Happy New Year

Well it is that time again- time to catch up on blogs.  I am only 5 months behind now.  Here is my first one of the New Year.  Happy New Year Everyone!

We went back to the ranch on December 30th to bring in the New Year with our friends- Dana, Mark, Greg, and Debbie.  We had a very relaxing long weekend.  We ate well, slept well, and well drank well.  I made a New Year's Drink for 2017.  Isn't it pretty.

A cream mimosa!

Our puppies, Maggie and Buster were able to spend the weekend with us!

Out and about four wheelin....

Thanks to our friends for coming out.  We had an awesome New Years!

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Count Your Blessings! Bella

Christmas 2016

It's the best time of year!  This year though was a little harder as DISD worked until the 22nd of December.  All I can say is thanks goodness for Amazon.  If it wasn't on Amazon, my family didn't get that gift.  Here are the glorious pictures which tell the whole story:

The Dallas kids helped us decorate the tree!

Cookie decorating!

Puppies need Christmas outfits too!

All the grandkids and nieces and nephews at Momses and Papa's annual Christmas party.

Time with the girls.  Annabelle with her first pedicure.

Connor and Paige came early as they went to Paige's family for Christmas.

Samson's first Christmas.

Christmas at the ranch.

Annabelle and Bella playing.

Christmas Eve Mass at St. Marys in  Brownwood.

How blessed are Pops and Bella!

And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time. Jesus Christ


Count Your Blessings, Bella

Thanksgiving 2016

We of course spent Thanksgiving at the ranch.  Luci even got t-shirts this year.  We added Abbey's mother in law and her mother, Sasha and Nona. We had a delightful time.  The boys were able to hunt although no deer were to be found... All in all the joy of Thanksgiving was being together as a family.  We missed Brooke and Travis.  They were with Travis' family this year.

Abbey and Justin shooting

Goody bags!

Finley always decorates the table.

Shirts for the adults this year.  Thanks Luci!

Count Your Blessings, Bella

For what I have received may the Lord make me truly thankful. And more truly for what I have not received. Storm Jameson

Principal of the Year- Well Almost

I had the  pleasure of representing my schools as the district nominee for Principal of the Year.  This was such a surprise and such an honor. To have only been in DISD for 4 years and to have successfully navigated through this process is amazing.  I give all the Glory to God and feel I am in the right place that He has called me to be.  I know each day I make a difference in a child and infant's life! My work is all to His glory and I thank my Lord and Savior for giving me these precious students and faculty to work with.  It is not all perfect and I was runner up, but I go to work each day with a smile on my face.  The awards ceremony was beautiful.  The committee made each of us feel special.   I walked into my school to my surprise with all of my students lining the halls to greet me.  The staff gave me a beautiful lunch.  My parents and family was able to celebrate. I am DISD Proud!

 Count Your Blessings, Bella

To God be the Glory!

Wyatt Turns 4

Our sweet Wyatt Darin turned 4 in November.  We all arrived in Austin to a great park and celebrated this sweet boy!  He wanted a ninja turtle theme party and that is what he had!

Ninja Turtle Cupcakes that a friend of Abbey's made!

Piñata time!

Kids came back to Dallas with us to enjoy a few days before Thanksgiving!

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! Dr. Seuss


Count Your Blessings, Bella

Green Bay- Lambeau Field

We just got back from an exciting trip to Green Bay. I have never seen that part of the country and it is beautiful! we had such a great time.  How did this happen???? Last year when Dana's friend Lisa and Joe were in for Off the Rails country concert in Frisco, they said to us- you need to come up for a Green Bay game.  We started talking about it and decided yes- we would do this!  I took off from work, Dana found us a place to stay - with Lisa, and Joe got the tickets.  We had a wonderful time. Not only is this a great group to travel with, we all like each other and get along.

Day 1- We arrived and went to a typical Friday night fish fry!  I ordered a new drink for me call an Old Fashioned- a typical drink in Wisconsin.  Kirk had a great time and visited with everyone at the bar.

Day 2- we went off to the Wine Country on Wisconsin called Door County.  We had a great time and picked up some cherry wine to bring home! We had a lovely dinner at Chives back in Suamico, close to Green Bay.

Day 3- Green Bay Game- we tailgated before the game and had some great Bratwurst and Burgers, then into the game.  the Packers lost, but it was so nice to see another NFL game and to see the history in the stadium.  Everyone was just so nice!

Thanks to Lisa and Joe for their Northern Hospitality!

I am sure we will have many more good times together!

A friend is what the heart needs all the time. Henry Van Dyke

Count Your Blessings, Bella

Halloween 2016

We stayed at home this year and the Dallas grandkids came over to trick or treat with some friends. Kirk and I gave out candy at our house as well.  Here are all the grand babies in their glory:

Halloween- A fun, fun, night!

Count Your Blessings, Bella