40 years....

It's hard to believe, but this past weekend, I celebrated my 40th year high school reunion !!!

We had an amazing committee, that put in long hours and lots of love!!

 

 

 

Friday night was a casual gathering. As one of my former classmates put it, the waist lines are little larger, the hair a little thinner, some a little more gray, and gravity has taken it's toll on us all. But it was like we haven't been apart at all. Friends from elementary and middle school (junior high back in those days) It was a good time....

 

 

 

Saturday night was a dinner/dance. We still got the moves !!

 

 

Of course we had the BEST food ever. J.R. by co-worker and catering buddy, cooked up beef and chicken fajitas with all the fixins', , tamales, rice, beans, chips, salsa and the YUMMIEST homemade pralines!!! Compliments all around

 

 

 

Sadly we have lost 49 classmates. In their memory we had a MEMORIAL ROOM...

Sunday was picnic lunch at a local lake/park.....

WHEW......what a weekend. It was a blast and just think - we are gonna do it all over in 5 years (we think 10years might be pusing it - we ren't getting any younger!!)

 





 



All Balls 2013

It is that time of the year again when my brothers and their families join together for a reunion. We are now spread out all over Texas and Maryland...so needless to say, this time is very, very special to me. I have such a grand family that because of my recent back surgery..they all came to me at my house.

I had all 4 of my grand angels for the week - you are looking at one happy happy Boo!!

There were visit to a trampoline park, Six Flags, Ranger game, time in the pool and hot tub and the movie before the reunion even got started.....

 

 

 

 

 

All Balls "officially" began on Friday night with hamburgers, hot dogs and fried catfish. Everything in Texas is BIG and there is no lacking in the food department when it comes to that !!

 



 

 

Saturday the "boys" played their golf game

and the girls and kiddos hung out at the house. It was  Cody's 8th birthday - so since we didn't go anywhere special - Pops and I ordered a bounce/water slide house. WHAT FUN !!! Even the big kids joined in on the fun - hard to resist!!

 

 

 

There is nothing better than family time.......

 

The day always ends with our "awards".....which if you are a recipient - you my friend ROCK !!!

 

The WINER award from me to Diane !!

 

The WEINER award (sorry about the sideways) ...it goes to that golfer that gives it his best - but fails....the award went from Gary to Bill (sorry Bill - I failed to get a pic of you receiving it !!)

The "family" plate....this plate was made several years ago and has all our "thumbprints" on it. It's quiet the honor to display it proudly in your home. Again, Diane gets the award. Robyn was the giver and managed to get it here in one piece from Maryland....good job Robbie !! Looks like the Bill and Diane Haines house has lots to display this coming year.

 

And last- but not least is the CADDY award. This, my friend is the award of all awards. it comes from the golf game and is decided upon by the golfers. Caddy is unique and one rule is that he must be displayed in a very important area of your office (or home in the case of those that don't work) and you therefore must answer all the questions when people ask..."what the hell is that ?"

This year Caddy was given to Ray. Cayla was the proud owner for the last year and while she was off vacationing in Lake Tahoe (we missed you) her dad had the honor of passing Caddy to his new home for the next year !!

 

 

Gary surprised all the "Haines's" with a gift (outdoor lighting) that he made with his very own hands....Thanks - we love them!!

 

 

 

And when the weekend comes to an end....this is what happens......what a crazy loving bunch of family !!

 

Can't wait till next year....love you all!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



3 of the best.....love these guys to the moon and back....

To Gary - he has and continues to be the BEST dad in the world and I have 2 perfect sons/dads to prove it !!

To Chad and Corey: I am so proud of the dads you have become. You make your dad and I so proud, and those grand angels are living proof !

Before and After

Well, back surgery was 3 weeks ago today. I can't tell you how much stress has been taken off my brain and body.  If I ever have to have another major surgery, I am NOT asking anyone about anything. I was scared to death when I went in. I cried for days before just thinking about all the s*** people told me.

I am doing really well. The front and back incisions  give me little pain (that might have something to do with the pain meds). I actually have had more pain in my legs. The docs seem to think it is because I am not walking as much as I was prior to surgery. On most days I walked 12,000 or more steps (I have a Fitbit that counts my steps, calories burned, and miles walked). Right now I am only doing about 2,000 steps. So - I will be stepping it up this week,

Pre-op at the hospital was not bad at all. I had the most outstanding nurse. She had had back surgery and was so positive. I held back the nervous tears as long as I could - but when they took over, she held my hand and prayed with me. It was such an amazing moment. Thank you sweet Carol !!

I got pics to share. They are not the best - but it will give you an idea of what I now have.

before - hard to see the fracture,

it is the vertebrae just above the tailbone. Doc said it was bone on bone

This is the view from the front (they went in thru the abdomen, then flipped me over

The backside view. I am now 13 milimeters taller. Guess I will have to shop in the tall ladies department.

This is the incision on my back. Sorry no front pic - little to close to the private area. All stitches are inside and will dissolve on their own. Looks worse than it is.

 

I can't praise my doctor, Dr.Anthony Lee, enough. He was AWESOME. He answered all my questions, explained each step with me, took all the time I needed and I couldn't be more happy.

Look out - can't wait to get back to my walking - might even shoot for a half marathon next year !!