A Date With Sophia

We had so much fun today as we had lunch and birthday shopping with Sophia. Since she will turn 3 this Saturday it was her first time to be a part of the annual birthday outings with Memaw and Papa. All three of us were over the moon!

Sophia was so adorable as we looked through the selection of dolls. Each one produced the sweetest "ohhhhh" from her lips. She fell in love with all of them. After going down all the aisles with girl toys she finally decided she wanted a double doll and stroller set and a diaper bag full of bottles and diapers.

Sophia is a big fan of Lion King and just squealed when she saw this lion cub. It was obvious that the cub was going home with her.

Sophia is posing with her new dolls and strollers after also picking out a little surprise for her brother and sister.

This was a special experience just seeing the joy on her face and the excitement in her voice. The fun isn't over yet because we will celebrate her birthday Sunday with a party at her house. She is having very special guests. She wanted to invite "God, Jesus, Uncle Ron, and babies" to the party. Looks like we'll all be in good company.

Halloween Cuties, Never Scary

I got to see three of my grandchildren all decked out for Halloween since I went to Allison's and passed out candy while she took the kids out. Needless to say, the pictures are self-explanatory. Cute!

While Jude and Baylee were all caught up in the occasion, Sophia sat herself down and proceeded to eat from her pumpkin sack. She savored every bite. Once a year being this indulgent won't hurt.

The Morning After

Baylee and Sophia wanted funny face pancakes for breakfast this morning. I can count on the younger grandchildren wanting pancakes while Candice and Camryn want fried potatoes and eggs. I'm no artist but the kids always make me feel like one when I serve their pancakes. They are a joy!

Tea Party

We had a fun tea party this weekend. It wasn't a political tea party, but one where we did girl stuff. Baylee and Sophia helped me mix the cake batter. Each girl had fun adding an ingredient. They lined the muffin tin with baking cups and soon our cupcakes were cooling. We decorated them with Halloween sprinkles and candy corn.

Sophia got the hang of the art of frosting. This smart girl would take a bite, then frost, then take another bite.

Baylee enjoyed using the sprinkles but her favorite was making cats out of candy corn.

Of course we had to have a picture of our pinkies sticking out.

Papa even joined in on the fun. We had to keep refilling our tiny tea pot with apple juice to keep our four tiny cups full. The girls loved being able to pour their own "tea".

A sweet hug while wearing their tutus. I had to laugh when Baylee said, "We're wearing our tiaras and we are three princesses and Papa is our servant." Girls learn the ropes awfully young.

Up, Up and Away

Like everyone else, I'm appalled by the recent balloon drama and the stupidity of some people. The whole world was watching and praying while a sick individual played with our heart strings. When that balloon finally came down and touched ground, I whispered a prayer of thanks like everyone else. Then when the boy was found hiding I thought he needed to learn a lesson he'd never forget. As the day drew on, I changed my mind and saw him again as a helpless victim. A victim of his parents. How sad is that?

My first indication that this horrible incident was a hoax was when the family began appearing on all the news shows. They were on Larry King the very evening of that fateful day when the balloon drifted across Colorado. The same day. As a mother, I would still be too much of a basket case to appear anywhere. I'd be wanting my privacy so I could come to grips with the reality that my hours of sheer terror had ended on a very, very happy note. I know the media wanted interviews while the emotions were raw, but I don't understand how the parents could be up to it.

On another news show the next morning the boy was asked if he heard his parents and officials calling his name. He said yes. His dad asks, "You did?", followed by his mom asking, "You did?" Isn't that a question they would have asked a hundred times the day before if this had been a true life-threatening event? They were only asking it the next day? I would have demanded to know the moment the boy emerged from the attic hideaway.

The next thing that boggled my mind was the father saying they called 911 after making two other calls. If my child was in danger I'd grab the phone and punch in those numbers before I took another breath. I wondered then, too, if this was real or staged.

Finally, what are the parents teaching their children? That it's ok to lie? That it's ok to stick taxpayers with thousands of dollars worth of emergency personnel and equipment to get your name before the public? Maybe it's ok to cry wolf when you are one.

Notice I have not used the family's name here. I think the ego manics have gotten plenty of mileage out of their publicity stunt. When the investigation is over, I have a good feeling that the parents will be taken up, up and away. They should enjoy that experience. They will remain in the public eye for awhile longer.

GNO Diva Fun!

The Texas Divas raised a few eyebrows tonight! I knew we would be loud and reckless so I was relieved that we were seated at a table in the very back. Near an exit door for a fast getaway. Perhaps it's a well known fact that a bunch of women will be rowdy and need to be as far away from the other customers as possible.

We discussed plans to have a slumber party for the February birthdays and the two in our bunch who will turn 60 around that time. Patty is one of those and I can't remember who the second one was. :) We tossed around ideas like getting adjoining rooms at a hotel or going to my mother's so she can be part of the fun. Whatever is decided, it will be a blast. Location won't matter.

We also discussed weightier matters too: Our weight. I mentioned my rapid weight gain and wondered if I had a fast growing tumor inside of me. Then everyone admitted they thought they suffered from the same malady. We are now nicknamed the Texas Tumors. OK, you had to be there. Everything is funny when we're together.

And speaking of weight, we all devoured fried pies filled with cherry, peach, apricot and apple. Of course there was a generous scoop of ice cream served with them. Yes, we rolled out of the restaurant. But our taste buds were rejoicing even if our tumors were acting up.

This is the part of the evening when it really got crazy. We are sitting on a sofa in the bathroom. It's such a nicely decorated and clean bathroom that we felt it warranted pictures.

As others entered the bathroom we were met with strange stares as we're all posing and the camera is snapping away. One woman was kind enough to smile at our playfulness instead of backing quickly into a stall and locking it.

Here's my beautiful sister in the beautiful bathroom. We highly recommend a visit to this place.

And here, beautiful Allison is getting a sample of the complimentary mouth wash in the beautiful bathroom. We were so impressed. We're proud to say we sat there.

It's always so liberating to laugh and visit that it's hard to wait another month to enjoy it all over again. I love this group of women!

Happy Birthday, Clayton!

It's always a blessing to celebrate another year that God has lovingly given to us. Happy birthday to my son-in-law Clayton, the man who makes my daughter beam and my grandchildren smile. With all the love that surrounds him today, there is no doubt that his birthday will be memorable.

Have a great one, Clayton!

Gone - But Never Forgotten

Thinking of him on his birthday. Looking forward to sharing it with him again someday.

Always in my heart.

First Slumber Party of 2009

We got to begin the slumber party fun a month earlier since Robin took advantage of bow season which started in October. Rifle season begins in November so we were happy to get this head start.

Patty and I went out for Mexican food, then decided to take a look at BOGO. Wouldn't you know, the store we aimed for was smack in the middle of the new Cowboy stadium with the Aggies and Razorbacks arriving for game time. I took the wrong turn a couple of times and almost ended up paying $50 for parking. Of course we burst into squeals of laughter. And yes, you had to be there to appreciate the humor. Then, after all that trouble, BOGO had nothing that caught our interest.

We got back home and quickly changed into pajamas. It was raining and cooler than usual so pajamas just seemed like the right thing to do. We made a pot of cinnamon hazelnut coffee and settled in front of the movie Twilight. It was so enjoyable since we'd both read the book and have plans to get with other friends and family so see New Moon next month. We also watched a comedy ventriloquist, and ended the night with good books.

Note to Sissy: Yes, I love the plaid top you gave me. It's been in all the recent pictures. Thanks!

Thomas the Star!

Robin and I attended the 3rd grade musical program at Thomas' school this morning. He had a solo part and we just beamed as he sang. When he stepped onto the risers with his class I gave him the thumbs up sign and he responded by giving one back to me. So cute. He never took his eyes off of us. He wanted to make sure we were watching. We definitely were!

Robin and I each got a picture taken with the star. I'm disappointed that the ones we took of him at the microphone were blurry. It was a wonderful program with a timely American theme. It was obvious that those kids worked hard to perfect their parts.

The young boy who stood in front of Thomas got sick during the program. A teacher hurried to place paper towels over the mess so as to not distract the kids who kept staring at it. Who would want to stare at such a thing? Who'd take a picture of it??? All I'm saying on the matter is that I did not take this picture.

Emmy A-Wardrobe

Is it just me or do you also feel that the awards shows are focusing more on the attire than the performing arts? I didn't watch the Emmys, but my internet home page was filled with the best and worst dressed. I had to search for a list of winners who actually performed, not merely dressed for the occasion.

I like pretty clothes as much as the rest of the women in the world. And there's nothing like prom night - or Academy and Emmy awards, People's Choice, Golden Globe - to make a girl feel like a princess. But shouldn't the fashion focus be reserved for the runway when the talents of designers are being recognized?

When it comes to film and television, there are some great writers, actors, screenplays, musicians, choreographers, and yes, wardrobe artists, who are at the events to be recognized for their talents. I'm in favor of saluting them for their hard work and letting the night be about them.

We all like to see our favorite actors and actresses up front presenting awards and seeing them out of their usual role. But I, for one, don't really care what they are wearing.

Girls Day at the Farm

We had a happy reunion today with Patty and her daughter Leigh. It had been years since we'd all been together so there was so much to catch up on and pictures to share. Mother made lunch for us and a chocolate cake. Throw in 7 women and you have all the ingredients for a happy time.

Patty hasn't aged a bit in all the years we've been apart. Surprisingly, we all love her in spite of it. We would like to know her secret, though.

The next two pictures are blurry but I posted them anyway. I wanted to make sure Donna, Rita, and Allison were on here.

Allison with her sweet Aunt Rita. Rita is sporting a new short hair style after donating her long, healthy locks to make wigs for cancer patients. This is the second time she has done that. How many women are that selfless when it comes to their hair? She's a sweetheart.

Mother was thrilled to be with Patty and Leigh again, as we all were. These beautiful ladies made our day. I know no one will believe this, but Patty is going to be a great-grandmother soon and Leigh will become a grandmother. Leigh's son and his wife will welcome a little boy in November and they just found out today that her daughter and her husband are expecting. Everyone's been on the same page!

Thank you Patty and Leigh for making the trip. We enjoyed seeing you two again so much!

Ladies Luncheon

This is the second year that Allison and I have attended the Ladies Luncheon at Jude's school. I'm happy that Allison invites me as her guest each year. We enjoy lunch and fellowship in a Christian environment. One focus of this event is the beautiful tables with unique themes. Enjoy the following parade of tables.

This is the table we were assigned to. It's the first grade table in honor of our Jude and his class.

The candy table had an abundance of M&Ms. I was polite and didn't crash this table.

Jude's teacher shared our table and it was good hearing all the sweet things about him in school. That was our chests puffing out instead of our tummies from too much lunch! Thank you, Allison, for allowing me to share this day with you.

On Stage or Backstage?

Lately we've been getting some insight into the personalities of my grandchildren. Often it takes that monumental step into the classroom for the real view. Is it scary? Is it a thrilling experience? Are you backstage in the shadows directing the lights, sound and camera? Or are you on stage with that dazzling smile and flashy clothes and ready to perform your heart out?

Unfortunately, I was backstage. I mean really backstage. My shyness was crippling during my childhood. I can vividly remember moving to a new home and new school district. I entered the 5th grade knowing no one. I was sent home the first day with a headache and vomiting. I stayed home a day or two, then went back to school, only to be sent home with a headache and vomiting. I wasn't sick. I was terrified. I actually believed that if I begged hard enough my parents would let me quit school. In the 5th grade. Well, I begged to no avail, something I'm thankful for now even if I wasn't then.

When the teen years arrived, so did an interest in boys and a new kind of shyness. There were two instances when I was finally asked out by someone I had a ginormous crush on. I'm over the top, butterflies and all, when the crucial moment arrives when it's obvious that this gorgeous guy is going to kiss me. "No offense," I plead, "but I gotta puke." I bolt for the bathroom, knowing I've ruined what could have been a very romantic moment. The second time my nervous stomach betrayed me, I had to ask Adonis to pull over to the side of the road. And do it now!

My own loving mother passed this tendency down to me and I passed it begrudgingly to Angela. Thankfully Angela outgrew it a lot sooner than I did. But there were times when school frightened her and her daddy would call her "Peggy Lee" because he recognized the pattern. Her daddy, by the way, was the on-stage-performer-type.

Now it appears that Angela has a miniature Angela Renee in her little Juliet. This inheritance stuff is not always good. Being painfully shy is not fun. So Juliet has come up with a number of excuses to try to get out of going to pre-school. She doesn't feel good, the chairs are uncomfortable, her shoes don't fit, not any of them fit. She cries when she arrives at school, although she appears happy at the end of the day and anxious to show off her school work. I feel her pain. I really do. I have been there.

This week I learned just how much of a performer Thomas is. A few weeks ago he tried out for the solo part in the school musical program. We were excited that he got the part. I was especially proud because of my own experience and knowing how scared I would have been had I had to sing a solo part in the 3rd grade. I was relieved that Thomas hadn't inherited the awful shyness, although he has shown from an early age that he is very social and outgoing. Well, this week he was with his dad in the small waiting room while the oil was changed in the truck. Three other people were waiting, too. Thomas stood in the middle of the room and addressed them all.

"I'm going to sing a solo in our school program and not only will I be singing in front of the whole school, but all the parents too. Would you like to hear it?"

Yes, they would like to hear it. Thomas' song was followed by applause that encouraged him on.

"Would you like to hear it again?" He commenced to singing it a second time.

This story had me rolling in the floor with laughter. And relief. How much easier life will be for him than it was for his backstage grandma. Ron said Thomas performs like he's Allison's son instead of his. So the inheritance thing works both ways, good and bad. Without a doubt, we have three outstanding performers who are more than comfortable on stage: Candice, Thomas and Jude. The rest of them perform beautifully, just not as comfortably. That will come in time.

The beauty of all of this is that we need our backstage and on stage performers for the show to go on. All of these nine precious treasures have an important part to play.

Happy Grandparents' Day!

What a thrill to be invited out to lunch in honor of Grandparents' Day. Papa Robin was a little under the weather and stayed home, but I wouldn't miss this special outing. Look at those happy faces!

Thank you, Brian and Allison, for this special treat. Not only did I enjoy a fabulous lunch with five of my favorite people, but the restaurant honored grandparents with a packet of coupons and discounts for future lunches with the grandchildren. What a deal! I'd wished I had a gray wig styled into a bun, a little floral dress, and support hose. Then I decided, why make it look worse than it is? I did wear my ID bracelet that has the initials of my Cloud 9 on it, a sweet, personal gift made by Allison for Mother's Day. No denying that I was a proud grandma, 9 times over.

Little Sophia had already attacked the salsa when this picture was taken. She can put that stuff away! And doesn't my Jude boy look handsome. He fixed his hair and picked out his clothes so he would look good for Memaw. He did a great job! Baylee shared her excitement about Wee school and she will begin Zoo school this next week.

There's nothing like grandchildren fighting over who gets to sit by Memaw that makes you feel divine. Being their star for the day was an honor I will always cherish. My thanks and undying love to all of you.

GNO - Welcome, Christy!

What a fun evening of visiting and laughter! We had a special guest, Cathy's sister Christy. Christy and I were in the same graduating class and it had been years (not saying how many) since we've seen each other. She is just as beautiful today as she was in high school. Sadly for us, she lives in another state and will only be able to join the Texas Divas when she is visiting in our area. Welcome, Christy! You were a wonderful addition, if only briefly.

We missed our two redheads, Paula P. and Jan, who were not feeling well. Deb is suffering from an earache and Paula F. usually rides with her. Our newest member, Darlene, comes with Jan. I think this is the first time we've had five missing in one evening. Not good. We hope all you Divas get to feeling better and are ready for our October GNO.

As you can see from the picture, I was pinned in and couldn't take pictures. Our waiter, Marcus, took this one. The first one he took was without a flash and was blurry. Since I looked awful in it, too, I refrained from trying to blackmail anyone with it. Enjoy the one piece of proof that we had a fabulous time.

I don't know what it is about women, a night out, and the giggles. It just happens. Anything and everything is cause for laughter. All serious concerns just fly out the window when we are together. It's healthy. Donna was the brunt of some of our laughter. Cathy and Christy were digging out their Stevia to sweeten their tea. Some of us had heard of this sugar substitute, and some hadn't. Donna had not only heard of it, but she knew its commercial jingle. She began singing, "Ac-ti-vi-a!". We laughed shamefully as Allison pointed out to her that Stevia was a sweetener and Activia kept a body regular. In all fairness to my beautiful Sissy, the two words do sound similar. One has an extra syllable but who's counting? Thanks for the laugh, Donna.

Allison shared a video with us of Baylee mimicking an eagle at the zoo. She squeals, the eagle would squeal. After a few minutes of this, the eagle was becoming freaked. A zoo official approached and asked that she stop antagonizing the poor bird. Of course Baylee never mistreats any animal but sometimes doesn't know what they really like and don't like. And I feel an inner pride that my 5-year-old granddaughter intimidated our national bird. That's some big stuff. That's my girl.

As is often true of women, we lingered outside the front door of the restaurant after dinner and visited some more. Then, as we all moved towards our vehicles, it was more talking and laughter. I think we hugged each other goodbye three times.

Again, thank you, Christy, for joining us for a fun evening. It was great seeing you again. And to our two Paulas, Jan, Deb and Darlene, we look forward to having you back where you belong for our October GNO and dinner. All of you are wonderful friends!

The Missing Newspaper

This is an example of how Robin and I have been on brain overload lately. Of course the example involves Robin, not me. For obvious reasons.

Robin came up to me and asked, "Did you stop delivery of our newspaper?"

"No. As a matter of fact, it is paid through November," I told him.

"Well, it isn't in our yard."

"Maybe someone stole it."

"But there are papers in all the other yards," he said.

"Maybe that someone just needed that one newspaper."

"Hmph," he muttered as he walked away, only to come back a few minutes later.

"Forget what I said about the newspaper," he told me. "It's on the coffee table in my den. I must have gone out and picked it up earlier."

"Huh?"

He flushed and walked away again.

Happy Birthday, Sharon!

My beautiful friend, Sharon, is having a birthday today. We celebrated last month while she was still living close. Now she's in another state and I miss her so much.

Sharon, I hope the day is everything you wanted and more. You are so delightful, so inspirational, that I want to keep coming back for more. You fill me up and will continue to do so across the miles. You are special. Happy birthday with love!