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Ann, Sam and I took a long weekend a couple weeks ago and visited Alex at Tarleton (conveniently it was parents weekend) and then on to Lubbock to visit Texas Tech.

It was the first chance we’d gotten to visit Alex at the ranch since he took up residence part time (soon to be full time) in one of the trailers that Kobie Wood has on his property. It was nice to finally have a picture in our head as to where he was living. We had a nice weekend in Stephenville and Lingleville (where the ranch is located) and even went to Cowboy Church with him on Sunday in Dublin, TX.  

Sunday we drove to Lubbock for a Monday visit to Tech. LONG way out there to be sure. We’d heard about all the wind turbines that are out in that part of the state, but had never seen them. Once you get to Sweetwater, TX there were wind turbines for as far as you can see and they seem to go on forever. It was pretty amazing. Texas Tech is a big place. over 1800 acres of campus. A little too big according to Sam. But it was worth the trip.

Sam with Mike Lish CGS Board Chair

As in past years, we enjoyed attending Camp Grady Spruce’s Camp Crockett Reunion in December. This great annual event was made even more special this year when Sam was chosen as the 2008 Youth Volunteer of the Year. It was great to see the time and devotion that Sam has cheerfully committed to various projects recognized.

Alex was honored last May when he was recognized as a 2007-2008 All-State Teens Serving Texas Finalist. His high school principal, Randy Spain, nominated him based on Alex’s commitment and enthusiasm for his Frisco Horse Park volunteer work.

Our boys are very different in many ways but we are gratified and humbled to have such public affirmations of their shared core values. I pray a lot. One of my prayers since before Alex was even born has focused on my desire for my children to be honest and caring. As the boys began school, I added “responsible” to my daily prayers of petition. As they entered their teen years, “gratefulness” seemed to round out my hopes and dreams for my boys.

I know I should probably care more if they make money or other material evidence of success. I really do believe, though, that if they have the strength and will to always be honest, care about others, take personal responsibility for not just themselves but the world as a whole, and finally to regularly take the time to experience the joy of gratitude, they will be more successful in more ways than they can ever imagine.

As young adults, Alex and Sam remind us regularly how independent and self-sufficient they are becoming. They’re still in my prayers; I’m just enjoying the prayers of thanksgiving.

We are very indebted to Rick and Penny McLeod, CGS ranch managers in the early 2000′s for their very BIG positive influence on both Alex and Sam. Here, left to right, is Sam, Rick and Alex after a big day of cleaning stables, giving hay rides and generally just hanging out with the horses.

As much as I didn’t want to admit it at the time, Meg was right: She sent the boys BLUE SPARKLY hair gel which they got into before I even knew it had arrived in the mail. I was not pleased! Meg’s comment to me was that it’s just hair and gently suggested I could save my bluster for bigger issues. While we have been very blessed to have the many, many positive influences and support systems we have, I’m just glad it’s now Meg’s turn to have tween-age boys!!!

Cali, Alex, Sam and Ann

Sam is hanging out with Alex this weekend at Tarleton. We met Alex in the Fort Worth Stockyards for dinner. He brought his friend Callie along. Callie is from Denton and her dad happens to work at Collin College in Frisco.

It was great to see Alex. Sounds like things are going great at Tarleton. He’s enjoying school, his new friends and his job with Kobie Wood. Kobie is a horseman in the Stephenville area. He’s letting Alex work at his ranch. Another great opportunity for Alex to learn from people in his field of interest.

Keep up the good work, Alex!

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10:45pm Update: Great party! Lots of friends who have been important in Alex’s life were there. We are all grateful to have such wonderful friends! Alex was pleased with the turnout and – of course – pleased with the thoughtful gifts.

1:00pm: We’re having a party for Alex today. You can click on the picture to see updated pictures that refresh every 5 minutes were taken throughout the day. You can also go to http://www.ustream.tv/scottblackman to see a live stream starting around 3:30 central time.

We got them together last week for a little senior “group picture”. The plan was to put them in cap and gown but everyone hadn’t gotten theirs yet. We all had fun.

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