Dog Days of Summer: Louisiana Trip

On Father's Day weekend we took a trip to Louisiana to spend time with hubby's wonderful kids, grands, and great-grand. We were also there to celebrate his two oldest daughters' birthdays, which are one day apart...

We had a wonderful time, as always! Here's a few shots of the day - you can probably feel the heat and humidity from the photos; what a sweltering day...

Here's little Addie, the great-grand - hard to believe she is almost two already!

and here's Hope...almost 4!!

Addie with her Daddy, hubby's oldest grandson...

Jill and Hope

Hope's brother Kane, keeping cool on the homemade slip and slide...

We always hate to leave the kiddos...they grow up so fast and we miss them so much! 

Hope you are enjoying your summer - any fun plans for the 4th? Fireworks are banned here because of the extreme fire danger, and it was a BBQ pit that started the fire that burned 5000 acres just a few miles north of us, so we won't be cooking out either. I guess we'll just be celebrating in spirit...

Hugs & Blessings y'all! Stay cool!

Don't Worry...Pray!

(click image to enlarge)

Many thanks friends for your prayers as the Dyer Mill wildfire burned a few miles north of our home near Plantersville, TX. I am happy to report that we had a glorious, slow moving, soaking rain yesterday (first one in months) which helped the fire situation immensely. Though the fire is 75% contained now, there are still trouble spots, but we are in much better shape overall and breathing a sigh of relief!

So, I thought it would be good to create a little word art poster with one of my favorite verses, 

Philippians 4: 6-7 from the Message translation to emphasize the importance of praying instead of worrying. I hope you can apply the truth of this encouraging passage to whatever worrisome situation you may be facing today...

Hugs all around, and thanks again!

The Heat is On!

Welcome Summer (I think....)

Well, I don't want to sound too chipper at the official arrival of Summer, because here in Texas, the heat is already on, and has been for quite a while now. We are in a severe drought and high 90s/100 degree temperatures show little sign of moderating any time soon. Oh, and those Texas wildfires you may have seen on the news, well one of the largest ones is burning just a few miles north of our home near Plantersville. Scary stuff - many have had to be evacuated - 30 or so families have already lost their homes, and over 4000 acres have already been burned, and the fire is only about 20% contained. Our beautiful woodsy area is like a huge tinder box after months without any appreciable rain, so we are on pins and needles as we watch the wind direction, watch the weather, and pray for rain and protection. We are fine here so far - the wind from the south is keeping the flames to the north of us, but we are prepared to act fast if needed...

The forecast does call for scattered rain showers today and tomorrow, so that's some welcome news.

 Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for us here in Texas and throughout the dry Southwest...I know some of you blog buddies up in the Northwest and in the Midwest would gladly share some of your rain with us!  :o)

Hugs and Blessings to all my friends across the country and around the world - seems as though few of us are NOT touched by some sort of natural disaster or another. But take heart...there is hope...always hope...

"When you go through deep waters, 

I will be with you. 

When you go through rivers of difficulty, 

you will not drown. 

When you walk through the fire of oppression, 

you will not be burned up; 

the flames will not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2

Father's Day Freebie(s)!

In celebration of Father's Day this weekend, I designed this word art based on Psalm 112:1-9, which is full of beautiful promises for the important dads in your life. It is my gift to you for your personal use, and I hope you will use it as a blessing. It would be great to use for card-making or as a simple piece of framed art. Feel free to pass it along on your blog or Facebook page too. Simply right click the image and save to your hard drive.

Speaking of freebies and Father's Day, Casting Crowns is debuting their latest  *amazing* music video titled "Courageous", which is the title song for the new movie "Courageous" premiering in theaters September. (This movie is made by the creators of "Fireproof" so it is sure to be awesome!) The message in the song is custom made for dads. If you go to this link on God Tube, you'll also see a link to get a free download of the song "Courageous" - it would be a great, free gift for Dad!  When you view the music video, after the song ends it plays a short trailer for the movie - it looks really good...

Enjoy your Father's Day celebrations this weekend - and hug those awesome Dads in your life! We are heading off to Louisiana to see all of sweet hubby's kids and grands - perfect Father's Day gift!

Family Health Update

Well y'all, I've been going through what seems to be an endless revolving hospital door these past few weeks as I've visited one family member after another. I have a quiet moment at home now, so I thought I would give you a quick update...

First was my dear Mother-in-law who broke her pelvis and hip a few weeks ago. She is walking well with a walker now and was recently moved from the hospital to a nursing facility for a bit more rehab. Hopefully she will be back in her lovely little assisted living apartment later in the month. She is blessed...

Next was my Mom, who, one week after my MIL's fall, took an ambulance ride to the emergency room for near fainting and a high temperature and was admitted to the hospital overnight for observation. Thankfully her issue was swiftly determined to be thyroid related and has been corrected with thyroid medication. She's doing just fine...praise the Lord!

But alas, my Dad has now joined the ranks of the hospitalized. He was admitted this Tuesday for what was supposed to be a day and an overnight stay for tests related to some breathing problems he'd been having. But Tuesday to Wednesday has now turned into Friday to Saturday and maybe beyond, as now they cannot seem to keep his blood pressure under control. Most all of the many, many tests have shown good results, but if the blood pressure problems persist they are likely to do a heart catheterization to better determine blood flow and test how well the heart is pumping....
so...plenty to pray about. Poor Daddy - he is so tired of being there. Poor Mom, so is she...

Hubby and I have been camped out at Mom and Dad's since Tuesday and I've been with Mom at the hospital and also at her house taking care of this and that while hubby was at work. We came home to our house tonight to take care of things here tomorrow, and we will await the latest updates from the cardiologist and other various specialists...your prayers are greatly appreciated.

So, that's what's been going on around here. I'll keep you updated as I know anything definitive...
Thanks friends!

Happy Donut Day!

National Donut Day 2011!!

Yes folks, today is National Donut Day in America! It's true! National Donut Day was started in 1938 by the Salvation Army to honor the women who served donuts to soldiers during WWI.

So, who am I to scoff at such a renowned holiday with such noble beginnings? No, I will embrace National Donut Day and celebrate it with all the revelry and donut consuming that the day affords! 

Who's with me!!??

What's your favorite donut? Plain glazed (yep, that's mine), cake, powdered sugar, chocolate, donut holes, fancy eclairs, what? Do tell...and go out and have one of your favorites in honor of those awesome donut-serving women and their selfless acts on behalf of the troops!!

:o)