the beginning

Way back when, we lived in covington, la. While in a quaint, "just-our-size" house, when getting ready for the day, mom and dad had music playing on the 8-track. Yes, I kid you not, the 8-track. My future kids are going to be saying "a what track?!" I only remember two that they owned at the time. I remember somebody-anderson (a country crooner) and kenny rogers. It was a black 8-track and had a picture of him on the cover. I used to listen to it over and over. I loved the sound of kenny's voice as he sang "Ruby", "Coward of the County", "Reuben James", and "She Believes in Me". I still love those songs and have a tape (its old, ok) in my car to prove it. I want to give you taste of that voice that I find hard to describe while making it sound pleasant. It is "grumbly" but not gutteral. It is a lazy sounding voice.

my soundtrack

I am feeling inspired to walk down memory lane by showing you all the music I treasured in my short *ahem* history. As David toils away on making out his exams, I toured Youtube.com and found the videos I breathed and lived during my adolescent years. I don't have the hormones raging like I once did but I sure remember what it was like and I could not feel more sentimental about these songs and artists. I thought about me putting them up as rather selfish since it isn't entertaining the masses, necessarily, but sharing my musical biography. But I can't help but do this for my own sake. I hope you are not infinitely bored and if you are, I will do my best not to take it personally. These songs are very much a part of me. Some people can love a song and not be insulted when others don't--i am not like those people. If someone drags U2 through the mud, I am personally offended. Also, once I love a song and is "part of me" it is never ever ever not a part of me. It is there forever. So, though I would not choose to love a certain song in my present self, I still respect the song out of where I was when I did choose it. Does that make any sense? Music has crazy importance to me. If someone wants to know me they should listen to the music I love. When David and I were dating he found out that I loved U2. He asked me what my favorite album was. Soon after, he bought that album to listen to (and listen to, he did). That was big to me. To me, it was as good as a personal interview to listen to that album. It meant so much to me. I wish I could explain this tie more clearly--but I have often wished my life had a soundtrack because in my head it does.

happy birthday, cora godiva hogue!!!

One year ago today (May 13th) this 3lb fur ball was born and a month later walked right up to David's feet and chose us to take care of it. I am certain that the Lord whispered in this little critter's ear to come to us. We haven't regretted that decision yet. Our hearts are full of love for our rascal. She is part rascal, though, and part gentle depending on the hour. She is a wonderful part of our small family and we enjoy doting on her. I'm so glad the Lord gave us Cora because I think in some ways it is preparing us for a baby. We hope she has many more birthdays after this and we hope that truly all dogs go to heaven.

A couple of days ago I looked up the meaning of Godiva and found that it means "gift from God". How appropriate!!!

new york times bestseller

This past weekend we were at the Hogue house in Newellton and I began reading a book that my sister-in-law, Esther, brought home. I'm sure many of you have heard of this book that is called My 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. I read it in a couple of days and that is a pretty good measure of how interesting it was (for me, anyway). I haven't done that with a book since the last installment of the Harry Potter series. And before that it was with the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom (and that was years ago). I was that riveted, is what I am trying to explain. I loved the book and it encouraged me on so many levels.

First of all, I was so emotional as he described his time in heaven. It was truly truly beautiful. I wouldn't say that the author was a person that got really emotional or that he was good at being descriptive but then again (as Esther said) how could he be? It really took away fear of death, and it took away mourning for lost loved ones as I imagined them there worshipping in full joy-ahhhhh!

Secondly, I was moved by this man's struggle with pain and despair on his return to earth. My own struggles have been no where near this man's but I could relate to his emotional despair and that hopelessness that I have felt at points in my life. It is a dark place but to know that you are not alone does wonders for encouragement.

Thirdly, I closed that book with new resolve to run the race set before me. It was so clear that our time on earth is but a faint whisper in eternity. And that the sufferings we have will be nothing compared to the glory of heaven. I look forward to it. I have less fear because of it.

I have a list of books that I like giving to folks or recommending. To give you a few: Boundaries, Changes that Heal, Loving Obedience, Francine Rivers trilogy (Voice in the Wind, Echo in the Darkness, and Sureness of the Dawn) along with the given Tolkien and Lewis books. I think this book is going to make the list. In fact, I have a running list of people who should read this book. It may be you.....

running,

riding!

bible time minus 1

Everyone gathered after Sunday lunch for a daily bible time. This one was especially in honor of Mr. Hogue, the one who started this tradition. Stories were told, tears were shed, and comfort given. It was a sweet time.

dust is settling

It has been almost two weeks since Mr. Hogue passed away. For some unknown reason, it feels as though it happened years ago. All the children have gone back home (except for one who is leaving tomorrow). Despite the sorrow of losing my father-in-law so suddenly and unexpectedly, I was overjoyed to be with the family in its entirety. It was wonderful to have all the kids running around and all the sisters-in-law to chat with. I know David felt supported by his siblings and I definitely felt a part of something special with the Hogue wives and Hogue sisters. I loved it! I came home to Jackson and felt the emptiness of our house all the more. It was more quiet and sullen. I missed everyone. We've been back this past weekend and will be going again this weekend and I'm glad for it. I get to be around friends who are family--what a blessing! This definitely helps the argument of large families.

I have some great pictures to share but once again I'm not on my home computer. I'll post them soon, hopefully.

grieving

We received news yesterday that David's father died in a car accident. Mr. John Walter Hogue Jr. was 77 years old. There is an autopsy being performed to determine whether he may have had a heart attack and lost control of the car. The shock of the news was reeling. Since the news, I've witnessed my sweet husband crumble on the floor, weep, and groan. My heart is broken for him and his family. It looks like death is never something we can completely prepare for. Mr. Hogue was a hardy and strong 77 year old. If he passed away, we assumed it would be a slow decline. This sudden and unexpected death always leaves unanswered questions. I've listened as David expressed regrets--regrets of lost opportunities with his dad. I don't think we can watch someone leave this life without feeling wronged. We can't say good-bye, we can't make absolutely certain that they know we love him, respect, him and admire him. I remember feeling as though I had unfinished business with my cousin Tony when our family lost him to cancer last fall. I had to give it over to the Lord who timed these deaths long before the world was created. I also have to believe that in Heaven, in the presence of sweet Jesus, all is made right or will be when we join them one fine day.

Your prayers are appreciated as the family makes plans for the funeral and the logistics of getting such a huge family a place to stay (11 siblings, 34 grandkids, 3 aunts/uncles). Pray for Mrs. Hogue who is getting used to life without her husband of almost 48 years. Thank ya'll so much for the love, support, phone calls, offers of help, and prayers that we've received. It has been heartwarming and touching.

cora's fun weekend (written from the perspective of cora)

I was scared mommy and daddy were going to leave me on friday when I saw them packing the car but I actually got to go with them. Yippee. It was raining outside the whole drive to gramma and grampa's house so i had to keep arguing with my parents to open the windows. I don't get why they don't love to get wet--its awesome. At one point, daddy let me out at a place called "starbucks" (they are always drinking some weird water in there) and I ran and ran in the rain (I really had to go poopy). Daddy wasn't too happy.

I love gramma and granpa's house. I get all sorts of attention. They have this fuzzy stuff on the floor called carpet and it really scratches my back good.
They also have windows that I can see out of. I saw a man on a "lawnmower". I barked and barked but he never turned around or went away. Hmph!
And mommy called me a sitting duck because I found a big puddle and sat in it up to my neck. They laughed. Daddy was a little bit upset because I was gonna be all wet for the drive home.
Lucky for me, it wasn't raining so my parents opened the window for me. I dried off pretty quick on the way back home.