The Ring...

Shawna with RC Slocum after receiving her ring!

How exciting.....receiving a ring from Texas A&M is a big deal. Shawna and Patrick just happened to see the coach after she received her ring that day. Isn't this pic so cute?

Mighty Ike

Hubby emailed me this pic that he took from the airplane window. Wow....it's gonna be a big one. Hunker down, my Houston friends!!!

Soldiers in Shannon

Sky Angel and I were in Shannon, Ireland last August when we saw these troops bellying up to the bar. Guiness is the best in Ireland. It tastes so much better than it does here in the states. Yum! I can almost taste the creamy foam on my upper lip.....

September 11th

I was at the local high school homecoming parade

tonight and I couldn't help thinking of tomorrow and

the memory of the terrible tragedy that struck

our country.

Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard what had happened? My husband and I were at home watching teletubbies with our toddlers. We received a call from my mother to inform us to turn on the news. At that point, we didn't fully understand the ramifications.It was so surreal....it couldn't have happened. I still have trouble believing that it did today. How could there be so much hate in the world? How are the families who lost loved ones surviving this day? I know it has changed my life and my job......

I wish the families who were directly touched by this tragedy love, hope and happiness. I know this day must be incredibly hard for them each and every year that passes. I am going to take some time to say an extra pray for them and to thank God for my safety, my family and my friends.

I miss my friend.....

In the Johannesburg airport

At the orphanage in Dakar, Senegal

One of my favorites.....I want to take her home!!!!

Lots of babies!!!

I have to admit that I have been in a funk about going to work. I usually fly with a friend of mine and she has been off work for a while. We haven't flown together since July 26th (not that I am counting). Anyway, one of our favorite trips to fly together is a 6 day trip that stops in Dakar, Senegal and Johannesburg, South Africa. When we fly together, it is like a vacation. We get to hang out, talk, have a glass of wine (or three), laugh..... When we layover in Dakar, we visit an orphanage where there are about 50 babies being cared for by Catholic nuns. We play with them, and then help feed them before they take their nap. It is a good way to get a "baby fix".....especially for moms with children aged 9 and older. It is hard to leave but we know that they are well cared for by the nuns and the teenage girls that live there who are educated by the nuns. I will be going on that trip later this month. I hope my friend will be going with me.....I miss her. She is one of a kind.....wise, funny, smart, beautiful and fun! Cheers!

More bento.....

My second attempt at bento box lunch....definitely "america style" with pb&j sandwiches, fruit and pretzel crisps (these are so yummy). I wish someone would pack my lunch every day....

Bad Penny/Good Penny

This is Bad Penny......


This is Good Penny!!!!!

My friend sent me this bottle from North Carolina. It is so funny!!! What I am wondering is.....why did she send it empty???? Hmmmm.......

Bento box lunch

This is my first attempt at a bento box lunch. The girls were really keen on the idea. I am hoping it will open our options for lunches and persuade my picky eater to try more things. I found out about this kind of meal from someone's blog (I can't remember whose) and I really liked it! I have since tried to find the original blog that this was posted on with no luck. I did save http://justbento.com/ which has great info and recipes. This is just some leftover chicken from the grill, japenese sticky rice, baby carrots and strawberries. If you investigate on the web, you will see some elaborate lunches made by japenese mothers. I guess it can get really competitive. My hats are off to these girls. I just used plastic containers and not official "bento boxes" for my first try. Maybe if my travels take me to Japan, I can pick up some fun boxes. We'll see what the reviews are when the girls get home.

Tree huggers

My two little tree huggers!

With gas prices so high, I told the girls that they will be walking to school this year if the weather is nice. On the way home in 90 degrees, Penny said, "oh, yeah, this is nice weather" (insert sarcastic voice here). I had to explain that unless there was a thunderstorm or snow storm that the weather was fine for walking. I have even been riding my bike to the gym. Patrick worries that I will be hit crossing the intersection. I won't. I am like Lance....ha!!! It is only 2 miles.....I figure at least I will burn off a beer or two.