Happy Birthday...

to my sweet niece! I wish I were with you today to celebrate Amy! Hope your day was everything you wished for! I love you!

Aunt Lani!

Merry Christmas Every One!

Does it get any merry than this?

May your day be merry and bright! May you make wonderful memories with family and friends and may Jesus be more alive for you today than he was to all those gathered around that lowly manger so long ago.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Gift!

Can you believe it! It's Christmas Eve!

It seems like it was June last week!

The day has been packed full. I made some gifts most of the day, wrapped a few presents, made wassail and hot cocoa for the Christmas Eve service and went to the service. It was really nice. It always feels so special to go to a candlelight service on Christmas Eve. Jesus, is after all, the "light" of the world. I love the lights, and singing Christmas carols, and listening to the Christmas story, all with dear friends and even people that I've never met. People always come in to our Eve service that don't regularly attend church or their church doesn't offer a service. I love that, that we came come together to celebrate our savior's birth.

Afterwards, David and I, and Landon, Sarah, and the babies, piled in the suburban and headed out to light gaze. Ellie LOVES the lights! "do again, Pa?" She just wanted him to keep driving by. We would have to convince her we were going to find some more. It was great to watch her face. We came back to the house, let them open their Christmas eve presents, which was, of course, pajamas. That's tradition. Ellie looks so darn cute in hers. Then we, me, sarah, and ellie, made shaped sugar cookies. ellie helped cut them out, watched through the oven window as they baked, and when they cooled enough, decorated them. She was having a ball. Then she ate one."Umm, good" she said about her cookie making. it was so precious. She took cookies home on a plate for Santa.

It was such a fun Christmas Eve. Unexpected, because they were suppose to be in Plano, but landon had to work so they're waiting until the 27th. So I got them! In the morning we will scurry over to see what Santa left for the babies under the tree.

Dream of sugar plum fairies!

A Very Wonderful Week!

Oh my goodness! The week has passed so fast! Tomorrow is Saturday and after a sleep in, a few more card games, a good lunch made by Sarah, we will all head our separate ways. :(

We have absolutely had a wonderful time together. The only bummer was when landon had to head out on Thanksgiving night to get back home to work his part time job at target bright and early Friday morning at 5:45! Poor guy. We have missed him. We've missed lennon, christal, and addie as well. They spent it in odessa. I guess they missed the memo, that this was my year for thanksgiving! Gee. Seems other family won out. That's okay, but sure would have been fun to have them with us. But we'll have a day for Christmas together if we can get it worked out.

We ate the most awesome dinner prepared by everybody on Thursday and then settled in for intense games of shanghi rummie and scrabble, and then shopped, and ate, and talked, and slept, and played, and loved each other and then did it all again and again and again! It was a lazy, crazy week and we loved it! Sarah made this cute round Thanksgiving Board where we were to all, at some point, on Thanksgiving Day, pin what we were thankful for. She let us off the hook to post family & Jesus, to post something totally different, since those two were apparent, but some of us just couldn't help adding those two in there as well. It was such a cool idea.

The boys golfed a couple of times and tonight we ended the evening with the traditional "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" movie extravaganza! Oh my goodness, ellie loved it. She's been initiated into the henry clan. she danced and danced and danced. It was such fun watching her. I've watched that movie since I was a little girl, and kylah has watched it since she was a little girl as well. Poor sarah and mandy had never seen it! Can you believe that?! We also introduced sascha to it as well. We all just piled around in the game room in our jammies, even a couple or three of the guys. I won't mention any names to protect their manhood. But michael wasn't one of them. Although he did bring up two big bowls of popcorn about a third of the way through the movie. Such a thoughtful guy! Of course it was probably a good reason to sneek a peek! ha!

All in all, the week was fantastic but way to fast. Today was also my baby sister's 47th birthday! OMG! You're gonna catch me, sis!

Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was happy and full of reminders of all that God has blessed you with.

Family and friends are the Joy of my life!

Thanks Michael & Kylah for being such an amazing host & hostess, cooking, pampering us like we were in a hotel and making an incredible atmosphere to gather in. Your "Home" is incredibly amazing and comfortable. It was such a joy to gather our family here and make beautiful memories and moments to remember. You are both simply the best! We love you so much!

Moments...


















Click on the Thanksgiving Board to read...

A Great Thanksgiving is Coming!

This week has been a blur! We had our big presbyter's meeting for the year the first three days of the week, in Waxahachie, at Lakeview camp. This is the one the wives hang out at. We had a time of shopping, and visiting, game playing late at night, and our Christmas party. Lot's of good times. Last year, I was sick at it and it was tiring. This year I felt good, and after working so hard on the retreat, it was a very refreshing time. Good for me to get away.

Of course with getting away comes work when you come home, so I've been at the church pretty late the last two evenings. But then I have to get things done so I can be gone next week to San Antonio for Thanksgiving!

That's right, we're off to Kylah's for the holiday! All of us! It's my year for Thanksgiving, not Christmas, and I've opted to have it at Kylah and Michael's new home. It will be so nice for them to have it there and San Antonio is such a nice place. Lot's to do, if you want to, but we'll probably all hang out together and play games, watch movies, and just enjoy each other's company. I can't wait! I can't wait for all my family to be in one place...together!

So if I don't get to say it again...Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Mug & Muffin

Guess what tomorrow morning is? Yep, you got it! Mug & Muffin! I know we have had a tired week after retreat, but I moved it to here from the first Saturday because I was so focused on other things...

Anyway, if you can, I'd love to have you...all of you...any of you, whether you've been before or not, come sit for a bit and relax over a cup of coffee and a pumpkin muffin and enjoy some conversation. That's it! Come as you are, throw your hair back, grab a sweater, and come. Oh, it's at 10 o'clock in the morning.

Although I wanted this last one of the year to be a wonderful Fall morning on the deck, the weather says very cool. So we may have to hang out in the house, but if you want to brave the crisp morning, either will be available.

I know some of you like to hang out in a huddle!

Hope to see you here!

Joy...

Do you know what a Joy each of you are to me...

There is a season...

It seems like so long since I've even had time to read blogs, much less write one. And even now, I should be in bed. I'm exhausted. Every waking moment, and even most of the ones I should be sleeping, have been spent getting ready for the retreat this weekend. With David's birthday, Rock the Pumpkin, Election Day, and retreat...I've been running ragged! I think I'm pretty much ready for retreat. Except for alot of praying. Pray with me. I know God has good things in store for so many ladies. I just have such a burden for them to live free and blessed.

I've been also unwinding after the election results tonight. It didn't turn out the way I had prayed. It's very easy to give in to fear of what the future holds, but this I know...my God is in control. He knew the results long before anyone did and He has a purpose and a plan. I know part of His plan is for us as a nation to turn back to Him and get back on our knees again.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Will we?

I know this is a scripture with great instruction for our present time, but I can't help but think of Ecclesiastes 3 as well:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time toheal,
a time to tear down and a time tobuild,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a tme to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it, so men will revere him.

Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.

It does us good every now and again to be reminded of who is in charge and remember that some things can not come to pass without some things preceding them.

5 Decades of David

Wow, we had a fantastic party! I missed those of you who couldn't make it! But we had some dear friends from out of town and almost all my family made it. And even though David knew I was having a party, he had no idea how big or what we had planned. I think he was quite surprised by just the decorations and food and then when he started seeing old friends and family it just showed all over his face. That made me real happy. And then the festivities began...

I had what I wanted in my head and everyone rose to the challenge and pulled it off. It was absolutely fantastic. Landon videoed some friends who couldn't make it, well the ones he could get to, and he and andrew put together an awesome video, interspersed with pictures. Well, two actually. One was a little on the roasting, funny side, to Jim Croce's (Dave's favorite singer) "Don't mess around with Jim" and the other was a more sentimental one to Jim's "Time in a Bottle" and "Simple Man" by Lynard Skynyrd. Absolutely perfect. He was quite moved.

Kylah wrote a story paying homage to her dad's amazing ability to alliterate...all in the key of "D". It was truly amazing. Your amazing jo! He was quite impressed. He said tonight I think she got my talent! Oh NO!

After that Landon, Lennon, and Matt had a roasting on stage of some of david's idiosyncrasys. The things he says that are good for mocking, and his preaching styles through the years, and oh the best was his dancing...bill cosby style. It was hilarious! Then a top ten list. Truly funny stuff. The house was rolling!

Then Kylah, Sarah, & Mandy told one of their favorite memories of dad. Each one through crying jags. It was a tear jerker for sure. The house was bawling.

Then I got to say a few nice words about how proud I am of him and what he has accomplished in his 50 years. Ya know it's just hard to put that into words, but I tried. I ended with excerpts from a book by my favorite author. "Oh the Places You'll God" by Dr. Seuss. (Whoops, that was suppose to be "Oh the Places You'll Go", thanks sarahsmiles, but now that you mention it...He does take us to all the marvelous places we'll go, and like moses, wouldn't want to go without Him.) Got to love Dr. Seuss, he is quite the wise one.

Then cake and presents! Everyone sured bless him. Thanks for the presents, but more, thanks for your presence! We wouldn't have wanted to celebrate any other way than with each of you!

It was one of those moments...

Birthday Boy!

Today is my sweetie's birthday! Today he is the big "5-0!" Wow! How time flies when you're having fun. He's packed alot into his 50 years and I am so very proud of him. Today he is playing in a charity benefit golf tournament in dallas, so I don't even get to spend his birthday with him. I thought about it and I don't think that has ever happened in the last 34 years. He'll be home early evening, hopefully, so maybe later. We're having a party for him Saturday so come on by and celebrate with him!

I love you sweetheart!

Happy Birthday!

I'm Home!

Wow, I have had a busy week. Just got back a few hours ago from a week in the Dallas area. We had a ministers retreat in Dallas, monday through Wednesday, then skipped over to Plano for a leadership conference Thursday and Friday. Soon as it was over David rode home with all the guys that came for the conference in Plano and I skooted over to Maypearl to catch the last of the Ladies Retreat there. It was good, I think. I was just to tired to notice. I think I just enjoy the intimted setting with 40 or so over the loud, packed building of 1000. Ours is just so refreshing. And you can get to know 40 so much easier than say, 1000! hehe.

During that little gap on Wednesday night, I of course, seen my mattie and mandy! Too short. Had lunch with em a couple of times. I also got to see the babies after they got there for the conference. Well, I hadn't seen them in 3 days! We stopped by Sue Sue's to see them and Aunt Lollie, Uncle Travis and Ellie were washing Travis' VERY muddy truck. She took my hand (yuck) and wanted me to come "pash". She was jumping and splashing in a big mud puddle. Ellie was having a ball! Here's a few pictures of the little mud ball.

I'm so glad to be home!

Oh Goodness Me! OGM!

I know. Nobody even checks this blog anymore. Cause there's never anything new on it. I'm just so stinkin busy! With the retreat just around the corner, Bible study here on Tuesdays, someone's special birthday coming in just 2 weeks, being gone all next week to minister's retreat in dallas, NTLC in plano, a ladies retreat in maypearl...I've just been a bit overwhelmed. I feel like I can't gather my thoughts in any kind of sensible pattern to post on a blog. I just got nothun! the excitin things are all about ellie & gray and sarah posts that.

But...I did take a break tonight from the madness. I had a dinner party in a garden and was completely pampered. It was incredibly special. I got the invite and was completely at a loss as to what it was all about. Started realizing how that never happens to me. I'm always in the middle of whatever is going on and I started getting excited as the day came closer. curious. nervous. it was such a new feeling. a good feeling. that alone was enough for me. then we were showered with all kinds of goodness. I love it! It was the most wonderful break from my rambled mind. thank you my friend. I think I have a new found energy to keep going.

Retreat is just around the corner and if you haven't signed-up yet. you should. we are going to have a very "joy-filled" time.

Believing God

I believe in God. That's an easy one for most. But do I believe God? That is something to ponder in our hearts. And that is the basis of the Beth Moore study that I have just started.
The video was incredible and I'm only on day 2 of the study, but wow, it is already plowing up my heart. Ya know, sometimes it is just needed. Turning over the ground. Replanting, cultivating. So better fruit grows. Producing a richer harvest.

You're invited to join me. Tuesdays at 7. My house. I'd love to have you over!

Wonderful times...

We drove down to San Antonio Wednesday to surprise Jo on her birthday. We got there for the last 30 minutes of her class like we planned and found her in the middle of a surprise party her students and a couple of parents gave her. The vice-principal escorted us to her room and held ellie by the hand and took her around the corner through Jo's door, ellie was carrying a happy birthday mylar balloon. The principal said, kylah this little girl was looking for you. Jo turned around and saw her and ellie's face lit up, so did jo's. It was so cute. Daddy came in with the cupcakes that every girl should have on her birthday in first grade. We hung out awile and ellie enjoyed the class alot, drawing and writing and playing at all the centers. Afterward we went to jo's house and let the babies rest and then off to p.f.changs for a birthday dinner. It was a great day!

Talk about a movie on the big screen!

A big hug for the big surprise

3 of my favorite people

Jo's class

Ellie loved Auntie Jo's room and writing stuff...she was in Heaven!

She found "kkkk's" shoes

What a Wonderful World...

27 years ago, this afternoon, my world was forever changed. That's when I met her. There have been many happy moments over these years. A few hard ones too, but those have made us both stronger and wiser. Our relationship has grown into a beautiful friendship. She is my best friend. She is beautiful and kind. Sensitive. Will cry if you step on a bug, but scared of a frog. A nurturer. Always taking care of those she loves. I have watched her succeed and soar her whole entire life. She always got what she strived for. She is determined. Blessed. Brilliant. Admirable. Lovely. And I knew from the moment I looked into those beautiful eyes she was all those and sensed at that moment how incredibly special she was going to be in this world. Her life is a precious gift to me and many others. She has filled my life with outrageous joy. She is my daughter. My friend.

Happy Birthday baby girl. I miss you so much. Have a wonderully blessed day.

I love you so...Marme

Do You Feel the Wind?

I was reading and doing my Bible study this morning when this scripture was referenced:

"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." John 3:8

So why do we worry so much about where we are or are not going in life. If we are born of the Spirit, He dwells in us and He is taking us on this great adventure.

Okay, I'm in. I don't know where I'm going, but I hear the wind, and I feel it blowing...rustling.

I think I'll buckle up.

Random Recent Pics

A rare shot of Crys with Casen,

since she is usually behind the camera!

Sweet Grayson feet

Ellie floating in the river current

Auntie Jo & Ellie

Grayson looking so sweet

Grayson in his cuddle sack looking like a pea in a pod

That's a wink, if you couldn't guess!

Addie's dedication on "Aloha" Sunday

Grayson's "Aloha" outfit

Plus a video...

Wonderful Visit

ellie and I took a road trip to the big sa this last weekend to see auntie jo (doe) and uncle mike (kkkk). What a great time we had. they have found a back road to the guadalupe river not far from their house and we waded the water. the time of evening was perfect. sun was starting to set and the breeze was nice. ellie had such fun. she loved the water and laughed and squealed. it was such fun watching her.

I had a great visit with kylah and michael...talking, watching movies, cooking, and sitting on the front porch in the evenings counting the stars. It was so refreshing. I got so sad when it was time to leave. I miss spending time with them.

I found a snapshot of sarah and landon in a drawer and laid it on the table where she could find it. she did, and carried around for quite awhile saying "mama and daddy!" although ellie missed her mama and daddy, I think she enjoyed her time of being spoiled. I know I sure enjoyed it.

thanks jo and michael for a great time!

tonight they're having fun with matt and mandy. without me. :(

Happy 1 Month Birthday Boy Wonder!

Happy Birthday Grayson Reed. We cannot imagine our life without you, sweet boy wonder. Our heart has expanded so much. I missed being with you today!

We are definitely smitten...once again.

Birthdate

2 week birthday

Mug & Muffin

At 10 o'clock Saturday morning why don't you come by and have coffee and a muffin on my back deck. You don't have to do anything special. Just put your hair in a ponytail or throw on a cap, come comfy, and just plan to hang out and have conversation. That's all. Just conversation. No pressure. Just conversation with friends. A cup of cofee and food. Just bring your own mug.

I hope to see you there.

The side gate will be open!

Tooth Fairy Where Are You?

I need the tooth fairy!

Not for a lost tooth but for this stinkin tooth ache I've been suffering with for the past week. Yes, seven days today! I finally got into the dentist after the holiday weekend. He's really not certain he even found out what was wrong for sure. About four teeth hurt when he tapped on them but the one I had a root canal through the crown last year seemed to be the culprit. The xray showed it to be fine. The back molar had a bit of the filling chipped away so he thinks that is it.

After the most painful shot ever, he began to drill all the old filling out to make sure it wasn't fractured. Ouch! Not quite dead enough. They left me there to let the deading juice do a little more work. Tears began to shoot down my face. Stupid tears. I think the excessive loratab and lack of sleep had caught up with me and mix that with pain...hince emotions were getting out of control.

The doc finally came back in, after his assistant checked on me a few times, asking if I was alright, and tried something different. He called it a tranquilizer for my tooth. He was probably thinking he needed to give me one as well. Packed in that tooth good and now we wait.

Then I got a little talk about my stress level. Seems I'm grinding my teeth at night and may be getting TMJ on this side now. I've endured it already on the other side some twenty years ago. Stress? Hmmm. If he'd only seen my summer. Besides summer the last week of pain has been stressful enough. I have never had a toothache like this one before. And it came on without any warning. Usually by the time a tooth is hurting half this bad, I've ignored all the warning signs for a year or two. This is stay awake at night, move to the couch and cry, try every home remedy on the internet pain.

Forget the tooth fairy...I need Jesus!

Somebody pray...

Fun Night

We had a great time last night at the Girlfriends Fun Night. Bingo was the game of the night and alot of hollering, hooting, dancing, laughter, food, pink, and bingo was going on. We had a good turn out with 43 ladies. If you didn't get to make it last night maybe you can make the next fun night. If you have a suggestion for fun just let me know. We missed you...