Someone pulled the plug on the heat! Thanksgiving came with a whole bunch of cold! I think, just last week, I was commenting on the coolness needed to make watching football fun; I take it back. This is just a little too cold for fun! Thanksgiving was wonderful; we are so blessed in this country. The 1.7” plus inches of rain were much appreciated. I presume it will help the winter wheat that has been planted. Driving home from Houston was not fun however; the rain made visibility difficult. Like millions of other Americans, we logged in many miles of travel. The joys we shared with family we don’t see very often, was well worth the long drive. I actually met a great-nephew I had never seen before. All in all it was great. I’m sure no one else besides me ate far too much to be comfortable. I swear every year I will not overeat, and then all that good stuff is laid out, and out the door go all those resolutions!

The Coyotes are headed for the next level of competition. Although I did not get to see the last game, I know it was super, but cold! The score was 93-43; that sounds as if it was an easy game but not so. The score was close at half time, but as usual, the Coyotes went into the locker room and came out fired up. Don’t let anyone tell you that it doesn’t matter what kind of coach you have. We have the best coaches who spend hours doing their homework so that the boys can benefit from their expertise. We’re proud of our team…Go Coyotes!

I hope everyone was able to hear from their loved ones overseas. Holidays without family are not as much fun. I know several families have lost loved ones to sickness, and at least one other that I know of is preparing for a horrible loss. My heart and prayers go out to all of them. My son is on the road in Iraq, so I did not get to speak with him, but I know he is being well guarded by his angels. I hear from so many of you who are praying for the safe return of all our troops, as well as my son. Your prayers are very much appreciated.

I bought a musical tree while I was in Dallas. We put it up outside today. Yes, it was freezing. I thought my hands would drop off before we even managed to get the tree finished. The result was worth it! It sings and changes colors; I just love it! I am a complete child when it comes to Christmas. There isn’t anything I don’t like about this wonderful season. Spiritually, it refreshes the heart. Emotionally, it is such a happy time of giving; and physically it is the time of absolute excess! I love the parties, the family, the gifts and the food! Like I said, I am a child when it comes to this time of the year.

UIL is over and I can’t say that I am sad. Richland Springs took 2nd place overall. We are extremely proud of our students. The success is fulfilling, but the time it takes to get to competition is very tiring. Congratulations to Mrs. Kathy Brockman, UIL Director for Richland Springs.

I wanted to take a moment to thank the cheerleading sponsors, Kathy Brockman and Sandra Snoddy. Both these ladies spend long hours working with the cheer squads. It is often a thankless task. On behalf of the parents, teachers and girls on both squads: thank you, ladies!

I hope everyone has a wonderful week. Don’t forget to pray for our troops, our leaders and our country. Adopt a soldier’s family or send a Christmas card saying "Thank you" for keeping us safe. Share your life.