Idaho Snow Days 2009

Well we made it to Idaho to see Janet's parents and family. Austin did great on the plane which was a blessing. It started snowing when we got here so we had to go play. Janet and her mom are excellent skiers and I hold my own on the snowboard. We had about a 1/2 foot of fresh powder today so boarding was a breeze but the skiing was a little more technical. Janet and her 19 week pregnant self did just fine though. Austin went on Grandma Elsie's back. I don't think he liked the cold wind in his face too much. He managed to get two runs in with us though! It's snowing now so I think we will go again tomorrow!

Austin is ONE!

It's hard to believe that our little leprechaun just turned one on St. Patrick's' Day. We had a great birthday. He wasn't too sure about the green iced cupcakes but he eventually did what all good one year old boys should do. Get Dirty! It was fun.

Austin, Janet and cousin Emma have journeyed with me to Norfolk, VA. I'm taking a trauma course for 2 days. Fun! Emma heads back to Texas tomorrow and then the 3 of us are heading out to Idaho to see Grandma and Grandpa. Austin is pretty darn active now so it should be loads of fun on the plane for several hours!

March 11, 2009

Well, I'm back in Texas. I got into town on Tuesday and will be here for a few days. Mom is slowly getting worse. She can't really communicate effectively anymore. She knows that she wants to say something to you but the only words that come out of her mouth are certain repetitious words and phrases. She gets very frustrated and agitated and she is requiring more and more sedatives to keep her comfortable. It's really sad.

Sometimes she will start talking out of the clear blue. When she does, she is often back in the classroom teaching the little children she loved so much. I remember how much mom loved her job as a teacher. She told me so many times that God had called her to be a teacher and to strive to be an example of Christ to the children in her class.

When they took prayer out of the classroom I don't think it phased mom one bit. She kept on having morning prayer with her public school kids day after day until she retired! She was so faithful to her calling. I wonder how many of her students were led to a faith in God because of her steadfast love, patience and obedience to the Lord? I know that she will soon hear the words of her Father that she loves so much saying, "Well done good and faithful servant." I am so blessed to have such a wonderful mother. I hope I can be as good of a parent to my children!