How Many Years?

36 years. It's really hard for me to believe it. Especially since my wedding dress is hanging in the closet next to both my daughters dresses. Like I really thought someone else would want to wear it! But, I did at the time. Now, it just hangs there all poofy and yellow just screaming for a round of dress up play. Except I can't play. I think I weighed 89 pounds when I got married. That was a long time and 3 kids ago. So Happy Anniversary to us on May 29th. We still look like a pretty hot couple. Minus a few hairs for one and plus a few pounds for the other. No names mentioned.

All I Said Was.....

All I said was these simple words...........












"Anyone want to dance in the rain with Neena?"

Hand Me a Sparkler

God bless America, Land that I love! Stand beside her and guide her

Thru the night with a light from above;

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans white with foam,

God bless America,

My home, sweet home.

God Bless Us All! I hope you enjoy your day of freedom. Although, we are all "shackled" with burdens, captive by our own fears, persecuted by our own people for who we are, and see sadness and poverty around us, WE ARE ALL BLESSED to be Americans. I am ashamed somewhat to admit that I am not a potically informed American. I vote. I stand when the flag passes. I get chill bumps when I hear the National Anthemn. I cry at the documentaries when the soldiers come home and it is a happy ending. But, I know that is not always the case. I don't always really take the time to understand the world issues as much as I should. I rely way more on the intelligence and knowlege of people around me for my source of information. I am a military dependent, raised on Air Force bases around the states. I realize the importance of our military troops being trained and ready. I honor those young men and women that leave the security of this land to serve in places that we can NOT even imagine. The fear that must be present in their hearts I can not comprehend. I have not had to ever know what it is like to not live in a free country. I see such ignorance, violence and hatred around me in this world and wonder how long God can face what we have turned this country into. I just pray that my grandchildren will never know anything but freedom. So, whatever your thoughts are on the President and our government and what it's done or hasn't done should not stop you from praying for our leaders everyday. If you don't do it then don't complain about being an American.

Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;
then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal
their land"

SO.....GOD BLESS AMERICA ..................AGAIN.

My Last School Portrait

I know you are all sick of hearing this. But, trust me you are not as sick of hearing it as I am of thinking it. What in the world am I going to do in 10 days when I turn in my school keys? Those keys have been on my keyring for 30 years. When all my desks are cleaned out and my paper clips neatly in the little organizer who will mess them up? What about all those little secret notes I have stuck everywhere to remind me of things. Who will find those? What if in 25 days they can't find something and I was the last one to have had it? Which I probably was. For the last 30 years, every school morning, I have stood at attention for the Pledge of Allegiance and recited it over the intercom. I have led the National Anthemn and given the morning announcements. How will people know what to do? Of course, I am being totally silly! I know that someone better, more energetic, a fresh new face, and all that will sit in my cushy chair. Her drawers will be clean and she'll be all organized. I know one thing though. It will be years before someone calls her " Office mama" or "Mrs. Office", or "the Mayor", or "Aunt Lynn", or all the other millions of names I gathered over the years. They never were quite sure what I did but they sure thought it was important. I can't walk down the hall without being smothered with kisses and hugs. If I am in the restaurant, grocery store, church, or anywhere in town I have a following of small children. Unconditional love given out by the tons. It just takes seniority for some things.

What a Weekend

To say I was a little giddy about the "surprise" retirement luncheon for me is an understatement. They should know by now that they can NOT successfully pull of a surprise when I am STILL in charge. Fun times, delicious food, wonderful friends and an exquiste beautiful diamond pendant.....were just some of the highlights of my day.

The car was loaded and when the retirement party was over we headed to Houston to watch Princess in her annual dance recital on Saturday afternoon. She is the 3rd from the left ( next to corner of the house ). Actually, the only one doing what she is supposed to be doing. She was waiting for her cue because when they sang DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD she tapped her way to the back of the "house" and brought Dorothy the Ruby Slippers so she could get back to Kansas so Auntie Em wouldn't be so worried. Boy, did she do some tapping! Glinda the GOOD WITCH was very proud as were all her fans on Row 25!

There was a lot of loving on Avery too! She was a real trooper and loaded up with us on every turn! She is growing and changing everyday. She watched the recital and was very proud of her cousin!

Macy and I couldn't resist walking down the ocean and getting our feet wet while we were in Galveston. We didn't stay there long because we were only stalling while the restaurant was cooking our SHRIMP!

Then on Sunday we all worshipped God together, sang and filled up about 2 pews! Then that afternoon, JD ( and Mitch too ) were the GUESTs of honor at a baby shower! They received TONS of wonderful gifts that will be waiting for Princess Jaxon when she gets here in a few weeks. My precious friends are wonderful to plan and organize showers and such for our kids. Until you have been the receipent it is hard to explain it but it is much appreciated. My friends and church family have loved JD for only 5 years but they do love her ! She is ONE of us in all ways. They adore her. But, who wouldn't??? She is the daughter in love that I prayed for ...for my son since the day he was born.

After all those festivities we can't forget the birthday celebration of my first born BEAUTIFUL daughter, Heather on Sunday. Nana had a red velvet cake ready for us to share after shower. I could tell you how the day she was born that I have never been the same. I could say how she has made me such a better person...then in 1973 and now all all these years later. I could tell you that I learn things from her all the time. I could tell you what an amazing daughter, sister,granddaughter, wife, mother and friend she is. I could say so many things about her but you wouldn't believe them. You would think I was bragging again. So, I won't go on and on. You wouldn't believe that all those remarkable things could be true about one so young! But at 34 she is all those things and MUCH MORE. It was a very long day. The Sabs had to go home because of school but the rest of us put our jammies on and curled up wherever we could and just loved each other. We passed Avery around and marveled at her every little sound. And today, Monday, we slept in and took the day very slowly.

So this afternoon about 4:30PM , the last car has pulled out of the drive today. The house is strewn with "this and that" from life having inhabited here over the last few days. Beds have been "stripped" and sheets are washing. Towels that have been lying here and there are now washed, folded and put away. The dishwasher is loaded with it's last load of the day. And me? Well, I 'll be ok.

OH POOH

Not everyone loves POOH. But, he is a sweet little bear with a big heart. He speaks with alot of wisdom for a forest animal. Enjoy some of my favorite random POOHisms and see if you don't agree.

“You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. I'll always be with you.”

“"I wonder what Piglet is doing," thought Pooh. "I wish I were there to be doing it, too."

“When late morning rolls around and you're feeling a bit out of sorts, don't worry; you're probably just a little eleven o'clockish.”

“I don't see much sense in that," said Rabbit. "No," said Pooh humbly, "there isn't. But there was going to be when I began it. It's just that something happened to it along the way."

“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh," he whispered. "Yes, Piglet?" "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw, "I just wanted to be sure of you."”

And one of my favorites....... “If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.”

Didn't that make you smile?

The KING of my Heart

A BOY IS ALL GOD HAS WITH WHICH TO MAKE A MAN

This child makes my heart sing. He makes me smile. To say the years have flown by since he has been "my boy" would be an understatement! This is my first grandchild. I call him Rooster. He was born a "little man". He is one of those unique children that questions everything and must have answers. And not childish answers. He wants the truth and the logic. He has always been very mechanical minded and loves anything with engines and any and ALL sports! He told me one year he wanted to have his birthday party at the HUMMER dealership. Before his feet could reach the pedals he would ride all over our acres on the riding lawn mower just knowing he was driving in the Indy! He would circle the house until he ran out of gas. Then he would push it back to the garage with a little help. Or get one of us to haul the gas can out so he could keep going. No one ever left a driveway that he didn't start their engine. Before he was 2 he always asked everyone he saw to see their car keys. By the time he learned to speak, he knew every make and model of car and truck on the highway and he LOVED diesels and duelies. God blessed me the first three years of his life because he lived within a mile of my house. I saw him daily ....several times a day. Lots of nights I tucked him in bed while his mom and daddy walked. When his daddy got a job in Houston I thought my heart would break but it didn't and it didn't keep me away from being in his life. God had a plan for this little family. There is NOTHING I wouldn't do for him. I mean nothing. He loves to come stay at my house and when he is here he is pretty much the KING. Okay, he is the KING. At Neena's house, there are no rules, bedtimes or food restrictions. I know that is terrible but so far it has worked out great ! He loves trucks, thanks to his Uncle B ! He thought and still does that Uncle B has the coolest truck ever! One time, when he was about 4, I was driving him back to Houston after a visit. At the time we had a running total of how many duelie trucks we saw everyday . He would call me every night to see how many I had seen and tell me how many he saw and we would add them up. I forgot how high we got up to. But on this trip ( 2 hour trip ) he decided that he wanted all the windows on my JEEP rolled down so that we could listen for duelies coming and going while we counted. Now, do you think I would have allowed this with my own children? Absolutely NOT. But, those windows came down and by the time we got to Houston I looked like I had stuck my finger in a light socket. We counted and heard close to 25 duelies on that trip. Once we got on IH 10 we were steady counting! That little 4 year old has grown up to be a BIG 10 year old sports jock. He is a competitive and talented basketball and baseball player. Last summer he came to the 'ville and went to our coaches "TIGER Summer Basketball Camp" and one of the coaches told me he was ready to sign him onto the Varsity squad. He really is an amazing athlete like his daddy ,Uncle Bubs and Uncle B. He loves sports, ESPN, all TRIVIA and he knows it all. He and his daddy go to the ASTRO's games all the time. They even got to go to the World Series last year. He is all boy. He loves gadgets and gizmos. For Christmas he always gives me a LIST of wants. This year he wrote, "gadgets, you know what I like." He also loves to go to GATTILAND where he continuosly hits the jackpot and puts the tickets into his ever growing GATTILAND account. His account is in the thousands because he refuses to buy one of those junkie toys. I wish they would apply it to his college education. He is a loyal LONGHORN fan, a polite, sweet and well mannered little man, an honor roll student, a sweet big brother to LuLu, the loving and oldest cousin to 2 little baby girls, his mommy's love, his daddy's pride, a child of God, and his Neena's 1st clue that the world should go on and on.

Pink Tutus

This beautiful child is mine. I didn't actually birth her but she is my oldest granddaughter. Or as she is commonly known in our family,
little "Princess LuLu". I have called her that since she was a baby and it has stuck. She actually is named after me though!
Those beautiful eyes however are not
something that you usually see in our family though. We are a sea of brown eyes. She takes those eyes after her daddy and Granny Joyce. This weekend our family is going to be VERY BUSY. But, one of the
many highlights is going to Galveston to watch this child dance her little heart out at her annual recital. It is a very big production and a very big DEAL to her.

Our family will take up a whole row ( 10 seats!) and our eyes will be glued to the stage. This is her second year to perform so she is a pro. Last year I got a little teary eyed at one part. OK alot teary eyed! The very beginning of the show the dance instructor came out onto stage and introduced her SENIOR division girls who were all high school age that had been with her since they were "babes". They came out and put on a show that was like off of Broadway. I was blown away. Then the instructor came back out after the roars of applause to tell us how proud she was of the girls and yada yada yada yada.......but she said......" Don't forget that it all started in a pink tutu." The stage curtains opened up and a row of beaming little 4 year olds in pink tutu's balleted out onto the stage. I couldn't stop the tears. THEY WERE ADORABLE. But, you know who was the cutest? After the recital was over she bounded up into my arms and said, "Neena, wasn't I the best?" And of course she was! I didn't even see anyone else on the stage but her.

An Enchanted Childhood

From the second that I drew my first breath, and nine months before, I was destined to become the daughter of one of the most exceptional woman that, quite frankly God ever created. This is a woman who had the gift of laughter that she would give to me. She always carries a gift of humor and the ability to see something humorous or positive in the most negative of situations. She possesses the gift of unconditional and God knew I’d need plenty that. She is a woman of impeccable character. I am still working on that one and don’t see at this stage of my life that I’ll get. Nonetheless, God thought I needed to see that and witness it first hand. She has the most beautiful smile and twinkling eyes that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else on this side of Heaven.

Of all these character traits, first and foremost, my Mother is a Godly woman. I can see her wince now as she reads this. Because, being Godly means being humble and that she is too. Way, way, way humble. I was born on the pew, so to speak, and just assumed that all other children in the world went to church every time the doors were open. I remember laying my head in her lap and hearing her sing. I remember feeling her heartbeat when I would lie very still. I remember how she would scratch my back to keep me still in the assembly. I remember getting pinched and getting my head thumped. I can see her sitting in her chair reading the Bible or snuggled next to me in bed reading from Egenmeir’s Bible Story Book with all the cool pictures of Jesus, Moses, Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego. I remember meeting God through the eyes of my Mother. I still look in her beautiful eyes and see His reflection.

Her inward beauty is also coupled with outward beauty. She grew up a tomboy always looking for a tussle or a fight with her brothers. She loved sports and still does. She wrangled, wrestled, played pranks that curled her poor Mama’s hair! Probably another reason that I love a good joke or healthy prank! She blossomed like a country girl often does and her beauty did not go unnoticed. She soon caught the eye of a handsome Dublin boy at the soda fountain and they fell in love. They taught my sister’s and me about marriage, longevity, stamina, persistence, submission, and basically how to survive as a family when all around you families are crumbling. In June, this marriage will have lived 65 years of “I Love You’’s” , “I’m sorry’s” and “It really was my fault’”. Three daughters witnessed that over the course of years and knew of no other way to enter or stay in a marriage. We didn’t know about screaming and fighting. And yes, we know how blessed we are. My daddy is full of quips daily why he loves Mother so much. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t tell her that he loves her at least 40 times. That is his goal…..40 times. He makes it a point after he has driven her to the edge to make sure she knows that he’ll jump with her! He thinks she is the most beautiful woman in the world and showers her with surprises, both words and gifts. It may have taken him awhile but so what? Remember her gift of patience? He called me the other night to ask if I knew of any beauty pageants for older women because he wanted to enter Mother in one. He has the gift of humor too in case you wondered! Believe me, it is a daily dose of humor in that house.

My mother loved her Mother. This is another story in itself. She took her Mother into her home and cared for her until she was too tired to speak. For 13 years she had no life except being a daughter again. She never knew of any other way. Her patience and love for my grandmother lasted until, at 105, my grandmother went to live with Jesus and wait for the rest of us. Her last words, as she glanced over at my mom, were, “You are my daughter, aren’t you?” And she was, indeed.

Of all the things that my Mother is ……….she is my best friend. She was my first friend in the world. I mean the universe. That fact is no secret to all my other friends and she is their best friend too. When I was small, I remember feeling sorry for all the other children in the world who didn’t have my Mother as theirs. Their mothers all paled in comparison to mine! None were as beautiful, as talented, as smart and as hard working as my mom. She made me always feel beautiful too. When I wore my blue glasses with black speckles for school pictures she framed the 8 X 10. When I had to wear a monstrosity head gear with my braces she thought I looked amazing. Much better than other children looked with the same contraption. She slept with me when I was sick. She brought cool cloths when I had fever or upset stomach. She held my hand when I got a pencillin shot. We moved alot but every home was better then the one before. No matter where the United States Air Force sent us, our home was the best. I was never afraid or insecure. Then I knew what peaceful sleep was. I always knew that my parents were only a scream away. I volunteered my Mother for all kinds of things from cookies to field trips. I still do! She is still the one I want first when anything goes wrong. I need to hear her voice. Not just need but NEED. She understands me better than anyone in the world. She does for me the things that I cannot or will not do for myself. She gives me confidence, support, and security. She lets me fall in her arms when I need her. She prays unendingly for my sisters and me. And, of course, all of our children and grandchildren. Of all the greatest gifts that God has given me, one that I will always cherish, is that I still sit beside my Mother on the pew. I still hear her beautiful voice lifted up in praise. I still hold her hand when we pray. I know the feel of the pages of her Bible and all the little notes stuffed inside. I know the pictures that she has tucked in all the pockets. I can still reach down for her purse, like I did when I was a child, and get a piece of gum and see what she has new in there. I can reach over and lay my arm in her lap and she’ll still scratch it. If I get antsy and fidgety (because I still do) she still thumps my head.

I learned how to be a Mother from my Mother. The greatest blessing of all. I learned how to laugh, how to joke, how to forgive, how to believe, how to sing, how to pray, how to be a friend, how to be fair, how if I don’t have something nice to say to not say anything, and how to love. And proudly, I learned I am a pretty good head thumper too.

So, Helen Naomi, with one L……Mother, Mom, Mama, and Nana…..I love you with all my heart. I thank God everyday that you are my Mother. To the moon and back……infinity…….forever. Thanks for a most enchanted childhood that still continues everyday of my life.

BEFORE and AFTER

BEFORE

copied but adapted

author unknown

Before I was a Mom... I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday. Before I was a Mom... I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom... I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Spit on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night. Before I was a Mom... I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep. Before I was a Mom... I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom. Before I was a Mom... I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom... I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom. And before I was a Neena... I didn't know that all those feelings would be tripled to the moon and back!

The REAL ME..A Self Portrait

I am a self professed procrastinator. I put things off until way past the last minute. Procrastinators always volunteer for special projects and jobs for other people. I don't know why I do that but I have noticed that the older I get the worse it seems to get. It seems like we think we can redeem ourselves by accomplishing things for other people! I love to plan parties and big extravaganzas. I always get involved in weddings and celebrations. Mainly because I love to decorate ! Procrastinators have to make lists. We must have them to survive. Sometimes I have the same list going in several places at once because procrastinators seem to misplace things easily. Sadly, alot of these things on my list don't get accomplished. That is very unsettling for a procrastinator. Especially when coupled with that disorder, you throw in a kick of perfectionism. Not traits that compliment each other! But, when I do get moving on things.....projects, "to do's", housecleaning, there is NO stopping me. I am full speed ahead and it sometimes lasts for days. Things are "flying" in all directions and I feel POWER...I start checking things off like crazy. It is incredible...... I just wish it happened more often!

Ever Have One of These Days?

Let's All Move

This is where I want to live. In Happy.

Isn't that a wonderful place? I wonder what the population is and if they have a Target? Do people have to work in Happy? Can grouchy people live in Happy? I bet you have to take an entrance exam to be a citizen of this town. There has been some drama at school this week as there always seems to be at the end of a school year. I think I am going to suggest that our entire campus transfers to Happy ISD.

Anyone else want to go?

Puppy Breath

Ok......I admit it. I have puppy fever. Several years ago we lost our beloved dog that had been part of our family for almost 17 years. It broke my heart and the rest of us too! We said NEVER AGAIN! We get too attached. All of a sudden though, I am having this maternal longing for a puppy. I want to smell it's breath and have it fall asleep beside me. I want to housebreak it and have it chew up all my shoes....oh wait a minute. I changed my mind.

Early Risers

When I stepped out the back door with my cup of coffee this morning, I thought I would be the only one up and out. But, I had nosy neighbors. It looks like they are wondering what I am doing there! Almost like they are whispering to each other! I think the heifer on the left is the one I watched being born through binoculars some months back! Oh, the entertainment I have. Who says you have to spend money on entertainment?

LIZARD LOVE

Spring love does not recognize differences. I walked out the front door today and saw this little visitor. I had seen him before lots of times. He hides in my flower pots and around the porch. He usually scurries away when I come out the door. But today, he was not intimidated by me in the least. I made several pictures of him from all angles. Somewhere in the middle of our photo shoot, he fell in love with me. It "ain't" easy being green, I tell ya. WELCOME SPRING lovers wherever or whoever you are!

Wake Me When It's Over

It's amazing the peace I've felt since my letter
of retirement hit the superintendent's desk.
I saw him today and he asked me if I had
any regrets. I said ABSOLUTELY NOT.
I knew. Don't ask me how but I just knew.
God's hand was in it. This is for sure.
As of June 8th..........I'm free from anything
normal. My trust is in Him. I just don't want to think about it. Until it's over. Is it over yet?


"The Spirit of God will not lead a man where the grace of God cannot keep him.”
— Author Unknown