Christmas Emergency Appendectomy

Our family Christmas was scheduled for Friday, December 23. On Thursday the 22nd, I began to feel bad. Marilyn and I were out running last minute errands. When it came time for lunch, I warned her I might not eat much. After 26 hours of stomach pain and passing it off as a "stomach bug," I decided I should probably have it checked out - otherwise I might spend the 24th or the 25th in the ER if things didn't improve.

Leaving the rest of my family at the house, Jenna and Jared took me to a clinic. After the doctor examined me, she told me I needed to go to the ER with possible appendicitis. So I still ended up at the hospital. Marilyn came up and let Jenna, Jared, and Marlow come back to the house. After bloodwork and a CT scan, appendicitis was confirmed.

(Marilyn took this right after I was told I had to have surgery!)

Justin, Jared, Jenna and Keelie put a meal together at the house, cleaned up the kitchen, and then the kids brought Rick up for the surgery which was a couple of hours later. The kids did a great job taking charge; they also made the decision to reschedule our family Christmas until this next weekend.

I was released Christmas Eve night.

So blessed though - still celebrated our Savior's birth surrounded by family members!

Keelie's Girls' Christmas Party

Yesterday was Keelie's annual afternoon Christmas gathering for us girls! She had a great meal, and we all brought our desserts to exchange with each other. We enjoyed our Christmas gift exchange with lots of "steals."

It was Molly's first and Marlow's second to get to attend.

My fam.....

It's Our 39th Anniversary!

What a journey!

Taken at FBC

Taken at FBC Trunk or Treat 

Football State Championship!

The Gunter High School Tigers did it! They finally got a state football championship tonight at AT&T Stadium.  In addition to being the champions of 3A Division 2, they accomplished a 16-0 record for the season. What an accomplishment! So glad my whole family got to be at the stadium along with 18,800 other football fans. Congrats to all the coaches and boys (especially the Lowe boys).

 Tiger Pride!

P.S. Happy 15th Anniversary to Justin and Keelie. They made the jumbo screen!

Precious Molly is 4 months old!

Christmas Tea

Took a few minutes out of Saturday to attend our Ladies' Christmas Tea at FBC. So glad these peeps were with me! Tis the season......

Church Service and a Symphony

This morning I rode with Marilyn and Rickie to Dallas. We attended a special baptismal service with Greg and Lisa at their Dallas church for baby Isabel. I had never been to one of these. Chad and Tara (godparents) were there. Following the service, photos, and a reception, Greg and Lisa took us all to brunch. 

After I got home, I then got to go with Keelie and her family to the Christmas Pops/Symphony! It had been several years since I had been. So glad I got to go with them.

Love all my family!

Marlow's First Birthday

Rick and I went to Jenna and Jared's Thursday. On Friday, we ran some errands and got things together for Marlow's party.

Yesterday morning we were all buzzing around. Marilyn, Keelie, Glory and Molly drove down together. Chad, Tara, Greg, Lisa, Anja and Isabel came, too!! Justin and Jonah did not get to come because Jonah had basketball games. In addition to the family, there were a bunch of friends who came to celebrate!

Can't believe this precious little girl is one!