Mamaw's Favorite Day

What else...

2009-10-10T23:11:00.004-05:00

What else would you read to a dog but Clifford The Big Red Dog... Don't they look like they are having a good time?

Grandmother's Wednesday...

2009-08-19T23:00:00.003-05:00

Today was the first day for Grandmother's Wednesday after the summer break. It was just like ol' times. We enjoyed breakfast w/ Mema and then over to Grandma's for a visit. Socks even stayed out to visit today. (She usually goes to her room) Here are pics of the 1st & 4th generation girls.

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

2009-08-12T10:07:00.005-05:00

In loving memory of a wonderful father. It is funny what the mind chooses to remember... one thing I can remember about my daddy is, one winter evening when I was probably 13 or 14ish, I made us some hot cocoa. I gave him his cup of hot cocoa and he took a sip... I went and got mine and took a sip. Yuk... apparently you don't make hot cocoa w/ just water & Hershey's cocoa... It wasn't until I said something that he told me "well I wasn't going to say anything"... He was going to just drink it and not hurt my feelings... Needless to say, we didn't drink that hot cocoa...

The last picture taken of him...

Daddy and the "original" Bingo...
What a cute couple... the best in the world!!!
A member of 103rd Division, 410 Inf. Reg. Co. C
Click on pic
8th Grade Picture...

Miss you and love you very, very much !!!

Wish you were here...

The Big Reveal!!!

2009-06-29T22:23:00.008-05:00

Well finally after a week long project, we have a "new" kitchen!!! The pepto bismel counter tops are gone!!! I was very nervous about doing this project but Larry was so into doing it. It turned out better than I ever could have imagined. I am very impressed with us... :) Larry wanted to get new faucets to go with the new counter tops so that was an added surprise bonus... Click the pic to see before, during and afters...

New Kitchen

Memories...

2009-06-13T00:15:00.002-05:00

Of days gone by...

Fun in May...

2009-05-24T20:56:00.007-05:00

Clara came for a visit while Mom & Dad were in New York on vacation. What a great time we had. She got to go to work w/ Mamaw, Papaw & Uncle Larr just like Sophia does. She took to it really well. She learned her way around the place & soon made her self to home playing w/ all the toys, watching TV & helping Mamaw. Her & Sophia got to enjoy a Grandmother Wednesday together. I am not sure who enjoyed it more, the girls or the grandmothers. Here are just a few of the pics that I am putting on the blog... all 93 pics can be seen in my Picasa Web Album...

Two sweet little angels, aren't they?

Can't get enough of my sweet little girls...

A back seat full of joy...

Grandma & her 2 sweet little great granddaughters...

Watching Dora w/ the Big Dog...

Mema & 2 of her great granddaughters...

Wonder what they were looking at...

Well that is all for this visit... Can't wait until next time. Can't wait until they are old enough to really enjoy each other & both can spend the night w/ Mamaw & Papaw... Won't that be fun!!!

Click on pic...

Fun in May

Mamaw's Little Seamstress...

2009-05-01T23:52:00.002-05:00

What a little helper Sophia is... I have been doing some sewing over at Mema's & she has to get in my lap for alittle while to help me everytime... She doesn't quite have the pushing the fabric thru yet, she tends to hold in down to tight... she'll learn... :)

Purple Iris...

2009-05-01T18:38:00.004-05:00

Mema's irises are in full bloom again this year. Here we are on a Grandmother Wednesday enjoying the wonderful weather outdoors... Isn't she just a doll...

What a Night!!!

2009-04-19T23:23:00.004-05:00

Here is a picture we took before we left for the dance... you can't see my garter but I made one to match my dress... We had so much fun!!!

North Star 8's 50th Anniversary Dance...

2009-04-17T22:07:00.005-05:00

Here is a group shot of our club on the night of our dance. I will have some more pics of me & Larry up after I can get them off my camera. We had a blast that night. It was a great night of dancing. Mom, Aunt Wanda & Uncle Earl came out to visit for a while. We had such a good time... can't wait for 51!!!

2 Generation Dress...

2009-01-12T18:32:00.003-06:00

I love doing this kind of thing...

hanging on to the kids things & then getting their kids dressed in them...

Here is an addition to Laura's post...thought I'd share the pic of her in the dress along w/ the one of Clara in the dress...

Now put it up for yall's grand-daughter.... :)

Looking Back...

2008-12-04T18:07:00.002-06:00

This is me, Pepa & Donna... weren't we all so cute & young!!g!!!

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-29T13:58:00.003-06:00

Lots of fun, food & fellowship!!! We had another great Thanksgiving this year. Enjoyed everyone who could make it & missed the ones who couldn't.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

2008-11-06T12:02:00.004-06:00

To the greatest Mom in the world: I hope yours is a day of wishes, a year of love & a lifetime of dreams come true... I love this picture but if you want to see a more recent one, check out her webpage... http://mema-mymanytalents.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Clara Visit...

2008-10-18T12:46:00.003-05:00

Well I am finally posting Clara's visit w/ us back the first of October.... Mom & Dad went to the class reunion & Clara stayed w/ us for the evening. Her 2 great grandmother's came out to visit with her also. I think she had a really good time. We got to see her walking for the first time & boy does she get around now... I guess since she has some at home, the stairs didn't appeal to her adventursome nature... she was content with looking at them and thinking... "hhmm... I have some of those at home... " Well we really enjoyed her getting to come & stay with us. Here are a few pics of the evening w/ her great grandmothers...

Tried to post this on 10/21 but my pics won't upload. I tried again tonight & they still won't upload so maybe I can share them later in email. Sorry... :(

Randomnicity...

2008-09-21T14:10:00.004-05:00

My son, Brian, has tagged me to participate in a random challenge.

1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 6 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag.

So, 6 random things about Me:

1. I am named after my mother.
2. I put ice in my milk. (Can't beat a nice glass of ice cold milk.)
3. Can't sleep without the TV on.
4. I put on a sock, then shoe... sock & other shoe.
5. I put my rings on in order & take them off in the reverse order.
6. I have pierced ears.

Well it took a while but there it is... :) My randomnicity...

Tag: Kari, Christi, Melissa, Mom, Shelia, Donna

Grapevine Visit...

2008-09-01T18:23:00.002-05:00

While in Grapevine last Sunday we got to visit Brian's new job. He really does like his new job & sounds like he fits right in with the group. He showed us around the place where he works & the new location where they will be moving to the first of next year... Laura has a new job also and you can read all about both of their new jobs in more detail on their blog... I am sure they both are super at what they do & enjoy their new jobs. Good luck to you both!!!

All Squared Up...

2008-09-01T16:31:00.003-05:00

This weekend was Chaparral at Love Civic Center & we had such a good time... We went Friday from 3 - 4pm for the first get acquainted dance I guess you'd call it & then back that night for more dancing from 8pm - 10:30pm. Saturday was a full day of dancing... there was a workshop from 10:30 - noon & then more from 1:30 - 3pm. We did learn some new moves that we would get to use that night. We were back at 7:30pm & danced until 10:30pm & then an after dance party from 10:45 - midnight. We danced every tip (there are 2 dances per tip) w/ the exception of 2 tips during the workshops... We were wore out but had a super great time!!!

Here is a group shot of all the North Star 8 couples that were there Saturday night. Can you find us? :) The man in the white shirt standing to the left of Larry is, I think 84 yrs old!!! He is a great dancer & I just hope we are still dancing like that when we are 84!!!

Anyone for a Ride???

2008-08-26T21:21:00.002-05:00

Sorry no pics for this post... What fun we have had the last 2 days... Monday we went to Bonham State Park & rode our bikes on the trails there. They are not at all what I was expecting... I was expecting a "trail" like the Trail de Paris is... smooth, concrete, pretty much level... NNNNOOOO!!!!! These bike trails are hiking trails that bikes can go on. They were about 2 ft wide, sticks & stones, rough, up hill, down hill... but I made it!!! Today we went to Lake Bob Sandlin State Park & rode the trails there. I would say some of these were easier than BSP but then some were down right scary but Imade them also!!! Larry was even impressed by some of the uphills that I did manage. One thing, they are bike AND hike trails because we did walk our bikes up hill some. All in all, they were fun to ride on. Now that I have had a tiny bit of experience, we just might tackle those behind yalls house Brian... They looked scary Sunday but now, I just might can try them. Anyway, not sure what trails we will do next but we did see some good ones in Waco, Miss so get your bike out & get ready when we come down!!! :)

Happy Birthday Daddy...

2008-08-12T09:22:00.002-05:00

Miss you so much & love you so much more...

bye, bye, bye...

Rhea Look-alike Meter

2008-08-09T13:19:00.001-05:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family history - Free genealogy search

Rhea Look-alike Meter

2008-08-09T13:15:00.001-05:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Rhea Look-alike Meter

2008-08-09T13:09:00.001-05:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Grandma's Move...

2008-07-26T23:54:00.004-05:00

Well sorry it has taken me so long to get these pics up but here they are... Grandma got moved Thursday & last time we were over there, still unpacking. I know she is going to enjoy living in her new apartment. She already knows so many people there it is like she has lived there for years... Here are some pics from the day...

Grandma & the for sale sign...

The movers finally arrived about 8:30am & had her house loaded in the truck & empty at the apartment in 4 hrs... Those guys knew what they were doing...
Last thing to leave the living room was Grandma's chair...
The new living room...
The new kitchen... thru the door is her laundry room & pantry....
To the left of the previous picture is her living room.
Grandma's new home... I think she is going to be very happy here....
As she gets things unpacked & were they go, I'll send more pics so yall can see how she is doing...

Happy Birthday Awesome Aidan!!!

2008-07-21T21:25:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday Uncle Brian & Aunt Laura had a surprise party for Aidan at Laura's parent's lake house. We all gathered there for a day of fun on the lake and then enjoyed a scruptous birthday cake for a very sweet little guy. It was such a fun day for all!!!

Aidan showing off his birthday cake... don't they both look super?!?!?

Uncle Brian showing Aidan his cake... Blowing out the candles... all in one breathe??? Well not yet...
Opening presents... the best part!!!
Fast forward to the next Saturday. Birthday party at the Gordon Country Club. We had a great time here also. Funny... both involved swimming, no wonder they were so much fun... :)
More presents to open!!!
Mom, Aidan & Dad...
Yesterday Aidan & I went out to Pat Mayse Lake & went swimming at the beach for about 1 1/2... We had the best time. Dropping rocks & then finding them on the bottome again, riding the waves when big waves came by. If I can remember, we may just make that a birthday tradition for him since he really enjoy it. Thanks for a great time Aidan!!!

Hope you have a great 4th birthday our sweet little Aidan.

Tour de Paris 2008

2008-07-19T16:01:00.004-05:00

Well Larry & I rode in our first Tour de Paris.

It was totally exhausting for me!!! I was just about give out before we even hit the square. BUT I FINISHED!!! :) the 15K anyway... it is just alittle over double what we try to ride every night any. Larry did great. He said I held him back & that he could have gone on & done the 40K... may just let him do that next year.. ;)
Kari, she was #1, also rode but she was ahead of us with Josiah's nephew & parents so we lost her early.
Anyway we are really enjoying our bikes & are looking at some bike trails to start riding. We enjoy Beaver Creek but would like some new scenery... anyway so much for this year & until next...

A Stay w/ Mamaw & Papaw for Clara...

2008-07-15T22:06:00.003-05:00

This time Mom & Dad went on vacation & Clara got to stay with Mamaw & Papaw. We had such a great time. We don't get to see her as much & it was so wonderful to have this time with her. She is such a sweet little angel. I took off 2 days from work to get to spend time with her. Clara got to have her very first "Grandmother Wednesday". Two sweet precious woman who love her so much.

Here she is with Mema:

Next came Grandma:
She even got to visit with her cousin Patrick who was up from Waco for a visit.
Here is Aunt Kee getting some Clara time in...
Can't go to Mema's without a rest in the "Ancestrial Babybed". All of Mema's kids have slept in this bed, all her grandchildren & now all of her gr-grandchildren have laid in the bed...
Sophia giving her driving instructions on the car.
Yep... I think she has it under control.
Clara driving about town & checking out the downtown square... After a nice drive around the square to see the sites, we returned back to Starnet. What a nice day for a drive...
Mom & Dad made a surprise return Friday at noon. We thoroughly enjoyed our sweet Clara. She is such a good baby. Can't wait until our next visit to see her again. It really is great to be a grandparent.

Sounds like fun...

2008-06-30T22:08:00.000-05:00

I came across one beauty of a handbag and it's being given away by the lovely ladies at The Secret Is In The Sauce. Click on over and sign up for this georgeous Brighton handbag.

A Stay With Mamaw & Papaw...

2008-06-28T14:43:00.005-05:00

While LL & C went on vacation, we got a little vacation of our own... time w/ Aidan & Sophia. It was so much fun. We did something different everyday. Mimi brought them to us on Tuesday afternoon. Tuesday evening we went to Wade's Park. They played and had a great time. On Wed, after work, we went by the house & packed a dinner & then we out to the lake for dinner. After eating, we walked down to the waters edge & they threw rocks into the lake. They must have thrown a hundred or more & still wanted to stay for more. It felt so good... the sun was going down, it was shady & that cool breeze coming off the lake.... I think I could have just stayed out there if we had a tent... Thursday, we went to McDonald's for dinner then over for a visit w/ Mema & then off to Aikin's playground. They had the most fun there!!! Sophia could not get enough of those slides... she would climb up the ladder and down the slide w/out even a thought of how high it was or anything. They had a blast...

Aidan on the phone with mom & dad

Picnicing at the lake
Throwing rocks into the lake is ok
She had more fun throwing rocks about a foot... wait until she can really throw them
How much does it take to stay at Mamaw & Papaw's?

But then came Friday... Mom & Dad came & got Sophia about 11ish & then picked Aidan up from school & our time was over. It was so fun and we all had a great time. Next week, we get to do it all over again with Clara!!! What fun it is to be a grandparent...

Family Reunion 2008

2008-06-08T16:31:00.003-05:00

Well another reunion come & gone. We were all there with the exception of 2 families... The Graces & Daniels were unable to make it. Sure missed them tho... Here we all are:

Larry Rhea Family...
Larry Lee Rhea Jr. Family
Brian Duane Rhea Family
Sophia will tell you the food was very good this year!!!
So until next year...

CYA!!!

Grandkids Fun...

2008-06-08T16:20:00.003-05:00

We got to keep the grandkids Friday night while the moms & dads went out to eat & had an evening to themselves. I guess they had a good time because I know we did. They were all three just great. Papaw has his hands full there...

The two girls got to play together & had a really good time. Sophia would crawl underneath thru the saucer & Clara would kinda look like "Where did she go?" and out popped Sophia on the other side... it was so cute.
It was so cute to see Sophia in a different role tonight... she wasn't the youngest... She loved pushing Clara up & down the driveway. It was so cute....
Clara didn't get her nap in like she was supposed to but does she look sleepy??? Nope... to much fun & stuff going on to sleep tonight... :)
Three all at the same time??? Crazy you say? Naw... piece of cake.

TBall Season already over!!!

2008-06-08T16:01:00.002-05:00

The start of the game always begins on the fence. I believe he climbed the fence just about every game. What fun that is...

Batter, Batter, Batter... Swing Batter...

And swing he did... only a single but that is pretty much all they did hit... :)

Can you tell this is towards the end of the game? That was so funny... he "ran" just about all the way from first to second like that... do you think he is alittle tired???

Dad & son w/ their trophies. What a great season it was & so many more to come...

Ya think he is proud of that trophy??? I think so...

You are a great ball player Aidan & we all love you very much...

Keep up the good playing!!!

Strollin' Down the Sidewalk

2008-04-23T21:12:00.003-05:00

One of the things we enjoy most during "nice" weather is going for a nice little "drive" around downtown Paris. We have "driven" to Liberty National Bank, we have gone thru the "drive-thru" at the water office, we even went to Bywaters Park w/ Pawpaw the other day. Here Aunt Kee provides the horse power for Sophia's drive today. We walk over to the snack shop & get drinks & snacks w/ Aunt Kee. We are soooo glad that the weather is starting to warm up so that we can go on our little "drives" more often because Sophia LOVES them... She just sits back, takes the wheel & listens to her tunes.

Game #3...

2008-04-19T19:57:00.003-05:00

With another game under his belt, Aidan is getting to be quite the ballplayer...
He is a great little swinger hitting the ball almost everytime.

The inevitable fight over the ball...
guess who came up with it???
I just love this picture... father & son...
Come & join the fun with us!!!

Aidan TBall...

2008-04-12T15:50:00.003-05:00

Baseball has once again crept into our lives & what fun it is... This is Aidan's first year for Tball and what a great player he is... he runs for the ball everytime, he hits a pitched ball sometimes & hits it off the tee everytime. He is such an awesome player... oh and of course, there is the great...
Potty Run!!!

Even Sophia is getting into the spirit of the game...
Working hard and playing harder...
He is such a cute little guy and I can't wait for the next many years to watch him play baseball... just like his dad & uncle did... Oh & what is his number??? Of course #5 just like his dad... :)

Graduation Dance...

2008-04-12T15:15:00.004-05:00

April 10 was our graduation dance. We had a blast!!! It was so different than on lesson nights because we got to rest alittle to learn new steps & stuff... but this was fast & fun! You need some fun exercise... we found it!!!

We still have lots to learn & more fun to go... I am so glad we finally got to do this because it is more brain exercise than I ever thought of. 36 yrs since my last square dance graduation & it is still just as much fun if not more fun actually. See kids... your dad can dance!!!

Got Rain???

2008-03-18T21:23:00.003-05:00

We do!!! Just a few shots of our front yard. This is the little stream that circles in front of our yard. It isn't but about 2 ft across & maybe 1 ft deep but when it rains, this is what it can look like. I don't believe it has ever gotten this high into the yard before.

I present Lake Butternut...

This shot is from the front door. You can see it is up to the tree in our front yard...
Sure am glad I was able to mow last Saturday... :)

Home At Last...

2008-03-10T22:32:00.004-05:00

Well after a scary weekend, it ended on a happy note Monday morning. Larry finally got to go home. As you can tell by the picture, everything is back to normal. Laptop on lap on the couch... He feels great, even better than before the heart attack. I guess his heart is working better than it has in a while. We are reading up & learning to eat healthier. That can't hurt neither one of us. Well if it ain't over until the fat lady sings, then I sing a song of praise & thank you to God for being with us every step of the way thru this weekend and I know when we have to go thru it again in a couple of weeks, he will be with us again.

Swing Your Partner!!!

2008-02-18T09:05:00.002-06:00

Well we now have 6 square dance lessons under our belts & are having a blast. Having had lessons at a younger age, I knew it would be fun. It took me about 3 years to finally convince Larry to just go for a try & know he is really having a good time & doing very well I might add. He found a website that has all the basic moves & their definitions so we can study them. The first couple of lessons where fun & kinda slow, but now... whew!! We are dog tired when we get thru with those 2 hours... what great exercise it is which is why I wanted to do this anyway... Can't wait to get my first square dance dress... They are so fun to wear!!! As for me, I clog on Mondays also... Having a great time with that also. We learned our first full dance last Monday & I think I did pretty good. I'll get my shoes back tonight with the taps on them & can practice better here at the house. Having a blast with it all & getting lots of exercise to boot... can't beat that!!!

Gone With The Wind...

2008-01-30T09:52:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we had some pretty high winds here in Paris. I think I heard they got up to 55 mph. I know the wind kept blowing our door open & by the end of the day, we had a pretty good leafy build up inside our front door & past the counter. As far as I can tell, our building & 111 did not get any damage. Here are some pics of a building in the downtown area that did get some damage.

This view is from in front of Kari & Josiah's building looking toward the square.

The following are just diffent views from other areas around the building.

Mom said the winds are supposed to get up again today... I hope not!!!

Grapevine Roadtrip...

2008-01-26T20:05:00.000-06:00

The 2 great-grandmothers & I made a roadtrip to Grapevine for a visit today. As usual... I got lost & Brian had to come get us. He picked us up at Blockbuster & we went and had lunch. After lunch, we came back "into" Grapevine & he showed me the correct way to come in & where to turn so MAYBE next, we won't get lost & can come in uneventful. Laura was at a convention for work so we missed getting to visit with her.

Clara Jane was so sweet & precious. She just cooed & talked with us, had a nap, a bottle & then we visited some more. She is growing up so fast. I am so thankful for these blogs so we can "see" her in between visits. Clara Jane & her great-grandmother "Mema"
Clara Jane & her great-grandmother "Grandma"

Until next time... Love you Clara Jane...

Happy Birthday Sophia!!!

2008-01-22T13:59:00.000-06:00

Today our sweet Sophia is one year old!!! She came to work in one of the "Jeff Gordon" onesies that Mema got her for her birthday... Isn't she cute in it??? I'll let her tell you about of how she spent the day at the office...

"I am one year old today!!!"

Me doing my Groucho Marx impersonation... pretty good, uh??
I enjoy playing with the flapper thingy Papaw brought from the Stars game... flap, flap...
Ooppss... I called "Dial-a-joke" but it was a funny joke... :)
My birthday lunch consisted of squash & tator tots... yum yum...
Hope you enjoyed her day as much as we do. She really keeps me on my toes up here making sure I get all my work done... :) Happy Birthday Sweetie!!!

Happy Birthday Brian!!!

2008-01-13T13:58:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Brian,

Happy Birthday to you.

Who Would Have Thought...

2008-01-05T20:26:00.000-06:00

Larry went to Dallas today with Robert to see the Stars play hockey so Mom & I spent the day cemetary hopping. I have always wanted to do that, just stop & walk around a cemetary to read all the different names & dates, etc. Well we did that today with one headstone in mind. In DeKalb Texas, Dan Blocker, "Hoss" from Bonanza, is buried in the Woodmen Cemetary. His was the first one we visited. It was rather a disappointment considering he was a big Hollywood star, to find such a simple, no frills headstone, but yet it was kinda neat. I saw where my, I think it was, my grandfather's parents are buried along with some other relatives.

Dan Blocker's headstone is on the right & headstone on the left is his mother's. There were 2 others on either side of theirs but I didn't get pics of them and I can't remember the names on them so....

I have no clue what the money is about. All that is left from his estate, ya think???
I didn't know it but Dan Blocker was one of the co-founders that started the restaurant chain, Bonanza Restaurants. There used to be one in Paris on the empty lot next to Popeye's. I can remember it being there but many many years ago.
Well it was a fun & interesting day spent with my Mom. Not too many people would find it fun but I did... hope you did too Mom.

Happy New Year 2008!!!

2008-01-01T20:23:00.001-06:00

What a great year!!! A year that saw two precious additions come into our family. We saw the old year go with 2 of our grandkids. We picked up Aidan for lunch, fun at the park and visits with Mema & Grandma. After Sophia woke up from her nap, we picked her up & headed home for an evening of fun, games & Ratatouille.

New Year 2008 breakfast consisted of Papaw's pancakes & Mamaw's homemade syrup... YUM YUM!!! An excellent way to end a year & an excellent way to start off a new year... who knows... next year, we just might try it with 3!!! Ya think??? :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Christmas 2007

2007-12-25T22:23:00.001-06:00

Christmas 2007 has now come & gone but not gone are the memories that each of us take with us. Kari & Josiah opened their place of business to provide a wide open, spacious place for us to gather this year. It was just great. We didn't have to go outside in the "cold" to get this super group shot.

Chester & his family all gathered around for this family picture.

Wesley & his family were all together with the exception of Micheal who was the only one missing this year. Missed ya kid!!!

Our family expanded to 11 of us this year. What a super group!!! I love each & everyone of you...

Melissa & her family took a great shot here. Only one minor difference from last... can you spot it???

The memory of this year being "Baby's 1st Christmas" for 2 precious little girls that were added to our family this year. I bought the girls matching dresses for their first Christmas and they were absolute angels in them.

Thank you everyone for making this Christmas a most memorable one. Each one gets more special every year. New faces, new memories & new futures. May God's blessings enrich each life that gathered today. Until next year...

Hooray...

2007-12-21T23:16:00.001-06:00

Sometimes you just gotta say hooray!!! Don't know what to say about this pic except that I think it is so cute... so here she is...

I Did It!!!

2007-12-17T21:17:00.000-06:00

Well I wanted to see if I could do it... I wanted to put every Christmas ball & ornament that we have on the tree & I just about did it!! There are 122 balls, 10 shaped ornaments, 4 Jeff Gordon ornaments, 1 Jimmy Johnson, 2 I Love Lucy ornaments & 1 Rugrats ornament on the tree. Aidan will add three more tomorrow night & then the 3 grandkids will add their 2007 ornaments Christmas Eve. Each year we get them an ornament with their name on it to put on Mamaw & Papaw's tree. I think there are 3 strings of light also & wrapped with tulle. I think it is probably the most decked out tree we have ever had!!! I like it!!!

December 1984...

2007-12-09T21:45:00.000-06:00

Larrylee & Brian braved it and were very cool to sit on Santa's lap. As for Kari, I too, will let the picture do the talking...

But weren't they sweet... I really don't remember Larrylee or Brian sitting on Santa's lap crying... or at least I don't think I have pics anyway. Probably didn't have a camera back then. Anyway... I love looking back at these pictures & remembering when...

Sweet Baby Clara...

2007-12-03T22:38:00.000-06:00

Clara got to hit the town I grew up in last weekend. Her daddy was in a wedding in Austin so she got to make her first road trip. Hope she had a good time... sweet isn't she???

This time last year for my birthday, the kids surprised me with a trip to Oklahoma... this year I have 2 precious granddaughters to love & enjoy along with our precious Aidan... it just keeps getting better & better... can't wait to see what next year holds for me... :)

Larrylee & Missy...

2007-11-30T00:07:00.000-06:00

I found this picture the other night that was taken at Larrylee's first birthday party. Darlene & the girls had come down for a visit.

A Day at the Office...

2007-11-29T23:14:00.000-06:00

So far I think everything is working out just fine having a new supervisor at the office. I'll let her give you a journal of our day at work...

I usually get to work each morning with Daddy about 8am... When Mamaw & Papaw get here, I get a diaper change and breakfast. Then we start our day...

After my morning nap, I play with my toys...

I help Mamaw get supplies out of the cabinet when she needs them,

I sort the mail... junk mail & good mail...
Sometimes I show her the important mail comes first...
I practice walking and am really getting good at it...
Then I wait for 5:00 when my Daddy climbs over the gate & we go home...
I have really enjoyed getting to have Sophia at the office with us. She is doing an absolutely excellent job of helping me "Sophie-proof" the office. We go to the back & see what Daddy & Papaw are doing alot during the day. I will get pictures of her room later when we get it completed. We still have some work to do on her room, but for now, her bed, tv & vcr is there and she can get in her naps & watch the Backyardigans, Wonder Pets, Dora & Diego.

Grandchildren...

2007-11-27T23:33:00.000-06:00

I think we are the luckiest grandparents ever. We have been blessed with three of the sweetest, most precious grandchildren. I can't think what it was like to not have them around to love. I thought the love I have for my kids was as big as the universe but then I look into the eyes of these precious little grandkids and there, from the very depths of my heart, was love saved just for grandkids. It was there all the time, just waiting to spend it on someone, and here they are...

Sophie Grace, Aidan Lee, & Clara Jane

Mamaw loves you sweet babies!!!

Miss Alma

2007-11-27T23:19:00.000-06:00

Some 20 years ago, Aunt Alma received this plant for her anniversary. (Don't remember which one)... anyway she gave it to Mom because she knew Mom would take good care of it. Well take care of it she did.... It has grown so much, it can no longer stand up in her house. With ceilings that seem to reach forever for Miss Alma, she has been passed on to her new care keeper, Kari & Josiah. It was quite an ordeal getting her out of Mom's house....

through the back gate, and a cold ride in the back of our truck with Josiah & Chester...
finally arriving to her new home at "111".
Welcome Home Miss Alma!!!

Clara Jane Rhea...

2007-11-13T20:08:00.001-06:00

Welcome Sweet Baby!!! At 9:45am November 13, our third precious grandchild came into this world. Dad, Mom and Clara are doing fine. I talked to Dad around 5ish & they were all doing great and enjoying some alone time. Can't wait to see her soon...

Falling in love again...
Another jewel for Mamaw to love...
and Papaw to spoil...
Welcome Clara Jane...

Christi did an awesome job on their website with more pics...

Enjoy...http://larrandchristi.blogspot.com

Mom, her girls & their trucks...

2007-11-05T12:22:00.000-06:00

Or as Tim likes to call it... his truck :) Melissa & I are both pretty much full time truck drivers now. Who would have thought it... certainly not me because I didn't like driving trucks. I had rather drive a minivan or a mini SUV even now but for the time being, a truck it is that I drive. Anyway, our gas guzzlers get us from here to there so that is all that counts I guess..

Happy 80th Birthday...

2007-11-03T22:45:00.000-05:00

What a great day it was today... we celebrated Mom's 80th Birthday. We started out with breakfast at her house. We had biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon & sausage... yum yum.

The birthday girl cutting her cake. The cake was spice cake with cream cheese icing. It read "Happy 80th Birthday Mom/Mema/Mary" which is how she signs her emails.
Karen & Kami made and decorated the cake. It looked great & tasted wonderful!!!
We had a bulletin board with all her birthday cards & pictures used in the video.
We all went to the watch the video that Tim made. He did an awesome job of it. It started out with pictures of her early years set to the theme of "The Waltons". 2 John Denver songs accompanied other pictures also. It was great.
It was a wonderful day full of visiting friends & family. I didn't get a count of how many attended but it was great to see each and every one of them.

Happy 80th birthday Mom... We love you very much...

Proverbs 31:28

Her children arise up, and call her blessed;

In from the cold...

2007-10-29T14:29:00.000-05:00

The other day I brought my plants in before the frost and sat them in the foryer. Yesterday I heard a strange noise in the house & just kinda blew it off. Well this morning I heard something & thought it was Sophie awake in her bed playing but I peeked in & she was asleep. Well I heard it while ago again... asleep again so I thought something has come in out of the cold with my plants so I sat on the stairs for a solid 10 minutes (btw this house makes some strange creakey noises) anyway no sounds so I got brave and ventured into my red bird plant just to see what I might find. And this is what I found!!!

He is just sitting there minding his own business just as green as can be. He even looks like he has his hands crossed into front of him. Cute, isn't he??? I am guessing this is the same little frog that made a guest appearance on my blog September 9th. I have seen him several more times since then & now he has made his way into our house. I am too big a coward to get him, so I'll wait until Larry gets home to help my get him & take him back outside. Sure hope he sits there until then!!!

Saturday Halloween Night...

2007-10-29T12:54:00.001-05:00

Since Halloween is on a school night, Aidan & Sophia went "relative trick or treating" Saturday night. They saw Mema, Grandma, Aunt Kee & Uncle Joe, Aunt Becca and then out to our house. They were the cutest things as you can see. Got lots of candy and Rice Krispie treats from Mamaw. Hope Aidan liked them. He had never had any RK treats before. I love them. I think Christi said on Halloween night, they will go to the Harvest Festival at their church and get lots more candy. Can you ever have too much candy??? :)

Pink Poodle Puppy Sophie
Spiderman Aidan with his trusty sidekick Eeyore

Who can resist a good book???

2007-10-27T09:26:00.000-05:00

Everybody loves a good book but I think Sophie is taking that to the extremes...

This is one of her favorite inside toys. She plays on this everyday. It used to be Aidan's but now Sophie enjoys it...
Another readying break....
Bye bye yall... thanx for stopping by!!!

Yep... It was cold today...

2007-10-22T22:46:00.001-05:00

But not too cold for a drive to the mail box. She was bundled up and enjoyed the drive but didn't appreciate the short drive. When we came in was the first time I think she has ever gotten mad & cried... She really didn't want to come in.

Aidan & Sophie...

2007-10-22T17:04:00.000-05:00

How cute are they!!?? Aidan's picture was taken on Apr 15, 2005 making him 8 mths & 3wks old. I took the picture of Sophie today making her 9 mths old. How time flies!!! Doesn't seem that long ago Aidan was that little boy sitting there... Before long, Sophie be on the go & running around like he is. She stood by herself for about 5 seconds today so it won't be long!!!

Driving Miss Sophie...

2007-10-19T23:31:00.000-05:00

We went on a walk today for about 30 minutes & she loved it!!! Here are just a few of the better shots I got of her having fun.

I think we will be going on lots of walks from now on. She really does enjoy her car. It is so cute how she will put one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the stick shift... just cruisin'... Well until our next walk & I'll try not to take the camera. I am enjoying the walks also...

Move over boys!!!

2007-10-18T11:40:00.000-05:00

Are you following me???

Little Lady... Start Your Engine!!!
Victory Lane... Sweet Success!!!

She has wheels and she is on the go!!! She loves it! We had a little outing up and down the drive way before it started raining but after it stopped & the sun came out, we took off again. It is a no door, 4 wheel drive & 1 Mamaw powered covertible... :)

Just Sophie...

2007-10-12T13:58:00.001-05:00

Who could tell this sweet face "No"... Not Mamaw!!! She can have whatever she wants... :)

With Aidan, the theme song to Stargate SG-1 would stop him in his tracks & he'd watch the entire beginning... with Sophie, it's Reba!!!

Hey... what's in there???

Almost got it!!!

Haha!!! Never could get it open but the adventure was fun!!

She never could get the drawer open but it was fun watching her. She'd peek in to see, use one arm, tried two arms but finally was satisfied to have tried and then was off to play with something else. She is so precious...

Future organist...

2007-10-03T15:46:00.000-05:00

Sophia tried her hand at Mema's organ this morning... well... a little practice never hurt anybody... :)

Hey Looky Looky!!!

2007-09-25T15:59:00.000-05:00

TEETH!!!

Grapevine...

2007-09-24T14:08:00.000-05:00

Saturday Mema, Grandma & I made a trip to visit Brian & Laura and see their new Grapevine home. We had a really good time seeing their new house, going out for lunch & walking thru the Botanical Gardens.

Laura had a baby shower to attend so while she was there, Brian took us to see his classroom. This is his 4th year at Polk Middle School & he really does enjoy it.

We took a drive down Grapevine's main street which I want to visit again and spend some time walking thru all the shops. All the quaint little shops looked so interesting and inviting. Maybe one day, we will go back & stroll down main street.

Happy Baby...

2007-09-18T17:39:00.000-05:00

What a joy my days are keeping her. I love to watch her face just light up when she wakes up from her naps & I peek in to get her. She has gotten to where to kicks her feet while I am trying to change her diaper & she'll just laugh at me trying to chase that one leg to hold her still... Funny Mamaw...

Sophie's Day...

2007-09-14T22:28:00.000-05:00

Carrots were the choice veggie on the menu today. She likes them so much better than she likes peas...

Aunt Kee had better hurry up & get her scrapbook done or it is going to get eaten!!!
Can't chat right now... gotta go...

CYA!!!

Hello in there...

2007-09-09T22:44:00.000-05:00

We had an interesting "peeping tom" the other night. This little feller was on the living room window.

In the instant that I took this picture, he became full "Rhea" and tried to get out of the picture... too late... I got him during take off...
and this is where he landed.

Perfect Little Angel...

2007-08-28T16:07:00.000-05:00

Is that not a perfectly precious smile from a perfectly precious little angel?

Happy 30th!!!

2007-08-27T22:34:00.000-05:00

Thirty years ago in Blossom Texas, Mr & Mrs Larry Rhea started an adventure in life together. Along that path of ups & downs & twists & turns, dreams were realized, goals were obtained & memories were made. The adventure brought us 3 wonderful children, who now have spouses of their own, and 2 beautiful grandchildren and 1 on the way... What an adventure it has been... Here's to the next 30!!!

Tripods & Timers...

2007-08-24T20:05:00.000-05:00

Donna suggested tripods & timers to get pictures of me with the kids... So here is the best one out of many that I got today. It doesn't exactly work well with squirmy kids... :) Aidan was sick today & didn't go to school so it was the Three Amigos today & we had a really good time.

Grandmother Wednesday...

2007-08-22T20:17:00.001-05:00

It started with Aidan... On Wednesdays we would go into Mema's for breakfast & a visit & then over to Grandma's until lunchtime. Well Aidan is in school & it is now Sophie's time with her Gr-grandmothers. It is memories in the making that they will have forever. Grandmother Wednesdays... sounds better than hump day that is for sure...

It is a beginning for Sophie & an end for Kami... today was her last Wednesday as she starts school on Monday so we will miss her being there...

Napping...

2007-08-21T11:06:00.001-05:00

Reckon they will be best friends??? Isn't she so sweet? Our second day has gone fine so far... we'll eat lunch in a bit then play & nap some more...

New Deacons...

2007-08-20T09:07:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Larry!!! Last night was Deacon Ordination at Southside Baptist Church. He is one of the newest members of Deacons now. There were 5 ordained last night making a total of 14 Deacons now. After the service, there was a reception held in their honor & we all had a good time. Left to right: Bro. Billy Norris (our preacher), Danny Cole, Tim Barnett, Stephen Holmes, Larry Rhea & Phil Spann.

Mr Crab...

2007-08-10T17:35:00.000-05:00

I have been informed that the crab's name on SpongeBob is Mr Crab so I guess that will be his name until this evening when I guess he will be re-released to the great outdoors. Here is a better picture of him...

Late Night Visitor...

2007-08-09T09:59:00.000-05:00

I let Bingo out last night for her last potty break & found this little guy. He is the perfect little pet for Larry (he loves SpongeBob) but I scooped him up to save him for Aidan to see. I wonder whose little pet he is? I don't think they come like that in nature, do they???

I guess I forgot to mention it is a Hermit Crab. I guess we'll name him SpongeBob unless Aidan changes the name. What do Hermait Crabs eat???

Nascar... How Bad Have You Got It?

2007-08-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

When I mow... I only turn left... :)

Sound, Video & Action...

2007-07-24T21:21:00.000-05:00

Yeah!!! We have our new bench installed at church. We can now sit down & are facing the congregation & pulpit. Before, I had to stand in the back of this area and in the doorway. The bench that the sound board & computer sat on were facing the wall which made it neckbreaking to keep an eye on what the preacher or song director was doing & look at the monitor or soundboard. This is so much better. Now you know where we are on Sunday mornings from 11 to 12 & sometime on Sunday night. We recieve such a blessing doing this & thoroughly enjoy it.

Happy 3rd Birthday Aidan!!!

2007-07-22T21:26:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Aidan turned 3 years old!!! Unbelieveable as it may seem, he is growing up and he is growing up way too fast.

This year the party was at Gordon Country Club for fun in the sun & lots of swimming. Aidan finally did brave the big jump into Dad's arms from the side of the pool. Does he look like he is having fun???

Go Diego Go was the theme this year. Christi had a cute cake made from cupcakes to form a jungle & river thru it. Just too cute... & no knife was needed!!!

Aidan is thoroughly enjoying the river...

Until next year big boy.... Lovya!!!

Just having fun...

2007-07-20T07:50:00.000-05:00

Well Aidan & Sophia decided to explore the underwater world while we were in Hawaii. They put on one of those old diving suits & hit the water swimming. Looks like they found a beautiful spot, uh?? :)

Actually, this is one of those weekly challenges that Donna does & I thought I'd play with it alittle also... Of course mine is so simple compared to her's ( http://donnaboykin.com/randomstuff ) but it was fun for a first. What do you think Cuz?? :)

Fun in the Sun!!!

2007-07-09T21:26:00.000-05:00

Sophie, Mamaw & Aidan on the beach at Hawaii... we had such a good time. HeHe... well this is the closest I will ever be to being in Hawaii but it was fun doing it... :)

Congrats Bro!!!

2007-07-07T23:49:00.000-05:00

Enjoy your approx 64 hrs of retirement before Monday 6am. Good luck on the new job!!!

Fourth of July Festivities

2007-07-05T22:01:00.000-05:00

We all gathered at our house this year for a cook-out and fireworks. We had grilled hot dogs along with chips, dips & soda. It was all delicious.

Aidan getting a ride on Aunt Kee's shoulders. What fun that always is...

After dinner & what seemed like an eternity waiting for dark, the fireworks began. They were great. We all sat in the driveway & watched the fireworks being launched from our backyard. It was a great site... "Please, sir, may I have some more?" :)
Larrylee giving careful instructions to Aidan on the proper way to shoot off his popper. No fireworks were involved in the shooting of this popper... :)
Memaw's 3 gr-grand & 3 grand children. Aren't they a bunch to behold... and precious every one of them.
Not just real sure of the fireworks yet, Aidan & Papaw (later Mamaw) watched the show from the safety of "Mamaw's Big Black Truck".

There were 21 of us in all. Brian & Laura (who were at a Rangers Game having a good time), Kevin, Jonathan, Micheal & Grandma were all missed & hopefully can join us next year.

Until then!!!

A Super Set of Women...

2007-06-20T21:44:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Nellie Havens, Mrs. Louise Rawls, Mrs. Mary Tallant, Mrs. Lucille Lancaster, Marcene Lancaster.

Starting our morning early, we were up & out of Waco at 7a headed to Austin. It rained cats and dogs on us all the way and all thru the Mago's funeral. After the funeral, we drove over to the old neighborhood and had lunch with one of the original neighbors. Mrs. Lancaster, Mrs. Rawls, Mrs. Havens & Mom are the wonderful mothers of some of us original neighborhood kids. Marcene is Mrs. Lancaster's daughter. Really, a super neighborhood to grow up in.

In Loving Memory...

2007-06-17T22:03:00.000-05:00

Mary "Mago" Shular. http://mema-mymanytalents.blogspot.com/ What more can be said about a wonderful lady. Miss you Mago... Love you.

The Ducks Are Back!!!

2007-06-16T11:41:00.000-05:00

Aidan got to feed the ducks this morning. We saw another one across the pond w/ 4 little ducklings so we should have any more to feed next year. He sure does enjoy feeding them & Sophie will get to join in on the fun next year also. Fun... Fun... Fun...

Check my blog archives for May 2006 & see the differences & what is the same... Eeyore :)

I love the look on his face in this picture... so precious.

He calls this one White Duck... not sure why?? ;)

Well, It's Official...

2007-06-13T19:34:00.000-05:00

I have to start liking Dale Jr. He is Jeff Gordon's new team mate. Oh well... I know this isn't news to yall but it is news to me & it's my website... :P

So there... no comments are necessary... :)

Tallant Family Reunion

2007-06-02T15:50:00.001-05:00

What a super looking family. Two wonderful people fell in love in 1948. Did they know, that from that love, 4 kids, 11 grandkids & 4 great-grandkids would bless their lives? Here are most of them. Wesley's family could not be here with the exception of Kevin. They had moved Micheal to Houston & was on their way home. As usual, the Duane Tallant branch of the tree was the very fullest w/ 22 members present at this year's reunion.

Precious Smile...

2007-05-26T23:24:00.000-05:00

Isn't she an absolute doll?? What a cute little smile she has... She is starting to laugh & "talk" so much now. I see a change in her everday... She rolls over, pushes up, and can make her walker go in reverse... :) before we know it, she'll be running around chasing Bingo along side her big brother!!!

Mr Cool...

2007-05-18T17:33:00.000-05:00

Wha'sup???

Morther's Day 2007

2007-05-15T10:54:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful day... It started w/ lunch with our Mothers. Two beautiful women... Larrylee, Christi & the kids brought me a beautiful hanging basket of Geraniums (I think). Brian posted a wonderful message on his blog of a memory from a little while back ;) , and Kari took me to lunch Monday at TaMolly's. And a little note on my part, Jeff Gordon won at Darlington!!! What a great Mother's Day 2007!!!

Watch out Micheal Jordan!!!

2007-05-13T00:10:00.000-05:00

Grandma got Aidan a basketball goal to play with at her house. He really, really did enjoy it. I am sure he will head outside first thing now at Grandma's...

All Dressed Up...

2007-05-12T23:48:00.000-05:00

and some place to go. Thursday Sophie got to go eat lunch w/ Mommy at her school. I am sure she was the hit of the lunch hour!!! I know Meme enjoyed the company also. Doesn't she look absolutely adorable???

Mema's Three Little Angels...

2007-05-12T23:16:00.000-05:00

Aidan & Kami's most favorite thing to do at Mema's first thing is to take the cushions off the couch under the kitchen window & then climb onto the back of that couch & look thru the window. Won't be long before Sophie will be there also, without Mema's help... :) They are going to really be bunched up there w/ a fourth little face one of these days. Won't that be fun!!!

Nature Up Close...

2007-05-07T22:34:00.000-05:00

Aidan & I were out looking for "turtle" today but found a caterpillar instead...

Perfect Perch...

2007-04-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

Do you see a pattern here??? Actually I don't think he ever laid down this time but he does likes to watch TV from up high... :)

What mess??!!

2007-04-30T14:29:00.000-05:00

Sophia enjoying her saucer & Aidan is playing with a balloon he brought today. Just gotta dump out that wagon or it isn't a full day... uh?