Christmas 2010

Brian... I wish you had been here.

Don't know how many we actually watched together, but in my memories... Brian Harris was my go to guy when there was a sunset to watch. Caught this beauty on the way home yesterday. I parked and watched and snapped MANY photos. Thinking... wish Brian was here.

Turning 50 with friends

Cousins by choice

Let's see, His dad, and her mom were cousins. So I guess that makes them second cousins. Well, they sure had a good time playing together over the weekend. We went home with Becky for her class reunion. So Jaicey and Joe got to play all day Thursday evening, all day Friday and Saturday. Wow they were pooped. It was a pleasant weekend. Crashing the 1980's reunion was fun, and everyone was so nice, and didn't care that the crashers were there.

Hico, Texas

My friend Sandra and I went to Hico, Texas today. We called Logan and picked her up on our way, and Nicole met us there. So it was take your daughters to lunch day. We had good intentions of making it to the chocolate store, but we went to the infamous Koffee Kup Kafe first. They had pie. Not just any ole pie... but BIG OLE YUMMY PIE! We purchased two pieces to share, and couldn't finish. YES we left pie on the plate. So, if traveling Texas, on HWY 6, Stop for pie. We also hit all the cute little shops, and did our best to support the local merchants. I purchased a toilet paper holder for the NEWST bathroom in the house. It will be ready soon, and a "SPUR" TP holder was a must. Besides it was half price.

Vistor from out of town

Lucien Dale Roden spent the night with us this weekend on his way to A&M for the soccer camp. He was Lacey's college soccer coach, and such a great guy. We love to see him when he is down our direction.

Logan Turns 21

July 3 my youngest daughter turned 21 years old. Doesn't quite seem possible that she could be 21. But then again, those years in San Antonio, seem like a lifetime way. The bad memories have been erased by the precious ones, as time has a way of doing it's thing. We celebrated with a supper of grilled steaks, on the 2nd. The kids got up early and went to Dallas for WARP TOUR.
So July 3 was spent at Paul's dad's house with his sister and her family in from Little Rock. We had a wonderful surprise, when Lacey showed up. She had came with Kris to drop of JaiceyBelle, and had to be back by suppertime. The visit was brief, but anytime we get to see her is a bonus.

(CNGW) So far, Bo has had a good summer. He hasn't spent as much time working with his dad as anticipated but that is because he is attending a conditioning camp at Reicher Catholic High School. Which by the way, he has decided to attend in the fall. In addition to this decision, he has also expressed an interest in playing football again. Thus the summer work-outs. Hopefully by the time school starts he will be a lean mean fighting machine. At any rate, he will know most of the boys by then. He gets his drivers license in 23 days. So... life is good. Still can't manage a hair cut, but that will all change when school starts. I think they even have uniforms.

Sunday in Clifton

Logan remembers fondly her daddy taking them to the creek on weekends. She was so excited to take her dad to the "creek" that she and Philip had found to poke around in. We loaded up the nets, and the dog and headed to Clifton around 11:00. I was a little worried, as my family has a knack of taking me down trails covered in poison ivy. When Logan assured me there wouldn't be any, because there were "steps" I didn't picture this. What a lovely little place to have near your home.

On the upper side, the water was at least 10ft deep. On the bottom side, it was knee deep. The limestone shelves on the bank were lush and sparkling with clear cool water trickling down them. Bo ran and jumped in first thing, and lost his glasses. Not a big deal, as they were already beyond repair. So now he is wearing his contacts until we can get a new pair.

We lunched on chicken and smoothies before heading home. Paul had to bring home a bucket full of minnows and tadpoles for our aquarium, so we came straight home. I took a nap in the hammock, and Paul... is out on a call.

Yesterday, Paul, Bo and I worked in the yard for five hours. That is a lot of work. You can certainly tell it. Things look so much better.

A special note: Tomorrow is my friend Christy's birthday. I wish her the absolute best. It is probably unusual for an employer to be friends with an employee this long after the fact. But not if you knew Christy. She may have "oops, forgot to have children" (private joke)... but the truth is, she is busy nurturing all the grown children that call her friend. Thank you for taking care of us for all these years. We love you, now take care of you. If you need ANYTHING.... I will be there in a blink. You just have to let me know.

Camping on Mother's Day Weekend

My good friends Christy and Gary, her sister Lynn and husband Bill asked us to join them at Inks Lake this weekend. Not only did they share their camp site, but took care of feeding us as well. The food was devine and the scenery ideal. We were taken care of, and the kindness did not go unnoticed. The park did fill up, probably more folks than we would have wanted, but you can't blame folks for taking their kids there. It is very kid friendly.

Camping

Such a strange thing this technology. I am sitting at a picnic table at Inks Lake as I type this. Computer, internet access, and blogs. But they can't figure out how to make an air matress that won't deflate over night. I'm not complaining, I slept.
We got in so late Paul and Bo decided not to go to the trouble to blow up, unfold or organize things. Bo got up about 1:00 and crawled in the back of the suburban. Paul slept like a rock naturally. Today we are just lazying around enjoying the ducks, water and serenity. We have seen several snakes, or one busy one... swimming in the water in front of us. I don't plan on going in. Christy brought a jigsaw puzzle that Bo almost has done.
I will post photos when I get home...but for now I will sign off, as there is something just not right about this...Technology in nature stuff.

Mother's Day

I am looking forward to next weekend, like a little kid. It has been a long winter. A lot more drama than I would like to acknowledge. Inks Lake, in a tent with some old friends. Sitting in a lawn chair, looking up at the stars and out at the water. That sounds like just what I need.

Lacey made a 90 on her most recent test. She is determined to be an honor grad, and after making an 85 on the last test, she was a bit discouraged. I saw a fellow classmate on her FB say that this course work was equivalent to a bachelors degree in Psychology, in only 6 months. Packing an extreme amount of information into a tight time period.

Bo and Paul got up this morning and went with Brooke and Jarod to Bryan. Cousin Randy has a couple of race cars and today is a "play day" for him. I think Paul was thinking one of our kiddos might get a chance to take the car around the track a time or two. I STAYED HOME! Perhaps I will get up now and get something accomplished.

Cowboy Friday Night

What a lovely night to be outside. Paul and I, along with Becky and Sandra pulled on our boots and went to the fair grounds. Live music, and the smell of bar-b-que. The guys from my office were participating in the Bar-B-Que cook off associated with the Ranch Rodeo this weekend. We didn't do much, just walked around visiting with folks we knew, ate a funnel cake, and listened to live country music. I couldn't even tell you who it was, just that he and his band were from Lubbock.
You know I see a lot of fads come and go, and often think to myself, yep, I probably would have done that if I was 18. But the cowboy boots with short shorts... I don't think I ever could have done that. Not that some of them don't look cute. It's just not natural. Having worn my fat babies for four months now, I can see where it might be more comfortable than heels. But I don't think they are doing it for comfort.

Wednesday Night

Wow it was a beautiful evening in Waco. I went to Cricket's after work and sat on the balcony and sipped a tall glass, while I waited on Paul and his dad to get there. I ran down stairs when they arrived and they had a beer before we found another place with a patio to have supper. Just gorgeous.

Came home and Trisha, our house guest, had washed dishes, and swept the kitchen. I could certainly get used to that. Poor thing is having cell phone issues, and I don't know if it is a case of the straw that broke the camel's back, or if the phone was a symbolic connection to "a home". But for the first time since her ordeal started, she was a little emotional. Bless her heart.

Bo is in the middle of TAKs testing. No sweat. Thank you Lord for my smart boy. I hope I do right by him. I hope I raise someone a good husband.
Lacey called tonight, she is loving AIT. Learning every day. She wants to stand out, graduate with honors...so to speak. She is a competitive little cuss. Always has been I guess. Logan is knee deep in getting things ready for the IRS. We got a laundry list today from out CPA. Prayers are needed.

whew!

Well, another weekend gone. I did get some things accomplished. The hall bathroom is complete. Well, I need a switch plate and a towel rod, the big stuff is done. My sister showed up on Saturday, and we sprayed/wadded/pasted and finished the walls. Thank you Jany. Then I spray painted a couple of old mirrors, and drilled the holes for the hardware, and WOW. it looks pretty good, If my camera was not acting up I would show you... but you will have to go on facebook to see my sisters photo of it. The next big job to finish is the man cave. Jany helped me figure out how much tile I need... so it's off to the race to find something for nothing. I want it to look nice but I want it to look good at .69 cents per square foot. Is that possible? We will see.

Lacey called today. Seems she is really is thriving. Thank you Lord.

IRS

Well, our CPA called today, and wanted to meet with Paul and I "right now". He had just met with the agent assigned our case and wasn't really very excited about who we "drew". (To say the least) She came in with guns drawn, ready to put us out of business. She hasn't gotten all the information, so hopefully her opinion will change when she sees we have been trying to pay them. But you know...I am fine with whatever the Lord throws at us. I immediately started praying for her. Praying that the Lord work through her to provide an outcome that he authors. If the decision is to close down our little company, I will know that it is because the Lord has another plan for us. Now, convincing my husband that everything will be okay... is another story. The toll this is taking on Marvin is obvious. Bless his heart.

I do have some good news! The plumbing in the guest bathroom is finally done. Trisha and Bo were able to brush their teeth in the bathroom today. You know what they say about the mechanic's wife never having a car that runs. Well, my poor husband had been working so hard tryng to keep this think a float, our space has had to take a back seat. Sorry Logan wasn't hear to use it, but she can appreciate that it is finished. We got the last few finishing pieces of tile down too. So now I need to get in there and make the walls pretty. It's all on me now. I had intended on painting the Father-in-law room this weekend, but might try finishing one room first. Whew. I guess I better get to work. I can at least stain the cabinet tonight.

My Husband

Today my husband turned 53 years old. We celebrated with friends and family at our usual haunt. We have are blessed to have such wonderful people around us. I am truly fortunate to have Paul in my life. We have know each other since 1984. I actually fell in love with him back then. But life took us in different directions, until 17 years ago, when he called me out of the blue. I knew, as did he, that we had finally come full circle. We have all the bumps and dings that any couple has, but are so thankful to God for allowing us to be together. We have four wonderful kids between us, and even though we aren't where we thought we would be at the moment, we will get there. Paul continues to bust his butt working 12+ hour days, and while we wish he would slow down some, we know that isn't his style. He is hard working, generous, an awesome storyteller, and friend. He loves animal but doesn't admit it. Would love to work all day in the yard, and then get up the next day and do it again. He dreams big, but seldom gets to realize them. His dad is his best friend. He loves to travel to new places and see new things. I love my husband. Happy Birthday Paul.

Hangin' around with Lacey

A photo of my daughter and the guys on April 18th. Beyond the tents, you can see her dorm in the background. I remember taking Lacey to Fort Sam Houston (I think) when she was little. There was a place called the quadrangle that had deer and peacocks wondering around freely. I have photos of Lacey and my dad feeding the animals. Will have to find it next trip.


Today is my friend Becky's birthday. She has been a part of my life, pretty much as long as I can remember. We are more like family than friends. One of my kids was filling out a job application and asked me for someone to use as a reference. I told them to use Becky. They protested, "it says a non-relative" mom. Happy Birthday Dear Friend.

Happy Birthday Lacey (G.I.) Jane

Twenty five years ago tonight, Becky took me out to eat Mexican food, thinking that might hurry things along. Must have worked, cause when I woke up the next morning I was in labor. She was born right after lunch in Waco's Hillcrest Hospital. She was always a gutsy, competitive, boisterous, rowdy gal. A high tolerance to pain, and a willingness to inflict it. :) One of her coaches called it MOXY, but I never ever thought that this child that walked to the beat of her own drummer... would join the military. But it works for her. Lacey can make camo work!

Lacey and her friends

We traveled to San Antonio this weekend because Lacey was going to march in the Battle of Flowers parade. This parade has been a part of the San Antonio Fiesta celebration for close to 100 years. Unfortunately the weather was did not cooperate, and many of the fiesta events has to be postponed or canceled. When she found out the marching for the General wasn't going to happen, we were afraid we might not get to see her, but she was able to get a pass because her family was there.
I had not seen her since January, and I was still feeling a little guilty for not traveling to South Carolina for her graduation, so see her felt good. We got to meet Patricia Romo, Lacey's battle buddy that we had grown to know via letters over the past 10 weeks. In this photo (L-R) Walker, Romo, Powers and Lacey feel the newly found freedom that AIT has over BCT. Walker was an officers wife, and when he was medically retired, and the age limit was raised, she joined. She is from North Carolina. Romo is a several years older than Lacey too. Powers and her husband joined together. These gals truly impress me. All four of them are going into the medical field and seem to enjoy each others company.

After a rather lengthy hiatus, I have decided to revive my blog. I must admit I was seduced by the glitter and flashing lights of facebook. It is fun connecting with second cousins twice removed, and some kid that says you baby sat him, but those encounters, become few and far between. Mostly you are reading unoriginal postings that try to shame you into posting the same unoriginal thought. UGH. I will continue to update info on my daughters progress in the Army, but as of now, Lacey has a computer and can update herself. So to my loyal FAN, you spoke, and I listened. I used to write like no one was listening, but now I know you are out there...

PFC Hunter in her A uniform

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Lacey does Hand Grenades

Lacey, just in case the photos of your stay in BCT are not still available when you get out, I wanted to post a couple of you I found. Some people have asked me, How did you know that was Lacey. Seems obvious to me. In this one you remind me of my mother.

JaiceyBelle and Riley on the playground.

Weekend O' Fun

JaiceyBelle and my nephew's daughter Riley got to have a fun weekend in Waco. This photo was taken at the Troy Bar-B-Que cook-off. My friend Cheryl brought them a sack full of Barbies to play with, and they sure enjoyed it.

News from Boot Camp

Finally got letters from my Lacey today. Kris called me at work today and said that he had received a ton of letters, so I raced home in the driving sleet, and out to the mail box. Sure enough there were three letters. I was a little nervous. I sure didn't want to hear how miserable she was...not that I wouldn't have read them. But she was so good to me. Making it sound, well almost "good". She does have her moments, and tears, and thinking of her buggie is off limits. She said she has a hard time thinking of "9 weeks" so she just thinks one day at a time, "I tell myself it's just a celebrity "Fat Camp".

She is excited to start doing Army Stuff. The last letter she wrote she was getting ready to climb a four story "victory tower". "Hey mom, do you know they shoot live rounds at us?" I'm praying hard for her every day. And she requested that we pray for her whole battalion, as there are some kids that are really struggling with being there.

I have her address, and the address of a soldier without family if any of you are interested in writing.

Monday February 1, 2010

JaiceyBelle came by the house this morning on her way to school. She looked so cute. Her little nose sure is stuffy, but she had a good nights sleep, and that always helps. I gave her a chewable vitamin C for good measure.

She was carrying "Peaches" around with her. That is the Build a Puppy she got for the Boot Camp experience. I printed out a photo of she and her mother so that she could carry it in her back pack too.

This weekend was so cold. When Paul got up to go to Clifton on Saturday, his van would not start. This problem has been on going. We have had the wiring harness replaced, the batteries replaced, the alternator... it is getting to be a BIG hassle. At what point do you say enough is enough? We had the wrecker service come an haul it to our friend Brian McDonough's Shop. Pray that he is able to locate the problem.

We need to get to Pampa to do some plumbing, but Paul says he needs to take his van. I'm not excited about taking it anywhere at the moment.

Expecting a letter in the mail from Lacey. Kris talked to her this weekend. He didn't say much about the conversation. I hope she is finding her groove.

January 26th

Lacey and Kris left Sunday after lunch for San Antonio. She had to be at MEPs by 5:00pm. They allowed Kris to hang out at the hotel with her until 9:00. Monday morning he watched the swearing in before having to leave. She was ready to get the show on the road. Antsy with all the waiting.
JaiceyBelle was fine. She is well adjusted and went about her day.
Monday evening Logan and I took her to Build-A-Bear as promised. She built a puppy named Peaches. Before I was done there Marvin called from the hospital, needing a ride home, so I was off to take care of him. He had gotten down in his back, an finally went to the ER about noon. They couldn't find anything much, but shot him full of Morphine.
Logan had JC duty.

Tuesday Morning, I got JaiceyBelle to school on time. Uncle Bo walked her in. He is such a sweet boy. I then got he and Cody to school before the bell rang. Went to HEB after work, then home to cook chicken. Chicken... ugh.. I've eat chicken breast for almost every meal for 28 days now. I lifted weights with Bo after supper.
The phone rang at about 8:00 and it was Lacey. The collect call computer didn't work the first time. I could hear her sad voice... but the machine couldn't so it disconnected us. The second try she had composed herself. She hadn't slept in 48 hours. She said everything you see in movies is true. The were getting screamed at, cursed at... She had gotten called out about her hair. Without a good shower, there was still hairspray in it, so that got her in trouble. She was still in processing, having trouble learning everything she needed to learn because everytime she tried to read, the exhaustion would catch up with her.

We were surprised to hear from her, but since she had not arrived at boot camp yet, I guess the seclusion had not begun. Keep her in your prayers. I'm not sure if God likes the military, but I know he can work anywhere. Pray for her physical and emotional health, and that she seeks him for her strength.