Uncle D and Aunt J

Two Great Events

2011-01-01T21:31:00.003-06:00

The picture below relates to both events:

The first and most important event was the birth of Evelyn Hope Hatton on Tuesday, 12/28/2010 and the second was that her TCU Horned Frogs won the Rose Bowl on New Years Day 2011.

My New Favorite

2010-11-11T04:36:00.008-06:00

I have a new favorite website that I visit each morning and have posted on my FB. I have found great encouragement & exactly what I have needed each day sometimes several times a day as they post on FB. It is Proverbs 31 Ministry. Check it out and see you if are as blessed as I am each day with their Encouragement for Today.

Purple Butterfly

2010-10-31T19:18:00.002-05:00

Have you ever seen a purple butterfly - if not you have now:

One of my little friends who can be a real toot but she sure is a cute one.

Baby Elijah

2010-10-29T21:28:00.008-05:00

On October 7, my great nephew, Elijah Zane was born weighing in at 1 lb 10 oz. He was so tiny but definitely a little miracle. Today, I stole some pictures from his mom and wanted to share them with ya'll.

Mom is doting.

Little pumpkin head.

Mom & dad enjoying some baby Elijah time.
As of today, he is weighing in at 2 lbs 2.6 oz. and mom got to help give him a bath.

Great Week - The End

2010-10-02T19:57:00.014-05:00

Saturday morning found us at Payton's first soccer game of the season:

And in the afternoon, we took in a double header baseball game:

All in all, it was a great week from the start to the end.

Great Week Part 2

2010-10-02T07:04:00.005-05:00

When I scheduled my vacation in January, I had scheduled Thursday & Friday off more as mental health days rather than having anything planned. God knew in January what was going to happen - isn't that amazing. Thursday was a fun day of volunteering with a second grade class at a local elementary which reinforced my appreciation for public school teachers and their influence. Later that day, I received a text that baby Jaxson was trying to make his appearance but it wasn't happening quite yet. So after a quick trip to the hospital Thursday evening, I came home to rest for the big day Friday when we got to meet this little fella:

Jaxson Lee McCollough

Born: 10/01/10 @ 11:08 a.m.

Weighing: 4 lbs 15 oz & 18 inches
Leann - the lovin mom
Brandon - the proud dad
Brody the big brother
Cathy alias Grammy

Brandon, Aunt Marcy, Jaxson, Barbara alias Nana, Ronnie alias Poppy

Thanks Leann & Brandon for letting me share in this day.

Great Week Part 1

2010-10-02T06:24:00.011-05:00

My week started Sunday morning at Lake Worth Baptist Church. We had our 73rd church anniversary and the first service of our fall revival. We had some good singing all week:

Bro. Brian Withrow preached and taught on "Joy" using Phillipians as his reference point. His messages were just what the doctor or should I say the great physician recommended for what ailed me.

A Little Football

2010-09-14T21:28:00.008-05:00

Deneise just a couple for you. I posted a few more on that place you hardly ever visit:

A Little Fall Baseball

2010-08-28T20:42:00.011-05:00

Enjoyed some T ball this morning. It was great entertainment and lots of fun:

Pre-game warm ups

Andy's outfield attention

Andy running for first base after smacking the ball.

Hey batter, batter - Ben smacking it.

Andy on second & Ben getting some running instructions from Poppy.

Ben on the pitcher's mound.

Post game line up.

Todays game was about having fun - there wasn't a lot of skill involved but they seemed to have had fun. I know I did.

Friday Night Lights

2010-08-28T20:33:00.005-05:00

We enjoyed a little 6 man football at ACS. We went to support Uncle D's nephew # 20:

East on Route 66

2010-08-28T19:11:00.019-05:00

Uncle D & I decided to get away a couple of weeks ago & I thought we'd be in the OK/KS area but Uncle D had other plans. We left on Wednesday, 08/11, headed on a road trip on Route 66 East. We made our way to Edmond, OK where our hotel that evening just happened to be on Rte. 66. About 6 miles east of our hotel we found:

Thursday morning we headed down Rte 66 headed to Tulsa where we had plans to meet up with some friends from MO and as we travelled we saw:

Thursday evening after we met up with our friend, we went to Discoveryland outside of Tulsa to enjoy the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical: OKLAHOMA ! ! :

Friday morning we left our friends and headed east again on Rte. 66 towards Kansas/Missouri and ended our travels that day in Lebanon, MO:

Saturday, which happened to be our 34th wedding anniversary, we headed out again towards IL. Just before IL, we stopped and spent a few hours in St. Louis, Mo:

After we went to the top of the Gateway Arch, we headed across the Mississippi River towards IL and Uncle D wanted to find a place to take some pictures of the Arch and we just happened to find this great place where we spent a couple of hours watching the sunset behind the Arch:

We made our way to Carlinville, IL late Saturday evening and ended having Dominio's salads and splitting a sandwich for our anniversary dinner at 11:15. Good times! Sunday morning we headed home on the freeway stopping in Joplin, Mo that evening and made it home Monday afternoon. It was a great trip with some quality time together.

Missouri Trip

2010-08-16T19:17:00.014-05:00

A friend from church was making a trip to MO to visit her parents and leave her kids to spend the week there - she invited me to make the trip with her so that I could visit one of my bff's and her family. We had some quality time visiting and here are a few pictures from my trip:

Friday evening we took in a minor league ballgame between the Springfield Cardinals and the NW Arkansas Naturals:

Enjoyed a fireworks show after the game:

Cayley, Ryan & Karis come to visit

2010-08-16T18:41:00.008-05:00

Pepaw & Nanny hosted Cayley, Ryan and Karis for their annual summer visit the last week of July. I usually take a day off to spend with them while they are here but I already had a planned trip to Missouri late that week. Thankfully Marcy invited all the family over to visit with them and each other. The kids enjoined some pool time.

Mallorie's 5th Birthday

2010-08-16T18:18:00.003-05:00

We celebrated Malli's b'day the next weekend:

Teresa (alias G-mom) turns 50

2010-08-16T17:48:00.003-05:00

Our very dear friend Teresa hit the BIG 5-0 on 07/10/10. It was celebrated by all the kids, Robert, Uncle D & I surprising her at 8:00 a.m. with a birthday breakfast at IHOP and then a little time at their home with all the kids.

Fourth of July

2010-08-16T16:38:00.007-05:00

July 4th fell on a Sunday so we started our day with church, lunch and homemade ice cream and then ended it sharing dinner with Uncle D's sisters and family.

This is Mark & Andrew preparing for the fireworks which Andrew enjoyed doing.

Father's Day 2010

2010-06-27T06:59:00.017-05:00

Uncle D's mom & dad made the long trek from Albuquerque to visit with us last week. They arrived on Friday - the same day that the car that I drive to work had a hose to bust & my brother - the hero saved the day. He and one of his wrecker drivers happened to be at the airport which is about 3 miles from my work to pick up a car so my car was nearly on the way back to the shop. I was thankful that they didn't have to make the 30 mile trip just for me. I digress, due to to before mentioned car trouble, Uncle D & his parents came to pick me up & if you know anything about rush hour traffic, you know that Friday is the worst. So Uncle D's mom got to feel a little of my pain. The redeeming factor in this situation was that we ate dinner that evening at Pappeduex which was delicious.

Saturday morning found us at Uncle D's work touring the facilities - a much better event than the last time because of Uncle D's sweet little ride:

After the tour, we ran errands and then went home & chilled out. Later that evening Uncle D's sisters and family came by and we enjoyed some family time.

Sunday, Father's Day, found us at church and later that evening at Spring Creek for some family fun:

Monday found Uncle D & I back to our respective jobs and Uncle D's sisters had some quality time with their mom & dad. They left Thursday for their trek back home & with the exception of a rock chipped windshield that I understand was fixed in Amarillo, they arrived back home safe & sound Friday. All in all, it was a GREAT visit and we enjoyed it very much.

Life in Pictures Since I Last posted

2010-06-17T04:48:00.016-05:00

Enjoyed Wildman Phil's presentation:

Jodi & Justin's Wedding:

Saturday morning Upward Soccer:

High School Graduates honored:

Andy's Birthday Party:

The first of the Reeve's summer Birthday parties:

On Memorial Day, Uncle D & I went to the DFW National Cemetery to watch the sunrise and to take picures. While there was touched by all the people who came out to honor their loved ones that morning. Helped me to remember that freedom is not free.

Church Camp at Timberline Baptist Encampment in Lindale, TX. It rained 5 inches, Wednesday and Thursday but still a good week:

Some One Had a Birthday

2010-05-02T18:31:00.011-05:00

It takes 2 cakes to hold the candles now that she is in the double digits.

Pepaw is trying to help her with the $$ that she received but she said "No thanks to the help".

Another B'day Down

2010-04-03T06:12:00.016-05:00

Last night we had the pleasure of celebrating Zach's 26th Birthday with him and some of his family and friends at Buca di Beppo. Yummy Italian food but really great desserts as you can tell from the pictures. It was a great time with friends. Zachary and his wife, Stephanie are a real blessing in our lives and we thank God for them and what he is doing through them.

Colossal Brownie Sundae - Yummy!!!

Update in Pictures

2010-03-25T15:22:00.018-05:00

Just a few things that I've done since I last blogged:

Some of the last basketball games of the season.

The most snowfall that I have ever witnessed.

Brody turned one.

Andy's last Upward game of the season.

My preacher turned 65 - welcome to medicare.

Visited the Weston Gardens with Uncle D's sisters.

Checked the progress of Caron & Mark's new home.

Kynadie had her tonsils & adnoids taken out and I hung out with her a couple of days while she was recuperating.

Last weekend, two of my brothers and I made a trip to Louisiana to check on some loved ones there. God graciously let us visit with Bud just 5 days before he passed away. He gave our family some great memories in the 90 years that he lived.

A House Divided

2010-01-24T21:34:00.008-06:00

Uncle D and I just watched NFC Championship Game and were rooting for different teams:

Uncle D's VS. Aunt J's

Not that I am gloating but the New Orlean Saints won over the Minnesota Vikings, 31 to 28. The Saints will be playing the Indianapolis Colts in the Superbowl. Yeah Saints !!!!

Cousins

2010-01-24T21:05:00.004-06:00

How cute are these two cousins:

More Saturday Fun

2010-01-24T20:41:00.007-06:00

Uncle D & I have made the past 2 Saturday Upward games of my 5 year old great nephew and 9 year old great niece. Fun times:

Saturday Fun

2010-01-24T20:26:00.006-06:00

Upward Basketball season has started again this year. The first week, I knew I would not be making those games as my great nephew is playing school basketball and I haven't been able to make may of his games due to work and he had a tournament that day. Sure enjoyed watching a him play:

Between his games, we went to visit Uncle D's sister and her family new home site. At the time, they had forms set up to start the construction of the the house. I know they will be so glad to have their own home again soon.

Not Pretty - Start to 2010

2010-01-24T20:03:00.004-06:00

I started my 2010 work year with a bang. On Monday, 01/04/2010 as I was going from my car to the entrance to go to work, I tripped on an uneven place in the parking garage and went face first into the concrete. As I landed, I felt my front two teeth breaking. I had Uncle D take a picture more for insurance purposes but also to document my red neck look:

My wonderful dentist and his staff, got me in on Tuesday, 01/05/10 and did a GREAT job with a temporary fix as I will need crowns on both teeth but had to wait for insurance authorization for that. I received a letter just this weekend notifying that the authorization has been given so I'll be visiting my dentist in the next week or so to get those crowns. As I reflect back, I see God's hand of protection on me that day. Basically, my only injuries were a couple of busted lips, facial scrapes and the broken teeth. It could have been so much worse.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T09:02:00.044-06:00

Our Christmas started Friday evening, December 18, at the first annual Christamas play at Uncle D's nephew & niece's school. They did great jobs in their roles:

The next evening, we were at the McCollough Christmas get together - according to Barbara there were 33 of us there and according to the noise levels at times, I believe it. It was a great time of food & family. Thank you, Barbara & Ronnie for opening your home to all of us:

Sunday morning took us to church for a Christmas Donut & Coffee fellowship before the morning service: That evening we enjoyed viewing some Christmas decorations with friends:

Christmas Eve found us out early getting a new cell phone for Uncle D 'cause his other one had hit the floor one too many times and was on it's last leg. It was snowing and the shoppers were out in full force so Uncle D & I headed home to hibernate for the evening. A few pictures of the snow that day:

Christmas day we shared with friends and what fun we had watching this one open her MANY gifts:

This is the only picture that I got of baby Kalix all day, because he was tuckered out and slept most of the time he was with us:

A few pictures to document all the fun of the day:

We have had a great Christmas season filled with family and friends. We are truly blessed by God who gave us the ultimate Christmas gift, his Son, our Lord and Savior. We expectantly look forward to what God has in store for us in 2010.

Nice Little Get Away

2009-12-13T20:44:00.010-06:00

Uncle D and I left very early Friday morning headed to Atlanta, GA where the company that he works for is located. They graciously fly and put us up for the weekend for the annual Christmas party. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Atlanta this year. It was across the street from the Centennial Olympic Park and the Aquarium. A couple of views from you hotel window:
Yesterday morning, we visited the aquarium with some friends and saw lots a neat fish:

Last night the Christmas party was at Morton's in downtown Atlanta. We could have stopped with the appetizers: Colossal Shrimp Cocktail, Petite Lamb Chops and Broiled Scallops but no we continued to the entrees which I must say they were quite scrumptous. We left today headed back home and our flight was delayed about 1:30 hours. So we made it to Spring Creek at the end of my nearly 13 year old great nephew's birthday party:

I laughed because as Reagan was opening this gift, Ben said "Oh it's just underwear." I don't think it was underwear but apparently Ben would not be impressed if someone got underwear for a birthday gift. All in all, it was a great weekend get away.

Can't Wait

2009-12-05T18:21:00.007-06:00

I don't get to see two of my nieces and a nephew very often but rumor has it that they will be coming to visit the weekend before Christmas and I can't wait.

I just love my nieces and nephews, young and old.

How Cute Are These 3 Boys!!

2009-11-27T06:58:00.002-06:00

I'm pulling a Deneise and stealing this really cute picture of three of my great nephews:

Uncle D's new ride

2009-11-27T06:49:00.002-06:00

Uncle D's boss called him and told him he didn't have to go to such lengths to get a little R&R or to get his new ride that he'll be using a work. Check it out. Uncle D is looking forward to it's delivery:

What a Thanksgiving!!! & We are truthfully Thankful

2009-11-27T06:24:00.003-06:00

Tuesday afternoon, Uncle D, called me at work which is about an hour from home to say "the EMT's are here working on me, I may be having a heart attack". Needless to say I went into panic mod. After wrapping up what I could at work I headed towards home not knowing where I was going. After another call, I found out that everything was levelling off and what hospital Uncle D was being taken to. I head that way and when I got there this is what I found:

By the time he got to the hospital his heart "episode" had subsided and he was feeling a little washed out but much better. As he was being monitored, his heart rhythm was not quite right so he was admitted. After seeing the cardiologist, we were told that this heart rhythm episode was quite dangerous and could have ended in cardiac arrest. We know that God's hand of protection was on Uncle D that afternoon. He had a couple of test with fairly good results on Wednesday and Thursday, enjoyed his Thanksgiving lunch at the hospital. Surprisingly, he said it wasn't bad even for hospital food. He will have his last test/procedure this afternoon which will check out the electrical circuits of his heart to determine which of the 2 conditions he might have that caused this and hopefully get a fix so that if it happens again, his heart will regulate fairly quickly. I want to thank my brother, Ronnie, and our pastor, Bro. Jerry for being there Tuesday evening when I didn't know what I'd find at the ER and Uncle D's sisters and BIL for being there Wednesday during the heart cath. I also want to thank all our friends and family that have prayed for us this week, for the comments on FB and the visits. You all are such blessings in both our lives and we love you all.

Since I last blogged

2009-11-22T16:52:00.011-06:00

Since I last blogged, we enjoyed a little soccer, basketball and Kalix time. Some pictures to chronicle:

Happy 50th Anniversary

2009-11-07T18:21:00.006-06:00

Today we went to a 50th anniversary celebration of some good friends that we haven't seen in several years. It was a great time of catching up with them and their families.

Earl and Ann

Stephanie, Dean, Ann, Earl, Leisha and Cynthia

The Whole crew which has now grown to 25 members

Harvest Festival 2009

2009-11-01T05:57:00.013-06:00

Kalix's Birthday - 10/07/09

2009-10-08T20:26:00.006-05:00

Baby Kalix was born yesterday but I wasn't able to see him until tonight. He is a real cutie:

5 lbs 13 oz - 18 inches long

Ben, KD and Kalix

Some Crazy Kids

2009-09-13T20:10:00.004-05:00

Uncle D and 3 of his Very Close Friends

2009-09-13T19:37:00.003-05:00

Great Times

2009-09-13T18:53:00.018-05:00

Yesterday, after starting my day with an early Walmart run, I made my way to a local mall where I was crashing my 4 year old great nephew's friends birthday party. He and some of his close friends were going to Build a Bear for this party. I never knew what fun they would have:

After the party, I headed home to change clothes and head out to a baby shower for a friend that I had taught in pre-school Sunday School. It's amazing how fast kids grow up:

After the shower, I went back home to change clothes once again and pick up Uncle D for a fish fry that his SS class was sponsoring at our church:

Even though it was a rainy Saturday, it was a GREAT day with family and friends. We are so blessed with both.

Great Day, Saturday, 09/12/09

2009-09-12T22:07:00.001-05:00

I have had one of the best days today but since it is 10:08, I don't have time to post so hopefully it will be updated tomorrow. GREAT day with family and friends.

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-12T21:17:00.012-05:00

Labor Day weekend was a blast for us. It started early Saturday morning when we headed out for trip to Muenster, TX with some really good friends. We had breakfast at Rhomer's in Muenster and then headed over to Fischer's Meat Market:

After our trip to Muenster, we headed back to Robert & T's for Robert's birthday party in the evening: It was a time of family and fun:

Sunday brought our normal church ministries and then an evening celebrating another friend's birthday where Uncle D snapped this picture of his favorite superhero: Since we had had so much fun all weekend, Monday was a day of labor for us at home doing some household chores and yard work.

Manuel Graduates

2009-09-12T21:11:00.003-05:00

Uncle D and his immediate family made a trip to San Diego the last weekend in August to see our nephew Manuel and share in his graduation day at the MCRD, Marine Corp Recruit Depot. From what I heard, it was a great time for all that went. A picture that Uncle D took of Manuel:

Uncle D's is talented

2009-08-18T05:04:00.014-05:00

I just noticed that this is the 200th post to our blog and I think it is quite fitting that I use it to showcase some of Uncle D's photos taken while we were travelling this weekend. I think they are pretty good if I say so myself:

33 and counting

2009-08-16T20:50:00.003-05:00

Uncle D & I took off Thursday morning on a weekend getaway for our 33rd wedding anniversary. We headed north and then east and landed in Van Buren, AR that evening. We enjoyed the sights between home and Van Buren, with a few photo ops for Uncle D. We got up early Friday morning 'cause day break, cloudy days and sunset are some of the best times of the day to take pictures. After about an hour of picture taking, we headed back to eat and get ready for the day. We then headed north out of Van Buren on some curvy backroads towards our friend's farm in Missouri. We had some fun when the GPS took us on a rabbit chase down some country dirt roads. Uncle D had some great photo ops during that rabbit chase. We made it to Missouri about 3:45 that afternoon and then went to dinner at Logan's Steakhouse in Springfield for our anniversary celebration.

Saturday morning found us and our friends out in search of some photo ops for Uncle D. Uncle D was trying to get pictures of some Amish out in their buggies but the Amish do not have their pictures taken if they can help it so we were being covert in this activity. It was kinda fun trying to catch these photo ops. He did get a great one of two Amish ladies in their buggy eating McDonald's hamburger and chicken sandwich as they were traveling on the side of the highway. We went by Laura Ingalls Wilder's home place and then to the MO National Cemetery 'cause Uncle D really enjoys taking pictures of old cemeteries and National Cemeteries. After being out about 6 - 6 1/2 hours we headed back to the house to rest and I enjoyed watching "An Affair to Remember". While I was watching the movie, Uncle D and our friends walked to a neighboring farm so that he could take some pictures of an old barn. I'm glad I didn't go 'cause Uncle D climbed up in the barn loft and I'm sure I would have strongly discouraged him in that quest. He did get some good pictures of the barn.

We headed home today and stopped in Tulsa to have lunch with my nephew and his wife. It was a great visit and then we headed the rest of the way home. We are back to work tomorrow and this was my last vacation days until the end of October or maybe the end of November. It was a great time with friends and family.

Sleeplessness

2009-08-10T04:11:00.003-05:00

Ok, so last night was the season finale of In Plain Sight and I stayed up longer than I should have on a Sunday evening knowing that I have to start my work week the next day. To my sad surprise, I woke up at 3:50 am this morning and could not go back to sleep. So I wandered down the hall and then back to bed. As I'm climbing into bed, I notice a little red light on something down beside the head of the bed. I pulled it out and realized that my heated mattress pad had somehow gotten turned on. And I wondered why I am waking up hot when the air conditioner is running? I have a feeling that tonight will be a 8:00 bed time for me. Happy Monday!!!

Family Time - McColloughs

2009-08-08T15:21:00.022-05:00

My great niece and nephew were visiting their Nanny & Pepaw week before last and I took the day off on Thursday to have a little family time. The girls headed to the square for a little fun & shopping:

Ceramic Painting and Tiling at the Bisque House

Lunch with the Girls When we got home from the square, we found the boys (who had been bowling with Pepaw) chowing down on some Taco Bueno.

We later headed for some shopping at Sam Moons and then dinner at Marcy's where we had more family time:

Cayley & Brody

Margaret, Brenda, Cayley & Brody

Andy and Payton
Indiana Jones aka Reagan
A Star Wars Character aka Ben

Buzz Lightyear aka Ben

We had some good backyard fun:

I just love my family.

Family Time - Wardens

2009-08-08T14:21:00.015-05:00

Last weekend, we had a great time of fellowship and fun with Uncle D's mom's side of the family - the Wardens. It actually started the Wednesday evening before, when I attended the bridal shower for the now Lael & Andy Parks:

The Hostesses

The Bride's Family with Grandmother & Great Aunt

The Bride & the moms.

The Warden Family

The Bride's immediate family

The First Dance as husband & wife

The sisters doing the Hoedown Throwdown

Mr. & Mrs. Andy Parks

Broken Arrow Tigers win the 13U World Series!

2009-07-25T15:51:00.009-05:00

My great nephew has been in Colorado all week playing baseball and apparently his team did very well: Super Series World Series Champions!

July Catch Up #4

2009-07-25T15:43:00.002-05:00

The fourth weekend of July started with a great dinner and some family fun with Uncle D's youngest sister and her family. It was determined that Uncle D is the champion of double solitaire even though Ashley did give him a run for his money. Today has been a laid back day for us with chores at home and some down time. Looking forward to a visit with my great neice and nephew this coming week as they are coming to spend the week with Nanny and Pepaw (my oldest brother & his wife). Taking the day off Thursday to spend the day with them. Pictures to be posted next week.

July Catch Up #3

2009-07-25T15:16:00.006-05:00

The third weekend in July was another birthday celebration but before the birthday celebration, my younger brother and wife had the family over for dinner and fellowship with all our siblings and some very old friends:

After this fun & fellowship we headed to the birthday celebration for this special person: She has had a very special place in our hearts for last 23 years. We love you Heather.

July Catch Up #2

2009-07-25T14:49:00.007-05:00

The second weekend of July was the birthday of one of my BFF's. She was supposed to be all by her self on her birthday, so Uncle D & I decided to take her out to dinner. After it was all said and done our little birthday dinner ended up with 7 people. It was a fun evening of friends and foods but I forgot my camera so I have no pictures to document.

The next day, we were invited to a birthday party to celebrate a three & four year olds birthdays.

July Catch Up #1

2009-07-25T13:57:00.008-05:00

We celebrated July 4 early with some friends who live out of the city, where we can shoot fireworks legally. The evening started with a little water fun on a water slide that Shane had constructed. It was hugh and lots of fun for those who used it. It was even fun for those of us that watched:

After a few snacks:
The fireworks began:

Some Family Fun

2009-07-03T10:25:00.008-05:00

This week we got to hang out with part of the family for some family fun with a little baseball thrown in:

Kids Kamp

2009-07-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

Tuesday & Wednesday after we came back from Angel Fire, our church had an overnight Kids Kamp. It was lots of fun for all:

After hanging out with 25 or so rambunctious kids for a couple of days, I was ready to go back to work to get some rest.

Since Angel Fire

2009-07-03T09:43:00.010-05:00

We've been home a couple of week from our trip to Angel Fire and boy is there a difference in the temperature. Here is the temperature in Angel Fire on Wednesday, June 17 at 4:00 pm:

Since we have been home, the temperature most days has been close to or exceeded 100 degrees. Hot!!!

Vacation 2009 Recap

2009-06-22T07:19:00.026-05:00

After such a long day on Sunday, we all got up Monday to do some sightseeing in the area. Richard was in search of a fishing sight named Coyote Creek and led us down a very bumpy dirt road. After we found that the road was leading to no where, the girls headed back to Angel Fire while the guys continued their quest to locate Coyote Creek. When we got to Angel Fire, we went to see some sights around Angel Fire and this is known as the AFLAC house. A multi million dollar home owned by a top executive of AFLAC:

After the guys returned from their search, we all headed out to see the Enchanted Circle. The first stop was Taos, where we had a yummy lunch at:

After lunch and a stop at Walmart to get fishing licenses for Uncle D and Richard, we headed for the Rio Grande River Gorge. It was an awesome sight that my pictures don't do justice:

After a while at the Rio Grande River Gorge, we headed to Red River where we enjoyed some ice cream at:

After Red River we headed back to Angel Fire to enjoy some Taco Soup that Bonnie made for all of us. While in Angel Fire, we were able to keep connected with WIFI and laps tops:

Tuesday morning we started our day with a walk around Angel Fire. Most of the roads are uphill and make for a good workout. While walking we saw some pretty sights:

We then headed out to the first Vietnam Memorial ever established between Angel Fire and Eagle's Nest:

From the Vietnam Memorial the Bakers headed out for the rest of their vacation to include Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. We truly enjoyed their fellowship. The rest of us headed to view a house that is for sell and hopefully our new friends will be blessed to buy:

Wednesday, Richard, Bonnie, Uncle D and I headed out do a little fishing. We all caught at least one fish each at the gravel pit lakes:

Then we headed to the Palisades where Richard and Uncle D were able to do some fly fishing:

After our fishing we headed back to clean up and get ready to go to Taos, NM for church with a precious young couple who are church planters there.

Thursday was a lazy day at the condo. Richard did go do some fishing. Later that day, Uncle D and Richard installed a new stove and microwave at the condo. That evening we shared delicious Chinese meal with other friends that came from Borger to Angel Fire for the weekend.

Friday morning, we started our trip home, the first leg to Borger. The following are some sites that we saw as we travelled:

Saturday, we headed out from Borger and made our way back home arriving about 2:30.

Vacation 2009 Second Leg - Travel to Angel Fire

2009-06-16T17:58:00.018-05:00

Sunday morning after SS and church we headed our caravan of 3 cars and 8 people towards Angel Fire. Below are a few pictures of our day:

After packing up after church we drove 40 minutes to Dumas to lunch at DQ. Boy was that Blizzard good. Here Uncle D is putting a new tail light into our friends car:
Along the way, we saw several antelopes, cows and horses:

We stopped for a snack break on the side of the road and a few photos ops:

Here are the stream and rock cliffs at the Palisades:

Then a quick ride through the Philmont Boy Scout camp:
Arrived in Angel Fire late and we ended up eating our grilled cheese sandwiches at midnight central daylight savings time. It was a long but fun filled day.

Vacation 2009 First Leg - Travel to the Pan Handle

2009-06-16T16:42:00.012-05:00

We left the warm weather at home with great anticipation of the cool weather of Angel Fire, NM. Our travels took us first to the Pan Handle to rendevous with the rest of our vacation buddies. We were greatly blessed when we arrived there to find out that we had another couple traveling with us. A retired pastor and his wife from NC. Here are a few sites we saw traveling to the Pan Handle:

Richard driving the first leg of the trip.

Our first stop to fuel up and rearrange all our stuff we took. You'd think we're were staying longer than a week.

Trains along the way that reminded me that my sister law's retirement this week from BNSF.

This is a hugh cross on I40 between OKC and Amarillo. It was quite impressive.

They had several sculptures on the grounds depicting the last day of Christ's life.

Then on to spend the night Saturday with our new friends and host.

My Good Friends

2009-06-12T03:50:00.004-05:00

This week my good friends took their whole family to church camp and someone snapped their family picture:

God has truly blessed our lives with this great family. We love each and every one of them.

Church Camp

2009-06-08T19:40:00.009-05:00

Our church left this morning going to camp for the week. One of my facebook friends uploaded some pictures from the day. Thought I would steal a few and share:

Week in Review

2009-06-07T21:49:00.004-05:00

Worked a full week which went fairly well. The person that I back up was off Thursday and Friday so it was kinda crazy on those days but I lived through it. Our long awaited refrigerator was delivered Thursday and is everything I thought it would be except there is no light in the freezer. Oh well, nothing is freezing in the refrigerator section so I'm good. Today was promotion Sunday at our church and I buy bibles for all my kindergarteners that are going into first grade. I took 7 bibles today, I'm going to miss my kindergarteners. Our Sunday School class doesn't have any kindergarteners this year so we will be splitting girls and boys each Sunday. Today, I had the boys and they were a lot of fun.

We ate at a new place today at lunch and it was really good. I would recommend Firehouse Subs. Here is a cute picture of my little friend and her uncle:

We are now expectantly looking forward to our vacation. It won't be long til we head to the mountains.

Pleasant Surprise

2009-05-31T18:29:00.004-05:00

Friday morning, I received an award at work and I had a choice of several things including a tent, cookware, sunglasses and this is what I ended up selecting:

A musical dream come true, the new iPod makes the most of your music and more. With 120GB of storage, iPod classic can hold up to 30,000 songs, 150 hours of video, or 25,000 photos. That's more than enough room for a day's ? or a lifetime's ? worth of entertainment.

Now, who has 30,000 songs that they listen to??

Saturday not so fun & Fun

2009-05-31T18:05:00.004-05:00

I have an older car that I use to make my 60 mile round trip commute to work each day. When we have company I park it on the side of the house, between the drive and back yard. Well that is where it has been since March when my friend from Missouri and Uncle's little sister's family visited. It's time for an oil change in my Honda so, I went to pull the older car out Thursday evening and the battery was as dead as a door nail. Saturday morning, we had to jump start the car with the cables pulled from the front of that car to the back since we couldn't get a car pulled to the front of it. After a lot of finagling, Uncle D finally got the car started. Later, I pruned all the little pecan trees that have grown in our monkey grass and flower bed. Have I ever told you I am not a fan of yard work so that was the not so much fun part of our Saturday.

All was not lost 'cause we enjoyed celebrating a friend's eighth birthday that evening:

Boy Was I Disappointed

2009-05-31T17:48:00.003-05:00

We purchased a new refrigerator last weekend and were anticipating delivery of the same on Thursday. I started Monday, taking all the pictures, magnets and general refrigerator personality off and Tuesday evening cleaned the cookbooks and baskets that are stored on the top. Wednesday evening, I cleaned most of everything out and loaded up our freezer and little drink refrigerators with a lot of the contents of the fridge, Uncle D turned the water supply off to the ice maker and I even clean underneath so that the new one would be ready to be installed. Thursday morning we dumped the ice out of the ice maker into an ice chest and put the rest of the contents into the ice chest knowing that I would be loading it all up into my new larger fridge. By Thursday afternoon, we had heard nothing about the delivery of the new fridge so I called the store to see what was up and was advised that the delivery was scheduled for Thursday, 06/04/09 not Thursday, 05/28/09. Boy was I disappointed. Uncle D even mentioned that the plain refrigerator, absent of all it's personality is really bugging him. Needless to say, we won't have as much to do this week to prepare for the delivery and the personality will be back in place Thursday evening.

Such a Talented Family

2009-05-25T18:13:00.004-05:00

While in NM last weekend, I discovered that I married into a very talented family. Check out this video to see what talent they have:

If you can't tell, they are playing the water glasses.

Sisters

2009-05-24T20:10:00.002-05:00

A Couple of Proud Grandparents

2009-05-24T20:05:00.004-05:00

I understand that this young lady sang beautifully in a concert that Nanny and Pepaw attended last week. They look pretty proud to me.

One Good Athlete

2009-05-24T17:56:00.008-05:00

Thanks to a couple of proud granddads, I was sent the following pictures of my great nephew:

I don't get to personally watch him play, but have it on good authority that he is a GREAT athlete.

High School Graduating Class of 2021

2009-05-24T17:48:00.010-05:00

The year 2021 will be a big year for our family and our graduating seniors. We will have 4 kids graduating that year. The class will include:

Karis

Chloe & Kenzi

Cason

They are completing their kindergarten year and will begin first grade next year. Watch out world here they come.

Three Generations

2009-05-24T16:39:00.003-05:00

Of all the generational pictures I've seen, I think this is my favorite:

It was taken yesterday at Kynadie's second birthday party. GG, Mom and Kynadie. How cute are they.

Full Work Week

2009-05-23T07:47:00.006-05:00

This past week was the first full work week that I have worked in the past three weeks and it about killed me. After our great weekend last week, Uncle D and I were runned ragged. I'm so thankful for a long weekend with less travel than last. We have a birthday party for this two year old:A little baseball this evening and purchasing a new refrigerator sometime this weekend. It is tax free weekend for energy star appliances and my current refrigerator is about 25 years old. It has served us well but is now freezing things in the refrigerator section so it's time for it to be retired.

Graduation Trip - Part 4 - Party

2009-05-17T20:28:00.013-05:00

After the graduation, Caron had a lunch party for Manuel and his extended families. Manuel is loved by many and here are a few that came together to celebrate his big day:

Graduation Trip - Part 3 - Graduation Day

2009-05-17T19:08:00.016-05:00

It was cold and threatening rain, Saturday morning when we headed to NMMI for Manuel's graduation. Here are a few pictures of our time there before the commencement began:

And this is the moment that we all came to see:

What a great looking young man Manuel is. We all were very proud of him and his accomplishment and are expectantly looking to see what his future holds.

Graduation Trip - Part 2 - Family

2009-05-17T18:26:00.012-05:00

That evening, Uncle D's mom, dad and youngest sister and her family made it in time for us to share dinner. It was a great time of family fellowship:

You notice that we are missing Ashley, well she met and adopted a new family and they came into the restaurant to eat:After dinner, we headed to the Roswell airport to pick up Uncle D's oldest sister and her husband. We were all blessed with safe travel.

Graduation Trip - Part 1 - Travel

2009-05-17T18:06:00.009-05:00

Thursday evening Uncle D and I headed out to Roswell, NM to attend our nephew's high school graduation from NM Military Institute. That evening we made it to:After a good nights rest, we headed onto Roswell. The trip from Abilene to Roswell was the most boring road trip that I can remember. We saw:

Except for Lubbock, it was an oasis of nothingness so we were glad to make it into Roswell.

What a Way to Start the Day

2009-05-14T05:42:00.005-05:00

I woke early this morning because it's going to be a busy day. I have 4 appointments today as well as packing and leaving this afternoon to head to a graduation in New Mexico. I was walking though my kitchen when I noticed something slithering on the floor. After a double take, I see this going into my pantry:

Uncle D was unavailable at the time so I had to catch this little snake. In a panic, I look for something to grab it with that would keep it away from me so I settled on tongs and then into the water bottle. Uncle D is now giving him his freedom outside.

Another Baseball Player

2009-05-10T20:55:00.003-05:00

Ryan played a baseball game today and after the game the team went to home plate with roses for their moms. Way to go guys for honoring your moms!

Saturday Fun - Part 4 - Baseball game #2

2009-05-09T18:01:00.007-05:00

The second ball game was a battle of two great pitchers who happen to be great friends:

Here is one of Reagan's fans talking to him and his team mates in the dugout:
And the moms of the two pitchers (who also are good friends) were nominated to man the score book and board: Oh and by the way, the Indians won this one 3 - 2. Great day at the ball park

Saturday Fun - Part 3 - Baseball game #1

2009-05-09T17:53:00.004-05:00

After our yummy lunch of salad, garlic bread and pizza, we headed to the ball park to watch the end of the first game of the day. Reagan was up to bat right after we got there:

The Indians won this game 5 - 0 and this is Reagan right before he crossed home plate to score one of those 5 runs:

Saturday Fun - Part 2 - Lunch

2009-05-09T17:45:00.004-05:00

We tried to have pizza at Parton's but when we arrived, there was only one table with two chairs for the fifteen people that wanted to eat so we headed to Joe Pizza and Pasta where only thirteen of us got to eat. Shane & Reagan had to go to the ball field to prepare for game one of their two games today:

Saturday Fun - Part 1 - Soccer

2009-05-09T17:30:00.010-05:00

Our Saturday fun started at Payton's soccer game at 10:00. The Lady Lions won 2-1:

Snake Handlers at Church

2009-05-07T17:52:00.017-05:00

For the past few years, our Wednesday night Bible club has been blessed to have Wildman Phil come from AZ with an array of spiders, lizards, turtles and snakes. The kids love this especially the hands on of the snake handling. A few pictures for you to enjoy:

Wednesday and Thursday

2009-05-07T17:05:00.004-05:00

This video was taken Wednesday which proves that Brody is a true McCollough because we all snore. The drooling part he takes after his Aunt J. This video would also summarize our day together on Thursday. He slept pretty much until 2:30 with short periods of being awake to eat. We did have a little quality time between 2:30 and 4:00 when his daddy came home from work. He is too stinkin cute.

Monday & Tuesday

2009-05-05T18:29:00.007-05:00

The following are three of my favorite pictures of the many that I've taken the last two days. This boy is the best baby ever. We have had some great bonding time.

I'm trying to capture video of him talking to the animals on his swing but haven't gotten it yet. When I do I'll post that for all my facebook friends. Hope your week is going as GREAT as mine.

Spending time with another man

2009-05-02T21:48:00.006-05:00

I'll be stepping out with a new gentlemen this week:
I see a great time in my future this coming week with Brody Eric while his mommy and daddy are at work.

Saturday Fun

2009-05-02T19:20:00.016-05:00

I set my alarm for 6:15 this morning but my internal clock woke me at 4:45. Yikes, I hate it when that happens. I went ahead and started laudry 'cause we had a busy day ahead. Uncle D had to be at the airport at 9:30 for his flight to Altanta for a conference with the company he works for.

After I dropped him off, I headed out to do a little shopping. First order of business was getting Andy's gift card that he told me last week he wanted for his birthday and then I happened upon a store where I ended up buying a dress and a couple of blouses. Then I raced southwest to make it to Andy's fifth birthday party and was only 30 minutes late.

When I got there, the little guys were chasing Reagan and here is Andy so excited that he had stolen Reagan's cap: And here are some pictures of the fun had by all:

After the party, I headed to mall where I ended up staying for 3 hours and only bought another gift card and blouse. I tried to buy several other things but it just didn't happen. Have I ever told you that I DO NOT like to shop. I was so glad to finally make it home to relax and blog.

Proof that you pay for your raising...

2009-05-02T18:35:00.007-05:00

Yesterday one of my facebook friends, Heather's, status was: "thinks my daughter better be glad she's cute, otherwise she probably wouldn't make it to see 2 years old! Gotta love the terrible two's" to which I responded: "She's just acting like her mama did when she was nearly 2."

Heather

Kynadie

Heather was and Kynadie is cute at nearly two years old and that cuteness saved/saves both of them from consequences of some of their actions.

Deneise, This one if for you.

2009-05-02T18:20:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple of pictures that I took last Sunday evening when the family went to Babe's in Granbury. While there we celebrated Payton's ninth birthday. Uncle D got a better picture and will post when he has time so for now, you'll have to make do with mine.

P-Rae birthday celebration X 32 (Uncle D's post)

2009-05-02T16:28:00.009-05:00

Payton is the only person I know that gets to celebrate her birthday like 32 times every year. She is 9 now. That's like 288 in P-Rae birthdays. Wow are you old Payton. She got to do the Chicken.

Here she is much happier after ridding herself of the chicken suit. And check out the BIG COOKIE. She actually shared.

How time flies

2009-04-25T17:55:00.004-05:00

This was just a short 9 weeks ago:

And this was yesterday:

Can you believe how much baby Brody has grown. I'll be taking a week of vacation week after next to keep this big boy and I can't wait.

Saturday

2009-04-25T17:13:00.006-05:00

Today, we started our day really early. Uncle D & I both were up before 6:00 - we hate it when we can't sleep. After a little breakfast and laundry we headed out for: After the game, we headed to the local mall where we were going to have a little birthday celebration at the food court for P-Rae's ninth birthday. Before lunch, we had a little time to kill so we went and added to Uncle D's wardrobe. After lunch at the food court, Uncle D came home to harvest, oh I mean mow our grass and do a little other yardwork:

While Uncle D was working, I went to support Reagan in his ballgame:
Oh and did I mention that both Payton & Reagan teams won their games.

Saturday Fun with Friends

2009-04-18T19:57:00.007-05:00

Uncle D's Sunday School class planned a class fellowship this afternoon where we traveled to:
Where we ate at: It was a fun time of friends, food and fellowship. Funny thing is that we will make the same trip to eat at the same place with family next weekend.

Easter Celebrations

2009-04-12T19:15:00.020-05:00

We started our Easter morning with church services and our church family along with some other special people who were there today: We had some special music in our worship service: After the service, I caught a few pictures of some special people: After the morning service, we were off to spend the afternoon with Uncle D's extended family for Easter lunch:

Then due to the inclement weather, the Easter Egg hunt was held indoors which brought problems of where to hide the eggs:

Then the hunt began:

And then the spoils divided: All in all it was a great day. But the most important thing about Easter was the reflection that Christ gained the victory for us in his resurrection. "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said." Matthew 28:6

Saturday

2009-04-11T16:05:00.019-05:00

I started my Saturday by making an early run to Walmart at 6:30 this morning to get everything I needed for my contribution to the Easter meal that we will be enjoying with Uncle D's extended family tomorrow. After I got home, I remembered that we had a 10:00 soccer game to attend. The first time that we would see Payton play: She plays on the same team as her good friend:
On yet another field, another friend was playing on a different team:

The girls did not seem to notice that it was a cold windy morning but the spectators sure knew it:

I really don't know that this little guy noticed the cold but he sure noticed when Pepaw ran out of donut holes: After the game, we all went out for a yummy lunch at Chipotles and now home to get things done.

Saturday

2009-04-05T21:02:00.005-05:00

Saturday morning was spent waiting for the technician from Dish Network to come and change out our satellite system because the last few months we have had this going on no matter what the weather:

So we finally bit the bullet and ordered HD and upgraded to a DVR. (I've been kicking at this since from what I understand, once you have it you can't live without it. So I didn't know what I was missing.) The tech showed up and hooked us up but we missed the first soccer game of the season that Payton played and Reagan's first game of a doubleheader. David really enjoyed watching the Nationwide Race in HD and even DVR'd it as we were off to watch:

This is Reagan making an RBI to win the game. The Indians have now won 4 out of 4.

Friday Fun

2009-04-04T10:17:00.010-05:00

We are blessed to have friends that have shared their four kids with us for the last 25 years. For each of the kids birthdays, mom & dad let them picked out where they want to eat and we go there to celebrate. Thursday was their oldest son's birthday and we went out last night to celebrate.

On his birthday, Uncle D and I are usually introduced to a new restaurant. In years past, we have celebrated at: PF Changs, Gators, Genghis Grill, and Buca di Beppo. He didn't disappoint us last night as he picked:
It was a lot of fun and good food. Thanks Bob & T for sharing your kids with us and Zack for broadening our horizons in eateries.

April 1

2009-04-01T05:49:00.001-05:00

Hope you all have a Happy April Fool's Day. Enjoy the day.

Great Sunday

2009-03-29T20:43:00.010-05:00

Our Sunday started this morning getting our food finalized to take for our church Friend and Family Day lunch. Then off to church where I was blessed to have children's church duing the morning service. After a great lunch, I really enjoyed the music presented by the Shiloh's in our afternoon service:
We were able to get home and take a short afternoon nap before we headed to the ball park to enjoy the first baseball game of the season where Reagan was the starting pitcher:

He did a great job pitching. At bat, he had 2 singles, 1 RBI and scored 2 runs: His number #1 fan, his mom, sat on the opposing team's side to socialize and stay warm cause their bleachers were in the sun:

After the game, we went to Parton's Pizza to enjoy some yummy pizza and fun:

All in all it was a great Sunday.

Saturday Fun - Dr Pepper Style

2009-03-28T20:44:00.007-05:00

Our Saturday was scheduled for 10, 2 & 4 (ok 4:30) but close enough. Some of you might not remember the Dr Pepper commercials and the times: 10, 2 & 4 but my older readers will. We started our activities by being at the church at 10:00 to set up for our Friend & Family Day tomorrow:After we finished at the church, Uncle D had a voice mail that our 2:00 activity, a baseball game had been rescheduled to 5:00 tomorrow. It is supposed to be much warmer than today, so we were glad for the change. We headed home, and started making food for tomorrow's lunch at church. Then about 4:00 headed over to my brother's house for a little family time with my Uncle Will who is visiting from Carlsbad, NM. He, his daughter and grandson came over to visit with us:

Alicia & Uncle Will

Samuel - the grandson

We had a good time but my brother and his grandson, Brody, were exhausted from all the activity:

Mammaw's Potato Salad

2009-03-28T20:33:00.004-05:00

For my company that visited in the last two weeks, I had bought potatoes but never had to opportunity to cook them. My company is gone and I was left with these potatoes. Uncle D and I are not big potato eaters. So today, in an effort not be wasteful, I attempted to recreate my mom's potato salad. She never had a recipe that I knew of, she would just throw the ingredients together. The only person that I knew that had attempted to make this potato salad was my niece, Marcy, so I called her this morning to verify the ingredients. If I say so myself, I think it turned out OK. Maybe, not as good as mom's but close. Now, if I could just learn to make her banana pudding, I think I would have arrived.