Tuesday, October 25, 2011

My First Race Day

I have wanted to run in a race forever.  I'm not a runner but it's been on my Bucket List.  I can now say "Been There...Done That" and it was outstanding!  Biff Niven coordinated with World Vision to visit our church several months ago.  Our church had just read Hole In Our Gospel so we were familar wtih the leadership of World Vision.  It was an early race, 7:15 am.  We were to be downtown by 6:15.  The morning was beautiful and the energy high.  I was beside myself with anticipation the night before and morning.  Hal is absolutely wonderful!  He goes along with all my OMGoodness, What If, What Now, blah blah, blah

I came in 5th and Hal came in 2nd in our age group.  It helps to be old.  I am very thankful for all my friends and family who listened to me for months talk about this race.  You have no idea how much you really supported me.
I went on line today to find our next race.  Hal will be thrilled!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Sweeny Family Reunion

We have talked about the Sweeny's (my dad's side of the family) getting together for many years now, and I'm so happy that Tamra took the initiate to make it happen.  Linda and Craig, Gary and me, Karen and Jimmy and Loretta spent many weekends together at our grandparents and loved every moment.  It gave me my foundation of what I want for our grand kids.  Pure unconditional love.  We (all the grand kids) would spend the weekend w/grandma and grandpa.  I wished I could ask them today if they had as much fun on those weekends as we did. 
Tamra had our weekend planed for us which was absolutely wonderful.  It seemed we all needed the time together. 
Most of us congregate at the Oakdale Park in Glen Rose. Hal was thrilled with his home away from home for the weekend.
 Friday night we dinned at this wonderful outdoor restaurant, Hollywood & Vine.  The evening was beautiful.  I had not met many of my family members but once I did, I fell in love with each of them. 
Rachel, Matthew, James and Jim. 
Abigail is just filled with joy.  Rachel home schools the kids and it shows.  I only wished I had the patience.
 Shelby is the oldest.  Karen would be so proud of her family.  We missed her presence.
 I just love Jim (or Jimmy as we called him). 
The first evening we played cards and just caught up revisiting our times of growing up.
Saturday morning we went to Dinosaur World.  Hal and I thought of Pierce the entire time...you will see why.
 My Sis...We talk almost every day on our way home from work.
 They let the kids dig for fossils... 
The rest of the pictures are mostly for Pierce.  He used to be into dinosaurs....now it's army.  But we were thinking of you the entire time.....love you Pierce.













Gary and I were closest in age and I have to say....I love this man. He has the most gentle spirit.
Hal, Jim, Gary and Craig.
Gina, me and Sam.  Gina and Gary just lost their beautiful home in the Bastrop fires.  I'm totally amazed how calm they were. 
 Dad could not join us, but sent a "simple" quiz and puzzle for us to work on.  Some of us took it to heart more than others.  We missed you dad.


Saturday, October 22, 2011

Rod & Mollie Farewell

Rod  & Mollie have been preparing us for the fact that they are moving to San Augustine, East Texas.  I have been in denial for the last couple of years and enjoyed listening to their dreams of a slower pace life style, financial freedom and remodeling plans, blah, blah, blah.......
A couple of weekends ago, reality came for the forefront.  I have to say, I was not prepared for the day.
Mollie brings pure joy to your life.  If you are down...call Mollie.  Rod is such a dear friend.  If you need someone to lean on....call Rod.  I don't remember when they came into my life but I remember the morning I said goodbye.
Prior to these dear friends leaving our Friday night gang going out for dinner, playing Mexican Train, hanging out on the patio, watching movies together or Sunday morning worship, Sunday School and lunch afterwords,  they left their mark on our church.  Rod and Mollie had a vision for our sanctuary to have a cross.  When Rod first began to talk about the need for a cross in the sanctuary, I thought that would be nice.  Well the cross was installed the last Sunday Rod & Mollie would be part of our church service on a weekly basis and I was filled with joy and sadness.  The cross is beautiful and Mollie sang with the Praise Team as always with joy.  I was a mess the entire service.

Rod and Mollie have been members of Canyon Creek for over 25 years, they will be missed.
Rod and Mollie's Small Group, our Small Group and others met at Sony Bryan's for a little farewell.  These are just a few candied shots of the evening.  Jeremy and Karen were so sweet to join us.



 Sarah and Tom will join Rod & Mollie's Small Group in their absence.  We were thrilled to see Sarah.  She had a freak accident and broke her leg and will have a very long recovery process.

 
 Herb painted a picture of the cross for a going away gift.  A very special gift indeed!
I miss you terribly

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Chris and Melissa are engaged !

I'm proud to announce that Chris and Melissa are engaged and we couldn't be happier.  We fell in love with Melissa the moment we first met her and she is such a joy to be around.  I can't wait for the rest of our family and friends to meet her. 
Here are a few pictures that I think capture their love for each other.













We love you very much.