Happy 40th Birthday, Randee Allison!

Who wouldn't mind being 40 when 40 looks this good? My oldest beautiful daughter is hitting this milestone today. As her mother, it seems impossible that I've been enjoying her so much for so long. It feels like only yesterday that I got the girl I wanted and squealed with delight. She's been a blessing ever since.

Daughter Angela came in for this special event, and a group of us "girls" met for lunch yesterday to celebrate. We had girls of all ages and had a wonderful time.

This is my daughter-in-law Leiann, my granddaughter Candice, and my great-granddaughter Riley. Riley is at the perfect age - 2 1/2 months - to introduce her to the world of girls night out, or day out, or week out. It's all good.

We were so happy that Cheryl moved back to Texas in time to join us. I've been so excited as I anticipated this day that I feel like it's my birthday. I could handle turning 40 again. It seemed so old then, but looks very young to me now.

My sweet granddaughters Sophia, Baylee and Juliet were some of the younger ones in our group. They have the girl thing down pat.

Allison with friends Tressa and Jennifer. We appreciate them for celebrating with us.

Birthday gifts for the birthday girl. Yeah, birthdays aren't all bad.

We all enjoyed the unique gift Angela presented to her sister. There were 40 notes in a bag with a favorite memory written on each note and a roll of bills in each one was a sweet surprise. Some memories were funny, others were tear-jerkers. Allison's idea of celebrating her 40th is to go with her family to Disney World. The trip is being planned and some of us contributed to the fund instead of a big party bash or spa day. But a girl's got to eat, so another celebration is in the works for dinner tonight. Also, since she shares a birthday with husband Brian, it's definitely a family affair.

We're never too young to party. Riley enjoyed her day with the girls even though she dozed through most of it. What a sweet girl!

Is this precious or what??? This sweet smile was in response to her Aunt Dee's loving attention.

There's nothing like friends and family, and having something to celebrate. How thankful I am for this lovely woman, my daughter, and the joy she has always brought into my life.

Happy birthday Allison and Brian and God's blessings for many more. You are the light of my life and truly gorgeous at 40! I love you both!

Slumming It

Oh, what fun the three of us had last night as we took a limo to dinner and Michael Buble concert! My concert pictures didn't turn out but I'm sure Allison will use my blog to upload some of her better ones of our evening. We laughed so hard at each other and especially Allison, who is a show all by herself.

Our limo arrives and we gracefully stepped in like we knew what we were doing. Our driver was so nice and polite and very accommodating.

I'm sure this is the first time a limo has pulled up in front of my house and that is just wrong.

Beautiful Allison looked right at home inside the limo. Her blue silk blouse brought out the gorgeous blue of her eyes. Beauty and fun in one delightful package.

Can we have a show of pinky fingers, please? We lived it up, thank you very much. How relaxing it was to be dropped off in front and not have to fight traffic. I wish we could have filled the limo. There was plenty of room for more friends and family. Actually, Allison's children couldn't understand why they couldn't be driven around in the limo while we were at dinner. Life can be so unfair.

Thank you, Patty, for allowing us to slum it for one special night.

Eclipse!

Is there something wrong with an almost cougar and two somewhat senior citizens waiting in line to see the movie Eclipse? Can we simply be classified as young at heart? Or does that depend on what we were thinking as we feasted our eyes on Edward and Jacob? I know what I was thinking, but I can't vouch for Allison and Patty. I realize I'm old enough to be Jacob's grandmother, but he wasn't the one who captured the most of my attention.

We grabbed our tickets early, then headed out for dinner. Next, came the long wait in line. Allison was holding a place for Patty and me when we were confronted with the Line Police, a young woman who refused to move and let us advance in line to where Allison waited.

"You are not going ahead of me," she declared. She told her friend that we wanted to break in line and they both stood woodenly and would not let us by. I pointed out that my daughter was up ahead and holding our place (didn't anyone have to leave their spot for a bathroom break?).

She repeated, "You are not getting ahead of us." Patty and I had to find a friendlier entry into the long line and finally found our place ahead of the Line Police. I wanted to smile and wave at her from my closer position to Eclipse, but Allison thought I might cause a scene if I messed with a Twihard. She ended up in the same theater with us, but alas, farther back.

Finally seated, we ordered our popcorn and dessert and settled in for a long night. The time flew by and the movie was over before we knew it.

Patty stayed in the guest room and I crawled into bed at 3:00am, but couldn't sleep. I have a feeling I will want to sleep in a few minutes. Ah, but it was worth the fun we had being together and doing something crazy, just because we can.

Wicked!

Allison took Baylee to see the musical Wicked and they both thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Since the musical is about the witches from Wizard of Oz, Baylee dressed as Dorothy - complete with Toto in a basket - and was the center of attention. She makes a very cute Dorothy.

Isn't she the sweetest Dorothy you have ever seen?

Sophia spent the day with Memaw and Papa and she was indulged! As it should be. I got in the pool with her and we had a grand time. Her cheeks were getting rosy and I was concerned that she was getting too much sun, but every time I asked if she was ready to go inside she said she wasn't. Then, after two hours of splashing and having the time of our lives, she told me she was ready to call it a day.

Here are my pretty girls as they were dropping off Sophia before the musical. I was happy to learn that Sophia smiled and clapped her hands when learning she would stay with us instead of attending the musical. That's my girl! She's so sweet and we really enjoyed her. We also enjoyed the special cupcakes Allison brought back. Mine was red velvet. Yum.

Happy Birthday to Allison & Brian!

There's an advantage when a couple shares the same birthday: You're not likely to forget the occasion. And I don't think anyone will let Brian forget that he turned 40 today. And we probably don't have to remind Allison that she is younger.The Birthday Couple are the proud parents of Jude, Baylee, and Sophia. It warms my heart to see how much they love their children. Each child feels extra special and sure of their place in the family. I'm thrilled, too, to know that Brian knows the joy of having Daddy's Girls. There's nothing like it.
I'm so proud of the woman Allison has always been. She was easy to raise, she was loving and funny, and had a beautiful character. Those attributes still shine brightly today. Plus, she's a wonderful, nurturing mother and a loyal and priceless member of our family.
This is my favorite picture of Brian because it shows his great sense of humor. When my book came out, he grabbed a tissue for this photo. I found it hilarious and so fitting. Thank you, Brian, for all the laughter over the years and for being brave enough to join this wacky family.
As part of her birthday and Mother's Day, I gave Allison our hospital bracelets from when she was born. One big one, one tiny one, one huge blessing. And since Angela had asked for my diamond wedding set for her own wedding, I gave Allison a wedding band that Chezzy had also given me. I'm so happy that both my daughters have the unbroken circles that had meant so much to me.

May God bless you both on your birthdays just as He blessed me with both of you.

Honoring Moms & Grandmas

There are those delightful moments in life when you just feel like royalty. Whether perched on a lofty pedestal or lounging in an ivory castle, your perception of self-worth is soaring through orbit. You are all-important. You are on a higher plane. You are God's special gift. And all you had to do was walk through a door and enter the presence of a grandchild.That look of surprise, then the wide smile, two little arms opening as they rush into your own, and the excited squeal of "Memaw" fills the air, and your moment of being supreme has just taken place. I got to experience that today as I visited Sophia's pre-school classroom as they honored moms and grandmas this morning. She shyly acknowledged my presence in a roomful of other supreme beings, then smiled and rushed into my arms. How thrilled she was to have me in her element, and unexpectedly.
Allison and I listened to their sweet tributes and songs, and stole a quick visit to Baylee's room where I was exalted once more. I'm telling you, today I don't stink.
After spending time with the girls, we went to Jude's school to share lunch with him. He, too, didn't know I was coming. He stood in line to enter the cafeteria and spotted his mom. He was so happy to see her. Then, he noticed that I stood slightly behind her and the pedestal I was on elevated to the heavens. That's just how good they make you feel. And look at this cute boy with his missing front tooth! He's proud that he pulled it out himself.
Jude told me that when parents or grandparents visit for lunch that they sit at a special table, separate from the class. So his mom and I had him all to ourselves.
Proud Mama and Memaw were told by Jude's teacher that he was so polite and well mannered, and tells her jokes. She said she wished she had ten more like him in her class. I don't doubt it. Jude has a special knack of knowing how to make others feel special. He's a friend to everyone.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the kids today. I may be a little hard to live with for a few days, until I come down from the clouds where I've been. But I had my moments of glory and they will keep me until one of us walks in the door again.

Texas Divas are a Crazy Bunch!

I love this picture. Can't have fun without a little insanity. Our group has that in reserve.

Texas Divas Birthdays!

Wow! We celebrated four Diva's birthdays today. Two turned 60 and two are turning 57. A polite person wouldn't even venture a guess which ones they are. The birthday Divas are Deborah, Cathy, Patty and myself, who hasn't tired of all the celebrating.

Feast your eyes on this cake! It was huge! Paula baked this masterpiece carrot cake and it was the best one any of us have ever tasted. The cake pan is so big that she had to bake one layer at a time. We almost forfeited lunch so we could enjoy dessert first. We had some happy husbands when we got home with Hungry Man portions of this delicious cake. Thanks, Paula. You've just been designated Texas Diva Baker of the Year. The title includes supplying rich desserts for each Diva outing. Sorry. You brought it on yourself, girlfriend.

Deborah, Paula - Texas Diva Baker of the Year, and Cathy.

Patty and I are pictured with Trish, Paula's sister, who has officially joined our crazy group. Welcome, Trish! You fit right in.

My beautiful daughter, Allison, and equally beautiful sister, Donna, always add so much humor and fun when we're all together.

Here we are. This picture looks like trouble about to happen. Never a dull moment when the Texas Divas meet for lunch. I'm honored to have each one in my life.

My Birthday - Again

These pictures were taken on my actual birthday and before we met up with my three cousins for dinner. If you're having a major event and need it spiced up a bit, invite our group of fun ladies.Angela put her camera on a timer and was able to capture the five of us together.

The Birthday Girl is getting lots of birthday hugs.

Mama and her two beautiful daughters, affectionately known as Mutt and Jeff. I love these girls!

With best friends Patty and Cheryl on each side of me I'm one of the luckiest people alive.

Our waiter graciously snapped this picture of our lunch in what used to be the stables at the Biltmore.

Here we are in front of the Biltmore Estate, picture compliments of our shuttle driver.

My beautiful, perky Allison.

The tour ended and we were headed off for dinner with cousins Linda, Barbara, and Trisha. I left there very thankful that I don't have a house that large to clean!

New Moon!

Allison, Patty and I decided to be spontaneous and crazy and go to the first showing of New Moon at midnight. We were pumped! We arrived early and checked out several theaters in search of good seats. All screens but one were showing New Moon. Once seated, we sat and waited with much anticipation. I was afraid the teenage girls would be squealing and noisy, but the place was quiet all through the movie. Even Patty and I, the grandma Twilight fans, managed to keep our squeals in check.

It was close to 3:00am when we left the theater. It was beginning to rain, I was driving in an area I'm not too familiar with, and got lost. I have a sense of direction so I stayed pointed the right way and finally saw a landmark I recognized. Were we nervous being lost at 3:00am? Not at all. We were laughing so hard at ourselves. Got to bed at 4:00am and knew our grandchildren would be proud of our midnight adventure. All three of us had a ball!