Incredible

We had another terrific Harvest Party--our first New Life event run by volunteers. We think we had 1000+ people there, although there's no real way to know. I'm praying that God will bring the harvest from it! We totally copied Alan and Holly's idea for the Incredibles. People loved it! By the time we got together for the picture we were missing a few parts and lopsided, but it was fun! We're thinking about copying Randy and Anda next year and being the Walls.
  

Last Week

Hey Gang,
We had a lot going on last week that I thought you might be interested in. First of all, we had three games. Hutton's JV team lost to Pecos 18-14. Hutton played very well and got to suit up for the varsity game. MCS beat Grace Prep 40-7. He is really enjoying it. His last JV game is Thursday night before we go to Honduras next week for the Pan American Lectures.

Connor's 7th Grade team won again. They are undefeated for the season. Stephen and Stephanie came to see him. We really enjoyed their visit. The highlight for us was a 4 play stretch were Connor carried the ball at fullback and scored. His coaches bragged on him. He was unstoppable. This week he plays 2 games. They have decided to play a "B" team game in addition to the normal game. He will start on offense and defense. He will still play in the second game, and he is pretty excited about it. Lee Ann and I will go to Monahans to watch him for a while then turn around and come home to catch Hutton's game at MCS. What time do you expect to be home on Thursday?

The mighty Patriots played their final regular season game Saturday night. We won again to finish the regular seasomn at 5-1. No one around here can remember a 4th grade team from MCS with a record like that. Reagan played extremely well. He played great defense, ran the ball well and had a big catch in a stretch where we completed 4 of 5 passes for about 45 yards. Their coach was pretty proud of them. This week is the first round of the playoffs. If we win we face the (ughh)Chiefs. Coaches are watching film around the clock devising a game plan for the biggest upset in 4th grade football history. Disney has called if we win they could turn it into their next hit movie. It's too much fun.

Mom and Dad, you might be interested in this piece of news. Kevin Riggs announced his resignation last Wednesdy night. We had a final round of interviews with Gary Moyers and offered him a job yesterday. By the time you get back it might be a done deal.

We are looking forward to having you back home. Grace.
Tod

too many pictures!

I think I overdid it on the picture thing - sorry! Just wanted to update everyone on life in Ft. Worth. I guess that about sums it up! Randy took me to the Four Seasons in Las Colinas Friday p.m. thanks to sweet Larissa! Thanks Larissa!! It was amazing - we were just sad that we only had time to stay one p.m.!!
The concert was challenging, a blessing, funny, etc. last p.m. We came home feeling REALLY dependent on God, thinking "what have we gotten ourselves into?" Ha! This a.m. we discovered that sometime this week someone broke through one pane on a window in our house trying to break in. That was a little bit of a faith challenge for me, but God has truly poured out His faith. We've been praying since we moved here that God would plant His angels around the perimeter of our house and for His protection of our property. For some reason, they never made it into our house and didn't even break the second layer of glass. That can only be God. I'm really thankful - He's been reminding me again today that the Lion of Judah is protecting us. I asked McKenna if God or the person who tried to break in is bigger. She immediately said "God." Then she started singing "God is bigger than the boogie man" (you know, from Veggie Tales?)! It's true!! You never know when those annoying Veggie songs are going to come in handy to build faith! HA! Pray for us. Thankful for opportunities to believe God. Everyone went to bed with peace tonight.

Let us know about Thanksgiving - we're up for whatever. Dale and Rita, are you going to be here Friday p.m.? We're just trying to figure out if we need a sitter - we'll be at a rehearsal dinner. We've planned on getting a babysitter all along, but didn't want to steal grandparent time IF you wanted it! Just let us know! Love all of you and are really looking forward to Thanksgiving.

Isaac is one happy, smiley baby! 

our sweet girls 

A couple of weeks ago, RB had the Mighty Men come over on a school holiday to hang out in our backyard and build things with wood scraps. They brought 9 of their closest friends - we had 16 kids that day! 

Cary, do you recognize this face? That's Armane in my garage! His brother is Jerome, one of the MM. He was a perfect angel that day. Hmmm...must have had some tough training from another Brown! 

Jerome and Kameon 

Byron, Kameon, D'Leeland, and Garry. All but D'Leeland had "issues" at some point during the night. That D'Leeland...I think he may be president someday. Really good kid. (of course, they're ALL mighty men - most of them just don't ACT like it yet!) 

We took the Mighty Men to Antioch CC in Waco last night for a free parking lot concert by Lecrae and Tadashi, two amazing Christian rap/hip-hop artists (seriously, their theology is right on - big John Piper fans; very talented. We should really look into getting them to Op Camp next year). Anyway, it was a ROUGH night, but we just have to keep having faith that somehow this is making a difference!  

Randy "dancing" with Garry and Alfonso - do you need to ask why those boys are laughing?! 

We had our CF annual Family Fall Festival tonight - we couldn't top the Incredibles this year so we just decided to go as "The Browns". People still thought we were pretty creative (we had signs on our shirts that said "Hello. We're the Browns.") 

Happy Birthday A.J. and Abby Claire; Last Night Blues

First, Happy Birthday to my wonderful twins. A.J. and Abby Claire: I remember 7 years ago today standing in the hall as A.J. took his first breath and cried. We were so excited that the first one was here safely. Then we started rooting for Abby Claire to make her grand entrance. "Come on, little girl; you can do it!" As I recall it was only 12 minutes until we heard another healthy cry, and then I cried with relief and thanksgiving. We have loved every minute of having twins in the family. Grandma and Grandpa love you both soooo much. We hope you have a wonderful birthday, and we look forward to celebrating with you when we get home. Abby Claire, I have something special planned for you and I. A.J., we will also do something fun with you. Have a great day!!!

Well, it is time to go pack. Those of you who have been on cruises understand the sadness of this evening. The cruise has been absolutely wonderful. Every day was perfect in every way, including weather. Today we spent the day in Florence, Italy. It is simply an amazing place with history dating back to medieval times. Of course the art and buildings are mind boggling. We also enjoyed some fun shopping.

Yesterday we opted for a day on the ship instead of the 10 hour trip to Rome since we had been there before. Good choice. I am anxious to get home, download our pictures and remember it all.

Tomorrow we will pick up our luggage on the dock and make our way to our rented car to start our trek through France. We will be at a little hotel in St Remy, France tomorrow night. This will truly be an adventure. We will spend 3 nights in St. Remy enjoying the area around Avignon, and then 2 nights in Nice before we fly home on Thursday. We are looking forward to our French adventure but can't wait to see everyone. We have decided we would not have any trouble picking up Italian, but French is another matter.

I think I will have to go back on my diet when I get home. I am feeling like a little stuffed pig at the moment; those 5 course meals will do that to you! We have met some wonderfully diverse people on the trip. Most nights we opt to dine with strangers, and it is always interesting. Last night it was a couple from England, but she was French so they gave us lots of info for our French adventure. Most everyone we meet is quite well traveled (and rich), so we learn a lot. So far no one even comes close on the grandkid count.

We aren't sure what our internet situation will be from now on. Please keep blogging in case we can find a computer; it is so wonderful to hear from home. I know when I get home no one is going to call me "madame", so I better go walk around to ship for a little while to get my finally fix of princess land. The bags have to be in the hall by 11:00, so I guess the pumpkin is on the horizon. Thanks to all of you for staying in touch. We love you all, mom

It seems like it was just yesterday . . . .

Tonight I will be playing in a fantasy baseball game out at the Rockhound's stadium to benefit United Way. I will be wearing Midland Lee uniform, so I tried it on last night to make sure they gave me the correct size. It brought back some great memories. We also got to take batting practice Tuesday night from the Rockhounds coach and it was a blast.

My goal for the game is to avoid serious injury. If I happen to get a hit or make a play that will be nice, but I'm not counting on it. I'm sure Holly will be posting some pictures after the game.

learning to spell

We're so proud of our Lukey.
He's learning to sound out words now that he's in kindergarten and last p.m. at dinner he was trying to read the words "Fort Worth." He carefully and very intensely began with "F" and then continued with - "AH" - "R" - "T." He kept blending and proudly pronounced the word "Fart!" We laughed about that one for a good while.

Anda

Thanksgiving plans

Hi everyone.

I'm writing so we can iron out what's going to happen at Thanksgiving. Earlier I think the thought was to have it in Brownwood, but I'm hearing that the current thinking is to have it in Midland. What does everyone think and what are your plans?

Having it in Midland will make it impossible for me to be there the whole day of Thanksgiving. I will be working a full day at my new job Wednesday, and I have my Intermediate Accounting class that night until 8:45. If we decide to have it in Midland, the best option for us will be for us to fly in on Thanksgiving morning. April is uncomforable driving early by herself, and otherwise we will miss half of Thanksgiving day with you all. April and Lena could fly earlier in the week, and I could drive Thursday. Obviously, it would be much more convenient to us for it to be in Brownwood. Leaving at 9 on Wednesday, I could be to the lake before midnight ;o)

We need to know soon so I can book flight(s), if needed, before they fill. We are open to a vote or an "executive decision". I am looking forward to the turkey, and the b-ball rematch, regardless of where it is :o)

-James

Edit: April says she doesn't mind driving before Wednesday, but doesn't want to drive Wednesday or Thursday.

New job

Hey everyone. I am having a good Monday, having received good news this morning. I have been offered an accounting job with the Office of Technology Commercialization at UT. They are the folks that sell and license patents and other intellectual property developed by the University to private industry. I will be handling the accounting for revenue and reimbursement of funds from these to UT.

It was kind of a surprise for me. The initial interview with the hiring accountant was a few weeks ago, and I had expected to have a second "in-person" interview with the Director last week (after the phone interview with him the day we came to Homecoming), and that in-person interview fell through for some reason. After a couple of attempts at contacting them, and a lot of wondering, the hiring accountant called this morning with the offer, which is a modest raise.

I'm excited about the position after visiting with the Director because of the potential of advancement and the opportunity to have contact with the University and with private industry, including oil and gas technologies. I think it will be interesting work. I'll keep you updated.

-James

Bragging

Well, since we are bragging on our kids, I thought I would join in and brag about Lena. She just amazes me every day. She is talking up a storm. She is starting the two word sentences. I don't know how much she understands of what she is saying, but it sure is cute when she says it. Today, James was on the computer, and Lena and I walked into the study where he was at. Lena looks at James, and said, "Hi Daddy". We were shocked. On friday, as James was getting ready to leave for work, Lena crawled over to him and pulled up on his leg. It sounded like she said "Doh go", as in "Don't go". It sounds like she's saying a lot of things, but who knows if she actually knows what she's saying. Her new word is "yah"(sp?). At lunch, I asked her if she was all done. She paused for a little bit, and then said, "Yah" and put her hands up for the sign for "all done". I've been working with her on some sign language. Then at the grocery store, I asked her if she was a good girl. She looked at James and I and then said, "Yah".

She is also trying to stand on her own a lot. Yesterday, she took one small step from the chair to me. It might have been a fluke thing. But she sure is trying to get to walking. We'll see when is happens.

Anyways, that's all the bragging I have for right now. Mom and Dad, it sounds like you are having a great time. I'm glad you have your luggage. I'm excited to see the pictures and hear all about it.

Love,
April

A Day in Athens

While most of the ship was disembarking, we relaxed and then made our way into Athens via taxi. We visited the incredible ancient sites--Parthenon, Agora, etc. For Alex, we went to the changing of the guard at the Parliament and took pictures of the soldiers. VERY impressive. We finished our time with a light lunch at a sidewalk cafe in the Placa area with "hundreds" of Greek speaking folks. Delicious! Tomorrow we will be in Turkey again.

We need to hear about the games Friday night and Saturday. Anyone know what happened?

We will miss worship and having our Sunday lunch with everyone tomorrow. Unless we can find our little Philippino guy who told us about the little crew worship, we will be in our room for worship tomorrow. Dad emailed a missionary in Istanbul, but that is a long way from where we will be. Turkey is quite Muslim, although they are very liberal Muslims. Our guide explained that everything is legal, including prostitution, in this very "progressive" Muslim country. However, they are in "Ramedon" (sp?), and so her bartender husband is on vacation while everyone fasts during the day and stops drinking during this time.

Love to you all, mom

Salvation and the Cardinals (in that order)

Bear with me, I'm still slightly ill with Cardinals Fever. Cary and I were up late last night watching the Cards win against the Mets to go on to the World Series - amazing, TENSE baseball game. All I could think about was, "those poor mothers of all the players - did they have to take valium before watching their sons play these games?"

My dad was watching the game in a hotel room in Nashville at a board retreat for Continent of Great Cities. I called him after the thrilling finish just to make sure he didn't have a seizure of some sort somewhere in the 9th inning. He answered the phone - a little "high" sounding, but well.

Today, I tried to jump his heart rate again when I gave him an early birthday present......tickets to the World Series. I think he cried a little. After all these years of LOVING the Cardinals, he's never been to a World Series. I figured it was high time.

He and Mitch will get to see game #3 and #4 in St. Louis - next Tuesday and Wednesday night. Wednesday is my dad's 64th birthday -I think he'll have a good one.

My dad explained how happy he was to have Mitch going with him so he could "ensure" the passing down of Cardinals loyalty. It is very important to him to make sure this love for the Cardinals would go on into the next generation....seriously - I'm not kidding. Right up there, or let's say "close to," believing in Jesus and accepting Him as Savior is the lineage of being a Cardinals fan. If game #4 in the World Series doesn't do it, I'm not sure what will.

Great Day--Luggage Arrived!!!

Well, we spent the morning in Santorini, Greece. It was a beautiful day. Everywhere we go they tell us that they have had terrible storms and rain until we arrive. So far we have had gorgeous weather.

The really good news is that when we got back to the room I was stunned to see all three suitcases in our room. They had tape and tags in every direction, but they finally made it. I was almost afraid to open them; they had obviously gotten wet, probably in Houston. Everything was fine, and it was wonderful to have a different outfit, my own makeup and toiletries, and different shoes. However, it will change our identity since we have become known as one of the two couples who have no luggage. The other couple got two of their three suitcases, but not the one with their nice clothes. They were very disappointed. They disembark tomorrow. We are really happy not to have to pack tonight since we just unpacked this afternoon. :)

The cruise is great. We feel like we are just beginning to relax and enjoy it. Tomorrow we do Athens while most of the ship is disembarking. Since we have been to Athens before, we will probably do it rather low key.

I need to hear more details about Hutton's game. Thanks, Lee Ann for the report on Connor's game. How is his ankle? I guess it must be better since he got to play. Alan and Holly, how are the house guests? How is your house coming along? Jill and Cary, congratulations on the Cardinals. I hear it was quite exciting. I think Jill may now be hooked on baseball. I hope Jill is enjoying the days between ladies' class. Wednesdays and Thursdays are always my best days. Then the pressure starts building again. Thanks again.

Happy Birthday Elijah!!! You are two years old. I can't wait to see you now that you are so big!!! I have hugs waiting for you. Ben, Greece is beautiful. It is fun to think we have a Greek son-in-law.

Bailey, our guide yesterday said she was the oldest of 15 cousins, and she took care of all of them. She says they all adored her, and they still call her for advice and help with their own children now. I told her that she would really like our Bailey girl.

Reagan, play well for me tomorrow. I will be thinking about you and waiting for a detailed report of your runs, your tackles, your blocking, and anything else you decide to do. You will do great!!! I only wish we could go celebrate with you.

Let me know about the MCS game in Perryton. I think we are planning to get to Fort Worth somehow right after we get home. Yesterday the "theater" we visited in Ephesus was also where the gladiators fought. I thought, "How awful!", and then I remembered football! Hmm. We don't go for the total kill, but I'm sure some would find our sport a little excessive. I can't wait to get back to some good football games.

I will stop rambling. Our internet minutes are also excessive. I love you all. Stay in touch. Love, mom

Fantastic Day--Still no luggage!!

Well, today was a wonderful day. We spent most of the day in ancient Ephesus, which is simply AMAZING. We walked streets of marble more than 2000 years old with columns and arches everywhere. The ancient columns, statues, art were laying around like scattered toys. It is quite extensive, and they have just excavated a small portion of it so far. Beautiful columns, homes, walls, mosaics, art, still intact. The theater where Paul preached is huge. The total city is beyond description.

Tonight, we were invited to go with a group back to Ephesus for an evening party and concert. It was incredible--everything with lights and the way lit with candle lanterns with tulle and fresh flowers like a wedding. The reception was in front of the "library"--a huge beautiful ancient building. It too had candlelit tables with fresh flowers and food/drinks. Afterward we made our way down the candlelit marble way with lit columns on either side to the enormous theater (where Paul preached to the people of Asia) for a beautiful classical concert in a setting that was surreal. It was quite a treat.

Still no different clothes. Now they are saying maybe Athens, which is the end of this part of the cruise (Saturday). Everyday they add another day. Hmm. Now I am just hoping to get them someday.

Tomorrow we will be in Santorini, Greece. I am still absorbing today, so I'm not sure what we will be doing tomorrow.

Please keep us posted on home games, etc. We feel a long way away. We show our family picture when we get a chance, and of course everyone is always amazed. You all are amazing and I just can't resist bragging a little from time to time. Love you all, mom

Rocking and Rolling in the Mediterranean

Dear Kids,
We really are rocking and rolling. The seas were fairly calm during the day today--beautiful--but tonight they are really rough again. They cancelled the show for tonight for the sake of the safety of the dancers. The fog horn is blasting every few minutes. As far as I know, there are no icebergs in the area. :)

Our luggage is reported to be in Naples, Italy. How nice! They say we may get it by the end of the week. We are wearing our smiles and the clothes we were wearing when we boarded the plane in Midland last Sunday. They loaned Dad a jacket for the formal night tonight. I donned my pearls and felt just fine. At night we give them everything to launder and dry clean and they bring them back in the morning. That is a nice service they are providing for us. We have the terry robes while we wait. Tell Katy that my dress may get here for next week.

Today I went to 2 photography classes. Both were really good, but one was exceptional by a man who has pictures hanging in museums.

I heard Jill did a great job covering for me in ladies' class. I also hear Alan and Holly have company at our house. When will Bailey hear from her SAT test? How did the kids do in the "clot trot"?

Tomorrow we have a private tour of ancient Ephesus. I am going to read my Bible references in preparation. I think it will be good to be on land again. (Everyone on the ship walks like "drunken sailors.")

Oh, last night we ate with the retired president of the Hershey chocolate company and his wife whose grandkids call her 'Bubba". He is 'Grandfather' and our visit was quite interesting.

Also, our little Philippino waiter came up to us and asked us quietly what "fellowship" we were with. I guess he saw us praying and put that together with the no wine. I don't know. He said they have about 30 "born again Christians" on the staff including the cruise director and his wife who meet on Wednesdays and Sundays. He said they had never had a guest join them before, but maybe it would be alright. We may see if we can join them on Sunday.

Please keep us posted. We love emails and the blog. Love you all, mom

P.S. Our time is about 8 hours later right now I think. (It is 9:20 pm here right now I think--only a little after one pm there I think.)

Dad says: Mom about covered the current status here. We looked at the art for the auction today but did not see anything that 'spoke to us'. Watching a video with Steve Martin and Queen Latifa seemed more our syle.

Great Day in Sicily--Still no luggage!!!

We had a beautiful day in Sicily. It is a quaint and picturesque place--totally like you see in the movies--little VERY narrow steep little streets with motor scooters and tiny cars going every direction. We saw a Roman theatre built 400 BC and so many beautiful views of the deep blue Ionean Sea.

Our luggage didn't make it yet. Perhaps it will catch up with us day after tomorrow in Turkey. We met another couple in the same situation, and we are having a fun time comparing notes. She had time to buy a dress and shoes in Nice, France before they boarded. I bought a pink fleece in the "boutique" and Dad bought a slipover sweater. I washed my underwear and dried it with the hairdryer. Tonight we will send our clothes to be laundered during the night with the promise that they will have them back tomorrow morning since we will be wearing nothing but our little terry housecoats. Tomorrow night is the formal night--hmm. The boutique has nothing except "logo" stuff and it is all VERY expensive. For the most part we are still in the clothes we put on Sunday morning in Midland. I really need some blush and eyeshadow, but I refuse to pay $49 for blush in the "boutique." It is really a character building experience. Sherri, my new best friend, says she has her moments, but we both agreed we are trying to remember the poor people in Africa who never have anything else to wear.

Tomorrow is a day at sea with lots to do including a photography class tomorrow morning. Yea! Right now the sea is VERY rough with the ship's horn going off every few minutes. Everyone is having trouble just walking. It is as rough as I have ever experienced.

I will try to write more tomorrow. Love, Mom

On board ship minus luggage

We have had an interesting trip starting with the Continental counter clerk in Midland insisting that the information Rita had been careful to get about baggage allowance was incorrect. She was not a very flexible gal and we finally agreed to pay and get a refund after we get home. The issue is that the international baggage allowance on Air France, where we bot our tickets, is 70 pounds but Continental only allows 50. The flight from Midland to Houston was an Air France flight number through their relationship with Continental. The clerk made a call somewhere and either asked the wrong question or got to someone else who did not know what they were doing and came to the wrong conclusion.
The charge process somehow threw her and first charged twice as much as she wanted then after cancelling that transaction she managed to charge us only half of what she wanted but gave up at that. We called Air France and they said we had the correct information and send in the paperwork and they will refund the charge.
The unpleasant clerk may have had the last word, however, as our bags were not on the plane when we arrived at Naples, Italy to board the ship. Other than this minor complication we are glad to be 'home' and hope the luggage finds us somewhere along our cruise path before too long. International travel is so much fun.
Mom is suffering with her bad cold still but is being a trooper. We are to tour Teramina in Sicily, Italy tomorrow then a day at sea before we do Ephasus on Thursday.
We love you all.
Dad

P.S. This is Mom. The ship is beautiful; the food is wonderful; and I hope everyone loves black slacks with a red sweater and minimal makeup. :) I don't have walking shoes and dad doesn't even have a jacket. Oh well. I love you all. We will stay in touch. Keep us posted on the home front happenings.

clot trot

Okay, I hate doing this, but my sweet children are into this whole competition thing and blogging this is easier than calling everyone (my kids made Luke call Aunt Jill yesterday because they knew he would ask for anything they told him to - like $100/lap!! Good grief!). Anyway, Luke's kindergarten teacher had some complications this summer after giving birth and ended up with some pretty high medical expenses. Some parents put together a fairly informal "Clot Trot" in which the students ran laps yesterday with sponsers to try and raise money. We, being so on top of things, are just now trying to get a few more sponsers. If any of you would like to sponser per lap or just make a flat donation, that would be wonderful (the kids are trying to win class competitions, etc.). If you don't want to, please know that we COMPLETELY understand!! They are sponsered per 1/2 mile. Here are the results of their little run yesterday: McKenna = 3 miles; Josiah = 5.5 miles (he was a machine!); Luke = 2.5 miles. They have to have their money turned in by Wednesday this next week. If you want to donate, just send it to our address and make checks out to Covenant Classical School. Thanks guys!

Anda

Birthdays

Okay...maybe I am the only one (or maybe just the only one to admit it) but I've lost track of a few birthdays here and there. Would someone from each family blog their birthdays and I might make an attempt to keep up better!

Here are ours:
Tod: May 5th
Lee Ann: March 11th
Bailey: January 25th, 1989
Hutton: March 29th, 1991
Connor: March 18th, 1994
Reagan: November 3rd, 1996

thanks!

Lena's new tricks

Lena has some new tricks she just started doing today. She stood all by herself for at least 10 seconds. She did that a few times today. Also, she figured out how to climb into her rocking chair and stand in it. This afternoon, she tried to get out of her seat belt and stand in the shopping cart. She is a girl on the move!

Also, James, Lena and I will be in Midland this weekend for my 10 year high school reunion. The dinner is this sat. night without kids, so we need a babysitter over at Mom and Dad's house. Any volunteers?

Can't wait to see you all.

Love,
April

the littlest pumpkin 

always posing 

Can you just see him when he's sixteen or what?! 

That's our Lukey! 

Luke had a field trip yesterday at Mainstay Farms with his kindergarten class. There are only 7 kids other than Luke, but I was amazed at how all the parents knew all about Luke (esp. the moms of the girls!!). Apparently, he's a pretty popular little guy - it must be the hair... 

Somebody help me out..what's the name of this dance move?

  

Happy kids

 
  

We caught a cute smile..and our big kids discovered Dennis the Menace Park. Still has the lion fountain and everything!

Cardinal Fever

For Father's Day this year, we gave my dad St. Louis Cardinals tickets for the last regular season games this past weekend. I ended up getting to go because Cary had a board meeting, and I am so glad I didn't miss this trip. The Cards had been on a losing streak against the Astros and then to the Brewers - I think 8 losses in a row. We saw the game on Friday night and the Cards won 10-5. We saw two home runs - one by the famous first baseman "Albert Pujols." The next day, the Cards needed to win to have a chance at winning the Pennant for their division. No scores unil the 7th inning - Cards were down 2-0 - 8th inning, two outs, two strikes, bases loaded, Cardinal player "Spiezio" hits a line drive right field triple to bring in 3 runs and win the game. Houston lost the next day and put the Cardinals as the Pennant winner and on to the playoffs.

My dad was in Cardinal heaven. He had his two grandsons there, new stadium, we got there for every game 2 hours early to watch batting warm-ups and get autographs - It was SO FUN being there and especially watching my dad. He's written a first draft of a Cardinals book with all of his baseball memories and events surrounding his growing up around the Cardinals - he titled it "Cardinal Fever." We all defintely had the fever this weekend.

One of the biggest money makers, I'm sure, at the new Busch Stadium was the "Build-Your-Own-Bear/Mascot" franchise located behind home plate. Josh built a Cardinals Bear, and much to our enjoyment, Mitch built himself a Cardinals mascot "Fredbird" that he named "Super Albert" after Albert Pujols. 

Mitch and Josh were very, very proud of their David Eckstein autographs. Apparently, Mitch had to fight his way through the crowd. After he got the autograph, he bent over so Josh could lay on his back to get his hat signed, too. 

This statue is of the famous Cardinals player, Stan Musial. When my dad was 13yrs. old, he was trying to get Stan's autograph at a game. After Stan had walked by, my dad yelled out "Stan, Stan! I named my baby brother after you!" Stan stopped, turned around and signed my dad's autograph book. My dad said Stan didn't say anything like, "Did you really name him after me?" Of course, my dad REALLY did name is youngest brother after his hero, Stan Musial. 

Papa, Mitch and Josh at the St. Louis Arch

 

The house looks so much better now - we really do love it! The electric gate and fence are finished and the garage should be by the middle of this week. Almost all the boxes are unpacked and it's beginning to look like we actually live here! We walked down to the lake one morning last week and watched the beautiful sunrise and prayed. This is the 8th place we've lived since we got married and RB said that he feels like he's finally "brought me home." What an incredibly odd thing to say about THIS house in THIS neighborhood - and it's TRUE!! We are experiencing the indescribable grace and goodness of God. 

Isaac like the front porch too! 

we love our new and improved front porch 

beautiful sunrise over Lake Como (the view from our front yard)