Cruising

Mug Shot...

This is what happens when Mom's not looking for 5 minutes! I told Kourtnie this looks like a Mug Shot -- Caught with a blue marker

Hallsville Homecoming 2009

Odds & Ends

I haven't been keeping up too well with this blog...so here are a few odds and ends to post.

A couple weekends ago I took both grandbabies to my great-nephew's 3rd birthday party. It was a 'baseball party' complete with a miniature baseball diamond out in the back yard. Boston & Slayten loved playing baseball and Sutton was more interested in the sandbox! But when it came time for cake...that got all of their attention!

Sutton is so precious...he spent the night with me this weekend. He has been teething and wasn't quite himself...but I didn't mind because he just wanted me to hold him and read to him! Loved It!

Then I thought I would throw a few pictures in here of Cara's new house being built! I'm so excited for her!

A Disaster of 'Sonic' Proportions

I have a morning routine...On my way to work, I pull in to the Sonic a few blocks from work; order a Large Diet Coke w/Lime; and I am good to go all morning long. In the afternoon, I go to the break-room and fill my cup with chopped ice and pour in another diet coke and I’m good to go all afternoon.

Let me go ahead and say now that I LOVE Sonic drinks! I love the crunchy ice, I love that it is a big sturdy Styrofoam cup and not a puny paper one, and I love the fresh squeezed lime in my diet coke! It’s Awesome! And Yes, I am addicted. My loving husband indulges me when we are on road trips. He will even go as far as to stop at one fast-food place and then drive through a Sonic to get me my drink!

Yesterday, as I was headed home from work on my way to a meeting/training session, I thought I would get myself a diet coke w/lime to make it through. I pulled into the Sonic at Hwy 80 /Eastman Rd (Not my usual), and went through the drive-through. I knew it would be late when I got home so I thought I would get something to eat also. And this, my friends was the beginning of my problem.

I DO NOT like Sonic food. But I didn’t want to make another stop; so I thought I would try the new CroisSonic BLT...How can anyone mess up a BLT? It was new on the menu and came with Tot’s for $2.99. So I ordered my BLT & Large Diet Coke w/lime. Did I want tots with that? NO...Just the sandwich. Then came a 10-15 minute wait in the drive-thru to inch my way up to the window. My total was $3.02...hmmm, well if the BLT w/ tots is $2.99 the sandwich must be around $1.99??? and it is ‘happy-hour’ so my drink is half price...ok, I guess that’s right. BUT NO, I finally make it to the window and she hands me a bag with my sandwich in it...No Drink...I looked at the ticket and that was the cost of the sandwich alone...I looked at the line of cars behind me and just said ‘forget the drink’.

So...I tell myself, I really don’t need the drink. I open my BLT...and it’s not a BLT – it’s a BEC (Bacon, EGG & CHEESE)...YUCK! I ate the bacon. So that made up my mind for me...I took a left on Eden and a right on Judson and pulled into the next Sonic. Drive-thru had 3 cars in it. (I’m not going to make that mistake again!)...so I pull in, park and order a Large Diet Coke w/Lime. ‘That will be $2.05’ (SIDE NOTE: Why is it that at every other Sonic in town; my Lge Diet Coke w/Lime is $2.05...but at the one by my work it is $2.10??? hmm...I think I will have a conclusion by the end of this blog). Here comes the little girl with my drink. She hands it to me and says $2.05. I had her $2.10 (only had a dime) and she rushes away – not that I wanted the change back...but... I am looking at a Route 44 (which doesn’t fit my hand or my cup-holder) Diet Coke (I think?); No LIME...No ICE. It is at this time that I know that someone is trying to tell me something.

I give up. I head to my meeting disappointed, hungry and thirsty. Now, back to the question of why the Sonic at the truck stop near my work charges 5 cents more for my Large Diet Coke w/Lime. Actually, I don’t care anymore – because on my way to work this morning I stopped there, ordered my usual, and actually GOT WHAT I ORDERED, paid the $2.10 (maybe that nickel is because they have better quality workers!) and I am a HAPPY WORKER! A Sonic Disaster Diverted! Yea! :)

Mini-Vacation

Well, I now have an EMPTY NEST...but I really don't want to blog about that right now...maybe in a few weeks I can put my thoughts down about that...

After we helped the youngest move into his dorm we headed off on a mini-vacation...no particular destination in mind.

We started off by heading to Austin for breakfast with my sister-in-law. We had missed her Pinning Ceremony the night before because we were in San Marcos but we are so proud of her! She is now at the highest rank she can obtain -- Lt. Colonel. Here is a picture here with Uncle Scrappy.

Then we headed toward Houston. Shopped for a few hours at Katy Mills then met up with my daughter after she got off work. We made a quick decision to all head to Lake Charles for the weekend! We stayed the night at L'auberge de luc and it was Amazing! Great Food! Great Atmosphere! Casino! and best of all...the Pool/Spa area! Cara and I stayed there all day floating around the lazy river! Here are a few pictures but they don't do it justice! It was fabuous and I can't wait to go again! We spent the next night at the Isle of Capri in Westlake and then the next night back in Houston!

We went out to eat at one of my fav Houston resteraunts, Cafe Adobe' and hung out at Cara's apartment. Then back home on Sunday to get ready for the work week.

Like I said before...I'm staying busy to ease the ENS (Empty Nest Syndrome)!

IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A BOBCAT!

Just got back from Orientation at Texas State University in San Marcos! Two days of sessions and activities for both student and parents.

Here are a few of the things I learned from the Orientation Leaders:
· TX State University was established in 1899 under the name of Southwest Texas Normal School. It was originally created to train public school teachers. It began with 17 faculty members, 303 students, and 5 buildings on 17 acres. It now enrolls more than 30,000 students and has more than 225 buildings on 457 acres.
· The school became a college in 1919 and became a university in 1969.
· The school colors are maroon and gold (after the native Texas gaillardia flower)
· Mascot is the Bobcat (also native to Texas)
· The only elected president to come from a Texas University was LBJ (statue on campus and the Student Center is named after him.
· Other than LBJ, the next most famous alumni is George Strait!
· While wandering the halls I also discovered a few more famous alumni (Rosalyn Baker, Beth Moore, and ‘Ask Heloise’ )

And here are a few observations of my own:
· Wear comfortable tennis shoes! This campus is in Hill Country and it is built “with the terrain”...which basically means every step you take is either up or down – It’s like traveling on a stairmaster! I don’t think he will have to worry about gaining the ‘freshman 15’.
· Don’t drive anything larger than a Honda civic. (LONG STORY...I will post about it later!)
· I will gladly join the Texas State Parents Association – at the ‘Bobcat level ($50) – I don’t have to be at the Maroon, Gold, or President’s level ($1,000) because I can buy my own t-shirt & travel mug!
· Make sure payment is made before Aug 25 or they drop his classes!
· Wells Fargo is the ‘preferred’ bank of the university and they have convenient locations all over campus as well as ATMs (no fees!)...but when you agree to open an accountyou’re your student...they also give him a credit card!

And a few things Kaleb wanted to make sure I learned:
· There is a 9-hole golf course on campus (one of the top rated 9-hole courses in the state!)
· Course fees are $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends for students...OR...a 12-month membership for students is $250 ($100 for 4-month membership)
· The Rec Center has a Golf Simulator which includes 38 PGA courses to choose from ($10/hour) Kaleb wants to play the St. Andrews course.

Move in Day is AUGUST 19th!

Preview of my article for this week's church bulletin

Hello, my name is Gina. And I am a Facebook Addict. I know I’m an addict, because what I wanted to write next was...”but I don’t spend as much time on Facebook as some other people!”

Don’t get me wrong, I can list many good things about social networking sites like FaceBook. I have reconnected with old friends all over the country. I am able to share daily contact with distant relatives that I would normally only see a couple times a year. And best of all, I have made closer connections with members of my church family.

I am able to catch a glimpse of my brothers and sisters daily lives. I’m connecting with members of my church family on a more personal level and learning what goes on in their lives during the week. There are opportunities every day to send some cheer, make someone smile, or say ‘you hang in there!’ I’m growing closer to them because I am spending time with them (even though it is through the internet) and learning about them. I know when they are having a good day and when they are having struggles; I know when they have had a great accomplishment. And then when I see them on Sunday, I can’t wait to greet them with a big hug because we shared something during the week.

Wednesday morning an article popped into my inbox about this very subject (Facebook) and it began with this scripture. “They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.” Nehemiah 9:3

Wow, half a day reading God’s Word and worshiping. How much time am I spending each day reading my Bible and worshiping the Lord? Not a day goes by that I don’t check what my friends have posted on facebook. But do I let a day go by without checking what Jesus has posted in my Faith Book? Am I networking with God? How else am I going to get to know Him on a more personal level?

So, pricked in my heart I started searching through scriptures (on the internet of course!). I was reminded that my personal relationships with my church family are extremely important and necessary, but they are to come second. My personal relationship with God is first. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” ~ Matthew 22:36-40

So, I have some work to do: some habits to break and some habits to build. Here are my challenges to myself. 1) No facebook before Faith Book – in other words – network with God before networking with friends! Psalms 145:2 ‘Every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever. 2) Keep an eye on the scale...no, not THAT scale! – But the one that shows where I’m spending my time. I need to make sure it is tipping to the ‘right’ side! Proverbs 3:6 ‘in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.’ 3) Continue networking with my church family. 1Thessalonians 5:11 ‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.’

Who else want to join me in this challenge? Facebook friends please feel free to post on my wall to prod me to my goal and send me encouragement!

4th of July

We went to the lake with friends to watch the fireworks at Johnston's Creek. This was by far the best way to watch fireworks! Staying cool floating out in the lake! We got there early and glad we did...I have never seen so many boats in one spot! The fireworks were awesome! And without alot of loud noise -- I guess being on the water or away from any buildings/trees absorbs some of the explosion noises! I didn't take my camera...only had my cell phone so these pictures are grainy and the ones I took after dark didn't show up too well...but I definitely want to do this again next year!

TEA Party

I'm making plans to attend the TEA Party on July 4th! I'm getting my signs ready! Here are a few I'm considering...which ones are your favorites?

99 days and counting...

I changed my back ground on the site the other day...It is getting so HOT...and I'm anxiously awaiting our next cruise in September! The countdown has begun...

MVP

All district baseball selections were announced yesterday in the news-journal...and Kaleb was selected Defensive MVP! (Well, co-defensive MVP -- shared the honor with a player from Harmony). CONGRATULATIONS KALEB! That is Awesome!

(Check out the tear down the side of his pants in this picture...This was taken after he made an Awesome Out close to the fence. He had to jump up to get the ball and when he came down his pants caught on the fence and ripped right down the side about 12 inches. That's the kind of plays that get you this kind of honor!

brings back memories

Yesterday’s events of the shooting at the Holocaust Museum in DC were tragic. Watching the news this morning, I saw a short video clip of school children (on a field trip to the museum) running out of the building as the shooting had started.

That brought back a memory from my junior year in high school – Thirty years ago we had taken a band trip to San Antonio for ‘Fiesta Days’. This is a big, 10-day event every year and the parade route is 5 miles long. We were going to be marching in one of three parades. The day before our parade, a group of us had walked several blocks from our hotel to watch the parade that was that day. We were somewhere in the middle of the parade route...patiently waiting...things were dragging out very slowly...we finally got bored and walked the several blocks back to our hotel. Someone had called their parents to ‘check-in’ and that’s when we realized what had happened...we turned on the TV and it was all over the news. A sniper had opened fire at the beginning of the parade route and killed 2 and injured more than 50.

Remember, this was 1979 (before cell phones!)...Can you imagine the panicked parents at home? We were young...and clueless; it didn't hamper our good times on this trip too much -- but it was also a differnt world back then. These news story links below give more information. It is just so sad when things like this happen.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Survivors_recall_Fiesta_terror.html
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/special_reports/Fiesta_Horror_Sniper_kills_2_51_injured.html

Grad Night!

It's Official! He's now a high school graduate!

Eagle of the Year

Each year at the Athletic Banquet, the coaching staff selects a "Lady Eagle" and "Eagle" of the Year. This year Kaleb's girlfriend was "Lady Eagle" of the year; and Kaleb & Ben were "Co-Eagle of the Year". What an Honor for them all!

Oh, how I remember...

Saturday afternoon the two grandsons came to spend the night with GiGi and Thump-Daddy. We took them with us to a friend’s house for a cookout. The rain kept us from being outdoors...but they were both so good. They played, they ate (they both loved the pasta-salad...go figure), and played some more. I was so proud of them (and their parents) because they were so well behaved!

They were both up early Sunday, and we had time to play, eat breakfast and still get to Sunday School on time. The oldest sat with “K” during the first half of church service; while the younger one sat with us and ate Fruit Loops. By the 2nd half of the service, they were both with us and fast asleep.

We were almost home when the 2-year old said, GiGi, I’m hot. So we turned up the a/c and made sure they were getting enough air. Just as we are about to pull in the drive-way, I hear an “Uh-Oh” and turn around to find him holding his blanket which was dripping with throw-up and looking at me with a ‘get this off me’ look. Boy do I remember those days. It was quick to clean up. Off with the shirt; throw it into the washer with the blanket; take a temperature (normal); do you feel ok? (yes)...so we eat lunch and play the rest of the afternoon.

Yes, that brought back memories...My youngest had a very weak stomach, so episodes like this were a weekly thing around our house...lol

An Idol Birthday

What an AWESOME finale for American Idol. I think this was the best one ever. Loved everything! Kris with Keith Urban, Adam with KISS, Allison with Cyndi Lauper, Matt with Santana, Danny with Lionel Richie...AWESOME! David Cook; Fergie; Queen Latifah...everything was awesome!

And even though I don't like Kara too much...I loved her performance with bikini girl!

Even the Steve Martin, Michael Sarver & Meagan Joy song wasn't bad -- unexpected, but not bad.

Then wow, Rod Stewart...Hubby & I are watching and singing along...and how appropriate that today on my birthday looking at this old man sing, who back in my day was a young rocker...I realize I must be getting old! I guess I didn't recognize KISS was old cause they had all that makeup on!

I was thinking we would make it through without having to see Tatiana again....but no such luck! At least they kept it short and she didn't cry...

Kris & Adam singing a Duet with QUEEN as a back up...wow I didn't expect that!

AND YES YES YES...KRIS WINS! Too bad he has to sing that terrible song!

Wow...what a way to end my birthday! Guy next door beats Guy-liner!

Manic Monday

I haven't posted in a while...It's a busy time -- getting close to the end of school! I guess it will be the last time I have to say that! Nothing much exciting to report...just lots of last minute things to finish up, banquets & ceremonies to go to, etc. I will catch up soon. I'm posting Kaleb's graduation invitation...I decided to send these out instead of traditional grad invitations cause I think they are so much more personal!

Idol Conspiracy Theory

It’s a Conspiracy! I knew tonight would be awesome for Adam & Allison, and it was. This was right up their alley! But did the producers have to make it so obvious that they want these two in the finals? Think about it. This is the first year that they have ever had this type of genre (Classic Rock) which just happens to be Adam’s strongest music, and Allison’s only avenue. They had to wait until this week to do it -- Can you imagine what some of the other contestants would have sounded like in the earlier rounds doing this? What would Meagan have sang? Ok Producers, for that one I thank you! Then there were the duets; was it just coincidence that Adam & Allison were paired together? I think not. It was so sad to see the expressions on Kris & Danny’s faces when they sang their duet and standing there afterward. I thought it was pretty good...but they both looked like ‘why are we even here...you don’t want us here’. I also thought Kris’s solo was really good. Danny’s was ok but not great.

There is a glimmer of hope here. I tried to call in and vote for Kris, but could never get through...maybe America had the same vibe I did about this conspiracy and were burning up the phone lines trying to send a message to those producers that they can’t control our minds!

Conspiracy theory aside; it was a great show and I can’t wait for the performances tonight. I really hate to see any of these go – they are all so good! It’s getting close – Then it will be time for “So You Think You Can Dance!” – Love that show too! I have a few friends who always watch ‘Dancing with the Stars’ but have never watched ‘So You Think You Can Dance’...the difference is – these people can really dance! The first episodes with the auditions are hilarious (a lot like Idol...some people think they can dance (sing) when they really can’t!) AND...Lacy Schwimmer (who was partnered with Steve O); was a contest on the show 2 years ago and her brother won the 1st year...Just a bit of trivia!

In Motion

I've been working on Kaleb's scrapbook; so I thought I would share these: Still not sure if they will get to play their last game. I think they were going to keep practicing and then try to play that last game after May 11 when UIL allows them to play again. But now all practices (and classes) are cancelled because of a probable case of swine flu in the district so who knows what they will do.

"That's An Out!"

"Easy Out!"

"That's A Hit!"

"On the Mound"

FaceBook

Ok...so I have given in to the Peer Pressure and gotten myself on FaceBook. I haven't quite got the hang of it yet. But without and IPhone evenings are the only time I have to post. Its quite entertaining; but I'm not quite sure I want to know every little detail of my friend's lives! And vice versa!

I am able to connect with family and friends and that's a good thing...I just need gentle reminders its time to update my FaceBook -- like my friend Christine reminded me last night my status still said "I Can't Wait For Tomorrow Night So I Can Watch American Idol"...and American Idol had been over for almost 15 minutes!

I may even be able to convince my hubby to set up his facebook; or at least Twitter ('cause now the ASTROS are Twittering!

They Did It Their Way...

Ring-a-Ding-Ding...American Idol goes Rat Pack! I was looking forward to this Clam-Bake. I love this type of music (Love Michael Buble’ and Harry Connick, Jr.)

Not a bad performance from any of this Top 5. Kris started it off with a bang and Allison follows with a much improved performance in my opinion. She finally did something a little different and it worked for her! Matt was the one that I thought would do the best with this genre, but his performance was a bit pitchy and strained. Then comes Danny, who I also thought would Swing with this music and My, My...Swing he did; or should I say Swagger! Last was Adam, flawless as ever. And I love that performance also. He always puts his own style to the song but it didn’t lose its ‘Sinatra’ type style.

Top 2 tonight...definitely Adam & Danny followed closely by Kris. Bottom two: Matt & Allison – I think it will be Endsville for Matt tonight; but not Bombsville. All of these five have an extraordinary talent and will do well in the next year!

PROM!

My youngest is off to his sr. prom. Here are a few pre-Prom pictures...

I love these where they weren't really posing!

And Acting Silly...

Idol Fever

I do remember the disco era. It was short-lived; but a lot of memories! And let me start by saying -- If you don’t remember the late 70’s, then you won’t understand much of this blog...

I was all set for a “Boogie Wonderland” but not one of the performances “Turned the Beat Around” enough to “Ring My Bell”. That said, I do believe that this season has the most talent in these last 7 contestants than ever before.

Poor Lil. She came out looking like Donna Summer, sang Chaka Khan’s ‘I’m Every Woman’, went down in flames like a “Disco Inferno” and most likely this is her “Last Dance”.

Next was Kris, who chose to sing Donna Summer’s ‘She Works Hard for the Money’? I was a little nervous but then he sang and I loved it! No disco vibe from this song but I loved it! It’s also scary when I agree with Paula: No – not about shopping at the women’s store... but that this arrangement did have a Santana feel to it. I think Kris has been an underdog all along and will be a “Shining Star” to make it to the final 3.

Yes Danny, I remember September. Good performance, but not his best. It’s like he has me on a “Love Roller Coaster”; one week he is awesome and the next week he is good. He never has a bad performance, but not always “The Way I Like It (uh huh, uh huh)”

Allison’s performance of “Hot Stuff” was great...but in my opinion, also very predictable. She has a voice! She can sing! But she never “Rocks the Boat, baby”. And by that I mean it’s the same thing every week. She nails the performances, but I’m tired of them. I’m thinking if Allison doesn’t put a little something different into her performances in the next two weeks; then come time for the Top 3...it won’t be “Ladies Night” it will be “Raining Men”! And one other thing about Allison – how come the judges never tell her to stop trying to be older than her 16-17 year old age? The song choice last week was pretty provocative, and so were her dance moves this week (did you notice the camera stays on her face or far away?)

Not my favorite performance from Adam. I don’t like the Elvis look (or was he trying for John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever?) I didn’t like the arrangement, I didn’t like the performance that much either. But Adam is flawless. I have never known another season of Idol to have a contestant like Adam Lambert. He is original; has an amazing voice and stage presence. He can definitely sing “I Will Survive” right into the Finals.

Matt sang “Staying Alive” (was that because he was saved from elimination last week?). I like Matt, he’s got soul. He definitely put his own spin on that song and can “Play That Funky Music”, but he just might be carrying his “Dancing Shoes” home. Matt Giraud fans, just “How Deep Is Your Love”? If it’s not deep enough, we may be “Right Back Where We Started From”. We will know tonight.

What is with the pink shirt Anoop? And the facial hair? If you want to change your look then have those eyebrows thinned! I had high hopes for Disco week for you...I just you knew you would “Shake Your Groove Thing” and “Make Me Feel Like Dancing”, but you left your “Boogie Shoes” at home and tried another ballad and not a good one at that. I have a feeling that you and Matt will be “Kung Fu Fighting” with Lil in the bottom 3 tonight.
I have to give props to the producers tonight...you kept things on track. There was still too much “Jive Talkin” from the judges and Ryan but the show actually ended on time. Paula still thinks she is the “Dancing Queen” and is on her feet dancing with every performance. But Paula, what was that diatribe you gave Kris? (Women shop in the men’s store, but not very many men shop in the women’s store. ) Paula, your words “Spin Me Round”. Do you have a “Love Hangover”

Simon just sits there with that “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” look on his face, but you call it like it is and you don’t sugarcoat any of it. Kara, they brought you on the show to “Turn the Beat Around”, but you’ve got a “Heart of Glass”. Randy, you keep it real; Dude, you’re our “Boogie Man”! I think next season we can keep the 4th judge, just cut out a lot of the chit-chat and bickering, separate Paula and Simon on opposite ends of the table...come on guys, “We Are Family”

Ok...I’m done with my Disco Lingo...now I’m “Ready for the 80’s”!

Idol Goes To The Movies

Tonight the contestants are singing songs from movies. These last seven contestants are so talented...but I felt all but 2 of the performances tonight were a bit shakey. Of course Adam nailed his performance (has he ever hit an off note?); and surprisingly, Anoop was very good tonight! Kris' performance was good -- but I had never heard that song before.

Who do you think will be in the bottom three tomorrow night? I'm guessing Lil, Matt & maybe Danny. Danny's was a bit shakey...but he finishes big. But he did get emotional and that will probably save him.

I really don't know who will go home tomorrow...I'm guess Lil; Hubby thinks it will be Anoop. Myself and my oldest two children think Anoop was the best tonight.

Mud Warriors

Wow! What a day! I had the day off from work and nothing planned til the 'big game' at 6pm so I had slept a little late and was laying in bed wondering what I was going to do today when my cell phone rings and it was one of K's coaches wives calling me about something happening to the field! So up we jump and head up to the field. I have never seen such a sight! Yes, that is mud and water in those pictures (taken with my cell phone so they aren't very clear!) That one picture looks like they are standing on a beach! lol

Some little devils had brought a big water hose up from the softball field and hooked up it and stretched it across the field to behind 2nd base. They layed the nets over it so that it would stay down and turned the water on and left it all night long. The result was a huge hole (about 3' around by at least 8" deep) full of water behind 2nd base and the entire area between 2nd base and 1st base was a huge mucky marsh. We all thought it was a lost cause of being able to play there tonight. But as we got more, and more people up there to help and you saw the determination of the players; well we were going to get that field ready. It took about 25 people, at least 8 hours of work and 2 or 3 truck loads of dirt, but it was ready by game time!

By game time, all of us parents were exhausted, sunburned, but amazed! The field looked great (sorry, I didn't taken any after picures). And it was so amazing to watch a group of people work together and make something that seemed impossible really come together!