12-31-2009

OK...so all of the decorations are down...still need Charlie to help me put most of them in the attic! I took a few pictures of our trees this year...didn't take a picture of all of the Charlie Brown trees...we have them even in the bathrooms...I do love Christmas...so sad when it is over! My house looks so naked after I take it all down and put back out our regular photos...next year I want to add a peacock theme tree and I would love to add gingerbread ornaments to the Charlie Brown trees in the Kitchen area...not sure where to put the Peacock tree, but I am sure I can find it a spot! Ready to welcome in 2010...it is going to be a great YEAR and a WILD decade...by the time it is over I will have one in college and one graduating from High School...my grandmother was right (as usual), the older you get the clock seems to speed up!

Christmas Day 2009 with the Henson Klan

We had a late lunch today with the Henson's out at Aunt Ruth's house...great food and everyone seemed to have a good time....We missed Charlie, I hate it when he has to work on Holidays...and he often reminds me that he is not a school teacher and therefore does not keep school teacher hours and vacation! He thinks he is sooooo funny! Uncle John is the only one in the Henson Klan that is not a school teacher!!!! With the loss of Papa fresh on our minds...it made us all that much more aware of our truly blessed we are to have Granny and Dada...they will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in March - what a legacy! We took some pictures of them with the grandkids and great-grandkids...David's bunch was missing and Katie and Bobby were in Palmer...so 6 missing from the picture...I am the oldest of this good looking bunch!

In Memory of Loyd David Richmond

In Memory of Loyd David Richmond

Christmas Day 2009

My mom called me this morning early to wish me a Merry Christmas and let me know that my grandfather died early this morning...12-25-2009. It was a Christmas Blessing for a man tormented by Alzheimer's disease...but still it is painful to loose a grandparent...even when you have already lost him. My Papa has not truly known who I am for about 4 years...maybe longer than that ...he was good at hiding his confusion for a while. I am so blessed to have had him for a grandfather....He taught me to drive when no one else would even get in the vehicle with me! This picture of him with Santa was taken on Wednesday, 12-23-09 at the nursing home Christmas party...He was so lost after the death of my grandmother in 2001...and I believe that his soul made a Christmas wish ...He got his wish and now his soul is at peace.

12-24-2009...Supper with The Rodells

After we all survived Lunch with the Harter's...we had Ruth, John and boys over for supper! We had chips, dips, tamales and fajitas...something different. I so love being able to spend time with those that I truly WANT to be with at Christmas...After we ate we all decided to go to Granny Henson's house and take her and DaDa a plate...BUT we could not all fit in one car... forcing Charlie and I to take a separate vehicle. Aunt Ruth decided to take Jake, James, Chelsea, and Callie to look at Christmas lights around town while Uncle John, Charlie and I visited with Granny and DaDa...when they returned charlie and I took the girls home because Charlie had to work on Christmas day and needed to get some sleep! When we walked in the door it was apparent that Santa had already paid our house a visit...so much fun...the girls got everything they asked for and more! I guess Santa knew that Charlie had to work...so he came early! :)

12-24-2009 @ The harter's

Christmas Eve Lunch at Charlie's Parent's home...We let the girls open their gift from Granny and Papa before we left the house...a brand new kid saddle! Chelsea seemed to understand the value way more than Callie...you could see a little light shinning in Chelsea's eyes. I really did not want to go ...and had flat out refused, but Charlie insisted that I could go "for the kids"...so I went. I am sure that everyone knew how I felt and what I was thinking at all times...I have one of those faces that tells no lies! I just have a real hard time understanding why Wayne, Victoria, and Charlsie would be so against trying "novacure", which COULD be Walt's best option for treatment...his cancer is terminal, but 80% of those that participated in the phase II trials of "NovaCure" lived an average of three years...The MD Anderson treatment that Wayne, Victoria, and Charlise are soooooo sold on offers only an average of 9 months to a year. I just do not understand...and it hurt to know that with the current course of action, this could be Walt's last Christmas.

Christmas @ Keechi 2009

We had so much fun at Grandmommy and Big's House...Wes asked every five minutes if it "dinner" was ready yet...he is such a smart puppy and knew that we would open gifts AFTER we ate dinner. When Grandmommy told him that the beans and chicken & dumplings were ready...he replied that he was not hungry! Everyone ate...it was a fantastic meal - and then we did open gifts. As usual everyone did too much! We took a few family pictures on the couch...even Charlie, who HATES to have his picture taken!

"Polar Express" December 17th, 2009

We rushed home after the piano recital to meet up with my cousin Emily, Grant, Uncle Tommy, and a few of Emily's friends to ride the Polar Express in Palestine...Grandmommy, Big, Uncle "O", Aunt Jill, Wes, and Abby all had tickets as well! It was so much fun to go as a big group...Charlie did not go this year (He suffered through it a couple of years ago)! We had hot Chocolate, cookies, we sang, danced, saw the North pole, And had a short visit with Santa and a few of his Elves....SOOOOO much fun. Little Wes loves trains and he was mesmerized by the train...he looked awful because his daddy gave him a hair cut WITHOUT a guard on the clippers!!!! ( POOR Wes!) We had so much fun, maybe next year we can take even more relatives with us...it would be fun to fill up an entire car on the train!

"Piano Recital" December 17th, 2009

Recital Time Again...We went to the Buffalo Nursing Home today for our Christmas Recital at 2PM...Chelsea played "Hark the Harold Angels Sing", and Callie played "Jingle Bells". It was Callie's very first recital and I was so very proud of her...Chelsea is a pro and played her music very well...The Nursing home residents are a "captive" audience, but they truly did seem to enjoy listening to all of the kids play their music and sing Christmas carols!

"Silent Night" December 9th, 2009

Our church had it's very first Children's Christmas program on December 9th...Chelsea and Callie were both Angels, Asa was a shepherd, and James was a wise man. They really did a good job and we all walked away blessed!

Charlie buys the girls a horse! 11-26-2009

Charlie has been looking and looking and looking for a horse for the girls to ride...He finally found one... her name is Taylor (after the family we bought her from) and it was love at first sight....we had to try her out before Christmas to make sure she was going to work out...so far so good. Callie insisted that she ride alone without any help...But Charlie started both of them off by walking very close just in case...Chelsea told Callie that Taylor Rose liked her more...I like how Chelsea gave the horse Grandmommy's name as a middle name...too cute!

Callie's Thanksgiving BEAST 11-24-2009

Callie's class had their Thanksgiving FEAST on Tuesday, November 24, 2009...Charlie asked Callie why she was taking peas to school...and she replied in an extremely smarty pants tone, "because....the Thanksgiving BEAST is today...duh!"...She really thought that she was being cute by calling it a beast...but when you think about it...all that food, and lots of relatives and friends can be somewhat of a BEAST. The party overlapped with my conference period, so I ran down to snap a picture or two...one of the ROOM Mothers made the comment in a sarcastic tone that wow you made it to a party...I snapped back that yes, Callie's mom has a job - Why do mother's make each other feel so guilty...I have to work, what mom wouldn't want to be at every event volunteering? I tried to cover by smiling and suggesting that she should be more careful...Callie's mom bites!

November 22, 2009

This morning the girls wore beautiful sweaters to church that Grandmommy gave them...they were so cute that I took some pictures of them in the yard and in front of the tree...I love my new camera...it snaps really FAST!!! Thanks again for the sweaters Grandmommy!

November 19th, 2009

My Aunt Ruth hatched this creature in her incubator last spring...part rooster/ part devil....I have decide to give him to my Dad...I don't think I need a devil Rooster! Besides, my chickens don't really seem to like him...too scary! HAHAHAHAHAHA

November 17, 2009

Chelsea joined Girls Scouts this month and Callie joined Brownies...I am officially a TAXI...We have Piano lessons, 4-H, and now Girls Scouts! Today Chelsea completed all of the requirements for the citizenship badge...she is so proud of that silly little patch! She is pumped and ready to work to earn the next one!

November 11, 2009

Veteran's Day 2009...OK...I slept late...hit the snooze way too many times, And when I did get up I hit the floor RUNNING! I fixed the girls hair and instructed them in what to put on...I KNEW that Callie wanted to wear her Hello Kitty T-Shirt...she ran into the bedroom and asked if she could wear her red shoes...to which I responded, "Yes...And Hurry!" At 7AM, I screamed from my bedroom for the girls to GET in the Car....We made it to school with time to spare, But once on the sidewalk I got my first look at Callie....My response, "What are you wearing?" ...Her answer, " What?" ....She thought she looked so good, you could see how proud she was in her big Black eyes! I learned a valuable lesson on this Veteran's Day...Never leave the house without LOOKING at your kids first!

Halloween 2009

I took the girls to see Astro -Boy in Palestine...and let them wear their costumes ALL Day! (Charlie had to work...so I was all on my own) We then went to Aunt Carole and Uncle Buddy's Halloween Party, visited PAPA and Aunt Lucille at the nursing home, and back to Uncle Buddy's block to do some "REAL" Trick-Or- Treating. My girls were amazed that we were going to walk from house to house and ask for candy from people that we did not know...even though I explained more than once that these were Uncle Buddy's friends. I was the only parent for miles tightly clinging to a child with each hand...to tell the truth, the entire thing made ME a nervous wreck! They had a great time and were amazed by the amount of candy that we brought home...way more than our normal three houses usually get us! Upon making it back to Buffalo we took Wes and Abby their trick or treats from us and went by my granny and Dada's house to trick or treat. Great day...just wished Charlie could have been with us...we actually got home just a few minutes after he did...another point that upset the girls,,,they kept reminding me that it was dark and we should really go home! I think that I have made them paranoid???

Keechi Carnival 2009 October 24th

We all had a fantastic time at Big and Grandmommies first ever Fall Carnival...Hot dogs, games, hay ride...and Candy! Mother put a great deal of time and effort into making it a great party and the kids really appreciated it...they all had so much fun!

October 13th, 2009 Chelsea's Birthday

So hard to believe that Chelsea is now 10 years old....how did that happen? I am the mother of a ten year old...still trying to get used to this responsible adult thing and now I am on the verge of becoming the parent of a teenager...Scares me that it is just right around the corner! Chelsea was pleased to get the boots that she wanted among other gifts. We did not have a big party, but the four of us celebrated with Tacos for dinner, Lime Sherbet punch (in the fancy punch bowl) and cake. Hopefully next year we will be able to have one of our big birthday parties...it is just too hard to plan this year with Walt being sick.

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

It felt like Monday ALL Day...But thankfully it was not! Charlie sent me roses for my birthday today...he is sooo funny...he never sends them on my birthday so that I will be surprised...but it confuses everyone, even the florist! I did need them today...I woke up kind of angry. I had a parent/ teacher conference with Callie's teacher today...Wow, 1st grade is not going so well. I learned today that Callie will talk to any student that she is sat beside, I learned that Callie is a stinker at school and NOT just at home, I learned that Callie gives Mrs. Alexander dirty looks, and that she chooses to fail reading tests because they take too long. Her teacher is concerned that she can spell on a upper 2nd grade level and yet her reading test indicates that she is on a kindergarten reading level. I also learned that she loves the boys...and she gives all the boys at her table the answers! She looks like Charlie, but she has my dad's personality (and that is not all good)! I am officially the mom of the kid that no one wants in their homeroom! I assured Mrs. Alexander that I was on her side and that together we may be able to defeat the evil forces that poses my 7 year old monster....What a Day!

Monday, October 5th, 2009

Homework complete ( Without too much snot and tears), chickens fed, donkey fed, pig fed, dogs fed, , dinner cooked, (forgot to feed the goldfish) kitchen cleaned, clutter picked up, mountain of clean clothes put away, gave cats flea medication, put girls clothes out for in the morning...now what? Lately I am just drowning in domestic junk because Charlie has been so determined to do everything that he and Walt did together ALONE!...which leaves me to do everything that we did together ALONE! I really think we should purchase a tractor that rakes and rolls at the same time...I have heard that they do exist! Has anyone noticed that even the dumpy little dollar stores have already put out their Christmas decorations...I say we protest by simply skipping Christmas this year...I am not ready to start purchasing Christmas gifts for people that I don't even really like. Christmas would be so much more fun if you could truly just gives gifts to the people you really WANT to give gifts to...the people you really love and admire! When I turn 70, I am going to play the crazy old lady card and do my Christmas shopping in just that manner! WELL, survived MONDAY...and now I have to make it through a parent/teacher conference with Callie's teacher tomorrow after school...

September 26th, 2009

Today is Charlie's birthday!!!!! Happy Birthday Charlie...there is no picture...he is as hard to photograph as the elusive dodo bird! I am so very blessed to have him!

September 25th Teacher of the WEEK

Hard to believe that an English teacher was one of the Teacher's of the week...speaking at the pep rally was a little nerve racking...but it was fun! I made a Bison out of cardboard boxes and told the boys to destroy the Bisons...and they did...wish I had a picture of it in little pieces. It is sometimes hard being at Leon with family in Buffalo...But school spirit is all about ownership and Leon is my school...but I do love #44 on the Bison Varsity Football team...Jacob has been my favorite since before he was born!

September 25th, 2009 "Fifties Day"

50's Day at school...This is my favorite dress up-day, but I had the skirts made this year! They won best dressed again this week...they had so much fun dressing up this week!

September 23rd Callie's 7th Birthday

With everything that is going on...we did not have a big birthday party for the girls this year...disappointing, but it has been really hard to plan. We just never know from one minute to the next what exactly is going to take place. So... I asked Callie what she wanted for dinner on her birthday... she wanted hot dogs and the next day she informed me they would be, "chili dogs and we would have to cook them inside because you know mama it is raining outside!" While in the grocery store she asked if we could have punch...so we had pink sherbet punch in the nice punch bowl, Brookshire's cake, and chili cheese dogs....The four of us all felt a little sick after the mixture! Happy Birthday Callie Rae!

September 18th Tie Dye Day

The girls won dress-up day..best dressed in their classes again this week...they were so cute in their tie dye dresses!

September 11th Leon's Homecoming

Homecoming was really early this year and hard to get excited about....But the girls each had a mum and seemed to enjoy themselves! And ...They both won dress -up day AGAIN (Blue and White Day)

September 4th 2009 Camo Day at School

It took me 3 weeks to make these pants...cute idea, but very hard to sew crosses on small pants legs without sewing the pants legs together! I picked the pants up at a thrift store for around $6 each and the material from Wal-Mart was $12.00, and I got up a night after everyone went to sleep to work on them. They laid on the kitchen table for three entire weeks while I sewed and bedazzled them! Chelsea was disappointed when she put hers on because she said, "They looked better on the table"....But she was all smiles when she and Callie both won best dressed in their classes! Next year I will look for pants with wider legs!

NEW BABY August 24th, 2009

Leave it to Katie with an entire family of educators to have her baby girl on the very first day of school! Maddie Louise Hobbs...weighing in at 6lbs and 14 ounces, both Mom and baby are doing great! She really looks like Katie's baby pictures! SOOOOOO Sweet!

First Day of School August 24th, 2009

Chelsea is now officially a 4th grader!!!! Callie is a 1st grader!!!! It is so hard to believe how big they are getting...Chelsea makes the lunches...and everyone has a brand new alarm clock - i even have a back up clock just to make sure we get up plenty early to fix three heads of hair, brush three mouths, and dress and get three girls out the door (well counting myself there are three!) hear is to a blessed exciting fun filled year!

Wednesday, July 29th Galveston

We ended the day with a trip to Galveston's sea wall...The kids were told that they could walk on the beach and get their FEET wet, but before it was all said and done they were all three wet up to their necks! We had a great trip and we are so thankful that Emily, Grant, and Aubrey shared their home with us and entertained us. A special thanks to Aunt Kathy for helping so much with Aubrey so that Emily and I could really visit. The girls will never forget this vacation!

Wednesday, July 29th Build-A-Bear

After we left Rocket park we went to the Baybrook mall ...to Build-A-Bear. Chelsea did not want to build a bear...she only wanted clothes and shoes for the horse that she has. Callie made a new Kitty, and Grant made a Texas Longhorn. Emily tried her best to get him to build anything but a longhorn, but his mind could not be changed...He named his longhorn "TAXES"...Think he might have heard a lot about Taxes this year??? Callie named her cat "snuggles"....we ate and went down to Dillards for a little back to school shopping.

Wednseday, July 29th

We started the day with a trip to NASA's Rocket Park...The girls were so small compared to the rockets.

Tuesday, July 28th Trip to Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is GREAT! Emily and Grant to us and Grant was our official tour guide....My girls were so impressed by the large number of animals and the size of the exhibits. They have a giraffe breeding program at the Houston Zoo and we saw two baby giraffes while there. They all had sooo much fun!

Tuesday, July 28th Trip to McKay Family Home

The girls and I loaded up this morning and headed out to visit with Emily, Grant and Aubrey McKay! We had a little bit of trouble with the directions, but nothing that could not be corrected! The first thing that I did when we got there was hold that beautiful baby...Aubrey is soooo sweet...I considered putting her in my pocket and bringing her home.