Monday, July 4, 2016
Musings : The Notebook--an analogy
Musings : The Notebook--an analogy: I watched The Notebook for the umpteenth time last night and, yes, I have read the book. This is definitely one of my favorite love storie...
Musings : Christmas Wishes for My Children
Musings : Christmas Wishes for My Children: Driving home from very enjoyable, albeit very short, visits with my daughter and grand daughter in Deer Park and my "sis" in Dicki...
JULY 4TH 2016/ 240TH Anniversary of this nation
As we celebrate this fourth of July, I am amazed at how little most know about why we celebrate. Today the television is filled with movies, interviews, and stories of bravery in the various wars and battles we have fought, and so it should be, but what about the Founding Fathers? Much has been said about the negative aspects of these men over the years. However, the real stories behind said aspects are not being told. Why do we want to tear this country down, when it has meant so much to so many around the world?
As I look back over those who founded this country, I find a group of men who were dedicated to freedom: freedom to live and worship God in their own manner,not one forced on them by a government across the ocean. I see a group of people tired of horrendous taxes put upon them by the very form of government they chose to leave. I see a group of men ready to lay down their own lives to bring religious freedom, freedom from overbearing taxes, and personal pursuit of happiness to this new found land. Over the years, many have tried to tarnish these men. Why?
If we take the time to truly delve into history we will find these men did, in fact, dedicate this country to God. We were truly founded as a Christian nation, one that honored and revered God. . These founders dedicated this land to God and asked Him to direct them and this country. Many since that time have sought to change this history, remove God from our lives, and forget the promises made by our founders.
And, today, we wonder why we see the things we see. I hope that each of us would take our own journey into the past and learn who we are and have been as a people. Learn the truths being swept aside as to whether or not we are a Christian country. As we celebrate today, let us remember...
As I look back over those who founded this country, I find a group of men who were dedicated to freedom: freedom to live and worship God in their own manner,not one forced on them by a government across the ocean. I see a group of people tired of horrendous taxes put upon them by the very form of government they chose to leave. I see a group of men ready to lay down their own lives to bring religious freedom, freedom from overbearing taxes, and personal pursuit of happiness to this new found land. Over the years, many have tried to tarnish these men. Why?
If we take the time to truly delve into history we will find these men did, in fact, dedicate this country to God. We were truly founded as a Christian nation, one that honored and revered God. . These founders dedicated this land to God and asked Him to direct them and this country. Many since that time have sought to change this history, remove God from our lives, and forget the promises made by our founders.
And, today, we wonder why we see the things we see. I hope that each of us would take our own journey into the past and learn who we are and have been as a people. Learn the truths being swept aside as to whether or not we are a Christian country. As we celebrate today, let us remember...
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Musings : Happy Birthday Booger
Musings : Happy Birthday Booger: Thirty-five years ago today, a very small baby was born. He was a premie with respiratory distress, but God was very gracious. He heard an...
Happy Birthday Booger
Thirty-five years ago today, a very small baby was born. He was a premie with respiratory distress, but God was very gracious. He heard and answered the prayers prayed by his family. The days and weeks spent at Texas Children's Hospital allowed this little one to gain strength and add weight. I would often say that I thought the doctors were putting rapid grow into his IV. Finally, Booger, as he became known in the hospital, came home to his waiting family. With five living siblings, he was loved beyond belief! John became his protector and mentor--they were inseparable.
One day, while preparing dinner, I glanced out the window and saw this young man riding his bicycle down the street and he had this young "baby" sitting on his shoulders and holding to his head. My first though was, who would allow such a thing. My next thought was, "oh no, that is John and Booger." My knees weakened and I was struck "dumb." Eventually, they made their way back home and I was scared to death, not knowing what to say or how to say it. John lifted Booger from his shoulders with a big grin that was matched by the grin on Boo's face. "See Mom, he loves it!"
When Booger was just learning to walk, he was following John from the living room to the kitchen, when he stopped mid step. He was looking at the wall and his shadow was looking back. He was some what fearful of taking the next step. We laughed and I said he sees his shadow which caused him to look around for John's dog--Shadow.
Around that same time, we decided to watch Planet of the Apes debut on TV. Boo was glued to the TV. And, then bed time came... LOL
He was such a joy to watch grow, and grow he did. He was playing football with John and his friends at two. If the truth were known, I think he may have been the football! I never asked. It was better that way.
He began to have asthma problems soon after David was born. One morning he woke me with wheezing, and I was really scared for him. I called a friend to watch David while I took Booger to the doctor's, and while waiting, Boo wrapped his arms around me and said, "Mom, would you please pray for me?" He had such a tender heart.
Right after moving to Rio Hondo, the children and I were praying, and we hear this little voice saying, "Lord, this is Booger and I am in little ol Rio Hondo, do you know where that is?" Only those from Rio Hondo can appreciate that!
It was good raising the kids in Rio Hondo because they were able to become involved more in FFA and 4H. Boog loved the animals and following Johnny and Jason around. Once he was in school he was forever asking when he could have a hog. Again, those from Rio Hondo would understand this, too. :-)
When Booger was in first grade, his teacher (please, don't anyone who knows say who) refused to call him Booger. One day in the cafeteria Ms. Brackin sees him and says hello Booger, as only Ms. Brackin could, and the teacher says, "His name us Claude." To which Ms. Brackin said, "Well, I'll be darned, sure looks like Booger to me."
I sent a package of things I had collected over the years to this teacher so that she could see that the name Booger meant Rascal as well as what she thought it meant. I had a paper article talking about a county in Texas that has the nickname Booger; I sent an article about a rodeo clown named Booger; and match book covers that depicted a family of Holsteins with a son called Booger. She finally allowed others to call him Booger, but she never would.
Booger grew and became involved in FFA, sports, student council and a lot of mischief. He and his friends found much to get into, daily. To Boog, his friends were like family. I didn't realize how much they meant to him until I began to hear the stories shared once he left us. I believe his love for his friends was matched by theirs for him.
The Bobcats were playing La Feria the last time I saw him. He and Chula and another friend came walking into the game at half time. I was sitting in the stands. He called from the Hills after the game because he could not believe the Bobcats had won. We talked for a few minutes about the game and as we were getting ready to hang up I said, "I love you Booger." He said, "I love you too Mom." His final words to me, but words that were and are so meaningful. I sure miss that Rascal!
When I see his friends on facebook, I often wonder what Boog would look like and what he might be doing. But, I know that nothing he would be doing would ever compare to the streets of gold and times he and John are having. Those two boys are once more tumbling around and enjoying one another's company--of that I have no doubt.
Happy Birthday Booger!
One day, while preparing dinner, I glanced out the window and saw this young man riding his bicycle down the street and he had this young "baby" sitting on his shoulders and holding to his head. My first though was, who would allow such a thing. My next thought was, "oh no, that is John and Booger." My knees weakened and I was struck "dumb." Eventually, they made their way back home and I was scared to death, not knowing what to say or how to say it. John lifted Booger from his shoulders with a big grin that was matched by the grin on Boo's face. "See Mom, he loves it!"
When Booger was just learning to walk, he was following John from the living room to the kitchen, when he stopped mid step. He was looking at the wall and his shadow was looking back. He was some what fearful of taking the next step. We laughed and I said he sees his shadow which caused him to look around for John's dog--Shadow.
Around that same time, we decided to watch Planet of the Apes debut on TV. Boo was glued to the TV. And, then bed time came... LOL
He was such a joy to watch grow, and grow he did. He was playing football with John and his friends at two. If the truth were known, I think he may have been the football! I never asked. It was better that way.
He began to have asthma problems soon after David was born. One morning he woke me with wheezing, and I was really scared for him. I called a friend to watch David while I took Booger to the doctor's, and while waiting, Boo wrapped his arms around me and said, "Mom, would you please pray for me?" He had such a tender heart.
Right after moving to Rio Hondo, the children and I were praying, and we hear this little voice saying, "Lord, this is Booger and I am in little ol Rio Hondo, do you know where that is?" Only those from Rio Hondo can appreciate that!
It was good raising the kids in Rio Hondo because they were able to become involved more in FFA and 4H. Boog loved the animals and following Johnny and Jason around. Once he was in school he was forever asking when he could have a hog. Again, those from Rio Hondo would understand this, too. :-)
When Booger was in first grade, his teacher (please, don't anyone who knows say who) refused to call him Booger. One day in the cafeteria Ms. Brackin sees him and says hello Booger, as only Ms. Brackin could, and the teacher says, "His name us Claude." To which Ms. Brackin said, "Well, I'll be darned, sure looks like Booger to me."
I sent a package of things I had collected over the years to this teacher so that she could see that the name Booger meant Rascal as well as what she thought it meant. I had a paper article talking about a county in Texas that has the nickname Booger; I sent an article about a rodeo clown named Booger; and match book covers that depicted a family of Holsteins with a son called Booger. She finally allowed others to call him Booger, but she never would.
Booger grew and became involved in FFA, sports, student council and a lot of mischief. He and his friends found much to get into, daily. To Boog, his friends were like family. I didn't realize how much they meant to him until I began to hear the stories shared once he left us. I believe his love for his friends was matched by theirs for him.
The Bobcats were playing La Feria the last time I saw him. He and Chula and another friend came walking into the game at half time. I was sitting in the stands. He called from the Hills after the game because he could not believe the Bobcats had won. We talked for a few minutes about the game and as we were getting ready to hang up I said, "I love you Booger." He said, "I love you too Mom." His final words to me, but words that were and are so meaningful. I sure miss that Rascal!
When I see his friends on facebook, I often wonder what Boog would look like and what he might be doing. But, I know that nothing he would be doing would ever compare to the streets of gold and times he and John are having. Those two boys are once more tumbling around and enjoying one another's company--of that I have no doubt.
Happy Birthday Booger!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Remembering Dale
Several days ago my heart was once again tugged homeward. I received word that a friend and former colleague had passed from this life to her reward in heaven. Dale Ballard-Howland, or Ms. Dale, as she was affectionately called, was a very private person who wanted nothing said or done at her passing. But, how can those of us who had grown to love her and appreciate the person she was not say something?
Dale's son Lydan and my son John were very good friends, but I did not become personally acquainted with Dale until the Christmas after John was re-located to heaven. She and Lydan brought a gift by. I still have and treasure that gift. Her thoughtfulness was my introduction to the woman I came to know.
Ms. Dale was the "cafeteria lady." The one who counted students, collected money, kept the books, and kept the students "in-line." Many have told me she was strict but very fair. She didn't want anyone behaving in an un-lady like or un-gentlemanly manner. She learned all their names, but insisted on calling them endearing nicknames. If a student needed extra portions, Dale saw to it that he/she got them. If a student had no lunch money, Dale bought his or her lunch. No child went hungry with Ms. Dale around.
But, her kindness was not limited to the lunch room. Some students wanted to start an afterschool soccer team, so Dale bought the jerseys. A teacher needed a walker after breaking a bone in her leg, so Dale brought one that had been used by her son as he battled cancer. She donated books to the library, helped students with sponsorships, and became a source of encouragement to me and many other teachers. Her smile was infectious! And, it will be greatly missed.
To the precious lady who came to me with a gift that will forever be treasured and the friend she became, I say so long dear, dear lady. You will be missed by all who knew you. Just be cautious as you walk those streets of gold; Lydan and John are probably still up to some of their old pranks. :-)
Dale's son Lydan and my son John were very good friends, but I did not become personally acquainted with Dale until the Christmas after John was re-located to heaven. She and Lydan brought a gift by. I still have and treasure that gift. Her thoughtfulness was my introduction to the woman I came to know.
Ms. Dale was the "cafeteria lady." The one who counted students, collected money, kept the books, and kept the students "in-line." Many have told me she was strict but very fair. She didn't want anyone behaving in an un-lady like or un-gentlemanly manner. She learned all their names, but insisted on calling them endearing nicknames. If a student needed extra portions, Dale saw to it that he/she got them. If a student had no lunch money, Dale bought his or her lunch. No child went hungry with Ms. Dale around.
But, her kindness was not limited to the lunch room. Some students wanted to start an afterschool soccer team, so Dale bought the jerseys. A teacher needed a walker after breaking a bone in her leg, so Dale brought one that had been used by her son as he battled cancer. She donated books to the library, helped students with sponsorships, and became a source of encouragement to me and many other teachers. Her smile was infectious! And, it will be greatly missed.
To the precious lady who came to me with a gift that will forever be treasured and the friend she became, I say so long dear, dear lady. You will be missed by all who knew you. Just be cautious as you walk those streets of gold; Lydan and John are probably still up to some of their old pranks. :-)
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Chris Kyle's American Sniper
I bought this book a couple of months ago, and put it on top of my to read stack. I have changed my reading to non-fiction this past year, and there are many I feel a need to read. This particular book intrigued me from the first mention of it, and became more of an intrigue when I heard Chris Kyle being interviewed, and then mourned with many at his untimely death.
I took the book with me as reading material for my flight to and from Oregon last month. I started reading as soon as we reached our flying altitude and read until we landed. I laughed and gasped my way through the first chapters, often sharing some of the lighter, more comical parts (and there were many) with Claudette. I am not sure what the other passengers might have thought of this grandmother reading a book of this nature, but I enjoyed it on many levels.
I saw in Chris the attitude my son Jason has. I could see Jason's face in many of the scenarios described by Chris and felt that maybe, just maybe I was getting an insight into what Jas had experienced at times.
War is not fun and games. Lives are changed, good people are hurt and most civilians haven't a clue. I guess this is what troubles me the most. I was raised an army brat (air force actually) and military is in my blood. Maybe that is why I feel the need to defend our young men and women who choose to enlist. My brothers were military, and I tried to join at seventeen, but the military said, "Come back when you turn eighteen." By then I had met my husband and my plans changed. I have often wondered- what if...
Getting back to the book. There is a certain man in the U.S. who is suing the family of Chris Kyle for something written in the book. My take on that is had he not opened his mouth, no one would know who Run-a-way is. You, sir, should be ashamed.
I do not like some of the words used in the writing of this book. But, I am not this man's judge. Would I say anything similar under the same circumstances? Maybe. This book does bring to light some of the horrors our service men and women have endured for years. The trauma that surrounds them on a daily basis is mind boggling. They deserve all the love, honor, and respect possible, as they return home.
I continued reading on our return flight and found every chapter gripping. I found his style quite relaxed, even though he was dealing with a very troubling subject: the shooting of more than 150 (confirmed) bad guys.
I can not say it is an easy read because nothing about war is easy, but I can say it is a remarkable read. I think many of you will find it this way, too.
I took the book with me as reading material for my flight to and from Oregon last month. I started reading as soon as we reached our flying altitude and read until we landed. I laughed and gasped my way through the first chapters, often sharing some of the lighter, more comical parts (and there were many) with Claudette. I am not sure what the other passengers might have thought of this grandmother reading a book of this nature, but I enjoyed it on many levels.
I saw in Chris the attitude my son Jason has. I could see Jason's face in many of the scenarios described by Chris and felt that maybe, just maybe I was getting an insight into what Jas had experienced at times.
War is not fun and games. Lives are changed, good people are hurt and most civilians haven't a clue. I guess this is what troubles me the most. I was raised an army brat (air force actually) and military is in my blood. Maybe that is why I feel the need to defend our young men and women who choose to enlist. My brothers were military, and I tried to join at seventeen, but the military said, "Come back when you turn eighteen." By then I had met my husband and my plans changed. I have often wondered- what if...
Getting back to the book. There is a certain man in the U.S. who is suing the family of Chris Kyle for something written in the book. My take on that is had he not opened his mouth, no one would know who Run-a-way is. You, sir, should be ashamed.
I do not like some of the words used in the writing of this book. But, I am not this man's judge. Would I say anything similar under the same circumstances? Maybe. This book does bring to light some of the horrors our service men and women have endured for years. The trauma that surrounds them on a daily basis is mind boggling. They deserve all the love, honor, and respect possible, as they return home.
I continued reading on our return flight and found every chapter gripping. I found his style quite relaxed, even though he was dealing with a very troubling subject: the shooting of more than 150 (confirmed) bad guys.
I can not say it is an easy read because nothing about war is easy, but I can say it is a remarkable read. I think many of you will find it this way, too.
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