It must be Christmas

It must be Christmas Eve!! You wonder how I know?
#1 The only people out shopping are bargain hunters for next year's displays AND MEN. I know two brothers who were at it early this morning.
#2 There are actually parking places so I can just run in and get that last minute gift here and there.
#3 Christmas music is on almost every station and I am NOT complaining.
#4 Santa is finally on the roof of the house down the street.
#5 I have a stack of precious Christmas cards and some beautiful family pictures.
#6 Brandi's countdown clock has no more days on it...just hours.
AND
#7..........There are no more rings on the chain Kauy made in class for the countdown to Christmas. Not only has he shown it to me.....He has told me several times.
AND
#8......Kauy has a stack of his presents to one side; Makaley has a stack of her presents on the other and we count them as often as the times we tell Mom that there are no more rings on the countdown chain.

As we finish up these next 24 - 36 hours (whatever), please know that I do wish you a Happy Holiday!
I ask you to do a few things for me in the next few weeks.
#1 Pray for those who are in the hospital during this time of the year. It is hard on their families, but also hard on them. Include also those who are across the lands protecting those of us here.
#2 Many of my friends are having their first or second Christmas without someone they love. For some reason the second Christmas was worse than the first(I was PG during the first without Kelly). Pray that God will fill their hearts with wonderful memories, and an assurance of a greater future.
#3 Start a new tradition with your family. We are going to visit the old tradition of hiding the "pickle ornament" in the tree. Whoever finds it wins a cash prize. We also read a new Christmas Book before opening presents. Not to mention sing some Christmas Carols (because it is Hysti's favorite thing to do).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

Shopping

Yesterday I left school to purchase one of the last few presents I needed to buy. I was just convinced that a certain store in town would carry what I needed. I also knew how dangerous it would me to even enter the store. Not because of the different perfumes, not because of the people, not because a car could drive right through the doors if the driver lost control avoiding the rolling carts. The danger was that I have a tendency to think that for every present I purchase, I should purchase one for me. So...........the gold toe socks that I did NOT buy because Khols did NOT have them cost me $84.20. And that was with a discount card....... I look at it this way: No one knew that I would want that sweater, AND I did get 2 Christmas presents and a birthday present. So I did think more of others than myself. "Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Make the yuletide gay. From now on our troubles will be miles away!"(that would be the distance from the store to the bank.)

A very Quick Thought today.

Yes, thank you very much...I know there are only 7 more days until Christmas. My son tells me every morning the daily countdown. The TV reminds me, and down in my gut the 3 presents not bought are telling me the same. My friends and family have counters on their blog spots. Brandi even has one counting down the days until her granddaughter's birthday which is the same as Kauy's. At least I have that present covered. If that isn't enough, I know in my own mind that the "day" approaches quickly.
However, another day approaches and "we know not the hour". I need to live my life during this hectic, hurried, "all important day", season in a way that would reflect the fact that I am not panicked about the "all important day" when we will all see face to face "The Reason for the Season."
I love the song "His Will was Done". It says that His will was done the day the New Born King was born. "God became Man...His will was done!" It is a great song!

The return of ....THE TEACHER!

I have survived the reported war zone! I was shocked at the damage done to my classroom during my absence. A bar stool was destroyed (not in a bar room fight), my poet-tree was short a few branches, papers stacked, and 2,000,000,000 plus notes and referrals. That was it. I was expecting blood stains, ripped ceiling tiles, desks upside down, and spit wads all over the walls.
The students........came into the room quietly, sat down, and got to work. Not one office referral written, not one phone call home, not one discipline log filled out. Everyone was quiet and participated. I took off my army boots, helmet and bullet proof vest pretty quickly. We read 2 chapters of a book, did vocabulary work, a couple of sentences and no one offered a death threat. So.......where were the kids I have been told were "holy terrors"? The kids I was receiving prayers for because I was the teacher, the kids that would lead me to drinking and drugs. I checked the room number....it was mine. Turned on the computer...it took my password. Sat in the chair that I bought, used the lamps I bought and keep bulbs in. Yep........it was the right room. AND the students in the room matched the roll sheet I had to turn in. And at 3:25, I hadn't taken up drinking. I didn't need to take up smoking or drugs. I had a wonderful day back in the "real world". I even ran to catch someone, and didn't dribble! The only wound from the day was the paper cut I got opening a card on my desk. I put a band aide on it just for looks! I did risk broken ribs from the hugs I received. Many of those prefaced with "I am so glad you are here".
It WAS good to be back.

Give me a moment.

And now, this blog will have a moment of silence. As per my doctor....I will return to work on Friday morning at 8AM fully dressed, hair done, makeup on, breakfast eaten, coffee downed, kids at school, and a smile (as Kauy says, "your frown upside down") on my face. So........now for the moment of silence! As tired as I am today...2 hours at Doctor yesterday,lunch to Makaley, then hour for mammogram, walked to school to gather kids, did homework, load of laundry,cooked supper from scratch, nursed a wound, gave a shower and developed a headache....it may be days of silence. So........where the heck is my silence? Let us pause...........

Just a thought..

I get a daily devotional thought from a friend of mine in South Dakota. Sometimes he really says it like I like it! Today was one of those times. As I get ready to return to work, I need to remember this thought in the classroom.

"Whether it is dealing with our children, employees, subordinates or just the man on the street, the way we set out to see people will determine the impression they will make. If we are looking for successes in their lives, we will see them in spite of their flaws; but, if we are hoping to catch them in failures, we’ll be able to do that, too."

Do you agree or disagree?

Maybe if I would deal with sweets in the same manner (more from the failure side) I would be thinner.

"We might need it later"

Okay, it must be God telling me it IS time to go back to work. It was a sign in the form of cooking that has my attention. Let me explain. And remember...the scene I am about to describe is "my life"..not yours...or is it?

I feel like I need to go to a confessional. I have harbored some things in my garage so that my dad would not sky rocket off. I can say this because he doesn't read my blog! You see, my family is filled with people that save stuff because "we might need it again". I have a closet full of clothes because today I might be a size 10...tomorrow a 12...I might have surgery and need something that doesn't touch me, just covers my body...or (big OR) I might loose that 16 pounds and could wear all these 8's again. I once wore a six, and you know....even though that was in the 5th grade, I might need those again for Halloween, OR they might come in style again, I would be skinny and could be set for the season! My mother is the same. If it is buy one get one...let's get 4. It could be anything, but we might need it again. My grandmother...well, "we didn't have much. Save that, we might need it".
My dad........only tools, trains, sweater vests and information. Everything else clutters the house. Kelly was the same. After his grandmother's death, we found baggies with batteries from "the first watch given to me by????in????", locks of hair, just about every card, button, scrap of fabric, watch, phone numbers..everything. Tony...is different. He is like me. I even have to keep him from dumpsters! He would rather find it, repair it, and keep it than buy it on eBay! So.....I have been keeping my mom's Christmas gifts for her class in my garage for about 2 months. Today (thank you Lord! seriously) My mom told my dad that he needed to come get 2 boxes out of my garage, and I was going to help her wrap them this week.
Dad, being the kind of guy who doesn't put things off (neither Traci or myself inherited that trait) called immediately after mom left for Ladies Bible Class. I opened the garage for him and pointed to the boxes. It was at that moment I realized that the freezer door was open. Now, it is not a big freezer, but it is holding 4 steaks, a roast, fajita chicken meet,hash browns(all recently purchased through Angel food ministries) some chicken meatballs (the kids didn't like), 12 ground hamburger patties (at least 2 years old that we MIGHT need if we were starving and I had only meat and seasoning), 2 microwave meals, 3 year old wienies and all important...a tub of chocolate chip cookie dough (part of the food pyramid). Oh, and there was quite a bit of ice! You ask, how did this happen since you are not cooking lately? Well, Makaley and I got a hankering for cookies(since they are on our diet). She wanted to cook something, and that was the easy solution to both. So.......I will not blame my daughter for the freezer being left open. I blame the cookies.
So, because of my non-dieting ways, I now have to cook a roast one night, fajitas one night and steaks another (all of which are still very cold). Guess I better go to the store for the vegetables because we don't have any of those in the freezer, cabinet or fridge.
As for harboring and keeping things. I am thankful that I was able to harbor these two boxes of "gifts";thankful it has been very cold since Sunday night, and thankful that my dad is a very disciplined prompt kind of guy. Otherwise, I would be mopping the garage while I am cooking the food. Sometimes it does pay off to keep things......"because we might need it later".

Black Friday Fun.

Okay, the news is out. Yes, I went shopping at 4AM on Black Friday. However, I did take the whole army with me...especially Nurse Yandell (both of them). Traci and I don't miss a black Friday together in the cold, with coffee. My second nurse was Megan...Tony's daughter. I figured if I fell over, one would help me the other would take the load to the register with my cash to get us out of there. Tony went just to carry bags over 5 pounds. Yes, there were some heavy bags and some old bags and some young bags and some bags that cut in line not even caring that I announced to them that I had NOT had my hormone pill, it was before 9AM, and I had not had sufficient coffee. These must be moms of teenagers, twins, or teach high school or kindergarten....nothings scared them!

My cousin Brandi and her husband Frank.......yep we were the women with the men who were laughing, throwing snow, and just being goofy...anyway, they ended up doing 50% of my shopping since I was in line #4 at Circuit City. Hello...they did not do a dry run obviously! AFTER we got in line, Tony and Megan headed to Starbucks for the "Latte run". They got back only to find out that it was now a "one in, one out" situation. Those women still did not understand that my latte was just outside the store, and I wanted it NOW!

After a breakfast at What-A-Burger...where Frank and Tony entertained all patrons, the guys and Megan left. Frank went to watch ball games, and Tony and Megan headed for sleep. That was probably not the best thing since the girls continued to do much damage to the checkbooks. BUT we did it with laughter, aching feet, and a woman who was ready to crash from lack of sleep. A little snow never stops the mail so why should it stop us?

So....needless it say......I have slept most of the day today. I have rested, and have no plans to do anything as exciting for at least this week. I do want to say that Black Friday was wonderful. It was day #2 of family and fun. That is what my life is most of the time.........family and fun. Believe me...my family can be fun.

Next year you are welcome to join us. We will meet at the table on Thanksgiving Day immediately after the dishes are in the dishwasher, and the food put away. We will plan our method of attack, and the lists that need to be checked off. Just come with a smile, no make-up, money, and remember...."no grumpies allowed".

Recuperating Part Two....and Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving to you...each of you. I know that bloggers all around are writing about the things they are thankful for today. Me too! It goes without saying that I am thankful for my family and friends. You know, they are the ones that stick by you when you are up, down, stupid, sick, on hormones, not on hormones, rejoice with you over silly things, and let you cry over the silly things. They love you as you are. Thanks family and friends!
I am thankful for the 6 weeks my doctor has required me to take off. Here are some of the reasons why.

* I have been able to spend time with my mom and dad. Time that I would not have had otherwise. Time to watch them during the day go about their day to day piddling and work. Going about their love and care for the other. I even have seen a different side of my dad. Too fun!

* I have been able to be mom more than ever. I have been able to get up in the morning and crawl into the bed with them and just wake up laughing. I have loved taking the kids to school. Taking lunch to them, visiting with the teachers, meeting the kids at my parents, teaching Kauy to make muffins, and Makaley to cook the casserole for Thanksgiving.

* I have been blessed to go to Ladies Bible Class at church (one time, but a dear lady taught it).

* I was blessed with an the invitation to attend a "tea/coffee" with my mom at the home of the woman who taught me to be a lady. Yes, I can be a refined lady when I want to! Mrs. Asbury taught me to cook in dutch ovens in her fireplace. She taught me to set a table, be polite, keep my mouth shut at the right time. She taught me to be a lady. At the tea/coffee, I was able to visit with her daughter, Elizabeth, who is a dear friend. Love her! BUT BEST of all...I was able to visit with Gordon (the husband/father). Even in his declined health, he was ornery to me. He made me laugh and smile. And to think...I went in there to bless him. What a day.

*I have developed a greater love for the teachers on the 6th grade team at Clack who have taken on my job as well as theirs. I promise you...I have not had a thing to worry about. Even with subs coming and going, they took it upon themselves to "get her done".

* I have had time to think of Suzanne Starr who kept me from quiting the teaching field my first year. Twenty-seven years later, I am not only teaching my favorite level(although they make me crazy), I will also be teaching a class at McMurry University! After my interview, I wanted to call her and tell her. Maybe I will.

* I have thought of my great-grandmother who has gone on to be my guardian angel. She taught me many things ....raw cookie dough is good(we have eaten some in the last few weeks), dominoes can teach math, wetting your pants is NOT the worst thing in the world (I have sneezed and coughed with uncrossed legs!!), some things remain secrets the rest of your life, and most of all how to be a good, tough, woman who loves others.

* I am thankful for my other mom Becky, now another of my guardian angels. She was there when I couldn't deal with things as a teenager, and she was there years later when I had to deal with loosing Kelly. I miss her. I have so many things that I need to ask her right now. Things that only she and I could talk about, things she had experienced, and things that I just need to tell her. Suzie does good with the listening and understanding, but she just ain't Becky! I have tried to find another Becky....not possible. My daughter needs a Becky sometimes, but they are hard to find.

* I am thankful for...oh so thankful...for Kelly. Tomorrow would have been our 16th anniversary. You know, it is "Black Friday" and I will be up ready to go for at least a couple of hours then home to bed. AND...he would have said something like, "that is silly, but go ahead and be sure to let me know when you leave." I can not tell you what Kelly did for my life. It's funny....I just wanted to introduce him to my sister, and lead him to Christ. I wanted to help rescue him and he turned around and rescued me. We were ham and eggs, black and white, up and down. (you know, those word pairs that just automatically go together). That was us. Thanks honey for 9 wonderful years, and 2 precious children.

Finally during this recuperation time, I have been able to read, read, read and play the piano (with Makaley). During this time, I have found some renewal! Of course I get renewed and then have to rest. I also have discovered that I do have great health, and get quickly irritated when I need to do something but can't yet! I didn't realize how much I do on a daily basis that I take for gratitude.

So.......Now that I am a "hyster-sister" (that what someone called me at church) I guess I can be thankful that instead of spending $4.00 a month on "paper goods" I can now spend that $4.00 a month on Starbucks! Well, for just a couple of more years. Makaley is growing up quickly.

Have a great Thanksgiving. Enjoy the family. This is my FAVORITE day of the year!!! No rush, no worry....eat, laugh, love, eat again, and do "family"! Love you guys.

Part 1 of recuperating.

Wow, you have friends and then you have those friends that tell it like it is. I have told you that my friend Suzie has been my friend since middle school. We are two peas in a pod. I love her and look forward to any communication from her. Today I found she had sent an email so I quickly opened it (before even clicking on the one from my mom or sister!) To my surprise it had more exclamation marks than words! Simply stated......."time to blog again!!!!!!!1" Do you think I got the point? It was funny that she would send me that because, I was thinking to myself "hmmmmmmmm it is time to get something on that blog".
Now that the bodily functions are back in form, (well, one is no longer able to do it's thing since it AIN'T there) and since I have keys and hormones, we are back to my normal everyday life. NOT!!!!! You get to feeling better, and so you go do something. Bang! Gotta have a nap. Then you can't sleep at night because you took a nap. So you do something the next day and don't take a nap and BANG........you sleep through the night and wake with such a full bladder that you roll to the bathroom. Where is my normal life......just without the uterus and ovaries. Hello...they didn't work anyway!
People ask me if I am resting. Yes! Others ask how things are going. So...here are a few of the things I do during this "healing time".
#10....You have some really bad hair days.
#9.....You take long hot showers. Pull the shower sprayer off and apply water pressure to areas that never had water pressure on them. Put the shower sprayer back on, take it off again, put it on then just stand there and debate the reason to shave your legs. NONE....Who cares....you are resting. It is legal to have 3 inch hairs on your legs. People don't even worry when you are recuperating.
#8.....You wear one comfortable outfit on Mon. ; a different one on Tues.; another on Wed. then you rotate for the next few days. Wash (see #3) and start over.
#7......You make sure that any shirt you wear will not show how low your boobs hang because by George......you are NOT required to wear a bra. The boobs sympathize with the lower parts and think they should relax also. By the medical "reason for surgery" it was: pelvic relaxation. Yep something relaxed....so relaxed it is gone.
#6......For two weeks you remember why you worked so hard to get a driver's license. Sorry mom, I love you, but as we all know..........no one can drive to suit us but US! One time we wait and wait for a car to come on by for fear the seat belt would tighten or we would have to slam on the brakes. The next time...same location, same time, we would zip right in between the two cars going east and west at warp speed while we were traveling north and south at somewhere between charged and super charger. I would suggest(that is all that happened) a different way...less traffic, but it would be at least 4 blocks out of the way. This from the woman who stock piles cereal! BUT I LOVE my mom. Right now I call and say "hey, this is the string/lint in your back pocket, what are you going to do today?" I wouldn't miss any time with my mom. She is too fun.
#5.....If there is nothing else to do, stand out in the street and direct the fire trucks coming to your parent's neighboorhood to put out the fire that started in the house down the street, but somehow ended up in your pasture. Yep.........I didn't have hormones at that point and I was still having hot flashes. Don't know which was hotter.........me or the blazes in the back pasture. Bet if I had started stripping down, the fire trucks would have turned in instead of passing the drive to the gate that led to the pasture! Well , maybe not because remember my boobs hang low!
#4.....You read and read and read. Remember the book (#3) that I read the 3rd chapter 3 times. Well, I have moved onto #6. It is starting to get really good.
#3.....You do some serious shopping because the sound of the dryer is so loud that you can't sit and read the 1st chapter in book #6. So......now not only did I have surgery and there ARE bills to pay (insurance is not up to 100% you know) now I have to have a new dryer. And since I have to get up to slam the lid on the washer to get it to the next cycle.....might as well get one of those too. Mom took me....so you know what that meant. Let's look at a new stove while we are at it. Like I am cooking right now. Don't have time. I have to keep getting up to keep the washer going and check to make sure the dryer didn't explode.
#2.....You sit and worry about the classroom, your reputation, and the sub. Let me say "subs". My class is now on sub #3. What is it with that number? What is it with these students? You also worry that as an Eng. teacher, you misspelled words on your thank you notes.
#1.....You get up every morning, get the kids up, fix breakfast, make the beds (yes that is a new habit) and then IF the weather is decent, you WALK your kids to school, kiss them bye, come home, drink coffee(take hormone pill), snooze 10 min. then call mom to see what adventure is ahead. At 3PM (see, there is that number again) you help with homework, scold for misbehaving, head for home, sit on the couch and thank the Lord that you were able to walk with those precious children, and count down the days till you go back to "the normal schedule days" but without the ovaries and uterus.
And if you are wondering.........You have 40 days until Christmas.

On the go!

I went for the 2 week checkup this week. The news on the street is true! I have my keys to the car back in my hands, gas in the tank from when it was $2.64 AND hormones pills! Can I hear a big yeeeee-hawwwwwwww! BUT, I still carry my cushy pillow everywhere! More later because...I gotta go pick up the kids and I am not crying about it.

I can rejoice!

We teach our children to be happy and rejoice when good things happen to them or to others. We also teach them to be full of compassion for those who need it. My children do both and sometimes they do it with a great deal of zest so at this moment, I would like to thank all of you at church and at home who rejoiced with me last week when I finally found relief! Yes, spinach greens do work!!!! Wonders!!!!!!!! Along with prayer...which I kinda felt funny asking God to help me GO!!
Anyway, my two children were alone with me when I finally found the "urge for relief" and were dancing in the hallway at home singing "she did it!" UMmmmmm rejoice with those who rejoice! I guess I didn't realize how worried they were about me until about 7:50 PM when my sister called from church to tell me that Kauy had announced to all in the sound booth that "mom pooped!" He then continued to tell some of our friends..........using his not so inside voice the same news! It wasn't long before Tony came in with the kids and said that 3 different ladies stopped him to tell him they were glad that I was feeling better and that.............yep, you got it...."the good news". I think I have taught my kids to be a little to excited about life. Or maybe the example we set during their potty training months/years is way too much. My goodness, Kauy earned tractors! We cheered, bought ribbons, and just were so excited. We get excited over some of the silliest things. Hey, in the last 2 weeks I have been excited over everyday normal bodily functions.
Last night as we practiced for Sunday's worship, I got excited. I have missed the last two Sunday's and Wed. nights. Is it that I have missed something during that time? Can I only rejoice when I am at church..........singing? Don't think so. I am rejoicing today. Just because. It is a beautiful day...........I am feeling somewhat better every day.................I get a few pains now and then to remind me to watch out............I have healthy family and friends........and you are reading this silly blog! So I am rejoicing. BUT....It sure didn't hurt to be with "family" and sing last night!

Back in the blog!

I am here........I woke up;I am alive and well. Thank you for your prayers and all the sweet thoughts. I thanked God ever so quickly that I was here to spend more time with my kids. I personally think the surgery was a breeze. Why not? I was on some good drugs; someone else breathed for me; my surgeon was excellent; I just laid there with legs in the air and minded my own business. Seemed like only seconds. However the before and after....................not so easy.

I could not eat anything after Midnight on Monday. Surgery was about 2'ish.....really...the last time I saw the clock it was 2:38. I needed caffeine and food. I asked the anesthesiologist if he could shoot me some caffeine into the IV. He laughed and said...nope. So then I informed him that I had decided that snot is now a part of the food pyramid. I told him that it was the only think I had eaten in 18 or so hours. He laughed and said....sorry. I also made a little friend. The kids pre-op was directly from my little cubbie. This little boy and I were showing off the different ways to wear those beautiful blue surgical hats. He was much less worried than I was. My family was a little worried when surgery went over the "time limit". You know what I mean. Dr. McCain said she had done more repair work than taking out work.

When I woke, I heard someone say something about my grandmother just wanting to see me so that she was sure I was alive. So I knew I was alive. Then I found my precious sister, friend Anne and Tony sitting waiting for me. Traci dealt with the nurses.......Anne spoon fed me water and ice......Tony loved on me. Of course when they were checking on things "down under" they told everyone to leave but the husband. I am not sure who moved faster....Traci telling them he was NOT my husband, or Tony getting out of there before they pulled the covers. My kids came up with cousin Brandi later. Of course she had just told them to be careful and not step on any tubes...........she found the IV with her heels. The drugs were good and it didn't bother me at all. I am glad that she had prepared them for the tubes. Makaley just wanted to touch me, hold my hand, and kiss me. Tues. morning as I let them off, she was a little upset. My babies were soooo glad to see their momma! I was glad to see them too.

Traci stayed the night(both) and nursed me with water and broth........I hate broth, but it never tasted sooooo good. The next day I had visitors, and was able to walk around the 3rd floor with hopes of getting solid food before midnight! Dr. said...."three toots and you can eat". Where did she come up with 3? But she is cute(has nothing to do with it), she is good, and she is very personable, I really like her, so I followed her orders. Yes, Sarah, it was the toot heard round the world, and on the third one, my mom literally ran to the nurses desk and said........."order that girl some solids." It took forever to get solids in and now it is taking forever to get the solids out. Hmmmmmm aren't you glad I shared that thought.

I am better every day. My family is worn out more and more each day bless their hearts. Mom stays at the house with us at night and we take the kids to school then go to her house where I am best friends with the recliner, remote, and book that I have read chapter 3 at least 3 times. (that number again) Tony has weekend patrol. How is it that man can get the kids to roll out of bed ON a Sun. morning at the same time I do, go to McDonald's and is on time to church? Hmmmm who could the be the real problem in getting to church? Traci and Brandi are "help" patrol. They do the behind the scenes, and the"when no one else can" things for me. They both listen to me complain, whine, or cry. You know, I paid good money to get off pads. Can't wait to see my money at work! 6 weeks. Hormones come next week, and Anne says......."Life is good then!"
Kauy asked me yesterday, "Mom, what kind of surgery did you have? I can't remember?"
Mom: "I had surgery like Bella (our dog) so I won't have anymore puppies"
Kauy: "ha ha, that would make me a dog already!"
I just hope that I don't go around scratching my stitches (3 of them) on the carpet when they itch.
This morning he says to my mom, "Hysti, I have to tell Ms. Gentry that my mom needs to poop to be well." Mom tried to convince him not to, but I bet that I am the comic relief at his school. Oh well, everyone needs to laugh until they hurt.

Thanks again for all the prayers. I hope to be my old/new self next week about this time. The Dr. said....."we took it all out; we repaired a lot of things; and I took some extra stitches!" Glad she is excited!

All will be well!!!

Sometimes you go to church and get nothing but a good shopping list created. Other times you go to church only to leave feeling guilty about something the preacher said you "should" do that you have not been doing and you vow you will "get 'er done". Then there are days like today that you leave feeling lifted in the midst of "whatever you want to call this mood" and you know that things will be good because you are going to trust God.

This week I am having surgery. This is the first real "big" surgery for me. I am not excited about the idea of having no control of my body for awhile. Yes, they reminded me that I would not even be able to breathe for myself while I am out. (Thank you very much for that note and I actually had to sign a paper that says I understand that I can have no more children after this surgery. Hello, did the same lady get some "hot coffee" at McDonald's?) I am not excited about the fact that I may tell all secrets when I come out of the sleep (If you need to protect yourself be there otherwise you are taking chances) and I DON'T like the fact that I can not eat anything after midnight Monday (surgery at 2'ish) not even a drink of water, gum or mint, nor can I have my jewelry or make-up on, and they will let me go when I can pass gas (I do that easily...daily...but watch me not be able to make the "cut" so to speak when I need to.) BUT............they (any woman who has been down this road) say that life after the 6 weeks recoup will be great. They say I will be a new woman.

In all of this roller coaster ride of emotions, the biggest thing is that...........I am the only parent my kids have. I want the doctors to know that, to be sure things go well, and to make sure that I wake up so I can spend my life enjoying this money that I have forked out already for this procedure. I have been brave, then chicken, brave, chicken but today after church..........I am brave!!!! We sang to God asking Him to "surround His people" which includes me. We sang about Him being able, being a comforter, being mighty, and taking away our worries. We sang that "this is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it." Then Phil started his sermon with the boy who scooped up 5 stones and headed out to beat his giant. About 3 guys that went into the fire knowing beyond doubt that God would rescue them, but if He didn't.....they would still be His, and a child who gave 5 fish and that fed thousands. They believed in a God bigger than their smallest or largest worries. So....on Tuesday I will carry my 5 stones, 5 fish and loaves of bread and march into the fire (although those rooms are ice cold) and know that beyond a doubt God will take good care of me. And in a few days I will be singing "This is the day....I will rejoice in it" and be able to cough, laugh or sneeze without running to the bathroom!!!

Pray for my kids(October is already a rough month for them)...the doctors (I am not having tubes put in my ears or my tonsils out...other end please)...my family(they have a rough schedule)....Tony(If he sticks around after this we are going to be good!)...and my students at school who have some really tough subs (planned so that they will be very happy at my return).
Catch up with you in a few weeks!

Great Words of Wisdom.......by Vann

Many of you who read this blog attend church with me. You may have received the same "thoughts for the day" that I do. For those who don't go to church with us, Vann is a fun, Godly guy. His family is precious too. His personality is (as he once said) the "Sonic commercial" type personality. So with that said, I would like to share with you a couple of his most recent "thoughts". You will smile and I hope he doesn't kill me for sharing.

"I've heard of people being left-handed, but today I heard about someone who was left behind. What's up with that?" Trina's thought: Let's not talk about being behind...whether it is left behind, or my left behind which blends with my right behind. Sometimes I am so far behind that my behind is in the lead!

"I just found out I suffer from ADFD: Attention Deficit Food Disorder. My doctor says I need... oh, look! Cheesecake!!!!!!" Trina's thought: This would explain the last 10 pounds I have gained. I need something to blame it on because it could not be me. I am disciplined! I think the cure is.........excuse me while I get a bite of Crunch bar and a sip of my diet vanilla coke............the cure is............Oh......I hate celery soup!

"The trouble with life is there's no background music." Trina's thought: Is there enough different music to cover all of my moments in life? I mean, if your life is like mine, you would be changing the CD every few minutes. I would be so busy chasing the different music, that I would just need to make a 24 hour CD where I could just choose a short track (quickly) and move on. Of course....My ADFD would get in the way and I would have to find some music that would fit the "Ummmm this is delicious, and yes, I will have seconds, but dadgummit these jeans are tight on my left behind, behind, and that irritates me" moments that I have.

And Today is a New Day!

I told you today would be different. It is a day for celebrating. Well, I know one precious child that is really celebrating. Bless her heart she is sooooooooooo excited to be in the "double digit" field. I didn't have the heart to tell her that will be where she is the rest of her life. No more single digits and from now on it is a count"up" so to speak. The teenage years are just around the corner......then you go for the 20's and the "OH my goodness I hit 30" and then..well, you know how it goes.

Today Makaley is 10. Yep. I remember waking Kelly up and saying........"I hate this pain. Take me to the hospital. NOW!!" Then I remember thinking "What part of NOW did you not understand" as he is in the shower. Remember.............he had delivered calves so this was no big hurry.

In her room is a precious gift from some friends at church. "For this child I prayed". Makaley is one that was prayed into this world. As her mother, I can promise you she will be a trooper, a survivor, a giver (and a taker) and a servant for the Lord. I was 32 when I married Kelly. We waited two years to try to get pregnant. God once again allowed us struggles to make us stronger. I was pregnant at 38 with Makaley. We had spent a couple of years "enjoying" trying to get pregnant. Then we spent over a year trying to get pregnant with the help of medication and doctors. Let me say...........Kelly was a "good" sport. My favorite moment was when he woke me at 2:30AM to give me "the shot" because it had to be at that exact time. Of course he had me lean up against the saddle rack that was in our room (yes, he slept with the saddle in the room) and proceeded to inject the medicine. HOWEVER.........the needle was dull; we only had one....so he goes to the truck and gets one of the needles he had planned to use on his horse!!!! After months of driving to Lubbock at all hours, after seeing the family with 7 babies at one birthing, and after literally "flushing" money, we had decided to adopt.

Girls.........you know this next feeling. You come home and there are roses, dinner prepared and he tells you "I got a big raise" or you open your Christmas present, and it is a diamond tennis bracelet. Okay, so that only happens in TV. But, you know the very "unexpected" gift that you receive once in a blue moon? That was Makaley. I was to have surgery on a Wed. and had to take a Pee test on Tues. morning. And.........there it was. The sign that says 1 + 1 = 3.

So....Makaley.....Happy Birthday. I know this about you:

#1........You are a gift. I made sure you had a bow on your head the minute they would let me put one there. You are the best gift a woman could ask for. God blessed me with a precious little girl first. You bring joy to our family and you are a dedicated friend to your buddies.

#2......You are a trooper, a survivor. We were given a life changing experience.....you and me together. Thank you for keeping us laughing through the tough times. Thank you for helping me get Kauy into this world(you can stop bossing him now though). Thank you for knowing God and trusting Him when you were so young. And.........thank you for understanding that Daddy lives in your heart even though he is not in our house. You are so "us".

#3......You have the heart I long for. You see this world in ways I don't. You believe in things I have forgotten to believe in. You have sympathy for those who need just that. You worry about those who don't know God and have even cried for them. You can't stand for anything or anyone to hurt....ever. You still have the heart of a child. Don't loose that!!! You will grow boobs and other things. You will wear braces on your teeth, get some zits (other than the one you had last month)......You will be leaving those childhood years soon, have "boyfriends", mean friends, temptations, failures and success, but God says for us to "Be as little children"...........trusting, loving, believing and needing the Father.

Happy Birthday my little 10 year old. I love you!!!!!

Today is Today!

Yes, I live......Yes, I breathe.....and Yes, I am working my rear off, but have no way to prove it!!! Don't you hate it when you are working hard, but your rear gets larger?

So, I have my reasons for not writing in awhile. Besides, working, working and working, I have been kept busy by God. I love it when God knows you need to be busy....busy with His work, and busy about work.

I hate the first half of October and today is the mid-way point so tomorrow should be different(more about that............. tomorrow). Let's see.........why do I hate the first of October. It is still warm, and fall should have already blessed us with cool (I mean cool not lukewarm) weather. I also hate the beginning of October because the grass begins to die, acorns begin to fall (lots of acorns in my yard), and in previous years I have lost those that I love during the first weeks of this month.

Seven years ago today, the morning was like this one. Overcast, but not real cool. Seven years ago today our drought broke with a record 2 inches in just a couple of hours. Funny that those 2 inches started just about the time I was loading my pregnant body into a Limo to head to the church for a funeral. As a Language Arts teacher, I now find some real symbolism in that day. As Lois Lowry says in her book Number the Stars, "The rain made it seem as if the whole world was crying." And at the same time, I couldn't help but smile because I could see and hear "Cowboy Kelly" up there telling the Lord that it was "plumb dry" down there in Abilene, and he would like to take over the watering for awhile. You know, seven years have gone by. I have two precious children, a great support group at church, a family that God has kept together and kept us close, in-laws that love, help and support, and a wonderful man in my life, BUT.....today I miss Kelly. He was my FIRST real love. The one I first loved with my whole being...body, soul and heart. He was my "cowboy" who rescued me. He made me his queen. He is the father of my children, and the one who taught me to ride a horse, drive a huge truck, shoot a gun (told me to aim to the left and I would hit the target over on the right), and how to stop my fear of tornadoes (shoot them with a gun or just chase them!) He watched "Days of Our Lives", "Teletubbies", "Lonesome Dove" and attended "low-fat menu", teacher filled gatherings with me. If he said it, he meant it, and if he shook your hand, it was a honest and done deal. All 6ft 3in. of him would do potty patrol for 2 year olds at church, and he loved to take my grandmother for a spin in the John Deere Gator. Just so you know.................I still have those days; I still have those reminders (cowboy hats, mustaches and spurs); and in the middle of a blessed life, I still miss him. Miss him enough to share him with you today. Tomorrow will be different............Just wait and see. But today...........well, it is today.
www.hopeforlife.org

There are days and then there are days like today!!!!! Today was one of those "Oh how I wish" days. I wanted so badly to run out side and sunbathe. It was just the right temperature for me. It was a day that needed a "little color" to it. It was a day when no matter what I said, how I said it, they still thought "possible" was a verb. But then I get this photo and ........................Well, I decided that it would take too long to roll 'em back up into my "head 'em up move 'em out bra-hide" from Victoria's Secret. And, I would probably have the non-tanned section more to the side because I would also need to have a snooze while sunning. I have recently visited the OBGYN (who believes...If you are happy with your body then go ahead....have another dip of blackberry cobbler), and after reliving that picture, I decided against running out of the building, stripping down to my skivvies and getting some sun. Of course...........I bet I would have finally had my student's attention during class. Don't ya think! (P.S. Kauy just asked me if this was about our trip to Corpus Christi. Great. Thank you son. Did I look like this?)

Having a ball....well, sort of

We are in week 4 of school. Yes, you read that correctly. I am sure that my friend Sarah can tell you exactly how many days till the Christmas Holidays. But, I just count the days until Sun. not even Saturday! Saturday has become just another work day I think.
This past Sat. we were up at the soccer field at 9AM....didn't have to be there until 10AM but who knew? (My hearing must be going.) We took soccer pictures until hmmmmmmmm 10:45 and then I was privileged to have both kids playing at the same time on fields next to each other. However, and that is a huge however, it was hotter than blazes out on that field and my poor children learned what real sweat (and tears thank goodness there was no blood to go with it) is all about. They played so hard, did so well, and were red as pickled beets. Kauy actually kicked the ball, stole the ball, kicked down the field, headed for the goal and never once stopped to check out a blade of grass or see if there was a new rock on the field. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard other parents yelling "Go, Kauy, go. Score!" yes, positive thoughts this year. Gee, what 1st grade does to a young boy!!!! Makaley on the other hand was up and down that field doing her wonderful job of passing off! She is very good at NOT hogging the ball, and sharing the fun. She was WORN out. I hurt just looking at her.
After our morning of soccer and fun, we came home to prepare for yet another photo moment. Our church is making a new directory, and you know with that decision comes.......tah dah...Olan Mills and the checkbook. We had a family portrait ( containing 5 generations) made. Now, our family was having fun. I just don't think the photographer appreciated our fun. Do those guys get a degree in being bossy? Man, as a teacher, I get grumpy, but for pictures? Come on, make us smile and make us enjoy spending the unbelievable amount of money we are going to spend in the next room. But no, this guy was rather brash, that made the guy showing and selling the photos look like a comedian. (get the picture ha ha) And yes, I bought pictures. I think they did not like my sister sitting there reminding me that "this costs" and "oops, that will cost you" and "do you really want to spend that much?" Now, before some of you tell her to mind her own business, she knows me...........so she saved me money by sitting next to me! Thanks Traci!!
We finally made it home where I picked up my 3rd offspring.......Nikki. What a fun time. Susan and Bobby were here for the big 30 High School reunion, and so Nikki stayed with us. I always wanted more children. God does say "no" at the right time! They weren't bad, but oh my......were Suzie and I like that growing up. All giggly, and boy crazy, and all about High School Musical? Tell me NO!!! ha ha !! Nikki stayed with Makaley in her room for the night.
"The Man" and his moving van got here about 9:45 so it was a late night for all of us. And up for church the next morning. So...............God rested. He said to keep the Sabbath holy. So....Trina did both. Rested and tried to keep it Holy. Oh, and I bought NO pictures on Sunday!
Love you guys for reading this stuff!!!

Let's have a party!

What is it about cleaning house? I hate, abhor, despise and dread with every inch of my body, the process of cleaning my house. HOWEVER, I clean up others with a smile on my face. What am I thinking? Let me give you a couple of examples of how my poor mind works.

Ask my brother-in-law about me and his yard. The joke is that he can tell before walking through the door that I have been there. How is that you ask? There are pulled up weeds in the drive. I will stand there, visit, and pull weeds in his little flower bed. Do I have weeds to pull? Yes, a yard full! Do I stand there and pull them? Are you kidding, no way and let my neighborhood see my rear sticking out? No way, but I don't mind a street full of strangers seeing my rear in the air while I bend over to pull weeds. But not my neighbors..........my students live in the same neighborhood.

This past weekend, I helped clean "the little house" as it is fondly called. It is the rental house behind my grandmother's. Mind you, I did not do this alone. No.........it was a "family" moment. My cousin, her husband, their daughter, "the man" and I worked together to clean, clean, and clean some more. I got there a tad after lunch, and worked until about 6PM. I mean we CLEANED!!! We didn't gripe, we didn't grinch, we worked.............together. There was no air conditioning and the doors and windows were slightly cracked in order to keep out mosquitoes, and we still worked with little or no complaining. Hello........what am I thinking? I have a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house that needs a scrubbing like no other! But here I am laughing, visiting, and have a hay day cleaning for someone else (not my 91 yr old grandmother). Then on Sunday, we (the man and I) went back to clean the carpet. Then he cleaned my carpet. Yes, the apple juice stains, soured milk spots and the 1,000 coffee stains are gone!!! Gone with the machine.

So what does this mean? Does this mean that going though someone else's stuff is more fun than going through mine? Where am I headed with this? I think that I should have some sort of party at my house and everyone work together to pull weeds and clean. Maybe it is just more fun with a crowd. Instead of the "home stuff" parties we attend where we buy stuff that collects dust, we could have "Cleaning Supply Parties" where we try out new supplies on each others homes. We could rotate houses each weekend. More hands mean faster work...........well, sometimes. But of course, I don't want anyone to go home and talk about the way I keep house.

So.......................there are no houses to clean in Heaven. They are all spotless! No weeds to pull...they have been "weeded out". So.........we will get to visit and praise with nothing but time to do just that. Gonna love it! Let's Party!

Isn't there a song about "I'll be watching you"?

Have you missed me? I have! I mean I have Missed me (the one who can keep house clean and cook dinner all in one day) and I have missed you guys. So, what have I done for a week? I have lived up to the expectations of the United States Government.................I spent money!

I was sooooooooo longing for last Saturday morning. The last Saturday for the next 4 that I would get to sleep late and actually had nothing scheduled but a church activity at 6PM. Notice that I used "was longing". In my class you have just used your "inferencing"skills because you already know that IT didn't happen that way. Thanks to the United States Government. (To those who have heard this story, the blood pressure has gone down a little. Spending money will do that to you.) At 7:15 AM, the phone rang. Yes, I looked at caller ID and saw it was the government. I have a cousin and some friends who work for the government so I answered it. They would be the only ones who would need me at that hour on SATURDAY! No, it was the government, and some woman who wanted to discuss my "child". Whose name she could not pronounce so we determined which child it was by the sex. Hellllllooooo!!!!
The next comment was something to the effect of "Mrs. Oshtalean, how are you providing for Makaley?" Excuse me? What did you just ask?.................it went something like this.
Me: I have had the same job for 27 years and am at one of the upper levels of earning in my field. I use my salary to furnish for my children. I put most of their money from Social Security in a savings account for higher education. My paper work was sent in on time, and provided that information to you.
US Govt. lady: You can't do that.
Me: Pardon me?
US Govt. lady: You can't do that. You must spend 90% of their income from their father.(Mind you, I have been careful NOT to spend, spend, spend. Even took a class on Financial Peace)
Me (now very awake and fuming because I am dealing with this woman and have had NO coffee) : You are calling me at 7:30AM to tell me that I can't put the money in an education fund?
US Lady: No mam, you have to spend 90% of the income.
Me: But I live in a country where an Education fund IS (a way of) providing for my children.
US. Lady: No mam, you can't do that. You must spend 90% of the income.
Me: (now with VERY sharp tongue and NOT choosing peace) Okay, just tell me how to do what I want to do and be done with this
US. Lady: Well, you must spend 90% (I do speak English, I do understand percentage, and I do understand this) of the income, but you can put any amount of your own money in their account. (In other words... just put that you spent 90% and put money in the account).
Me: Thank you for this information at 7:30 on a Sat. Morning. How will I keep from getting another call next year when the money saved is very different?
US Lady: I will document this on your records.
Me: Yeah thanks.
US Lady: Thank you for your time.
My time............my time that I had planned to sleep!!! So, I felt like the Superbowl champ in the interview after the game! So, Trina, now that you have caught the eye of the US Government, what are you going to do next?
I wanted to say............We are going to Disney! and have confetti fall from the roof, only I don't want to go to Disney right now; I have no confetti;and I am sleepy and NOT in the mood to party. So........we went to Target on Sunday, the fair on Monday, and we need new soccer stuff on Friday! For those of you who have heard my story of how I can't use Kelly's money to save for the one thing he wanted his children to have, I have kept your responses in a journal. It is by the phone. I am ready! They were very entertaining!

You win some AND you loose some!

You would think that a 4 day week would fly by! This is the longest week of my life, and it is probably because it is so busy! I have so much to do and no time to do it in, AND I WANT it to be Sat. so I can sleep later, run around in what I call my pj's, and do something for ME!!

I don't often brag on myself, but today I have to say that I am excited! On Wednesday, I went to a certain grocery store in Abilene. Said store was having a buy one--get one free sale on meats!! Not only that, but it was also Teacher Appreciation Day and you got an extra 10% off your purchase. I need to tell you the reason I did the "Happy Dance" in the store!!! I did not buy anything "unhealthy" other than the 2 rolls of Sweet Tarts (4/$1.00) and paid $52.83 to the cashier. I was sooooooooooooooooo excited when she said to me "You saved $35.12 shopping with us today. Thank you". NO, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! and happy dance all the way to the car. This was as exciting as the $199.00 jacket I got for $45.00 last year.
Yummmm! Grilled chicken breasts (would love to have seen the chicken with those breasts! It took 4 breasts in the second package just to get close to the same weight. But such is my life. Most of my friends are package #1 and I am package #2 with some padding!) AND we had some very good grilled seasoned boneless pork chops.

However in all of the excitement, I realized I had not picked up my mail in several days. So I go to find the key to my "mail slot". I now have a clean car, 2 clean purses, 2 clean church bags, 1 clean swim bag, a few clean drawers, AND not so cluttered cabinet tops BUT NO key. So, the money I saved at the store will probably get used to have the lock on the "local mail slot box" changed just in case the key was left in the keyhole, and someone has decided to air my dirty laundry. If you can't get into the mailbox, do you still have to pay the bills?
Well, you win some AND then you loose some. I am ready for Saturday!

And yes, I realize this is about the shortest post I have had in awhile.........because........... lunch time is over!! The real world awaits.

My Ten Reasons to Go to Odessa !!!!!!

You have heard the joke that Midland-Odessa is the armpit of I-20. Well, I disagree!! There are at least 10 reasons to go to Odessa Texas, and it took me less than 15 minutes to come up with them! So...... According the accounting firm of Me, myself, and I, .......... Here are my top 10 Reasons to go to Odessa.

#10 - The drive west on I-20 is much straighter than the drive to the east. "The Man" was a little confused. "You were supposed to go East!", but he seems to call more often the greater the distance between us! Because the next race is in Virgina, we saw the 18 wheelers for the teams. No big names, but it kept the kids busy looking! Kauy was ready with camera in case we saw Jeff Gordon.

#9 - Going through Big Spring, Texas. You must go to the truck stop at exit 177. Very clean, a great variety of beverages and a Subway and Popeyes. AND don't forget the educational moment when you come into Big Spring.
Makaley: Mom, what is that smell?

Mom: That is the oil refinery. I fondly call it the smell of money because.....

Kauy: No it's not. It's me. I tooted!

#8 - Odessa has fewer trees as far as landscaping goes, so it makes Abilene look even more beautiful! A few of their streets are 6...that is six as in 1, 2, 3,4,5,6 lanes and a turning lane! Can we say flow of traffic!

#7 - In Odessa can you see a beautiful burgundy Cadillac on tires so tall that Kauy could walk under the car! Kauy was speechless. He loved it.

#6 - McAllisters - a sandwich shop that you must visit and have the orange cranberry club. IT is to die for!

#5 - Nikki meets you at the car door with a hug, a kiss and an "I Love You Aunt Trina". Not to mention her neck massages. She and Makaley love all the same shows and of course High School Musical 2. We didn't see them for about 45 min. at a time. My kids love Nikki.

#4 - Suzie has a precious house and I feel SO at home there. She doesn't scream at the kids when they turn on the jets in the tub without water, but she doesn't hesitate to ask them not to. Therefore, my two babes mind quicker! She loves them, and They love Suzie!

#3 - Scott took his bed to his apartment, so we were forced (ha ha) to sleep in the master bedroom in the king size bed with the "O My Goodness" mattress on it, and the air is on 75!

#2 - Suzie brought me Starbucks in bed! Not fat-free or sugar free! (This is a close run for #1 reason)

and the #1 reason to go to Odessa...................the kids were ready for Disney Channel, Nikki at work, Bobby at the course, and so........Suzie and I laid in bed in our jammies drinking Starbucks and talking for 2 hours! Just like you're supposed to at 48! Do I hear an Amen?

You Need to Know Suzie Like I know Suzie!

Although I could go on and on about how great it is to have a 3 day weekend after my first week back at the grind..............I am not even going there. I am going to take the writer's privilege and write about someone very special in my life. No, it is not "the man". Yes, he is special, but not 35 plus years of my life special. Today is my best friend's birthday. I have many friends, and I have a group that I call my best friends, but Suzie has been my best friend since about 8th grade. I know, you laugh..............that is a long time, don't you loose touch? Don't you forget things? How do you do that? Well, no, yes, and because we are not just friends, we are family!
Suzie's and her parents moved to Abilene about the time we hit 7th or 8t grade. I had been in this beautiful town all of my life. As a matter of fact, I was beside myself when they built the Mall of Abilene. It was almost like Christmas, or the opening of Khol's. Anyway, Suzie went to Madison, and I went to Wylie ....then it was considered "in the country". However, Suzie and her mom, Becky, came to Southern Hills, and became active in the youth. Our friendship bloomed and went wild. If you were looking for one of us, you would find the other, and I was usually at her house or vise versa. Because of Suzie, I inherited a Grandma Ruby, Aunt Paula, Uncle Jerry, a few cousins, and another Mother. Because of Suzie, I overcame some of my "stupid" fears about heights, death, and guys. When Suzie's dad died, I faced my biggest fear........dealing with death. I found myself at her house most of the time. I did dishes, I watched TV, and I took lots of walks with her and Becky. Becky became the sounding board for me. Not that I didn't love my own mom, but at that time, my mom had her hands full, and Becky had empty time. Our moms loved each other and so..................mom loved Becky for loving me. (oh crud, I am now crying).
Suzie and Becky moved to Odessa. I once rode the Greyhound Bus to Odessa to see her. Her mom remarried a guy I wasn't real sure about but loved because Becky loved him, and Suzie met Bobby, AND I SURE wasn't SURE about him. He had a fro and he was about to rock my world again. Bobby turned out to be the knight in shining armor! What a wonderful husband, father, and friend to me. I think I caught the bouquet at the wedding but it did no good!!! No other Bobby around for me.
They had their first child. Nikki. I remember sitting on the couch at my parents waiting for the call to tell me..........time, weight, boy? girl?......Suzie? When Becky called I was elated, but saddened.........."they are running some tests on our little girl". Nikki was born with Downs Syndrome, and to this day is a blessing to all of us. Of course she tells me she loves "Aunt Traci and Uncle Timmy most" But...........she calls me just when I need it to tell me she loves me! They also have a replica of Bobby.........Scott! Sorry girls........he is taken.
Suzie was there at my wedding. She loved Kelly, and Kelly thought they were just the "plum nicest people". Suzie was here along with the rest of my "extended family" for the baby shower for Makaley. I have a picture of Ruby holding Makaley. Suzie has been there for everything in between.
The day that Kelly died, Suzie made it to Abilene in record time. She stayed with me, made me eat, held on to me and just loved me through it all. She is one of the few people who can tell my mom........Hysti, your refrigerator and freezer stink, and need to be cleaned so give me a trash can, soap and a rag. During this time, I received precious letters from Becky telling me how she did understand what I was going through and how she prayed for "my other daughter and her precious little ones".....oops more tears here. When Kauy was born, Suzie came to the house to help out. She brought Nikki with her once. Bobby........sent love and support but most of all, he sent my best friend to take care of me. Suzie never forgets a birthday....I do!!! Suzie sends little gifts at Christmas........I don't!!!! Suzie calls me even if she is just driving through.....I don't go through Odessa! Matter of fact.......went for the first time in about 20 something years this summer. During all of this I received precious letters from Mama Becky telling me things will be okay. Over the years she prayed I would find a man that God felt needed me and I needed him. More on Mama Becky in another post.
In October....days before I would see the anniversary mark of loosing Kelly, Becky died suddenly. My heart broke! I cried for Suzie, Bobby, Nikki, me and the rest of our families. What would Suzie do without her? What would I do without her? How will Ruby handle this. My sister took off to drive with me to Austin. It rained something horrible the day of the funeral. And here the table turned for me. All of those days Suzie had been there for me............I would now be there for her. I am NOT good with cards, but I am good with the phone calls. I may not be long winded in an email to her because she just needs to know I am there BUT.... Suzie this is for you! Thanks for understanding the blond streaks that go from head to toe. Thanks for ALWAYS being there....good or bad. Thanks for listening, for long talks and walks, sneaking out of windows, papering houses, crying with me, laughing with me, eating tacos at Taco whatever, sharing families, being my sister in so many ways, and for loving the heck out of me. I love you............AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAREST FRIEND.

I am glad I went to Kindergarten!

I have given my first assignment. I must say that on a whole, the students got to work and did as asked. I do have a few that may be through with the assignment after Labor Day ......they will probably NOT labor over it, but there are plenty of days to qualify as "after Labor Day". Most of the year as a matter of fact. But I can't wait to check them tomorrow.
So, what was this wonderful assignment? We read the short story "All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned In Kindergarten". In this story, the author gives 16 "rules" he learned at a young age that he feels are important for a life time. After reading, each student was to select one of the rules he/she felt was the most important and write for 25 minutes...uninterrupted (hard for me to do) defending their choice. NOW, I followed the rules too. I wrote with them.

Which rules did I choose? In one class I choose "every day about 3PM we should eat warm cookies, drink cold milk then cuddle with our blankie for a nap". Do I need to explain the need for that? Hello??? Come talk to me if you don't understand the need for comfort. That is definitely a life long rule that drops at Kindergarten and is not picked up again until retirement! In another class I choose the rule: "Flush". Go ahead....smile. Yes, I thought of Kauy and some "silver handle action"! My first paragraph was about him needing to flush and how I gag everytime I have to go to the bathroom and he "forgot" to flush. But then, I wrote that in life we all need to flush. Flush out the things in our lives that drag us down. Things in our lives that wear on us daily. Flush out the things that take control...i.e. yelling at the computer, yelling at the kids when they dumped the container of dirt from Church all over the seat. When we don't flush in our bathrooms, it becomes a big stinky mess. (Ask anyone who has been in my house and gone to the bathroom ANYTIME after Kauy). So it is with our lives. If we don't flush our lives out once in awhile, we may find ourselves with a big stinky mess.

The other "rule" I choose was: "When you cross the street always hold hands and look both ways" ( I think that is how it is written). Of course in Kindergarten you are short, lost in a sea of legs, and can't find your own nose sometimes. You hold hands on field trips so NO ONE gets lost. I have seen them hold hands going down the hall (especially little girls on their way to the bath room...two-by-two). But when you are a teen? Hold hands..........gross!!!! But oh how our children need a good friend who will hold their hand and help them get across the intersections of Middle School. The choices they have to make amid all the "newness" of life.....changes of voice, no change of voice,, developing bodies, no developing bodies, not to mention just passing the classes. Then in older years? Would I have made it the last 9 1/2 years without the family and friends who have held my hand, given me direction, and made me look both ways? No. Not at all. Yes, I do most of it on my own now, but I could not have navigated life without those people who took me by the hand and just held it.......I walked, and they tried to keep me from falling. When your 90? Do you still need to hold hands and look both ways? Watch my grandmother hold a hand as she walks at the church. I wouldn't give a plug nickel (whatever that is) for the times my precious grandmother holds on to me. Depends on me. And heavens, If she doesn't look both ways, you might end up getting hurt. She is on the move!
What did Kauy learn last year in Kindergarten..........I hope he learned things that will be important in years to come. I don't think "arm flarts" will qualify. I know that he discovered that flushing is important, a nice nap during the day was NOT the time to talk, and that the hands of his teacher offer love, learning, leadership, and direction(I have no other "l" word). And when I am being a total jerk, my kids still love to hold my hand.....even while watching TV. To me, that is as good as warm cookies and cold milk followed by a nap.

Important Answers to my Question

Yesterday was a breeze compared to today. I am exhausted!!! I drank my all natural Aloe energy drink this morning and it is gone with the wind (maybe I should say down the drain). I actually took a nap at my mom's house amid the dog jumping up on me, Kauy resting his head on my fine rear-end, and some show on Nick. I know I am not tired because I am OLD!!!! ha ha
However, I did find the energy to ask my children that thought provoking question: "How was school today and what did you learn?" Makaley told me (all of this is paraphrased because it would take FOREVER to type what they actually said with all of the adjectives etc.) that she learned : If we are nice to the teacher he will be nice to us, but not if we aren't listening, or we are being rude, he will not be nice to us. We have to get all of those folders in our binders somehow, mom!! Here my thoughts are..."be sure he has had some form of caffeine twice a day, and do they have an instruction booklet for putting in folders?" Kauy told me: Well, mom, I learned how to pick up a pencil. You pinch it. That's all. We have a cool book that told us that. And, I learned that you can pick your friends, you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose. And my thought here: "Well, that was a productive day in class. At least I know it is his booger he is bringing me and not someone else's."
What did I learn: The second day of school requires a nap and dinner out! Do I hear an AMEN?
I wonder what my students told their parents that they learned in my class today. Just like those teachers, I had lesson plans and I pretty much stuck to them!
Did you learn anything new today? Bet it wasn't about picking noses!

Hope your day was full of surprises too!

Here I sit. Day 1 of school is under my belt, and all is good at this house. This morning was easy as pie, but held a few surprises!
#1 Surprise.........Makaley really did get out of bed at 6:20 and wash her hair. We dried it together, and then she got dressed.
#2 Surprise.........Kauy wore the clothes he put out last night AND he had to say one more time, "I don't want to go to school" then turn around and say, "I am excited about today".
#3 Surprise.........The daughter of a co-teacher is in Kauy's class, AND the teacher seemed happy to see me.........again. (Makaley had her). No surprise that I had 3 or 4 pictures made with Kauy. He held my hand, hugged me, kissed me then sat quietly for about 25 seconds.
#4 Surprise..........I prepare to have 3 or 4 photos with Makaley, and DON'T. No picture with mom. Hello??? There is a picture with her new teacher who is standing in the doorway, and I see NO parents going into the class. None!!! Do you get the point? Not one person older than the teacher (young). I say to him "You already know me (from volunteering in 3rd) and I am at Clack Middle School. If you need me let me know." To which he replies: "I know. You were at my wedding and my wife Melanie is so excited that I have your daughter."
#5 Surprise.........still no parent in the room, no kiss from my daughter AND I am supposed to know this kid! So........surprise!!!! I drive to school (with NO kiss) running through the weddings I have been to in the past 3 years, trying to figure out who this is when it hits me (about 2 blocks from school). I taught Melanie in the 6th grade. Love her, love her family!!!! Precious, Precious, Precious!!! And, yes I went to the wedding. A beautiful wedding. Now that I have that cleared, I can teach.
#6 Surprise........Only 6 of the students on my roll do not show up, I did not have enough desks for 1st period, and the day passes quickly with NO big problems. I actually sat down and ate lunch this year. Wonderful new principal. Very positive and upbeat.
#7 Surprise..........Kauy did not end up in the office today. AND he told me so.
#8 Surprise.........I still have energy to type this.
And yes, Makaley put her arms around me and said, "Here is the kiss you didn't get this morning. I turned around to kiss you but you were gone." I wanted to say, "What did you expect? I didn't want to embarrass you by being the only crying Mother who came into the room." Pushy parents drive me crazy!!! Ha
What surprise did you get today? Hope it was a good one too.

Well, this is it. The last 12 hours before I take on the world of walking hormones!!! And, I guess that I am about as ready as I ever am. This will be the 27th time for me to have a first day of school without me being the student. Yeeeeee Hawwww!!!!! I am now on the flip side....how many more years until I can retire and be one of the many who can stay up on a Sunday night and read a book with a cup of coffee containing caffeine?
To my buddies who teach..............have a great one!!! Remember, you are the teacher and you can bluff when you need to . You are older; You are more mature (I hope); and again.......You are the teacher. I hope that you get the law laid out quickly and let the party begin! Let's give them more than just skills to read, write and get the correct change or pay check. Give them a smile. t might be the only one they see this week.
To my buddies (mom that includes you) who are retired teachers and are thinking..."Oh, I am so glad that I don't have to get up at 5:50 in the morning to be the person in charge of more than myself"....let me remind you of the adrenaline rush you are missing. The excitement in the air, the newness of a new year, smiling faces that are depending on you to enlighten their world, the accomplishment you feel knowing you lived through a full day of confusion, and the dog dead tired feet you have when you get home. Keep your feet propped up for me tomorrow, and I will party with the kids.
To my friends who have jobs either out of the home or in the home...(did I say that okay Anne?) let me just say to you that you can cry a moment with me when I leave behind my two in the care of someone else for the next hours, weeks, and months. AND I hope that as teachers we will give to your child things that will lead to them to a better life. Not just the reading, writing, and math, but life lessons. I hope you have a great day too with no fears for your child. We will do everything we can to take care of them. Pray for us and thanks for supporting us. Understand we are NOT perfect, and we can't take the place of the love you give.
Now, will someone just take care of me??? ha ha I am a teacher. I am the teacher!!! I am the teacher who will be there ready to P-A-R-T-Y ! Go forth and conquer.

If the shoe hurts.....take it off!

I found myself rereading my posts (or whatever you want to call them) this week. Why? well, it is an easy read since there aren't all that many posts, BUT I really read it because I needed a laugh. My friend Anne said that it seems like Satan reads your blogs then throws a test at you. Well, I read the one on choosing peace, and guess what!!!!
My room is ready, the lesson plans made, and the roll sheets printed. My own kids have a new "first day of school" set of clothes, my toes are cute and match my skirt. We have all had haircuts. May I stop and say that we had Makaley's hair cut in layers, and it is ohhhhhh sooooo precious. Love it....Love fewer tangles...........Love her. Things have rolled along peacefully here. BUT about Wed. afternoon, the peacefulness was interrupted, and a tangled mess was found. A parent!!! Yep, and school had not even started. She didn't want her son in another teacher's class, and she felt that I was the one she needed to tell that to. Now, she is not short winded so that meant quite a discussion. The other teacher is a good teacher, I think there was just a personality conflict. I was irritated that this mother would try to manipulate her son's education at this grade level. What will she do when he is 20 and doesn't like something? (follow me here) I left school that day tired, frustrated, and had gotten nothing done, plus I had to go sing and be happy at church. Maybe I would find some peace and happier people there!
Thursday afternoon I discovered by accident that the newspaper had misprinted the date for "Meet the Teacher" at my children's school. So........I am driving like a mad woman at 5:50 to get there, pick up pre-ordered school supplies, buy T-shirts, and meet the teachers. AND the kids were not even with me. I go to the door to see who one of my two has for class, and I fell apart. No, really, I just started crying.........yes, in front of God, parents, kids, and the nurse! (Bless her heart she just let me cry and listened.) I didn't really find excitement in having this teacher. What were the chances? I wanted to go in and bargain. By the time I spoke to the principal Friday morning, I did not fight for a change. God will make it a good year. She is a great teacher, But the final line is.......... my child will be in that class. Kauy is excited; Makaley is excited; and I have discovered (thanks to Tony's insight) what it really means to have the shoe on the other foot. I LOVE shoes, ask anyone who knows me. Take my food, take my toothpaste, but not the jewelry or shoes. However, I don't like shoes that make my feet hurt. This one did. I felt like God had just stepped all over my feet which were already tired. I was in that same situation as the one I just gripped about. So, I went home, took off that shoe, and chose peace. I know that I am the only advocate that my child has, and I will not be afraid to say something if there is a problem. However, I am going to give this year a chance. A good chance. Sometimes unanswered prayers are that way for a reason ( like there are only 2 kids from Kauy's kinder. class in his new class!!!!!), and for now.........I will work on not being judgemental ......teaching and loving others is my job. Thanks goodness for that because my feet are just now starting to feel better. And just tonight, Kauy(who has said he will NOT go to school on Monday) told me, "I am so ready for Monday and my first day at school". Hmmmmmmmmm maybe God does know best. I am sure it has nothing to do with the Sponge Bob Square Pants backpack. Peace!!!!!

All Because I Combed out some Tangles!

I know as a child, teenager, young adult and even now, I probably have tortured my mom in many ways. Bless her heart I am certain that she put(s) up with a lot and wondered many times "When will she ever..........?" It is not that I set out to drive my mom crazy, I just did it. I didn't clean my room much, and I put piles of clothes on the floor for a reason (dirty, clean, loosing weight to wear, don't like etc.), and I could walk through my terribly cluttered room with my eyes closed without falling! I DID not ask that guy to give me a hickey on the band bus!! Most definitely I never set out to stain a carpet, ruin a table, break the candy dish, or kill the canary. It just happened.
This afternoon I was combing out the MASSIVE tangles in Makaley's hair after an afternoon at the pool. As she was wincing and crying with every move of the comb, I remembered my mom combing my hair..............I would wince, cry and think: "just cut it...no, don't cut it". I remember mom saying, "We can get it cut right now!". (of course she said it just like I did today, with gritted teeth and a fake smile)
Once again I am reminded who I am........... A mom who is becoming more and more like her mom. "When will Makaley ever......?" "What was Kauy thinking?" "One of these days...." You know what I mean, we become who we hang with. I hung around my mom because..........I had to. She and Dad would take us captive on LONG trips with NO TV or radio.....just their commentaries. (Mom, we loved those trees! And the pigs....and that lake!) She is mom. AND I love her. She was sometimes the coolest mom in the world, and sometimes I wondered if Suzie would like to live in the country while I lived in town. But, I am my mom's girl!!! You know the saying....."The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree." Oh mercy that is me! If I drop a leaf on a day with no wind, it lands next to her trunk. The difference? Her trunk is more stable than mine. Ask someone at church. I love to move! Now I worry about Makaley and Kauy. Will they fall close to the tree? Will they yell at the computer when it takes too long? Will they mumble under their breath when they are angry (not bad words mind you, just grumble)? Or have they seen the more positive side of me? What side do they see the most? Which is impressed on them the most? I have prayed often that my kids will grow up to be like the tallest acorn in our family...although she was the shortest! My great-grandmother. And, I hope they will be like the next tree in the line..........my precious grandmother. BUT of course if they grow up to be like my mom, that is still just as wonderful. What do I want them to take from me? I want them to understand this is life. This is the life God has given to them. Take it and travel the course. Like Makaley's massive tangle...you gently work out any "messes" that come along, smooth things out, and hope that you don't get all tangled again too soon. I want my children to be proud of who they are, but not be afraid to change and start anew in the areas that need it. I want them to have a good legacy, and work to create their own legacy. I want my children to have good, strong roots. I pray they are strong enough to bend at the right time, but not break! (Go listen to the Tanya Tucker song about the tree in the back yard). I want them to plant acorns. They can even fall close to the tree, just don't plan on living with the older tree ALL of their life! And just to add to the fun of it all.....just because I am their mom..........for driving me crazy with the dirty rooms, the piles, the scar on the coffee table, the cut bed skirt, and the dress shirt with "Kauy" printed in blue across the back by a 4-year-old.............I hope they look at the mirror and see me in them but most of all I hope they see "The Father" in them.
We are all getting a hair cut this week. My goal.......................to avoid any massive tangles in the next few weeks!

Summer is not over!!! Just vacation.

"Turn out the lights. The party's over. They say that all good things must end." A great song to scoot to!!!!
Well, my summer has come to an end. I know; I know! Some of you have no pity for me in the fact that I have to return to my termite-free yet in need new shelves classroom tomorrow. I have work to do. Funny thing is....................not all good things must end. You see, I see my job as one that IS just GOOD. Good for me. Good for my kids. Good for your kids. Because I DO love to teach (even on the days with PMS, too little sleep, and 3 inches of water in the parking lot). I could have been a dentist..........I was in a dentist chair so much of my life that I could have done cleanings, fillings, root canals, and braces with my eyes closed. It's just that I would rather teach a bunch of hormone filled, tough acting, ready to meet the world 6th graders than look at teeth and bad breath. When these kids come in, they are all shiny and new. Ready to go. Scared to death, but with determination that they will survive.........at least the first day. The first day they come in so nervous. You can almost hear their hearts beating, and I know that I have control for at least one day. Later they come in with bad breath, bad body odor and odors that escape out of their body. That is fixed with a little spray can in the corner of the room, and the plug ins I have sitting around. Some days they come in with tangles in their hair, weird hair, no hair, low cut shirts, boobs hanging out, pants sagging, no belt, short shorts, or see through clothing. That is fixed with a few words and a run to the gym or office. They come with no pencils, no paper, too many pencils, 50 million highlighters, and way too much paper. Some times they come in with stories about the way things went at home the night before, the fact that the money for supplies had to pay bills, the dog was run over, someone yelled at them in the car, someone was ugly to them in the hall,or they have no food at home. That is fixed by??????????? It can't be fixed by me. But, I can put on the band aid for the day. Sometimes it is just giving a hug or listening. Listen...really listen, not sit and check roll, or type, but look them in the eye and listen. Some days all I can offer is to listen. And then............well, I usually do something silly like trip, call the wrong name, show them my new toenail polish/art, or find them a new pencil, but I try to find something that will make them smile. And you just thought that only a dentist can help your smile?
Enjoy your day tomorrow.......and the next and so on. I will be getting my "stuff" together. Then I will get a hair cut, new toenail art, my new outfit ready, and of course get my ears cleaned out.
A new party starts on the 27th! I think that is the date...............I will be there anyway!!!

Happy 50th Mom and Dad

I am worn out today. Worn out because I had so much fun yesterday! Yesterday we celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary. If I were computer savvy enough (will be as soon as Anne and I get some time for her to guide me), I would post some pictures of our hard work and the fun. (Sometime I will share how they met!) It wasn't one of those parties with dipped fruit, fancy punch, roses, gold and everyone in their Sunday best. It was a FABULOUS 50's ........50th. We had some 50's music, Elvis pictures, poodle skirts, rolled up jeans, black, white and turquoise table cloths, over grown coke floats with 2 ft. straws, old 45's and the fabulous "50's'" ginger ale and sherbet punch. Hope you don't need any ginger ale; we bought out Abilene! My dad kissed Mom in front of the grand kids for at least the 50th time in their 50 years of marriage. My sister made the neatest DVD (27 1/2 minutes long) of my parents 70 plus years of life. The mother of the bride, the maid of honor, the ring bearer and one of the groomsmen were able to attend. Several people who attended the wedding were able to come too. We had fun...fun...fun and Daddy didn't take the T-Bird away! Mom was afraid that no one would come. Hello........2 extra runs to the store, and we used all but 6 of the 200 cups. Does that say something?

It was a super special day. Special because it was MY parents. I stood there and thought about the fact that they are the first one's in a very long time on my mom's side of the family to make 50 years. My dad's parents not only saw a 50th, they saw a 60th too. As for Mom's side........My great-grandmother was widowed before her marriage hit the mark. My grandmother was widowed when I was 6. My sister and I both married at 32 (we are over 45 now), and I was a widow at the age of 41. That means the next 50th will be in 27 years when, if God so wills, my cousin and her husband hit the big 50. Then my sister and her husband are next in line. Even if I did remarry today, I am not certain I would see 50. I would be 98! And the DVD would be sooooo long everyone would be asleep, heads hanging to the side, hair flat, snoring so loudly that you would not be able to hear even with the hearing aids.

It was a super special day because we shared it with people from all points and places in their lives. We invited their high school friends. We invited family, neighbors, co-workers, church friends, grown kids of friends long gone, and even their tax man. We invited one of the local funeral home directors (mom was afraid he would appear with the "family car", but they were busy with something else). People came from Austin, Ft. Worth, Lubbock, Odessa, Temple, and Plano and those were friends, not family!!! 194 cups of punch later we were still having fun. Wow, so many people? You would have to know my family. You would really have to know my parents. Bill and Hymonda (aka Hysti) don't know a stranger! They live words like: Christian, hospitality, love, acceptance, discipline, respect to others, service, friendship, trust, honesty, faithfulness, goodness, perseverance, comfort, dedication, laughter, joy, fun, family and HOME. People are drawn to them. My parents taught for years, and very seldom have I seen them NOT know the name of a previous student.....and that includes students from 42 years ago. They invest in people, not things.

It was a special day because it was just that.....special. I don't have time or even want to dig around for the stats, but I am wonder which is more frequent in today's records.......broken homes, or 50 years of marriage? But man................50 years with the same person is amazing. Of course, Mom and Dad have about 5 or 6 couples that they "hang with" that have been married 50 or almost 50 years. Well, if you call emailing and carrying on conversation "hanging with". There are many at church that have seen or will see the 50th, but it comes with some battle scars, bandages, laughter, and sunshine.

It was a special day because God gave it to us. So, to my sister Traci..........thanks for the hard work, the designing of the decorations, the countless hours of digging through photos, videos, and "stuff" to make the DVD. Brandi(cousin),............. thanks for the skirts! We should have put in vents...flannel in August hot, but we were cute. Makaley and Kauy, thanks for gathering the trash, greeting people, and being sooooo good. Tony, thanks for the straws and putting up with me driving us all over town 2 days in a row to gather things. Tim, thanks for running to the store during the party, and for giving up that particular day......you know what I mean and that is all I will say. Suzie, thanks for being my friend who rescues me all the time. I could spend hours on what you mean to me. Anne, thanks for leaving your teething son and taking my orders and serving cake. Nathaniel...thanks for sending her!!! Kayla, thanks for taking care of my kids so I could get things done and then for serving. BUT MOST OF ALL.................

Thanks Mom and Dad for your example, your love, your understanding, and your discipline. Thanks for loving each other "for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others!" I love you both!!!!!!

Oh, and BB(best grandmother in the world).........thanks for having Mom, and for helping pay for this party.

And for you guys reading.......thanks for letting me tell you about my family. I found my mom in tears before the party. Suzie later told me that she was crying for her friends who are widowed and would be coming to celebrate with her a day that they (me included) will never get to experience. Now, that is my family! And I am sticking with them!!!!!!

Life in a jar!!!

We have a PET!!!! Okay Kauy has a pet and Makaley and I had nothing to do with it. This week, Kauy found a walking stick---- the insect variety---on the window of Aunt Traci's school in Clyde of America! Aunt Traci being the wonderful and fun aunt that she is, quickly dumped one of those "gift jars" of brownie mix (possibly 3 years old), poked holes in the lid, threw in some leaves, and proceeded to help Kauy, who could not reach said insect, scoop this wonderful find into the jar. I do think she did it without out squealing. Makaley and I went on with work in hand. Other than a dead cricket, some fishing worms, a mouse (the old one from my computer complete with hand drawn tail, ears, and whiskers and lives in the bug house), two horses that live somewhere else, and Makaley's dog that lives with Mom and Dad this is his FIRST official pet. He studied "Stick" for quite a time. Just watching him move, and reporting every thing that bug did. When it came time to leave, he calmly asked Traci to "pet sit" Stick since he did not want him to cook in the car while we went swimming. She immediately checked to be sure that Stick could NOT crawl out of the holes in the lid. Traci has got to learn to say NO to my kids!!!!

Once Stick finally made it to our house (riding in Aunt Traci's car), Kauy begin to sit and watch every move. Then as little boy's brains do, the "I wonder what would happen if........." button switched on. Where is this button located? Is there a switch somewhere that I can use to turn it off, or cause it to think "I wonder will mom do when........" No, he did not open the lid. He just proceeded to turn the jar every direction to see how Stick handled life in a "cement mixer" atmosphere. He rolled it, shook it, set it on the lid to let the leaves and twigs fall ON Stick, blew into the jar, and then got out a magnifying glass to see if he was still alive. Hmmmmmmmmm, do you think Stick enjoyed his free trip to Six Flags and never left home. When Kauy said I think he might be dead, I laughed. I am sure Stick was trying to decide which end was really his head. I had to get the magnifying glass to be sure he had eyes! However, my best laugh of the day was when Tony(trying to keep a straight face) sat down next to Kauy and said, "Kauy, how would you feel if someone scooped you into a jar, threw cheerios in there, then begin to shake the jar every which way, throwing your food all over you, and then slammed you onto the table? How would you like that life?" I laughed for awhile because the look on Kauy's face was very pensive. I could just see Kauy in a jar covered in cheerios whinning. I don't remember his reply because at that moment it hit me and I thought; Life has been like that for all of us at one time or another. We have all been minding our own business on the window screen of life, and some how we got scooped into a situation or a point in our life where we didn't want to be. Our lid was closed, there seems to be no way to get out, someone or something rolled and shook our world........cheerios and all. It may have been that the "shake up" was a good thing, or it may have been that is was not all that pleasant. AND, I hope no one had a magnifying glass to look at me after one of those experiences...good or bad. But like Stick.........three days later, we are still breathing and going on..........some fresh cheerios in hand. By the way, Stick is due to be released this afternoon. In my parents garden!!!! Now, won't he think he died and went to heaven....especially after the ride in a glass jar.