Christmas 2012

We moved Jenna from her two-bedroom apartment to a new one-bedroom December 21-23. She said I was probably the only one who thought it was fun. (A big thanks to everyone for their help!)
We enjoyed several family meals during the move---always fun!

Keelie had her annual Girlie Christmas Party on the 23rd. Instead of it being at her house, we were thrilled to get to have it at Katie's house (a very special mom battling cancer). Such a special time together.

The evening of the 23rd Rick, Jenna, Jared, and I went out for a meal and drove around looking at Christmas lights.

This Christmas was different in several other ways.

*Although Uncle Tim had just had a shot in his knee earlier in the day, he was able to come Christmas Eve. We love our Uncle Tim!

*Justin had to work Christmas Day, but he was with us Christmas Eve as usual.

*Chad and Tara were not able to come in. They will come in from Singapore in February for a visit.

*Greg was here Christmas Day with Lisa for their first Christmas together.

Santa made his annual appearance after our Christmas Eve meal. I just love the "knock..knock...HO...HO...HO" followed by all the smiles and twinkling eyes!

Then the craziness of the gift exchanges began!

God has richly blessed our families. It was a Merry Christmas!

Let's.....

Wedding

Now that Marilyn (mother of the groom) has posted some photos of the wedding....so can I.

Greg and Lisa were married on November 25 out in Santa Fe in a destination-elopement.

Thanks to both of them for a great weekend and the privilege to be included in the event!

Glo and Jo

BE THERE Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt of every situation you believe to be the will of God. - Jim Elliot

Saturday Pics

I am a little slow posting a few football pics taken at Jonah's Saturday afternoon games. He has actually started basketball now. That's good....it's getting cooler around here so the gym will be a good thing.

And then of course Miss Glory is always ready for the camera....

NASCAR Weekend

My Trick or Treaters

Cracker Candy Bars,

Y.U.M. 

2 Sticks real Butter

1 Cup Sugar

1 Tsp Baking Soda

Club Crackers (1 sleeve should make 1 pan)

1-12 oz pkg chocolate chips (white or milk chocolate but NOT semi-sweet)

1 Cup chopped pecans or Heath bits

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Line rectangular cookie sheet (with sides) with foil. Spray foil with non-stick spray. Line cookie sheet with crackers. Melt butter in saucepan. Add sugar. Low boil about 1 to 2 minutes, until sugar dissolves and mixes well. Add baking soda. Mix. Pour over crackers. Bake in oven for 8 minutes. It will be still liquid and golden brawn. Pour chocolate chips over crackers. As they melt, spread like frosting. Top with pecans or Heath bits.

Another Blast From the Past

Although I don't have a photo from back then, it is documented in historical records that people from the Burk area (east of Gunter's Ranch) began a church on the ranch property in 1895. Later, FBC was built. From my great-grandmother through Justin and Jenna, five generations have attended and worshipped at FBC. Although the structures have changed throughout the years, the Gospel has not!


I was saved and baptized in this one. Sweet memories!

I was married in this one. Sweet memories!

Still making those sweet memories......

Brown Eyed Girl

Love her!

Flash from the Past

This old photo shows two special places in "Old Gunter."  It's almost hard to believe but back then we actually had a cleaners--Lowery's Cleaners. I can still smell the air that you smelled when you walked in. The owner, Tommy Lowery, was a funny little man. He was our first/second grade teacher's husband.

The "Gunter Cafe" is where I think I had my first paying job. Wow...I wish I could remember how much I made as a waitress. I don't think I was even 16 years old. But I do remember Red Rasco's pies she made.

What memories!

Aunt Bonnie's 91st

Yesterday was a special day for a special lady.  Jane hosted a celebration at her house in honor of Aunt Bonnie who turned 91 years young!  She really is unbelievable. She is still in what I think is good health. She lives at home where she cooks and cleans for herself.  She has a memory that far exceeds mine. And to be quite honest, she has better complexion than I do.

Aunt Bonnie got to visit with many family and friends today that all consider her a blessing in their lives!

Jane had a beautiful table of refreshments just perfect for an October birthday celebration!

A Reminder....

Party Girl

Glory's 4th birthday party was yesterday afternoon. The princess was a cutie patootie!

Brain Tumor Walk, Part 2

The walk was yesterday morning in Fort Worth. It was really a neat experience. They did a short little program before the walk began bringing all the brain tumor survivors to the front staging area.

It was misting all during the walk, but we had a fun time anyway. Supposedly, it was 5K (3 miles), but it went by so fast it sure didn't seem that far.

After the race, we took the team for lunch.

Team: Randy, Ashley, Jake, Julie, Jared, Jenna, Rick, and me

Rick in his green survivor t-shirt with the team

She raised $2750 !
Thanks to all who supported the efforts in any way!

Brain Tumor Walk, Part 1

Several weeks ago, Jenna made plans to attend the Dallas/Ft. Worth Brain Tumor Walk to honor her dad. (By the way, he's doing well.) She got the information and went online to register a team for us. Our team's name was True Grit!

(Rick in the hospital in June 2012)

Here is Rick's story that was posted on the Brain Tumor Site......

True Grit

The Brain Tumor Walk is a fun and inspirational day where the brain tumor community unites to inspire hope and take action in the fight against brain tumors. 

I am uniting with others to make a difference in the fight against brain tumors. I am passionate about this cause so I am taking action!

My dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor in January 2012. In June, his tumor "stroked" causing him to lose his normal vision in the left eye. In addition, he lost feeling on the left side of his face. Although his physicians feel confident the tumor is benign, he continues to deal with the effects of this episode. He is being monitored with scans and remains optimistic there will be no additional issues. 

When he lost his vision in the left eye, he began wearing a patch. Because his family and friends knew he was an avid John Wayne fan, they affectionately began calling him "Rooster Cogburn" -- the main character from the movie "True Grit."

True Grit is a synonym for courage, honor, fortitude, braveness etc. Because my dad has exhibited all of these, I have chosen "True Grit" as my team's name!

Progress in this fight starts one team, one walker, and one dollar at a time. Like the National Brain Tumor Society, we are fiercely committed to finding a cure.

The Next Chapter

Happy 4th Birthday, Glory!

Women of Faith

I got to attend WOF in Dallas this weekend with a group of 20 other women. Well, not really-- actually there were approximately 12,000 women in the American Airlines Center. Such an awesome experience to be in an arena of this magnitude all focused on praising God!

We heard from Max Lucado, Sheila Walsh, Angie Smith, Ken Davis, Pat Smith, CeCe Winans, and Selah. I am so thankful and blessed to have been a part of this event.

Mountain Wedding Weekend

Jenna's best friend, Ashley, got married this past weekend at their family cabin in Ute Park, New Mexico. The weather was perfect, and the scenery was beautiful for her wedding. Jenna was her maid of honor. The reception was held ten miles down the road at the historic St. James Hotel in Cimmaron. 

(Jenna and Jared at the cabin)

(Checking out one of the props)

(Jenna waiting to walk down the boardwalk Randy made)

(Father of the Bride)

(Ashley and Jenna having one of their many special moments)

(Ashley and Jake after the ceremony)

(St. James Hotel)

Wishing Ashley and Jake a lifetime of happiness!