Fun On The Farm

I want it, no me, no me, no Me

Give it to me Nathan - No MINE!

 Gillan and Gracie after singing at church.

Growing up too fast

Christmas Memories - 2010

Christmas came a week early here, but my post is a couple of weeks late.  Happy New Year to all of YOU!
We started our celebration off by driving the five grandchildren for a tour of Honor Heights lights.  All the way to Muskogee, every light we saw, Nathan clapped and yelled out, "more "Crismas hights"....more "Crismis hights"!!!  When we finished "light lookin'" we went out for pizza.  What fun!  The children's parents went out for a nice meal together while we did our thing.  When we all returned we tore into the gifts.

It is my tradition to give each child a special dated Christmas ornament. 

Huh Oh!  I didn't get a picture of Gracie opening her ornament.

But, she seemed to like it, and the Zebra picture frame.

Nathan is still receiving the 5 part series of 

 Baby's First Christmas ornaments like the other
grand kids did in years gone by.

I slipped up on Rudy again....man it is hard to get a little smile out of him.

I love it when a gift is a big hit.....doesn't happen to me often.

Nathan is really in to Toy Story 3 now and he loved the 

character figures and book.

Okay, yes.....there is a story behind the one below.  Armadillos have long been a big thing around here.  Katie called them  "Marmaduke" when she was little....don't ask me why.....confusing the cartoon dog with the critter, I guess.  We once bought her a stuffed animal Armadillo while on a trip....she was very young, and she was not impressed with it at all.  This Christmas my dear son bought me a very real looking ceramic/plaster, or some type of  breakable Armadillo.  What a shock to open it.......it looks SO real - I had it in the bedroom for a while, but had to move it to the porch, as it startled me every time I came into the room.  

David is quick to tell everyone about a season or two ago, when I was so frustrated with the Armadillos tearing up the yard and I took action.  I have always had a fear of guns, but I told David I wanted to learn how to use a GUN..........that,  I was sick of the critters.  My dear son-in-law Craig  gave me a few safety lessons and I was soon on the hunt.  David found it so humorous because I bent down  and walked with my aim like none other than "Granny" from the "Beverly Hillbillies".

The picture below is of me being silly with my new Armadillo and a small grill lighter shaped as a gun.

 Christmas Cheer!!!

GRANNY GET THE GUN!!

Aunt Katie, Gillan and Gracie

I am attaching the video of the kids singing at Southeast Baptist Church the weekend following Thanksgiving.  My daughter Katie and two of my grandchildren, (my son Rudy's children) singing, "I'll Fly Away" -  available to view here by clicking on the You Tube link below.  There are four YouTube videos and you can view them by clicking above on the drop down menu that says 4 videos - after you open this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PQzrijvXL4

If I haven't already made it perfectly clear Katie, Gillan, and Gracie - you did an amazing job and I am proud of all of you.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Our son-in-law Craig is the Chief Chef with new and improved smoked meat techniques. I can't express how much I appreciated the smoked turkeys and the fact that I did not have to wrestle "Big Bird" this year.  Thank you Craig!!!!

Just a glimpse of the cooking, eating, and fellowship of the day.

We enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner - Food, Family and Fellowship - Toy Story 3, Apples to Apples, and even the OU/OSU football game.

There was even a little family football going on.

Awe.....David and our grandchildren - Priceless!

Granddaughters

What special girls!  Lexi on the left is my sister's granddaughter and Gracie on the right is my granddaughter.  We are all amazed at the resemblance.  Because both girls only have brothers, they really enjoy their time together.

Happy Thanksgiving, 2010

 Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Enjoy family, friends, and food.

Blessings to each of you.

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Is this not just the sweetest faced little boy? Our Andrew, the "middle child" between two brothers, will be seven years old Sunday.  Last night we celebrated his birthday early
at "Soda Steve's".  Soda Steve's is a great place with wonderful food and it was the first trip for the boys.  Of course, as any seven year would be, he was anxious to see some gifts..much preferred over eating. 

Andrew is still in to Webkinz and he got a Jack Russell --  named him Jack immediately.

Hi Jack!!

Pretty Mom, Katie is always camera ready just like me.

 

I know, a little double exposure in this picture above, but I prefer to see it as a glow of precious goodness and wonder about the little guy.

He also received a new study Bible from Grandpa and me. And, and Toy Story 3!!

I think the boy is happy, what do you think?  Big brother Josh and little brother Nathan were happy for Andrew too.  No grabbing, pulling or wanting to take his gifts...good boys.

He is so sweet I could hug him to pieces.
We love you Andrew!!!

Thank You Veterans For Serving Our Country

We left for Springfield on Veterans Day.  Yesterday as I was driving towards the shopping area I noticed the Springfield National Cemetery to my right.  I have driven by there many times, and looked in awe, but the flaming red and orange leaves on the trees caught my eye yesterday.  I also got a glimpse through the trees of "Old Glory", our American flag.  I didn't have my digital camera with me, but I knew I had to go in to the cemetery and get a better look.  There is just something sacred about a National Cemetery.  I took these shots with my cell phone.

Take A Moment To Thank A Veteran When you see someone in a uniform,
Someone who serves us all,
Doing military duty,
Answering their country’s call, Take a moment to thank them
For protecting what you hold dear;
Tell them you are proud of them;
Make it very clear. Just tap them on the shoulder,
Give a smile, and say,
"Thanks for what you’re doing
To keep us safe in the USA!" By Joanna Fuchs

Many of my fellow classmates in the Class of '66 served in Vietnam, and some of them were injured and some lost their life.  Thanks to all my classmates who served, my brother-in-laws Marlin and Jack for active duty in the U.S. Army, my son-in-law Craig for active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves serving a tour of duty in Iraq, and my brother Kenny for serving in the U.S. Air Force.  Thank you to all of the many others who have served and sacrificed so that we may have freedom.