What's New?

Well February came and went. It's already been such a crazy year. But I guess time flies when you're having fun. At the end of January I attended UMC's Gala.


It was a lot of fun and so nice. Probably the nicest event I have ever attended. The Foundation raised $265,000 for women's health. It was fun dancing with the Physicians and we all had a really good time.


A week later we had the annual LAF Addy Awards at the Ice House. It was a good time, and our Marketing Team racked up 3 awards, 2 Silver and 1 Gold! It's was an alien themed event so I went in all black with an interesting netted headband to spice it up a bit.



Throughout the year I have also been on the committee for the Laugh for the Cure event. It was held of Feb. 26th at the Civic Center and I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. It was a lot of hard work, but we pulled it off. I think it's going to be one of those events that we can definitely build on for next year.



Well after all of these things going on, plus working my tail off on our heart campaign myumcheartplan.com, it's time for a break. Brandon and I will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary March 21st (can't believe it!) and a week later he and I, along with two of his brother's and their wives will be boarding a Carnival Cruise to the Caribbean for a little R&R. Can't Wait :)

See you There Big Ern: You Will be Missed

My Granddaddy, Ernest Richard Frazier, 88 years of age, went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, January 16, 2010, in Lubbock, Texas. He had a full, productive and interesting life and made those who knew him richer for the experience. He was laid to rest last week at Fort Sam Houston last Wednesday at a beautiful tribute and salute funeral followed by a memorial service at his former home church Trinity Baptist in San Antonio, Texas. As tribute to him I decided to pay my respects and honor him at this memorial service. This is the speech I recited.

“As many of you know I was Ernie’s favorite granddaughter. This was a title he gave to me long ago and one he took very seriously. Of course, technically, I was his only granddaughter. I remember one time him introducing me to someone as his “favorite granddaughter” and I said, “But Granddaddy, I’m your only granddaughter,” which he kindly and sincerely replied, “But Jennifer you are still my favorite.”

When I was a little girl my Granddaddy was my hero. Not for any particular reason, but because of all the exciting things he did with me. Like playing checkers and other games, taking me to the pool to go swimming, and making me laugh. He always had a great sense of humor.

When I was older he became more of a hero to me as I learned of all his many accomplishments in life: His heroism in WWII, his accomplishments in the work force, and his leadership in the church. I looked up to him and respected him. I also admired his intelligence, his love for the Lord, and the way he cared for my grandmother. He was and always will be one of the most honorable and trustworthy men I will ever know.

When my grandparents decided to move from the warm comforts of San Antonio to the cold country of West Texas, I knew it was going to be adjustment for them. It was a decision they didn’t enter into lightly and I knew their lives would never be the same. Little did I know that my life wouldn’t either.

Big Ern had to make a new life for himself at age 86. He learned how to live and get around a new city, he made new friends, he joined a new church, and even learned how to work a computer. He was never afraid to try new things.

The last few months of his life were some of the most challenging and rewarding moments in my life. I had the distinct honor and privilege of playing a role in his daily care. When you’re little you never imagine yourself taking care of the most basic needs for you grandfather in his old age. However, I’m most certainly sure he never envisioned his “favorite granddaughter” taking care of him in this way either. But he was so humbled and thankful for the care he received from my mom and I and told us daily. He showed amazing grace everyday.

The last memories I will have of him are the precious moments I will hold near to my heart forever. It was in those quiet moments he was still teaching me about God’s love for his people. It was in a handhold, a soft smile and his struggle to tell me he loved me that I will cherish the most.

In the grips of God’s grace he still displayed his mighty courage, his great sense of humor, and his love for his family. My heart is breaking this day, but I know he is with his King now and I feel so blessed and thankful for the love, the joy, and the life of my Granddaddy, my hero, Ernest Richard Frazier.”

Christmas 2009 "One To Remember"

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2: 13-14 (KJV)

Well it was an interesting Christmas to say the least. Our family (my mom's side) had been planning for a while that we would all go to Dallas for this Christmas. We hadn't celebrated Christmas in Dallas maybe ever, but now that my brother lives there we thought it would be really fun place to spend the holiday. Well then Big Ern (my granddad) was diagnosed with cancer and we thought the trip was off. However, our spirits were lifted when the radiation oncologist said he could travel. So Brandon, Teensy and I drove to Dallas on the 23rd. We stayed with my brother and sister-in-law's new house and were having a great time.

Well we got up on the 24th to find out that not only was raining snow in Dallas it was a blizzard in Lubbock where my mom and grandparents were trying to catch a flight out of. Well after spending 4 hours in an airport with two elderly folks and no hope in sight, my mom called to say they would not make it to Dallas for Christmas. I was pretty upset that I wouldn't be spending Christmas with either of my parents, but at least I still was with family.

Brandon, my brother, my sister-in-law, my uncle Jay and aunt Carla had Texas Chili and Tamales on Christmas Eve and then went over to my uncle's house Christmas Day for food, fellowship and a some Disco Dancing. We had a great time!!!

Jonathan and Brandon making chili


Brittany's Place of Employment Cebolla Flowers




Of Course my brother and husband had to make a trip to Bass Pro Shop (they didn't buy anything but we were there for two hours)



The dogs Teensy and Pecos (worn out) Pecos thought my arm was a chew toy more than once during our stay



We came back and made a snow man in our back yard. Good Times

Thanksgiving Fun 2009

I'm very Thankful for a wonderful 2009. I'm thankful for good health, a wonderful husband, good jobs, a fabulous new house to call home, great family and friends and all the many blessings we have received from the Lord throughout this year.

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend. It was full of food, family, and fun. What more could you ask for. We spent Thursday out at Brandon's dad's house. Which included traditional Thanksgiving meal, touch football (I caught 2 touchdown passes by the way) horse riding, dog chasing, Cowboy football watching, cherry cheese pie eating goodness. Friday was our turn to host Thanksgiving at our house. We had Mexican food feast. It was fabulous. They're was about 20 family members in attendance including Brandon's 90 year old grandma who flew all the way from Oklahoma City to be with us. It was so great to see her. As if we hadn't had enough fun, we had dinner Saturday and Sunday nights with everyone again. Somewhere in the middle Brandon and I managed to put up all our Christmas decorations. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Hughes house. Now if I only had time to go shopping. Oh well. Enjoy the photos.

Fall Fun

I decorated my mantel for fall. I think it turned out pretty good.

Prayers for Big Ern

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

Well It's funny how life is. One week your writing about your grandfather's 88th birthday and the next week life has taken us down a new path. Last Tuesday night we noticed my granddaddy was Jaundice. He was the color of a yellow highlighter. So we took him to the ER and they admitted him. He had a procedure called at ERCP because they could tell that he had a narrowing in the bile duct region. The doctors believed they're was blockage in the bile duct region that was stopping the bile flow from the liver to the small intestine. This is what is causing the Jaundice. No huge masses turned up on his CT scan, but they did a biopsy and they think it's more than likely a type of cancer. On Wednesday they will do another ERCP procedure and take more tissue samples of the area to biopsy. It's so crazy how life changes in a blink of an eye. Right now it's just a lot of waiting, praying and making sure he's feeling okay. I have peace in my heart that whatever may come our way that God is love and He is in control. Please keep him in your prayers.

Big Ern Turns 88!

A couple Sunday's ago we celebrated my Granddaddy's 88th birthday. Wow! 88 and lookin great! These are a few things about Big Ern in tribute of his 88 years on earth...
He's a follower of Christ
He's been married to my "Mamere" for 65 years
He has 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild
He was a pilot WWII
He worked for Mobil for years and lived and traveled all over the world
He graduated from The University of Texas (but we don't hold it against him too much)
He loves pecan pie and anything with coconut
He learned how to use email and Skype in his 80s and loves it
He is in excellent health despite his age
He has a favorite granddaughter (any guesses who that might be?)

But the most important thing about Big Ern is that he's just one sweet,amazing person who I love and admire and who is loved and admired by many. Happy Birthday Granddaddy! I hope you have many more :)