Yesterday...

My beauiful girl became a year closer to a woman.

Happy 12th birthday Haylee! I can't really call you one f my babies any more. You have become a beautiful young woman that I am so very, very proud of!

Happy Holidays

Well I am discovering every second that there is way more to do than I thought to get ready for our trip. And with adding driving time to take Ruby out to stay with my MIL while we are gone and driving time for picking up Haylee in Waco, there isn't much time left for me to get it all done....AAAHHH!!

I most likely won't be able to post any while we are gone, so this is probably my last post for the year. So Merry (insert the holiday you celebrate here) to you. Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful celebration. And have a safe and fabulous New Year!!

Happy Holidays from my family to all of yours!!

No matter how hard I try...still Naughty!

So I have been super naughty all around. Not purposely though.

I have been naughty first by not completing my memories of Blake. I will get to that soon. I am much better. It often still doesn't feel real, but for the most part I have accepted his passing now.

Second, I have been naughty blogging. I have gotten on here many times, but just to read others and never posting myself.

Third, I have been quite naughty to my friends. I have not e-mail or called them lately. Two in particular. K and C, I'm sorry! I haven't even gotten on myspace and left them a comment or bumper sticker (they have both sent me many of these, and each has made me laugh and/or touched my heart deeply). But other than a late b-day to another friend, I haven't looked or commented on anyone's page lately.

Things just stay busy around here. The most recent time occupant is Larry's grandmother. She had been sick back in October/November with a bleeding ulcer but had started doing much better, until recently. My SIL called last Friday to tell me Grandma would be having a major surgery today on her stomach. About 15 min after we hung up she called back to say they just called with results of a scan from that morning, and she needed to be admitted to the hospital immediately due to her stomach not draining at all. So we hurried out that night and got to see her Saturday morning. She was in high spirits. The doctors said that she has a strong heart and healthy lungs so she should handle the surgery fine. She's 84 and this is her first serious illness and first time in the hospital for something other than having a baby.

Her surgery was this morning, and last I heard it went well and she did fabulous. If she is able to have visitors, I am headed out tomorrow to see her.

If all goes well, we are planning to go to Colorado for Christmas. So this year we are skipping having a tree. Our last artificial one was really pretty, but it didn't make it in our last move. So last year we finally got a real one. But with going out of town, a real one is not safe. And this year the money for a fake one is better saved for the trip. We have done a little decorating though.

We didn't get to put up outside lights last year. And I REALLY wanted to this year. So we got just a few, again wanting to save for the trip. We started putting them up the Thanksgiving weekend, but found out we were out of staples for the staple gun so we didn't get far. Larry decided to just borrow the one from work, which is much better than ours, instead of buying more staples. But since then he hasn't been getting home from work till 9 or 10, and is too tired to do it. And there is no way I would be allowed to attempt to do it with my problems.

So here are some pictures of Larry putting up what we could that night.

And the result, as best as I could do shivering in the cold.

And here is a little of what I did inside

The fireplace

Some of my snowmen collection (I am missing my glass snow couple. I fear they may have accidentally been placed in the throw out pile left in Plano when we moved. I thought I had stored them in my closet at the apartment, but can't be sure. And since I had no involvement in the packing and moving, I don't know what could have happened...oh well, maybe I'll find replacements one day) I have other decorative snowmen in other areas such as placemats and table covers, and wreaths...think I like snowmen?

And the sofa tableAnd other stuff is scatter around.

I have also been busy sewing for Lucas. Which here is an updated picture of him I took today.

He has definitely become a BIG boy, which is so funny due to how tiny Lori is. But he is a SUPER sweet boy. He will be 5 months old next week. I always look forward to my Wednesdays with him.

Back to his sewing. I was wanting to make him a tag blanket that I've seen on various blogs. I finally got it done. But while cutting the fabric for it, I decided to make a small "chew blanket" for him. Turns out he loved it so much Lori has asked for more so she can easily wash without him being without. So hopefully I can get those finished up by next week. I don't get him again till the new year, but Lori and I are going to hang out next week. Meeting up for drop off/pick up is not enough quality time for us.

Here are the blankets

The Tag blanket

The Chew Blanket

Hopefully all this can allow everyone to forgive me for my "naughtiness", and I will work better to be "nice".

Aunt Laura's Chili

I had to share this recipe. My sister-in-law made it when we were visiting once, and I had three bowls of the stuff. Which was ok because it's one she got from an eat healthy web sight. It's actually called Doc's Chili, but we call it Aunt Laura's Chili so everyone knows it's not the one I normally cook (which is also a really yummy one that has been passed down in my family).

Aunt Laura's Chili

-3 cups chopped yellow onion (that's a bit much for us so I only use half of an onion)
-1 lb. ground turkey
-2 Tablespoons chili powder
-1 Tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
-1 teaspoon ground cumin
-1 teaspoon ground mustard
-2 Tablespoons chopped garlic (we just sprinkle in garlic powder)
-1 15 oz. can rinsed and drained pinto beans
- 1 15 oz. can rinsed and drained black beans
-3 cups diced tomatoes (or you can use one 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes)
-1 cup chicken broth
-1/2 cup block olives (we don't use these)
-1/2 cup chopped green onions (we don't use these either)

-Spray skillet w/ cooking spray
-Saute onions
-Add turkey and cook thoroughly
-Add rest of the ingredients
-Bring to a boil
-Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes

I'm so Blue...and Brown and Green!

I will explain the title in a minute. I need to say though that I will soon return to more fabulous memories of Blake. But even though I'm overly sad and morning for the loss, I still have a family to take care of and in honor of him, we are continuing life as we should.

So in due of this, I wanted to update what has been going on.

Last weekend was the Neiman Marcus holiday window reveal and celebration. Larry's work is next door so they play a big part of it. And we had the advantage of getting to go up in part of the building that isn't finished and leased to shops yet so we were looking out the windows above onto the big reveal and were also face to face with Santa as he road a cable down onto the stage (last year he came in on a jet pack).

This weekend Larry is headed off to go hunting again, Holly is going with my aunt all day Saturday to help and learn the workings of a dog show. Since I haven't been able to get the van in to the shop to get some work done, I'm not going to chance going out to Bryan this weekend. I may do as Larry suggested and go on a week day right after Thanksgiving.

Now for the title. Some time ago I got the June/July edition of Threads magazine due to the project on the cover. It was a while before I started it and then took a lot of reading and rereading to get it all down. I have been working on it for a while. I was almost finished with it over a month ago, but then just go super busy. Yesterday I made time though and am proud to say it's finished!! There are mistakes here and there. But most of you won't know or notice, and I'm proud of it, and that's what counts, right?! I made one addition to it. Using this tutorial, I added a magnetic snap.

I am also very pleased with my fabric choices. And I am now using it for my purse. Ok, off to get some errands done so I don't have to deal with the weekend crowds.

M.O.B. Part 3

Another quick one for you.

Blake and I were also in the same class together in 2nd grade. I don't remember as much about him from that year other than that is when he started wearing a black leather jacket similar to his older brother.

Here is our class picture from that year. 1987-1988

Blake is back row (as usual ) on the right. I am in the next to back row middle in the middle of a blink. Lori (Lucas' mom) is in the front row seated on the left. And my good friend Roseanne is in the front right (she was in 1st grade with us too). I have stayed close to these two girls to this day...obviously.

M.O.B. Part 2

It's a busy day, so I will only share a couple memories today, but I wanted to get some in now that I got the pictures scanned thanks to my big bro.

Here is why I had my hair pulled on a lot. This was summer of 1988. I didn't get my first haircut till then.


My mom shared with me a pretty funny one. She told me that our first grade teacher told her she really enjoyed watching the two of us. She said anyone could tell Blake really liked me, and I milked it for all its worth. I apparently had no objection to letting him turn in all my papers for me and carrying all my stuff! Boy was I rotten!!

I also remember 1st grade class picture day really well. I remember after the picture was done and we were standing around about to line up, Blake came hurrying over. He told me he almost threw up in the picture and when it was done ran out of the library without telling our teacher (I guess he had to throw in that part to show how daring he was.) I didn't believe him. When we got the pictures in class, I hurried to open mine and see what it showed.
And low and behold:
1986-1987
(Look at the top left. I'm in the front second from the left.)

Those two memories have definitely brought some happy thoughts despite all the sadness.

Been on a break

Sorry I haven't been faster with more stories, but I've been taking a break from some of it. I've still been battling a lot of back and forth, and went to the library and check out some books to help me with getting through all of this. I've just had a hard time accepting that it happened, and I really need to.
Haylee is coming to town for the weekend. So I've planned my trip to visit Blake and his family around that. Since my meeting spot with Haylee's mom is in Waco, that puts me half way. I will take her back a couple hours earlier than normal on Sunday and then head out to College Station/Bryan so I can get there before dark. Then I will also have time to visit with his family before I have to head home.
I plan to get pictures scanned tonight so I can get a few up tomorrow. The next couple of stories I would like to share are quite the chucklers. One is actually one my mom shared with me that I didn't remember.

Memories of Blake Part 1 *Updated*

The past day has been rough. I have gone back and forth with mourning my friend and with being in denial. He is buried here in FTW next to his brother. I plan to go visit him on Thursday, his birthday, in hopes of finding some peace and acceptance of all this. I am not a person who normally handles cemeteries very well, but I think this time I need it.

My husband has been fabulous. He knows that Blake was a special and true friend. The kind that is so very rare to find. So he has been fabulous at trying his best to give me what I need. A shoulder to cry on, understanding with my feelings, and trying his best to make me feel better but not forcing it on me. I'm so thankful he is not a jealous person. This is the first person I was very close to who has died since we have known eachother.

To better help everyone understand what a special person he was and to share the many, many memories we shared, I will do many posts on them. I need to write these down for my own sake. But since I'm not good journaling, I thought I would use this to help get it all down. Forgive me if the posts jump around in years, but as I've made notes on remembering what I want to put down, something else will pop in my head. I always thought it was odd how I remembered so many odd details from our friendship, but now I understand. It's a gift from God to help me though this time. Unfortunately these memories will stop at 5 years ago. Out of respect for my marriage and probably realization of the demands of being a wife and mother, Blake lessened our amount of contact. And with the demands of it all and never dreaming of anything like this, I put our friendship on hold too. I regret it and advise everyone to NEVER do something like that.

On to the memories:
Blake and I first met in first grade. As always, he was the super tall kid. He had a tendency to pull my pigtails when he walked by me. Well not "pull", but handle in one way or another. I did not have my first haircut till after 2nd grade, so obviously I had long hair at the time that was blond. And my mom always put it up. Often in braids or dog ear pony tails. Blake wasn't the only one who did it. And with so many doing it, I was constantly calling out to the teacher. I have always, always been a person who needs her personal space.

For Halloween at our school, we were not allowed to wear costumes. But we were allowed to wear face paint. I can't remember what my face was done up as, but I can remember his and his mom's. Some of the mom's took turns volunteering with listening to the kids read to them. Both of our mom's helped with this (my mom has many found memories of Blake too), and this was his mom's day again, so she joined in the festivities of face painting. I remember they had their whole face painted (I only had some small things on mine like hearts or something) in metallic colors. His was green and hers was gold. I was so fascinated with the colors, how fancy they were, and how perfectly done it was.

Ok, that's all for now. I have one more memory from 1st grade I want to share, but it includes a photo I would like to try and scan in before I post on it. My scanner isn't working, so I don't know if I will get it done soon or if I will just have to save it and do a post of pictures. These couple of memories don't really touch on what a great person he was, but they are some fun ones I've kept tucked way.

Thank you to those who have sent messages and for all the prayers. I know I haven't sat and prayed much myself yet. But like I said, I'm still facing a lot of denial. I know that God is next to me now, and He is who is giving me my strength.

If you can learn one thing from this, please let it be to never put a friendship aside for a more convenient time. I read and receive those forwards that say don't wait to tell someone how precious they are. I've always believed them, but never followed what they say the way I should. Now I truly know what it feels like when the chance is gone. I do believe that God has passed the message on to him that he was a special person to me, but I wish I could have done it while he was still here.

God Bless you, and keep you. And rely on Him no matter what you are going through.

*Update* Blake's family got my message today and contacted me immediately. For which I am very thankful. They were very upset for me for finding out about his passing in such an impersonal way. That is something that is in no way anyone but mine's fault. I am the one whoh allowed us to loose touch over the recent years. They said they had planned to have him placed next to his brother, but that was not able to happen. Instead he was placed in Bryan next to his grandfather who passed away this last February. I don't know that I will be able to, but my plan is to go to his gravesight this Sunday and then stop to visit with his family for a while. Please send out a prayer that I in no way reverse their healing process. Again I do not want to in any way bring more pain to his family. They are absolutely wonderful people who have suffered more than their fair share.

In Memory of Blake

Blake F. Williams was one of my dearest friends. And I am devastated to find out that I now have to use the term was.

I had lost contact with him a little under a year after I got married. I have been putting in searches for him off and on for the past few years. I tried again today while thinking about his birthday coming around the corner. I was lead to this link today.

I am more than heart broken to find out he passed away less than 6 months ago. Did he know how very, very special he was to me? Next to my husband and dad, he is/was the most special and influential male in my life. The memories I have. And that's what is breaking me, all I have is memories now. They are MANY but will never be enough. I will never again get to see/talk to my friend here on earth. I will miss those hugs. Those ones where my face is in a stomach because he was sooooo tall.

What hurts even more is I do not know what happened. I am trying to get in contact with his family to find out, but I hate to bring more pain with my questions.

Blake, I know you are truly where you deserve to be in Heaven, but earth is a much darker place without your smile and wonderful heart. I look forward to seeing you again, but until then, my heart is not quite whole without you. I love you very much and will NEVER forget you.

Trick-or-Veg

Sorry no Halloween pictures to share this year. Since Halloween fell on a Friday for the first time in a loooooong time, Holly went to spend the holiday with her mom.

Larry had gotten free tickets from one of his vendors for us to go to the Craftsman's Truck races at the Texas Motor Speedway. We had been looking forward to going for a few weeks. But when Larry got home, we were tempted to go a different rout with our plans. Larry was planning on leaving late that night or this morning to go to East Texas for opening weekend for hunting, cutting our first weekend alone in a while very short. This disappointed us both, but we both want to make sure he gets his money's worth out of his hunting license and his gear. So instead we spent the evening going out to dinner at IHOP (we had the T.V. on while we were making up our minds to go to the races or not and an advertisement came on for there). We had the restaurant almost completely to ourselves. I think there were at most 5 other tables of people. We then went to Walmart to see about buying a movie to watch but ended up renting a couple from Redbox. So we went home and vegged out and just spent some nice time together. I enjoyed getting a whole evening talking with him with minimal interruptions.

Well Larry just left and I'm off to spend some time with a friend I haven't seen in a while and then home to do laundry, and sew for a while. And go to sleep watching chic flicks with no one sighing over how ridiculous they are. :)

Hope everyone enjoys the first day of November (can you believe it's practically hot outside?!).

Flying Saucer

is where I went last night. I very rarely go out anymore much less go out on a week night. But last night I enjoyed a night out with my brother and some of his friends. A couple I knew and a few more I didn't. But I greatly enjoyed myself.

I had been planning to go last night with him for a while. The Wednesday before a holiday they always sell a special glass. (The Flying Saucer is a popular hang out in downtown Ft. Worth that sells hundreds of different beers.) Unfortunately the one being sold this time wasn't very "Halloweeny". I was disappointed since this was my first time to get to go for a holiday glass. My brother has quite a collection that I have admired. Oh well, maybe I'll get to go with him for Thanksgiving.

I'm not much of a beer person, so I had two glasses of the same drink that tastes more like an apple soda than a beer. I learned though that they have the U.F.O. club which my brother is a member of. You join and it keeps track of the various beers you try by printing out tickets you give to your waiter/waitress. After you have tried 200, you get your own gold saucer with your name and a quote added to the wall. You can only log 3 different ones a night. My brother is around 95 I think. A lot in my thoughts, but he's been at it for quite a while and doesn't go there too often, so it's actually a fairly slow process.

So I enjoyed my two drinks, a chicken caesar wrap (which is what I ate when Kristi and I went on our girls' night out. SO GOOD!), and a Dr. Pepper. I was the first to leave at 7:30, but I don't think anyone else stayed much longer either. Just a nice evening out for everyone.

My brother was super nice and paid for all my stuff as a birthday gift. Thank you!! I really don't do enough with him anymore. I need to change that and make it more of a priority.

EXCITEMENT!!

EXCITING things have happened since I posted this morning.

First, I just got a message sent from an old friend from high school on here. My friend Tiffany whom I haven't gotten to see since my surgery when she came to visit me in the hospital (thank you again) popped up with a hi and a link to excitement of her own. Go here to see her beautiful baby boy!! I expect to be getting in touch with her in person REALLY SOON to meet her fabulous baby but also and most excitingly to get to see a dear friend I have lost contact with over the years and have missed and thought about OFTEN!!

Second, I just got a call from Dr. Chang's nurse. She said the doctor said my spot is nothing to be concerned about. I asked if it had been there after the surgery. She couldn't say. I'm sure he just told her to let me know it wasn't a concern, but he would check on it again when I have my MRI next year (something that I'm sure will be a standard yearly check up for me now especially with that little spot). He didn't sound worried at my appointment, but wanted to be sure. That's why this guy is so awesome. He's very calming and very thuro (sp?)!! SO NO WORRIES!!! YEA!!!!!!!

I'm growing up...maybe

Well I was going to do good and get back to walking steady in the mornings again starting today, but it's too cold!! My darn ankles could in no way handle it.

So Thursday was my 29th birthday. I'm still trying to process I'm already in my last year of my 20's. It seems to be going to so fast. I was watching a show last week (won't tell what one. it's one of the 2 trashy reality shows I watch) and one of the characters was commenting on how she was 29, looked great, and was going to fulfill some of her dreams no matter what people think. And I was watching thinking I'm 29 tomorrow and I don't feel anywhere near as adult as she looks and acts. Don't get me wrong, in many ways I act more like an adult than she does on the show. I just look at her and how she gussies herself up and I just don't feel like the woman she shows. I think that's what will help to keep me young for many more years to come.

I'm pleased with how I was this year about my birthday. I often build it up in anticipation of something fabulous happening just to be disappointed. I love having my birthday during this time of year, but alas it is the start to the real business of all the holidays, so it's not something that can easily be celebrated. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed MANY of my birthdays, I just have a wild imagination and will create something huge happening that day. This year I seemed to have finally grown up and not done that. Actually for the most part I forgot all about it. Normally I announce to friends and family how close it is starting at a month till just like a little kid. This year I expected nothing really. And this made it all the better. I gave myself a few treats. I did no chores that day. I went to Joann's to pick and purchase fabric to make this quilt. It will be my first. I am super excited about it and am VERY pleased with the fabrics I chose. I'm normally displeased with things I make due to thinking it just doesn't look as good as other people's due to my choices. But I think I finally got it right. Now to just continue to feel that way when I make it. I also made my cake while everyone was gone so I could have all the licking to myself. *hehe* That evening went with Larry and Holly to pick up some more things they needed for this last weekend to go hunting (it was youth weekend. actual hunting season starts this coming weekend), and then we had a nice dinner at Olive Garden. I'm not one who likes big amounts of attention on me, so I wasn't quite so fond of how Larry had them sing to me. Him and Holly greatly enjoyed my reaction of a big "NOOO" and my facial expressions through it.

Like I mentioned, Larry and Holly went hunting this last weekend. They went with my bro-in-law and nephew. Larry already had a camo hat I had knitted him last winter, but he asked me to make ones for the other 3. I was so busy that I couldn't get to them till late in the week. I got Holly's made, but her head is bigger than I thought so I had to undo it and make it larger. I got her's done on the drive to East TX on Friday and got one more made that night, but i couldn't stay awake long enough to get the third done. I felt bad, but I also had a blister on one of my fingers from rushing to get them done. I got the 3rd done while they were hunting so it would be ready the next morning for them. Unfortunately I didn't get to get a picture of them.

Our main reason for going this weekend was to visit Larry's grandmother. She is 84 and has been super healthy until just recently. She has a bleeding ulcer in her stomach that put her in the hospital for 2 weeks. She is out and well enough for visitors now. So even though it was the weekend of my 10 year high school reunion, I felt it was more important to get out there and see her. I lost my last grandparent in 2001, and this is Larry's last. And since I met her, she has become VERY dear to me.

Yesterday Larry and I had our appointments with my neurosurgeon to go over our MRIs. Larry is being seen due to severe migraines. Doc said his looked good, so he is being sent on to a specialist who does headache management. Mine is my one year follow up (little late due to problems with changed information). Mine showed a spot that was highlighted by the contrast. So I have to run back out there to take him my films from my old MRIs so he can compair and see if it was something already there that he doesn't feel needs to be worried about, or if it's something new we need to keep an eye on. So unfortunately I'll have to make the long drive to Plano again to drop off, but Larry will pick them up one day when he sees his new doctor. And then I don't do anything else until time for another MRI next year.

Also, yesterday I got in the mood a little early. The Christmas mood that is. Did you know it's only 9 weeks from this last Thursday? Yep 9 weeks from my b-day exactly. Normally this stresses me out. But this year I've FINALLY gotten started early on my shopping. No more just saying it. Hopefully I can keep it up and be done by the first week of Dec. That's my goal anyway. Or maybe a better one is not be rushing around at the last minute for everything. I have been planning what to get most people already so even if I can't get it all early I'll know what to get and that takes a LOT of stress away. Anyway what got me in the mood: I had to run to Walmart last night due to forgetting to get bread when I got a few groceries earlier in the day. While I was there I decided to stop in the book and magazine section. As I was coming up on it, I noticed the display of Christmas novels. I love reading those. They are generally just sweet stories that put me in a happy and relaxed mood. So now I have the itch to start reading them. I'm going to make myself wait till after Halloween at least though.

Well that's long enough for now. Time to start getting ready to make my drop off. Hopefully I'll be able to get back to work on my projects soon and I can take some pictures of all of my finished work.

On the side

Check out the new link on the side to Snapdragon. It's my good friend Christy of....many years. Since 6th grade. I have had every intention of sending her a letter in snail mail since she moved to Japan almost a year ago, but alas I'm awful at sitting down and doing it. I am aiming for a Christmas card this year though. So hopefully soon Christy. I am soooo excited she found me on here! I am much better keeping up on these things.
So just to let you know, Christy, I haven't written, but do miss you terribly and think of you often. So glad to have this blog addiction to keep us connected now.

Gorgeous and up for grabs!

Check out the link on the side to enter to win this gorgeous quilt. I'm hoping though you don't (win that is. Do go to the sight!), 'cause I've fallen in love with it!!! ;)

HOOK 'EM!!!

RED RIVER SHOOTOUT- TOMORROW. GO UT!!

I Found Heaven!

Tonight I found Heaven in a new place called Chocolate Dunkers!

Every week rotating between 4 guys at Larry's work, one takes Monday off due to going on emergency call Tues-Mon. and having to work all day Saturday. Today was Larry's Monday off. So we spent the day being lazy. Which was rough due to the piles of chores I have waiting for me. (When I get the excuse to be lazy it seems that's when I feel the urge/need to work.
And when I need to work, that's when I just want to be lazy. Raise your hand if you are the same way.)

We went to Home Depot to try to find some paint colors Lori told me she used in her house that I wanted to try and match to the paint Larry wanted to get to paint Haylee's/my sewing room. And we picked up our free Redbox movies. Other than that we stayed home and vegged out.

Larry decided for dinner he wanted to just order pizza. It had been a while since we had just ordered it in. So we decided to go ahead and order from Pizza Hut even though we had a fairly crummy experience with them on one of our last orders (this being the main reason we don't order pizza much any more). As I was finishing up with ordering online, one of those little windows popped up. You know the one that asks if you want to add one more item before you check out? I usually just click the no thanks button, but this time the picture caught my eye. Yes that one in the beginning of this post. And I thought "Why not? Larry's getting hot wings, I deserve a little treat too." So I decided to spend the extra $5 and get some. And OH MY GOSH, it was worth it!!! I was a little worried it would be a little too much chocolate for me (don't get me wrong, I am a chocoholic. but I can find some that is just too much). This ended up being the perfect thing though. I have never felt delight eating anything before like I did this! And never expected to on anything much less a pizza dessert. Proudly though, I only ate 3 small pieces. I have been doing good reaching my workout goals for over a month now and didn't want to over do it. (I have been noticing a difference for a while now on my energy and endurance, but am just now finally noticing a change in the way my clothes are fitting. I know that is due to not changing my diet the way I should. Even more of a reason not to go over board).

Anyway, I just wanted to pass on this delicious discovery to those of you who do love chocolate as much as I do. Yes I know many of you don't, but if you do-TRY THESE!! And I will end my rambling there.

A Family

...is not made from blood, but from love! Moms, Dads, Grandparents, brother, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and the list goes on! To my "Family", I love each and everyone of you!

Weekend Recap

So Friday started with a morning drive to West. Holly was finally getting to go to her mom's, but due to a death in the family, we had to make it an early trip. She's doing fabulous in school, so I figured one missed day won't hurt.

So that got me home nice and early to get ready for a girls' night out. One I had been planning for a few weeks with a friend. We got to downtown Ft. Worth a little earlier than most places started getting going in the evening. But we enjoyed a nice dinner at the Flying Saucer out on the deck which was VERY enjoyable with the weather. After that we walked around town stopping in at a number of other places and ending the night at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar. All in all a very enjoyable, relaxing night full of laughs and just plain forgetting about all responsibilities.

Can't wait till we do it again, Kristi!!

Saturday Larry and I ran out to East Texas for the afternoon/early evening. Larry's grandmother is in poor health right (prayers for her would be greatly appreciated), so we went to spend some time with her. Our family and friends had gathered at her house to keep her company and to spend some time together with a big fish fry...GOOD STUFF!
Larry had also brought along his shot gun, my rifle, and his new hand gun (well new to him) that my parents recently gave him. That thing has been sitting above the fridge for as long as I could remember, having never been used since it was given to my dad before I was born. They were happy to pass it on to someone who would enjoy it. He wanted me to practice more with mine (oh which I don't think I mentioned. It's PINK! He's been wanting to get me a gun for a long time, and when I saw that I told him he could buy THAT ONE for me.)

After we were done practicing, my nieces and nephew arrived. Craig knew we had our guns, so he had happily brought along his BB gun and air pellet guns. I was still standing back in the area where we shot the guns when he arrived. I'm personally not that into guns (try to enjoy them for Larry as he tries to enjoy some of my activities for me), but I did enjoy shooting Craig's air guns with him. And I think he really enjoyed showing me how to work them and helping me work on aiming. I greatly enjoyed my time with him.

Sunday Larry and I went to go see Eagle Eye in the morning. We both liked it. They had a few problems with the film though so we got free passes for another movie. They have special price for movies before noon Fri-Sun, so we get to see two movies for two for only $10. Not bad!!! Then we headed to pick Holly up and stopped by the grocery store to pick up so shrimp, crab cakes, and sweet potatoes that Larry cooked for us (Holly opted for a T.V. diner). And relaxed for the rest of the evening.

All in all a nice weekend!!

Gonna get around it

So yesterday was one of those days. By 6:30am it was already headed to a bad day. And I was really feeling it.
So around 10:00 I got myself out the door, finally, to use my coupon I got in the mail for a free bag of dog food. I'm trying to get our older dog, Ruby, to change brands for various reasons. Mostly to see if we can't improve her breath. And I wouldn't mind a brand that I could pick up closer to the house.
In addition to stopping at Target to pick up the dog food and grab some groceries (which they ended up being out of half of them forcing me to make another stop this time at Walmart), I decided to stop at Joann's and pick up some fabric I had been wanting that was on sale, and to get some thread for the projects I have cut and waiting to start work on. It must have been mean old lady day though.
My first encounter was while driving through the shopping center and coming to a 4 way stop. This lady was driving like where she was going was closing in 2 minutes, and she had right of way no matter what forcing me to stop in the middle of my turn to keep from hitting her after I had gotten there stopped, started to take off but stopped again to make sure the car speeding in my direction was going to stop. When I saw it slowing I went to make my left turn. I was wrong though, she was only pausing. And gave me one heck of a nasty look while she raced for the area I was headed to park in. Then proceeded to take her time getting out and sloooooowly walk to the store. So I drove around a bit before I parked and sat in my car to try to avoid having to see the woman who just ticked me off and then walked into Joann's too. I then went in and found what I was looking for and a number of other things I like (I did good though and only got one extra cut of fabric than I planned and it was one of the half off ones, and left the 6 other fabrics I wanted for another day).
I then proceeded to the cutting table where I encountered my second mean old lady. She was actually only rude to me by pushing her way into the middle of my spot at the counter to ask a question, but she was super rude with her question to the woman who was cutting my order. With everything else that had happened, it got to me though.
After that I tried to go back to browsing, but all the annoyances were just hanging on me making this trip not so enjoyable. I can normally happily browse the store for an hour or more, but today I decided I had my stuff and it was time to move on.
So I then got my dog food at Target and went on to Walmart to get my few groceries I needed and to pick up my free Redbox rental, which I was thankful for. I was able to get Made of Honor and go home and watch that which did cheer me up.
Unfortunately that did last long. The rest of the day stayed down. And it didn't help that it was a SUPER rough day (and will be the rest of the week) for Larry. And we were both over stressed and not able to handle the other's stress in addition to our own and that from various other things popping up all the way till bed time.
Larry was SUPER sweet though and used his free rental to get Baby Mama for me, which I had been wanting to see. So he sat in the living room watching a movie on cable, and I went and watched that in the bedroom, which helped to perk us both up a little before bed in addition to watching 2 and 1/2 Men together before we decided to go to sleep.
Anyway, I can feel the down mood trying its best to settle on me again today. But I'm not going to let it. I know there's not much to keep Larry from coming home upset for most of the week, so I'm going to keep my spirits up. So today I started the day by enjoying some extra sleep and deciding to just drive Holly in instead of getting up early for the bus. This caused me to miss my work out though, but I did good and FINALLY got to have one on a Monday yesterday. Now I am going to finish up here, jump in the shower. Make sure I have all I need to make stuffed cabbage (been wanting to try this recipe for a while. it's a slower cooker one and actually need almost all day), then get the laundry folded and put away and then spend the afternoon with my sewing machine and books on CD.
So wish me luck that this helps to get past the funk. I think it will though, just typing it all out is helping me already.

This Weekend

...I FINALLY finished my rag quilt. I've had this for about 2 1/2 years now and haven't had the chance (or really space) to make it until now. It was a little kit my mom got me for Christmas the same year my husband got me my sewing machine I currently use (I have another one stored at my parents' that belonged to my grandmother, but is not a table top one. And with apartment living, it wasn't a convenient thing to use back then. Now I'm so use to my table top one I haven't gone and gotten the other one.) It's a fleece throw that comes in a little bag that has all the pieces already cut and ready to sew. You just lay them out in the pattern it shows in the directions.

It's a little harder than I figured it would be mainly due to trying to keep from sewing the cut fringe. And it took a while to pin it all together when I had completed the separate rows and was sewing them together. After I sewed the first two rows together, I realized I needed to pin the fringe down that was from the separate squares being put together. So I did get a number of pricks while trying to put it all together, but no blood to worry about getting on the fabric :)

The thing that took the longest was just finding time to do it. There are a few small mess-ups, but nothing you would notice unless I sat down and really showed you. So I'm very pleased. And looking forward to a chilly evening where I can wrap up in it.

My mom bought this for me because of the Kokopellies. One of my favorite things to collect.

Please stop today

to pray and remember.

YAY IT WORKED!

Posting the pictures that is.



Here is Holly ready for her first day of 4th grade.


Sassy thinking Larry's butt made a good pillow

And one I took yesterday morning to show how big she is already

Ok off to work some more on my blanket. Have a great day!

Today

... is my fabulous hubby's birthday!!

Happy birthday, Babe! I definitely love you more every day!!

... is also a day to catch up on a few pictures. Unfortunately we are changing cable companies (which is also how we get phone and Internet hook up), so a lot of the pics I was planning on posting are stored on my computer that I am not able to access the Internet on. But here are a few for now.

My scar one year later.

Lucas checkin' out what a handsome guy he is during tub time (tell me you couldn't just fall in love with him the moment you saw him?)

Sassy at almost 8 weeks old.

I had more to put up, but blogger isn't working with me...so another day.

Oh got some new ones that worked for posting.

More of my honorary nephew

Go...Win!

The Return

...of all things normal. Holly has returned to school as of Monday as a 4th grader (it was our last first day of elementary....where did the time go?!!), which has me returning to a more normal routine. Which has me able to blog more often.
The first day went well, she enjoyed the many more privileges the older kids get, such as choosing where to sit. She also enjoyed seeing her friends again. (this is our first year to be returning to the school she attended the previous school year. we are planning on repeating this for many years to come, God willing). Yesterday she had her first day of homework. She got into it fairly well, but I don't think she liked the change in what I expected from her as well as what the teacher did. (as expected, the work is harder, and I made her do extra things on her own to better understand it, instead of me showing her. I also haven't knuckled down on her to have nice handwriting like I should, so she was real surprised at how much nicer I wanted it this time. I'm going to stick with it though. I was hard on her sister about it when she was younger and now she has great handwriting.)
With the return of school, has also had me returning to work on the house. With everyone gone, I have gone into super deep cleaning mode and reorganizing. I have just finished the kitchen and dinning room (I actually started this before school because the table was cover in papers I had been gathering to go through and trash or file away and I need to get it cleaned up for breakfast again) Now it's on to the living room today, which shouldn't take too long. Then my bedroom, which also shouldn't take too long. I'm also going to go and look for some plants to put in the bush beds (I have seen some bed covering plants at a couple other houses a few blocks away that I really like), and some thing to put near the front door for decoration. I lately just have been feeling blah when looking at the front of the house and I would really like to spruce it up a bit. And with the coming of fall (my absolute favorite time of year due to the crisp coolness and especially the colors) the store displays have got me in the mood to do some decorating.
I also will be returning to subbing again soon. I was hoping to try to get an aide job at Holly's school, but since that didn't work I'll do the sub thing again. That will leave me open to taking a job if another aide position becomes available, but still let me earn a little extra cash in the mean time. I have to call in though. I didn't get to renew from last year with all the business of having one or both girls all summer, so I won't be able to start again for a while.
OK off to get to work. I will post tons of pictures soon. The card adaptor is hidden in the living room, so I should be able to find it with my cleaning.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRIS!!

Happy big 4-0 to my brother-in-law. You are an awesome big brother, and we love you veeerrry much! I just wish we could be there today to help you celebrate. Do it up big!!

Burp Cloth

Just a quick one. I've been meaning to post this for a while. These are pics of the burp cloths I made for Lori and Erik. I got the pattern from here. They are fairly easy and fun. I had a little trouble with making the peanut shape due to getting less fabric of each kind so I could make ones with different fabric. So I just made them rectangular.

Well hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

One year ago today...

my beautiful niece was turning 15. So that makes today her Sweet Sixteen! Have a wonderful birthday K-K. No words can express how wonderful you are. We love you very, very much!!!!!!!!!!

And one year ago today, I had my life given to me again. Today is the one year anniversary of my brain surgery. My unofficial second birthday date. I am in absolute shock that one year has already passed. The day of July 26,2007 to July 25,2008 went by faster than the days of July 5, 2007 to July 25, 2007.

I hope to never relive anything like that again. But amazingly, I am grateful for the chance to do it once. That sounds crazy huh? But with it I gained so much.

First I learned who my true friends are and that my family is truly meant to be my family. So many were there for me. With support, prayers, and some with just an ear or an eye (for those I spent nights to talking back and forth with on the computer) when I was panicking and getting scared.

And to each and everyone of you, I can't say thank you enough! I love you all so much!

I learned what true love is. I couldn't imagine a husband better for me than mine (I say it like that because I know other husbands who are fabulous and perfect for their wives). I know he was worried and scared at times too. But he never showed it. He put being my strength and support above his own needs. I don't think I could have handled the over 12 hour wait that he did for me to come out of surgery. He even shaved his head to match mine! He was the first person I saw when I woke up from surgery. That hand on my forehead is a bigger comfort to me since then than ever before. I feel more safe and loved most deeply when he touches me there rather than any place else. He visited me often when I was in CCU but I sent him away more because it just wasn't set up for visitors. He was there as soon as I left and was put in a regular room. And from then on he didn't leave my side but to eat, check on the animals, and get a quick shower. He even slept in my room putting up with the coming and going of the nurses for my meds and vital checks, keeping one hand up on my bed so I had some part of him to snuggle (that COULDN'T have been comfortable).

I know that it all happened when it did for the fact of having fabulous insurance that covered almost 100% of the over $200,000 spent on tests, surgery, and my stay. And for me to have the fabulous Dr. Charles Chang and his staff as my doc and support. And for having the fabulous staff at Medical Center of Plano be the ones caring for me.

Most of all I've grown in and gained so much more faith in our almighty and wonderful God. Look at what he help find and took care of me through to come out safely!! I still do at times, but I have learned to worry much, much less. God doesn't put me through anything I can't handle, and He will be the one to do most of the work to get me to the other side!! I still falter at times, but all I have to do it rub the line on my neck, and I remember it's not my job to worry! What a truly awesome and loving God we have!!

OK this is long, so I will save what the last year has been like and the changes I have for another post.

God Bless you all, for He has me!!

And again, Happy Sweet 16 K-K!!!!!

Happy Birthday

To Holly!! My baby is 9!

Welcome to the world...

baby Lucas Evan!! Born July 17, 2008 2:11pm 7lb 10oz.
Mom is doing fabulous and baby is perfect!!
Pictures to come!

BABY,BABY,BABY

About to leave for the hospital for the arrival of Baby R.!!!

Prayers for Lori!!

Excitement

So, many things exciting happening.

Our puppy came to live with us on Friday. We have named her Sassy. I don't currently have my camera, so sorry no pics. She's a blast though. Fits her name well, but is a very good pup. She is chewing on many things as expected, but minds fairly well when told no. She is doing well with going outside for bathroom breaks. Only a few accidents, and since she's so small - easy to clean up.

I haven't gotten to talk to Lori in a few days, but got a hold of her this evening. Seems the little man is holding out for the inducement on Thursday. She said they haven't been calling much due to making people jumpy. She sounds excited, but nervous, so keep her in prayers.

And tomorrow Charisse and Lorelli arrive!! I'm very excited to get to see them again. They will be here for 2 weeks. It's rough having them so far away. I keep trying to plan a trip out there, but every time I think I'll be able to do it, something happens. Right now it's just having to pay for gas to get Larry to work is costing so much! Darn prices!! But I'm not giving up yet. Maybe for my birthday?

Ok that's all for now. Need to get to bed. Puppy is an early riser, and lots of little things to finish before I head to the airport.

procrastinating

Well I was inspired by Aimee's blog on a blog of having something to blog about. Actually I admit I am just procrastinating.
What I should be doing:

1. laundry after our weekend away
2. the dishes I ended up just shoving in the dishwasher because I had no time to actually get them done before we left, and they are the ones I prefer to hand wash
3. finally organizing the laundry/computer room that I started doing many months ago. Now all the junk is in my room waiting to be gone through and filed away.
4. and doing an overall hefty cleaning of the house to get ready for our company next week, the new puppy that will be arriving to live with us this coming weekend (we got to finally meet her yesterday. My aunt and uncle brought her over and she is a perfect fit for the family. So fair warning, won't be long till pictures of her are plastered everywhere), and so I have no worries when Lori and Erik's little boy decides it is time to enter the world. Which isn't much longer! (fair warning there will be many pictures of him showing on here too)
5. figuring out my checkbook and paying bills
6. and coming up with an idea for a fabulous gift for my niece's 16th birthday on the 25th.

Ok I think this is just what I needed. I'm now inspired to get to work. Have a great day!

Hardest Yet

Yesterday was the hardest goodbye to an animal yet. Our family pet of 16 years this month was lost. Due to an unfortunate accident, we lost Fudge, one of our two black cats I talked my parents into getting in the summer of 1992.
I've learned recently that I seem to have had a way as a child of talking my parents into getting me cats. We had a number of them when we lived in the country. And when we moved to the city, I wasn't too pleased at not having furry buddies around. So 1st grade I talked my parents into getting two kittens. My mom has a thing for black ones, so if she was going to have to clean up after city cats, she was going to get what she wanted. That's when Moe and Joe arrived (still named by my parents due to my being too young). These two weren't too friendly from the start and ended up not hanging around for much longer than they had to once they grew up.
Well by the ripe old age of 12, I had the itch for furry buddies again. Once again I convinced my parents of getting me a set of kittens. We were very close to purchasing two Siamese cats from the mall's pet store, when we discovered this store was not known for healthy pets. So my mom found a listing for some free kittens in the paper and we went bringing home two little black fur balls. My brother named one Edward with the idea of calling him Ed when he was a grown cat. That never happened. He is still affectionately called Edward today. And I had a hard time debating between the names of Fudge and Max. But when I noticed the mix of white hairs in with his black, I just knew at the time black and white made brown so he was named Fudge.
The boys came home and made themselves a home in our house and heart very quickly.
There are many good and bad stories I could share, but obviously with 16 years under their belt, this post would then go on for a very long time. I'll slowly share one here and there in other posts.
Fudge lived through the accident, but was obviously in bad shape. So we ran him to the vet. We were told he had a broken leg, and nerve damage to his rear causing him to have to loose his tail and if the nerves didn't heal, to never have control of his urinating or bowel movements. And with these making it very possible he could never be an outdoor cat again.
With the thought of him going through so much pain to maybe never go outside again and to maybe not make it through surgery either, we decided the hardest decision ever. To go ahead and put a stop to his pain now. He had been suffering from arthritis for a few years now and was getting around less and less, which is what lead to his accident. He had also been acting odd recently keeping my mom fairly worried on how much longer he would be with us anyway. I said a very tearful goodbye and had to leave. My mom, the brave one, stayed with him and petted him till he joined our Lord.
As you can guess this is super hard on me 'cause he was my designated cat. It's also been super hard on my mom, 'cause he was truly her cat. Completely devoted to her.
So I ask for your prayers for my family especially my mom, and for Edward and that he handles the loss of his buddy and brother. I'm doing fairly well during the day, but not so well when it's time to sleep. My mind begins to wonder. We do know that 16 years is an amazing life for a cat. That does help in some ways, but it does make for a much closer bond and a much more intense heart break.
I am sorry I don't have a picture of him to post (I have many, but they are pre-digital camera days). As soon as I can get near a scanner (we can't locate the software for our's to reload it) I will get some put up.

Check it out!!

Go to the Sugar Shop (link under sights to see). It's an awesome sight I recently discovered wondering through blog world. And right now she is doing a fabulous giveaway that all who love to collect fabric would be interested in. So go check it out!!!

No Brain Monday

Monday ended up being a rough day. I seem to have left my brain back in Sunday. Here is what happened *this retelling is taken from an e-mail I sent to a friend informing her of my rough day*

The day didn't start well with news that we may not get a puppy after all. They caught something and out of the 7 only 3 have made it, and one of those 3 isn't doing too well. My aunt said even the vet is puzzled since they had been fine. She said they think it was just some crazy cold.
Larry gets up (he decided to go in late since he is working this weekend. Wasn't suppose to go in at all, but when he takes a day off everything goes wrong). And he is a bit pouty. We didn't have anything he wanted for breakfast. Normally this isn't a problem cause he only eats it on the weekends, or he gets it near work. But with his new migraine meds it makes him hungry. So then I have to take a speedy shower so I can go and get him some cereal from the store.
I go home get my morning chores done, and get a grocery list made. And after Holly takes a year picking out her clothes for the day, we head to Walmart to get our shopping done. We had to do a lot of back and forth due to me not organizing my list this time and I kept forgetting things. We get home and unload and find a nice vomit spot (from the cats) on one of my kitchen rugs. Thankfully that I can hose it off and throw it in the wash.
I then remember to get a bill made out to mail. Doing this I screwed up writing it twice and forgot to put one of the papers in making me ruin another envelope. And while doing this the mail man came. grrr now I have to make a special trip to the post office.
Then we head off to Target to get the rest of my needs. But we get there to discover I forgot my list. We thankfully remembered all but one item, and that one thing was just some cookies I wanted to go with my peach cups. No big deal. Well we come out to discover I lost the van! I use the panic but on the opener to find it and remembered we parked near the other entrance. So we head that way and I almost walk right past it. Holly says "Mama! Here!" She's right at it and I was still walking. Nothing making it where I couldn't see it.
I know I did a few more things to that extent, but I can't remember at the moment.
That evening Larry ended up making a deal to sell the Jeep (I don't think even he is happy on letting it go, but he wants to get a pop up camper for all of us to use). With this deal he is getting cash and a 4-wheeler. Making it where I need to load up the top to the Jeep in the van and bring the title to him and meet him at his work so I can drive his truck to pick up the 4-wheeler. So we load up (not easy at all), and I am almost to his work when he calls and mentions the title. CRAAAAP! Turn around to go back and get that putting us an hour late. Poor people drove from OK to Lewisville and had to wait forever with their kids! After wasting a 1/4 tank of gas we are almost there when I realize I turned to early when I got off loop 12, and we are on the wrong road! Thankfully I found a road that took me to the right one and came out right at the spot that road divides at. If I hadn't I would have been more than lost. Now I forgot to mention this whole time retracking I got a violet round of hiccups. Making me hit my head where my numb/sore area is every couple minutes.
We FINALLY get there and I take off in the truck for Lewisville. I got rid of the hiccups due to being almost squished between two trucks and it scaring the crud out of me! We get to where the people are with only a few more scares on the road (oh and might I add this was a bad night for my eyes for some reason). We're there for a long while as the men go over every inch of both motor toys. The couple was real nice and in need so that made me feel better about the deal.
As we leave we stop at McD's for a snack. Well my coke made the lovely hiccups come back putting me in major chest pain. Then my cup split and spilled all over my purse and the seat. Causing me to just give up and let the tears flow.

*explanations of some of it*
My aunt has a number of show dogs. American Eskimo, French Bulldog, and Boston Terrier. My husband decided almost a year ago that he wanted a Boston. My aunt said she was going to breed one of her Bostons one last time and we could have one from the litter. The mom had 7 pups at the end of May and as you read at the beginning they have something. Since Monday morning one more of the males didn't make it. :(
I ended up having the hiccups for almost 3 hours that evening. I don't get them often, but when I do it is very violent like I said. I shakes and jerks my whole body. The only way to get rid of them is to lay down. And obviously that wasn't an option. I was more than sore all day yesterday making my stomach queasy too. I'm still a bit sore today.

Day late but, Happy Father's Day!!

To my wonderful husband, who's been a father where society has shown that most men wouldn't if they were in his position!! I love you very much and am more than proud to be your wife!! And if you can't tell from this picture, I know two not-so-little-anymore-girls who are very proud to have you as their dad!

This Week

Well, we are finishing up our first full week of Summer Vacation.

We have recovered from all the sun and swimming from going to the beach 2 weeks ago, then the water park last Thursday, and a pool/birthday party last Saturday. Larry worked last weekend and will be this weekend too, so that gave him Monday off. So he decided to set up our little blow up pool. The 3 of us had fun splashing around and playing some water games with the ball Holly found. It's definitely not a pool to swim in, but it does supply fun and relief from the heat since gas makes it too price to go to the public pool much. The pools are the only thing I've really missed from apartment life. It was nice having pool access any time you wanted and you didn't have to do the cleaning!

Tuesday we began switching Holly over to the slightly bigger room of the girls' bedrooms. They are basically the same size, but the layout of the one she's in now is better. We worked on it a little Tuesday, and did some errand running. That day her left eye was real irritated and red. So Wednesday started with a trip to the doctor. She had a touch of pink eye, but mostly it's just her allergies. She is on two different eye drops and some allergy medicine. And she was looking fine the next day. So it's nice that it's nothing too serious, but annoying for her I know. Poor kid suffers from some of the worst allergies I've seen.

We finished up that afternoon with the room switch. And we are all super excited. I think we were able to set Holly's new room up in a way that should really keep it easy for her to be able to clean her room and find her stuff. We just have to get her a bookshelf though. She really went through her stuff and got rid of a lot of the toys she doesn't play with. She currently has a toy box in there, but I don't think that is the right set up for her anymore. I'm going to get her the shelf and a bunch of those clear shoebox storage containers of various sizes. That way it will be less overwhelming when she wants to play/use something she has. She can easily find it and put it away (putting away is her main problem).

And I'm super excited about the other room. I get it set up really nice for when Haylee or anyone else comes to visit, but I also set it up for me to find a nice table to put in there for a sewing/craft/art table for me. And when I find one I like I can finally move my sewing stuff off the dining room table. No one has been allowed at the table for months because I have all my stuff out on it, and I fear spill on my fabric.So if anyone knows of a rectangular table (not too long, but fairly skinny) that someone is looking to get rid of, let me know.

Other than that, we've spent some time at the library and running little errands here and there. Today I am going to work on laundry and just rest. I've done a little more back work that I should have. I'm not hurting like I feared I would, but I am a little sore and don't want to get to that point I fear.

And tomorrow we are very excited to be attending Larry's cousin Staci's wedding.
That's all for now. Hope everyone is finding some relief in this heat!

A little catch up in pictures

Here are some pictures taken with in the last few weeks.

First are some of Larry teaching Holly to ride her "Harley"

Here are pics of the cat I made for my mom for Mother's day.

Here are some pics from Holly's school field trip to the Ballpark in Arlington.

This is the only baby dove from our second mom. She had another egg, but it cracked when she laid it. We now have mom three nesting. I've pretty much given up on all hopes of reviving my plant.

And finally, here are some pics from our trip to Mustang Island this last weekend. I am most proud of the fact that Laura (my brother-in-law's wife) and I caught 11 huge crabs with absolutely no help from our husbands (they weren't around when we did it and had no idea we were going to). The husbands only caught 5 the day before.