Kyle trying on his ski clothes

I worked a partial day today, because our patient census was low due to the holiday. I left early and met Dick and the boys for lunch. Kyle is packing his bags as we speak, as he is leaving in the AM for skiing in Keystone, Colorado with friends. He has borrowed some ski clothes from a friend at church, and is hoping for the best. He has never skiied, but is athletic and eager to learn. I 'm sending money for a ski lesson. We are excited for Kyle and hope he comes home in one piece. He is going with one of his best friends, and his family, who are all experienced skiers. I am sending his insurance card with him.....He tried on all of these winter clothes, and it is 70 degrees today outside.
We are going to our good friends tonight to celebrate New Years, as we have for several years. It is a great big get together with kids, food, games, and fireworks of course.

Independence Bowl Sunday

Fans from Bama and Colorado are here in Shreveport for the Indy Bowl this eve. Kyle went to the game tonight with his friend Ben. Dick, Sam and I stayed home. Nate left this AM with one of his roomates to go to New Orleans for New Years. He has tickets to the Sugar Bowl (Hawaii v. Georgia).
Really enjoyed the sermon this AM. Our pastor was gone, so we had a young man who is now a pastor in TX, who was in the youth group at our church, when we moved to LA almost 10 years ago. It was so funny to remember him as this gangly high school student, and now he is a great speaker, married with 2 kids. I must be getting older. Highlights of the sermon: "There WILL be conflict in our lives. God promises to be there with us, to go before us. Greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world." Also, Dream BIG. Dream dreams so big, that unless God is in it, you are doomed for failure. It was extra special to me, because his mom is one of my chemo patients, and I have seen his family have such a strong faith during this trial.

Quiet Saturday at home

Here's our son, Kyle playing air guitar on his golf club last year when he and Dick played golf at the beach. I love this picture of him. It just makes me smile....

Woke up this morning and realized how much Christmas stuff we really own. I am starting to see that in some circumstances, less is more. We continue the process we call: De-Christmasing. The important things of life: my relationship with God, my relationship with Dick and the boys, and how I treat others around me. I am not sure how things get so cluttered over the year. If I could remember to keep my priorities in place, God, family and others, life would be better than ever. Mother Teresa is quoted as saying" Unless a life is lived for others, it is wasted." or something like that. Smart woman. I took Sam to his Saturday bowing league, today. He plays on "The Drillers". This was the first time he got to use his new bowling ball, since receiving it for Christmas. Kyle came and watched, visited with me while we watched Sam play.

Day off from work...

Here's a picture of Karen, my step mom in Texas on Christmas day. She had surgery on her shoulder yesterday, but is doing well. Today, I was off from work and have started cleaning up the house from Christmas. I have the kids writing their thank you notes. Me too. I have been doing laundry since last night and have yet to finish. Work was busy this week as the Cancer Treatment Center was closed 12/24 and 12/25. All of the patients that normally get their chemo on Mondays and Tuesdays came on Wed. and Thurs. We always say that we "pay" for having the holiday off. It sure beats working shift work though, and working every other weekend like I used to. I am not complaining, believe me. I look at the patients that we take care of and the little bothersome things of life, seem very small to me. Nate, Kyle, Sam and I went out to lunch today at their favorite place for chicken strips, Raisin Cane's. As much fun as it is to put out all the Christmas decorations, I really like when it gets put away also.

Christmas AM

Here's a picture that my dad took of the five of us on Christmas AM. The boys are still in their sleep clothes. We had a great visit, and got home last night, as Dick and I have to work this week.

Jesus the reason for the season

Merry Christmas to all. I am reminded that our Lord came to us in human form, and that is why we celebrate Christmas. A time of giving, as God gave us His only son. "And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid;for behold, I bring you good news of a a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." I am so thankful for the new life we have in Christ. May God bless each of you in a special way, and bring you closer to Him in the coming year.

Dick resting....before the rush of Christmas

We had the most relaxing day, yesterday. It was one of those days that you want to save and remember when the rush of life begins again. Here's a picture I snapped of Dick resting on the back porch at my parents' home. Having the kids home (all three) and they were getting along well. They have become friends as they have gotten older. Something that is really nice to be around. I love this time in my life, before the boys have gotten out of the house and started their own lives. I want to take a mental snapshot of now. My Dad is flourishing during his retirement. He has kept himself busy with exercising,yard work, helping at Karen's school, teaching astronomy to the kids. Karen is planning on retirement this June, with mixed emotions. I guess when you have been a teacher/principal for so many years, it is in your blood and it is hard to give up.

Grandpa and Company in the spa

We woke up this morning and had jalapeno kolaches for breakfast--a tradition here at the Rancho Francis. We went to church and sang Christmas carols. It brought back so many memories of standing next to my dad in church when I was a girl. Dick always said that my dad always was good at "making a joyful noise unto the Lord". I love the fact that he knows he can't carry a tune in a bucket and yet, he sings louder than any of us. After a little grocery shopping, we cooked hamburgs and hotdogs on the grill. Dad and the kids got into the spa after heating it up. The pool water is about 50 degrees, yet Kyle, Sam and Grandpa are all card carrying members of the "Texas Polar Bear Club". The each took turns jumping into the freezing cold water and then, getting in to the warm spa. Tonight Todd and his bride,Erin, are coming to stay and we will enjoy visiting with them.

Out to eat with Grandma and Grandpa

We drove to Texas today, and made it in time to go out to eat at the Japanese Steak House. The waiter/cook cooked at our table and threw rice into Nate and Kyle's mouths. We had a great visit and are now watching our favorite movie "Elf".It is nice to be with family near Christmastime.

We went caroling tonight around town

We did something tonight, that I haven't done since my days on Mary Lane in Mentor, Ohio. We made the kids put on Santa hats with us, and the five of us went caroling to about 8 houses in our area of town. It was so fun, and for all the protesting the kids did before hand it was FUN!!! We giggled and rang the doorbells, sang "We wish you a Merry Christmas!" The looks on our friends' faces were priceless. We are talking about making it an annual family tradition. Then we took the kids to our favorite Chinese restaurant, Fa,ra,ra,ra,rah, Rah,ra,ra,ra.I think the kids had more fun than Dick and I did.

And laying his finger aside of his nose...

I like this picture of the Ohio State Santa. My gifts have all been bought. Now I just have to wrap them. The kids have one more day of school and then we're off to Grandma and Grandpa's for the holiday. We plan on having a star party or two when we get there. My dad is quite the astronomer and has been at Karen's school teaching about constellations. He has several telescopes and has taught our boys about the stars over the last several years. So, I am hoping that we get to look at the stars in the Texas sky if the sky is clear and not overcast. We are all ready for a break from school and work.

Christmas is coming

We have had a busy week. Kyle has had final exams this week. I finally got my Christmas cards in the mail today. I mailed them late this year. Dick is at school tonight. He is taking classes for his Masters in Engineering Management. He really likes the classes. Nate is coming home from college Friday, and will spend the holidays with us this year. We are going to my parents' home in Texas for the holiday. It will be good to see them. Sam is finishing up his homework right now and we are going to watch "Frosty the Snowman" together. Quiet night.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

here is our tree when we finished, I think it looks great.

Kyle placing the star on the tree this year

Here is Kyle helping with the decorations. He has grown up so much in the past few years. His dream is to go see Ohio State defeat LSU in the BCS bowl this year in New Orleans. I think he will have to be satisfied with seeing it on TV in our living room...

Decorating the tree this year

Nate was home the weekend that we put the tree up. He likes to put his favorite University of South Carolina ornament higher than Kyle's Clemson ornament. It is a game they have played since they were little. As soon as Nate left again for college, Kyle switched the Clemson ornament so it would be higher than Nate's. Boys will be boys.

What do you mean I'm getting coal this year?

Sam was helping decorate the Christmas tree this year and made this silly face.

I hate to blow my own horn, but....

Here is a picture of me during the Christmas concert at church

Christmas Concert at Church

Here is a picture that our music minister email to everyone in the choir and orchestra of our concert last Sunday. Dick is in the back row of the center section,fourth from the left. I am on the stage hiding behind the piano player. I thought that you might like to see this. To see the image closer, just double click.

Our house this year...

Dick and the boys did a great job with the outside lights this year. It is fun to come home from work and have the house all lit up.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus 2002

Here's a picture of Dick's parents a few years ago...

Christmas 2005 in Texas

Dick, Sam, Grandma, Grandpa and Kyle before the feast. Karen always has a wonderful meal with our favorite "Yankee" stuffing. Good memories

Sam and Santa 2003

This a picture of Sam when he was seven, ready for church and looking handsome....

Nate when he was 3

I was looking through my old Christmas pictures and found this adorable one of Nate. I hope he doesn't think it is too embarassing. This is such a cute picture...more later.

From the Orchestra Pit at Church

I took this picture from behind my music stand before today's service at church. Dick was singing in the choir, but I didn't get his picture...

The Woodwind Section

Lynn, Shirley, Margaret, and I have been playing in the orchestra at church together for the past nine years. They play flute and I have my clarinet. We had to be at church this AM at 8 for practice. We have been working on our Christmas music (we accompany the choir) since September. This picture was taken before the performance by the french horn player. I have enjoyed playing with the other musicians, it keeps me on my toes. (Mr. Zimmerman my jr. high band teacher would be proud!) The performance went fine, although on the fourth song the fire alarm went off (we must have been pretty HOT!).

I am going to post some Christmas Past pictures. This one is of Karen with her collection of Dickens' Village houses. I think it was 7 years ago. Dad and Karen's cats love to pretend that they are Godzilla and climb on the houses.

Busy week at work and school:

We are decorating the house for the holidays. Dick is outside putting up the outside lights. I am working on the inside. We put our Dickens Village houses up last night. The Christmas tree is inside now, and we will be decorating it this weekend. Sam spent the night at a friend's house and hurt/sprained his finger, fooling around with billiard balls on a pool table. Nate came in for the weekend from college (laundry in hand), last night. Kyle has a Cross Country Banquet tonight, which I am going to go with him. Sam has his bowling league today. I can hear Kyle mowing our leaves as I am typing. (It is easier than raking.) His chores pay for his gas and insurance on his Jeep. I am sure we will be rooting for Oklahoma today to beat Mizzou, so Ohio State will have a shot at the National Championship game. Hope everyone is ok. This is a picture of the eight Hendricks grandkids while we visited Meme and Poppy for Thanksgiving.

We got back home yesterday, and are all back in to our normal routines of school and work. I have started decorating for Christmas and found this picture that I love from last year. It is Uncle Matthew and Sam at my parents' house playing Christmas carols on the piano. I love this time of year and find joy in remembering holidays past with loved ones. This picture gets me in the mood to enjoy this special time of year.

Spending the Night in Tuscaloosa, AL

We drove halfway home and are staying in a Hampton Inn In Tuscaloosa. Clemson v. Carolina football game starts at 6PM so we are glad to be able to watch the game and cheer on Dick's alma mater. Driving went well today, Dick drove first half and Kyle drove in the afternoon. I avoided driving altogether so I was glad. Right this minute Dick,Kyle, and Sam are wrestling on the other bed while I am blogging here in the hotel room. Going out to dinner soon, we'll be glad to be back in our own beds tomorrow night.

Playing Flashlight Tag

How much Fun! We ended our week here in SC with a family game of flashlight tag in the dark. I can't believe that the kids convinced Dick and I to hide along with them. I don't remember the last time I was hiding in the bushes in the dark...if ever. The kids kept saying, "just one more time...I haven't got a chance to be it!" We really made some good memories. Our nephew Jake dove in to the bush I was hiding and didn't realize I was there too. We giggled and tried to keep quiet, until we were discovered with the flashlight. I'll never forget it.

Stay tuned...

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. We are enjoying our visit to Meme and Poppy and will be driving home in 2 days. Take care and remember how much God has blessed all of us.

Stay tuned...
We have been enjoying our visit with the SC side of the family. We have eaten school lunch the past 2 days with 2 of our nephews. I am making a spaghetti dinner feast tonight, because Nate is coming to visit us for a few days. Kyle, Dick, Poppy, and Steve played golf yesterday. The weather is very balmy in the 70s to 80s. I think we are going to try and decorate Meme's house for Christmas. Kids went to Aunt Julie's to ride four wheelers, horses, etc. So far we have had a great time and have been playing alot of Phase 10. I haven't taken any pictures as yet. Hope all is well with everyone...

Thanksgiving in South Carolina

Dick, Sam, Kyle and I leave today after Dick gets off work to drive to Meridian,MS to spend the night. We are continuing the drive across the South, on Saturday and plan to get to Dick's parent's home in SC, on Sat night. I hope we can listen to college football on XM radio while we are driving. We are mostly packed, and are looking forward to the week off from school/work! I am unsure how to blog while I'm on the road, but maybe I'll try and figure it out. I hope so. If not, from us to all of you, have a great Thanksgiving with the ones you love. I included this silly picture of Kyle pretending to eat a live millipede when we went camping this fall.

More from Baton Rouge

Here is a picture of Kyle with the binoculars. We got some light rain during the game. Kyle wouldn't be caught dead in a LSU rain poncho though. He is still mad about the Ohio State loss. He has been "trash talking" at school with his LSU fan friends about his beloved Buckeyes. Pray for him on Monday when he has to face them all at school....

We had seats the third row from the top. Nosebleed seats. This is a view of the marching band. They were excellent. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs lost 58-10, but they put up a really good fight. We cheered for them as much as we could being surrounded by tens of thousands of rabid LSU fans. We got some dirty looks and three teenage girls behind us screamed in our ears, "Geaux Tigers, LSU!" everytime the crowd did that cheer. Dick and Sam are in this picture and wearing their red and blue. Click on any image to see it close up.

Our trip this Weekend to Baton Rouge.

The LSU marching band was awesome and stopped to play for us before going into the stadium. We are just getting word via cell phone, about this time, that our beloved Buckeyes have been beaten by the Illini. My dad is thrilled! GRRRRRR.

These are the "Golden Girls", and no Bea Arthur is not one of them. They led the parade of the band. Kyle thought they looked like amazons since they were so tall. Below are pictures of the LSU tiger mascot: Mike VI who was heavily guarded by state troopers. I don't know who would try and steal a team mascot as fierce as a tiger. (not Greg Brady for sure). The real tiger lives in a multimillion dollar habitat on campus. I heard that you can look at him on the internet anytime you want.

This is the best picture of the ones that I took of the football players. This is Trendon Holliday whose family was standing in front of us. There were some pretty big boys.

This is a picture of the LSU stadium, known as "Death Valley" and a hot air balloon. We are waiting with thousands of other people for the LSU football players, cheerleaders, and band to enter the stadium. We were some of the few that were not wearing yellow and purple.

Sam and Stephen are posing for this picture while tailgating with the family. They were having a great time.

Kyle, Sam and Stephen were throwing the nerf football in the parking lot. There sure were a lot of serious tailgaters down there. There were only a handful of LA Tech supporters like us. We were called "Tiger Bait" too many times to count by the LSU fans.

Dick and I took Kyle and Sam to the LSU vs. Louisiana Tech Game in Baton Rouge this weekend. We had never been to Death Valley, and we had friends who went as well. We knew that Tech didn't have much of a chance in beating #2 ranked LSU, but it was a fun opportunity to see the campus. (It is kind of like having Lakeland Community College play Ohio State.) We got there in plenty of time to tailgate with some of our friends, Ross and Missy. Ross is a former LSU offensive lineman and works with our youth group at church. Here is a picture of Kyle and Ross.

Here is a recent picture of Nate and Dick when we went camping with our Sunday School Class last month. We had a great time. The kids went tubing behind a friend's ski boat. Nate entertained everyone around the campfire at night with his guitar and voice. Nate is here this afternoon for the weekend. (Yes, he brought his dirty clothes home from college.) He is helping me learn how to navigate my blog and change fonts,etc.

Stay tuned...

Here is one of my favorite pictures of Kyle and me. He LOVES being taller than me. My little boy is all grown up.

Stay tuned...

Here is the best part of Sam...his smile.

He got his braces off, just in time for the first day of middle school.

Stay tuned...

Kyle turned 16 this year and saved money to buy himself a 1986 Jeep. He was so excited that he slept in it the first night. (It was in the garage). Here are Dick and Kyle checking the oil in it after church. Kyle is on the road so much, it is hard for us. "Where's Kyle tonight?" is heard often at our house. Part of letting go, I guess.

Stay tuned...

this is kind of fun to try and organize my thoughts and write.

Here is Nate on his 20th birthday this year. He is a junior in college and is such a fine young man. We couldn't be prouder of him. He is majoring in marketing and comes home to do his laundry, so we can visit with him. He is such a good musician. He sings and plays guitar...learned on his own. Music is his life...