Happy 70th Birthday Nancy

Wednesday night we had the joy of going to Nancy's (Mollie's sister) 70th birthday party.  That family knows how to throw a party.  We have known Rod and Mollie for years, and to this date still can not keep up with the sister, aunts, nieces and now the ex-boyfirends/girlfriends of the family.  So here you go....it was a fablouse night with outstanding food and great friendship.

We have been promised a family tree.  Can't wait.  Thank you for including us.  We had a wonderful evening.

I Love Christmas, 2010

I think I have mentioned before how much I love the Christmas season.  I love the songs, the decorations, the family and friend times spent together and being reminded how and why we are here on earth.  All of this helps me get through the season as I'm not a shopper at all.

Here are just a few pics from CHRISTmas...(thank you Camille)

Camille wraps her gifts like a gift in its' self.  This is for you Camille.  I made my very own bow.

 Keith & Elysse came over Christmas Eve eve.  So hard not to get them all baby stuff already!  But Keith did get a dad's cooler to take to the park.

Kitty was all over and so enjoying the paper and boxes.

We attended the 5:00 Christmas Eve service, which is the "kids" service.  So sweet to see all the Angels, Shepards and Kings file in.

Here comes Jerry to save the day.  One of three of the Sander's boys didn't make it.

We even had a real baby.

Garrett, Layton and Preston where happy to set free.

We hope each of you had a very Merry Christmas and wishes for a healthy and joyful
 New Year!

Serving the Junior League

Elysse is a member of the Richardson Junior League as well as many other organizations.  One of the things Hal and I enjoy is serving at parties.  Hal is exceptional at this. What a fun evening and so nice to meet all the girls.

Christmas w/Friends

These friends (minus Liz as she is not feeling well) are so dear to Hal and me.  They have been with us through thick and thin and we love them dearly. 

Merry Christmas dear friends!

Tis the Season

 Most every company has a Christmas party of some sort or fashion.  My company has department holiday events (there are a few of us still trying to change the culture of the company).  Last Monday the Finance, Administration, HR and IT had its' Ho Ho Ho at Fireside Pies at the Shops of Legacy.  Unfortunately, I had to leave early to meet up w/our Small Group for more wine and festivities.

This pic is totally out of character of these two, and thus the reason for taking the pic!.....Priceless!

Names to remain anonymous....but we know who you are.

Getting ready for Christmas

I love the Christmas season. I love how most everyone is nice to each other and wish that attitude would last all year long.  There is a special gift that arrives on our door step each year and I have grown to anticipate it's arrival.  My friend Carla sends Cindy and me a fresh Christmas wreath and it arrives just after Thanksgiving.  It's one of the first decorations up and gets you in the spirit.  I love driving up the drive way and seeing the wreath, it reminds me of wonderful times with girlfriends that have been through the bad, the ugly and now the good with me.  Thank you Carla and Cindy, I love you dearly.

 Last night Hal and I had a date night.  We started the night off at the Highland Park Village.  This quaint shopping center is filled with a bazillion lights in the trees.  There were horse drawn carriages loaded with kids, parents and grandparents who were filled with excitement as they began to tour the neighborhoods all decorate with Christmas lights.  Lovely place.

 We had tickets to hear Marcia Ball, a blues singer from Austin.  She is an amazing keyboard player.  What a beautiful evening and a great way to begin enjoying the season.  Love you babe!

CCPC Ladies Dinner

Our church hosted our first annual Ladies dinner.  Each table was uniquely decorated and the theme was "Holiday".  Liz, Susan, Kathy and myself hosted a table and invited our daughters/daughters-in-law.  Mollie and Tara could not join us this year and they were in our prayers.  Liz and Susan decorate our table and it was beautiful.  The husbands of the committee leaders served us and cleaned up after us.  They helped make the evening fun.  Erin Owen-Salters was our Keynote Speaker and gave a message on relationships. You are never too young or old to hear the basics of what you put into a relationship is a part of what you get out.  Thank you Elysse for going with me.

Evening at the Meyerson

Last Wednesday night the Ingles, Sanders and Dentons went to the Meyerson to hear Michael W. Smith and the Dallas Symphony play our favorite Christmas music.  Aaron got us some great seats, thank you Aaron.  The music was beautiful.  A lovely night out with friends.

France 2010, Friday, 11/12

Our last full day in Paris.  We are packed and luggage placed in John & Susan's room.  Our cars will pick us up at 8:00pm and take us to the airport Marriott.
Our first stop of the day was the Louvre.  Arrived by 9:00 am.  Great decision!  Saw the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and Venus de Milo.  Wandered the Denno wing.  Mary got her knives taken away from her by security but they gave them back. 

 There was a group of people that started having their picture taken after we did.  It was kinda funny.  Everyone took turns taking each others pictures.

On to Notre Dame.  A beautiful Gothic church and they were setting up for noon mass. It was quiet even though there were many people wandering around.

 This church has many beautiful stained glass windows.

 Some green men hanging off the side of the church.

Stopped to rest and of course have lunch at a brasserie, Le des Palais across from St. Chapelle (which we did not see bc of the very long lines).

Friday being our last day we had decided the afternoon was a "free" afternoon to do as you wish.  We all headed to the mall, Lagayette Galeries, to do a little shopping.  Some of us shopped more than others....go figure.  Every Galleria has a huge Christmas tree.

It was very hot in the mall so the Hodges, Ingles and us decided to go on the roof top of the mall.

 View of the Opera House from the roof top.

 View of the Opera House from the street.

 It's starting to drizzle...we decide to head back to the hotel.  We all congregate in the Ingles room for snacks and wine while waiting on our cars to pick us up.