Smiling...

Some things just make me smile. My family is one of those things. I love having my kids and grandkids around. I love meeting them for lunch or going out to dinner. I love the quick conversations we have on the way home from work and the text messages with one word questions.

The holidays make me smile. I love the smell of pine cones and fireplaces (when it's not really hot enough to burn them). I love the cool air in the evening and the need to have extra covers on the bed. I love thinking about putting up the tree and decorating and buying presents for everyone.

My mom makes me smile. I love the way she laughs and enjoys playing bingo. I love the carefree way she enjoys everyday at Sterling House. I love that she is happy and tells me so. Each day is new for her and she enjoys it to the fullest.

I'm thankful that I have so much to smile about. Unfortunately that's not the case for so many around us. Because of where I work, I see people with not too much to smile about. However, it does make me smile to see the joy on their faces when they receive a little help or encouragement along the way. That makes me smile.

Happy Thanksgiving! Be sure to smile!

The Boys of Fall... Football!

David and I both attended WTSU - West Texas State University in Canyon, TX. David graduated from there in the late 70's. Sometime later, WTSU became apart of the Texas A&M system - therefore - WTAMU. They have an awesome football team with a winning record. We were excited to get the news that they would be playing the Cardinals of Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Our plan was to attend the game with Jason & Allison.

David got sick with a horrible sinus and upper respiratory infection and Allison really didn't want to go - so Jason and I decided to support WT! It started out being a chilly morning, but when we got to the stadium we found out quickly how warm it can be sitting in the stands with the sun beating down on us. It wasn't long before we were wishing we had hats and lighter clothing! Too bad WT didn't sell any caps or shirts or we would have been all over that!


The game was great - WT played a great game and strangely enough there were more fans from San Antonio for the Buffalo's than for the Cardinals. It appears that most of the fans had students either playing or attending WTAMU! Jason and I had a great time and would love to attend more games if they play here again!

Go Buffalo's!!!

Happy Halloween from Sterling House

Mom and I enjoyed the afternoon at Sterling House where all the staff dressed up and had a party for the residents.
This is Mary - one of the nurses on staff - looks like she just got out of bed! - Notice the goodies on the table... yummy
Tricia is dressed like a 70's girl and Mary is from the 50's sock hop days! (Tricia is the head RN and Mary is the activities director - she always has the residents doing something fun.)
Tricia loves to dance and Jan - one of mom's good friends and a resident really loved the party.
Mom and I feel really blessed to have found such a wonderful place to live with such great staff.

Gloria is dressed up as Pocahontas. She is the best! Thanks to all the staff at Sterling House! You are the best!

Fun with Mary & Bob

Bob & Mary decided to make a little trip to San Antonio. They visited with mom and on Sunday we went to our church - River City Community Church, then out to lunch at Clear Springs. They serve the best onion rings in South Texas!

Ashton grabbed one from the plate on the table. They are really BIG.

Funny Taylor! Yes, that's one big onion ring! Yummy!!!

Bob, Mom & Jo Ann

Mom sure enjoyed the visit from Bob & Mary. This is a great pix of the 3 of them.

More Fun in October... Scrapbooking Retreat

October is one of my favorite times to scrapbook. It's the "Croppin with Carla" scrapbook retreat in Kerrville. Every year we go there for a weekend of scrappin! This year Misti joined the group. She is a teacher and finds it hard to get away on a Friday, but she did and plans to do it again in January!

Cindy is a regular. She is at all the crops unless she is out of town visiting her dad or John at the Air Force Academy or with Harry on some wild excursion!
LeAnn and Cheryl were eating lunch by the river. This particular weekend was a special celebration weekend for the camp. Lots of people came and there was great BBQ by the river.

A great shot of Cheryl relaxing by the river.

We had such a great time. Marty was there as well. Can't wait til January and it's back to Camp Chrysalis for a weekend get-away!

More October events...

Talk about a beautiful wedding...it was one of those rare occasions when David actually joined me at the wedding of some dear friends. Seems like our kids grew up together in church and it was the natural thing to do. I think this is the last of the weddings for awhile. Helen and Joe planned a beautiful day of celebration and the wedding was just the beginning of a wonderful life together. Congratulations to the couple!

Helen and Houston walking down he aisle of the Chapel at Incarnate Word.
Notice the pews face the aisle...

Exchanging the rings

It was a beautiful wedding. The reception was fabulous... great food and cake!

Linda, Colleen (mother of the bride), Jo Ann and Carolyn

David and the bride - Helen

Wow - where did October go...

Best concert ever... Carrie Underwood

Heard about her coming about a week before the concert. David and I both looked at each other and said - "no way". When we got home I immediately went to the computer and started searching for tickets. Much to my surprise, we found some awesome tickets and I hit the purchase button before we had a change of heart.

Boy am I glad I did! The seats were awesome! Felt like we could almost touch her! And she was awesome! Did I say that already? Well, she was - it was worth every penny and we'd do it again in a heartbeat!

One of the best parts was when she loaded up in the Carrie pickup truck and rode it above us!




She's such a great performer and so down to earth. We voted for her on American Idol and I can honestly say she is the best ever! If you ever get the chance to see her - do it!