2 day is good

Funny student stories

2012-02-03T17:34:00.001-06:00

Since I'm retiring at the end of this school year, I've been thinking I should write down some of the funny events that have occurred in my classroom. One day last week a student handed me an empty Wal-Mart sack first thing in the morning. I asked, "Is this trash honey? Do you want me to throw it away?" She looked at me and said, "No, you told me to bring a bag to school." I thought and thought and was coming up clueless. She told me it was on the note I sent home. I said, "Oh, sweetie, you were supposed to bring a bag of conversation hearts!!!"

We are currently doing our fairy tale unit and the culminating activity will be cereal box book reports and a parade where students dress as the fairy tale character from their report. I asked my students to bring an empty cereal box to school so I would know they had one. Two weeks later 2 students have brought a cereal box. For two weeks, I have also put a note about the cereal box on homework online, and this note is printed and given to each student. They put it in the homework section of their notebooks in a sheet protector so it is very accessible for everyone. I asked parents to let me know if they did not have a cereal box. I haven't heard from anyone. This brings me to Feb. 3rd, the day after the hundredth day of school. I have an empty cereal box from one of the snacks that students brought for our celebration. I once again talk about cereal boxes and ask if each student has one. My Junie B. Jones (a very adorable but somewhat mischievous book character) brought the cereal box so I ask her if she needs it for her book report. She says yes so I give it to her and she puts it in her cubby. At the end of the day, Junie comes up to me and says very seriously, "This cereal box is empty." To which I replied, "Sweetie, you brought the cereal for the hundredth day of school and we ate it yesterday with our hundred item snack mix. That's the reason your box is empty. You told me you needed a cereal box for your book report." Poor Junie looks very puzzled and doesn't seem to understand why I have given her an empty box to take home. OH MY!!! I wanted to cry and laugh at the same time. Where did I go wrong?!?!

AT&T--please give me a break

2012-01-27T20:59:00.002-06:00

I need some help with my phone service. I have no land line working at my home since we had all the rain at the beginning of the week. I did everything I could think of to troubleshoot to no avail. Now I also have an AT&T cell phone. You might think that it would be okay that my home phone isn't working because I could use my handy dandy cell phone. That's a problem though cause you see my cell phone doesn't really work inside. Sometimes I can go to the dining room window and stand in a certain position and it will work. Other times I can go outside and get a connection, but almost every time the call gets dropped which I know is really hard to believe since AT&T promises to have the fewest dropped calls of any carriers. They really need to re-evaluate this promise because the number of my dropped calls would certainly disprove this. I call the 800 number once, but get disconnected. I'm sitting outside and I get through on the 2nd try and get a recording. You know the type: press one if you want ......., press 2 for so and so........ it goes on and on. I press the appropriate number and then it goes through a list again and I push the appropriate number. Then out of clear blue it says I'm not pushing the appropriate number, but I'm not pushing ANY number. I then push the prior correct number and it tells me 3 more times to push the correct number. It finally says it will connect me to a customer service representative that will be able to assist me. Hidden message that it sends me, "Hey dummy, can't you press the right number???? Are you stupid?" The recording does say they are experiencing a high volume of calls at this time. I hold for a couple of minutes and it says a representative will be with me in approximately 2 minutes. I am hopeful at this time, thinking this won't be so bad. It starts to go downhill though when every few minutes I get a recording that says I can report this at AT&T.com forward slash repair. They must think I'm a slow learner because they keep repeating themselves OVER and OVER. Hey guys, I'm a teacher and I'm a good listener and I heard you the first time and I understand I can go to AT&T.com forward slash repair, but I don't want to do that; that's why I called you!!! I want to talk to a living, breathing, and talking human being. Now in case you have forgotten I am outside. It's getting a little colder now and I only have a short sleeved shirt on and of course my jeans and shoes. I'm getting colder and colder, but wonder if I should take a chance on being disconnected by walking into the house to get a jacket. I wait a few more minutes and think it's really cold so I go in and find a Christmas sweatshirt hanging in the laundry room. Now I wonder how will I be able to put the sweatshirt on since I can't take a chance and put the phone down so I carefully put one arm in and then the other all while precariously holding the phone and pulling the sweatshirt over my head. It works and I go back outside. I sit and sit. That 2 minute wait becomes 5, 10, and then 15. I don't know who taught them how to tell time; it certainly wasn't me!! They really need some remediation or a refresher course. Finally, I hear a male voice that asks for the number I am calling about. The first thing I say is, "Can I give you my cell phone number in case we get disconnected because my cell phone always drops calls?" The customer service representative is very nice and checks the line and says he thinks the problem is on their end and he will send someone out, but since I don't have the repair service included in my plan I will be charged if they come out and find the problem is inside the house. Since I'm into saving money instead of spending it these days, I ask if there is anything else I can do. He asks if I know where the gray telephone box outside the house is and he explains to me the steps to take. I try and get worried that I might break something so he tells me he really thinks it is their problem and he will have someone out on Tuesday. I say, "That's a really long time!" He says he will have someone out sooner if at all possible. I'm thinking I can't even talk on my cell phone in the house and I'm not going outside every time I get a phone call. Total length of my phone call: 22 minutes and 28 seconds.

Since I got it going on now AT&T, let me tell you about my little cell phone that doesn't work in my house. I don't live in a heavily wooded area. I live within the city limits and I'm about .6 of a mile from a major highway that runs through town. You would think I would have a good connection, but I don't. I don't have an iphone, just an inexpensive Samsung. It's not the phone though because my friends with iphones have no bars at my home either. When my renewal came up the last time and I got this phone, I thought I can't take the dropped calls all the time so I paid $50 for a MicroCell, which acts as a mini tower in your home and promises increased connectivity. I get the MicroCell home and go through the process of getting it installed and anticipate the sight of many bars on my phone. I then find out that my phone, which I have had at the time for less than 6 weeks is not a 3G, which is required for the MicroCell to work. Now the AT&T representatives know what phone I have. It is in their records. They held it in their hands, but they apparently don't know their products so well. I return the tower and talk to someone at the store who says, "I didn't even know we sold phones that weren't 3G." AT&T never offered to let me exchange my phone for a 3G phone so I could utilize the tower and be able to use my cell phone in my home.

I think I've written enough now so I shall close by saying, "Come on AT&T help me out with my home phone and cell phone. Your service doesn't live up to your advertisements."

****My home phone is working as of apprx. 3:30 on Monday, Jan. 30th---which is a day earlier than expected. I talked to two people today--one from corporate and one in the service department and they were both very helpful. I appreciate the good customer service. I'm crossing my fingers on my cell phone reception at my home now.

Recap of my 100 goals/wishes for 2011

2011-12-31T16:09:00.003-06:00

At the end of 2010, I wrote 100 goals/wishes for the new year. Here's what I feel I accomplished in some ways (although some were not accomplished as fully as I intended to):

1. Travel more. Places I want to visit during my lifetime: Hawaii, States in the Northeast in the Fall, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina to see my former student Tanner play basketball at UNC at Wilmington, Wyoming, Las Vegas, California, Grand Canyon, Europe, Australia, Canada, China,and Alaska. (NOT happening this year, but just wait for 2012--retirement begins in June 2012. We did vacation in Santa Fe and that was a much needed relaxing trip. We also had a short trip to Austin and Fredricksburg for our niece's wedding reception.)

2. Go on a cruise. (Coming in Summer 2013 for sure---it will be a graduation and retirement celebration with my friends)

3. Vacation with the girls. Yes! We had a really great trip to Galveston with lots of laughter.

4. Go to concerts. We had a great time at a James Taylor concert and a Stevie Nicks concert.

7. Exercise. Some---but still need a regular consistent exercise schedule.

8. Lose weight--- A little but not nearly enough.

9. Try new recipes. Yes!!! Favorites were all from Pioneer Woman: Her husband's favorite steak sandwich, pineapple upside cake, and egg in a hole (I know it's crazy I never had it before. What can I say??)

10. Spend quality time with my hubby.

11. Update kitchen. YES!!!! We got rid of very dated wallpaper and it is now paint a color called wisteria snow--a soft soft blue, and the bottom below chair rail is called shark loop, which is a gray blue. We still need a new stove, but it will come in time.

12. Declutter and Simplify. It's a work in progress, but if you looked at my garage you would say no way did you declutter.

15. Save money. I think I did. I certainly think I bought a lot less clothes. What do you think sweet hubby?

16. Make extra principal payments on mortgage. House will be paid for before I retire!!!!!

17. Read. Favorite book: The Help.

18. Grow my own vegetables. With the hot summer, my garden was not as good as I had hoped but I did grow some tomatoes, peppers, spinach, and cilantro.

22. Teach Adah some tricks. Well, if you count jump on everyone that comes in, lick you in the face, jump high in the air to greet you with so much love, and sit, then yes!

24. My husband says to work on being nicer; I think this is really directed towards him. You know sometimes we are nicer to other people than our own families, which isn't the way it should be. My hubby gets the worst of me at times and I'm sorry for this baby. Thank you for loving, encouraging, and supporting me. I'm a work in progress.

25. Volunteer.

26. Be more frugal.

27. Participate in the 5K walk/run for David Milson on March 26th.

33. Go to a Rangers game. We did go to 2 minor league games: Frisco Roughriders and Grand Praire AirHogs.

35. Get a pedicure. I was saving $$ here and gave them to myself.

38. Praise, worship,and pray.

40. Sing.

41. Buy less.

42. Plant flowers.

43. Take time to smell the flowers.

44. Look for rainbows.

46. Go tubing. I did in a swimming pool, but this isn't exactly what I meant!

48. Watch the Rose Bowl and celebrate when TCU wins. GO HORNED FROGS!!! 1st accomplishment!!! Hurrah!!

49. Keep in touch with former students.

50. Send my 10 year letter to my 2nd grade students from 2001.

51. Trim the hedges.

52. Celebrate my 32nd wedding anniversary.

53. Watch Rylea play basketball.

54. Babysit Hannah and Haley.

57. Buy thoughtful presents.

58. Have fun with my daughter.

62. Kim and I get the iTouches set up and ready to go for my school.

64. Play games.

65. Enjoy the sun and the rain and the wind.

66. Sleep later than 7 am on the weekend. I actually did this a few times!

69. Seek the positive and avoid the negative. I've learned a great deal this year; it's important to focus on the positive because the negative just drags you down.

71. Hold a baby. Thanks to baby Jackson!! :)

72. Do random acts of kindness.

73. Clean out my closet. I did this, but now it needs it again.

75. Sell some stuff I don't need or want on swap shop.

78. Go to First Monday in Canton.

74. Put at least 1 puzzle together. If children's puzzles count, then yes.

78. Accentuate the positive.

79. Love more.

80. Donate.

81. Reach out to others.

87. Plan a family get together with our nieces and nephews. One side of the family, but need to plan something else with the other side.

89. Finish writing my 100 goals. I didn't think I'd get this far, but I did.

91. Recycle more.

95. Be thankful.

97. Always have a smile to share. Even on some bad days, I always smiled with the kids I taught.

98. Go on walks--I did this a little, but not nearly as many times as I should.

99. Take relaxing Sunday drives with my hubby--we took a few, but definitely not enough.

100. Make a difference in the lives of the children I teach. I have a wonderful group of kids that bring me hugs, love, and laughter. It's great to end a 31 year teaching career with such a special group of children.

Easy Toffee Cookies and I can't eat just one!!!

2011-12-14T18:38:00.002-06:00

Well, I made my favorite easy recipe, but I'm warning you these cookies are addictive. This version uses chocolate and peanut butter chips and saltine crackers.

Easy Toffee Cookies

Melt 1 stick of butter with 1/2 cup of lightly packed brown sugar and cook for 2 minutes after it starts to boil. On a greased cookie sheet place a sleeve of saltine crackers side by side. Today instead of greasing the cookie sheet, I lined the cookie sheet with foil---but you must cover the sides or all the yummy deliciousness will run under the foil. This worked better than greasing the pan and they were much easier to get out. Pour the hot butter/sugar mixture over the crackers. Place pan in the oven at 350 for 5 minutes. As soon as cookie sheet comes out of oven sprinkle 1 cup of peanut butter chips and 3/4 cup of chocolate chips on crackers. Wait a few minutes (Do NOT put pan back in oven). Use a knife to spread the melted chips over the crackers. Let pan cool a little and then place in refrigerator or freezer to harden melted chips. After it hardens, break into pieces to eat. Hope you enjoy them as much as my family does!!

What's Happening?!?!

2011-10-08T10:37:00.002-05:00

It's a great day! I normally have a difficult time in October or at least for the past 4 years I have. You see it's been 4 years since my mom passed away (Oct. 12th) so about this time every year I reminisce and feel an emptiness. I'm doing good so far maybe it's because I cried for a while last Sunday at bible study. Did I get my crying out? I don't know. Tuesday was a difficult day also. By the time I got home I was almost in tears again, but I didn't cry. I was just right there--ON THE VERGE. My sweet hubby gets the worst of me. I'm good all day at school, but by the time I get home I'm beat. I feel stressed. I feel tired, but I feel love. I feel joy and I love my 2nd graders. So hubby, thanks for being there and loving me and telling me I can do this and everything will be ok. You know when times are tough, you give me more reasons to love you.

Read some of my memories of my sweet mom here. I was definitely a momma's girl and I know that sounds weird being the age I am, but you know it doesn't bother me in the least. I am who I am because of her and the way she raised me.

Life lesson: Tell your family and friends you love 'em or reminisce with them a special moment you had with them. It can make a difference in their day/life. We aren't promised tomorrow so make the most of every day. There have been many people since school started that have said little things to me that have made a difference in my day and literally kept me going. So thank you friends. You know who you are. I love and appreciate you. Little things mean more than you know. So go ahead, step out of your comfort zone, take a chance and make a difference.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T18:58:00.000-05:00

I am very thankful this mother's day for my two children. It is hard to believe they are 24 and 27 years old. I am so proud of the adults they have become. Here are some memories I hold forever in my heart.

This is Jordan before Mike and Melaura's wedding. He was afraid to walk down

the aisle. When he did, the ring bearer's pillow kept rising until it covered

his face and he said, "I want my momma!!!

Family Christmas 2010 at Biergarten before the Candlelight Processional at Epcot

So sweet!!!!

Jordan is 8 and Sarah is 5.

I love to watch Sarah dance. Here she is with her nieces and nephew.

Sarah and her Nana Dec. 1989

Jordan being held for the first time by Mike's parents at our home in 1983

Texas Teachers and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

2011-03-31T20:27:00.002-05:00

Yesterday shall go down in history as a really bad day in our school district. I had just finished lunch and was in the office when one of our new teachers walked by. I was still in the office when she walked by again with tears in her eyes and I knew what was happening. Teachers were being told they would not have a job next year due to reduced state funding. So the above scenario happened numerous times in every school in my district. Then I had heart failure when I was told that the principal needed to see me. My heart was pounding out of my chest. I couldn't think; I couldn't see straight; I was scared..... My position was being eliminated, but I was told I had a job as a 2nd grade teacher. I taught 2nd grade before my Title 1 Math job. I loved teaching 2nd grade, but after being a classroom teacher for 24 years I didn't anticipate having to return after 6 years at my current job.

Our new teachers are amazing. I would very honestly say they are the best group of new teachers I have worked with. It was indeed a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day for everyone at my school, but especially for those that lost their jobs.

Judith Viorst wrote Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day. I read it to my 2nd graders and they wrote about their bad days. I think a new version needs to be written with the names of Texas teachers that lose their jobs this year and include photos of the students affected, but that would take a very thick book, wouldn't it?

Adah, my baby

2011-03-24T20:46:00.005-05:00

My daughter used to say that her brother, Jordan, was the blessed child. Now she has changed her tune because now the blessed child is

ADAH

Adah was meant to be Sarah's dog, but with Sarah's work schedule and living in an apt. it didn't work out which made Sarah sad. I was already attached to Miss Adah though. She was such a sweetie pie and she jumped in the pool after balls and frogs and sometimes just to cool off. So Adah became my little doggy. Sarah still loves her and probably comes home more to see Adah than her parents.

A very special thank you to Amanda who gave us our precious pup about a year ago. No need to worry about Adah. She is spoiled rotten and hubby says she is treated better than he is.

My Memories of David Milson

2011-02-01T17:13:00.040-06:00

Our family friend, David Milson, lost his battle with cancer on Monday, Jan. 31st. He will be missed by all who knew him. I don't think he ever met a stranger because he talked to everyone. There just aren't too many people like David in this world. My mom would have said they broke the mold when David was born. He was so much more than a friend or coach, inspiring not only his players but friends he encountered in his day to day life. For you see, once you met David he was your friend and he remembered you and details about your life. My daughter, Sarah, loved David. He taught her to two step and he always had a hug when she needed one. When she graduated from high school, he wrote, "I know you're going to love Tech. Stay out of Uncle Nasty's and go to the library." One of his former students, Michael Green, wrote on David's facebook page, "Coach once told me, "Whatever you are, be a good one."" I can hear him saying that. He had an uncanny ability to say just what you needed to hear.

David joined my family for several Thanksgivings. He always brought some pies, many smiles and lots of laughter to our home along with a few tricks to share. We loved him. My great nephews thought he was a relative and I guess you could say he's the relative everyone wishes they had. Each year they hoped "the magic man" would be there. He would find quarters behind their ears and he had a floating dollar they tried to catch.

Monday evening when we arrived at the Milson's home and were taking phone messages, David pulled the wool over our eyes once more. I was attempting to write and the pen wouldn't cooperate. In fact the bottom section kept bending when I was trying to write. I asked my friend Robin for another pen, telling her this one was broken. She messed with it a little, jokingly accusing me of breaking it, but discovered the trickster was at it once more!!! It was David's trick pen. He brought us laughter once more. David always seemed to have a bag of tricks up his sleeve. On New Year's Eve, he showed us how to use the prank call application on his iPhone. He loved everyone's reactions to his magic tricks and pranks.

David's treasures were his family. Oh, how he loved them! I love this picture of David and Rylea. When Rylea's date came in to meet her parents for the first time, this is the sight that welcomed him.

Let's just say he was protective..........and funny........and very genuine.

David loved to watch his kids play basketball. He taught them to play with skill and heart and to love the game.

Valree asked David to dance over 28 years ago. We are so glad he accepted.

While our hearts weep from what we have lost, we know there is great rejoicing in Heaven. I can only imagine yesterday in Heaven, welcoming our "Coach", our friend. I imagine there was contagious laughter from his jokes and magic tricks and I bet they had a great game of basketball, probably a never ending tournament began. Let us remember the way David lived his life and some of his words from his caring bridge site:

"Remember to let go and let God.

The Bible teaches: that God can use anyone, anywhere, to be His instrument of provision for those who trust Him. This truth has been evident in this journey many times over.

Talking to God throughout the day and involving him in everything I do has really filled my heart and soul. I’m just a simple man that is learning everyday how God blesses you when you include him in all you do.

Winning: I believe you win with average people doing above average things.
Losing: Is a habit, just like winning, knowing the difference in the habits is key."

and don't forget to drive friendly cause that's what the sign says. I just read this from Mark Dent's sports blog on Feb. 1st about David.

Tears flow freely for Officer Jillian Smith

2011-01-04T17:31:00.005-06:00

Every time I hear the story of the young police officer, Jillian Smith, I get tears in my eyes. Sometimes I can wipe them away, but other times like right now they flow freely down my cheeks. I didn't know Jillian; but I wish I had. She was an incredible young woman that was far too young to die, but an 11 year old girl lives today because Officer Smith shielded her from gunfire. Heaven is more beautiful today because Jillian is there. This verse comes to mind---John 15:13
There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family.

My 100 Goals/Wishes for 2011

2011-01-02T09:33:00.082-06:00

I got this idea from a friend that I used to teach with--Windy. She just got married and I'm so happy for her and wish her the very best in the years ahead.

My 100 Goals/ Wishes for 2011

in totally random order:

1. Travel more. Places I want to visit during my lifetime: Hawaii, States in the Northeast in the Fall, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina to see my former student Tanner play basketball at UNC at Wilmington, Wyoming, Las Vegas, California, Grand Canyon, Europe, Australia, Canada, China,and Alaska. (NOT happening this year, but just wait for 2012--retirement begins in June 2012. We did vacation in Santa Fe and that was a much needed relaxing trip. We also had a short trip to Austin and Fredricksburg for our niece's wedding reception.)

2. Go on a cruise. (Coming in Summer 2013 for sure---it will be a graduation and retirement celebration with my friends)

3. Vacation with the girls. We didn't have a trip this past summer and I really missed that time together with my friends.

4. Go to concerts.

5. See Trans Siberian Orchestra at Christmas.

6. Go camping.

7. Exercise.

8. Lose weight.

9. Try new recipes.

10. Spend quality time with my hubby.

11. Update kitchen.

12. Declutter and Simplify.

13. Sew more and set beginning stages for my business endeavor, "Little Delights"

14. Decide whether buying an applique/monogramming machine would be profitable.

15. Save money.

16. Make extra principal payments on mortgage.

17. Read.

18. Grow my own vegetables.

19. Pick blueberries.

20. Can more jellies, jams, and make lots of hot sauce.

21. Have some fires in my firepit.

22. Teach Adah some tricks.

23. Check on Adah becoming a therapy dog.

24. My husband says to work on being nicer. I think this is directed to him. :)

25. Volunteer.

26. Be more frugal.

27. Participate in the 5K walk/run for David Milson on March 26th.

28. Participate in Memory Walk.

29. Blog more.

30. Organize my photos and picture files on my computer.

31. Begin writing a book about my mom and how Alzheimer's affects a family.

32. Attend a taping of the Oprah show.

33. Go to a Ranger game.

34. Visit high school friends and other friends I haven't seen in years.

35. Get a pedicure.

36. Eat sushi.

37. Eat at Texas de Brazil.

38. Praise, worship,and pray.

39. Make homemade ice cream.

40. Sing.

41. Buy less.

42. Plant flowers.

43. Take time to smell the flowers.

44. Look for rainbows.

45. Wade in a cool mountain stream.

46. Go tubing.

47. Play in the snow.

48. Watch the Rose Bowl and celebrate when TCU wins. GO HORNED FROGS!!! 1st accomplishment!!! Hurrah!!

49. Keep in touch with former students.

50. Send my 10 year letter to my 2nd grade students from 2001.

51. Trim the hedges.

52. Celebrate my 32nd wedding anniversary.

53. Watch Rylea play basketball.

54. Babysit Hannah and Haley.

55. Hold and play with Byler.

56. Don't procrastinate.

57. Buy thoughtful presents.

58. Have fun with my daughter.

59. Visit Jordan and Kristeen, have fun, and do something we haven't done before.

60. Don't snort when I laugh.

61. My sister's house will sell and she can enjoy her retirement.

62. Kim and I get the iTouches set up and ready to go for my school.

63. Finish my sock monkey baby quilts.

64. Play games.

65. Enjoy the sun and the rain and the wind.

66. Sleep later than 7 am on the weekend.

67. Complain less.

68. Cuddle more.

69. Seek the positive and avoid the negative.

70. Go to a wedding.

71. Hold a baby.

72. Do random acts of kindness.

73. Clean out my closet.

74. Clean out the garage.

75. Sell some stuff I don't need or want on swap shop.

76. Paint the hall bath and my bedroom.

77. Repaint rocker on front porch.

78. Go to First Monday in Canton.

73. Go to Hamm's orchard for peaches and peach ice cream.

74. Put at least 1 puzzle together.

75. Make a memory book about our Disney trip.

75. Catch some fireflies and release them.

76. Watch Anne of Green Gables.

77. Read The Twilight Books.

78. Accentuate the positive.

79. Love more.

80. Donate.

81. Reach out to others.

82. Do something special on Memorial Day Weekend.

83. Don't waste anything!!!! time, money, food, etc.

84. Laugh every day.

85. Buy a TCU sweatshirt :) I love purple and the horned frogs!!!

86. Get together with the Kriska family.

87. Plan a family get together with our nieces and nephews.

88. Be neater and more organized at home and school.

89. Finish writing my 100 goals. I didn't think I'd get this far, but I did.

90. Begin planning our next big family vacation.

91. Recycle more.

92. Make homemade ice cream.

93. Make or buy curtains for my bedroom.

94. Be more creative.

95. Be thankful.

96. Go to a Baylor and TCU football and/or basketball game.

97. Always have a smile to share.

98. Go on walks.

99. Take relaxing Sunday drives with my hubby.

100. Make a difference in the lives of the children I teach.

Remembering my Mom

2010-10-11T20:04:00.027-05:00

I'll going to be painfully honest today. October is really a difficult month for me. In fact, I have cried many times this month. Just typing this brings tears to my eyes. I remember so much about my mom this month and I cry because she is gone and I think of the horrible debilitating disease, Alzheimer's, that took her from me three years ago. It robbed her of her identity and her connection to family and friends.. So today I write about my mom.

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Mom and me in my Easter dress and bonnet on my slip and slide

My mom, Doris, was a very gentle person. She had a very strong faith and was devoted to God, her family, and friends. Growing up I can remember her reading the Bible each evening before bed. I think some of my fondest memories with my mom involve the simplest things. She took delight in the small things in life. One thing I remember she taught me is to look at the cumulus clouds, but I liked to call them the big fluffy cotton candy clouds. She showed me how you can look at them and imagine pictures of dogs, trees, mountains, dragons, and unicorns. So if you have never taken the time to look at the clouds or you haven’t done so in a while, I encourage you to do so no matter what age you are because there is a special magic and peacefulness you feel when doing it. I remember her teaching me how to go crawfishing. For those of you that don’t know what a crayfish is—they are scary little crustaceans with beady little eyes and scary pinchers like lobsters. We would go to the ditch in front of our house after a rain and we would see their piles of dirt around the hole to their house. Mom would put some salt pork or a little raw bacon on a string with a little horseshoe nail for a weight and she would drop it into the hole just a little bit. A crayfish just might slowly crawl to the top, grab the pork with their pinchers and then try to pull it back further into their hole, but then of course we would pull them out of the hole while they were still attached to the string. I would usually scream and mom would tell me to be quiet and put the crayfish in the big bucket we had brought with us. I might try to do it, but I couldn’t ever grab them though because I was terrified the pinchers would grab me. So in the end it was always Mom who put them in the bucket. We could do this for a long time and she would delight in how they scared me, but would still try to touch me with one. I remember once it rained and rained and the pasture flooded and King’s Creek overflowed. We took a long walk with our bucket and caught tons of crayfish-well maybe not tons but it looked like it to a little girl. Now you may wonder what we did with all these crayfish. Did we cook’em and eat’em? Are you kidding? Now maybe my dad and mom had eaten them at some point, but we never did. We kept them in the bucket with some water and mud for a while and then we released them and the little creatures with their beady eyes and scary pinchers would scurry happily away.

My mom will be remembered for her wonderful cooking, especially during the holidays when she welcomed family and friends in her home. I will remember her teacakes, pecan pies, homemade biscuits and cinnamon rolls. On some mornings, for no reason, she would make me the most wonderful melt in your mouth delight—chocolate gravy with biscuits and butter. Mom had a system to her cleaning and cooking. Every day of the week she had chores to do and she wouldn’t stop until they were finished. We often teased her and told her that house was so clean we could eat off the floor. When my dad was a route salesman for Coca-cola, he loved his pinto beans. He said they were his “go” food. So every Sunday, mom would start getting the beans ready. She made a huge pot of beans. I thought the beans were great on Monday, usually pretty good on Tuesday, but not so good on Wednesday or Thursday, but Dad had to have them every night except Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This went on for years until my dad hurt his back and was no longer a route salesman for Coke. After this, when she made pinto beans and cornbread, it was a treat we loved and they were delicious. She would often send home a quart of pinto beans home with me cause Michael and I loved them so much. Nobody made beans like my momma!

My mom loved to laugh and I am thankful to have inherited this love of laughter from her. She would say it’s better to laugh than cry. She was also quite a trickster. She would come up behind someone and touch the back of their knee and if they were relaxed this would cause them to almost fall to the ground. Then she would just laugh and laugh. She also would come up behind those she loved and give them donkey kicks. A donkey kick is where you stand beside someone and lift your leg at the knee sideways and tap or sort of slap their bottom with your foot. She had this down to a fine art. Now I have done this to Michael , Jordan , and Sarah, but I have never achieved her level of proficiency.

Mom truly had a grateful heart and she didn’t ask for much in return. She would gladly help my sister or me when we needed help with any jobs. She always told me, “If you can’t say something good, don’t say anything at all.” I think these are important words to live by. Nana loved her grandkids and they loved their “NANA”. When Alzheimer’s took her from us, we wept and missed our mom and Nana and her devotion to us.

When she first entered the nursing home's special care unit, she could have almost been put on the housecleaning staff. If you gave her a cloth she would happily walk around and dust things. She was also somewhat of a mother hen. She gave great smiles and spread laughter with some of her antics. She would often tell the staff how pretty or beautiful they were while gently touching their faces. She would also tell them how sweet they were. One of the nurses told me Mom would come up behind them and give them a little “pop” on the bottom and then run away laughing before they could see who had done it. Mom even started to dance around when they had music or when I played “heart and soul” on the piano. She got lots of exercise walking the unit and going outdoors with her family. She was also well known for her bicycling exercise. She would plop down on a chair, bed, or sofa and start doing her exercise with her legs moving back and forth as if she were on her bike. It was always wonderful when she would remember and say, “Ray or Raymond, Linda, or Tammie” In the beginning she would get angry if we asked her if Dad was an old goat. She would say, “He’s not an old goat, he’s my sweetheart” One of the funniest things mom said while in the nursing home happened about a year before she passed away. Mom was confined to a wheelchair at this point and she had been to lunch or just out and about and Shelly S., a family friend, who works as a social worker at E. Care Center, was pushing her back to her room. Another patient was wheeling herself down the hall in her wheelchair and she was complaining and griping, which is something she did on a regular basis. At one time this lady had been mom’s roommate but then she had been placed in a private room—(thankfully, I might add!) Mom hadn’t spoken in a while except for an occasional word or phrase. Mom looked at her and said, “Will you be quiet? I’ve had just about enough of you!!” So you can see mom could still be a little feisty!!!

Alzheimer's was never able to take my mom’s sweet spirit and warm beautiful smile. She’s not suffering today, and I can see her up in heaven maybe even dancing a little, but whatever she’s doing, she has a big beautiful smile on her face.

Take action against Alzheimer's by clicking here. If you know someone that has Alzheimer's, visit and talk to them. You never know what words might trigger memories for them. Support other family members and friends that have relatives with this disease. If you are interested in donating to the Memory Walk, I have a very dear student that I had in my 2nd grade class about 12 years ago that is participating in the walk.

From the Alzheimer's Association:

"Memory Walk is the nation's largest  event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and  research. Since 1989, Memory Walk has raised more than $300 million for  the cause.  All Memory Walk donations benefit the  Alzheimer's Association, the leading voluntary health organization in  Alzheimer care, support and research. The mission of the Alzheimer's  Association is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement  of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected;  and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain  health."

Emotions running high here

2010-10-02T19:00:00.004-05:00

So many things have happened to some special people. Two of the people I work with have had family members with serious heart problems. Our wonderful art teacher's dad had a couple of surgeries, but currently is making good progress. It is so difficult when you have a parent sick. You know your parents are aging, but when you see them in an emergency room and hospital room a whole new perspective comes to light and you feel powerless and weak. All sorts of thoughts run through your head. It is a time I won't forget.

When I first started teaching here, I met Archilene. She was a veteran 1st grade teacher and I very quickly thought, "Archilene has a heart of gold". We had children the same age and were involved in some of the same activities with our children. On Sept. 24th, her life changed when her husband had a heart attack. He had two stents inserted on Monday and came home on Tuesday. On Thursday, she took him back to the hospital because he was in a great deal of pain. They checked him out, did a medication change, and he went home. Friday morning he suffered another heart attack. The stents had collapsed so he had quadruple bypass surgery.

These two families have been supported by family and friends with many thoughts and prayers. They have felt power and peace that came from the prayers and for that they are thankful. In difficult times like this, it is prayer that keeps a person going because at any given time you may be engulfed with emotion and pain while seeing a family member suffer. The uncertainty becomes stifling, but yet you find the strength to go on. I believe this comes from your faith and the prayers, care, and concerns that others give. Amy and Archilene-You and your families are loved and cared for by many.

Sept. 30 was C.H.A.S.E. day. One year ago, a beautiful baby boy named Chase was born and was held and loved in the arms of his loving family, but he was already in the arms of Jesus.

You can read about this special day here and his story begins here. I don't know Mark and Chelsea personally, although I feel like I do. I feel close to them because of their journal and working with Chelsea's precious sister, Cortni. I know Mark and Chelsea are strong and this strength comes from their faith in God and they changed a time of utter despair to hope and health for other children by forming His Chase Foundation. His Chase exists to make a lasting difference in the lives of orphans. From the foundation's website:
If you wonder what impact you are making in the world...or what He's "calling" you to do in life, you're in the right place. We believe the call to all people is to take care of His little ones --- children who desperately need the hope of new life --- the fatherless. His Chase exists solely for this purpose: To join with people of all passions, talents, and ministries to make a lasting difference in the lives of orphans...to follow our calling, one project at a time.

Even though Chase Day has passed, don't let that stop you. Any day at any given time can be your time,
"Choosing to Honor thru Acts of Service and Encouragement".

Discovering Nature in my own Backyard

2010-08-21T21:52:00.003-05:00

Relaxing Saturday afternoon after spending some time at school.

There's some chirping coming from my Mexican Fan Palm. I keep seeing a bird flying around and landing near the palm, just a chirping and a talking.

I find this little guy and

his brother or sister.....

and another sibling that is really trying to hide.

This is the first birdie again, looking a little better.

It's time to spread your wings and fly or least that's what momma bird is trying to say.

Summer updates to my house

2010-08-19T17:04:00.003-05:00

This summer ends on a very happy note. I have new floors. They are beautiful and amazing. About 4 years ago I very ambitiously ripped up the carpet in my dining room and den. My hubby removed the flooring from the entry way and I worked and slaved and worked some more on preparing the floors for concrete stain. I really liked the way they looked but unfortunately they didn't last as long I had hoped. Sooooo I was past due for new flooring.

Floors before

Floors after
We chose a wood laminate for the main living areas, the hallway and master bedroom.

We carpeted the other 2 bedrooms.

looks like this bedspread needs to be replaced with the new carpet!!!

I am very pleased with the end result. It took a while getting everything ready for the installation which was very tiring, but I wouldn't change anything.

The Josties - "What Happy Is" Official Music Video

2010-08-16T21:54:00.000-05:00

I strive to remember......

Little Delights--baby gifts

2010-08-12T18:46:00.004-05:00

I am a tad bit in denial that this is the end of my summer. It seems the first couple of weeks go by slowly and then the rest of the summer flies by. Lots of fun activities this summer and lots of work also. I wanted to share a few baby gifts I have made. I hope sometime in the future to be able to sell some of baby items. I have to get more items made though to be able to sell them!!

"Little Delights"

made for you with love and care

burp cloths

a little sundress i made for a special girl

burp cloths

a lovie blankie and monogrammed onesie

If you are in need of some burp cloths, little lovie blankets, or any specialty item, let me know. I'll see what I can design for you.

a morning filled with beautiful butterflies

2010-07-30T12:15:00.001-05:00

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
~Irish Blessing

It couldn't have been a better morning than having these beautiful butterflies mere steps from my back door. I love butterflies. They are so delicate and graceful. As a child, I imagined myself as a butterfly flying from flower to flower, yard to yard. May your day be blessed with beautiful gifts of nature that God has given us.

Saying Good-bye when you leave your kids at college

2010-06-22T15:23:00.020-05:00

David and Val and Rylea are in North Carolina getting Tanner settled at UNC at Wilmington. I know the trip home will be a long one with lots of tears. I know how they feel. I've been through it twice and it's not easy. All those parenting books and watching your kids grow and change cannot prepare you for this adequately. The 18 years have come and gone too quickly and it's not time to say good-bye yet. That last hug before they come home will be long and filled with love, care, and concern for each other. It's an important hug cause it will have to last until August when Tanner gets to come home before beginning the Fall semester.

I've told Val I still cry leaving my kids and they are 26 and 23 years old. You could say it's hormones, but I say, "NO to that!" It's love and leaving your children behind. It's never easy telling them good-bye and wondering when you will see them next. So, Val and David and Rylea, my heart goes out to you and if I were there with you I'd be crying too. I know if I talk to you after you leave I'll start crying, but that's okay. I cry because I care and understand and love you all. Our children grow up, but they will always be our babies and no matter how old they are we will always worry and miss them and wonder when we will get our next hug.

Coach David Milson

2010-05-27T13:14:00.010-05:00

You can search all over the world, but I honestly don’t think you would find a more genuine man than Coach David Milson. I first met him at “Meet the Teacher” night in 1997 when he was meetingTanner’s kindergarten teacher. His wife, Valree, and I were new teachers to this school. We didn’t know each other too well and little did we know then that we would become very close friends. After “Meet the Teacher” ended, we all were standing outside of our counselor’s office talking and David walked up. What I didn’t realize until he so eloquently began talking that he was wearing his new “Billy-bob teeth”.

He was talking in an exaggerated country style. I almost died laughing but knew he was trying to pull the wool over someone’s eyes. This time the recipients of his antics were our counselor, Marilyn and her daughter, Stephanie. I discovered then and there that David was quite the trickster. Val was standing there also and we looked at each other and smiled, but didn’t laugh. I think I was biting my tongue to keep the laughter away. We were watching Marilyn and Stephanie. Their eyes got rather large and I’m sure they were wondering, “Where in the world did this man come from??? Is he a parent of one of our students?? Oh my!!” Then he introduced himself as Val’s husband and this caused an even greater shock factor. After we stood and conversed for a while, he finally took out those teeth and we could not hold our laughter any longer. It was great roll in the floor laughter. The kind of laughter that makes your sides hurt. I can still see Marilyn and Stephanie standing there, bewildered by this man!!! That was the beginning of many ~~good~~ great times.

As the years past, I had the privilege of being Tanner and Rylea’s 2nd grade teacher. They are both great kids. Val and I taught across the hall from each other for 9 years. Tanner is now a senior, graduating with honors from Cedar Hill High School and will be attending University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a full basketball scholarship. Rylea is finishing her freshman year at Midlothian High School. She is quite the basketball player also.

My hubby and I have watched Cedar Hill basketball many times. We watched Daniel and Jason Horton, Shawn Glover and many more play some great BB. For the past 4 years we have had a more personal connection to the team while watching Tanner play. We certainly appreciate David’s style of coaching. He is calm and caring, but has a firm hand on those young men. David teaches his players more than basketball; he teaches them about life and he makes sure they are taken care of. David and Val have their players over to their home for cookouts and he has players that return to see him when they are in town.

David is retiring this year. He wants to be able to travel and see Tanner play basketball in college. He also wants to be able to see Rylea play basketball. What David didn’t anticipate was a diagnosis of lung cancer. It has been extremely stressful for David and his family.

.

The following was updated on Feb. 2, 2011.
Please visit his caring bridge site to read his story. What made David an even better man was his devotion to God and family. I consider David, Valree, Tanner, and Rylea to be family. You may read my memories of David here. My thoughts and prayers are with the Milson family. Our "Team Milson" will continue to embrace Val, Tanner, and Rylea.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

2010-05-25T20:13:00.008-05:00

One day last week I received an email from my hubby that linked to The Frugal Girl's Wednesday Baking entry.
That was it. I went to the blog and thought mmmm good. I need to make this. Sometime. Well, tonight I made it. I had already had some and told hubby, "I don't know if you are going to like this. You might want to only get a little to start with." Judging from this picture, I would definitely say it was a hit for both of us.

***please note hubby wanted me to add this was a small pan. i totally agree with him.

The best part about this recipe was how easy it was to make.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe

3/4 cup sugar
1 cup flour
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup melted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 1/4 cups hot water (I usually boil mine)

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together in a medium bowl. Combine milk, melted butter and vanilla; add to dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine, then spread into an ungreased 8×8 inch baking pan.

Combine brown sugar, white sugar, and cocoa powder; sprinkle over top of batter. Pour hot water over top of cake, and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 40 minutes. Let cool for 5-10 minutes, then serve in bowls with vanilla ice cream.

***Update on baby birdies: i wondered if there were 4 or 5 babies. I looked today and discovered 6 beaks!!! Amazing!

a new use for IKEA watering container

2010-05-23T20:01:00.001-05:00

Does this look familiar to you? this is my white watering container. it is very handy.

this is my older one that one of my angel puppies chewed some, probably my grandpuppy, ellie!!!

i had been hearing some cheeping when i was outside, but i just thought it was birds on the roof. on saturday, my hubby told me what he had found in the green one.

i'm not sure if there are 4 or 5 baby birds, but aren't they cute!!

Giveaway winner

2010-05-21T07:43:00.004-05:00

and the winner from the random number generator was.........

#19 melissa

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

thanks to everyone that entered. i loved reading all your comments. hope you come back and visit my blog again. i hope sew mama sew sponsors another giveaway in Dec. it was great fun!!

A Tornado toooooo close to my school

2010-05-20T18:25:00.006-05:00

it was raining. in fact it was raining very, very hard. i was just thinking i am going to get soaking wet when i have car duty after school. shortly after this, i picked up my last group of kids. i had just explained to them their activity and our principal came on the loud speaker and said, "we are going to initiate a shelter in place". i thought this was a good time to practice with the storm and all. little did i know this was right outside our school. my school is directly to the right of the church. i'm glad i thought it was a drill. it keeps me calmer. the kids that were with me were great and they didn't know anything was wrong either.

the yummiest apple dumplings

2010-05-17T19:40:00.004-05:00

Oh my!! i just made some cause my friend told me to. so i did!!!! cause i love her!! my daughter in law introduced these apple dumplings to me when we visited them after they moved to louisiana last year. i was hooked from the very first bite. would you believe the secret ingredient is a can of mountain dew???!!! she gave me the recipe, and i'm sure it's somewhere in my clutter and maybe even with my not so organized recipes, but i love using allrecipes.com.
You can start your own recipe box and stash all your favorite recipes that you find there or even enter some of your personal recipes. i thought it might be good to have a family recipe box there and your whole family could share recipes in one place. well, enough of my rambling and let's get to the real reason for this post: THE RECIPE

Country Apple Dumplings
by Kristin

Ingredients

2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
(i use 4 apples and put 2 slices per crescent)
2 (10 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup butter
3/4 cups white sugar
3/4 cups brown sugar
1 tsp of vanilla
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Mountain Dew ™

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cut each apple into 8 wedges and set aside. Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll dough starting at the smallest end. Pinch to seal and place in the baking dish.
Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in the sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour over the apple dumplings. Pour Mountain Dew™ over the dumplings.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

If you try these or have made them before , let me know what you think. I love 'em too much if you know what that means.

SEW MAMA SEW--May Giveaway Day

2010-05-15T14:00:00.005-05:00

Sew Mama Sew is hosting a really fun event called May Giveaway Day. I am excited to be a part of this for the first time. What a fun way to find other crafting bloggers!! Although my blog is not just devoted to crafts, I have my hands and money into too many crafts. If I can't make it myself, you might find me shopping at craft fairs and etsy. I have recently started sewing again (with my brand new sewing machine!!!) and I absolutely love making baby items.Some of the easiest items to make are burp cloths. I make them out of pre-folded diapers and I also make them from charm packs with a coordinating fabric on the back.

I will choose the winner of the three burp cloths randomly from those entries that complete this sentence:

I think babies are......

Entries must be received by midnight on May 20th. Winner will be chosen by random number generator on May 21st and I will ship internationally. Please leave a comment even if you don't have a baby.You could always use it as a gift, donate it to a church nursery, or a women's shelter. My husband suggests you could dry a wet dog with them. :) He's a funny guy, but I don't know if he appreciates my sewing so much!!

Cookie Balls--a decadent but easy to make dessert

2010-05-14T15:03:00.011-05:00

Oh my!! I think I have a new addiction. It's cookie balls and they are oh so easy to make. I have made cake balls also, but I prefer the cookie balls. Here's the recipe:

Cookie Balls
1 package cream filled cookies
1 8 oz. cream cheese (I use apprx. 6 oz. of it)
almond bark

Finely crush cookies in food processor. Next add cream cheese a few chunks at a time and blend. Use a small cookie scoop to form balls. Place balls in your freezer until frozen. When ready, melt almond bark according to directions. I recently started adding about a TBS of cooking oil to the melted almond bark. I insert a toothpick into a ball and then dip into almond bark. Let harden and since the balls are frozen this happens quickly. I usually use a combination of white and chocolate almond bark. When balls have hardened, I place a small amount of each type of almond bark in the corner of a sandwich bag, poke a hole with a toothpick and make swirls on top. Keep the cookie balls refrigerated until ready to serve!! ENJOY!!!

So far I have tried these combinations:

mint oreos ---my favorite!! YUMMY YUMMY!!

nutter butters

white with chocolate filling oreos

vanilla cookies

If roses grow in Heaven

2010-05-08T18:02:00.005-05:00

This is my 3rd Mother's Day without my mom. For my husband it's been much longer, I think about 24 years. I can't say much cause it makes me cry. I found this poem and thought it was appropriate. To our moms, we love and miss you!

If roses grow in Heaven, Lord

Please pick a bunch for me.

Place them in my Mother's arms

and tell her they're from me.

Tell her I love her and miss her,

and when she turns to smile,

place a kiss upon her cheek

and hold her for a while.

Because remembering her is easy,

I do it everyday,

but there is an ache within my heart

That will never go away.

author unknown

The Josh Tullis Band featuring Joanna Mueller

2010-04-15T15:13:00.015-05:00

Please listen to this beautiful song written and sung by Joanna Mueller, the daughter of my very dear friend, Cindy. Their entire family is musically and artistically gifted. I'm so fortunate to have watched Joanna grow up and be able to call her my friend.

If you link to this you can listen to other songs on the album. It is a wonderful group of songs by a dedicated group of young adults that attend a church in Austin. I think many of them attend the University of Texas.

You can also join their group on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=11855&id=105884659432393#!
/pages/The-Josh-Tullis-Band/105884659432393

A Spring Break Project

2010-03-19T10:43:00.011-05:00

all this stuff was on my back porch.......

it's starting to look a little better, but lots more to do.......

i decided to get rid of the chairs. they needed new cushions and i couldn't find any already made and i didn't want to try, because i didn't really like them that much. i took the bench from my bedroom and recovered the cushion---so quick and easy to do. then i took jordan's papasan chair from the garage.

the curtains i have had forever and never used in the house. sarah used one of them in college, so i thought why not put them on the porch. See the glider in the background. It's another project I started, but it's far from done. It's really old and something my mom and dad gave me so I really want it to look good.

what do you think?
i'm really working on getting organized and cleaning up and out. i'm either getting rid of or re-purposing stuff that is just lying around. you heard/read it hear hubby. are you ready for this??

now i'm off to pull weeds and clean up the flower beds before the cold front comes in. cold, cold, go away come again some november day. let's stay spring, please!

If tomorrow never comes........

2010-03-08T17:00:00.010-06:00

I think all this thinking of mine got started because I was listening to Sandra Bullock's acceptance speech this morning on the radio. She said, "I would like to thank what this film is about for me which are the moms that take care of the babies and the children no matter where they come from. Those moms and parents never get thanked. I, in particular, failed to thank one. So…(pauses here cause sandra is getting teary) if I can take this moment to thank Helga B. for not letting me ride in cars with boys until I was 18 because she was right. I would’ve done what she said I was gonna do. For making me practice every day when I got home. Piano, ballet, whatever it is I wanted to be. She said to be an artist, you had to practice every day, and for reminding her daughters that there’s no race, no religion, no class system, no color, nothing, no sexual orientation that makes us better than anyone else. We are all deserving of love."

I'm getting dressed for school and I don't know if hubby realized it, but I was getting teary listening to her because I was flooded with memories of my mom and dad. I'm thankful they knew how much I loved them and we could say "I love you" to each other.

The thing is we don't know what tomorrow will bring. Recent disasters in Haiti and Chile make me wonder how many people failed to tell someone they loved them and now they will never have the chance.

Just in case you haven't heard this lately----I love you hubby, Jordan, Sarah, and Kristeen.

An Anyway Friend

2010-02-20T08:59:00.005-06:00

I was watching this week's Private Practice and I thought I am fortunate to have several anyway friends. Here's the scene: Sam is speaking at his pregnant 15 year old daughter's wedding. He is reminiscing about Maya being in a different white dress with red and blue ABC's on it. He says Maya as a little girl told him she wanted to marry him when she grew up. He wondered why in the world would she want to marry her daddy. So he asked her, "Why me?" Maya told him, "Because Daddy you are my anyway friend." At the time he said he didn't know what it meant so Maya had to explain to him that an anyway friend is the one person in your life whom no matter what you say or do, no matter what they've been through with you will love you anyway.

Do you have a anyway friend? My anyway friends are blessings in my life. We've shared laughter and joy, tears in sadness and pain, and even tears with our laughter cause we laugh so darn much. Sometimes when we are laughing, I think of one of my favorite cartoons growing up.

Felix the cat
The wonderful wonderful cat
You'll laugh so hard your sides will ache
your heart will go pitter pat
Watching Felix the wonderful cat.

hubby-
thank you for being my anyway friend. i love you and need you in my life.

Baked Oatmeal that is YUMMY!!

2010-02-15T18:47:00.022-06:00

for all my teacher friends that i see eating oatmeal--

This recipe is da bomb!!!
My Version of Baked Oatmeal

2 eggs

1/2 cup oil ***

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup sugar(I used brown sugar and reduced the amount just a bit!)

2 cups uncooked oats

1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1) preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2) in a mixing bowl mix eggs, oil, vanilla, milk, and sugar.

3) add in oatmeal, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder.

4) pour the mixture in a 8x8 greased pan.

5) bake for 30 minutes.
***When I have the individual servings of applesauce I use one of them and 1/4 cup oil to save some calories and fat!!

I had it for supper and then reheated it in microwave (i added more milk before reheating). 2nd time I made it with a chopped apple and chopped walnuts. YUMYUM

After school on Friday, I have gotta go stock up on oatmeal. i told my sweet hubby I was going to buy oatmeal in bulk and buy 500 lbs. maybe i was exaggerating just a tad.

If you try baked oatmeal, let me know if you like it.

I found this at From our kitchen to yours blog and she said she had found it on Annalee's blog, but I couldn't find the recipe there, but I did find some great recipes. Annalee's blog is a great and I love reading about and seeing pictures of her 2 little cutie pies.

Snow Angels and Snow Ice Cream--Special things my mom taught me with lots of love

2010-02-14T14:45:00.017-06:00

Today I write in memory of my mom who was born on Feb. 15, 1925. Growing up I was surrounded with love and encouragement. I remember so many things I did growing up. Two things my mom taught me were making snow angels and snow ice cream. Due to our bountiful snowfall, I was able to do both this weekend. I think my mom is watching over me and I'm remembering her as my special Valentine since she was born the day after Valentine's Day.

Mom and her baby sister Lottie Bell

Good times. Lots of love and laughter. My mom taught me how to treat people, how to cook and clean and a multitude more life lessons. I don't do things as good as my mom, but I try. I strive to be a better person because I know what she expected of me. She expected me to "straighten up and fly right".

I think I'm like my mom, don't you?

my favorite snow pics

2010-02-13T09:11:00.002-06:00

i know. enough already. i apologize but i just can't get enough of this snow. it makes me smile and feel all warm and cuddly and even hungry (that's not a good thing!!) i had chocolate and peanut butter chip cookies made before 8 am and i have already eaten 4 of them or was it 5. i don't know. i lost count.

A Walk though our Winter Wonderland

2010-02-12T14:47:00.003-06:00

Can you believe this is Texas??? I think I've been teleported to Colorado. It is amazingly beautiful.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Let it SNOW......... and it did.......

2010-02-11T21:11:00.003-06:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Today was absolutely unbelievable. It started snowing sometime after 2 am and it snowed all day. I think it has stopped for now and it's 9 p.m. The snow is beautiful. I can't remember having this much snow before in my life. I wish I had some kids to play with!!

What a guy and even better what a dad: DREW BREES

2010-02-08T12:15:00.018-06:00

CONGRATULATIONS SAINTS!!! I'm so happy for you and New Orleans!!! I consider the above after game pictures to be greatness. Look at that: The winning quarterback gets his son and celebrates with him. This is a cherished moment that Drew shared with his son and we were fortunate enough to be a part of it. Here's what the New York Times said in a story Monday:

Brees said he’ll always cherish his moment with Baylen on the field.

“It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was 7 years old,” Brees said, “to win a championship and to share it with my son. It’s only his first year of life, he’ll never remember that moment but it’s something I’ve always dreamed of.”

When the Super Bowl XLIV MVP quarterback drew near to his son, he whispered something even the child couldn’t hear through the protective headset.

“I just told him I loved him,” Brees said. Read more from motherlode blog from the NYT.

I also love it when I see people like Drew make a difference in their community. I just found out that he and his wife, Brittany, created the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003 "to help advance cancer research, care for cancer patients, and help rebuild schools, parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields in New Orleans, San Diego, and Purdue communities.

pictures from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/07/drew-brees-son-baylen-cel_n_452946.html

Don't cancel The Bonnie Hunt show!!!

2010-01-29T19:57:00.010-06:00

I am extremely disheartened to learn that The Bonnie Hunt show is being cancelled. I consider Bonnie the best talk show host on TV. She is so genuine. She interacts with her guests and audiences so wonderfully. I record her show every day on my dvr and my husband and I both enjoy watching her each evening after work. Bonnie gives us feel good moments in all she does. Her show never fails to make me laugh out loud and we all know what good medicine laughter is. Please keep her show!!! We need more entertainers like Bonnie in the world. Her show is enjoyed by people of all ages.

You can help by contacting your local station. In the DFW area, it's NBC. It only takes a moment to type a message and tell them you don't want her show cancelled. You could also send a letter to
Telepictures Productions
Ms. Hilary Estey McLoughlin, President
C/O The Bonnie Hunt Show
9336 West Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232

Telepictures:
PHONE: (818) 972-0777
FAX: (818) 972-0709

If you don't have time to write your own letter visit the Telepictures link on the Bonnie Hunt team website for more information on what you can do. There is another line that was added specifically for fans to voice their support even though the prerecorded message says the show has been cancelled. Some believe this number was added to free up the office’s phone/fax line. The number is 1 -818-972-0814. I called this number on Jan. 29th and it said the mailbox was full, but I will continue to call it until I can leave a message.

We can do something. Be heard. Don't just sit there and think it won't matter. Send an email, make a phone call. Let's take action and help keep the Bob and Alice production going. (Bonnie always gives credit to her parents and her mom is a regular guest on her show.)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
****I had the following email this morning from Guy Mitchell at NBC Universal:

T_____,

The company that produces her show cancelled it. If you would like to
contact them, here is a link that might be helpful:
http://community.bonniehunt.com/group/savethebonniehuntshow
Thanks for writing NBC 5.
Guy-

Do you want to SAVE money??

2010-01-27T18:26:00.015-06:00

I know I do. I have really tried to be more economical in my spending. It seems like all items from food to clothing to entertainment have gotten more expensive. Since I don't want to do without some things like food, clothing, and fun, I am always on the lookout for deals. After listening and being so obedient to my husband for 30 years (hubby--are you rolling on the floor with laughter???), and always asking myself these 3 questions he has so lovingly suggested:

1. Do I need it?
2. Is it worth it?
3. Where am I going to put it? (I have been known to give not so appropriate answers to that one!!)

I think I am a better shopper. I have really considered buying some items, but when I thought about it, I didn't really need them and I certainly didn't have a place to put them. SO MONEY WAS SAVED which is a GOOD (scratch that) GREAT thing!!

On Tuesday, I was eating breakfast and saw a news item that was going to be on the morning news. So I used my favorite gadget of all time----the DVR. I watched the show after school, skipping through everything I didn't want to watch and getting to the meat of the show--Money Saving MOM --LauraThornquist who helps run MyDFWmommy.com. I thought immediately "I gotta check this out!" I did and I was more than impressed. Thanks Laura and your team. You have a great blog with so much useful info. I'm a learner (and I hope I always will be) and you are a great teacher.

During the Christmas holidays, my DIL, Kristeen, told me about a blog called, My Baton Rouge Mommy. It is also full of great information. Some tips/coupons are just for Baton Rouge area, but there are many that can be used anywhere.

Soooooo, if you want some good info about saving money go read these blogs. Happy money saving shopping to you this year!!

Thoughts and memories from the past decade.....

2010-01-01T08:45:00.006-06:00

Wow!! It's a new decade. What will the next ten years hold for my family???? Reflecting on the past first is important though. So many good things happened but far too many sad events that still bring me to tears. I'll try hard to not be too sad though.

Several great nieces and nephews were born during this decade: Riley, Ashley, William, Christian, Joshua, Cameron, and Landon. It's always a special day when a new life begins. Oh how I love to hold and cuddle newborns. I love the fresh baby smell, new baby coos, and the joy I see in the parents' eyes.

In 2001 Sarah was a freshman at high school. She was a drill team member and Jordan was a senior and a drummer in the band. We have so many memories of watching them perform. I didn't go to the football games to watch football; I went to see my kids perform.

My sweet mom had to enter a nursing home due to Alzheimer's. The sadness this brought was immeasurable. I went to work the day after she entered, but couldn't work because I could not stop crying and worrying. Her Alzheimer's was too progressed though and she had to be transferred to a nursing home with an Alzheimer's unit. She was happy and when I visited I would play "heart and soul" on the piano and mom would smile and dance. She was quite a character and the nurses and staff loved my mom.

Jordan graduated from high school in 2002. This was another emotional time for me. My first born would be leaving home and going to college in another state. We celebrated his graduation with family and friends at our house. Let me just say the hours before graduation were rather emotional, but when I got to the actual ceremony I was fine and dandy. My friends helped me get everything ready for the after graduation party. I couldn't have done it without them.

Jordan left in August 2002 to begin his freshman year at Oklahoma State University. He was a Chemical Engineering major and was very active in BCM. Between his junior and senior year, he decided to intern at Delphi and this took him to Tulsa for a year. He lived by himself for the first time. He met a special girl who would become his wife.

Sarah graduated from high school in 2005. It was another special time for our family. She was going to Texas Tech as a pre-nursing major. We celebrated with family and friends with a graduation party and once more my friends helped me prepare for the event. It was one of those sad/happy times. I remember leaving her in front of her dorm crying after having a family hug of tears. I would cry for a while on the long trip home and then stop and moments later cry once more and hubby would pat my hand.

In Dec. 06 Jordan accepted a job with Exxon. This made me happy because he wouldn't be moving to Wisconsin!! Not that Wisconsin would have been bad, it was just the thought of him being soooo very far from home. On Jordan's spring break in 2007, he looked for apts in League City and he and Kristeen looked for a puppy to adopt. He found Ellie and sent me a picture of her on my cellphone. Jordan graduated from OSU in May '07. He proposed to Kristeen a few days after graduation. He had asked for my opinion on what ring he should buy. That was pretty special!!! They planned a December wedding.

My girlfriends and I began talking girl trips. The first one was to New Braunfels in 2007. We had two nights and 3 days of lots of laughter and fun. I would laugh until my sides would ache.

Sarah was accepted into nursing school at Texas Tech Health Science Center. This made us all very happy. During college she worked as a lifeguard at the YMCA and during nursing school started working on the pediatric floor at Covenant Hospital.

Between '06 and '07 Mom's health deterioated and she passed away on Oct. 12, 2007. It was a sad sad time, but it brought peace as I felt I had lost my mom years before her actual passing. Living with a parent with Alzheimer's was the most difficult journey of my life.

On December 29, 2007 Jordan and Kristeen were married in Tulsa. It was a very special day as I watched my son see his bride for the first time. The wedding ceremony was beautiful and touching. I had a handsome son and husband, and beautiful daughter and new daughter. I reflected on how quickly this time had come. It seemed as though it hadn't been that long since we brought Jordan home from the hospital and he had played T-ball.

We had a 2nd girls' trip in June of '08 to Galveston. It was once again a great time and my sides hurt even more from laughter. We played games and I didn't like playing Sequence because it was very frustrating when I became stuck on one level.

Sarah graduated from nursing school in May '09. She accepted the job she had wanted at Children's Medical, working on the oncology/hematology floor. Another joyful family moment. Somehow we managed to pack everything in her car, our car, Bill's truck, and finally calling her friend to bring several things back home. She went on a graduation cruise and then began her job in June.

Hubby and I celebrated our anniversary early with a weeklong trip to Seattle and several nights in Olympic National Park. We also visited Port Townsend. Hubby plans wonderful vacations and I loved it all. Washington is a beautiful state and I want to go back when I go on an Alaskan cruise. (hint hint)

My dad was admitted to the hospital on July 8th, 2009. The doctor told us it didn't look good and we called family members to say their good-byes. We thought he was getting better though and we even talked to someone at a long term rehab hospital, but sadly he passed away on July 21st. Dad was 90 years old. Now hubby and I had no living parents. Our children have no grandparents.

The girls' trip this year was going to be for a whole week, but my dear friends cancelled it when my dad became ill. We had a shortened trip to Fredericksburg. We laughed until we cried once more.

Hubby and I celebrated our 30th anniversary on Aug. 18th. He surprised with a short trip to Arkansas and we had a wonderful time.

I'm missing details of many family vacations, but I know we vacationed nearly every year and our family vacations usually involved watching at least one baseball game. We are a BASEBALL family. Minor league. Major league. It didn't matter. Some of the trips we took in the past decade were to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Kansas City and St. Louis, Albuquerque, Durango, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio. We had many road trips to see the kids at college or get them settled into new living spaces.

We celebrated our family Christmas in Baton Rouge on Dec. 27th. Once more we were all together and it was great. I love my family. I look forward to the next ten years and wonder what special times the future holds.

Christmas Eve and Love You Forever

2009-12-24T18:46:00.021-06:00

Post #2
It's just hubby and me at home right now. Sarah is working and Jordan is in Tulsa with his wife and in-laws. We trade out Thanksgiving and Christmas each year. As the song "Let it snow" says, "The weather outside is frightful. We were on our way to our family Christmas and we saw several wrecks and a car turned sideways on the bridge right in front of us and then it couldn't get traction to go any further. This was around 5 pm and I wasn't feeling too secure in driving another 45 minutes in the blowing snow and blistery wind. Soooooo I told hubby we should turn around and go home. He was so sweet and said we could keep going. We did drive further, but the roads and traffic were getting worse. In the meantime I was worrying about Sarah getting to the hospital so I called my niece, Shelly, and told her we weren't going to make it because of the weather and road condtions and she started crying. I was getting teary too, but I thought I can't start crying too much cause I will make her cry more. You see we were already going to be missing my kids at our Christmas Eve celebration. This is our first Christmas without my dad and her papa and the 2nd Christmas without my mom and her nana. I remember every year dad would have some excuse for not going to Shelly's and usually it would involve the weather. Dad would say, "I'm not getting out cause it's going to be too cold" or "If it's raining, I can't go cause the roads will be bad" or "I'm too old to get out at night". This would start weeks before Christmas. I would tell him "Daddy, you are going to Shelly's" I would also tell him, "Don't worry about it right now. Let's just wait and see what the weather is doing and I can always come by and pick you up." I think now that maybe he just needed us to tell him that we needed him to be there to celebrate Christmas with us.

Thinking about this and not being able to go to our family Christmas causes tears to slowly fall down my cheeks. I was also watching a dreaded Lifetime movie called "The Christmas Hope" and there was a scene with a woman reading Robert Munsch's book, "Love You Forever". I immediately told hubby, "Oh this is a great book but it's so sad." I was telling him how we used it at our Mother's Day celebration with our first graders and their moms and there wouldn't be a dry eye in the room as each child read an excerpt from the book. I was also thinking of my mom and singing to her in October 2007 every Christmas song I could think of.
If you haven't read this book, you need to. It's a winner and a definite keeper. The pictures make the story better but I'm sure you can understand why the tears fall when listening once more to this story.

Love You Forever

by Robert Munsch

A mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she held him, she sang: