The Rah Rah Brunch...First of the Christmas Parties

All our children. We have a total of 14!

Sara and Baily Balderson (Robin's daughter) and Mike as Santa

Our annual Christmas Brunch tradition always kicks off the season for me. I have a group of friends from high school that get together every year for Christmas. We have done this for the past, I think, at least 7 years. We always invite Santa, this year played by Mike. He did a great job. A little skinny Santa, but very cute! I love these ladies and our continued friendship!
(Robin is missing from the picture.)

Christmas at Autumn Leaves 2009

Just in case you have ever wondered what it is like at an assisted living/old folks home Christmas party. Let me shine a light on a fun night we had with my 93 year old grand mother.


(can't turn the silly thing)


My family and I went to the annual Christmas Party at my grand mother's nursing home. We go there, found my grand mother(sitting with "her Friends"). We got in line and waited for our cold shrimp and cubed cheese. Then went to sit down and I went to ask my grand mother to come and sit with us at our table. She sat with us for about 5 minutes and started to get up, I asked her, "grandma, where are you going?" "To sit with my friends!" She replied. I said, "we came to see you." Off she went, back to sit with her friends. She was not too concerned about us! Too funny! My sweet grand mother may not know much these days, but I thank God for her wit!
I guess you gotta dance with the one who brought you!!

The happiest Place on earth...

The Castle, Cinderella is so lucky!

Mike wae in the Indiana Jones stunt show. Great memories!

Too much fun...Disney 2009!
We will be back!

My birthday present!!

This was my very first car! A 1967 Volkswagon Bettle! I loved this car more than words can say! My parents bought it for me when I turned 16, for $300! I only actually drove the car for about 3 years. I totaled it in an accident on my way to Krystala and Shawn Hogues wedding in 1993. I didn't have the money to replace the engine(which is what it needed). So, it sat in my mom's driveway for the next 3 years! I did NOT want to get rid of it, I was planning on fixing it some day! Meanwhile, I met Mike and we were planning the wedding and we needed money for the weeding. During the 3 years the car sat in the drive way, a particular VW lover, would often stop by the house and ask my mom if she was ready to sell? Well, one day she said YES! I was away at SFA and had NO IDEA she was selling MY car!! She did and needless to say we were able to have a DJ at the wedding. :) I have missed that car for many years! If I had it today I would still be driving it, I love the sound they make...like no onther car EVER!! I often talk about this situation and the fact that I would love to own a bug again!

On my birthday this year our dear friend Nathan gave me a true gem! He found a trunk cover of a VW Bug and painted it green, just like my car!! He even made me personalized plates, like I always wanted! I hung it in my office! I just love it!!

Thanks Nathan!! I LOVE IT!!!

Sara's first concert...Miley Cyrus

First, I little bit of history. Mike and his friend Nathan were in a band in high school, in the 80's. They actually had paying gigs! Nathan was the front man, Mike played the bass and they had another friend that played the drums, Stacy Jones. Fast forward 25 years...Stacy now plays drums for MILEY CYRUS!!!!! Which is very cool! Mike and Nathan have kept up with Stacy through the years, Stacy has played for several bands. He is a very talented drummer. He actually is the music director for Miley.

Enjoy a few pictures from their band, Paris!

Mike and his first bass and amp!

Nathan sitting behind the drums.

Here they are recording. Mike is on the far right singing with Stacy.

Present day, on Stacy's tour bus!

A few months ago we learned that the tour was going to pass through Dallas. I begged Mike to make the call and get the hook up. But, he had not talked to Stacy for a while and didn't really want to call and ask for tickets. Mike did call him just to see if he had time to get a bite to eat or just to say hello. While they were one the phone Stacy said he didn't have much time, "why don't you just come down to the show, I can get you in and show you around!!" YEAHHHH!! Sara was beside herself! So it was on, the ultimate date with Daddy!

Back stage. Miley's mic stands. one for Hannah and one for Miley.

Their seats. They sat next to the sound booth.

I can turn the silly thing ???

Sara loved this part. Miley road through the air on a motorcycle.

again, can't turn it...sorry!

After the show the met Stace backstage again and he gave Sara his drum sticks. His name and Miley Cyrus are printed on the sticks. What a gift! Thanks Stacy Jones!!!!

our new kitchen...

My little kitchen remodel. I have had a picture torn out of a magazine for as long as I can remember. In the picture was open shelves in the kitchen. Our kitchen is a normal galley style, long and narrow. I have never really enjoyed the style. I have always wanted to up date the look. So, I tore down the upper cabinets and replaced them with shelves!

During...

After! I am really happy with the finished product! And Mikey likes it too! ;)

Oh! Mr. Flu...please go away!

This is all I have looked at for the past 7 days!
Last Wednesday I picked up Sara from school and she started to cry. Her teacher said she began to cry about an hour before they let out. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "I don't feel good." We went home and took her temp., it was 100. Let me just say it has not come down in 7 days!! Joe got it the very next day!
Last weekend we had plans to go the Kansas City to visit the Sheebs. I have not canceled a trip, ever! I was very sad! Coming up in 4 days the McMartins are headed to town to stay with us...I am starting to get worried about them coming????
I am NOT one to take my kids to the doctor, I never have been! I know there is nothing they can do. The flu is a virus, it has to run it's course! But, at 9:30 today I am taking the kids. I think just because I want to get out of the house. ;) I am going to make them wear mask. I'll try to get that on film too... hee hee!