and even though I try to realize it; she'll always be my baby girl.

My church family loves me unconditionally (I think, anyway!) What a blessing they are to me in my walk with our Lord - Andy and I don't even speculate about leaving after retirement; where could we go away from our family? Who could love us as much?!?

So that leaves work and me. Work is good; I like my kids and my co-workers, but I am looking forward to someday soon being able to walk away and be a full-time Nana. With Dave Ramsey helping us, it won't be long.

Now, if I could just get myself together. As year 55 approaches, I see so much in my self that I have great need to fix. Everyday things that, I go to bed with great resolve of repairing, and wake to the morning with just dealing with the day. I really, really want to back up the years, and redo some things - and since that's not likely to happen, I'll just deal with one thing at a time.

I just hope I have patience with myself to get it done.

The thing about babies....

Liz has reminded me of some basic facts about babies that I'd forgotten in the 25+ years since I had one:

~it's really better if you let them approach you rather than just grabbin' them at first - cuts down on the crying and grabbing for Mom!
~ they are full of such entertaining facial expressions! Adults and even older children have learned to "control" their faces due to learned reactions, but not babies. You get exactly what they feel at every moment.
~ nothing - nothing - smells as good as a baby!
~ the whole world is new to them - things that we just look at, they see with new eyes. Help us to open our eyes to their world!

Thanks, Liz - you taught your Nana lots and lots! I love you -

Where's my fire?

Jackie knows just what to say to me, even when she isn't talking TO me... last night, at the evangelism seminar, she talked about her sense of apathy among our congregation. She gave me a lot to think about in my own life, do I look for open doors and searching people who are hungry for what I have in Christ? Am I complacent in assuming that those around me are "happy" in their spiritual lives?

I have a lot to think about and do. How many opportunities have I missed, and can I change my old habits? I'm going to give it my best effort-

The days that pass....

Yesterday, Erin and I were talking, and in the background Liz was playing. Sweet little sounds of music, banging, laughing and a few whimpers filled the air as our conversation continued. Erin was telling me all the things that Liz has begun to do in the 2 months since I saw her last, and it made me even more anxious to get to Houston this weekend. I think the thing I am most in a hurry about is, I want Liz to KNOW me; to recognize my voice and anticipate my coming to see her - I want to be real to her, not someone who shows up once a month ( or longer!) that could be just anyone. I am ready to be her NANA. Hopefully, with the frequency of visits in the upcoming weeks, she will begin to put it together. I know it will happen soon, but I am impatient.... come on, Friday!!!

Rain, rain, and more rain!!

My God can really answer prayers!! After many months of dryness and absolutely horrid heat, He came through and has blessed us with the most beautiful rain showers and cool temperatures! It has been such a beautiful sight to see it fall, and to feel the refreshing air when the opportunity comes to be outside - hopefully the cycle will continue for a while, but if it doesn't, we will take what is given to us.

Thank you, Father, for hearing us and sending us such relief! You truly bless us!!

The weekend that wasn't

This past weekend was a bust. I had a dentist appointment on Friday afternoon, so that means I was "drugged" all evening. I'm getting better; it's taking less of the happy pill to get me in the chair, but I still have my moments of anxiety. Drat that Dr. Byrom of my youth!!

Andy did a great job on the yard on his birthday. Problem is, by Saturday, he was really stiff and sore, so we didn't go out to eat like we planned. Fallback plan; supreme pizza with extra cheese from Pizza Hut. That, plus Reba dvds made the day do-able.

Yesterday, he was still stiff and sore, so he stayed home from worship. We had delicious left-over chicken for lunch and then stayed in. He finally let me rub him with Theragesic and use the vibrator on his back, so he is much better today.

It's no fun to have him down; I miss the corny jokes and playful picking on me that he does when he feels good. I'm waiting to have that back asap!!

Hope your weekend was better!!

Andrew

Today is my husband's birthday. He is 55; for a few months a year older than I. Last night, we joined the Jr./Sr. High School class at church to "share our story." He let me go first, we shared about finding each other all those years ago, and how being with a Christian mate makes life and faith so much stronger. He talked about having God in his life - being his life.

So, today, on this anniversary of his birth all those years ago, I look back a little, to the fun and adversity we have faced, but mostly I look to the future. What does it hold for us in these next years? Will Pleasanton remain our home in our "retirement" - will retirement come in time to truly enjoy it? Will our home be filled with lots of little ones to pass on the stories to?

Whatever we face, as long as Andy is there, I'll be fine. He is my stability and my future.

Happy Day, Andrew!!

A week gone by!

It's hard to believe it's almost been a week since I last posted! Lots of busy days, and now, my latest addiction - Farm games on Facebook!! It just seems not to enter my mind to post here, but I want to continue this so I'd better get busy!

The highlight of the week was RAIN! Praise God - we've had showers pretty much since Wed., some with wonderful, loud thunder! Over 2 inches, which doesn't seem like much, but we will take it and be greatful! This morning, I looked out during breakfast, and my wisteria is breaking out in new growth!! Amazing...

___________

Yesterday in Bible Class, a woman was talking about the urgency of time in our lives. The discussion had been along the lines of patience, and most of us had stated that being more patient is a benefit (one of the few!) of growing older. The perspectives shift, and what used to "hurry us up" just doesn't matter now. She is a little younger than me; her sons are still at home, and she told us how she is always encouraging them to make the most of today. Now, I don't think we should waste days, but this lady is over the top! She toldus that she has "less than 1500 days" until her sons leave for college. Now, that pretty much got everyone's attention - I think several of us were feeling pretty bad for the boys at that point!

So, as I close this post, I think about Liz and Bladen; I hope to enjoy each day - moment - I have with them and think of this poem that was popular when my babies were babies:

Cleaning and dusting can wait till tomorrow,
For babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow.
So fly away cobwebs, dust go to sleep!
My baby's a baby, and babies don't keep!!

I know a precious girl....

I know a precious young woman who is struggling right now. She is full of life and talent and has a loving, caring heart. Her home is full of little children who give her such pleasure and love, and she is learning to express herself beautifully through the art of photography. She has a full life ahead of her, and lots of people who love her.

Right now, things are rough. She is working very hard to straighten things out, and correct mistakes she has made. It may take a while, but I feel sure she will pull out of it. All of us fall to the depths of sorrow and regret that she is in right now, and we know where she is coming from. The hardest part will be forgiving herself - and accepting that Her Father has forgotten whatever she has asked. She will never be the same, but her life - it can be better than ever.

I'm pulling for her that all will be well soon -

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....