Here are some photos we took during 2007 on Easter. Very rare weather since it was Spring time. We wanted to show Bluebonnets in a different light. Thankfully they survived the chill. We are seeing the beauty a bluebonnet possesses all over our great state. Take the time to enjoy the small yet beautiful things in life. This was a great day and a wonderful, yet chilly memory for our family.

Thanks for enjoying the beauty of the Texas Bluebonnet. To find out more about Texas Wildflowers you can see our last post regarding Wildflowers by the Beach. For more on our real estate market visit our Galveston, Texas Website.

Galveston, Texas has such an array of natural beauty that often it is sometimes hard to notice the beautiful wildflowers. They grow along the beach and throughout the island. The beach itself provides such natural beauty. You have to remind yourself to stop and notice the other gifts nature has given us. You will be glad you took the time to remember all of natures wonders.

The photo above is of a flower called the Indian Blanket. It blooms from May to September. In addition to its beauty it provides our island with an important benefit. It helps to prevent beachfront erosion.

Next we want to draw your attention to the Evening Primrose, aka Ozark Sundrops. This flower blooms from May to June but the individual flowers are only around for a few days.

Our final photo features a lovely purple mystery. We would love input on the identity of this flower.

Sacred Heart Church, located in Galveston Texas is just breathtaking. As a Galvestonian I have admired the beauty of this religious sanctuary all of my life. The photo of this church speaks for itself. Little else in needed when it comes to describing just how magnificent this landmark truly is.

Sacred Heart is a Catholic Parish. The church was established on June 21, 1884 by Rt. Rev. Bishop Nicholas A. Gallagher. He decided the East End of Galveston would become the Society of Jesus. Reverend John F. O'Connor was given the task starting this parish. With the help of Father Slevin Sacred Heart had its first mass the Sunday after July 15, 1884 (Father Slevin arrived on the Island July 15, 1984). The land which would become Sacred Heart was donated by Michael B Menard. The Menard family has played a large part in the history of Galveston, Texas.

At one point Sacred Heart was the largest church in Texas (1892). It was also the third largest in the southern United States. This is in part due to the history Sacred Heart had with St. Mary's University.

The building was designed by architect Nicholas Clayton. The design was French Romanesque. Sadly the Storm of 1900 demolished the original building. This storm devastated most of Galveston and became what has been known as the worst natural disaster to ever strike the United States. All but two stained glass windows, the Mass bell, the statue of the Sacred Heart and the Crucifix were destroyed. These items remain at the church to this day. The Catholic parish family immediately made plans to reconstruct the church. On June 21, 1903 a cornerstone was laid and the church was consecrated on January 17, 1904.

Here are some exerts from the Texas Historical Commission Marker. These words truley describe the heart and soul of why Sacred Heart Chruch is an amazing part of my cities history. This church just embodies what life in Galveston, Texas is all about. Beauty, tranquility and beleifs in the true foundations that make us know we are.

The present building, the second for the parish, was constructed in 1903-04 during the pastorate of the Rev. D. J. Murphy. A prominent landmark in the city, it features ornate octagonal towers, flying buttresses, elaborate ornamentation, and a variety of arches. The design reflects influences of the Moorish, Byzantine, Gothic, and the Romanesque styles. The buildings original dome. damaged in a 1915 hurricane, was redesigned by Nicholas Clayton. Scared heart Church has played a significant role in the growth and development of Galveston. Since the 1880's, many of the city's prominent business, professional, civic, and religious leaders have been associated with the parish. Recorded Texas Landmark- 1981

I hope these facts and photos make you want to explore Galveston, Texas. This church is open to visitors. Please come experience the absolute stunning beauty of Sacred Heart. The location and contact information is as follows.

Sacred Heart Church

1302 Broadway

Galveston, Texas 77550

409-762-6374

www.sacredheartgalveston.org

I checked the weather today to find out that Galveston is looking like the place to be this weekend. We may have a bit of rain Friday but Saturday and Sunday look beautiful. For many of us this is the start of Spring Break for our children. My kindergartener has his first Spring Break this year. He is excited about spending it on the beach. I plan to research some activites for this coming week so please visit my blog at our main website for more details.

Have a wonderful Spring.

Christina Stevens

I just blogged about how wonderful the Centex owned Pointe West community is for Galveston, Texas. It makes me a bit sad to report this but as a home builder I understand why Centex is in negotiations to sell part of their holdings. The specific communities have not been named, yet The Galveston County Daily News is reporting that Pointe West is included. We received this news via our live real estate news feed courtesy of Yahoo. You can explore all your daily real estate needs by visiting our home page to view the live feed. Thanks to www.Yahoo.com for their help informing our real estate community about what matters.

Please view the article here.

I have talked about the effects of our current recession before. What is sad is how much this is effecting the work force in the New Home Construction market. This cycle is cyclical. Don't be shocked by what is happening because it will get better. Centex was previously in talks regarding the sale of Pointe West. The explanation I was given was that they loved the experience of creating a destination property yet their bread and butter is within the norm of Centex standard development operations. Pointe West is far above your standard community. They have pulled out all the stops. Galveston is a very seasonal market so my assumption is that this is all falling into their considerations while exploring a sale of the community. It is by far one of our most popular developments in Galveston, and for good reason. Please click here to find out more about why I LOVE Pointe West.

Point West will do great regardless of the owner. They have done well and are one of the most requested communities on our site. We wish Centex the best as they try to navigate the economic woes so may builders are facing.

I have to say that Pointe West is one of my favorite new communities in the Galveston, Texas real estate market. I say this as a person who has lived in Galveston since birth. We have never had a development quite like this. This is what makes Galveston, Texas the up and coming island to explore. My family has had the privilege to fish and explore some of the best beaches in America. My husband was active in the Southern Kingfish association which allowed him to explore the entire Gulf Coast. We have built homes all over the West Coast, spending time in Venice, Huntington, and San Diego. Galveston is FIANALLY starting to understand that we can strive to be what the above cities got right years ago. Pointe West has helped us make a huge push towards becoming on of the best beach area to live, explore, or play.

Pointe West is a Centex Destinations Property. Centex knows how to build homes. In the case of Point West it is very easy to say they know how to create the perfect playground for all types of owners and visitors. Looking for a condo or possible a home? Pointe West has all the options. We can work directly with the builder or We can explore the resales that may be available. Either way we think most people will enjoy this world class development. Click here to find out specific details on Pointe West.

Team Stevens has featured Pointe West on our site since 2006. We have worked closely with the representatives at Pointe West to learn what you need to know about this community. Here are some of the great features you will experience when buying or renting at Pointe West

• Topsiders Lounge is open for just relaxing, dancing, and enjoying the breeze.
• Sunset Beach Club Pool is the perfect place to enjoy the day. This area also has a seasonal snack bar so that you can enjoy your time without having to prepare in advance
• World Class Fitness Center. All of these features are included in your association fee and available to renters.
• Breezes Cafe is open for all 3 meals. This cafe will remind you of the beach. As if you could forget since you will be enjoying the view as you dine.
• Pool area for the family featuring a child pool.
• Activy Lawn is where you can find a night concert or scheduled event. You can also enjoy fun games with your family while enjoying the day.
• 450 acres of nature. Enjoy exploring the nature trails.

Learn more about what Pointe West has to offer. You will be satisfied with what you discover.

Contact Team Stevens so we can help you preview this exclusive community.

This is a great piece of property due to the LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Have your business seen by thousands as the travel down the Houston's Beltway 8. This property is located off of Beltway 8. This is a very up and coming area for investors. Just a mile down from us you will find our new neighbors signs for the opening of a Target shopping center. The proposed opening is for late 2009. Can you imagine the traffic your business could have due to this major retailer being your neighbor.

Click here to view specific on 8006 Hall Road.

Thanks for your time.

Team Stevens, Realty Associates

409-515-9542

www.Galveston4sale.com, Your tech savvy source for all things Galveston Real Estate.

Spring is a huge time of year for Galveston, Texas. This marks the beginning of life on the island as business owners know it. Our community starts to buzz with new visitors as the beach becomes more and more welcoming. Mood Gardens sees the parking lot fill with excited newcomers who want to lean more about marine life and rain forests. The Strand gets more and more shoppers as the cruise lines get even busier.

The real estate market is very seasonal in Galveston. Property owners wait till Spring/ Summer to list their homes. Buyers start to look once the sun warms the horizon past 75 degrees. It is just no fun to shop for beautiful beach property in the dead of winter. Mush better when the sun is shining and the gulf breeze is blowing. If you are interested in listing your property contact Team Stevens to find out about our Spring/ Summer listing specials. Buyers need to give us a call as well. We can offer you specials that will enhance your buying experience.

Galveston is a truly great place to visit. I could go on and on about the wonderful qualities our island possesses. Come see for yourself.

Have a Great Spring. Consider Galveston, Texas for your fun in the sun.

I love this picture. The photo was submitted to our website by Debbie Olsen who is an island resident and photographer. The picture features several gift shops out on piers and the new Hooters. Across from the gift shops is the hotel Galvez.