Family Get-together in August

Here are Mike, Jen and Vicki's youngest children, Mark, Jacob and Landry.

We were all able to meet at Mom's in Norman for a weekend in August. Vicki and Jake were there from NY, and we had a great time playing pool ball, eating, and visiting!

WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED !

Looking at colleges!

Can't believe it's time for The Boy to think about college! Last Friday we toured OU while in Norman (wish I had taken pictures - such a gorgeous campus!). Today we drove down to Waco to have a look at Baylor University. It was one of their official tour days called Sic 'em Day. Started at 9:00 so we left at 6:30 this morning. Walked the campus, listened to their pitch, ate lunch, and drove back. It was impressive, to say the least.

Start of the tour - many beautiful buildings!

Big Man on Campus (bookstore with miniature furniture!)

One of the Baylor Bears that reside on campus.

Science Building

In front of Science Building

Family Reunion 2009

Family Reunion - Cothran-style . . . . AGAIN! I think it is the 41st reunion, and we have come a long way since the days when we co-habitated in the state park at Quartz Mountain, with no air conditioning and no catering. Either we like it , or we are really gluttons for punishment! Look - not a bead of perspiration on any of us! (above: me with the Sisters)

Marshall & Phil - the old codgers



Three generations of Lehmans!

Diane, Brian, Brett & Kathryn - Kat has her eyes closed, but for some beautiful pics of her and her band The Vintage Vibes, check out www.myspace.com/thevintagevibes. They are playing at Winstar in August and September, and Phil and I want to plan a little jaunt to check it out! Anybody game?

This looks like some trouble to me!

A good aunt with a semi-rotton nephew

Looks like a fine branch of the family tree!

We have been blessed!

God made Himself known over McKinney, Texas early Sunday Morning

Psalm 19:1-6

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

When I looked up this morning, the sight of the early morning sunrise took my breath away. I felt like God was saying "Jen, lift up your head and see my wonders, which I have displayed for you to see today." The sight so reminded me of David's words about the sun being like a bridegroom emerging from his pavilion, a champion ready to run his course. The longer I live, the more I see the hand of God at work in nature, in lives, in this world. To Him be the glory, today, and always.

The Boy Gets a Summer Job

Landry is trying his hand at the banking business. Thanks to his big sister Lynley, he has a summer job at Independent Bank. All he lacks now is a pocket protector, and his outfit will be complete. He and Mac relax after a hard day's work.

Speaking of Mac, since we acquired him in February, he has experienced tremendous personal growth. I am so proud of him! From a scaredy cat who would not come out from under the bed, to king of the backyard jungle, I think he deserves a pat on the back. He is one of my backyard blessings.

Backyard update

A few weeks ago, Steve (a notorious forager) came wagging home a door that "people were just giving away!" I scolded him, as usual, and he carried it around to the back of the shop "just in case we ever need it." A few days later I was back there checking on the compost pile, when I glanced over and saw that door leaned up against the back of the shop and it looked darn cute! Immediately, I determined that should replace the old metal door on the front of the shop, creating a kind of "cottage" look. I excitedly shared my revelation with Steve, whereupon he told me that was a pretty big job, since he would have to remove the entire door frame and flip it, etc, etc, etc. But, wanting to make me happy, he obliged, and just 3 days later, the facelift for our little shop was complete. Amazing what a new door will do. But it just begged to have some window boxes added, but we decided on shelves under the windows for pots. (An added bonus to all of this is I think I may have curbed Steve's temptations to bring those freebies onto the property. He's learned that can get him into some real trouble!)

Mucho Memories of Mexico!

Sweet memories of one of the finest weeks of my life linger in my mind and heart, like so many grains of sand stuck in the sunscreen on my ankles. So much for waxing eloquent - we had one heck of a good time while vacationing near Akumal, Mexico!! Mike, Cindy, and all of theirs, me and Mom spent an entire week enjoying the beautiful water, beaches, sun, food, and each other. I had several first time experiences -

* snorkeling in a lagoon (crystal clear water, tropical fish, sun filtering through the water - awesome!)

* swimming in a cenote (a place where the underground rivers of the Yucatan pool at the surface - it's like an oasis in the middle of nowhere)

* visiting ancient Mayan ruins (very beautiful & interesting, and built on a cliff over the ocean - I'll post a picture as soon as I figure out where I put my darn vacation pictures on the computer)

And of course, lounging on the beach was a great time too. Part of the great fun we had was picking up the neat pieces of fossilized coral (I think that's what it is - they are very unique and I brought a bunch home [above is an arangement from them] I have had fun arranging them and it is a sweet reminder of a great week.

[later same morning] I found my pics.