A Little Walk Down the River

As you could see from my last post, the first place we hit in San Antonio last week was the Alamo. My sweet child is quite the history buff and, no, she did not get it from me. My grandfather was a history major in college and Dave loves Texas history (and is convinced that of other states pales in comparison) so I guess it's a learned trait.

Anyway, she was super jealous when we went last summer while I was at a conference (she's clearly deprived) so we journeyed over to the Alamo and in about 15.2 seconds she declared that she'd "seen enough."

What?!?!

No ma'am, we shall tour the entire area because Mama did not get all sweaty and have the height of her her hair shrink approximately 1 inch due to humidity for nothing. She did enjoy signing the guest book a great deal. She feels she's made her mark on history and, really, who could blame her? Or even have the strength to argue in this heat.

After our academic session of the day, we headed to the Riverwalk and, boy howdy, if I thought it was humid before I had no idea what was coming...

We played in fountains...

Took in the scenery...

Posed a bit...

Waved at those on the boats...

...and enjoyed the various waterfalls along the way. I don't know about you but the older I get, the more I am blown away by God's creation and the beauty of nature. I am absolutely certain this has nothing to do with "getting old" and is really more of a process of "spiritual maturity."

Oh, who am I kidding? I'm getting older and have the birthday next month to prove it. And the child who's already reached my height at the ripe old age of 10. Good times ahead, my friends.

Anyone want to guess which bone I break first as I fall off of the chair needed when discipline time comes? Because you have to look down at that point in time and let's just say I'll need a prop. Soon.

We then ventured back over to the mall because we had gotten tickets to see Toy Story 3 at the IMAX. It was so awesome, y'all, and I am proud to say that I did not cry. I felt rather sentimental for Buzz, Woody and the gang but there was no moisture.

It was a proud moment.

But not nearly as proud as when I heard my child call my name from across a store and turned around to see this...

I wish the child felt more comfortable while modeling oversized head gear but clearly it's a gradual process...or not...

After the movie we checked into our suite that I nabbed on Priceline for $50/night. I'd venture to say I've never been more proud and the surge of adrenaline from the bidding process left me downright giddy. While I must admit that had I paid full price my expectations would not have been met, the fact is that we did not. So all was well...

We had a late lunch at Joe's Crab Shack and then went to a San Antonio Missions game. That adventure warrants an entire post of its own but here's a little preview. At one point, must husband turned to the guy next to him and inquired, "So, do y'all always play ball like this down here or is it only on dollar night?"

Oh, yes, my friends...good times...

Texas History Lesson (A Photo Essay)

Fiesta

I don't have a ton of time to entertain with stories from our very eventful mini vacation to San Antonio today because it's my first day back in the office after being out for a couple of days. I have lots of pictures, though I do seem to be losing my touch as there were only 114 taken in 3 days, which is - quite frankly - well below normal for me. 

I'm a moment capturer, y'all. To the dismay of my daughter and husband most of the time. By now they've learned to just suck it up and smile or have a surly look posted on the internet for all the world to behold. Not always but a good 94.6% of the time.

Anyway, I'll leave you with a little taste of our excitement and promise to return with more soon. Just as soon as I figure out which end is up at work...did I mention I'm teaching VBS this week as well? Yeah, B-U-S-Y!!!

Saturday Blues

Well, hello there - how ya doin'?

Me? Well, I'm hot.

Why, you ask?

Because it's already 100+ degrees each day here in Central Texas and it's only June. I am absolutely terrified of the month of August and not because it means it will be time for my regular checkup with the doc that involves the dreaded scale.

 You see, I love the cold weather and don't really care for the heat for a reason: I'm convinced you can put on enough clothes to get warm but can't necessarily take off enough (and, quite frankly, the world couldn't handle it) to get cool.

No, I haven't tried it. Just theorized.

Because I'm deep like that...

And now I have a story...

We had a really exciting Saturday and, before I tell you about it, I need you to promise there won't be any jealousy. Seriously, y'all...

...ok - here goes...

After waking up with bone crushing sinus pressure and seeking the assistance of standby antibiotics for a sinus infection, I headed out to mow the grass while Dave was at the gym. The air conditioned gym. I had avoided it at all costs but the grass was getting a bit embarrassing for the dogs. It is their home for most of the day after all...and Dave can't maneuver the lawnmower on the hill upon which we live yet so I still have yard duty.

And I'm incredibly excited about it.

I also have some oceanfront property for sale, if you're interested.

Anyway, after mowing the grass in 143 degree heat with a mild 604% humidity, my hubby returned home to let me know I had "missed a spot."

I've got to be quite frank - I had no idea the man was suicidal until he made that comment.

Kidding. You know, mostly.

I can promise you one thing, though - he won't make the same mistake twice.

Actually I'm kidding about that as well. Because, let's face it, we're dealing with Dave.

We'll blame it on the concussions he suffered while bullriding. Which leads one to ask the question what in the world would possess one to BEGIN bullriding in the first place...

Anyway, it was a learning experience for all of us. I asked him to water the flowers so he could at least join in some of the fun.

Then I had a chat with myself about stereotypical gender roles while I finished cutting the grass. And, you know, how we are a classic case of NOT where they're concerned.

Then we headed out to the dollar theater for a double feature - I know, the excitement never ends, right?

We saw Bounty Hunter and Last Song, which is a Miley Cyrus movie. I expected to be singing along and ended up crying. It was sad. And had a lesson. And a wholesome young adult relationship.

After I picked my jaw up off the floor and dried my tears at the turn of events, I realized I'm more in love with my man than ever before. Nothing like a couple of relationship driven movies to do that to you, right?

I mean, seriously, I have never been more glad that I allowed him to live through the years 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Such a blessing...

Finally, can we take a moment and remember where the Bowers family was this time last year? We were at Disney World and my man was arrested by the Mickey police for having a pocket knife...of course I documented the occasion... :-)

Pup Finery

Because we're all about equality - and apparently self portraits - Tay and I decided to deck the pups out in new bandannas last weekend while we were picking up her last-minute camp items...

Bo was excited about his new duds but didn't want to take pictures. At first he hid his head under the couch and acted like he was playing with his ball...

Then he looked to the Lord for guidance...

While Perkie tried to turn her head and pretend this wasn't really happening...

Prissy, on the other hand, just posed...

Finally Bo decided it might be nice to have a photograph to commemorate the event....

Perk was wrangled into position as well...

And Prissy just kept posing...

...and posing...

...and posing...

...while Perk was wrangled once again...

...and Tay tried her photographic hand at taking pics of her computer game...

...because, really, who doesn't need something by which to remember their first avatar?

A Grace Filled Sendoff

After much anticipation and packing, Monday morning brought the big sendoff. I could lie and say my darling girl clung to me for one last hug, returned the I love you called to her upon departure, and waved sweetly as they drove away for camp but there's just one problem with that little scenario...

...that whole thou shalt not lie thing...

Yes, I realize it's already Thursday and I'm just now getting to these pictures but, honestly, my man and I have been busy. There were closets to organize, dresser drawers to clean out, Chick-fil-a spicy sandwiches to be eaten, multiple episodes of Family Feud to be played in tandem on Facebook, etc. We had to prioritize, y'all.

The pictures clearly don't lie. Tay was out of the car, suitcase in hand, and ready to hit the road running. As you can also see, my man was ready to cry at the thought of being childless for a week...

She wasn't really happy about the presence of my camera but....

...in typical 'tween fashion, perked right up to the notion once one of her friends thought it would be fun to take pictures together. :-)

And when you add a few more friends to the mix, picture taking actually becomes fun!

Ah, so many things to discuss before leaving. Who to sit with? Which vehicle should we ride in?

Sweet Savanna gave all of the girls precious notepads to take note on during the week.

There were group photo attempts that were somewhat successful...

...and somewhat not...

After one last potty break, it was time to hit the road. The road to lifelong memories and friendships forged through experiences with Jesus. I can imagine no greater joy than watching your child grow in the Lord. To have God-loving friends and a precious church in which to thrive. 

We are amazingly blessed in this sense and, after spending many years in the world and away from God, I am always overcome with great joy during experiences like we had on Monday morning because the sins of the parents do not have to affect the children.

Amazing grace...it saved a wretch like me...and that grace has allowed my daughter memories like church camp...how sweet the sound...

The Phone Call

Got a call from this girl during the lunch hour today.

At first, I had a bit of anxiety. Was she sick? Or hurt? Both?

Then I realized if she was the one calling me, there had to be something else going on.

It was LOUD!!

And it went a bit like this:

Me: "Where are you, baby?"

Tay: "I'm at lunch."

Me: "Ok, so what's up?"

Tay: "I need to ask you a question."

At this point I'm thinking it must be a major question for her to take time out of her camp schedule to call me...

Me: "What's the question?"

Tay: "Well, we're wearing our camp t-shirts today instead of Friday. Had a change of plans."

Me: "Alright. Well, just wear what they ask you to...no big deal..."

Tay: "So I wanted to ask you if the people who are doing the singing could sign my shirt."

Me: "Sure, baby - you can have anyone you want sign your camp shirt."

Tay: "Awesome. Thanks. That's all I wanted."

Me: "So, are you having fun? What have you been up to? Is it really exciting?"

Tay: "Yep. Bye."

Me: "I love you, baby."

Tay: Dial tone...

Ah, yes, even when she's away from home I still have a role to play. I mean, who can allow their camp shirt to be defaced without first asking your mother?

Just happy to know I'm still needed....

...although, given the huge decrease in our laundry this week, I know definitely know who wears the pants in the family. And I'm sure they'll want those pants cleaned when they get home.

So I'll be needed throughout the weekend as well. :-)

In all seriousness, though, it was great to hear from her. She's having a blast and so are we. But I will most definitely be ready watch her sleep this weekend as she's recovering from a week of non-stop activity.

You might be the mother of a camper if...

...you find yourself cleaning out your closet at 9:30pm because you feel like your evening just hasn't been quite busy/productive enough...

...you have so much time on your hands that you're thinking of emailing the worship pastor to see if we can sing "Rise Again" on Sunday in honor of the new Big 12..

...you wake in the morning and are so disoriented by the week's loneliness that you spend 10 minutes trying to find your man only to remember that it's Tuesday so he's at WORK!!!

...you have an extra spring in your step because you got to hang with a dude like this all evening...with no interruptions...

(No, he's not on crutches anymore but he does look quite studly in this pic, in my humble opinion.)

...you find yourself emailing said camper every morning at the same time even though she has notes from you in her suitcase for each day she's gone...

...you make sure to place her daily money INSIDE of those cards to ensure she actually has to open them...

...you find yourself entertaining the idea of hitting the gym BEFORE work...

...you realize that this time of rejuvenation is exactly what's needed for all members of a family who will be hitting Fiesta Texas next week!!

Happy Tuesday, y'all!!!

Photography by Taylor

Ah, Monday. Church camp Monday, to be exact. You know, when the little ones head off for a big adventure with God and their friends leaving their parents at home with a quiet, clean house. When they wonder if this is what retirement will be like...

When my man has an uncanny spring in his step after working 84 hours in one week....coffee tastes a bit sweeter and the heat seems more bearable...

Totally kidding. I will miss her, for sure, but know how important it is for her to have grand adventures with people other than me. She will have a blast with her friends and the good Lord above and return in need of a 36-hour nap.

I have to tell you, though, that I'm growing more and more impressed with Miss Thang's photographic eye. She apparently hijacks my camera while I'm sleeping, cleaning, mowing the yard, etc. and tries her hand at pet photography any chance she gets. It always makes downloading pics most interesting.

Here's what I found over the weekend...

Prissy is, by far, her favorite subject. It's not because she loves the other two any less but, let's face it, a girl that size isn't going to be making any sudden moves that render your photo useless. She's strong and steady and only breaks out in the "Prissy jive" when she hears the "P" word. No, that word is not her name. It's "potty." Makes her dance like a wild woman.

Her second favorite subject is this fella...

He has the most personality of the triple dog threat and now that he's older is easier to photograph. Unless he's in hyper mode. Then you may as well hang up the ol' camera strap because he's stubborn. To a fault. Which means he will win the battle of the camera.

You're probably wondering now where the photos of Perkie are...well, some things never change and since Tay is the only one who can hold her for a photograph she can't actually take photos of the Perkster. While she did get a fantastic shot of her tail, I just didn't think Perk would be happy about showcasing her backside on the ol' blog. I could be wrong but I'd rather err on the side of caution when it comes to a lady and her derriere.

And, on that note, I'll bid you a wonderful Monday and return to my prayer vigil for the Big 12. Say it after me, folks, "There is strength in numbers - UT, A&M, Baylor and TT should stick together..." :-)