Happy Birthday, John

This Sunday, August 24 is our nephew, John Prince's birthday! Aunt Rhonda and I hope you have a very special day and receive all the happiness that God has in store for you on this very special day. We're very excited to have you at Sheppard AFB Tech School and very proud of what you have become. I just know that great things are in store for you just up the road. We'll be taking John out on Sunday to celebrate his great day and enjoying the day with him. We didn't get to see him last weekend since they were not allowed to leave their dorm. So, we're really excited to see you and enjoy your birthday with you. Many Happy Returns, John!

July Happenings!

Happy Belated July 4th ~ I'm just a little late wishing everyone Happy July 4th; however, I've been just a little busy this summer. Having returned from our vacation, I've had a hard time adjusting back to the work routine.

We had a GREAT 4th of July, celebrating with our nephew, John Prince. John is stationed at Sheppard AFB at Tech School and am really glad he's stationed so close to home. I started the day by picking him up at Conner Hall and was so excited to see him in his uniform. I told him he how tall he looked in that uniform and very handsome indeed. We did a little shopping with him at the Base Exchange and since I had never been at the BX, I found it pretty fascinating. Basically, it was just like a Wal*Mart (not near as huge), but pretty much the same. Just lower prices for the GI's and their families. We then went to the mini mall and had lunch and headed for the Base Water park. We had a blast at the Water Park, enjoying each other's company and catching up on some needed R & R. Rhonda stayed at home, since she was going to meet us later that day for the 4th of July celebration at the base. She was preparing us a picnic lunch for the afternoon and needed the extra time to prepare for our picnic lunch.

I am so proud of John and all the accomplishments he has made for himself. With God at his side, he has matured into such a nice and polite young man. He'll be stationed at SAFB through the end of November, where he'll be stationed at Luke AFB, AZ, just outside of Phoenix. Another hot and dry community.

Afterwards, John and I went to see The Chronicles of Narnia. Wow! If you haven't seen this movie, I urge you to see it. At first, I didn't think I was gonna like it; nevertheless, it turned out awesome. So much correlation to the Bible. After the movie, we met Rhonda and enjoyed our time together munching on Fried Chicken, Potato Salad, Rolls and yummy cookies. As always, she out did herself preparing for her men in her life. For entertainment, SAFB sponsored Tops in Blue to perform for everyone and they were fantastic. If you ever get a chance to see Tops in Blue perform, please do so. You won't regret it. After the performance, the fireworks display began, along with a backdrop of patriotic music. Such a nice ending to our July 4th holiday, I put the top down in my Mustang and took John back to his dorm. Looking at the beautiful stars and God's handiwork makes you so proud to be an American and thankful for the freedom that God has bestowed upon our lives. Thank you Lord for our family, friends and above all: God in our lives. Our July 4th holiday was nearly over and I felt it was one of the best we had enjoyed in a long time. The only sad thing about the 4th of July, it kinda reminds me of Christmas. So much preparation for one day, and afterwards, it's back to the old routine of work and stuff.

Florida Happenings!

It's been a little while since I posted from returning on our trip from the Emerald Coast. Having returned, I've been really busy at work and just didn't have time to write a few things down. Wow! We really enjoyed ourselves in Destin, Florida. The white sand beaches are as beautiful as described in the brochure and if you ever get a chance to vacation at the Emerald Coast, I would definitely refer it. Destin had changed quite a bit since we were there awhile back; however, the beaches were just as beautiful. Condos everywhere, taking the breathtaking from view from Old Highway 98. I don't know why these beautiful coastal towns allows developers to build skyscrapers on the beach, other than the all American need for dollars. Nevertheless, the view is breathtaking and the food was great. Since it rained the first few days upon arrival, we shopped at Destin Commons and made various tours of the town. Relaxing a lot and enjoying the wonderful seafood. By the time we were leaving, I think I burned Rhonda out on seafood. I asked her where she wanted to eat and she stated, "anything, as long as it's not seafood." So, I compromised and went to Hard Rock Cafe and I had a fish sandwich, while she had a veggie burger. We try to go a Hard Rock Cafe whenever on vacation, not because of the music, but I think it's kind of neat. I am not a fan of rock music; however, I love music and I think the ambiance it kind of cool. While at the Fisherman's Wharf restaurant, we were sitting on the beach side and noticed some fisherman bringing a large fish. Quickly catching our attention, Rhonda noticed it was a shark. Later, I asked how much it weighed and they informed me it weighed more than 600 pounds, because their scale only went to 600 pounds. Wow! A very large shark. I'm glad I didn't meet that one while on the beach. The sharks swim within 5 - 10 miles of the beach as informed by the locals. That's kind of scary. Our next night we ate at AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar. That was a really cool restaurant. More laid back than the Fisherman's Wharf. Really loud restaurant right on the pier. After supper we went on the pier and enjoyed watching the seagulls find their food and enjoy their supper. The weather was absolutely beautiful and I think I could really get used to the surroundings. Meanwhile, I'm back in Wichita Falls and don't think I want to chance the hurricanes. I'll take my chances with our ferocious tornadoes.

Vacationing in the Emerald Coast

I'm all excited tonight, because tomorrow my beautiful bride and I travel to the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida. The "Emerald" in the name "Emerald Coast" comes from the distinctive, irresistible shade of green seen on the Gulf of Mexico waters. We'll be spending the night in Baton Rouge, LA and hopefully enjoy some great seafood while there. Sunday, we should arrive in Destin, Florida where the white sand beaches are beautiful. We'll be laying at the beach and having a great time enjoying the sunsets while there. Fort Walton Beach is just around the corner and the largest Air Force Base is also located within a few miles. Eglin AFB is the largest AFB in the country. That should be amazing to see. We might even get to see some lighthouses; however, I'm not sure the lighthouses are near this area. There is plenty of recreational things to do while visiting the Emerald Coast; nevertheless, we'll probably just sit back, relax and enjoy the wonders of God's beautiful handiwork. I once read there are three very important things to take on vacation that doesn't fit in a suitcase: a sense of adventure, an open mind and a sense of humor. With all three things in mind, we should be able to have a great time. I've got to go to bed since we're getting up at 4:00 AM to pack and try to leave by 8:00 AM. Keep us in your prayers for traveling mercies.

June Happenings!

June has been a very busy month for Rhonda and me. With Father's Day at the beginning, we celebrated with my family at Logan's Roadhouse (one of my favorites) and also my families. They always serve us well with such kindness and love. We like the big room (I think they call it the barn). This area has such great space and wonderful ambiance, complimented by a beautiful stone fireplace. We got to enjoy my sister, Cora and her husband, Ronnie this time, along with my brother Archie and his beautiful wife, Linda, along with one of their daughters, Cheryl and her great family, and of course Dad and Mom LaRue. It was just a wonderful day and I appreciate my dad so much for all of his leadership in the church and guidance throughout my life. Dad - you're the greatest! Rhonda surprised me with tickets to Gaither Homecoming, convening this October in Wichita Falls. Wow! Can you believe Gaither's are coming to Wichita Falls? We're moving right on up with the big dogs! Ha! Ha! Our church has reserved a section and should really be good seats. I can't wait! We heard the Gaither's at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City last year and they were marvelous! We were on the sixth row and had great seats. It was such a fun trip.

We're trying to pack everything up for our vacation. We'll be leaving for Destin, Florida (the Sunshine State) and can hardly wait. Destin is such a beautiful area with The Emerald Coast and such white sand beaches. We've always travelled through this area; however, we were never able to stop and visit. The waves are calling me right now. Just two more days and we'll off and away. Can't wait! Everyone's been teasing me at work this week, counting down the number of days till my vacation, so I had to throw that in.

God is such a great God, having just read on Kenny & Karen's post that Kolton went home from the hospital. His surgery was great and we will continue praying for Kolton's continued healing power to flow within him. We love you, Kolton.

I'll close for now and keep you posted on our trip.

Have a great day in the Lord!

A Night At the Bass

To Rhonda's surprise, I was able to get tickets to see Wynonna Judd at the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. Wow! It was great! Traveling to Fort Worth in my wife's new HHR, I used On Star to navigate our journey to the Bass. First, we would eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Dos Gringos. Fantastic! Great Mexican food, so if you really want a great lunch or dinner, drop by Dos Gringos on University Drive in Fort Worth and you won't be disappointed. The chips are awesome! Arriving at the Bass, I dropped my beautiful bride off at the door and parked her car. Catching up with her in the lobby, we picked up our tickets and easily found our seat. This hall is awesome! If you haven't had a chance to see anyone perform at this wonderful hall, please take some time off and head to Fort Worth. You won't be disappointed.

As we were listening to the symphony first, I was so amazed at the sound in the Bass. We were in the fifth balcony and heard every musical instrument great! Makes up for the stuff you put up with at work to be able to enjoy the finer things of life. After the intermission, Wynonna came on stage! And wow! She can sing! Not only, country, but jazz, rock, christian, etc. Her range was phenomenal. She is so inspiring, innovative, and imaginative. After her performance of "I can only Imagine," the whole house was in tears. She really is an awesome person, with such a down home feeling.

After the concert ended, we meandered around the hall, checking things out and taking pics. Finally, we finally ended up outside the hall and noticed a long line starting outside on the sidewalk. I told Rhonda, they must be waiting for Wynona to exit, so, naturally we waited. After about 10 minutes, Wynonna came out and she was so friendly with everyone. She probably took around fifty shots of photographs with her fans. And, yes, Rhonda was able to get a snapshot with her. Really made her day.

After the concert, we headed to the mall for some shopping and afterwards to TGI Friday's for some appetizers and dessert. This was a wonderful experience and a really awesome day. Just the two of us, enjoying each other. Life just can't get any better!!!

Rhonda's New HHR

Well, Rhonda's '92 Cady finally hit the dust. To her dismay, we had to finally look for something else. She loved that car, with the boulevard ride and great handling, just didn't want to give it up; however, she knew it was time. I had looking for awhile; nevertheless, she had to be happy with her new car. So off in the car lots we go. First to Archer City and found a really good deal on a brand new '08 HHR; however, just didn't quite cut the mustard. So, here we travel down the Texas roads to Henrietta. I thought we would surely find the best deal at Four Stars; nevertheless, to my dismay we were off again to another dealership. I thought well, we'll try Wichita Falls Herb Easley Chevrolet. Again, no deal. Well, what should we do? I thought maybe, Dallas/Fort Worth; however, it was just too late in the day for that trip and we really needed a new car. Voila! I would try Aubrey Chevrolet in Lawton. We found the perfect HHR for her. The just perfect Cardinal red HHR with all the bells and whistles! And the deal was perfect. Better than we had found anywhere else. They treated us great and Rhonda was very excited. This was her first brand new car. We had other brand new cars; however, since I had to drive from Vernon to Wichita Falls to work, it made more cents for me to have the newer car. So, you can see how my beautiful bride was so excited. Off in the wild blue yonder in Rhonda's HHR!! Wow!