San Antonio

Well, Reagan is off to San Antonio. San Antonio in July - who thinks of these things? I realize the people that live in these places do not realize how quickly the Northerners begin melting in the heat. Reagan was one of 12 Episcopal youth chosen to go to this event. It is the 2008 International Episcopal Youth Event. I am sure she will have a blast!

I LOVE Texas. Of course I do, I was born there and lived there the first 30 years of my life. There are lots of spots in Texas that are very dear to me for different reasons. I am not sure why, but San Antonio has always been right up there to one of my favorite Texas towns. It is really a fun place to visit. There is lots of history and the people are friendly and fun. Yep - I am sure she will have a blast.

If anyone wants to follow her trip, there is a blog they are suppose to keep updated. She did an entry under "Reago Pop".

http://stjamesateye.wordpress.com/

Kick Ball

Oh my gosh, I had the funnest 4th of July in as long as I can remember!!!!! We had a party at my mom's house, which is next door to me by the way, and it was WAY fun! We had great food, great friends, and great fun. We played a game that I have no idea what it was called... __________ ball: there is a little yellow ball, which is thrown then 4 green balls, and 4 red balls that are thrown as close to the yellow ball as you can get them...anyone know what I am talking about? Oh well, it was fun.

Next, we had a game of kickball, with people for 6 yrs - 60 yrs. We all had a blast. When I think of it now, my heart actually fills to swelling with gratitude at being a part of it. First of all, even last 4th my health was improving, but I NEVER could have played a game of running for hours. Secondly, to see my mom and her improved health and other friends as we all played and laughed - what a blessing! Alex is the son of my best friend, Julie. He was so sick for so many years and to see him healthy and happy - there are not words to describe the joy. My friend, Zak, always says, "Reliv is not about making a buck off your buddy. It is about helping those you love and care about." It is SO true. No amount of money in the world can equal the feeling of knowing you have been a part in giving someone their health back.

Then we ate watermelon and shot off TONS of fireworks. Please allow me to be a little passive - aggressive and say I hope it was enough to irritate the neighbors that like to spray pesticides in our yards. I hope they weren't overly irritated, but a little irritated would be OK with me. :)

I am just so grateful for yesterday, and all the great days to come.

Fourth of July

On this 4th of July I am grateful for the men and women that have in the past and are presently representing my country. Let's pray for the Veterans - past and present and their families as we celebrate today with our own friends and families.

Re-connecting

I have a dear friend. I actually met him when I was a kid, so he has known me almost all of my life. We went on many mission trips together as I was growing up. He and his wife were friends with my parents.

None of us had seen or heard from them in many years and then a couple of years back I found them on the Internet. So, H and I have emailed almost daily for about 2 years. It has been really such a blessing to me. He is always encouraging and affirming. When I have a problem he can almost always make me see it in a different way. I just truly admire his wisdom.

Last summer they were able to come out for a visit and we had a great time!! As soon as they walked off the plane and I saw them, I began to cry - after so many years to be able to see them and hug them - it was wonderful!

I sent him an email a few days ago. I asked him for prayer for a situation with a relative. It is not something in my immediate family, but is affecting my loved one deeply and he responded with kind words, and then closed his email with these words: "I am with you in joy and sorrow----LOVE H" It really touched me, mostly because I know he means it and it is the truth. I am SO grateful God has put him back in my life!

Garden

Mom and I put a garden in this past week...better late than never, right? Besides, I know a few people that put theirs in early June and lost everything due to freezing. I used to always garden. This is the first year I have had the energy to mess with a garden in a long while. I am VERY excited! I feel so blessed.

Planting with my mom was a joy. We came back in the house dirty and sweaty and neither of us complained a bit! It is such a joy to feel good enough to be able to do it. My mom was on a cane almost full time 2 years ago, and today she gardened with me - WOW! God is amazing!!

Get Smart

We went to see this last night - I really liked it a lot! I like goofy movies though... So keep that in mind. I always feel like life is too serious, I like to escape reality when I go to a movie! Even though we went at night and paid $8.50 a person - it was still worth it.

Sean and Jake did not see Get Smart. They saw Wanted, because according to Jake, "Angelina Jolie killing people - what could be hotter than that?!" They didn't comment too much after the movie...which probably means she was REALLY hot!

Dinner!

It is just Lizzie, Jake and I tonight, so we had Chocolate Waffles for dinner. They were GREAT! Lizzie helped me cook, it is so fun to have a small one that likes to cook again. Reagan was never into cooking, in fact she still isn't. In fact, now that she is a youth intern at the church they have given her cooking duty a few times, and probably regretted it. I think because I have cooked for the youth group and love to cook, the youth director just assumes Reagan knows how. NOT!! Jake is a different story though. He has always loved to be in the kitchen with me and now cooks stuff for us. He makes great Italian or Cajun food. It looks like Lizzie is going to be a chef as well. I have been baking and cooking more this week - it is a good stress relief for me. Who needs therapy - give me a clean kitchen to mess up and I am happy!!