Thankful

Are you grateful for the car you drive? What about being protected from the weather? Do you appreciate having hot water with the turn of a knob? These are some of the questions I contemplated on July 3rd as I watched fire-fighters battle a home fire across the street from us.

Standing on my front porch

It was about 8:30 pm and we were in the backyard taking it easy when we smelled smoke. Naturally, my thoughts jumped to some dorkus who caught the grass on fire doing fireworks a night early. Then Jack points out the fire truck is coming in the main entrance to Ransom Canyon. (We can see this from our back yard, especially when you are jumping real high on the trampoline!) We try to audibly track the sirens to figure out what part of the area they are going and then we hear a frantic voice holler "HEY!!!" 

Realizing this voice in VERY close...like in our FRONT YARD close...Terry takes off with me close on his heels. My heart sank and the adrenaline started to rush when we opened our front door and the saw our neighbors house giving off lots of smoke. 

A little history: when we moved into our new home back in April, several...4 to be exact...different neighbors came over and introduced themselves during the first week or so. Yes, we are blessed with friendly neighbors...that's just part of being Southern, I believe! Hank and Regina Jordan were especially gracious...they brought a cherry pie. It was in her own pie pan so it gave me opportunity to return it and find out a little more about this middle-age, delightfully friendly and inviting couple. This was the only time I was in their home. It was here that I learned they had been there 16 years or so, had a comfortable home they had been updating over the last couple years and had pre-purchased tile to update the kitchen when they did the laundry room and purchased brand new washer/dryer...and boy, did that kitchen need to be updated! I learned that they are BIG TIME bowlers due to the dozen or so bowling balls on their carpeted floor...but did not really understand to what extent then. We talked about the new built in entertainment wall they put in when the wet bar came out, their dislike for the step down into the living room and how much I loved their wood mantle. It was at this time we exchanged cell phone numbers...glad we did.

So one fire truck arrives and the first responders get their gear on and hook up to the water hydrant. Terry served on the volunteer fire department in his early 20's so he ran over to help in any way possible. Keep in mind, all fire responders are volunteers in Ransom. In the mean time another truck shows up and starts the process of getting ready to fight a house fire. Meanwhile, the smoke is really billowing from the back of their home and Travis, Jack, Kate and I are standing there with our jaws-dropped, basically.

I realize Regina is not around and decide Hank has probably not had time to call her...this is why I was glad we exchanged cell numbers. She is actually in Lubbock and on her way to get groceries. I let her know Hank is ok, but "you need to come home now! There is smoke coming from your home and the firemen have arrived." How do you break that kind of news without throwing someone into a panic? I offer to come pick her up...she is already turned around an making the 20 minute drive home. 

Over the next 45 minutes, 2 more trucks, total of 4, are now working together on this house-fire. That is also how long it took Regina to get home. Problem: Lubbock traffic was arriving to the neighboring lake for the fireworks display that was to start at 10pm. Also, all fire trucks were in place at THAT lake for any emergencies that developed. It is about 9:30 pm at this point and it seems to be getting worse, if anything. Most of the smoke is still dark in color (meaning things are burning.) After about an hour and half to 2 hours of fire-fighting, we see relief in white smoke and feel some excitement seeing some rooms are still unburned and likely to have water damage only! 

Terry had been in the back yard the whole time helping fire fighters with hoses and such and I was getting bottled water for firemen and hanging out... just amazed at how long it was taking to get this thing under control. Nope, not been around many out of control fires before!  At about 11pm we finally head into the house leaving the final stages to the professionals...they were cutting into the roof with the saws to make sure all fire was extinguished. We were glad to know that the two bedrooms and garage would defiantly have some stuff to salvage as the walls were in tack, etc. Terry and I made plans to be available in the morning to help them "go though" stuff and pull out what they could. There was a gentle let down as we climbed into bed after washing all the smoke and ashes off. It was difficult to fall asleep that night...

The next morning was July 4th, Independence Day, and this is what we walked out to...

Charred remains

Around 5 am, the fire started up again and took all that was left in the Jordan's home! It was heartache all over again. Hank & Regina arrived around 9 am...in shock! Iron skillets, a few partially burned quilts, some platters, a gold ring (one of 9 Perfect Bowl rings of Hank's...he bowls on the professional level) and some clothes from a dresser. This is about all that was salvageable from the remains. With some tears and much disappointment, Hank and Regina still had thankful spirits about them!

Can I just say, it really did not feel like a holiday, a day to celebrate...it did not feel like July 4th. It was a day to be glad to walk in my front door. Glad to have a comfortable bed to crawl into. A day to be glad to change all of our plans for the day and help our neighbors. A day to be grateful for ALL the LUXURIES I take for granted on a daily basis. That day was an ugly reminder how very privileged and blessed I am! 

2012 Catch Up

Finally, I am getting caught up from the busyness of the last year...wow, how time fly's. As a mom...or just as me...my heart longs to be home with my children. I truly feel that tug more in the summertime when they are not in school. However, I could not be more blessed while working outside the home than where I continue to work, Southcrest Baptist Church. Besides that, Terry has a job that allows him to be home shortly after lunch on most days...so kids are not alone ALL DAY! This is the first summer that Jack and Kate have stayed home by themselves. 

First Day of School

Jack was not too excited when I brought home a "chore chart" for each week. Questions came flying from all directions because they had never had a "chore chart" before! Cleaning potties, reading for 30 minutes, writing a page in a summer journal, vacuuming, cleaning mirrors, unloading the dishwasher, picking up doggie poo and sweeping the porch are easy enough for 2 kiddos to accomplish, don't you think? I assured him that I would be a much happier momma knowing they had "quality things keeping them busy" in the mornings while I was away each day...not to mention, the house would be much cleaner when I got home each day and could therefor spend more time playing in the evenings! Took a little getting used to for Jack! Kate on the other hand...let's just say she is TOTALLY on board for being a little helper. Most of their afternoons are spent with a short bike ride to the pool and several hours swimming! Yea for Summer!!


This past year has been extremely busy...continue reading for Webb/Dowty family highlights for 2011/2012...

Little guy pulled off a great block!

Jack spent his school year making new friends and playing football (right tackle.) He started on the B team for the Roosevelt Eagles. We went to many football games on Thursday evenings...had some visitors come watch as well...Mimi & Granddaddy, Aunt Vickie and Meemaw & Grandpa. Overall, Jack learned a lot and had fun. He is looking forward to playing this school year as well.

Then, Reese (age 17) kept us under the Friday night lights watching the Shallowater Mustangs go all the way to accomplish Area Champions for his 2A school!




In the midst of all the football games, Adam married his sweetheart, Alyssa. Adam co-owns his own construction company, Southern Construction, here in Lubbock. He is also getting started in real estate since earning his real estate license in April. Alyssa has just finished up her training in esthetics and hopes to soon land a career in the skin care field.

October 1, 2011

Before football season was over, we did squeeze in Parent's Weekend at West Texas A&M University in Canyon where Travis is going full time to achieve that Nursing degree. Go Buffs!








Before I go on about each and every highlight of the last year, I will just mention a few: took a ride on the Polar Express, celebrated Christmas together, saw a Christian comedian, went to Christian concert, watched some Texas Tech basketball, lost a dog, lost some teeth, got a new puppy, grew in some new teeth, called lots of baseball (well, Terry did,) Spring Break in Ruidoso, celebrated a lot of birthdays, got baptized (that would be Kate) and played with grandbabies.

Easter at the Lake

Besties in Amarillo

Swinging with Cadden

Brother David baptizes Kate

Silly girl's celebrate Kate's 7th birthday

My Ump

River

 Couple of other things worth mentioning specific...back in February, Alysha and Jared moved from Big Spring, Texas. Jared is a highway patrolman who took a change of location bringing them back to Lubbock. Alysha currently stays home...they are foster parents so depending on the day, Jared and Alysha have one to three kiddo's in their home. We are happy to say they are in the adoption process with a precious, 2 yr old little boy, Cadden. We should be celebrating his adoption this fall.

Alysha, Jared & Cadden

In April, we bought a house! Yea! It is only a few blocks from where we were renting. After a few weeks of some remodeling, (new floors, wet bar torn out, additional kitchen cabinets and new counter tops,) we moved in in May. WE ARE HOME!! And open for visitors so let us know if you are able to make a visit!

We got settled in just in time to have Reese's graduation celebration in our backyard. Reese enjoyed another 3 weeks until June 25th...he shipped out to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for his Army SIT. We are so proud of Reese for following through with the dream he has had for many years and the decision he made a year ago to join the Army.  We will be so glad to see him in September at graduation.

That about sums up the last year...at least the big stuff! I keep thinking it will be nice when life settles down a little...but what fun is there in that?

Super Fast Summer

Terry & I enjoyed a week in the most southern point of USA, Key West, Flordia. And can I just say, we certainly did not feel like we were in the states. We took part in some jet skiing, snorkeling, sight-seeing and yummy cuisine. Although enjoyable, relaxing and fun, we can now say we have "been there - done that!" Upon our return to Amarillo, Jack and Kate had one more week of school and then we moved to Ransom Canyon. Ransom is a quaint community about 15 minutes from Lubbock. A beautiful, small lake set in a canyon with water front home as well as homes on the rim overlooking a spectacular view. Not what you expect in the flat land of the high plains.

June and July flew by in leaps and bounds. I think we spent all but 3 weekends at our place at Lake Stamford. The kids happily & quickly adjusted to that!! It's a place to kick back, have fun, grill out, and swim...if you like dark red water that you can see about 1 inch through! I'm kidding...well sort of! (I did manage to swim around a little without to much fear of what would nibble my toes!) Jack learned what it means to be the "low man on the totum pole" when it came to some good ole fashion work in 100 plus degrees...Reese dug 2 holes in some cantankerous red clay for new trees; Travis helped lay out a pallet of sod; Kate discovered what fire ants feel like; Terry did a lot of everything and I tried to stay indoors and keep the liquids and popsicles coming.

 

Upon the arrival of August, I started a new job at Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock. A total blessing in God's perfect timing, of course. I work for the Senior Pastor and am surrounded by an outstanding group of people. I continue to stand amazed at how blessed we are. Besides the fact that I was able to stay home with Jack and Kate for the bulk of the summer, this adjustment of blending our families has been something beautiful!

Our Day to Become One

This is a day that ranks right up there with the birth of my children...actually higher because there was no pain involved, only joy. These pictures tell the story of the day I married the man I longed for ever since I first started to dream about love...the man who swept me off my feet...and still does; the man who loves me unconditionally and respects me; the man who allows me to love him back; the man who gives me chills with his touch and brings home flowers for no reason at all; the man who is my friend, partner, confidant, inspiration, lover, encourager...the man who is my husband! This was our day!!

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Our Engagement

On January 16, 2011, Terry proposed (with some help from Kate to cover my eyes) after dinner one evening at my home with my parents present. One of the many reasons I love this man is his keen sense of honoring others and including their feelings. He recognized that it would probably be very pleasing for my parents to witness such a happy moment for me. As hard as it was, my mom and dad have been so very non-intrusive and patient over the last couple of years. Their support came mostly in the form of prayer, even though they very much wanted to be closer to me physically to lend helping hands. And as much as they asked to be available to "help out," it was just not what I needed at the time. So through tears of joy...my mom's tears...I eagerly accepted. We set the date for May 14, 2011 at a quaint 'barn' for our family to attend.

Christmas Time

Silly Kate! ..............................Thanksgiving in Arlington at my folks house.

Kate and Alyssa in their tutu's...............Our bottle fed baby, Flower.

Jack, Kate and I (along with one little puppy that is being bottle fed) spent the weekend before Christmas with Terry and all of his family at his parents house. We shared great times together whether shooting guns, watching football, eating, opening gifts or fighting over gifts during the Chinese Christmas exchange.

Our first Christmas...

Jack went to Arlington for 6 days to visit Travis since Travis could not come home for Christmas. He returned home late on Christmas Eve. Family tradition...Chocolate Crumble Balls. Yum Yum! Christmas Day was spent sitting around enjoying each others company together. The next day, Jack and Kate were excited to spend about 5 days with their dad. Terry and I then made full use of a little time together without distractions...well, not exactly. There are still 12 Aussie pups in my breakfast room who quickly remind us they have found their barks and whines as soon as we walk in the door.

Fall 2010

In September, over a matter of days, I changed jobs. God showered his blessings on me through a friend and an opportunity with a job in the Internal Medicine Administration offices for Texas Tech Health Science Center in Amarillo. His provisions amaze me and His timing is perfect!!!

Fortunately/Unfortunately, Travis was rejected by the Navy for his history with migraines. In September, Travis moved to Arlington where he moved in with my folks. He acquired a job with UPS for the holiday season and then a job in the Pharmacy with Costco. Travis plans to start his college classes in January to work towards his nursing degree.

Jack continues to survive his first year in middle school...a few bumps here and there. I am learning how to be a stronger parent through this strong-willed child, and still learning how to rely on prayer for guidance and perseverance. Jack has thoroughly enjoyed the "shooting" action he is exposed to when we go to Terry's folks...if not jackrabbits or dove, then the targets work too!

Kate excels in Kindergarten! This is a little girl who is so very eager to learn and seems to never tire of writing or drawing. She has really enjoyed playing more with Jack since Travis has been gone. It's amazing how much more time Jack has for Kate now! Kate and I went to her first concert back in October...Superchick, her favorite group. What a thrill for her and so much fun to see the joy on her face!

We did experience a very sad day on November 9, 2010. Our sweet boy dog, Cooter, was hit by a car. We will forever miss his smiling blue eyes and wiggling butt! On a better note, our female is carrying his puppies due to an "oops"...but once again, God knew what would be needed!