TCH….Again

Austin was re-admitted to the hospital.  Steve and I decided that both of us would go to Houston to spend a few days with him.  Steve spent the nights at Melissa’s while I stayed at the hospital.  The noise and light doesn’t  bother me!  I think Austin was thankful for our visit especially that his Papa brought him shrimp from Pappadeaux and also burritos a couple of times from Chipotle.  Hospital food alone is not going to help Austin gain weight.

Steve and Austin playing cribbage.

Playing video games while having chest therapy.  He loves his new X-Box! (Thank you GIFT Sunday School class!!)

This is where I sleep.

We found out on Monday that his pulmonary function has improved so they will continue the present IV and inhaled antibiotics and he will be checked again on Friday.  We are praying for continued improvement and that he can come home soon.

A Visit to Houston

Steve and I went to Houston on Melissa’s birthday to see her and to watch James while she and David enjoyed an evening out.

Melissa and her right hand man.

This photo has some camera flash going on but caught him with his cute smile.

Such a sweet face…..he loves his new Elmo.

Enjoys his bath.

James loves his books.  We were reading before bedtime.  I think he would let you read to him until he fell over asleep.

James has a love-hate relationship with this ball-popping toy.  When it is turned on it makes quite a bit of noise and pops the balls out the top.  He is really afraid of it when it is on but loves to put the ball in when it is off.  Above he is asking whether the toy is “on” before he presses the knob.

James thinks Nanie is so funny and he gives big hugs.

He is such a happy boy.  We enjoyed our time with James and family.  I need to get some photos with James and his daddy next time.

Bird Watching

My dad first noticed these birds while on a visit in early March to our house many years ago.  They were not the usual birds we have around our house so we looked them up and found that they are cedar wax wings and apparently migrate through this area each spring.

I think they are so pretty with their black mask yellow belly and golden-tipped tails.

And if you look closely their wings have a small red tip as well.

They loved they puddles after the rain and eating the yaupon berries in the trees.

In the back yard the birds are really becoming active.  The female cardinal above and the bright red male below.

We also have some wood-peckers at the feeder and….

in the trees.

The cedar wax wings are already gone.  They were around for just a couple of days.

Cougars Basketball

We recently made the trip to Austin especially to see Andrew play basketball.  He plays Upward basketball on the 2nd and 3rd grade Cougars.  We just love Upward basketball.  Besides learning the skills they also have Bible lessons and prayer and the coaches are so encouraging.  Following are some photos of the action.

Big smile for us after the game.

Andrew is not a huge fan of organized athletics but he loves to be physically active so for right now he enjoys playing basketball.

  

One photo of Kylie for good measure….

And the Alexander grandkids together. 

Happy Birthday Melissa!

Happy Birthday wishes to Melissa on her 28th birthday.

Two year old curly headed cutie!

It seems only yesterday that you were a little girl doted on by your parents and your big sisters.  Hard to believe that you will soon be a mother of two.

We are so proud of the woman of God that you are and love watching you continue to grow in Christ as your family grows.  Happy Birthday Miss Lissa!

Be My Valentine

Steve and I have been Valentines for 42 years now and I pray our love story never ends.

What a beautiful scripture.  I hope this blesses your life today.

Valentine Love

Happy Valentine’s Day to my one and only!  Love you.

Austin in TCH

Austin has been hospitalized for a couple of weeks and Steve and I each had the privilege of spending some time with him.  Steve spent the past weekend with him so that Heather could enjoy girls weekend.  So thankful for him!  And I spent about three days with him the past week.

This is Austin’s room…..taken while he and I were walking laps around the whole floor.

The nurses check this before they give him any treatments.

Austin’s IV and breathing treatment set up.  He is hooked up to this almost around the clock.

Playing cribbage.  Steve taught Austin and both Steve and I played with him.  I have to admit he is really good.

Austin doing some homework.  He probably should have been working on this more.

His phone is his constant companion.  He messages, calls and plays games on it.

Austin is one brave young man.  We are praying that this hospital stay helps him stay well for a long time.

Girls Weekend Austin 2012

Packed and ready to travel!

We were so busy having fun that we didn’t take many photos but we had a great time together.  Melissa, Heather and I made our way to Austin to meet Shauna and just have a time of fellowship together as mother, daughters and sisters.

We began the weekend with mani/pedi’s and the girls treated me in celebration of my retirement.  We checked into the Westin and then went to Maggiano’s in the Domain for dinner.  We ordered the “light” family dinner but that was more than enough food….so delicious.

The next day were shopped at the Round Rock Outlets and the Domain and also took in a movie.  We enjoyed a late dinner at Gloria’s.  None of us were late-nighters and with a 25 week pregnant Melissa we were asleep before midnight.  We ended the weekend meeting Mark and the kids for breakfast and more visiting.

The girls took some pics of me with them but I ended up with just pics of the girls….fine by me.

So thankful to God for the wonderful relationships we have and how we enjoy each other.