15 Minutes that changed our lives.

40 years and it seem s like yesterday.  We spent our 40^th anniversary in MGM, I was sharing with 24 teachers in a Teacher Certification Class at Evangel Church.  So, due to my assignment, we missed out on our actual date.  But we did spend some time at the beach – on the same sand that we shared on our honeymoon.  Let me take you back.

It was a hot Alabama summer in 1972. We were just 15 minutes late.  I had booked the bridal suite at the Gulf Breeze Holiday Inn.  We arrived at 6:15 pm in our new UNair-conditioned Chevy Nova, to check into our bridal suite, only to find out they had already rented our room to someone else!  Bummer!

FY: There were no cell phones back then to call ahead, and no credit cards to hold the room!  We did the best we could and stayed at the downtown Ramada for one night. 

I called Holiday Inn to tell them about our predicament – thankfully, they had another plan for us.  A brand new Holiday Inn had just opened in Navarre Beach in July – just about an hour East of Pensacola.

Back to 2012:  Navarre Beach Holiday Inn was a wonderful place.  We loved it.  It was right on the beach with an outdoor pool and an indoor restaurant.  As the years passed, it grew to become a bigger and better hotel with an indoor and an outdoor pool.  We even took our kids back there to enjoy the beach with us.  Memories that we will always cherish.  Sadly, hurricanes came and they had to build and rebuild the Holiday Inn.  Apparently someone at corporate HQ thought one too many and now all that remains is part of the parking lot, 2 lonely street lights and the 3 flag poles.

So, this year, we stayed at the Hampton Inn in Navarre and drove over to the beach.  Sat on the same sandy beach and swam in the same ocean.  We collected shells and I got to hold the hand of my dream girl again. 

Forty years may have changed the scenery on Navarre Beach, but that girl still takes my breath away.  And those 15 minutes of time was a God send.  Navarre became our beach forever.  

To Jan: I will sing it with The Spiral Staircase … I love you more today than Yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow! (Let’s go for 40 more!)

38 Years Ago - August 4, 1972

Tomorrow marks the day that we said I do and I would do it all over again. Only this time with more kids – maybe 6 or 7? 38 years with the woman that I always dreamed of. (No Pastor Lindell she doesn’t look 35 anymore, but she is more beautiful than ever.)

In August of 1970 we met at CBC on the first day of school. Sammy Lipari and I busted into the practice room where she was playing the piano. I gave Sammy the high sign and he took off! That would be 40 years ago – we were just 12 … (Plus?) From the first time I saw her, I was hooked.

I can sing the Firefall song and it fits!
Jan Lowery Bougher - You are the woman that I’ve always dreamed of, I knew it from the start;
I saw your face and that’s the last I’ve seen of my heart!

Todd and Nash -First Glimpse

Huntsville, Alabama - July 2, 2010

Here is a picture taken from the observation window, right after Nash was born. There are 15 of us gawking through a small 3 X 4 window trying to get a peak at this little guy. Family from both sides were there. We had all traveled from Louisiana and Missouri to be there for this special occasion. Finally Todd brought him over to the window so we could see him. BTW: He hasn't slept much since.

Nash Bougher is here!

This is Jennifer holding Nash born July 2, 2010. We are so happy for Todd and Jenn. It's great to be a grandparents. We are grandparents to Lyssie - 13 and Nash - 0. Already sent him a Bass Pro hat and he has a baseball and glove ready. Now to get him outfitted in a Hawkeye jersey and hat! Go Hawks!

Alyssa Bougher Walls Inducted in the NHS!

Lyssie is now a part of the National Honor Society!
Woo Hoo! They only pick students with at least a 3.7 grade average
and who are involved with volunteering in their community.
Lyssie is almost 13, runs the 100 and throws the shot put.
And her grandfather is her only boyfriend.
Don't believe everything you read.

Todd's Tomb

I know it is really Jesus Tomb. He only borrowed it for a couple of days. It was still in good shape after he used it.

This is our son Todd. He creates sets for churches. This is one tomb of three that he made for a church with 3 locations. If you are interested in seeing more of his work, go to his site todd-design.blogspot.com BTW: Todd and Jenn are due in July. Our new grandson is getting anxious to arrive.

Mom Charlotte is 49 Today ... well sort of

Yes, this picture is from Christmas. But today is her birthday. She is still smiling and telling us stories about the good old days. She has been an inspiration to so many people, from students to parishioners - they all have a story of blessing that she initiated. If you have the opportunity give her a call or send her a note. Happy birthday Mom Charlotte!

My Three Girls!

What a crew! Pray for me - I'm out numbered, even the dog is a girl. We've had a wonderful winter, lots of snow and Lyssie has been sledding down the hill near our house. Ellie, Lyssie's poodle has enjoyed her romps in the snow too. She has learned to shake hands, roll over and is in the process of learning to pray. She will do anything for a treat. I'm talking about Ellie the poodle of course!

Shhhh! We're hunting wabbits!

Not really. We were on a bird hunt. Pheasants, chukkars and quail. You will note that we shot them all. Great place in Branson - Down Home Huntin" check it out for your next outing.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Down-Home-Huntin-Upland-Game-Bird-Hunting-Preserve/116773132425

From left to right Missionary Steve Benintendi, BGMC David Boyd and Assistant General Superintendant Alton Garrison. Our best shooters had to be Curt Rosean and Glen Dorsey. We practiced first on clay pigeons. Then out to the field with some great hunting dogs. And best of all no one got Chaneyed! Others on the hunt: Ron Kelley aka Dead eye,

Lyssie is Rotary Student of the Month!

This is the sign out in front of her school announcing the Rotary student for the month. Only 9 kids can recieve this award each year. Pretty good for a new comer to receive this award in her first year at the school.

What an honor. Lyssie, our 12 year old grand daughter was chosen out of 800 students to be the Rotary Student of the month. Nixa Junior High teachers choose the students for their character and ability to get along with others along with their scholastic records. Lyssie is an "A" student and she takes after her grandfather. What a great kid! And I know, you are all so glad that she looks like her mom and grandmother! After a great speech from her Vice Principal, Mr McGeHee, she was awarded the plaque and a $25.00 credit card. You know that went over BIG!

FYI: I was once on the Dean's list at CBC. .... I'm not saying what list, but I was on it.