Bumpers...

So, back in the day I had the reputation for being a...not bad, but not so cautious driver. With my limited radius of driving these days, I can assertively say until Saturday night, that I had at least 16 months without a scratch (make that additional scratch). Late Saturday I decided that I MUST go to the H.E.B. for their $.79/lb grapes (how could I not go?). I was going to take Paul's car, but then I accidentally woke up Baby T who has been in a foul state of mind (lasting longer than normal mood swing) and decided to take him too - the result? As I pulled out of the garage, I landed on the grass, tried to correct and "rubbed" my front bumper against Paul's rear bumper. Normally this would not even warrant a mention, but my bumper ripped completely off the front of my car (why didn't I take a picture?). Superficial scratches on Paul's bumper were wiped away, but not my bumper...the whole thing ripped off like a looseleaf sheet of notebook paper torn from the safety of the three-ring binder. Has this happened to anyone else? I had to get a ride home from church (thanks again Tracy) and own up to a major boo-boo, to Bug (and the husband). It has now been repaired and although some might have thought a new bumper was in my future, they were able to slap that baby back on for only $72. I still have no grapes or tomatoes for that matter(shouldn't someone blog about this tomato-less society we're now forced to endure?).

Does Jesus look weird?

Bug proposed this question while getting ready for bed last night. I immediately donned the "stunned mullet" facial expression, a million thoughts go through my head beginning with is my four year old expressing disbelief in the Savior of All Mankind? Before I got wrapped up completely, I paused and asked the ever important question (to young and old alike), "what do you mean?". His response...

"You know, that he's always wearing a dress."

YES! That would definitely seem weird to a four year old boy! He knows! and I left it at that, until I told his Dad who immediately chastised me for not correcting him and immediately launched into a discussion explaining that it isn't a "dress", it's a "robe."

Just what have you been doing?

Well, among the many things you may be busy with this season of summer, we had the good fortune of having friends from far away come visit. Here's a little photo montage and a quick explanation.

Last week, my oldest friend, Merrilee flew into Killeen, TX for some work obligations. I happily packed up the kids to visit and along the way got a chance to take the first old MD crew peek at Kate McArthur and her darling sister, Addyson as they busily packed up their house to head for some greener pastures (anything is greener than Killeen)!!! Such a great family and we wish them well!

We met with Merrilee and drove straight to Austin to see the bats...yes, bats. "According to legend" (hahahha), the largest urban population of bats in North America reside under the Congress Ave bridge where they depart every evening around dusk in search of their food. If you visit me in H-town, I'll happily take you to visit there too. We also took a tour of the Texas State Capitol and a quick glimpse at the sprawling UT-Austin campus before heading onto Brenham for a fine tour of the Blue Bell factory (that's ice cream for those of you who may not have the luxury of Blue Bell), and samples of some delicious flavors. In case you wanted to know, it takes milk from 50,000 cows to make one days production of ice cream.

Upon our return, we met with another old friend, Jenn and her husband Ryan who drove down from Dallas. We had an 'adults only' dessert party at the Cheesecake Factory (starting to think this is an overpriced and underwhelming restaurant) and we enjoyed their company immensely! We spent Saturday at the Johnson Space Center (on the day of a launch BTW), and then to Kemah Bay/Boardwalk where it was mighty hot. I feel like that country singer, "bring on the rain..."! Jenn and Ryan had to take off for Dallas, but Merrilee and I were able to squeeze in one final Texas Town stop to "Remember the Alamo, according to legend" and drink some Riverwalk water. Yuck! We are sad they all had to return to their real lives and couldn't stay forever, but they are always welcome as are you fine readers & friends!