What a Fright!

This is poor little Gizmo. Tonight when I went to let the babies in I couldn't find him, and he's always the first one in the house because he hates being outside! So I turned on the floodlight, kept calling, turned the lights on in the pool.....and.....there he was.... on the top step and holding on to the edge for dear life! He's getting extra special attention tonight. After I finally put him down and out of the blanket he's been wrapped in he shook his hair out and stuck his head straight into the food bowl, as you can see in the picture. I think he's going to be just fine, but I'M GETTING AN ALARM for the pool ASAP!

Happy Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL !!!

$$$$

Would you just look at that!?! I hit the JACKPOT! On a PENNY slot machine! Wow! $1,372!!! Merry Christmas to me! Maegan, Morgan and I went to Shreveport for our annual Christmas trip to the boats with my sisters and their families. Now, I'm not a big gambler, and I take my $100 that I'm willing to "give away" but I'm usually through with that pretty quickly and I'm finished for the trip. BUT this time, I played and played and played with that $100 (dropped to about $20 at one point!)and around 2:30 a.m. the "Jackpot Party" began! I got a lot of attention for a few minutes there! What fun!

Christmas Lights

I've always heard how beautiful the drive-through light display is at Tyler, so Morgan and I looked it up the other night after we finished shopping in Tyler. It was $15 per car, but after we went through it, we both decided it was well worth the cost. It was so pretty, and the displays were so cute! Too many characters to name! I think my favorites were the Peter Pan and nativity scene exhibits. Zylen would have loved seeing all of the pretty lights - maybe next year we can take him. The lights at Marshall are on my to-do list, as well.

Zylen, Courtney and Zeke left for Kansas Sunday morning and won't be back until after New Year's, so we'll be a little bit sad that we won't see him for "Christmas" until then, but we'll try to wait patiently until they get back to Texas! I know his Kansas grandparents are happy to have him there - I would NOT like living that far away from him! Katy is too far!

Tonight we're off to the annual Christmas-time sister families get-together at the boats. We'll be staying at the El Dorado. I'm looking forward to it - it's always a fun time, and who knows, maybe I'll strike it rich! Ha Ha Ha!

I Now Pronounce You....

My camera battery died, so only 2 pictures of the wedding! It was truly beautiful! Shelbye was a gorgeous bride and Amanda was a gorgeous maid of honor. All of my other nieces, great-nieces, daughters and sisters looked beautiful, too, from the oldest to the youngest. We called ourselves the "manless family" because most of the male species of our bunch were either hunting or at the Dallas Cowboys' last game in Texas Stadium! Anyway, on the way home, Morgan said, "We do have a lot of pretty girls in our family, don't we?" Not bragging, just a fact! :) Well, a wedding does give us the opportunity to dress up and try to look our best, anyway, and to get family pictures (except on my camera!) Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Almeida, and welcome to the family, Greg, Natalie and Kristina!

State Champs

I really, really wish Kaufman had gone to the state playoffs tonight, but since they didn't I can be excited that the Carthage Bulldogs won! Take THAT, Celina! Oh, by the way, my sister is Asst. Supt. at Carthage....yay Bulldogs!

Zylen's here!

So, Zylen is at JoJo's house for a couple of days, and he's going to the big event with me tomorrow - Shelbye and Greg's wedding! Then we'll come back to Buffalo on Sunday morning to get him on his way to Kansas with mommy & daddy to see the Kansas grandparents. I'm thrilled that he's here with me, but I'm also saddened by the circumstances under which he's here. He's staying with me while Courtney is spending time with her close friend Leslie. Leslie's father, Greg Huber passed away yesterday. Leslie and Lauren are very special to me and their daddy was a friend. Please pray that God will help them through this terrible time. Greg will be missed around Teague!

On a brighter note - school's out for the Christmas holidays! Yea! We were ALL ready for it! I'm looking forward to the wedding tomorrow - I'm so happy for our "Shelbye Darlin'"

Toothaches and Tires

I started out my day serving the staff at Leon Elem. hot wassail and cookies, then drove a busload of pre-k students to the new bank at Jewett, then went to the dentist, who told me it's going to cost $800 to replace a broken crown, and THEN when I left the dentist's office I had a flat tire. Luckily, there was a mower repair shop right next door to the dentist and four of the nicest gentlemen I've ever met changed that tire for me in the freezing cold! I'm going to send them a special gift tomorrow. Did I mention that's the third flat I've had in the last ten days? Jeremy got to change one the night of that cold football game! As for tonight, I'm staying in and taking the antibiotics and pain pills the dentist gave me. There's nothing like a toothache! Thank goodness for dentists and nice men who change tires....and vicodin!

Happy Birthday LoLo!

Today is my sister Lois' birthday. Just to tell you a bit about her - she was named Teacher of the Year at her school last year...and that's a BIG thing when you work in a school as big as Conroe ISD! I'm so proud of my sister! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LO-LO! Love you bunches!

Polar Express

Aunt Lucy (Morgan) works for the Buffalo Press, and since she was assigned to do a story on the Polar Express, she,Colton and I were fortunate to be able to take Zylen last Saturday night(thanks, Mr. Mac!) The Polar Express is actually the train in Palestine and it takes passengers (who are dressed in their pajamas!) to the "North Pole" where Santa boards the train and gives each child a bell. Along the way, we were served hot chocolate and rice krispie treats. It was a real treat and Zylen was in awe of Santa and all the lights. He especially liked one of the servers, and he LOVED the bell Santa gave him! Watch for Morgan's story and layout in the Press! She loves working with the newspaper!

Game pics

Here are some pictures of Zylen at his first football game Friday night! He was sucking his thumb through his mitten! Mommy & Daddy try to keep him from sucking it, and he doesn't do it too often, but I guess he just really wanted it that night!

Aw, heck!

Well,no more football games for Kaufman this year. Celina came out on top this time -way out on top. My goodness, the score was 50 - 6! I'm glad we went, though...me, Morgan, Morgan's friend Sarah, Courtney and...yep, Zylen! His first football game! He was so bundled up you could hardly see him (so were we! Geez, it was cold!). Anyway, the Lions had a great and exciting season and now they can look forward to next year! As for the Anderson family, we'll be getting ready for our next two big events...Shelbye and Greg's wedding and CHRISTMAS! Stay tuned for pics later - can't add any 'til I get home this afternoon!

Game Time!

Time for the big game tonight! Kaufman vs Celina! We'll be heading to Royse City as soon as school's out. Zylen is rooting for Uncle Ribbit's team! We all are! GOOD LUCK KAUFMAN!!!!!

Tree-toppers

It's beginning to look a LOT like Christmas at my house! Sadie put the star on her tree, and Colton Claus topped off the family tree in the living room! There are seven trees (so far) inside and on the porches of the Anderson house! Got my Christmas quilt out, too. I love Christmas time! More to come!

Football Frenzy!

WOW! What a game last night! Score tied 14-14; 11 seconds left on the clock! Kaufman SCORES! 10 seconds left! I can hardly watch! Kickoff. Two more plays....and....it's over! Kaufman 21, New Boston 14!!! On to round 4 - Kaufman vs Celina, Friday Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. at Royse City stadium. Great kids and awesome coaching, of course! (okay, so mom's kinda proud of Jeremy - just indulge me here!). Congratulations to Todd York, his entire staff, the players and their proud parents! GO LIONS!

Zylen's First Thanksgiving!

Our first Thanksgiving with Zylen! He pulled the wishbone, tasted new foods (cranberry sauce really entertained him!) and kept us entertained the whole time. Mommy, Daddy, JoJo, Aunts Lucy (aka Morgan), Meggie and JayJay were all there, but Uncle Ribbit Frog (aka Jeremy)is getting ready for the big game tomorrow night, so he couldn't be there. We'll see him tomorrow, though, 'cause Morgan, Colton and I will be in Royce City rooting for Kaufman!

Check out Zeke's plate of food! Whoa!

Baby Steps!!!

This video is one of Zylen's very first steps he took while JoJo was at his house the night before Thanksgiving! He had taken one step the day before as well, but before I left on Thursday evening, he had taken SIX full steps! Of course, we didn't capture THAT accomplishment on video, though! He's so much fun - I'm just sure he's GT, of course!

Tagged

Tagged :)
I was tagged by Jennifer - my first "tag" so here goes....

8 TV Shows I love to watch:
1. Desperate Housewives
2. Friends
3. Reba
4. Sex and the City
5. King of the Hill
6. Will and Grace
7. American Idol
8. House

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Cheddar's
2. Gilberto's
3. Pappadeaux
4. Little Mexico
5. Pappsitos
6. Chili's
7. Grand Buffet Chinese
8. Beni Hanna's

8 Things that happened today
1. Got to school and saw that it was -226 degrees on the marquis sign!
2. Stood outside and froze to death in the -226 degree weather b/c I had to monitor the flow of traffic as parents dropped students off (we've had a problem with that lately!)
3. Courtney called and said Zylen took a step...kind of....well, he put one foot out! It's a start! :)
4. Attended a little thanksgiving program put on by GT kids
5. Disciplined a FOUR-YEAR OLD pre-k student for saying "f**k it!" to another student!
6. Early dismissal to begin T'giving holidays! YEA!
7. Went to Gilberto's for a margarita to celebrate early dismissal & holidays!
8. Played "Go Get It - Go Get Your Toy" with Sadie......it's her favorite game :)

8 Things I look forward to:

1. Seeing Zylen
2. Any times all five of my kids are together with me
3. Christmas break
4. Losing weight
5. Retirement
6. Playoff game Friday night (& hopefully all the way to state!)
7. Total quiet, alone time every now and then...just an hour or two occasionally!
8. Vacations/traveling anywhere, anytime!

8 Things on my wish list:
1. Kitchen remodeled, or at least painted!
2. French doors and deck out of my bedroom
3. Outdoor kitchen
4. Resurface patio area
5. new countertops in bathrooms (anyone seeing a theme here?!?)
6. enough money to be able to retire comfortably
7. to see more of Zylen!
8. most important wish of all.....health and happiness for all of my family!

People I tag.... just anybody who happens to see this and wants to have fun with it! :)

Elf'in around

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Football and Family Fun

WOW! High school football can be so exciting...especially when your son is a coach and they're winning in the playoffs! Morgan and I went to the Kaufman game in Wylie Friday night and watched them beat Argyle. It was a very tense battle, but the Lions came out on top and now they're going on to the third round of playoffs against New Boston in Royse City next Fri. night. You can bet I'll be there, but I hope it's warmer than it was this week...we froze in those stands! After the game we visited with Jeremy for a few minutes and then headed to my niece Jennifer's house in Sasche to spend the night. We visited 'til about 1:00 a.m. and had breakfast with her at IHOP. I love her so much, and I'm so glad we got to see her and kitty Max (he's more than a cat - he's part human, like my Sadie!)We missed seeing hubby Charlie, but let me tell you, he's a wonderful guy and he loves and takes care of our Jennifer so we love him a lot, too!
Our trip home was not so fun - poor Morgan was sick and she was a real trooper to go to her brother's game, but the ride home on Saturday was very unpleasant. Ugh. However, we can't wait for next week's battle! Hope they keep winning! Another state championship for Jeremy would be awesome!

Happy Birthday Mama Jeane!

Another happy birthday this week! Today my sister, AKA "Mama Jeane" is ___ years old! (Of course we don't tell our ages!) I am so, so proud of her! She graduated from SFA in August and she just started a new job as school nurse at Shelbyville! I just know she's going to be great at that job and she's going to love it! I love all my sisters soooo much! It's time for a "sister trip!" I'm sure ready for one!

Happy Birthday Jayme and New Friends for Me

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JAYME TODAY! She's the second of my babies to turn 30! Geez!

Morgan and I went to a very nice get-together last night. It was for the employees of the Buffalo Press, and Morgan is a photo-journalist intern there, so we were invited. I met some wonderful new friends and really enjoyed getting out! Kudos to Mr. Mac, owner of the Press for about a year now. He's done an awesome job of turning it into one of the best little hometown newspapers around!

Hogs and Cows and Deer....Oh, MY!

Okay, I know it's kind of freaky to see a picture of a dead wild hog here, but I just wanted to show what kinds of things I see when I drive the school bus on these back country roads! Today I first saw this COW lookin' at me so I stopped and took his picture before I eased on 'round him. Then I saw not one, but TWO dead hogs just, you know, right there! A bit further along and there was a rabbit hopping, buzzards eating "roadkill"(another ugh!)and finally a deer ran out in front of the bus (couldn't get his picture - too fast for me!) Who knows what I'll see next time I drive! I just sub occasionally, so you can imagine what the regular drivers see every day (aside from the little wild animals that are actually ON the bus!) Just kidding, of course, they're really precious, quiet little angels! Umm hmmm.....!

Aloha!

At Leon I.S.D., every Friday during football season is some kind of "dress-up day" district-wide. It's fun and the kids and staff alike enjoy it. Anyone who knows ME knows that I believe that kids should have fun while they're learning, so I'm in a district that has the same philosophy - perfect! This is a picture of me and the elementary secretary, Carol, on Hawaiian day.

Prayers

The last two weeks have been so sad in Teague. Another life was lost early this morning, Andy Turner, who's son Brandon was killed in a four-wheeler accident just two weeks ago. Andy was killed when he was "tasered" by the police in Mexia after they stopped him about 4:00 a.m. this morning. How tragic, and how sad. Please pray for the Turner family, and continue to pray for the family of Candace Beggs. So many young lives lost in that town over the last several years.

Flu Shots!

It's that time of year! Here's a picture of the brave administrators at Leon I.S.D. leading the way! Even though I don't remember ever having had the flu in my entire life, I got a shot for the first time last year. As long as they keep bringing it practically to my doorstep I guess I'll keep getting them....especially since I'm old now and the experts say infants, people with low immune systems and elderly people need to get them! Ha!

Free Counter

First Halloween

Look at my little Z-man! Except last night he was.... Zoro!! I didn't get to see him for trick-or-treating last night (had a ballgame) but I did go to Katy on Thursday night to babysit while mommy & daddy (um, I mean Dorothy and Sarah Palin) went to a costume party! JoJo and Zylen had a good time until bedtime... and then he decided he didn't want to go to sleep! He gave me lots of kisses!

Wrapped Up!

It never fails this time of year...yep, we got WRAPPED. Twice in the last two weeks. You'd think it was because I'm a school administrator, but no, it's not my students...it's Morgan's, um, "friends" in high school. I normally don't mind - I've done my share of driving the getaway car - but last night in addition to the wrapping they took all of my outdoor Halloween decorations and piled them in front of the front door and then they OPENED IT! Everything fell inside into my foyer with a loud clatter! By the I got to the scene of the crime they were gone. My neighbor saw the whole thing (it was only 8:30 - they don't even wait 'til I go to bed!)but she couldn't see the getaway car to see who the culprits were. Anyway, as I said, I usually don't mind, but opening my door was going tooooo far because if my little Sadie had run out into the street or gotten lost I would have been oh, so very upset! Maegan, Morgan and I got out there and cleaned it all up immediately so that if they returned to the crime scene it would be...poof!... all gone! Well, there's still some in the trees that we couldn't get to...

Sadness

I'm broken-hearted today to learn of the death of a precious, precious girl - Candace Beggs. She was in a car accident yesterday afternoon on her way back to college at Mary Hardin - Baylor. Her father is our pastor at First Baptist Church, Teague, and her parents are dear friends. Please pray that God will hold on tight to this family during the days ahead - I know that is the only way they'll make it through.

Can you say DRAMA?!?

What a day of drama! It started at 4:00 a.m. with two loud crashes outside...somebody crashed through my fence and into a huge tree in my front yard, then across the road into a concrete column by my neighbor's driveway. The driver "left the scene" (and his beer cans)and we had the police out to investigate. The guy who did it came by later in the day and gave us insurance info for the damages...we're just so glad the tree stopped him before he barreled into the house! It was aiming straight for Meg's bedroom! Well, then,toward the end of the day we're in the back yard and this Mexican fellow who doesn't speak English comes running up to our yard crying and wanting to call the cops. So, here we go again...same officer from this morning here again! Seems the guy was at a "fiesta" at a house near ours and got beaten up or something. The nice policeman, who couldn't speak Spanish either, took him home to his house in Jewett! Geez, what next?!?
Other than all that, we had a FANTASTIC weekend here at the Anderson home! All five of my kids and THE GRANDBABY were here! So of course I have some good pics to include with this post. Check out Zylen with the pumpkin Aunt Meggie carved for him! And having fun with "Uncle Frog" (Jeremy) and a mask. Then there's my guitar heros! (Ignore the MESS in the house-we were having fun!).I'll share one of the crash damage, too! Huh!