How do you spell relief? J-U-N-E!

Since the beginning of this school year, our days have been somewhat stressful. Dennis found out he had colon cancer, and so began his (our)journey of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Radiation and the first round of chemo were over in October, and Dennis got a break for several weeks. Then, right before Parker came home for Christmas heavier doses of chemo were started: one by IV through a port and one by pills. These final treatments last a week, and then Dennis is given a week of rest before another begins. They will last through May. Thus, June is our relief month.
For the most part, Dennis has not been sick through the treatments, but he has been extremely tired. Because he is unable to sleep, even with the help of medicine, he is even more exhausted. He is trying to continue working, not because he has to, but because of his students. Lately, however, it is becoming almost impossible, so he is trying to decide what to do. He has waited too late to bank his days because the city system allows this only at three times during the year. (I do not understand this, but it is a rule.) He could take a leave, but that may mean that his students will not have a math teacher for the rest of the year. There is a retired math teacher who originally told Dennis that he would help when he was out, but that hasn't worked out. So, not only is he stressed over not sleeping and being too tired, he is now stressed over his students not having a teacher for the rest of the year--before end of year testing.
I hate to wish our life away, but we are both looking forward to June when he will be through with the treatments, and our life will get back to normal. All of his blood work has been good, so we are confident that we are zapping any cancer cells that may have remained with these treatments.
Throughout this experience there have been many bright spots: friends sharing their experiences, making new friends who are going through similar experiences, hearing from friends via cards and calls, students who understand you are sick and behave, and family: brothers, sisters, in-laws, nieces, children, grandchild. Libby can certainly bring a smile to "Coach's" face no matter how tired he is!
J-U-N-E......bring it on!

Snow Skeptics

Every year when snow is forcasted, Dennis makes sure that we all know there will be no snow. So, when the Tuscaloosa County School System's million dollar weather computer predicted anywhere from 2 to 7 inches in Tuscaloosa, Dennis was the first to contradict the prediction. And, even though they were 95% sure that this event would happen, Dennis was still skeptical. So, when it began snowing Sunday afternoon (and it was beautiful when it first began), I started getting excited and disappointed at the same time. I wanted to see Libby with the snow, but I didn't want to take a weather day this close to Christmas holidays. The worst case scenario was the result: Libby would have to play in ice not snow, and we missed a day of work and will have to make it up in April. Needless to say, Libby did not play in the ice, and we missed worked.

Below are some pictures of our house and yard. We did get a little snow but nothing near what was predicted.



If you'll look close at the front door, you'll see Roe, as in Marilyn Monroe, peeping out the front door. She is the little white spot on the porch. She absolutely refused to go outside to do her business. Dennis finally had to carry her out and not let her back in until she did.
Here is a closer view:



We've had a good many birds at our bird feeders, but the bird baths were frozen over.



Last year when the weather got into the zeroes, the fountain on our pool froze. It was not quite cold enough to freeze this week.



Here's hoping that if we are out of school for another snow day it will be a true snow day!

Windle Christmas

Our final round of Christmas took place at Emily and Buddy's home on Monday, December 27. Usually, we forgo turkey and dressing for spaghetti, but since Parker was home, we decided to do turkey and dressing with all the "fixins". While this is a Windle family Christmas celebration, extended family members are also included, so it makes for a merry bunch. We thought everyone but Leigh Ann would be able to come, but Ann was sick, so Ralph, Jr. stayed home with her. Because they did not come, Nell did not come either. (Leigh Ann remarried and is living in England.)

The usual gathering place for the younger generation is the stairway. Here they catch up on the past year as most of them see each other only at Christmas and sometimes on Thanksgiving. For Parker it was a three year catch up.



As usual, we had more than enough to eat, and Emily had a place for all of us to sit. She goes all out with Christmas china, silverware, glasses, etc. It is part of our holiday tradition. This year Dennis and I got to sit at the big table (where the "older" folks sit) since Ralph, Ann, and Nell were not there.







The kids are in the living room at card tables which Emily had also decorated with the works.



Libby was the newest addition to our family, and I guess the next generation. She had a wonderful time entertaining everyone, but when it came nap time, it was hard to find a quiet place. Savannah went upstairs where there was a rocker, but she decided the antique rocker was too fragile for her and Libby. So, she sat at the top of the stairs and "rocked" her to sleep.



After eating, we all settled in the living room and eyed the Dirty Santa gifts. For some reason, Buddy always chooses the best gifts and fusses about each one. He picked an iTunes card which was stolen, a Tervis Alabama glass which was stolen, and a beautiful Alabama throw which was stolen. He ended up with house shoes which he stole from someone else. Dennis picked an oven liner early in the game (you can imagine how much he was looking forward to using it). Sweet Amy eventually stole it from him claiming that she really wanted it (really?), so Dennis was able to steal a tool set from Keith. Dirty Santa is always so much fun, and we never know what will be in the pile of gifts. I think this year was one of our best.




Another year has come and gone. There has been an addition to our family and some serious health issues. Whatever the situation, we know that the Lord has his hand on us. We are looking forward to the wonderful things that He has for our family this year and are praying that Parker coming home for good in October is on the list.

Christmas

Christmas came a little early for us as Parker came home for two weeks on Wednesday, December 22. We headed early to the airport, introduced Libby to her Uncle Parker, and then headed to one of the restaurants on Parker's list of places to go while he is home. On the 23rd, we had Parker's college roommates, their wives, and children over for a visit. I know all the boys enjoyed getting together and catching up on each other. We enjoyed meeting their families and hope they will all come back to see us soon.
On Christmas Eve, Savannah, Jason, Libby, Momma, and Daddy joined us for lunch. Before they left, Momma and Daddy gave them an early Christmas present. They deeded their land in Sumter County to the kids. Here is a picture of them checking out the deed and a map of the land.



Savannah, Jason, and Libby left early as they had Christmas with Cheri, Mike, and Jeremy that afternoon and with Mrs. Rickman that night.

Christmas morning began a new tradition. Both sets of grandparents were invited to Savannah and Jason's home for brunch and to watch as Libby checked out her gifts from Santa.

Brunch was delicious: casseroles, cinnamon rolls, and pigs in a blanket.



After eating, we all settled in to watch Libby. Of course, she didn't know what was going on, but as usual, she enjoyed the attention. Santa brought her (or maybe her parents) a DVD player for the car, some books, and a doll in a stroller.



We took several groups of pictures. Here are a few:







And my favorite:



After brunch, we headed home while Savannah, Jason, and Libby headed to Pickens County and Cheri's parents, the Drakes. While they were celebrating again, we were resting up at home and getting our Christmas meal ready.

As soon as Savannah, Jason, and Libby got to our house, we ate and then we settled in to watching Libby open more presents.
This chair from Mamaw and Pop is going to be a favorite.



She also received several books from Uncle Parker. Two, The Christmas Story and Goodnight Moon, are in French. Parker tried to read them to Libby, but she just couldn't sit still.

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Whatever Libby was doing, we were enjoying it. I think she enjoyed the paper, ribbons, and boxes the most.



I was very proud of myself for not overdoing. I did get Libby three pair of pajamas, Toy Story I,II, and III, and some books. Of course, I did buy her some Christmas outfits early for her to wear during the holidays.



Parker brought gifts from different countries. I received a beautiful bowl from Portugal; Dennis got a Swiss Army Knife from (you guessed it); Savannah got a cork covered scrapbook; and Jason got a unique cross to add to their collection.

It was a great time for family, and we are not through yet. Tonight we will go to Emily and Buddy's for the Windle Family Christmas. Everyone should be there except Leigh Ann who is now living in England with her new hubby.

Parker Arrives in Alabama

The entire Windle family has been anxiously awaiting and counting down Parker's visit from France. We left early for Birmingham hoping to avoid the five o'clock traffic rush. Libby took her nap right on time, and we arrived over an hour early. We let Libby finish her nap then headed inside.

Libby and "Coach" watch the arriving planes hoping one has Uncle Parker on it!



It was a good thing that we got there early as Parker's ETA was now 5:08. We saw many happy reunions as we waited for Parker: a solder met his wife and young child; several sets of grandparents were greeted by grandchildren; and college kids were returning home for the holidays. (We also saw Greg McElroy heading home for the holidays. Roll Tide!)

Savannah and Jason were also so excited that Parker was coming home for a visit.



We were all wondering how Libby would react to Parker. They have visited via Skype several times, so we felt he would not be a complete stranger to her.

Coach and Libby wait with a welcome home sign.



As usual, Libby does not meet a stranger and reached out for Parker as soon as he got to us.







Welcome home, Parker! I know we will have a holly, jolly Christmas this year!

Do I love books because I'm a librarian, or am I a librarian because I love books?

I have been pondering this question today because I have thought all day long about sharing my small collection of children's Christmas books. I started collecting these books many years ago, and for some reason, I did not choose the whimsical, fun, silly Christmas books that children love so much. Now that Libby is here, I know that I will add those fun books to my collection.

Although neither of these was the first in my collection, they were purchased early. It was interesting reading about the story behind the candy cane and the first Christmas tree. I have seen many people pass out the candy cane with a brief description of what its stripes mean.


I also chose books that have been around for a long time. The next one was first a letter written to Santa and then printed in a newspaper. I liked the meaning found in this book as well as the way this book was illustrated. And, Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.


I bought one of the following books because it depicts one of my all time favorite Christmas songs. The other is relatively new, and I love how Joseph wonders how he can be a father to the God who created everything. It is a good read for all dads.



The next, The Crippled Lamb, was the first in my collection and probably the reason that I am still collecting. It is the awesome story of a crippled lamb that is not allowed to go out to graze with the other sheep in the cold, cold night because he is crippled. Since the lamb is upset, his friend, the cow, tells him that he is special and that God has a purpose for everyone including him. Of course, the stable that the lamb stayed in was the very one in which Jesus was born. The lamb's purpose was to keep the baby warm on this cold, cold night. I have shared this book at many parties, used it as a devotion, and reread it many times over the holidays. It still makes me cry, and I always feel the presence of God when reading it.



My last purchase was Saturday, and I bought Charlie Brown's Christmas because of something that was posted on Parker's Facebook page. It was a video of Linus telling all of us the true meaning of Christmas. Even though it is fun and silly at times, it is right on the mark concerning what Christmas is all about. For this book, I got the copy with sounds just for Libby.



So, what do you think? Do I love books because I'm a librarian, OR am I a librarian because I love books?

Christmas Memories

I recently enjoyed a friend's blog about her Christmas tree and ornaments and thought to myself how wonderful that must be to have so many memories on your tree. The more I thought about it though the more I realized that I, too, have memories on my tree. So, Lynn, I hope you don't mind that I "copy" you, but I'd like to share about our tree.

The first tree that Dennis and I had as a married couple did not last until Christmas. The reason? Our black cat, Gemima, kept jumping from the breakfast bar to the tree and knocking it down. We were lucky that our ornaments on that first tree were not the breaking kind. What were they you may ask? Well, they were actually many, many, many match boxes wrapped in left over paper from Windle's Clothing Store covered with bows made from left over yarn that I used for crewel work. I still have two of those boxes (only two because Savannah found them when she was around three and had opened all of them except two before I could get to her), and they are now stored in Santa's bag. The Santa was one of my first attempts at ceramics.



For many years afterwards, our trees were a hodgepodge of ornaments. As a teacher, I usually received ornaments for Christmas, and one year I realized that the majority of them were Santa Clauses. So when Shona Carpenter, one of Dennis's basketball players who started as a 6th grader on Warrior Academy's varsity team, gave Dennis a beautiful Santa's head ornament, I decided then and there that we would have a Santa themed tree. This is the first official Santa ornament that Shona gave Dennis:



From then on, whenever we took a trip, I picked up a Santa for our tree; or whenever something special happened, we found a Santa ornament to help us remember it.

The year we moved back to Pickens County I chose this Hallmark ornament to represent Dennis spending a lot of time on our tractor and enjoying it on our land.



As a little girl, Savannah loved those ugly Troll dolls. One of our ornaments is actually one of the set of Christmas trolls that Savannah had.



The year Dennis's girls basketball team won the State Championship I bought this Santa playing basketball. We had not won the title at the time I bought this Santa, but I was thinking positively!



The last ornament that I want to mention is very old. It belonged to my brother-in-law's father. He was at all of our Thanksgiving and Christmas get-to-gethers, and my children loved his wit and huge smile. This ornament actually belonged to him, and after his death, Emily had it in a yard sale. I picked it up because it was Pop Kirk's and it was a Santa.



Each year for many years my mom has bought everyone in the family a Hallmark ornament as part of their Christmas. I have too many to share, but I always think of my mom when I take them out of their box and find a place for them on my tree. Each time I see someone else's beautiful tree I think about changing mine, but I can't do it. There are too many memories.