It's that Time Again

Here is a sampling of this year's bluebonnet pictures. I managed to find some close to home at Bush Intercontinental Airport instead of having to drive to Brenham. The wind was terrible and everyone needs a haircut - including the dog, but we managed. This will do for this year.

Paint on the Walls.......and Carpet

Well, the Linos are rushing around in fast forward to get some work done on the house so that it can be put on the market for what we hope is a quick sell. I would really like to sell, buy and move before the baby arrives. Ninety-one days and counting to the official due date from today. Wheww!

Friday was the target day for getting the sign in the yard and painting some rooms inside was necessary. The paint contractor arrived at 7:30 in the morning and in under two hours there was paint on the wall, the window, the chandelier, the front door, the tile and of course, the carpet. Colton's eyes got as big as saucers when he saw the paint can fall from about 5 feet up and bounce off of the tile floor. Needless to say it was a stressful start to the long day. In the end, we prevailed over the paint and nothing has to be replaced. The realtor came over and took pictures of the new setup............is this really the Lino house??????

Challenging Days in the Big Easy

I finally have time to get some thoughts on paper......three weeks later about my mission trip to New Orleans during Mardi Gras. We embarked Saturday, February 21st on a five day physically, mentally and spiritually challenging trip. We worked at night while the crowds were out and slept during the day. Some of our work time was spent passing out tracts just as fast as we could on Bourbon Street and some time on Jackson Square engaging people in spiritual conversations. My partner and I were able to give full gospel presentations to several people. There is so much deception and darkness in this place. Many people think "I'm fine." They listen with their ears and not their hearts.

I have known for some time that I was suppose to go on this trip and then in November one big reason/excuse came up not to go. I decided being 24 weeks pregnant was not a good enough reason to be disobedient to what the Lord had clearly told me to do. I am so glad I went............the Lord showed me I am not as equipped as I need to be to refute the false teachings that are so prevalent in our culture today. The same false doctrines and gods that are on Bourbon Street are also on Main Street in my neighborhood and many others. He also reminded me how gracious He was to save me from the my sin that is just as ugly to Him as the sin in New Orleans. Just because my sin is not as 'foul and disgusting' in my eyes as those on Bourbon, it still took the death of Jesus on the cross to save me from it.........just like the fortune tellers and drunks at Mardi Gras.

This trip was taxing, but well worth the effort it took to get there and maintain the energy it took to be obedient. I had a great roommate and it was such a blessing to have Nana and Pops keep the kids while I was away. I look forward to going on my next mission trip.........someday after Chloe is born.

Chloe's Ticker

I found this ticker to countdown Chloe's arrival. I have it copied on the bottom of the blog page.

My Little Valentines

These three were just too cute for their Valentine's parties at school today. Of course Cass did not go to 'school' but she had to match. A fun box from Nana & Pops arrived just in time to deck them out and fill me with yummy Thin Mints. Thank you Nana & Pops.

What's One More?

My standard answer now to the children's requests of things they want is "we'll have to see and talk about it later." Hopefully much later. Long before we discovered that we were expecting a fourth child, we promised Colton that he could have a dog for his 5th birthday. We are at 22 days and counting. The dog arrived two days ago. Nathan is not here to help, so why not add a 6 week old miniature schnauzer to the picture. 'Little Boy' as they are calling him until Daddy comes home to name him is adjusting well to life at the Linos. Colton is so proud! Campbell has mixed emotions and Cassidy just wants to pull his tail.

We have the greatest of intentions with this dog and his caregiver - Colton. We will strive to teach him responsibility and the many things that go with it. Of course I am the one training both of the little guys right now. They are both quite cute together and I pray they have a fast and lasting companionship.

Hail in Atascocita

I did not even know we were expecting a rain storm...........but here is the hail we got in our short storm this evening during the Super Bowl.