Birthday Dinner

Robin enjoyed seafood tonight as part of his birthday celebration. Since I won't eat anything that used to swim, I settled for steak that used to graze.

Our salads with cheese biscuits were good and we both devoured our entrees. I had skipped lunch and had a good reason to splurge. Robin seldom gets seafood so he had a good reason to splurge, too.

Never mind that we had German chocolate cake at home, we had to order a birthday dessert. This tasty treat is a hot chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream. Yes, we ate it all.

As with all December birthdays, the celebration has to end so we can turn our focus to Christmas. Robin had a great birthday with lots of attention, cards, phone calls, and gifts. He doesn't feel slighted at all. Most importantly, he doesn't feel his age. I love you, Big Guy!

Celebrating

Here's the birthday boy with his toys. In a previous post about all the raccoons and opossums he has captured in his trap, I mentioned the opossums are so hideous that we never see stuffed animals of their likeness. I was wrong. I found these two critters side by side on a shelf, as if to say, "Buy us for Robin!" Which I did. Now, the Great White Hunter has two more "trophies" to add to his antler collection and bobcat skull.I considered placing both in the trap and presenting them that way, but remembered that the trap might not be the cleanest of gift holders. Not that it really matters since these creatures are Robin's gifts from the cats. I gave him cologne he'd wanted, but who wants to see a picture of that?

The birthday mug and a generous slice of German chocolate cake made an excellent afternoon treat. We will put off eating out until tomorrow night since we are under a wintry weather advisory. He'll just have to suffer through my spaghetti tonight. But we're still celebrating!

Happy Birthday, Robin!

Happy birthday to that special man in my life! I asked what dessert he wanted and he said we haven't had German chocolate cake lately. I replied, "not since last birthday. I don't just whip those up in minutes." So, I'll be busy baking and he is worth the trouble it takes to make his favorite cake.

Besides cake, I'll be treating him to birthday dinner and gifts. I'm sure more pictures will follow.

Happy birthday, Babe! I love you!

Happy Anniversary, Allison & Brian!

Allison and Brian are celebrating their 13th anniversary today and this recent family photo shows what all has been accomplished in those 13 years. What a beautiful family! I'm very thankful for this union and the three sweet kids who came from it. Jude (aka Indiana Jones), Baylee, and Sophia are dear to my heartHappy Anniversary, Allison and Brian. Remember, my doors and arms are open for a babysitting honor while the two of you enjoy a night out by yourselves. Congratulations and so much love.

Happy Birthday, Angela!

I can't believe this little girl, my baby, is celebrating her birthday today with her husband and three children. The years zoomed past me. When our children are small, we look at raising them to adulthood as being light years away. Then, one morning we wake up and look into a man or woman's face that used to be our baby. It seems it happened overnight as I look at it from this side of the progression.I start filling in the gaps as I remember isolated events, a certain birthday, a special Christmas when there was something exciting to open, or school programs and boring report cards (all A's people! Absolutely no variety). I think of childish art that over the years perfected itself into masterpieces that I proudly display on my walls. I think of games we played and stories we wrote and the love and pride that a mother feels for her child.

Now, I'm the mother of three adults and that is always hard to grasp. But look at these three! My Birthday Girl is the tall one on the right.

Here's my baby girl with her own daughter, Juliet. How thrilled I am that she will know the excitement, enchantment, and miracle of a daughter.

She's zany, funny, disarming, passionate, strong, beautiful and a treasured gift from God.

How happy I am that my baby is celebrating her special day with this handsome bunch! Of course, I'd like to sneak in and offer a big birthday hug, but I'm content knowing she will get plenty of love and attention. Happy birthday, Punkin. I love you so much.

Angela Renee

Lord, I come to You on bended knees,

My heart is full of praise.

And I thank You for that special girl

You gave to me to raise.

Within my womb I carried her

And my love began to grow,

For that tiny little miracle

Whom I had yet to know.

Through the years she's been a blessing,

So thoughtful and so kind.

I thank You, Lord, for choosing her,

A better one I couldn't find.

She's filled my life with sunshine,

Her faith is strong and true.

I'm a mortal, weak and sinful.

All the credit goes to You.

I thank You, Lord, for stepping in,

For all Your help along the way,

In creating a beautiful woman

Out of that girl of yesterday.

I often feel unworthy

That You placed her in my care.

And when I see what she's become,

I'm so glad You put her there.

My life would be so empty

Without my daughter at my side.

Her life's so full of goodness,

Lord, forgive me for my pride!

I'll always come on bended knees,

My gratitude has no end.

For that lovely, special creation,

My daughter and my friend.

- Peggy Chrusciaki, with all a mother's love.

Happy Anniversary, Cheryl & Sid!

My BB and her husband are celebrating an anniversary today. How can I say I am happy for her when this marriage took her away from Texas and the fun we always had? I so remember the day Sid came to get her and her trailer full of furniture and belongings and just drove them all to Florida and a new life together. Never mind that I sat in my car as they passed by with tears in my eyes. Cheryl and I both wondered if we were ready to stand on our own two feet with so much distance between our friendship. Thanks to all the modern forms of communication, we are always close and have proven we can survive this most recent change (providing our computers don't crash).



But I will force my selfishness aside and wish them both a very happy anniversary. They are lucky to have each other. May God bless them both!

A Funtastic Weekend

A lot was accomplished this weekend and Patty and I had a ball doing it all. I made a huge dent in my Christmas shopping and will have to do a lot of wrapping today. I am not a shopper and having a friend along turns a dreaded task into a fun project. Look at all those bags! Patty is almost done while I've only begun.Part of our weekend was spent at a birthday party for Patty's grandson, Austin. It was held at Todd and Amy's and we feasted on pizza and a gigantic birthday cookie. I got a sweet hug from Patty's pride and joy, Eden. She has such a special family and I enjoyed being a part of their celebration. Little Eden is Patty's clone! And she clings to her grandparents. I love that.

Patty and I have laughed so hard this weekend and it was just what the doctor ordered. We were flipping channels last night and came across a very unusual church service, really weird. I wrote the pastor an e-mail and asked that he explain the service. There was a lot of trance-like dancing and repetitive words. I got an automatic reply, saying if God directs, he will write me back. I'm still waiting.

Still Thankful

These two pictures were taken Thanksgiving morning when I went to Patty's to deliver some food I'd made for her family's Thanksgiving. Her house was a festive combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas. This girl gets in the groove.The reason I only have these pictures of our November holiday is because I got busy after that. I had the camera close by, but by the time I slowed down enough to take a picture, the kids' clothes were smudged with chocolate dessert. Allison and her family and Ron came over for dinner and football watching. I had such a wonderful visit with them. But I missed Angela and her family so much!

Thanksgiving at the farm was great as usual. Again, I had the camera, but everyone was going in opposite directions. I guess this just shows how much fun we were having. As always, my mother put on a feast, a feat I couldn't do and wouldn't want to attempt. I admire her stamina and enthusiasm to continue doing this with her growing family. My family is so blessed.

I'm so Thankful

Much has happened this past year that could have easily taken my focus off the blessings in my life. But God has a way of picking us up, dusting us off, and pointing us forward. I am not claiming to always live what I believe. I get discouraged and my faith wanes. Fortunately, God created us and understands our human frailties. He speaks to us from a multitude of different ways to get our attention back on Him and what matters most. I'm thankful to be a believer in God and divine intervention.


God has blessed me with three outstanding, incredible, and beautiful children. I marvel at the talents of each one, and the inner strength they possess. My chest has swelled with pride so many times through the years, from elementary Christmas plays, to art shows, to honors programs, to choir concerts, to graduations, to weddings, and the births of my nine precious grandchildren. Ron, my engineer. Allison, my soprano. Angela, my artist. These three families continually fill me with unabashed joy.


I'm thankful for Robin and the many ways he offers his love and support. He's there when I have a crisis and talks me though it. He's there when I do too much and insists that I slow down and take a nap. And he's a loving Papa to our grandchildren and I love him dearly for that.


I'm thankful that I can go to my parents' house this Thanksgiving and see both of them. What a blessing to have them and share in their almost 64 years of marriage. It's uncommon in this modern society and I'm thankful that God has blessed our family in this way. I'm thankful for my brothers and my beautiful sister. Donna has been there for me more times than I can count. God created the perfect sister for me and I thank Him for that.


No one could ever have friends as special as mine! Cheryl has been through so much with me and believes in me to an extreme. She is my rock, my confidante, my forever friend. Patty has been by my side for many years, dating back to the 6th grade. She spoils me rotten. During hard times with the business she has showered me with all the things I couldn't get for myself. I love how we are 16 again when we're together. I love these two ladies! And I love the new friends in my life - the beautiful Sharon who fills me with inspiration and comfort, and the Texas Divas group. What a fun bunch of gals who can erase stress lines within minutes.


A few days ago my Mother told me that grandson Callan looks so much like his Grandpa Chezzy. I told her Ashton does, too, and she agreed. I'm thankful that he not only lives on in our hearts, thoughts, and memories, but also in the sweet faces of my grandsons. I'm thankful for the paradise he shared with me for 19 years and the gift of a daughter we shared.


I'm incredibly thankful this season for God's mercy and saving grace. I'm thankful that God can and does take our battered bodies and make them whole. He was there when Clayton and his family needed Him most. He went through the long, painful process with them, and brought them through victoriously. God conquered cancer. He was also there when I had a heart attack and held me in His loving arms. I am writing this post today because God saved my life. To God be the glory and honor forever.


Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. When you can't look beyond your own home to find much to be thankful for, look up and praise God for His presence and that of your family and friends.

A Lazy Weekend

The Great White Hunter was at the deer lease again this weekend, and Patty and I had our fourth slumber party in a row. Usually we are energetic and get out to shop, but we didn't do much this time. We got dressed long enough to go to lunch, then back home to our books and games. And we fit in a nap! I never picked up the camera and you will probably thank me for that since we were only in our pajamas. But we were so relaxed after being so lazy!

The Great White Hunter has slew two dragons, uh, I mean, deer, and is ready for the Thanksgiving break. He'll get to share a warm bed with me this next weekend. I've been busy baking every week so he has treats to share around the nightly campfire.

Patty and I completed our Fun Pass online for our cruise in February. We will hit Montego Bay, Jamaica, Grand Cayman Islands, and Cozumel, Mexico, the same ports we visited last time. I'm sure I will enjoy this trip more since I had just had major surgery two weeks before the cruise. I moved a little slow. Not that Patty and I do much damage when we are in good health. We are not into the party scene. We prefer our stateroom suite with a balcony and room service. Ahh, that's the life.

Nothing exciting to report about the weekend, but nothing awful happened and that's what matters. I'm really getting old. Having a good book and a warm blanket is paradise to me and the perfect way to spend a weekend.

Being Thankful for . . . Jude

The Kindergarten classes at Jude's school had their Thanksgiving program this morning for the parents and grandparents. There were a lot of adorable Indians and Pilgrims on that stage. Jude was an Indian and his Indian name was Swimming Shark, which was displayed on the back of his vest. No big surprise to us since his interest in sharks is well known.This is Jude's Thanksgiving artwork that adorned the walls of the room where they presented their program. His handprints make up the Turkey's feathers.

Jude and his sweet teacher, Mrs. Hollaway, in front of the tribe's teepee. Jude is really fond of this lady and I can see why.

These young ladies insisted on having their picture taken with their classmate, Jude. He wasn't objecting either. He was proud to show off his friends and family to each other.

Jude with his proud Mama. Allison shed a few tears as she watched her firstborn do the hand motions to the songs they sang. I'm sure she was thinking, "wasn't he just a baby a short, short time ago?". I've been there and I know the feeling.

"Swimming Shark" in full dress for a picture with his Dad. Brian took lots of pictures and videos and it was a proud moment for all of us. Jude did a wonderful job with his songs and speaking part, and he showed us all how excited he was to have us there. That's our boy!

A Sleepover at Memaw's

I had plenty of quality time with three of my grandchildren when Brian and Allison went to dinner and an Eagles concert. Jude, Baylee, and Sophia were equally excited to have a sleepover at Memaw's house.

Jude and Sophia camped out in the den with sleeping bags, which Sophia giggled over every time she crawled in - and out - of the bag. Baylee wanted to sleep with me because I'd told her that Parker always sleeps at the foot of the bed. She was happy to see that he was still there when she awoke this morning.

Breakfast was, of course, funny face pancakes with strawberries on the side. And Jude, of course, shed his clothes the minute he walked through the door. How he stays warm in a pair of underwear I will never know.

Doesn't Sophia look darling in the birthday outfit from Aunt Angela? She was a little doll, if not a busy one. I caught her throwing quarters into the kitchen trash. I dug out two and I'm about to sift through discarded cans of smelly cat food and coffee grounds so see if there's a small fortune in quarters from the slot machines. Little stinker.

Robin was hunting this weekend and a little worried about me keeping the kids by myself. I told him it might be easier with him gone since he gets them so riled up and plays on their level. I was right. It went as smooth as banana pudding. Having one less kid around is always quieter.

Trash update: When I sifted through the trash I recovered 4 more quarters. I'd hoped that nasty adventure would have produced enough to make it worth the mess. Oh, but Sophia had fun!

Texas Divas

The Texas Divas had a wonderful girls night out in celebration of Paula F's birthday. Her actual birthday is the same as my baby's, Angela, but we got in the birthday mood early. Here's Paula in the Divas Birthday Crown.

The two Paulas and Deborah.

This lovely group is Allison, Jan, and Donna.

Paula the birthday girl, yours truly, and Patty.

Donna, Paula, and Deborah. When I arrived at the restaurant I told the host that I was with the Texas Diva party of 8, and he said right this way. We are becoming known in these here parts!

Our Double Date

There's no better way to spend an afternoon than double dating with a fun couple. Robin and I joined Donna and James at the King Tut exhibit in Dallas. We enjoyed it so much, plus we feel very cultured now. To actually be in the presence of items that date back over 3,000 years is incredible. The history was very interesting. After the exhibit we headed out for barbecue and lots of laughter. James and I tied on the number of rolls we ate!

Of course, pictures weren't allowed in the museum so we captured the moment in the parking garage.

Thank you, Donna and James, for such a delightful afternoon of learning, sharing, and laughing. I hope another outing will be planned in the near future.

Bandera Ensemble

Here's the Bandera pajama set put together. Yes, they are bulky, non-flattering, non-form-fitting, which makes them perfect for our week in the Hill Country. Totally loose and comfortable. That's the name of the game.

To get the letters down the leg, Patty's sister-in-law used some soft pink material, used stencils to cut out the letters, then had to open one leg seam to use a fancy stitch to sew them on. It would be a huge undertaking for someone like me, but she did them - 3 pairs - with ease. Cheryl, I'll be mailing yours to you to wear with your pink sweatshirt. You will love them!

Slumber Party, Week 2

Get a load of these pajama bottoms for our week in Bandera. Patty's sister-in-law sewed bandera down one leg on three sets of bottoms. Cheryl, Patty, and I also have pink sweatshirts to wear with these on pajama days. The pink camo is perfect for girls in the Hill Country. It will show the deer that feed outside our windows that they are safe with us! Click on the picture, Cheryl, for a better view.Sissy, here's your purse. A giraffe print all trimmed in red. You will look trendy!

Patty and I wanted the pink trim and Sam Moon only had one style in it, so we match. Mine is just like hers. I pulled out my camera in the store to take pictures of one of the assistants helping Patty model fake hair pieces, but she told me no cameras were allowed in the stores. I don't know why and I was disappointed. Patty's pretty ponytails and and bouncy do's would have made great, fun pictures.

And, yes, we splurged. This sinful establishment was in the parking lot where we shopped for our cruise (February 22!). I must confess that we behaved and didn't over-indulge.

Lunch was at Chili's. It was a fun day and our plans for the night include pajamas and books and TV, and whatever else tickles our fancy. We're on our own clocks!

Sophia's Party

Sophia had a fabulous time at her party which was held in her favorite Mexican restaurant. She was also good about wearing her birthday crown, If it slipped off, she put it back on, often in the wrong direction. So cute. She wasn't too interested in having her picture taken once the chips and salsa arrived. This girl loves the hot sauce.

Notice the big 2 on her T-shirt. She was a gracious hostess, going to each one and greeting them with a hug. She knew it was a special day.Uncle Ron, cousin Thomas, Baylee and Jude (or is it Indiana Jones?) chowing down on the chips.

Cousin Candice and my friend Patty joined us for the fun. Sophia will be stylin' in the black tights, black dress with silver lining, silver shoes and headband that Patty brought for her. Too cute.

The birthday cake was a huge hit. Sophia's Mama deserves a blue ribbon for producing such a decadent and delicious masterpiece from her kitchen on what was a very hectic and busy day. It took a few attempts but Sophia blew out the two candles on her cake. Once she was home again, she went through all her gifts as if seeing them for the first time. I'd say this little lady had a wonderful birthday and she loved everyone who shared it with her. What an angel she is!

Happy Birthday, Sophia!

This little doll is 2 years old today! And what a joy she has been. She has the sweetest temperament and a smile that melts our hearts.

Sophia reminds me so much of her Mom when she was a toddler. The blond hair, blue eyes, and big smile is Allison all over again. And like her Mom, Sophia is a happy girl, one that goes with the flow, and accepts what has to be. I'm sure, too, that when the time is right, she will display the spunk her Mom has. She is definitely sunshine peeking through the clouds.

Check out the pink boots, the high maintenance purse, and the prissy skirt. She strutted around like she was queen of the ball. She loves clothes, especially shoes. She came by that naturally since her Memaw is a Shoes Diva. She just fits so well into our family!

Have a very happy birthday, Sophia. I look forward to celebrating with you today. You are so precious and I love you dearly, my little Chunk-A-Munk.

Election Day!

Last chance to vote for the candidate of your choice. Exercise your right to choose! Together, with God, we can make a difference.

An Earth-Shattering Slumber Party

Yee-haw! It's opening weekend of hunting season and the slumber parties have begun! And we started with a bang. Both Patty's city and mine had six earthquakes, something very uncommon for our area. The strongest was a 3.0 which is very puny, fortunately. Did I feel them? No. Did Patty? No. Maybe it's our age. The ground beneath our feet can be unstable at times and we might not be able to distinguish between the usual imbalance or an earthquake. I prefer to believe it was because it wasn't that strong. At any rate, we survived the Texas 2008 Earthquake.

The first slumber party was meant to be low key. We wanted to take it easy and do our own thing. We had an early dinner at a favorite Mexican restaurant, then home for books, news, games, and chatter.
We made a short trip to a mall and drooled over these giraffe purses. We never found one with the size and trim we wanted, nor the price range. But they were pretty.

No trip to the mall is complete without a stop at the perfume counter. Patty bought us both a bottle of 24K. I haven't worn it in awhile since it causes Robin's allergies to act up, and boy! did it smell good. I'll at least wear it the two months he's hunting.

We were smelling pretty strong when we finally left the store. I don't know how many samples we tried, but our sleeves were raised above our elbows to find another place to spritz.

Patty with Weasil as we watched more news about the upcoming presidential election.

Fully sated after a feast of pizza and bread sticks. Later, Patty read in bed while I played games on the computer. Very lazy, very indulgent.

The Great White Hunter called to tell me that he hadn't gotten anything, but the guys with him had a total of three hogs and two deer. Robin has already had a productive pre-season at home, with 5 opossums and 4 raccoons.

Next weekend promises to be another fun time, free of restricting schedules. We LOVE hunting season!

Note: Please disregard the dates on these pictures. I only set the clocks back an hour, not six years. Robin has the newer camera with him and I used an older one.