HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGIE!

Today is Angie's birthday! Happy Birthday, Angie! We do hope it is a good one and you get to have some fun today. We love you!
Joan and Dad!

March 15, 2010
Hi All! Hope everyone is well and happy. A week ago Saturday, Jacob and family, and Chaling and I were out just killing some time. We went to the Ellis Co Expo Trade Days here in Waxahachie. While there we saw the cutest puppy, a long haired doxie, of course. We ALL fell in love with her, but I stuck to my guns and said no. Sunday, we went back (mostly to see if she was still there). She was! I gave in to temptation with the stipulation Jacob & Carla would take her if I couldn't handle it.

Chaling left on Tuesday for the week and I was left with her for the week. I couldn't leave her at home because she was so little and we were going to try for crate training. I haven't ever crate trained a dog. What a commitment! Well, I know when to say I goofed. Although I was enamored with her, and was falling in love with her, I just had too much on my plate--with work, a recent potentially scary eye problem (but has turned out to be fine--at least for a while), kitchen redo still torn up, and basically, I just didn't want the responsibility and getting her reinforced that. I have been taking care of kids, cats and dogs for 40 years. We still have the old Whiskey River but that's okay.

Jacob & Carla & the boys took her and love her so much. They have renamed her Gabriella and will call her Gabby for short. I think her official name is Gabriella, Duchess of the House of Holsinger. Love it! Here are some really cute pics of her and she is precious and growing so fast! Now, instead of a furry child, we have a furry grandchild (granddog). Love It.

Cha Cha gets the best birthday present

Angie and Abby gave Cha Cha the best birthday present.
They came to visit for Cha Cha's birthday. He was so excited to see them. Abby is such a good baby. She warmed up to us really quickly. Of course it took us a little longer! ha ha ha ha ha ha ha . Love at first sight!
She is so cute! I just want to squeeze her. She loves to smile!!! and she just lights up when she does.

Wesley and Wyatt were so enchanted with her, especially Wyatt. They are so kind and gentle with little ones and I think Abby was a little curious about them. It was just a wonderful visit and we miss them so much. :-( We have seen her on Skype since then and I think she remembered us! We love ya'll.

Zane Turner's 2nd birthday

Today was Zane's, 2nd birthday party. His beautiful mom, Sonja, really did a great job getting ready. Of course his grandparents were there and were proud as punch! Zane is quite a little ball of energy, yet still a little solemm around adults, but when he smiles, he lights up just like his mom and dad do when they smile.



Zane was so cute when he blew out his candles. He blew one out and then the other and was so pleased. I don't recall a 2 year old being able to do that so well.




June, of course was enjoying being around most of her grandbabies, with Addison being home sick. Little Michael is recovering well from his recent illness and was quite a motivator and is not walking but running! She didn't mind getting a quick hug from her oldest daughter.

Wesley and Wyatt enjoyed themselves, as they always do at birthday parties.
Sonja and Jeff were delightful hosts and we enjoyed ourselves very much. Thanks kiddos!

2010 Texas Freeze

Well, we have had the biggest snowfall in 32 years! The first one I remember was in 1964. I was a Freshman in high school. We went to the park for Wesley and Wyatt to play in the snow. I guess these pictures speaks for themselves.

The ones taken at our house were taken at night while I was on the front porch. It was beautifully eerie. Like the town had on ear muffs. The sounds were so muffled there wasn't an echo.The snow reflected into the sky and lit up the night. Here in Texas, we just don't experience this amount of snow. I took many pictures without a flash and they were great and have included a couple to show you.

The picture that looks kinda ghostly is really cool. I couldn't see that while I was taking the picture but when I downloaded it, the image was there! Ooooooooooooh. Freaky!

We took so many pictures I couldn't possibly post them all here. All I could think about while taking the pictures was "I wish I had Jason's photographic eye" "He would take some awesome shots".

The boys really had fun, but it didn't take long for Wesley to have enough of the cold.

Now, two days later, the snow is still here and I am ready for it to go. Usually, when it snows here, the snow is only here until the next day. I think it will be several days before it melts, unless we get some rain.

Anyway, it was beautiful, but 12 inches of snow and all the damage it caused is too much for this old Texas gal. I have seen it twice in my life now and that is fine with me!

I love you all,
Joan