Christmas...Come and Gone

Christmas this year was a little different.

Jenn and family left on the 20th for Ohio to see Paul's side of the family....so I did Christmas early with them.

I have been so busy with the store this year (since August) that I decided I wasn't even going to decorate. Even if I wanted too I can't get into my garage to get to my Christmas stuff because of all the boxes in there that are store related.

So, since one family was going to be missing I decided I would take it easy and not do anything at my house...that was my excuse...I would go to Tammy's...but things changed some when Kyle was going to be on duty for Christmas.

I still went to Tammy's and it took me an hour (I am not exaggerating) to load up the Yukon with presents, stockings and food...something I don't plan on doing again...that was too much work on top of the other things I had to do to get ready.

Josh had came over with Hayden prior to me going to Tammy's.

I did enjoy sitting on the couch and watching the kids open their presents while drinking my poinsettia drink.

Normally with all the kids it's hard to watch them all open and get pictures..it seems like work and not relaxing, though I do enjoy it and missed it this year.

With this coming year I plan on things seeming more normal.

This past year I feel like my life has been chaotic and I don't want another year like this one.

I need some normal in my life...the old normal not the new normal.

Though Christmas was different this year,( I knew that one day it would happen...it's only normal when your family has their own family) I did enjoy the time I had with each and everyone one.

So starting Christmas Eve night I went RELAX mode...I had planned that the time I had alone would be spent resting and chillin'...I have been so busy that I just wanted to chill and chill is what I have been doing....I'm still in my pajamas as I write this.

The store was closed today for a much needed day at rest and tomorrow we start all over again. I'm hoping tomorrow I will have a new fresh outlook.

Below are just a few pictures....

 Liam and Noah

Noah

 I had new stockings this year for all the kids cause I couldn't get to my Christmas stuff in the garage...they were big this year as you can see the stocking is a little bigger than Noah.

 Liam

 or should I say Dr. Liam...he had played with a doctor set Hayden had some time back that I knew he would like this...he went straight to taking blood pressure results.

 Noah and his new drum...not sure if Jenn is gonna like it but Noah sure did...he made noise as he banged on it...too cute!

 Dr. Liam opening his presents

 Hayden and the stocking

 Hayden opening her goodies

 and her doll with her name on it

 and then the fun doll

 Me with Tayler and Colton and the present they made me...Colton painted and drew the tree while the lights going around the frame are Tayler's finger prints...such a cute present and I loved it....it's in my living room proudly displayed.

 Colton opening presents

 Tayler opening presents

 and Tayler with her new doll

 Colton and Tayler opening up a joint gift

 Colton and his Christmas load

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a Blessed New Year.



Merry Christmas From Mine To Yours

This year I haven't taken the easy way out on all things,

No decorating this year...Jenn and family are going to Ohio for Christmas to see Paul's side of the family.

I've been so busy at work and Christmas there started early.

So, I will see Tammy and her family at her house Christmas Eve and then I will see Josh and Hayden.

 But.. I just couldn't resist the Christmas card, though not many send them out anymore.

So, I decided to do an e-card...after all, isn't everything done over the Internet or through a cell phone?

So, here it is...my Christmas card including those I love (minus the son in laws)... my children an their children, my beautiful grandchildren.

Merry Christmas!



Santa's Wonderland

The last couple of years my friend Fonda has taken her grandchildren to Santa's Wonderland in College Station.

Her stories and pictures all sounded and looked like so much fun and wonderful memory making moment. I wanted to take my grandchildren to such a place, of course with their parent as well. I wanted that magical memory moment.

Well, I think after you read this and then go to my friend Fonda's blog after this weekend when she'll take her family you'll see that our memory making moments are so totally different.... sometimes those moments just don't turn out like you think they will.

 Here we are waiting to get in...we bought our tickets on line to avoid the ticket line I read about...well the ticket line was short compared to the line we had to stand in for us that bought our tickets on line.

As to Fonda's advise we headed to Santa's place in hopes to get a family picture with Santa.

Oh no...Santa had a line with about 80 people or more in line...

the kids were too wound up to stand in a line for that amount of time.

So, we headed to get some food in hopes the kids would calm down just a little,( they get excited when they are around one another) ...plus everyone was hungry.

While eating Sheriff Frost Bite came out and the kids were able to get a picture with him...no line at all.

 Above is Colton and Tayler and below Liam and Hayden

After eating we decided to check on Santa and the line was way longer than before and we were still not willing to wait it out...the kids were just too hyper and every time we were still they wanted to run around.

We made a potty break and while trying to figure out the next plan the kids found a trash can that they enjoyed running after each other around. Below is Noah doing his own kind of running.

 We decided I would get a family picture (meaning my kids and my grandkids) in front of the Texas flag of lights since they are all

TEXANS

since it didn't look like we were gonna see Santa...which was fine, we had Frosty pictures. 

And of course Liam turns as I take the picture in the first one...second one not too bad.

After the picture we were trying to get Noah back in the stroller and get ready to head to the petting zoo as we then noticed in a split second Liam is missing.

Both Jenn and I look at each other with a trying to be calm look and then we head in different directions.

He wasn't far...there was a mechanical bull next to the Texas flag photo opt and he wanted to ride the bull so off he went to get on the bull. So thankful he didn't wonder any further as that place was packed which made things a little too nerve wrecking.

I think we were all a little stressed...had to really keep your eyes on the kids and your surroundings....which we thought we were doing good until Liam took off but we didn't miss a beat after that...we had death grip holds from then on.

So as we headed to the petting zoo it was a little crowded but the line for the hayride had gone down and if we got in line then we would be able to make the next ride that was boarding...so hayride it was.

We parked the stroller and Jenn goes...what about the kettle corn.

You see...Fonda suggested kettle corn to help the kids when they got tired looking at lights.

 Well...our kids enjoyed the lights so much that they didn't need the kettle corn (thank goodness) and they were actually pretty calm (for our group anyway)...they liked the lights and different scenes they saw along the ride.

Though I did mention to Tammy that we sounded like that annoying family we talk about when they are out with all their kids....now it was us...lol...oh well, that'll teach you talk smack.

Above Tayler, Liam and Hayden enjoying and being wowed by the lights...they were also enjoying picking the hay they were sitting on and throwing it out calling it pixie dust.

 Noah loved the lights and lets just say he was the most well behaved.

Tammy, Colton and Tayler

 The most breath taking of all the lights

 He Is Risen...

the picture doesn't do the look in person any justice.

Colton enjoying the hay ride with his Uncle Josh

After the hayride we were gonna head to the petting zoo and pony rides as it was just outside from where the hayride is but it was so packed you could barely walk to get where the line was so we decided to go back into to Santa's town and see what was next...the line to see Santa was still a ridiculous snake around line...we decided to go into the shops and everyone picked out what they wanted...lets just say those shops were hot- hot -hot, no a/c working and it was warn outside.

Noah was worn out that he fell asleep.

 but these kids were playing with their goodies from the shop...running around...being loud and kicking up dirt rocks....just being kids.

We decided we had enough, we came, we saw but did not conquer Santa's Wonderland...I think it conquered us.

Not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't what I expected.

The lady in the fudge shop said that it was more crowded than usual though the weekends are their busiest time but she had said the night before was even more packed.

I think there were more adult groups there than adults with children. I could see where you could have a nice enjoyable night even with the crowd if you weren't worried about small children and super crowded lines that children can't be still in.

Tammy had asked what I enjoyed more that we did with the kids....Disney On Ice, the mall when we did pictures or Santa's Wonderland and I chose just in that order.

I think if the kids went on their own without their cousins it may of been different but not as much fun...and I will say...though it was stressful the grand-kids had fun and I guess at the end of the day that is all that matters.

Josh when he left my house said even though it was crazy he had a good time...and I think the bottom line is, no matter how crazy things get...being together is priceless, that's the thing that means the most.

So, I asked myself...how does Fonda do it...was it because she only had 3 grandchildren at the time and more adults in hand than we did...we had 1 adult per child...I think she gets 2...whatever it is you go Nonna! (that's Fonda's grandma name)...You rock for making this your yearly thing.

So, did we have fun...yes, though crazy it was fun...did we enjoy our time together as a family...yes, we did...did we make memories...yes we did and even a funny story or two...will we return next year???

It's not on my list of bonding things to do.

Happy Holidays!!!

P.S. I still wanna do The Build A Bear thing... lol



Giving Thanks...Day 30

As we end the month of giving thanks I would just like to sum it all up.

I'm thankful to God for my many blessings.

A healthy life.

A good life ...I have a roof over my head and food to eat and clothes on back...

I'm able to go out and travel when the time arises.

I have 3 beautiful children whom I love dearly.

I have 5 wonderful grand-children that have blessed my life in ways I never would of thought...

Colton who lights up when he sees me

Tayler who's ready to run to me with a big hug and a kisses

Hayden who wants to spend time with me

Liam who is always ready to go to Grandma's house (that's me)

and Noah who is just the happiest little thing ever and loves to cling to you

for these blessing I am ever so grateful.

I'm thankful for true friendships.

I'm thankful for every morning I rise and thank God for yet another day.

I'm thankful God's love, His mercy and His grace.

I'm thankful for this month of thanksgiving to be reminded to give thanksgiving everyday.



Giving Thanks...Day 29

Thankful for a day off and being able to focus on putting my home back into some type of order...

Giving Thanks...Day 28

Today I'm thankful for yet another day ...thank you Lord for all my many blessings that at times I forget to see as blessings and also forget to say thanks.

Thank You Lord!



Giving Thanks...Day 27

I'm thankful that I was able to get one step closer to being done with my Christmas shopping.

Giving Thanks...Day 26

Thankful today for Bailey...

without him time alone would be a little more lonelier.

 



Giving Thanks...Day 25

Thankful for an evening spent with my daughter Tammy (with no children)...,was a well over due mother/daughter time

Giving Thanks...Day 24

Thankful for a good sales day on Shop Small Business Day (shop local)...

thankful for old and new customers but especially for those that are loyal...

I feel loyalty is a hard thing to find regardless if it's in friendships, family or even customers so when you have loyalty it's something to be thankful for.

Giving Thanks...Day 23

Thankful for what seemed like a normal average day...

I guess that butt on the couch thing yesterday was just what the doctor ordered.

It's A Wonderful Life

So...I decided to close the store on Wednesday to enjoy a 2 day rest over the holiday....I just needed a break from work, it's just been crazy.

 

During this time off I figured it would be a good time to try and get professional pictures taken of my grand-babies. Wednesday would be my day to have this done.

I called Jessy to see if I could have Hayden spend the night on Tuesday so I could have her with me on Wednesday and make sure she was all ready to go....it wasn't Joshua's weekend to have Hayden.

 

So, Tuesday night Tammy and the kids drove with me to pick up Hayden and we made a stop at The Children's Place for last minute things we needed for pictures...I needed a pair of shoes for Hayden and hair accessories and Tammy needed some things as well.

 

Afterwards we went to Gringos for dinner...when it was all said and done we made it home about 10 and Hayden and I were in bed a little after 11 after we had our bath and all.

 

Wednesday was picture day...Tammy and the kids rode with Hayden and I and Jenn and the boys met us there.... we had the pictures done and they all came out better than expected...actually the pictures are beautiful....I don't have any of all of them together but I have them in their groups and that was what we were going for...the next one will be a group picture...I'm thinking in the spring.

After having these done we can see where all the distraction lies so hopefully we can get more of what we want next time.

 

I'm still debating on posting the pictures on my blog...haven't decided if I'm gonna do Christmas cards or not...so we shall see...but one way or another I will eventually share.

 

So...pictures started at noon...after the pictures, we chose the ones we wanted...they said it would be about 3 hours before they would be ready for pick up...so I'm thinking I'll be back on Monday to pick them up...but after pictures we went to the Toys R Us Express in the mall (yes...we were at the mall the day before Thanksgiving) and I treated the kids to a toy, they got to pick out what they wanted.

Then we went to put stuff in the vehicle and then headed to the food court for lunch...afterwards Jenn and the boys left and Tammy and I headed with the kids to see Santa.

 

Hayden went right up to Santa and gave him a big hug...but would have no part of sitting on his lap or near him for a picture...but Colton and Tayler did.

 

After our visit with Santa it was close to the time the pictures would be ready and we were ready to head home...thank goodness the pictures were ready...we had been at the mall for almost 4 hours and with children 6 and under...it was crazy, but not that bad...lol...maybe my girls would differ...but it was a fun time.

 

Afterwards we made a stop and then off to take Tammy home as I was to head to Jenn's to watch the boys while they had date night...Hayden was spending the night again so she went with me...but right as I was turning into the neighborhood Tammy realized she didn't bring her keys with her so she had no way of getting in the house.

 

Kyle was half way to work when she called him...he stopped and we drove to meet him...traffic was awful with people heading out of town so I think he was gonna be a little delayed getting to work but traffic our direction was fine.

 

About midnight Hayden and I made it home and off to bed we went...after all, it had been a long day...but a very rewarding day.

 

Now I'm hoping to find some time and visit Santa Town...my friend Fonda takes her grandchildren and it looks like so much fun but so far it has been hard to schedule...so this year it's something I'm gonna try and schedule...but if we don't make it there I will try and find some other fun adventure to take my kids and grand-babies on....I know they are all looking forward to another outing...well, at least the grand-babies are.



Giving Thanks...Day 22

Today I am thankful that Jesus loves me and thankful for His sacrifices for me (and for you too)!

 

I'm thankful for my children and those precious grand-babies whom mean the world to me...also for family near and far.

 

I'm thankful for this day of rest...I don't know if you know how much that really means to me right now.

 

And I'm thankful for special friends that are more like family than friends.

I'm also thankful that I won't be one of the crazy ones out tonight shopping late tonight or early in the morning...I'll see you all on the news.



Giving Thanks...Day21

Today I'm thankful for a fun filled, crazy and exhausting day with all of my grandchildren...such sweet blessings...couldn't think of a better way to spend a day off.

Giving Thanks...Day 20

Today I'm thankful for Bailey and all his craziness

Giving Thanks...Day 19

Thankful for small visits with family

Giving Thanks....Day 18

 

I'm thankful for a good show this weekend, for the help we had and for it "finally" being over!!

 We won Best New Booth but we should of got the best all around, we were the best looking booth there but we'll settle for the honor we received.

 lots of Christmas goodies to get you in the mood

 Happy Holidays!



Giving Thanks...Day 17

Today I am thankful for my grand daughter who 4 years came into my life and has been a blessing everyday...

Happy 4th Birthday Hayden!

 Hayden enjoying opening her presents

What a wonderful way to end the evening



Giving Thanks...Day 16

Today I am thankful for good friends and family that helped us set up for The Home For The Holidays show...without them we would not of finished by opening time.

Giving Thanks...Day 15

Today I am thankful for my brother John who is town for a visit....and for his help today as we are setting up for a Christmas show...was nice to have an extra set of hands.

 



Giving Thanks...Day 14

I am thankful for the days beauty....wonderful weather today...

This is the day that the Lord hath made...let us rejoice and be glad.

 

I forgot to post last night...I came home sat down and by 8 I could barely keep my eyes open...so I figured I should just go to bed...and bed I went.



Giving Thanks....Day 13

Today I'm thankful for the kind words from a dear friend

Giving Thanks....Day 12

Today I am thankful for the quietness of the day and for the cold front that moved in

Giving Thanks...Day 11

Today I am thankful for my children and grandchildren with whom I spent the evening with

at Disney On Ice (except Noah couldn't make it cause he's still too little but whom I am ever tthankful for).

My heart is filled with so much love and joy this evening....

Thank you Father for these blessings!

Giving Thanks...Day 10

Thankful for a an afternoon and evening filled with nothing but relaxation...that is also the reason for the delayed post, I fell asleep early.

Giving Thanks...Day 9

Today I am thankful for the loyalty of customers

Giving Thanks....Day 8

Today I am thankful for the two sweet girls I have working for me.

When giving them a token of appreciation they in return showed a sign of true appreciation and thankfulness...for this I am truely thankful.

Thanks Giving...Day 7

Today I am thankful that God is the creator of All things and 

that He is the one that is in control.

Giving Thanks...Day 6

Today I'm thankful for a country where we have the freedom to vote, especially the woman vote that hasn't been around all that long...and for my daughters who excersised that right to vote, one by early voting and one today on election day.

Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday Colton

My first grandchild

born November 5, 2006

Muggy loves you to the moon and back!

Last night we celebrated at Texas Roadhouse, his place of choosing...he said he wanted to go to the palce where you could throw the peanuts on the floor and he made it clear he did not want to ride the birthday saddle.

Giving Thanks....Day 5

Today I'm thankful for my second cousin Ilene who send me a sweet message first thing this morning that set the course of my day...today was a good day.

And

I'm thankful for my grandson Colton who celebrated his 6th birthday today and I got to celebrate with him.

I do have pictures to post but can't figure out how to post them using the iPad and my lap top isn't working

Giving Thanks....Day 4

Sorry this post is a day late...rough day yesterday.

Day 4:

I'm thankful that today I was reminded to be thankful.

In ALL things give thanks.

Giving Thanks....Days 1 -3

So after my pitty post I felt compelled to do a post of Giving Thanks...I first saw my friend Fonda doing this on her blog and then I found a few other friends doing it on blogs and on Facebook so  I think maybe this will be a good thing...focus on the good and not the bad. Today I will play catch up on the 3 days I missed and at the end of each day I will post my Giving Thanks.

So here goes...

Day One:

I'm thankful my son did his part and voted

Day Two:

I'm thankful for a good show and all the people who visited our booth

Day Three:

I'm thankful for friends who give up their Saturday to help a friend in need

Can I Catch A Break

All I can say is

I'm tired!

I know it's been awhile since I've posted....live has been ray and busy. I really need to find a place of happy balance...but not sure how. All I know is that I'm exhausted.

Since my last post things in the store have been so busy. Seems like I'm drowning in a sea of boxes. There have been so many deliveries at the store and just can't seem to catch up. So many items to get ready for christmas shows we committed to long ago. We started carrying clothing which is something new for us but so far has been a good fit.

It seems like the store is always being rearranged to fit the newest addition and the challenge is always trying to find the space to where it belongs.

The store was closed for two days trying to turn it into Christmas and it still wasn't completed...then it was time to do our show so the store just sits because there is know one else to finish decorating the store....I have a small staff that seems to only be able to follow direction when you stand over them or else when you come back in you just have to redo it the way you wanted in the first place.

I also have a staff that wants off during all major holidays and events which in retail or black out days...they and or the parents just don't get it...so there in lies dilemmas on what to do in the mist of your busy season.

So much going on and so many decisions to make...so tired and just fed up...can you tell? Trying not o stress about it all but it's kinda hard. I'm just tired.

Did one of our shows over the weekend...it was good but I think we've decided that was our last one for that show...plus it's too much work with having a store front.

Enough complaining....thanks for letting me vent.

The kids are good and grand babies are doing well..growing like weeds...two of them have birthdays coming up. I would share pictures but my computer is on the brink and I need to take it in...i'm on the iPad right now so still figuring all that out and the picture part I haven't dealt with yet.

Today I need to go to the store and work for a few hours and then get the uhaul unloaded from the show this weekend...I also want to give a shout out to my girls Kelley and Fonda for helping yesterday....and to Kristina that was a great babysitter as well...nice to have friends that are willing to give up their Saturday to help you out.

Well...that's about it....I'm still here...just a busy little girl....thanks for the vent time..but I guess

It Is What It Is.....

Until next time.....

Happy Birthday

 

Happy Birthday To You!

27 years ago I held my second child (Tammy) in my arms...she was a little stubborn as she wasn't ready to enter this world on her given date of September 3rd....she decided to come 9 days later and almost without any warning...she gave us stories to talk about on how we almost didn't make it to the hospital and almost being born in a van.

 

Hope your day is as special as you are!

Happy Birthday My Love!

Toby Keith and Friends

So Saturday some great girlfriends and myself got together for a Toby Keith concert.

We had a pre-party at my house before heading to The Woodlands for the show.

Stacy...Teri...myself...Fonda...Stefanie and Kelley

Above...myself with Stacy and Fonda...these 2 have been the constant 2 friends I have had...we have known each other for 20 years and have been constant friends for that long (meaning that we have been in each others life for that time period)....always finding the time between raising a family and just day to day life to make sure we have our time together as friends...they are also my partners in the yearly "Grandma's Gone Wild" trips...I think #6 happens in February...we also had girls that were friends with each other, and Tammy and Tara (Stacy's daughter) we're in kindergarten together.

 Above: Myself and Teri

Out of all these ladies Teri is the one I have known the longest...she was maid of honor at my wedding...and we go back to some good ole' honky tonkin' days...though in the middle of me raising a family we lost touch, we found our back together about 4 years and it was like we never had parted ways...true friendship testing the bounds of time.

Above: Stefanie...myself and Stacy....

Though Stefanie and I don't have a lot of history we have had some good times together....Stefanie and Stacy are sisters so that is where our history lies...Stefanie is a sweet girl and a joy to hangout with.

 

And here we are ready to hop our ride for the evening

Below: Myself and Kelley 

Kelley and I probably would of never became the friends we have become if it wasn't for a tragic loss in my life (though I like to think we would of have)...There is about 8 1/2 years between Kelley and I...she was my neighbor when we had moved to the country...she had 2 kids and 1 on the way as where I had 1 in college and 1 in high school and another almost there...I was nearing the end of my raising kids and she was still beginning....as you can see, we were both at different places in our lives....during the time I have known Kelley she has gone way beyond what any friendship would require...I am truly thankful she came into my life.

Below: David and myself...the best limo driver ever! He is always on my request list.

Once making the concert we headed to The House of Blues on site before heading to our seats..

Me and my Kelley...

Sometimes I wonder if she thinks, why am I hanging out with this crazy old broad.

 and then my Fonda

And then it was Toby time...we had excellent seats...about 5th row from the stage...some people don't care about the seats...they just wanna hear the music...not me...if I just wanted to listen to the music I would sit at home in my jammies and put on a CD...I like to be able to see and feel a part of the moment....I wanna reach out and touch someone.

 Red Solo Cup....

 Let's have a party!

Was a great night....best part was being with my girls...David got us to my house all safe and sound and where we all slept like babies.

 

Thanks for the memory girls!