Just remember...

Tabula Rasa...

Family vacation was made even better this year by a new family
tradition... scrabble with poppy (my father in-law). We played
scrabble on my iPhone, which everyone needs to have atleast once in
their life I might add (Apple you're welcome... you can just send me
the newest and greatest gadget to Houston please). We played the same
game, I might add, for almost three hours. Now maybe you and yours
play for days and days, but this was a first for me and my beginner
skills. We even topped 250 points. All was well until I found out how
poppy was winning... I seriously "flout" that his skills will be
better next time. "Geest" I know I can do soooo much better!

Thanks for giving Casey and I a chance to visit with friends and
family again. Till next year... Here's a clean slate.

The sun actually came out and the beaches are full... We're really
enjoying family vacation. Thanks so much maw judy you're the best!

We made it...

to the beach that is... And it's beautiful even though it's overcast
and may rain more than half the time we're here... the belgarda are
resiliant and will still find a good time with the fam and some
unexpected friends that will be in the area. I cant wait! Here's to
good times on the annual family vacation.

Meet...

Eric. Rapper. Lyricist. Alive. Carries a bullet in his chest a mere
three inches from his heart. This guy loves Jesus and shares it by
"spittin ill rhymes without shame". Hes friends withone of our young
adults and came on Wednesday night to share with our students. He was
a great guy and the kids really had a good time. Thanks eric!

Reading Razzmatazz 2009

So as part of my duties at Garden Oaks elementary I had the
opportunity to prepare 8 fifth graders for a reading competition.
There were two teams and they read 13 books in two weeks. These were
some serious readers!

At the competion one team placed first and and the other fourth. I was
so proud of them. They really did a great job and they really were
some great kids to get to know.

Here's a couple pics of them...

The Real Razzers...

Tuesday night at the belgards...

Tuesday night is the night that I kick casey out and marley and I
invite all the high school girls over to cook and hang out. It's
always a good time and you never know what to expect. It's also a
perfect place for the girls to bring their friends without having to
bring them to church. It's been growing each week, and I'm certain we
will need a new place to meet soon. How amazing is our God!

The picture is sophie (german exchange student) the only one I know
that cooks things like paeya... don't know if I spelled that right I
mean I had never even heard of it until she said she wanted to make it
last Tuesday. Let me tell you she did a great job I even ate it foe
leftovers the next day (I'm not a big leftover fan) it really was
delicious. This Tuesday Amy is going to make her "killer" mashed
potatoes and I'm gonna make meatloaf. Till next time

marley and mothers day!

So marley figured out on our walk today how she could get water too!
How precious is my little girl... Always learning something from her
parents.

Today is mother's day so happy mom's day to all of you out there even
those who are just animal moms (those count to ya know). Hope you're
having a great day today and thanks for putting up with us. We
definitely wouldn't be here without you!

Cinco de Mayo at Garden Oaks

Well today is cinco de mayo and there was a celebration at the
elementary that I am a long term sub for - Garden Oaks. It's so close
to my house I ride my bike. It's a beautiful campus known of cousre
for it's oak trees (there's even a pond).

The pics are from the celebration today and one of my students. Isn't
she beautiful. I'm learning so much about the Latino culture. I love it!