Having titled my entry that, you might wonder what I'm referring to. Well, if you lived in "Tornado Alley" like we do, chances are you would know EXACTLY what I'm talking about!
Last night, Charles had his best friend Tyler spending the night, Laura Lou was off work and had a couple of friends stop by and Dave & I had our Life Group meeting. We left around 6:30 and drove out to Justin, TX which is about 25 minutes from our house. We had heard that severe weather was predicted to come through but probably after midnight. Wrong-o!
We had been having a wonderful evening, watching the Dallas Stars trying to salvage their play-off dreams, playing the Newlywed Game and laughing ourselves stupid, when the phone rang. A friend was checking in with our hostess wondering if they were okay. They had heard that the tornado warnings were in effect by the Texas Motor Speedway which is 5-10 minutes from our hosts' home. You never saw people fly out to their cars that fast in your whole life! I think we were out of the house, with our stuff, in under 5 minutes!
All the way home, we were just ahead of the storm. It had moved into the DFW area much quicker than had been predicted. I dug around inside my purse trying to find my cell phone so I could check in on the kids at home. To my surprise, it wasn't there! Had I left it in my jeans pocket? I sure hoped not because as soon as I got home from work, I had thrown them into the wash with some other dark clothes!
We rushed into the house and demanded an immediate update from the radar. Charlie had been outside with his video camera filming lightening strikes. I told Tyler to call his mom and let her know that, if the tornado sirens went off, he would be in the storm shelter with the rest of us. I went and got my raincoat and Charlie got Squeegy's travel cage ready to go. We hadn't been home but a few minutes and the tornado sirens began to wail!Laura and her friends got into one of the cars and I loaded the boys up into mine to drive up to the shelter. I asked Dave if he was coming with us? When I didn't get what I thought was a definite answer, we left!!!
To put this into perspective, we got nailed in 1999 with severe weather. The sirens went off and the kids, their guinea pigs and myself made a beeline for the shelter. When I had asked Dave if he were coming with us, he replied,
"No, I'm watching the Stanley Cup Play-offs! I'll hold down the house!"
Funny man! No sooner than we had left, the power went out so he couldn't watch his precious play-offs. The hail started pounding us and as the skylight in the bathroom broke and the windows began shattering in the living & dining rooms he told us later that he thought to himself,
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea!"
Two words come to mind-YOU THINK!
Back to last night...The boys, myself and one noisy cockatiel drove the 2 blocks to the shelter. I found a space and put the car in park. I yelled for them to stay in the car because I suddenly realized I was under a big Cottonwood tree. You don't want to be under one of those "junk" trees if their rotted insides decide snap and topple over! I moved the car up a little and we jumped out. No sooner did we open the car doors, the heavens opened up and thoroughly drenched us. We were soaked by the time we made it down the stairs and inside the shelter where it was standing room only.
Now because we live in a Mobile Home Park and as everyone knows, mobile homes are tornado magnets, the owners of said park built 2 shelters for its residents.It's getting pretty stuffy inside there and it's quickly becoming more & more crowded. The kids are asking where their Daddy is and I told them I figured he's decided to stay home. By now my son "The Weatherman" is aching to go outside and see the storm barreling down on us. You have to realize that he is in his element and is so excited he's wiggling all over like a puppy who's been home alone all day and his family has just walked through the door! I stand firm and say, "Absolutely not!" I also tell the boys that Tyler's Mom would kill me if she knew I had let her son out of the storm shelter so he could check out what was going on above ground.
Fortunately for us the rotations that the Meteorologists spotted, never formed into anything more. After a half hour we got the all-clear and headed back to the house. Dave was sitting on the couch, watching TV as we trooped back inside. One of the kids asked him about why he didn' t come up with us. He said he had planned on going with us but by the time he stepped out on the porch all he saw were taillights driving off in the distance! I said,
"YOU have a car! Why didn't you take it and join us?" To that he replied, "I didn't know where the shelter was?" I couldn't believe my ears! I said, "We've lived here almost 13 years and YOU don't know where the storm shelter is?" The more I thought about it, the funnier it got. Why would he know, he's always been too busy "holding down the house"! Springtime in Texas-you gotta love it!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
THE SKYDIVE!!!
Finally, the weather in Texas, on a Saturday cooperated! The 4th scheduling of Dave & Laura's skydive, came to pass. Saturday we got up early and hit the road for Skydive Dallas in Whitewright, TX.
They were scheduled to go up at 10AM but because it was such a gorgeous day, there were a lot of other crazy people out there as well. The time arrived for them to get suited up, put on their goggles and get their final instructions. The both of them were so excited and not nervous at all.
Charlie & I watched them take off in one of the planes that holds 23 people. It took about 10-15 minutes for them to get up to the 13,500 feet that they would jump from. All of the others jumped before them. Since the winds were pretty calm, they were bailing out pretty much right over the drop zone. The pilot had to circle around one more time and then Dave went out with his instructor first, followed by Laura and her instructor.
From out viewpoint, Charlie and I could hear the plane, but not see anything. We were waiting to see the canopies opening up. Another pilot who was watching from where we were,pointed out, "There's one!" What we saw were black specks falling down out of the sky and then suddenly go back up a little and then a colorful canopy open up. As soon as he saw Dave he told me, "There's one of the tandem jumpers!" Charlie and I watched and as they got closer to the ground, they were going around in circles and I could hear Dave whooping it up! Laura wasn't too far behind him and landed less than a minute after him.
Dave said watching Laura and seeing how excited she was about jumping was almost as good as jumping itself! They received videos, which we've already watched a couple of times already and will be getting their still photos next week. I took a few on my digital camera. Would they do it again? In a heartbeat!!!
They were scheduled to go up at 10AM but because it was such a gorgeous day, there were a lot of other crazy people out there as well. The time arrived for them to get suited up, put on their goggles and get their final instructions. The both of them were so excited and not nervous at all.
Charlie & I watched them take off in one of the planes that holds 23 people. It took about 10-15 minutes for them to get up to the 13,500 feet that they would jump from. All of the others jumped before them. Since the winds were pretty calm, they were bailing out pretty much right over the drop zone. The pilot had to circle around one more time and then Dave went out with his instructor first, followed by Laura and her instructor.
From out viewpoint, Charlie and I could hear the plane, but not see anything. We were waiting to see the canopies opening up. Another pilot who was watching from where we were,pointed out, "There's one!" What we saw were black specks falling down out of the sky and then suddenly go back up a little and then a colorful canopy open up. As soon as he saw Dave he told me, "There's one of the tandem jumpers!" Charlie and I watched and as they got closer to the ground, they were going around in circles and I could hear Dave whooping it up! Laura wasn't too far behind him and landed less than a minute after him.
Dave said watching Laura and seeing how excited she was about jumping was almost as good as jumping itself! They received videos, which we've already watched a couple of times already and will be getting their still photos next week. I took a few on my digital camera. Would they do it again? In a heartbeat!!!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Dave's favorite geyser, Beehive Geyser and the Old Faithful Inn is in the background. This sepia photo was taken in September 2005. I got him the frame for Valentines Day. It is made from flooring that came from the Inn, torn out during it's renovation process. Frame is hand crafted by Artist, Rich Holstein out of Cody, WY.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Thursday, April 20, 2006
NOSTALGIC
I've been feeling nostalgic these last couple of days. It began with reading the book I mentioned in my last post and rewatching the Band Of Brothers DVD series. Yesterday my ex mother-in-law passed away, one of those "greatest generation" souls.
Jennifer's father and I married when I was 16 and Jenn was born not long after I turned 17. We weren't married for very long but his Mom Doris, was so helpful and supportive and she absolutely adored Jennifer. They are extremely close, like I was with my paternal grandmother. Jennifer's grandfather Gus, a WW2 veteran passed away before Jenn was born. How ironic that Doris died on April 19th, their wedding anniversary. I realized that Jennifer's father & I went on our first date April 19, 1975 as well. Just plain weird!
Doris had suffered a stroke last fall and she had recovered some of her mobility. Recently she suffered some setbacks. Jenn and Corey went into St Charles not long after Ashley was born for a visit. Their usual custom was to ask her if she would like them to pray for her before they left. Jenn said the tone of her voice suggested that she strongly wanted them to do so. During the prayer, Jenn felt the leading of the Holy Spirit to ask her if she wanted to pray the prayer of salvation. When Corey finished, Jenn started in and asked Doris if she wanted to. Doris replied that she didn't know that one. I had to laugh inside when Jenn told me that, because being raised Catholic, we all know all of these specific prayers but not that one!
Jenn presented the Gospel message to her grandmother and then asked her if she wanted to pray the prayer of salvation and she said yes! Afterwards, Jenn said to her, "Do you know what this means? When you die, you'll be in heaven with Jesus, forever!" In typical Doris fashion she said, "Yes, but I'm not quite ready to go just yet!" Within a couple of weeks, she was near death. God's timing is amazing!
How comforting for Jenn right now to know that her Grandmother is definitely with the Lord. No second guessing, no "why didn't I follow up with that" or anything! Along with the tears and sadness she has peace & comfort but most importantly HOPE! How could we ever go on if we didn't have that!
Letting Jennifer live with her father was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I'll admit that there were times when I felt like he didn't deserve to have her with him. I felt cheated that he got more of her time and that when she had her own family he would have a closer relationship with my grandchildren than I do. Everything inside of me longs for them to move to Texas but if it is meant to be, it'll be. At this point in time, they are where they are supposed to be.
After Jenn called me and shared with me how her Grandmother received Christ, God gave me a special blessing and insight. This is HER mission field. Just as important as doing Missionary work in darkest Africa, she is building relationships and being used by God in her own family. I'll get to be with her forever in eternity but for now, this mere teardrop in the bucket of time, she is needed elsewhere. I can certainly live with that! There were a lot of hurt feelings and bitterness when her father & I divorced but God has cleansed, bound and healed those wounds. Now when I look at those scars I no longer dwell on them. How else can you pray for others unless the supernatural power of God is involved? Forgiveness is liberating!
Goodbye Doris and thank you for looking out for my baby girl while she was with you!
Jennifer's father and I married when I was 16 and Jenn was born not long after I turned 17. We weren't married for very long but his Mom Doris, was so helpful and supportive and she absolutely adored Jennifer. They are extremely close, like I was with my paternal grandmother. Jennifer's grandfather Gus, a WW2 veteran passed away before Jenn was born. How ironic that Doris died on April 19th, their wedding anniversary. I realized that Jennifer's father & I went on our first date April 19, 1975 as well. Just plain weird!
Doris had suffered a stroke last fall and she had recovered some of her mobility. Recently she suffered some setbacks. Jenn and Corey went into St Charles not long after Ashley was born for a visit. Their usual custom was to ask her if she would like them to pray for her before they left. Jenn said the tone of her voice suggested that she strongly wanted them to do so. During the prayer, Jenn felt the leading of the Holy Spirit to ask her if she wanted to pray the prayer of salvation. When Corey finished, Jenn started in and asked Doris if she wanted to. Doris replied that she didn't know that one. I had to laugh inside when Jenn told me that, because being raised Catholic, we all know all of these specific prayers but not that one!
Jenn presented the Gospel message to her grandmother and then asked her if she wanted to pray the prayer of salvation and she said yes! Afterwards, Jenn said to her, "Do you know what this means? When you die, you'll be in heaven with Jesus, forever!" In typical Doris fashion she said, "Yes, but I'm not quite ready to go just yet!" Within a couple of weeks, she was near death. God's timing is amazing!
How comforting for Jenn right now to know that her Grandmother is definitely with the Lord. No second guessing, no "why didn't I follow up with that" or anything! Along with the tears and sadness she has peace & comfort but most importantly HOPE! How could we ever go on if we didn't have that!
Letting Jennifer live with her father was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I'll admit that there were times when I felt like he didn't deserve to have her with him. I felt cheated that he got more of her time and that when she had her own family he would have a closer relationship with my grandchildren than I do. Everything inside of me longs for them to move to Texas but if it is meant to be, it'll be. At this point in time, they are where they are supposed to be.
After Jenn called me and shared with me how her Grandmother received Christ, God gave me a special blessing and insight. This is HER mission field. Just as important as doing Missionary work in darkest Africa, she is building relationships and being used by God in her own family. I'll get to be with her forever in eternity but for now, this mere teardrop in the bucket of time, she is needed elsewhere. I can certainly live with that! There were a lot of hurt feelings and bitterness when her father & I divorced but God has cleansed, bound and healed those wounds. Now when I look at those scars I no longer dwell on them. How else can you pray for others unless the supernatural power of God is involved? Forgiveness is liberating!
Goodbye Doris and thank you for looking out for my baby girl while she was with you!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
WHAT I'M READING THIS WEEK
Monday evening I had about 3 hours to kill while Charlie was at his music lesson and then his guys bible study. We have to drive down to Keller which is 45 minutes from our house here in Denton. I just hang around down there, catching up on phone calls on my cell phone, reading or doing needlework usually sitting in the Albertson's grocery store parking lot. Before he started coming an hour earlier for Jordan to work with him on the guitar, it didn't make sense for me to drive down there, come home for 30 minutes then drive back there. Although I could be back home now for 90 minutes, with gas prices hovering around $3 a gallon, it doesn't make sense for me to waste money!
Monday the temperature was over 100 degrees. There was no way I was going to sit in the parking lot with the car running for 3 hours (talk about wasting gas!) or sit in the car with the windows down and have hot air stifling me. I did the next best thing-I went shopping! I went up to Kohl's and looked around. I managed to come out of there empty-handed, hard to do because that's one of my favorite stores! From there, I went to SuperTarget. My first stop was the music/DVD/book section. I spotted a book of interest and decided to get it.
I am a HUGE history fan, I love it and can't ever get enough of it. When I was a little girl, my mother took me to the old, opulent AMBASSADOR theatre in downtown St Louis and I saw "Gone With The Wind". Since that movie, I have been hooked. Growing up, I was fascinated by the Civil War era. In high school, in my Advanced American History class, I led my Southern delegates in a role play exercise and we all seceded from the Union, 115 years after the original states did! (This was not because of racist beliefs, no negative comments please).
Growing up with such an interesting family history and hearing stories from my mother about growing up in Germany during WW2, slowly my main area of interest shifted from the Civil War to WW2. One of the best movies I have ever seen was "Saving Private Ryan". It was hard to watch but it really stirred something within me. A couple of years ago, for a Christmas present, we bought POP the HBO series, "Band of Brothers". Dave and I were captivated with the story of EASY Company and their role in WW2. If anyone hasn't seen this piece of work, I highly recommend it. If you can watch this and not be moved by the commitment, courage, dedication and sacrifices that "the greatest generation" and these men of Easy Company made, I don't know what would!
As I browsed the book section, I found "Beyond Band of Brothers" the War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters. Major Winters was the Commander of Easy Company and in the book he shares more of what the HBO series and Stephen Ambrose did in their works. It's also a lesson on good leadership skills. I have been devouring this book and am thoroughly enjoying it. It'll probably be one that I buy for POP for either his birthday next month or for Father's Day.
Curl up and read a good book. Enrich your mind!
http://www.majordickwinters.com/index.html
Monday the temperature was over 100 degrees. There was no way I was going to sit in the parking lot with the car running for 3 hours (talk about wasting gas!) or sit in the car with the windows down and have hot air stifling me. I did the next best thing-I went shopping! I went up to Kohl's and looked around. I managed to come out of there empty-handed, hard to do because that's one of my favorite stores! From there, I went to SuperTarget. My first stop was the music/DVD/book section. I spotted a book of interest and decided to get it.
I am a HUGE history fan, I love it and can't ever get enough of it. When I was a little girl, my mother took me to the old, opulent AMBASSADOR theatre in downtown St Louis and I saw "Gone With The Wind". Since that movie, I have been hooked. Growing up, I was fascinated by the Civil War era. In high school, in my Advanced American History class, I led my Southern delegates in a role play exercise and we all seceded from the Union, 115 years after the original states did! (This was not because of racist beliefs, no negative comments please).
Growing up with such an interesting family history and hearing stories from my mother about growing up in Germany during WW2, slowly my main area of interest shifted from the Civil War to WW2. One of the best movies I have ever seen was "Saving Private Ryan". It was hard to watch but it really stirred something within me. A couple of years ago, for a Christmas present, we bought POP the HBO series, "Band of Brothers". Dave and I were captivated with the story of EASY Company and their role in WW2. If anyone hasn't seen this piece of work, I highly recommend it. If you can watch this and not be moved by the commitment, courage, dedication and sacrifices that "the greatest generation" and these men of Easy Company made, I don't know what would!
As I browsed the book section, I found "Beyond Band of Brothers" the War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters. Major Winters was the Commander of Easy Company and in the book he shares more of what the HBO series and Stephen Ambrose did in their works. It's also a lesson on good leadership skills. I have been devouring this book and am thoroughly enjoying it. It'll probably be one that I buy for POP for either his birthday next month or for Father's Day.
Curl up and read a good book. Enrich your mind!
http://www.majordickwinters.com/index.html
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
EASTER COOKIES
EASTER STORY COOKIES
(To be made the evening before Easter)
1 Cup Whole Pecans
Wooden Spoon
Zipper Baggies
1 Tsp. Vinegar
3 Egg Whites
Pinch of Salt
1 Cup Sugar
Tape
Bible
Preheat Oven to 300.
Place pecans in Zipper Baggie and let children beat them with the Wooden Spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 Tsp. Vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30
Add Egg Whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 Cup Sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity of God’s eyes on those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read Matthew 27:57-60
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed.
Read Matthew 27:65-66
Go To Bed! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22
On Easter Morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matthew 28:1-9
***** He Has Risen! *****
(To be made the evening before Easter)
1 Cup Whole Pecans
Wooden Spoon
Zipper Baggies
1 Tsp. Vinegar
3 Egg Whites
Pinch of Salt
1 Cup Sugar
Tape
Bible
Preheat Oven to 300.
Place pecans in Zipper Baggie and let children beat them with the Wooden Spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 Tsp. Vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.
Read John 19:28-30
Add Egg Whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 Cup Sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity of God’s eyes on those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read Matthew 27:57-60
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed.
Read Matthew 27:65-66
Go To Bed! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22
On Easter Morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matthew 28:1-9
***** He Has Risen! *****
WHERE TO BEGIN?
It's been a regular crazy house here lately and I suspect the men with the butterfly nets and my custom-sized strait-jacket will be showing up real soon! It's Tuesday morning, almost 6:30 my time and I have been back from the airport for 30 minutes already. I ran Dave down to DFW and am back home in one hour! Probably because there's a lot less traffic at 5 AM! He flies to Kansas City today and will be back tomorrow.
Yesterday was insane! We hit an all time record high temperature of 101 degrees!!! The high today is supposed to be 97. Then we get a cool front for the remainder of the week and it will only be in the upper 70's. Needless to say, we've been running the A/C since Sat! I don't even want to think about summer and how miserably hot it could be if this is only April!
Yesterday was spent running around in circles, doing my Monday errands.You know the usual, grocery shopping, restoring some semblance of order to the house, laundry, etc. Throw into the mix that I had to run to UPS (they only receive packages from 4:30 to 6:30) and had to leave for Charlie's music lesson and Bible Study by 5PMish. I finally got home last night at 10PM and fell into bed. Then up again at 4:30 this AM to run to the airport.I need a vacation! That's not coming up for another 7 weeks.
Last night, Jordan told Charlie he's a really fast learner and that he could go far in a short amount of time. This is a HUGE compliment coming from such a gifted and talented young man.He told me that Charlie was doing really well! Jordan produced our church's latest Worship CD which is awesome! I've mentioned before that this young man plays just about any musical instrument, including the accordian, sings, composes, leads worship etc. All 12 songs are original material written and sung by our own multi-talented Worship team. We went to their CD release party 2 weeks ago and bought 2 of their CD's.
Easter Sunday was fabulous! Our Pastor Toby, whom we just love to pieces has a way of applying God's Word to your everyday life. I can't tell you how many times in the past I have gone to Easter Services and have heard the Easter story. The Pastors could've just read it verbatem from the bible. Toby reminded us of the resurrection power, living within us as Believers and how we can be, think & do more than we could ever imagine, if we were out there on our own. I think of Paul who says (paraphrasing) "In light of this Good News, how then shall we live?"
The music was first class as always. It was so incredibly awesome to sit in the colliseum with thousands of other people, worshipping God & Jesus. At one point, I was so moved, I couldn't even sing. Have you ever stopped and just listened to what it sounds like, to hear all of these voices raised in praise? It is so neat! We should have a head count by this Sundays' service. Initial projection estimates were at 13,000.
Dave's mom is doing so much better. She was literally at death's door less than 2 weeks ago! She began her chemo for her Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and about a week later, began running a fever. Long story short, she had 3 raging infections in her body and the chemo had killed off ALL of her white blood cells. This is called Neutropenia. She fell into an almost vegetative state, not moving, waking or anything! Her body basically shut everything down in order to keep the primary organs, heart and brain, alive. Dave was wondering if he had missed his window of opportunity to have a quality visit with her. I had gone so far as to start giving thought to funeral preparations. Dave kept praying about whether or not he needed to get up there and say his goodbyes even though she was totally unresponsive. He had a real sense of peace that he didn't need to go up there and say his goodbyes just yet. This past weekend, she has made such a turnaround that the only word to describe it is miraculous! He is going to fly home and spend Mother's Day weekend with her, which I think is perfect! I seriously doubt that she will go back on the chemo since it nearly killed her. Unless God gives us another miracle, this disease will run its course and take her life. In the end, she'll be kept comfortable and on pain medication. For now though, we rejoice and give praise to God that she has been given more time to spend with us.
Yesterday was insane! We hit an all time record high temperature of 101 degrees!!! The high today is supposed to be 97. Then we get a cool front for the remainder of the week and it will only be in the upper 70's. Needless to say, we've been running the A/C since Sat! I don't even want to think about summer and how miserably hot it could be if this is only April!
Yesterday was spent running around in circles, doing my Monday errands.You know the usual, grocery shopping, restoring some semblance of order to the house, laundry, etc. Throw into the mix that I had to run to UPS (they only receive packages from 4:30 to 6:30) and had to leave for Charlie's music lesson and Bible Study by 5PMish. I finally got home last night at 10PM and fell into bed. Then up again at 4:30 this AM to run to the airport.I need a vacation! That's not coming up for another 7 weeks.
Last night, Jordan told Charlie he's a really fast learner and that he could go far in a short amount of time. This is a HUGE compliment coming from such a gifted and talented young man.He told me that Charlie was doing really well! Jordan produced our church's latest Worship CD which is awesome! I've mentioned before that this young man plays just about any musical instrument, including the accordian, sings, composes, leads worship etc. All 12 songs are original material written and sung by our own multi-talented Worship team. We went to their CD release party 2 weeks ago and bought 2 of their CD's.
Easter Sunday was fabulous! Our Pastor Toby, whom we just love to pieces has a way of applying God's Word to your everyday life. I can't tell you how many times in the past I have gone to Easter Services and have heard the Easter story. The Pastors could've just read it verbatem from the bible. Toby reminded us of the resurrection power, living within us as Believers and how we can be, think & do more than we could ever imagine, if we were out there on our own. I think of Paul who says (paraphrasing) "In light of this Good News, how then shall we live?"
The music was first class as always. It was so incredibly awesome to sit in the colliseum with thousands of other people, worshipping God & Jesus. At one point, I was so moved, I couldn't even sing. Have you ever stopped and just listened to what it sounds like, to hear all of these voices raised in praise? It is so neat! We should have a head count by this Sundays' service. Initial projection estimates were at 13,000.
Dave's mom is doing so much better. She was literally at death's door less than 2 weeks ago! She began her chemo for her Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and about a week later, began running a fever. Long story short, she had 3 raging infections in her body and the chemo had killed off ALL of her white blood cells. This is called Neutropenia. She fell into an almost vegetative state, not moving, waking or anything! Her body basically shut everything down in order to keep the primary organs, heart and brain, alive. Dave was wondering if he had missed his window of opportunity to have a quality visit with her. I had gone so far as to start giving thought to funeral preparations. Dave kept praying about whether or not he needed to get up there and say his goodbyes even though she was totally unresponsive. He had a real sense of peace that he didn't need to go up there and say his goodbyes just yet. This past weekend, she has made such a turnaround that the only word to describe it is miraculous! He is going to fly home and spend Mother's Day weekend with her, which I think is perfect! I seriously doubt that she will go back on the chemo since it nearly killed her. Unless God gives us another miracle, this disease will run its course and take her life. In the end, she'll be kept comfortable and on pain medication. For now though, we rejoice and give praise to God that she has been given more time to spend with us.
Friday, April 14, 2006
"CAMPING" AT GIGI & GRAMPY'S HOUSE!!!
Jacey Beth is "camping" at our house over the weekend. Jessica & Steven are headed to San Antonio today for their 1st Anniversary. Last night as I was waiting for Jessica to bring her up to Denton, I decided to go ahead and blow up the air mattress for her. I realized that Charlie's little pup tent was handy and set it up for her, thinking she might enjoy sleeping in it for the next few nights. She was really excited when she got here that she was going to camp out at our house!
Today we're going to do some yard work, running up to LOWE'S in a little bit for some decorative rock to lay down in the walkway.
Tomorrow night, we're going to bake "Resurrection Cookies" or "Easter Cookies" is another name for them.
Sunday is Easter and she'll go to church with us to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Our church is going to have all 4 campuses for 2 services at the University of North Texas' "Super Pit". We rented the pit again this year so we can hold everyone. They're thinking we'll have around 13,000 this Sunday!
Today we're going to do some yard work, running up to LOWE'S in a little bit for some decorative rock to lay down in the walkway.
Tomorrow night, we're going to bake "Resurrection Cookies" or "Easter Cookies" is another name for them.
Sunday is Easter and she'll go to church with us to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Our church is going to have all 4 campuses for 2 services at the University of North Texas' "Super Pit". We rented the pit again this year so we can hold everyone. They're thinking we'll have around 13,000 this Sunday!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
A BIRD'S EYE VIEW!!!
Dave received this info from a guy at work. I thought I'd research a little more and then post this for all my readers (all 4 of you!) to see. Enjoy!!
Tuesday, Apr 04, 2006
Webcam of nesting eagles on Hornby Island is a hit
(CBC) - A webcam is giving thousands of people around the world a close look at the lives of a pair of nesting bald eagles on B.C.'s Hornby Island.
Last week, the website went online as the eagles laid two eggs that are expected to hatch by the end of the month.
The Hornby Island eagles webcam
Retired accountant David Carrick said he has been keeping an eye on the pair of eagles in his secluded property for 14 years. But about 18 months ago - with government permission - he got an even closer look, installing a camera in the nest while the eagles were away on their annual migration.
He said the eagles noticed the enclosed camera and "pecked at it" and then got on with their lives.
At that point, the cable from the camera only ran into his TV and VCR. Carrick said he recorded some of the best moments, including the female laying two eggs, last year.
He showed the videos to biologists who offered to make the feed public on his website.
Last week, about 40,000 viewers a day went to the site after the female laid her clutch for this year. And Hancock has had to add three new web servers to meet the demand.
Carrick hopes the intimate look at the nesting eagles will make people think twice about threatening the species' habitat.
http://www.infotecbusinesssystems.com/wildlife/
Tuesday, Apr 04, 2006
Webcam of nesting eagles on Hornby Island is a hit
(CBC) - A webcam is giving thousands of people around the world a close look at the lives of a pair of nesting bald eagles on B.C.'s Hornby Island.
Last week, the website went online as the eagles laid two eggs that are expected to hatch by the end of the month.
The Hornby Island eagles webcam
Retired accountant David Carrick said he has been keeping an eye on the pair of eagles in his secluded property for 14 years. But about 18 months ago - with government permission - he got an even closer look, installing a camera in the nest while the eagles were away on their annual migration.
He said the eagles noticed the enclosed camera and "pecked at it" and then got on with their lives.
At that point, the cable from the camera only ran into his TV and VCR. Carrick said he recorded some of the best moments, including the female laying two eggs, last year.
He showed the videos to biologists who offered to make the feed public on his website.
Last week, about 40,000 viewers a day went to the site after the female laid her clutch for this year. And Hancock has had to add three new web servers to meet the demand.
Carrick hopes the intimate look at the nesting eagles will make people think twice about threatening the species' habitat.
http://www.infotecbusinesssystems.com/wildlife/
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Friday, April 07, 2006
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Dave went to Chicago on Tuesday and is coming home tonight. Yipee!
When Dave went with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (it used to be just the Burlington Northern back then) in 1982, he came from St Louis County Police along with 2 other guys. He started out as a Patrolman and now, nearly 25 years later isn't even in Law Enforcement at all anymore! One of the former coppers from County retired so he was up there for work as well as his retirement party.
When I talked to him last night, he was telling me that he was the Designated Driver heading back to the hotel. Everyone at work knows my hubby is a Christian and through the years we've heard comments like, "If lightening is going to strike, I'm sitting next to "Hoppy" because he won't get hit!" Things like that. It's funny but it's also flattering actually. I like the fact that they notice that he's different. When we go to any work function, we never drink. I am not making a statement against drinking. In fact, In Christ I have liberty and freedom.
I choose not to drink for a several reasons. I know that others are watching now, especially people at his work and I don't want them to get a mixed message. I "lay down" my "right" to drink (that sounds weird) in order not to be a stumbling block. Secondly, I don't want to compromise my judgment and not be in tune with the Holy Spirit. If I'm going to be "under the influence", then let it be from the Holy Ghost! Thirdly, I don't think my meds would like for me to have alcholic beverages! Lastly, alcohol is to blame for a lot of dysfunction in my family. My Grandmother's husband, "Grandpa Bud" was mean & ugly when he had been drinking. His idea of watching me was to take me to the tavern with him! He left my Grandmother black & blue from trying to choke her, not to mention all of the verbal abuse he inflicted on her. No wonder she went out and bought herself a gun. Luckily for him, he quit drinking the last couple years of his life. I think she had had about enough!
Lest you think I have always taken the higher road, you would be sadly mistaken.Like most young people, I did my fair share of drinking, partying and puking in my younger, wilder years! I'm not exactly proud of that but it is what it is.
Back to my Designated Driver story. Dave told me that the 4 other guys in the car, 3 of them are "higher ups" were telling him to get on this tollway to go back to the hotel. Dave asks if anyone has change. Between the 5 of them they scrounged up about 40 cents! He asked if they would like him to pull over at a gas station and make change. The higher up that the car was signed out to said, "Naaaahhh, just run the tolls!" Dave's reply, "You're the boss!"
I had to laugh when Dave told me that he decided to just go through the "toll tag" lane, why slow down and pretend to throw money into the basket? He said that entering the tollway they took their picture and exiting the tollway, they took their picture. I had to laugh when he said, "There's me and 4 drunks in the car!" I told him that I want a copy of that picture if the boss gets sent one. I teased him about driving the getaway car. He told me, "Hey, the car wasn't signed out to me, it'll come back on ...."
My husband is such a rebel! Ha Ha!
When Dave went with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (it used to be just the Burlington Northern back then) in 1982, he came from St Louis County Police along with 2 other guys. He started out as a Patrolman and now, nearly 25 years later isn't even in Law Enforcement at all anymore! One of the former coppers from County retired so he was up there for work as well as his retirement party.
When I talked to him last night, he was telling me that he was the Designated Driver heading back to the hotel. Everyone at work knows my hubby is a Christian and through the years we've heard comments like, "If lightening is going to strike, I'm sitting next to "Hoppy" because he won't get hit!" Things like that. It's funny but it's also flattering actually. I like the fact that they notice that he's different. When we go to any work function, we never drink. I am not making a statement against drinking. In fact, In Christ I have liberty and freedom.
I choose not to drink for a several reasons. I know that others are watching now, especially people at his work and I don't want them to get a mixed message. I "lay down" my "right" to drink (that sounds weird) in order not to be a stumbling block. Secondly, I don't want to compromise my judgment and not be in tune with the Holy Spirit. If I'm going to be "under the influence", then let it be from the Holy Ghost! Thirdly, I don't think my meds would like for me to have alcholic beverages! Lastly, alcohol is to blame for a lot of dysfunction in my family. My Grandmother's husband, "Grandpa Bud" was mean & ugly when he had been drinking. His idea of watching me was to take me to the tavern with him! He left my Grandmother black & blue from trying to choke her, not to mention all of the verbal abuse he inflicted on her. No wonder she went out and bought herself a gun. Luckily for him, he quit drinking the last couple years of his life. I think she had had about enough!
Lest you think I have always taken the higher road, you would be sadly mistaken.Like most young people, I did my fair share of drinking, partying and puking in my younger, wilder years! I'm not exactly proud of that but it is what it is.
Back to my Designated Driver story. Dave told me that the 4 other guys in the car, 3 of them are "higher ups" were telling him to get on this tollway to go back to the hotel. Dave asks if anyone has change. Between the 5 of them they scrounged up about 40 cents! He asked if they would like him to pull over at a gas station and make change. The higher up that the car was signed out to said, "Naaaahhh, just run the tolls!" Dave's reply, "You're the boss!"
I had to laugh when Dave told me that he decided to just go through the "toll tag" lane, why slow down and pretend to throw money into the basket? He said that entering the tollway they took their picture and exiting the tollway, they took their picture. I had to laugh when he said, "There's me and 4 drunks in the car!" I told him that I want a copy of that picture if the boss gets sent one. I teased him about driving the getaway car. He told me, "Hey, the car wasn't signed out to me, it'll come back on ...."
My husband is such a rebel! Ha Ha!
Saturday, April 01, 2006
51 FUN FACTS ABOUT TEXAS!!!
Texas Firsts, Facts, and Trivia:
Compiled by
http://www.shgresources.com/tx/facts/
1.) Texas is popularly known as The Lone Star State.
2.) The Alamo is located in San Antonio. It is where Texas defenders fell to Mexican General Santa Anna and the phrase Remember the Alamo originated. The Alamo is considered the cradle of Texas liberty and the state's most popular historic site.
3.) The lightning whelk is the official state shell.
4.) Texas is the only state to have the flags of 6 different nations fly over it. They are: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States, and the United States.
5.) Although six flags have flown over Texas, there have been eight changes of government: Spanish 1519-1685, French 1685-1690, Spanish 1690-1821, Mexican 1821-1836, Republic of Texas 1836-1845, United States 1845-1861, Confederate States 1861-1865, United States 1865-present
6.) The King Ranch in Texas is bigger than the state of Rhode Island.
7.)During the period of July 24-26, 1979, the Tropical Storm Claudette brought 45 inches of rain to an area near Alvin, Texas, contributing to more than $600 million in damages. Claudette produced the United States 24 hour rainfall record of 43 inches.
8.) More wool comes from the state of Texas than any other state in the United States.
9.) Edwards Plateau in west central Texas is the top sheep growing area in the country.
10.) Texas is the only state to enter the United States by treaty instead of territorial annexation.
11.) The state was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845.
12.) Texas boasts the nation's largest herd of whitetail deer.
13.) A coastal live oak located near Fulton is the oldest tree in the state. The tree has an estimated age of more than 1,500 years.
14.) Sam Houston, arguably the most famous Texan, was actually born in Virginia. Houston served as governor of Tennessee before coming to Texas.
15.) Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in the state.
16.) When Texas was annexed in 1845 it retained the right to fly its flag at the same height as the national flag.
17.) The first offensive action of the Texas Revolution occurred in Goliad on October 9, 1835 when local colonists captured the fort and town.
18.) On December 20, 1835 the first Declaration of Texas Independence was signed in Goliad and the first flag of Texas Independence was hoisted.
19.) The Hertzberg Circus Museum in San Antonio contains one of the largest assortments of circusana in the world.
20.) The capital city of Austin is located on the Colorado River in south-central Texas. The capitol building is made from Texas pink granite. It served as the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1840-1842.
21.) Austin is considered the live music capital of the world.
22.) Texas is home to Dell and Compaq computers and central Texas is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of the south.
23.) Professional sports teams include the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, Houston Astros, Houston Comets, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Texas Rangers.
24.) Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885. The Dublin Dr Pepper, 85 miles west of Waco, still uses pure imperial cane sugar in its product. 25.) There is no period after the Dr in Dr Pepper.
26.) The first suspension bridge in the United States was the Waco Bridge. Built in 1870 and still in use today as a pedestrian crossing of the Brazos River.
27.) In 1836 five sites served as temporary capitals of Texas: Washington-on-the-Brazos: Harrisburg: Galveston: Velasco: and Columbia. Sam Houston moved the capital to Houston in 1837. In 1839 the capital was moved to the new town of Austin.
28.) The capitol in Austin opened May 16, 1888. The dome of the building stands seven feet higher than that of the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C.
29.) Texas comes from the Hasinai Indian word tejas meaning friends or allies.
30.) The armadillo is the official state mammal.
31.) Texas has the first domed stadium in the country. The structure was built in Houston and opened in April 1965.
32.) The Houston Comets are the only team in the country to win four back-to-back WNBA championships. 1997-2000 Cynthia Cooper remains the only player to win the WNBA Championship MVP.
33.) The worst natural disaster in United States history was caused by a hurricane that hit Galveston in 1900. Over 8000 deaths were recorded.
34.) The first word spoken from the moon on July 20, 1969 was Houston.
35.) Texas' largest county is Brewster with 6,208 square miles.
36.) Texas possesses three of the top ten most populous cities in the United States. These towns are Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
37.) El Paso is closer to Needles, California than it is to Dallas.
38.) Texas includes 267,339 square miles, or 7.4% of the nation's total area.
39.) The state's cattle population is estimated to be near 16 million.
40.) More land is farmed in Texas than in any other state.
41.) More species of bats live in Texas than in any other part of the United States.
42.) Laredo is the world's largest inland port.
43.) Port Lavaca has the world's longest fishing pier. Originally part of the causeway connecting the two sides of Lavaca Bay, the center span of was destroyed by Hurricane Carla in 1961.
44.) The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is the world's largest rose garden. It contains 38,000 rose bushes representing 500 varieties of roses set in a 22-acre garden.
45.) Amarillo has the world's largest helium well.
46.) The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos on July 4, 1883.
47.) The Flagship Hotel on Seawall Boulevard in Galveston is the only hotel in North America built entirely over the water.
48.) The Heisman trophy is named for John William Heisman the first full-time coach and athletic director at Rice University in Houston.
49.) Brazoria County has more species of birds than any other comparable area in North America.
50.) The Aransas Wildlife Refuge is the winter home of North America's only remaining flock of whooping cranes.
51.) Jalapeno pepper jelly originated in Lake Jackson and was first marketed in 1978
Compiled by
http://www.shgresources.com/tx/facts/
1.) Texas is popularly known as The Lone Star State.
2.) The Alamo is located in San Antonio. It is where Texas defenders fell to Mexican General Santa Anna and the phrase Remember the Alamo originated. The Alamo is considered the cradle of Texas liberty and the state's most popular historic site.
3.) The lightning whelk is the official state shell.
4.) Texas is the only state to have the flags of 6 different nations fly over it. They are: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States, and the United States.
5.) Although six flags have flown over Texas, there have been eight changes of government: Spanish 1519-1685, French 1685-1690, Spanish 1690-1821, Mexican 1821-1836, Republic of Texas 1836-1845, United States 1845-1861, Confederate States 1861-1865, United States 1865-present
6.) The King Ranch in Texas is bigger than the state of Rhode Island.
7.)During the period of July 24-26, 1979, the Tropical Storm Claudette brought 45 inches of rain to an area near Alvin, Texas, contributing to more than $600 million in damages. Claudette produced the United States 24 hour rainfall record of 43 inches.
8.) More wool comes from the state of Texas than any other state in the United States.
9.) Edwards Plateau in west central Texas is the top sheep growing area in the country.
10.) Texas is the only state to enter the United States by treaty instead of territorial annexation.
11.) The state was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845.
12.) Texas boasts the nation's largest herd of whitetail deer.
13.) A coastal live oak located near Fulton is the oldest tree in the state. The tree has an estimated age of more than 1,500 years.
14.) Sam Houston, arguably the most famous Texan, was actually born in Virginia. Houston served as governor of Tennessee before coming to Texas.
15.) Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in the state.
16.) When Texas was annexed in 1845 it retained the right to fly its flag at the same height as the national flag.
17.) The first offensive action of the Texas Revolution occurred in Goliad on October 9, 1835 when local colonists captured the fort and town.
18.) On December 20, 1835 the first Declaration of Texas Independence was signed in Goliad and the first flag of Texas Independence was hoisted.
19.) The Hertzberg Circus Museum in San Antonio contains one of the largest assortments of circusana in the world.
20.) The capital city of Austin is located on the Colorado River in south-central Texas. The capitol building is made from Texas pink granite. It served as the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1840-1842.
21.) Austin is considered the live music capital of the world.
22.) Texas is home to Dell and Compaq computers and central Texas is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of the south.
23.) Professional sports teams include the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, Houston Astros, Houston Comets, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Texas Rangers.
24.) Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885. The Dublin Dr Pepper, 85 miles west of Waco, still uses pure imperial cane sugar in its product. 25.) There is no period after the Dr in Dr Pepper.
26.) The first suspension bridge in the United States was the Waco Bridge. Built in 1870 and still in use today as a pedestrian crossing of the Brazos River.
27.) In 1836 five sites served as temporary capitals of Texas: Washington-on-the-Brazos: Harrisburg: Galveston: Velasco: and Columbia. Sam Houston moved the capital to Houston in 1837. In 1839 the capital was moved to the new town of Austin.
28.) The capitol in Austin opened May 16, 1888. The dome of the building stands seven feet higher than that of the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C.
29.) Texas comes from the Hasinai Indian word tejas meaning friends or allies.
30.) The armadillo is the official state mammal.
31.) Texas has the first domed stadium in the country. The structure was built in Houston and opened in April 1965.
32.) The Houston Comets are the only team in the country to win four back-to-back WNBA championships. 1997-2000 Cynthia Cooper remains the only player to win the WNBA Championship MVP.
33.) The worst natural disaster in United States history was caused by a hurricane that hit Galveston in 1900. Over 8000 deaths were recorded.
34.) The first word spoken from the moon on July 20, 1969 was Houston.
35.) Texas' largest county is Brewster with 6,208 square miles.
36.) Texas possesses three of the top ten most populous cities in the United States. These towns are Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
37.) El Paso is closer to Needles, California than it is to Dallas.
38.) Texas includes 267,339 square miles, or 7.4% of the nation's total area.
39.) The state's cattle population is estimated to be near 16 million.
40.) More land is farmed in Texas than in any other state.
41.) More species of bats live in Texas than in any other part of the United States.
42.) Laredo is the world's largest inland port.
43.) Port Lavaca has the world's longest fishing pier. Originally part of the causeway connecting the two sides of Lavaca Bay, the center span of was destroyed by Hurricane Carla in 1961.
44.) The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is the world's largest rose garden. It contains 38,000 rose bushes representing 500 varieties of roses set in a 22-acre garden.
45.) Amarillo has the world's largest helium well.
46.) The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos on July 4, 1883.
47.) The Flagship Hotel on Seawall Boulevard in Galveston is the only hotel in North America built entirely over the water.
48.) The Heisman trophy is named for John William Heisman the first full-time coach and athletic director at Rice University in Houston.
49.) Brazoria County has more species of birds than any other comparable area in North America.
50.) The Aransas Wildlife Refuge is the winter home of North America's only remaining flock of whooping cranes.
51.) Jalapeno pepper jelly originated in Lake Jackson and was first marketed in 1978
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