Since we're well into spring, it's time to dust off this ole blog.

Z just turned 14! We celebrated with his favorite chocolate/snickers cake and midnight "glow-in-the-dark" bowling. He's actually quite the natural - I think he broke 100 every game. And what's even crazier and unheard of, so did Mom! However, this is a senstive subject for Wil - see, from his vantage point, my form was all over the map and there's no way my ball should've made it beyond the gutter! Competitive family? nahhhh.



Zane's school band had a major sweeps win at UIL! They've been practicing all spring ~ it's "the" competition of the schoolyear, so we're super proud for him.

In sad news, we lost our Roxie girl last Friday evening. She suffered from a common stomach problem for her breed and it finally got the best of her. Z took it surprisingly well, but Toby's still a little mopey. Every time he comes near the kitchen we feed him a treat. (I think that still qualifies as feeding our feelings doesn't it?) If we thought he was spoiled before...

~Rest in peace pretty girl~

In happier news, we're planning a trip to D.C. in June - it was part of Z's b-day surprise. He's always wanted to see the Smithsonian, so that's first on our agenda. If you've ever been to D.C. and have favorites to share, we'd love to hear about it. More to come on this, but for now, I'm off to algebera tutoring. :(

I'll leave you with a recent pic of Z making lasagna for the fam!

Good Eats ~ by Z !

Merry Christmas

Another Merry Christmas has come and gone! Yes, at times it was crazy and stressful pulling it all together, but we feel blessed to share some of our fondest moments.

Z after his Winter Concert at the high school. We're not sure who was more proud ~ him or us. It was a festive night that kicked off the perfect holiday spirit for the season.

Everyone should have a little Mamaw love. We had just arrived late that evening to join the rest of the H-clan in AR ~ we couldn't wait to get in our comfy jams.

Check out that music man! Z was teaching himself how to play a few Christmas tunes on Granny D's piano. Music to a momma's ears I tell ya. This is probably one of my favorite photos of him ~ so Z!

But then again...this is so Z too! He's quite the culinary kid so Ry & Liz had this apron made for him. He couldn't wait to make Christmas breakfast burritos for everyone. They were deeelish!

Here's to a Happy New Year!

The ducks from the pond across the street are still hanging around. We've watched them get fat & happy since late spring. They've recently been taking practice runs for their winter flight south. Yesterday morning, as the over-hyped "arctic blast" hit town, they were flit-fluttering all over the place. I couldn't tell if they were doing a happy dance enjoying the rain, or if they were freaked out that they didn't head south sooner. You be the judge:

Altho we weren't quite perpared for such a cold front, it sure makes for fun cold noses:

Thanksgiving in Texarkana

We had a wonderful getaway in Texarkana. It was nice to just kick back for a few days from the rat race of work & school. We ate good food, played cards, went 4-wheeling & rode Train ~ Anecia's marshmallow lovin' horse.

Mamaw spoils everyone rotten!

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving as well!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

~ Being a kid ~

Friday, November 10

It's been a bit of a whirlwind on the homefront but it's all good:

W's grandparents and Aunt & Uncle were in town from OH ~ it was so nice to have them here & show them a lil southern hospitality. Can you see where W gets his good looks!? :))

Z-man's band functions have been in full swing and tomorrow's a really big day - regional band tryouts. He's been working on his pieces for 12 weeks and tonight we had him perform a family preview - to much grinning and applause of course. :) I think I'm more nervous than he is. Here's a recent pic at a football game.

W's softball season has wound down until spring. No hibernation for him tho - he plans to take this break to improve some achey joints so he can hit more homers next season. Stud! :) Tomorrow's a big day for him as well - one year closer to 40 but don't tell him - it might mess up his game. Ry, W & T after their tourney.

Other than keeping up w/my boys, my world has been all homework & subbing at the HS. Patti & I did get to squeeze in some q.t. w/ our good friend Suzanne b4 she moved to Chicago. *le sigh* I miss her and hate I won't get to see her baby arrive. But as Suze says, "no worries." Our paths will cross again and she better be holding tickets to Oprah! xo

I saw a sign last week that said "55 days until Christmas." That freaks me out a little. I'm just putting away all things ghoulish and planning Thanksgiving's menu with Mamaw - how can it be almost Christmas? Better get that wish list off to Santa soon. What's at the top of your list this season?

TX State Fair

Monday was "Fair Day" for Z's school, so we loaded up and enjoyed all that the TX State Fair had to offer. We ate corn dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and their newest delicacy - "fried coke." Don't ask.

The boys checked out the auto show and I got to see this year's Marilyn Monroe exhibit. But the highlite of the entire day was the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps concert! They were amazing and we all walked away with a boost of patriotism. God bless TX! ;)