Cancun Island, Mexico

WOW....what a week this has been. Thank you to the other 8 Amigos for allowing me on the "Senior Trip". I had a blast! Me, Peggy, Ellie, Terri Steelman and her daughters Chelsea & Taylor, Mandy Wilkerson and her twin daughters Kara & Kaci were royally treated to 4 nights and 5 days of paradise. Those folks who don't believe in God's power and majesty, should go to Cancun to see the PROOF!

We left on Sunday at 2:30 a.m. from Paris in a stretch limo. (Thanks Peggy!) We got to Dallas...through all the check points....landed in Cancun....thru all the check points with NO PROBLEMS and FAST! They definitely have it down to a science now. Oh...did I say no problems....? I guess Terri looked like a terriorist with her platinum blonde hair and they checked her as we got into Mexico and then checked her again on the way OUT of Mexico! I sat between Peggy and Mandy "The Puker" on the way there. I'd never actually seen someone USE a barf bag before. haha.

We landed in Cancun before noon and below is a picture of the beautiful resort that we stayed in!

And this is the beautiful beach that was just outside of the hotel. The sand was so white it was almost blinding...the ocean was so blue and clear. We sat and watched storms "roll" in 4 of the 5 days. I wasn't scared of the storms at all... it was very calming.

This is a view of the courtyard and pool of the resort....it was all so beautiful. All the food you would EVER want to eat. All types and 24 hours a day.

For those of you who JUST knew that I would burn the first day and be miserable. I didn't even get red....didn't get tan....but didn't get red! How exciting is that...even after being in the water AND sweating! I used Skin Effects by Dr. Dover - SPF 60 - Sunscreen. It's very thick and doesn't take much...but it's also VERY moisturizing. Great Stuff for a "white girl".

On Monday we went to Market 28...kinda like Canton...in the hood. Breaks your heart to see little kids peddling cheapy stuff to put food on the table. LOTS of walking and LOTS of sweating....but lots of fun. Back to the hotel for pool time. YES....I got in the pool....I could touch the bottom and it was great.

We went to Xel Ha on Tuesday where all the girls swam with the dolphins. That is incredible that a mammal can be trained the way these dolphins are. They EVEN sang "Twinkle Twinkle" with the dolphins. They got me in the water with the idea of us going snorkling....haha. I couldn't touch the bottom and freaked out....so they pushed me into a inner tube and I just floated out. (I was really wishing for Kaci's boyfriend Hamish to come and rope me back in to the shore.) After a while of just floating out, Peggy and Terri swam out to rescue me....oh wait, maybe it's called babysitting. I was NEVER so glad to get my feet on dry land.

On Wednesday, we just sat at the beach and watched the ocean. Ellie, Taylor and Chelsea went parasailing. Me Kaci and Kara stayed at the beach while everyone else went on the boat to watch. We met 2 couples from England .... I loved listening to them talk....and they told me I sounded like Dolly Parton. haha! Yes...I did get in the water AGAIN!

We had to be up at 5am on Thursday morning to start our trip back to Texas. We ate at Bubba Gump's for breakfast....it was a really cool restaurant. And GREAT food. We landed at DFW at 12:30 and whisked through (well, except for Terriorst Terri). When we walked outside, there was Sonny the limo driver waiting on us....and whooooosh....we were on our way to Paris, Texas USA. It was definitely a quieter trip home....we were all pooped.

God is good ALL the time. ALL the time God is good.

HELLO!

Oh my.....it's been too long since I posted! I don't even have pictures to post this time, my monitor fizzled out and we haven't gotten all my stuff off the hard drive yet. It'll happen.
I was on vacation for a week and a half. Webber and I were in Greenville and he worked for Greenville High School on the "Floor Show". He's been doing that for 32 years! He loves it though and I love watching the kids.
I went to the lake with Peggy, her family and friends from Thursday to Sunday. We had too much fun. Lots of laughing...lots of food...lots of walking...lots of SWEAT! Took my camera - but never got it out.
Haven't moved to the "new" house yet. Taking a bit longer than expected to get it ready, but it's ok. It's painted white on the outside and I have my RED door! I've always wanted one and now it's MINE! WoooHOOOO! But, it'll be worth it in the end.
I went back to work today........UGH. It was so busy! The construction on the bank seems to be going ever so slowly....but it'll be worth it in the end. (Deja vu all over again huh?)
PLUS....I've gotten hives/shingles/poison ivy too. MISERABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Didn't sleep a wink last night. You couldl play connect the dots on my skin right now. Don't get any ideas though!
ONLY 11 more days till we leave for CANCUN! WoooHOOOOOOOO!
I'll get back to you with more details as they become available!

Mother's Day

Tomorrow is Mother's Day.
27 years ago I became a Mother...Mommy.....Mom.
Larry Dow Sprinkle was such a tiny thing when he was born. He weighed only 5 pounds and 13 ounces....but he immediately took over my heart.
It's such a privilege to say that "my son is my friend". We have a relationship that many would love to have with their children.
We can talk about ANYTHING...and we do.
We can go anywhere together and feel comfortable.
He is my friend.
He KNOWS I would do anything for him.
I can honestly say that....... I would give my life for him.
How blessed am I that my son NEVER gave me any trouble?
How blessed am I that my son RESPECTS not only me but others?
How blessed am I that my son LISTENED to me when I taught him about how to treat a girl and be a "nice guy"?
How blessed am I that my son LOVES me and appreciates me?
How blessed am I to have a son is such a WONDERFUL man?
HOW BLESSED AM I TO HAVE A SON.....MY SON?
Thank you Larry for making me a Mom!

Kinda Boring

I've not posted in a few days....but there's not a lot going on. Well, there is, but no pictures.
It's only 1 month until our trip to Cancun! I'm so excited about this I can hardly stand it. I've started tanning (which I've never done) so I will not burn to a crisp.
We'll be moving in a couple of weeks. More to come on that. (More details as they become available.)
The annual "Floor Show" for Greenville High School is next week. So, we'll be totally consumed with that for about 9 days! Webber's been working on this project every year for the last 34 years. (It's a fund raiser for the band and drill team...they've been doing this for over 50 years.)
I start my "vacation" next Thursday, so I'm really excited about that! I'll be away from work for 12 days.....WOOOOOHOOOOOO! Better than that I won't be having to work that "darned" ol' late chair! It'll be a busy 12 days...but that's ok.
WOW....did I say that there's not a lot going on? Just strike that comment!
Have a great week!
Love you ALL!

Happiness Is....

The local radio station Mix 107.7 has a contest weekly where you can e-mail the name of your business and how many people work there. If they draw your name you win SONIC drinks for everyone! Yesterday was my lucky day....I WON! WoooHOOOOO! (Anyone who knows me, knows that I love me some SONIC, so this was the perfect contest for me!) The picture above has me, Dave (the news guy) and Julie Mac. (And, YES, Dave does have on a PINK construction hat....First Federal on the Loop is going through a growing stage and they thought it would be "funny" for us girls to have pink construction hats.....looks pretty cute on Dave though doesn't it?)
Now, the rest of the story.....2 years ago, I won the Sonic breakfast contest! Ok...so this may sound like a commercial for 107.7 ... but on Friday mornings, after 8am, Julie Mac has a special segment called "Flashback Fridays"! You can call in and request a song from the 70's, 80's & 90's....she is so sweet to humor me and listen to DISCO EACH Friday morning! (Usually the request from me is "Shake Yo Groove Thang".)

Prom Night

Last weekend I experienced PROM NIGHT....from a girls point of view. Ellie and her friends let me invade their special night. I went out to their house around 1:30....there was drama already. Kaci had already been to get her hair done....she didn't like it....the curl was already falling out and there was a CRISIS!

Ellie's date, Tyler, had been to Arlington to a school function, and was NOT back in town yet. (And no matter how many times you tell girls that "it's gonna be ok", they don't believe you!)

After a few phone calls, they found someone to save the hair! Holly Anthony was going to do Ellie's makeup and she'd had lots of practice "doing hair" and she volunteered to fix Kaci's hair. It turned out too cute! But the best part was watching all of this transpire....it's like a science project!

This is Holly working her magic on Ellie.

Then....working her magic on Kaci's hair!

After hair and makeup, it was off to take pictures....LOTS of pictures! The "rock" church was the spot of the night. There were so many beautiful girls there....and some that "thought" they were cute. teehee! Then to the fountain in downtown Paris. There were at least 250-300 people up there taking pictures. I CANNOT believe some of the dresses these girls wear...do they NOT have a mirror in their house....and when they went to buy these dresses, who went with them and TOLD them that they looked cute? HOLY COW! And then there were those that looked like hookers! Girls...please!.....or maybe I should say "Mothers, please". Don't let your daughters out of the house looking like that!

This is Lambo, Kara, Ellie, Kaci & Hamish

Tyler & Ellie

Then we said goodbye and they were off to eat dinner and to the Prom. They spend all this time getting the dresses....the shoes....the flowers...the tuxes...and once they get to prom, they have a "check-in" for the shoes, coats & flowers! HOLY COW!

While all of this was going on, me, Peggy and some of the parents of the kids were out at Peggy's preparing for them to come out afterwards. It was so funny to see these beautiful couples turn into teenagers looking COMFORTABLE again! teehee!

Peggy fixed all types of breakfast foods, and the other parents brought all kinds of foods! HOLY COW...there was enough food for an army....and we put most of it AWAY! She fixed "breakfast" around 1am...complete with pancakes, biscuits, sausage gravy....etc. (I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!)

Then everyone except the kids left and they all went to the living room and were "supposedly" going to watch videos.....after about 5 minutes, most of them were asleep! Pooped out after a VERY busy day/night! This picture is of Kaci.

Kaci was konked out!

There was Tyler with his very masculine blanket over him! teehee

And then....sweet little Jesse! That boy may be small - but man, can he make some noise!

I've just forgotten how to be a "girl" after raising a son.....I did discover that boys are MUCH easier on prom night. They take a shower...put on a tux and they're gone. TAH DAH!

Do you remember your prom?

I remember mine....The first was my junior year, 1973, at Cooper High School. I went with Jon Thomas and came home with David Jackson. Scandalous huh?

My senior year (1974) was MUCH more fun. A bunch of us girls (I think there were 5 of us) went with a guy friend of ours that had an old Cadillac convertible! We could have cared less what our dresses looked like or our hair either! But...that was the 70's...things have really changed!

Makin' Happy Memories

What a beautiful day!

After church today, me, Peggy, Ellie, Tyler & Kelsie went to Sherman. Shoppin' for all the senior functions that Miss Ellie has going on these next 2 months. Oh....we just HAD to go to the Olive Garden too. (Oh my, that peach tea is some kinda good!)

We noticed there were a "few" bluebonnets blooming. Of course, I had my camera....so I made the three young'uns wade through the mud and weeds to get to the little patches of the beautiful Texas flowers!

Thank you ET&K for putting up with me .... oh and waving at the cars with me!

We can always have a PARADE!

Let's Go To Cooper

I promised Abby that I would take her with me to Cooper to see my Mommy and today was the day. We went to the nursing home and "rolled" Mommy the short distance to the Dairy Queen and we 3 had a "picnic". Too much fun!

On the way home, we stopped at the Unruh business on 19/24 and there were ducks... M R DUCKS....YES M R! haha!

It's April in Texas...that means bluebonnets!

There's not many of them yet...but we found a few!

My little Abby is growing up so fast.
"I love you to the moon and back!"

Grand-Molly & Ridge in Class

My sweet little Grand-Friend Ridge Owens came into our class tonight and immediately turned the tone of the class to "babyness". He was in rare form tonight. He was clapping for everything and trying to pull up...won't be long before he'll be walking. Precious little boy!

Ridge was wanting to talk on the phone, so you know I had to let him have mine. He liked the fact that when my phone rings, it also vibrates. He kept pushing buttons thinking that it would do it again!

Ridge you are so precious and I'm so glad that you love me!

Happy 1st Birthday Kanyon!

What a good day this was....yeah I know it was raining and dreary outside, but I got to see my little "grand-friend" Kanyon Phillips! This past Wednesday was his very first birthday. (If you ever want to see for yourself what the power of prayers will do...go to his blogspot and read about his incredible journey!) He just had eye surgery less than 2 weeks ago too! His family is one of the most loving group of Christians that you will ever meet. Thanks to the Phillips/Spencer families for sharing ALL of their babies with all of us.

This was not a good picture of Kanyon, but he'd been just about as good as any little 1 year old can possibly be for one day! (Notice that look on his sweet look on his Granny Gay's face!) Sorry 'bout this one Kanyon...I'll take a better one next visit!

Speaking of the Spencer family....here's Miss Roselyn with her Mommy, Rachel. Aren't they 2 of the prettiest you've seen? That Roselyn has the most beautiful curly hair...but look at those sleepy eyes. Sooooooooo precious!

My little "grand-friend" Ridge was in rare form this morning at church! He was singing, smiling from ear to ear, helping Keith lead the singing, and then telling everyone "bye-bye" during the closing prayer! (Although I think it's his way of saying AMEN!) Here's a picture of him and his sweet Mommy (Amy) on their way home today!

At lunch today, Payden was thinking that the "buzzer" at Chili's was his Mommy's cellphone. He was so sleepy at lunch, he would just lay his head on the table to "rest"! He's only 19 months old, but you should see that little boy dip his food into the honey mustard! Too funny!

I WAS TAGGED...

Lindsay tagged me....I haven't played tag in so long....and I think playing virtual tag is not as taxing on my body as the old "timey" kind of tag was! teehee. She says I have to list 10 things about myself, so here goes:

1. I have the most wonderful 27 year old son. He's very kind and thoughtful to me and has no idea how much I miss him!


2. I am a bank teller at First Federal Community Bank, on the Loop, the only bank you'll ever need!


3. I am married.


4. I am the youngest in my family - 2 older sisters - 1 older brother.


5. I only have one eye.


6. I am diabetic....but I don't have to take insulin! WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!


7. I LOVE to read.


8. I have a "bug"...Baby Girl is 1/2 Boston Terrier 1/2 Pug. I also have a grand-dog named Oreo.


9. I love disco! "Shake Yo Groove Thang" is my favorite...oh wait...maybe Stayin' Alive is my favorite...oh wait..."Sexual Healing" is my favorite song....you get the idea!


10. I am very shy, intoverted, and a very quite person. HAHAH! NOT!

Now....I tag everyone that reads this!

GRANDFRIENDS

I am SO very blessed to have so many little grandfriends in my life....and their parents are so special to share them with me.
I posted a blog in January with a "few" of my little friends and the links to their pages. I then realized that some of them don't have their own pages, so I thought I would add their pictures, and a little about them here.

First, my little Abby. She has been in my heart since she was in her Mommy's tummy. For some reason, I KNEW she was going to be so very special to me....and boy, is she ever!
She is a 6 year old first grader that has more wisdom than some adults. We have very interesting conversations about everything.
She lets me have the chance to do "girly" things. Her parents (Patrick and Kari Ann) let her spend the night with me sometimes and what fun that is! She introduced me to "High School Musical" and "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody". She loves to have her nails painted too.
Abby is very honest...and will tell me what she thinks about everything. She's told her Mommy that, because I'm older, I've known her longer than she has.
It was hard for me to pick out only one picture that I love of Abby and I - so I picked 2!

She was only 2 in this picture...it definitely captures her personality.

This was taken at her Kiddie Kollege graduation....how prissy is this?

Next, is my little grandfriend Payden. He's 1 1/2 and has the sweetest personality. Payden's Mom, Kimberly, is the one who came up with the nickname, Grand-Molly, for him to call me. (Of course I love it if they call me ANYTHING!)
Payden's favorite word right now is NO. But, with those precious blue eyes of his, it's ok.
Payden has been having seizures since he was a tiny baby....you never know when he's going to have one, but he pops right back to being a typical little boy.
He has a crooked little smile....well, you just have to see it to appreciate it!
Once again...couldn't pick my favorite, so here's 2...
This was taken last summer at Gibson's b'day party....it was so hot!

This was taken in December.....what a cheesy little boy!

Next, there's my little Ridge. His Mommy and Daddy really prayed hard for him....and did they ever get a bonus. He is such a sweetheart! He has a smile that will melt your heart. He makes me feel so good when he busts out that big ol' grin! His Mommy (Amy) is the most precious Christian you'd ever want to meet. He has a cousin, Chloe, she calls herself the "Sister Cousin". (How cute is that?)

In this picture, he just looks like he's saying "Hi there"!

Then, there's the serious little Ridge....he can see right through you with this look.