When the cats away...the mice will....

HAVE A WRECK! Yes, my oldest daughter had her first car accident last Friday. I am sure it is the first of many, as she has only been driving by herself for 2 1/2 months. Cactus and I had to take Delaney to College Station for a tennis tournament and Katie decided to stay home and work.

When I arrived at the hotel about 4:15, my phone rang. I knew the minute I heard Katie say "Mom", that this was not going to be good. It's a mother's instinct. I think I might have even known when I saw her number on my phone. You know...because they only call if they want something or are in trouble! She said she was travelling on the loop and a girl was getting on and did not yield to her. She sandwiched Katie between her car and a truck in the next lane. It could have been a VERY serious accident; especially for an inexperienced driver. Katie handled it well. After ending up in the bar ditch, she called me. I first made sure that no one was hurt and then told her to call 911 and stay there until the police arrived.

I then thought that she does not know what questions to ask and she can some times be a little bold (I know...where does she get it?). So, I called my friend Jeri Lyn. She owns Rhinestone Ranch, which is just across the loop. She quickly went to Katie's aid. Luckily, there was a witness that stayed to talk to the police officer. Thank you! The other girl was issued a citation. After Katie returned home, she called me and was shocked that people don't follow the rules. You see, Katie is a rule follower; not a minder of her parents - there is a difference. I explained to her it is unfortunate and that she should stick to her rule following (and maybe even throw in some parent minding...oh, and room cleaning).

I am thankful that everyone is fine (thank goodness she has a SUV). Her passenger side was crunched from bumper to bumper, but it is already at the shop getting repaired as I blog. Katie was a little shaken up for a couple of days and I felt helpless being 4 hours away. I wanted to take her and wrap my arms around her and comfort her the way I use to do when she was little. I guess this is a life lesson. Our children grow up. As much as they act like they do not need us; they do, occasionally. Katie is so mature, that I sometimes forget that she is ONLY 16! I will always be there for my girls. Whether it be on the phone, in person or sending a person in my place. I will do everything I can to help them through the tough times. And, Katie probably thought this was the end of the world. Oh, but just wait for that first love, Button!

Keep on truckin'!

Gabbin' Gal Erin

Little House on the Prairie (circa 2009)

I am about to date myself...so, here goes. Remember the episode of Little House on the Prairie, where there is a tornado and Laura is walking to the storm cellar, but she can hardly stand up because the wind is so strong? No? Well, never mind. Last night in Abilene, we had severe thunderstorms, with a chance of tornadoes. Now, I hate to be too comfortable with my area, but I have lived in Abilene for 33 years and have NEVER been in a tornado. I lived in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for seven years and was in one. I think that Abilene is in a hole and nothing can reach us. VERY COMFORTING!!! So, when my husband came home and said that we needed to load up and head to the ranch (30 miles away) to avoid the severe weather, I thought he was crazy. But, to avoid a fight, I parked my car in the garage, loaded the girls up in my daughters' car, he loaded the dogs up into his truck and we headed east.

Lighting was all around us. Wind was whipping and the rain had started. AND, the sky was green. TORNADO GREEN! It was ERIE! The girls looked at it as an adventure. We arrived at the ranch and parked the cars in the barn. Let me tell you that I love to watch a storm roll in; from inside the comfort of my home. We ran inside and buckled down for the night. I poured myself a glass of wine and got ready to relax. Elle, Delaney and I were snuggling on my bed and watching TV when the power went out. All five of us gathered in the den and waited. We decided that if the power did not turn back on in 30 minutes, we would head back to town. Well, in the meantime, how do you entertain three children who are use to TV, cell phones, internet, cable and ELECTRICITY. Leave it to my eight year old to come up with a plan. We played a game where you name an animal that begins with every letter of the alphabet, beginning with A and ending with Z. It was sooooo nice to sit and visit with these girls and witness them help each other come up with an animal that starts with "n". Can you do it? However, 2008 came into play. Cell phones with internet. My oldest did not want to play this game; however, she is always up to any academic challenge where she will be top dog. Suddenly, she was rattling off so many animals for EVERY letter. She tried not to enjoy herself, but I think in the end she did.

Lesson learned - we need to get back to the simpler times in life. Maybe not everyday, but occasionally. I have found, that our family really comes together in adversity. Whether it be death, birth, personal issues or lack of electricity, the love of a family will always get you through. Laura Ingalls Wilder knew it...now so do the Schroeder's.

Keep the home fire's burning!
Gabbin' Gal Erin

72 Years & Counting!

Today is a very special day in my life, and I wanted to share it with you just in case you needed a "pick me up" today!

It is my father's 72nd birthday. I know you are thinking...big deal, it's Nan's Dad's b-day. Well let me tell you why it's a big deal in my little piece of the universe. He was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) ~ known as Lou Gehrigs Disease to you and me ~ back around 1976 at 39 years of age. This disease attacks your nervous and muscular system and you basically become a prisoner within your own body. It does not affect your mind at all. Once diagnosed one usually lives 3 to 5 years. Mmmmmm, let's do the math. That was well over 30 years ago. Apparently, he does not have the full blown disease, but the medical community never gave him an exact name to what he had and still has. I choose to believe he is a miracle from God to teach me and others about grace, mercy, forgiveness and so much more.

His health has been in a slow and steady decline over the years, but his mental attitude has NEVER EVER wavered. AMAZING! As the old saying goes, ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING! Seeing what he has gone through, I'm not quite sure I would have the sweet, gentle, spirit that he has demonstrated over the years...another quality I think God gave him for the rest of us to see.

Life throws us all sorts of challenges. Some far worse than others. In fact, I've even been going through my own kind of challenge lately, but I always look to my hero and daily inspiration with his never give up attitude and think if he can do what he does on a daily basis with such a debilitating disease and NEVER COMPLAIN, then I certainly know I can do it!

If you are having a bad day, just know someone else out there is having a far worse one and perhaps a lifelong one. Go ahead and wallow a bit, but then pick yourself up and slowly start putting one foot in front of the other!

Happy Birthday Dad!
God so knew what he was doing when he picked you to be my earthly Father!


Gabbin' Gal Nan