All Our Anniversaries

Jared and Jenna - November 21

6 years

Justin and Keelie - December 15

19 years

Us - December 16

43 years

 Tigers Played in State Semi-Final Football Game

The Gunter High School Tigers had a great season. Today they played in the state semi-final game. We fell to our old rival, Canadian. Our boys need to hold their heads up high. Canadian was unstoppable and most fans felt like they will go on to win it all. See you next year, Canadian.

Great job, Tigers!

 Marlow Turns Five

We were down helping with Marlow and Jackson this past week to keep them out of daycare to get a few more days of quarantining in. Her birthday was Wednesday. So she and I made cupcakes. Jared cooked dinner that night, and then we had a little birthday celebration. Jared's parents came by, too. 

This weekend we all came back to Gunter. Justin and Jared grilled Saturday evening. We had Marlow's "real" birthday party so everyone could be present. I made her a cake.

Hard to believe she is 5!

 

Marilyn and Rickie Got Covid

Friday morning (Nov. 21), Marilyn woke up with a stuffy nose, but thought nothing of it. I had Marlow and Jackson, so we made a day of it. Saturday morning November 21, Marilyn woke up with an achy feeling and some congestion. She didn't have any energy so she laid around and took naps most of the day. Sunday she became a little suspicious so she chose not to go to church or to be around anyone. Monday she was still congested. She continued to stay isolated from everyone. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, she knew that she needed to be tested before we all started getting together. She went to a drive through testing center at GCC. Tuesday afternoon at 6 PM she received the text that she was POSITIVE for covid.  So unfortunately, Thanksgiving gatherings had to be canceled for all of our families. 

Wednesday came, and she noticed that she could not taste or smell anything but felt good. Rickie had a mild sore throat so he decided to be tested also. He was positive. Marilyn and I did trade some food for Thanksgiving; we were very careful with meal prep. I cooked the turkey, cream potatoes, and vegetables. She cooked the dressing, rolls, and salad. 

Both Justin and Jenna had their thanksgiving meals at their homes. 

Fortunately, no one else got the virus.

 FBC Thanksgiving and Note Burning!!!

This Thanksgiving for FBC was extra special. After our service and Covid-safe meal today, we had a huge and emotional second service. This second service included burning our sixteen-year old note which initially was a thirty-year note. PRAISE BE TO GOD we went from 1.2 million dollars to ZERO!

I was flooded with memories of grandparents, parents, my children, and years of VBS, youth groups, family baptisms, family marriages, family funerals, mission trips, and the list goes on.

For those of us who have been through all the ups and downs of our church life through the years, this day was so much more than just a "note burning." 

God is Good and Faithful!

 Homecoming Week In Spite of Covid!

Gunter's Homecoming Week was certainly not "normal." At the beginning of the week, our opponents canceled with us because of Covid issues. That changed how things would go off.  Wednesday the community pep rally at the stadium went on as planned. One big difference was they announced the homecoming court. Then they had the coronation that they usually do prior to Friday's game. Events were held with limited spectators. 

Friday we had the homecoming parade which was spectacular! I think more effort was put into this one to help the students and community have a great experience in spite of cover. 

Jonah was on the football float, and Glory was on a class float. Miss Molly took care of candy!

  

 Jenna and Jared's New Remodeled House

Jenna and Jared closed on their new house back on July 1st. After three and a half months of basically gutting and remodeling, we got to move them back in this past weekend. (They had been living with very gracious friends all this time.) The wait was very much worth it. It is beautiful. 

1980s vs 2020

Just one of many before/after pics...

 Proud Mom!

Firefighter helmets have a 10-year service life from the manufacturing date. Justin's fire helmet was recently taken out of service as his had reached that mark. He was issued a new one and given the old one to keep. I have to admit this hit my heart with thankfulness and pride when he told me about this. 

A firefighting helmet has a long history, and THIS ONE has protected him on fire and medical calls hundreds of times! Thank you, God!

And then speaking of this week's thankfulness and pride.....

Jenna was recently featured in an article about how "everyday heroes do their part for the greater good of communities." She has been working hours upon hours at her hospital in leading staff to care for Covid patients since the pandemic began back in March. Keep leading strong, Jenna! We are proud. Thank you, God, for protecting her as well!

Rodeo Time

Jenna sent me these cute pics last night. They were at the rodeo with friends. The kids had a great time!

 Glory Turns 12!

So... this happened. Our second-born grandchild turned 12 yrs old (yesterday)!  Glory is such a creative, sensitive, caring, loving big sis, and so much more! Glory had a backyard girly party this evening with some special friends. Glory, we love you bunches!!

 Camping and It Feels So Good!

We are enjoying the great weather out in a nearby campground. Let me say it's been way too long! 

 Jerry Heads Back to South Texas

Jerry left tonight for South Texas. This year is a little bit different. He left pulling a U-Haul instead of his travel trailer. A couple of weeks ago he bought a place in a different RV park there. He will now stay busy doing some projects which is a good thing as he probably won't take a winter vacation trip like he has done the past couple of years because of Covid.

 Jonah Gets His Permit

Today, Justin picked Jonah up early from school to go on a short road trip to Waco. He had a 4:00 appointment for him to get his driver's permit. All went very smoothly! In fact, we received this pic at 4:08!

 Jenna's Birthday

Jenna turned 36 this past week. She's been getting to play some golf (great stress reliever during this covid stuff). Happy birthday! Love you.

 Jonah Turns 15 Today!

It is so hard to believe that our first-born grandchild is now 15!  He's such a special young man. He is a freshman this year taking honors classes, will soon get his driver's permit, and is playing football. We are so proud of him! Love you bunches, Jonah!

 Jonah (aka "Fergy")

So...high school football has begun for Jonah. We are so proud of him! 

Three generations of "Fergs!"

One of Jonah's biggest fans - Uncle Tim!

Go, Jo!

Celebration of a Master's

While everyone was together this weekend, we celebrated Jenna getting her master's degree!

 

 2020-2021 School Year Begins In Person 

School begins this year with the choice to do in-person instruction as normal or virtual instruction at home. All our grands will be doing in-person instruction. They are all so excited!

Molly begins Pre-K.

Marlow begins Pre-K.

Glory begins 6th grade.

Jonah begins 9th grade.

And then I just had to throw this pic of Jackson in simply because he's so darn cute.

He's three years old.

 Molly Turns 4!

Molly turned four today. Justin and Keelie had a backyard family party for her Saturday evening. She was so excited. Molly is such a smart and lovable sweetheart. I can't believe she will start Pre-K in a couple of weeks! Love you bunches, Molly!

 Poolside 

Justin, Jonah, Glory, Molly, Rick, and I spent the day at Jenna and Jared's new house. They are soon to be staying with friends while the house gets some updated renovations. The backyard, however, is in full swing with an awesome pool and yard. We had food delivered and just enjoyed the afternoon. 

 Jenna Gets Her Master's Degree

Jenna started her online work to obtain her master's degree last year. And now...16 months later she has it! She is officially through as of today. This was no easy feat with a husband, two kiddos, and full time work as a nurse manager in charge of two ICUs. It is to be noted that at work for the last five months of her degree work she was also dealing with difficult Covid-19 issues at the hospital -- days, nights, and weekends.

We are so proud of your hard work!

 Justin and Keelie's Vacay

Justin and Keelie had to cancel their July beach trip with John and his family because of Covid. So they were able to go to Southfork for a few days; it's pretty easy to social distance there. Glad they got to go since they already had the week blocked off.

Keelie sent me a couple of pics.

(2019 shown was from our trip together last year. 

 No Colorado....Thanks, Corona! 

We made the hard decision this summer to not travel to Colorado with the RV. I didn't feel comfortable being so far away from quality medical care had it been needed. Denver would have been the choice, and it was just too far away. Add the piece that we would have had the RV to leave behind had we left to seek care. Although somewhat sad, Rick and I were at peace with it. 

 July 4th Season

Many pics to come!