Wouldn't want to meet her in a dark alley...

Gloria poses with her 'victims'.  She broke five boards tonight at the board-breaking clinic!  You can see some of her moves in the videos below...

Today was a great day - Em's team played their final game for qualifying and won, 1-0.  The girls were on fire and really did a great job.  There were several shots on goal - Em ended up putting in the winning goal with her left foot!   It was quite a celebration on the sidelines.  

After the game, we headed out to Pizza Hut Park for the LA Galaxy (David Beckham's team) game against FC Dallas.  Of course Lonnie and I were working raising funds for the team while Em and Lindsay watched the game.  While we were finishing up and just about everyone was out of the stadium, Em and Lindsay ran into Kenny Cooper - he plays forward for FC Dallas and scored 2 goals tonight in two minutes.  FC Dallas won 4-0.  What a great way to end a fun but exhausting weekend!!

It's ALL important to Him!

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again, Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.   The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.    Philippians 4:4-7

My prayer life has faltered over the last few weeks.  I guess I could blame it on the busyness of Summer, the fact that we have been out of our routine, etc., etc.  I've also thought, 'Things are going really well for our family - we don't have that much to pray for'.  Why is it that I have only been on my knees lately for really bad stuff, ie: friends with family members that are dying of cancer, etc.?  Yes, we are incredibly blessed.  Our immediate and extended family is healthy, we are all employed, we are blessed beyond measure and don't have many worries, right?  Well, the last part of that sentence isn't exactly true.  I was tossing and turning most of the night last night.  My mind was churning about several things - a couple of my clients that are having troubles, the spats seem to be elevating day by day between Gloria and Emily, Gloria's long-term health, Emily's soccer tournament and a few other 'small' things.  For some reason I have a tough time turning these 'small' things over to Him.  I was even compelled to wake up a couple of times in the night and pray for those things on my mind.   I really feel as if He was reminding me that those little things are important to Him, to0.  

'Consider the ravens, they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.  And how much more valuable you are than birds!'  Luke 12:24

What a blessing - our Lord wants us to cast ALL of our burdens on him, no matter how large or small.  If we trust him with major things, why would we not give him the minor things as well? .    

Best Wishes!

We had a mystery visitor today - someone came by and left a poster on the front door for Emily.   She is home resting today in preparation for the big QT this weekend - qualifying tournament for soccer.  The outcome will determine whether or not her team plays in the prestigious Lake Highlands Girls Soccer League.

Puma Cup Tournament Pics

Our friend Michelle took some great shots from the tournament this past weekend.  I really appreciate her skill behind the lens - it's great to have some of those moments captured!   Say a prayer for this weekend - Emily's team will be competing for a spot in the Lake Highlands girls league.  They have 2 games Saturday, and one on Sunday.

Kung Fu Gloria

Before......

Here we go.....

After! Locks of Love

Gloria decided to cut her hair (not herself this time) and donate it to Locks of Love www.locksoflove.org ,  an organization that designs hair pieces and wigs for children that have lost their hair as a result of one of many medical conditions. We'll ship her hair off this week. I think it will probably take care of at least 5 kids- that girl has some hair!!

You call this work?!?

Lonnie was in Monterrey, California this week for the Annual AESC (Association of Energy Service Companies) Summer meeting.  I'm still not sure how much 'meeting' went on, as golf seemed to be the main event.  

Here at home, the girls and I had to move out for a couple of days, as our air conditioning went out and it was around 90 degrees in our house.  As I was breaking the news to Lonnie Wednesday evening on the phone, I expected him to blow a gasket - but he was on cloud nine.  He had just made a tee time for the next morning at Pebble Beach.    They teed off at 6:20 ( ho-hum) am!!  As you can see, there was a bit of fog getting in the way of the awesome view.  He said that on about hole 13, the fog finally lifted. 

The 'Bing Crosby Pro-Am and Clambake'

In 1938,  Bing Crosby invited a few friends to participate in a golf tournament.  The rest is history!  

Here's Lonnie standing next to a the Bing Crosby plaque at Pebble Beach.

Does that boy look happy, or what?

Standing on the 18th green at Pebble Beach.

Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course

As if playing Pebble Beach wasn't enough, Lonnie participated in an AESC sponsored golf tournament Thursday afternoon. 

Lonnie's Dinner Guest

This little guy wanted to share Lonnie's Fish 'n Chips at Fisherman's Wharf.

Scenic Lookout along the 17-Mile Drive

Sea Lions

The Lone Cypress Tree

This tree is an icon - it has been situated on this rocky point for about 200 years.  It is the official symbol of the Pebble Beach Golf Course and is considered to be one of the most recognized and beloved landmarks in California.