You Know You Live In Texas When.......

I have been a little lonely since we returned from Arkansas. I thought it would be fun to think of some of the reasons it is great (or funny) to live in Texas. As I pondered, I can think of a few things that come to mind...like Scott's famous line while driving "just because you drive a big truck, doesn't mean you own the road buddy!" and when we got excited the other day when a opossum scampered across the front lawn and cut through the backyard, or like how thankful I am that it is only 90 degrees today. A couple of weeks ago Scott took me down to the Fort Worth Stockyards. I had never been. He hadn't been down there in years. That is over by the famous Billy Bob's Texas and Cattleman's Steakhouse. Almost every other store down there was either a saloon, a tattoo place, or body piercing shop of some sort. As we were leaving, we noticed the cops pulling up to this little hole in the wall bar with their lights flashing. The thought ran through my head of two drunkin' rednecks getting in a fight over some girl....haha like in the movies. Some parts of the Stockyards didn't look so bad, though, and I think we may go out to eat down there one of these days.

I found a few other funny things too and posted them for your enjoyment. Some of them I laughed so hard at because I find myself doing and saying some of the same things...like taking 15 minute to pick out a jar of salsa at the grocery store this week...well there's like 45 different kinds and those are just the locally made! And, I can totally attest to the two finger driving in the summer when the steering wheel is about 377 degrees! And, finally, I do have a regular client who does have a belt buckle that big! He used to be in the rodeos! I hope you will find this humorous, I sure did.....

1. You see more Texan flags than American flags.
2. You know someone who ate the 72 oz steak and got it for free.
3. You attend a formal event in your best clothes, your finest jewelry, and your Cowboy Boots.
4. You prefer Whataburger to McDonalds.
5. You've hung ornaments and tinsel on a tumbleweed and used it as a Christmas tree.
6. You're disappointed when a food doesn't come in spicy flavor.
7. You can tell a rock from an armadillo at 300 yards.
8. Your local grocery store sells cactus in the Fresh Produce department
9. You choose a brand of Mexican salsa with the same care that another might use to select a bottle of fine wine.
10. Onced and Twiced are good words.
11. It is not a shopping cart, it is a buggy.
12. Fixinto is one word.
13. Jeeet? is actually a phrase meaning Did you eat?
14. You measure distance in minutes.
15. You've had to switch from heat to A/C in the same day.
16. Stores don’t have bags; they have sacks.
17. You think sexy lingerie is a tee shirt and boxer shorts.
18. You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, Still summer, and Christmas.
19. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good chili weather.
20. A carbonated soft drink isn't a soda, cola, or pop .. its a Coke, regardless of brand or flavor.
21. The temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly...
22. You discover that in July, it takes only 2 fingers to drive your car...
23. You discover that you can get a sunburn through your car window...
24. You notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance...
25. Hot water now comes out of both taps...
26. You actually burn your hand opening the car door...
27. You break a sweat the instant you step outside... at 7:30 a.m.
28. You can drive all day and not leave the state
29. The town you live in is bigger than Rhode island
30. You panic when there is an inch of snow on the ground.
31. Four generations of the same family sit together in church worship.
32. You listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.
33. Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.
34. You have known someone who has had one belt buckle bigger than your fist.
35. No, there's no "vegetarian special" on the menu. Order steak. Or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham & turkey.

And a few more things I like about Texas....

Watching the Mavericks

And the Rangers

And the Cowboys

The Botanic Gardens in Fort Worth are lovely!

The Stock Show and Rodeo is fun....I think my client is in there somewhere, she rides the lead horse.

And the newly discovered Stock Yards

The Water Gardens in downtown Fort Worth.

that boy needs a record deal

My brother, Henry, taught himself to play guitar. He has been through several "phases" of music. Some I preferred more than others. I recall a band he had that played loud "music" (or should I just call it a bunch of screaming and yelling!?) He has settled on a much calmer style of blue grass these days, playing songs he has written and some other well known tunes. This song he wrote is called "Home". He wrote it after spending a season in Colorado working at the ski resort. He said it was a fun time, but it wasn't Home. He has a strong connection to Kansas.




This is true country when you are sitting on the front porch in the country in Arkansas listening to blue grass.

An Egle Family Weekend

We just returned home from a fun-filled weekend in Arkansas where we celebrated Grandma and Grandpa Egle's 80th birthdays. Everyone was there but Nathan who was in Wisconsin at a National Forensics Tournament. He sure was missed!

Scott and I headed out on Thursday after he got off work and we came back last night. We stayed with Heidi and Jacob at their new house that they had only been in for a week. I was VERY impressed with how she was able to be all unpacked and ready for company. Having moved a few times myself, I know it can get a little crazy. Sarah and Brady stayed at their house too, so it was a houseful.

Friday we hung out at the grandparents and then dinner at Lonnie and Anna's. They have a nice big house that would fit all 28 of us comfortably. There was Wii in one room, basketball games on t.v. in the upstairs room, wedding planning for Joanna, Guitar Hero, football (with minimal injuries), baseball, basketball, card games in the kitchen, and games on the lawn outside. A good time was had by all.

Saturday we fixed a big breakfast at Heidi's and then headed back to Lonnie and Anna's for more of the same and a barbeque for dinner.

Sunday we had church and a potluck at the church afterwards for more birthday celebrating! We finished with a program of piano by Mom and Daniel, cello and dancing by Rachel, Rose, and Rebekah Egle, Vocal and piano with Debbie and Laura Egle, guitar with Henry, a story with vocals from Donna Sawyer and a very special happy birthday sung by Andrew to great grandma and grandpa! What a talented family we have! We then headed back to Lonnie and Anna's for a relaxing afternoon.

Scott and I had planned to head out by 3:00 which turned into 4:00 then 5:00 and by 6:00 we were on the road! He had to be back at work today at 8:00am to open. We were sad to leave, but it was so fun to see everyone. We haven't all been together for a few years and there were a few that Scott hadn't even met yet.

Today I am just relaxing. I slept in while Scott had to be up early for work. I am getting him some lunch ready to take to him right now. I have to stock up on some groceries today and I am head to the gym as well. I was planning to get started on my next couple of classes today. I sent out for my books and they have all arrived, but I am still waiting on the two study guides and I can't start without those. I just got my grade for Cancer Prevention and Politics back in the mail yesterday! I got a 96 on my final...yeah! I hope that means an A in the class.

We don't have big plans for Memorial Day this evening, but I set out some hamburger meat to make some burgers for supper. Hope you all have great plans! We miss everyone!


Andrew and I are having fun outside. We watched Papa and Uncle Daniel play catch.


Uncle DeWayne, Grandpa, and Uncle Lonnie are playing Rook.


They got that head tilt thing down! Heidi, Aaron, Jacob and Laura


Andrew found a new friend in cousin Don.


Newly engaged Joanna and Jorge.


Lookin' cool in an over-sized Razorback hat!


"Papa, save me from Mia, she is licking me!"


Mom and Henry


Grandma and me.


Heidi, Sarah, and Brady relaxing on the porch swing.


Papa and Andrew sitting on the front porch.


At the program, Grandpa auctioned one of Grandma's cookbooks! I love it!


Hanging out playing cards and having snacks.


Sittin' on the front porch listening to a little blue grass from Henry....good times!


The Tankersley's...ahhh such a cute little family! Soon to be four in August.


Daniel, Andrew, Don, Benjamin, and Henry hanging out waiting for a potluck.


All the cousins (minus Nathan) and the grandparents.


A foosball tournament!


Uncle Scott playing trains with Andrew.


Ahhh! We're in jail!!!


Grandma, Debbie, Laura and Mom on the front porch swing.


Hang on for all your might Andrew!



Benjamin, Daniel, Rose and Andrew on the jungle gym.


Rose and me sitting in Grandpa's chair.

A Weekend Home

All the kids were in Kansas for the weekend. There were many festivities going on. All School's Day parade, Mother's Day, and an extended family gathering. Scott wasn't able to come with me because he had to work. He sure did wish he could have been there though. He told me last night that if they build a Vitamin Shoppe in Wichita that he would move there! I thought he was kidding, but he wasn't. He really enjoys spending time with my family. I think we have grown on him ;)

I got to see Dr. Jones yesterday before I headed out of town. She really zapped me this time. I needed it though. My scar still continues to bother me. She stuck me with about 5 needles in my right hand to stimulate the nerves. Scott noticed a difference before I even showed him last night. I am so grateful for her. I also had showed her a spot on my skin that has been there for quite a while. She said, "darling, you must go see a doctor about that", much to my dismay. So this afternoon I am headed to the dermatologist. I cringe at the thought of taking a medication for it, but my homeopathic remedies or cleansing and applying tea tree oil aren't doing the trick. I hope this isn't going to be a huge expense, we still do not have health insurance yet.

Andrew was there and has so much fun at Mama and Papa's house...or should I say Daniel's house. Andrew thinks Daniel is the bomb!
"Daniel, build a fort with me."
"Mama, is Daniel still sleeping?"
"Mama, Daniel's awake, Daniel's awake!"
If only Daniel knew what he was like at that age. I don't even really remember Daniel at that age...I was a sophomore in college! Andrew loves all of his uncles, but Daniel is GREAT!
What's wrong with taking a normal picture???


Andrew fell asleep in five seconds right before they were getting ready to leave. He was worn out!


Andrew and Uncle Daniel watching cartoons.


Adrienne and Clay with Heidi and Andrew. Andrew didn't understand why baby Clay couldn't come down and play with him.


Mama was reading a new book to Andrew.


My mother and I.


My mom and dad!


Andrew loves to play Nathan's drums!


Andrew loves mommy and daddy.


Uncle Henry and Andrew.


Papa and Andrew at the parade.

my mom the superhero and a blip on my BLOG

A tribute to my mother on Mother's Day!

My mom is a gourmet chef, a chauffeur, a counselor, a doctor, an artist, an author, a maid, a teacher, a seamstress, a secretary, a mediator, a graphic designer, a student. She is a mom, a grandmother, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a cousin, a niece and a friend. At present she amazingly is able to manage her family, household and acupuncture training with grace. She can have fifty six things going and still take time out to visit with me on the phone when I call for a petty problem. She is the kind of mother that tapes off the entire front porch with caution tape because a bird has nested in the wreath on her front door and heaven forbid if anything should happen to the precious eggs that were laid (unfortunately, I think my brothers and their friends unknowingly scared the mommy away :( She is the kind of mother that wants to make your favorite foods when you come home for a visit. She is the kind of mother who listens to everything and is very discerning. I have a lot to learn from my mother. I can say that at twenty seven...at seventeen, well that was a different story. Thanks, Mom, for being who you are. I love you!

My Other Life
Life is busy as a working, studying woman! After four years of not seriously studying...I have gotten on the ball. I have 16 courses to take in the next year. I had a lot to learn from the class I just completed on Cancer Prevention and Politics. I have decided to start taking two classes at a time. Tuesday I will order two new classes to begin studying. I have been approved for the second phase of my studies in Holistic Nutrition. It is really getting fun and very informative. I have been blogging on my professional site about things that I have been learning and things that I am interested in and studying in my "spare" time. Scott and I are always picking each others brains about one thing or another. He shares a lot of what he learns at work and I share what I learn in school. We were meant for each other, no doubt!

Check out my other blog at http://lifestylesfornaturalhealing.blogspot.com and my website is www.lifestylesfornaturalhealing.com.

plans and change

Today was so beautiful outside! It was easy to take advantage of the wonderful, sunny weather. This afternoon I took a walk about 8 blocks from our house to the TCU Barnes and Noble to finish up my class on Cancer Prevention and Politics....talk about some crazy stuff. Tomorrow I will finish my essay questions and send it off for grading. And, then on to the next class. It was a nice, peaceful walk to the bookstore. Just a bunch of TCUers studying for finals. The guys next to me where studying some kind of algebra mumble jumble! They seemed confused. I was confused just listening to them. Anyway, thank goodness I still have the day off tomorrow. I need to catch up on house work from being gone to Arkansas. I leave again for Kansas on Thursday. I am excited for the Mac All Schools Day festivities. Nathan will be marching in the high school band. Plus, I get to have an acupuncture appointment and a zero balancing treatment from my mom's friend. I am looking forward to some relaxing time with the family. So, now to the real deal of this blog.

My high school counselor once told me that she could tell I didn't deal with change very well. That was 10 years ago right around the time that Daniel came along. I have not forgotten her telling me that and I often wonder if she was right. If she was right, I wonder why some things in my life don't seem to stay constant. I have had a lot of change in my life. Growing up our family dynamics changed quite a bit ....about every six years until I was 18! I have moved six times and have had six different jobs in the past 3 years.

Some changes I planned out, such as changing colleges from Oklahoma Christian University to the University of Arkansas to secure graduating from an accredited Interior Design school (haha). Getting married took a lot of planning....eight months worth. Some changes were not planned. May 16th, 2002 was not in my plans. In fact that day changed the course of my life. That was the day I received 2nd and 3rd degree burns in a kitchen fire.

Scott loosing his job right before Christmas, that wasn't in our plans either. What is so fascinating to me is the part God plays in the plans we make and how things often don't turn out like we expect. Take my freak kitchen accident. I was one week into summer from my junior year. I ended up not going my senior year. Instead I took a job at Wal-Mart Corporate Office. Next thing I know I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in Holistic Nutrition and going to massage therapy school. Talk about something I didn't plan. And then there was Scott loosing his job in Arkansas after we had only been there for five months. That was surely not in MY plan. My plan would have been to raise my family close to my sister and live happily ever after....(again haha).

Funny how we make plans, huh? Plans for vacation, plans for a family, plans for our future, a plan for a job. I think the key is to plan to plan for change! I know we have learned a lot. Plans for change include being financially, spiritually, emotionally, and physically prepared. We just don't know what tomorrow will bring or if there will even be a tomorrow. I guess by now it has sunk in with me that life cannot be planned out to know every thing that will come into our path. I know that I would miss a lot of people (Nathan, Daniel and Andrew!) if our plans beat out God's plans though.

Tonight a couple of verses stand out on this subject that give me a peace beyond understanding.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

"For I know that plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11

Happy 10th Birthday Daniel!