Christmas 2011

Christmas was just as wonderful as every. Christmas Eve was filled with our traditional activities of eating, cooking, a Christmas creative contest, a visit from Santa, Christmas puzzles, and presents. Greg won the trophy and bragging rights for the year. The two Ricks tied for second and third place.

Christmas Day included church, more food, activities and games, At the end of the day, we did our Santa letters and Christmas Poem. I will do a blog about my Christmas present from Rick after the wedding.

I am Ready

Gifts bought - check
Gifts wrapped - check
Groceries bought - check
Dress bought - check
Heels bought - check
Reception shoes bought - check

Speech for wedding - started

Chad is flying at this moment to Houston from Singapore. He has been flying for 12 hours, so he should be  half way home. Greg will be home tomorrow or the next day. Abby goes to the groomer's tomorrow.

All is well at the Davis - Streeman household.

A Weekly Update

      This week was a very good week. I am well on my way to finishing two of the three majors goals I had on my list last Sunday night. I did take two days of school off this week. My Christmas shopping is 80% finished with presents wrapped. However, the major accomplishment is I found a dress and shoes for the wedding, in which I am pleased with both. Diana and Cheyrl had to go to Region 10 Monday night for about 30 minutes, so I decided I would go to Collin Creek to check out Macy's and Dillard's. After the shopping trip last week, I decided to change my criteria on the sleeve length. The dress I chose was in Dillard's. The special part of this was the sales lady that helped me was the same lady that Di and I bought dresses from 20-25 years ago when we were truly shoppers and Collin Creek Mall was the only place to shop. We had not seen her in years - she remembered us and our children. (Chad, she probably remembered  you under the racks and removing all the plastic sizes off the clothes hangers.) On Friday I found the shoes for the wedding. Now, I like purchasing the shoes for the reception and earings.
       For other Christmas happenings, we attended two church Christmas programs, a nice dinner with one of Rick's people from work, our Sunday School party, our middle school party, a Christmas band concert, and I cooked a family meal for Rick's and my family. I just love Christmas with all the hustle and bustle!!!!
   

WOW! Where has time gone!

I cannot believe that it has been a month since I have written a post. I do not know where November went, but I will try to recall a few highlights:
The Thanksgiving Holidays with wonderful food and family time.
Red-neck weekend at the NASCAR race.
A brunch for Tara in Dallas.
The house has been all decorated for Christmas.
The Streetman-Harris Christmas Party.

I have three MAJOR things hanging over my head for the future:
Christmas shopping
A dress to wear to the wedding.
The video for the wedding.

I hope December will go slower that November.

Rick's Family Reunion

On Thursday, the three Streetman brothers, Teresa, Abby, and I went to the mountains for a family reunion on their mother’ side of the family.  Before we got to Amarillo the temperature dropped, and it started snowing . By the time we got to the cabin it had snowed 6-8 inches. The snow covered setting gave me a great opportunity to take pictures with my camera without freezing to death.

The "snow-covered" front steps and deck.

 We had a great time visiting with his cousins. A few were some that they had not seen in years. It was fun hearing the stories of when they visited each other as children or memories of each others’ parents. I even heard some Jack and Short stories that I had not heard before, as well as many of the classics.

A favorite of mine - the palisades.

We cooked a meal Friday for a few of the cousins that came in early. We had five Streetmans in the kitchen cooking at one time. Saturday morning we went into Taos. We felt the need to visit the Pueblos for a short time. Only two of us got scalped. Randy got to keep his hair. We cooked, and then we visited with the family some more. In all there were 10 out of 15 living cousins in attendance with 7 spouses.

The cousins.

I know that the boys occasionally give Jack a hard time in the stories they tell, Rick and Randy are quick to tell how they had to wear a shirt to the dinner table, no longer were they able to run around the house in their underwear, and they had to shut the door when they used the bathroom.  But when you go to the cabin that Jack and Short built, you cannot help but see a different side to the man that changed the Streetman boys’ lives and the man that “ruled” Gunter schools for so many years. 

Abby's favorite place at the cabin.

It's My Birthday

October 28 - Friday, we will be 1 year old!

What a Week!

This week was just as fun-filled as I was expecting. Here are the highlights of the week:

The Ranger game last Saturday night was NO disappointment to any Ranger fan. It had all the elements for a great game. We came from behind. The score was 14 -5, so we got to see lots of action with lots of home runs. We had wonderful seats with a great view. Fun people were around us. And we won the American League Championship with all the confetti and hoop-la.

I got to visit with Tara and Chad before he left the country again. We celebrated his birthday since he will be gone, which meant good family time. Even though it took 31 hours to get there, Chad is back in Singapore until Christmas and the wedding. 

Sunday night was our night to go see Rascal Flatts for our anniversary. It was another great concert. This is one of the newer groups that we have seen, which was evident by two major facts. We were some of the oldest people at the concert, and we had to STAND for the ENTIRE concert. On Monday when we went back to work, our bodies knew that we had been to a major ballgame and concert. Rick said he was glad to go to work where he could sit down - which is a joke, because if you know Rick you know he never sits down for too long - anywhere.

Thursday and Friday I spent in Oklahoma City at the largest craft fair I care to go to. Every year that we go it seems to get larger and larger. I got claustrophobic at one point - way too many people in much too small of spot (there are 7 buildings at the state fair complex jam packed with "stuff.")

Thanks to God for a great week! (Sorry no pictures. I dumped them on to my external drive, and did not go retrieve them.)

Take me out to the "Ranger" ballgame

I am so excited. In a few hours we will be going to the Ranger game. Hopefully, it will be the game where the Rangers will win the American League Championship, which will qualify them for the World Series. Last year I jumped on the Ranger wagon during the playoffs and stayed with them all the way to end. We were at the last World Series game where they lost. We got back on the wagon again during the playoffs this year. Rick did not tell me he bought tickets to this game tonight. He let me yell at them on Thursday night and pout because they were losing. After the game and the cows had been fed, he handed me the envelope with the tickets. He really is a great guy!

We are taking Mindi and Cade with us - both the biggest Ranger fans in the state of Texas. They did not wait until the playoffs to get on the wagon. They were pulling the wagon before the season ever started. Also, Chad and Tara will be at the game. This will be my first time to see him since he has been to Singapore and before he leaves again.

So....

Take me out to the ballgame, 

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks.....

Memories and Dreams

1965 Cobra - My Dream Car

This weekend Rick's brother took his classic car to a car show at the Texas Motor Speedway to participate in the Goodguys National Car show. This was a HUGE deal. Participants could either show their cars off, sell their cars, or both. There were around 2000 custom and classic cars. Thousands of people came out to see this extravaganza. As we walked around there were two conversations that were on-going. The first was people going down memory lane at the cars telling a story about who had it, whether it be parents, self, or friends.  The second conversation was which car the person dreamed of owning. I was guilty of both. As I was drooling over one of my dream cars, Chad called. Kidingly, I told him I was going to spend his inheritance on my dream car - a 1965 Cobra!

Happy Anniversary, Rick Streetman

I know at some time you will be stalking my webpage to see what I have written lately, so this one is for you. This is the song that I used for one of the videos at our wedding. I have it in my iTunes at work. When it came on this morning, I just stopped and listened to the words. It is "amazing" that after FOUR short years, I still feel the same way about you...  The original was too long, so I cut out some of the lines.


Amazed lyrics

Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
......
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts, I can see your dreams

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better

I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever

Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you!


Thanks for four great years!

Sprinkler Show 2011

This week was our annual AFSA Sprinkler show with Rick's job. It was not one of the most exciting ones that we have had the privilege to attend, but we did make the best of a local venue. It was in San Antonio. I had not been there in 10 years, so I wanted to experience all the "touristy" things one more time. 

Bonnie and Clyde's car in the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum

Highlights of the trip!

• The Alamo
• The river boat ride
• Excellent food and a nice hotel on the river
• The trolley - Hop a Bus Tours (I did this one by myself.)
• The old historical hotels - Menger, Gunter, St. Anthony's
• Sunset at the top of the Tower of America's 
• A 4D action show/film in the Tower of America's - great show
• The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum - great museum

I tried to convince the guys that watching the sun "set" at the top of the tower would be romantic. Of course, I took some ridicule for this; but this simple country girl, loved it. It was nice seeing the sunset and then watching the lights gradually come on all across downtown San Antonio.
The stupid thing we did was run down 18 flights of stairs. Our hotel room was on the eighteenth floor. The first day Rick said that we could just run down the stairs rather than walk around to the elevator. Our room was the very last room on the the floor with a stairwell next to our room. So it sounded like a quick way to get down. However, no one would have guessed that going down stairs uses muscles that are not normally used. We all had sore legs for the remainder of the trip.

Jot Gunter's Hotel in San Antonio

 On the way home, it was the boys' day. Rick's brother had made the comment on the way down that he had always wanted to stop at the Snake Farm. So Saturday - we did. I have to say that it was much more than any of us expected. It did have around 80 snakes, but many other animals. It has birds, monkeys, zebra, longhorn cows, foxes, deer, pigs, llamas, alligators, and many other strange animals.

Randy's "Dream" Stop

We also stopped at two classic car collections/museums. As usually, for the amount of time that we were gone; we did cover a lot of ground. Next year is Hawaii. I am not for sure that I can do all the touristy things in three days. I am thinking that they are going to have to give us a couple of extra days or leave me to come home by myself.

Random Thoughts

It is hard for me to write tonight for my randomness in my thought processes. Here are a few of the things on my mind.

• Chad finally was told on Thursday that he would be leaving on Saturday for Singapore. That meant he would be flying on 9/11. I know that he would not be in the US and would probably be safer than most Americans on 9/11, but this mother was still worried. Five P.M. Saturday, I got the text he was boarding his plane. Basically for the next 25 hours I stared at my phone until I got the text message, "made it safe," from Chad.
• This weekend is the six year anniversary of Mother's passing away. As I have stated many times,  I am so grateful to have been raised by Bennie Henderson Scoggins. To borrow from one of my earlier posts about her - she was the epitome of a lady - a Christian lady, at that. 
• 9/11/01 Memories of ten years ago. I was at Fair Park at the Science place on a school field trip. Diana, the principal, had me paged. She told me to round up the students, get them back on the bus, and come back to Gunter. Several of the students had portable radios. We listened in awe as we drove back to Gunter. When we got back, I remember going into David Gage's classroom just staring at the TV. 
• We started a new Bible study two weeks ago. I knew that we were going to be in for a treat with Beth Moore, but I also knew that it was going to be a challenge. Each study I have done with our Ladies' Ministry group has been so relevant to my personal life at the moment. This one is Believing God. Without a doubt, God is going to increase my faith through circumstances.
• I am thankful to have Rickie in my life. I would hate to be going through all this "home alone." He has been more than patient with me while I have been on my emotional roller-coaster these last several weeks. 

I really do not mean for this to sound like a "downer." Life really is good for me. I am thrilled for the opportunities that Chad is going to have abroad. I love Tara. My school year has started out very smoothly. The grandchildren are all at fun stages. Abby makes me laugh daily. God continues to show Himself daily.

A Man and His Toys

It is often said that men never out grow the need for toys…..it is just the cost and size that changes. Many a wife can vouch for this man and his toy fetish. This weekend we took a 1300 mile road trip in two days to Iowa to pick up Rick's newest toy. He has always dreamed of having his high school car - a 1967 Silver 4 speed GTO.

Last Sunday night, thanks to his brother, who also knew of his dream, found him a 1967 4 speed GTO on eBay. Rick and his  iPad got busy. Within 15 minutes he had bought a car off the internet. I really do not think he thought he would get it. Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
So this Labor Day weekend, his brother, Rick and i took a road trip. I think I enjoyed the trip the most. The only thing more entertaining than traveling with one Streetman is two Streetmans. 

The only difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys.  ~Author Unknown

The Legacy Continues (in style)

September 1, 2011

A Scoggins National Holiday

Without repeating myself of what this day means to us, I will just send you to an earlier post,

http://mdsmemories.blogspot.com/2009/09/oh-what-beautiful-morning.html.

This gives you a glimpse of our past.

Even though I am not going to get to spend time with the boys this holiday, at least they are spending time together. Before Chad leaves the country, he took a couple of days to go to Lubbock to hunt with Greg, to hang out, and to catch a Tech game. I assure that Kennith Marlow is smiling at his grandsons for carrying on the hunting tradition and thinking at the same time - "Hollywood," because they are not dressed in the traditional clothes with the traditional hunting vest. He may be thinking what are those bags and sunglasses! However, the legacy continues! 

Rick and I will be doing our own thing this Labor Day holiday weekend. We have a road trip planned. More details coming....

The Judds - The Last Encore

For my birthday Rick gave me tickets to go see the Judds in concert, which was last night. This is probably the newest singers we have seen; we go to a lot of the 60's musicians. It is very customary for me to read from the internet on the way to the event to get some background on who we will be seeing. I did learn a great deal about their personal lives and musical background. However, I was not expecting the emotions that we experienced. Wynona is one of the best entertainers we have seen. I will put her up there near Paul McCartney and Kenny Rogers. She had us laughing one moment then crying the next. She actually got so emotional that she could not sing, so the crowd sang to her. She said this was a first. All the songs were great, but my favorites were "I will Stand by You", "Love can Build a Bridge", and "How Great Thou Art."

Supposedly this is their last tour together. They had not sung together in almost 10 years before they began this tour last year. I have a hard time believing this is the end because: they are so good together, stars seem to always need more money, or they just love performing. Anyway I am glad that I got to experience "The Last Encore."

She Said YEEESSSSSSSSSSS!

This is the text that I received Friday night after Chad, my youngest son, became engaged. I could not pick out anyone more perfect for Chad than Tara. Their story is wonderful; and hopefully, Chad will blog about it soon. He really needs to tell his story.

The Engaged Couple

My prayer is that they will always be as happy as they are now. Because she said "yes", I will officially have a new title - mother-in-law. WOW!

This is My Story - in Pictures

I could write a very long post on all the things that I have experienced this month, but I think I am going to let the pictures tell the story.

Joplin's devastation!

The Arch

Building for the Glory of God in Illinois.

Independence Hall Museum

The Bell

Bethlehem Steel 

Barn Tour

"What big udders you have!"
Amish Country - Dairy Farm without electricity.

Husband and wife hay baling.

Shenandoah Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Monticello

Cheasapeak Bridge/Tunnel - 20 miles long!

Wild pony swim and auction.

Details and stories later! Boys, do not think that you are going to get out of seeing all 1000 pictures I took the month of July.

July 4th

This Independence Day holiday was just as wonderful as anticipated. We had good family time, food, friends, and exceptional fireworks. Before I get started many, many thanks go to my dear sister and her husband for literally giving up their place to host the north stand for Davis and Miller Fireworks. She finished Friday totally exhausted after four weeks of intense study for her new job title, to come home to a yard full of young adults ready to have some fun for four days. Her husband not ever saying a word does many things behind the scenes to make this all happen. Thanks, Rick and Diana, for your generous hospitality. We appreciate all you do.

Rick, Diana, and Family

After the girls smoked the guys at "their" game - cross- country golf, the kids brought out "old-school" games to pass time while waiting on customers to come buy fireworks. I believe Battleship was the favorite. The big catch out of the pond this year was by Chad at a little less than two ounces or two inches long - not a good year for fishing.

We all woke up today at least five pounds heavier. The good country cooking was a big hit as usual with  everyone that was around to eat. We served ribs, pork loin, tacos, steaks, chicken salad, and fajitas with all the fixings and many snacks over the days.

A friend let the kids borrow a water cooler fan. This was a great addition to the camp ground once it was figured out how to work it, which definitely lowered the heat factor.

The 2011 fireworks season will go down as a great success. We do not have to eat fireworks this coming year; they were sold to many customers - old and new. Thanks to all that supported either of the Davis and Miller Fireworks stands.

The Gunter Pyro Team before the show!

The shows in Gunter and Tioga were both spectacular. Many nice comments were posted on Facebook  In lighting the shows, the only excitement behind the scenes was 10-12 of the boxes/cakes of already shot fireworks caught on fire during both shows. The funniest story told was about Chad Harris beating a fire out with his flip flop while trying to light his share of cakes during the show.

A Pioneer Women - "wanna be"

Several of you who read my blog also follows "The Pioneer Woman." I am so very envious of this woman. She has made a very glamorous life of living on the farm/ranch doing all the things I love to do or "get" to do. She is famous for her blog at http://thepioneerwoman.com/ with a million followers.
I could do a comparison of our lives and there are a few minor similarities - cows, dog and cat, tractors, land, gardening, children (mine are grandchildren), cooking, Rick ( my Marlboro man) and even photography.  She has made it so glamorous and profitable.
Even though I am not famous doing all these things, nor do I have 20 followers, and no one has asked me to do my own cooking show, I am still living the good life in the country.

In anticipation for July Fourth, I hope that you will have good family time, food, fun, and fireworks.

Happy Father's Day

In my life, I have been blessed with the presence of several "father" figures - my dad, Carl Rickie, Rick F and Papa Ferguson. Each very special to me in a different way.  I have written numerous posts about my own father, who had a great influence on me growing up. But this Father's Day, I decided to give a special tribute to my Heavenly father, who truly has shown me grace and mercy in every area of my life. I know that I have disappointed Him many times, I have not listened to Him, I have rebelled, and I do not spend as much time with Him as I should. But no matter how much I disappoint Him and do not come close to living up to His standards, He loves me anyway. Thank you, God, for the relationship that we have.

Mississippi - Civil War: the houses and the "Help"

On our ladies's trip last week we visited Vicksburg, where we took a two-hour driving audio tour of the Battle of Vicksburg battleground and cemetery. Then the next day we toured three antebellum homes in Natchez.

On Monday I read the novel, The Help. I highly recommend this book for a easy, quick book to read. I also was told that they have made this book into a movie that will be coming out this summer.  In just these three events, I experienced the Civil War and the South from a totally different perspective.

Memorial Day

My father served in WW II. He was stationed in Germany and France. He did not talk about his war experiences very much. Since his passing away, I have found out that he was part of The Battle of the Bulge and that his fighter group destroyed many enemies planes. At his funeral, a brother-in-law insisted on draping the flag over his coffin. I still get emotional when the Star Spangled Banner is played or a flag is waving in the wind. The vision of following Daddy's flag-draped casket out of the church will be engrained in my mind forever.
I am thankful for the men and women that have served and are still serving for our freedom. May God bless the people richly.

The following was copied from the Sherman Democrat in the 1940's:


A presidential unit citation, "for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy" was awarded to the Pioneer P-51 Mustang group of the ninth air forces recently. The presentation was made to the commanding officer by Lt. Gen. Lewis H. Brereton, commanding general. Those from Grayson county entitled to wear the blue ribbon in a gold frame over the right breast are....(4 other men)and Sgt. Kennith M. Scoggins, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Scoggins of Tioga.

The ninth air force Pioneer Mustang group was the first to fly with long range P-51 in combat. They set the distance record for fighters, while escorting bombers on deep penetrations into Germany on missions to Kiel, Berlin and later Gydnia. They destroyed more than 380 enemy aircraft in seven months of operations and were instrumental in the effective development of precision daylight bombing. 


On a lighter note, Memorial Day 2011 was good. I have to say that I started out a little disgusted. Rick had been telling me that we were going to do "something". For someone who likes to go, I was excited. However, we needed a roof, and he decided that we could work during the day and play at night. So for starters, he thought I would help roof. I have always been right beside him doing whatever, and I was willing to try anything; until...he wanted me to stand up and walk on the roof top. I was on the roof setting on my bottom, but that was not good enough. I was a failure. Oh, well. We got over it.

We got lots of work done, and we played hard. We had great food and good family time. (I am on the road writing this from my iPad tethering off a friends iPhone hotspot. You have to love technology. So pictures will come later.)

Today in History

Today is a very sad day in history. Diana is no longer working for Gunter ISD for the first time in 33 years, and I no longer have my best friend and sister in the office next to me. It has been said many times that we sometime do not realize how valuable someone or something is until you lose it. This is definitely the case with Di leaving the school. It is all of our great loss. There were several things that you could count on while she was in charge: she always did what was best for the student, she was fair and consistent, and she was a very effective principal for students, teachers, and parents. On a personal note, I was so blessed to get to work with my sister all these years.

Diana's "Good-Bye"  (after the tears)!

Even though she has closed one chapter of her life, she is starting a brand new one. In one week she is starting a month long course to get her Diagnostician's certification. I wish her the very best, and I know that she will be as great of a "diag" as she was an educator.

Love and Best Wishes to you, Di!

The Good Life

I am a little behind in my posts. Life has been great, but busy. I had a great trip to New York City with the family. We literally did it ALL. Our feet and legs were proof that we did not miss anything. Not only did we do all the touristy things, we ate all the touristy things - pizza, deli sandwiches, cupcakes, ice cream, and banana pudding at numerous locations. The boys started making cupcake jokes after the second day. However, they did not turn down the banana pudding at the Magnolia bakery - either time we were there.
God has blessed me richly with a great family and the opportunity to visit such a RANDOM city. (That was Greg's definition of New York City.)

The Reason for The Season

Easter 2011

I have a friend that practices Lent because of her childhood years. She always gives up chocolate for 40 days. We discussed it on the first day about how long it would be. I made some remark that I was glad that Baptist did not observe Lent. Then it happened two days later during my quite time. God asked me to give up chocolate wrapped candy - Hersheys, Snickers, Reeces, Dove, etc.  I usually treat myself to one of these bite-size candies after lunch each day. After a little self-talk I said "no problem." If God could sacrifice His son, I could easily sacrifice chocolate candy.

I made it up to the Saturday before Easter - 37 days. It just happened. I was at an Easter Egg hunt, and the Hershey candy was in my mouth before I knew it. It  was at this point that I realized "the reason for the season." I could never be good enough to earn my way, and God knew this. He sacrificed His son for me. Immediately this song came to my mind.

He paid a debt He did not owe; I owed a debt I could not pay; I needed someone to wash my sins away. And, now, I sing a brand new song, “Amazing Grace.” Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay. He paid that debt at Calvary. He cleansed my soul and set me free. I'm glad that Jesus did all my sins erase. I, now, can sing a brand new song, “Amazing Grace.” Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay. One day He's coming back for me To live with Him eternally. Won't it be glory to see Him on that day! I, then, will sing a brand new song, “Amazing Grace.” Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay. Yes, Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay. Thank you, Jesus.

Random Memories - KMS

This weekend my father has been gone 21 years. It is on these anniversaries that I always do some reflecting of the past, and thankful for my upbringing. Rick and I worked cows (as I have already posted about), took two cows to the vet, and fixed fences. Each of these reminded me about how much my dad loved farming and the land. He had the patience of Job, when it came to a cow. I am in awe of how he did what he did with what he had. We have fancy corrals and chutes; he had make shift cow pens and/or very worn out corrals. I know the two cows that we took to the vet, he would have treated himself. I remember very few times he took a cow to a vet. In fact, he was called when others had trouble with their cows. He was the unofficial, un-degreed country vet.

Daddy also loved his garden. Back in the day, Diana and I did not appreciate the garden and home-grown vegetables. As in the Bible, a seed was planted for our interest in gardening. We have our gardens; and another family tradition continues. Thanks, Dad, for teaching us to love the land.

Not Our Typical Friday Night Date

The setting is Friday night in Gunter with the wind blowing atleast 50 MPH. First we have a baseball game of Cade's, one of the grandchildren, in the 6U division. Dirt, baseball caps, and children were blowing everywhere. Next Rick says let's go to the farm. I am still in my school clothes; but on lots of trips to the farm, that is appropriately dressed. Not tonight. The cows were near the corral so he decides this is a great time to turn little boy calves into steers - with my help, of course. Forget that I have on my new shoes that I bought for my New York trip, it is windy, and it is cool. As I have stated times before, Rick expects me to know what he means when we are working cows. Tonight I let one of the cows that we were going to band out of the chute. OOPS! It is a shame that I did not get to photograph the banding process.

Another Project - Almost Finished

After four trips to Lowes from 6:00 PM Friday to 12 Noon on Saturday, we can say the "bunkhouse" is finished (almost). The finishing touches of bathroom accessories, wall decorations, lamp etc. are all that is left. This weekend Rick got all the plumbing hooked up, the trim around the bathroom, the bathroom mirror and the bathroom door finished. We added the full size bunkbeds, a sleeper couch, and a refrigerator.

 

Today I took Cade,  Cali and Abby to a friend's house that had decorated for Easter for her friends to bring children out for pictures. She had lambs, goats, and rabbits for the children to pet or take pictures with.

Spring Break 2011 - The End

Spring break got even better. Highlights with more detailed posts to follow:

• Jaxx Bryant Streetman made his appearance on Friday.
• A great ladies' trip.
• The lakehouse house for several days with family and dogs.
• Time with Jenna, and another surprise appearance by Chad as he passed through town again.
• Beautiful weather.

Spring Break 2011 - The Beginning

It has already been a great Spring Break, and it is only Tuesday. The weekend was great weather to be outside, even though Rick thought it was a little chilly.

• We worked in the dirt. We planted some plants in the garden, I planted millions of seeds in every kind of container that I could find. We planted several flowers and bushes in the flower beds.
• We started trimming the trees on the fence line.
• We played with the grandkids.
• We went down memory lane with a concert which included the Grass Roots, the Association, and Tommy James and the Shondels. It was great Rock and Roll music from the past. I could visualize myself roller skating in the gym to all the great old songs.
• Chad came through town to spend the night Sunday on his way to his next jobsite. It is always fun to visit with you, Chad. At 26 years old, you still make me smile or laugh. You are such a joy.
• Chickens have come back to the farm. Justin has 12 hens a laying. Oh, what fun!
• The only downer is Di is having shoulder trouble. We did get to visit the ER with more doctor visits coming. However, she is such a trooper, that this is not going to slow her down. This time she has a real sling. When she broker her arm in Italy, they gave her an ace bandage. There WE made the sling out of the shoulder strap to her luggage. She never missed a beat. 

I can't wait to see what is in store for us today.

Random Shots

 The new garden on the hill. So that we can take better care of our garden; we created one here at the house.

 Blooms on one of our fruit trees.

Cupcakes at M's for Cali's third birthday.

Abby Update

How about a quick update? The first month with Abby has been pretty good. She is such a fun little dog. We have both made some minor adjustments; and a few areas, we are giving her more time. She does have her own mind and is determined that it is going to be her way. Wednesday morning she had a dead bird that she was not going to let go of - no matter what. We played tug-og-war with a dead bird. Thursday morning she decided that she did not want to come back into the house. She ran and ran and ran some more until she got to the tractor. Then she hid under it so I could not get her. Oh, the joys of a new puppy.

Highlights of 2010

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

I am playing with some new technology. Check this out.

Happy Valentine's Day

To All those that I love, have a wonderful day!

It seems like I have already had three Valentine's Days. When I got home from Austin, Rick had a card on the bar for me that had tickets to a Bill Medley concert, who is half of the Righteous Brothers. It was one of the best concerts that we have been to. He sang all the wonderful songs that made these guys famous. He went down memory lane and told stories about working with Elvis and the Beatles. There was a video with all the clips from Ghost, Dirty Dancing, Top Gun, Cheers and other shows with the songs that they did. His 24 year old very talented and beautiful daughter now sings with him and his band. It was a very fun night.

Then Saturday night we went to Clarks. They had a guitarist strumming and singing songs as people ate. Two nights in a row we got to hear good music with a little romance. On Sunday we did Valentines with the grandchildren. It was such a pretty day that we had a cookout. Rick cooked french fries and hot dogs outside in a homemade fire pit on the ground. I had Red Velvet cupcakes that we put candles in.

For this silly old romantic, Valentines 2011 was pretty special. I hope yours is too.