Easter Weekend

Jonah and Glory stayed with us last night. It was such a beautiful afternoon/evening that I insisted we spend most of it outside before we went in for baths. I didn't even go in to cook; we just ordered pizza and had a picnic outside. I love the kiddos expressions.

We don't have bluebonnets in our pastures, but we sure have some pretty Indian Paintbrush Flowers. Glory and I had fun, but Mr. Jonah ran from the camera toward the pond! Sounds like a boy, huh?!

Happy Easter!

John 3:16 

Four-Wheeler Time

This weekend was big for Jonah. I mean BIG! He and his Papa decided it was time for him to give this little four wheeler a try--solo that is.

I was watching behind covered eyes -- no doubt -- truly carrying out my God-given rights as Nanna. (Prayer, pacing, patience, and applause!) Jonah had a blast.

Thank you, Papa, for installing a little "governor" on it.

(This is a second generation machine. I think Greg, Chad, Justin, and Jenna have some fun stories!)

BLISS!

Jenna's car had to go to the dealership on Saturday. Marilyn rode with me to meet met her there. Instead of sitting around at the service department all morning, we left and had lunch at BJ's. Then....Jenna was absolutely insistent upon going to a new cupcake place a co-worker had told her about. (Well, girl, twist my arm!!)

All we could say was....WOW!

I don't even remember the flavor I ate; I do remember cake, filling, icing, and two kinds of topping. However, I don't think the flavor you choose would really matter one iota.

Again......WOW!

(Just for the record....I wasn't totally out of control. Marilyn and I shared ONE. Yep, that's the truth.)

Halloween 2011

One Biker,
One Army dude,
One Hippie,
and a Princess!

Goodguys Everywhere

The Goodguys National Car Show at TMS proved not only to be a big deal but a huge success. Our friend's car sold.

It was such a beautiful weekend to be outdoors. There were thousands of people and probably a couple thousand custom and classic cars on display.  Marilyn and Rickie came down for a little while on Saturday. And then we enjoyed Jenna and a friend spending the day with us yesterday.

We are already making plans to go back to this event next year.

SWAP and SHOP

Ok, ladies, this swapping and shopping is not for clothes, furniture, etc. We are at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend for a car show. A friend is trying to sell a car here. Gates open this morning at 8:00. The vintage cars here are divided into two groups; one section is for show cars only. The other one is for the sale cars.  It honestly looks like a filming for Grease, American Graffiti, etc.

What blessings this morning --  we have gotten up in the 5th wheel to a beautiful sunrise and cool temps here in the DFW area. It's going to be a great day!

Chincoteague Wild Ponies

While in Virginia, we went to Chincoteague in search of wild ponies (of all things!). The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns a herd of them. Each year the department purchases a grazing permit which allows them to maintain a herd of approximately 150 adult ponies on Assateague Island. They control the herd size with a pony auction every year in July. Each year thousands of spectators like us go to watch the cowboys round them up and/or swim the pony herd from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. Although we missed the "swim" by one day, we did time it right to get to see the ponies already penned. That meant we got to see all of them up close and personal. Because we arrived fairly early in the morning, it wasn't crowded; this allowed us the privilege of visiting with some of the locals in charge. It was a great experience!

If you are interested, you can find several You Tube videos of past "swims."

Hot Wheels

When Justin, Jenna, Greg, and Chad were growing up they loved their Hot Wheels. They would spend hours outside riding, racing, and jumping. I'm not sure at what age the wheels just finally fell off. 

It seems Jonah is doing the same. His knees don't hit the handles YET but if he keeps shooting up, it won't be long!!

After a packed June of studying, testing and all those kind of things. I am through. Summer began yesterday!! I am so excited; I don't have to pack up to leave this afternoon!!

Summing Up The Week!

I'm home for the weekend from a grueling first week of training. I think the remainder of the month will be somewhat easier on the old brain although just as busy. I'm pretty much busy day and night with assignments. Next week, we will begin learning protocols for all the different test batteries and actually testing children. I've washed my laundry, bought some food, and will be repacking tonight.

Last weekend before I left town I didn't get the chance to document the jeep progress. Rick is mostly through with the engine; it's running and very shiny. Last Saturday he got a friend to help hoist the "other" part down on the frame. Now it's time for all his attention to be devoted to the exterior. As you can see, it's going to be one of those "before and after extreme makeover" deals. Stay tuned.....

Rick, Jonah and Justin are at the races at Texas Motor Speedway. I think Keelie was running in a Komen race today, and Jenna is in Lubbock visiting friends. So no grass growing under our feet around here......

Natchez and "The Tomato Place"

This past week we took a girls' trip to Natchez. Thanks to Trip Advisor, we stumbled onto a little gem outside of town! 

From the road, "The Tomato Place" appears to just be this way-too-cute little produce stand with a hot dog stand beside it. It is so much more! Packed into two small buildings from days gone by, this family owned and operated business is so cool. 

The hot dog stand building is actually the kitchen where fresh entrees, sandwiches, and desserts are prepared daily. As you browse both inside and outside the main little building, you will find in this tiny area the best fresh produce, jellies, honey, cookbooks, crafts, and trinkets. There are a few tables crammed inside so you can sit after you have placed your order from the chalkboard. There are also tables outside as well.

We enjoyed the best BLTS ever. The sweet potato fries and okra were to die for. The bread pudding was a treat, too. If I had not been stuffed, I would have loved to try one of their fresh strawberry banana smoothies!

We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and the chance to just relax in such a quaint place. Thumbs up and up and up..........

You can check out their website here.

Sun, Sonic, and Smiles

Justin and I were entertained watching Glory have some fun this afternoon. Check out that cute little bracelet she was wearing....

Magnificent NYC

Marilyn, Greg, Chad, Jenna, and I are going to NYC next week. Marilyn and I were there Christmas 2008. Chad has also been, but this will be the first time for Jenna and Greg. We are all getting excited!

I am happy, too, for Justin and Keelie; they are going back for another visit there in December for their 10th anniversary. (Wow...that's hard to believe it's almost been 10!)

E.X.C.I.T.E.D.!!!

Made it to Victory Lane

Yep, that's right. We had a winner.

Justin, Jenna, and I took Jonah back to the Children's Ministry Area again this year at Texas Motor Speedway. He decorated another pinewood derby car on Friday morning, and we were told to come back to watch the "races" on Saturday at 10:30. I was determined to get him back over there, because last year he missed that portion of the fun.

We were delighted his car made it through some heats. Then we realized his car had made it to the finals.    His little car kept winning, and he ended up getting 3rd place. They did a ceremony and awarded the top three cars lots of prizes!

Several side notes:

*Jonah plays with all of his dad's pinewood derby cars from his youth at the house that I have saved.

*This is a great outreach ministry run by Christian volunteers from all over the country. Some of them literally go from race site to race site.

*Another major highlight.....while Jonah was decorating his car on Friday one of the ministry guys was passing out "Proud to be an American" stickers. I told the man Jonah had been reciting the pledge for a long time. Jonah proceeded to recite it for the man as he listened intently; the man then gave Jonah a BIG high five. Brought tears to this Nanna's eyes!

Ramblings About the Upcoming Weekend

It's that time again. Packing up for the weekend to head to..............

We had such a good time back in November and have been looking forward to another fun weekend with family and friends at the races. This year NASCAR fans seem to be so excited that the big race will be Saturday night "under the lights".

Papa surprised Jonah with his own tickets this year.

Also Jerry's coming in from Cambodia.  Will be so glad to get him back on U.S. soil (at least for a few weeks)!

I hope you have a blessed weekend!

It's All About the "Get-Up!"

Jonah came over after church yesterday. Glory is sick, and I thought Keelie could use some backup since Justin was at work.

Jonah got to talking about NASCAR which led to discussing Trevor Bayne and Carl Edwards. He asked me if I had some red or white pants and shirts. (Of course everyone should know those are Carl's colors!) Unfortunately, I couldn't find the right get-up. However, I did get a thumbs up for a cool helmet to ride with. 

(Notice the special seat equipment.)

We made it to Victory Lane -- complete with a live interview!

Then it was baseball time.

I did better with this get-up.

His dad's stuff from "several" years ago.......

Never a dull moment!

Have a great Monday.

Some things just go together for me. Like........

Oreos and milk

Peanut butter and banana

Diet coke and chocolate

Fish and ketchup

My mother-in-law loved chocolate cake and pickles together. As much as I loved her, I never figured that one out! What fun foods go together for you?

A Figure of Speech

A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a phrase is unexpected and causes the reader to reframe or reinterpret the first part. 

Enjoy just a few this morning!

*  Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then  proceed to tell you why it isn't. 

* A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that  you don't need it.

*  Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If an  emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR".

*  I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was blaming you. 

* Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America ? 

*  Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman. 

*  A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. 

Rodeo Ramblings

On Saturday, Rick, Jenna, Jonah, and I went to the Ft. Worth Stock Show Rodeo. We left early because of the road conditions. We had no problems getting there in time for the 2:00 show and got a great parking place.

Jonah seemed to love it all. As always, he took it all in and asked lots of questions. He even rode a horse (his parents couldn't believe that one).

I just love that rodeo. My parents took Marilyn and I probably almost every year. Memories were triggered once again as I entered the grounds....the buildings, barns, smells, cowboy hats, flags, food, and .....

As we took our seats in the coliseum, one special memory came to my mind. I don't remember the year, I just remember sitting in that same area and Minnie Pearl entertaining the crowd during the show. I remember thinking as a little girl how HUGE that place was and how high up our seats were.

Once upon a time that WAS a big arena. That was pre--American Airlines and Texas Motor Speedway days.

As I sat there though I thought about what was going on in Jonah's little mind as we took the steps up to our seats, sat down, and gazed down into the dirt-filled rodeo arena for his first (and hopefully many more) stock show rodeo(s).