My Heart for Family

The older I get, the more I realize that the only things in life that matter are not things at all! They are PEOPLE! I am so blessed to have a wonderful family. We aren’t a perfect family (do you know any of those?) and we have had our share of arguments, disappointments and heartbreak, but at the end of the day, these are the people that make my world go around!

My husband and best friend:

Darren and I have been married for 33 years. We met while going to college at Texas Tech University. We were in the same English class one summer and when he walked in, I immediately noticed his sexy legs! (He hates me telling that story!) I thought he was SO CUTE! One of our class assignments was to write a research paper. As I was driving to the library one evening, I noticed that he was driving away. I began to “stalk” him and one night, I “just happened” to go to the library at the same time that he was there. We started talking about our research paper and he said he was looking for someone who could type his paper. (Remember in the 80s, no one had their own computer at school!) I quickly volunteered my typing skills for him. I met him at his apartment one evening and typed his paper. After I finished, he offered to pay me and I, of course, would not accept any money from him. His response was, “Well, at least let me take you out for a date!” BINGO! I said yes, of course!!! The rest, they say, is HISTORY! (Darren often tells people that he should’ve just paid someone to type his paper. It would’ve been much less expensive!)

Darren is a farmer and a cattle man. He is one of the hardest working people that I know. Darren has always been my biggest fan, my greatest encourager and I’m so thrilled that God chose him to be my lifelong partner. Our marriage has always been a priority for both of us and even though marriage hasn’t always been easy, we have both been committed to stick together “’til death do us part!”

Our oldest son:

Nathan has always loved sports. From the time he was a very little boy, he could carry on a conversation about all aspects of football. He could name team mascots, quote stats of certain players, and give you play by play on just about any football game which he ever played. Nathan went to Abilene Christian University on a football scholarship and then started coaching for them after graduation. He currently is a high school offensive coordinator and a science teacher. While at ACU, he met his wife, Alyson, who is also a graduate of the same university. She is a registered nurse and is currently working in pediatric ICU. Alyson enjoys running and is a great mommy and football wife. I know it is hard on her during football season, but she is supportive of the career that Nathan has chosen.

Nathan and Alyson have two amazing children: Slade and Saylor. Slade is a sports loving little boy just like his daddy. He would rather watch sports on TV than just about anything else. Saylor loves her babies and you very rarely see her without a doll in her arms. I can see her following in her momma’s footsteps as a pediatric nurse/doctor. Nathan and Alyson are expecting a third child in September, 2018.

Our youngest son:

Jarrod is a hard working young man and is also a graduate of Abilene Christian University with a degree in business.  He went to work for Blue Bell Creameries right after college, but always had a strong desire to get out from behind a desk and work for himself. Jarrod started COOL BEADS, an ice cream company that sells a fun product known as “the coolest treat in Texas!” He is married to Katie who is a Family & Consumer Science teacher. Katie has a heart for teaching kids from tough situations and her students adore her. She is a wonderful mommy and is such a blessing to our family.

Jarrod and Katie have two children, Ellie and Jake. Ellie is the picture of girlie! She loves all things pink and loves to play in her kitchen, read books and watch Frozen. Jake is only four months old so right now, he loves to eat, sleep and poop. LOL! He is sweet natured and I can’t wait to see what his interests develop into.

Family times

Since we are spread out all over Texas, we don’t get to see the kids and grandkids near as much as I wish, but I’m thankful for the times when we do get together. Facetime is the greatest invention ever and I’m thankful that we can “see” the grandkids several times per week.

I’m so proud of my hard working husband, my boys, their wives, and our grandchildren. I pray that they will always know how much I love them. If you ever want to see more pictures, check out my Facebook page here because I always post plenty of pictures. I would love to hear about your family, too. Leave some comments about your family below.

Be blessed,