Lorie is a joy to be with ...always

Lorie's beautiful home

Trying to keep up with Barbara is a challenge

The Challenge:
Monday: Day 3 at Barb's
First Stop: Laura's to get her and the boys

Next stop. "Reflections a GREAT furniture store...
actually, its more than furniture.I purchased "Wall Words" ("Home..the place where your story begins." and "Real love stories never end.") I'm sure they will appear on my blog sometime in the future ..I also bought some Christmas tree ornaments that were 60% off..for next year.

Next stop: lunch in Huntsville
good Mexican food..don't remember the name. I'm sure we were there over an hour. No Margarito today. They bake their tortillas on a machine that goes around...it's out in the open and the boys like to watch. It reminded me of a place we frequented in Chicago called "The Magic Pan"...they baked their crepes on a similar looking device...upside-down skillets were quickly dipped into batter and set upon the machine that then turned around slowly...after one rotation the "skillets" were lifted off, turned over to drop the thin crepes that were lightly browned and ready to fill with all kinds of fruits, vetetables, etc.




It was now 2 pm. At this junction we seperated from Mamas, Laura Leigh and the boys...they were off to Koles and I went with Barb for a meeting with her accountant. I took a short nap in the car while she was inside.

we met back at Hobby Lobby...Oh Lord, my favorite place to be! I went a little crazy..more discounted Christmas ornaments...art supplies for Mamas's brother...Barbara purchased a wrought iron table to put behind her bathtub. By this time my legs wouldn't work properly so she pushed me around in a wheelchair
We then headed for home but stopped by a car wash...then went thru Krispy Kreams drive thru and ate doughnuts and coffee on the way home...it was 6:30. Around 7 pm everyone went out for supper...I went to bed !!!

Day one and two with Barb and her family

Christmas is past...but now we can celebrate New Years :)

Well, I guess it's time to start moving on into 2009...so away go all the Christmas decor, songs, etc... We're enjoying our time here in Alabama with Barb and her family. Saturday Barb was off from work but we went to the shop and she gave me a perm and Laura Leigh gave Bob a haircut....made a trip to Starbucks...afterwards the weather was still nice enough to "play" outside on their new toy. Sunday we took the day off from the regular routine and slept late...had a nice breakfast...put away most of her Christmas decorations...snacked on homemade candies and cookies....enjoyed a visit from Ron and Becky...the Cowboy game was too tough to watch so we went out...Starbucks, Super Target and then to Chili's...ummmm..marguareti's and chili....came home and watched a movie.

The stockings were hung by the bookcase with care...

A day with the Shirey's

Congratulations Heather!!!

What a nice day we had Saturday!
In 2004 our granddaughter, Heather Axtens Shirey, graduated from Texas Tech, Manga Cum Laude in psychology. A wedding, a child and four and 1/2 years later she earned her masters degree in psychology from UT Tyler. Yesterday it was our pleasure to share this day with her.

Merry Christmas from Laura and Ben's lovely home

Three of our nine great-grandchildren

I must share these pictures with everyone...
Thomas, Cooper and little David (in the hat)...with their Memaw, our dear Barbara...we refer to him as "little David" because his grandfather is also a David. Cooper and little David are one day apart in age...they are cousins...Thomas and Cooper are brothers...
David has his mother's beautiful large, dark eyes and complexion...Thomas and Cooper have their beautiful mother's blondness.
We'll be spending a week in Alabama with all of them soon...
God is good all the time!!

We refer to this as "Bobby's verse"

"He hath showed thee, O man, what is good;
and what doth the Lord require of thee,
but to do justly, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with thy God."
Micah 6:8
Some years ago, when he was around three or four years old, Bobby attended our summer "Vacation Bible School" at Plano Bible Chapel...he had some wonderful teachers at that church...ie: Susan McKenzie, Marcia McLaughlin...Anyway, this is the first bible verse that we remember him memorizing.......it is very special to us for that reason. We later learned, after 9/11, that it was also the favorite verse of the gentleman who spearheaded the attempted re-takeover of control of the plane that crashed in Pa on its way to DC. That made the verse even more special.

"Train up a child in the way he should go;
and when he is old.
he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6

Thomas, Cooper and Jason

Video: Richardson West Hi and Jr. High Band Concert

Brian is seated in the middle toward the back.... The Jr. Hi band members are wearing the blue shirts...the Sr. Hi. band is in black.
Doesn't look like it but there were around 250 band members on stage.

Video: "A Chord of Three"

Unfortunately I didn't get the complete song while filming this but I decided to put it on the blog anyway...

On a more somber note

While we go about living our "normal" life (so to speak) we sometimes forget what life is like eleswhere. In places where America's own sons, husbands, fathers and yes, even mothers, are "living" their everyday lives...we should remember them . I received the following in an email and felt it should be passed on

Look at the soldier standing upright and alert while everyone else runs. Adding to the chaos of the bombing was a shooter, targeting people in the crowd. Amid all the Iraqis who are running from the gunfire was a U.S. Soldier, standing tall and looking in the direction of the gunshots, not looking for cover. The first picture shows it all. The kid's face shows he is scared to death, and he's running to the safest spot he can find:


.......this soldier who stands between him and danger. It would be difficult to stage a picture that provides a more potent metaphor for the role played by the United States in this world. "Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you.....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Eternity is forever, it just happens to begin on earth."

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I made this "welcome" sign about 15 years ago...


















The wreath on the patio door was home-made and given to me by a friend I worked with back in 1978.... <

The red carolers is an Avon product given to us by someone who worked with Bob when we lived in Garland, back in the late 60's...it still has it's aroma!!!
The wooden Christmas tree on the bar was made by my brother Ed..also many years ago.

The gingerbread towel was given to me by Laura Beth when she was very little. The other Christmas items in the picture were given to me by Barbara this year.

The old-fashioned Santa above the cabinets was given to me by Laura..

The crochet items on the frig were made by Karen..probably about 10-12 years ago.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Video: The National Anthem

sung by Thomas and Cooper...ages 4 and 2

Video: The Doxology by "A Chord of Three"

granddaughter, Laura Beth, on the left...

Our Fabulous Five

What a blessing to have them all together ...'first time in almost two years..

Family, Friends and Food

What a great day...Friday and Saturday were a little rainy so the kids were unable to play outside, hence 7 little ones running around in the house...Lots of good food...family and friends...15 adults and 7 kids...a few were missing...if all could have been here we would have had a total of 33 !!!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy

As is probably the case with most everyone there's so much to be done this month and next. I have my week all scheduled (on paper, so as not to overlook something). I hope Monday was not a prelude for Tues., Wed., etc...things took longer than I had planned.

I decided to put out a few Christmas decorations...I knew that Brian would like that...I usually wait 'til a couple of weeks before Christmas but as we're having the family for Thanksgiving felt it would be nice to do that. All my things were packed away and stored in Eddie's garage. We had to go through several boxes to find the things I wanted to use for now.....the manger scene, the village and some greenery to put over the kitchen cabinets...with lights, of course. That shouldn't have taken four hours, but it did. Brian found lights to string up all over his room...his favorite thing to do whatever the occasion. I forgot my camera so no pictures :(

Eddie has been busy painting his bedroom...He finished the final trim work last night. Tomorrow, after work, he plans to put up the Christmas lights on the roof.

Grocery shopping, house cleaning and some food preparation today and tomorrow. Bob will be going to Canton to get Laura's Expedition..we need it for transport while everyone is here. I want to be able to go to the airport tomorrow night with him, but will have to take Eddie's car as well as the Expedition to have enough room for that.

Gotta get started now...

Slide Show: "America The Beautiful"

Video: "Da Man"

Brian does his "practicing" out on the "back porch"...After much begging He agreed to allow me to video him while playing his horn...he's soooo shy.

Viedo: It's a shame that this boy is so shy :)

Yesterday I had the pleasure of going out on a very cold morning to Bobby's school at 8:30 am to see a school full of screaming kids enjoying getting out of class for about an hour...the occasion was some kind of rally/recognition ??? and Bobby was one of the chosen five to lead in the singing...what a ham he is!!!

Anticipating next week

Just got offline with Luby's Cafeteria...ordered just about everything we'll be needing for Thanksgiving dinner for twelve adults and four little-to-big boys..I plan to prepare two vegetable casseroles, tea and bread...and that's it! Luby's will be preparing turkey, dressing, gravy, waldorf salad, cranberry salad, and two pies...

Alabama family,as well as Nicki, will be arriving Wed. pm....CAN"T WAIT!!!!
Holiday's with family and friends is always so special..

Seems like Monday

But it's not...it's Tuesday...Monday came and went quickly, sadly, as we made our way up into central Oklahoma to say goodby to our friend who left this world last week. Bob was most likely the only man at the funeral who was not a former coach or football player. Bill was a coach all of his life and had many friends in that profession.
We enjoyed seeing his two sons for the first time in a long time. Walt, who is an attorney in Big Springs, Tx. was born near the same time our second child, Laura was...while we were neighbors in Mena Ar. back in 1955...we've only seen him once as an adult. Walt exhibits the same gentle, kind, softspoken manner that Bill had. Bret, the younger son is now 50 years old!!!!,a handsome man and lives there near his mother. I'm so glad that he's near her. They both favor their father, but Walt more so than Bret.
Beth is not well...really needs to get all this past few years behind her...if there is such a thing possible. Bill has been sick for eight or nine years and I pray that she finds some peace, rest and perhaps even some good times ahead. We love you, Beth.

Remembering Bill

Going to Oklahoma tomorrow.......our dear, old friend, Bill Shipman, passed away Thursday. Alzheimer's had taken him from his wife,Beth over the past 8 to 10 years so he's in a much better place today....but still a loss for her. What a dreadful, mercy less disease. I hate it!

We met Bill and Beth when they were our neighbors in Mena, Ark. back in 1956.....a long time ago. He was the local high school football coach there and went on to coach in Irving, Texas and Andrews, Texas. Even thou they remained in Texas for the last 50 some odd years and we relocated to California and Illinois we stayed in touch and after we moved back to Texas in 1988 we were able to spend some time with them during the last 20 years.

For a number of years it was our custom to spend New Years weekend with them at their home in Oklahoma...enjoying driving around the countryside, reminiscing about old times and watching football, of course!

Bill was an easy-going and solf spoken fellow, (unusual for a successful football coach)...loved animals, football, Oklahoma, Beth, his booze, ice cream, and coffee. Even after he reached the stage in his illness where he could not speak he would smile when Beth brought him ice cream. The last time I saw him he smiled...don't know if he knew who I was but he was still smiling...

Bob bless you Bill...rest in peace.

My Monday

Been sitting here with my friend (the computer) since 2 am listening to the rain...haven't heard raindrops and thunder in an awfully long time. Don't understand why I have to spend 3/4 hours during the night awake instead of sleeping. 'Been surfing from one blogspot to another trying to find one in a language that I can read...so many are in languages other than English.....interesting tho.

Yesterday was a hard day...but by my own making. I still,sometimes, spend days acting like someone other than a 73 year old...foolish..
The boys were out of school so I spent Sunday night at their house. Bob called around 9am and reminded me that Monday was my day for a B12 injection...I had forgotten. He arrived around 10am and off we went to see the Doc's nurse...that didn't take long. I dropped Bob off at the apt. so I had the car...that was a mistake.

We were hungry so Bobby, Brian and I had lunch at Madeline's...a real treat for me as I've not eaten out for a couple of weeks, due to my cough. It was cool and so they had a fire going in the fireplace and Brian got us a table beside it. I had their delicious Cinnamon French Toast with fruit and boysenberry syrup, Brian ordered the French Dip and Bobby their pizza. I got each of them one of the mini deserts..Bobby had a cookie that came with the kids pizza so Brian ate the cheesecake with fruit and the vanilla pudding with fruit,

Next Bobby got a haircut at Coolcuts for Kids...He likes that place 'cause he can play video games in the process...and it was close by.

Our next stop was just three doors down...Lane Bryants...The boys were pretty good during the hour (at least) that I spent trying on things...they had their ipods...I walked out with $240. of clothing in one medium size plastic bag...2 bras, 2 pj's, 3 shells, and two pair of jeans...incredible the cost of things.

Target was just across the way so off we went. The boys looked around for at least another hour. I availed myself of one of those electric scooters...I knew we would be there a while and I was pretty tired by this time. I purchased some groceries and browsed around and then waited at the Pizza Hut station (our designated meeting place)...they showed up in about 15 min. I had warned them going in that they could only purchase something from the Dollar Spot and they, surprisingly, obliged me.

It was 3:30 by the time we got home. I had started cleaning their rooms before we left so finished up there...I made Mexican Stack Up but when Eddie arrived home around 6 I was too tired to eat and just took off for home...taking Bob some supper with me.

So much for my "hard" day...all in all it was enjoyable.

What A Voice !!!!!

Missing my "Alabama" family and friends

Ya'll check out Barb's website http://www.agentletouchsalonandspa.com
They're having their "customer appreciation day" today...it's always so much fun...food, entertainment, ladies having fun doing some Christmas shopping in the gift shop...wish I was there..

Ah...Saturday afternoons....Just waiting to watch The Texas Longhorns game ...it's a very nice day outside but I find myself glued to this blog... :) Been trying to add another slideshow but no luck :( it doesn't want to obey orders...I've contacted Photobucket ...hope to get a reply soon. I've done it before ie Rx for the Heart, Birthday Bash, etc...but not working this time...maybe it's just me :) doing something wrong...I seem to forget much lately...

I miss........

Now that we are a "one car family" my husband accompanies me everywhere.....most times it nice to be together..but...

I miss going to my two favorite stores, Hobby Lobby and Target Super Store, and staying for an hour or more looking at all their neat stuff.....

I miss going to Barnes and Nobel and browsing in the books...

I miss spending time in a garden center looking at the flowers.

I miss going to Starbucks and sitting outside to have a coffee instead of just going through the drive thru...

He's willing to take me where ever I want to go (most times) but I know that he's outside waiting in the car...

Poor, pitiful me...:(

God bless the USA

I agree with what Mr. Obama said: "It's not about red states and blue states, it's not about Republicans and Democrates, it's not about black and white...we are all Americans."


Artist: Lee Greenwood Title: Proud To Be An American


If tomorrow all the things were gone,I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars,to be livin here today.
‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American,where at least I know I’m free.
And I won't forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota,to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,and its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be an American,where at least I know I’m free.
And I won't forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.
And I'd gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
GOD BLESS THE USA

Poetry

"He who draws noble delights from sentiments of poetry is a true poet, though he has never written a line in all his life."

Poetry Quote by George Sand (1804-1876)

Rx for the heart

Thought For The Day

Henry Drmmond's dissertation on the Bible's 13th. Chapter of Corinthians concludes, as did Paul, the author of that epistle, that the greatest thing in the world is love.

"Love is an effect. And only as we fulfil the right condition can we have the effect produced. Shall I tell you what the cause is? If you turn to the Revised Version of the First Epistle of John you will find these words: "We love, because He first loved us. Not we love Him, this is the way the old Version has it, and it is quite wrong. We love - because He first loved us. Look at that word because. It is the cause of which I have spoken."

"Where love is, God is. He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God. Therefore love. Without distinction, without calculation, without procrastination, love. Lavish it upon the poor, where it is very easy; especially upon the rich, who often need it the most; most of all upon our equals, where it is very difficult, and for whom perhaps we each do least of all. There is a difference between trying to please and giving pleasure. Give pleasure. Lose no chance of giving pleasure. For that is the ceaseless and anonymous triumph of a truly loving spirit. "I will pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."

"The withholding of love is the negation of the spirit of Christ, the proof that we never knew Him, that for us He lived in vain. It means that He suggested nothing in all our thoughts, that He inspired nothing in all our lives, that we were never once near enough to Him to be seized with the spell of His compassion for the world. It means that: "I lived for myself, I thought for myself, for myself and none beside. Just as if Jesus had never lived, As if He had never died."

October Blessings 2006 - 07 - 08

"When I am sore beset, I seek some quiet place,
Some lonely room or barren windswept hill,
And there in silence wait apart until--I see again the smile upon God's face, Until His presence floods me like the dawn, and I can hear His whispered, "Peace, be still,
" And know again the strength to do His will.
I turn to take my load and find it gone."
I love poetry...and I wish that the above sentiment expressed my own response to trials..unfortunately, being human as I am I ,more often, fall short of relying whole heartedly on God and his Holy Sprit and what that reliance affords those who put all their trust in Him. :(

"We Have Been Friends Together"

"We have been friends together, in sunshine and in shade;
Since first beneath the chestnut-trees in infancy we played.
We have been gay together; We have laugh'd at little jests; For the fount of hope was gushing warm and joyous in our breasts."
by Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton

It was a dark and gentle night...The trees were filled with ghoulies and ghosties carring brilliant orange pumpkins filled with tasty treats. The smell of burning candles filled the air. The sounds of footsteps and children's laughter punctuated by screams of "Trick or Treat" could be heard floating across the whispering breeze. LOOK OUT! Was that a monster from under your bed? Or just your neighbor dressed in costume...Only the shadow knows for sure....

The Weaver

My life is but a weaving between my God and me, I do not choose the colors he worketh steadily. Oft times He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.

Not 'till the loom is silent, and the shuttles cease to fly, Will God unroll the canvas, and explain the reasons why The dark threads are as needful in the skillful weaver's hand As threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares, Nothing this truth can dim. He gives His very best to those Who leave the choice with Him.

The Road Not Taken....by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth:

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear:

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden back.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Cowboys Are Special

Through The Years