Yoga Master

 We had guests at our home last night.  As always, Jonathan was sitting a little odd.  This always causes people to comment on his flexibility.  One of our guests enjoys yoga.  He thought Jonathan would be great at yoga.  He counseled me on which CDs I should buy.  Jonathan had a great time showing off all of his crazy tricks.  We don't encourage that too much, because it can be kind of embarassing.  I tried to relax and let him show of all of his mad skills.

They went over a few yoga moves/stretches, and this gentleman was quite impressed with Jonathan's Cobra.  He asked to see it several different times.  Jonathan was proud that I managed to snap some pictures.  Jess was spending the night with a friend, so he was happy that there was record of it for her to see. 

Our guest was impressed at the height that Jonathan was able to get.  I guess many people can't get themselves that far off the floor.  Jess enjoyed the picture, because she thinks her brother is crazy.  Fred pretty much enjoyed it for the same reason.  I, on the other hand, find humor in 1) he is using a pink mat, 2) his shirt is on backwards, 3) he has ice cream smeared all over his face, and 4) the look on his face.

Our life would certainly be boring without Mr. Jonathan!

The Weed Hacker

Have you ever come home, and found a weed eater on your bed?  Not too long ago, that is exactly what happened to me.  Fred bought a new weed eater, and there was some assembly required.  Naturally, he put it together on my bed and just left it there.  I am not sure, but I don't think that is normal.  Should I be concerned?

P.S. Jonathan calls this fine yard tool a weed hacker.  I'm not sure that is normal, either.

A Little Slice of Heaven

Several years ago, we all got new bikes for Christmas.  I seem to be the only one that enjoys riding.  Jonathan does a little, but he gets bored easily.  He likes to ride to the park and back.  We must take the route that allows him to stay on the sidewalk.  He is very particular.

Jess rarely rides her bike, and it should probably be sold.  When she was a little girl, she loved to ride her bike.  She loved being old enough to ride around the block and back.  She felt like quite the independent girl.

Fred hasn't ridden with us in months.  He has never been one to take long walks or bike rides.  If he is going to be outside doing some sort of activity, he thinks that it must be a team sport.

So, that leaves me riding all by myself.  Generally, I have the same boring route.  Lately, I have tried to shake up my routine a little.  I have the tendency to get in a rut, so I'm trying to break free!  I completely changed up my route.  I stay on the streets and off the bike paths now.  I love the bike paths, but they can get quite boring.  I even ventured out on Coit Rd.  Don't worry, Mom.  I wear my helmet every time.

I added this little road to my route.  It reminds me of Lavon.  I love that these houses were built before 1994.  That is such a rarity in Frisco.  On the other side of the road were houses built in this decade.  It is quite an odd sight.

Then I added this stop in, so that I could get a drink and look at the hay bales.  Again, reminding me of Lavon.

And, nothing reminds me of home more than an old truck parked out in a pasture.  You gotta love it!

You'll have to forgive the quality of my pictures.  I have started venturing over to the manual setting on my camera.  I still have a lot to learn!

A Walk to Remember

Jonathan is my special little guy. So many people just don't "get" my quirky boy.  He really is so sweet and compassionate.

We have been fortunate enough to walk to school a few times this week.  Really, the stars have to be completely aligned for us to pull off such a fete!  We have to be walking out the door a few minutes before 7:30, so that I can have time to walk back and head out to work.

The cooler morning temperatures make for a nice walk.  Jonathan is always great company.  When he picks a topic for discussion, he makes sure that the topic is thoroughly covered.  Our first walk was definitely a walk to remember (subsequent walks have been awfully memorable, too).

Jonathan and I held hands on our walk.  I was impressed that he wasn't worried about what anyone thought about him.  He just held my hand from the time we left the house until I left him in the caring hands of the crossing guard.  As we approached the crosswalk, he gave me a hug and we exchanged I love yous.  Again, not caring if anyone heard or saw. 

He and the crossing guard headed across the street.  He paused midway and turned and waved.  Then he got across the street and waved again.  Finally, he got to the point where we were going to soon lose sight of one another, and he gave me another wave.  Seriously, it was the sweetest thing that I've ever seen a 5th grade boy do.  I was feeling those tears starting to near the surface, as I realized that this won't last forever. For the record, I was completely fine until the crossing guard started tearing up!  She couldn't get over what she had seen.

I wish everyone could see this sweet side of Jonathan.  They would know that he is more than an ADHD diagnosis.  He is a wonderful boy!

The Bucket List Lesson

My aunt loves Elvis.  I mean really loves Elvis.  Last July, we had a big celebration for her birthday.  Mom and Auntie Jan hired an Elvis impersonator to put on a show in the party room at her apartment complex.  It was quite the party.  We were celebrating her valiant fight against cancer.

This July, Mom and Dad took Judy to Graceland for her birthday.   This was a different kind of celebration.  This was more like one last hoorah before the cancer took over.  The trip was planned as soon as they received the news that Judy's time will be cut short.

She had a wonderful trip, and the timing couldn't have been better.  As it turns out, she is already feeling the effects of the ugly disease.  Fred and I talked about the bucket list concept.  I was sad for Judy.  She got to visit Graceland, but I had a theory about this whole bucket list thing.  I told Fred that we should be working on our bucket lists now.  I don't want to wait until someone tells me that I have months instead of years left in this world.

I set about working on my bucket list.  I haven't put together a formal list, but there were a few things that I wanted to start off with.  I wanted an adventurous summer.  So, I went...

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Kayaking

Floating down a river

and, let's not forget that I let PawPaw Larry drag me around behind the boat in Big Bertha

What will I do for Autumn?  I don't know yet, but I'll keep you posted.

I saw Judy on Saturday.  It was my first time to visit with her, since she had really started getting sick.  I sat next to her bed, and held her hand.  She looked at me with sad eyes, and said, "Donna, this ain't me.  This just ain't me."  We talked a little bit about her cancer for a few minutes.  But, I wanted to lighten the mood.  I'm always the one cracking jokes at inappropriate times, because I prefer smiles and laughter in times of adversity. (I am like Clairee in Steel Magnolia where she offers to let M'lynn take a wack at Oiser.)  So, I asked Judy about her Graceland trip.  Boy, oh,  boy!  Her eyes lit up.  She told me all about it.  She pulled herself out of bed, and tracked down every last souvenir (and there were a lot) that she had purchased.  I asked her what her favorite part of the trip was.  Her reply was, "Donna, I just don't know.  I can't say.  It was all great.  I can't pick a favorite." 

At that moment, I learned an important lesson about bucket lists.  I do believe that you should always be working on your bucket list.  However, I think you should save something really big and important until you get that news.  That big important thing might be what gets you through the tough times. I'm grateful to my parents for making such a special trip happen for Judy.

Aquarena Springs

We were in San Marcos on July 4th.  We were actually getting ready to head back to Frisco, but decided to make a quick touristy type stop on the way home.  We reviewed our options, and decided on Aquarena Springs.  I was concerned that it was going to by one big huge tourist trap.  To my surprise it wasn't.  It is now owned by Texas State University, so it is more educational than touristy. 

We anxiously waited to take a ride in the glass-bottom boat. We weren't quite sure what to expect.  There weren't many people there on that 4th of July morning.  You could tell that there once had been a lot of attractions there.  Now there are just four main attractions.  The glass-bottom boat is the only one that they charge for, and the prices were very reasonable.  There is also an aquarium, a Texas River Center and a Wetlands Walk.  I enjoyed the Wetlands Walk, and the others really enjoyed the aquarium.  And, everyone enjoyed the boat ride.

It was just us and two other families aboard the boat.  we peered over, so that we could see the glass bottom.  Our college-aged tour guide told us all there was to know about the plants living in the river.  Thankfully, he was a student at TSU, and was very knowledgeable about most all of the rivers in Texas.  Want to know why I am thankful?  Because, Jonathan is a very inquisitive boy.  He asked many questions... much to his sister's dismay.  When it was all said and done, Jonathan got his money's worth out of that boat ride.

Floatin' Down the River

During our stay in Austin, we headed down to Gruene to float down the Guadalupe River.   The water was cold, because of the cooler temperatures.  We got on the river early, so we missed the rambunctious crowds. 

Kicked back and relaxing on the Guadalupe

We had a great time on the river.  We were there for about three hours.  They told us it would take four hours.  I think the larger groups take longer to make it down the river.

This picture cracks me up.  Fred's head just barely made it int he camera.

The scenery was beautiful.  We saw gorgeous houses, rocks, plants and trees along the way.

This is a picture of Fred making his way down a rapid.  Fred said that the tubes were not made for his size.  He felt like he was sitting down in the river.  We met another man his size, so the two of them spent some time complaining about the tubes. (Disregard my knee that made an appearance in this picture.)

I don't know if you can see the little drop in this picture.  It doesn't look very big, but it was quite the drop.  A kid playing in the river looked at me and said, "Good Luck!"  Gee, thanks!

I'm not sure why I'm crinkling my nose up... it sure does make it look big!  I ended up with a sunburn on my thighs.  It is super attractive!

Fred and I had a great time on our adventurous weekend.  I hope that we will do it again next year.  Hmmm... what could our next adventure be?

Seeking Adventure

Fred and I decided to head south in pursuit of fun.  We found it on Saturday in the form of kayaking.  Fred wasn't so sure about kayaking.  I think he was just tired of me mentioning that we should go kayaking. 

We drove to my aunt and uncle's house in Austin on Friday night.  They were out of town, but they so graciously allowed us to use their house for the weekend. 

Saturday sent us to San Marcos to kayak down the San Marcos River.

Lesson learned:  kayaking does not allow for ladylike pictures.  Ladylike went out the window when I rolled into the kayak.

 Fred had a larger kayak.  I think the lady that dropped us off called it The Bubba.  Let me tell you, Bubba was one heavy kayak. 

I spent most of the trip in front of Fred.  His kayak was heavier and harder to maneuver.  There were several times that I had to stop and wait for him.  The other problem was that we didn't review our goals before we left.  I was on a mission.  Constantly paddling.  Fred would stroke a couple of times, and then glide.  He really wanted to let the current take him down river. 

Partway through the trip, we approached the dam.  We were told that we had take our kayaks off the river, and then put them back in on the other side of the dam.  I'm sure you are wondering how this was done.  See the above ramp?  I had to climb down that ramp wearing water shoes without traction!  Then Fred sent the kayaks down to the bottom for me to catch.  Then he had to hop over and join me.  Thankfully, it wasn't as hard as it looked.  A couple in a canoe showed up just in time to watch us.  It was great having an audience!

Just before we put back in on the other side of the dam.

There is nothing more attractive than a bright orange flotation device.  Thankfully, we didn't need them, but I sure am glad that we were wearing them... you know, just in case.

We had a wonderful time kayaking.  It was beautful, fun, and I felt such a sense of accomplishment when we were done!

See the bridge ahead?  We had to duck under it.  I have depth perception problems, so I decided to really duck down.  Just in case I had misjudged the distance between the bridge and the top of my head.

I think Fred was rejoicing that we survived!  Fred really wanted us in a tandem kayak.  I wanted solo kayaks.  I felt like the tandem kayak would rob me of MY experience and MY sense of accomplishment.  I had relented, and told him that I would ride tandem.  Due to Fred's height, the kayak rental company didn't recommend it.

This is just before we had to drag these precious beauties up a hill.  I will wear different shoes next time.  My little water shoes were horrible!

We bought a disposable waterproof camera, so the quality of these pictures are horrible.  As much as we like the water, I think we will be investing in a waterproof digital camera.

Wouldn't You Like to be a Pepper, Too?

 

Jessie is headed home from seminary with Mollie and a DP

Here’s the story morning glory. I am against caffeine in any form. Well, most forms. I believe it is okay to use caffeine for medicinal purposes. For example, Excedrin has saved me from countless headaches. Other than that, I think that caffeine should be avoided at all costs. I had a hard core addiction to the sweet nectar of the gods. Coke and chocolate are my two weaknesses. I kicked my Coke habit, but I’m still working on the chocolate. I have worked hard to keep my children far away from the ‘feine. Jessica has enjoyed caffeinated beverages a few times. Usually, it has been when she’s been out to eat with friends. Jonathan, on the other hand, is a caffeine virgin. Most people think it is because my kids can’t hold their caffeine. The assume that they must get hyper on caffeine. They don’t drink caffeine, because it is not healthy for their bodies. I never want them to be like me. Always living for the next Coke. That sounds dramatic, but it is so true!

As I’ve posted before, Jessica has been attending seminary. She has to get up at 5:30! She is not a morning person, at all. On the first day, she came home and reported that one of the boys brought a Dr. Pepper with him. She sincerely asked if she might try the same. I weighed my options. I decided that seminary attendance is very important. So, I took myself to Walmart and bought the smallest bottles of DP that I could find.

The first day, she and her drink went off to seminary just as happy as you please. I picked her up 50 minutes later, and her whole body was twitching. She was talking 90 miles a minute. It was crazy. Seriously, Jess really hasn’t had very much caffeine in her life, and certainly never at 6 o’clock in the morning! I can report that she no longer twitches when she drinks it.

So join in with me in singing...

I'm a Pepper, he's a Pepper,
She's a Pepper, we're a Pepper,
Wouldn't you like to be a Pepper, too?
Be a Pepper. Drink Dr Pepper.

It's Raining in the Rain Forest

I have typed this post over and over.  I can't quite find an eloquent way to say what I feel.

I am so tired of change!  It seems to be swirling all around me.  I have come to hate the word restructuring.  It means that someone has lost their job.  It means that some one's family is in turmoil.  It means that there are people out looking for a job.  It means that next time it could be me.  We lost more people this week.  Good people.  My head understands the rationale, but my heart doesn't. 

You know, we don't have many men at my office that are over the age of 60.  But, let me tell you, I have a soft spot in my heart for every last one of them.   Maybe they remind me of my dad.  They certainly pick on me like my dad.  I love that they will say anything.  They really don't care about being politically correct.

One of my favorites, Harmon, found himself a participant of the restructuring.  Harmon is a southern gentlemen from Alabama.  You can't help, but love Harmon.  He always has a silly joke or a riddle.  A typical exchange would go like this:

Harmon:  Hey, did you know it's raining?
Me:  No.  It's not raining... is it?
Harmon:  Yep, it's raining in the rain forest.  It's always raining in the rain forest.

 For the last ten years, Harmon has been a part of my life at work. We've laughed... a lot.  When his wife died, we cried.  Harmon Ray, I am going to miss you!