Michael's First Major League Baseball Game

Last night we went and watched the Texas Rangers play the LA Angels. It was Michael's first Major League Baseball game. Of course, I took a book to read. I think it really bothered the people around me that I was reading the book. One lady even showed me a picture of one of the players she thought was just "so cute" when he batted hoping I would become interested. Not so, and this guy got out almost everytime he was up. Then this security guy said he had to approve all reading materials in the ball park. He had never heard of my book, but he said as long as it wasn't a steamy romance novel it could stay. Anyways, lucky me, the game went into extra innings, so we were there until 11:45 pm. This seriously cut in on my 24 time. I was upset. We did get out of our nosebleed seats and went to sit behind home plate for the final inning. Turns out that was bad luck. The other team scored one run that inning, and the Rangers got nothing. So...game over.

Our view from the homerun porch.
Another shot. The jumbotron was over our head, so it was really strange. You heard everything and the whole stadium was staring at you, but you couldn't see the screen.
Our view from behind homeplate.
That is where we were originally. In that overhang thing under the jumbotron.

I Can't Think of a Catchy Title

Hello! Just a little update on what is going on in Texas. We are now officially addicted to 24 the TV series. We actually stayed up watching it until 1 AM last night. I know for some of you young people that is not too late, but we are old married people and normally go to bed at 9:30. Anyways...Jack Bauer is great! Thanks to Mrs. Betty who loaned us Season 1. We will be seeking out Season 2 soon! I can't believe there are 6 seasons...we have a lot of catching up to do before January. We probably wouldn't be able to watch it week to week. We would be terrible mad not knowing the ending.

We also went by Michael's new office today, and I got to meet some of the people he will be working with. They all seemed very nice and excited about Michael coming. One of the partners said they already had a lot for Michael to do and there would be some things he had never done before. He said they were going to challenge him a little! Michael is excited but a little nervous of course...He is going to be fantastic! Below is a picture of the office.

Tonight we are going to the movies to watch Get Smart. I will let you know what I think. I can already tell you that Hancock was a FANTASTIC movie. I am usually not really into the superhero, unrealistic type of movies...but this one is worth that 8 buck it takes to go to the movies these days. Anyways...the point of telling you that we are going to the movies is to tell you this: we are going to the Movie Tavern. Okay...apparently I haven't gotten out much in my life...but this place is a full service restaraunt in a theater. You literally eat dinner and watch the movie. AMAZING! I will let you know if it tastes good.

PLUS...I think Michael is planning some kind of surprise for our anniversary which is coming up in about a week and a half. Every time he gets on his computer he won't let me anywhere near him! He is so sweet! I can't wait to see what he has cooked up for us!

Love you all and miss you. E-mail me or drop a comment. I love hearing from people!

Everything is Bigger in Texas

The day I thought would never come has...and I don't yet know how I feel about it. We loaded up the U-Haul Monday, spent a few days at mom and dad's, and then drove to Texas on Thursday. Everything was hunkee doree until the family started leaving me. First Mr. Taz and Mrs. Betty left, and I cried. Then Mom, Dad, Stephen, and Ashley left the next morning (Sunday) and I boo-hooed. Thank goodness we went to church with Lauren and Kyle Sunday morning because that took my mind off of things for at least half the day. I spent the rest of the day on an emotional teeter-totter. I seriously think Michael was thinking "What on earth have I done marrying this insane woman!" But today was a new day and things are much better. I feel like I can at least navigate my way to the grocery store, gas station, Walgreens, and Target. What else do I need, right? I bet I have talked to Mom and Dad at least fifty times since they left, but it makes all of us feel better so why not!? The seminary is REALLY close. It only took us about 10 minutes to get there on a Sunday morning, so maybe 15 - 20 on a regular morning. It is all interstate so maybe not even that long. The apartment is getting pretty settled. Michael has laundry everywhere or I would take pictures to show you, but that will be for another day!

Please continue to pray for us as often as you think about us. Michael starts his job Monday, so I will be alone at the apt. all day. Pray for him as he begins his work...for a good atmosphere and co-workers. I am hoping to find some part-time work to fill my extra time until school starts. I hope to keep it up to earn a little extra money during school, so please pray that God would provide a workable job situation.

I love and miss you all. I guess I've been taking such wonderful friends and family for granted all these years! Hugs and kisses!

The "before"
The "after"
Welcome to Texas!

The Ketchum Half of Vacation

Here are some pictures from our vacation with the Ketchums. The beach was so much fun with the little ones. They really enjoyed digging in the sand!

Matthew and his Mommy.
Clara Beth working hard.
Matthew washing his hands...they must remain as clean as possible.
Uncle Michael and Clara Beth
Uncle Michael and Matthew

End of the Year Field Trip

The last week of school, my teacher friend, "Mrs. McComas" and I took our classes to MSU for a day of "college" classes. They went to Art, Music, and Science classes as well as met Bully and my dog, TJ, and played on the Drill Field.

A few of my kids and I with Bully. (Thanks Adam Shields!)
The kids and TJ...He was AMAZINGLY calm with the kids hanging all over him.
Science class. The cars are activated by the sound of the kids' voices and clapping. Lots of fun!
Our "funny" class picture. I miss them!

10 Days in Heaven

After school let out in May, Michael and I were lucky enough to spend 10 days in Destin, FL! How lucky are we! We spent the first half with my family and the second half with his! We had so much fun! Here are a few pics from our time with my family. I have some from the Ketchum family, but they are on Michael's computer at home. Hopefully I will post them later, but I'm making no promises. :)

The coolest grandkids ever!

Aren't they sweet?!?

Nanny and Pa! (Nanny just had a knee replacement last Friday, so if you could remember her in your prayers we would appreciate it.)

We got to play on this thing all day one day. There is a blob on the other side. Stephen (for those of you who don't know him, he is my rather "big" brother) would catapult us all off of it into the water!
Rock Wall. YES! I made it to the top not once, but twice!
Nanny and Pa with their children and children in law.
Mom said if she knew that books would keep us so quiet and occupied, she would have brought them years ago. I read 2.5 books while at the beach!

JOB!!

I don't have a lot of time because Michael is rushing me. We are at the MSU library, but I wanted to let everyone know that Michael has accepted a job in Weatherford, TX which is just outside of Fort Worth. So everything is in place for the big move in July. We really feel like this is where God wants him to be working. We are very excited!