BLESSED

Sometimes, when we think about how truly blessed we are, that our Lord would be so kind as to use us (though He really doesn't need us at all) to shepherd, love on and care for a group of women He has placed in our custody for 9 months. We think how wonderful it is to be able to share with these 15 women, their thoughts, prayers, troubles, joys and whatever else they choose to share with us during this time they are in our group. But then, when the 9 months are over, and we reflect over that wonderful time with each of them, we begin to think about what our Lord REALLY did! Not so much that He used me...but that He used them in order to work on me! This is what He did for me and even brought back to mind this week as I thought of my sweet friend Sandy Kirkland.

Sandy was in my discussion group in BSF during the 2006/2007 class year. I had the privilege of speaking with Sandy during this time and hearing the joy in her voice that could only have come from having a true, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Sandy had this incredible GIGANTIC smile with beautiful teeth and eyes that sparkled. Her hugs were warm, and because she was much taller than me, made me feel as if she were shepherding me. I loved speaking with Sandy on the times we connected and I loved the warm laughter she has. I could even see it over the phone along with the sparkle that danced in her eyes as she spoke.

Because she's moved to Boerne, I've missed seeing Sandy this past year. But I know it was needed. Hospice is with Sandy now and she will be going home soon. So...on your way home Sandy...there will be a spring in your step, joy in your heart, a song in your voice, light in your eyes and pure majesty as you enter that special place prepared just for you. God be with you till we meet again!

Boohoo!

Well, today is a sad day, sort of. I've just received a text from Jimmy and I am to meet him at the Chevrolet dealership to trade in my favorite car for a new one. Yes, I guess I should be happy...but I love old Blacky, the hog! She's a 2006 Infiniti QX, black on black with all leather, 3 rows of seats, DVDs, heated seats...all the works and plenty of stowage room to haul all my BSF materials to and from class on Tuesday and Wednesdays. How sad to see the old girl go. She's been faithful without any problems at all. One of the most comfortable cars I've ever had and I still remember when I picked her up driving through Houston on my way to Lufkin for a visit. I stopped by IAH to pick my niece from the airport right after I got her and headed to mom's for a weekend visit. With my navigation system...late at night...it was no problem. Her sleek black look reminded me of my dark hair in my youth...oh the days! Seems sad to just toss her out. How would I like it if someone were to just toss me out for a newer model? Hummmm...better not say that out loud! Don't' want to give anyone any ideas!

Anyway, Here's to you sweet hog, my Blacky girl! And here's to my newer model...with all your bells, whistles, jewels and sparkles. Hope you can keep up, live up and haul up all your predecessor did.

Oh yeah...whoever gets old Blacky...I'm watching you!!!!!!!!!!!

Can it Get Any MORE Fun?

Saturday mornings...can they really get any more fun? I ask myself that each week as I head for Huston's T-ball games and the answer...well, I think not! I do believe as they little guys catch on to the game, the funnier it gets. They are truly hysterical! They are really getting into it now. The dads are out in the the field with them, encouraging them, keeping them in their positions, urging them to run and catch the ball, throw it to the bases and play together. Yeah...right! This week, they even said the Pledge of Allegiance. The parents were given a pledge of good sportsmanship to say and so were the kids. It was really very nice. Yeah...we'll see how long that lasts as they grow up...at least we'll see how long the parent's pledge lasts...the kids will do fine!
Anyway, it was really a fun day. The kids were adorable and had a fun time...especially when it was time for their SNACK! Yeah!!!!!!!

Cardinal's Cheerleader...three thumbs for the birds!
Dad, you listening?

Yeah, yeah...I got it!

I pledge allegiance and all that other stuff!

Okay dad...I'm first up and ready...don't get all teary eyed!

Oh gee...are you REALLY gonna get all emotional on me?

Dad, we've been through this over and over! I got it!

What a doofus up at bat!

Hey Andrew...the doofus hit it!

(do these two look alike or what!)


Awwww Man! That was a great hit!


Oops! Shoulda moved a little more right!


Hey dad...don't look now, but I think Andrew is a little upset he didn't catch that ball!

Huston...open your eyes!

Hey...only ONE guy can throw the ball, the rest of you will HAVE to let go!

Dang it! Nobody EVER hits it to me!

Andrew...don't make me come after you and get it!

Andrew, you made me come get it, now let go!

That's right, trip him...it was your ball anyway!

MINE!

Okay Huston...see the third baseman? That guy can't catch his own shadow...Hit it right to him!

Now run like Lightning McQueen!

Donuts - Ole"

Last Friday, San Antonio Junior League's annual Christmas Ole' was held just down the street. Alix was to work early Friday morning until around 11:30 and I offered to keep the kids and meet her when her shift was over. I love Ole'. It just seems to start the season off with a bang, offering a variety of fun items for Christmas gifts for family and friends. Alix brought the kids over early, picking up powdered sugar donuts for breakfast. Obviously, they were excited and as you will see in the pictures below, very happy and satisfied with their treat!

I think I might be able to stuff one more in there somewhere!

I just foam at the mouth for sugar!

I promised the kids I would take them to buy a prize at Target (their FAVORITE store) when they came to see me on Friday. At 9:30, we headed for Target to pick up a special prize for each one of them. Huston chose, as usual, a Thomas the Train car set and Emery surprised us both. The Princess that she is, saw a bathing suit hanging on a rack as we ambled through the store. What do you know...just her size! She HAD to have the pink, princess ballerina costume (actual bathing suit). Though she had an almost identical one I had purchased for her at the beginning of the summer through a very expensive children's catalog, she HAD to have her pink princess costume! Huston even commented that she had one already, but of course her response was "no." (A common two year old's response to something that didn't agree with her!). What could a Lovey do? Huston had his prize...Emery got hers!

I'm gonna wear it no matter what the temperature!

These guys fit perfectly in my cars, see?

Ah! The joy of riding the rails!

Satisfied Princess

RAIN a tribute to the beatles

The story of RAIN began in the mid 1970s when four local musicians formed a band that was originally called “Reign”, played throughout the Los Angeles/Orange County, CA area. With their mutual love for the music of The Beatles, Reign was in demand to play Beatles music and rode an enormous wave of nostalgia for the band that had broken up in 1970. Before long they had built a strong devoted following in and around Los Angeles. Following numerous misspellings in the media and advertising, “Reign” became RAIN (also the title of a 1966 Beatles single).
Jimmy and I had the opportunity to go to the Majestic Theater, here in San Antonio, to attend the stage version of Rain, currently running. After a long, long day at the office, Jimmy was ready, and I may say, really ready for a relaxing and fun evening of music on which we grew up on. We started the evening with appetizers and spirits at Bohanan's downtown across from the Majestic. We didn't have time for dinner, since Jimmy was running late from the office, but a quick stop into Bohanan's did just the trick.
Afterwards, we walked across the street to the Majestic for some great seats for the performance. Before the show began, there were two large screens on either side of the stage with questions flashing up about the Beatles. Then, there would be multiple choice answers to choose from. It was quite fun trying to figure the answers out before it flashed on the screen. The screen background was in hippie type design (more like flower power) and quite fun to watch. Pretty soon, the show began and it began with the two screens lighting up with TV and movie reels about what was happening in the early 60's. From right before Kennedy was elected, through the Cubin Missile Crises, through Kennedy's assassination, Johnson's presidency, and so on until it began flashing scenes from the Ed Sullivan TV show where the Beatles had landed. Much of the reels where in black and white film. It was quite fun to watch and even re-live some of the old commercials. Did you remember that they used to offer women's nylon hose in boxes of clothes soap? Or the Prell commercials? It was quite funny and fun.
Then, in a flash, they were on stage...just like the Beatles! And they SOUNDED JUST LIKE THE BEATLES! And the LOOKED just like the Beatles! It was spooky and cool all the same. There were people of all ages in the audience. And people began to belt out songs! GROOVY!
There were four young men sitting in the row in front of us...Though they weren't alive when the Beatles were together...they knew the music and were letting it out as much as we were!
It was really a fun evening in all. Great music, groovin out, swaying, waving our lights in the air (lighters - aka flashlight i-phone app). Just too cool to explain!

We've got a ticket to ri-iiiiiide!

Can you locate the band?

Sometimes those who are vertically challenged have to look at the screen instead of the people on stage...just a little better view

4 young guys in the row ahead of us - they even knew the words.

People stood most of the evening singing

5th set - Abby Road part

The Encore

Jimmy's Cigarette lighter

Another Fun Saturday Morning

Every Saturday morning, Huston has a T-ball game. I have missed the last two Saturdays...1 got rained out and the other...well...Lovey just forgot...My Bad! But today!!!!! Was a great day! Jimmy took me to Clark and Alix's so I could ride with them to the ball field. I wasn't about to miss my little guy again. His team, the Cardinals, have been practicing and were ready to play. Dads were everywhere with with their sons, ready to play in the field, encouraging, rooting, helping up off the ground, coaching from the bases and even laughing as time passed. It really is a hoot to see these little guys.
They started out as usual, all lined up on the base lines, receiving instructions on good sportsmanship. Now I'm not too sure how many really heard the instructions or even really understood what good sportsmanship means. But all were silent with their hats off just waiting to be told it was time to play.

Huston was second up to bat. His other grandma (Kristi La Montagne) bought him a helmet from Target. It was a beautiful shiny RED one. Huston LOVES that helmet and gets to wear it when he bats and runs the bases. The coach encouraged the players to get their own...telling the moms to think lice- or at least something for moms to think about....(would have made ME go out and buy one!) The fun part bout T-ball is that every player gets to hit each inning and there are no outs. Therefore, the kids get to run all the bases. Here, Huston is being coached by one of the dads on third base. He's encouraging Huston to run as fast as he can - to home - as soon as his team mate hits the ball. Now Huston is one short, little boy...just how fast does that coach think he can run?!

And he's off! Check out those fists clenched. He's determined!

...and he crosses home plate! Better watch out for that T-ball stand Huston! You just got that Lego taken out of your nose last week in the emergency room and that wasn't so much fun! Think about what the stand would feel like! Yikes!!

Now dad is getting in the action. Clark trying to coach Huston...does it look like Huston is listening? Yeah, yeah, yeah!

Pooping or catching...can't really tell! Either one would be okay at this point!

Oh! Oh! I think I can, I think I can!

I'll get it...the kid behind me has a shoe untied and his dad has to help him. I'll have to cover for him! Good thing this team has me!

Good grief! Is this game ever going to be over?!

Let's tiptoe over here. Maybe they will hit it this way and I will be ready!

H...it's not nap time yet! Get up off the grass....we'll be home soon...I promise, the game won't last much longer!

Here, I'll get it! Let's get this over with!

Cardinal's Cheerleader!!!!!! Too cute for words.

All in all, it was a fun morning! Huston played great. He got some great hits and caught a few balls. He played third base and first base this week. Fun positions to have the ball thrown to you. What more can a kid ask for.

I love going to his games. I never get bored! See everyone next week!