Feeling very refective today; not sure why....
I got to thinking about this stage of my life - where I am, where I'm going. Where I've been....
In some ways, I'm not so sure of things as I've always been - things that I thought were rock-solid are not, and I've learned that I want to control things more than I ever knew I wanted to. But there are things that I still love, still want, and still know -
I still-
~ love my husband. Silly to say, but these days, it's not a "given" after all these years. Loved him from the first kiss, love him still. Lots.
~like to cuddle my daughters. Yes, they are grown up now, but nothing makes me happier.
~hear my dad. He's been gone since 1990, but his laugh, whistle, and song leading live strong in my memory. Can't wait to hear him in Heaven....
~like to spend time with Jackie. She makes me laugh when on one else can. She is a blessing in my life for that and many reasons.
~love to smell puppies. Enough said -
~love Camp Bandina. Haven't been in many, many years; but that place was a sense of strength and encouragement during my teen years when I felt alone in the church.
~really enjoy Poteet strawberries. None better, sweeter. I remembered that this year when I had some at a friend's.
~can sing a lot of Beatle's songs. (After my brother's last episode in the hospital, when he couldn't remember much else, he remembered "In My Life" word for word!) Can you say influencial?!?
~miss eating large amounts of whatever I want. Yes, I know. But I do.
~wonder what my life would have been had I made a different call on a road one summer. Most definitely much different....
~get a kick out of teaching kids and seeing the light come on. Nothing feels like that moment!
~wish I spoke up more.
~think sometimes about that 3rd baby I tried to talk Andrew in to when Erin was about 4. Always assumed it would have been another girl for some reason.
~ kinda wished had more confidence in my singing.
~ try to beat Gregg at games, although it is mostly futile. The man's a beast at winning!
~ fear dentists
~ like to swing, and look forward to getting back into one~
~ try to find the good in people and situations.
~ believe that God is in control of my life!
~ miss Smudge. Often...
~ remember songs that Mama sang to me that no one else has ever sung.
~ like to take road trips.
~ still appreciate friends from long ago that remain in my heart from a distance now.
~ am in awe of my mother-in-law and what she has meant to my husband.
~ love my home. Building it was probably one of the biggest joys of my life!
~ love my cousins. We had such fun growing up together!!
~ love the Lord's church. He was so good to give Her to us!!
~ enjoy movies like Silverado, Independence Day and Star Trek... even after watching them for years and years!!
~ look forward to going to Washington DC someday with Andrew. He'll be amazing to watch!
~ remember where I was on Sept. 11, 2001, and when JFK was killed, and when RFK was killed, OKC exploded and so on. Too much sorrow to forget -
~ don't get predjudice.
~ love Steve Connell for not giving up on Andrew!!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Huntsville on my mind...
About a month ago, I started thinking about going to visit Huntsville. I guess it was after Erin had been through there and made a comment to me along the lines of "I understand why you and Dad love it so much." The beauty is a big part of it, but that's not the draw to us. It's THE place for us, and when I couldn't get it out of my mind, I should've known something was up.
This morning, one of the first posts I saw on Facebook was from a Bible Chair friend from long ago. She gave the news that Brenda had died.
Brenda and Gary were a "young couple" of the Bible Chair group when we got there in 1973; they'd met there and remained there - Brenda grew up in the church there, so it made sense. Always at their house, even though it was about 15 miles out of town. They'd had one son, and after about a dozen years, were blessed with a second son. Semester after semester, they worked with "BC" kids, remembering how special the place had been for them. Gary grew and became a deacon, and later an elder. Brenda was always there, right beside him.
We laughed years later, long after we'd moved and considered ourselves not "Young Married", that Gary and Brenda remained in the "Young Married" class on Sunday mornings. It's where they belonged; encouraging other young couples. Make no mistake - they had struggles of their own - but they set the example of commitment and love. East Texas through and through, with big, hearty laughs that I hear in my head today.
The receptionist at the church told me that Brenda'd been sick for quite a while; a lot of things evidently went wrong. She'd suffered quite a bit. Gary had to watch that - right there with her all the way.
This weekend, they will bury her on the family ranch in a small Texas town. We'll go and stand in the July Texas heat, and reflect on our years at the Bible Chair. It made me think of "The Big Chill", where college friend meet following the funeral of a friend...
I'm too young for this.
This morning, one of the first posts I saw on Facebook was from a Bible Chair friend from long ago. She gave the news that Brenda had died.
Brenda and Gary were a "young couple" of the Bible Chair group when we got there in 1973; they'd met there and remained there - Brenda grew up in the church there, so it made sense. Always at their house, even though it was about 15 miles out of town. They'd had one son, and after about a dozen years, were blessed with a second son. Semester after semester, they worked with "BC" kids, remembering how special the place had been for them. Gary grew and became a deacon, and later an elder. Brenda was always there, right beside him.
We laughed years later, long after we'd moved and considered ourselves not "Young Married", that Gary and Brenda remained in the "Young Married" class on Sunday mornings. It's where they belonged; encouraging other young couples. Make no mistake - they had struggles of their own - but they set the example of commitment and love. East Texas through and through, with big, hearty laughs that I hear in my head today.
The receptionist at the church told me that Brenda'd been sick for quite a while; a lot of things evidently went wrong. She'd suffered quite a bit. Gary had to watch that - right there with her all the way.
This weekend, they will bury her on the family ranch in a small Texas town. We'll go and stand in the July Texas heat, and reflect on our years at the Bible Chair. It made me think of "The Big Chill", where college friend meet following the funeral of a friend...
I'm too young for this.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
The Fathers in My Life
This morning, as Andy and I ate breakfast, I thought about all the men in my life that have impacted me in their role as "father" - which lead to this post today. So here, in no particular order, are some random and heartfelt thoughts I thought I'd share:
Andrew - duh; of course he'd be first! I fell in love with this city boy, who came to love the Lord and met the items on my "list" of characteristics and qualitites in a man I'd marry. Yes, I really had a list! He wanted us to have time together to "grow" our marriage before kids, and I reluctantly agreed. Now, in our empty nest years, I am grateful for his foresight. His strengths are in his consistency and stability, his commitment to doing all things for a higher purpose, and his ability to deal with me. The girls knew what was what, and they knew he loved them both with all his heart. They still do. I still do, too....
My Dad - Graves Calvin Young. Of the three of us kids, I am most like him - physically and emotionally. He was even tempered, whistled all the time, loved to be with his grandkids, and took pride without being prideful. He smelled of oil, dirt, and roll-your-own cigarettes. He was a quiet giant; I knew without a lot of words and affection that I was one of his most prized blessings here on earth. He died in 1970.
Graves Watson Young - my great-grandfather. Even though I was a toddler when he died, I heard many stories about this big, burly man. He taught my dad to be a hard worker and to live within his means.
My Papaw - "Curly" May, Sr. - A Bohemian by nature. He captured wild animals and made us taste their meat, he chewed tobacco, and he laughed really loudly. As a little child, he scared me - but I still was not afraid to be near him. He died in 1980.
My father-in-law, Frank LaMore. Widowed at a young age with two small boys, he took life as it came and made it into a long, happy life. With Anne by his side, he raised Andy and Bruce (and later Chris and Albert) to be respectful, honest, hard-working and faithful adults. Family comes first to him, and in his latter years, he shows us how to face extreme difficulty and change with character. He has always treated me with respect and love, and has taken pride in his children, grandchildren and now - great grandchildren.
Gregg - my son-in-law extraordinaire. When a mom prays for her daughter's future son, she hopes those prayers are answered. Boy, were they! Not only is Gregg a fine, Christian man who adores my Erin, he is fun, a hard worker, and a super-duper dad in his own right! His patience with the kids amazes me each and every time I am with him. I know my grandbabies are in safe hands with him as their dad!
Lin Johnson -- Gregg's dad. Yes - he makes my list, because he raised Gregg. No person can grow up without that much training and example. You can tell that he and CaLyn took their responsibility seriously by just being around Gregg for 5 minutes.
"Dads of Faith" - so many here!! Either they adopted me as a college student, or influenced my daughters in their early years; I hope they know how much I love them and appreciate their influences. Some of them showed us how to parent by example - some took us under their wings without making it a big deal. It's the "circle of life" thing....
And, of course. God, the Father. Not for one moment of my life have I not been aware of His guidance and love. My heritage and church family taught me that my Father would always be beside me and that my life was His. I hope I have lived it so far to His glory!
Andrew - duh; of course he'd be first! I fell in love with this city boy, who came to love the Lord and met the items on my "list" of characteristics and qualitites in a man I'd marry. Yes, I really had a list! He wanted us to have time together to "grow" our marriage before kids, and I reluctantly agreed. Now, in our empty nest years, I am grateful for his foresight. His strengths are in his consistency and stability, his commitment to doing all things for a higher purpose, and his ability to deal with me. The girls knew what was what, and they knew he loved them both with all his heart. They still do. I still do, too....
My Dad - Graves Calvin Young. Of the three of us kids, I am most like him - physically and emotionally. He was even tempered, whistled all the time, loved to be with his grandkids, and took pride without being prideful. He smelled of oil, dirt, and roll-your-own cigarettes. He was a quiet giant; I knew without a lot of words and affection that I was one of his most prized blessings here on earth. He died in 1970.
Graves Watson Young - my great-grandfather. Even though I was a toddler when he died, I heard many stories about this big, burly man. He taught my dad to be a hard worker and to live within his means.
My Papaw - "Curly" May, Sr. - A Bohemian by nature. He captured wild animals and made us taste their meat, he chewed tobacco, and he laughed really loudly. As a little child, he scared me - but I still was not afraid to be near him. He died in 1980.
My father-in-law, Frank LaMore. Widowed at a young age with two small boys, he took life as it came and made it into a long, happy life. With Anne by his side, he raised Andy and Bruce (and later Chris and Albert) to be respectful, honest, hard-working and faithful adults. Family comes first to him, and in his latter years, he shows us how to face extreme difficulty and change with character. He has always treated me with respect and love, and has taken pride in his children, grandchildren and now - great grandchildren.
Gregg - my son-in-law extraordinaire. When a mom prays for her daughter's future son, she hopes those prayers are answered. Boy, were they! Not only is Gregg a fine, Christian man who adores my Erin, he is fun, a hard worker, and a super-duper dad in his own right! His patience with the kids amazes me each and every time I am with him. I know my grandbabies are in safe hands with him as their dad!
Lin Johnson -- Gregg's dad. Yes - he makes my list, because he raised Gregg. No person can grow up without that much training and example. You can tell that he and CaLyn took their responsibility seriously by just being around Gregg for 5 minutes.
"Dads of Faith" - so many here!! Either they adopted me as a college student, or influenced my daughters in their early years; I hope they know how much I love them and appreciate their influences. Some of them showed us how to parent by example - some took us under their wings without making it a big deal. It's the "circle of life" thing....
And, of course. God, the Father. Not for one moment of my life have I not been aware of His guidance and love. My heritage and church family taught me that my Father would always be beside me and that my life was His. I hope I have lived it so far to His glory!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Today, Andy and I celebrate 36 years of marriage; May 22, 1976. I got to wondering what that looks like in numbers:
~ 13,140 days
~ 1,872 weeks
~ 430 months
~ 1 apartment duplex
~ 2 mobil homes
~ 2 houses
~ 5 Chicago concerts
~ 2 dogs
~ 2 cats
~ 1 truck
~ 2 vans
~ 8 cars
~ 5 surgeries (all for Amy!)
~ 2 kidney stones - Andy
~3 churches
~6 ministers
~3 jobs for Andy
~3 jobs for Amy
~ 1 retirement
~2 parents still living
~ 2 parents deceased
~ 2 sisters
~ 3 brothers
~ 3 nieces
~ 8 nephews
~ 2 precious daughters
~ 1 amazing son-in-law
~ 2 glorious granddaughters
~ 1 joyous grandson
~ 4 Spurs' championships (sorry, I just couldn't leave THAT out !!)
~ 5 years in Huntsville
~ 6 years in Brookshire
~ 25 years here in Pleasanton
~ more friends than we can count
~ 1 set of vows
~ 1 marriage.
~ 13,140 days
~ 1,872 weeks
~ 430 months
~ 1 apartment duplex
~ 2 mobil homes
~ 2 houses
~ 5 Chicago concerts
~ 2 dogs
~ 2 cats
~ 1 truck
~ 2 vans
~ 8 cars
~ 5 surgeries (all for Amy!)
~ 2 kidney stones - Andy
~3 churches
~6 ministers
~3 jobs for Andy
~3 jobs for Amy
~ 1 retirement
~2 parents still living
~ 2 parents deceased
~ 2 sisters
~ 3 brothers
~ 3 nieces
~ 8 nephews
~ 2 precious daughters
~ 1 amazing son-in-law
~ 2 glorious granddaughters
~ 1 joyous grandson
~ 4 Spurs' championships (sorry, I just couldn't leave THAT out !!)
~ 5 years in Huntsville
~ 6 years in Brookshire
~ 25 years here in Pleasanton
~ more friends than we can count
~ 1 set of vows
~ 1 marriage.
Monday, May 07, 2012
This one thing I do....
Every year on this day, I think of Marilyn Tello....
Mammograms are NO fun; in fact, they stink!! On top of that, I am sick to death of doctors, machines, and stripping down to my skivies in "public". I hate it, I hate the fear and the thought of starting a new set of procedures all over again. I would cancel in a heartbeat - if not for Marilyn.
Now, cancer does not run in my family - thankfully!! I've always had clear mammograms with the exception of one little, tiny calicification that was removed a while back. But still... the thought of "what if" hangs over me this morning as I prepare to drive over to my appointment. The place is actually lovely, and I'll get a flower when I leave. Soft music, warm hands, smiling faces. Still....
I taught with Marilyn, and she was a force of nature. Quiet, but PRESENT. Everyone looked at her teaching with such respect and admiration, and her life was being with children.
And then, we heard she was sick.
She kept teaching, kept living, kept fighting.
She kept getting sicker. And sicker. And sicker.
It's funny how one moment in time can stick with you and break
your heart all over again. I have three such memories of Marilyn. One was the day she walked into the building for a visit. I hadn't seen her in a while, and I hope with all my heart that my face did not reflect what I saw; she was dying.
Erin had been taught by Marilyn as a first grader, and when she saw her that day after school, she ran full blast into the arms of a woman she loved, only to plant her little blond head right into the area where Marilyn had had her mastectomy!! It took Marilyn's breath away, but Erin never knew it. Marilyn looked at me and smiled, and patted Erin's back, all the while about to collapse from the impact. Such composure!!
The other moment that is frozen in my mind is the last time I saw her. She was hospitalized, and I went to see her. Signs were posted all over the door, and I almost didn't go in, but a family member saw me and told her that I was there. She asked me to come in. Had to mask up and put on the gown but when I went in, there she was, smiling and holding out her hand for me. Gracious as always, calm in the face of the biggest storm she would ever face.
That day was many, many years ago. Her daughter is grown with a family of her own. Her loving husband has a wife now, and probably has retired from his own teaching career. Life has gone on without her, but I truly doubt I am the only person who ever remembers her.
So, in just a bit, I will drive over to my appointment. I'll have lunch out, and do a little shopping on the way home. Tonight, I'll get together with dear friends and watch the Spurs. Tomorrow will pass, and the next day, and the next.
But next year, on this day - I'll think of Marilyn Tello.
Mammograms are NO fun; in fact, they stink!! On top of that, I am sick to death of doctors, machines, and stripping down to my skivies in "public". I hate it, I hate the fear and the thought of starting a new set of procedures all over again. I would cancel in a heartbeat - if not for Marilyn.
Now, cancer does not run in my family - thankfully!! I've always had clear mammograms with the exception of one little, tiny calicification that was removed a while back. But still... the thought of "what if" hangs over me this morning as I prepare to drive over to my appointment. The place is actually lovely, and I'll get a flower when I leave. Soft music, warm hands, smiling faces. Still....
I taught with Marilyn, and she was a force of nature. Quiet, but PRESENT. Everyone looked at her teaching with such respect and admiration, and her life was being with children.
And then, we heard she was sick.
She kept teaching, kept living, kept fighting.
She kept getting sicker. And sicker. And sicker.
It's funny how one moment in time can stick with you and break
your heart all over again. I have three such memories of Marilyn. One was the day she walked into the building for a visit. I hadn't seen her in a while, and I hope with all my heart that my face did not reflect what I saw; she was dying.
Erin had been taught by Marilyn as a first grader, and when she saw her that day after school, she ran full blast into the arms of a woman she loved, only to plant her little blond head right into the area where Marilyn had had her mastectomy!! It took Marilyn's breath away, but Erin never knew it. Marilyn looked at me and smiled, and patted Erin's back, all the while about to collapse from the impact. Such composure!!
The other moment that is frozen in my mind is the last time I saw her. She was hospitalized, and I went to see her. Signs were posted all over the door, and I almost didn't go in, but a family member saw me and told her that I was there. She asked me to come in. Had to mask up and put on the gown but when I went in, there she was, smiling and holding out her hand for me. Gracious as always, calm in the face of the biggest storm she would ever face.
That day was many, many years ago. Her daughter is grown with a family of her own. Her loving husband has a wife now, and probably has retired from his own teaching career. Life has gone on without her, but I truly doubt I am the only person who ever remembers her.
So, in just a bit, I will drive over to my appointment. I'll have lunch out, and do a little shopping on the way home. Tonight, I'll get together with dear friends and watch the Spurs. Tomorrow will pass, and the next day, and the next.
But next year, on this day - I'll think of Marilyn Tello.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
"I did it!!"
Bladen and Liz - one of my favorite things to hear is when they accomplish something on their own and happily cry, "I did it!!" with a big grin on their faces.....
Sunday, April 15, 2012 - "I did it!!"
June, 2010. I was weighing in at Dr. McFarland's office, and was stopped cold by the number on the scale. I knew then that I was killing myself, slowly, but surely. I gave up.
After a long process before and after my surgery in February, I can say that today I am at my goal weight. I want to shout it from the roof tops, this victory I feel, but I am keeping the numbers to myself. Not to Andy, not to the girls, not to Jackie. Not to any human. It is mine and mine alone - but I will say that it feels so wonderful to have had everyone at my side, seeing me through the journey.
I never dreamed that day in June that I could do this - that the will to succeed was too impeded by the past failures and the amount necessary. But it is done.
"I DID IT!!"
Sunday, April 15, 2012 - "I did it!!"
June, 2010. I was weighing in at Dr. McFarland's office, and was stopped cold by the number on the scale. I knew then that I was killing myself, slowly, but surely. I gave up.
After a long process before and after my surgery in February, I can say that today I am at my goal weight. I want to shout it from the roof tops, this victory I feel, but I am keeping the numbers to myself. Not to Andy, not to the girls, not to Jackie. Not to any human. It is mine and mine alone - but I will say that it feels so wonderful to have had everyone at my side, seeing me through the journey.
I never dreamed that day in June that I could do this - that the will to succeed was too impeded by the past failures and the amount necessary. But it is done.
"I DID IT!!"
Friday, March 23, 2012
Trade offs
I'm really struggling right now with money. Wanting to spend it, that is....
A byproduct of my weight-loss is the energy to do more. To say that my yard has been neglected by me for the past several years is an understatement... and now I want to be out repairing the lonely flower beds and preparing my yard. Problem is, plants do not "grow on trees" (sorry, I know it's a bad pun!!) Not to mention mulch, borders, yard art - you get the idea.
While I love, love, love my retirement, there is just so much "discretionary income" on a teacher's pension. We have more that we "need", but not all that I WANT. If I were still working, I wouldn't be home anyway to have the time to do the things I want or to enjoy it... such a dilemna!! It's like which do I want more; being at home away from what became too much stress, or being at home wishing I had "more"?
I've got to work on that contentment issue....
A byproduct of my weight-loss is the energy to do more. To say that my yard has been neglected by me for the past several years is an understatement... and now I want to be out repairing the lonely flower beds and preparing my yard. Problem is, plants do not "grow on trees" (sorry, I know it's a bad pun!!) Not to mention mulch, borders, yard art - you get the idea.
While I love, love, love my retirement, there is just so much "discretionary income" on a teacher's pension. We have more that we "need", but not all that I WANT. If I were still working, I wouldn't be home anyway to have the time to do the things I want or to enjoy it... such a dilemna!! It's like which do I want more; being at home away from what became too much stress, or being at home wishing I had "more"?
I've got to work on that contentment issue....
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Oil Business and Wildflowers
The friend who cuts my hair lives in a small community about 10 miles from me. I drove out there yesterday for a long-needed trim, hoping for lots of wildflowers to see along the way. Unfortunately, the profussion of Spring hasn't happened along that road, but another explosion is taking place... the oil field business! All along what was once brush country dotted with small homesteads are now "yards" of tools, equipment, and trucks. A few new wells are pumping oil already, making the land owners newly rich. Traffic is heavier than ever. It's a sign of the times in the land of the Eagle Ford Shale.
As I was coming home, I was thinking about extending my drive to look for more flowers, but decided against it... it had been a full day, and I wanted to go home. I remembered that in recent years, Andy and I would load up and drive around the area to see the flowers. I've always loved Texas in the Spring - as do most citizens of our state - and some of my favorite pictures of the girls are taken in bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush. Liz's first Easter pictures have her sitting in some bluebonnets before she even knew about their glory. It's a rite of passage.
So, this weekend may have to be "the ride". I hear they are glorious East of us. Better fill up the gas tank now!!!
As I was coming home, I was thinking about extending my drive to look for more flowers, but decided against it... it had been a full day, and I wanted to go home. I remembered that in recent years, Andy and I would load up and drive around the area to see the flowers. I've always loved Texas in the Spring - as do most citizens of our state - and some of my favorite pictures of the girls are taken in bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush. Liz's first Easter pictures have her sitting in some bluebonnets before she even knew about their glory. It's a rite of passage.
So, this weekend may have to be "the ride". I hear they are glorious East of us. Better fill up the gas tank now!!!
Monday, March 19, 2012
New Year's Resolution made - and KEPT!!
Don't normally make New Year's Resolutions... my past history teaches me a lot about my ability to follow through on "projects". After a long time of not being able to stay awake and read, or remember what I was able to read, I mourned my loss of that love. So, with apnea gone and thyroid under control, I decided that this was going to be the year of returning to the books I have so long missed.
Enter my friend Jackie. She is persistent. She loves things passionately, and wants me to enjoy those things with her. So far, I've resisted horses and quilting, but since I loved reading anyway, I gave in when she handed me her Nook with "The Help" on it. It sat and sat, for weeks, because of my fear of not being able to enjoy it. The other day, she told me she wants the Nook back to send to her sister - have I finished the book yet???? :( Ummm, not really. I used my time in Houston as an excuse - sorry, Erin - and promised her I'd finish soon.)
I was halfway through on Sat. night when she asked one more time: "Where are you in the book?" Okay. I gotta do this.
Well, at 5:00 this morning, I finished "The Help". It was such a good feeling!! I can do this after all!!!
If felt so good, that rush to turn the next "page"... I'd forgotten how mesmerizing a good story can be!! I know exactly which book is next!
Now, to watch the movie!!!
Enter my friend Jackie. She is persistent. She loves things passionately, and wants me to enjoy those things with her. So far, I've resisted horses and quilting, but since I loved reading anyway, I gave in when she handed me her Nook with "The Help" on it. It sat and sat, for weeks, because of my fear of not being able to enjoy it. The other day, she told me she wants the Nook back to send to her sister - have I finished the book yet???? :( Ummm, not really. I used my time in Houston as an excuse - sorry, Erin - and promised her I'd finish soon.)
I was halfway through on Sat. night when she asked one more time: "Where are you in the book?" Okay. I gotta do this.
Well, at 5:00 this morning, I finished "The Help". It was such a good feeling!! I can do this after all!!!
If felt so good, that rush to turn the next "page"... I'd forgotten how mesmerizing a good story can be!! I know exactly which book is next!
Now, to watch the movie!!!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Land of Wonderment
Wow - Can't believe it's been such a long time since I posted anything on this blog... but when I think about what life has been like this past 3 or more weeks, it makes perfect sense!
Just let me say that, while the title of this blog implies I have been on some exotic vacation somewhere, it is just the opposite!! Instead of Yosemite, or Alaska, or even the Rocky Mountains, I have been in a two story house on the outskirts of Houston, Texas. While it is not on any travel brochures, it is all the wonder that this woman could have asked for at this stage of my life.
You see, I was at the Johnson's.
Erin, Gregg, Liz and Bladen moved in February; two weeks before the next baby Johnson was due to be born. They had bought their previous home when it was just the two of them - kids were in the plan, but I don't think they would mind my saying that 3 in 3 years was not the plan. God knew better!
So, with a baby due in two weeks, they closed and moved in to a lovely home that needed painting and a little remodeling. Here comes Mom to the rescue! I rode over the Houston with some friends, and Erin picked me up. We unloaded a few boxes and got beds set up before the painters came. When they arrived, we found ourselves with the refriderator "Saran Wrapped" as Gregg called it, for 3 days, and paint fumes that scared Erin out of the house. So, we found all sorts of fun things to do. We visited Grandma and Grandpa (Ann and Frank), took in "Puss - N - Boots" at a theatre that would make our little Pleasanton theatre look like the IMAX, ate at Chick Fil-A, and went to a park on a cool, rainy day. So much to post here about memories, but I won't bore you. Andy joined us on Friday night, where we slept in the soon-to-be nursery with everything pushed to the center of the room and all but the bed covered in sheets. It was almost like camping!! On that Saturday morning, I told Andy that I couldn't leave. I ended up staying until Wed., when Gregg drove me to Flatonia, and Andy met us. Gregg promised he'd call if I needed to return.
(That night, we celebrated my one-year anniversary since my surgery. A "victory ring" and a shared steak at Saltgrass was perfect! )
Once at home, things were settling in. Here, at least. In Houston, first Erin got a terrible stomach bug, then Liz was sent home from school with a high fever and vomiting. It was time for me to go back. Never packed so fast in my life....
That was on Tuesday. There's no way I can put in order all the events of the next few days, but the main event was the safe and speedy arrival of Ginny Brielle on the following Monday morning. A tiny 5 lbs., 14 oz. of perfection. Once again, God had blessed us with a healthy baby, with all her tiny fingers and toes. It was almost too much for this Nana to absorb. It's one thing for your own children to be so perfect, but seeing your daughter with her own newborns is breath-taking.
So. Back to the wonderland reference of the title. Here are my "moments" of the trip: (In no particular order!)
~ Bladen can carry more items in his hands and arms than anyone I have ever seen. If there was an Olympic event in this category, he'd get Gold every time. He's learned the mastery of making one trip count and getting there with everything he wants and needs. It's amazing to watch him gather things and still manuever the stairs. Scary, but amazing!
~The sweetest sounds: Bladen - "Hold You" when he wants to be held. Dreading the day he outgrows that! Liz - "Hi, Nana". Two little words said with such tenderness and love.
~Best - let me say that again - BEST part of every day was having them run into "nana's room" and greet me in the morning. Didn't always last long, but still....
~Bedtime ritual: Hugs, high fives, "nuks", elbows, and forehead "bonks". Then, blow kisses as you leave the room. Seriously, when you have multitudes of parents and grandparents and two toddlers, this can take a while!!
~Watching them think. Just seeing their little minds working to figure things out and make them come together was pure joy. Must be the teacher in me still.
~Observing them with their new sister. Words cannot express the sweetness in their eyes, their touch, and their voices. I know it's not going to be that way for long, but for now it's exactly perfect. Erin and Gregg did a great job of preparing them for this very moment!
~Buying and planting flowers in the new yard. We went down to the nearest Wal-Mart and picked out petunias, and it was beginning to rain once we finished planting, a sweet time for all involved.
~Running in circles downstairs. Pure joy in the laughter and squeals coming from a 2 and 3 year old! Loud echos off the upstairs filled the house, and the sound of their little feet slapping on the floor as they tried to escape their Nana. So glad I could do this with them!! :)
~ and finally - Bladen's macaroni chow-down!! One night, he asked for mac and cheese. He ate 5 helpings! The first one Erin gave him was a good size. It was gone in moments. No chewing necessary, and he was ready for more. He ate all she gave him, most of hers, and finished Liz's. At last, he sat back in his chair, finally full, and gave a good burp. It's a good thing too, since there wasn't any more to be had. (Sadly, I didn't not think to document this to video until the end!)
Now I'm back home, returned to my life with my Andrew. To say I missed him all those days is an understatement. To have him there for some of the fun made it all right in my world. I did miss Dana - a lot! But soon she will be home with us, and we'll have all new moments of wonder.
Life sure is good!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Time to move on....
A year after my surgery, it's time. As of this post, I do not plan on saying any more about my surgery - thankfully, all the drama appears to be over, and my everyday life is returning to a "new" normal.
I saw my surgeon today for my one-year check-up. He kept recalculating my pounds lost, because he was so surprised at the number. It was almost funny... I don't know if it was unusual, or if he didn't think I would do that well, or what. Dr. D. is a serious, professional man; yet today he was almost cute in his excitement of my success - for example, my BMI and my cholestrol are both better than his!! I got a big hug, and was sent away with a big smile on his face.
In our conversation, I told him that the hardest thing has been the attention - by far. I knew going in that it would be bad, because my life-long pattern has been to sabotage myself whenever people would notice if I'd lost weight. Well, this time, I survived. When people would tell me (or someone else) that they loved me the way I was before, it would make me cry. Don't know why for sure, but it did.
So now, I move on. To happy, healthy days and living a life full of ordinary pleasures; working in the yard, going up and down stairs, and walking in the mall again to name a few. At 57, I have finally learned not to cram down my feelings with food, and that I need to care for myself like I never have before. I see pride and love in Andy's eyes that are timeless to me, and I truly appreciate his sticking beside me through this whole adventure.
Time to move on!!!
I saw my surgeon today for my one-year check-up. He kept recalculating my pounds lost, because he was so surprised at the number. It was almost funny... I don't know if it was unusual, or if he didn't think I would do that well, or what. Dr. D. is a serious, professional man; yet today he was almost cute in his excitement of my success - for example, my BMI and my cholestrol are both better than his!! I got a big hug, and was sent away with a big smile on his face.
In our conversation, I told him that the hardest thing has been the attention - by far. I knew going in that it would be bad, because my life-long pattern has been to sabotage myself whenever people would notice if I'd lost weight. Well, this time, I survived. When people would tell me (or someone else) that they loved me the way I was before, it would make me cry. Don't know why for sure, but it did.
So now, I move on. To happy, healthy days and living a life full of ordinary pleasures; working in the yard, going up and down stairs, and walking in the mall again to name a few. At 57, I have finally learned not to cram down my feelings with food, and that I need to care for myself like I never have before. I see pride and love in Andy's eyes that are timeless to me, and I truly appreciate his sticking beside me through this whole adventure.
Time to move on!!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
"One of the Best"
I need to write about the Retreat before I forget some of it....
Usually, I spend months planning and arrainging a retreat - building momentum, and meeting probably way too often. I love planning things, and this is usually right up my alley. I've learned that I am good at setting things up, and then finding wonderful women to help pull it all together. I guess that makes me global!
In January, I got questions about a retreat... that's too long to go into here, but I called the place we usually go. The ONLY date they had available was in a month... REALLY?!? So, I pulled my group together and gave them two options; go to our favorite place in a month, or wait and go somewhere later. That would allow me the time I was used to, and the weather would allow for more outside time. ALL 6 of them wanted our "go to place", so off we went!
It turned out to be one of our best. I heard that over and over, which makes me feel so good. Although I don't do a lot of the little detail stuff, being the person "behind" the retreat puts pressure on you. To know it was a success makes you want to do it again, you know?!
We had a good mixture of ladies; several of the usual, several of our new converts, and several visitors. The challenge was to mix things up, so that each group didn't stay within itself, and I think we pulled it off. We focused on friendships - within the church, outside the church, and with our friend, Jesus. The inspiration, as usual, came from a hymn: "What a Friend we have in Jesus". An oldie but a goodie. More on that later....
It's funny how you can plan things to the minute, and yet the unexpected is what sets the weekend apart. During our orientation on Sat. morning, the speaker mentioned that the foundation was building a new campsite solely for families. After he told us about it, one of the ladies asked if we could see it. "Sure" he said, and that afternoon, he brought around a flatbed trailer and took us on it to see the new site. SO FUN! We laughed, we sang, we yelled at other campers, and we took silly pictures. Lots of pictures were taken that weekend, but my favorite was the one of our feet, mingled together on that trailer. It was so symbolic of the blending we were doing!
The other "surprise" was the weather! We awoke Sunday morning to sleet and rain... not a good combination when you have to climb several rock steps up to your car and drive up a hill to get out of the camp! We decided to go ahead and leave early for safety's sake, so we were not around to hear our speaker discuss our friend, Jesus. (We plan to follow up with that, soon!) After getting things packed up and the site cleaned, we were on our way home. While the Hill country is beautiful covered in snow, driving on the hills and curves was not fun! Thankfully, soon we were out of the frozen stuff and safely home again.
Now that it's behind us, I have only good memories of that weekend. Andy asked me what I was most looking forward to, and I told him that it was just watching the women at work, bonding and serving as Christ asked us to do. I saw lots of ladies loving one another in such special ways, and I received a lot of that myself!
Not bad for having been "thrown together"!!
Usually, I spend months planning and arrainging a retreat - building momentum, and meeting probably way too often. I love planning things, and this is usually right up my alley. I've learned that I am good at setting things up, and then finding wonderful women to help pull it all together. I guess that makes me global!
In January, I got questions about a retreat... that's too long to go into here, but I called the place we usually go. The ONLY date they had available was in a month... REALLY?!? So, I pulled my group together and gave them two options; go to our favorite place in a month, or wait and go somewhere later. That would allow me the time I was used to, and the weather would allow for more outside time. ALL 6 of them wanted our "go to place", so off we went!
It turned out to be one of our best. I heard that over and over, which makes me feel so good. Although I don't do a lot of the little detail stuff, being the person "behind" the retreat puts pressure on you. To know it was a success makes you want to do it again, you know?!
We had a good mixture of ladies; several of the usual, several of our new converts, and several visitors. The challenge was to mix things up, so that each group didn't stay within itself, and I think we pulled it off. We focused on friendships - within the church, outside the church, and with our friend, Jesus. The inspiration, as usual, came from a hymn: "What a Friend we have in Jesus". An oldie but a goodie. More on that later....
It's funny how you can plan things to the minute, and yet the unexpected is what sets the weekend apart. During our orientation on Sat. morning, the speaker mentioned that the foundation was building a new campsite solely for families. After he told us about it, one of the ladies asked if we could see it. "Sure" he said, and that afternoon, he brought around a flatbed trailer and took us on it to see the new site. SO FUN! We laughed, we sang, we yelled at other campers, and we took silly pictures. Lots of pictures were taken that weekend, but my favorite was the one of our feet, mingled together on that trailer. It was so symbolic of the blending we were doing!
The other "surprise" was the weather! We awoke Sunday morning to sleet and rain... not a good combination when you have to climb several rock steps up to your car and drive up a hill to get out of the camp! We decided to go ahead and leave early for safety's sake, so we were not around to hear our speaker discuss our friend, Jesus. (We plan to follow up with that, soon!) After getting things packed up and the site cleaned, we were on our way home. While the Hill country is beautiful covered in snow, driving on the hills and curves was not fun! Thankfully, soon we were out of the frozen stuff and safely home again.
Now that it's behind us, I have only good memories of that weekend. Andy asked me what I was most looking forward to, and I told him that it was just watching the women at work, bonding and serving as Christ asked us to do. I saw lots of ladies loving one another in such special ways, and I received a lot of that myself!
Not bad for having been "thrown together"!!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Dana's Story
First off, let me say "Happy Birthday" to my Dana. Here is her "story" -
Andy and I married in 1976. I was ready for a baby - he wanted to wait and spend time building our marriage. While I didn't like the idea, I wanted him to be as ready as I was (I thought!), and so I put my dreams on hold. Turned out to be a good idea!
3 years pass. Sweet times of friendship, intimacy, growing in the Lord and bonding as a couple. Exactly what he (Andy) knew we needed. The time came to have a baby... or so we thought. Things didn't work out as quickly as we'd thought, and months passed by. No baby. Temperature charts, documentation of monthy events, etc filled each day with drudgery instead of celebration.
Finally, one day as I'm leaving for school, I hand him a cup of fresh, morning urine and ask him to drop it by the doctor's office. Thinking back on it, what a fun thing to do after working all night! But he did, and told me later that he'd slept not a wink, anticipating a call. When I got home, he shared the news; a baby was on the way!! (This is WAY before texting and email!) It was time to celebrate!!
Our dear friends and neighbors, Mark and Shanon Tissue, treated us to a fancy dinner. She even broke out their wedding china which had never been used, and we dreamed big dreams of this new life.
Months pass; some slowly, others quickly. Soon, Shanon is pregnant also, with their daughter Meredith. (One of my most favorite memories is of Shanon coming home from school and coming straight over to our house and laying baby Dana on her large, round belly to "play" with the baby. Sweet, precious memory!) Showers are given, nursery is built, and in due time, the date arrives.
Mom and dad come over, and when we wake them to announce that we are heading to the hospital, Dad hops in the car with us for the ride over. I never, ever told him, but it was a little surreal to be going to have your baby with your dad tagging along... but I'm so glad he was there. He never left the whole time I was in labor.
And it was a LONG labor; 24+ hours. People came and people went. Other women came in and had their babies while I labored. Nurses' shifts changed, and still, no baby. Andy even went home at one point to get some sleep, only to be called back to help calm my mom down... and no baby.
The delivery went smoothly, but when they did the Apgar test on her, I noticed the nurses were not giving her the most glowing scores. They assured me, though, that the little whimper was just fine - but not the robust cry I'd expected from my newborn. They whisked her off to the nursery and took me to my room to get some rest... I was pretty tired.
The next morning, my doctor comes in. He tells me (Andy was still at home) that he'd like a pediatrician to look at Dana... just a precaution. Okay. Gullible me picks one (hadn't done THAT yet for some reason...), and off he goes.
Evidently, because of my history with asthma and the long, long labor, they'd decided to give me a shot of demerol. Fine. The problem came when the nurse didn't write the shot on my chart, and the next nurse who cared for me saw the order and gave me another shot - too close to the other one. I was fine, but Dana almost died as a result. Later, I found out from some friends from church that they had stayed all night at the nursery window, watching. Evidently, the nurses didn't let Dana sleep at all that night, for fear she wouldn't wake up.
A few days passed... I had to go home baby-less... and all appeared well. She was beautifully perfect and except for not wanting to eat a lot, all went well. At her 4 month checkup, the pediatrician drops the bomb that we needed to do a brain-wave test, because they wanted to make sure she didn't suffer brain damage because of the Demerol. That was the longest hour of my life... the perfect little girl in my arms may face a life of struggles because of a mistake.
Well, all ended up just fine. Dana was and is perfectly fine, thank you very much. She instantly was and remains a dream come true. God was good to protect her from harm, and every day on her birthday, I remember that day with joy and thanksgiving. "What might have been" crosses my mind, but I quickly replace those thoughts with what IS and what WILL BE.
We enjoyed our baby with so much love and hope that, a couple of years later, Erin joined our little family... her story later!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Pt. 2
Once I was awake, I started thinking about other things. Here is a sampling:
~ my weight loss and how it has changed my body.
~ the upcoming retreat
~ going to Stream Austin and visiting Mary Beth and Rick
~ money
~ Liz, Bladen, and new baby Johnson
~ Erin's pregnancy
~ what time it is in Cairo, and what is Dana doing at that specific moment while I am laying there
~ things I'm in the mood to do to the house
and so on. One thing leads into another, and soon an hour has passed. I don't worry about it TOO much, because I am retired and can stay in bed after Andy leaves for work. Not that I want to lay awake every night, but when it happens, I try to turn my thoughts to the positive and not worry. Not always easy to do!!
~ my weight loss and how it has changed my body.
~ the upcoming retreat
~ going to Stream Austin and visiting Mary Beth and Rick
~ money
~ Liz, Bladen, and new baby Johnson
~ Erin's pregnancy
~ what time it is in Cairo, and what is Dana doing at that specific moment while I am laying there
~ things I'm in the mood to do to the house
and so on. One thing leads into another, and soon an hour has passed. I don't worry about it TOO much, because I am retired and can stay in bed after Andy leaves for work. Not that I want to lay awake every night, but when it happens, I try to turn my thoughts to the positive and not worry. Not always easy to do!!
Odd dreams and other things that keep me awake at night...
Every night, I get up at least once. I use that time to take some medication and cuddle up to a sleeping Andy. Usually, I just fall right back asleep.
Not last night. About 3:30, I woke up and Andy was stirring. I told him of my dream:
He and I went into this bathroom, which had 3 showers. One was his, one was Daniel's, and one was Johnny's. (Daniel is a current friend, Johnny a former college roommate that we haven't seen in probably 20 years.) We choose Johnny's shower, and we spend the whole time discussing the blue and white bar of Zest soap that Johnny uses. (Sorry, so "steamy" scenes in this dream!)
Once we are out, as I am dressing, I hear Dana calling me from another room. She is sick and needs her mama, so I head off in that direction to care for her. Suddenly, in steps Louise (a fellow elder's wife!) and starts telling me something that was odd at 3:30, but sadly I can't remember right now! As I stand there, dripping wet, half-dressed, trying to get to Dana, I wake up.
Okay. Why Johnny; why 3 seperate showers, why Dana calling me, and why Louise? All these things are unrelated to each other, yet my brain chose to weave them into a dream.
I didn't fall back asleep until after 5:00.
Not last night. About 3:30, I woke up and Andy was stirring. I told him of my dream:
He and I went into this bathroom, which had 3 showers. One was his, one was Daniel's, and one was Johnny's. (Daniel is a current friend, Johnny a former college roommate that we haven't seen in probably 20 years.) We choose Johnny's shower, and we spend the whole time discussing the blue and white bar of Zest soap that Johnny uses. (Sorry, so "steamy" scenes in this dream!)
Once we are out, as I am dressing, I hear Dana calling me from another room. She is sick and needs her mama, so I head off in that direction to care for her. Suddenly, in steps Louise (a fellow elder's wife!) and starts telling me something that was odd at 3:30, but sadly I can't remember right now! As I stand there, dripping wet, half-dressed, trying to get to Dana, I wake up.
Okay. Why Johnny; why 3 seperate showers, why Dana calling me, and why Louise? All these things are unrelated to each other, yet my brain chose to weave them into a dream.
I didn't fall back asleep until after 5:00.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Looking at life at 57
Today is my 57th birthday. 57. 3 years from 60 and 13 from 70. That is hard to face, folks... my grandmother died at 70 and my mother at 74. The implications are not lost on me.
However, on this day, I am feeling younger than I have in years. I went shopping today and bought a cute - yes, cute! - dress only one size from my pre-surgery goal. That is hard to fathom, even though I tried it on and saw myself in it! I admit that I still walk through the "Woman's" section, although I NEVER intend to buy another thing in that section... it's just a habit that will take a while to break.
This year has had life-saving implications in more ways than one. This time last year, I was struggling to prepare myself for the surgery of all surgeries, and while I thought I was prepared for the aftermath, I could not have imagined how it was going to be. What I learned most of all was that people love me so, so much - and that I didn't know how to handle their love and care, their support was at times overwhelming and unappreciated.
This year dawns with so much anticipation - more bright days ahead than I've ever allowed myself. My life is sweeter now than ever before.
So, while this sweet days fades to dark, I will spend it in our home with the man I love with all my heart. I've talked to both my sweet daughters, and I've enjoyed good wishes from countless friends and family. I am blessed.
Happy Birthday to me!
However, on this day, I am feeling younger than I have in years. I went shopping today and bought a cute - yes, cute! - dress only one size from my pre-surgery goal. That is hard to fathom, even though I tried it on and saw myself in it! I admit that I still walk through the "Woman's" section, although I NEVER intend to buy another thing in that section... it's just a habit that will take a while to break.
This year has had life-saving implications in more ways than one. This time last year, I was struggling to prepare myself for the surgery of all surgeries, and while I thought I was prepared for the aftermath, I could not have imagined how it was going to be. What I learned most of all was that people love me so, so much - and that I didn't know how to handle their love and care, their support was at times overwhelming and unappreciated.
This year dawns with so much anticipation - more bright days ahead than I've ever allowed myself. My life is sweeter now than ever before.
So, while this sweet days fades to dark, I will spend it in our home with the man I love with all my heart. I've talked to both my sweet daughters, and I've enjoyed good wishes from countless friends and family. I am blessed.
Happy Birthday to me!
Friday, January 06, 2012
Emotions
On Wednesday, I stood at the airport as Dana entered to fly back to Egypt. My throat was full with a big lump, and all I could think was, "She's gone again!" Watching her say goodbye to Erin, Liz, and Bladen was almost harder than saying my goodbyes to her - but I did without blubbering too much! ...
Years ago, Jeff Walling - a favorite speaker of mine - talked about how God was good to give us emotions. He talked about walking in on his wife as she was watching a "Tear-jerker" on tv. She was beside herself, crying uncontrollably while he watched. He left her there to finish the movie, and as soon as it was over, she came into the room with him like nothing had ever happened. The emotions of the moment had already passed....
As we drove away from the airport, with my daughter on her way across the ocean to a life I don't really fathom, I was full of emotion. Words were hard to eek out, and I really wanted to get Erin on track again after leaving her sister behind as well.
From behind me in the backseat, I hear Liz and Bladen being so funny; I laughed. It was what I needed. I still miss Dana in my "everyday life", but I know that those really sad emotions have moved on, and I can talk to her on Skype with joy and humor; thankful to God for his control over me and my emotions!
Years ago, Jeff Walling - a favorite speaker of mine - talked about how God was good to give us emotions. He talked about walking in on his wife as she was watching a "Tear-jerker" on tv. She was beside herself, crying uncontrollably while he watched. He left her there to finish the movie, and as soon as it was over, she came into the room with him like nothing had ever happened. The emotions of the moment had already passed....
As we drove away from the airport, with my daughter on her way across the ocean to a life I don't really fathom, I was full of emotion. Words were hard to eek out, and I really wanted to get Erin on track again after leaving her sister behind as well.
From behind me in the backseat, I hear Liz and Bladen being so funny; I laughed. It was what I needed. I still miss Dana in my "everyday life", but I know that those really sad emotions have moved on, and I can talk to her on Skype with joy and humor; thankful to God for his control over me and my emotions!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Two Sides of Being Invisible
Yesterday, Andy and I went to San Antonio to redeem some Christmas gift cards and have lunch (on a gift card! :) ) As we were walking out of Red Lobster, I said to him, "Today, I feel invisible in a good way!
Before, I was invisible in such a bad way. If you've ever see "Chicago" the musical, there's a song called "Mr. Celophane". In the movie version, John C. Reilly does it as a clown, on a dark stage, all alone. The lines that ran through my head were: "You can look right through me, walk right by me, and never know I'm there." That is the invisible me of before. Looking back now, 10 months and 8 days post surgery, I see in in a glaring fashion. I sought invisibility because of my weight and appearance... I hid in dark corners, on my pew, in a crowd of people because I knew what people thought when they looked at me. (That's another post for another day.... I'm trying hard to be positive in this one!! )
This new invisibility is NORMAL. I no longer "stand out" in a crowd ... I look like just another woman walking down the street. I can slide into a booth at a restaurant, or sit on a chair without needing to find a "sturdy" one that won't break if I sit on it. When people notice me, it's because I am smiling at them, or looking them in the eye and saying "hello." I blend in with the world.
It's crazy the things you "see" after this surgery. Who ever would have seen being invisible as such a GOOD thing?!?
Before, I was invisible in such a bad way. If you've ever see "Chicago" the musical, there's a song called "Mr. Celophane". In the movie version, John C. Reilly does it as a clown, on a dark stage, all alone. The lines that ran through my head were: "You can look right through me, walk right by me, and never know I'm there." That is the invisible me of before. Looking back now, 10 months and 8 days post surgery, I see in in a glaring fashion. I sought invisibility because of my weight and appearance... I hid in dark corners, on my pew, in a crowd of people because I knew what people thought when they looked at me. (That's another post for another day.... I'm trying hard to be positive in this one!! )
This new invisibility is NORMAL. I no longer "stand out" in a crowd ... I look like just another woman walking down the street. I can slide into a booth at a restaurant, or sit on a chair without needing to find a "sturdy" one that won't break if I sit on it. When people notice me, it's because I am smiling at them, or looking them in the eye and saying "hello." I blend in with the world.
It's crazy the things you "see" after this surgery. Who ever would have seen being invisible as such a GOOD thing?!?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Christmas Wrap-up
Home again after some wonderful days in Houston to celebrate the holidays with family! We packed a lot into those days, and it began on Thursday when we saw Dana for the first time since Aug. While she looks pretty much the same, I know this experience has changed her; seeing all she has seen and looked at the world from a different angle opens ones eyes.
Our trip over was along the back way, so less hectic - until we missed a turn and ended up way out of our way. Doesn't matter, we got there in time to be with the kids when they woke up from their naps. Erin made some delicious taco salads for dinner, and then it was souvenir time! Dana brought some beautiful pieces of pottery from Egypt, a lovely picture frame and some foreign coins. Erin and I got colorful purses from her trip to Singapore; I now realize all the pictures I missed taking, but I carry them always in my memory!
The next day was to be our Christmas as the Johnsons were leaving the next day for Dallas to be with Gregg's family. We had sausage balls for breakfast - our tradition. Since we had cooking to do for the LaMore gathering, Dana and I braved the crowds at HEB to finish shopping. Not too bad, actually! Once we got home, and my cake was in the oven, it was time to open gifts. Erin put on some delicious green beans and potatoes, while Gregg cooked steak on the grill. A feast for us in the making.
Gifts were wonderful; Andy did great shopping at James Avery, the kids liked their toys, and the older kids seemed happy with their items. It's funny how a little "robot" dog can occupy a kid! In the middle of all the excitement, the realtor called; Gregg and Erin had received an offer on their house, and she needed to come over! We kept the kids out of their way - kind of - and ate when all was said and done. After finishing preparing the rest of our food and giving the kids a short nap, off we went to the Hampton.
Most of the family was there - Mom looked beautiful with a new haircut and pretty pink sweater. It seemed to overwhelm her some, and after our usual gift-card exchange, she was ready for bed. Some of us went over to Chris' house for a little visit, and then back to the Johnsons.
Christmas Eve started with the Johnsons loading up and getting on their way. The three of us relaxed until it was time to get out of the house. We took Dana to her favorite Mexican restaurant; Lupe Tortilla's - wow! Yummy enchiladas and fajitas! Then, some shopping at REI for books for our desert hiker, then on to Christmas Eve at Houston's First. Lovely music; overwhelmingly beautiful. Usually I sing with all my heart, and for the most part, I could just listen and look. One of Dana's friends met us there with saved seats, so we could just waltz in and be comfortable. On the way home, we stopped for Starbucks cocoa and Red Box movies. Too tired to watch but 1 of them, we fell in bed.
Sunday morning was just like any other Sunday. We worshipped at Memorial Church of Christ, where we saw some of Dana's friends from A&M. Mark is living in Peru now, and will be married soon in Montana. You have to wait in line to visit Mark, but it is worth it when your turn comes. Lunch at Luby's was a first for me (on Christmas Day!), then we went home. A brief rest and a change of clothes sent us back to the Hampton. There, we picked up Mom and Dad and their care-giver and went for dinner at Denny's. (Dad loves his poached eggs!!) After a short visit, we were in the car once again.... to the movie! Another friend of Dana's met us there, and we enjoyed "We Bought a Zoo!" Good choice, Chris!
Yesterday was our last day there. Dana and I headed out to the outlet mall to do some shopping for her trip back to Egypt, and I threw in some birthday shopping for her. It began to rain pretty good, and we were hungry, so we headed back to Erin's. While the parking lot was about half empty when we arrived, it was like Field of Dreams when we left; cars lined up out on the highway! At home, the lunch we planned on having Christmas Day was finally prepared and enjoyed, complete with Welch's Sparkling Grape Soda! Yummy if I may say so! We finished watching Super 8 (fun movie!), and by then the Johnsons were almost home.
So. We waited. Didn't want to pass up a chance to get one more grandbaby fix! Just a few minutes means a lot! Finally, we were on our way. Heavy traffic along with the end of the Christmas music made the trip go fast. At last the Spurs came on the radio, and Pleasanton was in view.
Today, I am so grateful for this Christmas. I came home with such sweet things from people who love me, video of Liz and Bladen to keep me happy, and a peaceful spirit. My daughter is safely home from across the globe, and I had her with me for several days. All of us are healthy, with dreams of a new Johnson in the mix for next year! I can't think of one thing more that I would want!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Our trip over was along the back way, so less hectic - until we missed a turn and ended up way out of our way. Doesn't matter, we got there in time to be with the kids when they woke up from their naps. Erin made some delicious taco salads for dinner, and then it was souvenir time! Dana brought some beautiful pieces of pottery from Egypt, a lovely picture frame and some foreign coins. Erin and I got colorful purses from her trip to Singapore; I now realize all the pictures I missed taking, but I carry them always in my memory!
The next day was to be our Christmas as the Johnsons were leaving the next day for Dallas to be with Gregg's family. We had sausage balls for breakfast - our tradition. Since we had cooking to do for the LaMore gathering, Dana and I braved the crowds at HEB to finish shopping. Not too bad, actually! Once we got home, and my cake was in the oven, it was time to open gifts. Erin put on some delicious green beans and potatoes, while Gregg cooked steak on the grill. A feast for us in the making.
Gifts were wonderful; Andy did great shopping at James Avery, the kids liked their toys, and the older kids seemed happy with their items. It's funny how a little "robot" dog can occupy a kid! In the middle of all the excitement, the realtor called; Gregg and Erin had received an offer on their house, and she needed to come over! We kept the kids out of their way - kind of - and ate when all was said and done. After finishing preparing the rest of our food and giving the kids a short nap, off we went to the Hampton.
Most of the family was there - Mom looked beautiful with a new haircut and pretty pink sweater. It seemed to overwhelm her some, and after our usual gift-card exchange, she was ready for bed. Some of us went over to Chris' house for a little visit, and then back to the Johnsons.
Christmas Eve started with the Johnsons loading up and getting on their way. The three of us relaxed until it was time to get out of the house. We took Dana to her favorite Mexican restaurant; Lupe Tortilla's - wow! Yummy enchiladas and fajitas! Then, some shopping at REI for books for our desert hiker, then on to Christmas Eve at Houston's First. Lovely music; overwhelmingly beautiful. Usually I sing with all my heart, and for the most part, I could just listen and look. One of Dana's friends met us there with saved seats, so we could just waltz in and be comfortable. On the way home, we stopped for Starbucks cocoa and Red Box movies. Too tired to watch but 1 of them, we fell in bed.
Sunday morning was just like any other Sunday. We worshipped at Memorial Church of Christ, where we saw some of Dana's friends from A&M. Mark is living in Peru now, and will be married soon in Montana. You have to wait in line to visit Mark, but it is worth it when your turn comes. Lunch at Luby's was a first for me (on Christmas Day!), then we went home. A brief rest and a change of clothes sent us back to the Hampton. There, we picked up Mom and Dad and their care-giver and went for dinner at Denny's. (Dad loves his poached eggs!!) After a short visit, we were in the car once again.... to the movie! Another friend of Dana's met us there, and we enjoyed "We Bought a Zoo!" Good choice, Chris!
Yesterday was our last day there. Dana and I headed out to the outlet mall to do some shopping for her trip back to Egypt, and I threw in some birthday shopping for her. It began to rain pretty good, and we were hungry, so we headed back to Erin's. While the parking lot was about half empty when we arrived, it was like Field of Dreams when we left; cars lined up out on the highway! At home, the lunch we planned on having Christmas Day was finally prepared and enjoyed, complete with Welch's Sparkling Grape Soda! Yummy if I may say so! We finished watching Super 8 (fun movie!), and by then the Johnsons were almost home.
So. We waited. Didn't want to pass up a chance to get one more grandbaby fix! Just a few minutes means a lot! Finally, we were on our way. Heavy traffic along with the end of the Christmas music made the trip go fast. At last the Spurs came on the radio, and Pleasanton was in view.
Today, I am so grateful for this Christmas. I came home with such sweet things from people who love me, video of Liz and Bladen to keep me happy, and a peaceful spirit. My daughter is safely home from across the globe, and I had her with me for several days. All of us are healthy, with dreams of a new Johnson in the mix for next year! I can't think of one thing more that I would want!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
It's almost time!
Yesterday I went in to the drs to talk about some things I have going on with my legs... and she told me that when I reach my 1 year milestone, they will have me write my testimonial about the surgery and the first year. I've been thinking about doing it all along, but knowing they want me to put it on paper is daunting....
How do you sum up in a few words the past two years - I say two because the year leading up to it was pivotal in itself; my decision to retire, the subsequent change in insurance carriers, and the knowledge that the surgery would be covered are as important as any other factor! Looking back, deciding to end my teaching career saved my life!
So, while I have a couple of months to ponder, I'm going to work on getting my brain wrapped around this whole process. Thank goodness for this blog, so that I can reflect on what all happened!!
I'll keep you posted -
How do you sum up in a few words the past two years - I say two because the year leading up to it was pivotal in itself; my decision to retire, the subsequent change in insurance carriers, and the knowledge that the surgery would be covered are as important as any other factor! Looking back, deciding to end my teaching career saved my life!
So, while I have a couple of months to ponder, I'm going to work on getting my brain wrapped around this whole process. Thank goodness for this blog, so that I can reflect on what all happened!!
I'll keep you posted -
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