Summer Weekend

This weekend truly has felt like summer. Friday we did something I have been wanting to do all year. Normally, the 2nd graders go the Blue Bell Factory but this year it was booked so we didn't get to go, however, Friday my dream came true.

Friday morning Carla called us and asked if we wanted to go with them to the Blue Bell Factory for the day. OF COURSE! Justin was hesitant at first, but I told him when he looks back on life he needs to see his weekends full of fun memories not more work. We cleaned up the house, did some laundry, went to Best Buy with Mr. Knight and before we knew it- it was time to leave.

We had a lot of fun. I am glad we went.

Carla & I before the tour started

Justin & Kason in the funny hats : ) They were thrilled, can't you tell?

The Four of Us in front of the cow and girl

Again, the four of us with the old blue bell truck

Me & J in front of cow

Carla & I in front of historic marker

After the factory we all came back to College Station and hung out. Justin grilled us steak for dinner and Justin, Me, Kason, Carla & Mr. Knight all enjoyed a hearty steak and potato dinner. It was a lot of fun and it was good for us all to be together. After eating, the boys all played their game (yes we had two ps3 hooked up in rooms right next to each other- don't judge) and Carla & I looked up swimsuits and talked about our upcoming vacations!

Saturday we relaxed all day- I am re-reading all 7 Harry Potters so I read while J napped. We had a pleasant day just being together and hanging out at home- which for us is rare. Around 4:30 we headed to The Cokers for Ella's 4th Birthday party. She had said she wanted to celebrate with her best friends and family and that is just what we did. We had hot dogs and ice cream. Taylor is so creative and had some super cute decor! The girls all played in the baby pool and played with water guns. It was nice to hear the laughter of little girls and know they don't have a care in the world- their laughter was so genuine. Ella's real birthday is next weekend. I can't believe she is already four. Justin and I are so blessed to be able to be a part of Ella's life. I can remember my aunts & uncles being around and I loved it so I hope that we can be that Aunt & Uncle to Ella. We love you little Ella!!

the mom behind the camera- no one ever gets her on camera!

Ella Bella Ballerina

Picking her cupcake

Today we went to church, stopped at Lowes on the way home, made egg salad for lunch and now Justin is finishing up some work- I'm about to run to walmart for a few things and then I'm gonna get back to my reading! I've got a lot to read before July 15 (the day the 2nd part of the last Harry Potter comes out) Hope you all had a wonderfully summer weekend as well!!

June 18, 2011

On June 18, 2011 my cousin Jennie married Matt. I got back from Virginia just in time. Saturday morning Justin and I drove to Louisiana to watch them get married. It was a beautiful wedding and everyone had a good time.

Not only did Jennie get married on June 18th but it is also Sam's birthday. Sam is Elissa's (cousin) husband. So before the wedding we all went to eat and by "we all" I mean...Dad, Jess, Roy, Me, Justin, Elissa, Sam, Aunt Joan, Uncle Ed, Erin, Jonathan, Kaylee & Annabelle. We went to a place called Copelands. It was where my other cousin had her rehearsal dinner last November. The food was delish but I had a MAJOR headache! After some Advil though thankfully I felt better in time for the wedding.

: ) Before the ceremony

The Birthday Boy, Sam & Elissa

 

Rowen & Paul (my cousins husband)



the beautiful flowers



The Cousin Photo- tradition at our weddings to take the cousin photo in oldest to youngest order. We have this photo dating way back when we still were stair-step height. : ) Emily, the youngest is the only one missing she had clinicals for nursing school Sunday morning and couldn't make it.



Me & Annabelle

A.Joan, Dad & A.Janet (Dad and his sisters)

Erin & Annabelle

the beautiful bride

pretty sisters

J, Me & Dad

Husband & Wife

The Three Cousins that are the same age. Elissa and I are two days apart and Vanessa is a month younger than us. Crazy!

Me and the bride, Jennie

Cousin Photo without the bride & emily

Dad, his girls and their hubbys (Mom was still in Virginia)

It was a beautiful outdoor setting on the golf course with the sun setting behind us.

Photos & Videos of Week 2 in June- Virginia

Videos of songs sung at Funeral- I love all three of them so much I had to add them.









This video is the song I kept singing in my head.




Now for the photos. It was weird- in January when Granny passed away I dealt by taking 800 photos of everything, everyone. This time I dealt differently. I didn't take near as many photos and listened to music instead.

"The Green Tunnels"

Mom & Jake

Aunt Janice & Paula

Shawn & Verna

Uncle Pete & Paula

I got these photos blown up and framed for A. Ruby. She had little wallet sized photos so I made them big. I was very pleased with how they turned out. A memory to never be forgotten. Look what a handsome couple they are!

I loved these glasses that we found under the cabinet in the kitchen when cleaning Granny's house. Paul Turner was my grandfather. I loved them!

I am so glad I was able to go and be a part of everything. Ya it was far and ya it was expensive but in the end of the day family is all you've got and I wouldn't have traded being there for my family for anything. I love them more than words and am praying everyday. I love you Aunt Ruby, Paula & Jason!!

Second Week in June (Catch-Up)

So I was still in Kingwood- not in a hurry to get back home seeing that J was still gone. I had planned on leaving Monday- but then decided I would just get up Tuesday morning and head home. However, God had different plans for us. I got up and was eating breakfast getting my things together when the phone rang. The phone call changed everything. Before I knew it I was online looking for flights in a pure state of shock. My Uncle Ray had passed away. WHAT!? The rest of the week is a blur. Dad was going to a conference and Jessica was also going to a conference so it looked like it was just mom and I.

We got on a plane Wednesday morning bright and early. (like left our house at 3:30 am). When we arrived in Virginia it was only noon. We spent the rest of the day at their house. People came and stayed and brought all kinds of food. WOW! Living in a small town, these people REALLY cared. They honestly were hurt and wanted to make sure Ruby, Paula & Jason were all okay. I have never seen so much chicken, veggie trays, fruit trays, salads, deserts, etc.

Friday was the viewing and Saturday was the funeral. I kept singing to myself the whole time... "What do you say in a moment like this...when you can't find the words to tell it like it is...just close your eyes and let your heart lead the way...oh what'd ya say??" and then the other song I kept singing is "Love them like Jesus"


If you haven't noticed, I relate everything in life to a song. Its how I deal. Uncle Ray will be missed. It is still so surreal. I keep staying WHAT!? Its not real. I am sure it will kick in eventually but for now I am ok with still just saying WHAT!?

The funeral service was BEAUTIFUL. The best funeral service I've ever heard. They played Go Rest High by Vince Gill while we walked in, a woman sang a beautiful song called Master of the Wind and we walked out to You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban. Aunt Ruby did such a good job picking out songs- however, I could hardly get through them- I don't know how Ruby, Paula & Jason did. They were all so strong.

After the weekend was over, we stayed to be with Aunt Ruby & Paula. (Jason had to go back home). We ran errands that needed to be done, ate A LOT of Dairy Queen hot dogs, cleaned Granny's house (my granny passed away in January and the sisters still had a lot of cleaning and organizing to do). We got ready for the Estate Sale and spent time being with each other. I rarely get to see the family in Virginia and this year has been one hell of a year. First Granny in January and now Uncle Ray in June. I want to go visit family for fun for a good chat- not a funeral.

And before I knew it Thursday had arrived. I packed up and headed home. Sad to leave my family, thrilled to see my husband.

*picture & video post to follow*

First Weekend in June (Catch-Up)

After we got home from Bandera J had to leave on a job so I hung out around the house for the week and when the weekend came, I was off to Kingwood for one of my dear friend, April's bridal shower.

April and I go way back. I can remember sitting in the 6th grade Sunday school class together and the many drives in her mustang convertible and our "club"- The Butterflies. We later changed it to L.A.C.E. (Lauren, April, Christie, Elissa). We went to Homecomings together, sleepovers, summer camps, etc. We also always went to April's house for One Tree Hill on Monday nights. If we did anything it was with L.A.C.E.

With that being said- her bridal shower was success. It was good seeing everyone again.

Her wedding is on 9-10-11. I can hardly wait. She is going to be a beautiful bride!!!

Where Have I Been!?

I have been missing but with good reason. A blog on each is coming but I am currently working on our menu for the next week or so- so this will have to do for now.

After Bandera I went to Kingwood for one of my dear friends Bridal Shower. On the day I was supposed to come home, we got a phone call from Virginia with some very sad news, my uncle had passed away. Needless to say we immediately starting looking for flights. I spent the next week in Virginia with my family, exactly where I needed to be. I got home last Thursday and left Saturday to go to my cousins wedding in Louisiana. We are finally home and now I am catching up on life. I will catch up on blog world soon.

Memorial Day Weekend

Friday was the last day of school and my last day of having a job. It was half day so the kids got out at 1:30 and I was in the car by 1:45! I got home and packed up and by 2:30 we were on the road to Bandera, Texas. The Cowboy Captial of the World! We went there last year for Memorial Day as well. You can read about last year here.

When we got there we rode around the property, looked at the horses and the cows and then came back in and had ham and potatoes. DELISH!

We all hung around Friday night and turned in rather early to get a good nights rest for our big day Saturday. We got up and headed to the parade in town.

Isn't he the cutest thing ever!?

After the parade I got to do something I haven't done since I was in 2nd grade....ride a horse!!! I was so excited, I had so much fun. I told Justin one day I want to live on a ranch with a horse and goats! : ) I love it! I love going to Bandera and seeing there really is still small towns!

such a natural...

After I rode the horse we walked around town and looked at all the shops, people, etc. We even got to watch a fake gun fight! It was straight out of a western movie! We came back to the house after getting a mighty sunburn and hung out for awhile. I took an afternoon nap to get rid of my heat headache! By the time I woke up, Megan had gotten there and so we chatted, had a wonderful BBQ and then headed to the rodeo.

The rodeo was wonderful as usual. It is so different from the Houston Rodeo. It is truly a "RODEO" I love it. I always feel like I am either in a movie or living 50 years back. It is sooo much fun!!

Sunday morning we got up and had a wonderful breakfast....eggs, bacon, venison, biscuits, gravy, etc. DELISH! Thats one thing that always happens at "Grandma's"-- you never leave hungry. Once we ate we got ready and headed to a private swimming hole on the Medina river. We couldn't float like last year because the lack of water in the San Antonio area. But the private swimming hole was perfect. It was a wonderful day relaxing on the river!!

After a full day at the river we came home and headed to the rodeo for the last night. Another one of the buddies had arrived (Steven and his gf) and so the 6 of us headed out. It was a lot of fun. Sunday night we had fried pickles and fried potato rings! DELISH! We stayed up later Sunday night hanging out and of course the boys were telling stories of their days in the Corps and "their younger days" haha!