A wonderful life

Today was a wonderful day. We started off with the Macy's parade and watched the whole thing - all the way to Santa. Dana curled up on the couch, reliving to us her trip with Erin to NYC a few years ago, and how wonderful it was. Wishing her sister and family were with us, but knowing we will see them soon.

Then, we got our food ready, showered and headed to the Hutton's for a feast. All the traditional food is here, and delicious - pie to come when we have room. Played Wii after the meal - ask Dana about tennis! - and then some board games. They are in the kitchen putting up the food while I do this - oops.

Next, the Ags face the Longhorns. Should be a bloodbath, but we have hope.

It's been a great day. So much to be thankful for!!!

An early Christmas!!

Manu is back!!! He played for the first time this season last night, and it was a glorious sight to behold!! The man looked GOOD - no limping, falling or grimacing in pain; just steals, feats of acrobatic wonder and that cute little pump he does with his arm when he makes a play! I have to admit a little crush here- he's just so cute, even with his bald spot! So, now the Spurs can resume their season full blast when Tony returns and the new guys hit their stride.

Can we dare to hope for Ring # 5?!?

Go, Spurs, Go!!

My favorite phobia

Are you phobic about anything? I guess everyone is about something, but mine has really come back to haunt me.

As a child, I never was taken to the dentist. My first experience was one of sitting in the library watching a film about a bear when I suddenly fell to the floor in tremendous pain from an unexpected toothache. The teacher called my mother and she took me to the local dentist who sidelined as an interogist for the CIA using torture. Not really. In fact, he was a relative, which made matters worse!!

So. Over the years, my dealings with the dentist have been sporadic and fearful. I had 2 or 3 that I really liked, but either I moved or one committed suicide. (That REALLY did not help me!) I was always good about taking the girls and keeping up with their visits, but could not make myself go. At one point, I drove to the office 3 times and left without ever going in.

Now, here I am at 53 with a mess of a mouth. I have to go, and soon. I'm not in pain, but I know it will come if I don't take care of it. To top it off, I just found out my dentist does not have nitrous oxide anymore, which made my getting in the chair a lot easier. Now, it will only be the happy pill and me.

Silly, right? But even now, as I sit here, my stomach is quaking with the thought of it. I really need help....

The reality of school

Every day, I travel from one campus to another. The first campus is the Primary, which houses grades K,1, and 2. After finishing with those groups, I go to the Elementary, which is 3rd and 4th grade. Day after day, I am reminded how different these campuses are from one another. Even though they are in the same district, and there is good communication between them, it is still astounding to me.

At the Primary, the goal of the teachers, plainly stated orally and in writing in several places, is to "make it a good day" for the children. After going everyday so far this year, I have heard only 1 person speak harshly to the children, and it wasn't all that harsh! I am always reminded that these are young children, in formative years, and that it is my responsibility to not "harm" them in any way.
While I find some of it really sugary-sweet, I am touched by the tenderness with which each one it greeted and treated. I would like to be a child at that school...

When they reach Elementary, everything shifts into a whole other gear. Gone are the soft, tender voices (I'm not saying the staff isn't loving - just not baby-ing.) and the determination to make every situation one that is beneficial to the child. The children at Elementary are facing the world of state mandated testing, and it drives how they act, how they approach things, and how they are expected to manage their own lives. Gone is the mother; now the teacher is a guide, a facilitator - a teacher of higher expectations academically. The kids handle the transition well; it's just sad to me that they have to deal with the stress at this age.

I'm glad I went to school when I did. Hours of handwriting to make sure we had good penmanship, holiday activities, recess !, listening to my teachers read novels to us daily... and I turned out pretty smart! Somewhere along the line, those in charge decided kids need to be grown up by age 7. I disagree, but I'm not in charge.

So, I'll keep walking in daily with 4 and 5 year olds going into school with backpacks bigger than they are. I'll work until I retire making the lives I touch a little less stressful and more fun. I'll try to delay the inevitable as long as possible.

I'm searching for this candle....

We had a wonderful time in Cypress with the Johnsons this past weekend - little Liz is filling out nicely, and Erin looks wonderful! We kept her all by ourselves while Mom and Dad went out to eat, but they didn't stay long. I'm glad to report that all went well on our end, and Liz was none the wiser!

All the way home, I would move, and a whiff of her would fill my brain and heart. I hate to wash that blouse, because then it will be gone. So, I want a Liz candle; that combination of sweet breath, baby bath and baby laundry soap. It would hold me over until I see her again -

This grandma thing is pretty wonderful!

Lucky Little Liz

There are so many ways that Liz is going to have a good life; her parents love God and each other with all their hearts, are committed to their marriage, and will make sure her life has all it needs to be safe, healthy and secure. She has a wonderful Aunt Dana who adores her and two sets of grandparents who could easily spend every moment looking at her and teaching her all about life. She has a great dog to play with and lots of little friends already in her "circle."

But today's post by Erin made me laugh and know for sure her life will be fun as well!

Lucky, lucky Liz!

What to do?!?!?

If you were to receive a windfall, what would you do with it? Think you know right away?? Well, it's driving me nuts... a new incentive to keep teachers in the district and reward them has a little check coming my way in December. At first, I knew right away what I wanted to spend it on, but as the time nears, I find myself with a list of several, really good options. (Andy and I always give carte-blanche to the person receiving the windfall, so the decision is mine and mine alone.) I most likely go with my first impulse, but I find myself not wanting to regret it and wish I'd chosen another use. What an awful dilemna!!

Do I go with my first impulse, draw out of a hat, play scissor, paper, rocks? Let it sit in the bank until I'm sure? Help ?!?!

Veteran's Day, 2008

Coming to school today, I was filled with thoughts about the Veterans that I know. I hope they know how much we love and honor them -

Curtis Knight - my uncle who fought WWII with his brothers, received the purple heart when shot clean through the lung. His brother Jack received the Congressional Medal of Honor and was lost at sea when shot down. America meant the world to those brothers.

My dad - not truly a Veteran, but worked Civil Service all my life for his government. Instrumental in developement of the C-5 bomber that still flies over San Antonio.

Robert Hutton and his sons - I always pray for their safety - they are such good men.

My father in Law- Frank LaMore. A Navy man that didn't talk much about his service until these later years. I guess some things you don't talk about.

Tyler Bryan - a new Marine. I hope he stays safe.

And today, I'm thinking of Elizabeth. What does this world hold for her and her generation? Will America remain strong and safe? Will she face fears and sacrifices her mother and aunt never faced? Let's hope these military men and women of today and our future continue the strong determination of our Veterans to ensure their lives and freedoms.

An accappella weekend

"Sing them over again to me, Wonderful Words of Life
Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful Words of Life.
Words so sweetly given, wooing us to Heaven -
Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful Words of Life -
Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful Words of Life!"

We had a great weekend!! Saturday night, we had some folks over to sing - hadn't done that in a while, and it was past time. Not the largest crowd, but the ones who came sang and sang with energy and passion. We sang old songs, new songs, Christmas songs - everyone just called out their number and we sang. Very sweet. The oldest person there was 93, the youngest 30. We sang until everyone was pretty well worn out, ate a few cookies, visited a minute and then called it a night.

Yesterday, the singing continued - Jamie did a wonderful job leading us, and we sang in praise and worship to the Father. You just cannot beat 4 part harmony for stirring the soul. I hope He felt our love and adoration -

To finish the night, we went to Whataburger; 4 couples for a burger. While there, a singing group from another church came in, and when they were all seated, began singing "Sanctuary!" Well, we just jumped right in with them! You should have seen some of their faces - like, "How do they know this song and those parts?!" It was great - reminded me of singing in DQs in my college years. One of our men was impressed that they could pull it off accappella - just goes to show you!!

What a great weekend!!

Mothers and daughters -

Today is my mother's birthday. She would be 81 had she lived; that is hard to imagine! Lately, with Elizabeth being born, she has been on my mind a lot, and I think she would be pretty excited. With Elizabeth, the use of that name in my family is extended now to 9 generations - something she would point out to everyone. She liked to call Dana that, just to get our goat, and would continue it here as well. She really liked to joke around with folks, and always grumbled that I was not able to "take a joke." I won't go into it here.....

Now that I am a grandmother, I wish that she were still around for Dana and Erin. She had so many talents and abilities to share with them. But unfortunately, the end of her life was not affording her the opportunities to use them. Our loss as well as hers.

As time passes, I recall more often the good things about my mom and our relationship, and I hope my girls do, to. She was their Granny.

No, Spurs, No!

Man... first, the election, then I find my Spurs at 0-3 for the first time in their history!! The moon must be full, or the apacolypse (sp) is near. Elizabeth is in the hospital, so that adds to my stress (She is fine; needed some antibiotics and fluids). I am in a funk, and need some good news to perk me up -

All I know is, life will go on. My Father is in control.

Well...

After a long, long season of campaigning, it's here. I keep thinking that we are going to go back to the racial strife of the 60s, and I really really hope I am wrong. I voted, as I have in every election for President since I was 18, and this one felt ominous. I know God is in control, I trust in the American process, and I hope that peace prevails.

May God bless America.

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.