2011...what a year!

As I come to the end of 201, I look back on the events of the year (most are in my blog).  I look back on the year with a humble heart for all the rich blessings Heavenly Father has given my family.

For example, this Christmas was the first time ever we've had the whole family together.  What a memorable event.  It was great.  Our friend, Patricia Howell, did a photo shoot to document the occasion.

I have to admit when I look at this picture...I definitely see we have the "it" factor.  We are a good lookin' family if I say so myself!

I just love my family....and the man that holds me together 99% of the time.

Over the holidays, we gave Baby Blake a shower....he'll be in very soon (Feb. 4th due date).

I love this pic of Sarah.  It's one of many take by Patricia during Ryan and Sarah's pregnancy photo shoot.

  We also found out Gregory and Danielle are expecting!!  Due sometime in July.  Wow...I thought 2011 offered the Dixons an abundance of blessings but look out 2012!



Countdown is ON!

It has been a LONG time since I've blogged last.  Our family has been busy with Thanksgiving and getting ready for Christmas.  Holidays are so much fun.  I love my family and holidays for us revolve around the ones we love. 

Thanksgiving consisted of a day trip to Pilot Mountain.  Greg, Taylor and I loaded up in the car bright and early that Thursday morning for a Thanksgiving meal at Mama and Daddy's.  My brother, Donnie, his wife, Dana and my niece, Morgan along with Aunt Ruby joined us for our visit.  Mama impressed all of the guests with a HUGE feast of all the traditional holiday foods....turkey, ham, potatoes, green beans, corn (her speciality), cranberry relish and my favorite...my Great Grandma Stone's turkey dressing.  After a eating all this yummy food, dessert was served.  Needless to say, Mama had plenty of dessert choices.  There were pies and cakes!  Greg's favorite was her chocolate cake.  Chocolate cake is not a traditional dessert for Thanksgiving but Mama knows how much he loves it so she makes it every time he visits.

After our meal and an afternoon of visiting and watching football games, Greg, Taylor and I went back to our home in Wake Forest.  Gregory and Danielle came for supper.  Danielle's family lives in Rocky Mount and they visit her family for lunch and then make their way to Wake Forest for a meal with us.  Normally, we have the WHOLE family over at our house (Greg's brother and ALL his family, Mama Lottie and our family).  This year was much different.  Sarah, Ryan, Tiffany and Clint couldn't be with us (tear, sniffle).  So, Greg, Taylor, Gregory, Danielle, and I had a nice, simple meal of Greg's homemade soup and a loaded, garden salad.  It hit the spot.  We all had feasted on a HUGE meal for lunch so soup and salad was a great option for us.  By the way, I made a chocolate cake too.  (Gregory loves chocolate cake too).

Gregory and Danielle stayed for the rest of the evening.  We watched Medea's Christmas DVD for our entertainment.  Then we rested  only enough to prepare for the Black Friday event. This is Greg's BIGGEST day at the mall.  Danielle goes with her friend shopping each Black Friday  and Taylor and I also go.  This year, many stores opened at midnight and yes, we were out shopping at that time.  Taylor's friend, Madison went with us.  The girl had never been Black Friday shopping before! 

Now, Christmastime is upon us and I welcome it with opened arms.  Sarah, Ryan, Tiffany and Clint are coming home!!!!  Their arrival is less than a week away.  I cannot begin to put in words the happiness and excitement I feel to have them home for the holidays.  It will be the first time all the family has ever been together.  I have made arrangements to have our family picture made for posterity.  This will be the best Christmas ever ( next year, Baby Blake will be here),

To prepare for the family's stay, I have made a list and check it twice (~excuse the pun) at least everyday of things to do.  Getting the house ready is a BIG deal.  At some point during the holidays, we will have all 9 of us under the same roof spending the night.  Decluttering and cleaning are top on the priority list to make sure everyone's stay is comfortable and enjoyable.  I have also made a list of foods to have for all meals and desserts (yep, I'll be making a chocolate cake...it's Ryan's favorite too).

I have 3 more days left teaching this week, then my holiday vacation officially begins.  We have already decorated the house, Greg and Dale (our dear family friend) powerwashed the house yesterday.  I made an appointment to have the carpets cleaned and the rest is in my notebook to mark off as I get things done.  Yes, it's a lot of work, but I would not change a thing.  Having family together is the best gift I could possibly ask for.

I have so much more in my heart to share but it'll have to wait till my next post.  I've got to check my "to do" list and get 'er done.  Until next time, Merry Christmas!

One of Those Days

I am having one of those days.  I don't know if anyone else has days like this and I don't have them frequently.  It's a day when you are indecisive.  Our family has lots going on in December.  Sarah, Ryan, Tiffany and Clint will be in from Louisiana.  We'll get to see Greg and Danielle more over the holidays.  We are planning a family photo shoot, Christmas in Pilot Mountain and Wake Forest, and Baby Blake's baby shower.  So you can see, there's lots to plan for, lots to do.  However, my dilemma is, it's still November.  It's the weekend before Thanksgiving.  I can't start getting stuff ready for December yet.

My to do list:
prepare baby shower (invitations, decorations, gifts, refreshments, etc....)
Christmas (decorate, shop, wrap, cook, clean, etc...)

Gosh, I have a lot to do.  I'm overwhelmed!  I can't seem to prioritize but then I can't do lots of this stuff yet anyway. So much to do....but not yet.  See my dilemma?  I'm very frustrated.  Maybe I'll just watch junk of TV.

NC State Fair 2011

Our good friends, The Simmons' Family, invited us to attend the NC State Fair. 

We met up at the fair last year and had so much fun, we decided to make it an annual event.  Our experience was definitely F.U.N.!!!  The rides were thrilling, the food was ridiciously extreme and the people were  interesting to say the least.  The weather was nice too.  Perfect evening for fun, family, food and friends!

Friday, October 21st, was a special day for other two reasons:  it was Steve's birthday and Taylor got her driver's license!

Baby Name

Last week, Sarah and Ryan phoned to let us know they chose a baby name!  I put the phone on speaker so Greg and Taylor could hear also.  Ryan said, "Casper Lewis."

"Ahhhhh...," said Greg.

"Casper???," said Tay

I said, "Casper Lewis.  What happened to the middle name Ryan?"   Sarah had already told me his middle name would be Ryan.

Sarah and Ryan laughed and said it wasn't Casper Lewis. The baby's name is Blake Ryan.

Who am I to judge the name of my first grandchild?  All I can say is whewwwww...

Uncle Jerry

Monday, October 10, 2011, our family said, "Until We Meet Again" to Jerry Smith.  My Uncle Jerry, Aunt Ruby's husband, died Saturday, October 8, 2011 from a massive heart attack.  We gathered around Aunt Ruby during her time of sorrow with loving hearts, warm thoughts and many prayers as she is separated temporally from Uncle Jerry.

Jerry married into our family and was immediately loved by all.  He didn't have a very big family before.  His wife of many years, Polly past away leaving Jerry and their only son, Keith alone.  (Keith is grown, married and has kids).  Joining our family must have been a bit overwhelming!  We are a BIG family!  Just let me tell you, we have grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren of all ages.  We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and holidays as a family (since we are so big, it's difficult to get everyone in the same place at the same, but we try). 

Jerry LOVED being part of this big, happy and somewhat complex family. He always said how lucky we are to have so many people to love and reminded us often not to take each other for granted.  If I had to describe Jerry in one word, I just couldn't do it.  So I've pondered on a few descriptors I thought may be applicable.

U-Unbiased
N-Naught and Nice
C-Cultured
L-Lovable
E-Enthusiastic

J-Joyful
E-Easy
R-Retired from RJ Reynolds
R-Reliable
Y-Young at heart

Of all these, I'd have to say he was patient.

Loved by many, remembered by all.

"Until We Meet Again" Uncle Jerry....



Our Lousiana Trip

Greg, Taylor and I made the trek to Leesville, LA last week.  We drove down and flew back.  (Flying will definitely be my preferred mode of travel in the future!)  We had a wonderful time visiting with Sarah, Ryan, Tiffany and Clint.  It was great seeing where they are living and spending quality time as a family.  Gregory was able to join us for a brief stay.

I am pleased to report that the kids seem well and are happily adjusting to their new homes.  I can also say that it was very difficult to leave them.  I only cried all day yesterday after we left.  I can't wait to see them again at Christmastime!

The Day the Relatives Came

After church today, Mama and Daddy made the trek from Pilot Mountain, NC to Wake Forest, NC for a nice Sunday afternoon visit.  We met at Chili's and had a nice, sit-down meal with good conversation.  Of course, we enjoyed the large screen TVs with all the pro football games.  Greg, Taylor and Papa especially.  Taylor and Greg along with Tiffany, Clint, Gregory and lots of others have a fantasy football league.  Greg and Taylor were playing each other this week. 

Anyway, Mama and Daddy come to visit every chance they can.  They really wanted to see Taylor.  She celebrated her 16th birthday and they just couldn't let such a milestone go by without seeing her in person.  They only stayed a few hours then headed for the hills.  I love my parents.  They are the patriarch and matriarch of the family.  I appreciate their continued love and support of my family.  I pray I may follow their fine example of Christlike love.

We came home after stuffing ourselves with yummy food.  We skyped with Ryan and Sarah.  Mama and Daddy had never skpyed anyone before.  It was thrilling for them to sit at the computer and actually see and talk with them all the way in LA!  (to be perfectly honest, it's thrilling for us too...I just don't know how I could make it w/o skyping them each Sunday) Technology is a wonderful thing.  After Tiff and Clint get their computer and Internet set up, we look forward to keeping in touch with them via skype.  It's not like having them in person to actually hug but it's definitely the next best thing!

Like I always say, Family is everything!""

It's a BOY!

Sarah and Ryan called today...they have having a healthy baby boy!!  What great news!  We are ecstatic! 

                                                   

                                                                 Baby Boy Larsen 
                                                                     20 weeks

An Eventful Week

It's Saturday evening, Taylor's celebrating her "Sweet 16" with her friends.  We have about 15 teenagers in our home.  Taylor has been blessed with lots of good kids for friends.  We cleaned house, put up the "Happy Birthday" banner we use for every family memeber's birthday, we made a variety of snack food and got a Oreo ice cream cake.  It's loud in the house but it'll be a fond memory.  It'll just be a short time before she will be in college and I'll reflect on celebrations like this fondly.

Taylor McKay and Dad

Tiffany left Raleigh Durham Airport bright and early this morning.  Clint came home (Leesville, LA) from his deployment and Tiffany is joining him to begin a new chapter in their married life.  Sarah and Ryan picked up Tiff at the airport.  Clint came in later in the day.  He had to go to the hospital to be checked out.  He got clearance to come home from the hospital in Germany.  I know they are happy to be together again.  I am happy for them!  I know Sarah is thrilled to finally have them near her.  I know their sisterhood will grow and grow.

Our plans for moving Tiffany to Lousianna are still the same.  The only difference is Tiffany will already be there.  Greg will be driving Clint's truck pulling a UHaul with their few remaining belongings that were still here in NC.  Melonie will be driving Tiff's car and transporting Saydee.  I can't wait to see where my two oldest daughters live. Half of our immediate family will be located 1700 miles away.  We are glad to still have Gregory and Danielle in NC!

Our eventful week causes me to realize how very blessed our family is.  Family is everything!

    Tiffany and Clint McPherson

Taylor's Sweet 16

On September 18th, we will celebrate Taylor's 16th birthday.  WOW...where has the time gone???  Saturday, Greg, Taylor, Tiffany, Gregory, Danielle and I went to Carowinds to party.  We spent the day riding almost every roller coaster there.  It was a day to remember.  We had a ball!

    


       

9/11...Then and Now

As we remember the events of 9/11/2001, we contemplate the pain, devastation, loss and anger of terrorist attacks on US soil.  As a nation, we united and recked with the forces of evil.  President George Bush, stated ten years ago,

 "Today our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And America responded with the best of America."


Yesterday, as a nation, we remembered the tragic events.  This act of terrorism changed life as we knew it.  We have been at war since.  I have 2 sons-in-law that have fought in Afghanistan.  One is still deployed.  He was involved in a bombing yesterday. Clint sustained injuries from the explosion. He, along with 77 other US soldiers were sent to Germany to receive treatment for their injuries.  This rocked our family.  The war got very personal for us this weekend.

http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/09/ap-77-americans-wounded-in-afghan-truck-bombing-091111/#.TmzZ8ZMFQls.email

Tiffany got word last night that Clint was ok.  He is waiting to be evaluated.  Thankful that prayers are answered.

May we never forget the events of 9/11 and how it continues to effect us today.  May God continue to bless our military men and women and their families as the serve with honor.

                      Ryan Larsen


             Clint McPherson

The Countdowns

The Dixons will be counting down several events this month.

Taylor's 16th birthday is September 18th.  We asked her how she'd like to celebrate.  It didn't take her long to come up with an idea. We love getting the family together for any occasion so this was the perfect time to get together.  She requested a family trip to Carowinds! We will miss Sarah, Ryan and Clint! (By the way, Clint is the funniest person when it comes to riding roller coasters...he's such a chicken.  He makes me laugh so hard!)

The next countdown involves two special events.

1.  We will be helping Tiffany move to Louisiana.  She will be setting up house for Clint's return to the US from Afghanistan.

2.  We will get to see Sarah and Ryan while we are in Louisiana.  I haven't seen Sarah since June and I can't wait to hug her, not to mention finally getting to rub that baby bump:)

So, you see Life as the Dixons continues to be exciting!

Good Night Irene

On Saturday, August 27th, we experienced Hurricane Irene in NC.  "She" made landfall at the NC coast early that morning.  In Wake Forest, we experienced high winds and lots of rain.  We were fortunate to only lose limbs, branches and many, many, many leaves from our trees.  We didn't even lose power!  Some surrounding communities to the east were not so lucky.  (See photos for the results of Irene...http://www.wral.com/weather/hurricanes/image_gallery/10052867/).  The Dixons and other Wake County residents were very blessed.

By the way, on Tuesday, August 23nd, NC had an earthquake!  What's the world coming to???  Taylor says, "The world is coming to an end and I'm just living it up."  She is sooooo funny!
http://www.wral.com/news/national_world/national/video/10035583/#/vid10035583

"I love my job...I love my job...I love my job..."

Have you ever had one of those days when you have to say aloud to yourself, "I love my job...I love my job...I love my job..?"  Well, today was one of those days for me.  Don't get me wrong, I love teaching children.  However, there are so many additional factors that are incorporated into the educational process other than the actual teaching of students.  I work with LOTS of teachers, administrators, school staff, parents and then, of course, there are always challenges with scheduling, planning, class sizes/grade levels served and meeting the needs of everyone and everything! 

"...I love my job...I love my job...I love my job..."

Annual Family Vacation

For the past 13 years, our family has been going to Lake Gaston for our summer vacation.  We started going when Taylor was about 2 or 3 years old.  The older kids, Gregory, Tiffany and Sarah were little but we played BIG!  Each visit to the lake meant loading up all the lake toys, the biggest toy was Major's Dream, our boat. Oh the fun we've had with that boat!!!  Hours and hours and hours of fun have been had by all on this boat on this lake! Let's see, the kids learned to tube, wake board, knee board and do all kinds of water stunts (some more skilled than others) being pulled by this boat driven of course by Greg.

Over the years, we've invited many friends and family members to join us.  I love having the people I love most with us during these family vacations.  Our friends, Dale and Cindy Russell have come up for brief visits, my parents and my neice, Morgan came up one summer and of course my most surprising visitor was my Granny Stone!  Aunt Ruby and Uncle Jerry brought her up to visit us.  Watching her watch us play at the lake is a dear memory I will always treasure.

As the big kids have gotten bigger, their trips to the lake have gotten less frequent due to the fact that they have gotten married, have jobs and live in different places. Greg and I had adopted the mantra of "we'll take what we can get, when we can get it."  Meaning, we'll take the kids whenever we can get them.  Most annual vacations, we get a visit from almost everyone.  This year, Sarah and Ryan were in LA and Clint is still in Afghanistan so they weren't physically with us but I thought of them everyday.  Gregory and Danielle came up for a day trip.  Tiffany joined us for a couple of days.  Taylor took her dear friends, Caitlyn and Stephanie Simmons.  (They are pure entertainment....love those girls).

We seem to always be at the lake on my birthday.  Not a bad way to celebrate!  This year was no exception.  I celebrated the 18th anniversary of my 30th birthday.  Taylor made a chocolate cake, Greg made an awesome dinner and doted on me all day!  He even took me on an evening cruise on the lake...what a treat.  I love looking at the lights on the water from the lake houses.  The stars twinkled in the night sky, the moon reflected off the water....what a great night!

I got phone calls from all the kids, talked to my parents and brother.  I got lots of Facebook well wishes too.  Needless to say, I felt very loved.  I have so many blessings that's for sure!

What else do we do at the lake when we aren't on the lake:

*goof off on the golf cart
*bowl
*frequent the indoor or outdoor pool
*feed the HUGE carp and catfish by the marina
*play hide and seek in the dark
*eat ice cream from our favorite local spot in Gasburg
*sleep in
*watch movies
*play cards
*go to the hot tub
*karaoke (well, not perform but watch others...hahaha)

Getting away for some R&R with loved ones is a wonderful way to rejuvenate from the busy world I live and just what I need to keep on keeping on.  Until next time Lake Gaston...thanks for all the great memories!

Hello, My Name is Simba

Hello Blog Followers.  My name is Simba.  My humans are the Dixon family.  I was adopted many years ago from PetsMart and brought into a loving home.  I get along with all humans,  animals of all kinds both large and small.  I greet my family and guests in our home by looking into their eyes conveying this message, "Welcome, how can I make you happy today," while wagging my most lethal weapon....my tail.

I am always eager to please and even tolerate that odd little cat of ours named Lily.  I spend most of my time palling around with my little buddy, Penny.  She is a spoiled and rather plump poodle.  Penny is a good companion.  We are pretty tight.

I'd have to say if there was a term to label me, it'd be "laid back".   Nothing really stresses me....well, promise you won't laugh....., flying pests freak me out!  There, I've admitted it.  Whenever I see or here a fly or any other flying pest in the house, I kinda go CRAZY.  It's embarrassing to admit since I'm such a hunky K-9.  You can find me following at the heels of my mom until this annoying creature is eliminated.  I retreat to places I normally don't go in the house like when mom opens the closet to put clothes away, I go into the closet.  I go into mom and dad's bathroom which I never do b/c I can't stand the way the tile feels on the pads of my feet....my toenails click, it's awful.  Whenever anyone opens the door to walk outside, I try to be the first one out.  When mom is on the computer, I try crawling under the desk.  Now, I'm rather big so the only part of me that goes under the desk is my head but you can't blame me for trying after all these insects scare me to death.

These insects have invaded our home.  Dad says he'll continue to work on the matter at hand.  Between you and me....I won't get a minutes rest until they are eliminated!!!

Sentiments by Sarah

Since Sarah has moved to Lousiana, she has reconnected with her creative brain.  She's always been talented and artisty.  I knew early on that she had a special gift.  Shoot, when she was 2 years old, she could "color in the lines."  Her art work from Ruby Reid Preschool was always on display for the parents and other toddlers to view.  Seriously, art teachers through Sarah's schooling have seen that talent.  Now, I'm happy to report she is using her gitf to make speciality cards, notes and such.  Check out her new blog with all her info.

(Now let me see if I can figure out how she told me to add her gadget and link...remember, I'm new at this.  Sarah got me started blogging then she got married and moved to Leesville, LA to do this blogging thing on my own. Yes, I miss her VERY much!)

Best wishes, Sarah with your new adventure(s)!  Love you
>

      


       <center><a href="http://sentimentalsarah.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGLdtaV6I-ezjJnyOFJyNYbKsTak5lAntprlrEE1Fnj3qN57VDII0bEw6XSBeQG9Org5IVRcB8L0iDbeCHU1viJgFguo84vds2Rm1UFDL2lvdveSFZUTtOqlO1W8gQQuWL91pv4TZaAI/s1600/Sentiments+by+Sarah.jpg"/></a></center>

Baby News

Sarah and Ryan are expecting our first grandbaby.  What an exciting time for the entire family!!!  This will be the first grandchild of our family and Ryan's family.  We always knew Sarah was a bit competitive but who would have thought she would be the first one to have a baby?! (me actually)

Yesterday, Sarah and Ryan had their first baby appointment with the OB.  They were able to hear the baby's heartbeat.  I was so happy they could experience this milestone together.  It was the first of many firsts during the pregnancy.  She is 10 weeks and has a due date of February 4th. 

Needless to say, I'm already looking at my school calendar and making arrangements to be there for the BIG event and to help out any way I can after the new family is home.  I haven't been asked to do this..it's just a right of passage that the maternal grandmother be there to help her daughter get adjusted to motherhood. (So invitation or not, I will be there!)  I hope to be busy with Sarah's "to do" list for keeping up the household chores and giving Ryan and her some sleeping breaks.  We all know that they will experience some sleep deprivation being parents of a newborn.  I can just imagine it now...holding that precious bundle, rocking that precious bundle, diapering and bathing that precious bundle....oh, I can't wait!!!

I wonder what the baby will call me...Granny, GG ?????  I don't know but I'll just be happy to be a grandmother.  (Taylor wants to be called "Aunt T"  - get it Aunt T for Aunt Taylor or just Auntie.)

Danielle...Next Triangle Idol!

Saturday, July 9, 2011, Danielle, my lovely, talented daughter-in-law auditioned for Triangle Idol.  She sang Someone to Watch Over me, Ella Fitzgerald.  Now, if you've never heard Danielle sing, you have missed out on a treat! She has the voice of an angel....Danielle has truly been blessed with a gift straight from heaven.  See the below link to enjoy her audition and interview.

(Tiffany went with her.)  Next for Danielle, Charleston, SC to audtion for American Idol. 


Danielle's FOX 50 Audition-Triangle Idol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLVAhy0nLdM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

It's a ZOO Out There!

There are many advantages to living in NC.  We have the best of MOST worlds...beach, mountains and the ZOO are just a day trip away for us!  When the big kids were small, Greg and I would take them on many adventures on the weekends.  One trip that was always a favorite was the NC Zoo.  Since Taylor is so much younger than Gregory, Tiffany and Sarah, she doesn't remember a lot of these special trips.  Greg and she were talking a couple of weeks ago about our last trip to the zoo.  Much to our surprise, she didn't remember much about it but what she did remember, she LOVED.  Greg had off Saturday, Taylor invited her good friend, Mallory and we hit the road for Ashboro bright and early!  Now you must understand, early for the Dixons is early! 

Greg is pretty much a type A personality (actually, I am too) so getting to the zoo or any other destination when the gates open is the ultimate goal.  If we don't get there on time, we may miss something really important or we may not be the visitors to see the polar bears take their first plunge in the pool for the day!!  Well, needless to say, we got there in plenty of time to enjoy all the animals and exhibits from Africa and North America.

I love watching the zoo animals.  My favorite is the polar bears!  They are so large but swim so gracefully in the water.  Floating on top of the water then diving to the bottom of the pool, climbing on the plastic iceberg float...they are so entertaining.  They really put on so a show!

One thing that wasn't so pleasant was the extreme HEAT!   It was hot and those who know me, know I do NOT do well in the heat.  It was 120 degrees (granted, I am exaggerating but it felt like it)! Talk about whining...I was whining like a toddler. I was worn out by the end of the day actually but lunchtime.  Just when we had seen every animal from Africa (zebras, giraffes, elephants, monkeys, gorillas, exotic birds, etc...) to all the animals from North America (bears, bison, polar bears, puffins, reptiles-YUCK, sea otters, fox, etc...) guess who wanted to play on the playground...Taylor and Mallory.  I was so ready to get into the car with some maximum A/C and they wanted to play!  I sat down in the shade (still about to die from heat) and Greg took pictures of the 15 year-old-beauties on the insect-inspired playground.

When we did leave and I got cooled off in the lovely A/C, I reflected upon our day.  It was a great day.  We definitely got our moneys worth of zoo life and made many wonderful memories.  This was a trip that Taylor will remember and share with her kids one day.  Life as the Dixons is a good life!

Fifth Grade Graduation..A Time to Reflect

This morning, I had the opportunity to attend my school's 5th grade graduation ceremony.  Now, when our school does an event, we do it up BIG! We have an awesome student body, teachers, administrators and parents.  The multi-purpose room (schools are no longer building auditoriums anymore) was filled with many proud parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers, etc...Needless to say, it was standing room only. It was a time to celebrate.  Think of all these students have accomplished since they entered kindergarten.  They began with learning concepts of print, the alphabet letters/sounds, number recognition, counting...In first grade, the children then began to learn to read, write sentences (paragraphs and stories came next), reading simple books with 2-3 word sentences (level 1-2) to reading more complex books progressing to levels 15-16.  These levels may not mean much to people that aren't in education but these are major benchmarks for students, teachers, parents, administrators, etc...By second grade, they are learning grammar, reading narrative/expository books, retelling with detail, creative writing, science and social study units, multiplying, telling time, etc...Holy cow, by the time they get to the end of 5th grade, it's hard to even imagine the wealth of knowledge these kids have acquired!

I think you get the jest of the academics of elementary school.  These children learn a wealth of information that lays the foundation for their continued educational careers.  Being successful in elementary curriculum will help the children be successful in middle school and hopefully, the domino effect with go forth into their high school and college education making them life-long learners.

Teachers in elementary school not only teach the 3 Rs (reading, writing and arithmetic), we are responsible for teaching social skills like sharing, cooperating, and helping them learn to make good choices like following rules to stay safe and be considerate of others.  We teach character education traits like perseverance, kindness, integrity, respect and responsibility. 

My hat is off to the educators of elementary school students.  What an awesome responsibility we have to influence the structure of a child's educational experience.  It is a pleasure to have that ability.  I have been teaching for 26 years.  I love watching a child make gains in his/her learning.  I love seeing the "light bulb" come on when a concept is mastered (oh, the smile of a child that has finally got it)!  I love being able to see a struggling reader in first grade awarded an exceptional reading certificate for 5th grade graduation!  I swell with pride because I see the result of hard work and diligence.  My eyes swell with tears of joy that I had influence in a child's life to be successful! 

Days like today make me happy that I choose to be an "educator of many."

Busy, Busy, Busy June

When Greg and I got married on June 12, 1990, we knew it was a busy month.  The day we became a family (Greg, me, Gregory, Tiffany and Sarah), Father's Day and Tiffany's birthday... wow, it was like we were celebrating every weekend!  We still celebrate these special days and we have even added more occasions to celebrate.  Tiffany and Clint's wedding anniversary is in June.  Ryan, our newest family member, has a birthday in June (actually, it's today).

This week begins the official summer season for Taylor.  She finishes her sophomore year at Heritage High School.  She gets a break from school and early morning seminary.  I know she's excited!  She'll be finished on Tuesday.

Sarah will be leaving this week, Saturday, June 11th, to join Ryan in LA.  I will say I'm sad to see her go but at the same time have to celebrate because they will be starting their new life together.  Another exciting happening in June this year, Clint has a two week R&R from Afghanistan!  Tiffany is counting the days to their reunion and mini vacations.  (She has planned lots of fun things for them to do...can't say, it's a surprise for Clint!)

So bring on June.  I'm ready to celebrate anniversaries, Father's Day, birthdays, summer, and whatever else just happens to be added to the Dixon Family calendar.

The End

As most of you know, I have been a teacher for 25+ years.  I work with Wake County Public Schools.  My first year, was 1985.  I was pregnant with my first child, Sarah. I had just graduated from Greensboro College the previous May.  I have been teaching with Wake County ever since then.  It has become my identity.  You know how you relate to others by being someones mom, someone's daughter, someone's wife, someone's sibling.  Well, I also find myself relating to others as being someone's teacher.  (over the past 25+ years, I've taught bunches of kids)  I even have former students go to college to become teachers.  I have even taught with one of my former first graders (Amanda Vaughn Dixon-no relation).  Shoot, my own daughter is a teacher (she teaches those BIG kids in high school).

Anyway, at this point of the year, I would jot down lesson plans in my trusty plan book.  I would plan lots of fun, end-of-year "learning experiences."  These experiences usually included outdoor activities like field day and picnics at the local park and always a "recognition awards day."  On the last day of school for the year, I'd always write "The End" in my plan book with a smiley face. 

Well, this year is no exception.  There have been a few changes all my years of teaching:  (1) I have moved from the regular classroom (K-4) to a resource classroom teaching literacy and ESL students (very rewarding) and (2) I am at one of those horrible year-round schools....arghhhh.  When I write, "The End" in my plan book now, it is only a matter of days before a new year begins.  There isn't any down time to rest, reflect and rejuvenate.  We literally close the school year and open the next school year in one week's time. 

I enjoy my chosen profession even if I am getting near "The End" of my career.  I have probably less that 5 years before I am able to retire.  Until then, I'll continue writing "The End" in my plan book and enjoying all the lives I touch.  I know my life is touched by so many in my school community.  I hope everyone in the teaching profession enjoys closing out another school year and can reflect on all the events of the year with a smile in your heart.  Try to remember the times that influenced you to become an "educator of many."

Sarah's Farwell

The Dixons are always looking for an excuse to have a party and today, we did it up right.  Gregory and Danielle came up from Stedman, NC.  Granny and Papa made the trip from Pilot Mountain, NC.  Tiffany and Sarah joined Greg, Taylor and me at our house in Wake Forest, NC and we had a celebration.  What was the occassion?  Sarah's farewell, of course!  She'll be joining her husband, Ryan Larsen, in Leesville, LA in a few weeks.

We had lots of good food and a fun time was had by ALL.  Let's see, we had an embarassing display of steak and chicken on the grill and all the southern fixins to go along with it.  We played corn hole and danced to Wii Dance II. The whole day was most enjoyable. 

Taylor braided Sarah's hair while we were outside playing.  As I watched them, my mind went back many years, as if it were yesterday, thinking about when Sarah was little.  I would braid her thick, auburn hair.  It seems like she should still be that little.  It was at that point of my day that I began to reflect about my role as a mom.

Gosh, I thought about all those precious years of raising Sarah.  The happy times, the sad times, the times we argued, the times she thought I knew nothing, the times we laughed and the times we cried.  It is a wonderful blessing being a mother. 

Today, we celebrate Sarah's farewell.  It's hard to believe I just said "celebrate."  "Celebrate" is a term of happiness, right?   Well, today is bitter-sweet for me.  My heart breaks, my eyes tear as I think about my baby leaving.  However, I am so proud of her and the woman she has become.  There is comfort in knowing that I have been blessed to have her as my daughter and she will always be mine.  I am happy for her as she and Ryan begin their "happily ever after."

Best wishes from all our family as we send you off to Leesville, LA into the loving arms of your new hubby. 

We love you, Sarah!!!

Remember to.....Remember

As we reach the Memorial Day weekend, people begin thinking about the upcoming summer season and all its fun activites.  I think of swimming, boating, getting a good tan, enjoying friends and family for backyard cookouts, playing corn hole, catching fireflies, playing tag, baseball, kids laughing, fireworks...gosh, the list of fun things to do race through my mind.

However, I want to take this weekend to remember the real meaning of "Memorial Day."  This is a time to honor those who serve in our armed forces.  Those men and women who courageously defend our country.  These men and women along with their families are true heros.  I am proud to have such heros in my life. 

My father, Billy Johnson served in the Korean War (Marines-Daddy says they have the best looking uniforms).  My mother, Mildred, gave birth to my brother while Daddy was deployed.  I have two sons-in-law that serve in the US Army.  Clint McPherson, Tiffany's husband and Ryan Larsen, Sarah's husband.  Clint is now deployed in Afghanistan and Ryan recently completed a tour in Afghanistan.  These fine men and women in my family are heros!  I am so proud of their service. Daddy, Clint and Ryan serve(d) with honor and Mama, Tiffany and Sarah also serve(d) with honor! 

Let us all take time to recognize what a terrific country we live in and all those who dedicate their lives for the land we love.  We are truly blessed.

...daughter teaches her mother...

Being a parent is a rewarding calling in life.  Heavenly Father blesses you with a precious little angel straight from heaven.  Immediately, the bonding begins, love expands your heart to a measure beyond your wildest dreams.  A parent's role in raising a child is a HUGE responsibility.  Teaching/learning is a never ending process.

Let's see, I taught my children how to love books by reading to them from the very beginning of their life.  I taught my children how to fold their arms reverently while praying. Taught them how to share their toys with friends even when they didn't want to share.  Taught them how to tie their shoes, dress themselves, peel and cut apples.  Taught them how to ride a bike, swim, and ride the tube behind our family boat, Major's Dream.  Many, many, many lessons have been taught and mastered over the course of childhood.

Parents are not the only ones teaching in the dynamics of the family unit.  Children teach parents many skills that are valuable and meaningful.  Today, my daughter, Sarah, gave an introductory lesson in blogging.  She is an avid blogger and has inspired me to become a blogger.  She patiently helped me set up the template, add "buttons", design, edit and copy/paste and lots of other "stuff."  I have not mastered these skills but she has promised to continue the tutoring until I have advanced from novice blogger to independent blogger.

The purpose of this blog is to journal the happenings of my most valuable treasured blessing on earth...my family.