Happy Birthday, Poncho!

This past weekend we went to Odessa to surprise Josh and Emily while they were there to celebrate Josh's 23rd birthday with his family. We had been planning this for a couple of weeks and I can't believe we didn't let it "slip" that we would be joining them for his birthday party. As soon as we got there around noon on Saturday, we went to a little Mexican food restaurant for lunch. As we finished our meal, the waiters came out with Josh's birthday dessert, placed a sombrero on his head and sang "Happy Birthday, Poncho! It was so funny! Afterwards,we went back to the house and hung out for the rest of the afternoon. Josh opened gifts, we played with precious Rayleigh and cooked out hamburgers for dinner. Next stop, the Community Theater where we saw the musical "Grease". It was a fun weekend and it came to a close all too quickly. Below are pictures to show what a great time we had!

Josh's sister, Krista ,with her beautiful little girl, Rayleigh!

Rayleigh in her new swing and showing off in her Rainforest Bouncy!

Aunt Emily feeding sweet Rayleigh

Josh and Emily at the musical "Grease"

Uncle Josh and sleepy Rayleigh

Spring Break in Dallas

Last week Emily and Josh invited me to come and visit them in Dallas for a few days during Emily's Spring Break. We had a great time shopping at the Resale Shops (Rethreads and The Clothes Horse), eating out, and just hanging out together. Would you believe I forgot my camera??? Emily took a few pictures for me with her camera but not near as many as I would have been clicking!!! One afternoon we drove through President Bush's new neighborhood and I so wanted to get a picture of his cul-de-sac,but of course the entrance was barricaded and police were everywhere. We visited with them a minute and were attempting to explain what we wanted to do, when the Secret Service (coming from the direction of Bush's home) pulled up in their black SUV and started talking to the police. Time for us to exit, so off we drove. It's a beautiful neighborhood with lots of signs in the yards welcoming home the former President and First Lady. The house you see below was one of our favorites but we were only able to capture a small part of it on camera. Last but not least, I got to see my old roomie and friend Dixie. We visited the store where she works (Bradbury Lane) and had a two hour breakfast together before I left on Friday. A great ending to a great little trip! So much fun packed into a short period of time. "Thank you" Emily, Josh and Dixie for making my trip so special! Love you BUNCHES!!!!

Dixie and I! We have been friends since our days at Texas Tech, roomies while teaching school in Duncanville in the 70's and looking forward to lots more fun in the future! BFF

Before and After

Never underestimate what you can do with found objects. Think outside the box, be creative and come up with your own twist on what the object can be used for. Here, I took an old milk bottle carrier, added a few little clay pots and herbs, and I now have my own herb garden in my kitchen that can be easily moved from one place to the next! I found this old , beautiful coffeepot for a quarter at a garage sale and planted a blooming cyclamen inside to perk up my dining room buffet. I think I need to add a little trailing ivy to make it complete. Creativity does not have to be expensive or time consuming...just use your "noggin" (as my mom would say) and see what you come up with! Most of all, girls, remember to have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!