A Lunch For Little Rylynn

LB, Shane, Jeff, and Andrew-It was a beautiful day for a cold beer and a great cause!

Wow, what a day! I should be working on this massive stack of papers on my desk here at the ranch, but I'd rather talk about the event of the day. Today was the Children's Organ Transplant Association's (COTA) fundraiser event "A Lunch For Little Rylynn" at Moravian Hall in Jarrell, Texas and it was alot of fun.

Rylynn was on the waiting list for a heart transplant, but through the grace of God she received an Angel heart October 6th, and is doing well. We are all looking forward to her being home soon and have missed her at Aggieland this year.

So today was a day for her and her legion of prayer champions and supporters to get together and rejoice, and help raise funds for a great organization and the people they help.

There was bbq lunch plates for sale, with dessert as an optional purchase. Including my mom's delivered as promised infamously famous peanut butter cake...(Awww, damn that is just a delicious piece of heaven on Earth)! Ton's of cobbler, cookies, and anything else sweet that a dietitian would scowl at me for enjoying. (Plus, you could buy it to take home. Oh well , we all get a cheat day right?)

A silent auction included some great items courtesy of my brother and our good friends Karen and Jeff Carawan. We even purchased a few things. Who knew Andrew liked hand painted pictures of tugboats? All this time I could have bought the kid great local art and cut my Christmas budget in half. There were a ton of other cool items. However, I'm a tad bit glad that my mom was outbid on the t-sip paraphernalia (I didn't know Gil and Andrea had so many orange friends) she would have looked great in it, but it is still burnt orange.

The live auction seemed to draw the most attention and anytime a group that diverse is together the items will be just as spectacular. I didn't "win" the Yeti cooler, Stihl weed eater, Marlin .22 lever action, or this hill country resort of a bird house. I figure the desserts I bought(see above) made my contribution known.

Shane and his soon to be new beautiful bride Melissa made it out too. Somehow leading to Shane being the winning bid on a new AKC pointer puppy (for his brother). Shady things happen when this guy's around! However seeing them and hearing about what a fun time we'll be having at the wedding in Austin was great. I hear there will be a complimentary shuttle service....that's going to lead to bad things. (I might need a date for that if you are-female (never know), never married, no kids, Christian enough for both, no tattoos, no indoor pets, college educated, kinda know current events, know who Mike McClure, Reckless Kelly, Micky and the Motorcars are, drop dead gorgeous because you have to make us both look good, can dance, and have the ability to not take seriously 90-95% of what I say )

It's safe to say that as we were having to leave and the live auction was still way underway that the event was a success. We are thankful that Ry and the family are doing well and the organization that helps families like this exist. Being a part of today's event was a good thing.

If you missed out on the event, but still want to help then there is always a way. At this website, http://www.cotaforrylynnr.com/ you can learn about the organization and Ry's story. Also, it's something we hear, but not a lot of us do. Please consider being an organ donor. It might just lead to another great day like this.

Have a fantastic week!
LB

Just A Little Catch Up!

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff

A long awaited miracle took place the other day! Little Miss Rylynn Riojas has a heart. An Angel heart arrived and the transplant went off without a hitch! I'm happy to report that she is doing well and recovering. She still needs your prayers but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The Children's Organ Transplant Association and Team Rylynn are having a benefit this Sunday October 23, 11:30-3:00 at Moravian Hall in Jarrell, Texas. There will be a bbq lunch/auction/silent auction/raffle/and children's games. For more information about the organization and benefit you can check out the website http://www.cotaforrylynnr.com/.

I'll be there...and I hear that Leanne and my mom will be providing some great desserts for the bake sale! MMMmm Peanut Butter Cake? (Yeah it's that good that it needs caps) Y'all come out and we'll have a great time.

What else is new? Well I guess it's all kids news still. Stopped by to see Jeff and Karen the other day and little Ruthie is turning out to be quite the handful. It was blast to see her walking across the living room and watching football with us guys. Then at Aggieland this weekend we were able to see our little cousin Finn up for his first Aggie game...(which we won!) Whoop!! Both of them will be having birthdays soon so I'll have to find something cool to spoil them with.

Other than that life has been pretty crazy. We had three inches of rain at the ranch the other day....Amen! So the grass is green and needing mowing, it's been awhile since a mowing was needed. We're hanging on and the cattle still look pretty good. Rain will always be in our prayers and always a welcome sight!

As far as work. I've been promoted to a position in San Antonio, but in trying to find a replacement for me...(Apparently it's pretty hard to replace me, others have tried and failed...j/k) I am still burning up the highway all over South Texas. I'm beginning to think 6-7k miles on my company pickup a month is normal. She treats me good though and there ain't nothing wrong with the radio. However, once the new guy is trained I can say goodbye to overnights in Laredo and hour and half one way commutes to the office. Maybe I'll even find some time for riding horses and chasing women. (Yeah, I've been that busy!)

That's pretty much the gist of my life right now. But continue to pray for Rylynn and if you can help out with the fundraiser that would be great!

Y'all need anything then you know how to reach me.

Hasta,
LB

Prayer Requests!

Well summer has been flying by and it's been alot of fun. There have been trips to the lake, the river, a couple of wild nights in Bandera and a fabulous vacation to Hawaii. Sorry I didn't post all those while they were happening but you throw in a crazy, hectic work schedule and something has to give.

Plus, haven't really felt inspired to write about too much.....of topics crossing my door lately is a break up with an on again off again woman (but those of y'all that know me know that broken record, and why beat a dead horse? :-) ) However, I think the retelling in the right setting might make for the modern day "Gone With The Wind:" or at least a pretty good comedic remake of it. Then there is a fiction about a cattle ranger working in South Texas and dealing with greedy bankers, ostentatious women, and drug cartels....maybe that will get finished one day too.

I even was able to make a ranch sorting practice last night and it was amazing. Nothing like hooking up Ol Blue, loading some horses, and running down the road to put me in a better mood.

Of course, it is my friends and family that mean the most to me and always will. I admit that I like to do alot on my own, but without the support of those that mean the most to me I just wouldn't be able to be who I am. With that being said there are several of them that need to be lifted up in prayer and I know that faith is always a comfort.

Please pray for my grandmother Marie Moore. She recently had knee surgery and has had several complications and difficulties on her road to recovery. I love my grandmother and have fond memories of her bouncing me on her knee telling me I was a good kid. Even if I had just wrecked havoc on some cousins' toy, or been in the way of whatever adult project was going on. A greater player of Wheel of Fortune or Jeopordy I've never seen, and I can't remember a time or place that we've ever been where her and my grandfather didn't know somebody. And whomever it was always had kind things to say about the both of them.

Also please pray for my uncle Roy Allbritton. He is having some complications with a foot injury and we are praying for a speedy recovery. I know he is eager to be up and running around again. I'm sure that him being cooped up and not allowed to be going off in his own pursuits is getting to his nerves. However, the doctor has the bigger picture in mind and his best interests.

Next on the list is our military. I've seen glances at reports of losing 31brave soldiers this weekend. My heart goes out to those families and I pray that they find comfort in their faith. I'm thankful for those men and women that serve so we can be free. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Also please pray for rain. I was in San Angelo last weekend and I've never seen so much of our beautiful state look so pathetic. Lush pastures and native range land were bare to the soil. Cattle looked in poor condition with not much hope in sight. I've heard stories of the drought of the 1950's, but I believe this one to be much worse. Our state is much more beautiful with a little rain, and the bad news always seems a little better with green pastures to look at.

My final prayer request is for my friends Gilly and Andrea Riojas and their baby girl Rylynn. Rylynn is currently living with a Berlin heart at the ICU of Children's Medical in Dallas, Texas. She is awaiting a heart transplant and in her short years has been through Hell on Earth. I've watched as my friends and their family have embraced each new challenge of Ry's life with their faith. Ry is such a beautiful, sweet, and vivacious girl that anytime with her and you realize she is truly one of God's greatest. I don't know all the details of her journey, but I know each time I've seen her she's never failed to muster a smile and wonder at the world around her! Please pray that she comes through this new challenge with flying colors! Andrea has created a blog where you can learn more about Ry and what she is going through and it is available at andreariojas.blogspot.com.


Well that's all I have! Just some simple prayer requests but the power of prayer is amazing! Please keep those mentioned above in your prayers and send me any prayer requests that you may have. I hope y'all the best!

Vaya Con Dios Mis Amigos!

LB

I'm Back And Whoop!!

Well it has been....to quote my father..."A hell of a year!" However, hell year is over. My brother and I are official MBA graduates of Texas A&M University-San Antonio. It still really hasn't sank in yet that a long tumultous year of breaking in a new job and going to grad school is over. As I'm typing this blog it's a Sunday night and I'm watching Celebrity Apprentice. My usual routine for Sunday has been watching this show and pouring over notes, doing school projects, or taking online quizzes. But no more!

I can take a deep breath and catch my breath....done. Now its time to get to my list of things that I've been neglecting.

Back to my horses- too long with out riding and running down the road. Rebel's been sitting in a stall all year and he's about as bored as I have been. Time to hit the back pasture and the arena for lots of tuning up. Being on the back of a horse is still better than being behind my big desk...anyday.

Pick up my guitar- No, I'm no John Rich with a guitar but I do enjoy picking out the lyrics that float through my head.

Enjoy the peace- I can't remember the last time I had some thoughts that didn't revolve around my school schedule and work load. Looking forward to all those going away.

Hit the lake- Time to get the fleet out and enjoy the water. Hello Medina (at least till the drought doesn't let us launch)

Friends and Family- Let's BBQ. Time to hangout, catch up, and enjoy life.

Write- maybe a novel, maybe a short series, but at least more on this blog.


Thanks for the support y'all!


LB

Guess that wasn't Love!

The clear resonating tone of "F you and go to hell!" is sounding through my brain as I slip my phone back into the pocket of my old blue jeans. I'm thinking to myself, "guess that wasn't love" as I'm ransacking the veterinary supply box looking for a needle, syringe, and the Banamine! No, it's not for me ....I promise.

Banamine, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for horses. (No, it's not for me...I promise.) That's exactly what it is being made for today. It's aspirin for horses. But, it's for a sick little cow pony that I just temped at 104 degrees. That's pretty hot for any kind of mammal....including Ice. My brother's prized cutting horse. I'm giving him the shot to start bringing down the fever before making an after hours call to the vet. Ice had a recent sinus infection and apparently is having allergic reactions to the drugs he was given. Taking Ice to the vet means I won't be picking up this beautiful woman that I had evening plans with.

I'll call her Katie for this story...and well that's her name. Anyways, I met Katie while Christmas shopping the other day. It was the highlight of a long, exhausting, miserable day! Seriously, when did so many people quit buying their Christmas presents in July. The last two days before Christmas should be reserved for just us guys. Because we've finally made up our mind to what we want to buy and for whom, and we have formulated a plan of attack. Even planning a backup gift list for the ones that we can't find. Anyways that's another topic.

So the last stop on my tumultuous shopping expedition are some new shirts for my brother Andrew. I walked into the Cavenders Western Wear store and there she was.....a true example of physical beauty....and there I was...tongue on the ground and tripping over every line I wanted to approach her with. That's right..."approach" because it wasn't a question of if I would speak to her, it was what was I going to say? You don't win the gold buckle unless you back into the box and nod. And, I was nodding....physically nodding I think, because the next thing I know this goddess of Eden is asking me if I'm ok. As I stutter a hesitant "yes" and am trying to pull every ounce of focus to continue standing upright and not become a puddle of wasted humanity at her feet...I think to myself....this might be LOVE! I quickly gather my thoughts break the eye contact and retreat (well not retreat exactly) but to observe and gather intelligence. "The Art of War" teaches that you should know your enemy before attacking your enemy.....and there is one thing I've learned....if it's love or lust...the rules of war always apply! So I slink away to find Andrew's shirts, and size her up.

These are my thoughts as I size up the hunt. "Damn she's pretty..no beautiful...like straight out of a magazine ad! Blonde hair, straight shoulder length, kinda like Jennifer Anniston...check. She's definetly into fashion as I notice the big bright glitzy belt buckle around that little black mid thigh high dress....damn...check. Are those designer square toe cowboy boots? Yeap... Not too tan and not too white...and is that small mole on her right cheek....YES...check. Green eyes...and wow they sparkle....Ok I'm in...ALL IN! Like a bad poker player I'm flailing my chips into the center of the table in hopes of drawing the proverbial ace in the hole!"

In the meantime I've picked out a couple of shirts that I know Andrew will like, but I've figured out my icebreaker. I'm holding the shirts as I make my approach...Maverick call the ball! Roger, Maverick has the ball....."Excuse me Ma'am, but I'm having some trouble deciding on these shirts for my brother....what do you think of them? That's it...there's the ice breaker...nothing extravagant or jackassish...(it's taken alot of practice) but letting a woman have a say so in a decision you make is such a play maker. The intro works and we're talking, and I introduce myself. Ask a few questions about her, and close with an "always leave them wanting more" attitude. In thanking her for her help and good taste I ask for her number...."the gold buckle" in this instance and for some reason she gives it. Life is good, as I mentally skip gleefully away planning June weddings under green oak tress in back pastures with cold kegs of beer and brisket!

We talk....we text...and we make a date! I've flirted....and poured it on thick at every chance I could...trying not to overdue it, but at the same time being my honery self. Seems like we may get along pretty good. Until, I make a call from my cell phone saying that I can't make this evening because I'm taking Ice to the vet! Before even getting to explain what's going on..I'm hearing that pretty little mouth say that dirty word....and it might have been a turn on if it wasn't directed towards me. I say I'm sorry and wish her the best!

I load Ice and we trudge out the ranch road to the highway. I stop to check the tires, glance in on how he's doing and climb back in the cab. Shift 'Ol Blue into drive and pull out on the highway, reaching for the radio dial and the song playing is Dan Seals, "Everything that Glitters is Not Gold", couldn't make it up if I tried. In my mind a saying my father instilled in me is beating away...."you take care of your horse, before you take care of yourself"

If she was as much go as she was show...well then she would've known that. When you have responsibility sometimes things change. Like any single mother or father who ever had to change plans to deal with a sick child....The same is true with horses! They come first in times of need....And Dad, that's still true. So it wasn't love....just lust. Oh well, there's always another down the road.

A few hours later and Ice is responding well. His temperature is down, he's moving better, and by tomorrow the swelling in his neck should be almost gone. All thanks to a beautiful, vivacious, talented vet....Dr. Collins. She wasn't on call...but she took the call. Thanks Doc. I'm not sure what oath a vet takes, but I know it's based on taking care of the horse, before you take care of yourself!

LB

Back To School!!!

“Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task.” -Dr. Haim Ginott

To all my friends and family starting back to teaching tomorrow, I'm wishing the best of luck and hope each has a great year. Each one of you does a great job with a stacked deck! Wish y'all the best and may you each have an exciting, successful, and productive year!

Have Fun,

LB

32....Damn!

When I wake up tomorrow I'll wake up to the body of a 32 year old man. Well I'll say man...and some might still say boy. But to me that's a compliment! I spent this years birthday vacation going to see one of my favorite performers with my favorite brother in the world. OK, he's my only brother, but we still had a blast.

Andrew and I found ourselves in Vegas for one of the Garth Brooks concerts. I don't think I could ever actually sum up the emotions of his performance. Seated 50 feet above one of my favorite all time entertainers waiting for the show to start, I heard several people talking about what song he would start with. I knew what song it would be..because much like Garth's life, the lyrics of this song plays to my own heart....and you should have seen the necks whip around when he belted out with "Much Too Young" the song I called as being his first. I've always said that song is the story of my life, and request it be played at my funeral one day.

Much too young to feel this damned old! Turning 32 is no exception. If you are only as young as you feel and age is just a number then hell...I'm never leaving 25 in my mind. Twenty-five was a great time...but 32 won't be so bad. Hindsight is twenty-twenty and I've had enough to last most people a life time, but I'm sure up for a lot more before my race is through.

Garth's show was one that was very special to me, almost like hearing the wind whisper my name. For awhile lately, I'd forgotten how much music means to me. I guess trading the radio for graduate books, and a mountain of multi-tasking had left my soul craving a good song yearning to reconnect with my inner child. So here's a play list of some of my favorite song memories.

Tracy Lawrence- "Gonna Live Forever, If The Good Die Young" Picture this song blaring out of two old 1983 F-250 radio speakers as I flew down back roads learning to shift gears in an old diesel like she was a Porshe 911 on a Grand Prix course. Yes, that good.

Top Gun Soundtrack- "Danger Zone" in a Sony knockoff tape player lifting weights and trying to be the meanest football player that I could.

Ernest Tubb- " Waltz Across Texas" She was the best dancing girlfriend I've ever had, and we could steal the show waltzing to this song. We never made it as a couple, but this song always started fireworks.

Conway Twitty- "That's My Job" I always knew no matter how bad it got, the old man would help me out. Quite frankly the world would be a better place if every father was like that. I'm lucky to have had a father that allowed us to step out on our own and let us be who we are.

Keith Whitley & Earl Thomas Conley- "Brotherly Love" the kid may have been a pain growing up but damn he's one of a kind! I have the best brother in the world and am proud of the young man he's grown up to be. Having him along this year for my birthday trip was special!

As I look to the next years of whatever my life brings...I've come across a song that puts a lot of it into perspective. Jason Aldean's "On My Highway"

On my highway the yellow lines, Have disappeared from time to time, And I've wound up on the wrong side of the road,On my highway I've gone to fast, Afraid that I might finish last, I hooked a curve too hard and lost control, Oh I never know which way it's gonna go,

(Chorus)

But what a feeling chasing the sun, Living my life like it's shot from a gun,Laughing a little bit more with every mile,Oh what a freedom racing the wind,Dying to know whats around the next bend, And smiling as I watch the years roll by,I'm learning how to take it day by day on my highway,On my highway I missed some signs, And left a damn good love behind,I see her in my rear view like a ghost,On my highway I've broken down,And cried when no one else was around,And prayed that God would save my soul,Ya I've paid a lot of heavy tolls,

(Chorus)

Yeah Yeah,What a feeling out on the run,Drinking up the rain soaking up the sun,Laughing a little bit more with ever mile,Oh what a freedom like a sail in the wind,Not looking back not forgetting where I've been,Smiling as I watch the years roll by,I'm moving on from my mistakes, And I'm learning how to take it day by day,On my highway,Oh oh yeah.


I'm blessed and looking forward to the next 32 years up around the bend.

Hasta compadres!
LB