Farewell to Cleburne ISD

Cleburne ISD Administration Office

It is with mixed emotions, but a clear resolve that I bid farewell to my current position with Cleburne ISD to accept a position with the support staff at Field St. Baptist Church. After 18 years (two years as a teacher during the mid 1970s) I leave the CISD central administration office. For the past 8 years I have been employed as the administrative assistant/superintendent secretary. The 8 years prior I was receptionist and worked one year as the part time assistant to the community services director. My tenure at the central office as been a good one where I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of great and wonderful people who truly are like "family". However, God has opened another door and I have chosen to take the opportunity to work less hours with less stressful demands. I wish the very best for my former colleagues and look forward to beginning a new career with my church "family".

Field Street Baptist Church

CONGRATULATIONS, SON!!

B and his proud mom

August 15 was a special day for B and the family. B graduated from UTA with a Master of Science in Information Systems. He has worked non-stop the last 14 months to complete this degree. Saturday we celebrated with him on this accomplishment. This was achieved while working full-time, moving into a new home, and completing a certification in technology auditing (I'm not sure exactly what it is....I'm just proud he did it). Congratulations! YOU MAKE US PROUD.

"Cliff Notes" for April through July

I have been remiss in keeping my blog updated. Shame on me! I have no excuse except I've let other things take priority. So, with my sincerest apologies I will try to give a very quick summary of things that have taken place since my last post in March.

April was very busy and nothing of great interest (that I can remember anyway) except of course Easter and the celebration of our risen Savior.

May was a busy month at least for Smitty. We celebrated Mother's Day, our 37th wedding anniversary, and my birthday all in a period of three weeks (gifts required). We also had a nice weekend in SC with LilE and her parents.

LilE and her casual pose --May 2009

June was vacation month. Smitty and I took a week and headed toward Yellowstone National Park. We flew into Salt Lake City and toured the town and then drove northward to the Grand Tetons and on into Yellowstone. We saw some beautiful country and enjoyed some much welcomed cooler temperatures. I've got the vacation book with all the pics finished....just ask to see it!

Sassy and Smitty with the Yellowstone River in the background.

July was mainly work, work, and more work. We did take some time and had a late b'daycelebration with B and Elle at a Ranger's game and enjoyed some fireworks a day early. We traveled once again to SC to see the kids and enjoy a little time in the pool with LilE.

Pop and LilE enjoying some pool time.

Tyler Azalea Trails

Last weekend Smitty and I along with friends B & W headed east in hopes to get a look at the dogwood trees and azaleas. We timed it just right in that the Azalea Trails in Tyler opened that Saturday. We were not disappointed at all. The weather was perfect and the blooms were gorgeous. Driving and strolling through the neighborhoods lived up to our expectations. I couldn't put all the pictures on the blog, but enjoy some the few I have attached below.

Dallas Blooms

Supposedly, I am on spring break this week, however, I worked all day Monday, several hours on Tuesday, and got a text message from my superintendent that will require me to make a quick trip back to the office on Thursday. However, B and W took pity and invited me to go with them to the Dallas Arboretum to take in some of the beautiful spring blooms--the first of the season. Tulips were the main attraction on this particular day. It was an absolutely gorgeous weather day-- warm with a slight breeze and plenty of sunshine after cold and wet last week. There were lots of people out and about on this beautiful day and strollers with babies and toddlers were too numerous to count. I wish pictures did justice to what the eyes really beheld, but hope the pictures below give an idea of the beauty of the gardens. It is worth a trip!!

The Pajama Game

It has almost become a tradition that I receive as a Christmas present from Smitty tickets to some musical or play. This Christmas was no exception. Tickets were presented to see the musical The Pajama Game at the Majestic Theater in Dallas this past weekend. I remember as a preteen girl watching the movie version of this musical starring Doris Day. I couldn't remember too much about the musical except that it took place in a pajama factory with lots of singing and dancing. Saturday night was a very entertaining evening with a lot of songs that I haven't heard in a very long time. Thanks, Smitty. I really do love those musicals!

House Decorating Cont'd.

In the past year, we have done major redecorating to our kitchen, TV room, living room/dining room and guest bedrooms. Many friends and family had the opportunity in December to see the major changes that we have made to the house since purchasing it in July of 2006. Since Christmas we have added just a few additional touches that have the rooms complete. (at least Smitty thinks so!). My decorator found this framed artwork to complete the newest reading vignette in the living room. It is in my opinion the finishing touch.

See below the completed look with the

goose-neck arm chair, skirted table

and reading lamp next to the beautiful

bookcase.

Another addition in the "Cottage Guest room" is the newly upholstered wing back chair that was my grandmother's. If I recall correctly this chair had actually belonged to my grandfather's sister who gave it to my grandmother. When Grandmother Strickland moved in with my mother the chair was reupholstered and used in Grandmother's bedroom. After Mother passed away, the chair was one of the things I asked my siblings if I could take. It has been glued, tightened, and reupholstered to look brand new. It makes a very nice statement in this nostalgic bedroom. It is a very "sweet" little bedroom chair that holds a lot of special memories for me.