Easter with the Nephews

I had one of the best Easter's ever, this year! I got to spend it family, and had a great time playing with my nephews all afternoon. Here are some pictures of the fun. I just love these boys.

My Heart is in Aggieland

Some may boast of prowess bold, of the school they think so grand
But there's a spirit can ne'er be told, its the Spirit of Aggieland

Today in Aggieland, and all around the world for that matter, there is a ceremony called Muster. It's held every April 21st, to honor all Aggies who have died in the past year. It is said that “if there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.” We are called to not only gather and remember our time in Aggieland but to remember those Aggies who are no longer with us. A Roll Call of the Absent is read and as a name is announced those loved ones or fellow classmates of that person answer "Here". Its amazing to me that there are over 400 of the ceremonies held worldwide and someday I will be remembered, and someone will answer "here" for me.

The following are two poems read at Muster.

"Roll Call for the Absent" -Dr. John Ashton ‘06
In many lands and climes this April day
Proud sons of Texas A&M unite.
Our loyalty to country, school, we pray,
and seal our pact with bond of common might.

We live again those happy days of yore
on campus, field, in classroom, dorm, at drill
Fond memory brings a sigh -- but nothing more;
Now we are men and life’s a greater thrill,

Before we part and go upon our way,
We pause to honor those we knew so well;
The old familiar faces we miss so much today
Left cherished recollections that time cannot dispel.

Softly call the Muster,
Let comrade answer, “Here!”
Their spirits hover ‘round us
As if to bring us cheer!

Mark them ‘present’ in our hearts.
We’ll meet some other day
There is no death, but life etern
For our old friends such as they!


"The Last Corps Trip" -P.H. DuVal Jr. '51
It was Judgment Day in Aggieland
And tenseness filled the air;
All knew there was a trip at hand,
But not a soul knew where.

Assembled on the drill field
Was the world-renowned Twelfth Man,
The entire fighting Aggie team
And the famous Aggie Band.

And out in front with Royal Guard
The reviewing party stood;
St. Peter and his angel staff
Were choosing bad from good.

First he surveyed the Aggie team
And in terms of an angel swore,
"By Jove, I do believe I've seen
This gallant group before.

I've seen them play since way back when,
And they've always had the grit;
I've seen 'em lose and I've seen 'em win
But I've never seen 'em quit.

No need for us to tarry here
Deciding upon their fates;
Tis plain as the halo on my head
That they've opened Heaven's gates."

And when the Twelfth Man heard this,
They let out a mighty yell
That echoed clear to Heaven
And shook the gates of Hell.

"And what group is this upon the side,"
St. Peter asked his aide,
"That swelled as if to burst with pride
When we our judgment made?"

"Why, sir, that's the Cadet Corps
That's known both far and wide
For backing up their fighting team
Whether they won lost or tied."

"Well, then," said St. Peter,
"It's very plain to me
That within the realms of Heaven
They should spend eternity.

And have the Texas Aggie Band
At once commence to play
For their fates too we must decide
Upon this crucial day."

And the drum major so hearing
Slowly raised his hand
And said, "Boys, let's play The Spirit
For the last time in Aggieland."

And the band poured forth the anthem,
In notes both bright and clear
And ten thousand Aggie voices
Sang the song they hold so dear.

And when the band had finished,
St. Peter wiped his eyes
And said, "It's not so hard to see
They're meant for Paradise."

And the colonel of the Cadet Corps said
As he stiffly took his stand,
"It's just another Corps Trip, boys,
We'll march in behind the band."


Today, as always, my heart is in Aggieland. Say "Here" for me at Muster when my time comes too, cause that's what we do when we bleed maroon.

Things I'm Loving Tuesday (Birthday Edition)

My mom came up this weekend and we had the chance to spend all day on Saturday shopping. She also brought me some gifts from home. The biggest gift and the one I am most grateful for besides spending the day together is having my car detailed, thanks Mom! Can't wait to see how new my car will feel once this is done.

I am also realizing more and more how incredibly blessed I am to have the husband that I have. He is supportive and kind but he is also thoughtful when gift giving.
I got an early birthday present a few weeks ago...first on my list of things I am loving...Sperry's. I have wanted these for a few years now but would not spend the money on myself to get them. But, Ben was confident that I would get good use out of them and that I deserved to indulge myself every once in awhile.


We had discussed that those shoes were going to be my birthday present so I wasn't expecting anything else. Then today he had flowers delivered to my office at work. Roses and Calla lilies. The sweetest part was that he said he looked for daisies (my favorite flower) but none of those looked good enough. Sweet Boy.


To round out the rest of my birthday and to add to my favorite things we are going out tonight, with friends, to watch the Texas A&M Women's Basketball Team compete in the National Championship game! Whoop! This is the first time the women have ever made it to the final four round much less the title game. Gig'em Ags! Beat the Hell Outta Notre Dame!


One more thing, Rollie (the puppy) had a birthday about a week ago and she turned 3! I cannot believe it has been three years since we brought our puppy home to become part of the family. She wanted me to add a few things to the list. Ben and I got her some cow marrow bones that kept her entertained for hours on her birthday...yum!


And, my mom also brought a few gifts for her. She had a blanket monogramed for Rollie so she could lay on the couch without covering it with hair (thanks from me too Mom) and she also got a car seat cover for the backseat so after my car gets detailed it can stay pretty. She really likes the one my mom has in her car so I am sure she will love this one once we put it in (and remove the other puppy).