Baylee's Thanksgiving Program

We all enjoyed Baylee's first official school program as a kindergarten student. She's a natural-born performer and there's nothing shy about this girl! This group of Pilgrims and Indians entertained us with the Turkey Tango and other delightful songs.

Baylee was a very pretty Pilgrim!

Jude and Sophia enjoyed the program too. Sweet Jude told me he was so excited to see Baylee perform. Such a sweet brother.

My talented daughter, Allison, made these cute turkey cookies for Baylee's class. A lot of time was involved and I don't even want to guess the calorie content.

Beautiful Allison with husband Brian and little Sophia.

I got to spend a little private time with Sophia. She is such a little doll with the sweetest smile. It was a great morning and I know it meant a lot to Baylee that we were there for her big moment. Good job, Baylee Girl!

A White Christmas!

A white Christmas is a rarity in Texas so we really got excited about the snow. Having plans to stay in anyway just made it perfect. I can remember a time or two when we had snow flurries on Christmas, but never the blizzard we had this time. I just wish I'd gotten my lazy body out of bed early enough to catch the full beauty. Temperatures are above freezing and it's melting fast.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving at the Farm

It was a bittersweet Thanksgiving this year without my Sugar. Last year he pulled me into his lap and neither of us seemed to want that moment to end. We didn't know it would be the last time. We sure missed him at our family feast. We also missed his beautiful prayer over the meal. But we're all confident that we will sit with him at the great banquet table in heaven one day soon.Donna and I went to help Mother two days before our big family gathering. We went out for Mexican food to treat ourselves before the busy cooking began.

Cousins Joe and Janet came for the night and we enjoyed our visit with them as always. They left early the next morning for Thanksgiving with Janet's brother and family. Thanks, you two, for buying our meal.

I guess no one has told my mother that she is 83. Before we arrived, she had all the dressing and cranberry salad made, rolls mixed up, three cakes baked, and two fruit pies made. Then she spent the day making eight more pies. These crusts were filled with pumpkin, chocolate, coconut and pecan. They were delicious! And a lot of work, but she never complained. While she baked, Donna and I readied the basement, washed dishes, chopped, and ran from one freezer or refrigerator to another. That includes the ones in the three houses on her property. We got our exercise.

My niece Shelley brought her dog and Baylee and Sophia enjoyed getting to know him. Sophia appears a little coy in this picture.

We were happy that Brian brought his parents to share Thanksgiving with us. His mother just lost both her parents so it was a bittersweet time for them too. My sister-in-law Rita lost her mother this year so it seemed appropriate that we all band together.

My brother Dennis didn't need any coaxing to appear in this picture with my beautiful granddaughters. He likes the pretty girls!

Two of my sisters-in-law Cindy and Peggy, and Shelley's step-dad Kenneth.

Our family can boast some beauties! I'm proud to say that these belong to me. My beautiful daughter and four of my beautiful granddaughters.

This is the dessert bar with all the pies and cakes Mother made. One pan of her rolls are in the background on the stove. Yes, she is 83 and simply amazing!

Dennis has him another pretty girl. This time he is wrapping an arm around our niece Shelley. Did I say he likes pretty girls? At this gathering, there were plenty to go around. Happy Thanksgiving.

Mother's Day in Pictures

The mothers we honored, from left to right: Allison, Jan, Mother, Cindy, Yours Truly, and Shelley.

Just had to share a picture of my Mother laughing. She needed the laughter.

Our entertainment was none other than my own zany daughter, Allison. She found some interesting ways to use the bubble wrap in one of the gifts for my Mother. Shelley's checking out how natural they feel, while Sophia takes a glimpse of her mom's best side.

Allison strutting her stuff and receiving a roaring applause.

Striking a pose. My Mother said Allison reminds her a lot of me when I was younger. Hmm. I was wondering which side of the family she took after.

Donna and I happily skipped work Monday and stayed over with Mother on Sunday night. We took both our Moms - Mother and our adopted Mom, Betty - to lunch in honor of Betty's 80th birthday, which is today.

Kicking back for a wonderful visit at Betty's lovely home in the woods. What a spectacular view!

Betty and I at lunch. Okay, I'll be the first to ask. Which one is 80? Isn't she lovely?

Aren't these two ladies beautiful? We had so much fun with our waiter who had a great sense of humor. But the best part was the four of us spending a glorious day together. We must do this again soon.

Peeps Anyone?

Robin always gives me a little gift for Easter. Usually it's a plush rabbit or chick, something that ends up in the toy room for the grandchildren or on a shelf in the closet. This year he walked in with this box of Peeps. It's a joke since he knows I find these things disgusting.

Now, I don't recall if I've ever eaten one of these little yellow, mushy guys. I don't think I have. My judgment of this Easter tradition is based on appearance alone. They just don't look appetizing to me. I'm not a real fan of chocolate bunnies either. I love sweets as much as the next person, but what passes as Easter candy leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Do kids actually like Peeps? I know they will eat just about anything with sugar in it, but Peeps? I'll stick with my Peanut M&Ms in their pretty Easter pastels. The rest of you are welcome to this box of yellow chick goo.

My Cloud 9

Of course the tears were stinging my eyes when I opened this, my favorite Christmas present. Nothing could have been more perfect, more appropriate, than a group picture of my 9 grandchildren, my very own cloud 9. The timing was everything.

Many of you already know what a tough Christmas this has been for my family and me. I spent part of Christmas day at the hospital with Sugar, my Dad. He's been very sick and we are still waiting for test results so we will know how to proceed. So with the heartache we have all felt, this precious picture reminded me of the many blessings I have the honor to call my own. Each child is so beautiful, so unique, so important to the structure of our family unit. My heart swells with pride for each one. My heart overflows with love for each one of these precious babies.

My thanks to Ron, Allison and Angela for bringing the troops together for this priceless picture. I will treasure it forever. My heavenly cloud 9.

Please, readers, pray for my Dad, my Mother, our family. We appreciate your love and prayers.

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.

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!

Happy Father's Day!

I spent a wonderful Father's Day with my Dad, Sugar. When I'd asked what I could bring for him he wanted oatmeal cookies. I baked those last night and carried them to him and he promptly began eating. His other Daddy's Girl, Donna, also baked cookies for the occasion, chocolate chip.

As I greeted him with a hug I thanked God for the blessing of having this incredible man in my life. To have parents in their early 80s and a marriage of 63 years so far, puts me in a very rare class of people. I haven't forgotten how special that is.

I could see that Dad is tired but there is no use in telling him to slow down. He's always believed that idle time is a sin so he busies himself with many projects at home and for others and is one of the ultimate Do-Gooders. I can't count the number of chores he has accomplished for me, from wallpapering rooms to adding the electrical wiring to my sheet metal shop. He's a man of many talents and skills, and he's been a blessing to numerous people around him.

I've reminded him that retirement is a reward for a job well done. He just smiled and continued working. But I know the reality of it is that he's so active and healthy now because he's always led a productive life. Who am I to give him advice?

I love you, Sugar, and I'm proud to be one of your girls.

picture added by dee

Slumber Party & Father's Day

This past weekend was wonderful! For all you young mothers out there who feel your free time is either limited or non-existent, take heart. Life isn't over when the nest empties. Never believe that age determines your quality of life. There is much to be said about hitting middle age and having the time to do those things that interest us.

As long as we roll with the punches and accept that our children are growing up and we find new excitement in every stage of their growth and our own, we will find happiness. When a child marries and leaves home an era ends, but another one begins. Not only is their life taking a new turn, but ours can too. We just need to know how to look for the silver lining when things change.

My new thrill during hunting season, business trips or a fishing trip like this weekend, is hosting a slumber party. Patty and I may plan all sorts of activities or we may be lazy. Since we had so much rain this weekend we did less browsing (although we always fit that in) and more relaxing at home with good books, games, and conversation. Saturday evening we watched the fat rain drops in the pool while enjoying coffee and cinnamon scones. There were times we were each doing our own thing but it was still great. No cooking, no rigid schedules, no nothing. Just doing what we wanted. The time passes so quickly and we enjoy every minute of it.

On Father's Day I drove to East Texas in the pouring rain to Gene and Rita's house for burgers, potato salad, baked beans, cookies and two freezers of ice cream - chocolate and vanilla. It was a smaller crowd and it enabled us to visit more. We insisted that Sugar, the guest of honor, go through the food line first. He and I competed on the ice cream and I don't know which of us ate the most. My scales could probably tell me.

Sugar hit the jackpot on clothes. Most of us gave him shorts and shirts. The last family gathering found him in white satin shorts with an elastic waistband and white shirt. Mother shook her head as she told us he can't buy for himself. In his defense, Sugar insisted the satiny shorts were all he could find without joining the younger generation and buying the baggy, long shorts. Anyway, I think he can now retire those shorts or use them for lounging wear.

Mother told the story of when she was heavily pregnant with Donna and she had to get on top of the house to get me. I was three and had climbed a ladder that was left leaning against the house. When she discovered what I'd done, I was already on the roof and having a grand time. Three-year-olds don't know the danger, only the fun of such a climb. So, Mother had to climb that ladder, get on the roof, and grab me. She successfully carried both Donna and me back to safety. Sorry, Sissy, if you've lived with an unexplained fear of heights.

Gene and Rita's log house is nestled within a grove of big trees that keep out the noise. There were no sounds of cars or planes or sirens. It was quiet and peaceful with a light rain.

When I made it back home, Robin had already arrived from Galveston. I'd left him a new camera case on the table with a note from me and our foster cat, Weasil, telling him what a wonderful foster Dad he has been. It was great seeing him again after his four-day trip. He ruined it by telling me he'd missed my cooking, so I guess it's back to the kitchen. All slumber parties must come to an end.

Mother's Day At The Farm

We had a wonderful day at the farm with my parents even though the whole group was unable to attend. Our intention was to take the cooking responsibilities away from my mother, but she did make a chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream.

Allison and I made the beef and chicken chimichangas, which she deep-fried to a sinfully fattening golden brown. Those were topped with an avocado sauce, sour cream, salsa and queso. Allison also made pinto beans while I made black beans and tortilla pinwheels. Donna made the Spanish rice and some delicious chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies. Rita brought the peach ice cream which was divine. We will not go into the amount of ice cream and cookies I sampled!

Lunch was served from the kitchen but we carried our plates into the new sunroom my Dad, brothers, and Ron built on the back of the house. Dad even planned a ribbon cutting for Mother since she has long awaited this new addition. With their new table and a card table, there was plenty of room for us to enjoy our feast.

I spent a lot of time holding Sophia. That was a good Mother's Day gift for me. She even laughed for me a few times. Baylee had fun loving on the dog and donkeys. Jude, too, had a good time at the farm except for his allerigies that kept him sneezing and rubbing at his eyes, and the episode with a mousetrap. He wondered what it was and picked it up. Snap! It got him. He was a little embarrassed by it, but no tears. He's always afraid he is worrying us and makes light of his accidents.

My lovely daughters, Allison and Angela are treating me to laser hair removal for Mother's Day. I'm anxious to go to my free consultation and set up the treatment. Years of electrolysis has cleared away most of my unwanted hair, but there are areas on my face that need attention before I start scaring the grandchildren. I'm ready to get started and I'm very thankful for this thoughtful gift from my girls.

Being a mother is rewarding and I thank God for the children and grandchildren I have been blessed with. My life is complete.

My Mother's Day

My son, Ron, told me he didn't know what to get me for Mother's Day so he said he would bring us dinner on Saturday night. That sounded like the perfect gift to me and I looked forward to his arrival. He assured me it would all be homemade and fresh, and it was. Robin and I feasted on a delicious pasta dish, Caesar salad and French Bread.

Ron makes his own pasta sauce using lots of tomatoes and garlic. He said he put 13 tomatoes into the sauce he brought to us. It was so yummy with a rich flavor. It was such atreat not having to cook our dinner tonight. Ron knew I'd be cooking for the Mother's Day celebration at the farm tomorrow and figured I didn't need the added hassle of feeding Robin and me. Thank you, Ron! The meal was wonderful. Robin grabbed the camera and took a picture of me with two of my boys and the pasta.

Robin gave me a pair of red and white sandals I'd had my eye on and even our Foster cat, Weasil, got in on the Mother's Day festivities by surprising me with an electric can opener. I guess he heard me swearing at my manual one this week when it froze on me and wouldn't even make a dent in a can. It's come in handy with the cooking I've been doing for the farm. Thank you, Robin and Weasil.

Tomorrow's post will include pictures of Mother's Day at the farm with my mother and family. Happy Mother's Day to you all and enjoy your day. A special wish for Cheryl who is in North Carolina to see her nephew graduate from Duke University with a law degree. What a proud moment! Come back safely, friend.

Spoiled & Pampered

As a Mother's Day indulgence, Patty surprised me with a deluxe French pedicure, complete with foot massage. She called to tell me she had made an appointment for us and to be at her house at a certain time. When I got there she directed me to the salon where she gets her nails done. We relaxed in our vibrating chairs while our feet enjoyed a whirlpool bath.

From the knees down, our calves and feet rejoiced in a wonderful massage, first with an exfoliant, then a soothing cream. A stone smoothed away all calouses on the bottom of our feet, and broke through some skin on my ankle but I didn't let that stop the massage. The place would have to be on fire, with the fire almost licking the edges of my chair, before I'd stop any kind of massage.

We both opted for the French pedicure since it was so neutral and would go with all our clothes. I even gave in to having my eyebrows waxed for the first time. After years of electrolysis, I was surprised I'd relent and allow waxing. It looks great! They are perfectly shaped now.

From the salon we further indulged ourselves by going out for Mexican food. After that feast, we were ready for pajamas and coffee. Robin was in Houston on business and we grab every opportunity to have a slumber party. It was a great evening and full of the girlie fun Patty and I enjoy. We love the pampering and buying fun girl stuff.

Now, I'm ready to tackle the meal Allison and I are making for my mother's Mother's Day celebration in East Texas. And, later, I will report on our Mother's Day activities. My son has told me what he's doing for me, and if it actually happens, I will broadcast it to the world!

How Big is Your Pumpkin?

Halloween isn't complete without a costume. My daughter, who is scheduled for a C-section in one week, decided to dress as a pumpkin. The shape was there, all she needed was body paint. She's pretty artistic for a tired pregnant woman caring for two pre-schoolers! Happy Halloween everyone!