Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

I typed in the heading and a suggestion popped up saying Happy Birthday Gray-Gray! Guess it's been awhile since I've posted. :} So, I'm sure I have plenty to blog about, but maybe another time.

Today, I want to say Happy Birthday to my sweetheart of 35 years! We spent the whole day together on the road. Another words, I had him captive in the car and he couldn't play golf! Well, whatever way I get an uninterrupted day, I'll take it!

Happy Birthday! I love you so very much!

Welcome to the World...

Ethan Scott Noland. You are so beautiful! You arrived at 1:36pm today and weighed in at 8 lb 7 oz and 19 1/2 long, lots of dark hair and beautiful pink skin. You came so gently into the world and seemed so content. Worship music was playing so softly in the room that everyone seemed so calm, even the doctor and nurses and as you made your arrival I noticed the song playing was Overshadow Me. I'm sure He did cause I don't think I've experienced such a smooth, calm, peaceful birth ever. It was so precious and sweet. We love you so much already and Addie LOVES her baby brudder! I think she has already resolved to being your protector. She is going to be a wonderful big sister. Such a sweet and beautiful family.

Happy Birthday Gray Gray!

It seems like yesterday Sarah was grilling me about what it was like when I had Landon & Kylah so close together and how far apart they were and question after question, until I finally turned to ask the question: "Are you PREGNANT?!!!" As I drew the answer out of her I would have never imagined how that little bundle of joy would grab my heart! Grayson Reed Henry was born 2 years ago today, and I can't believe how big his is, and how cute he is, and how everyday he talks more and more, and how he swoons my heart! Like tonight during dinner when I began to choke over something going down the wrong pipe, with concern in his eyes he began to pat me on the back and say "I bless you, Mamo!" My heart just about pounded out of my chest with love for him.

Gray baby, I can't believe the gift God has given us in you. I never knew life could be so sweet and precious as you have made it. Life is good. I am blessed beyond measure!

Happy Birthday sweet Gray Gray! Mamo loves her baby boy!

Thanks Uncle Royce! We miss you!

Last week I took a road trip with my daddy to Santa Fe, NM, to his brother's memorial service. There was an inspiring military funeral at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, where his ashes were buried on top of his wife's grave. It is a beautiful cemetery. All those white crosses lined up so perfectly always makes my eyes tear up and my patriotism soar. Sobering.

My daddy's siblings that are still living, except for Uncle Royce's twin sister whose health did not allow her to make the trip from Oregon, were all together. Six of the twelve gathered, along with some of my cousins, some of Royce's in-laws, and dear friends. It was a gloriously, fun time of getting reacquainted. I have a fun bunch for a family. Crazy. I laughed till I almost peed my pants! No, really! I have stories to tell... My Aunt Helen assured me I was the NOW generation and it was up to me to carry on the family tales! I don't think she realizes what she just gave me permission to do! ;}

Daddy and I had a good time of talking during that long drive. It was nice. You get him cornered and he will tell tales of his childhood and you really learn alot about who he was then. I never get that chance. I'm glad I went.

Uncle Royce didn't want a funeral, so I think he is pleased we honored him by gathering together as a family should and visiting and spending time together reminiscing.

So thanks Uncle Royce for the family reunion. I just hope we don't wait until someone else ends their time on this earth to get together again...

Uncle Royce LOVED jalapeno peppers, so...
we all signed some and put them with him forever! That's the Brawley Bunch!


Oldest to Youngest... Clarence, Boyd, Helen, Pat, & Jerry

Me and cousin Kayla

Me and Aunt Aileen and cousin Donna

Me and handsome Daddy!

and Aunt Helen, Aunt Pat, and Me!

The whole bunch!

Tea Party

Ellie and Mamo had a tea on the deck and JoJo joined us. I had promised her one for when she woke from her nap. She was princess for the day. What fun!

I've not posted any pictures of the ladies tea, but after Sarah posted so many I felt relieved for a bit. I will get those posted eventually. I've had these pics ready to post for even longer...

My Girl's Back!

Have I told you that? Probably not, since it's been Easter since I have posted! I don't know what's wrong with me! I told myself I was gonna spend the summer reading and blogging. I don't know why, cause it's only mid June, but I feel like the summer is almost over. We have been out of town alot and I'm about to head out again for a few days.

Anyway, I know I haven't put it on paper or on blog, but my girl is moving back to San Angelo! I kept myself from posting about it for awhile, afraid something would change and it wouldn't happen after all, but it's true! In fact, they are here with us now! Yep, that's right, I wake up every morning and get to see that little sprawling grin of my newest grandson! he is so precious and he has gotten so big! Michael took a job here again and until they sell their house, they are bunking with mamo! Yippee!

I can't express how it feels to have an opportunity to watch Michael David grow and spend time with my daughter again. Now that she is a mom it opens a whole new realm of our relationship that I always dreamed of sharing with her: married life and children.

I know their time away was important and needed to bond them together, and this season is a good time of bonding for David and I, with her, Michael, and Michael David. I know this may not always be, that I have my children around me, but I'm sure gonna enjoy it while I can!

Now, how can I get my Mattie and Mush here! ;}

Here Comes the Henry Bunch!