State Fair!

We took the kids to the State Fair of Texas again this year. There was so much to see - and so much to eat! We had a great time, and most amazing was how unbelieveably well and cooperative the kids were! When we said we had to move on from a building or that we couldn't buy something or ride anything else, they took it in stride and moved forward. What a fabulous day that we all enjoyed!

Wes is dancing here - sorry it's sideways!

Happy Retirement Mom!

My dad, sister, and I threw Mom a retirement party during Hardin-Simmons Homecoming this past weekend. It originally was scheduled for this past May, Mother's Day weekend, but because of my grandmother's passing we chose to postpone it.

It turned out even better because of the extra time, and thankfully so! She deserved any extra special thing we could throw in there for all the dedicated, hard work she poured into her jobs at HSU.

I am so thankful to everyone who was able and took the time to come honor and celebrate all the achievements, through God's grace and will, of this extraordinary woman - my mom!

For ALL the pictures from the day, please visit this link:

Linda Carleton Retirement Party

Wow!

I can't believe it's Thursday again already! Although after the week I've had, that's what I should be thankful for today!!

Today I am thankful for God's faithfulness to me despite my cyclical devotion to Him. Yes, I'm always Christian. Yes, I do my best at following His Word (key words "do my best"). Yes, I am faithful to serve Him in church and in teaching my kids about Him.

But I am no where near as faithful to Him as He is to me. If I was, I'm pretty sure He would tire from waiting for me to get out of bed in the mornings to talk with Him before the kids wake up. I would imagine He would let me know how frustrating it is that I don't ask Him what He thinks about the family budget, my choices for "downtime," or what I plan on saying to discipline my 3 year old. I'm sure He would like me to tell the repairman, my neighbor, and my friend I've had for 5 years about Him if I could only get past what they would respond to me. But it's God's opinion who matters, and I am to be obedient and always faithful because of my love to Him for what He gave me through Christ Jesus.

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Psalm 18:2

LORD, You are my God;

I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name;

For You have worked wonders,

Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.

Is 25:1