First Weekends

The first weekends of each month are my favorite. Selfishly, I enjoy the fact that Andy has Men's Breakfast, and I can sleep in after he goes. The funny thing about that is that, I really don't get up any later, but I can if I choose!! He usually comes in about 10 am, and I'm getting my "Sell This House" fix.

This weekend will be a good one - Halloween and the Spurs tonight get us going, then we have a quiet Sat. Sunday will be the blood drive and elder's meeting, so I won't see much of Andy in the afternoon. The time change kicks in, so we get to snooze an hour longer!! (Wonder if Liz will notice the difference!!?) and then we are in the first full week of November ! This year is flying by school-wise. I'm down to 2 years until retirement is an option!! YIPPEE!

So, enjoy your Halloween and your weekend -

The big confession

In those hazy, quiet moments before sleep overtook me last night, with Andy rolled over with his back to me, he said, "I have to confess something to you."

O.K. I'm awake now. Really awake - what is it; an affair, a big purchase, did he wreck the car, did he get fired - WHAT!?!

"I forgot our anniversary this week."

Not our wedding anniversary. Oct. 28, 1973 in the chapel of the Huntsville Funeral Home. We met. 35 years ago. I wasn't especially impressed that night by him, but that's another post. His best friend and my good friend of a month introduced us, and except for a week when he was stupid and broke up with me, we've been together ever since.

"That's okay, honey. I forgot, too."

:)

"Table" for one

My lunch-eating buddy is out on sick leave for the next few weeks, so I am left to eating alone. Usually, I eat in the lounge and we visit, but it's not so great a room I'd enjoy being in alone, so I've been eating in my car and listening to the radio. I know as a person with eating issues that that is a big no-no; eating alone and in the car is a double-whammy. Too much isolation and focusing on what I'm eating, but I really don't want to sit in the lounge alone either. At least I can sit with my windows down and watch squirrels, butterflies and birds go by on these beautiful, cool days. Soon the election will be over, and I'll find something else to listen to.

I'll be glad when my buddy is back!!

Oh, yea - the Spurs start their season tonight!! Whoo-who!!!

2nd grade sweetness

My last group of the morning is 3 little 2nd grade boys. Freckle faces with gap-tooth grins and lots and lots of energy. Two I've had since the beginning of school, one joined the group last week while I was gone, and has had a "deer in the headlights" look about the whole lesson cycle we go through. One of those kinda tough little boys who aren't impressed by much, at the ripe age of 8 years.

Anyway, to today. One skill mastery we have is to have the student read a word list that we have been practicing over a certain sound. Today was the first one for the new little guy, and I let him go last so he could watch first and build up his courage. The first boy didn't miss a word setting quite a high bar. Next came the "better" reader, and he took his time and also made a perfect score. The pressure is now really on the new little fella, and I reminded the other two that it was his first one, so we would give him some grace. He took the list, sounded out the first word, and got it right! They gave him a big grin and thumbs up, and he got a little grin on his face. With each word, the encouragement continues, and his grin grows, while his brow is furrowed with pressure. Finally, with all 3 of us in rapt awe, he finishes the list perfectly! You would have thought the Super Bowl had just been won! "Good job!" "You did Great!" and so on. Big grins and bigger stickers plastered on their shirts, they all trooped back to class, ready to show and tell the class about what they'd done.

It was a good day to be a teacher!!

A week with Elizabeth and her mom

I don't know where to start with this post. I know that lots of women have had their daughters become mothers before, and that they have become grandmothers for the first time, and that lots and lots of baby girls are perfect and beautiful (my two, for example.). I know that. I know that what happened in our family last week was just another birth; thankfully a short and uneventful one in many aspects, but just one of many as supported by the numbers of babies filling the nursery at the hospital. As I watched other families oohing and aahhing at their baby, I felt a kinship with them of wonder and peace. Who knows - Elizabeth's future college roommate or husband may have been in there with her! Anyway -

Last week was wonderful. I took in so many things that I will hold forever as memories, some sweetly tender and loving, and some just down-right funny. As I lay in my bed, so glad to have made it home, I just felt Liz against my shoulder and smelled her sweet baby hair. Such a peacefullness filled me that all is well. The end of a healthy, happy pregnancy and birth. Now, her life with us begins, and we are all witnesses to it.

My Mamaw was my hero in so many ways as I grew up. I hope that as Elizabeth grows, I will be that to her - so that in years to come, she will remember me with the same love and honor.

Nana loves you, Elizabeth!

Ready or not....

Tomorrow is Sunday; and it looks like I might be coming home. I told Erin this morning that I would stay a couple of more days if she felt like she needs me, but that I only have 5 days left to use later. We had a good night last night and the news on the jaundice is good, so I think I will be okay to leave. Not happy, mind you, but okay. I would have to leave eventually, and I think this way I will have some days to return if she needs me.

Erin has posted some pics of the family on her blog: http://www.johnson-junk-drawer.blogspot.com/ Adorable, right?! To quote a line from the movie, Where the Heart Is: how do you love something so fast that you just met?

Well, it's about dinner time, so I'd better go be the mom. Real life for the Johnson family begins tomorrow evening!

Watching the kids

Coming over here on Monday, I wasn't sure how the week would pan out. It's gone SO fast, and I feel like Sunday is going to come before I feel ready to leave Erin. She is doing so good - I am amazed with the composure both she and Gregg have shown in their sleep-deprived state. The more agitated little Elizabeth becomes, the softer and calmer their voices and touch. I was never that wise... sorry, Dana.
We've - they've - had a rough couple of nights, especially last night. We had a dinner of Erin's request, laden down with dairy products, and that didn't sit too well in Liz's stomach. Erin figures she slept about an hour. When I asked why they didn't get me up, Gregg grinned and said that SOMEONE has to be awake today while they sleep. Good point....

She is beautiful and perfect in every way, and when this eating settles in, her little thighs and arms will be chubby like Erin wants them. They are off right now, seeing the pediatrician, and will be home soon. Then, my shift begins!!

Next stage, please....

Yesterday, Andy and I entered another stage of life. Elizabeth was born, and while I don't feel any different, I am different.
She is beautiful and perfect in everyway, praise God. Her little life has impacted us and made us focus more on little things like fingers and toes, blonde tuffs of hair and little chirpy noises. She stares at us, just a face surrounded by swaddled blankets, and I can't wait to unwrap her and touch every part of her.

Gregg and Erin showed such maturity and calm, although my daughter who'd never been in a hospital had to have multiple attempts at her epidural and other unpleasant things. She was drowsy and drugged throughout the evening, and yet showed a calm and peaceful side to herself that cheered me. It was her safety and comfort that was on my mind most of the way to her side, and seeing her in the bed was the most beautiful sight I'd seen in a while. She will be a loving, fun mother.

Now, tomorrow, we take Elizabeth home. To her room and her bed and all the lovely things that await her there. She will be surrounded for the next few days by her Nana and Daddio, who will try to keep from grabbing her at every turn. Then, when the week is over, it's up to them. Then the fun starts.

YIPPEE!

Gregg just called - Erin is in labor!! Pray, pray, pray!!

More later!!

What a week!

What a week! Sunday through Tuesday, Austin. Betty was a wonderful roomie and travel partner - we managed to agree on room temperature, which is a biggie for me! The conference was a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. My dear Shanon was not in attendance, which dropped the value quite a bit.

Getting back to school on Wednesday meant Benchmark Testing. Ugh. Testing 2nd graders and expecting them to remain quiet is like the nailing Jell-O to the wall example. It just isn't going to happen. At least on Thursday, they could leave once they finished. So, school was wierd.

Now, today is more like normal. At one end, the weekend! Yippee~yi~yay!! And Liz is ever nearer!!

Out of Pocket for a while....

Come tomorrow afternoon, I will get in my lovely maroon Envoy with my Aggie Mom decal and drive to Austin. Now, it's not as dangerous as it used to be, in fact I know some Aggies who actually live there and like it, but for me, it's unnerving.
I am going to a dyslexia conference with some of my co-workers, and will be out of blogging range until Wednesday. Don't know how I am going to handle not READING my blogs, but perhaps I will find an outlet somewhere. I will have my phone in case Liz comes early (don't get your hopes up, Erin!).

I love staying in hotels and eating out, and I've warned my roomie that I like the room nice and polar. I will try not to snore....

The best part will be seeing my dear Shanon! She will be there as well, and I hope we get some time to visit. I love her, and every chance to be with her, I take. Let's just hope the knee holds up and lets me manuever myself without too much discomfort.

So, take care and I'll be back!!

Morning glory -

This morning, I was greeted by the most wonderful blast of Autumn air! Just driving to school with a window down started my morning with a smile on my face - by noon, I was sweating again; the morning's freshness just a memory.

Everywhere you look right now are images of autumn color in all its splendor. I really, really want to take a trip to see it for myself, but that will wait until retirement. Perhaps I can talk Andrew into a Hill Country day-trip to appease my wishes for now.

Wish me luck!!!

In reference to Jackie and Darla

One of my favorite children's stories is "The House the Jack Build" where each page build on one event or character after another. Don't even know if it is still in print, but this past weekend made me remember it with a vengence. Then, I read Jackie and Darla's blogs, so I'll follow suit.

Friday, we went to SA to shop for school and the upcoming shower. Had a delicious steak along the way at Red Lobster. Now, if only the Spurs had been on the radio!

Saturday, we met up to clean and decorate for the shower. Groceries to buy later along with cookies to pick up and then stuff at the house.

Sunday was the day. Fix food for the luncheon, worship, lunch (delicious, Jackie), shower, collapse, bed. Doesn't sound like a lot, but I was worn out. Didn't even make it to worship in the evening, but I knew this was going to be a rough week at school with benchmark testing and I needed to rest somewhere along the way.

Didn't even email my father-in-law, and he called twice to check on me. Such a creature of habit!!

So, that was the house that Amy lived in this weekend.

Can she pull it off?

Tonight is Sarah Palin's chance. She's got one good opportunity to reach back into the parts of her that got her where she is and show the nation that McCain's not senile in choosing her after all.

Truthfully, if it were up to me, I'd dump the other 3 and start over. She's the only one I'd have lunch with, and spend time listening to what she has to say. Those men just don't "do it" for me.
I fear for our nation, no matter who wins.

Let's cross our fingers and settle in to watch!

Perks of my job

When I was told at the end of the year that I would be traveling from campus to campus, I was apprehensive. Shanon assured me I would love it, and Dana assured me that those 1st graders would be so much fun. So it began....

Now, 6 weeks into the year, here are the perks:
No lesson plans or grades
No duty - NONE !
My groups are 4 at most
Meetings are a thing of my past - if my supervisor needs to tell me something, she emails me! All she asks is that I drop in a couple of times a week to "touch base" and fill her in. This, I can do.
I share rooms with 2 amazing teachers, who show me professionalism every day. My new friend at Primary is superb and kind, and shows me the ropes at my new campus. My co-hort at Elem. is still the same, and I love it!
I get mileage for my whopping 1.5 mile a day transition drive!!
And best of all -

The stress of the past years is gone. I feel like the teacher I knew I was, and it is wonderful to feel that way again. I still plan retirement asap, but at least this is do-able. The day flies by and before I know it, it will be the holidays.

So. Shanon and Dana were right. This is starting off to be a banner year, and I hope the good times continue. And while I don't "belong" to any particular campus, I feel appreciated at both. What more could I ask for?

Spurs post #1

Yippee!! The long, 3 month drought of Spurs-mania is over!! The boys begin training camp today, and soon my ears will be ringing with news of Manu's acl, Tony's summer in France and Tim's aged abilities. New guys to learn and "old" guys to miss - how can we play without Robert and Brent ?!?! What will happen with the HEB commercials?!

Even though Manu will be out until after Christmas, we'll still see him on the side-lines, cheering on his team. I'm sure he'll be back better than ever, and being an odd-numbered year, it's time for another Championship!!

Next to Liz being born, this is the highlight of my Fall!!!

Go, Spurs, Go!!!

26 years and 1 day

Happy Birthday, Erin!! My little one, my spunky child, my singer and dancer. The persistent girl, the teddy-bear collector, and more. All grown up now and awaiting her baby girl.

When I think of Erin as a child, I shake my head. For many reasons. She perplexed, entertained, questioned, and demanded. I watched as she grew from a little ballerina in a green tutu to a bride of immeasurable beauty walking to her groom. Now, she prepares for motherhood, with questions and fears just as we all have had. I tell her it will all pass and then she will have Liz, but right now, all that faces her is the process. And the swollen feet, and the emotions coming from all directions.

When you hold your child and dream of what life holds for them, you have no idea. Sometimes it is pain that you must go through with them to come out stronger, and sometimes it is sheer joy and laughter. With Erin, it was been much more the later, and I am so appreciative. She is a treasure.

Voices from the past

Last night, Andy and I went over to my home church to attend their Gospel Meeting. As he got home after 6:30 and needed something to eat, we walked in soon after the singing ended and they introduced the speaker of the evening. We sat down next to my dear friend (we literally ran into each other on the sidewalk of that church and began a life-long relationship), and while my body was in 2008, it wasn't long before my mind was in the 60s.

That is where my dad would lead singing, and prayers, and announcements, and - well, you know those little churches. My mom wrote the bulletin that sat on the round table by the door. I noticed the guest book is no longer there - what did that mean? As I scanned the pews, I could see Sister Spence in her crocheted cap on her head. She taught me Bible stories with Pipe Cleaner characters and Felt cut-outs. We gave our monies for the missionaries in a Band-Aid box at the end of class. Next to her would be Sister Kinchen. Her husband demanded lunch at noon, so she left every Sunday after the Lord's Supper to be in subjection to him. The Perrys would be in front and the Ankroms beside them. The Maxwells, such dear, sweet souls. Now, all are gone, and as I sat there, it dawned on me that Cathy, her two sisters and me were the only ones there from my past. That was a moment I won't soon forget.

What I recall about those people I named that are all gone now is that church and God was serious business to them. The men, especially, were sour faced and somber; no "Joy of the Lord is My Strength" would pass across their lips. And yet, you knew they loved both you and the Lord, and nothing was going to harm the church as long as they had any say. If they walked into a church today, would they even recognize it?

So while things are not at their best right now, there is still a core of folks who have hope. A new co-minister set-up with the church in Natalia has everyone optimistic about the future for the first time in as long time. I'm adding the church in Poteet to my prayer list, and would apprectiate if you would as well.

Lots of wonderful memories came back to me last night. It was an evening well spent -

7 years ago....

Today is the anniversary of my mother's death. I told Andy this morning it seems like just the other day, and yet so much has happened in those years. Erin asked me this weekend if I'd thought about her much with Liz coming, and the answer is yes -for me, but probably no for most other people. I don't dwell on the dead; I have peace with their lives and where they are so I don't let it be the focus of my thoughts. But I have given much thought to how she would be enjoying becoming a great-grandmother and doing all the creative things she loved to do. Am I sad she will not get to hold Liz and sing her silly songs and tell her funny stories? Definately. But I'd like to think, if there was a way for this to happen, that she's met Liz already in the great beyond, and told her all about us. What we are like and how we will love her and teach her all about God and His goodness to our family. About what I was like as a little girl and her mother's fun and playful personality. Her sweet Aunt Dana's care and concern for others and her Daddio's strong, loving nature.

Mayber when she's older, I'll ask her. I may be surprised!

"Teacher Maims Student While Playing Games"

Second graders do not play nice... I wanted to thrash them and the games. Grrrr! So much for a nice, quiet Friday!!