Saturday, August 29, 2009

Bulldog Stadium Is AMAZING!

Last night, William, Brianne and I met Tim at the new Bulldog stadium to watch the first 2009 WHS game against LaMarque.

The stadium is gorgeous. The field is a tribute to 'AstroTurf' beauty.

Check out this link to see pictures.

The stadium was packed with Bulldog fans last night. We had to park in the grass and we were 30 minutes early!

The scoreboard has the capability to show instant replays and throughout the night, played several clips of area achievements as well as neat computer graphics designed by WHS students.

The Waller administration put on quite a show for the grand opening. There were fireworks before, during and after the game. The missing man formation was flown overhead just before kick off. And that doesn't even include the huge tailgating party that I didn't attend.

I guess I will get to know Will's librarian throughout the course of this season as her reserved seat is right next to mine. (If you happen to see a clip of a game this season we are in the maroon section about five rows from the top and to the left. Great view!)

Will is counting down the years until he gets to play on the 'Big Field'. How exciting will that be?

Friday, August 28, 2009

Are You Ready For Some Football? (Pictures That Is!)

Thursday afternoon was Will's first game as a Freshman Bulldog. I took this picture before the first snap of his first high school game. This year he is proudly wearing #12. If you cannot see his number in some of the pictures, just look for the white cleats. He is one of only three boys who chose white instead of the standard black cleats.

And now...for the kick-off return... (Will is second from the left.)
This year he is playing both defense and offense, as well as special teams.

Here's a picture of him blocking...

...and this was his second sack of the game.

Brianne snapped this picture during one of his few breaks, and I thought it turned out pretty cool looking.

I think he played all but about 10 plays in this game against Conroe.

And here are a couple of pictures of him on the line. (I try not to post pictures that show close ups of the faces of any of the other players, but it is hard at times.)
When the buzzer sounded the score was Bulldogs 0 - Cavaliers 7.
Will had four sacks, several blocks, tackles and assists.

Good game, Will!
Go Bulldogs!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

On The Road Again

I mentioned in yesterday's post that Tuesday evening flew by for us...and this is why.

Meagan, Derrick and Davin came by to show us their 'new' car! Meagan has had her car since she was a single urbanite. Of course, most single girls want to drive a sporty car and her Scion tc was just the ticket. Then came Davin and baby seats...and the two door, sporty car was losing some of it's appeal.
She and Derrick decided to get a crossover-utility vehicle so that the family would have a little more room. They found a great Ford Edge on Monday night and sealed the deal on Tuesday.
Even though we are quite excited for them, the new car excited our household even more because...
(Cue Willie on the iPod..."On the road again, I just can't wait to get on the road again!)
Brianne is buying the Scion!
If you remember, she totaled her Maxima in February of 2008. She has been driving our Suburban since then. (First to school, and now to work.) This was just what she needed, as the gas expense on the Suburban has been eating her lunch. Sometimes quite literally!
Meagan fulfilled her teasing older sibling role by sending Brianne a text message saying that she didn't get the car after all. So, Brianne was very surprised when they drove in the driveway with two cars.
Ahhh...the joys of having older siblings who pass things down. Even if you do have to make monthly payments!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

What's On My Nightstand: August

What's On Your Nightstand

I missed the 5 Minutes For Books carnival yesterday. I had planned to post but my day just got away from me and the evening went by even faster. Better late than never, huh?

I managed to read 4 books last month:
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier; it was voted the Best Novel of the Century by a Mystery Writers Convention and I wouldn't argue with that title. It was filled with vivid descriptions and made me think about my own struggle with insecurity. (I don't really write "reviews" of books, but sometimes record what they cause me to think on or examine in my own life.)

The Beach House by Jane Green; it was a quick and fun read that kept me turning the pages. Even though most of the plot was very predictable, the author did such a good job of introducing the characters that you enjoyed spending time with them. Believable? No Enjoyable? Yes, it was a nice escape. As one of the characters says at the end of the book, "To new beginnings and happy endings"...that is exactly what the book is about.

1st To Die by James Patterson; his first in the Women's Murder Club series. This book was a page turner for sure. And the plot twist at the end was pretty good. (Not The Thirteenth Tale good, but satisfactory.) Having said that, I don't think I will read the rest of the series. The murders, though not overtly graphic, were disturbing in their descriptions and I, personally, have a hard time with it. (That's is why I do not watch Law & Order: SUV)

Sisterchicks Go Brit by Robin Jones Gunn; this book reminded me a lot of our Grandmas Gone Wild trip to New York in 2008. Two friends go to England on the trip of a lifetime and enjoy some great surprises along the way. I couldn't help but compare it to our 'snow day' surprise in Central Park and how something so unplanned (who can plan the first real snow of the year?) was our favorite part of the whole trip. My favorite quote, "...do you know what the dearest kindness is that a woman can offer herself in the autumn of her years?...It is the gift of giving herself permission to take risks." Amen!

These are still on my nightstand:
The Centurion's Wife - it might be there forever!

Where Are You Now? - I will probably be picking this up in the next week or so to get myself back into the NY vibe. Oh, I didn't tell you? I have been given the opportunity for another visit to the Big Apple! I am so excited!

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - If I don't get to this one by Thanksgiving, it will be my deer stand companion. We get to go home for the WHOLE week this year! Yoohoo!

The Secret Life of Bees - I am thinking of putting this one in my car to read while waiting for Will to finish football practice or to take with me into waiting rooms. It looks like a quick read. (I got this idea from a post by Laura at Laura's Imperfect Blog.)

And I added only one book this past month, which I am currently reading:
Idols Of The Heart by Elise Fitzpatrick; this one caught my eye while I was ordering the classic Hitchcock interpretation of Rebecca on dvd. The subtitle Learning To Long For God Alone piqued my interest. This is a nonfiction (Spiritual Growth) that I am taking in small bites, so it will be sitting here for a little while.

I have started keeping a reading journal to help me remember what I have read as well as to record thoughts, quotes, etc. that may not make it to the blog. (Some are too personal and others are too boring! Ha!)

If you get a chance, head over to 5 Minutes for Books and see what others are reading. You can find great ideas, I know I did!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Where Did The Time Go


Dear Will,

I am not sure how this has happened...but today you started HIGH SCHOOL! I mean, I know that you have been taller than me for the past year and a half...and every time I see you out of the corner of my eye, I think you are your dad or Brian. I know that your voice has changed from that of my little boy to the deep sound of a young man.

But somewhere in my mind you are still that little man that accompanied me everywhere and never, ever met a stranger. I see the three year old you, sitting with me in the restaurant after Bible study while people asked why you weren't in school for lunch. I think of the elementary student who befriended the crossing guard (Mr. Eddie) so well that he would lend you lunch money when you forgot to grab it from the table before leaving home.

Somewhere between the proms and graduations of your siblings, the weddings and the baby showers for your two older sisters...somewhere along the way, you grew up. Now you are my only "baby" left in school.

I am celebrating this new era of your life...but a little sad about the times that have come and gone. So, go get 'em, Will! Seize the days that lay ahead, they will always hold a special place in your heart. Believe it or not, you will barely turn around and graduation day will be upon you...so study hard, play hard and keep your head on straight. Only four years to go!

Love always,
Mom

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Growing Old Before Your Time

I received an email from my cousin yesterday listing 45 life lessons from a 90 year old woman named Regina Brett. The list was not only touching, but something worth remembering...so, I decided I would post a link to the article here on the blog to share with all of you.

Well, was I ever surprised to learn that it was a reprint of her '45 Life Lessons And 5 To Grow On' that was published the week of her 50th birthday in 2006! Since it only took me four days to age a year in July (according to my own incorrect math equation), I had to laugh that she was aging as fast as me!

So, if you have a chance take a look at Regina's article that was published in Cleveland's Plain Dealer May 28, 2006. It is worth your time!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Ponderings

"For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God...For the Lord your God is a merciful God, He will not abandon you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which He confirmed to them by oath." Deuteronomy 4:24, 31

"...(Moses) called God both "a consuming fire" and "a merciful God". How could both of these things be true?...When God's people turned against Him and His commands, His anger and judgment were fierce. But when His people recognized the errors of their ways, repented, and returned to God in sincerity and submission, His grace and forgiveness knew no limits."
Quote from 101 Most Powerful Verses in the Bible by Steve and Lois Rabey

ponder: to think or consider, especially quietly, soberly and deeply

Saturday, August 15, 2009

A List Is The Only Way I Can Cover It All

1. Last Saturday night I attended the George Strait concert with Robin and her friends. Killer 11th row seats, Blake Shelton, Sugarland and the King of Country Music all with a dear friend...priceless!

2. Last Sunday I had a quiet afternoon while the boys were ALL at the golf course. Bri and I were able to order a chick flick without listening to all the groans...well, that is until they came home at the end of it!

3. Football practice was in full swing last week...early mornings on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday...late afternoons on Thursday and Friday.

4. Tuesday after football practice, Will and I spent the afternoon back to school shopping. Yeah, I know tax free weekend is coming up...but I would rather pay the taxes in order to avoid the crowds!

5. Wednesday we had the whole family over to celebrate Jim's birthday...grand babies everywhere! We had a great time with family and friends eating delicious smoked rib eyes. After visiting around the table for a while, we popped in a dvd that he got from Will and finally fell into bed around 1:00 am. Those little ones sure can party!

6. Thursday I picked up Will from football practice and headed straight to 'Freshman Orientation Night'. Information for me, the opportunity for him to find his classrooms before the first day of school...overall a winning combination.

7. Friday we had to leave work early because we were having the carpets cleaned and the floors refinished. I met Bri and Meagan for lunch, I went to WalMart while Bri picked up Davin's stuff for the weekend. He is here until Sunday while Momma and Daddy are visiting Aunt Dori in Dallas.

8. Will's first scrimmage was at 10 am this morning. We started out at the wrong game (we were watching JV not knowing that Freshmen were playing two practice fields away) but finally made it over to watch him run two plays before hurting his wrist while sacking the quarterback. Oh well, another scrimmage next week!

So, now you know that even though the blog has been quiet for the past week...life at the Goode's has been pretty busy!

I have a love/hate relationship with the end of summer. I love getting back into a rhythm, it just takes me awhile to find it!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Look Out Here Comes Trouble

...with his faithful sidekick, Pib.Don't they look like quite the Dynamic Duo?
It makes me wonder what they have planned for Davin's next visit.
And, in case you haven't visited Kelli's blog this week...check out this link to see pictures of my 'Little Alcatraz Inmates'!
Nonna can hardly wait until Wednesday night when the whole family gets together to celebrate Jim's birthday! I will have three sets of cheeks to kiss on!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Cowboys, Cowboys...And A Weekend of Bull(s)

As I mentioned on Sunday, Jim and I spent this past weekend in San Antonio with friends. We were there to watch the Professional Bull Riders at the AT&T Center.

We arrived on Friday evening and spent some time on the Riverwalk. I thought we were in a recession, but you sure couldn't tell it by the mass of humanity that crowded the walkways! Jim has not been a fan of San Antonio since he did work out there years ago...but I think the Riverwalk may have changed his mind. San Antonio is well suited for walking to dinner and entertainment from your hotel room.

After dinner at Cafe Ole (with Mariachi's to boot), we headed over to Durty Nelly's Pub. They had a piano bar atmosphere complete with Irish and Texas sing-alongs. It was a blast! I blew Jim's mind when I sang along to every word of "You Never Even Call Me By My Name" by David Allen Coe. He looked at Robin and said, "I don't even know her." ha! I do still have a few mysteries left after all these years.

Saturday morning we went to Tacos, Tacos for breakfast. Albert had seen it on the Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives' with Guy Fieri. The sign out front proclaimed this little hole in the wall restaurant to serve "The World's Best Tacos". That is setting the bar rather high if you ask me. I am afraid that it didn't quite meet it's expectations...but it was good.

After breakfast we headed out to the Boots and Hat Outlet to pick up some jeans for Jim. (I had purchased some before we left town, but I picked up the wrong style. Oops!) We chose Boots and Hat Outlet because they were having an autograph session with Guilherme Marchi and Robson Palermo. We had already met Palermo at the hotel as we were leaving for breakfast and had a picture made with him...but Stacy wanted to get Guilherme's autograph as well.

We then headed back to the hotel to get ready for the Built Ford Tough Series of the PBR. Upon arriving at the arena, we had pictures made with Wiley Peterson and a few other cowboys before the event began. I was so impressed with how accessible these cowboys are to their fans. I was also impressed with how polite most of the fans were, not only with the cowboys, but also with each other.

We watched an exciting night of bull riding...even though the bulls won that evening. Afterwards we went down to the arena (thanks to having PBR fan club members as friends) and had pictures made with several of the bull riders while Stacy got lots of autographs. Then we hung out at the hotel and retired for the evening. I knew that Sunday would be a busy day.

(Jim and I in our TERRIFIC seats...right in amongst the action!)

Sunday we had to be at the arena earlier than on Saturday. We had breakfast at the hotel and us girls got ready while the boys ran an errand. Sunday's event turned into a real thriller. The good kind...and the bad kind. Stacy was on national television as the Pizza Hut Fan of the Night with her favorite bull rider J B Mauney. (that was the good thrill) But one of the bull riders we had our picture made with the night before, Matt Bohan, was carried out of the arena on a stretcher. It wasn't until Monday evening that we found out he was going to be okay. (that was the bad kind) (Stacy, Albert, Jim and myself...Robin is taking the picture.)
(Jim's favorites of the weekend...Cody Lambert's horse , in the background, and Flint, the greatest entertainer in the world.)
Before the event, we met McKennon Wimberly (again) and had our pictures made. He was such a sweetheart. So polite...and my only autograph of the weekend. (I am not a autograph hound.) Jim gave me a hard time about having pictures made with all the cowboys...
...so he and Albert had their picture made with Leah Garcia. Look at these cowboys! I am rather partial to the one on the left myself!

After the bull riding, we went to Midnight Rodeo and did a little dancing. The place was so quiet! They said it was hopping on Friday and Saturday night...but there were only a hand full of people there. But we had fun on our own anyway!

Monday, we stopped for breakfast at Mi Tierra and then headed home.

It was a good weekend, filled with fun, food, friends and cowboys!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

A Novel & A Lesson In Insecurity

"Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

According to the back jacket, the book is the winner of the Anthony Award for 'Best Novel Of The Century'. That seems like pretty high praise if you ask me. I picked this up for the Classics Bookclub over at 5 Minutes for Books, which is going on today.

As I noted in last Tuesday's post, I had a little bit of difficulty getting into the book. I think it was switching gears from the contemporary novels I had been reading and adjusting to a time where manners and customs were so different from how we now live. It didn't take long, though, for me to be swept up in the vivid descriptions of life at Manderly.

I could almost taste the crumpets that were served with tea in the library every afternoon at 4:30 sharp. Almost smell the roses in the rose garden below the bedroom window. Almost hear the waves crashing on the rocks just beyond the west wing windows. Almost envision the beauty of the azaleas dripping with raindrops in the Happy Valley. Almost feel the presence of Manderly's former mistress, from whom the novel derives its name.

Most of all though, I found myself swept up in the insecurities of the novel's heroine, who is never called by name. As she described her fears of not living up to her predecessor's beauty and charm, I could vividly recall being newly married and my own fears of not meeting expectations. As she met new people and felt them judging her shyness in comparison to Rebecca's instant likability, I remembered the fear of rejection that sometimes takes over my thoughts when I begin a new endeavor (relationship, position, etc.)

I wanted to wrap my arms around her shoulders and tell her to quit comparing herself to a ghost, to stop trying to please people that would never be pleased, to speak up for herself and to take ownership of her new position as mistress of Manderly. I thought about how differently we look at things when we are 45 than when we were 20.

Or do we?

You see, I did something last week that I swore I would not do. I joined Facebook. It is hard to explain why I was so set against it. I guess I just thought that it was something for the kids and I didn't want to appear to be reliving my youth. Then, week before last, there were a couple of things that occurred in our extended family back in Arkansas. Things that I would still not know about, except that my kids read about it on Facebook. So...I decided to sign up. Within seconds of creating a password, I was bombarded with all kinds of information regarding family and friends.

The next day there were even more 'Friend Requests' and messages. My daughter (Kelli) was sending me pictures to put up for my profile. I was getting messages from a cousin I had not seen in over 25 years. Messages from people I ministered with years ago but had not seen in 10 years. Messages from people that I see on a regular basis...and people that I see daily. My whole life washed over me like a wild, crashing wave.

I found myself trying to be what each of those people expected me to be. I found myself worrying about what someone from the church we attended 10 years ago would think about me going to the PBR for the weekend and possibly seeing a picture of me with a drink. I wondered what my cousin, whom I hadn't seen since we were young adults, would think of my physical appearance. I worried that the guys who work for us might see me online late on a work night (of course, that would mean they were on too, huh?). I worried that my children might feel stifled on their Facebook pages since I was now there. I worried...and I worried...and I even found myself asking the question "who am I anyway?"

I was having an identity crisis. I had fallen into the old insecurities...again!

Then last night, I read:
I wondered how many people there were in the world who suffered, and continued to suffer, because they could not break out from their own web of shyness and reserve, and in their blindness and folly built up a great distorted wall in front of them that hid the truth. This was what I had done. I had built up false pictures in my mind and sat before them. I had never had the courage to demand the truth. Had I made one step forward out of my own shyness Maxim would have told me these things four months, five months ago.

How many false pictures have I built up?
How many have I sat before and thought to be the truth?
How many distorted walls have hid the truth only because I have been too uncomfortable to look around the corner?
How many times have I looked back, after discovering the truth, and seen that no one was judging me...it was just me judging myself by some unreal standard?
How much had I suffered because of my own insecurities?
When would I stop, make that one step, and find the truth?

Maybe today!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Howdy, From San Antonio


Jim and I are here with friends for the Professional Bull Riding. We are having a wonderful time. The cowboys and bulls put on quite a show last night (the bulls came out on top)...and we are looking forward to tonight's finals.

The hotel is crawling with cowboys and Cowboys fans (as in the Dallas football kind). It appears the Dallas Cowboys are in town for training camp. I have never seen so much blue and white in one place in my life!

I prefer the cowboys walking around in hats and boots myself (they are much friendlier)...but then Jim and I are both devout Houston Texans fans. Plus, you don't have to pay the ones that ride the bulls for their autographs. The Dallas ones charge $10 just to take your picture with them, and that is with your own camera! The PBR guys get FINED $500 if they DON'T come out and do FREE autographs and pictures after the performance! (And they get paid much less per performance, go figure.)

I didn't bring my camera but I will try to get a few pictures from Stacy and Robin to put up next week.

Hope ya'll are having an exciting weekend with good friends...or planning one real soon!
Love,
Fonda