Shortly after Texas clinched a trip to the Rose Bowl for the BCS Championship game, Ryan called to ask if he and a "few" friends could come out and stay with us. Of course, we were thrilled to have them. We were blessed that our friends in Houston, the McDonoughs, allowed us to use their vacation home (was grandparents home - now vacant - they use while vacationing in California)in Whittier - only 20 minutes from the Rose Bowl. We were thrilled to not have to drive two hours into LA all week!

And so they came . . . all 11 of them. They were in/on beds, sleeping bags, sofas, blow up mattresses and the floor. They shared two bathrooms and were thoughtful of one another, respectful of the house and each others things and nary a cross word was spoken the entire 5 days! If these young people are the future parents and leaders of our country, I am happy to know we will be in good hands.


Although the football game did not end as we had hoped, we had an awesome time and none of us would exchange the friendship bonds and fun we shared that week. We met tons of people from all over the country. Texas fans from Alaska, UK, Singapore?!?!?! Yes, and what great fans they were - I am proud to be a Longhorn \m/

My Grandchildren

I know everyone believes their grandchildren are the smartest, most precious and gorgeous in the world. Well . . . just to tell you, MINE REALLY ARE!!

Olivia is 5 years old and began kindergarten this year. She's mature for her age and sometimes while we are having a conversation, I have to remind myself that she's only 5-1/2! She can read and write beautifully. People have told me that girls mature earlier and are more apt to read and write better than boys. I never really had anything - or should I say anyone - with whom to compare. Now with Olivia's prowess in all things intellectual, I must agree.

Dennis and I thought we could be no more smitten with a little one until . . . JACK! Jack is all boy - through and through. I have to laugh when Shelley makes comments like, "Olivia never did that . . . Olivia was always content to sit and play with her dolls or puzzles", etc. Jack has been climbing up the "outside" of the stairs since before he could walk. It's not unusual that while readying his bath water he will take off and we have to chase him down. Once those clothes are off - he's off to the races. And, he thinks it's a thrilling game to run from Mom and Dad! He can empty a drawer faster than you can walk across the room. You could get upset with him because he can disassemble a toy with stealthlike speed and leave a mess in his wake. But, just one look at that face and that sweet smile - it's over, we are under his spell!

I love my grandbabies and lament that we are so far away. But, I got the BEST news yesterday . . . they will be coming out here for their summer vacation again this year. YAHOO . . . we are thrilled to send Denny and Shelley off for a long weekend alone while we get the kiddos to ourselves. We are making lots of fun plans.

Just Sayin'

Dennis and I will both be leaving town on Monday. We are going in different directions, however. He is going to Houston (for work) and I am heading to Cabo San Lucas with my best friends Amy and Sarah. We went together last year - just the 3 of us and it was a sweet time with "girlfriends". We vowed to do it again - planning only one year at a time. This year Amy's daughter, Erin and her little boy, Ben, will be joining us as well. We are staying in Amy's family's presidential suite - a three bedroom - two story suite with our own private jacuzzi and swimming pool - not to mention several patios. We rejoice in the luxury and in the peace and serenity that surround us while we are there. We will be there almost two weeks. I will post pictures and updates.

Which brings me to the point of this post . . . after walking the other morning, Dennis and I were standing by the shoreline (where we walk) to watch a particularly awesome sunrise that was both beautiful and awe inspiring. We see these beautiful sunrises and sunsets on a pretty regular basis so, here is my question . . . where can we go (vacation or otherwise) to have such beautiful reminders of God's glory? We live in paradise - people come here for vacation!!!! We are blessed!

These pics are of the sunrise on Thursday and the sunset on Friday.

Rain, rain go away . . .

It's been almost a week - rain everyday and frankly, I'm tired of it. Truth of the matter is, it was nice the first few days and one day I stayed in my robe and drank hot tea all day. But, I'm over it now. Thanks everyone for your concerns. We are fine.

We have had (in SB) like 6 inches of rain. That is a lot of rain for a city with an average of 7 inches of rain per year. We live in a desert climate! Seriously!!! The area of SB that we live in has not been adversely affected but there are some areas where there has been flooding and the "burn" areas which have been denuded of any vegetation are in danger of mud slides. THAT is the main worry. There has been some really strong winds that downed trees but that's about the worst of it. Other area of Southern California have had it bad and that's mostly what you are seeing on t.v. Truly, it could have been ALOT worse. We are all happy it's not as bad as was predicted and ready for some sunshine.

Readying Our Hearts

Obviously I've not been very good about staying on top of this blog thing. I began it at the request of family and friends - to keep people abreast of what is going on with us here in California. I've failed miserably!!!!! Lots to say . . .

First of all, many of you may not know but three of my girlfriends from church (Dana, Mary Ann and Trista a/k/a "the Esthers") and I were planning a trip to Haiti in March (11th - 18th). Our trip was to be with the group Child Hope International (http://www.childhope.org/). They rescue, house and educate and spread the Word of Jesus to abandoned and abused children in Haiti in order that they may eventually be able to be productive, faithful citizens of Haitian society. The need that was so great before the earthquake is dire now! Needless to say, our trip has been indefinitely "postponed". The mission trip which we originally thought would be a fun, feel-good mission has evolved immensely. The Lord took a hold of us and shook us to the core. The earthquake in Haiti caused an earthquake in our hearts. We desperately want to go over there and hold and comfort those children but only "essential" personnel are being allowed into the country at this time. We don't know when we will be able to go so we are asking for everyone to pray that a door open for us if it is HIS will for us to be there. We want to be HIS hands and feet. We are willing to sleep in tents with the barest of essentials if it is HIS will. We fall before the throne of grace and ask for mercy for the people of Haiti. Pray, pray, pray . . .

If you want to help Child Hope International is accepting monetary donations. Please go to http://www.childhope.org/. Another way is to purchase a tee-shirt from Help Haiti. (see tee-shirt at top of this post). They can be purchased by going to www.helphaitishirt.com.

How did we know that when we prayed "break my heart for what breaks YOURS" that the Lord would answer us so poignantly. Abiding in HIS love!