Happy Birthday, Deb!

Another Texas Diva is having a birthday! Deborah, aka Diamond Deb, and my sister Donna go way back to the 3rd grade. Deb has been in our family around 47 years. She is so much fun to be with and has played a major role in putting together the fun group of women we call the Texas Divas. She is responsible for adding Paula P. and Paula F. to our group. And what delightful gals those two are!

Here's the birthday girl in her crown. She hasn't changed a bit from the babe in the high school pictures above.

We also celebrated Patty's birthday, also in February. Deborah had to share the crown and the spotlight.

Jan, our 8th and newest Diva, was unable to attend due to an illness. We missed our other red head and hope she is feeling better soon.

Gifts are always fun!

Patty's delicious slice of cheesecake with her magic numbers.

We inverted the 9 for Deborah and somehow came up with her age. Yeah, we're cheap.

Happy birthday, Deb, and enjoy another round of festivities tonight with another group of friends. Party hearty! We love you.

Bon Voyage!

This Sunday is the day Patty and I have anticipated for a few months now. We set sail in our snooty luxury suite, complete with a balcony, for a glorious week at sea. We even have VIP check-in. I'm tooting Patty's horn here. Those who know me and my business well, are aware of the slow and lean times, and it's obvious that Patty is treating us both to this needed vacation. Actually, Patty and her husband. Dave offered us a cruise as a Christmas gift to Patty. Gotta love that man.

We took a day off and shopped for summer clothes, flip-flops, and treated ourselves to a spa pedicure. Our toes are now sporting a French pedicure. It's a good neutral look that will go with our extensive cruise wear. I say that tongue in cheek, as we aren't packing for the formal nights. Been there, done that, and the food isn't that great in the dining room. Who needs formals when we have a big balcony, books, and room service?

We will be stopping in Jamaica, Grand Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. This is the same ship and route we took two years ago, but we expect a to have a better time since I haven't just had surgery. Patty keeps telling me to stay well.

There will be a few blog posts that will appear here in my absence. I hope you will check them out. I will share pictures when we return. And, yes, we're excited!

Look at The Jude

Just one month and one day before his 7th birthday, Jude finally has lost his first tooth. It is not a true snaggle tooth since the new one is right behind it. Some cute quotes from Jude:

"I gotta call Ashton and Thomas! We are the lost tooth boys!"

"After all these years, I finally lost my tooth!"

"I'll be the first boy on the lost tooth chart at school."

He is over the moon!

Also here is Bay's new bunny - new as in Christmas. I've been meaning to share it with you all. The name of the bunny changes day to day. It is sometimes floppy, thumper, darth vader, and taco meat. Jude even holds it - so brave.

And we can't forget our little Sophia. The picture was taken at a birthday party. That would be frosting on her cute little face.

A Blessed Evening

Allison and I joined our Bible study group last Saturday evening and left with our hearts and bellies full. Sharon had a delicious spread, with the help of the wonderful ladies in our group, and we celebrated my birthday and the special 5-year anniversary of Sharon as a cancer survivor. And what a delightful group to celebrate with!Sharon leads out in our study and this time she wove together our study materials with my Dad's life, and his life living on in me. It was comforting. It was uplifting. Sharon possesses a special gift for teaching and knows just the right words to use. I've never heard anyone get the message of God across as beautifully as she does. You can't help but walk away with a firm belief that you are a treasure of God's. I'm thankful that she shares that gift with us.

The group presented me with a lovely friendship book and they signed their names inside. Sharon, also, left meaningful messages throughout the book. And they gave me a pretty magnet with the reminder, "The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you." I will claim those words often.

Thank you, ladies and friends, for your love and support during a rough time for Allison and me. You are precious to us.

Donuts for Dads and Granddads

Jude's school had a special morning for Dads and Granddads to enjoy donuts with their kids. I'll always remember Jude's excitement when he called to extend the invitation. I answered the phone and he told me he needed to speak to Papa, but he was anxious for me to know what was happening, too.
"Our school is having Donut Day for fathers and grandfathers, and it will be the best day of my life!"

How could Papa Robin turn down such an invitation? He couldn't. He set the alarm for 5:30am so he could arrive at the school on time.

The students decorated their tables. There were silhouette busts of men decked out in ties, and bow ties on the tablecloth. And there was coffee, orange juice and donuts to feed a small army, which is what arrived. Lots of happy kids showing off their dads and papas.

Robin came home and told me all about the event. He said he was so glad he went. I'm glad he was there, too, and thank him for helping to make Jude's day.

Happy Birthday, Patty!

Patty has finally caught up with me in age! She's a walloping 15 days younger than me and I try not to hold it against her. Happy birthday, Patty!Although these two teenage girls might not resemble us today, Patty and I are still teenagers at heart. And still friends. We've been friends for a long, long time, dating back to the 6th grade. Do the math.

I have Patty to thank for getting me out of my funks. She encourages me to go shopping with her, stop and smell the roses, and many shared meals, talks and laughter. I would like to say I match her energy level, but I'd be stretching the truth. How this bubbly little lady who is so full of life puts up with my gloom and doom is beyond me. I'm just glad she does.

I truly believe it is our friends who keep us young. Nothing is better than being with someone who enjoys your company, accepts you as is, lends a helping hand and a listening ear, and is willing to take all the twists and turns life throws out at us. Patty and I are definitely in it for the long haul.

These two divas were photographed on a cruise a few years back and I will be able to share similar pictures in a few weeks. We are hitting the high seas again! Patty always books us in the finest room with the largest balcony, and is good about making sure room service arrives at the appointed times (which is at least twice a day). This will be a wonderful extension to our birthdays.

Patty, my hope for you is that this special day is everything you want it to be. I know your husband and sons will celebrate with you. I hope that I, also, can bring you some of the joy you have always brought into my life. I love you, friend. Happy birthday!

Divas, Chocolate, Gifts, Therapy

Being with the Texas Divas again was like a shot in the arm for all of us. We haven't been together since November due to the tragedies that hit our group. Deborah lost her brother, and Donna, Allison, and I lost our Dad/Pepaw. Being together with all the love and support felt great. We got down to business and celebrated both Christmas and my birthday. It was fun seeing who had drawn our names for the Christmas exchange. We all received lovely gifts and Paula F. had generously supplied each of us with a Christmas bag stuffed with lots of goodies.All this loot are my birthday gifts. I had a ball opening each one! I got lots of candles, which I love, and many other things that had been on my wish list. What a generous and thoughtful bunch of women!

My beautiful and sweet Allison baked one of my favorite cakes, the Texas Sheet Cake. What could be better than Divas and chocolate? The collective moans were heard all around the table as we each dipped our forks into the decadent treat. I was thankful that I only had to blow out two candles. Back home, I magically arranged the numbers to read "56" and asked Patty, "Did you ever think 56 would look good?" Then, my husband who has an annoying habit of ruining the moment, transformed the numbers to read "65" and "95". I think I'll settle for 59.

These beautiful Divas are Donna, Jan, and Allison. Don't we look happy to be together?

The two beautiful and hilarious Paulas. What special ladies!

And finally, the birthday girl has the honor of being pictured with dear friends Patty and Deborah. This was a day the doctor had ordered.

My Thanks and Gratitude

Our family has been surrounded by angels in the form of friends and relatives. All of you have given freely of your love and support and I thank you on behalf of my entire family.

Thank you for the beautiful flowers sent in remembrance of my Dad, Sugar. The Texas Divas Deborah, Paula F. and Paula P. - the flowers were gorgeous. Cheryl and Patty also added flowers to a room that was overflowing with beauty and warm thoughts. Thank you to Jan, my high school buddy, who drove that long distance to attend the funeral and give me Peanut M&Ms and a German Chocolate cake for my birthday. I shared that delicious treat with my family who gathered at my Mom's for dinner. The many cards, e-cards, phone calls - all are appreciated more than you know.

Many expressed regret that the funeral was held on my birthday. No, this is not the way I wanted to celebrate that day, but I was honored to celebrate my father's incredible life on that day. Donna and Angela pulled stories from memories, scrapbooks, cards and letters to give everyone a tiny glimpse of this man who was so big, so loved and respected, so pure in character, and talented in numerous ways. My cousin Joe did a wonderful job as he read the many glowing tributes to Sugar. James, my brother-in-law, shared many of his thoughts and memories of working with Dad to build his and Donna's house. Sugar was honored and remembered for all the times he was there with a helping hand, whether it was family, friend, or a stranger. My birthday will long be remembered as the day we told the world about an awesome man - my Dad.

My gratitude also extends to my Mother and siblings who banded together with love and support. How sweet that Mother was surrounded by her five children as she went about the difficult task of making arrangements. Whether it was the funeral home, the florist, or the cemetery, our close party of six took all the steps together. It thrilled my heart when one by one, each child came forward with a check or credit card to help defray the expenses for our Mother. If one needs a definition of family, this is it.

This was the last birthday I will share with Sugar in this life. As I bent to kiss his head and tell him I'd see him again soon, the pastor said, "The next time you kiss him, he will be warm."

How I look forward to that day!

Services for Sugar

Lowe Funeral Home
1102 East Goode Street
Quitman, TX 75783
903-763-2242

Family Visitation:

Wednesday, January 21, 6:00 - 8:00pm

Funeral Service:

Thursday, January 22, at 2:00pm in the Lowe Funeral Home Chapel

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." Luke 14:2,3

Goodbye, My Sweet Sugar

Until we meet again.

January 15, 1927 - January 19, 2009

Happy Birthday, Sugar

My wonderful Dad, Sugar, is 82 years old today. Like the young strapping boy in the picture above, Sugar has lived his life with boundless energy and hard work. He's always been able to work circles around most people, regardless of their ages. I believe all that activity is what has kept him young in body and mind.

As of three weeks ago, Sugar was busy in his shop making parts for his customers. Now, a rapidly growing cancer has slowed him in his tracks. The doctors have handed him over to God and there's no better place for him to be. The Great Physician has all the answers and we trust in Him completely.

He and our Mother have lovingly held our family together for many, many years. We know the joy of being a part of a long and happy marriage and the priceless examples we were shown.

Donna and I have loved our roles as Daddy's Girls and we have cherished each moment we have spent with him. All his girls - daughters-in-law, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters know his warm, hearty embrace.

I am privileged and honored to visit this incredible man today on his 82nd birthday. He is already being bombarded with birthday cards and letters. His heart is full. He is everything to this family and we all love him dearly. Happy birthday, Sugar. May God bless you with many more.

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.

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.