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.

Spring Break visitors

Okay, maybe it's not as ambitious as a mid-morning decision to strike off for New Mexico that very afternoon like my brother and sister-in-law, but in my defense I did plan for a 1 1/2 hour trip to Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth a mere one week in advance. (AND in the company of 4 teenagers and a couple of twenty-somethings, for which I think I deserve extra credit! ) We had a good time with Harrison and Tiffany visiting over spring break. Since their plane was cancelled on Saturday, we got a bonus day, and that evening we cooked burgers in the back yard, as we had beautiful spring weather. I was blessed to look out my kitchen window and see one of my brother's boys (Mark) and one of my sister's boys (Harrison) and my own boy (Landry) playing ladder ball together in the back yard. I tucked this little memory away in my heart for posterity!

Horrible Ice Storm Strikes McKinney

This week we had a good 1/20th of an inch of ice and sleet, which immobilized our community. Being the brave soul that I am, I actually made into work by 9:30 (after following the advice of our local news anchors, which was to pack a blanket, extra water and some canned rations if you just had to get out). Made the most of my trip and snapped some pics that I'll share with you. I thought the first one should be called "In the Dead of Winter" and the second one "Sugar-coated Garlic". It was pretty, I have to say.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I woke up this morning and it only took me a few seconds to think "Yay! Today's my birthday!" Then, on the heels of that thought, came "Aren't you getting a little old for that?" Who is that, exactly, that's always trying to poop my party? I ignored that pesky little voice, and got up and decorated my birthday cake.