Girls Weekend 2008- more to come :)

Girls Weekend 2008- Corpus Christi



Eat, Drink, and Be Girly!



3 Friends and a baby! (in our traditional matching PJ's)

Nana's nights out........

Future BAND boy, no doubt!

I LOVE October, such beautiful weather with a crispness in the air, the sky is clearer and, of course, I love the colors and smells this time of year.... pumpkin spice candles burning, seeing a Harvest Moon take up the whole sky, smelling burning leaves in the country, autumn chowder, getting to wear a long sleeve sweater, turning on the heater for the first time, moving the "winter" clothes to the closet and putting away the "summer" clothes, the anticipation of seeing family at upcoming holidays. Love it!

Other exciting things about this time of year include high school football games. {Truthfully, it was hard to attend football games after Lauren graduated until Kendall was in band, and then hard again after he graduated, not being a part of the parental community support. We have enjoyed a couple of Katy Tiger playoff games since then, that are fun in their own right as spirited community traditions}.


I have been blessed to go with my friend Kelly, and her two precious sons, to two of the B****s High School games this year, one away, and one home game. Great fun for me to have a Nana date with Keynan and Parker. Keynan is a trip... he is such a Band groupie. Walking up to the ticket booth, sensing the crowd, hearing the band warming up, Keynan starts getting excited and saying "Band"!!!! Walking up the bleachers he waved to the kids and said "Hi BAND!". We had great fun sharing popcorn and climbing stairs and, of course, jiving with the band music. He has rhythm!! During the first game, Tyler and I put him in the middle of a tuba, with a BHS hat on for a photo op, awesome picture, ought to make the yearbook (would I'm sure if Uncle Leland was teaching Journalism at BHS). The Tuba is Keynan's all time favorite. We had to leave this last game early as Parker was teething and it was becoming rather cold, Keynan did NOT want to leave the game (i.e., band) before it was over! Needless to say, I look forward to more Nana dates with the boys :)


It is fun to watch Tyler as the band director, as well. He is like a kid in a candy store much of the time (except for the stressful times of having to supervise the kids who were late and answering to the parents questions about why THEIR child is sitting out). He gets to play his trombone with the band when he wants (that doesn't happen at 5A schools), assists the drum majorette in deciding which songs to play, etc...., gets to play the cowbell (I had to ask Kelly what that instrument was) and in general teach the kids how to have a good time while they are supporting their school. I was very impressed with his program, the field performance, and the sound and strength of the band for it's size. I'm really gonna miss hearing the band this weekend, they are playing "Thriller" for the game on Halloween.

Tyler playing the cow bell during a peppy fight song!

Too, it has been nice to make a new friend. Kelly and Tyler are Lauren and Scott's ages, and are brother and sister-in-law to some of Lauren and Scott's best friends- Leland and Harmony. Kelly and I have a lot in common (Christianity, scrapbooking, resale shopping, etc...) and I look forward to spending more time with her!

Mini she and me!

So, I got to spend Hurricane Ike pre and post with the grandkids. I had great fun, got to "work" in a flower shop one evening (after the kids were in bed) putting letters on mum ribbons and making the "Homecoming King" sash for a local high school. I went up to be with Lauren at Inspirations while she was finishing up a late nights work (we got home at 11:30 pm)

Here is Will with the garter Lauren made him...........



During the days it was my good fortune and JOY to be able to keep the kids, get the kids ready for bed, etc.... while Scott and Lauren went about their busy daily activities.

Will had fun riding the colorful Thomas bike I brought him from Katy (I had bought it this summer and he rode it a little bit in July). Claire LOVED the streamers, her favorite part of the bike, for sure!

Claire-playing with the streamers-




After the homecoming rush and football game, Lauren and I took the kids to Midland (shopping with us!) on Saturday (Scott was left home alone to study). The promise was to get a Frosty at Wendy's if Will was cooperative during the trip, through several stores. Thankfully, Gymboree in Midland had a kids area to help him pass the time, I bought Claire a plastic bracelet there to keep her occupied. Finally, our trip to Wendy's culminated our day,,,, we waited in line for about 10 minutes before we ordered, only to find out they were out of chocolate so we had to get vanilla frosty's. (I am a choco freak, but the vanilla WAS quite good- tastes like the old Dairy Queen ice cream).

Then on to Target, for a quick (?) errand by Lauren, while I stayed with the kids in the car. Mini me point #1 -Claire more than held her own with the ice cream, she ate at least half of my Wendy's (vanilla) frosty (16-20oz). Then she saw her momma's frosty and wanted IT!!! She had one tiny bite after another, without stopping, until she had eaten about 1/3 of Lauren's frosty by herself and Lauren came back to the van. Crazy,,,, and I thought I loved ice cream.. she is definitely MY granddaughter.

mini me point #2---- I had brought a box of goodies for the kids with me to Big Spring, one of the things for Claire was a pair of navy shoes from gymboree. The strap is green and has a yellow sunflower that velcros to the shoe to strap it on. Claire LOVED her new shoes, putting them on and taking them off.... which she did everytime she saw them througout the days I was there. She is QUITE the shoe hound. Lauren told me she had taken Claire into a Payless store and that she had to leave because Claire was hyperventilating seeing all the shoes!!!! Hilarious, again definitely my granddaughter, he he. I told Scott about it, and he said "Oh nO, oh well at least it was Payless".

I am mailing a box of stuff for the kids this afternoon, including for Claire- three precious pairs of shoes for her to love!!



Claire is looking and acting more and more like Lauren everyday, the wispy blonde hair, the girly stuff, loving books, the sweet affection (note: not the climbing though- Lauren would never do anything where she could fall, get hurt, etc...). So, looks like we have a "mini she and me" on our hands, watch out world!~

.... And Nature Sings ??...........

Tim searching for Mr. Toad & Co.













The Sunday night Toad Quartet







The good news is, when your kids are out of the house and responsible, you don't have to worry when the phone rings at 12:00 midnight. They are not out driving when the crazies are out, they are not calling with car trouble, or to tell you they're running late coming home. For empty

nesters, especially ones like us with 4 dogs (courtesy of Kendall's soft heart) it means the dogs have gotten out or are too loud. Actually, we put them in the garage at night so they have soft beds and good airflow, right, who am I kidding, it's because they are the neighborhood alarm system when a siren sounds or with any kind of lights flashing in the night.

So, imagine my suprise when the phone rang right at midnight Sunday night. We had been in bed just 15 minutes or so (us old folks were watching the Olympics) and Tim's phone went off. Since I wasn't going to work because I'm sick, I got up to spare him having to. I saw the number on the phone and saw that it was 347----- and handed the phone to Tim as I said " I think it's one of the neighbors". ( Hey, my night-time courtesy only goes so far!) As he's still wearing his CPAP facemask he listens and then tells the neighbor that the noise they are hearing is the toads in our backyard. The noise HAS been pretty bad the last couple of weeks. It intially sounds like a ceiling fan WAY off balance, making a loud grating noise. Tim has the CPAP machine which puts out air and a good "white" noise and I wear ear plugs, so we can tolerate the croaking, but honestly, I have been suprised that no one's complained sooner. Our good friends and neighbors behind us, that we talk to almost daily, have never said a word..... I digress. Anyway, next thing Tim is out searching for toads wearing his little headstrap light; it straps on his head and gives him light from the forehead area. I think some joggers wear them, he got it to wear when he's working on something so no one has to hold the light for him. So, he is thrashing through the banana plants and then doing a perimeter search of the fenceline to find the offending croakers. This was too good an opportunity for me to pass up recording exactly HOW LOUD the crazy toads can get, so I grabbed my camera to record at least the sound. I think I scared him to death when he parted the leaves and saw me standing there, HA! We looked around for a good 15-20 minutes and Tim caught 4 toads; the bucket they're in is a chlorine tablet bucket for the pool, that holds 35 lbs.!! I'm sure Tim missed Kendall that night, because this is something they used to do together often & Kendall was really good at finding the toads (sometimes they would have more than 10 at a time to relocate). BTW: I don't touch frogs, I'm not even good at locating them, I was just out there for moral support. Poor Tim, by the time he got back from relocating the caught toads to our neighborhood bayou, the remaining toads were croaking again,,,, my response was to turn on the flood lights in the backyard, direct the lights at the pond, and go to bed. Light seems to dampen the croaking substantially; Tim was good with that answer since it was 12:30 and he had to get up for work, so he showered and called it a night. What a crazy night.... really made me miss Kendall!!

Here's the audio, the toads start up good and loud at about 1:18............you're not going to believe it unless you listen!

Spanish Eggs and Doors

Welcome to our home........... Our front door looks new again !!!

the area stained by Gibron, who "work(ed) at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men"

Stain on the door inset, by the first guy that restained the door.......... splotchy and pooling :{

We've been needing to have our front door refinished for about 1 1/2 years now, it faces west and takes an afternoon beating from the sun. I had tried several times to call the guy who restained the door the first time several years ago. He did a wonderful job and was very reasonable; he also put the original stain on our custom built french doors in the living room, matching the stain PERFECTLY. His name is Heuve. Like I said, I had called the number we had for him and the person who answered spoke mostly spanish and said no, it was the wrong number.

So, we had basically given up on finding Heuve. One Sunday after church, our Bible class went out to eat together, during the course of lunch we got the name of someone who had done our friend's door. We called this guy and made plans for Tim to stay home from work and let the guy restain the door. This is the ONLY contractor who has ever shown up at the time he said he would, so we were encouraged about that. When I drove up that afternoon and then came to look at the door, I was literally sick. It looked terrible. Fortunately, he wasn't done and Tim had only paid him half of the stated amount. The door looked streaky and splotchy, like it had pooled in some areas and was much darker than we had wanted. The weather was bad for a few days and then the grandkids were coming and I didn't want them smelling the urethane fumes, so I was able to put him off until I could get the nerve to fire him. I called my SIL Scott for support in how to word the firing. The guy had already majorly insulted us by telling Tim and then me, that the door was the problem, that it was LAMINATE!!! Uuhh, NO, the door cost a large fortune and is solid wood. So, I successfully told him there was no need to come back. We were OK being out the $162.50 knowing that we would not have to live with the door the way we didn't want it, chalked it up to a mistake that we made.

So, I tried the number I had for Heuve again... I actually said the name (who-ve') this time and lo and behold, it WAS his number... I think I must have said his name (whey-vo) the first time I called and the family didn't recognize my very poor spanish!!!! So, he came out, with his Brother Gibron and said yes, the door was a mess. They could redo it for less than what we were going to pay the first guy. Gibron came out stripped the door, sanded the door, resanded the door, stained the door.... told us it was not to his satisfaction, so re-stripped the door, resanded the door (a little) and restained the door. It is perfect, just what we wanted. Oh, and by the way, he insisted on painting the fancy woodwork trim around the door (forget the name for that)! We really appreciated Gibron taking the time to be proud of his work and that his own expectations were so high. So, that is my saga of the door.

Gibron is going to come reapply the urethane whenever we need it for a marginal cost.... We would be most happy to recommend him for anyone needing a door done right :) He works full-time for a remodeling company and does his work on the side............. He truly works as unto the Lord, Colossians 3:23 and we couldn't be happier with him and his work.

this program is interrupted...........

I am in fear of my daughter cancelling my blog again, so I feel I must post......

I know you've all seen pictures on Lauren's blog of our WONDERFUL vacation in Panama City Beach and Destin, Florida. If you haven't, go see her blog.

Then July 2-9 Lauren and kids were at our house while Scott was on back to back weeklong trips with his youth group. We thoroughly enjoyed their visit and were quite sad to see them go!! Nana always has a hard time letting go, especially if the next visit is not already somewhat scheduled.

I had bought a bike for Will for him to enjoy riding here, he played with it some, but much preferred to be in the pool as much as possible. He is a regular "fish", though he is so literal he denies "being" a fish, but rather agrees that he can "swim like a fish". He also enjoyed playing over the course of the week in a huge box that I cut into a playhouse for him. (simple/cheap/fun)

Claire was just precious,,, we were able to celebrate her ONE year old birthday several times. We had a great family party at the lake (my aunt & uncle's house) and she LOVED the happy birthday song! Good thing, too, we sang it to her about 25 times over the course of all of her parties and various photo shoots. Her party theme was cupcakes, she had a giant cupcake for her birthday cake (the rest of the guests had little ones)! Hopefully, Lauren will post some pictures of the lake party with the decorations that we took to celebrate (since my camera was "lost" in the floor board of her car the whole trip), oops.

Work has been work.... Crazy surgery schedule in July, I guess people trying to recover before school starts, while family can take care of them, before July 4 was especially crazy.

We did get to stop by Austin and see Callahan's where Kendall works, shop a bit, then met Kendall and Stephanie for dinner before getting back on the road. We got to see their GORGEOUS pictures of their Montana and Wyoming trip, quite spectacular. I had not seen Kendall since April, MUCH too long for a momma to see her young. It did my heart good to see him happy and doing well.

I love reading your blogs and keeping up with your families, it makes the world seem so much smaller, the distances closer, and keeps our hearts joined at the heartstrings <3

Tagged!

I've Been Tagged!

This tag is easy and different-

Here is how it works:

1) Grab the book closest to you

2) Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence

3) Post the text of the following three sentences

4) Name the author and book title

5) Tag three people to do the same

"Yes, he is different---and that is a good thing to cherish and nurture. The very fact that we call dyslexia a "disability" reveals that we do not view this neurological condition as a gift. Nevertheless, like anything in life, we can choose to view dyslexia from an optimistic perspective or a pessimistic perspective (the glass is half full or half empty)."

from the secret life of the dyslexic child. how she thinks. how he feels. how they can succeed. by robert frank, ph.d.

I tag Lauren, Daphne, and Tami......

sleeping with a petri dish............

I am home sick today after feeling crummy most of the week. Yesterday, after telling one of my Dr. friends that I slept with Will (my grandson) the two nights he was here, said "don't you know that kids are little petri dishes!" (even so, snuggling with my grandson was totally worth the inconvenience of a cold...) Hence, the title of the post....................

It was a joy to have Lauren, Will, and Claire here for the weekend. It was a duel purpose quick trip as she needed to pick up our Expedition for our trip to the beach in May and was also here for a drill team reunion. We had a fast and furious weekend. We got to visit with my mom & dad, have dinner with close friends and neighbors, ger Lauren a mani/pedi at Nails by Lee, attend church together, meet our sunday school class, take a few pictures at the church garden, go to the reunion, and spent as much time in the pool/jacuzzi as time allowed. Will LOVES the pool and took to the water like a little fish. Pictures of both the kids in their new Gymboree duds are above, I tried to get them below the post, but blogger and I are disagreeing today & I give up!

Kendall and Stephanie were here for the weekend too. There was a horse reigning show at the Equestrian center that they were interested in and attended on Saturday, after they had an anniversary lunch at PF Chang's. Kendall spent a lot of time in the pool with Will, making a wave pool for his pleasure. Although, Kendall and Stephie's time with us was limited, Steph did finally get to meet Kendall's sister. Kendall, Steph & I went shopping for swim suits, etc... at Katymills after Tim, Lauren & the kids left. (Tim drove Lauren & kids home and flew home to Houston on Monday).

treasuring the moments :)

Tim and Terri 31 years together :)

Kendall and Stephie

Several thoughts on my mind lately. First of all, I lost a friend and ex-coworker/boss last week. Matt (46) died of an apparent heart attack at his home on Monday. He was an energetic and compassionate nurse, was full of life and fun, loved to laugh and was a good friend to his friends. We entertained thoughts of him at work last week, remembering special moments that he made fun and memorable. He was estranged from the family he was born into because of lifestyle choices he made; his friends became his family. At his viewing Thursday and his service Friday we shared about Matt. I think his family who came learned a lot about the person he was, and what endeared him to so many. He will be greatly missed. It is amazing how the people who should be the closest to you, can not even know who you are. His family definitely missed out :(

So, 1) make a will..... 2) live like there's no tomorrow, 3) be the best _____ you can be today..... That's what I'm striving for, to be the best nurse, best wife, best mother (and MIL), best nana, best friend, best Christian, best daughter, best daughter-in-law, and sister that I can be. I know that I don't give my all sometimes and live like I have all the time in the world. I'm going to treasure the moments more than I have and make sure that my focus is on heavenly treasures.

Next thought, Tim and my anniversary is tomorrow~~~~~~ 31 years together! I love that word and I'm so proud that we are still together. It hasn't always been easy, but we have taken the time and made the commitment to love one another til death do us part. No special plans, other than a mani and pedi appointment for us together tomorrow (his request :) !! ) He did buy me flowers for no reason a couple of weeks ago. I'm proud of the heritage of lengthy and loving marriages and basic stick-to-it-iv-ness that we were taught- that, and the similar family values and our faith in God have really been a strong base in our relationship.

Lastly, above is a picture of my son, Kendall, and his girlfriend Stephanie. Stephanie is an accomplished equestrian and has her degree in equine science. They are having great fun together working with horses and playing on her farm in their spare time. They will be here in Katy in April, the same weekend Lauren's bunch will be here, so Stephanie and Lauren can finally meet.

Finally, I love my red blackberry curve, so cool!!! basically a phone with internet!.... EXCEPT that it randomly dials people occasionally. I have accidentally dialed my mom several times (God is telling me to call her, I suppose) and tried to call Sam in Thailand and Paul in Chad, Africa.... I guess my next phone bill will tell me if I got them :<>

later....

Sandcastles with Gymboree Nana

We are anxiously looking forward to vacationing with Lauren's family in May, at our favorite beach in Destin, Florida. I have been busy buying out Gymboree, will try to post a picture of the clothes I have bought for the grandkids. What fun I've had, trying to make sure they are the best dressed little ones in Big Spring and at the beach this summer! They each have 3 new swimsuits and assorted shirts and hats. Their easter basket is in the shape of a sand bucket filled with sand toys, Easter candy & books.

Gymboree nana loot:

This aging process~

4 generations at Thanksgiving!

(You know you're old when........ this is my evening so far!!)

You know you're old when you eat dinner at Cracker Barrel at 5:30

You see a lady who has lived 2 doors down from you for the last 21years and think "she looks familiar" (I did recognize her husband--- for Lauren- the Kings)

You watch the "history of television" on TV on the history channel, and some of them were your favorite shows growing up: I Love Lucy, Andy Griffith, and Dick Van Dyke (in black & white)\

You have a soft moment (for your sons dogs) and pet each one in front of the fireplace

(You know I had a lot to sweep up, after 10 minutes with each dog, one at a time OF COURSE!)

The most exciting part of the evening is washing 2 of the 4 dogs

Your facial masque doesn't peel off after 10 minutes, it soaks in...

You go to bed at 9:30

The best parts about being gray?? Pictures like the above. What a joy to be a parent of Lauren, a beautiful inside and out, young Christian wife, mother and friend who has her own precious family and is in such a great time of her life right now. Kendall is living independently (mostly), making his way in the world, making the world a better place by his kindnesses and compassion and is happy! Tim and I are looking into the same faces we did 31 years ago, and growing older and wiser together, planning for retirement and loving each other, our family, and friends along the way. Life is good~! God is good!~

I had a good day at work today, my first day really back at work after having sinusitis and the stomach flu, etc.... I'm not sure what I had, but I felt really cruddy.

Keep Lauren & family in your prayers as they are all still recuperating from the crud after Christmas. It is so hard being far away from them and unable to help them out. Praise God that their lovely Christian friends helped them through the weekend (God bless the Bibbs). Aren't friends grand!!!!!!...... what a blessing we have to have good friends in our lives.

My aunt Nelda (a very young 69ish aunt) fell and broke her hip last Friday and had surgery yesterday. This is the same aunt that lost her husband to cancer last Jan. and her son to diabetes in Dec. She is one that I asked for prayers in an earlier blog to soften her heart to Jesus's healing and love. So keep praying, thanks :)