50th Wedding Anniversary

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.  ~Author Unknown

On September 24, 2010 my parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. (See pictures at Prayer, Praise and Photographs)  We (22 of us) went to Lone Star Park. We had reserved 3 large tables in The Silk Dinning Room. It was perfect and beautiful. We were able to enjoy our meal as we watched the quarter horses race. There was lots of food, lots of betting and lots of laughter. They had an extremely large buffet area. There was also special cake in honor of their anniversary delivered to our table.

Everyone had a great time. There were some first timers…they had never been to the horse races. It was so much fun watching them, listening to them when they realized they had won and going with them to collect their winnings.

Mom received a beautiful ring for their 50 years together. They asked for no gifts. So each guests placed a bet on a different horse (to win, place or show) in a single race. The hope was that a long shot would come in. No such luck. Of course they won, but not on a long shot. They received a beautiful crystal vase and many cards. The love, laughter and memories shared that night are the best gift of all of us.

My sister Becky and her children (Jennifer, Hailey, and Dillon) had never been to the horse races. They would all pick a horse for a trifecta bet. My sister would place the bet. In error, Becky had placed the same trifecta bet twice for one race. The look on her face when her bet won and she realized it was the one she place twice was priceless. I believe she was the big winner of the night. They were absolutely precious.

My brother Bobby and his wife Angela seemed to be pros. One memory that brings a smile to my face was Bobby, Angela and Jessee watching the race so intensely. Then Angela started jumping up and down. Bobby was smiling. I couldn’t tell you if her horse won, because my thought at that moment was of a happy family.

Three of Bobby and Angela’s seven boys were able to be with us. Fisher and Blake explored while Jessee made a couple of bets.

My Uncle Gary and Aunt Cindy were there to celebrate with us. I adore them. I love to take pictures of them. They show so much affection towards each other. It is true love.

My sweet girls were there as well. Michelle, Cali, Brittany and Mandy looked gorgeous.  Mandy was giving them tips and explaining the process to them. She is such a beautiful person inside and out. I was so happy she was able to be there. We missed not having Ronny with her, but duty called and he had to work.

Michelle, Cali, Tommy, Brittany and Wesley all rode together. They looked awesome. This group should have a road show. They bring laughter everywhere they go. Cali was so well behaved. She hung out with me all night and kept me company since Michael was at work. Brittany and Wesley were so color coordinated. I loved it! Unfortunately, I failed to get a picture of just them as a couple. I missed taking several pictures. Michelle and Tommy looked wonderful. They looked so good together.

My Mom’s friends Janith and Dale were also there. I was so happy they could make it. They are like family. They sat at the same table as Michelle, Tommy, Brittany, Wesley, Gary and Cindy. I am sure my girls kept everyone sitting at the table entertained. I heard lots of laughter coming from behind me.

I do owe my Dad an apology. I think every picture (185 of them) flashed in his eyes. He never complained. It is now a joke. He even commented he found me down by the track because he could see the flash of my camera. I LOVE YOU DAD!!!! Sorry, for blinding you through most of the night.

We never know what tomorrow will bring. But what I do know is that 50 years ago a young couple married, gave the gift of life, created a family and provided many happy memories for the future. I owe them so much. I am so blessed to have them as my Mother and Father. I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!!!! Thank you so much!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE THIS NIGHT VERY SPECIAL FOR TWO VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE.

A Night Turned Special

You can't deny laughter; when it comes, it plops down in your favorite chair and stays as long as it wants.  ~Stephen King, Hearts in Atlantis

This past Friday was Michael’s birthday.  He had to work Friday and Saturday, trying planning anything was not really possible.  He works twelve hour shifts.  We usually go out to eat with my sweet brother & sister-in-law about once a month.  We are so fortunate that Mandy and Ronny can usually meet us. 

Anyway, after a long day at work Michael decided he wasn't too tired to go out to dinner.  We were going out for our routine dinner with these wonderful people.  Sweet Haley joined us this time...she is so cute.  We went to one of our favorite places.  We went to eat Habachi style.

Someone told the Hibachi Chef –Chef Donnie it was Michael's birthday….everything took off.  We all laughed so much.  No one brought a camera, because it was suppose to be just another routine dinner with family.  This picture was taken by Mandy using her phone. 

I had tried to work something for Sunday with family, but there was scheduling conflicts.  So, the impromptu Saturday night created an unexpected celebration.  Who would have thought a routine night out would have turned into so much laughter?  I know what you are thinking…must have been alcohol involved….FYI…NO alcoholic beverages were served all night.  It was just fun with a wonderful group of people. 

Mandy, Ronny, Monty, Tammy and Haley thank you for meeting us for dinner. Thank you for all the laughter and love. Thank you for making Michael’s birthday a little extra special.  It started out as a routine dinner and it was anything but routine.  THANK YOU!!!! 

Hopefully, I will have Cali’s birthday pictures here soon. The pictures of the adults sliding down the inflatable slides are great. Good time and Great Memories.

"Why is God punishing me?"

When we put our cares in His hands, He puts His peace in our hearts.
~Author Unknown

"Why is God punishing me?"

Have you ever heard someone say those words? Have you ever said those words or thought them? It breaks my heart to hear those words from anyone (even when I accidentally over hear them). I don’t believe God punishes us. I believe He is a just God.

I believe most of our situations/circumstances are man made. We make bad choice(s) or someone else makes a choice that affects us negatively. That is not God’s will. That is “man’s” will…his free choice. (FYI…I don’t believe God punishes us with illness either.)

I believe that regardless of the situation/circumstances we may find ourselves in…God will see us through it. God will see you through it in His time.

God is there to comfort and guide us. BUT it is up to you.  Pray for comfort, peace and guidance.  Do you turn it over to Him? Do you give Him your pain, anger and disappointment? OR Do you complain about it?

Humble yourself! Do not block your comfort/guidance by complaining. Keep your heart open to Him. Changes will come.

Believing God is my first and only thought.

OH, Really?

Let there be more joy and laughter in your living.
                                   ~Eileen Caddy

Have you ever just sat back and went “Really?” I am talking a sarcastic “Really?” I am talking about the kind of “Really” that says “you really (that word again) must think I was born yesterday or fell off that turnip truck.” The kind of really that says it all. (without attitude or acting hateful.) 

I am talking about all the different tones and facial expressions that can change the meaning of the word “Really”… “Awe, Really?” with a sad look shows sympathy. “Really?” with a huge smile and/or outburst says “OH MY HOW FUNNY”…..A sharp quick “Really?” is excitement. The slow lingering “Ohhhh Reeeaalllyy?” is pushing sarcasm. I say Really a lot…but usually not out of sarcasm…it is usually out of shocking disbelief of something real happening (happiness majority of the time)…But the last week or so I found myself saying it with sarcasm. I thought about it today…”they must think I was born yesterday and fell off the turnip truck this afternoon.”


The kind of Really that says “wow…they think I was born yesterday and fell off the turnip truck this afternoon.” Then I laugh and say OHHHH MY HOW FUNNY…..

All we can do is reach out, smile and continue our walk.

I love life and everything it has to offer….LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH says it all.

Please visit Prayers Praise and Photographs  for a peek at pictures.

Just a Quote

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
~Mark Twain


Have a blessed day and bless others.