Christmas Eve Gift

As long as I can remember, my family has always been in a pretty stiff competition of who can say, "Christmas Eve Gift" first. My Nanny was the pro of all pros. She would call us early in the morning on Christmas Eve and greet us with her cheeriest "Christmas Eve Gift" when we answered the phone. The tradition did slide a little bit as she became older and her health declined. But she is looking down on us today and smiling because the tradition is alive and well.

I finally took the time to come in and see what research results I could find on the Internet concerning this tradition. I was quite surprised to find several hits on the subject "Christmas Eve Gift tradition." It seems that whoever offers the "Christmas Eve Gift" greeting first is to receive a small gift on Christmas Eve. We have never actually bestowed a gift on anyone. My family is rich with the gifts of love, support, and commitment to each other. Christmas has always been special in my family. Both of my parents are "only children," which obviously means that my sister and I have no aunts or uncles...except for those that I adopted (Aunt Nell and Uncle Jim). I say that I am the one that adopted them because I am the oldest and had that privilege because they were close friends to my parents. My mother taught school so she shared the same holiday with us. My dad was a farmer and it was imperative that the farm work continue. So both sets of grandparents spent Christmases with us. It was a very laid back, simple type of holiday. Then I met Benny and was introduced to a whole new set of events and activities at Christmas.


Benny's mother and brother owned a department store which meant working until the evening time and making sure everyone had picked up their wrapped gifts. His parents had quite a few brothers and sisters. So as soon as the store closed we would make our way to Grandma and Grandpa Balls to have Christmas with them and Donnie Ray. There would be a quick supper before opening gifts. Then we would rush over to Grandma and Grandpa Drapers. Their little house on West Harris would be bulging at the seams with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins. Of course, there would be plenty of food to enjoy there and then it was time...time for the infamous Chinese trading game that would bring out the deep competition within each member of the family. Oh the stories of conniving and sneakiness that could be shared today. Thank heavens those walls don't talk. It would be very close to midnight before getting away from there and make our way to have Christmas with Ila and Wilburn. Everyone would then make their way home, awaiting Santa's arrival. That left Christmas Day for my family. You can imagine how quiet Christmas Day was after all the hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve. That tradition continued as long as we had grandparents. Benny and I joined the rank of retail stores and with two children of our own, it became more hectic than ever. As you can imagine, Christmas is much slower today. Of course, our children are grown with families of their own. Our Christmas celebrations are different from year to year in order to share them with their in-laws and work around firemen and military duties. But it is joyous, none the less. The love we share makes it Christmas all year long.

It was a joy to wake up to a blanket of beautiful snow covering everything. Of course, the biggest joy is that we are staying in and don't have to venture out. But our prayers do cover those that are out in this. The road crews have been out early this morning trying to make everything as safe as possible. And there are those that have to go to work. There are others that still have some shopping to do and will feel that there is nothing they can do but go out to finish making all their gift purchases. So we wish a safe Christmas Eve to everyone, too.

But more than anything, we wish a very Merry Christmas to everyone. It is important to remember that the real reason we celebrate this season is the most wonderful gift of all that God gave to each of us...his precious son, Jesus. My Pop always told me that he worried about us because there is so much "meanness" in the world. That is true. But there is also a lot of "goodness" in the world. We just need to continue to build that goodness until it completely envelopes the meanness and dissolves it completely. Another great gift that God gave us is the freedom to choose for ourselves. He loves us unconditionally and waits patiently for us to choose Him and the saving grace he has offered through Jesus Christ. That is my choice.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and we pray for God's richest blessings to you and your families in the new year.

Donnie Ray's Christmas Party

Let me introduce you to a very special man in my family. This is Donnie Ray Ball and he is Benny's uncle. He is the youngest of the Ball clan and has always been a ray of sunshine for all of us. He lived in Spur for 68 of his 70 years, but moved to Matador when the nursing home closed here. It was an extremely sad time as he bid all his friends that he had known all of his life goodbye as they left, one by one. He and Robby Hoover were the last two to leave the facility.

We just celebrated his second Christmas at Matador. It was an exciting day. When we arrived, everyone had to tell us the "Donnie" stories for the day. He had wheeled all over the facility looking for his beloved Santa. He knew what the day held in store for him. Now you have to understand something about Donnie. He is the true Christmas lover of all mankind. Santa Claus has always held a special place in his heart. Grandma and Grandpa Ball always put a Christmas tree up as early as possible for Donnie because that was his joy. And family members soon joined in by providing Santa-themed gifts for him. No matter what may come, Donnie will always be remembered for his love of Santa.

All the staff related the stories about him going all over the place, looking for Santa. By the time we got there, it was evident that he was tired. But the promise and anticipation of Santa's arrival kept him going. He had his Santa's Helper hat on. His "buddy" gave him a pair of knitted Santa slippers and they were on his feet, secure underneath his blanket. Dinner was just a waste of time. The anticipation and excitement were just too much.

Finally, the moment arrived...Santa walked through the doors and made his way right to Donnie. Donnie put out his hand for a welcome shake (as he does for all those he knows and loves). Santa had come to see him, just as he continually told Fred. Fred is one of Donnie's best friends that volunteers at the nursing home. He kept telling Donnie that Santa was coming to see him (Fred), but Donnie would let him know immediately that Santa was coming to see him (Donnie). There was no misunderstanding Donnie's communicating through his pointing at his own chest. Santa was definitely coming to see him. Santa presented Donnie a special gift. Oh, the gift was a beautiful treasure and Donnie held it tightly. He constantly protected it from Benny's outreached hands. Benny loves to tease Donnie by trying to get his gifts from him. But don't worry about Donnie. He can take care of those treasured gifts. He pulls the gifts aways from Benny's hands and tells Benny to "go there" as he points to the other side of the room.

As he opened the gift, he discovered a beautiful night light with Santa on it. You could see in his eyes that it was one of the most beautiful gifts ever. He held it close to him, not wanting to put it

down. He finally allowed me to set it on the table in front of him as he opened his other gifts. He got a beautiful maroon sweatshirt from another friend who lives there at the facility, Don. And then there was a warm grey hoodie from Santa. He also got a digital camera, Christmas pajamas, a jacket, bags of candy, lotion, cards, and socks. It was a great Christmas. But as soon as the gifts were opened, it was time to go to his room. He was tired and a young lady who volunteers along with her family, pushed him to his room. It was no surprise when Benny and I turned the corner, carrying his gifts to his room, to see him in the hallway with Santa again. Santa had made his way through the halls greeting and visiting all those in their rooms. Santa is always so gracious and takes plenty of time to visit with Donnie.

It was a great party. There were so many guests, that some had to sit in the adjoining dining room. The staff had filled the main dining room with tables covered with beautiful white and gold table clothes. They served each of us a tasty ham dinner. There were Christmas songs sung with lots of laughter and cameras flashing, recording more Christmas memories for each of us.

We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year for 2010.

Christmas Blessings 2009 Dec 12

I cannot believe that it has been July since I added to my blog. Where in the world does the time go? I have no earthly idea. But the season draws my attention to all the blessings in my life. What better way to share my reflections than through this blog.

What joy has filled our family. Our grandchildren doubled with the arrival of two adorable twin girls in October. Our little boys better take advantage of every moment they have until these little spit fires grow up and make their own mark in life. My children continue to amaze me over and over again. Timmy teaching and Elisha getting her Master's, Blake still devoted to fire fighting and Katrina making her mark in the nursing field. I have been truly blessed. Benny and I continue taking one step at a time, enjoying time with family and friends.

We wish everyone a blessed and joyous Christmas with a future of a bright new year ahead.

3 beautiful things: July 4, 2009

Happy July 4 everyone and Happy Birthday to our great country. It was a lazy, carefree day around our family today...enjoying time with family around the pool, cooking hamburgers and hotdogs, and watching fireworks. So what three beautiful things did I see today?

Obviously one of the things was the firework display at the lake. I love the sparkly ones that burst and crackle. The night was so cool and pleasant with the rain and cloud cover. The brilliant colors of the fireworks are always beautiful against the dark sky.

Another beautiful thing I saw today was my son-in-law carrying my grandson getting him ready for bed. Cam's tired little head rested on his daddy's shoulder and he was ready to go to sleep. He has had an exciting weekend spending time with his cousins, swimming, and making ice cream in a bag.

The third beautiful thing I saw today was a turtle in my mother-in-law's backyard. This is a regular occurance. I firmly believe that word spreads throughout the turtle community that this lady is the one to visit for fresh bread. She can sit on the patio and talk to them and feed them bread. But as soon as any of the rest of us make a step outdoors...they are gone. She loves these animals and they seem to return the favor.

Again, Happy July 4 to everyone.

3 beautiful things: June 24, 2009

The first two beautiful things that comes to my mind immediately are the sweet grandbaby twins that I got to see in the sonagram today. It was so exciting to get to be a part of it with the kids. It was also the day of the big announcement. We have been anticipating this day for several months and hoping that they would cooperate to let us know what they are...and they did. They are girls. Tee Hee. I can't help but giggle.

So that brings to the list the third beautiful thing that I saw...actually two again. Seeing the grins on Blake's and Katrina's faces was heart warming. Wow. I continue receiving more blessings than I deserve. Our God is an awesome God.

3 beautiful things: June 12, 2009

I am currently in Corpus Christi at the 80th Alpha State Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Convention. I attended the Birthday Luncheon today and was encouraged by a sister who challenged us to experience each moment of each day that God gives us. She told us of a lady who records in a journal three beautiful things that she noticed each day. That is something I want to do, so will begin right now.

The first thing that comes to my mind is this awesome picture I took of my son-in-law holding my grandson for his first swim in the "ocean." The force of the wind and waves was scary to this precious child, but he was secure in his father's arms. It reminds me of the security we should all feel in our own Father's arms.

The second beautiful thing I saw today was this small shell that reminded me of angel's wings.

The third beautiful thing I saw today was beautiful kaleidescope colors and smiling faces of Delta Kappa Gamma sisters at the birthday luncheon. It was awesome.

Another year almost over

I can't believe it...the last week of this school year is here. Where did the time go? So it is time to race against the clock once again to get everything completed that needs to be done before the end of the week and graduation. And then it is time to start gearing up for next year with workshops, conventions, and cleaning of computers.

I dear friend of my mother's told me at the beginning of my junior year that I need not fret over the slow passing of time. She assured me that as I got older, the time would pass much faster and I would sit and wonder just where all of it went. Well, Barbara, you were right. I is even hard to remember just how slowly time was passing at that time when I was looking forward to my own high school graduation, ready to enter the world as my own person yet scared to death of the future.

And I sit and watch my grandchildren as they grow into independent young toddlers and wonder whatever happened to those tiny babies that would just lay in my arms and sleep to their heart's content. Time is so very precious. Hang on to every moment and protect the happy moments you share with those you love.

Student Competition

Our journey on the road to BPA National Conference began in September 2008 when the current guidelines were published on the Web. Contests were assigned to our twenty members and research began immediately on the topics at hand. There were new members that had to "learn the ropes" on what would be expected, what responsibilities were at hand, and what routine had to be established in order to be the most successful.

Results of the students' hard work were first realized at the Regional Leadership Conference at Frank Phillips College in Borger. I accompanied nineteen of my chapter's members to the conference with suits, projects, and equipment in tow. There were conflicts to work through with a major basketball game the same evening, but I am proud to say that I work with outstanding, supportive coaches that agreed to work with me in solving the problem allowing all athletes to perform to their best abilities and still play in the big game. I am pleased to say that initially fifteen of those members qualified for state competition. The remaining three were called on stage and were state alternates. Eventually, one of those alternates was moved up to qualifier status.

The race was on to perfect and correct any problems with materials that required early submission, make hotel reservations, submit travel requisitions, and make final state conference registration arrangements. We are now in Austin and have finished the rounds of competition and await announcement of the final results.

Here is the dilemma that I face: One of the qualities I possess as a teacher is the adoption of every student that passes through my classroom door. Every child is different and carries a variety of emotions and personality styles. But every child becomes one of your own, no matter who they are. I have expectations for each one and carry the anticipation that they will follow their dreams to become the person they desire to be. As I sit here in my hotel room my blood pressure threatens to rise in anticipation of this afternoon's award ceremony. My reward comes from the students feeling that they did a great job in their presentations and/or application contests. No matter the result, I firmly believe that knowing you did your best is the final reward. However, the competitive side of me knows that they want their "best" to be rewarded with a medal or plague indicating that they have advanced to the next level. I feel the same disappointment they will realize if they do not advance to the next level. I will be excited with those that will have the opportunity to continue their competition journey.

Oh, the perils of teaching...oh, the perils of parenthood. I anticipate disappointment. But I want my students to know that I am extremely proud of them. I realize that through their youth, they see the present moment before them. I am at that age (golden, ancient, "old as dirt") that I see the reality in what they have accomplished to get to this point. I realize that the process of attaining this level this year is completely different from the process that realized whatever success was attained last year. I realize that this is the last opportunity for some...and another learning experience preparing for next year for others. But I also realize that there are thousands of members that did not qualify to compete at this level and hundreds that found their dreams dashed at the results table cutting off their progress into the final rounds. As I made my way through the Convention Center, corners were filled with crying students who just discovered that their routines were now over.

I just pray that all of these students at this conference will come to realize the accomplishments that they have made and the valuable lessons they have learned that will follow them through life further than any medal or plaque will. I pray that some day they will look in the mirror and have the revelation that their experiences gained from this part of their life is being fully realized in their career and the services they are providing to our society.

Happy New Year

Okay, the new year has arrived and I am determined to get more up-to-date in what's happening in technology. I'm not into making new year resolutions because I just end of breaking them before I ever get started. But it has become quite evident that I have become very set in my ways and need to get off my "duff" and start learning again.

As a high school teacher of business computer applications, I always prided myself in staying current with my students' interests. But there are so many new "gadgets" available on the Internet, but my school filters them and I realize that the majority of my computer time is there at school. I have had a cell phone for many years and use it regularly. However, it has come to my attention that my students are quite amazed that I text. It dawned on me that they are seeing me as being really old (which I'm sure I am). So I am getting into blogs and wikis. These will be great resources for my photography sideline as well.

So get ready to hear from me more often.