First Day of Autumn

Summer is over--at least as far as the seasons go. The days are still very warm here in South Texas...but the cooler nights do suggest that fall just might be around the next corner.

As fall approaches I am eagerly anticipating our upcoming fall vacation. I am hoping to see colors so vibrant and abundant back in the Ozarks that I have missed for 10 years. I do love Texas, but every fall I long for the wonderful colors I was accustomed to seeing back home. I look forward with excitement to seeing some of my favorite places bathed in oranges, reds, yellows.

I can't wait to see this place, one of my favorite places in the Ozarks, alive with bright colors!

My First Glimpse of Our Grandbaby

I had the privilege of going with Heather to her first sonogram today. I was touched to have been asked to go. The technician pointed to a screen on the wall where I could view the images of the sonagram or she said I could just look at her screen over her shoulder. I found myself glancing back and forth between the two, and over to watch Heather's face as she watched as well.

As I watched the screen a tiny image appeared within a dark space. I expected the image to appear more kidney-bean shaped or alien in appearance but instead what I saw made my eyes fill with tears. Heather and I both exclaimed "awwww...." in unison as her baby filled the screen.

There on the screen appeared an image the shape of a tiny baby. I could make out the head, arms, legs and even the place where an ear will grow. The technician was able to see fingers and toes but those I could not see. Imagine my wonder as I watched and the baby woke and began to move. The arms were moving about and the legs were kicking! Oh wow I did not expect to see that! I was completely smitten with the images I was seeing on the screen. The baby quickly settled down again and the technician said it's already asleep again. Then its whole body seemed to jump at once, but only once. It was almost amusing to see and that we were told was a hiccup. Heather and I laughed together and another "awwww" moment.  Within seconds the baby was awake and moving again and the technician explained her/his hand movements were almost as if she/he was swiping at his/her face.

This is a day I want to brand forever in my memory. Today created even more excitement for the new baby that will soon arrive. The due date is near April 2, 2012. Oh the fun ahead as we plan and prepare for this tiny new addition to our family! Thank you Heather for sharing such a special sweet moment of your pregnancy!

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart;

Tubing the Comal

One summer activity our family enjoys is tubing along the Comal. It's usually very crowded but we enjoy it anyway. We always go with friends and we all float along together and chat as we let the water move us downriver. The water is pretty slow moving most of the way and it's very relaxing.

We decided weeks ago to take the day off work on Heather's birthday and go tubing. We thought it was likely not to be crowded and it's an activity we can all enjoy and is very inexpensive. As the day approached some things changed and Heather was scheduled to work late in the afternoon so we decided we'd still float and we'd make it an early float trip.

This early in Heather's pregnancy meant Heather woke feeling horrible, sick, and pretty irritable. We decided to go anyway in hopes her mood and morning sickness would improve.


Our wonderful friend Kendra was able to join us as well. She hesitated to join us, not wanting to intrude on family time. I told her she was silly, that she IS family. :)




Heather's boyfriend Phillip was able to join us as well. Although he's been tubing before this was his first trip on the Comal:


Kendra heading toward the first tube chute:



And away she goes!


My turn:




Heather was right behind me!



Marty chillin' on the river:




Heather and Kendra enjoying our relaxing morning:



Might have to replace my hat soon. It's getting pretty battered!



There were so few tubers on the river even the ducks were enjoying the water:

Majesty

Psalm 93

The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty;

the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength;

indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.

Your throne was established long ago;

you are from all eternity.

The seas have lifted up, LORD,

the seas have lifted up their voice;

the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea—

the LORD on high is mighty.

Your statutes, LORD, stand firm;

holiness adorns your house

for endless days.