A Beautiful Sunset

One of mine and Richard's favorite things about living in Texas is the beautiful sunsets! There is nothing like the landscape sillouettes created by a Texas sunset. I can see how the ironsmith artists who create such works of art are inspired to do so. I have missed some beautiful sunsets on my camera lately because I haven't had it with me. But, about 2 weeks ago, we had the opportunity to picnic with our new association that our church is joining over at a park on Lake Belton, near Temple. I caught these shots as we were leaving. The one with the lake in it I took riding in the van over the dam. It is a beautiful pic, but honestly it does not come close to how beautiful it was in person! I hope you enjoy!

Adventures in Life with Boys

My Super heroes

Fun with stickers!

My very cool teenager!


My sleeping hero

Going to the Game (Justus' football)

Never sleep "unarmed"!

The "Manly Table" centerpiece

When pregnant with my 3rd child I was asked if I was ready for a girl, because of the fact that I already had 2 boys. My response was always, "I'm not sure at this point I would even know what to do with a girl!" Well, SO true is that statement today! My boys are 100% boys! While at a picnic, Sunday afternoon with our church, I saw Wesley picking up a rock about a foot in diameter. I asked him what he was looking at, (under the rock), and he replied, "Bugs!" Just common old bugs get his juices flowing. They also love playing with balls - all kinds, especially Justus! (Speaking of bugs he has had a stomach bug the last couple of days, so please pray for him - for all of us!) And, they have a SUPER-sized affinity for Super Heroes! I'm surprised my dish towels and pillowcases even know what they are really supposed to be used for, because they are used much more often as the newest cape for my "caped crusaders". I never know who they will liken themselves to on any given day - Superman, Batman, Spiderman (nocape, just a mask and "SPPPPHT!" noise accompanying their hands formed in Spidey's wellknown web-slinging stance! Someone once thought they were making the "Hook 'em Horns" signal.), sword wielding Bibleman and Luke Skywalker with his sidekick "Okyban Wenobi" (this is Graham's pronunciation), or Buzz Lightyear and Woody! Even though Justus is wayyyyy to cooooool to get in on this super hero phenomenon being played out, he does don his green Marvel tee to school and will stop to watch any Star Wars flick at anytime he sees that it is playing on t.v. So you can see why at this point there would be no room for pink ponies or princesses (unless they are being rescued), or strawberry shortcake in this household! We are definitely male dominated! So this brings me to my reason for making this post. I have placed several pics here of my boys being their boy selves and the last one says it all! In my attempt to make our house a home, attempting to add my more feminine touches, such as a basket of fruit to match my dishes in the dining room, I find this...a pair of pliers added to the basket in just the right striking pose as if to say, "It just needed a man's touch!" Undoubtedly, a little man, huh, Wesley! LOL, I love my little men and I am so glad they are such "BOYS!" My life is full of joy because of them and my heart overflows with love for them! Thank you, Lord, for the gift of my Boys! May they grow to be Men who bring delight to Your Heart, O God!!!

Vacation 2008 - Natural Beauty

Finally, I'm at the end of my posting about our vacation in July. These last pics are ones I took of the beautiful nature I observed while on vacation. I took most of them in the Harvey's back yard which is really beautiful and somewhat tropical - at least the banana plants give it that feel. The pond, which they built themselves, is lined with flat stones from President Bush's Crawford ranch. They were given to the Harveys by a couple in our church, Harvey and Laura Howard, but I'm not sure exactly how they aquired them. It is a very tranquil place with life all a buzz - birds feeding from their feeders, bees and butterflies flitting from flower to flower, and the "singing" of the water in the pond. The only drawback is that the mosqitos are pretty bad no matter what part of the day you go out. They have lots of windows, though, to enjoy the view from the "safety" of the indoors! I couldn't post nature pics without ones of the beach, too. It's just too close to my heart! God's creation truly is THE most beautiful work of art!
"O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions..." Psalm 104:24

So Far and Yet So Far to Go!

This seems to be the story of my life right now. First of all Richard started back to school this week. He is driving me crazy! One minute it's one plan and then another! I'm all for going as far as he desires to go with his education, I would just like a plan and to stick to that plan! (OK, I'm venting and I know that with God sometimes there can only be enough light for the next step!) I really am just going to put it in the Lord's hands and let Him and Richard work it out! I'll do my part, but I'm not going to worry about grades, papers, deadlines, etc. He is a big boy, right?

Now, for the second part to this story. WESLEY! I love the little guy...so full of energy and happiness...singing and playing (until Graham gets home). Anyway, he has been doing so well with potty training the past few days. I finally decided to put him in underwear and he has done so great! I just bragged on him last night to Richard about how he didn't have any accidents yesterday and he went without me having to ask him all day long! That was yesterday! Today arrives and we have had two big accidents already! I found one of the spots on the floor in his room, but I have yet to find the other...still searching! I look like a blood hound sniffing around my floors and furniture! LOL Like my friend Cameron says, in the midst of craziness you just have to laugh! So, y'all go ahead and laugh for me, OK! :)

Cowboys, Queens, and Superman!

This past Saturday, Aug. 30th, was our town's biggest event of the year, the Hamilton County Dove Festival 2008. According to our paper it was one of the largest ever with over 80 vendors and over 5,000 in attendance. It is always held in conjunction with the opening of Dove hunting Season and there are several events that take place over the weekend. There's a 2-day rodeo out at the Circle-T, a softball tournament, a 5-K run, a parade and vendors set up all around the town square selling goods & food; promoting causes & candidates. There's also a stage set up with a variety of entertainment.
Our church had a booth to give away water and Capri Suns and to give out info. on our new children's ministry event for the school year. So, the boys and I set out to get there in time to see the parade and to work the booth for a while. We also ate BBQ and funnel cakes, rode the Superman slide, and watched a puppet show and "Wild West Shootout". It was a jam-packed day of quite varied Texas excitement, as I hope you gather from the slideshow I've compiled. We love our little town and our life here! God is Good!!!

Justus' 1st Game

Justus had his first game of the season last Thursday. He is on the Hamilton High School J.V. team and wears the #8. He is a backup Q.B., but starts at Running Back and also plays defense. He has heard talk of being moved up to varsity as a running back by the time district play gets here in a couple of weeks. We'll see! As a mama, I REALLY like him being on J.V. - smaller players equals less pain for him, but I want him to be happy and be the best he can be. I think it would be an honor to him to be on Varsity and it would help him to not be so disappointed about not playing Q.B. Anyhoo, we had fun at his first game! They won 26-0 and Justus did score a touchdown and also ran in for 2. Go Bulldogs!

Vacation 2008 - Friends & Family

I'm finally getting around to posting the pics of our visits with our family while in Mobile back in July. We are truly blessed that all of our family lives in the area and that we usually get to see them all. We did miss seeing one of my brothers, Walter, this time around, but we did at least get to see all the rest and we cherish the time even if it was brief. We love and miss our family greatly, so it is always a treat for us to visit with them all!

Also a treat was an evening I was able to spend with some "old" friends - girls I literally grew up with from Kindergarten to graduation from highschool. I'm overwhelmed with how beautiful they all are and how beautiful their families are! Thankyou, Tracy, Lisa and Torii for such a fun, special evening! Let's don't lose touch for so long again! Your friendships mean so much to me and I have missed each of you!

The Lord has truly blessed us with precious family and friends! Thank you, Lord!

"I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of Your marvelous works!" - Psalm 9:1