Didn't Know My Own Strength

"Education is when you read the fine print...
...Experience is what you get if you don't." - Lydia M. Child

That quote just about sums up my spring semester.

I had taken all I could at Hill and was needing to transfer to El Centro College right smack in the middle of downtown Dallas, to take HPRS basically an Intro. to Nursing Course.  You see THR (my employer) has a contract with El Centro, so the actual Nursing Program is completed there.  A 5 hour Saturday class, 3 hour round trip drive through traffic (and those Dallas drivers are crazy) was definately something I was NOT looking forward to, but I put my big girl boots on and got through it.

I read my medical terminology book and learned the difference between Sporotrichosis and Paronychia....the fine print....BUT I didn't know the experiences I would gain from the lab portion of this course...

There were three pass/fail checkoffs during this semester.  Pass/Fail meaning you fail the checkoff, you fail the class.  No ifs, ands or buts about it. 

The first checkoff...Vital Signs, temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and blood pressure.  Easy enough. Checkoff Passed. 

The second checkoff...Wound Care.  This is a sterile procedure.  It isn't a "rub some dirt in it, slap on a band-aid," procedure.  By the way that works with kids.  There are several steps to maintaining a sterile field.  Enough steps, that the first five individuals failed their first try (we were given three chances to pass).  In I go and out I come - Checkoff Passed first try.

The third and last checkoff...Catheterization.  Now for the true experience.  I headed to class knowing that several students still needed to work on the first two checkoffs, so I wasn't mentally prepared to attempt catheterization.  In walks the teacher with the sign-up sheet, so I figured what the heck, might as well give it a try.  Unfortuneately, my nerves didn't feel the same way.  I walked in to the lab with uncontrollable red splotches on my neck, legs weak, knees knocking, and hands shaking.  I had decided the checkoff would be easier performed on a male mannequin since there is something to hold onto, but I didn't know the part wasn't secure.  I prepared the patient, the room and supplies, reached over with trembling hands and took ahold of the man part.  BUT the man part came right off in my hand.  I let out a holler and looked at the instructor with huge eyes, mouth wide open and a rubber penis in my hand.  I had two options, I could stop the procedure and try again next week or I could continue with a detached member.  I decided to keep on truckin'.  Good thing I did, because I passed that round of checkoffs - first try.

So most definately, as Lydia M. Child said, "the Experiences are what you learn the most from". 

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

For God so Loved the World

Several months ago, the youth leader knocked on our door to share with us some exciting news...
...Corey had talked to him about asking Jesus to come into his heart.

Corey seemed to understand what it meant, that Jesus died on the cross for everyone's sins, and he wanted to be part of it.  The next step...Baptism. 

Now, Corey, my daring child, who shows no fear at most anything, has an extremely shy side.  He doesn't like change much, so walking down to the front of the chuch during the invocation was not something he was ready for.  He wanted to be Baptised; he just wanted the gettin there part to be well, behind the scenes.

So for the last several months, when services were over, Corey would ask me very quietly, "Momma, when am I going to get Baptized?"  I would again explain to him the process of walking down during church service when Brother Jason asks for anyone to come.  He would quickly repond by shaking his head and saying, "No, I don't want to do that." 

I guess Corey had really been thinking about all of it because, well, this past Sunday was different.  The preacherman had finished his sermon and stepped down from the pulpit.  Soft piano and organ music was playing in the background.  Everyone's heads were bowed.  The congregation stood quietly, as people listened to Jason's inviting words.  The church was calm, except for a fidgity 8 year old who was standing right beside me.  I hear a very loud, youthful whisper, "Mom, MOMMM!"  I quickly responded in the motherly fashion, "SSHH!" and shot Corey the "This is NOT the time to be making noise look."   He sure didn't listen to me and continued to whisper, only this time just a little bit louder, "MOM!  I've got to go."  I soon realized what he meant and together we made our way down the church aisle and up to the preacher. 

Corey was filled with nervous, excitement that Jason barely got down to Corey's level before Corey was saying, "I wanna be Baptized." 

A big step for a shy little fella and a proud mom.  Corey will be baptized next Sunday.

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

One Word 24 Points

I am a big fan of Words with Friends on my iphone.  The boys have watched me play and have now become fans themselves.  They are constantly asking if it is my turn so they can play the next word. 

Colby realized this weekend that hidden deep in the back of our hall closet there sat the board game Scrabble.  He pulled it out and asked me to play.  It didn't take very long for Cameron and Corey to come into the kitchen asking if they could play the next game.

Corey's patience wore thin, so he headed back to his room for some Madden, while Cameron sat back and quietly studied the game board.  Although Colby was having fun playing Scrabble with his mom, heading to Wal-Mart with Brooke sounded more interesting to him.  Our game was over. 

Then Cameron sat down ready to play.    I could hear Terry in the background, "You better watch out, Cameron is pretty smart.  He might beat you."  (Please remember Cameron is only 9 years old.)  With a smirk on his face, Cameron played the first word...SERVE...on a double word square with a double letter square.  Was it luck or should I have been nervous?  Let me just tell you now, I should have been nervous. 

I decided Cameron's word was just luck and since this WAS his first time playing and I have a knack for words, I would take it a little easy on the fella.  WOAH, Big mistake on my part.  Cameron was laying down words, totalling 20 points here, 24 points there, and so on.  He watched the colored tiles and strategically placed his words on those tiles for more points.  I had to step up my game, but it was too late.  I was behind and there was no catching up for me.  He beat me.

I know next time Cameron and I play, I have to pull out my big guns from the beginning unless I want to get beat by a 9 year old. 

At one point during our game, Cameron hooked on to the letter "L" and played OL.  Yes that's right LOL.  (No LOL isn't technically a word that could be used while playing Scrabble.)  I looked at Cameron and asked him, "What is that?"  He gave me the "Are you serious, Mom?" look and said "L.O.L. - Laughing out Loud."  No Cameron does not have a cell phone, and No he doesn't text, but he knows what LOL is?!  I was LOL-ing. 

Well, Cameron and I sure do have a Scrabble rematch coming up, and I am going to do my best to win one.

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

Survivors

The end of October is near...
...But let awareness stick around all year.

I ran barefoot down a stone-covered dirt road carrying my scared boys on my hips.  Desperate screams of help shattered the still night.   In front of me, the road disapeared into the darkness.  Behind me, a man carrying a shot-gun.  The closest house was a mile away and vacant.  I prayed someone would hear my screams.   Blood and tears soaked my face.  I tried to convince myself and my terrified boys we would get away, but I couldn't run fast enough.  With every pounding step I took, the gap between the boys and I and the man chasing us got shorter.  Questions raced through my mind, "Will the boys be okay?", "Will I be shot in front of them?", and ultimately, "Am I going to die today?" 

I survived that terrifying night and many more like it, before I took a stand and walked away.  As the years pass only a few scars and memories remain.  I have rebuilt self-esteem and restored my strength.  I have provided the boys with safety.  We are Survivors. 

During the month of October, I have seen purple ribbons tied around the trees on the courthouse lawn, and a large sign that reads, "October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month".  The end of the month is fast approaching, so don't let the awareness be packed away like the ribbons on the trees.  Domestic Violence just doesn't occur in October it occurs every day of every month.  Reach out to someone who needs a hand, because your hand could be the hand that saves them. 

I must say "Thank You" to those who stood by me, and especially to my husband, Terry for showing me what true love is. 

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

Be Positive

Our lives this time of year pretty much consists of...
...football, football and more football.

All that football is all right with me, because I love the sport!  We've got Junior High ball on Thursday nights, Varsity ball on Fridays and Flag on Saturdays.  When we are at home our tv is tuned in to football.  If there is a game on - college or pro - we've got that channel on.  I find myself saying and thinking things that most girly girls wouldn't say like, "Oh My Gosh, you could see the slobber sling from his jaws after that hit - Dang good hit."  When it comes to watching the kiddos play football, Terry and I always make sure to yell and cheer them on.  There are lots of "Good Hit", "Let's go D", "C'Mon Blue", "G'Job Hornets" coming from the sidelines.  It's always praise for all the kids playing.  When the game is over, we make sure to slap each of the boys on the shoulder pad and tell them, "Good Game."

Last night, we traveled to Evant to watch the Junior High Hornets and Colby play.  There was already a 7th grade game taking place between Evant and Lingleville, and we arrived early enough to watch the second half of that game.  Even though Lingleville was puttin it to the Evant Elks there was a dad on the sideline yelling at the Lingleville 7th graders on the field.  His angry comments were, "Get out there and knock someone out, you're playing like a girl."  He yelled at the football boys, in a disapointed fashion several times - they were even winning the ball game. 

I thought about the man's statement "You're playing like a girl" and how wrong it is for him to criticize the young players like that.  A person/parent shouldn't put their kids down like that.  I felt bad for the boy out there on the field giving it his best.  I mean, if his dad will holler such stuff in public for all the fans to hear, what does he do to the poor kid at home in private.

I chewed on those thoughts for a little while and then another came to mind.  How dare him say that boy is playing like a girl.  I take offense to that.  I found myself picturing a team of football players - all girls - suited up in pads and helmets, standing on the 40 yard line, ready to attack.  The other team...the man who was standing on the sideline criticizing the boys playing quarterback.  The center snaps the ball, the pompous man takes the snap, stands up tall, looking downfield for a pass.  BAM - he is laid out by the group of girls playing some defense!  Woop!!!  Play like a girl huh?! 

Once the Lingleville/Evant game was over, the JH Hornets took the field, played the Evant 8th Graders and walked away with a W!  50-28.  Good job Blue!

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

We Bleed Blue

Although the Cowboys game was extremely disapointing this week...
...Cowboy Blue and Silver still runs through our veins.

There are certain rituals that take place on Game Day at our house.  Terry breaks out the old football crock pot and cooks a pot of chili cheese dip.  The corn chip bag is ripped right down the center for all day munching purposes.  Our tv is tuned into the pre-pre game show, the pre-game show, and then the game.  It's all day football coverage.  Right before the game, we change into our jerseys and get ready to yell, cheer, holler, and throw things at the tv.  My mom actually drove up one day last fall, the windows were all open because the weather was beautiful.  She opened our front door with wide eyes and asked, "Are ya'll fighting?"  "Nope, We're just watching the Cowboy Game." 

Now, in the six years I have known Terry there are only a handful of games that we have not watched together.  We are always right there watching together.

The Cowboy blood is passed on to our children too.  I thought I would share Cameron's first story of his fourth grade year with you...

My class and I went to the new Cowboys Stadium for a tour.  It was a long drive there, but it was the best day ever!

First, we went to the locker rooms, where we got an autograph.  We got to see the new player Dez Bryant.

Next, we got to play football on the field.  We played with a football that the Cowboys actually used in the N.F.L.

Tony Romo bought lunch for us.  I bet no one will believe that.

I thought we were going to be the only people there; well I was wrong.  People started crowding in at 1:00 pm, and it was hard to get around in the stadium.  Finally, they left.  What a relief!

Then, Tony Romo threw a pass, and I caught it.  I made a touchdown while the class tried to tackle me.  I ran four laps around the field.  I was really tired, so I sat in the stands for a little bit.

After that, the Cowboys gave us a jersey.  I got Tony Romo's jersey, and wore it all day.

We then had pizza for a snack at 3:00 pm.

The stadium had a swimming pool, so we all went swimming.  I jumped off the diving board and did a back flip into the pool.

After swimming, the Cowboys showed us some plays they use during football games.  We also did some stretches.

Did you know the stadium has a big screen t.v. that is 80 yards?  When it's sunny they can open the roof.  That's pretty cool!  The stadium holds over 100,000 people.  It's right next to the Rangers Ball Park, Six Flags over Texas, and Hurricane Harbor.  There are also big screen t.v.'s on the outside of the stadium.  It's the largest stadium in America!  There is a statue of Tom Landry outside the stadium.  He was the Cowboys first head coach.

My mom and dad went to the stadium to watch a bull riding contest.  The bull rider that won got 100,000,000 dollars.  He rode a bull named Code Blue.  They got to go down on the floor of the stadium and watch a concert.  They also have boxing matches there.

Jerry Jones owns the stadium and the Cowboys.  Maybe one day he'll pay me to play for the Cowboys.  The 2011 Super Bowl is in Cowboy Stadium.  I just hope that the Cowboys are playing and I am watching.

Pretty good story and it's most definately A+ work. 

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doing it Townley Style.

Ready, Set, Go!

This week is the kickoff to a fast-paced, always on the go Sports Season...
...I mean Sports Year for us.

Let's talk about football...
...Tonight marked the First Practice for Terry and his team of future Hornets.

The First Baptist Church of Walnut Springs started a six-man flag football league for the kiddos this year.  Terry is coaching with the assistance of the Youth Minister, and both Cameron and Corey are on Dad's team. 

The boys started asking (oh around 3:15 this afternoon) what time it was...Practice didn't start until 6.  I'm betting they checked the clock at least 25 times before it was time to leave.  They even started their own practice in the backyard -  throwing the football around.  Terry, he is just as excited.

Now, the neat thing about this league, is the coaches are to include a devotional into their practices.  Prayer is encouraged at all practices and games, and game day - a devotional will be held during half-time.

We've got a big day for Colby too this week.  The first Junior High game of the season is Thursday in Kopperl.  Colby played on the Junior High team last year as a sixth grader.  But he is a True Blue Junior High Hornet this year.

The funny thing about Junior High Ball, is the size difference between all of the kiddos.  Colby is a little on the short side (he can thank me for that) and during practice, he has been up against a kiddo that is durn near 6 foot tall and has a size 13 foot.  I told him, "Well you've got to learn to block the big kiddos."  Colby just looked at me like I was crazy, and said "He puts me on my back everytime." 

Varsity football is in the second week, but it was the first week for the pep rally and our first game to attend.  Brooke was all decked out in her cheerleading duds and rockstar spirit.  The cheerleaders rocked the gym with a great dance they learned at camp.  Shhh, even though Cameron had been at home sick for a couple of days - we snuck into the pep rally.  Brooke's smiling face carried over straight to the game that night in Morgan. 

We had heard some talk that the Walnut/Morgan game would be a good game.  And well, it was a good game - for the Hornets!  In six-man football, if there is a difference of 45 points between teams - the game is over at half-time.  Well...the game was OVER at half-time.  The Hornets did let Morgan get 6 on the board, but that was all.  The game pretty much consisted of the Hornets touching the football and the Hornets scoring a touchdown. 

Everywhere I went...
...I was Running.

Brooke ties on her running shoes Wednesday for a two-mile run over hills, through a pasture, around a creek, and wherever else the coaches mark a cross country trail. She's made regionals every year of her High School career so far, here's hoping her Junior Year brings the same.

With football practice, football games, cross country events, I think we have everyday of the week covered with the exception of Sundays.  Let the games begin!

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on Doing it Townley Style.