West Texas Mama

Following Sunday morning church services, we normally ask the offspring what they may have learned in Bible class. This past Sunday, however, the offspring could hardly wait to recount the following story to us: "Mom!  Did you know Jesus had brothers and a sister?" Little Sunshine asked.  "Someone asked why the Bible doesn't talk about them more." Number One Son piped up and said, "Yeah, and I looked over at Little Sunshine and said, 'Maybe they were annoying and bothered Jesus.'" Little Sunshine said, "I told the class, 'He (Number One Son) speaks from experience.'" Now that I think about it, they may be on to something!

Yesterday, I bought a cupcake for today.  You read that right.  Yesterday was a rough one.  Between work, pigs, dogs, kids, husband, dad.......I was worn smooth out.  And it was a full moon.  After Bible class, we had to pick up dog food.  I looked at my watch and saw that it was 8:15 p.m.  I looked at El Hubbo and said, "We could make it to Smallcakes if you hurry." "No, we don't need any cupcakes," he unwisely replied. "We could make it to Smallcakes if you hurry," I repeated. "Yes, ma'am," he said. When we entered the store, my favorite cupcake was on display:  Wedding cake.  It is an almond-y goodness that soothes my soul and calms my nerves.  I asked the cupcake lady to put two in a box.  El Hubbo says, "But I want a Chocolately Delight."  "That's fine," I say.  "The other one is for me for tomorrow." "For tomorrow?" he says in a confused tone. "Yes, for tomorrow,...

Baby, it's cold outside.  And Number One Son has been sick with a brutal cold.  It was definitely time for me to whip up some comfort food.  My mama always had a favorite meal when she was sick.  One her mama made her often as she recovered from surgeries to help her overcome the lasting effects of polio.  Tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich were her go to meal, and I remember making it for her a time or two when she was sick.  But I cannot stand tomato soup, and I will barely tolerate a grilled cheese sandwich.  My mama knew a favorite home-cooked comfort food is necessary for proper healing, so through much trial and error she found what would satisfy me:  chicken and dumplings with a side of fried okra.  I remember vividly, on a similar cold night after I had Number One Son, she fixed me my favorite comfort food as my first meal at home.  Nothing in the world could have tasted better.  So, tonight I whipped up a bat...

" Mama, it just isn't fair ," she said quietly. "I know, baby," I replied while hugging her tighter. Since October, she'd put in so many hours.  Xeno was a stubborn pig.  He wanted to run everywhere, he pushed and shoved at you trying to get food, and he was just plain difficult.  But she put the work in to train him and love him and calm him down.  She succeeded, and she was so looking forward to showing him at the San Antonio Livestock Expo.  Just last week, I was very sick and drove her out to the barn where her pig was kept.   She took him out and walked him around the field.  "Look, mama!" she yelled.  I watched from the car as she guided him here and there, around and around the building.  I thought to myself how far she had come this year. Show day came yesterday, and she was excited on the way to the grounds.  Things were fine in the morning.  We went to get Xeno out of his pen to walk a bit about midday, and h...