30 Years Ago Today

Hmm- 30 years ago today- isn't that the beginning of a Beatles song?  Well the Beatles music lives on and  so do Kirk and I- without the break up of course.  As of June 5th, we were married 30 years.  Where did the time go?  I so remember our courtship at UT and all the dorm parties, trash can punch, UT games, intramural teams, and oh studying.  He did much more of that than I did.  It seems like just yesterday.  I know I am lucky to have married a great man who is also my best friend and loves me no matter what.  We work hard at marriage and life and most days it really pays off.  Many people have asked us- how do you do it- stay together for so long?  Well the only answer I can think of is we just do it- with a lot of help of course.  We have God and the commitment we made to each other on June 5, 1982.  We have had support from our parents, our friends, and our children as they grow into adults.  So I don't have anything really philosophical to say about marriage.  It is just something we do, day in and day out.  Some days it is really awesome and some days it is okay.  That is life.  I wouldn't trade my life with Kirk for anything in the world. It is my life, my marriage, my spouse.  It is who I am and to quote a movie- he completes me!  So here is a poem dedicated to the love of my life that I read 30 years ago:

What made us come together long ago
Well I think I know
The best in me and the best in you hailed us through because
Always and always since time began
Our being together was part of God's Plan!

I love you Kirk Alan Smith!  We actually went out to the Melting Pot and had a lovely dinner for our anniversary!

Count Your Blessings, Bella

Buster the Hyperactive Puppy

I usually post about the dogs once or twice a year.  It is time again for me to talk about Buster. What unending joy that dog has brought into this house.  Maggie our other dog loves to play with Buster each morning.  I on the other hand am not enjoying the mornings as I am off work.  See Buster likes to get up at 6:30 to play.  That means jumping on the bed and chasing Maggie who will sleep quietly in the morning if Buster does not bother her.  We will work out our morning routine eventually, but for now I am enjoying his energy after 9:00 AM.

A few weeks ago, Kirk and I took Buster out to the farm where he was born.  His mom and dad still live there and he seemed to enjoy playing with his kinfolk.

Buster with Mom and Dad

At the Farm

My beautiful Puppies

We had to board the dogs during Abbey's wedding last weekend and when I picked them up the vet had wrote on the well check sheet that Buster was hyperactive.  I have to say I was a little offended.  He is an extremely active herding dog- now isn't that a nicer way to put it.  We are working on his energy level in the house- but he is who he is and I love him!  Thanks Buster for your high energy, fun loving spirit, and total devotion.

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive."
- Gilda Radner


Count your Blessings,  Bella

Graduations!

Lots to blog and post about these days.  Kirk and I went to Houston to see my lovely niece graduate from high school.  She was so pretty and it was such a joyous occasion.  I was so impressed with my brother- he brought out her scrapbooks from her school life, chronicling her entire school life.  Any scrapbooker would have been proud.  Pretty darn impressive!  Way to go Alex, we are proud of you.

Lloyd and Alex

 







So Inspired

Last night was our 8th grade semi-formal dance.  It was an awesome event with so many parents putting on a great event for their kids.  I just got to sit back and watch as it unfolded.  Many of the kids told me it was the best dance ever!  I will really miss this group of 8th graders as they graduate and I send them on to high school next year.  It is so rewarding as a public school administrator to see all different kids with different back grounds navigate through middle school with grace and elegance.  Oh don't get me wrong, there were some bumps and bruises along the way, but they got through them. I am proud of each and everyone of them and know that we have prepared them well.  There is a great quote my principal always uses in graduation:


“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

I wish this class well and God speed!

This is from the dance last night- Crazy Teachers!

  Another inspiring event that happened this year was to one of our teachers- Mr. Teal- He was chosen as not just the school's teacher of the year, but also Round Rock ISD secondary teacher of the year.  We are all so proud of him and the difference he makes each day to the lives of our students. This is for you Mr. Teal- you make a difference to each and everyone of us!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tlp7UvLvqXI

My Principal Ms. Sonya Hayes and Mr. Stephen Teal , RRISD Secondary Principal of the Year

Surprising moment at the teacher of the year banquet!

For all my teacher friends out there- this is for you.  Have a great and restful summer and know that you all make a difference. Watch it all the way, excuse the language but- you will love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxsOVK4syxU

Count Your Blessings, Bella

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Dreaming and Graduating

Around this time of year, I find myself totally inspired by the students and faculty I work with and by my own kids.  Let's start with Abbey Christine- She graduated yesterday from The University of Texas.  This is our third graduation event at that magnificent college in three years.  Brooke got her BS in Education, Abbey her BS in Social Work and now after an intense year long graduate program her MSSW in one year! Her daddy and I could not be prouder.  We had a great lunch with Justin's family Sasha and Juan, then off to the graduation.

I always feel so inspired after listening to the Deans talk about their colleges.  The new Dean at the college of Social work had an excellent quote:

"In dreams begins responsibility" William Butler Yeats

Wow- this one just hit me like a ton of bricks- I had never thought of dreaming that way.  If we do not act on our dreams responsibly, how does the world ever change for the better.  Isn't that why I got into education ...Hmmm.


 I do have three girls working to change the world for the better: Luci with her counseling degree, Brooke with Education, and Abbey with Social Work.  All three will be on hiatus from work outside the home as they care for their children, but I know they make a difference in the lives of their own children and friends. I am very proud of them and hope they are living out their dreams.

Brooke's Graduation

Luci's Graduation

Abbey's Graduation

So where in dreams does the responsibility begin.  I would say acting on your dreams and carrying out your dreams.  I have some dreams that I need to pay attention to.   Do you????

Count Your Blessings, Bella

PROM

Connor had prom on Saturday.  His beautiful date is Ana- his girlfriend.  This is her senior prom so he wanted to make it special.  He wore a purple suit, ordered special purple flowers, took her to her favorite restaurant, and had a great time.  Connor's biggest dilemma though was how to handle pre- prom photographs with his family as his sisters were all in town and a  wedding shower was going on at his house, while he was getting dressed.  He made his momma proud and came down to show off his tux.  I have to say he is a good looking kid.  All the girls ooh and awed over him.  He then had invited Ana's family over here to take pictures as he thought that would be easiest.  So we had to take the end of the shower to Starbucks, then start the pictures.  It all went beautifully.  Here are the photos:

Count Your Blessings, Bella

Abbey's Getting Married!

Brooke and Luci gave a shower for Abbey on Saturday.afternoon. It was a delightful day.  For those of you that don't know yet- Abbey is getting married!  We are having a very small wedding and she and her beloved Justin will exchange vows Sunday night, June 10, 2012 in  Austin.  Please keep this happy couple in your prayers as they prepare for their upcoming wedding.  Abbey will have just graduated with her Masters in Social Work and Justin is a manager at Helping Hands- an treatment center for kids with emotional disturbances.  Here are some pictures from  the shower.

It was Prom weekend also!