Too cute for words...

I've been trying to post since we got home from Erin's last weekend, but I'm just figuring out this picture thing. The ones of Liz and Bladen with the cute hats is from the photo shoot a couple of weeks ago... not really Christmas, but who cares?!

We had a wonderful time with all the family; Dana first here in Pleasanton, then us all together for another celebration. New Years' fireworks in their neighborhood sounded like a war zone, but Liz slept right through it all!!

Life is back to normal now - at least for a while. School's back in session, and now the next event to celebrate will be Dana's birthday at the end of the month. I'm sure we'll find something wonderful to do!!

Farewell, 2009

Today doesn't feel like New Year's Eve. Part of it is because we haven't had Christmas yet with the Johnson clan, a situation we are going to correct by driving over this afternoon. Another thing is, this year just went too fast!!

While overall it was an average year, the first year of Liz's life, and the recent addition of Bladen to our family has made it extraordinary. The sweetness and gentleness of their lives flows over into ours, and makes simple things seem so amazing. I guess the memories of my own two darling babies so long ago has something to do with it - yet while the love and enjoyment is there, the pressure of responsibility is not. What a wonderful blend of emotions that produces!!

While there have been times of concern this fleeing year, overall it was without problems. We got to enjoy a relaxing vacation atop the beautiful mountains of Colorado and saw the vast scenery of New Mexico. (I can't think of a color that I did not see in the rocks of that state!) I found again my confidence in my ability to teach (thanks, Mary!), and my enjoyment of my career has resurfaced. I'm so grateful for that; I was afraid I would retire doubting myself. Hopefully in the not too distant future, I'll look back on these past few years as the ones that taught me the most about not only myself, but dealing with others and nurturing little ones in those first years of school.

Overall, I think the best thing about this year is that I grew to love my husband and daughters in ways I never imagined. Andy and I reached 33 years of marriage in a day when most people just get tired or quit. We still laugh, love, and worship together, and I'm so proud of the man he is.

So, as this year turns to a new decade - I look into this coming year with confidence and expectation. I ask of God's blessing on all my loved ones and friends, and for peace in our land.

Happy New Year!!

Finding old friends

I'll confess; I joined Facebook because Jackie wanted me to "farm" with her. It's been fun setting them up, and keeping them going, and that would have been reason enough to like it. But the neatest part to me is recapturing old friends and distant relatives that I've lost touch with.

The first person I "found" was my niece, Amanda. I haven't seen her in probably 15 years; Dana has seen her once, and doesn't remember her at all. Divorce will do that to a family... anyway - she and I have become reacquainted, and I am glad.

Yesterday, I was approved as a friend with a woman that Andy and I knew in college in the 70's. Her mom and dad were my pseudo-parents away from home, and when they would go out, I'd watch their daughter. She was only about 5 years younger than me, but sometimes those are the kids that need the most watching. (Side-note: these people didn't have bedframes; they slept on matresses on the floor. Claimed he had a bad back....) Anyway, when I searched her name, there were 4 listed; she was the first one that popped up. Now, we begin the process of getting to know each other again. Such fun!

With that in mind, I have one person left I'd like to find; an old flame from Georgia. So far, no luck. But I'll keep looking from time to time!!

You never know....

The finish line is in sight!!

Like everyone right now, I have a lot to do to finish up and be ready for Christmas. For some reason, though, I dawdle and meander on this computer, "wasting" time. The getting up and getting started is the hard part; once I'm going, I get it all done, but it just isn't happening right now.

Andy and Dana are off helping Santa with some last minute business. For some reason, I was not invited to go along. It's so great to have Dana here, and yet our house feels a little quiet and empty without the Johnsons. It's their turn to be with his folks on "the day" - and I don't begrudge them in the least for having it - but I do feel my nest has a big hole in it. We've been invited to share Christmas Day dinner with some friends, and I told her it will help to be with some more folks. Several of us are at that stage in our lives where our children are away for various reasons, and so we find each other to share... it's another reason I love the Church.

So, I guess I should get busy. HEB has to be dealt with, one way or another, and so does the bank. Afterwards, I'll put in another movie and finish wrapping gifts. Perhaps some hot chocolate with find it's way to the table!

Hope your holidays are going well -

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,
The bell's about to ring, and all the kids are heading home for the holidays. I'd like to send my wishes along to you for their Christmas:

For Dawson, Shane, Sammy, Isaiah, Jesse, Cody, Shane, RJ, Kristy, Brandon, Joshua, Colton, Madilynn, Savannah, Riley, Robert, Garner, Alexys, Justin, Sebestein, Mark and Hailey - I wish for happiness and gratitude for what they receive; for tender hearts with their families, for good, warm food and beds in which they can have sweet dreams. I wish for them love lavished on them by those around them - not just a mountain of "things" bought to keep them busy. I wish for them laughter and wonder - for faith in God and in you.

Thanks, Santa !

Victor, my new best friend!

I've now been without my computer at home for weeks - at least 3!! We thought we were waiting to be contacted by Dell on when we would get serviced, but Andy found out yesterday that we were supposed to contact THEM!! Grrr......

So, after he left last night, I gathered up the info on our computer and called Dell. 7:15ish. The first guy I was connected to, I hung up on. He couldn't understand me, nor I him. After reading the same number to him at least 10 times, very distinctly, and him reading it back TOTALLY wrong, I hung up.

Mona was next. Wouldn't even connect me until I promised to update my service plan. She kept saying 2 years, I kept saying 1. Two years, one year, over and over and over until I shouted at her. I could barely understand her as well, but she was better than the first guy!

Then, Victor. Finally. Someone who understood me and I him!! We tried several different things to get me rebooted, all the while, my phone battery is beeping. And beeping, and so on. He even took my cell number so in case my phone died, he could call me back directly and I wouldn't have to start over with someone new.

Finally, with my phone seriously beeping every minute or so, we got things done. Now, hopefully, in a matter of days, I will be back on line!! I asked to speak to his superior, and lavished praise on this faceless man in the Phillipines (I asked him!) who was so polite and thorough.

Time: 8:40. One and one-half hours.

Frustrating.

Beauty all around me

Right now,if you turn onto my street, you see lots of trees, but only one is glowing with red, yellow and orange Fall leaves. My goal, when we moved there, was to plant trees to give me beautiful Fall colors, and after 16 years in the house, my goal is a reality! They have never looked more brilliant and bold; my Red Oak in the front lawn is surpassed only by my Bur Oak in the back.

At breakfast, as I sit at the table and look out, it fills me with such a wonderful feeling of the glories of God. How did He know we would take such pleasure in the simple changing of colors in His creation? How kind of Him to bless us with these simple things which are all around us. I almost hate for winter to come and take the leaves from their branches, because this year has been so bountiful!!

Thank you, Father, for red, gold, orange and yellow leaves!!

Testing, testing, testing

My least favorite part of my job is Benchmark testing. At the end of every quarter, we test the students in Reading and Math, and it takes my kids three LONG days. They take their test, then we sit for the rest of the day until 2:00. Now, if you finished your test at 1:00, that's not too bad, but when you finish by 9:30 in the morning, it is the pits. They have to read or sit with their heads down. No talking, drawing, or anything else that may disturb someone.

It is eternal.

It is cruel.

It is part of the job. So. We do it, and make the most of it.

At the end of the day, the teachers are worn out; just because of the stress of the situation. It makes for a long, long week.

How long till retirement?!?

Bladen Joel

Little Man", "Buddy", "The Boy" - we're just trying out all kinds of names over here; all I know is, whatever we call Bladen, he's going to make our lives a happier place. His sister is aware of him, but not overly - she seems content to go about her playing and laughing just as before. His mother is calm and composed; I guess still being a little sore plays a part, and her Dad is just proud. He's such a good dad - I'm so glad God plunked him down into our family to be Erin's partner in this.

Two days into "Helping", and I'm a little tired. Just a little, though - glad to be able to be here to help them our while Gregg works a couple of days. He takes over when Dana and I go back to school on Monday. Luckily, Christmas vacation comes soon, so I can come back if I need to. Just try and keep Nana away!

Bladen Joel

This morning, after only about an hour of labor, Bladen Joel Johnson joined our family. He is 18 inches long and 7 lb. 4 oz. in weight. His head is full of black hair, and he is a rosy pink color. I've not seen his toes or counted his fingers, but what I have seen so far is perfect.

Erin went so fast in her labor that she didn't even get an epidural. She looks radiant and calm, and her face lit up the room when Dana came in with big sister Elizabeth. Both sets of grandparents are in attendance, so there is plenty of support for these first few days.

What the future holds for Bladen is yet to be seen; but I do know he will be happy and loved - taught to honor and follow God, and probably be quite the sportsman. He is already filling our family with love and joy.

Confrontation

I'm not good at confrontation. Never have been - don't see that changing any time soon. I have a person I need to talk to - hopefully she won't see it as a confrontation; I'd like to think of it as an opportunity to clear up some misunderstandings about some little things, but to me, it's all the same. I have to be assertive, but respectful; firm but compliant. Not always easy to juggle with this foot-in-mouth disease I tend to have.

I've tried for two days, and we haven't been able to get together. Hopefully, Monday. I just hope I can relax and let it go until then, so I can enjoy my holiday with my family.

Counting down the days!

Well, it's the week of Thanksgiving, and everyone is all in a tizzy. The kids at school, friends at church, and my family can only talk about the coming days! Whose house, favorite pie, playing and visiting with cousins and other relatives... such a happy time.

Growing up, getting together with my cousins was the happiest time for me. I have such wonderful memories of how we played from dawn till dusk, and then stayed up late into the night, not wanting to waste time sleeping. Now, it's my daughters, Gregg, and Liz that I want to spend every precious moment with in the coming days. Those memories are growing by leaps and bounds!!

We wait for Bladen. He is ready and in position, and his clothes, room, and bags are ready for his signal that his birth is emminent. Erin is hoping to enjoy the Thanksgiving Feast at her aunt's on Thursday before he decides to come, but we are anxious to see him at any time! What are we in store for with this little man?!?
A whole new world of excitement and joy is soon to awaken!!

Please pray for a safe, quick and joyous delivery for Bladen Joel Johnson and his mother. They mean the world to me!!

Dave vs. American greed

Yesterday, my GMC Envoy turned over 100,000 miles. It's paid for.

Most of society and the car dealerships would be drooling as I passed by their dealerships and offering me great deals.

Ha! Dave has made me see the light. I'm a happy woman!!

May it go many, many more miles!!!

Things He's Missed

On this day 19 years ago, my father died.

Some years, the day goes by without my thinking of it; others, it's all I think of. This is one of those years; I'm thinking about all the things in my life that have happened in that time, and it makes me so sad that he has not been here.

Here are some of the biggies:
my home. We built it from the ground up, and daddy would have loved watching every board go into place.
my daughters graduating from college. It was my dad's dream for me to get my degree, and he was so very proud to see me walk the stage.
Erin marrying Gregg. On our wedding day, as Daddy walked me down the aisle, he patted my hand and kept saying, "it's all so beautiful, Amy. You did such a good job!" My dad was not a man of a lot of words, so it meant the world to me. He bawled his eyes out afterwards.
Andy becoming an elder. He would have been proud.
Casey growing up to be a good worker and responsible man.
Elizabeth being born. I wish he could pull her down the road in the red wagon. He whistled and sang a lot, and she'd love that about him. When I was in labor with Dana, he joined Andy and me in the ride to the hospital and never left for one minute until she was here.

He would be 89 now had he lived.

I miss my Dad.

Eleanor Rigby

Andy and Robert do visitation most Monday nights. They drop in - a "cold visit", they call it - and spend a few minutes listening to the cares and concerns of those who let them in. The visit can be spurred by a problem the person is having, or the fact that they haven't been to worship in a while, or just because they are on the fringe of the congregation. While they are out, I stay at home and go about my evening after a hard day at school.

"All the lonely people, where to they all come from...
All the loney people, where DO they all belong?"

Today, I went with Andy to a garage sale at the home of one of out members. She was selling pews from the original church building here in Pleasanton, and we've been wanting one for a while. The member is chronically ill, and does not get out. Today, she told me that she cannot even go to see her mother because of the flu everywhere.

After we chose our pew, I decided to stay a while and visit some more. The guilt of my neglect was weighing hard on my shoulders, and I just had to spend some time with this woman. The joy with which she greeted me shamed me, and as I left, her call of "I love you!" almost broke me.

"All the lonely people...."

Forgive my lack of compassion. Forgive my laziness.

A fun thought

One of the drawing points for Dana and Erin to attend Texas A & M was the large group of friends from church who were also students there. They went with some familiar faces already in place, which makes moving to such a big place a little easier. They roomed with some, and built many more memories to add to the ones they already had. It also made for security on this mama's part.

Fast forward to tomorrow. Carl and Lisa Royal welcomed Blakely into their family. As I listened to her Grandma Darla talk about her, I thought, "Someday, she could be at A&M with Bladen!" A long-time connection renewed years down the line? Weeklongs, after-game devos, week-end trips to Pleasanton?!

We'll see. I'll get back to you in 18 years!

Wishes

Things I'm wishing for right now:

~ a safe arrival of a healthy Bladen Joel Johnson
~ the answer to Dana's dream come true (my vision?)
~ self-control
~ the safety for our country that I grew up with
~ no more falls for Mom
~ a comfortable retirement in the near future
~ many happy hours with Liz
~ rain
~ a renewed relationship with my brother
~ an active, productive Small Group
~ a safe tour of duty for Tyler
~ Peace for Jackie
~ self-control (yes, I know I've already said that)
~ happiness for my students
~ many more years with Andrew
~ one more ring for Tim, Tony, and Manu!!

The weekend in review

Had a lovely time in Houston - again. We arrived at Dana's apartment with time to spare before falling into bed, and then activities began.

Dana and Andrew got up and headed out for a belated Birthday breakfast. She took him to her favorite place, and then they went to a museum exhibit on the 40th anniversary of the landing on the moon. I was invited to go, but Andy and I don't really do well together at museums... he is a meticulous reader of all things exhibited, and I scan and go. Both parties deemed it a success.

While they took in culture and science, I shopped for Bladen's shower gift and a book for Liz. Never had been to a Babies R Us, and am glad there isn't one in Pleasanton!! I decided a checkbook is not a good thing to take when the amount to spend is open-ended; from now on, I only go in with cash!

After shopping, I arrived at the Johnson home. Once Liz woke up, we had a good reunion (she looks like "Who are you and why are you here so sporadically??" She warmed up pretty quickly this time, and I have to say the highlight of my afternoon was when she was singing. Such a precious sound to my ears! If only I could have recorded it!! Her other grandparents arrived, as did Andy and Dana, so then the sharing began.

One down side to the weekend was that Roark, Liz's canine brother, reacted to some flea repellent, and ended up in the ER for dogs. He is okay now, but it was a downer for the weekend.

Sunday was worship, and then the shower. Lots and lots and LOTS of little boy clothes, so she is set for the first few months. Diapers were the other hit of the day, and those were received very graciously! One we got things back to the house, we hugged, kissed, and said out good-byes.

So, now we wait. Thanksgiving is in two weeks, and then Bladen is scheduled to arrive soon afterward. We are all ready to meet this little man and see what joy he adds to our growing family!!

An amazing thought

One thing that has always amazed me is that different teachers are drawn to different kids. A co-worker and I share a room, and we also share some kids through-out the day. I see her with a young man that I would have killed the second week - day - of the year, and she deals with him SO beautifully! He pushes my buttons just watching him with her, and yet she stays so calm and collected. I have a couple of little ones that affect her the same way. I guess it's a good thing that every kid has some teacher along the way that loves them and deals with their little quirks...

Which makes me transition to the church. How many times you see people drawn to certain personalities and avoid others. And yet, we are called to love each other equally. Sometimes, a hard task to take on. I have a couple of people that I just have a hard, hard time with - and I feel terribly about it. I just try to remember that there are those out among me who feel that way about me!! Shame on me -

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....