Just Call Me G-Dawg … “What’s your grandmother name going to be?” … Nine years ago, as I eagerly anticipated the arrival of our first grandchild, I found myself constantly fielding this question. Everybody wanted to know what the little bundle of joy was going to call me. … I felt befuddled at the prospect of choosing a grandmother name. My own grandmothers had been “Grandma” and “Oma,” the German form of Grandma. Nothing cutesy. I agreed with my late mother-in-law, who had her grandkids call her by her given name.
Baseball is America’s favorite pastime. Generations of young athletes have grown up spending their summers sliding through the dirt and grass or enjoying a ballpark hotdog with family cheering on their favorite team. Dating back as far as the 1700s, baseball has endured through many economic endeavors and national hardships, including the Industrial Revolution and The Cold War, and it is still a favorite for players and fans around the country.
A Baseball Mom’s Secret … My oldest son is now 18, and he began playing tee-ball at three, which means I’ve been in the baseball-pants-cleaning-business for a solid 15 years. What started with one son playing baseball eventually became three sons playing, which transformed my laundry room into nothing short of mass chaos. … Between games and practices for three boys, baseball pants (and FILTHY ones at that) quickly took over my life, and I was desperate for info on how to get them perfectly white.
There is so much more to Texarkana than most natives realize. While many of us can’t imagine raising our families anywhere else we are often a bit surprised when someone new moves to town without being brought here directly by a job or family. It is even more surprising when we hear of someone coming simply to visit or explore. However, there are a growing number of successful vacation rentals right here in our backyard!
Texarkana native, David Michael Wyatt, who spent years perfecting his musical talents at Berklee College of Music, is a singer, songwriter and actor whose music fits perfectly into multiple genres including gospel and R&B. Wyatt was part of BET’s Sunday Best gospel talent show, has shared the stage with well-known singers such as Kirk Franklin, been featured on Grammy Award Winner Israel Houghton’s albums and has entertained leaders such as then President-Elect Barack Obama.
“DON'T FORGET TO PRESS RECORD!” … I tell my family that this would be the title of my book if I ever wrote a book. I always intend to record memorable moments but somehow I always seem to forget to press record. This week, I was documenting what I was sure would be a lifelong memory, only to realize too late I hadn’t pressed the record button until it was all over. Even with my below-standard videoing skills, I have managed to document much of my kids’ lives, but they will never understand the joy of watching the VHS tape recording of a dance recital made with an 80s camcorder.
Imagine you just spent your VERY last dime on a totally-worth-it, scrumptious, mouth-watering honey butter chicken biscuit from Whataburger, and you don’t get paid for another three days. Every bill under the sun is due RIGHT NOW!
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas … Treat mom to some items to help her get summer ready for Mother’s Day! These ideas will take her from morning workouts to pool days and barbecue nights. Throw in a gift card for a massage or pedicure for the perfect gift to celebrate all she does for your family! … Help mom keep her face looking young and fresh while protecting it from UV rays all summer with an SPF! This one also acts as a primer you can put on before make-up or wear alone.
In 1943, a letter addressed to Sergeant James Hughes made its way from Mineola, Texas, to the jungles of New Guinea. Serving his time on the South Pacific Island in World War II, James considered the letter a welcomed sight, until he read its contents. It was a Dear John letter from his girlfriend back home.