Valentine's Day

This year, being Mom's first without Daddy, I wanted to her to have a nice day.  Her friends had made plans with her for the evening, but we were able to have her over for lunch. 

Husband was our chef for the day.  He made a wonderful meal and Mom was able to sit next to her special Valentine, Eli.

I made her a new Valentine quilty:  complete with applique's of Eli's hands and an inspiring quote.

Love you, Mom!  Hope you had an excellent day!

Snow!

We had record-breaking snowfall this month! We had over 12 inches of snow fall in the Dallas area – it’s the most that has fallen in over 40 years. We missed school on one day but we had SO MUCH FUN!!

Mom and one of her friends made this LOVE-ly snowlady at her house and we had to come over and see her! Then, Eli decided to make some repairs and shovel the walk! This is the most snow that shovel has see since my parents and brother lived in Wisconsin 40 years ago!

When we got home, some neighbor-friends came over to help us with our snowman. They had been out of school all day and were able to play in it ALL DAY - but we just got to watch it through the windows! So, here's Eli with the snowman in process and then after it was done. I know he's missing some parts - but Eli's only two...

What Would Daddy Say?

Often, I find myself driving down the street and I get a strong desire to call Daddy.  I've always been able to call him with the silliest or serious of topics.  I always knew he would be available for me.

Well, maybe he wasn't available during his daily lunch/nap (from 12-1 pm), but at any other time, he was available to me/us.  And, he always had a good perspective on my issues.  I really miss that.

Sometimes, he'd tell me a story about some politician, weather or news story he found interesting.  Or, he would tell me what song he sang to Eli or some other cute thing that Eli had done.  I really miss that.

I miss being able to call him and hear his voice, his laugh.  I miss hearing his advice.  I just miss him.

Sorry for the sadness.  I'm missing him today.

Book dedication

My Aunt Vivian (the wonderful wife of my Uncle Hank) passed away in October.  Mom was able to go spend some time with Hank and some of the other family.

I was able to dedicate a book at my school library in her name.  The book I chose was "Quack, Duck, Quack" which is mostly out of print.  But it's about a little duck who gets some help from her beloved aunt.

Love you, Aunt Vivian!

Christmas 2009

Excuse the tardiness of this entry. Really, Christmas was over 3 months ago…hardly seems like it, though!


We had a nice holiday but it was quieter than in the past. It was hard to ‘get into the spirit’ but for our boy, we pulled it off. (I think?!?!)

Grandma Marie came to visit the week before Christmas. We went shopping, ate too much, opened/shared gifts and had a nice visit. Thanks for coming!
We also had a nice visit from my brother, Uncle Terry. His wife wasn’t able to come with him but she did send some yummy desserts! Thanks, Aunt Kit!
On Christmas Eve, Husband went to McKinney to pick up Mom. The weather was really cold and we were expecting some ice/freezing rain. So, she stayed with us that night. Eli didn’t know what to do! He isn’t used to Grandma being at our house when it’s time for ‘night ‘night!

We woke in the morning to find snow – but not very much! It was gone before lunch but we were glad to already have Mom at our house for the festivities.

I had made her a new stocking this year. She was surprised to see it and even took it back to her house! My intention was for it to stay at our house so Santa could fill it if she’s at our house…
Husband did all the cooking for us this year. On the menu included lots of yummy NEW recipes from The Food Network kitchens! Definitely some good one and at least one BUMMER!
We took Mom home on Christmas evening. We missed Gram and Daddy but we did the best we could. Even without them, we are blessed beyond measure!

I had made her a new stocking this year. She was surprised to see it and even took it back to her house! My intention was for it to stay at our house so Santa could fill it if she’s at our house...

Husband did all the cooking for us this year. On the menu included lots of yummy NEW recipes from The Food Network kitchens! Definitely some good one and at least one BUMMER!
We took Mom home on Christmas evening. We missed Gram and Daddy but we did the best we could. Even without them, we are blessed beyond measure!

Party

Mom hosted part of the neighborhood progressive dinner party this year.  She (and I) and a decorator friend and assorted friends/neighbors, helped decorate her house for the big event.

My husband made his 'world famous' chili stew and other neighbor/friends brought chili and the other ingredients:  cheese, crackers, sour cream, etc.

I think Mom saidd there were approximately 60 people in the house at one time!  Wow!

Everyone enjoyed the party at Mom's and then moved down the street for dessert.