My ROCKET is Back & Ready to Launch!!

The Rocket Returns

Right-hander Roger Clemens has signed with the Houston Astros, returning to the hometown club for whom he has pitched the past two seasons.

Clemens, who will turn 44 in August, has a 344-172 record and seven Cy Young awards. Clemens pitched for the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic in March and still seemed to have the ability to perform at a high level.

Clemens rejoins a staff anchored by RHP Roy Oswalt and LHP Andy Pettitte as Houston pursues a return to the World Series. Clemens' first scheduled Major League start is Thursday, June 22 against the Minnesota Twins at Minute Maid Park.

YOO-HOO! I am so excited! I adore this man and his abilities! What a dream he is!

Critter fodder

Life is always throwing you a curve ball. Through it all you just press onward. Sometimes though there are things that happen, that make you feel pity or guilt or keep you up at night.

A few months ago my 37 yr old sister went through a nice two month stay at Jolimar. Family was called to raise the $24,000 price for treatment. Everyone was in prayer and hopes that this would prove a happy ending and a healthy way of life for her.

It lasted for two months and sad to say that things look worse than before she went into rehab. My mother is at odds with me because I do not feel the need to rescue/save her. Personally, I do not think there is a damn thing anyone can do at this point. If any of you have been through this and have any advice, please share it with me. I pray to God that she gets clean before anything bad happens to her. My Mom says it is like having cancer. I disagree, you do not have a choice with cancer.

On a more positive note: School has ended on a great note. I hope not to bore you too long but I must gloat just a wee bit! DRUM ROLL Please!

Both of the Twins received awards for A Honor Roll, Good Citizenship, Science!

Christian also got perfect attendance. Caleb won a trophy for 2nd place in math contest. He also won a medal and beat the school record for laps ran. He ran almost 30 miles this school term.

Sorry, I am just overly ecstatic and proud of my boys. They are the greatest gifts from above.

Well, my Dad just called to invite me over for Bar-Be-Que! Have a great Weekend!

Cowboy Round-Up

All the men folk, big and small are in Bellville TX for a Cowboy Round Up. An adult pairs up with a child to cook a brisket on a little Hibachi grill. They then take the briskets to be auctioned and all the proceeds go to Autism.

The Twins were excited to go, it is rare that they get to leave for a weekend without me. The Cowboys mainly consist of local Houston Judges, Lawyers and Policeman as my brother assured me of their safety. They have hired staff to watch the children as well. I hope they raise a bunch of money for autism.

I thought of going out and doing something but really nothing sounds as good as stayin' in and watching the Houston Astro's game. Last night against the Texas Rangers, what an awesome game! WE WON! Hopefully they will prove a repeat performance today!
GO ASTRO'S!

The Sound of Music

The Twins had their Annual Piano Recital last night. They pick their own piece to play. Christian played the James Bond Theme song and Caleb played You're a Grande Old Flag

They played very well. When Christian was finished with his performance he took his Cowboy hat off and put it on his chest and bowed before the crowd. He is one little ham. It has been three years of lessons on a weekly basis and I am amazed how far they have come in such a short time. I pray that they continue to enjoy the piano.

Back in my childhood days I had a girlfriend named Donna, we met in third grade and still remain friends. I adored her and envied her life, as it was a much more stable one than my own.

She and her siblings took Piano lessons, which Donna detested. I thought this would be my way to learn, through her. She threw in the towel after a year or so. When her sister played it felt like a creek running through my soul.

I feel this way when the boys play. I felt this way years ago when my lovely daughter played the violin.
Music makes you feel deeply. It stirs things from deep within.

What is your favorite music? And do you play an instrument? I never have, I wish I could read music and play it as well. I think the Saxophone is a Sensual sounding piece all on its own. Think I will end my post on this note...the oven buzzer is sounding. Apple Pie Yum=Yum

Baseball, Critters and Kids

Things are growing by leaps and bounds around here. It is proving to be a major job to keep up with the grass mowing at three different locations, especially considering we live on acreage and one of the properties is abundant acreage. I don't know about ya'll, but we have to mow every week. YIKES!

The black cat my husband dragged home about a month ago, has given birth to SEVEN baby kitties-4 are black, 1 is mixed and 2 are solid white. Thankfully she is a wonderful mother. Everyone calls us "The Farmer and the Dale" because we are housing numerous critters. Not inside my house mind you, but we have built additional critter habitation.

I am having problems with one of my Twins. I have written a letter to Dr. Phil. He has changed his behavior in the past month. He lashes out, talks back and has become rude and disrespectful. We have tried numerous things including taking things away, forbidding him to play baseball, removing the playstation and lastly spanking him. Needless to say none of it has made much of an impression on him. He did seem upset and even cried because we did not let him participate in his teams last baseball game. I talked to his teacher and the only difference she sees is he likes to play around and talk more, when he should not be. The only temper tantrums she sees is when he is at PE and he shouts and hollers at others, while playing soccer. You see Caleb is the #1 winner at being at being a sorry loser. He takes it personal. Anywho I am looking for solid advice on handling all this, before it goes too far. Yes I am soliciting yours as well.

Did any of you catch the game last night. WOO HOO the Astro's beat the Saint Louis Cardinals!! They will play them again tonight. We will watch the same two teams compete against each other in July, only this time we will be there at Minute Maid. I have purchased tickets for 5 games this summer!

I am in the process of planning our vacation to cover parts of Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri. We have not had a real vacation in a couple of years now. There seems to be so many things to do in Tennessee. Loretta Lynn has a dude ranch there. Dolly Pardon has an amusement park and don't forget Elvis! :)

Well, the cat is meowing, the dog is scratching and the goat is bellowing...better go tend to the other critters! Ya'll have a nice weekend and GO ASTRO'S!!!!!!