Mamaw and Papaw Update

Now that I've written about the fun we had in Houston, I'll add a little about the not-fun here in Tyler. Mamaw is dedicating herself to being unhappy at the Hamptons. She complains no one takes them anywhere (even though she hates the bus), but when we tried to take them out to dinner and Wal Mart (her favorite get-away) yesterday afternoon, she refused to go. She complains about how hard it is to get her pain medicine (and the fact it must be running low), how bad the food is (although they are both gaining weight), about Ed not calling, about Danny not calling, about her table mates at dinner, and myriad other things (especially about Papaw). Papaw seems happy, but yesterday evening he had called a locksmith to get into the Expedition because he was convinced he had locked the keys into it. We left before he had a chance to look for the keys, because I'm sure they weren't there. But he said he wanted to get someone to start it. Lord knows where he plans to go. I'm reluctant to take Mamaw shopping by myself now, since she is so unsteady on her feet and, even with the cane she hates to use, she's wobbly and I don't want to be alone with her if she falls. Also, I have to drop her off at the front and go park, and can't be with her all the time. She still wants to go to their house but hasn't asked me to take her again. She said Danny could take her (?!). She's telling people there that they are probably moving. She wants to move somewhere else, since they are now so far from everywhere and the food's so bad. She's even talked about wanting to be walking distance to shopping. I hate the thought of that. She had Rodney bring her metal box with quite a bit of old money in it to her. She said she'll lock it up there, but I'm afraid it will be stolen. She obsesses over their possessions and what has become of them. Apparently, the house has been looted again, and nothing is left of any value. We went yesterday and pilfered through what is all over the floor upstairs looking for photos or anything else of value to us. It may make it easier on her if she hears from us frequently, so please call her. I know she can't hear you sometimes, and they don't always answer the phone, but keep trying. Rightly or wrongly, she feels abandoned and alone. I hurt for her.

Our Houston Visit

Audrey played, Dade and Luke watched a movie on the computer, and Pa Pa was dealer for a special game of Go Fish with Dade, Luke, and Audrey. Just some of the fun we had in Houston!

More Winter Fun

Here are some more photos of the T-ball game.

Winter Fun

Has it really been this long since I posted? It's been a busy few weeks, with some much needed down time thrown in after Christmas. We went down to Houston and had a fun time with Tommy and Allison and their children (I can't just say "the boys" anymore!). We had such fun watching T-ball in the cold wind, and visiting Tommy's neighborhood and seeing what he's busy building now. We had the kids to ourselves Saturday evening, and had a great time. The boys are growing up so fast, and are so smart and funny. And Audrey is a joy. Aren't these photos great? Chips off the old block, and lots of memories are starting for Tommy and Allison. I hope they enjoy these days as much as Rodney and I did.

Happy Anniversary, Susan and Matt!

Six years after the most magical day imaginable, you two have become three with the addition of our perfect little Benjamin. What a sweet family you have become! We are so proud of you and happy for you. May this be only the start of a long, happy, and prosperous life for all of you.

Happy Birthday, Christopher!

Our Christmas baby, Christopher, is a big boy now. He turned three, and his parents had a big party for him at Chucky Cheese. What great fun for him and his family, including cousins! It was such a joy watching all those little boys play, and the fun was non-stop (as was the energy level of those little party-goers). Happy, happy birthday, sweet boy!

Christmas Eve

The best thing about Christmas is being with those you love. Christmas Eve, this old house was overflowing with this in abundance. Four generations made memories. We ate, drank (iced tea by the gallon), and were exceedingly merry, especially when Santa made his annual visit. All the little boy cousins (and the one little girl) were enthralled by his arrival. The youngest two just wanted him to leave quickly, though. He was just a big bright red and scary stranger to them. (Just wait until next year!) Then we opened presents around the tree. As usual, there was a blur of gift wrap and then it was over. Thanks to all of you for the thoughtful gifts. I'll treasure the photos from Susan and Matt and the pottery from Allison and Tommy and the robe from Cindy and Ray. Many thanks to Margaret and Susan for sharing your snapshots. I was too busy coordinating and working behind the scenes and trying to catch my breath to take photos. I'll do better next year. At the end of the day, I very much felt like Luke in this Christmas classic doze in his dad's arms--exhausted and loved.

Happy Birthday, Nana and Pa Pa!

I had a party at work and Susan and Matt took us out to eat for our birthdays. We got some nice cards and lots of love and telephone calls. Thanks especially to Dade and Luke for the special birthday phone call. And many thanks to Susan for taking photos of us.

My Staff Christmas Party

We had lots of food and fun and fought over some nice gifts. The staff is blessed with some great (and not so great) singers, as was evidenced by a rousing Karaoke experience enjoyed by all. Thanks, Rene and Roo, for the fun games and prizes.

Post-Holiday Reflections

I can't believe it's been only three weeks since I last posted. Lots has happened--it's gone by in a mad and glorious blur. Christmas was incredible, as always. We're so undeserving and so blessed to have such a wonderful family, our health, prosperity, and such abundant love for and from our family and friends. I'm going to list in the next few posts some of the momentous moments of the last few weeks.