Happy Birthday Cindy!

We finish out our birthday month with Cindy, our adorable young daughter. Rodney and I met her for lunch at Olive Garden, sans kids, and had a peaceful lunch birthday celebration. The wait staff called the restaurant's attention to Cindy for her "21st birthday" and sang to her. They then brought a very yummy little cake that we couldn't finish (not that PaPa and I didn't try!) She said Christopher wanted to come so badly that he came out in mismatched pajamas and crocs and announced himself dressed and ready to go! She left him anyway. Mean Mama. We had such fun, then PaPa and I had to get back to work. So did Cindy (at home), but she said the boys were cleaning their rooms for her present from them and Ray and Tyner were coming in this afternoon, so she was anticipating a happy remainder of the day. Through the years, she has been so pretty and so sweet and still is. Happy birthday, Cindy! And have many, many, more!

Obama's Accidental Gift on Race

Obama's Accidental Gift on Race

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Happy Birthday Luke!

Our sweet Luke turned four today! His is the last of the trio of cousin birthdays in July, but he's definitely not the least! I'm so proud of Luke. He's growing up into such a smart, loving, sweet natured big boy, who is never at a loss for words. He has his own insight to the world, reminding me of his Dad at that age. I'm looking forward to seeing him grow in years to come while wishing he could stay just like he is right now!

Happy Birthday Benjamin!

Benjamin Bear turned two Friday! We went to Tampa and celebrated with him and his parents and his other grandparents and his Aunt Cindy and cousins and about 70 friends...what a party! Benjamin was the star of the show, and had a great time! He also loves cake (like his Nana), and there was a pirate ship full of it. This was his last birthday as an only child, and everyone made sure his day was special!

Happy Birthday Joshua!

Joshua is seven years old now, and such a big boy! We went to Chucky Cheese to celebrate his big day on Friday. He got lots of new toys and had lots of friends there to celebrate with! PaPa and I enjoyed watching the younger ones exude all their energy running and playing and dancing with Chucky and then refuel with pizza and Sponge Bob birthday cake before going at it again! Whew!

Holiday Weekend

Last week held three special days for us. On Thursday, Mamaw celebrated her 87th birthday. She was in good spirits and LOVED the flowers she received from Danny and Ed. She was especially delighted by a rose that had several colors in it. The next day, Rodney and I celebrated 37 years together. We went to see "The Hangover" and then went to eat at a secluded, exceptional restaurant here in Tyler. Bernard's Mediterranean Restaurant was so nice, the food was delicious, and we really felt pampered. We had seafood and avocado for an appetizer, I had scallops and Rodney had sea bass for the entree, and then we shared tiramisu for dessert. What a meal!! Finally, Saturday, we went to a political rally here in Tyler at Bergfeld Park for the Fourth of July. I can feel rumblings of discontent growing around this area. Many towns around here had Tea Parties, but Tyler alone managed to draw 1500-1800 participants who showed their patriotic spirit and freedom by their presence at this calm protest. Then on Sunday, Tommy and Allison came by with their little clan on their way home to Houston from the cabin in Arkansas. We grilled and had a nice family visit before they headed home in the rain. Yes, I said rain. It finally rained and broke the heat here. Last week, every day broke the 100 degree mark. The cumulative effect of the heat on this old house permeates every part of it, and we hibernated in the two cool(ish) rooms. I was a slug. But it's cooler new (low 90's) and I can breathe again! The heat is not kind to us old women!