GI Bill

Starting August, Tim will be getting more benefits. He had a hard year last year- studying and working at Krogers to make ends meet. The added benefits will allow a lot of returning soldiers to actually afford college so he is happy about that...and he doesn't have to work. The school he will be attending is called the Magnolia Campus. I think it is the University of Oklahoma but it is right on the border so Texan's can attend without the extra fees.

We will soon have an Accountant in the family. He can do all of our taxes!

How busy is too busy?

How can we fight forgetfulness?

Our days have been so full here that we both didn't even remember our wedding anniversary until 5 days later and....it wasn't even me that remembered! That's getting pretty bad I suppose. Well, w e have not celebrated yet but the date was July 15th and we were married in 1973 so I guess that makes us dinosaurs.

The funny thing was that I was busy that week working on organizing a birthday party for someone else( in my spare time that is). The good news is that went very well. We had James at the barbecue pit with Ka bobs of 3 different meats. Amber made a Mediterranean salad and Arabic rice. My addition was spiced up eggs, dips and "all the shopping" That had to count for something. Then we had Kelsie make the cake. As we were all big cake eaters, Lolli ( the life of the party) showed up with a Strawberry cake and we all convened to the yard for a hilarious fun feast that I am sure was quite an entertainment for the neighbors- especially since Teresa decorated the yard with Christmas lights and Texas red chile lights.

Guess whose birthday...yes it was our Uncle Mark, who faithfully begins reminding us of his birthday the day after Christmas. How old you ask? Well, let it be enough to say that he is younger than I am and wasn't around for when Seabiscuit won the triple crown and Shirley Temple tap danced down the stairs with Mr Bojangles.

Anyway, that is all to say, I guess we were just having too much fun to realize we were passing by yet another personal milestone.

Summer fun and thots

Our little home is bursting at the seams with visitors. That's life in the summertime and what a life. We have 2 more little kids and their mom visiting from India. They are so articulate. Are all kids from India little Professors and future Bollywood stars? They are so entertaining. Chantal (2) and Maya (4). I would not have been surprised if Chantal had been named Nadia. They love dogs and have no fear so the Canine population is happy for the most part. Sheba has determined that Maya has some other intention besides kindness and gives her famous "puppy disciplining growl".
I just heard that Allen is going in the pool alone. This is a major advance. I think he was inspired by Selena's swimming trophy this year. Much to everyone's surprise, our humble little team, won the District Championship. It seems that since Jason and Teresa left the team, they have new Stars. Ha! They were great on getting points for their teams as they faithfully won or placed high, but their team usually lost anyhow.

Also, we are picking up a trampoline today! We have been wanting one for so long. I will place our hammock under the nearby tree, sip lemonade and watch the kids jump and jump and jump? Would it look odd for a granny to be up there jumping? I just forget I am older until I take the time to look in the mirror. Then I stop and break out the Make up bag I have neglected- just kidding. I do look in the mirror more frequently. I just wait until nightfall or dim the lights.

Actually. I don't mind growing older at all. I find so many joys in life that I didn't notice before or maybe just didn't take time before. I love being with people even more but I treasure my quiet moments. I do see things a lot differently. I do wish young people weren't so afraid of older folks. I do hear so many odd comments. On this point, for anyone who enjoyed " The Notebook", I read the book written about Noah's family after. It's called "The Wedding". I keep so few books as I have so little time to read. Nevertheless, I have a small collection ( now 7) of my favorites. This one has been added. I found it well worth reading....and keeping.....and recommending.

A dear friend passed away a few days ago. Gary Spaulding will be missed by many and especially his family. They are wonderful people. Life goes on.....and I am so thankful for this reminder too. I want to make my moments count as we never really know when He will call us to the other side. Gary loved the Lord and made such an impression on everyone he met. My first encounter with him was in 1972. For a short time, I worked together with him and was assigned to be a driver for him in the big city of Dallas.

Hey, I am still hearing so many good reactions from "the Shack" We just got a copy of the Audio. (thanks Perla)It's so great on so many points. I have heard it helping so many on the point of forgiveness.