Loosing Teeth...

Why is it that losing a tooth is so exciting? Especially that first tooth...the grandchildren come running with finger on the tooth and wanting everyone to wiggle it. Is it almost out? Will the tooth fairy come? Losing a tooth is a rite of passage.

I begin to think about all the teeth that have fallen out and all the rites of passage I've seen with my own children. Now, I'm watching my grandchildren. Seems to me that they grow up so quickly. Why can't time hold off for a while and let them enjoy the carefree days of childhood just a little longer?

Time...when you are young you usually have too much of it...too much time. Now, I can't seem to find enough of it. Is it a rite of passage, too? If it went by any more slowly could we as adults handle it?

Are you wiggling that tooth again?

The Show Must Go On...

As I look across the room and see pictures of my children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents I am reminded that the show goes on. It doesn't stop with me. It goes on. So this is my greatest challenge, my commission, if you will. I must insure that God's great love continues through the generations, shared by my grandmother with me now I must share it with my grandgirl, too. So that down the road when my walk has weakened and my light is barely flickering she'll be able to pick up the torch and light the way for the families that are sure to come and follow along behind her.

I encourage you today to share your "light" with those you love.

Taking Care of an Elderly Parent

Aging - it isn't for the faint of heart. Neither is watching as it happens. As a person begins their descent into the end of their lives it seems that the spiral that was their life, begins to swirl and represent everything the person is not. The cover of a book comes to mind, I think it is Oh The Places You'll Go...

Labor Day...

I remember my father working as a hod carrier when I was very young. He worked so hard for such little money. I remember my father working in a sewage ditch cleaning out waste from pipes when I was a preteen. I remember my father working on a construction road job and almost getting hit by a car that didn't obey the signs. I remember my father working hard in his garden. I remember my father when I think of hard labor. He worked hard so that I could have a better life. He worked hard so that I could have more opportunities than he did. Today, on Labor Day weekend I thank him for teaching me the value of hard work.

Light

We are all searching for light. A light to shine on a situation that will make it clear and help us understand how to handle it. A light to shine on an attribute that makes us happy so we can share it with everyone. A light to keep us on the right track.

When...

Just when you think you have it all figured out...you learn something new. I've been concentrating on being grateful and I am. But, now the lesson seems to be trust. The lessons we learn in life from all of our trials and tests create a great opportunity to grow in our faith. It doesn't seem to matter how old you are, you still have opportunities to learn. This week it has been trust. Trusting God and letting him work out everything is sometimes tough. But, when you roll your cares over on him, he gives you peace. Life is like a ball game, except three strikes your out does not apply. You keep getting opportunities to catch the ball or hit a homerun. When life throws you a curve, put up your ball glove and catch that ball! Trust that God will give you the strength that you need to meet your "curve ball."

I read in a book today that fear kills dreams before they can become reality. Keep trusting and believing in God's ability to take care of His children. Dream big dreams!

I am reminded...

Lately, it seems that I am being reminded of just how blessed that I am. How truly blessed my life is and how fortunate I am to be able to live in a wonderful home, have a fabulous job that I love, have my children live close to me, have five beautiful grandchildren, and to have a husband that loves me unconditionally. I don't know if I'd forgotten (or taken for granted) all the blessings in my life, but I surely wasn't as grateful and appreciative as I should have been. I'm so thankful that God still finds me worthy of learning. Worthy of another chance to get it right.

As you look around at your life, make a note of each blessing in your life. For many of us they are vast and for some of us they are fleeting. In either case, praise God loudly and thank him for all of the blessings in your life whether large or small. God inhabits the priase of his people. I don't know about you, but I love hangin' with God! Tell Him thank you - I did!

When I get old...

I don't want to be a burden to my children. When I get old I want to leave my family with wonderful memories of our lives together. When I get old I want to sit on my porch in the rocker and watch as the yard fills with grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins and such. When I get old I want my children, grandchildren, and family to say "Tell us that story again, Mom. You know the one about..." When I get old I want to be wanted. When I get old I want my best friend still sitting beside me and sharing a knowing look or a good laugh just between the two of us. When I get old I don't want the pain. When I get too old to live, I just want to go to heaven. When I get old, I'll be closer to seeing Jesus.

Remembering...

Today I'm remembering...you know those moments in your life that you always recall. The moments that stay right in front of your memory and cause you to smile each time someone finds the right trigger to bring them to the surface. I'm remembering how wonderful it was to be a mother to young children. When my children were young I worked, but I loved being their MOM. As they got older, I went back to school and finally graduated. Today the memory is of a little girl and a little boy that always came to visit me as I was reading the end of a book...the memory of a little girl sharing her secrets with me...the memory of a boy laughing until he cried...and singing through his daily activities...remembering the little girl that loved her hair brushed (unlike her mother)...of a boy that loved TV and of a little girl that loved her "babies." And now I've moved beyond the remembering to absolute gratitude for the opportunity to be a mother. Thank you God for giving me treasures from your kingdom.

The Ten Questions

Which five words best describe you?passionate, sincere, friendly, positive, believer. What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? secretary onto many others which prepared me for my passion - teaching! What’s your proudest achievement? My greatest achievement has been my children. Through them my love for life will continue long after I'm gone because they are and continue to be my best work. What’s been your best decision? My best decision has been marrying my high school sweetheart. Who inspires you? I'm inspired by many people - my family, Joel Osteen, and children. What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about reading and how it can change your life. What’s the best lesson you’ve learned? That when your heart is broken, God picks up all the pieces and creates a masterpiece just for you. Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Jesus Christ - hopefully someday that will happen. What dream do you still want to fulfill? I would love the opportunity to become a leader. What are you reading? Becoming a leader, Osteen books, magazines, children's books, self-help books, and everything I can find within reach!

#1 Grandson

How can it be? Just when did it happen? My first grandchild became a teenager last week. I remember when he came home from the hospital I was sure the sun was shining directly on us. Our joy was magnified by 1000%. He is what all grandparents desire. A boy that is all boy with a great big heart. He is tall, oh so handsome, full of activity - pitching, juggling, riding, skating, running, jumping - and did I say handsome! He loves to spend time with us. He loves his family and is so helpful to his grandparents. If you can't tell, I'm one proud grandma - my first grandson has given me so much pleasure - and I love him so! Happy Birthday my sweet boy!

Camping In The Sunshine!

We waited and waited for the first sunny weekend. Finally, the forecast was good and the prospects of having a wonderful weekend was just a few days away. As we got closer to the weekend we realized this was going to be our opportunity. We delivered the camper to our site and set up camp. The white blooms of the dogwood made a carpet over the underbrush and the oaks were just starting to bloom. The air was filled with the yellow pollen that coats your car, tables, and chairs - just a dusting that is plenty enough to make you sneeze! The sun was warm, the fishing good, and the relaxing was necessary. Life is good here in the middle!

Weekends

Weekends pass by so quickly! Why is that? Why do we have to work five days and only play two? This weekend I started with my grandgirl on Friday evening. She alone without her big brothers kept us in stitches. She danced, twirled, and sang the night away. Her personality is beginning to show in so many of things that she does. Animal lover is at the top of her list - this we know because she "walked" the neighbor's dog all evening. Then Saturday, was play day - a day to listen and talk to the one you love, a day to dream, a day to breath. Sunday afternoon spent with the two grandsons that live closest to us. We laughed and played and wondered why do weekends only last two days.

Easter

He is alive! I see God in all sorts of places. He resides in my heart, but I can pick him out in a crowd of people. Today a child bent down picked up an egg and handed it to a child that had only a few. I saw Him. As I was preparing food for the meal I thought about the Last Supper and remembered He enjoyed sitting down with his friends and family, too. I saw Him. While I listened to the sermon today and tried to decide which part I would play, I saw Him on the cross. As I sat across the table from friends and listened to laughter and love. I felt He was there. When the children laughed and excitedly ran to fill their buckets I was reminded that He has an ever flowing of love for His children. I saw Him there. At this Easter season and all the year through, may God walk close enough to you that you see Him in all you do!

What Would You Do?

What exactly do people do that do not have children or grandchildren? I wonder about this all the time. My family is the most important part of my life. As I get older I find that most all of my pleasurable moments in life revolve around their visits, activities, and events. I love the times we can all be together and share the best that life has to offer.

Oh The Days We Spend...

The days we spend in toil are long

The days we spend in laughter evaporate

The days we spend in worry

The days we spend without faith

Those are the days when we hide behind a cloud

Those are the days without grace!

Spring Break...

is really different at 50! What a wonderful week...biking on the Katy, picnic in Hermann, lots of shopping, sleeping, and decorating. You just can't beat this spring break life!

This has been an all around really good week. For the first time ever I thought...you know, retirement would not be too bad...I could do this. Maybe! I've never before thought about retirement as an option. I believe life here continues until you get to heaven, where life really begins. However, this week has shown me there is more to life than WORK, WORk, WOrk, Work, work...

I spent lots of time with my grandchildren. Grandson #2 came to visit on Tuesday afternoon. Grandkids #1, #3, and #5 on Tuesday night for a short visit. Little #4 dropped by for a few minutes. I haven't seen him much this week at all. All day on Thursday with #3 and #5. Purina Farms was wonderful! We loved the Easter decorations and all the baby animals. My little grandgirl was so pleased with this trip. Milking the cow and swinging on ropes was much fun for the #3 grandson. My daughter's doctor appointment was really good. I'm so blessed! I love the time I spend with them. These are the times that refill my life tank and reminds me of why I'm here...love and laughter make a life.

Friday with Nan...shopping was a delight. You never know how much time you have with those you love. Celebrating the good days seem to be the way to handle aging, yours and those you love. Then, when life begins in heaven and you are left behind, there are no regrets.

From this day forward ... remember to LIVE life ... !

Herman, Missouri

If you need a day away from it all, may I suggest a road trip? Today I experienced a relaxing day that began geocacheing in Jefferson City. There we located the coordinates and searched for the cache that had to be in someone's yard. As a "newby" I wasn't about to go into the yard of a stranger to locate a cache. After, we drove along Rt 94 with the river we stopped at the Katy Trail State Park near Portland, MO and unloaded the bikes. We road along the river as the breezes cooled us and we loved every minute of it. After returning to our vehicle we decided Herman would be the destination for lunch. We found the Hermannoff Winery near the river's edge and went inside for a basket lunch for two. The sausage, cheese, apple and french bread were wonderful. The black cherry pop was a treat. Definitely worth the drive and time to visit. As we ate our lunch in the gazebo we were reminded of just how wonderful springtime can be and how much fun we can still have together!

Happy Birthday, #3

Today #3 Grandson is 8 years old. I'm wondering just how this has happened. He is my big hearted, freckle faced, hard lined boy of all boys. He is playful and tough and thoughtful all in one. His grin will melt your heart and his chuckle will make your heart sing. Happy Birthday my sweet boy. I love you with all my heart and want you to have a wonderful day!

A Trip for the Preschoolers!

Life may be uncertain in today's economy, but we found a wonderful FREE trip for our two little preschoolers this weekend. Orschelen's Farm Center had chick days March 3-12. I decided to plan a trip for my youngest grandchildren ages 2 and 4. We would drive to visit the farm center and see the babies and have a Happy Meal at McDonald's, not free but fun. When we arrived at the Farm Center we were met by the peeeping of baby birds. As we followed the sound through the store their anticipation grew and grew until finally the little girl put her sweet little hands to her cheeks and said "tiny, bitty babies" while the four year old jumped up and down and said "Yook, Yook, Yook." (Look, Look, Look!) We spent about 30 minutes checking out the different types of fuzzy, little peeping chicks, ducks and rabbits. The ducks with their translucent bills and webbed feet were quacking in an open heated container for all to see. The bunnies with their soft fur and long whiskers loved the attention that we had so much of to share. As the children walked circles around the little babies I was reminded that it doesn't matter what you do with a child, it just matters that you do it. You could not have purchased a gift that would have given me more pleasure than watching my grandchildren enjoy the simple wonders of God's big earth. The economy may not be great, but the most important things in life are still free: joy and love.

Joy of Grandparenting

It was an absolutely gorgeous day! The temperature reached the low 80s and for this time of year that is spectacular. All through the day as I worked I couldn't help but be excited because tonight was a "grandma" night. The number 3 grandson was coming over. I love the time I spend with each of them and it was finally his turn. When I picked him up and looked closely at his face I saw all the things that I love about children: freckles, sparkling eyes, joy of doing something fun, and anticipation. Well tonight would be just about him. We stopped for a slush and he did a little "diddy" to decide which flavor - grape seemed best for today. As soon as we were home he climbed the apple tree and played on the swing. Then, as light gave way to evening we built a fire and roasted hot dogs and made S'mores. The end of the evening found our little visitor snuggly wrapped in a sleeping bag watching Hatari! his very favorite movie. Grandparenting is easy when the grandchildren are so sweet!

Poetry by Langston Hughes

I rediscovered this poem today.

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

Langston Hughes

Snow Began To Fall Today...

and I was reminded of God's great love for us. We are, as the earth, covered with the debris of sin. There are huge boulders that seem unmovable in our hearts based on our unbelief. There are small twigs that seem to trip us up as we walk along, the little sins we harbor. There are huge holes where we've been hit by life and the damage is still present and the vast space it spans is filled with pain. But, as the snow began to fall this morning it covered it all - the twigs, the boulders, and the huge holes. I was amazed at the spotless, whiteness that covered everything. Just as Jesus' blood was shed for our forgiveness it cleanses our hearts when we invite him in and we become as white and spotless as the snow. This thick, white blanket covers us and reminds of us of his vast love - all spotless and white.

Grandma...

always thinks that her grandchildren should be first. When I've spent my whole life messing around in some line or another, shouldn't it be better for my grandchildren? Why should they have to keep standing in life's line? When they play basketball my grandchild should get to shoot the ball because I waited to long to take the shot! When they play baseball every child that gets up to bat should be struck out because I barely could make the ball reach home plate. When they sing, their song should be louder and sweeter than all the others because I didn't have the courage to lift up my voice. When they laugh everyone should laugh with them because I shed so many tears. When they learn to use the power of love that captures a heart, they should never be afraid to share it. Unlike games, love always returns with more than it gives.

The First Sign of Spring...

The sun begins to break through the long, dreary days of winter. Colder temperatures give way to a breeze that just hints of warmer days. As those breezes begin to blow and blue fills up the sky, with the warming of the sunshine everything begins to respond. The trees begin to awaken as the sap pushes up toward the sun and unveils the fuzz that will begin the lush green of summer. The tulips push away the heavy layers of earth that wrapped them warmly through the winter. The forsythia begins the parade of bright yellow fluttering ruffles that adorn her long, willowy branches as the grass begins to shed it's brown for a deep hue of green. Spring envelopes the air with her warmth and the light that brings forth life!

All For Love

What is love? How do you give it away? How do you receive it? After 35 years of marriage ou might think I would know something about the subject, but again, don't be really sure. It could be that when you find your soul mate everything else just falls in place, but you know that isn't true. Love is hard work! You can't always give and you can't always receive love. There has to be a time when you give and a time when you receive. Too many relationships end in shattered lives. It is hard to keep a marriage together and harder to let it go. You have to work and mostly want it to work before it will. Marriage is a perfect union where you work together toward one of life's greatest goals, love.

When did I become Ma'am?

As a teacher I'm usually addressed as Mrs. ..., but today (and it wasn't the first time!) someone sent an email to me and addressed me as Ma'am! I might add that this person was being respectful and I would venture a guess that he was not too far from my age! How did that happen? When did I become a Ma'am? You know in my mind's eye I see myself as a tall, young woman with long dark hair. Now today I've been jarred to a wide "aware" state by the word "Ma'am" and may need to change my self-perception. Ma'am what does that mean? Address of respect? It is only a word and a fine word that holds respect. Age, does it say anything about age? How could that little salutation of respect remind me of my REAL age? I guess I'll have to ponder this throughout the day to see how I feel as I dye my hair, take my calcium, and call my grandchildren. :]

I'm Thankful...

Today I found another friend in need. I'm thankful God gave me the words to encourage and the ear to listen so that I could understand. Life is tough, but it is so much easier when you have friends that can help you rise above the problems you face and feel that tomorrow will somehow be much better. I encourage and challenge you to find something good to do for someone else. Think about the power of this challenge! If each of us go out and make the world a little kinder, a little cleaner, a little bit better then we've accomplished our goal - finding a friend in need.

Just A Blog...

What is it about this blog that keeps calling me back to write the words that I seem unable to express? Like a gardener, unearthing an old clay pot and scraping away the layers of dirt and debris that have crowded out the color that resides underneath, so it has been with life and my writing. For some unknown reason I stopped writing. I became incased in the daily tragedies of the have to and not the want to of day to day life. Then, I met the blog. For that I have a professor to thank. I know it is open to all readers, but somehow I feel that my private thoughts are safe in the vast domain and it allows me the unbelievable opportunity of publishing my work and going back to reexamine my ability to let my true colors shine through as the earthy dust of a world of responsiblity falls away.

How Do You Know...

How do you know when it is the right time to move on? How do you know when God is opening a door for you? How do you know if what lies ahead is better than what lies behind? All of these questions are dancing in my head this morning. I believe in hard work, big dreams, and God's ability to keep you moving toward the goal. I know that dreaming is essential to living. I am sure that God is in control and as His child I can fully trust in Him. But the question is FEAR or FAITH? Choose one!

Beyond Youth...

Today, time stood still and my age didn't matter to anyone. Today I played. As we age the expectations of others about our behaviors seem to change. They encourage us to act our age with little remarks, "Are you sure you should be doing that?" Today I played. The snow was melting and the thought of a ride down a sloping hill on a sled was more than age could stop or time transcend. Today I played. As I twirled and raced toward the bottom of the hill, the thrill of the ride was more important than the comment or the thought of possible disaster. Today I played. I encourage you at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 - go play!

I told you so...

I heard my daughter say "...I guess I've finally done what my mother said I would do. I love antiques!" The happiest words a collector can hear from their children are those words. Well what would I do with the music boxes, old postcards, green handle untensils, baskets, furniture, Raggedy Ann and Andy stuff, angels, etc. Now when I've made my way to heaven, I won't have to worry about where my prized possessions will reside! If you are a collector and have stood for hours waiting to bid on the one item you loved, you would understand this sentiment completely. There is nothing better than sharing your love of antiques with those you love. Way to go, Lo!

An antique is like holding a memory in your hand...oh what stories they could tell.

Teaching College Classes

I've recently been hired to teach a couple of college courses. I'm not really sure why it is that when you teach something you learn more than those you teach. My learning occurs during lectures when I have an "A-HA" moment, when I'm reading and rereading the day's lessons, or when I'm discussing assignments with students.

Learning is such a wonderful opportunity. Whether it is you or the students in your classes. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to study and learn whatever we choose. I am thankful for every opportunity God has given me. Education is the highway to success! Keep reading!

Snow Days...

There are few days more delightful for teachers than snow days. A day when you can set your own pace. A day when you can catch up on all of the things you've been meaning to do, but have had too many papers to grade or frogs to cut out for class. A day when you can wear your PJs all day long and quiet lingers everywhere. Reading good books, catching up with friends, playing with your grandchildren, my oh my, how I love snow days.

As They Grow...

It doesn't take long for them to grow and change. We wouldn't want it any other way, but my how fast it happens. Seems like yesterday they were all babes ...

Teaching...Beginning Again...

As I anticipate a new semester, I am amazed at how empty the room looks without the children. The desks are sitting in perfect groups, no crayons or paper on the floor. No voices lingering in the air or questions waiting for answers. A new semester, a new chance to do a better job.

How I love teaching! I'm almost as excited as the children when school is about to begin. It is so wonderful to have a "do over" and to try to hone your craft so that you can become the type of teacher you set out to be in the beginning. As much I as I love teaching the day to day grind of constant interruptions, too little time, too much paperwork and too many external influences makes the position more difficult each year. I'm so thankful that I love it, but understand why people leave the profession prematurely. Teaching is such hard work - but, oh so rewarding.

I'm looking forward to a student teacher this semester. That is always interesting and such a great opportunity to gain that ol' enthusiasm and pass along a love for this profession.