Thanksgiving Eve

Wow! The day before Thanksgiving. Where has the year gone, and boy am I glad for a few days away from school. I can hardly wait until my entire little family is gathered once again at the Thanksgiving table. Jacob arrived home last night. Sarah and her family are coming tomorrow mid-morning. This will be Josiah's first Thanksgiving. I haven't seen the kids since last month, and I know they've changed so much--especially Josiah. This will also be Jessa's first Thanksgiving at Grandma and Granpa's house -- I hope she likes the eatin's.

I approach the approaching Advent season with mixed emotions, as usual. I love this season . . .the cooking, the choosing of presents, the decoration of the house and of course the anticipation of our Lord's birth. But on the flip side . . . massive social obligations, lots of work related things (church services, programs, papers to grade, report cards, decoration of the classroom...) I miss my mom a lot during the holidays. I always wish she could be here with us for these occasions with such strong family foundations.

For day 1 of the season, I have cleaned the house in anticipation of tomorrow's guests. My cornbread is baked for the stuffing, one buttermilk pie done, one cheesecake baking as I type, 6 eggs hard-boiled, rugs washed, clothes washing, and one apple pie yet to do. Plus dinner in a bit. Plus church later on.

I LOVE cooking a holiday dinner. I'm not sure why, but I get such satisfaction out of the whole thing. I guess just knowing people are looking forward to it makes me feel all warm and happy. Sarah's bringing two of the sides, so that will make tomorrow even easier. Plus there is the ATM vs. UT game and probably a Cowboy game to watch, and then dinner/dessert at friends at the end of the day. I can hardly wait!

25th Anniversary

Our 25th anniversary was this past Tuesday. We've spent a lot of time thinking back over the years of our marriage. Time seems to have flown by, yet also seems to have stood still. Weird how that works. We were just kids back then - really. Our parents must have been worried sick. Thank God for them and how supportive they were. Our pastor says he though that either I would pass out or Allan would hyperventilate. All I remember is having a vice grip on Allan's hand. He's still holding me up today:) So many joys, challenges, trials, and blessings upon blessings from God. We had a precious little place to live those first 6 months we were married. Dirt cheap (which is what we could afford)! The faith my parents must have had in us to co-sign on our first home. How we loved that little house. Taking our first income tax refund check to the mall and buying the dining table where we still eat every meal. I remember sitting at that table coloring and cutting out letters for Allan's 'Happy Birthday' sign on his first birthday after our marriage. (This sign still gets hung up each year on his special day.) I remember bringing home our precious baby girl and hoping we knew what to do. We did. We both finished college and had numerous jobs back in those days. I think back to all the things we packed 10 years later when we moved to Indiana. When we moved to that house, it took two trips and a Suburban. Jacob was born, completing our family. We lost two babies in that year before going to the seminary. Those babies would be in high school now. Allan's sister and her husband needed a house to rent just as we were moving. What a blessing not to have to sell a house at that stressful time. Our years at the seminary were full of God's richest blessings...to many to count...so many miracles. I was blessed to have children to watch in our home, allowing me to stay home. When we moved back to Texas 12 years ago, I remember selling my stove/oven. Allan had gotten this for me when Jacob was born, and it broke my heart to sell it...it was the best present, but there was no place for it here. Our years in Kingsville have been good. Allan's work here is good. He is well respected and loved by our church. I am blessed to teach in our little school - and to have been there during Jacob's early school years. Sarah met her husband here, and has a wonderful life and family of her own now. Jacob has made lifelong friends here. Somehow, we managed to grow up over these last 25 years. We still consider the other our best friend. There is no one I'd rather spend time with. Every day is a joy to wake up knowing I have another day to spend with Allan. God's greatest miracle was bringing us together 25 years ago. I can't wait for the next 25!

Wonderful Weekend

We just arrived home from a great weekend in San Antonio. It was a pre-anniversary getaway, and boy was it great! The weather was wonderfully cool (wore a sweater!). We walked on the river, at some great food. Shiloh's was terrific. Hotel was beautiful. They had a delicious breakfast buffet. Super nice to not have to go out to get something first thing. We slept late, napped, checked out downtown by evening and daylight. Super nice and relaxing weekend.

NOTE: There is not one place in downtown San Antonio to buy a book, magazine or newspaper. It almost became a quest. (Correction, we did find one place with basketball magazines and porn, but that wasn't really what we were looking for.) Maybe that's why they're one of the stupidest cities in America:)

Nobel Prize...huh

One Long Week

This has been one of the longest feeling weeks that I've had in a while. Allan had a conference Monday - Wednesday, and that just started things off on a bad foot. Jacob had been home for the weekend, but left Sunday afternoon. We got flu shots on Saturday, and I had a fever all day Tuesday and most of Wednesday. I was a bit overcome with loneliness on Tuesday. I called and chatted with Sarah at lunchtime, and that really cheered me up.

At work, I feel like I am barely hanging on by a thread. It feels as if I will fall terribly behind if I let up even a little bit. (You should have seen my stack of papers needing to be graded this weekend. - sigh

This weekend was taken up a lots with activities for our neighboring church's pastor's retirement. He had a very nice party on Saturday, and his retirement service on Sunday. Allan put together a beautiful service, and everything was so nice. It will not be the same without Gil around the office at school.

And now it is Sunday night...My lesson plans are printed, my parent letter done, my October newsletter written, class webpage updated...sadly - more papers to grade - or not to grade, that is the question...

Big Bang Theory

Now you guys know that we don't watch a lot of TV, and most of what we watch is old anyway. But this show, which for 6 weeks we haven't missed, is out of this world funny. I'm not sure why we watched that first Monday, but we are hooked. This show is laugh-out-loud funny. The characters are hilarious. Pretty much, a bunch of college science professors...total brainiacs...science fiction (think Star Trek) fans ...socially inept guys. Plus one normal, knock-out neighbor girl. If you've not watched this, you gotta check it out.

First Week of School

The first week is done, 35 more to go. It was a great first week. The second graders are having a little trouble with the lack of free time. They are not used to having a full day of work, but they have coped quite well. Apparently they have worn me out, because I was so tired by last night that I snored like a train:) Here are my little darlings.


Jacob's first week in College Station was not as exciting as we had all hoped, although he did have some excitement when a mom scratched the side of his new truck backing out. But it is at the shop and will hopefully be repaired by next week. He doesn't cope well with too much spare time, and I know on Monday when classes begin he will be more at ease. Here he is right before leaving. I am not posting the picture with the ridiculous crying mother!

We visited Sarah and Joey before Jacob left, and had a great visit with the kids. Jessa loves her new brother and is totally fascinated with him. Both kids had good check-ups last week. Sarah is feeling almost back to normal. Here's some pictures from our visit.

Josiah Wesley

He's here!!!!!!!! Josiah arrived this afternoon. 9 pounds 1 ounce, 22.5 inches. Dad, Mom and Baby are doing great on their first evening together. More news as it happens.

Back To School Prep

So many things to do...so many changes about to happen.

I've been hard at work (sorta) on my classroom. I'm in pretty good shape. My room is set up, lesson plans started, some copies made. Still need to order the gradebook, complete lesson plans, get textbooks set out, labels made with student names, and of course...more copies!

Our precious baby Josiah is due to arrive on Monday! Sarah is ready for his delivery, and we are all so excited to meet him! Lots of anticipation around here. I've made and frozen some casseroles for after she comes home. Prayers are continually being prayed for a safe delivery for both he and Sarah.

Jacob leaves for college in a week. I frankly don't know what our lives will be like without him here. I don't know if I have enough brain power have the deep conversations that we have with him. lol. We're looking forward to being a couple again, and worrying only about our own schedules. Things will definitely be quieter around here.

Now for more school work...

Julie and Julia

Went to see "Julie & Julia" yesterday. We've been waiting for weeks, and it was worth the wait. I'd read the book back in 2006 when it was published and loved it. The movie was excellent! Meryl Streep - what can you say. . . she was superb as she is in everything. For those of us who remember Julia Child, she was a carbon copy. Everything was well acted. It was funny, heart-warming, tender...all good. Well worth the price of admission ($3 each for us - thank you budget-friendly Kingsville theater!)



Now for other news. . . our grandson, Josia, is scheduled to make his appearance Monday the 17th! We can hardly wait to meet him:)

I've gone and burned the hummingbird food and now the house is smelling aweful! It's all the computer's fault.

Allan has helped me arrange the furniture in my classroom, so now all that's left is putting up the decorations, making the first lesson plans, and organizing books and stuff. Not a bad start for day one.

Found out today that Jacob got another scholarship for $3,500 - could NOT be more pleased!

Back in Town

My trip to Fort Worth was great. Mom's cataract surgery went great - no unexpected problems. It was great to see her. Three times in one summer! Nice.

First thing back, I had my yearly physical. Everything fine, and I am thrilled with my blood results. Chol. 204 (down 1) Triglycerides 261 (down from 459) Hdl 39 (up 35) and Ldl 113 (unmeasurable last year). I am pumped. Plus, down 17 pounds.

I was so encouraged I went to realage.com and took the quiz to see what my "real" age was...40.4 (6 year less than I am). Not bad, ehhh??

Road Trip to Fort Worth

I completed Jacob's quilt, on schedule...thank you very much. It is not perfect by any means, but I am satisfied with it, and more importantly...Jacob seems to love it.
I'm hard at work on my next project.

I've been working steadily on scrapbook pages. (See sidebar!) My goal is to have 2006 completed and be 100% caught up with 2009 when school starts. I'm taking the laptop with me to Fort Worth to maybe work some while there. Also traveling with me will be my other project and Harry Potter #7. (My memory needs refreshing - can't remember how it all turned out!)

I'll be leaving Wednesday for Fort Worth. Mom is having cataract surgery Thursday and I will play chauffeur for several days. Can't wait to see her. Jacob and his buddy Guillermo left for their Fort Worth Road Trip today. They are anxious to do and have as much fun possible in six days there!

I've also been busy trying out the whole Facebook thing. The question is...CAN you teach an old dog new tricks?? I've have a bit of fun with it so far.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

What a great day! We went to see the sixth installment of the Harry Potter movies. We've been anticipating it for weeks. We watched each of the previous five movies, one each day for the last 5 days. The Half-Blood Prince was worth the wait. It was excellent. Lots of humor, to counter the drama and scary parts. Of course, for anyone who has read the book, there will be no real surprises. Big shocks for those who haven't read the book. Ron and Hermoine's interaction is wonderfully acted, and Ginny's character really shines in this movie. Draco is wonderfully evil, yet your heart feels for him and his situation. The special effects are 'brilliant.' Especially the opening sequences almost made me queasy. Every one of the 155 minutes of this film is worth sitting in the theater. Sit back and enjoy!

Where has Summer Gone?

It is already the middle of July, and it seems school was out just days ago. We've been running all summer, it seems. I thought I'd give an update on Summer so far.

We started the month of June with Jacob's last week of high school. He graduated 6th in his class in what was a fairly nice ceremony. Except for being packed into a very overheated facility! We had a nice day, and enjoyed Sarah and her family sharing it with us.













The next week was our church's annual Vacation Bible School. As always this was a total blast! I was in charge of Rocky's PreSchool Clubhouse, and had 9 wonderful 4 year olds. What fun:)

Following this, we traveled to College Station for Jacob's New Student Orientation. This was two extremely well organized days of very informative stuff! Not a moment of our time was wasted. We came home with Jacob's schedule done, ID card in hand, sports pass ready to roll, meal plan picked, PO Box done, and books ordered. Time well spent.













Jessa's birthday comes next. We had a great day with Sarah and Jessa. We got her a bubble blowing lawn mower which she loved. She had a funfetti cake with pink icing. It was great seeing them again so soon.













We traveled to Dallas after this for our Texas District LCMS convention. That was smooth sailing, and the bonus was we got to get together with my mom and Allan's family for dinner. It is always so great to get to see the family.

Then last week, Allan and I got to babysit for Jessa for the day while Sarah and Joey spent a day together just the two of them. I know I'm the Grandma, but she is the most wonderful little girl. She has got loads and LOADS of personality, and is SO SMART. We had the best time ever.

I've been busily working on an A&M quilt for Jacob to use in the dorm. Hopefully it will be complete by weeks end. That's what I'm shooting for anyway. I'll post a picture once it's done.

Lice

Yes, you read it right -- lice...they can really louse up a week. lol. But really, what a week. My entire class has been infested with the awful critters. I have sent kids home day after day after day. It's really hard to get a lot accomplished with only 2 or 3 kids in attendance. Now I'm praying that after an all clear Friday... on Monday everyone is still OK. Thank goodness my head isn't itching! Cute aren't they??

Back to School

Yes, today was my first day back...sigh... But seriously, I have the greatest job ever. As far as teaching jobs go, this is top notch. None of the nonsense that goes with public school, and all the perks of small classes, involved parents, and great co-workers.

Here's my list from last week:

1. Take all recycling to the recycling center. DONE ON TUESDAY
2. Clean our office from top to bottom (hopefully throwing away mountains of stuff!) SORT OF DONE - ONE BAG OF TRASH, AND MAJOR DUSTING.
3. Sort through my cloths and take bags to Goodwill. ONE BAG AND 2 MATTRESSES (thanks for the help Jacob!)
4. Tan (If we get some sunny weather after last weeks cold and drizzle.) THREE DAYS - MINOR TAN LINES.
5. Read the new Vince Flynn book. (Preferable while accomplishing #4) EXCELLENT, AS THEY ALWAYS ARE.
6. Take a mid-day bike ride each day. 3 DAYS (INCLUDING RETURNING #5)
7. Repair the sofa ruffle. (Darn those cats:) DONE
8. Update the web pages I'm responsible for. DONE
9. Clean house. (Although last on the list, this will be top priority - my beloved does this each week so I don't have to so I'm going to beat him to it this week.) 90% COMPLETE

Also did 3 scrapbook pages from 2006 and filed several packages of photos into albums.

Two exciting things today...another case of head lice...ick...and Dancing w/the Stars. Loved it. How cute is Ty. Wonder who will go home tomorrow???

My Return to Blogging

Today is the first day of Spring Break. I started this blog almost exactly two years ago, and am shocked that I haven't posted since August. Life is just so busy it seems. But I have in fact continued to eavesdrop on all my cyber buddies all this time, and hope to begin commenting again. Things are busy at our house. In a mere 3 months my youngest child will be graduating from high school. Then in a few months he'll be off to Aggieland. We've been busy with scholarship applications (his favorite thing to do! - NOT) David moved back home at Thanksgiving, and is moving back with us next week while his mother undergoes radiation. So, in the spirit of being organized and making a list, here is a list of things I'd like to accomplish during my week of vacation:

1. Take all recycling to the recycling center.
2. Clean our office from top to bottom (hopefully throwing away mountains of stuff!)
3. Sort through my cloths and take bags to Goodwill.
4. Tan (If we get some sunny weather after last weeks cold and drizzle.)
5. Read the new Vince Flynn book. (Preferable while accomplishing #4)
6. Take a mid-day bike ride each day.
7. Repair the sofa ruffle. (Darn those cats:)
8. Update the web pages I'm responsible for.
9. Clean house. (Although last on the list, this will be top priority - my beloved does this each week so I don't have to so I'm going to beat him to it this week.)

So that's it. I'll let you know this weekend how I did.