THE BIRTHDAYS KEEP MARCHING ON!

          A Bengals birthday (What about the Cowboys???)  
 

Whose the mouse that stopped by?? We stopped at Marks to celebrate his 31st birthday with him and his family. We took him a digital picture frame complete with pictures of all the kids. They couldn't stopped trying to see when their picture would pop up on the screen.  Debbi had surprised Mark with a Bengals football cake (his favorite team-a throw back from living in Cincinnati). It was fun seeing everyone and having cake and soda with the kids. Another year older and another year better!

A DAY OF THANKSGIVING

                    The master carver on the job


We enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving with Carrie and Brad's family and my dad. The rest of the family had plans with their other families.  Instead of serving from the kitchen buffet style (which we do when the whole klan is here), we were able to gather together in the dining room.  When I think of all the things that I am thankful for, the numbers are so plentiful, that I couldn't possible name them all. I am most thankful for the wonderful family I have. At the top of the list is the husband that I spend every day with.  Of course, there are the little things that make life fun-sitting in the sun, floating in the pool, comfy pants, fudge (thats the reason for comfy pants), reading good books, lunch with friends (old and new), McDonald diet cokes, my nursing degree (which I use occasionally) and of course the gospel in my life.  

HERE COMES MICKEY!

          Let the show begin! M-I-C-K-E-Y  M-O-U-S-E. 

Jim and I and Grandpa Whisler joined Carrie, Brad and the kids for an evening of Disney On Ice the night before Thanksgiving. The weather was great for a trip into Fort Worth. It was fun joining everyone and, of course, the food-is cotton candy a food-was yummy. And only $10-Oh but you got an Incredible Mask with it. That makes it so much better. I should be thinking about Thanksgiving dinner, but this is more fun.

       Here comes Mickey and the Magic Castle

JIMS RETIREMENT DINNER-NOVEMBER 22,2008

       Beverly & Ward Carter, Us, Cindy & Greg Sunset                                 


We were invited to a special retirement dinner for Jim and his friend, Paul Epner, who both are retiring this year. Paul, October 31st, and Jim, December 31st, 2008.  Jim's boss flew us in on November 21st for the weekend to attend a dinner at a wonderful restaurant, The Stained Glass Wine Bar Bistro, in Evanston, Illinois. We were able to see old friends and gather one last time with company friends.  We flew in Friday morning and met our friends, Connie and George, for dinner that evening in Gurnee. The next morning we were able to have breakfast at Wild Berries Restaurant in Libertyville with our friends, Tim and Marie Spencer (we're so trying to get them to move to Texas since he's job hunting anyway). After breakfast we drove up to Kenosha, WI to meet my sister Pat and her husband, Chuck at the outlet mall. Boy was it cold! We didn't stay long (no hats). That evening we drove to Evanston for the dinner and on Sunday left to return to Texas. We sure packed a lot into 2 days, but had a great time. Jim is counting down the days and is a little sad that his retirement was pushed back by a month, because his boss was not able to name is replacement by November 30. Oh well, we have the next 30 years to look forward too.

WHOSE THE HIRED HELP?

Jim hired some cheap help to paint the boat dock. Oh yea, thats me. I told him if he power washed the boat dock I would paint it. The weather was balmy and warm and I love to paint so away I went. I painted everything I could reach and if I say so myself it looks great. On to another project.

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER

We were privileged to attend the family sealing for time and eternity of our dear friends the Steve Roberts.  We went with Becki and Terry Taylor to  the Dallas Temple to attend the sealing. We met at 4:30 for the 5pm sealing.  The stake president, President Carver. Dano and Kristy Diedrickson. Glen and Diane Dewey, and Bishop Smith and his wife were there. After the sealing we went to Del Frisco's Steak house for a wonderful dinner. We're excited for the Roberts as this has been something they have been looking forward to for a long time. Congratulations, Jane, Steve and Austin. 

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

 

 The big day is here.  Matt and Amy are getting married. We're very excited for both of them.  There was high activity at Debbi and Scott's (where the wedding took place) on Saturday morning.  Cooking for the dinner and decorating was in high motion. Debbi was putting the finishing touches on the wedding cake (which I must say turned out beautiful).  She was so excited I caught here dancing around the kitchen with her hand over her mouth and tears in her eyes. All she could say Mom, its really coming together. Matt and Amy had lots of errands to do so the came early afternoon. The girls headed to Bailey's room to began the dressing ritual.  Everyone started to arrive about 4:30pm. The justice of the peace came at 5pm.  He was really personable. As Madi and Lexi came down the stairs tossing petals (Madi almost chickened out), Debbi followed as maid of honor, and than Jim escorting Amy came into the room where Matt and Richard (Best man) waited. The vows were said. Matt brought everyone to tears when he made his comments while placing Amy's ring on her finger. Matt and Amy with the two girls lit a unity candle signifying unity as a family.  After the ceremony Amy's mom got into high motion putting the dinner on. Thanks Scott for grilling the chicken breasts ( they were wonderful).  Amy and Matt cut the cake which Amy was on top of things and Matt didn't fair as well. (He looked like he had a cake facial). All in fun and the cake Debbi did was white with raspberry filling and Carrie outdid herself with a chocolate layer cake with mounds of chocolate covered strawberries and black scrolling. The day was fun and everything was beautiful. Welcome Amy, Lexi and Madi to our family.                                    

CAKES, CAKES AND MORE CAKES

Those cake classes are finally paying off for Deb and Carrie.  Although, Scott says he doesn't think he can eat another bite.  Debbi made the wedding cake and Carrie did the grooms cake. Oh and did I say Samantha got them started when she started taking the cake classes. Anyway, I think we're covered for cakes for any occasion.Way to go girls everyone I've seen looks to good to eat.