It's Fair Day!

After our terrible day yesterday we all decided that we needed to have a little fun so today we went to the State Fair of Texas. We had a wonderful time as usual. This is one of my favorite times of the year, when the fair comes to town. We love the attractions, the food and the rides. I am glad that we have made this a family tradition. I remember as a child how much I loved going every year and all the great times I had with my family and friends. Hope we are building wonderful memories for Morgan as well. We love you Big Tex!

The dog show is one of our favorite events.

Morgan watching the dogs at play. She loved the three legged dog. He was amazing!

Morgan having fun at the petting zoo.

Morgan getting ready for the Pee-Wee Stampede

Morgan lining up and getting ready for the show.

Momma's lil cowgirl!

Go cowgirl, go!! My lil rodeo star!

Morgan after her great ride.

No trophy this year, but we did get a cool blue ribbon for all our hard work. Way to go Morgan! You make us so proud.

Lil Big Tex

Morgan working on the farm.

Morgan cashing in her cash she earned working on the farm. She got chips of course.

Morgan riding some rides.

Me and Morgan take a ride down the slide.

What a fun way to end our great day at the fair!

Hi dad!

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart, Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…..
Author Unknown

Lady, you were the best dog that I have ever had. You were always loyal and true to us. You will be greatly missed but a piece of you will live on in our hearts forever.....

This picture was taken the day that Lady passed away. I went outside early that morning and she was just laying in our yard with the golden morning sunlight all around her. It is a picture I will treasure forever.

It's Here!!!

It is finally here, the purse I designed. Some friends of mine from work hosted a Lill 1154 purse party. You get to choose you purse design and the pick out the material for it. This is what I put together. It turned out so cute I think. Love it and can't wait to us it!

Shelbie's 9th Birthday

I can not believe that my little baby girl is turning 9 in Heaven today. Boy, where does the time go. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of her. I miss her so much but have peace in my heart because I know that some day I will see her again and we will celebrate many wonderful Birthday's together. Shelbie, we love you tons and miss you more than you will ever know. Hope you have a wonderful birthday my sweet little angel.

Birthday wishes heading to Heaven.

Morgan after helping decorate at the cemetery for Shelbie's birthday.

Love me some fall mums!

The beautiful flowers from mom and John.

Shelbie's 9th Happy Birthday flower cake.

Morgan saw some glitter heart silly band bracelets that she wanted to give her big sister for her birthday. She is such a great lil sister. I am so very blessed that she loves Shelbie as much as we do.

Morgan watching as her birthday wish balloon heads up to Shelbie.

Lori and Lauren looking on.

The girls at the birthday celebration.

Goodbye Old Friend......

Today I got some terrible news that a guy I grew up with and went to school with, Brett Martin, was killed in a motorcycle wreck. It is always heart breaking to know that someone from your passed has passed away. It seems to be even more heart breaking the older you get. Even though I haven’t seen Brett in years, I can’t help but reflect on my youth and think of all the good times we shared together. It reminds me of my 8th grade year. It was the best year I ever had growing up. We were kings of the school, the 8th graders. There was a group of us: Me, my best friend Jennifer, Nicole, Jolynn, Marie, Brett, Troy, Daniel and Dan. Most of us were on the gymnastics team together. Everyday we would all set at the same lunch table. We had a blast. I remember how me and Bret would often have contest to see who could put the most crackers in our mouth or see who could drink the most cartons of milk. If memories serves me right, I believe that Brett won most of them. I even remember one time when we were on a bus heading to a gymnastics meet and Brett stuffed a whole Big Mac in his mouth. It was awesome! He was always doing crazy things like that. He was a guy you couldn’t help but like. He was always up to something. It was a great time. Life was so simple and we hadn’t a care in the world except what we were going to wear to school and whether or not we were going to go to the skating rink on Friday night. This was my youth and I can’t help but think of Brett when I think of that time in my life. It is such a tragedy to hear of his passing. Whether the wreck was his fault or not really doesn’t matter. What matters is that a great friend from my past is gone and will be greatly missed. I don’t think that I have ever had as great of friends as the one’s I had when I was in the 8th grade. I wonder if anyone ever does?? Brett, may you rest in peace. Thanks for all the great moments we shared. I will treasure them always. Good bye old friend……


Brett "Bret" Aaron Martin
August 21, 1972-October 4, 2010

It's The Great Pumpkin!!

For a Halloween treat to the girls, Ninnie decided to treat all of us to a wonderful train ride in East Texas. We got up early this morning and made the drive to Rusk, TX . Once there, we hopped on the train and rode to a near by field that was set up with a corn maze, bounce house, petting zoo, and much more. The girls had a blast and so did the grown ups. It was a wonderful day. Thanks Ninnie for the amazing adventure. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us next year!

Morgan and Lauren at the train depot in Rusk, TX.

Lori, Morgan, Lauren and mom enjoying the train ride.

Morgan all smiles!

The girls making their scary faces.

Morgan taking it all in.

Morgan enjoying the fresh air on our train ride.

Morgan is all smiles when the train starts to roll.

It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

Morgan and Charlie Brown.

Lauren and her new friend Snoopy.

Morgan and Snoopy

Lauren, it's all down hill from here!

Morgan giving the slide a try.

Morgan at the petting zoo.

Morgan with her new furry friend.

Only my child would pick up a goat a petting zoo. What is it with my kid and animals?

Morgan playing on the hay barrel.

The girls giving the tire swing a try.

Mom joining in on the swinging fun.

Mom and Lori enjoying the hay ride.

Me and the girls.

Morgan making a new fall fashion statement, wearing her Halloween bucket on her head. Crazy girl!

Morgan doing a little trick or treating. Knock, knock anyone home???

Trick or treat, smell our feet, give us something good to eat!

Morgan just couldn't keep her eyes open after a big day of fun.