Long Tall Texans

Did the new year start February 11th?

2012-02-05T06:55:00.000-06:00

I am so glad January is over. It stinks driving back and forth to Houston, having an upset stomach (or worse) on weekends, not sleeping well, missing Donna (who is a rock through all of this), not being as strong as you think you are, etc. etc. etc. But... then again, they say you can do anything for a little while and oh my goodness, the blessings, joy, and strengthening of faith that comes from knowing the path you are on is acceptable to the Lord. Seeing His mighty hand at work in our lives is such a blessing and even though we wish we could see into the future better, we know that He will mercifully bless and watch over us as we strive to keep His commandments, acknowledge Him in all the goodness of our lives, and not harden our hearts or be ungrateful.

Does it get any better?

2011-11-09T07:14:00.001-06:00

Adding to my collection

2011-10-29T15:44:00.000-05:00

Conference Memories

2011-10-02T13:23:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to look below at the new Logan.

We are enjoying conference with Brant and Chris and we are so happy they are here.

New LOGAN

2011-09-28T06:35:00.000-05:00

Introducing Logan Funk...

Grandpa's new toy

2011-07-31T12:45:00.000-05:00

Nothing wrong with mixing work and fun!

Sheen Reunion 2011

2011-07-07T09:26:00.001-05:00

The best ever R&D Sheen reunion!

Beck Reunion 2011

2011-06-17T13:08:00.001-05:00

Nothing but fun, sun, and joy!

Animals are wild in Houston!

2011-05-28T17:25:00.000-05:00

Sure enjoyed the Zoo today and also the Bucca gift card.

Mom's Houston garden

2011-05-19T11:09:00.000-05:00

We seem to always have to fight either bugs, birds, or disease - dagnabit!

Cheese Busters

2011-05-19T10:54:00.000-05:00

If your company ever recommends reading this book - watch out!

On the bright side, if you like adventure in your life, all will be okay.

Latest from Houston

2011-05-15T17:11:00.002-05:00

Here is what it is all about (at least the past 10 days)

2011-05-01T14:15:00.000-05:00

Pantry expansion

2011-04-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

Here is what cansolidators look like with a little shelf expansion:

April Joy

2011-04-03T11:40:00.002-05:00

General Conference anyone?

Beck T. Sheen

2011-03-29T15:51:00.000-05:00

Beck before and after.

Back breaker

2011-03-18T16:31:00.000-05:00

More honey-do's!

Remember, the lower the number on steel thickness, the thicker the steel. :)

YOUR Mother!

2011-03-07T17:35:00.001-06:00

Well... you won't believe what your Mother did yesterday - Sunday. She went to church... without putting her makeup on!! She's so pretty I didn't even notice until she pointed it out. But... it kept her from bearing her testimony because she didn't want all the other ladies out there to notice. However... she did agree to give a prayer, explaining that everybody would have their heads bowed and their eyes shut so as not to notice her. :) See if you can tell if she has makeup on or which side it is on.

LOOKING GOOD
My face in the mirror isn't wrinkled or drawn.
My house isn't dirty. The cobwebs are gone.

My garden looks lovely and so does my lawn.

I think I might never put my glasses back on.

The World's most beautiful one year old

2011-02-20T08:29:00.000-06:00

This girl is a real doll and her family is awesome!

does this really work

2011-02-15T15:29:00.001-06:00

Testing, 1.2.3

Thanks,
rich sheen | clearw°re | 972-896-0541

Fun in Houston

2011-02-12T20:26:00.001-06:00

First excursion this year in Houston. This exhibit/forgotten city is being torn down to make room for progress... a six lane highway! (click on pics for better effect) We had fun!

Entrance to buried army

Buried army to protect remains of the emperor

On top of the emperor's tomb

My new little buddy

hidden city

just a couple of big dudes

Reid Beck's in Houston!!!

2011-02-12T07:46:00.001-06:00

Test post

Puzzle Masterpieces

2011-01-31T07:26:00.000-06:00

When you work on puzzles you can close your eyes at night or any time of the day and see... puzzle pieces!

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T07:29:00.000-06:00

I tried to load video of Mom finding her Christmas gift,but it was too long. So here are a few pictures of the wonderful season.

History in the making

2010-12-04T19:48:00.000-06:00

This is a first for us in Texas!! Mom had enough lights for us to go all the way around the house.

Beautiful day to work outside (smiling to begin with).

Front and clear down the one side.

Front and clear down the other side.

Side and clear down the back side.

Just try not to remember our neighbors!!

Thanksgiving in Round Rock

2010-11-28T13:59:00.000-06:00

Spending time with family is the best such as watching, eating, and remembering. (If the turkey was a hen, then it's all about the girls!!)

Grandma Sheen in Houston

2010-10-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

Grandma Sue has been with us a week and Brant and Logan brought their families in town to spend some time with her. We have really enjoyed all being together and especially being with Grandma Sue. I know that after all these years I should be publishing sweet pictures of sweet grandkids and great-grandkids (and we do), but I just can't help publishing pics of 30-year-olds that make me smile. Here are a few:

Getting 4 generations together is not always easy, but when we do, it's awesomeness!

Sans some facial hair...

Oranges horsin' around

After a hand move by Brant

What is it with boys (men) and monkey bars??

Three wise ladies. :)

Yes, that is Olivia with him!!

Crazy Fun!

Misc Houston Happenings

2010-10-16T18:51:00.000-05:00

Mom and I are getting some projects done around the house and getting ready for Grandma to come.

New outside lighting.

Trick or treaters will be able to see around the corner.

New fixtures in both bathrooms. Now maybe I won't miss those dang-grey-grandpa-beard hairs!

October Outing

2010-10-05T20:19:00.001-05:00

We enjoyed general conference in Dallas, Texas with Brant and Chris. We also had a wonderful visit with Tom and Lydia and look forward to seeing them all again soon!

Happy to be together.

The Best People in DFW!

Watching Brant do push-ups 10 different ways was incredible.

He is the strongest guy I have ever seen in my whole life (that I can currently remember)!

Just chillin' like villians!

September Outing

2010-09-26T13:45:00.000-05:00

It was great to be with the kids in Austin. Evan always makes Gpa feel welcome. Thanks for the memories!

My Friend, the big bear.

Happy and go lucky - the cutest baby granddaughter on the planet!

Wisdom under control.

Gpa about ready to bite the bear's ear!

The sharp shooter Collin!

Sign of a good day done and fortunes to be found in Houston, Texas! :)

Still Kickin'

2010-09-23T06:55:00.000-05:00

The old ticker is OK, but the doc said I got a disease and put me on some high blood pressure pills... dang it!

Gunslingin' Texan in Cali

2010-09-12T14:30:00.000-05:00

You may not believe this, but our patriarch said the other day in church that grandkids are your reward for [raising your own kids], if you get my drift!!

Don't mess with Texas, especially if I have a 45 in my hands!

Yes, those in the red bull's eye are mine!

Big Fish in Houston

2010-08-14T19:33:00.000-05:00

Time for another outing in Houston. We got there early and rode 3 rides all by ourselves. Topped the outing off with lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Outing Time

2010-07-24T15:39:00.000-05:00

If you've ever lived in Texas, then you need to let us take you to the place where Texas won it's freedom.

This ship, USS TEXAS, was in both WW's.

San Jacinto Monument (in the background)

Taller than the Washington Memorial

That picture of Jordy was too scary!

2010-07-20T08:08:00.000-05:00

What is real?

2010-07-17T17:15:00.000-05:00

"Hello! I'm calling from Walmart. What can I pick up for ya?!"

4th of July

2010-07-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

Be safe this holiday!

Believe or not... Idaho is the real place to VACATIONPARTY!!!!!

Pinewood derby cars

2010-06-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

Game ON!

2010-06-10T17:52:00.000-05:00

This is like walking on a carpet!!

I am married to the hottest 55 year old!

2010-06-06T20:07:00.001-05:00

I think I got it right this time

2010-05-30T16:54:00.000-05:00

This car has more of what I was looking for. The biggest difference between it and the other car is handling, but I can sacrifice a little bit of that for less worry!

No I'm not going through mid-life crisis

2010-05-23T17:50:00.000-05:00

World's shortest car ownership, April 27, 2010-May 21, 2010.

It's inexplicable, I know. I mean if I told you the seats were uncomfortable, you would say, "but Dad, it's a BMW!" If I told you there was a growling sound from the rearend at around 80 mph, you would say, "but Dad, it's a BMW!" If I told you that the trunk was too small for my golf clubs, you would say, "but Dad, OH BROTHER! or you would say, "but Dad, it's a BMW!" I just felt there was something looming out there that I didn't want to face and so when I saw the camry that had my requirements*, I jumped on it. (*6 cyl, tinted windows, big trunk, bluetooth, garage door opener, lots of old man bells and whistles, fairly low miles, etc.) So, hopefully this car will stick around. :) If it doesn't I told Brant my next car would be the BMW 530!

Another Car

2010-05-23T14:09:00.001-05:00

Bimmer lost.

High Tech Naptime

2010-05-15T11:29:00.000-05:00

Nothing better than a Sunday afternoon nap!

results are in

2010-05-07T17:40:00.001-05:00

Bimmer won!

Another Choice to Make

2010-04-25T10:33:00.000-05:00

Here is another vote to make. Which one of the following is "me"?

They are the same year, same mileage, and same price.

something else to look at

2010-04-21T20:15:00.000-05:00

Here is just something else to look at:

Here they are!

2010-04-02T07:49:00.000-05:00

This is one where "you had to be there!"

Yes, they're real, but a little gray was taken out for April Fool's day.

What do you think? Should they stay or should they go?

Burns

2010-03-31T20:54:00.001-05:00

New Burns Are Coming, But Won't Be Here Long.

2010-02-17T20:14:00.000-06:00

SORRY RHIANNON and WADE!

Before:

After:

Norton

2010-02-10T19:16:00.000-06:00

I've never been to Disneyland - not sure if I ever will and right now don't really care if I ever do (my Mother-dear has never been there either)... BUT I have been to Alturas Lake and even better Norton Lake! Ver and I were headed up there one time and the horse we were riding decided to do a backflip on this tiny, narrow ledge of a trail. Well, ok, not a backflip, but definitely an aboutface and I don't know how scared she was, but it shook me up pretty good. Some day, maybe, we'll find ourselves up there again. I don't think there is an age limit on climbing mountains, at least I hope not.

You can't get paid twice.

2010-01-31T13:34:00.000-06:00

This is a talk that Paul Lucas and I spent a lot of time discussing. It has a great story in it and it teaches a great lesson.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/lds_servlet/EmailArticleProcess?action=view&cmlId=608687&locale=0&emId=975197064

This is my favorite son that lives in Sachse, Texas!! (and his patient wife in the background) :)

Graduation and Future

2009-12-20T13:21:00.000-06:00

My future daughter-in-law is a GENIUS!!

We are so happy for Tom and Lydia. Congratulations!

TDAY 2009

2009-11-28T16:32:00.000-06:00

Super fun TDAY 2009 - many, many blessings to be thankful for.

Fun!

Smile!

Holy Cow!

Rockin'

Formula for Disaster

2009-11-01T16:39:00.000-06:00

Recipe for ruining Halloween:
Work hard during the day
Mow yard
Apply fungus prevention
Apply fertilizer
Apply bug killer
Get the great idea to get rid of all the other bug killing chemicals in your garage
Spray down your front bushes, trees, and yard with this stinky bug killer
Water in to make yard wet
Let simmer for a few hours until it gets dark
Open the door to see why nobody is stopping at your house even though your lights are on and you have bowls full of Halloween candy and you can hear kids all over the streets outside
Smell the air
Go to the edge of the sidewalk and smell the air
Go to the middle of the street and smell the air
If you still can smell the stinky bug killer from the middle of the street, then you have successfully ruined Halloween!!
Epilogue: If some brave souls do knock on the door and and hold their nose while saying trick or treat, give them a handful of candy for being so brave and you can get rid of all the sweets.

Where did it go

2009-10-29T19:34:00.000-05:00

Just sitting here in the dark waiting for the power to come back on. It's been out for 36 minutes so far. I hope it comes back on before "the office" comes on. Did you know our TV comes right back on after the power comes on? It has bumped on a couple of times and it makes me jump because the smoke alarm beeps and some other creepy noise is made in here somewhere. Never had this problem in Lewisville. Too many overhead power lines out here. Something else weird, the street lights don't go out. Uh, I take that back. Not all the street lights go out. Mom is at a relief society meeting somewhere and I hope they have power wherever they are at. I guess I'll turn on Hulu and just watch till the power runs out on the laptop. 40 minutes now. :)

General conference

2009-10-11T17:53:00.000-05:00

All of the sweets were gone by just two people. We also ate 1 year 72 hour kit food. It was ok, but I wouldn't recommend it. We should probably change that stuff out every 6 months. Even chewing gum doesn't last too long.

3rd Times a charm

2009-10-11T17:49:00.000-05:00

Good hard work - we're sore!

Color Question and The Moral to the Story

2009-10-04T10:24:00.000-05:00

Before and after photos of the kitchen - baked clay then warmed peach. Which do you prefer? Mom - neither. Dad - warmed peach is awesome! (the pics don't really give you a good idear, please come and see)

Among the inspirations we've had to pay off debt, the one below from President Hinckley is one of our favorites.

"One of the happiest days in the life of President Joseph F. Smith was the day the Church paid off its long-standing indebtedness.

What a wonderful feeling it is to be free of debt, to have a little money against a day of emergency put away where it can be retrieved when necessary.

President Faust would not tell you this himself. Perhaps I can tell it, and he can take it out on me afterward. He had a mortgage on his home drawing 4 percent interest. Many people would have told him he was foolish to pay off that mortgage when it carried so low a rate of interest. But the first opportunity he had to acquire some means, he and his wife determined they would pay off their mortgage. He has been free of debt since that day. That’s why he wears a smile on his face, and that’s why he whistles while he works."

Gordon B. Hinckley, “To the Boys and to the Men,” Ensign, Nov 1998, 51.

Questionie

2009-10-01T21:23:00.001-05:00

What temple is on the front of the October 2009 Ensign?

Randomness

2009-09-30T17:48:00.000-05:00

Being random:
doesn't it just torque ya that Brant beat us all out to see Ver and family?! He's done that twice!

Dad: do you think our kids know how much we love them?
Mom: you don't think they do?
Dad: I know that. I wonder if they fathom how much.

New Arrival to the Family

2009-09-11T16:08:00.001-05:00

A new baby or member of the family has arrived!

Nice Model, don't you think?!

I peeled out for a quarter mile on the slick roads this morning. :) pysch!

something new for us

2009-09-09T21:16:00.000-05:00

IT'S an IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
more info coming soon.

Getting Ready for School

2009-08-14T07:08:00.000-05:00

“The Man Who Thinks He Can.”
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t
It’s almost a cinch that you won’t
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you’re outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.
Walter D. Wintle
—Poems That Live Forever, comp. Hazel Felleman, p. 310 (1965).

Coming Soon

2009-08-03T17:55:00.000-05:00

I am working up a top ten for why it was so great to work for Sprint. Also, you'll see a history story about buying and paying off houses.

Milestones

2009-07-21T18:20:00.000-05:00

"Goals are stars to steer by, not sticks to beat yourself with." Barbara Smith

For all you project managers out there, here are a couple of milestones that you may not even reach in a lifetime!

Houston Heat Humidity

2009-06-26T17:18:00.001-05:00

How do you take a picture of heat? My golf clubs are too hot to touch - I think that describes it pretty good!

The touch of the master's hand

2009-02-10T16:28:00.000-06:00

Well, I've got to admit that we've got some men (and women) in our family that really know how to make mountain bar cookies and I couldn't be happier about that... but today I was treated to mountain bar cookies made by the master's hand! When I ate them I thought I had died and gone to cookie heaven! So all I can say to you all is to keep trying and someday you might catch up to your Mother-dear, um-uh!
With love and deliciousness,
Gpa Rich
:)