Thanksgiving 2009

I have been neglecting my blog again! But what fun we've been having in the mean time!!! Marty's youngest brother Rick and his fiancee came to Texas to spend Thanksgiving with the family. We had not seen Rick since my father in law's funeral in 2003. That's much too long to go without seeing family!

We have so enjoyed our visits with Rick and Sandy. Thursday was Thanksgiving at my mother in law's house. I was asked to make Pumpkin rolls and deviled eggs. No problem. Wednesday night after work and after church I began making the pumpkin rolls while my sweet husband cleaned our house. I made the pumpkin rolls and was still feeling energetic, hubby was still scrubbing our room and the guest room so I just kept cooking. I made cheesy tortilla roll-ups (Yum!) and munched until the wee hours of the morning. Then I decided to use up the last of the pumpkin and make some pumpkin bread. I think I crawled into bed sometime between 1 and 2 am. It's been a really long time since I've wanted to bake goodies and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Thanksgiving was made extra special this year in being able to share it with Rick and Sandy, my sister in law Debbie and her children Cheyenne and Tony, and my mother in law Billie and father in law Freddie, and my brother in law Shad, his wife Mari, and their three children Anna, Logan and Olivia.

We were even able to share part of the day with my brother in law Mike via Skype on the computer. What a blessing technology was to our entire family that day! It was the first time Marty, Heather, Billie and Freddie or I have been able to use Skype to talk to Mike. He has been in Iraq for many months and we all miss him. There were many tears and much laughter as we all gathered in the hallway to get a glimpse of and talk to Mike. Later in the day we were even able to see and talk to my nephew Chris in Arizona. He is to be deployed to Afghanistan for 4 months. We are so proud of both Mike and Chris!

Mike on Skype! Gotta love technology!!!



Marty and Rick talking to Mike on Skype:


Heather and Granny (Billie) talking to Chris on skype. It was so good to be able to SEE him looking so happy and hear his voice.




As has become the norm when we are at Freddie and Bilie's, horseshoes were pitched.
Me, Shad and his daughter Anna:


And on the other end, Freddie and Tony (my nephew Logan is the little one off to the side):



Shad with his wife Mari:


Rick carved the turkey:


You know Granny loves it when she gets to cook for so many of us that another table has to be added!










Debbie and Cheyenne:



After dinner the little ones could be found playing in the piles of leaves.
Logan:


Olivia:



Anna:






I hope each of you had a Thanksgiving that was as blessed as ours!

Just for Fun

These are from a recent photo shoot and these are a few that just make me smile:

2009 Texas Renaissance Festival

Each year we try to find a day we can drive over to enjoy the Texas Renaissance Festival. This year we decided to go on my birthday. Heather had promised her friend Ryan a trip over there for his birthday as well. Heather's friend John is home for R&R from serving in Iraq and joined us for the day too.

Saturday morning found us at my mother in law's getting finishing touches put on my costume she so graciously made for me.

It is around a 3 hour drive from here to Plantersville, TX where the Renaissance Festival grounds are. As we stopped at Bucees on the interstate not far from home for a pit stop and gas I was hesitant to go inside in my costume. I knew if we were closer to Plantersville I would not seem an oddball, but still being a couple of hours from there was sure I'd be the only one in costume in the store. I had to laugh when I walked in the store and the first thing I spotted were 3 more Renaissance costume-clad folks! We all looked at each other and grinned as we walked past. It was obvious our destinations were the same!

Upon entering the grounds of the festival, this year there was no wench to kiss the mens' cheeks like there was last year. We were so hoping to surprise John and Ryan with that this year and I had my camera ready, but no such luck.



The grounds where the festival are held each year are beautiful and nestled in the trees in an area known as the Piney Woods.


There was so much to see and do. From the many shows to choose from.....












the tantalizing aromas of various foods.....

Heather would not cooperate this year and let anyone photograph her eating a turkey leg. To see it you'll have to visit last year's blog.




magnificent costumes....

...and even period craftsmen at work:

We found a shopkeeper who let me try on one of her hand made costumes...AND take a picture in it. Most of the costume shops have signs everywhere that say "No Cameras!"

A trip to the Renaissance Festival is not complete without a ride on the swings:

By the end of the day we all felt like these folks:

Ryan, Heather and John:

We had a great time and what a fabulous way to spend my birthday! We are already planning next year's trip and have decided although we loved this trip, we enjoy even more going when they are having their Celtic Christmas after Thanksgiving. Next year should find us at the Renaissance Festival instead of shopping on the day after Thanksgiving.

The Carters

I seem to have neglected my blog again of late. Time flies and has been filled with so many things to do that blogs never seem to get posted. I guess I could sleep less and blog more...but I'm thinking the sinus infection I've been battling would then take over and that would not be a good thing.

Recently the music minister of our church and his wife asked me to take their portraits so they could send out those nifty little 4x8 Christmas cards that seem to be so popular. I was honored to have been asked. A couple of Saturdays ago (told you I'm behind on blogs!) I arrived at their home to try to capture them with as many of their critters as would cooperate. Turns out none of the cats would cooperate at the same time, nor would they come around when the horses were ready to be photographed. Despite that, I still think we got some shots they like. Here are just a few of my favorites.

I LOVE how this one turned out!

PhotoStory Friday--Debutante Photo Day

Last Sunday was the big photo shoot for the Mid Texas Symphony Debutantes, of which my daughter Heather is one. The day began with a 7 am hair appointment for the required updo followed by a makeup appointment....then off to a fabulous home for the photo shoot. Each of the 17 debutantes had their individual appointments with the professional photographer, with the entire group required to be assembled for group photos at 11 am. I can't wait to see the professional photos! From what I saw they are going to be fantastic!

The photographer allowed the moms (and dads) to take photos as well. These are some of my favorites of Heather that I took:

To check out more Photo Story Friday blog posts, click the link below:

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