interludesandimprovs

Christmas Pictures and Mom's Birthday

2012-01-14T21:44:00.004-06:00

Before school let out Tim and I entertained at Kennedy Powell. The kids were amazed to see Mr. Lightfoot rockin' it out on his electric guitar.

next.....a wonderful lunch with friends

On December 18th, My "Steel Magnolias" group got together. We have been meeting since we were all separated from working at Jefferson in 1999. Jez, Sue, Billie and Bev! Love you so much.

Jez inspired me to get crafty so I copied her artistry and made gifts for the sweet nieces and nephews this year.

That smile says it all!

The first stop on Christmas day was in Rosebud at Tim's Dad's house. I didn't get a lot of pictures. We had a fun dinner and Chinese Gift Exchange with Joe and Patti, Trent and Jamie, Tracy, Paula, Kevin, Keith and Paula's Dad and Aunt.

Pattie's new toy this Christmas was a MARSHMELLOW Gun! She surprised us all.

Erasten hugging her Scooby-Doo Color Book.

Erasten kept finding more stuff in her bag!

Now onto our 2nd stop at Janice and Frankie's.

Brad and Bella enjoying her first Christmas.

A few days later we got to see Erasten again for a swap of dinner for haircuts by Trent and Pattie.

We can't forget that Sasha and Blossom got some special treats from furcuzzins Ruby and Baxter.

Mom turned 84 on January 12th. Her niece, Debra flew in from Oregon for a special visit. We hadn't seen her for almost 30 years. She is mom's sister's daughter. We had a great visit. I think we need to plan a trip to Oregon!

Well Audrey didn't get to get to Texas for the official holidays but she will be here next weekend.

I'm sure we will have some pictures to add then.

Smiles of Thanksgiving and more

2011-11-30T13:19:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving at Janice and Frankie's new house brought lots of smiles. They were so gracious to open up their home in the midst of the the stress of a building a new home. The house is surrounded by beautiful trees and needless to say there is no sonic booms coming from car stereos on the street. I am so happy that they will have such a beautiful place to spend their retirement years....that is if they ever really retire!

We were so happy to get to see Stephanie. We also missed Crystal, Audrey, Emily and Josh, and Vern's family. Maybe next year!

I somehow didn't get many pictures of Brad and Amy. Hopefully JoCarol and Janice did.

Here are some other pictures from the play-off game in Elgin. We are all so proud of Brad and his team for having a great first year together.

Back in September - Janice's 60th Birthday Party

Barbie, Belinda, and oh so many others!

2011-10-25T16:20:00.002-05:00

Earlier today I had to fill out a form and the person that was taking the information had to ask my age. I proudly told him 51. You see I never mind sharing my age after seeing two of my friends die young. I have the blessing to still be here on this earth so telling my age is a joyful thing.

Today would have been Barbie Vander Linden's 52nd birthday. Barbie died in September of 2000. She turned 40 at MD Anderson while undergoing treatment for melanoma cancer.

Belinda Berryman would have been 52 back on the 6th of October. She died in the summer of 2004 from cancer.

Obviously all the pink ribbons in October have brought much awareness to the breast cancer fight. Of course this is great but let's remember throughout the year that all kinds of cancer take so many lives prematurely.

Barbie was such a wonderful friend. I still miss her so much. She could make me laugh and laugh. I remember one day after school was out she was going to take me home. She was driving her parents Plymouth. Burr Hall was the hottest thing to her in his black Trans Am Somehow we got into a "drag race" going down Stone Road. I remember closing my eyes when the speedometer went to 120 but the little plymouth sedan was no match Burr's fast sports car.

Belinda and I lost touch with each other in our adult lives but as young girls we spent a lot of time together due to church activities, etc. I remember one particular day not long after she had gotten her contacts. We were in the bathroom forever trying to get them in. I decided then that I never wanted to wear contacts after seeing her work and cry and try so many times to get them in her eyes!

The most recent loss to cancer was my beautiful Aunt Imogene. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last May and died the end of August. She was a graceful woman that could have been the Proverbs 31 model.

Still fighting cancer is Jim - Imogene's son-in-law, the wonderful husband to Jane, who also has had breast cancer and is now doing well. I pray for him as he courageously battles his terminal condiation.

God Bless all of those who are battling cancer. Maybe one day this terrible disease will be gone.

The Eleventh Day

2011-09-15T10:40:00.000-05:00

The Eleventh Day

By Sharon Lightfoot

A day of hatred;
A day of pain;
A day of heroes
America: never the same.

Four flights off-course;
Four fiery balls;
Two towers, one field;
The five-sided wall.

Many lives lost;
Many dreams destroyed;
Thousands of new soldiers
To the east are deployed.

Ten years have passed.
The burnt field is now green.
The soldier’s wall is rebuilt.
One new tower can be seen.

Water flows endlessly
Around a large bronze frame.
Fingers stroke the letters
Of a dear one’s name.

The day still brings pain.
The enemy’s hatred lives on.
New heroes are made
In military uniform.

Another anniversary will come.
Four more bells will be rung.
Another prayer will be said;
But let a new song be sung.

Oh God of our fathers;
With your Almighty Hand;
Bring love to the hearts of terrorists;
Bring healing to our land.

pictures - old and newer

2011-08-15T10:28:00.002-05:00

These are some pictures from Easter Sunday.

Mama Hen didn't get to gather all of her eggs in one nest that day but she at least got to see them in spurts!

jocarol, mom, mark before church

vern, mom, mark

vern, mom, carol

brad, mom, beau - after lunch at Janice's house

It's nice to see that Mark is still a kid!

Sadie on Frankie's "pillow"

Brooklyn is talking to the pinwheel:)

Ok....how many times do I have to say cheese?

Elijah at the computer - "We're done with the eggs!"

These few pics are from July 24. Audrey and Alex came for a visit and we drove down to Corpus to see Crystal.

It was a great visit - but way too short. I only ventured out late in the day since my body can't tolerate the heat.

Alex took this beautiful picture.

Tim was making Audrey laugh as Alex snapped this one. Imagine that!

BACK IN TEMPLE

And of course Audrey got a chance to see Joe and Pattie

and Mimi and Janice, too.

This past weekend we had a surprise visit from our cousin Dean and his girlfriend, Kathleen. We had dinner at mom's.

Finally

- you know how there are so many pictures of cats at the piano. Well I have one of my own...picture that is. The cat is not mine, but the neighbors' cat named Zero. She always wants to come see me especially since it's been so hot. We've had to end her adventures in our house since she slipped in while the dogs were in the house. It was a close call! We nearly had kitty stew.

reception - last show

2011-06-16T13:40:00.001-05:00

Every night I have dreams about something to do with school. The first night after I had officially turned in my keys and walked out the door I had a dream that I could see my bright red door of the music room closing and I was running up the ramp trying to catch it before I was locked out. I didn't make it so I started banging on the door but no one would let me in. I suppose my soul/psychic is trying to resolve my sadness that I have had to walk away from a job that I love. I am going to keep on believing that this was the right thing to do. Here are a few pictures from the last program and my reception. At the reception one of my former students, Ben Clardy, sang to me. He brought the whole place to tears with his performance of "You Raise Me Up".

I thought I was going to be able to include the video of it that Tim recorded on his phone but somehow it got deleted....but it will never be deleted in my mind or my heart.

Retiring

2011-05-22T19:47:00.000-05:00

Since 1982 I've been teaching in the public schools of Texas. I've been an orchestra director, full-time substitute, and for last 23 years in Temple, I've been an elementary music teacher. This decision isn't coming with a big smile but with a huge sense of sadness since my decision is based upon my health issues. I know that everyone says that God closes one and door and then opens another - or is it a window? I am so grateful for all the wonderful moments I've had sharing my love of music with children. I tried to count how many productions I've done but I honestly don't know. I usually had around 4-5 shows each school year. So since being here in Temple that means over a 100! As I reflect over these 100 shows and 29 years of teaching there are some memories that stand out above the rest:

*****One of the first programs that I did at Jefferson Elementary was about being on the farm. I had told the kids to dress like they were working on the farm. Well that night one of the kids showed up with mud on his clothes and dirt on his face. He said, "Mrs. Thweatt, you told me to dress like I had worked on the farm!" A few years ago I ran into that same boy, now a 6'5'' young man and we had a good laugh.

*****In my second year of teaching at Jefferson I recall the day I asked a first grade class if any of them would like to share a song. One beautiful little blonde-haired child raised her hand. I anxiously awaited.
The next thing I knew a heavenly angelic voice began singing "You Are My Sunshine". It was the sweetest, most clear and pure voice I had ever heard. It was Sarah Brindley, who has become a professional opera singer and performer.

*****The Disney Review at the CAC in the early 90's. We had a huge storm just prior to the show and the electricity went out. The curtain was electrically operated. Try having 100 kids on stage...no lights, then lights, but the curtain won't work! Some dads came down and saved the day by figuring out to get the curtains open despite the broken mechanism.

*****Hooray for Hollywood.... All of the staff at Jefferson dressed up like different characters to help raise money for a new playground. Mrs. Johnston, the principal, won the "Oscar" for her portrayal of CruellaDeVille. The children never quite looked at her the same. Of course my personal favorite was when my Audrey sang "Till There Was You" from "The Music Man".

*****In 1999-2000 I taught K-2 at Reagan Magnet. That spring the school property was sold to St. Mary's Church and the school was to be closed after a 100 years! I was in charge of singing us out in style. We did a musical review that started with the year that Reagan opened in the 1895 or so. We did a musical number for every decade. Vanny Bolsins, the principal, did the Jitterbug swinging when we came to the 1940's era. The children loved it. This show was definitely one my favorites and best productions. Reagan had been such a part of Temple's history that many people wanted to get involved. We had a Dixieland Jazz group, a country band, the Sweet Adelines, and lots of wonderful acts by children and staff members.

*****Not all of the shows were wonderful. One group of children doing a Christmas show were just out of control. I had tried every trick in the book but there are just some combinations of kids that don't need to be together on risers! One very unruly boy....in the middle of the show...decided to clean out his nose and wiped it on the girl's head in front of him. I nearly threw up as I was directing! As soon as the song was over I got a teacher to remove him from the stage for the remainder of the program. Earlier this year I saw him at a local pizza buffet. He came up and hugged me......but I have to admit, I was so glad that Tim and I were just leaving because I honestly could not have gone back to the buffet!

*****The first year I taught at Thornton Elementary I recall a young kindergarten student's curiosity. He sat on the front row of the benches and was very attentive. I had mentioned to the children about not screaming so loud when they sang, that it made my ear drums hurt. Before I knew what had happened this young boy hopped up on the bench and put his hands to my shoulder and tried pulling my head down toward him. I asked him what he was doing. He sweetly replied, "I want to see the drums in your ear!"

I could write more but for now...I just thank God that I have been so blessed to have a profession that has been so fun.....okay - stressful, too! This next Tuesday, May 24th will be my last production. I'll make sure that I take some tissues with me.

"Out of the Mouth of Babes"

2011-04-21T22:05:00.000-05:00

I love to sing seasonal songs with my kids at school. Of course with it being Easter in the Southern "Bible Belt" bunnies and eggs aren't the only thing that people celebrate. Today I read a little book geared toward the primary grades called Celebrating Easter as an introduction to our singing time. The book started out with saying that people celebrate Easter for many reasons. Then it showed a page of Easter symbols and asked if the reader knew what the symbols meant.   As you can guess....there was a bunny, an egg, an Easter Lilly, an Easter Bonnet with flowers, and a cross.
As my class of 2nd grade children looked at the pictures....all at once there seemed to be a vocal eruption of children commenting on the symbol of the cross. I got the kids quiet - not because of what they were saying but because they were all talking at once. So one at a time the ones that wanted to comment were allowed to talk.   Below is a pretty accurate transcript of the children's comments. I will just use student 1,2, 3 etc since I cannot legally tell their names...

Student 1:   "Mrs. Lightfoot, I know what Jesus' last words were on the cross....'Father forgive them cause they have hurt me'...(as the little boy said this...he stood up and stretched out his arms and looked up to the ceiling)

Student 2: "Jesus had somebody die beside him on each side. One man was going to be taken to Paradise.....I think that means heaven"

Student 3: "They put nails in his hands and feet."
(lots of kids took their hands down and said...THAT's what I was going to say!!!"

Student 3 again: "Mrs. Lightfoot did you know that some soldier stabbed him in his side?"

Me: "Yes, honey, I knew that"

Student 4: "They beat him with a whip that had glass or metal in it, He bled a lot."

Student 5: "But He didn't stay dead! What you said happened on Friday but by Sunday morning he was alive!"

Student 6:   Yes, that's called the Resurrection.   That's why Easter is happy,"

Student 7: "I think some angels came and got him out of the grave"

Student 8:    "Now he's in heaven back with God"

Student 9:    "So's my grandma."

At this point I pushed back the tears and continued to read the book.

I hope this Easter brings new life to the corners of your heart that have aged or grown calloused to the story of the Cross.

Hearts and More Hearts

2011-02-15T21:48:00.002-06:00

I've always loved Valentine's Day - (probably because this chubby girl always liked chocolate!)   I can remember the first time I learned to fold a piece a paper and cut out a beautiful heart. I was so amazed that it turned out! I also have a very special memory of getting to go to a Girl Scout Father/Daughter Valentine Dinner. Karla and her dad accompanied me and my dad. I gave my dad a Valentine that I had chosen for him..."A PIZZA of my heart belongs to you!"   He loved it.    Well some Valentine memories aren't quite as special but my love of hearts and the sentiment of the day has remained.

Well earlier this month I decided that I would let my older music classes make Valentines to give to the Veterans over at the VA hospital that we have here in Temple.   I gave the children some guidelines and wrote some sample words on the board.  Then I turned them loose with paper, scissors, glue, markers and colors.  The results were amazing.  Of course there were the funky spellings of words that came from the heart and then the most beautiful designs of hearts and flowers and flags. I was so proud of the children for taking this job so seriously. Of course since it was music class we listened to Beethoven and Bach while we worked.

I wasn't really sure where to even take them but on Saturday afternoon I walked into the Olin Teague Hospital with a huge box of  cards ready to be given away. Once I saw a security guard he directed me where I needed to go and I was on my way.   As I made my way up the various floors I gave most of the cards to the different nurses' stations that were located throughout the hospital. However if my path crossed with someone in the elevator or a waiting room I gave them a Valentine personally. I saw one man wearing a Dallas Cowboy sweatsuit and walking very slowly with a cane. I took a moment and told him about the cards and then handed him one. He read it and then tears came to his eyes. He told me that he would keep this card forever.

So Happy Valentine's Day to all especially to our Veterans and active military. We owe them our thanks.....after all they've given their hearts to us.

New Furchild

2010-12-13T11:05:00.003-06:00

Well after many years of saying that Sasha needed someone to play with....we finally did it.

Meet Blossom. We adopted her from APAC who was at PETSMART this past Friday.

Blossom was one hour away from being put down in the Dallas city shelter. She is obviously a mutt with some Lab color, German Shepherd protectiveness and who knows what else.

She and Sasha bonded right away and we knew that this was the right thing. So Merry Christmas, Sasha. She is probably about a year old and isn't housebroken just yet. Joy, Joy! Oh Well! We are grateful that we were able to rescue her.

All God's Critters

2010-11-16T22:04:00.011-06:00

One of my favorite songs that I have used in my school music programs is "All God's Critters Gotta Place in the Choir". Well my new version is "All God's Critter Gotta Meal on the Porch".

It started with just a little hungry cat. I saw a small black and white kitten crouched under the rocking chair on my side porch. Well of course I had to feed it. It came and went for a few days

Then one evening I was sitting in bed solving my nightly round of puzzles and I heard a very loud "Meow" that sounded stressed. It continued for quite a while. Finally I decided that something was wrong so I go outside in my pj's with a flashlight and follow the sound of cat's cry. Finally up in the tree was a beautiful orange tabby that obviously was stuck up in the tree. I tried to coax it down but after trying to maneuver a few angles, it continued to tell me no. So with a husband who is several inches taller than myself, I convinced him to come and help. Tim tried to just reach the cat and could actually touch him but couldn't get the critter down. Well I am married to such a smart man! Tim went and got a board that was nearby and held it up to the tree and the orange tabby just walked the plank and came right on down. Of course there was a bowl of food on the porch waiting on him ....well I guess I should say her.

Now there were 2 critters to feed...the black and white kitten and the orange tabby. So I went to the store and brought home a good size bag of cat food that I left out on the porch closed up. The next night I go to put out some food for the cats and the bag has a hole in it. Then one morning when I was home from work I heard something on the porch and a squirrel was inside the bag eating the food. Okay....bad idea to leave the bag outside....

Over the next couple of days a half-mixed calico cat appears; another light colored tabby and of course the black and white kitten and the orange tabby are all taking turns at the bowl. This keeps Sasha keeps really busy going back and forth from our bedroom door to the other bedroom door to watch them.

Well one night she started barking really loudly so I went to look through the glass doors and a possom was now enjoying the food. I sat and watched it for awhile and tried to take pictures. None of them turned out very good. After the possom finished dining the mixed calico came for a few moments, then the orange tabby took her turn.

So for now....a possom, several cats and probably some squirrels are enjoying the cheapest cat food I can afford. Tim has assured me that when I go in the hospital that he is not feeding anybody but Sasha!

Pictures!

2010-10-17T11:15:00.005-05:00

We have a beautiful new addition to the Spurlock family! Charlotte Ann Lamsens born to Caroline and Frank on September 28th. She is beautiful and has all ready wrapped Pappi Vern around her little finger. Somehow I didn't get Frank in any of my pictures.

Below is a short video of Mom and Vern with Charlotte.

Turning 50

2010-06-10T12:13:00.009-05:00

Well turning 50 is definitely a turning point in my life. I am not uncomfortable with the number but I have to admit that's it's feeling rather surreal. The party was great and I am so blessed to have had my family and friends be with me to share in the sunset over the lake.

Unforgettable Day

2010-04-19T22:10:00.003-05:00

15 years ago today I was teaching at Jefferson Elementary where Audrey was a 3rd grader. I had bought tickets to see Disney on Ice in Austin and we had gotten permission to leave school a little early to get down there ahead of traffic. Before we left school Audrey was honored for receiving 1st place in the Fire Prevention Poster contest for the city of Temple. The award also came with a gift card to Wal-Mart. So much excitement for a 3rd grader! Finally in Austin at the Disney show we watched with excitement as the characters and music came to life before us in full dazzling colors and lights. As soon as we got in the car, I put Audrey in her pj's and had a blanket handy for the ride home. Before we ever got out of Austin she was fast asleep in the back seat. At that point I turned on the radio.

In this pre-9/11 era, the first news that trickled out about something happening in Oklahoma City was minimal at school that morning. The excitement of our day far overshadowed a possible explosion at an office building. However by nightfall the news was far worse than anyone could have ever imagined. Life in the United States had now been forever scarred.

As I begin to hear the horrific stories on the radio of the number of children killed and wounded I couldn't help but look in the back seat and see my precious child safe and sound through the tears streaming down my face.

So April 19 will always be an unforgettable day of joy and heartache.

May God comfort all of the grieving hearts this day.

Overload

2010-02-24T20:06:00.003-06:00

I am recovering from information outlet overload. I don't really know what else to call it, but I guess I just got to a point where Facebook, emails, blogs, school emails plus required weekly school webpage updates and school blogs were just too, too much.

So for now here's an update of my little world.

I have celebrated with 2 of my friends their 5oth birthday. Mine will be here before I know it.
Tim and I went to New York in January to see Audrey perform in her own play "Stranger than Alice". She was fabulous! We hadn't seen her perform since high school due to the distance and monetary factors. We had a great time and got to meet many of Audrey's friends.
I have gone through menopause!!! Gained weight but didn't have hotflashes. I think hotflashes would have been better
I somehow managed to get 150 4th and 5th graders onstage in 80's costumes in the midst of sleet and bitter cold temperatures.
I enjoyed the first snow experience with the Sashadog. She was so excited and even though she didn't realize it, her breeding kicked in. We went for a walk and I thought at one point I was going to be mushing rather than walking!
I have been so blessed this past year...this past decade. I am very grateful for the lessons I've learned; for the new friends I've made; for the dear old friends that still put up with me; for the love of my husband and the neverending inspiration from my daughter; for the godly examples of my mom and father-in-law; and above all for the continued unbounded Grace that surrounds my spirit.

Tribute to a Beautiful Live

2009-11-11T20:38:00.009-06:00

On November 2 Maxine Faulkner passed away from complications after falling in her church parking lot. I first met Maxine many years ago when Audrey was just a baby and we lived in Miami, Texas. The picture is from August of 2008 when she turned 100.

I was very upset that I couldn't go to her funeral.

You can read her obituary at http://www.amarillo.com/obits/

Maxine lived a beautiful life that honored God. Her cup was full and spilling over with love. I will miss her dearly.

One Little Song

2009-09-28T18:12:00.007-05:00

A week ago I asked my kids at school to come with ways that use music in our lives. Besides their wonderful answers I also had pictures that they looked at to also help them discover more answers. We all agreed that "Happy Birthday to You" was probably one of the most frequently sung tunes of all time.

Last weekend when we celebrated my sister's birthday her grandson...my adorable little great-nephew (who isn't even 3 yet) could all ready sing this song. Hmmm....I wonder was this the 1 billionth time it was sung?

The Sign of the Cross

2009-08-15T21:09:00.006-05:00

The other night I went over to a neighbor's house for the first time. Their home was so beautifully decorated I found myself being somewhat envious. After a few seconds of that I quickly got over myself and I noticed that they had one wall covered entirely in crosses. These were not just cheap, generic crosses but unique examples of craftmanship and artistry. As I stood looking at the crosses the words to the old hymn came to my mind:

"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross 0n which the Prince of Glory died;

My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride.

See from His head, His hands, his feet...sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e're such love and sorrow meet? Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

I'm just curious....when did this start? Perhaps the first decorative crosses came from the Catholic church then the Protestants took Jesus off of the cross and continued the tradition. I'll have to research this.

Another thought.....By using crosses as decorations or for jewelry...do we water down the significance of the cross? Obviously anyone who died by being crucified spent their last hours in agonizing pain and humiliation.
Of course Jesus not only died in this horrible way but also took on deep spiritual pain as well as he suffered for the sins of mankind.

What are your thoughts? I'm still thinking about this. I'm sure each person would see this differently. May the sign of the cross increase your faith today.

Summertime

2009-07-12T22:36:00.012-05:00

Summer is quickly passing but with 100+ temps everyday I have to admit that Sasha and I are thinking about winter.

So far this summer I've gotten to spend time with my Audrey when she came to TX; I've been to Arizona to see Dad's relatives in Phoenix; then a quick trip to East Texas to see my best friend, Karla after her back surgery.

Tonight it was great to finally get to see mom hold all 3 of her Great Grandbabies! She was so excited. With Beau and Erica moving to Waco hopefully there will be more times ahead.

I love all of my nieces and nephews but I have also really enjoyed being a great-aunt as well.

Tim and I have been teaching a lot of private lessons. Tim is feeling much better these days - So thankful! He's decided to go back to school and finally finish his degree. So funny that this Longhorn die hard fan will be going to the new Texas AM in Killeen!

I don't know if anyone ever reads my blog or not but I always feel like I have to write something philosophical. So....here are a few deeper thoughts....

As a Christian I really have been struggling with trying to understand how so many people in the world are believers in God but not necessarily in the same way that I understand Him. So many people are full of love and good deeds, but may not call themselves Christians. So many people call themselves Christians and are not reflective of Christ at all.....

Also as a Christian, I feel like that we must be respectful of our leaders whether we agree with them or not. When Bush was president, many of my liberal friends would send me Bush-bashing emails. Now I get 'Bama-bashing emails instead from my conservative friends. So if you send me a presidential bashing email to forward on...I won't.

49 and Thankful

2009-06-03T20:56:00.003-05:00

On Monday I turned 49! When some of the other teachers at school found out that I was 49 they said "You're Kidding?!?" Well either that meant I looked so young that they were astonished or it meant that they couldn't get over that they were working with someone so old!

Whichever it was I am so thankful that I have lived to celebrate my 49th birthday.

Barbie and Belinda - 2 of my dear friends that I knew growing up both passed away from cancer in their early 40's. After experiencing that, I have never been shy about telling my age. Yes, I do have a few health issues to deal with, but don't we all. So I am thankful for a beautiful life of family and friends and I look forward to the next decade of life.

Happy Spring - Random Things that make me smile!

2009-04-10T18:29:00.012-05:00

Wildflowers!

Seeing bluebonnets for the first time each spring always makes me smile. Central Texas is definitely a beautiful place to live in the spring. I miss seeing the dogwood trees like we had in Kilgore when I grew up, but having bluebonnets helps make up for it.

Babies!

Today we went to Rosebud to see our family over there. Brad, Amy, and Brooklyn were there. Seeing Brooklyn always makes me smile. She was having fun with her new hopping-singing Easter bunnies. I love holding babies and can't wait to see my other new great-niece just born last weekend.

My Sashadog!

My siberian husky has been such a wonderful comfort for me. When our last dog died I was so heartbroken. Sasha has definitely helped me smile again. She is so sweet and gentle with children. I love watching her run and play.

Kids!

Yesterday at school one of my Kindergarten classes know that I really like to color.

We were singing about Little Bunny Foo-Foo and had a songsheet to go with it. One of the boys wanted me to sit and color with him. He very carefully picked out color by color that I would need for my picture. First he handed me a green for the grass, then he told me I would need a brown for the rabbit. When I shaded one of the bushes in a light green, he immediately got a dark green and colored over it....telling me I hadn't done it right. Yes, kids make me smile!

Tim!

When one is married to someone who likes to tease you all the time...well you either smile or get mad. Tim has been really sick since last fall and the constant teasing and being funny was snuffed out by his pain. Now...he is finally better. I'm definitely smiling and thanking God that Tim has come through pneumonia, mono, sarcoidoisis and severe back pain and is still able to laugh and tease.

Audrey!

Today we got back from Rosebud and just as I walked in the door my cell phone rang and the name on the screen was Audrey....I am so blessed to be a mother who has a daughter who calls me just to say hi...that she's having a beautiful day. I have had so many times that she has made me smile...okay...let's be real...smile and cry!

Family and Friends!

To all my family who are also my friends - thanks for making me smile with your love and kindness.

Happy Easter

Hearts and Top Hats

2009-02-10T20:21:00.008-06:00

It's February....one of my favorite months. Being a teacher it seems our lives are easily marked with holidays and symbols of the seasons. Those of you who are in early education know what I mean....snowflakes - January; hearts and top hats - February; kites or shamrocks- March....okay....you see what I mean.

February is one my favorite months not only because of St. Valentine's Day but also because it's the birthday of one of all-time favorite presidents, Abe Lincoln. This is the 200th year of his birth on February 12, 1809. I was first fascinated by him when I had to read about him for a girl scout program. I had to memorize a poem and then be in a skit about the time he walked several miles to return extra change that he had gotten by mistake at a general store.

I also have enjoyed reading many other stories about him as I have grown older. For those that are not as familiar with his remarkable personality, he was truly a tall man...not only in stature but in his heart. I think it's ironic that on Abe's 200th birthday we have a president who laid his hand on the same Bible with similar lean and tall features and represented the state of Illinois.

I doubt if President Obama will ever sport a top hat or grow a beard, but hopefully he will adorn his heart the way Mr. Lincoln did with fervant prayer and guidance for our country in a time of darkness.

Happy February - May your top hat be full of happy hearts ~ Sharon

"Tis Better to Give than Receive"

2009-01-05T20:58:00.003-06:00

It's always sort of sad to say goodbye to the holiday season. I still haven't taken down the tree but I have put a lot of the other decorative items away. Of course it's also sad to have to say goodbye to Audrey knowing that it will be awhile before we get to spend time together once again.

As I reflect over this past holiday season, this year I saw evidence of our children getting more and more expensive gifts....more and more gifts, period! I'm sure that Santa Claus' deliveries may have been leaner in some homes, but some of the children I talked to after Christmas didn't seem to have any recession woes at all. I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood and the lessons that my parents tried to hand down.

Since most of the people that look at this blog are primarily family, then most of you know that Christmas during my childhood was not filled with presents under the tree because there wasn't a tree. I'm still not sure all of the reasons that mom and dad objected to all of the traditions but I distinctly remember them remember them teaching me to think...What are you giving someone? rather than What are getting for Christmas? or What do you want for Christmas?"

Instead of ever making out a list for Santa..(which of course we never believed in) we were asked to pick out a gift for some other child in our class or grade that perhaps was less fortunate. Now of course we were all wearing hand-me-downs and had meals that consisted of bread of gravy at times, but still we were so blessed and I never realized that our financial means were so tight.

One of my favorite memories of giving was during 2nd grade. A girl named Dawn had a single mom and I believe the mother was sick a lot. She loved to draw and so I decided that she would be my choice this year. So mom took me down to Duncan's Five and Dime Store and as I recall we bought a sketch pad, colored pencils, and other art supplies. Then we delivered them to her house. She opened the bag and I'll never forget the look on her red-freckled face: sheer surprise and elation! At that moment I learned the true meaning of the season....which is the age old words of wisdom I entitled this post....Tis better to give than receive.

So to Mom...who occasionally reads my blog.... Thank you that even though as a child I felt really sorry for myself on the day back to school after Christmas break when everyone listed their new inventory of toys....Thank you! Thank you for helping me learn this lesson.

Yes, years down the road, when I was in junior high, Dad had a change of heart regarding the usual traditions of the tree, gift exchanging and even putting lights on the house! However I don't think he ever had a change of heart that the lessons of Christ were always supposed to be about giving rather than receiving.

Long Time No Blog

2008-11-27T16:22:00.003-06:00

Well when school started the blogging seemed to stop. I've been busy like everybody else but I think I just didn't feel like sharing anything as well. But....today is Thanksgiving and I certainly have been thinking about the many things that I am thankful for.....

Spiritual blessings - God's neverending love, grace, mercy and forgiveness; the gift of prayer

Blessings of love - my husband, my daughter, my mom, sister and brothers and all of the family that comes through marriages and extended family; the gift of friends...true friends that stay with you through the good and the bad;

Physical blessings - so numerous but heres a few that come to mind first -
a job that I love (teaching kids about music); a warm (and cool) home;
plenty to eat, a great bed to sleep in, a car that works, clean running water,
healthcare insurance and despite having Multiple Sclerosis having decent health;

Icing on the cake - Music, flowers, my dog Sasha, children's hugs and laughs, living in a country with so many freedoms, and especially today - my favorite - Pumpkin Pie!

Good ol' days?

2008-09-04T20:11:00.009-05:00

Many times I get emails with sentiments of how things used to be or you hear someone say..."things are just not like they used to be." Well I certainly can identify with these feelings at times. Perhaps that is why I love to go to the downtown Temple Dollar General Store. Just walking into the very old building with its quaint musty smell, hardwood floors somehow takes me back in time to Duncan's Five and Dime in downtown Kilgore years ago in the '60's.

But on the other hand....the other day my mom mentioned how that she had to quit working back in the 50's when she was pregnant with Vern. No, it wasn't due to health reasons...but due to the fact that when a woman started showing she could no longer be out in a public job. Wow!!! It got to me thinking...maybe the good ol'days weren't always so good.

So step back to 1960 when I was born and then imagine how crazy these things would sound:

Barak Obama - African American Democratic Presidential nominee

Sarah Palin - Mother of five Republican VP nominee

Cell phones, computers, not to mentions families having more than one in their homes

The Internet - Ebay - Google -

Video - live feed of hurricanes, wars, Olympics brought right into our living rooms

Access to all kinds of music with the touch of a button

Having a choice of more than 3 different TV stations

Sonograms, MRI's, improved cancer treatments, vaccines, etc.

Well obviously I could keep typing and perhaps you've got a few of your own to add. I know that many wonderful values have been lost in these present times but I'm certainly grateful for the improvements that our world has seen.

James 1:17 - Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights

friendship in unexpected places

2008-08-24T21:01:00.009-05:00

Tonight I have been looking at all of my families' blogs and realized that it's been quite awhile since I posted something new on mine. I turned around and realized that September is next week, school is starting on Tuesday and the summer is over. I always have mixed feelings as we transition from one season to another....at least when it comes to going back to school! I love teaching, but I'll be honest... I love my summer mornings...getting to take my time walking SashaDog and piddling around the house.

Well speaking of Sasha dog....we had a tiny stray kitten come up in the yard yesterday and MamaSashaDog appeared in full force. We aren't really cat lovers and with cat allergies in the family, we couldn't keep her but neither could we just let her get run over so went we brought in the house until the animal shelter opened. Sasha licked her and tried to get all of the fleas off of her then she let her share her food. She never left her alone. It was pretty sweet.

Student Sightings

2008-07-29T21:15:00.000-05:00

Elementary music teachers have a wonderful and unique advantage. Not only do you usually
get to teach everyone at the school (which in Temple averages about 500 students), but you also experience the joy of seeing them grow up year from the innocent 5 year old to the not so innocent 5th grader ready to move onto middle school.

Almost every outing that I make to the grocery store, mall or even a wedding, brings encounters with students that I currently teach or students that I formerly taught. In some cases it also brings the opportunity to see students I taught with their children who I also have taught.

Sometimes I spot them and just smile and pass on by if they don't recognize me. Other times I hear a voice yell out me....Mrs. Lightfoot!!!! If they call out Mrs. Thweatt!!! then I know without even looking that the voice is coming from the school of Jefferson where Audrey went and I taught from 1988-1998.

In the picture above on the right, I had the opportunity to pose for a picture with one of my former students Ashley Hill at a recent wedding we attended. I remember her beautiful voice singing "Part of Your World" and she sat on the stage of the CAC dressed up like Ariel, The Little Mermaid. Then I had the wonderful opportunity to teach her sweet daughter, Kelleigh at Thornton.

In the picture on the left, we happened to run into these guys..cousins and former classmates of Audrey, Braxton Brown and Korell McBride. They had posed 12 years ago together with Audrey at her 10th birthday party after giving her a rose. Korell and Braxton were outstanding performers in many of the shows we did for that group. I just happened to have my camera in my purse so after hugging them and getting the latest scoop about them, I went for the picture.

Sadly sometimes I spot former students and it's not a joyous moment. Recently I saw on the news the mug shot of the young man who tragically struck and killed a Temple resident and then fled the scene. I instantly remembered him as a young sweet boy who liked to help me. Those moments usually bring me to tears and then I know that God allowed me to remember them so that I can pray for them.

Now that Tim is also working in the school system we often make a fun bet about who will see the most students when we go out.

When I really think about it, teaching brings with it an awesome responsibility but the rewards are awesome!

sisters

2008-07-16T20:43:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I posted my first blog and unbelievably my sister posted her first blog at almost the exact same time. Neither one of us had told the other and had not spoken at all that day. Both us chose blogspot.com to set up our blogs and both mentioned that we were looking at other families' blogs.

Well, Janice, I guess great minds think alike and at the same time:)

Inspirations

2008-07-15T18:08:00.000-05:00

A Rainy Afternoon in Temple....and after surfing over other friends' and families' blogs I was inspired for the first time to set up one of my own. As a musician, I rarely express my creativity or inspirations in a written format. My musical improvisations come so easily to me when I sit at a piano, but this format of expressing oneself is somewhat foreign to me. I will see what happens with this effort.

So far since May 15, we've been really busy with graduations, weddings, birthdays and baby showers in our family. I've had the wonderful blessing of seeing my own daughter graduate with high honors from Marymount Manhattan College in NYC. She's been my inspiration for so many years to keep pushing myself to do better. As a young single mother, struggling with many setbacks, I would feel so discouraged, but the bright-eyed toddler in front of me with the mischeivous grin always snapped me out of the dumps and gave me strength to keep going. Now I see her as a beautiful young woman and feel humbled that God allowed me the privilege to be her mom. I recently wrote a song for her. If I could figure out how to include it, then I will add it in.

Life can be overwhelmingly busy, but on this rainy afternoon, it's been nice to have a quiet interlude of sweet memories and reflections.