Happy Halloween....

My Halloween Goblins......

Jaycee.....BEEEEE U TI FUL !!!!

Cody...Ninja scary !!!

Jaxson (on the right)and friend......
Square Heads Beware !!

And last, but surely not the least....

Annabelle

The yummiest of alllll...my little watermelon.....

Love you g-babies !!!

Best Friends

I graduated high school in 19** - a long time ago. You always have those girlfriends that you do the silliest of things with. You get away with all you can possibly get away. You swear you will be friends FOREVER and then life takes over. You graduate, you marry, you move, you have kids, you change jobs and some how that FOREVER fades away.
Facebook is a wonderful way to make contacts with those FOREVER friends and it has allowed me to do just that. I have an amazing friend I made in high school. I was in her wedding for pete's sake.We did alot of things together and we got away with....ALOT. I have been talking to her on FB...always saying "We need to get together" , but LIFE got in the way. This past weekend, we finally put life aside and made time for a get together.
We picked up right where we left off. We have changed, we both had kids, which are all grown up and married and made us GRANDparents (an amazing person to be, I might add). We had dinner together and then spent the evening just catching up.It was wonderful. WE already have plans to meet again in a couple of weeks.
Friends are priceless and when you have one that is near and dear to you, don't let them slip away.

Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything (friends) that made you smile.....

Happy Trails to you.....

Gary and I recently spent the weekend at the BEAUMONT RANCH, in - of all places - Beaumont, Texas. This is a REAL working ranch, but as side kick, they also have music, food, zip lining, horse riding, roping, chuck wagons, weddings, gatherings....etc etc. It is a beautiful place

Comes with its very own little town and a marshal

and deputy and bad guy...

We went on a Saturday and joined in on the chuck wagon get-together. They feed you and then entertain you with music. The music was good ole country swing.

Ms. Devon and Outlaw Jesse. This is a collage group of COUNTRY OPRY singers that are housed in our very own Fort Worth Stockyards. They have what they call their "buckaroos" (18yoa and younger) and the older cowpokes. They play every Sunday on the steps of the Northside Coliseum in the stock yards. Other times, they be out doin' gigs like this one. They were amazing......
We sat with a great couple and now friends (even tho they were AGGIES)

Greg and Ann.....

(she really was having a good time.....)

A great weekend get-a-away..for a couple of a whole mess of folks!!

Ya'll come back, he'r....

Maryland...

We spent the last weekend in Maryland, visiting Corey and family. It is beautiful country.  The trees were beginning to turn fall colors, the grass GREEN, the flowers blooming and there is actual water in the rivers and lakes. I miss them all terribly, but time with g-babies was priceless.

First Stop, DC CUPCAKES in Georgetown for a belated birthday treat.

YUM YUM

We drove to Gaver Farms for a fall pumpkin patch adventure.

This was really cool.

We started with a CORN PATCH MAZE....5 acres worth!

(we didn't actually walk the whole thing....)

We had an early Thanksgiving feast with family.

Watched the Texas Longhorns and Texas Rangers ball games,

visited Corey and Robyn's "other" work -

when not doing the FUN BUS events.

Got a grand tour of the Frederick area.

Shopped, laughed, played and had a wonderful time.

AND

Even managed some much needed one on one time !

Thanks Corey, Robyn, Jax and AB





Junk Gypsy.....

I have often wondered what makes us who we are. I know that most if not all of who I am and what I think came from my amazing grandmother. She was a owner of a dress shop in a very "high end" part of the city. She had clients like Mary Martin (Peter Pan). She 'dressed' some of the most important people of the great city. She taught me to be me. Not to be something I am not and not to be like everyone else.She taught me many things and to this day...she still talks to me when I dress. In my head I hear...(for the love of God) DO NOT tuck your shirt tail in unless you have a belt and don't have a "muffin" top. Don't go out before combing your hair and putting on lipstick. Remember to always say "yes ma'am" and  "no ma'am" and "please and thank you" and yes that WOULD BE LOVELY....

Thank you Mimmie - I love you sooooooooooooo much !

I am not a "foo-foo" girl. Not into lots of make-up or fancy hair do's. Didn't wear bows in my hair when I was little. I have 3 brothers, so I was more of a "tom boy". Was never a cheerleader or ran with "the popular girls". Not into competing with the latest fashions or "what's in".
I like simple. I like real. I like to be "me". I want my house to be a place where everyone is comfortable, they want to come visit and aren't afraid to put their feet on the couch.
In searching for the "me" term and reading many blogs..I came across the term "junk gypsy". I love Miranda Lambert and her style. Just didn't know what that style was. Maybe her style has been around for awhile and I just wasn't aware...but I think it might be me too.






I ordered several items from the Texas Gypsyville. They came in the mail yesterday and OMG - I am in LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEE..

Check these sites out......and for those of you that know me....what do you think, is this me???

http://www.gypsyville.com/style.asp

http://junkgypsyblog.com/

Cutie Pies

Besides my family...my animals are my love. I have always, at least, had one dog.

Sometimes I have had as many as 5 dogs, plus an array of other animals.

They will always love you unconditionally.

They listen to you and always agree with you. 

They are protective and guarding.

I raised my boys with animals and want and hope they pass that love on to their kids.

We have had chickens, ducks, goats, horses, rabbits, hamsters, fish, frogs,

dogs and cats.

Even pet "rocks"

At present I have 2 dogs and 2 cats (and a horse)

These are my cutie pies. I love them and they love me....unconditionally.

Sam, the black dog. Found in a Target parking lot when she was only about 6 weeks old.

Cappy, the brown dog. Adopted from the humane society. She was 3 years old at the time and had been given away by her previous owners.

Can't imagine why, she is a doll.

Stoney, the white cat and T.C. the orange tabby, 2 year old sisters.

Had them since they were born (their mom, sadly, no longer with us)

Rebel (horse, not pictured) is 13years old.  

He was born on Corey's birthday, his senior year in high school.

His mom died the day Corey was married.....weird, huh??

He is good for eating and sleeping....life is good !

Love my CUTIE PIES.....

Now, that is soooooooooooo true

GUN CONTROL?

If Guns Kill People, Then... ~Pencils Misspell Words ~Cars Make People Drive Drunk ~Spoons Make You Fat

 

Endless possibilties.........the "IF'S"..........how many can you think of???

Happy Birthday JAXSON !!

Today, my youngest grandson turns the BIG "5"...

He is loving, caring, playful, smart, compassionate

He is quite the artist ....

He loves building Legos......happy building buddy!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !! Love, love, love you !!!

Come early, be loud, stay late and wear ORANGE !!

The games begin....2011

Hook 'Em Horns !!

HaPpY HaPpY JeNn !!

Besides the blessing of two loving, wonderful sons....I also have been blessed with equal daughter-in-laws! This weekend, Jennifer, the wife of my oldest, Chad turns the BIG 3-0! WooHoooooo.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENN!

Life is so precious....

Recently, a dear high school and still long time friend of ours underwent a lung transplant. She has been ill for the last 18-24 months. She had been called several times in the past, but there was always a reason she didn't get the transplant. This time she did. She is a wonderful, loving person and is so deserving.

On the other hand, a life was lost. But because of the kindness and the knowledge of how important organ donations are, my friend is recovering at a remarkable pace. Our hearts and love go to the family of the donor. They should know what has taken place is a great and wonderful thing. We thank you.

I am a organ donor. My husband is an organ donor and hopefully my family and friends are - or will - become organ donors.

If you have questions, or not sure if that is something you want to do...here is a link. You need to sign up through this link (or a similar one for your area/state). I understand that the designation on the back of a driver's liscense does not guarantee that your wishes will be granted.

It is important and you can save many lives......

https://www.donatelifetexas.org/

readin', writin' and rithmatic !

Today is the first day of school. My g-babies are growing too fast. Hope you guys have a great school year.

Love to all of you !!

Jaycee (3rd grader) and Cody (1st grader):

Annabelle and Jaxson

(relaxing at home (school) with Mom today!!

She says counting to 30 and letter of the week "J")

Say AAAAAAHHHH.......................

Many moons ago, it seems that if you were young and had any complaints of a sore throat, your tonsils were immediately removed. I know both my boys had theirs taken out at a young age. Last Friday, Jaycee had her tonsils out

.....get well baby girl!!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

BEFORE......

RECOVERY ROOM.......

THE RIDE HOME......

HOME AT LAST...with Miss Emily to watch over her...

Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.....

My two oldest g-babies spent the last several days with us. Normally, we make a trip to Six Flags, but with the scorching heat, Pops and I decided water needed to be on our agenda. So we went to visit to the GREAT WOLF LODGE in Grapevine. What a place!!
The first words out of their mouths  was WHOAAAAAAAAAAAA, this is big!

And yes it is....

The accomodations were great, the water park is exhausting - but fun - and the time with my g-babies is priceless. We didn't get any "water pics"....but here are a few others we snapped. We were having so much fun, we forgot to take pictures...

Jaycee was the COIN dispensing game fool...this girl got over 400 tickets by playing this game.....

This is the morning after the first day.....these babies slept till 9:00am......Boo and Pops were not early risers either !!!

Story time in the lobby....

On the way to take them home, we stopped by a park to get rid of some of that nervous energy!! Aren't they just as cute as cupcakes !!!

Thanks guys for a great time. Boo and Pops love you !!

I have been blessed 4 times with the BESTEST grandkiddos a grandmother could ask for. I have 2 girls and 2 boys and they are the light of my life. Being a mother was great, but being a grandmother tops it a million times over. My g-babies are cute, sweet, loving, cute, smart, funny, creative, cute, mine, grand, imaginative, daring, cute, clever, wonderful, adorable or and did I mention CUTE!!!
My youngest son and family recently moved to Maryland (I know, it is a long way - but we teach our kids to be independent of us,......doesn't really mean to move far away, but I am happy if they are happy...) My youngest grandson - Jaxson - sent me a letter this week. It is hotter that H### here in Texas, work is work and life is life...but that letter made my day and I wanted to share it along with a great poem I found.

The first person (in purple) is me. Everyone knows purple is my color, even my g-babies. The second one is his little sister - Annabelle - then himself, next comes Cody and Jaycee (cousins and my oldest grandaughter/grandson). Jaxson comes from a long line of artist, his dad, his uncle and of course, his grandmother...he is very good! Thanks buddy for making my day - Boo loves you!

Grandchildren

© Earline Brasher

Sometimes I really do wonder,
Why they are called grand?
Then I know A Loving Grandmother,
Can always fully understand.
You get that important phone call,
You have waited for so long,
Excitement really kicks in,
As you arrive and rush down the hall.
You see that precious baby,
Gender really doesn't matter at all,
It brings back many memories,
Of when your children were so small.
You congratulate the parents,
As you see mother and baby are o.k.,
You know without a doubt,
This was done in own God's way.
Many sacrifices made along the way,
Are very much worthwhile,
When you see that sweet little face,
And that bright cheery smile.
Time rocks on as they grow and grow,
Then comes their future, rushing too and fro,
They will always be our babies,
If anyone should ask,
They are all very Special,
From the first one to the last!!!!





 

 

Florida....

Just returned from a vacation to the north east coast of Florida. What I found most interesting about Florida is that nobody is actually from Florida. Everyone is from somewhere else. We met people from France, Spain, Germany, Norway, many of the USA states - but not one true Floridian!

The coast is beautiful. We flew into Jacksonville and drove to Daytona Beach for our first night. We stayed at the BAHAMA HOUSE. What a great little mom/pop business. Accommodations were great and the staff was outstanding. A plus in our book.

While in Daytona, we had dinner at at the INLET HARBOR....YUMMY!! Prior to our picture being snapped, Gary took off his glasses, they hit his leg and PLOP right into the ocean. They sank so fast, you would have thought they had anchor on them. So we went shopping for CHEAP replacements...cute, huh??

The next day we drove down the coast and landed in Kissamanee. Here we stayed at the GRAND BEACH RESORT. This is a beautiful place and very comfortable. Our friends, Chris and Andre from Missouri, joined us later in the day and we enjoyed a great dinner together.

Friday we did Universal Studios. It was crowded, hot and lots of walking. The best part was the Harry Potter Castle and ride. WOW....it was the coolest thing - if you go, don't miss it!

On Saturday we drove to NASA and Cocoa Beach. With the shuttle missions now gone, NASA is basically just a place to walk around and look at PAST launch pads. Pretty boring to me. I guess it is nostalgic in I can say I was there....

Sunday we drove to Tampa. Stopped in St. Petersburg and Brandenton. Along the way we visited some national monuments. Chris and Andre got us started on the PASSPORT thing, where you get STAMPED when you visit national monuments. It has now become an obsession. On this trip, I think we hit 3 or 4 different places. A little history lesson along the way !!

We went to YBOR CITY, Tampa. Cool, Cuban based historic town.

Monday was the day we parted ways and headed back to Jacksonville for a trip home on Tuesday. Chris and Andre were headed (by car) to Michigan for her sorority conference. They are amazing friends and we had a great time being with them. Thanks Chris and Andre for another great vacation!

We stopped in St. Augustine for our last night. This is suppose to be the oldest city in the USA. Quiet the little town. We made our way down to the historic district. Lots of shopping, eating and people watching. A hard rain started and we found a little pub - Scarlett OHara's place. Raining, 73degrees, couple of drinks and some great food and a special time - just the two of us. What a way to finish off the last night.

Tuesday we were Texas bound. I love vacations, but I love going back home. Originally scheduled for a 2:30 flight, AA over booked (really, imagine that) and offered two $300.00 vouchers to two people that could change their plans. HELLLOOOOOOOOOOOOO - I am so there. So we took a later flight, flew to North Carolina, got off the plane, raced to the OTHER end of the terminal and took our last leg home.

Home sweet home.......

I can't help myself......

Well, actually I probably could "help" myself....but I DONT WANT TOO!!!
My husband says I have waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many purses. When in fact, the man has waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many caps!!
Some might say it is an addiction. I looked that word up in Wikipedia....nope, not me. I did find a definition for "soft addiction" and well, maybe, maybe - that is what I have.....

The term soft addiction was coined by Judith Sewell Wright to describe activities, moods or ways of being, avoidances, and things-edible and consumable but which do not pose a grave health disease risk - rather, they have the most effect on personal time and productivity. ^[8][9] These behaviors were profiled in a 2007 ABC News story titled Bad Habits.^[10]

When I go shopping I get a great sense of AWWWWWWWWWWW..makes me feel good. When I'm down, upset, angry, bored, hungry, sleepy, working, playing, driving, talking, breathing........I feel the need, the need for a new purse.
A friend at work said she has been looking for WEEKS (really???) and just hasn't been able to find one. So, me being the kind person I am, decided to share. I brought most, not all of my purses, to work so she could go "shopping". Right off the bat, she discovers just the "one"....POW...problem solved. Told her when she was done, simply return it, no charge.

Happy Shopping !!