Reuniting And It Feel So Good!

Traveling to La Juanta for Oma's funeral brought us through Denver. On our way to LJ we didn't get into Denver until 11pm, so we grabbed the rental car and drove straight there arriving around 4am. On the way back however, we had time to stop in Denver to have lunch with Heather and her hubby. It was SOOOOO good to see my woman! 

It is fun to have friends all over the world...always someone to see!

Celebrating Mamie Sisson

 Oma passed away two weeks ago. And while my heart is broken, the tears haven't made their way out yet. I am relieved for her - to be at peace with Papa - and I am mad she is gone. I assume sadness will follow suite shortly. In the meantime, I can't forget just how amazing she was. Any woman that raises 7 kids (born within 10 years of each other) and provides them with the experiences that she and Papa did is worth admiring! She was remembered for her smile, big heart, optimism and devotion to her family!

We celebrated Oma's life with all of her 7 children and 11 of her 19 grandchildren present (the rest in spirit). It was good to see everyone, and I was glad to be there as we laid her to rest. 

Ryan and Aunt Stephanie

What a beautiful smile!

Papa had a United States flag, and rather than a floral arrangement for Oma they used a quilt made several years ago by all of the children.

Watching Oma's kids take her to the hearse. 

The grandsons (some of them at least!)

Papa would be so proud of these two!

Matty Turns the Big 3-0

Well if I am going to make Matt's birthday weekend all about me then I can proudly say - I did it! I managed to hold in all of my surprises and make the weekend perfect. But realistically Matt's birthday is not all about me - so let's talk about the birthday boy. He. Had. A. Blast! When I asked Matt what he wanted to do for the big 3-0 he said "play golf with my dad and friends." So that is what he did!

I surprised him by getting all of his brothers in town. I flew in his brother and Nathan, and Mark drove in from Houston. Nathan and Matt played 18 on Friday, Saturday the entire group played, and Sunday they had a foursome with Nathan and his dad. 

Saturday night we had all of our friends over for a BBQ and the most amazing cake EVER! 

Hanging out before picking up Fred and Karen

Half of the Saturday morning golf crew! 

Seriously - greatest cake ever!

Party favors - homemade chocolate covered pretzels

I told myself I wasn't going to go crazy with decorations. (I tried!)

BROTHERS

With Nathan & Mark - love these guys!

My own husband "iced" me! Luckily little brother Nathan lent me a helping hand!

A True Texan in my Truck!

Why yes I do get out of this guy (Mr. Gray) in my pencil skirt and aviator sunglasses! I would have never in a million years guessed this truck would be all mine - or that I would even want it - but it is and I do! Thanks to a very supportive husband for letting me drive this beast of a "car"!

And yes, we do already have a beauty mark! Don't worry...the pole is fine!

Matt's "Pickle Meat" Party

For a friend's bachelor party, Matt and several of his friends went to New Orleans to celebrate. Apparently while they were on Bourbon Street there was a girl screaming "PICKLE MEAT." It became the word of the weekend, so much so that they determined they would have a boys-only party with pickled things and all kinds of meat! And that they did! It was cute watching a group of boys plan a party! In fact, after starting at 9am, they had so much fun the party wrapped up by 8:30pm!

Pickled Stuff

Matt, Wes and Ryan started smoking meat at 9am! That is commitment!

One of the two signature drinks - the other one was a pickled martini (YUCK!) 

Who knew the Crawfish Table would make such a great beer pong table!

Every party needs giant Jenga!

Most of the boys!

Happy 30th Jamie

17 years!!! That is how long Jamie and I have been celebrating each other's birthdays! Jamie is my oldest childhood friend and I love that we are still in the same city so that birthdays can still be celebrated in person! This year was even better as we added a fourth to our trifecta - Jamie's fiance Mark!

Yes I did order all of that food!

Jamie & Mark

I better live up the next few months NOT being 30!

Frequent Flyer Miles

I have been racking up Southwest miles the past year - and it is awesome! (I am SWA's biggest fan!) I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to travel for work because I love it! Also - let's talk about the new Love Field - A-mazing! Cru Wine Bar, Chik-fi-la, shopping. It is an entirely different airport!

The boys in my life...

I am one lucky girl!

Easter 2013

It was, as always, a great Easter spent with my family and close friends!

Each year mom has an egg commissioned to give to everyone

This year's commemorative egg

Easter morning brunch. I pushed for paper products to help ensure easy cleanup!!!

A kitchen full of love