What is Yours?

A few weeks ago, my niece Tori asked a question on her blog, What is Yours? Her question pertains to your favorite childhood toy. I am finally getting around to answering the question.

I would like to introduce Jocko.




Jocko was given to me by my Mom and Dad when I was 6 months old. From that day forward he was my constant companion.

I couldn't go to sleep without him by my side. (here I am at 3) I think I actually slept with him until I was 9 or 10 years old.



Jocko rode in bicycle baskets, went to sleepovers, went on all family vacation...you name it and he was definitely there.

When I was 6 and had my tonsils removed Jocko went into the operating room with me. While having my tonsils removed I also had a wart burned off my hand. When I awoke from the anesthesia I had a band aid on my hand and Jocko had one on his same hand. It was also at that time he got his name. I had always called him monkey but the nurse said he needed a name and suggested Jocko. From that day on he was Jocko.


Fast forward 49 years...


Today Jock is still a part of my life. He is a little worse for wear. His arm was taped on many years ago. His hand has been stitched back on numerous time and rather than having cute yellow fuzz he is mostly threadbare.

I will never part with Jocko that will be something my kids will do for me someday. So for now he sits in a special place in my closet smiling his goofy little grin.



Now it's your turn...What is Yours?

a Birthday Junk

Over the years I have received some very interesting birthday gifts.

I have been given a wheel barrel, bags of cement mix, yard tools, power tools; you get the picture. While they weren't really meant as gifts each one was purchased around the time of my birthday as a necessity. We have an ongoing joke about these "gifts".

This year is the first time I can honestly say I was given a junk by Kimberly and Mark.

The story is Kimberly was looking for a sailboat for me to add to the house decor. She found a Chinese sailboat with a metal sail. She told me she knew it had a name but both of us were at a loss as to the actual name.

Later in the day Craig remembered it was a Chinese Junk.

Now have a Junk on the mantle and it's perfect!

Another Texas Tech Graduate

I am proud to announce Joshua Craig is an offical alumni of Texas Tech University.

Commencement started at 9 a.m. Saturday May 9, 2009

Josh's best friend Kellen Smith came for the ceremony. Also Josh's Grandma Light, sister Kimberly and brother-in-law Mark were there to share the day.

Craig and his mom, Josh's Gramma Carol.

If you look closely you can see Josh on the jumbo screen about to receive his diploma.

First official photo of the graduate along with Kimberly (guns up) and Kellen.

Our 3 Texas Tech graduates. Kimberly and Mark graduated in May 2006. Wreck 'm Tech.

Josh's dreaded photo op with the parents. (Craig tried to find a curb to stand on since Josh has outgrown him and I am in 3 inch heels.)

Finally the last photo of the day. As you can tell Josh is tired of smiling for the camera. (I actually have a good one of him smiling but thought this one captured his "spirit".)

After commencement, we had a celebration lunch at Abuelo's Mexican Cantina.

Josh's Aunt and Uncle, Steve and Ronna and 2 cousins, Myles and Lauren also joined us for lunch but I forgot my camera in the car so there are no pics to share... plus I's pretty sure Josh would have thrown his plate at me if I had tried to take more photos.

Pool is...OPEN