It was Wicked!

So, my long awaited weekend came and went far too quickly.  I like to think I have wonderful ideas from time to time but this one was among the best.  Having seen Wicked twice with Mom and Kathy, I knew I wanted to share it with some of the other Wonder Women in my life and last Saturday, I did.  Now mind you, I really, really wish I could have taken every female (and Brock) in my life who has changed me for the better, but I limited it to Chelsey (mainly because it was her birthday that made me take the plunge), Desiree, Shelley and the surprise visitor, Kate.  Kate and Chelsey have been hanging out together in my world for almost all their lives.  They have done so by choice for the last 10 yrs and though they have lived in different states and had totally different lives, they are good friends and that makes me really happy.  If I were to begin writing about what wonderful young women they have become, this would get really drippy, really fast.  Suffice it to say, having them in my life has changed me for the better and for good.
The actual mechanics of getting Kate here and surprising Chelsey weren't all that complicated.  Making sure I didn't post on Facebook what Kate and I were doing was a little trickier.  Weather delay had Kate arriving in San Antonio about 8:00 Friday night.  Clayton came and got her about 9:30 and he, Curtis and Katelyn went to check out Friday night fun in New Braunfels now that they are all old enough to partake (legally, anyway).  About 2:30 AM, I heard Kate and Curtis laughing in the living room.  That was a common sound during the summers they were growing up.  I liked hearing it again.  Saturday, Kate and I went to The Quilt Haus so I could get some needed (yes, needed) supplies and after walking around the store by herself for a few minutes, Katelyn came to me and said "Aunt Laura, I need 3 more quilts."  At first I thought she had asked for quarters.  Ha Ha!  I told her to get in line.  She went to hang out with Clayton and Harris for the afternoon.  She wore her boots and rumor has it she got on a horse too. Once we were dressed and ready to leave, all we had to do was wait for Chelsey to arrive.  Desiree was there when Chels came in and as she chatted about her day and how excited she was, I told her to go look at the quilt top I had finished earlier in the day on the bed in the front bedroom (where Kate was hiding - ssssshhhhhhh).  To say that she squealed is to heavily understate her squeal.  The exact words of the squeal were "Shut Up!!!" It was priceless - just as I hoped it would be.  Chelsey told us that she had texted my boys to come to her birthday party the night before and the blew her off.  She was somewhat offended by that.  The boys were entertaining Kate so they couldn't play.  In fact, Kate and I were really scared that boys had inadvertently spilled the Katelyn beans to Chelsey but I heard that squeal.  She was genuinely surprised!!

We went to The Gristmill in New Braunfels for dinner.  Morgan was working in the kitchen but came out to say hello and take a group shot.  Shelley met us there and was wonderful enough to buy dinner!  Now we had everybody and it was time to go to San Antonio.  Here's what I learned.  1 hour is not enough time to get from The Gristmill to The Majestic Theater.  Well, it is, but just barely!  I dropped the 4 of them off in near the theater and went to park.  Around the block, on the 5th floor of the garage, in my high heels, I parked.  And then I ran/walked as quickly as I could, had my ticket out ready for scanning, got my playbill and sat down and before I could open the playbill, the lights went down!  Too close for comfort.  Mi compadres were all in their seats and had even had a minute to look at the shirts for sale before I got there!  The production was wonderful.  I cried in all the appropriate places and when it was over, Katelyn said "We need to go somewhere and talk about this!"
We went across the street to the pub (bar is such a harsh word) in the lobby of the historic Gunter Hotel and ordered a round of drinks.  Discussion occurred.  Shelley was the only one of us who had finished the book (I started it, didn't finish it) and she had more information on the plot and subplots but my favorite moment was when we had tackled all the intricacies of friendship and good vs. wicked and Chelsey said "Well, what was your favorite dress?!?"  It was a very Chelsey moment and I reveled in it.  Then, the waitress came back to ask if we wanted another drink and she told us it was last call.  You know what - that was my first last call - ever - in my whole life!  Mi compadres laughed at me - and by the way, so did my sons when I told them as family dinner Sunday night.  Hollis often says "You don't get out much - do you?"  I guess he means that rhetorically. . .

I talked Chelsey into staying at our house Saturday night though she had to be at training for her new job early Sunday morning.  She and Kate and I stayed up way too late.  Chelsey got up and left at 6:30 and I got up and went to teach Sunday School.  Katelyn and I went to see Gnomeo and Juliet Sunday afternoon and then , it was time to take her to the airport.  It all went so fast - much too fast!  I know they all had a great evening.  Des got a t-shirt to prove it!  I am so blessed to have these loved ones to run around with.  Because I know them, I have been changed for the better. . .and for good!
I wonder what my next good idea will be. . .

Super Bowl Reflections

Hollis and I just finished watching the Super Bowl.  I was pulling for the Packers and they won - I like it.  I am pretty much the only sports fan in my family.  I know - right?  One husband, 4 sons and I'm the sports fan.  I have fellow sports fan females at work and compared to Susan, I'm just barely a sports fan but in my family, I'm it.  I centered Sunday family dinner around the game tonight.  3 of the boys spent the weekend in Houston but all 4 of them, Des and the grandparents managed to find our place for dinner tonight.  The game was on, plenty loud, and I remember hearing at least once while I was putting the food on the table, all 4 boys and Hollis laughing out loud at one commercial.  I cooked 2 chickens in the crock pot all day with some sliced sausage and carrots (pretty good stuff) and made mashed potatoes.  We all sat down to eat and get this - all of the boys and Des left before half time!  The grands stayed until the beginning of the 3rd quarter and then Hollis and I were on our own to watch the rest of the game.  I think it's kinda weird. . .

Then there's last year's Super Bowl.  I really wanted New Orleans to win and they did.  The circumstances around the watching of the game were pretty surreal.  My dad had died 2 days before.  Morgan, Curtis and I had gone to Houston on Saturday and Harris flew into Houston from Georgia on Sunday morning.  We were lovingly housed by my sister-in-law Bonny and nephew Tom.  That Sunday evening, Bonny, my brother Currie and I all watched the game at Bonny's house while we compiled the music that would play at my dad's funeral.  I searched the internet high and low for Willie Nelson's song Turn Out the Lights because it was one of the requests Daddy had made and we planned to play it at the end of the service.  Couldn't find it anywhere.  None of the albums I searched on line had it.  iTunes didn't have it.  It was weird for sure.  Then we made the discovery and I don't remember who made it.  The title of the song is "The Party's Over."  It was right in front of me/us and I wasn't seeing it.  Strange what you remember in situations like that.  I spent an hour or two listening to air checks of my dad so that I could pick good ones to play as well.  Daddy was a pretty good football fan.  He would have been glued to that game.  It was kind of comforting to have it on the TV while we all worked on the CD we were making.  He mostly loved NASCAR though.  I don't think I would have enjoyed having a race playing in the background - not at all.  It was a really good Super Bowl and one I will always remember.  

I don't think tonight's game has that kind of staying power.  I really look forward to discussing it with Susan tomorrow (she calls the Steelers QB Ben Worthless-berger so I know she's thrilled with tonights outcome) but in a few weeks it will fade from my memory as have all the other Super Bowls I've watched over the years.  I don't really want to forget last years game though.  It was a tough time but I was surrounded by people who loved my dad and I was working on my contribution to his memorial service.  It's okay with me that those memories are tied to a football game - especially since the Saints won and I found the song we needed.  Remember, it's called "The Party's Over."

What a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of you!  Ours has been just awesome.  Last year, for a couple of reasons (2 of the boys were not here, my mom had an awful wreck on Christmas Day on her way to my sister's house while on the phone with me) Christmas was just not that great.  I cried all the way through the Christmas Eve service at St. Margaret's (everyone thought I was just very sad about the retirement of our wonderful priest and I let them go with that) and I barely got through Christmas Day.  I have not had very many not-terrific-Christmases.  I love the season.  I love the gift giving.  I even make (yes, in the kitchen) fudge in several batches.  I am so thrilled that Baby Jesus is born in my heart over and over again.  I am a Christmas fan!  While last year was not very good, this year was one of those years when it was just outstanding in many ways.

Ashton's quilt has tools all over it.

Ayden's has aliens on it.

The gift giving for me began last week when Ayden and Ashton came over with Morgan and Des for Sunday night dinner.  Hollis made enchiladas and rice and we bought some tamales.  I gave the boys the quilts I made for them and they were a big hit.  Ashton grabbed his, crawled up in my lap to watch Toy Story 3 and fell asleep.  It was so nice to have a sleeping angel in my lap (although, as with most kiddos, he doubles his body weight and triples his body temp when he dozes off).  We also gave them a pop up indoor tent and some books.  I do love to shop for kids!  

Then we moved along the week to some great Christmas events.  Tuesday after work, my dear brat who moved to Pittsburgh last summer came to visit and he and I ran around New Braunfels getting some shopping done and deliveries made.  It was awesome to spend just a couple of hours with him and he even volunteered to go to San Antonio for me on Wednesday to pick up one of Hollis' gifts.  I love that Brock-guy and I sure miss him.  

Curtis

Clayton

Wednesday after work, Desiree and I went to Kyle for some more fun.  We met Mom at the Texas Pie Company where I bought some more gifts and then the 3 of us had a fabulous Mexican seafood dinner in a little place called Pisces.  Mom was headed to Fairhope by way of Vinton so in addition to her gifts, I was able to send some for other Englishes as well.  With Mom and Currie off to Fairhope, Alabama, Steve and Rachel in Vinton Louisiana and Kathy, Lane and kids in Red River, New Mexico, I think this is the first time all four of us have ever been in four different states for Christmas.   

Desiree and Morgan

a super family photo - thanks Daniel!

Hollis and me

All of our boys are here in the area, probably for the foreseeable future.  They were all waiting for us along with Desiree and Morgan's friend Daniel when we got home from church Friday evening.  Hollis made stir-fry for dinner and then we opened the gifts.  Much, much fun!  Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and then they went out to play.  Hollis made his amazing hot chocolate for Des and me and we chatted for a while before she left.  Clayton and Curtis took Daniel to nightspots in New Braunfels and Harris went over to watch Morgan and Des get everything ready for Santa's visit to Ayden and Ashton.  When they were all gone, Hollis went to bed.  I was tired and I wanted to sleep but I was just so filled with contentment that I didn't want it to end.  I stayed up in my quiet house and just replayed the evening in my mind.  Then, I got a text message from my mom that she LOVED the jacket I gave her.  More good news!  Kathy posted photos of her family skiing.  More fun stuff and it wasn't even Christmas Day yet!

This morning, Clayton, Curtis and Daniel returned from their adventures and once Harris got up and we heated up the chili Hollis made, we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  Daniel held down the fort (more specifically, the sofa) while we went for Christmas Dinner.  More scrumptious Mexican fare for lunch and then more gifts.  Just when I thought I could take no more, we decided to go see a movie.

Harris

Clayton, Harris, Curtis, Hollis and I went to see True Grit.  I had concerns about seeing this movie because I am a big fan of the original (a really big fan - I quote it often) so I had to be gently convinced by reviewers and interviews with some of the stars to get myself to say yes.  Let me just say, I have no regrets.  It is a wonderful movie.  A little more graphic in the violence than the original but it is true to the story line and not even a little bit disrespectful to the original.  I look forward to recommending it to people.  Then we went looking for dinner.  Whataburger had the audacity to be closed and since it had won the popular vote in the Suburban, that was a bummer.  We had to come home and make do with leftovers.  That is, until I remembered the salmon fillets Mom had given me Wednesday evening.  Curtis and I pan fried one whole filet in some seasoning and butter and toasted bagels to go with.  Hollis had leftover chili and tamales and the other 4 of us pigged out on salmon.  

So there you have it.  One wonderful Christmas!  I am blessed beyond blessed and I know it.  Please Lord, keep me ever mindful of all your blessings.  Never let me lose sight of how much love surrounds me and how much I have to be thankful for.  Show me how to be a blessing to others as I have been blessed and thank you for sending Baby Jesus to us year after year after year.

Sunday Nights and Other Stuff

We have fallen into a really cool routine.  It's called Sunday Night Dinner at Our House.  Tonight all 4 boys, Desiree, her boys Ayden and Ashton and Grandma and Grandpa were all here.  Ayden and Ashton come every other week when they are with Morgan and Des and now Curtis has arranged his schedule so that he can be here on Sunday nights as well.  The grandparents come when the don't have church commitments on Sunday evening.  I am loving it!!  When I know Ayden and Ashton will be here, I try to plan something for them to do.  Tonight we decorated the house for Christmas.  Ayden and Des set up the Nativity set, Morgan and Ashton put ornaments on the tree and I put up the stockings.  My house is ready for Christmas - except for that shopping thing I still need to do - and it looks great.  Since we had so much to do, we ordered pizza.  Normally we cook. Roast is a hit and so is almost everything Hollis cooks.  I'm thinking about chili for next Sunday.  I really enjoy planning it and I love having them around me. 

Clayton will be back in New Braunfels permanently in a week or so.  It looks like he and Harris will be sharing a house right down the road from here.  How cool is that?!?  I see lots of Sunday Night Dinners at Our House as the weeks and months go by.  Maybe sometimes we can eat at their house - we shall see.  Morgan and Des and the little boys have gone home now but the other 3 are in the living room watching cartoons with their dad.  There is a very nice rhythm to it all. Here are some photos from tonight. 

Des and Ashton playing with "the big phone"

Clayton and Grandma

Curtis

Ayden, Des, Ashton and Morgan (with Grandpa in the background

and the beat goes on. . .

Yesterday was Veterans Day.  As I understand things, this is Harris' first year to be a Vet - he was active duty last year at this time.  Hope I'm right about that.  Anyway, it was an emotional day for me.  Harris lost his best friend in Iraq in August of 2007 when they had been in country less than 90 days.  Alun was by all accounts, a great guy.  I've had the honor of meeting his parents and brother and I can only imagine how the hole in their hearts must ache.  Yesterday, Alun's brother posted this message on Harris' Facebook page: Thank you, Harris.  I was very moved.  Lots of friends and family expressed their appreciation to Harris yesterday.  He's much too humble to take it very well.  He just did the job he was hired to do.  I tried not to fuss over him too much but it's hard to be the mom and not fuss.  He had a wonderful smile on his face when I hugged him after work.  I asked why he was so happy.  He said he didn't have a reason.  He was just happy to see me.  What did I do to deserve this blessing?  Clayton also posted an appreciation to Vets for being brothers and for bringing home his brother alive.  Also moving.  I love my sons.

This weekend I have another memory event on the calendar.  My dad, Paul Williams, is being inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame.  The induction takes place in Tin Hall in Houston on Sunday afternoon and though I've never been to anything like this, I'm not sure if I'm going to love it or not.  I am honored that he is being honored.  I just so wish he was here to enjoy being honored.  He would really love it.  It's going to be cool to have the sound of his voice where all can hear it.  It's going to be cool to see the photos again.  It's going to be cool to be there with the family.  It's just going to be sad that he's not there.  Love you so much Daddy!

For Thanksgiving this year we are staying home and inviting people in.  I am really looking forward to that.  Mom will come to help cook.  Hollis will deep fry the turkey (this has to be his best dish - but I say that about most of the stuff he cooks).  Guests are bringing other dishes and all my boys will be at home (did you hear me, Clayton?).  I don't have a hard time being thankful.  I think it would be irresponsible to not be thankful.  I'll let you know how my November adventures go. . .

A Whole New World

Shelley at work

The machine at work

Look what I made!

 

We got this pattern. . .

Just a close up. . .

and this pattern. . .

Didn't get this one. . .

but sort of wish we had.

Definitely got this pattern!

A little over a week ago, I opened an e-mail from a San Antonio Quilt Shop and advertised there was a 2 day workshop for this weekend.  I recently purchased a new sewing machine that I intend to devote solely to embroidery and here was a 2 day event to show me all the magic at my fingertips.  Shelley (close friend, fellow quilter, owner of an identical machine and general partner in crime) and I decided very quickly that we could probably get a tip or two out of this so we signed up.  Oh My Goodness!!  We had no idea what we were about to be exposed to and it was just a spectacular two days.  The workshop is sponsored by Brother sewing machine and Anita Goodesign embroidery manufacturer.  There were 90 people at 9 different tables each with 2 $5,000 Brother embroidery machines.  The presenter would show us a method of embroidery and then each of the 5 people at a machine would take a turn making the sample.  Shelley handled the cutwork design.  I made a small stocking.  The machines made amazingly beautiful stitches.  We each bought some embroidery patterns and remained grateful that we couldn't even entertain the notion of buying one of the machines.  What we both want and need now is a clear path to making a business out of what we love so much.  There were 90 people in that room, some of whom came from quite a distance to take this workshop and a handful of them purchased not just the $5,000 machines but the multi-needle professional machines that can hold up to 10 different thread colors and sell for $14,000 to $20,000 each!  I am so looking forward to the next few projects that are just now forming in my overwhelmed brain.  Last night I personalized 2 projects for Desiree's boys to help me finish when they get here in a few hours and today I emboridered a bluebonnet on a beautiful piece of linen - guess I'll make a purse out of that.  I am convinced that the world is my oyster and I am limited only by my own creativity (oh, and my job, money, laundry, family, etc.) and I am ready to get busy!  

Reflections on the Grand Time in Galveston

The Whole Group (minus Chelsey)

We have been home from our Grand Time in Galveston for over a week and I am still just basking in how much fun it was!  Kathy and I began planning this not long after Daddy died.  Would we really be able to get all 7 20-something grandkids who live in 3 different states, one high school cheerleader who lives in a 4th state and all the parental units together for an entire 3 day weekend?  We didn't even know that for sure until the Sunday before when Morgan checked his schedule and found out he was getting Saturday and Sunday off.  I told Kathy just before she picked the condos that pulling it together would be somewhat of an act of faith as far as getting everyone there and that if it was supposed to happen, it would happen.  It so happened!  Mom's birthday isn't until October 6th and we knew we couldn't surprise her with the entire trip - we all talk to each other too much to keep that a secret, but we did want the fact that this was her birthday party to be a surprise.  We managed to pull that off for sure.  We waited until every grandchild was present on Saturday and then we told her.  She was a bit floored to say the least.  After that announcement, it was time for the beach.  Kathy got us great condos with a private beach and the grandkids all headed for the water.  The Wooldridges were a party of 8 with Desiree and Chelsey in our group.  I volunteered Hollis to cook.  It is the one thing I am fairly safe in volunteering him for almost any time.  He grilled burgers on Saturday night and then after Steve and Rachel got some spectacular shrimp fresh off the boat Sunday morning, Hollis put together a Cajun shrimp, potatoes and corn on the cob boil that was way beyond spectacular.  There were jigsaw puzzles and football games, a movie night and some serious partying, beach combing and pool swimming and a few people took too much of the sunshine home with them.  The 20-somethings all agreed that they would contribute to making this an annual event and I will do all I can to make that happen.  They had so much fun!  I love that I have over 700 photos of the event on my iPad.  With my memory card connector, I was able to put all of Kathy's, Mom's, Desiree's and my photos on the iPad.  Pretty cool!  I uploaded them to Snapfish and shared them with the family.  One of the surprises for Mom was that Kathy arranged to have a photographer come on Sunday morning for some family photos on the beach.  Photos of her and all of her kids and grandkids are something special for all of us.  We had so much fun.  I cannot wait to do it again.  An annual Labor Day Family Reunion - super good idea!

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