Thursday School..........

If you’re from Terry County or a neighboring town, the words “Thursday School” will bring a smile to your face. And not just because it gives you 2 ½ hour vacation, er, departure from your 3 or 4-year old. Thursday School has such a history, legacy, and prideful accomplishment to all those who have attended or helped teach it. Held at the Brownfield Church of Christ, Thursday School teaches little ones simple colors, simple math, and simple manners. All of which are needed, in no particular order, as they will embark on more demanding schooling in the coming years. My kid, the older one whom we call several names, but registered in Thursday School as “Ryder Day”, graduated last Thursday. He was the second generation in our family to do so, as Rusty was one of the first classes almost 30 years ago. During graduation last week, Bob Reynolds, whose name will also bring a smile to your face, asked how many people in the audience attended Thursday School when they were younger. Half the congregation, uh, crowd I mean, stood up. It was so cool. It was great that so many people who had been through the program still live in the area, and have so much appreciation for what it teaches & represents that they wanted their kids to experience it as well.

 

 

Ryder made several new friends…and several acquaintances whose mother’s will caution away from him down the road, no doubt. He brought home a paper sack full of crafts & activities each week, and I was amazed at the detail and attention paid to every little deed. Those ladies have it going on. I can barely keep him responsive through a meal. Throughout the year I saw him grow & change, and I want to thank all of those involved with the Thursday School program, and all those who take the time each week to bring their little one to Brownfield. We’re so lucky to have individuals who volunteer their time & talents to our kids. They don’t get paid with anything besides a hug, but to them a hug from a 3-year old is plenty.

 

 

At the end of graduation day, well, it was just the end of another day. He’s four, remember? But I have no doubt he’ll look back with fondness, just like his dad and the hundreds of kids over the past 30 years, and the words “Thursday School” will bring a smile to his face.

T-ball's Top Ten..............

My Monday night in Meadow this week meant T-ball night. It may only be my second game to attend, but there are a few things I have already learned.........................

 #1 - You must have an abundant supply of goldfish and cheerios on hand.

#2 - First base must always be slid into. Always.

 #3 - Even if you did not see it. Lie and say you did. Because you will be asked. 

 #4 - Everything tastes better with a little dirt on it. 

#5 - There is a definate signal that goes off when you run out of goldfish/cheerios. 

 #6 - Every now and then the athletic ability looks promising.

#7 - And......sometimes not so much.

#8 - It may just not seem worth the effort.

# 9 - But then you will be reminded by your (mega-competitive) mother,

it is ALWAYS worth the effort.

  

 #10 - Everyone is happier when Pappa is around. This actually applies to all situations. Not just T-ball.

Marvelous Mommas

I got to celebrate Mother’s Day with some amazing women this weekend. I went with my super special Momma to pick up her super special Momma and then her super special Momma. That’s right, four generations of us chatting and laughing over blueberry pancakes.

After breakfast, we did some shopping at the Farmer’s Market where Mom is going to rock this summer with all her produce, flowers, eggs, and so much more. Her mind overflowed with ideas as she scoped out the booths. So if you’re in Midland this summer check her out downtown. Once her garden starts making, she’ll be giving HEB a run for their money.

Sunday we got to celebrate with Dad’s super special Momma and her super special Momma. We met up after church at the same Mexican food restaurant we’ve been going to for several years now, and the sweet lady that owns it brought Mamaw a long stem rose. We had two huge tables full of family, with Mamaw, the cause of all of us, sitting at the head.

Lots of wonderful Momma’s in my family. Pretty sure they rock my world.

Smoke'n Seniors..........

Last night we went and watched a nail-biting, edge of your seat, thrilling T-ball game. I tell you, if they would just move first base to the pitcher’s mound, then the Raptors would be some kind of good. Not that they didn’t eventually find first base, each just had to run straight towards the pitcher after batting and  before swaying back over towards first. And sliding seems to be a necessity. Even if the ball is over by third and being dog-piled by eight four-year-olds….you better still slide into first, just to be safe.

I’m telling you… if you need a smile, just go to a T-ball game.

Ryder did hit two homeruns! Ok, so maybe he was just last in the line-up to bat and got to run the bases out, but same thing. Riggin wasn’t that into T-ball. We wouldn’t let him eat any of the dirt, he couldn’t get on the other side of the chain link fence, and any food on the ground was apparently not allowed to go in his mouth. Yah, he couldn’t grasp how any of it was ‘fun’.

What has been fun, however, is me and Katie getting to photograph some amazing Seniors. From cows to trucks, to tractors and bright colors, we tried to capture their personalities with every shot. As I said, they are all amazing, so hopefully we caught a little of that as well.

Here we go again.....

 

So it has been another whirlwind week, which is awesome. We had some friends from around Houston up for the weekend. Went to a cow sale, watched the sand blow, and had an awesome chef at the Japanese steak house. That really makes all the difference in the world. You know, the chef. I mean if they can crack jokes without cracking that egg spinning on their spatula, then go ahead and double the tip. Believe me, you’ll know it’s worth it if you ever have the unfortunate luck of experiencing one that’s a dud.

At the cow sale we saw some good friends, great cows, and didn’t buy anything that couldn’t fit in a semen tank. We were in my car, so that’s about all we could handle. Got a good visit in anyway. Probably the best way to visit is on a road trip. No distractions and close confinement, made for a good time.

My sister, you know, the one with those cutie pies, did have to rub it in my face that she was close enough to Miranda Lambert to smell her perfume. After several picture texts I turned my phone off. Plus she was at the concert with some of the most amazing and fun women in the world. Ok, enough about that. I am turning green.

Speaking of green. Let’s hope my thumb is a little more that shade than it was last year. Brandon got my Pop’s tiller running and tilled me up a garden which we got situated Tuesday night when I got in from Lubbock. Corn, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon. Yum, yum!! Let’s just hope it comes up and the little bunny rabbits I have been enjoying in my yard and all around our place stay out. I got my 22 from Dad last night just in case they don’t……… and I just realized how red-neck I sound, so I’ll stop now.

(our little garden, and no, Brandon did not till all that up in the back, in case you have

never met Brandon and thought he might have)

By the way, I did get my Monday night with my favorite boys and sis in there somewhere. We went on an adventure that started out with Riggin riding in the wagon and Ryder leading the way, and ended with me carrying Riggin and pulling Ryder in the wagon full of treasures. Next time we may not veer to such far off lands as the bull pens.

 

Dirty and snotty nosed. Do little boys come any other way?



Not sure what these are called exactly, but apparently they are the coolest things ever.
And we made it all the way to the next morning without losing any of them.