Several years ago, a group of Moms from our school got together to honor us teachers with a luncheon. It was held at Maria’s Vineyard, a local home with much charm and beautiful gardens. Many weddings are held there, too. So, when the word went out that they were going to do another luncheon this year, I thought, “Oh, how nice of them.” We all left school about the same time and travelled to the house. As soon as I walked in, I saw some friends who used to teach with us, and I thought, “Well, that was nice of Bonnie to invite these girls, too.” But, only when she began to welcome everyone and said, “this luncheon is in honor of Tonja”, did I finally realize I was the one being honored! I was floored…to say the least. Bonnie had some wonderful words to say. A former teacher who has moved away wrote a poem, which they printed out and framed for me. I was given gifts galore, and beautiful, sweet cards from everyone. The food was delicious, and the fellowship sweet! I was so humbled to think that they went to so much trouble for me.

This wonderful school that has allowed me to teach with them for 20 years, is the best. I heard so many words of affirmation and praise as to what I had accomplished with the students…but, in reality, the thankfulness is all mine. With the often chaotic and mostly upturned life I lead, FPPS has been a place of refuge for me. I have had a place where I could go, and leave the troubles behind, and just focus on the children. It has been a place where, when those troubles tried to follow me there, someone was always waiting with a hug, a word of encouragement, or a quick prayer between classes. Such support from Bonnie, our director, has always made my job such a joy. Even though I’ve heard it said that working with a group of women can be tedious at times…this has never been the case with our ‘family’ of teachers here at FP. Everyone is willing to step in and help shoulder the load for as long as is necessary. These ladies have blessed me, prayed for me, cried for me, cooked for me, even sang for me. And I love them all. My words can not do my feelings justice.

So, Bonnie, Paula, Daronda, Andi, Debbie G, Stephanie, Tina, April, TJ, Lynn, Mary Alice, Eve, Dawn, Jennifer, Donnell, Brenda, Jana, Jeanna, Debbie C, Allison, Kim, Sherrie, Rhonda, Angel,…and Ann, Anne, Diane, Kathy, Julie, Belinda, Sue, Katherine Y, Courtney, Regina, Katherine C, and Nita, who lives with Jesus…you have a place in my life, my memories, and my heart…forever.

To the Mom’s who hosted the luncheon…a heartfelt thank-you for your servant hearts and your kindness toward us teachers. Thank-you for trusting us with your most prized possessions…your children.
************************************************************

Yes, I had my camera with me…However, a camera without a little card thingy is no good. DUH!!! But, there were pics taken and I will share them with you as soon as I get them.

I know most of you friends thought you had her…so, I’m sorry to have to break this to you, BUT…I have the best Mom in the world! It’s true! I do! I love you, Mom! You’re the best and I pray every day that you will feel better. We have many more trips to take…and much more shopping to do….and much more fun to have! I am blessed to have you in my life!

After, I visited with Mom, Ian and I had a nice lunch together. He came home from Birmingham. He surprised me on Friday night. Thanks, Ian, for fixing the ‘broken leg’…and thanks for being a young man I am prouder of every day!

Then, Adam and Suzanne, came by. They were dropping off their dog for Alex to dog sit until tomorrow. They have an important meeting to attend in Birmingham. I am so proud of these 2. Adam, thanks for giving me a daughter to love, and thanks, Suzanne, for loving my dear boy so much. God bless you two.

*****************************************************************
OK…back to Saturday. Tina and I headed out early to meet Shirl in Albany,Ga. for the day. It was about an hour drive for her and about an hour and a half for us. It is always such fun when we are together, and Sat. was no exception. We went on a mission to find some patriotic decor for Tina to use at church. She is in charge of the flower and decor committee at our church. She decorates seasonally all over the church. We met at Hobby Lobby, then to TJ Maxx, on to Jo Ann’s, then Ross, back to Hobby Lobby. Oh the damage we can do in a short time.

I did not go off yesterday with the notion of buying anything. But these 2 INSISTED that I needed this set of dishes. And, not just the dishes, but all the accessories to go with them…platters, bowls, glasses, decor, etc. All in a beachy theme. Can you see it all laid out here on the floor? Shameful!

I protested, I begged, I said, “No, No, No…I do not need all this!” But, were they sympathetic, did they understand, did they hear my pleas? No, they just looked at me like this!

And, so I caved. What would you have done if they were blocking your way and looking at you like that? So, it all resides with me here in the Creek House now. And, it will be lovely when we have pool parties this summer. So, maybe, I’m not TOO mad at them!

It is so funny, but, when we 3 find something we really like…it always seems that there are 3 of them available…1 for each of us! And, since we all like the same things…that makes it very nice. I spotted this lamp at one of our stops…and put it in the buggy. I showed it to Tina…and she had to have one. I took the other one to Shirl…and she had to have it too. Isn’t this just the cutest little lamp? ****** Why, no, I don’t know exactly where I will put it. But, I’m sure I will find the perfect place!

I love the checkerboard pattern. I love the interest it adds to whatever it is on or simply by itself. I like it on clothes, on accessories, just about anything!
So imagine my delight, my joy, my sense of serendipity when I happened upon this set of dishes last week at TJMaxx. I say serendipity because I wasn’t looking for dishes…but there they were…waiting for me. Now since I did not really NEED any more dishes, I only bought 4 of each. And, when I got them home…they looked as good as I knew that they would. My friend, Tina, happened to be over and she said, “You only bought 4?” Well, I could tell by the tone of her voice that she did not think that was wise, and I had already been thinking I should have gotten all 8. It was too late to go back that night, so as soon as school was out the next day, I headed back over and hurried into the store…hoping that no one else had bought MY dishes. And there they were…waiting patiently for me to return and bring them all together again. And so I did. Now I have a set of 8. But, I really NEED 12, since my table will now seat 12. Not that I could seat 12 at my table, since I still DO NOT HAVE ANY CHAIRS!!!!! But, when I do have 12 chairs…I can seat 12 people…and they can all eat off of my delightful checkerboard plates.


I may even mix things up a bit, and mix in some of my red plates!

And, how do you like it with the mustard plates?

I could even use them with my orange bowls!

Oh, and the possibilities are endless! What about lime green? Wouldn’t that be fun?

WELL…

Alex had his first procedure this morning. I felt so at peace about this…even though I was not there to tell the doctor just how to do everything! Alex called and said it was over and told me a little about it. He said they put a metal contact over his eye, and then with a laser, cut tiny slits all around the eye. He said it hurt some, but he wasn’t complaining at all. Just the beginning.

I expected to feel very conflicted this morning…with me here and the surgery center 200 miles away! But, God reminded me that He is the one that set this thing up. I, nor Don, had anything to do with it. It was all in God’s timing. So, obviously, He knew I would be busy with my programs. He didn’t see fit to arrange this when I could be present…and so be it. God’s timing is perfect! Even though I was anxious to hear that all was well, I really felt a total peace. A peace that only God can give. And, if you are reading this and do not know how to find that peace…I would love to tell you more about it. It’s for everyone…and it’s FREE!

So, my first program was today. The sweet group of 3 year olds did very well! Of course, whatever they do is always cute! But, they sang and said their verses and poems, and it was very cute. 1 down and 3 to go!

This was especially fun today because several of these boys and girls go to church with me, too. And, Sweet Sophie, from China, was in her very first program today. She did great! What a long way she has come from the scared little girl who arrived here 8 months ago. She sat on stage, and sang, and did her part when it was time! Her mom, Sherrie, made a picture of her. I’ll post it when I get it from her.

I’m waiting on Don and Alex to arrive and then, it’s another big day tomorrow. I’ll make some pics of the decor and share with you later.

Thanks all of you, for your prayers for Alex today. God is good! And you are special to me.

EDIT: Go here to see Sweet Sophie and myself after the program today. This is her mom’s blog.

This has been such a busy time for me. I just can’t seem to find the time to catch my breath!

Of course, the wedding consummed all of last weekend. On Thursday morning, Mom went in to see her doctor to get a shot of steroids to help clear up her cough and URI. She wanted to be feeling good for the wedding. Imagine our surprise when the doctor said she was to report straight to the hospital. Pnuemonia. So, off she went, and got started on her IV antibiotics. She insisted, though, that I continue on with the wedding prep. Our relatives from NC came down for the wedding and I did not even get to see them until the wedding. They did not even get to visit with Mom until after the ceremony. By the way, she got out of the hospital on Saturday morning, rested a bit, got ready, and met us at the church at 4:30 for pics. She was very weak, but I don’t think anything could have kept her away. Thankfully, her doctor goes to our church, and he attended the wedding, too. He let me know he was there in case she needed him. That made me feel so much better. She made it through the ceremony, but left afterward, which was for the best. She visited with my aunts and cousins for a little at her house.

The relatives were planning to leave early on Sunday morning, but, cousin Lisa called me late on Saturday night and said to call them when I got up…they wanted to come and see The Creek House before they left. I was so glad. They came over, and saw the house. We had a chance to visit for about an hour and then they were off on their 12 hour trip home.

These are such special people in my life. I love them all so much and wish that I was able to spen more time with them. Some of my happiest memories have been spent with them, and the rest of their families. They would be here in a heartbeat if we needed them, as we would for them. Family…that is such a beautiful word. And, these ladies are family in the truest sense.

After they left, I went back to bed and slept, off and on, all day. Then Monday, it was the start of another week FULL.

Alex and Don left Monday morning headed to Birmingham. Don had a follow-up appt. with his dr. from his surgery several weeks ago. Then, Alex had a day full of pre-op work with his eye surgeon today in prep for the first phase of his surgery tomorrow. All went well today, and he is set for tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the first of my 4 Spring Musicals. Another one Thur., then another on Fri. Shirts that were to be delivered last Friday, have been arriving a little at a time…which has been a little unnerving, to say the least.

I have 4 new magazines and I am on my way now to climb up into the middle of the bed…with a Diet Dr. Pepper…and read until I get sleepy. If awake, I’ll watch some American Idol…if not, I’ll just dream about it!