I watched something yesterday I had never witnessed before. I watched a group of firefighters in training. I was especially interested in this training because one of these students is my son. This was the first time most of these young men had put a fire out with a hose. A series of simulations were constructed with fires being kept burning by propane and bales of hay. There was a simulation of a car fire, a house fire where they had to find a victim in a smoke-filled structure and/or a firefighter went down and the others had to get him out, and the "burn box". The "burn box" is actually a metal railroad car in which they go into, all doors are closed, and a wall of fire is started and they have to put it out. The fire was about 400-500 degrees. It was brutal. This was to show them how hot a fire can get in a structure. I know the guys would tell you they now have an idea of how hot any fire can get, but realize they could get hotter. I never really thought about how much a person has to go through in Firefighter/EMT training. I have always respected Firefighters and all they do for us, but I now have an even greater respect for them after watching the training. These guys will be great public servants.

Are you ready for this?!? I would like to introduce you to me and my wonderful family. I am so proud of them and all they have accomplished. I have an awesome husband, Wilson. In December of 2010, we had our 31st wedding anniversary! Our wonderful daughter Lydia graduated from Baylor and University of Houston and is married to Ryan, our super son-in-law, who graduated from Baylor and University of Houston Law School, is an attorney in our town, and they have the cutest babies in the world. Braedyn, born March 27, 2008 is my GRANDson!!! Then Rebaecca came along on January 25, 2011 to be our GRANDdaughter!!! Our awesome son, Luke is a state certified EMT/Firefighter. Our wonderful daughter Lara graduated in 2009 and is currently pursuing a career in photography. Our precious daughter Linzee graduated in 2010 and is a student at TAMU in Commerce and our sweet daughter Libby is a sophomore in high school. We are truly blessed.