Here is a person by person update on the Graham family:
Grace -- loving 2nd grade, as we knew she would. She likes her teacher, Ms. Bullock, and is making new friends in her new class, as well as playing with "old" ones at recess. The homework seems harder this year, heavier at the very least. This week, I made a deal with her that IF she makes up her bed and delivers her dirty clothes to the hamper for 30 days straight, she can have a hamster. No, I do not want a hamster. Yes, I am praying for my child to fail. Is that so wrong?
Davis -- from the day Grace started school, Davis has been convinced that I am refusing to take him to school. This is heard at least once in our house everyday: "I'm never going to get to go to school." Next week, we have his Open House/Meet The Teacher. Won't he be surprised? He is currently running fever and not feeling well.
Jasen -- his Master's program began two weeks ago and he has been swamped since then. Cadets came back to school this week, which means he is teaching again, which means he is double-swamped! Good news: he's 5 lbs. from his goal weight after beginning his weight loss at Fort Lewis. He's down about 25 lbs. at this point.
Sara -- Despite eating the same way as Jasen and exercising at least as much, I have not lost any weight. Although I had been on synthroid to help my thyroid, recent blood tests show it messed me up more than I was before going on the medicine. I will have more tests next week and it looks like I have a thyroid issue that won't be as easy as just popping a pill. I am looking into more holistic medicines. UGH!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
And Pictures, too!
Here are some pictures from our last day in S'ville, then some from our trip to Aggieland.
Davis is being all boy, putting his head under the water coming off of the gutter. He was dripping yet and loved it!
Picking blackberries with Grandad
Going down the rows to find more peas. FYI -- did you know here in the lowcountry they don't have what we would call black-eyed peas? They have pink-eyes and silver crowder peas, but no true black-eyes. The silver crowders are more like black-eyes, and the pink eyes to me are a cross between black-eyes and pintos. Kind of crazy! I asked a lady at our favorite farmer's market and she told me that all of those peas are considered crowders (even black-eyes), just different variations.
Let the pea pickin' begin!
Follow the man with the experience...
Gig 'Em Aggies! Whoop! Yes, we teach them young in the Thomas/Graham family!
That's a different Kyle Field than the one I grew up with! We're standing on the drill field over on the north side of campus, near the dorm I lived in, Albritton Tower, and the old Administration building.
We went inside the Corps of Cadets center and they had guide-ons (flags, for you non-regs!) from all the "units" in the Corps at A&M. D-1, Spider D, was the unit my dad was in.
Some friends of my uncle Stan's, bought a memorial brick in front of the Corps Center in honor of my grandad, Willard Thomas. The kids and I found it and took a picture of our toesies with it. I miss my grandad very much. Have I mentioned that before??
This picture was Grace's idea. She's pretty sentimental for a 7 year old
Here are Grace and Davis with Kyle McCall. Can you tell my camera is on the fritz and I am tired of trying to make Davis look at me and smile??
Me 'n' Amber. We had Grace stand on a chair to get a picture. Can you tell by my puffy eyes that I am operating on very little sleep??
Grace had a moment of reflection at the Bonfire Memorial. I've never been more proud or sad to be an Aggie as when I was at the memorial. The Ags did a great job on the memorial, but it pains me it was ever necessary. Anyone who has been there knows what a great memorial it is to the kids who died there.
Davis is being all boy, putting his head under the water coming off of the gutter. He was dripping yet and loved it!
Picking blackberries with Grandad
Going down the rows to find more peas. FYI -- did you know here in the lowcountry they don't have what we would call black-eyed peas? They have pink-eyes and silver crowder peas, but no true black-eyes. The silver crowders are more like black-eyes, and the pink eyes to me are a cross between black-eyes and pintos. Kind of crazy! I asked a lady at our favorite farmer's market and she told me that all of those peas are considered crowders (even black-eyes), just different variations.
Let the pea pickin' begin!
Follow the man with the experience...
Gig 'Em Aggies! Whoop! Yes, we teach them young in the Thomas/Graham family!
That's a different Kyle Field than the one I grew up with! We're standing on the drill field over on the north side of campus, near the dorm I lived in, Albritton Tower, and the old Administration building.
We went inside the Corps of Cadets center and they had guide-ons (flags, for you non-regs!) from all the "units" in the Corps at A&M. D-1, Spider D, was the unit my dad was in.
Some friends of my uncle Stan's, bought a memorial brick in front of the Corps Center in honor of my grandad, Willard Thomas. The kids and I found it and took a picture of our toesies with it. I miss my grandad very much. Have I mentioned that before??
This picture was Grace's idea. She's pretty sentimental for a 7 year old
Here are Grace and Davis with Kyle McCall. Can you tell my camera is on the fritz and I am tired of trying to make Davis look at me and smile??
Me 'n' Amber. We had Grace stand on a chair to get a picture. Can you tell by my puffy eyes that I am operating on very little sleep??
Grace had a moment of reflection at the Bonfire Memorial. I've never been more proud or sad to be an Aggie as when I was at the memorial. The Ags did a great job on the memorial, but it pains me it was ever necessary. Anyone who has been there knows what a great memorial it is to the kids who died there.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Back to the TX Vacation
I don't think I finished telling you all about our TX trip.
One of the funnest things we did the whole time we were there was going to a farm near Proctor, TX, to pick black-eyed peas and blackberries. My dad took us early, early one morning (we left my mom's about 6!) and we had a great time. Pickin' peas is no easy task. I mean, you know which ones to pick, but if I had to do it for more than a hour or so, it would break my back. Then we moved onto the blackberries. Um, I didn't know the bushes had thorns! Yes, I got stuck a couple of times. We ended up with about 10 lbs. of peas and about a pound of blackberries.
Then we went to my dad's Proctor house and sat outside, shelling peas. I really should say "shellin'" because heaven knows we don't pronounce the "g!" We went to my dad's house because he needed to water his tomatoes. He no longer started the water on them, then it started to rain. Davis had a ball putting his head under where the water was running off the roof, soaking his head and his shirt! I have to tell you what a great time I had, sitting under the shelter, shellin' peas while the rain came down and a breeze blew. Shellin' peas will always remind me of being at my grandparents, where we would shell peas in the afternoon, in front of Rangers game on the TV. Ah, memories.
That day, we had a great lunch. Dad made peas, fried okra, ham, and we have fresh tomatoes. Yum!
Later on that same day, we went to Granbury with my mom to eat The Jalapeno Tree. Grace and Davis were dressed in their S'ville finery, to make up for the T-ball game where we cheered on Braden and his team. The kids both fell asleep on the way. I attributed it to being up so early. Notice the drool mark on Davis' shirt.
Then we took off for College Station. When we were there, we visited my sister, Angie, and our friends, Amber, Brian, and Kyle McCall. Angie is the college girl, getting ready to get her Senior Ring at A&M, which is AWESOME!! She has worked hard at school and, at that time, was working at her apartment complex and taking a class. We shared a few meals with her, but didn't spend the night at her place. The girl has a social life!
Our time with the McCalls was really nice. Grace and Davis played with Kyle just like always. Davis used to call Kyle "Kyles" but I noticed while we were there, he doesn't do that so much anymore, so I better stop, too! We had a couple of pitchers of margaritas (Angie was there, too) and Papa Murphy's the first night. It was so nice to spend time with people that we share a long, sometimes parallel, history with. Some of you know that we were in Germany at the same time the McCalls were and, while we were friendly, the guys weren't in the same unit so we didn't do a lot of things together. Fast forward to Fort Riley, where Brian and Jasen were some of the first soldiers in 4IBCT and we were connected. We now consider them dear friends.
Anyway, it was great to catch up with them, see Angie, and visit Aggieland, too! We got some great pictures while we were there. I'll post them soon!
One of the funnest things we did the whole time we were there was going to a farm near Proctor, TX, to pick black-eyed peas and blackberries. My dad took us early, early one morning (we left my mom's about 6!) and we had a great time. Pickin' peas is no easy task. I mean, you know which ones to pick, but if I had to do it for more than a hour or so, it would break my back. Then we moved onto the blackberries. Um, I didn't know the bushes had thorns! Yes, I got stuck a couple of times. We ended up with about 10 lbs. of peas and about a pound of blackberries.
Then we went to my dad's Proctor house and sat outside, shelling peas. I really should say "shellin'" because heaven knows we don't pronounce the "g!" We went to my dad's house because he needed to water his tomatoes. He no longer started the water on them, then it started to rain. Davis had a ball putting his head under where the water was running off the roof, soaking his head and his shirt! I have to tell you what a great time I had, sitting under the shelter, shellin' peas while the rain came down and a breeze blew. Shellin' peas will always remind me of being at my grandparents, where we would shell peas in the afternoon, in front of Rangers game on the TV. Ah, memories.
That day, we had a great lunch. Dad made peas, fried okra, ham, and we have fresh tomatoes. Yum!
Later on that same day, we went to Granbury with my mom to eat The Jalapeno Tree. Grace and Davis were dressed in their S'ville finery, to make up for the T-ball game where we cheered on Braden and his team. The kids both fell asleep on the way. I attributed it to being up so early. Notice the drool mark on Davis' shirt.
Then we took off for College Station. When we were there, we visited my sister, Angie, and our friends, Amber, Brian, and Kyle McCall. Angie is the college girl, getting ready to get her Senior Ring at A&M, which is AWESOME!! She has worked hard at school and, at that time, was working at her apartment complex and taking a class. We shared a few meals with her, but didn't spend the night at her place. The girl has a social life!
Our time with the McCalls was really nice. Grace and Davis played with Kyle just like always. Davis used to call Kyle "Kyles" but I noticed while we were there, he doesn't do that so much anymore, so I better stop, too! We had a couple of pitchers of margaritas (Angie was there, too) and Papa Murphy's the first night. It was so nice to spend time with people that we share a long, sometimes parallel, history with. Some of you know that we were in Germany at the same time the McCalls were and, while we were friendly, the guys weren't in the same unit so we didn't do a lot of things together. Fast forward to Fort Riley, where Brian and Jasen were some of the first soldiers in 4IBCT and we were connected. We now consider them dear friends.
Anyway, it was great to catch up with them, see Angie, and visit Aggieland, too! We got some great pictures while we were there. I'll post them soon!
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Grahams Go To School
Can you imagine I am the only Graham not going to school this semester? Yep, even Jasen is getting into the swing of things. Last night, he had his first class toward a Masters in Education. He really likes his professor, who told her "kids" that before the next class, they needed to read the first seven chapters of their book. She encouraged them all to read an hour a day and not to stress about specifics. She said if they saw something that interested them or they had dealt with before, to mark if for class discussion. Jasen was very encouraged and excited.
The best part? Jasen said he feels like this is where God wants him and what God wants him to do after the Army. Quite exciting for all of us!
Today, we go to Grace's school to find out who her teacher will be and meet said teacher. We are very excited. I am certainly praying for another diamond like Mrs. Branch. We'll go by and see her today, too. Oh, and look at Grace's garden from last year.
Next Tuesday, Grace will begin her 2nd grade year. I can't believe it. Where did the time go?
Davis' school won't start until after Labor Day, but he's ready to go NOW. The boy loves going to school and I think it's because his sister goes. This year, he'll go for three days a week, which I am hoping to put to good use around this unorganized house.
Truly, I feel like I ought to be taking some kind of class! Oh wait, I still haven't used the cooking class gift certificate Jasen gave me. Guess I'll go to cooking school! :)
The best part? Jasen said he feels like this is where God wants him and what God wants him to do after the Army. Quite exciting for all of us!
Today, we go to Grace's school to find out who her teacher will be and meet said teacher. We are very excited. I am certainly praying for another diamond like Mrs. Branch. We'll go by and see her today, too. Oh, and look at Grace's garden from last year.
Next Tuesday, Grace will begin her 2nd grade year. I can't believe it. Where did the time go?
Davis' school won't start until after Labor Day, but he's ready to go NOW. The boy loves going to school and I think it's because his sister goes. This year, he'll go for three days a week, which I am hoping to put to good use around this unorganized house.
Truly, I feel like I ought to be taking some kind of class! Oh wait, I still haven't used the cooking class gift certificate Jasen gave me. Guess I'll go to cooking school! :)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
What We Learned On Summer Vacation
I asked each member if they learned anything while we were on vacation. Here is what they had to offer:
Davis
"I learned something on summer vacation. I learned dinner. " (???) Then I asked him if there was anything that was his favorite thing on vacation. He said "Um, I don't know. Maybe getting breakfast?" Okay, that's all Davis had to say on the matter.
Grace
"A Time to Bead was new. I learned if I talk back I get mouthwash. (a.k.a. hand soap in mouth) Black-eyed peas are easy to pick and blackberries have thorns on their vines." When I asked her what her favorite things were on vacation she said "I have a lot: swimming in the lake at Granny and Papaw's (then Davis piped up with 'Oh, me too, that was my favorite part!') ; playing with Ella and Vivi. Can I add that I love getting back home? I loved going out to pick with Grandad, sitting at the bar at Grandmama's. (then Davis piped up with 'My favorite part at Granny and Papaw's was getting cookies' to which Grace said 'Me, too!') It was fun having sleepovers, too! Oh, I also liked going to Lauren's wedding and Grandad's family reunion."
Jasen
Now, COME TO CHARLESTON!!!
Davis
"I learned something on summer vacation. I learned dinner. " (???) Then I asked him if there was anything that was his favorite thing on vacation. He said "Um, I don't know. Maybe getting breakfast?" Okay, that's all Davis had to say on the matter.
Grace
"A Time to Bead was new. I learned if I talk back I get mouthwash. (a.k.a. hand soap in mouth) Black-eyed peas are easy to pick and blackberries have thorns on their vines." When I asked her what her favorite things were on vacation she said "I have a lot: swimming in the lake at Granny and Papaw's (then Davis piped up with 'Oh, me too, that was my favorite part!') ; playing with Ella and Vivi. Can I add that I love getting back home? I loved going out to pick with Grandad, sitting at the bar at Grandmama's. (then Davis piped up with 'My favorite part at Granny and Papaw's was getting cookies' to which Grace said 'Me, too!') It was fun having sleepovers, too! Oh, I also liked going to Lauren's wedding and Grandad's family reunion."
Jasen
- 41 days away from your family isn't 15 months, but it still sucks.
- People like coffee in Seattle. No, they REALLY do!
- The Waterfront in Seattle is awesome
- Atlanta to Seattle is a long flight when all you get is peanuts and coffee
- You need to throw away your boots after walking 50+ miles in the woods
- There's no place like home
- I don't like to be gone from home for more than 10-14 days
- Even a month isn't long enough to see everyone
- LA drivers are the worst. And so are their roads
- Next time, I will take the Interstate to Augusta
- There is a GREAT tire store in Greensboro, GA
- Driving through Atlanta was not that bad. They make the 18 wheelers go around on the loop so downtown was smooth sailing.
- I knew I would love spending time with the Wades!
- Katie and Clancey will put up with a lot from their family
- Katie's in-laws ROCK!
- I love the Thomases because there is almost no drama
- I want Mark and Rissa's view!
- I could sit and listen to the Thomas family talk all day about the old days!
- I can sleep until 10 on Tommy and Pattie's Murphy bed. When I need a respite/sabbatical, I am going there!
- Old Denton Road is not the same and never will be.
- Change never stops.
- Some friendships will never end.
- Christine will go anywhere to see a friend. I am sorry it didn't work out to see each other. Next time, I promise!
- I am thankful for the people who help me make sure my kids' know their kids'.
- I love watching my kids play with my friends' kids.
- Windows open in 100+ degree weather will not keep a house comfy
- APS really has no authority.
- I love a country wedding.
- I hate visiting TX without my dance partner
- My kids are GREAT travellers
- There are limits to what even a Honda can take!
- I wish I were a "real" member of StoneWater
- My sisters are the best
- Family/parenting must be intentional
- Davis misses his home on day 1 of vacation
- Charleston Post and Courier won't hold your papers even when you tell them to!
- A closed up house takes 3+ hours to cool back down to comfortable
- I WILL NOT BE A HOARDER!! (Yes, you can hold me to that!)
- Mary's Chicken-Friend Steak is still the best
- I miss my Thomas grandparents and Ma very much
- Nothing beats a cold, large margarita after a day of hard work
- Check the movie listings the day you are going to go
- A month of TX eating is very, very bad for the waistline!
- 2 trips to Sam Moon is probably 2 trips too many
- Compass Trading Rocks!
- I love that my kids know Mimi and love her house as much as I once did and do!
- I could watch "The Hangover" again and again and again....
- I can eat almost a whole bag of mini-Chips Ahoy in one sitting without even knowing it.
- A special thank you to all the Mexican eateries that contributed to my weight gain: Anamia's, Pulido's, Mi Familia, The Jalapeno Tree, Mi Cocina, Joe T. Garcia's, Antonio's, Don Nico's, Abuelos, and everyone's favorite fast food Mexican eatery, Santa Fe.
- We are incredibly blessed to have so many people willing to: house us (the Wades, the Kilcoynes, the Thomases, MOM, the Gees, the Karneses, the Ditores, the McCalls, Angie, the Graves), feed us (see previous list AND add the Reddings, the Roberts, Great-Grandad Graham, the Cooks, DAD, Grandma, the Cravatts, Mimi, Emily, the Gillilands) and drive to see us (see all the above to some degree, and add Jamie, Jakob, Misti, Jenna, and Hudson) If I left someone out, I am sorry!
- There is no place like home with my family of four!
Now, COME TO CHARLESTON!!!
Back to SC!
Just a quick little blog to let you all know that we are back on Evening Shade Drive in Charleston! Our two day drive was uneventful, unless you count the numerous storms we drove through. We are glad to be home!!
More blogging later, I promise!
More blogging later, I promise!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Means So Much
Hello again from my mom's living room in Stephenville, TX. I have to tell you, although this trip has been long and I definitely miss my bed and hubby, it will be very hard for me to leave. Because we have had such a long time here, we've spent a lot of time with people we normally have a short visit with. (Misti, I know I've made many a grammatical error in this post. Please forgive me!)
Case in point, the Karnes. Jen is one of my oldest friends and she's a "real" one. My Jasen and her Jason are equally fond of each other and I think are pretty good influences on each other, minus a bottle of wine here or there! Our kids, Braden, Landry, Grace, Davis, and Tripp play so well with each other, it's amazing. Usually when we come to TX, we see them once or twice, maybe for an extended afternoon or meal. I always leave TX feeling like we were short-changed as far as time with them. This time, although it's not enough, we spent quite a bit of time with the Karnes. Davis even had his first non-family sleep over at their house.
You know, I never thought I'd leave TX. My dad never thought I'd get more than 60 miles away from S'ville. Living this nomadic, Army life is still a surprise for me, even a shock to my system. You all know how much I love it and I don't think I'd trade it for the life I would have had if I had married someone who helped me stay around here. However, there are times like this prolonged visit, where I get a taste of what our life would be like: lots of visits with great- and grandparents, extended family reunions and weddings, spending time roaming around family land, visiting with old friends, etc. When people ask how long we've been in TX on this vacation, I want to smack them when they gasp. They just don't understand that #1 we haven't been home in over a year #2 even 5 weeks isn't enough to see all the people we want to see and #3 yes, we do have friends where we live, but they've known us for just a little while; our friends in TX are lifetime friends or family, which is a lifetime commitment!
Anyway, these long visits mean so much to me and the kids. Thanks for all of you who have hosted us for dinner, or let us spend the night, etc. I only wish we could have visited longer.
And Christine, I am sorry we didn't get together this time. I promise next time!
Case in point, the Karnes. Jen is one of my oldest friends and she's a "real" one. My Jasen and her Jason are equally fond of each other and I think are pretty good influences on each other, minus a bottle of wine here or there! Our kids, Braden, Landry, Grace, Davis, and Tripp play so well with each other, it's amazing. Usually when we come to TX, we see them once or twice, maybe for an extended afternoon or meal. I always leave TX feeling like we were short-changed as far as time with them. This time, although it's not enough, we spent quite a bit of time with the Karnes. Davis even had his first non-family sleep over at their house.
You know, I never thought I'd leave TX. My dad never thought I'd get more than 60 miles away from S'ville. Living this nomadic, Army life is still a surprise for me, even a shock to my system. You all know how much I love it and I don't think I'd trade it for the life I would have had if I had married someone who helped me stay around here. However, there are times like this prolonged visit, where I get a taste of what our life would be like: lots of visits with great- and grandparents, extended family reunions and weddings, spending time roaming around family land, visiting with old friends, etc. When people ask how long we've been in TX on this vacation, I want to smack them when they gasp. They just don't understand that #1 we haven't been home in over a year #2 even 5 weeks isn't enough to see all the people we want to see and #3 yes, we do have friends where we live, but they've known us for just a little while; our friends in TX are lifetime friends or family, which is a lifetime commitment!
Anyway, these long visits mean so much to me and the kids. Thanks for all of you who have hosted us for dinner, or let us spend the night, etc. I only wish we could have visited longer.
And Christine, I am sorry we didn't get together this time. I promise next time!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Summer Vacation -- Part Sest
There is supposed to be a thing over the top of the "s." It's Czech, you know. I've decided I will use numbers from languages of countries we have visited. I might even use some Iraqi. :)
Last Friday morning, we went to Fossil Rim with my dad. Fossil Rim is a wildlife place, where you drive through and feed the animals. The first animal we saw was an emu. When that emu came near our car on my side, the kids squeezed as far as they could on the other side! Grace even started to cry a little. That scared me that Fossil Rim might not be the best place for us! They ended up getting in the swing of things, throwing food out and laughing at the way Dad and I would let the animals eat out of our hand.
Here is Grace laughing at me feeding a zebra by hand. I didn't do that again because, apparently, they'll bite!
Grace was a little timid about feeding the animals at first.
Unless Davis stuck his whole arm out, most of his landed in the car.
This would be Grace looking at the freaky emu.
Notice the emu is now at Grace's window and Grace has moved as far away as she can. That darn thing nearly scared my kids to death!
Grace gets into the hang of things with a deer.
Of course, we must put our head here and have a picture made because that's what it is there for!
And Davis, too!
In the petting area with the tamer animals!
Davis finally petted a goat.
Dad fed a giraffe. Thankfully, the giraffe kept his tongue in his mouth! Their long, black tongues are more than a little freaky!
Then this deer decided to take almost the whole bag!
Last Friday morning, we went to Fossil Rim with my dad. Fossil Rim is a wildlife place, where you drive through and feed the animals. The first animal we saw was an emu. When that emu came near our car on my side, the kids squeezed as far as they could on the other side! Grace even started to cry a little. That scared me that Fossil Rim might not be the best place for us! They ended up getting in the swing of things, throwing food out and laughing at the way Dad and I would let the animals eat out of our hand.
Here is Grace laughing at me feeding a zebra by hand. I didn't do that again because, apparently, they'll bite!
Grace was a little timid about feeding the animals at first.
Unless Davis stuck his whole arm out, most of his landed in the car.
This would be Grace looking at the freaky emu.
Notice the emu is now at Grace's window and Grace has moved as far away as she can. That darn thing nearly scared my kids to death!
Grace gets into the hang of things with a deer.
Of course, we must put our head here and have a picture made because that's what it is there for!
And Davis, too!
In the petting area with the tamer animals!
Davis finally petted a goat.
Dad fed a giraffe. Thankfully, the giraffe kept his tongue in his mouth! Their long, black tongues are more than a little freaky!
Then this deer decided to take almost the whole bag!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Summer Vacation -- Part Cinque
One of the good things about staying at Grandmama's house are all the playmates and toys around. For those of you who didn't know, my mom keeps kids in her house. I will not lie, I haven't always enjoyed it. Despite the help it provides with my kids, there were also little hellions, runny noses, early delivery of kids, etc. that really annoyed me. This summer is a different story.
With the exception of one child, I either know or are connected to all the kids who are here. Elizabeth (Boo) is the daughter of a girl I went through preschool-HS and to church with; Ella and Vivian are the daughters of a boy I went to school and a frat brother of Jasen's; I played basketball with Chandler's mom and dated a few of her dad's friends; Charleigh's dad was a frat brother of Jasen's and knows a ton of people we know; Brinley's dad was at TSU when we were and also had a crush on my friend, Emily (I think); and Boston's mom was a friend of Angie's who I have known since she was a newborn.
Grace and Ella, Case's daughter
Davis and Charleigh, Ashley and Arlen's daughter
Vivian (Case's daughter), Hailey, Chandler (Shawna and Jody's daughter)
Brinley (Reggie's daughter) and Boston (Mikah's son)
It really does make a difference to know the kids who are around. It makes me want to spend a little time with them and get to know them. Besides, they are kids whose parents know us and I like for my kids to play with kids whose parents are people who have known us forever. It's a different kind of bond than we have with most of the friends we have now.
Last week, we went with my dad to visit my uncle Brad. Actually, Brad is my dad's uncle, my great-uncle. He is the younger brother of my dad's mom, Wylene and was instrumental to us moving to S'ville.
The kids and Uncle Brad
Uncle Brad and my dad shoot the bull
Uncle Brad's longtime secretary (almost 50 yrs!!!), Joanna, allowed Grace to play on her typewriter.
Uncle Brad helps Davis stuff his pockets with penny candy. Guess where that candy ended up? In the bottom of Grandmama's washer!
Close to time when I was born, Dad decided he didn't want to raise his family in west Texas anymore. So he looked around for a job. He'd actually secured the job as the city attorney in Weatherford and I think he and Mom had either purchased a house or were in the process.
Then, Uncle Brad let Dad know that the Savings and Loan in Stephenville needed an in-house attorney. Dad said it really helped him out because, like the job in Weatherford, it gave him a built-in salary while he developed his own practice. Dad and Mom decided they liked S'ville and the rest is history. Can you imagine I was almost a Kangaroo? I can't imagine how different my life would have been had I grown up there. Wonder if I would have thought Jasen was cute when he was senior and I was in 8th grade? Too funny!
Our visit with Uncle Brad went well and later that day, I went to see my cousin, Blake, Brad's grandson, who recently relocated to the 'ville with his family and is establishing his own law practice.
That same day, the kids and I took a stroll down memory lane. We toured the house I spent most of my formative years in. It's up for sale and sitting empty so I took the bull by the horns and went to look at it. It's changed but not that much. I got to show the kids my old room(s) and have a moment in each of them. We moved into that house right after my sister, Katie, was born, before I turned 3. It had all these windows across the front and our old house was around the block. I can remember standing in the windows of my new house, gazing at my old house, asking when we were going hom. My mom thinks she and my dad bought the house for around $50K in 1979. Now it's asking price is over $200k. Isn't that nuts??
This would be the living room at 1216 Meadowlark Lane
Grace and Davis pose on the front porch, where I had a few good night kisses. (Our door always matched the trim!)
On the steps
With the exception of one child, I either know or are connected to all the kids who are here. Elizabeth (Boo) is the daughter of a girl I went through preschool-HS and to church with; Ella and Vivian are the daughters of a boy I went to school and a frat brother of Jasen's; I played basketball with Chandler's mom and dated a few of her dad's friends; Charleigh's dad was a frat brother of Jasen's and knows a ton of people we know; Brinley's dad was at TSU when we were and also had a crush on my friend, Emily (I think); and Boston's mom was a friend of Angie's who I have known since she was a newborn.
Grace and Ella, Case's daughter
Davis and Charleigh, Ashley and Arlen's daughter
Vivian (Case's daughter), Hailey, Chandler (Shawna and Jody's daughter)
Brinley (Reggie's daughter) and Boston (Mikah's son)
It really does make a difference to know the kids who are around. It makes me want to spend a little time with them and get to know them. Besides, they are kids whose parents know us and I like for my kids to play with kids whose parents are people who have known us forever. It's a different kind of bond than we have with most of the friends we have now.Last week, we went with my dad to visit my uncle Brad. Actually, Brad is my dad's uncle, my great-uncle. He is the younger brother of my dad's mom, Wylene and was instrumental to us moving to S'ville.
The kids and Uncle Brad
Uncle Brad and my dad shoot the bull
Uncle Brad's longtime secretary (almost 50 yrs!!!), Joanna, allowed Grace to play on her typewriter.
Uncle Brad helps Davis stuff his pockets with penny candy. Guess where that candy ended up? In the bottom of Grandmama's washer!
Close to time when I was born, Dad decided he didn't want to raise his family in west Texas anymore. So he looked around for a job. He'd actually secured the job as the city attorney in Weatherford and I think he and Mom had either purchased a house or were in the process.Then, Uncle Brad let Dad know that the Savings and Loan in Stephenville needed an in-house attorney. Dad said it really helped him out because, like the job in Weatherford, it gave him a built-in salary while he developed his own practice. Dad and Mom decided they liked S'ville and the rest is history. Can you imagine I was almost a Kangaroo? I can't imagine how different my life would have been had I grown up there. Wonder if I would have thought Jasen was cute when he was senior and I was in 8th grade? Too funny!
Our visit with Uncle Brad went well and later that day, I went to see my cousin, Blake, Brad's grandson, who recently relocated to the 'ville with his family and is establishing his own law practice.
That same day, the kids and I took a stroll down memory lane. We toured the house I spent most of my formative years in. It's up for sale and sitting empty so I took the bull by the horns and went to look at it. It's changed but not that much. I got to show the kids my old room(s) and have a moment in each of them. We moved into that house right after my sister, Katie, was born, before I turned 3. It had all these windows across the front and our old house was around the block. I can remember standing in the windows of my new house, gazing at my old house, asking when we were going hom. My mom thinks she and my dad bought the house for around $50K in 1979. Now it's asking price is over $200k. Isn't that nuts??
This would be the living room at 1216 Meadowlark Lane
Grace and Davis pose on the front porch, where I had a few good night kisses. (Our door always matched the trim!)
On the steps
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Summer Vacation -- Part Quatro
When we are in Stephenville, I have a feeling my parents feel a little slighted because, not only is our time split between them, we also have so many other friends/family to see. I tried to get a little bit of that done before we ever get to S'ville, thus our trip to Weatherford. But some of it just can't be avoided.
So one day last week, we went to Tolar to "play" with the Karnes family. Jennifer has been one of my dearest friends for a long, long time. We laugh that our lives have been on a parallel path for a long time, with each one of us taking a turn on being "ahead" than the other at different points. We have been really blessed that our husbands', her Jason and my Jasen, like each other, which makes for easy, relaxing visits for us girls because our guys get along so well.! Then, we've been really, really blessed that our kids play really well together. Just last night, Jen and I were talking about how great it is that Grace and Braden like to play together and Landry and Davis are included, if they want to be. Or, they are free to do their own thing. And the best part of this love fest? Baby Tripp, who is no baby, loves Miss Sara, so I happily fulfill the "extra" aunt role. I adore that boy, even if he does wrinkle his brow and look at me like I am nuts just like his daddy does. :) I love me some Tripp!
It was Jen's birthday when we visited so she and I got to go have some girl time, getting pedicures at a great place in Granbury. Who knew there was something good in Granbury? Ha! Sweet Jason (mark that down, that's probably a first for me to say!) kept all the kids for us. After that, we picked up lunch for the whole crew and headed back to Tolar. We spent the rest of the day visiting and playing the Wii Fit, where I am now the fat chick. UGH! But it was a lot of fun and provided a lot of laughs!
After that, the Karnes' had a playoff T-ball game (!) and I was bound and determined not to go. It was in Burleson, I'd be yelling for the Pirates (or shall I say Pee-rats...) and there's just something wrong about "playoff T-ball." I kept saying no, until I heard Braden say to Grace "Would you please ask your mom again if you can come to my game?" I looked at Grace's big brown eyes, which were silently pleading, and gave in.
But we had a GREAT time watching Braden play. Despite the fact it was T-ball, the in-field play was pretty good and Braden is a great 1st baseman. It was cool to see Jen be the attentive player-mom and Jason was the good dad, leading the boys in a prayer and yelling helpful things to their boy "B." They won the game and I never had to yell "Go Granbury" or "Go Pirates." It just would NOT come out!
Jason helps Braden with his cleats and reminds him to focus.
Grace was happy to tag along with Jason while he watched the boys warm-up.
That would be Jennifer Emmons Karnes, in a GRANBURY t-shirt. This picture will be used for blackmail purposes!
After that, we had one last "Jen's birthday" celebratory meal at The Jalapeno Tree in Granbury. We dropped the Karnes in Tolar and headed back to the 'ville, arriving home about 10:30. Whew, yes, I was tired the next day, but it was totally worth it to be with the Karnes.
The only missing was "my Jasen." I miss him!
So one day last week, we went to Tolar to "play" with the Karnes family. Jennifer has been one of my dearest friends for a long, long time. We laugh that our lives have been on a parallel path for a long time, with each one of us taking a turn on being "ahead" than the other at different points. We have been really blessed that our husbands', her Jason and my Jasen, like each other, which makes for easy, relaxing visits for us girls because our guys get along so well.! Then, we've been really, really blessed that our kids play really well together. Just last night, Jen and I were talking about how great it is that Grace and Braden like to play together and Landry and Davis are included, if they want to be. Or, they are free to do their own thing. And the best part of this love fest? Baby Tripp, who is no baby, loves Miss Sara, so I happily fulfill the "extra" aunt role. I adore that boy, even if he does wrinkle his brow and look at me like I am nuts just like his daddy does. :) I love me some Tripp!
It was Jen's birthday when we visited so she and I got to go have some girl time, getting pedicures at a great place in Granbury. Who knew there was something good in Granbury? Ha! Sweet Jason (mark that down, that's probably a first for me to say!) kept all the kids for us. After that, we picked up lunch for the whole crew and headed back to Tolar. We spent the rest of the day visiting and playing the Wii Fit, where I am now the fat chick. UGH! But it was a lot of fun and provided a lot of laughs!
After that, the Karnes' had a playoff T-ball game (!) and I was bound and determined not to go. It was in Burleson, I'd be yelling for the Pirates (or shall I say Pee-rats...) and there's just something wrong about "playoff T-ball." I kept saying no, until I heard Braden say to Grace "Would you please ask your mom again if you can come to my game?" I looked at Grace's big brown eyes, which were silently pleading, and gave in.
But we had a GREAT time watching Braden play. Despite the fact it was T-ball, the in-field play was pretty good and Braden is a great 1st baseman. It was cool to see Jen be the attentive player-mom and Jason was the good dad, leading the boys in a prayer and yelling helpful things to their boy "B." They won the game and I never had to yell "Go Granbury" or "Go Pirates." It just would NOT come out!
Jason helps Braden with his cleats and reminds him to focus.
Grace was happy to tag along with Jason while he watched the boys warm-up.
That would be Jennifer Emmons Karnes, in a GRANBURY t-shirt. This picture will be used for blackmail purposes!
After that, we had one last "Jen's birthday" celebratory meal at The Jalapeno Tree in Granbury. We dropped the Karnes in Tolar and headed back to the 'ville, arriving home about 10:30. Whew, yes, I was tired the next day, but it was totally worth it to be with the Karnes.
The only missing was "my Jasen." I miss him!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Summer Vacation -- Part Drei
Like the use of foreign words in my blog title? Yes, I am multi-lingual, at least in numbers!
So, where did I leave off? Oh, yes, after our time in Weatherford, we headed to S'ville, where we have enjoyed plenty of time with the grandparents, a trip to B'ridge, and time with friends. We've got a weekly Wednesday routine. My dad plays golf at Par CC, on Lake Proctor every Wednesday. The kids and I have gone swimming there around 3, then when he is done with golf and we're sufficiently prune-y, we go riding on his golf cart and water his tomatoes at his house near there. Then we have gone twice to Mary's Cafe in Strawn. It's been fun, with the kids enjoying more golf cart time and me enjoying long talks with my dad.
Can you see Davis helping Grandad drive while hanging out of the golf cart??
Getting some of Grandad's good well water.
Of course, we've been with Mom a lot. On the Friday we got here, we went with her to see the "Dolphin" movie at the Omni Theater in Fort Worth. My sister, Katie met us there. Grace really liked it. Davis was done about 45 mins. into it. Why is it, with him, he can handle all but the last 15 mins. of a movie in the theater? Anyway, after that, we went to Joe T. Garcia's and met my mom and Grandma's friend, Bevan. I had heard Bevan's name for YEARS and it was really nice to meet her.
Here are Mom and the kids waiting for the movie to start.
Davis loved going out in his tighty-whities to help Grandmama gather the mail...
Our trip to Breckenridge went really well, too. I am concerned about Jasen's Graham grandad. He's living alone, which is how he wants it, but he's become a hoarder. It's so disheartening, but he's living out the last years of his life like he wants to: in his house. When we left his house, Grace said "God be with him." It was so sad, and yet so comforting to know our girl knows where the ultimate comfort comes from! Here are the kids with Great-Grandad on the 4th of July.
We stayed out on the lake with Jasen's Gee grandparents. They love to be with the kids and the kids love them. Or, do the kids love Bullet, Oso, and Quasar, the dogs they've had about a year? Either way, the kids always enjoy their time at Granny and Papaw's. This year, they both swam in the lake with Granny, which was a great thing for her. Before Lori died, mother (Granny) and daughter (Lori, Jasen's mom) spent a lot of time in the lake together. I think it was special to Granny to share that with Lori's grandkids. I know they liked it! They are both quite the water babies this year!
Isn't she lovely??
We were so glad we caught Grace in mid-jump!
Since we were there on the 4th of July, we had brats/polish sausage on the grill, potato salad, watermelon and FIREWORKS! Jasen's uncle Tony was the official firework lighter for our dock. The kids loved watching the tanks and bumblebees. Then when it got dark, we had a few that looked like "professional" fireworks. And with Jasen's grandparents' position on the lake, we were able to see a lot of others from our "cheap seats." It was a lot of fun!
Uncle Tony, Grace and Davis
The kids draping themselves in Granny and Papaw's flag. Is this disrespectful?
Watching the smaller fireworks with Papaw and Aunt Janice.
So, where did I leave off? Oh, yes, after our time in Weatherford, we headed to S'ville, where we have enjoyed plenty of time with the grandparents, a trip to B'ridge, and time with friends. We've got a weekly Wednesday routine. My dad plays golf at Par CC, on Lake Proctor every Wednesday. The kids and I have gone swimming there around 3, then when he is done with golf and we're sufficiently prune-y, we go riding on his golf cart and water his tomatoes at his house near there. Then we have gone twice to Mary's Cafe in Strawn. It's been fun, with the kids enjoying more golf cart time and me enjoying long talks with my dad.
Can you see Davis helping Grandad drive while hanging out of the golf cart??
Getting some of Grandad's good well water.
Of course, we've been with Mom a lot. On the Friday we got here, we went with her to see the "Dolphin" movie at the Omni Theater in Fort Worth. My sister, Katie met us there. Grace really liked it. Davis was done about 45 mins. into it. Why is it, with him, he can handle all but the last 15 mins. of a movie in the theater? Anyway, after that, we went to Joe T. Garcia's and met my mom and Grandma's friend, Bevan. I had heard Bevan's name for YEARS and it was really nice to meet her.
Here are Mom and the kids waiting for the movie to start.
Davis loved going out in his tighty-whities to help Grandmama gather the mail...
Our trip to Breckenridge went really well, too. I am concerned about Jasen's Graham grandad. He's living alone, which is how he wants it, but he's become a hoarder. It's so disheartening, but he's living out the last years of his life like he wants to: in his house. When we left his house, Grace said "God be with him." It was so sad, and yet so comforting to know our girl knows where the ultimate comfort comes from! Here are the kids with Great-Grandad on the 4th of July.
We stayed out on the lake with Jasen's Gee grandparents. They love to be with the kids and the kids love them. Or, do the kids love Bullet, Oso, and Quasar, the dogs they've had about a year? Either way, the kids always enjoy their time at Granny and Papaw's. This year, they both swam in the lake with Granny, which was a great thing for her. Before Lori died, mother (Granny) and daughter (Lori, Jasen's mom) spent a lot of time in the lake together. I think it was special to Granny to share that with Lori's grandkids. I know they liked it! They are both quite the water babies this year!
Isn't she lovely??
We were so glad we caught Grace in mid-jump!
Since we were there on the 4th of July, we had brats/polish sausage on the grill, potato salad, watermelon and FIREWORKS! Jasen's uncle Tony was the official firework lighter for our dock. The kids loved watching the tanks and bumblebees. Then when it got dark, we had a few that looked like "professional" fireworks. And with Jasen's grandparents' position on the lake, we were able to see a lot of others from our "cheap seats." It was a lot of fun!
Uncle Tony, Grace and Davis
The kids draping themselves in Granny and Papaw's flag. Is this disrespectful?
Watching the smaller fireworks with Papaw and Aunt Janice.
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