CHRISTmas in Progresso

We spent Christmas in Progresso Mexico yesterday with 300 other winter Texans "Amigos de los Niños de México" bringing Christmas to 3,000 children.

The children were very thankful as were their parents.

This event was started in 1979 by Tina Pulido a local business women. See more at:

http://www.shop-progreso.com/los_amigos/index.html

Wood shop in full swing

Things are in full swing down here in south Texas and the wood shop is humming. I have spent the last couple of months on several church projects which have concluded very nicely.
Recently started a couple of projects that have been on the back burner. This segmented bowl was just completed and sent off to a very special aunt and uncle for Christmas. It is made of red oak & white maple. We have so many great wood workers here at the TIP that are happy to help in any way. Next up flower box, wine stoppers, a couple more bowls & a golf ball rack.

Trip to Chicago

Last week Jenny & I had the opportunity to travel to Chicago for a few days.
While there we spent time with the kids & Teya. Fun, Food & family - a very good time was had. Great break from the heat in South Texas.

Teya comes to STL

Teya came to St. Louis for a visit, oh yea she also brought Mom & Dad. (Tyler & Tracy) We had a full slate with ball games, trip to the zoo, Andy's B-Day party and tons of relatives to visit.

Here's Hollywood Teya with her cousin Allie.

Then there is always the swing. You know she loves it as she will shake her head no when you try to take her out.

She really likes her new quilt from Lolly.

Looks like girls day out.

Andy turned 30

Happy 30th B-Day to our son Andy.

Children are a blessing from the Lord & Andy fits this perfectly. He is a constant encouragement and truly a good soul.

We had a great party at Brent & Faith's place Saturday with family & friends. The rain let up and it was a terrific afternoon. THANKS to Brent & Faith for opening their home.

(See Photo album for more Pics)

RAGBRAI 2009

RAGBRAI ( The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) 2009 has come and gone. Jenny & I had fun reacquainting with friends, riding, eating & camping.



(Steve, Judy, Jenny & I)




Yes this was our home for the week. (Thanks Jud for the loan) One important RAGBRAI fact, take ear plugs - you will camp next to a busy train track every other night.











The towns & people of Iowa were great fun.


See photo album for complete picture set.

Jenny's First Quilt

My wonderful wife Jenny has completed her first quilt and as you might guess, it's for Teya. It is just beautiful and has much love and character. The cathedrial design is perfect and Teya really loves the small pictures and such. Special thanks to Aunt Willodean who got Jenny started and taught her while we were in Six Mile South Carolina. Also to Kim Sawatzky and her Mom who helped Jen finish and get the quilting done while we were in Iowa last week. You guys are the best.

Jen is already planning Quilt #2.

Teya's First B-Day

We traveled to Chicago for a wonderful time with family and friends. Jenny & I were joined by Andy on the trip.

Cake anyone?

Teya is such a happy little girl. She has learned to shake her head NO, especially when you try to take her out of the swing.

Tracy's family hosted a great picnic and party, THANKS. Aunt Penny & family are the best. You should see the picture album she created! I will publish a photo album soon.

Arrived in St. Louis

Arrived in St. Louis Friday after a great road trip thru the South Eastern US. (See prior posts) Great stops and much fun with family and friends.

Friday was a special day in another way: Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Hockey Finals. The stage was set as Pittsburg won game six at home and headed off to the Joe for game 7. Detroit hadn't loss at home and over powered in most home games. However, this was not to be the case in game 7. Detroit looked very flat and Flury in goal for the penguins was not to be beaten. Great game and the start of a new power house. Detroit played well and did a great job in the play offs, but Pittsburgh wore them down and prevailed. In my opinion Flury could have been the MVP, however Malkin proved to be invaluable as the selected MVP. Detroit will be back. Congrats to the Penguins, enjoy the cup!

Fun in South Carolina - part 2

Next we moved up state to visit Andrew & Willodean (Pictured with Gertrude)in Six Mile SC. It is such fun see them and catch up with the family happenings. They keep very busy with 4 gardens, cows, fish ponds, chickens and more. Looks like a good year.

Jenny enjoyed her fishing along with her partner David they fed us very well.

We were also blessed to catch up with cousins. My cousin Rita, husband Dean and their girls Tiffany and Amanda.

Cousin David with the girls.

Andy cutting hay, as I said he keeps very busy.I

Fun in South Carolina

Off to South Carolina for a visit with the Hamm side of the family. My mom was one of eleven children born near Newberry SC. We had a very nice time with my aunt Sarah & Carlos in Myrtle Beach. The Myrtle Beach State Park is very nice and right on the beach. Everyone should give it a try.

We then headed up to Newberry (no not Mayberry) to visit my aunt Gertrude, her son Ronnie & wife Andrea. Golfed at Newberry country club, dinner out and worked around the farm with Ronnie. Also was able to spend some time with my cousin Steve Bowers.

We took a ride over to visit my oldest aunt Frances out on Bush River Road.

Here's a picture of the old pharmacy in downtown Newberry were my mother worked around 1945. My dad rented the apartment above the pharmacy and worked as a salesmen at a local retailer. No doubt how they met.

Off to Key West

After a wonderful visit with Family we loaded up the scooter and headed off to the FL Keys. We departed Naples after breakfast at Joe's. Toured through the Everglades and arrived at Key Largo for the evening.

After miles & miles of viewing the beautiful blue/green water of the Keys & a wonderful lunch we arrived in Key West.

We enjoyed the sunsets, people watching & cool shops for a couple of days and then headed back north.

Family get-together in Naples

We headed south from Pensacola arriving in Naples FL for Mother's Day. Several folks flew in for the week. (See Pics below) Lots of fun, food (too much), laughing, beach, pool & biking.

The sunset's were just AMAZING.
David & Vicki

Jud (great family friend X-that he's family), Bob, David & Brent (Jen's brothers)

Vicki (sister in-law), well just being Vicki.

The pier in Naples. Loli, Jen, Sylvia (Jen's sister), Woody (Jen's dad), Craig & Karen (Jen's brother & wife) Our hosts for the week.

Matthew & Allison (Craig's great kids)

Navel Air Station Pensacola

We had a wonderful time visiting Al & Jane Head in Pensacola as they hosted us at the NAS where they volunteer. After a nice visit to the beach and a wonderful dinner we were on our way to Naples, FL. Enjoy the video.

Trip to Brazos Fellowship

Prior to departing the valley for the summer I had the privilege of visiting Brazos Fellowship (http://www.brazosfellowship.com)/ and spending time with some really great brothers: Loui Canchola, John Atkinson, Will Lewis, Shawn Parish & Company. The church is located in what was once a movie theater converted to sports bar. These guys have done a great job and it was a joy hearing their story and getting to know them. No doubt the place to be while in College Station.

Introduction to Christ

Recently received this video from a friend. Very cool and provoking. (And no he isn't Richard Pryor)

Romans 3:23 "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23 "The wages of sin is death"

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Eph 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: not as result of works, so that no one may boast."

Romans 10:8-9 "if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

SEEK HIM, He is not far off.

Final Wood shop project

As we got the motor home ready for the road and closed the house it was also time to finish out at the wood shop. After finishing the Miller table it was time to make Jenny's PEZ cabinet.

Larry helped with the doors and telling when I needed to sand more. All in all it turned out pretty good. Sure learn a lot on each project.

The cabinet holds about 200 PEZ, so now Jenny only has about 1,000 PEZ in storage under the house.

South Texas Fishing

What a great spring for fishing. As we prepared to depart south Texas and head north to see family and friends it seemed only right to take a pause and head out for a couple of fishing trips. It's always fun to be on the water and every trip is interesting when your out with Larry (Booth). Here's Jenny on Laguna Madre as we were salt water fishing. Also closed the season with a trip to Falcon Lake in Zapata to load the freezer with Catfish.

Dave, Vicki and Jud come to visit

As you might know David (Jen's brother) and Vicki were wed last year while visiting us here in South Texas. Jud and Jenny stood up for them and it was a wonderful time as they are truly matched souls.







Well they came back a few weeks ago and what a fun time we had. We jumped on the bikes for a trip to South Padre Island. Jud enjoyed Jen's scooter and David trailered the pumpkin down. And of course what would a trip be without a scooter break down? You guessed it, Dave broke a drive belt. The good news was it was under warranty and the local dealer got the job done the same day, saving the trip.








Next it was off to Mexico for a shopping trip to Progresso. The truck looked like Sanford & Son as they headed back north.



Loli, Jen & I had a wonderful time!