Olivia

Is this girl cute or what?

My baby, His baby

I love these two!

Leslie's New Haircut

Doesn't she look like a big girl? She'll be turning 5 in less than two weeks!

Fun at the Deer Camp

At Thanksgiving, we took Bradley to the deer camp at Water Valley, Texas. He had a great time. He took a 9 point buck and two doe but more than that he had a great time with friends and family. He is such a joy to Don and I.

Keithville Christmas Collage

Ava's First Christmas

Today we celebrated Christmas for the first time with Ava. She was a perfect angel and was passed from one happy family member to another. Merry Christmas little angel! Grandma loves you!

Christmas Visitor

Brandi and Sara Beth came to see me yesterday! It was such a nice treat. It had been two months since I had seen Sara Beth and I can't believe how big she has gotten. She is a precious baby girl. I gave Brandi the scarf that I was knitting the night Sara Beth was born. I am blessed to have them in my life.

The New Bedroom

I don't think that these pictures make the room look as good as it really does.  It is a very comforting space with a loft feel.  I have some finishing touches to put on it but it is ready for guests.

A November Sunset

Magnificent!

Kids say the darnest things!!

This morning while I was doing breakfast duty in the cafeteria, I experienced this conversation.  Child A, a first-grader, said, "Mrs. Williams are you going to have a baby?" (while he pointed to my tummy)  Child B, a second-grader said to him, "No man! Mrs. Williams is WAAAYYY too old to have a baby!"  I don't know which comment had the most sting but I do know I won't be wearing this shirt to school anymore!!!!!   (Maybe I need to go on a diet NOW!!)  TOO funny...boy I have to add this one to my book.

Sissy's Cheerleader

Lily is her Sissy's number one cheerleader. She loves being at Sara's soccer games.

My First Machine Applique

This is my first attempt at machine applique.
It isn't too hard. It just requires LOTS of steps.

Sorry for the blurry picture!

2010 Christmas Outfits

All of my Grands are getting Christmas outfits this week. There is a catch though...their parents have to have the kids pictures taken in them and give me a copy!
Such terrible motives I have....pictures of my grandkids all dress similiarly. Don't you love the red, black and white?

Precious and Picture Perfect!

Ava Rene' 10 days old!

Recipe of the Week November 2, 2010

These three simple ingredients make these tasty delights...

CAKE BALLS!

Today I presented  a professional development session for some of the teachers at my school.  Knowing that such things can be painful for participants I decided to make some goodies to help their morning with me more bearable.   I received glowing responses from them (about the cake balls.)  Here is the easy recipe for those who requested it.

Cake Balls

Cake mix of your choice  (The ones I made for today were make with a devil's food cake mix)

1/2 can frosting

1 pack Almond bark ( I used the chocolate type)

Ingredients needed to bake the cake: eggs, water, oil

Bake cake as directed and let cool.  Crumble cake.  Add 1/2 can frosting.  This makes a gooey concoction.  Form into quarter size balls.  Place on a wax paper covered cookie sheet and place in freezer for 30 minutes to harden a little.  Melt bark at directed on package and coat balls.  Place on wax paper.  Allow bark to harden and then enjoy.  They will keep several days in the refrigerator if they last that long!  The internet has some really cute versions if you want to fancy them up a bit.

Soccer Sara

This is a smile of victory.  Sara's team won 2 to 1!  She can really hustle out there on the field.  Way to go Sara!!!!

Sweet Sleeping Beauty

Ava's first visit to our house.  She is in her Papaw's hands and not worried about a single thing.
This Grandma is in love.  Thank you God for this gift in my life!

There is a First Time for Everything

Don has been sick for the past week and used all of his willpower to keep from holding Ava. Today he finally got to hold her. Of course she loved being held on his broad shoulder just like all girls babies do.

My New Sewing Room

I still have to have Cippy build some shelves. I need  blinds and curtains but other than that it is finished.  I might even do some sewing this weekend.  Thought I should take a picture before I start to create and thus make a mess!

Family of Five...Jackson's Five

Maybe their first family portrait....look at all those smiles!

Little Ava

Such a little sweetie!

Chalkboard Rocks Say Boo!

I saw these chalkboard rocks at Pottery Barn and decided to make my own.  What better time than October?

Giving Grandma Love

I got to hold Ava this afternoon. Oh what good medicine that was for my heart! Notice who is also VERY close in the picture.

Proud Papaw

Here is Papaw seeing his new granddaughter for the first time.

Big Brother and Big Sister

Two sweet kids waiting for Ava.

Ava's Birthday

What a wonderful day for the Shoemaker family that lives on Williams Road! Baby Ava made her debut at 10:25 this morning.
Her mom did a great job! Her dad is beaming from ear to ear. Proud grandparents are blowing up their cell phones with the news.

While we were waiting for Ava to be born, Bradley said "I remember the day that Leslie was born. Great Gandma was with me. I miss her." Oh that boy can bring tears to my eyes! Yes we miss her but she is smiling from heaven over the latest of her "dividends."

Going back up to the hospital later so we can all hold her. She was doing some skin on skin with mommie when we left.

New Entry

Well.... one room is complete.  The entry way looks great! I wish we had done this years ago.

Fall Colors Couscous Salad

I needed a quick, easy lunch this weekend while working on the finishing touches in the "new rooms." I didn't want to go to the grocery store so I visited my pantry and had this salad ready in less than 15 minutes.

1 fresh tomato, chopped
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can canellini beans, drained
2 servings cooked couscous
1/4 cup sun dried tomato dressing
salt and peper to taste

I think it would be good with black beans and cilantro.