My Boys

Other than the group shots organized by Gong Gong, I tried hard to only take candid shots this Christmas, if only to avoid annoying my boys. I've never been a huge fan of my candid shot results, so I may go back to annoying my boys next Christmas! I do like these two images, though. My babies, all grown up. I had never noticed that they sit in the same position, hands in front, until I saw these two images side by side. I am sorry that I didn't take more photos at Murr C and Papa C's house. Nobody was taking photos, I realized after the fact, so I will sit down and journal the wonderful time we had, but sadly won't have many photos. So, I hope my family enjoyed the reprieve from my camera, because at the next get-together I will be like paparazzi!

Merry Christmas!

When you find a person who you can be totally comfortable with, it is a wonderful thing. I imagine that a lot of folks are out today seeking thrills, adventure, holiday music and mall shopping, but we already had our early “Christmas eve” with the “kids” last night, and are both so content to have a day of quiet, drinking hot tea, reading, maybe a nap. Call us fuddy duddies (sp???) but we are SO content. Once we get word that Kevin and Rachel have made it home safely to Austin on this rainy afternoon, we will truly be happy. Of course, this is NOT the environment that a 20-year-old male finds at all appealing, so Danny has escaped to Guitar Center this afternoon. We all miss Danielle, who is in North Carolina with her family; especially last night when the four of us in the room who were NOT snoring on the livingroom floor (!) played “Catch Phrase”, a fun game that K&R bought for “the Dans” for Christmas. We all enjoyed an early Christmas with Gong Gong and Pop Pop last Sunday, complete with one of the best Tex-Mex lunches we’ve ever eaten (“Tupy’s” in Frisco) and gift exchanging with the whole family at GG & PP’s new house. GG & PP spent a few days at the Marriott in the Woodlands but are back home again. I hope that GG’s stomach bug is short-lived! We will head to Murr C and Papa C’s house tomorrow for a late lunch and gift exchange. For any of my outside-of-Texas family who may be reading this, let me describe Christmas-time weather in Texas: on Wednesday it was 85 degrees and people were running errands in their SHORTS. Today (2 days later!) it may freeze and it’s pouring. Yes, the holiday season can include some gloomy times spent trying to get into the "holly jolly spirit," but one afternoon of contentment can magically make up for that. We hope that everyone can find peace, love and an afternoon of contentment during this Christmas weekend. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. Thank you, and we hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Hurry, hurry, hurry, sleep all weekend....

One way to slow down the crazy pace around the holidays is to get a bad chest cold - spent most of the weekend sleeping. Missed getting to visit with my Aunt Lynn and Uncle George, here from New York. Sure wish we could have spent time together.

Rest in Peace, Gina

Gina was my college roommate, who I met when we both worked at Asel Art in Arlington, while attending UTA. Sadly, she and I lost touch after we were both married and starting having children. Every so often I would think "I need to try to find Gina and catch up with her." Two days ago, I searched for Gina on Facebook, only to find an engagement announcement for her son, Steven, which described him as the son of Richard Levy and the late Gina Rosenfield Levy. I was so shocked and saddened. I searched Facebook for an old mutual friend, Carla, and she told me tonight that Gina had passed away 10 years ago! She had been having horrible headaches and died of a massive seizure. I feel like I've been kicked in the stomach, and am so sad to hear of Gina's passing. Carla and I plan to visit her grave in a few weeks, and reminisce about our good memories. Gina's sons are Steven, 26, and Daniel, who is about 22.

Happy Thanksgiving

Enjoyed spending Thanksgiving and the Saturday after with family! We love you all!

What a great guy!

Yes, I AM married to a wonderful guy. He decided to hang the Christmas lights this afternoon, before the cold front arrives next week. I remember going to get donuts for the boys when they were little, on a Saturday after Thanksgiving. I was the only female there, with a long line of Dads waiting to buy donuts (I think all the other females went Christmas shopping!) One guy near the front of the line made the comment, "Time to put up the Christmas lights," and that started a chain reaction of groaning all the way down the line. It's funny how little moments like that stick in your head for years!

Pop Pop's Day Surgery

Pop Pop had day surgery to remove pre-cancerous spots on his face, which he has had done before. Papa C has also had this done, so it runs in the family. Pop Pop is feeling fine, but will be sporting a big bandage at Thanksgiving.