Mean it when you say Thank You

This is the t-shirt my younger daughter and her husband wore when they were helping with a children's ministry in inner city Houston this summer. It was hot, hard work, but the rewards will be so amazing. Their time with lower economic children should remind all of us how blessed we are. I am blessed in so many ways: a husband who loves me and is an incredibly hard worker even when times are challenging, two daughters that make me so proud, their husbands who are such supportive help mates, two amazing grandsons (one who is three and one who will be born in October), blessed sister and two brothers who know what "family" really means, supportive true friends (especially Cecelia), and finally ex-students who have become incredible adults. I am so truly thankful that God saw my needs and gave me so many blessings. It is easy to be needy and say "poor me". A pity party has many eager guests. But to be thankful in all things is sometimes overlooked. I am truly thankful - even for "bad" things. "Bad" only makes me more thankful for the "good". I claim my favorite verse of Jer. 29:11. Thank you my husband, family, and friends (this group of friends include those ex-students who haven't forgotten me). I am blessed.

Can You Do the Happy Dance?!

My goodness...I did not know how many of my ex-students remembered mean, old, impossible to please Mrs. H. I expected to hear from recent FBBA graduates, but those who have already graduated from college? Yes, I know both of my daughter's many friends know I'm still alive, but graduates from 2000?? It is wonderful to hear how well they are doing. Some have changed their names (to protect the innocent?), so I was confused for a moment. This technology age is amazing. I have Dan the Man to thank for my "incredible" IT skills. I still need to figure out this text thing. I usually only get texts about car warranties or sure fired stocks, so imagine how excited I was to get one from a genuine friend who happens to also be an ex-student. I couldn't figure out how to text, so I just called her on her cell phone. She gave me her number late last year in case I needed something. Thanks to Facebook I can keep up with their latest escapades. Thanks to all of you. You make me happy.

Update

Facebook continues to be entertaining. I cannot believe the number of people that I know that seem to share my apparent obsession. Chuck, Nick, Emily, Rebecca (my daughter who introduced me to the experience), Katherine, Parker, Kara, Kati, Molly, Mike T., David, Michelle, Ellen, Mike M., and Dan (the Man) have all either written on my Wall or sent messages. Other ex-students and friends have added me to their friend list. It was wonderful to hear how their lives are growing. If you haven't explored this site (http://www.facebook.com/), you may want to do so.

As an old teacher, the beginning of school always brings dread, apprehension, and excitement. For the first time in 30+ years I won't have the experience of a new group of students. I don't know how I am going to handle the emotions. Teaching has always been motivating for me. I have taught in so many schools - public and Christian. I even have had the joy of teaching my own daughters. I can still remember my older daughter's flowing tears when she discovered that I was going to be her Senior English teacher. I always was a demanding teacher but prided myself with being fair. But, my poor daughters experienced my less than understanding side. I could not be accused of showing favoritism, so I was harder on them both. I even gave an English award to a truly outstanding student instead of my daughter who was also deserving. Kati remembers that well.

My three-year old grandson continues to amaze me. He comes up with most insightful, mature views of life. The stories are too cute. His parents are doing an amazing job of allowing him to grow God's way. They temper discipline with mercy. As is easily observed in the picture above, he is an example of perfection - at least as a Grandmother sees it.

Life Is Good

Facebook is becoming an obsession! I have re-connected with many ex-students. I think I miss the interaction with my kids the most in retirement. I hear from some randomly; their reappearance always makes me happy. Many of them have married, started a career, and had babies. I miss them all.

Another person that makes me smile is my grandson. He is going to be a big brother in October. Wisely, his mom and dad take him to obstetric visits. He loves the sonograms. His latest visit was a real comedy. He was waving at his little brother in the sonogram and become quite distraught because little brother was not waving back. The incredibly observant and sensitive doctor lifted the very sad big brother up to the sonogram and said something like "See. Here are his hands. He's waving back". Even as a doting grandmother, I recognize that my grandson possesses above average intelligence. Those two boys are going to keep my daughter young, happy, and tired!

Exploration

After my last post, one of my daughters introduced me to Facebook. She explained that it was really just the same as blogging. I guess one has to delve into this cyber-world experience. "Delve" is an exaggeration; I more accurately should describe my rookie attempt as "dangling my toes". Maybe, it is not the dark hole this old lady thinks. I did go to the site and set up a profile. If any "youngsters" are reading this, you would roar at my apprehension. I imagined all the scum out there who would be out there just looking for the "dirt" on a 58 year old retired English teacher with MS. Yes, I know that I live such a provocative, interesting life. My exciting life can be summed up by my love of Sea Turtles. I will journal my replies - if any - to my new friends. See you on the DL. Is that the correct term?! ;-)

Life in the Fast Lane

I'm glad that I am not a kid in this crazy world. Sure, there are a lot of incredible advantages, but I am not ready for the sophisticated traps that are around every corner. Just when I think I have seen it all, a different monster rears his ugly head. I think of my precious girls - excuse me, women. Just what have they conquered and what is on the horizon for my grandchildren? This is a world that seems to try to trick us into going against the values of our youth. Why is My Space such a big deal? I guess it is no big deal. But, why do we have the enter the "world" vicariously? I can hear the rationalization now. I guess some of us get tempted when we least expect it. God does give strength to conquer it if we just seek that power. The choice to seek is what we all have to make. I covet the prayers of those of you who are warriors. We - young and old alike - face many battles - some we never expect. Why can't we remain like a innocent child? I can only wish ...

Oxford 2008

Here is a group picture of the 2008 Oxford group. Can you find Cecelia? How about Michelle?

Cecelia

The character on the left is my very good friend Cecelia. She has been such a friend, confidant, and protector for many years. She always said that I was the brains and she was the brawn (my legs). She was more than the norm; she seemed to know me better than I know myself. She has been my driver, my beautician, my heart, my sounding board, and so much more. God chose to move her to Tyler in 2007. I miss her so much. But, we talk on the phone or via email often. The above is the childlike side of my buddy. She is with a group of students at Oxford; they are taking college classes. I am sure that Cecelia has been a great "tutor" as these students wrote their papers to be the culmination of their Oxford study. She is quite a uplifting spirit. She is very unassuming and not judgemental. Never ask her a question if you really don't want an honest answer. Her stories of Oxford are not only enlightening but also hysterical. Be careful my friend as you return to the USA.

Celebration!

July 4th is such a fantastic holiday. Our children were all here to help us celebrate. We were all invited to our younger daughter's home to enjoy brisket, corn, and green salad that was brought by my daughter's mother-in-law. Dessert was an awesome chocolate cake - and I am not a chocolate lover. My older daughter and her family joined us for the feast. They were able to spent the rest of the weekend with us. Of course, their family includes our incredible, handsome, intelligent, and perfect grandson. He comes up with the most amazing observations. Watching fireworks has become one of his favorite activities. Fireworks, snakes, alligators, boats, space, trains, reading, and superheroes are just of a few of his passions. Thank you all for making our holiday special.