Another Upward Basketball Star

Nearly 7 year-old Andrew is playing Upward basketball this winter.  We finally made it over to Austin to see him play.  Wow….we were so impressed with his skills and knowledge of the game for just playing a few weeks.  His intensity was amazing.  The coach had him guard the most difficult opponent when he was in the game because of his awesome defense.  Following are a few photos of Andrew.

Getting coaching instructions.

Ready for prayer.

Andrew, we certainly enjoyed watching you play and are so thankful that you have had fun playing Upward basketball.

James at 5 Months

Just sharing a couple of photos of James who is sitting up pretty well at 5 months old.

Happy 5 months little man.

Hospital Visit

Austin has spent about 2 1/2 weeks in the hospital in the past month.  We can finally say he is improving…Praise The Lord!!  Steve and I spent three nights with him this past week and believe it or not, we really enjoyed our time spent with him.  He is such a trooper.  Doctors and nurses in and out of his room day and night, numerous IV treatments, inhaled antibiotics and breathing treatments, blood draws and finger sticks…..I could go on and on.  We are just thankful there are treatments that are making his lungs better.

Austin texting while having a lung treatment.

Hanging out while hooked up to IV antibiotics.

View from his room…..14th floor of Texas Children’s Hospital.

View toward downtown Houston.

St. Luke’s towers….I liked the clouds in the reflection.

Austin, we love you and continue to pray for you.

My Valentines

When the boys came over last Wednesday afternoon I made cupcakes and gave them their valentine gifts from Steve and I.

Nathan loves the frosting.

The funfetti cupcakes were new to the boys and they really liked them.

I had seen the valentine idea on the internet and thought it would be fun to do for the kids.  We are taking Kylie and Andrew’s valentine gifts over to them this next weekend.  Hope you had a very happy Valentine’s Day with someone you love.

Happy Birthday Melissa!

Happy 27th birthday to Melissa! 

You are a joy and treasure in our family.  We are in awe of how the Lord is growing you this year as a mother and a wife.  May the Lord continue to bless you this day and throughout the coming year.  We all love you so much!

James Visits Nanie and Papa

James and Melissa came to College Station for a couple of days while David was out-of-town working.  James’ disposition at 4 1/2 months has definitely improved and even though his napping habits still include cat naps, he is better able to handle it.  Also his reflux seems to be getting a little better…..and best of all he sleeps all night and goes down to naps and bedtime easily.  We really enjoyed our smiley boy who is almost sitting up alone (only briefly right now).   Following are a few photos from their visit. 

Looking forward to seeing those big blue eyes next week when we go to Houston for a visit.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Wishing a Happy Valentine’s Day to my husband, my daughters and their families.  We love you!

The Most Important Award

After each Upward basketball game the kids each receive an award for their play that day.  There are awards for best offensive and defensive players, good sportsmanship, best effort, etc.  This past week Ty received the “Christ-like” award.  After receiving his award he came over and the first thing he said was “I got the most important award today”.  We are so proud of Ty and his growth as a basketball player and most importantly his spiritual growth. 

We pray you always recognize that Jesus is the prize you must seek after the most.

Snow in Texas

This is the third year in a row that we have had snow in College Station, which may be a record.  This year we even had a snow day with Texas A&M and the local schools closed for the day.  The kids around town were loving the snow!  We had about 1-2 inches of snow in College Station and it stayed on the ground for nearly two days because of the below freezing temperatures. 

Even though Steve and I grew up in Iowa where there is lots of snow every year, we have lived in Texas for about 25 years and now snow is more of a novelty.  We loved staying in our warm, cozy house and looking outside at the snow.

Adventure in the Woods

The younger Hodge boys spent last Sunday afternoon with us as  Heather was with Austin in the hospital and Kevin had baseball meetings.  Austin was getting a much needed “tune up”  for his lung function.

While Ty and Nathan were here they helped their Papa cut and pick up brush and take it to the burn pile and then we took a little walk all through the wooded part of the property.  Below are some photos of their little adventure in the woods.

When you get back far enough in the woods you cannot see our house or any other for that matter and the boys really thought they were far from home.  Another lesson in helping their papa and enjoying the outdoors for these boys.