Thursday Thirteen

(& What Precious grandkids I have...........)

1. Fall is my favorite time of year, I love the colors & the smells :)


2. The weather has been gorgeous!!


3. Tomorrow is Tim's back surgery


4. Please remember to pray for us


5. Tim's brother, Paul, has been hospitalized in Paris, France while trying to get home to New Braunfels (from Chad, Africa) for his 28 days off


6. It was thought he had a blood clot in his leg, but has turned out to be an infection


7. Please pray for Paul and his wife Shirley, too.


8. Kendall is enjoying his job at Shepler's in Austin


9. He knows how to block hats and is learning how to make the hat crown creases


10. Claire is teething & Will is potty training & Lauren is a great mommy


11. I have made significant progress in Christmas shopping!


12. I need to order my Christmas paper from Current


13. My porch fall decorations are really pretty :> Come see them!

101-202 things you never knew about me......

1. August is so hot in Houston that I don’t go outside and bother watering my potted plants, I just let them die


2. I used to have nightmares about being in small covered places I.e., like stuck under the bed, in a culvert, under an old house crawl space.


3. When I was little I couldn’t sleep if my closet door was open, it had to be all the way shut


4. There was an episode of Fix up that house with a plumber under the crawl space of an old house & I couldn’t watch it.


5. My Grandpa was the preacher at my church when I was young and he baptized me.


6. I was in the choir in high school and won a 1st place medal in a quartet at UIL


7. I was the video drama director/cinematographer/producer for the teens at church for 2 years - 01’ +& 02’ and we had rave reviews from judges at the LTC conference and the kids all won gold medals for their work


8. I own 37 pairs of shoes (I guessed the first time around)


9. I used to go country and western dancing when I was a teenager
10. I don’t know how to upload the pictures from my digital camera


11. I wore contacts only for about 13 years, I didn’t even own a back up pair of glasses


12. I get migraines a couple of times a month :<


13. I sleep with my socks on


14. I almost drowned in Lake Houston when I was young, my mom pulled me up by my hair


15. I have 2 magazine subscriptions: Better Homes and Gardens, Traditional Homes


16. I spent a lot of time reading in a willow tree in my backyard as a young girl


17. I am currently reading "Eat, Pray, Love"


18. I used to go to Sunday lunch with my Grandparents to Piccadilly cafeteria. to KFC or home to dinner if guests were coming


19. My hair has an annoying wave that runs at an angle across the back of my head


20. It has given my hairdressers fits over the years


21. I was a daddy’s girl


22. I was a tomboy


23. I played outside in the yards & in the forest near our house.


24. Chase, red rover and kickball were my favorites


25. I had mostly guy neighborhood friends


26. My two neighborhood girlfriends were both named Jenny


27. I got bucked off my cousin’s horse twice in one day, into a clothesline, and into a pig pen


28. I wanted to enjoy our pool a lot this summer, but it was the wettest summer ever


29. Going to the rodeo once every 3 years is enough for me
30. Baseball is my favorite professional sport


31. The Astros are my favorite team


32. I attended the NLCS play-off game in 86 and sat through the entire 13inning game against the Mets


33. I saw the Rockets in the NBA playoffs in 94 & 95


34. I saw Loggins and Messina in concert as a teenage


35. I took Lauren to see James Taylor in concert when she was a tween (Tim is a big fan~ but he was sick & unable to go


36. I saw Fleetwood Mac in concert at the Summit in Houston and it was awesome.


37. I like the OPI nail colors names- they are fun: “Cha ching Cherry“, shoot out at the OK corral“, “Skinny dipping in Lake Michigan”, “I’m really not a waitress” are some of my favorites.


38. I really like going to high school (and college Scott!) musicals


39. I like to sit by the window when I fly


40. I had TMJ really bad several years ago & could hardly open my mouth


41. I had shots in my jaw by our Korean alternative medicine Dr. (lovingly called our witchdoctor)


42. They really hurt, but I could open my mouth MUCH wider when I left his office & could eat hamburgers again


43. I don’t let my dentist use a bite block in my mouth anymore (I’m convinced that caused the TMJ)


44. Tim & I talked about adopting a child as well as having our own before we were married.


45. My kids won’t let me dance, even in the car :<


46. I can sew enough to do repairs, make Halloween costumes, etc… but am not a happy sewer on dresses, etc… (Tim used to make the kids leave the room or the house)


47. I learned how to paint icing on cookies one year ago (thanks Mary), it’s a lot of fun!


48. I got my ears pierced when I was sixteen


49. My holes never grew over, even when I didn’t wear earrings for a really long time


50. I remember not wearing seatbelts as a child


51. I remember my brother hitting the dashboard.


52. I remember many times crying in the floorboard as my mom was taking me to get shots from our family Dr


53. I remember the medicinal smell of the County health clinics


54. I flew into Washington DC on 10/11 one month after 9/11


55. I have worshipped at Washington National Cathedral 2x


56. I really want to go on a cruise with some of our couple friends or with family


57. I remember my grandpa smelled like a mixture of olives and cherries, he worked in a food bottling factory


58. I did not go to Kindergarten


59. I went to a private Baptist school for First grade


60. I started first grade a year early


61. My first grade teacher wanted me to skip 2nd grade and go straight to 3rd. My parents wisely said no.


62. I have a lot of crowns in my mouth


63. People comment on my straight teeth


64. I never wore braces


65. I drink milk every night before I (brush my teeth &) go to bed


66. I haven’t exercised at the gym in over a year


67. I belong to 24 hour fitness


68. 2 years ago I had a personal trainer for 5 months a. my trainer looked like a Greek god b.my trainer needed a psychologist or at least a good counselor


69. I got into really good shape then and lost 3 dress sizes


70. I am planning on starting my Masters degree in Nursing next Spring


71. I can’t wear long or really dangling or really big earrings


72. It makes me feel like I look like a hooker (I don't mind if other people wear them & don't think that of them :?, weird I know)


73. I have been bad and not sent out Christmas cards the last two years


74. My brakes have gone out on me 3 times in my life


75. I was scared, but handled it calmly & didn’t get hit or hurt


76. I have never ran out of gas in my life


77. My HS girlfriends and I watched the sunrise while sitting on a hole of the golf course than ran through the neighborhood where our school was.


78. On the way to pick up Kendall a spectacular rainbow appeared against a very dark sky- it was beautiful, we got it on film


79. Some of my favorite sunsets so far have been on the Destin beach


80. I enjoyed Lauren having slumber parties


81. I enjoyed Kendall’s pool/pool parties


82. I would like to live in a loft or in a high-rise


83. I am looking forward to going to Destin with my grandchildren


84. Autumn is my favorite season of the year


85. My favorite books of the Bible: New Testament-Ephesians, Old Testament -Isaiah


86. My favorite apostle is Paul


87. People tell me I sound like I’m from Minnesota


88. I’ve never been to Minnesota in my life


89. I am really hoping to visit Tracey in Thailand in 2009


90. My cell phone plays “hello, I love you won’t you tell me your name!” when it rings :>


91. I like to make lists and cross things off when I accomplish them (I.e., when getting ready for a party or to plan my Saturday)


92. I wish I had invented baby stretchy headbands (AKA baby head tourniquets) and if I had Lauren would have worn them


93. I attended BSF for 1 ½ years and loved the indepth Bible study


94. I wrecked my car in 2002 4mos before it was paid off :<


95. I am blessed to have both my parents still living and relatively healthy.


96. I hate cigarette smoke!!


97. I can only float in salt water (another reason to love Destin!)


98. I ride the park & ride bus to work as much as possible


99. I enjoy scrap booking & find it therapeutic to remember relatives who have passed away with a scrapbook for the family.


100. I occasionally buy myself fresh flowers just to enjoy them in our home


101. Spelling comes easy for me


102. I was in drill team in high school and we had to wear wigs to all look alike

OK, whew..... now you really know a lot about me!!!!!!!!!

100 things about me

1. My feet are ugly, they are man feet
2. I enjoy event planning
3. I have planned 7 events (for 100+ people) over the last 6 years
4. I am the oldest child in my family
5. I have three younger brothers
6. I have the best sister-in-laws ever, on both sides of the family
7. I have spent way too much time looking over plans/designs for our retirement home
8. I have spent way too much money on ebay
9. The clothes I bought for Will before he was born covered our 8ft. pool table
10. I have been inside the Supreme Court twice in the last 18 months to hear an oral argument
11. The last case I heard in the Supreme Court involved "Brighton", of which I have 3 pairs of shoes and 1 purse
12. I spent 250$ for that 1 Brighton purse
13. That is the most expensive purse I have ever bought
14. I chewed my nails growing up and never had them all past my fingertips at the same time
15. I loved having solar/"artificial" nails while I did
16. I enjoy pedicures, usually once a month
17. I read People and Us (and other magazines that I don't buy) at the nail salon
18. I have a great hairdresser and colorist- who is also a precious young Christian mother.
19. My house is MUCH cleaner without my children living at home
20. Contrary to what my daughter reported, I do NOT hoard (my dad does though)
21. I purge my house continuously, because the closets are too small to hoard anything.
22. I have been mowing the backyard (all few feet of it) myself because the boys don't do it often enough to suit me.
23. I was obsessive about my grades in nursing school
24. I don't have a nice sounding laugh
25. So, I laugh on the inside, but rarely laugh out loud
26. My cousins thought I was my grandma's favorite
27. I was!
28. I was blessed to be with my grandma when she passed away
29. I am a chocoholic
30. I can't drink tea because it keeps me awake at night :<
31. My favorite drink is Diet Dr. Pepper
32. Exploring Bed & Breakfasts with Tim is one of my favorite things to do.
33. Brownies are my comfort food.
34. I was a girl scout leader for Lauren's troop for two years
35. I prayed to God that I would die when I was 21 and had Hepatitis A and was so sick.
36. I was yellow and had yucky yellow eyes.
37. My nails grew the longest they had ever been.
38. My favorite summer destination is Destin, Florida
39. I love Washington DC and all the historical buildings and places
40. I love the subway in DC
41. I was an "extra" for the movie "The Evening Star" but the scenes I was in were cut. (A snowy street scene & an audience at the opera scene). It took all day to shoot and involved costume changes, etc..
42. I would like to get into photography
43. I taught piano when I was 12-13 years old
44. I took piano for 8 years
45. I played the organ for VBS at my piano teacher's Methodist church when I was an adolescent
46. I went to VBS at my grandma's Baptist church
47. I can remember the smells of VBS- koolaid & glue
48. I love seasonal decorating
49. My house is already decorated for fall
50. my Christmas decorations fill 20+ Rubbermaid tubs
51. All my linens are 100% cotton
52. My comforter is down alternative (Tim is allergic to down)
53. It is white and my sheets are white, very spa like
54. I love the color of my bedroom walls, it is like candlelight
55. I like the smell of paint
56. I can't paint much anymore, because it makes my ulnar nerve/arm hurt.
57. My grandma had me reading at the age of 4, out of the Bible
58. She let me grade her first grade papers (she was a teacher) when I was in first grade
59. I played softball in a church league when Lauren was little.
60. I don't mind the smell of skunk
61. I'm always just a little bit later than I intend to be.
62. I love taking naps
63. I own around 50 pairs of shoes.
64. I donate clothing/household goods to Katy Christian Ministries about twice a month
65. When I bag up donations, I take it to my car and keep it there until I donate.
66. My favorite soap is Bath & Body Works-Warm Vanilla Sugar
67. Tim & I just bought land in the Hill Country
68. Our retirement address will be: 2221 Longs Peak Canyon Lake, TX 78133
69. I have lost weight the last week since Tim has been on his diet
70. My first car was a Gremlin
71. I've been to Phantom of the Opera twice, it's my favorite!
72. I love the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber
73. My favorite author is John Grisham
74. I like artichokes on my pizza
75. I think "The Office" is stupid, I can't watch it
76. I think the premise of "24" is not credible
77. My favorite TV show is "LOST"
78. I like reality shows- Survivor, Big Brother, Amazing Race, etc...
79. I have been blessed to see both of my grandchildren born.
80. my favorite coffee is the "taste of san antonio"
81. I think Starbucks prices are outgrageous
82. I really want to go on a mission trip
83. I have been really lonely for girl friends
84. I have a new friend named Carol, from church :)
85. my best friend moved to Thailand 2 months ago (a lot of people call her their best friend :>)
86. I have to have my ear plugs in to sleep
87. My favorite surgery is transplants- because people are so happy that they are getting a new chance at life and are so grateful to the donors.
88. My drivers license has my donor sticker on it
89. my least favorite surgery is D & C, because it reminds me of the loss of life & the pt's are so sad.
90. I had a D & C the night of July 4, 1986. The night that the statue of liberty was lit up for the celebration of 100?200? years since the US got it from France.
91. I don't know punctuation rules the way I should.
92. I promised God that I would never ride another roller coaster years ago, if he got me safely off the one I was on, and he did!
93. I know the basic floorplan that I want for our retirement home.
94. I've incorporated ideas from my friends/relatives houses that I like in my ideal plan
95. I don't want to live in a house that's being remodeled again (we lived on cement floors for 2 months this summer)
96. I sang on the praise team at church for 4 years+
97. I knew at 4 years old that I wanted to be a nurse
98. I've been married for 30 years, I've got a great husband & we're in it for the long haul!
99. I've got three great kids
100. I've got two out-of-this-world fantastic grandkids

I could go another 100 I'm sure..................but, we'll leave it at that!

"the Bee's Knee"

William Reed and Claire Elise

Just look at those two adorable grandchildren!, what could be better? How blessed we are to have Will and Claire for ours. It has been a true joy to watch Lauren & Scott as parents over the last 2+ years. They have the sweetest family and are so loving and patient in their day to day living, even in the midst of sleepless nights and potty training, they remain Godly and consistent. Next weekend I will be flying to Lubbock to babysit the two of them while their mama and daddy attend their LCU chorus reunion.

I have to confess, at least here on my blog, that I went shopping today and Claire is going to rack up, hey, the girl needed shoes!! Here she is all dressed up for church last Sunday~~~~~

That's all for now.... I had just received these new pics and wanted to share :)

<3 Terri

Off the blogroll & Up to the Plate

Ok, so I haven't posted in so long that my own daughter deleted me from her blogroll, ouch, that hurts.

Really, I have never felt like I had enough to say, or was interesting enough to warrant anyone reading my blog. My friends, Daphne and Tracey, have started blogging and I have found a familiar sort of comfort in reading their words and knowing what's on their hearts. So, I will step up to the plate and rejoin blogworld.

Our news of late:

Tims' moms brain surgery (7/2) came off beautifully, praise be to God. Her tumor was bigger than the Dr's fist in size and was pressing on her brain stem. After rehab and a short stint at assisted living, she is now at home recovering and we are still faithful that the feeling in her face and her vision will recover fully. The doctors have been literally amazed at her recovery and her strength and determination in all of this.

We have a most precious new grandaughter, Claire Elise, born July 8. I was honored to be there for her birth and it is a most amazing experience to be a part of. Lauren and Scott are blessed with a very sweet family, what a great time in their lives. I know that most, if not all who would read this, read Lauren's blog and can see the pictures of our new, sweet darling. We have not lost our fascination with Will by any means, he is so precocious. He has a HUGE vocabulary. He is incredibly smart with a great personality,,,, so fun!

Tim, Kendall and I spent Labor Day in Big Spring with Lauren's bunch and thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. I NEED to see my grandkids at least every 4-6 weeks. I am already planning my next trip up there :)

I am still working at SLEH and splitting full time between the OR and Day Surgery. I love what I do and I have learned to like working days rather than nights. It lets me spend time with Tim when he's at home and has given us more freedom to travel on the weekends together.

Tim and I had a WONDERFUL trip to one of my personal favorite destinations in March- we spent six days in Washington D.C. right at the beginning of Cherry Blossom time. We went to the Supreme Court and heard an oral argument, had coffee with Senator Cornyn, had a personal capitol tour by one of his interns, saw a musical at Ford's theater and spent alot of time at the Smithsonians, the Holocaust museum, a moonlight DC tour, went to church at Washington National Cathedral, mastered the subways, spent an afternoon at Arlington National cemetery with all its' beautiful simplicity and complex pageantry, and too much more to tell you about here. Suffice to say, it was a fabulous trip!!

We had a water leak at the house in early May, and had to live through bare floors and dealing with contractors until the house was finished July 19. We have mostly hardwood floors now, with new carpet in the bedrooms. It looks and feels great to have our house back even better than it was. If I can remember how to add pictures, I will sometime soon.

We have been thinking a lot about retirement lately, as to the "where to", "how to" and "when to". We just bought a 1.69 acre lot in a great planned community in the Hill Country close to Canyon Lake. We always wanted to retire to the Hill Country, so this is a beginning of realizing that dream. I have spent way too much time looking at homes on eplans online for design/floorplan ideas. It will probably be another 9 years before we are ready to build.

OK, enough randomness, it has been good to talk to you all. TTYL

Achoo!

We were supposed to be in Wimberely at a bed & breakfast this weekend: enjoying the cool weather, the great chef and relaxation at Blair House, the Wimberley trade shows and the New Braunfels outlet mall. BUT, I had a tickle in my throat Wednesday night that turned into a frequent cough on Thursday, calling in sick on Friday and having to cancel our weekend. I was in bed on & off, mostly on, all of Friday. I am SOOO bummed, we were really looking forward to the weekend retreat, especially since the weather is so beautiful right now. When we cancelled, we received a gift certificate for a future date, so all was not lost. Nursing notes: be sure to cover your mouth when you cough, use disposable tissues, and practice good handwashing skills, with a minimum of 15 seconds.

<3 Terri

A Day of Rest

What a needed weekend of rest. The weather has been beautiful and Tim and I had a great weekend. Friday night we went out for mexican food, yum... I could eat mexican food every day. I have been in search of my favorite enchiladas, and actually I'm still searching. Our favorite mexican restaurant is Guadalajuara, our most visited restaurant is El Jarrito's (it's really close) and we visited our old-old time favorite, Las Cucos, this time and had a great meal, though the enchiladas were not my favorite. I've decided that Tim's brother Paul's enchiladas are my favorite, and hopefully I will get to savor them sometime during Thanksgiving week.

We did weekend catch up stuff around the house. We slept in late. We went to a "night of worship" special service at church on Saturday night. It was great, very much an intimate time of worship with a lot of free reign to participate whenever and however you felt moved to, i.e., standing, sitting, lifting hands, "dancing", communing, praying. It was a crisp clear night and nowhere else we'd rather be than worshipping our creator.

This morning the whole town of Katy went out for breakfast. Seriously, we tried Cracker Barrel, IHOP, Waffle House and finally had, a delicious breakfast I might add, at Whataburger ~ their taquitos are excellent!

Then we went to our class and to church. We have been worshipping at Kingsland since early summer. What a blessing it has been for us! The pastor is such a man after God's own heart, and is so encouraging for each of us to have that same passion, to be God-seeking and living for God every moment. He is currently doing a series on "First and Ten", the Ten Commandments and how they are a pattern for living, from our God, that makes our lives nicer, even in New Testament times.

Today's lesson was on keeping the Sabbath. That we still need a day of rest and that God has given us that blessing. He gave practical ways to set the mood in your house for a day of rest and ways to bring that rest upon yourself. Here are some of the ways: pray, meditate, light a candle to set the mood in your family, listen to only Christian music (have it on in the morning while you get ready for church) all day, worship, take a nap, take a walk ~ enjoy nature, read your Bible, give a blessing to your mate and/or children, and allow yourself to be refreshed. What a blessing the rest of the Sabbath is, for our taking. He encouraged us to turn off the world and shared how the church leadership has consciously avoided scheduling meetings for the myriad of good works on Sunday afternoon/evening. Just wanted to share what a blessing our day of rest has been and encourage you to take advantage of the blessing God has given us by giving us a day of rest.

~ <3 Terri

Blogger Trippin

Blogger is trippin today. I posted a new post a couple of days ago, and it has yet to show up. What's up with that???? SOOO, I thought I'd post a pseudo-post today and maybe force the last post to make it's appearance. This must be what Lauren and Kathy mean when they say blogger is being difficult. Arrgh....

Kendall just left to go back to Waco. He had a Dr's appt. on Friday with a spine specialist, she ordered more xrays (done Fri.), an MRI (scheduled for 11/10), as well as physical therapy for the next 4-6 weeks, and lidocaine pain patches. He tried a pain patch Friday night and it made him really nauseous, but then again I don't think he had eaten much all day. Please keep him in your prayers, for his pain to be relieved and for him to do his part to follow through with the program, i.e, physical therapy, etc...

The weather here is gorgeous.... finally fall- my favorite season of all! Fall breeze, fall colors, fall smells, fall foods, fall clothes...yea for Fall :)

Back Back Blog

Ok, I know it's been like forever since I blogged :( I have a confession to make~ I have basically kept the blog address so I can link quickly to the blogs I like to read and leave comments as desired. I will try to do better, I know I don't have the MOST boring life around, and some of you do actually check occasionally for updates. Well, I bet you're surprised today! !

Updates for the last couple of months:
August- moved Kendall up to Waco where he is at TSTC studying automotive technology, he is doing well in school and with the independent living and really likes it there. He has a steady girl, Staci, also from Katy, who attends college at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor in Belton. After we moved him in his apartment we drove to Big Spring and spent time with Lauren's family. We are getting used to the empty nest syndrome, it's actually quite nice. A LOT quieter, a TON less laundry and a MUCH cleaner house :) We found a great Bed & Breakfast in Waco, close to his campus, the "Rope the Wind" Retreat- decorated very Texan and Western, an awesome place.

September- Labor Day at the lake with my family, lots of family birthdays to celebrate including my niece Emily's sweet 16 bash, a quick trip for Tim to SanAntonio, and Kendall made a quick trip home for a Dr. visit.

October-brought my birthday trip to Big Spring where I thoroughly enjoyed grandmotherhood and we caught up on the second season of "Lost", Tim had a trip to Gruene for a concert and a golf game the same weekend, and Tim's brother was in the hospital for a blood clot in his leg. Tracey and I went to a Ladies Table Top Dinner Tuesday night at a local church, it was beautiful and the speaker was very inspiring.

Coming up- in November the family will gather for Thanksgiving and I hope to be fully decorated for Christmas at that time. I have actually bought several Christmas presents already! Yea me.

Final notes: Check out Will, the sweetest grandbaby ever at pratherplace.blogspot.com

Praise God with me re: the miraculous recovery and progress of Andrea Luthringer (the link is to your right) Please pray for her complete recovery of her eyesight, she will have surgery on her left eye soon.

Lastly, Kendall and Staci are coming into town late tonight. Kendall has another Dr.'s appt. for his back tomorrow with a spine specialist. He was diagnosed with spondylolithesis in August and we are trying to avoid surgery until it is absolutely necessary, hopefully when he is an old man. He has had a lot of pain since late August with his back and it has limited the activities he can participate in dramatically. So, keep him in your prayers, too.

TTYL, <3 Terri

Nine days of Nana

We had our lovely daughter and precious grandson for NINE whole days. Will and Lauren left today- their flight was delayed from Houston - what else is new?? It can't be fun to be waiting for a flight with a fourteen month old who doesn't want to miss any action and therefore stays awake to people watch and flirt until his eyes are glazed. In the end though, she was just glad her flight wasn't cancelled, that's what happened last year.

We thoroughly enjoyed our week together, despite the wettest week in Houston for the whole year so far. And all Lauren really wanted to do was sun in the pool. She got to get in a few times and officially "sun" once.

Will learned new words this weeks: Wow, Cool, Toes, Roof-roof (as in what a dog "says"), Cold, and Cat. His favorite words remain to be Cow and Car, he looked for cows everyday out our windows. (We had cows across the street from our country guest house in Fredericksburg on our vacation a week ago). He did call all of our dogs Cows because they are much bigger than his little dogs at home. He tried desperately hard to say Kendall but it sounds more like "daddle"! He is SOOOO close to walking, but hasn't yet, he doesn't have the confidence to let go and take the step. I think he will by the time his other grandparents leave him after their visit at the end of July. They raised 5 boys, and Will is their #11 grandchild, they have more experience in teaching kids to walk. For us, he was still clinging to walls, furniture, etc... He is SO full of expression, I love watching his face as he reacts to new sounds and foods. Last week when I was waiting to see them both come from the gate to baggage claim I saw him looking at all the people with a blank face- just people watching at it's finest. I watched as he looked my way and his face just lit up as he recognized me. That melted my heart!!!!

Lauren and I had fun- we went to "The Devil wears Prada" and "Superman" two different nights after Will fell asleep. They were both very good! We had a family excursion to the lake for July 3rd and 4th and generally had a good time being together the rest of the week despite the rain. Will really enjoys the pool and jacuzzi, like his mama. They got in a lot of visiting with friends in the area, we shopped and ate great food.. Ahh. I know Lauren is happy to be at home with her honey and get a few days of normalcy before they leave for the last "church camp" of their summer next Sunday.

Other news: Tim started his new job with a major energy co. last Monday, here in Houston, and really likes it. He is working downtown again and taking Metro. Kendall has a JOB!!!! (Thank you Aunt Nelda!!!)He started working at my aunt and uncle's welding shop across town last week. We are so glad that he is getting the opportunity to be a working man!!He needed that experience of responsibility, a schedule, people depending on him, hard work and the value of a dollar. He has already lost 5 pounds and has put on major muscle mass in his arms; he comes home utterly exhausted. He is welding sign frames and will continue until he leaves for college at the end of August. It is really helping my aunt out, she is trying to bulk up supplies and has had a hard time keeping up with demand. Hopefully, Kendall will be able to help out occasionally during high demand periods and the winter break. I am off orientation in day surgery and am now 1/2 time day surgery and 1/2 time OR-wherever they need me. I have really enjoyed the new routine and working days and sleeping with my husband every night!

Seasons of our lives change and we are in a major one right now. With our new job responsibilities and about to send off our last child to college. This is a great time for new beginnings and to that end we have been looking for a church home where we can have a fresh start and grow beyond our comfort zones. We feel blessed by God in this endeavor and are at great peace.

Catch-up Tidbits

To catch you up on what's been going on in our lives.....Kendall's graduation party on May 27 was great..... good food and great friends & family came... about 60 of them!!! Thank goodness the weather was nice and we were able to have a lot of it outside by the pool. Lauren & Scott & Will came from Big Spring for the party, arriving just in time for the blessing and group introductions. The next day Will was introduced to the swimming pool and he LOVED it, check out the picture on Lauren's blog of the aqua sombrero, that cracked us all up! Kendall has been looking but has not found a summer job & that's looking less likely as we head into the last weeks of June. His first day of school at Texas State Technical College is August 28, so we will be moving him up there the Thursday or Friday prior. He has used some of his gift certificates from graduation for apartment necessities and on Sunday began purchasing tools that he is required to have (*Father's day- good tool sales!*) He & his buddies have really enjoyed their time together- they hang out here a LOT.... Later this morning we are leaving for a family retreat at Fredericksburg, in the Hill Country. Lauren & family will meet us there at a guest house for some good, family style R&R. Last weekend we made a short trip to San Antonio (as did Paul & Shirley) to celebrate Thelma's 80th birthday. We took her out to eat at a restaurant on the river (seated inside, in front of a big picture window), the Mariachi trio sang Happy Birthday to her and she had a huge piece of Tres Leches cake. We had a good and relaxing visit together. On other fronts, I am now working in Day Surgery at St. Luke's, the plan is to work 1/2 time in Day Surgery and 1/2 time in the OR, which I think will be great. It has been nice to be challenged to learn something new over the last few weeks as I have trained in Day Surgery. In the OR, I will still get a good variety of services/cases since I will be used wherever people call in sick (that happens EVERY day!). We have almost 50 OR's. between the Main OR (which includes general surgery, urology, neuro, orthopedics, Gyn, ENT, and plastic) and CVOR (cardiac surgery, transplant surgery-heart, kidney, lung & liver) and the medical towers-basically outpatient surgery of all kinds including pedi and eyes. Whew! But I really like the variety as I got used to the hodge podge of different services when I was on the night shift. I have really enjoyed the day shift and am back to sleeping normal again. With the prices of gas these days, it is nice to be able to take the Park & Ride bus again......

The Graduate

Here's a picture of my handsome son, who will be going to Texas State Technical College in the fall. We had a graduation celebration for him this weekend; many friends and family came to wish him well. Congratulations, Kendall! I love you!

A Man's World

Pretty funny post I stole re: why men are happy(ier)!

1.Your last name stays put.
2.The garage is all yours.
3.Wedding plans take care of themselves.
4.Chocolate is just another snack.
5.You can be President.
6.You can never be pregnant.
7.You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
8.You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
9.Car mechanics tell you the truth.
10.The world is your urinal.
11.You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
12.You don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
13.Same work, more pay.
14.Wrinkles add character.
15.Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.
16.People never stare at your chest when you’re talking to them.
17.The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
18.New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
19.One mood all the time.
20.Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
21.You know stuff about tanks.
22.A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
23.You can open all your own jars.
24.You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
25.If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
26.Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
27.Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
28.You almost never have strap problems in public.
29.You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
30.Everything on your face stays its original color.
31.The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
32.You only have to shave your face and neck.
33.You can play with toys all your life.
34.Your belly usually hides your big hips.
35.One wallet and one pair of shoes - one color for all seasons.
36.You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
37.You can “do” your nails with a pocket knife.
38.You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
39.You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier. Life is unfair.

Easter with Will

We had a great weekend in San Antonio where we met up with Lauren, Scott & Will at my mother-in-laws place in the country. Will was so much fun.... he was ADHD with the tupperware all over the kitchen floor. During the course of the weekend, he managed to squeeze his fingers in two different cabinets, you know, where he gets his fingers caught and then presses on the cabinet door smashing them all the more, while he shrieks in pain. Ouchy, poor baby! We got to feed him a few times while mama and dada slept late, it's amazing how wide the kid opens his mouth in anticipation of the next bite. By the way, for the record he wasn't fond of a small piece of strawberry. He had the funniest puckered up face until he got it completely gone from his mouth. He was precious on Easter in his little Winnie Pooh plaid short romper, hunting his eggs in obvious places in the living room (he watched me hide the eggs). It is such a joy to watch Lauren & Scott with him, they are such loving parents, only seeking his best. Like our Father in Heaven wanting the best for us, sending his son to redeem us, in the real Easter story.

Washingtonian at <3 Heart

If I were in college, or young and single, I would live in Washington D.C. I LOVE that city! March 17-21 I was there for an OR nursing conference. Mostly educational, though I did take a test on March 18 to become a CNOR (more initials after my name)and crammed in all the sightseeing I possibly could. The city is great - so vibrant and metropolitan, it never shuts down. I became a master at riding the subway, even bought my own "SmartCard" to enter& exit more quickly. The highlights are as follows:

Of course, I picked a luxury hotel suite in Georgetown, Dupont Circle, close to the subway with a full kitchen (granite counters) etc., for my friend Candace and I to stay at. I will try to post a picture of 2 of my coworkers in the lobby of my hotel with a life-sized Marilyn Monroe statue with her skirt flipped up in back. It was too great a photo op. One begins to wonder where Washingtonians shop, as there are no grocery stores in the city; but there is a CVS on practically every corner and that's where we bought milk, bread, O.j., etc.... Later I found out most people do their shopping online from "safeway or Pea Pod" and have it delivered to their condo or house.

Ok, back to highlights. Dinner with Candace on the Potomac River, actually we wanted to eat at Sequoia, which is a really classy restaurant on the Potomac, but it was closed for a private party (yes, I did think about crashing!). Instead we ate at Tony & Joe's, next door to Sequoia, also on the Potomac. After dinner we walked up the riverbank and could see the Kennedy Center all lit up & pretty.

The next morning I got up early and caught a bus to Washington National Cathedral, which was amazing. I went to church there, very "high church" and heard a very good sermon, a lot of good readings, excellent soloists, and had communion. It was a holy experience. On the bus ride to WNC & back, you go down Embassy Row, where all of the foreign embassies are located, really beautiful big homes.

That night, I had dinner with a couple of coworkers at a (vendor)party at the Smithsonian Natural History museum. The desert spread was in the "gem" section of the museum where we saw the Hope Diamond (of course, with a 24/7 guard on duty and cameras galore), Napoleon's wife's tiara, and other jewels. It was a lot of fun....

The next night, 4 of us (me, Candace, 2 coworkers) took a cab to the Lincoln Memorial and walked to the White House, seeing the Vietnam Memorial, the reflecting pool, Washington Monument and WWII momument along the way. As soon as we got into good photo position for the White House, the lights went out (note: 11pm), so no pics, but we did chat with the Secret Service guy guarding the fence by the South Lawn. BTW: the buildings (monument type) in Washington are so big, that you think they are not far away-THEY ARE!!! Very deceiving. I wound up with blisters on my feet from walking.

The next day I was leaving, so that was my last chance to sightsee, I crammed in all the things I really wanted to do before I got to the airport at 2pm. First and foremost, was to go to the Supreme Court and hear them in session. That was the major highlight of my trip- I waited in line for 40 minutes or so, then was lucky enough to be alert when they asked for a "single" guest and didn't have to wait as long as I would have. They had us check our coat, lock our belongings in a locker, and go through a metal detector. I was first in line to enter the court for a 3-5 minute session, the doorwoman let me & my group stay a little longer than most. I got to hear pretty much all of the justices make a comment. Alito was on the end and kind of looking around more than the rest of the justices. Awesome experience. So Regal and Surreal.

Next was to the Library of Congress next door where I saw the Guttenburg Bible, Benjamin Franklin artifacts, and actual Civil war battle diagrams, and the most beautiful architecture there, quite awe-inspiring. When I left there it was SNOWING!!!!!! Just barely, but it lasted for 10-15 minutes or so. More subway to the Smithsonian American History where I spent a whole 30 minutes; foremost, I wanted to see the First Ladies' Dresses and their official china, so I made a bee-line to the Presidential section and saw those, and Jackie Kennedy pearls and Clinton's saxophone. It is an amazing place. Then to the hotel to pack & fly home.

The cherry trees were just beginning to blossom, I'll try to post a pic of Candace and I outside our hotel by a cherry tree. The people there are so friendly- I guess because it is a melting pot of a city. It is so neat that every building is an important place, FBI, Homeland Security, GWU, Watergate, etc... all right there together.

A most enjoyable trip ~ if you have never been to DC, I highly recommend it!

Too Boring to Blog

Sorry guys, I know I am way too boring to blog. But, it's fun occasionally to talk to myself in front of people. I do tend to laugh at myself a lot, too. Anywho, BIGGEST news around here is that Kendall passed all parts of his GED on his first try. We are so incredibly proud of him!! He is officially off to Texas State Technical College in Waco this coming fall to study automotive technology. We visited the campus last April and it is really nice and seems like it will be a good fit for him. Bonus for him: Waco has lakes close by to fish in! The boy loves to fish. He & some of his friends went to Galveston Bay the Tuesday of Spring Break to fish. They had a great time, with pictures of the sunrise and the sunset to show their completed day on the bay. He will have his senior pictures made next Tuesday and we are planning a graduation celebration in early May.

I'm sure everyone who reads my blog reads Lauren's blog too, but just in case - be sure to check out the sweetest pictures of our #1 grandson on her blog "Life and Laughter" and http://www.PratherPlace.blogspot.com. He is SUCH a sweetheart!

the Name Game

This was kind of fun, I took it straight from Annalee (see links). I know at least Lauren will get a kick out of this (any reference to Star Wars).

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name)Trixie Earl of Dunmore

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandmother's maiden name on your mother's side, your favorite candy) Ramsey Heath

3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of last name, first two or three letters of your first name)
R. Te

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite animal, name of high school) Otter Eisenhower

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Lynn Houston

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name) Reegragor

7. JEDI NAME: (middle name spelled backwards, your father's middle name spelled backwards)Nnyl Enegue

Marching On !

Time is Marching on. I can't believe that it is already March. One fourth of this year is almost gone and what do I have to show for it? I've been with Will three times since January 1. I've put money in the bank. I've slept alot. What else have I done? Have I encouraged anyone's Christian walk? Have I walked beside a friend in need? Have I drawn closer to him? God, help me use this time, this very moment, to re-evaluate what I am doing with my time.

Tagged!

Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Piano teacher to adolescents
2. Checker/Courtesy Booth operator/Accounts payable/receivable/payroll clerk-Randall's Food Markets
3. Stay at home mom + in home child-care provider
4. Registered Nurse- Cardiology & Surgery

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. The Parent Trap (the 60's version with Hayley Mills)
2. Romancing the Stone
3. Adventures in Babysitting
4. Back to the Future (1)

Four places you have lived:
1. Houston, TX
2. Katy, TX

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. American Idol
2. Big Brother
3. Survivor
4. Trading Spaces

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Destin, Florida
2. Big Bend, TX
3. San Diego, CA
4. New Orleans, LA

Four websites I visit daily:
1. my blog- www.kty-reeds.blogspot.com
2. Lauren's blogs
3. AOL- to check email
4. all the blogs listed under "blogs I read"

Four of my favorite foods:
1. sour cream enchiladas
2. chocolate
3. my mom's sweet potato casserole
4. my late father-in-law's mashed potatoes

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. in my "favorite place" (my bed)
2. on the beach or in our pool
3. holding Will
4. playing with Lauren's hair

Four friends I am tagging that I think will respond:
If you are reading this and haven't been tagged- YOU ARE TAGGED!