Merry CHRISTmas

God bless you this CHRISTmas 2008!


We have talked with our sons Andy & Tyler today and what a blessing to have two of the greatest son's in the world! Andy will spend the day with the St. Louis Faasens', my brother Jim & Kathy's family. Tyler & Tracy tell us that Teya is now saying Dada. They will spend the day with Tracy's folks Greg & Elizabeth in Chicago. Teya is so cute in the Xmas suit that Barb Horne sent her. Thanks to Elizabeth for the attached picture card.


We have been pleasantly surprised with the arrival of Loli (Jenny's mom) here in south Texas Tuesday. She will spend the next several months with us here living in our RV. Jenny & Loli are now busy in the kitchen with Turkey, taters, pies. etc. Oh boy, almost time to tie on the feed-bag.

Now for the good news. We had a wonderful CHRISTmas eve communion service last night at Cornerstone and then some great food with family and friends.

It's 85* here and I think a nap at the pool this afternoon after some tennis in our future.

May God bless you and yours this season as you welcome Him into your home and heart.

Trip to Falcon Dam

Yesterday a group from our community (Tip-O-Texas) took a Motor Cycle trip west to Falcon Dam. Our round trip mileage was in the 200 range as we took some very cool back roads on the way out. We crossed the dam into Mexico to Nueva Ciudad Guerrero for lunch at La Fuente's. Very hot (85*+) and sunny all day. A great day riding with no problems!

Jenny crossing Falcon dam with the lake in the back ground.

Salt water fishing at Laguna Madre

I recently had my first salt water fishing trip to Laguna Madre with my buddy Larry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laguna_Madre

This was the maiden voyage of Larry's new salt water boat. We had a fun day and even brought home a few fish. Larry landed the big one which took about 25 minutes to land. Just north of 15lbs. The great thing about salt water is, you NEVER know what you will pull in. I caught a sting ray and Larry caught crabs. (ha,ha)

Cornerstone remodel

Jenny & I attend a really great church here in the Rio Grande Valley. check us out: http://www.cornerstonechurchrgv.com/
Over the past several weeks we have worked hard to take our facility and our relationship with the Lord to the next level. Well, Phase 1 is complete as we head into the CHRISTmas season and a great new series "CHRISTmas in HD".

Thanks to some very talented and hard working people. One aspect of the remodel was adding an arced stage, here are the before and after pictures:

BEFORE

AFTER

Biking Bentsen State Park

Bentsen State Park is a very cool park right on the Rio Grande River in Misson Texas. We recently had a nice group load up the bikes and after breakfast headed down to tour the park and visit the wildlife. You can check out the park at: http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/sites/mission/

We did see a lot of wildlife including this little friend. Also, the river is very high as Mexico has had floods recently.

OK, I've been busy!

Since returning to South Texas (McAllen) it has been very busy. (Where does the time go?) Let's catch up:

1. I headed up our first ever financial seminar at Cornerstone church. We had a great time and the attendance was about 65-70 folks. It was based on Crown Ministry with several practical next steps. We will be starting small groups and counseling in early 09.



2. Finished the banister and hand rail to our loft. (picture below) Just need to rework a stair tread and finish trim.



3. Jenny & I have been riding the bicycles as time permits. I completed my first ever time trial, 6.2 miles in 17:27min.



4. Been fishing with my good buddy Larry several times and had great fun! (Freezer full) Got this cool picture at Falcon Lake.



5. 5. Attended a web design course and made my first ever web site for Larry's fishing guide buddy: southtexasfishingguideservice.com/ Check it out.


6. Church has been awesome getting reconnected and working with the team. Last week we completed a MAJOR redesign of our worship center taking us to "the next level". Couldn't have done it without my good friend Larry and several others.


7. Pastor Loui is currently in a prayer series that is REALLY challenging: www.cornerstonechurchrgv.com/


8. We have completed our first Craft Fair luncheon and Jenny did a great job. She has a wonderful team!


9. Jenny and Kim traveled up and back to Austin in one day to pick up Chiquita (Jenny's lap rat) as Barb is moving to Galveston with FEMA and can't take her.

Thanksgiving week is upon us for some rest and catch up with friends.

Treking back to south Texas...

We have now been on the road several days heading to the TOT after visiting Jen's mom in Salem Missouri. We visited with the Chapmans in Dallas playing golf and dinner. Then off to Austin for dinner with Barb Horne. Here's Barb's new home on wheels. We had a lot of fun, but had to get out of Austin as the Hog fans invaded. Hookum Horns.
We are in San Antonio with Adam & Cheryl Jones now. Last night after installing a new ceiling fan we had a great dinner prepared by chef Adam. Today it's golf and then off to the valley arriving tonight. Can't wait to get home, see friends and get back to our home church Cornerstone. http://www.cornerstonechurchrgv.com/index.php?op=page&cmsid=1