Trunk of Treat

For the past several years FSBC has hosted a fall festival in our family life center as an alternative to trick or treating. Saturday night we hosted a new event, Trunk or Treat?! Our new children's minister thought it was time for something new and I must say it was a huge success. Those who chose to take a risk were pleasantly surprised at the tremendous turnout and how truly "easy" it was to set up and clean up afterwards. The weather was perfect and we registered over 700 people with 100 of those claiming no church affliation. We have our work cut out for us as we follow up. Our adult bible fellowship class out did themselves with this year's event. We had three trunks and a game of putt-putt. Thanks class for all your support.

The Martins' inflated jack-o-lantern was a big success.

The only way to get the guys involved is with the golf game and pizza.


Our children's minister came as a ladybug. Good job, RL.

Christy spent a lot of time getting her trunk ready.

The ladies helped pass out the candy at our trunk!

Who Knew We Would Go to the Zoo?

Last week was a grandparent's delight as we had the opportunity to spend an entire week with KLee and LilE. Thinking we only had one opportunity we headed for the Ft. Worth Zoo on Monday, ignoring the overcast skies and the cooler temperature. It was a great day as the crowds were thin so we could get up close to see most of the animals. One thing that I must remember is to keep the camera batteries charged. We didn't get many pictures before the battery went dead, but I have a few to give you just a taste of what we experienced.

When LilE comes to our house she has her own little bed in the office. I decided it was time to make the space a little more to her liking. My new job allowed me more time to spend sewing pillows and framing pictures to make her space a little more special when visiting Mimi and Pop.

Parting Gifts

Waterford crystal bowl from CO and principals.

Lovely crystal vase from my superintendent.

September 25th was my last day at CISD Central Office. My last two days were very emotional as co-workers/friends began saying their goodbyes and sending me off with their best wishes. I received many emails, phone calls and people dropping by my office to wish me well. Thursday afternoon, the central office staff along with campus principals gave me a reception with cake, punch and a lovely Waterford crystal bowl. I will always see it and remember the friends and colleagues that were so dear to me for so many years. Many left me very special cards and gifts along with comments that were very humbling. If I receive no other benefit from this experience I go away with the knowledge that our "daily walk" does make an impression (good or bad) on the people that pass through our lives. The season that I spent with Cleburne ISD was a great one and I hope was God-honoring.

Farewell to Cleburne ISD

Cleburne ISD Administration Office

It is with mixed emotions, but a clear resolve that I bid farewell to my current position with Cleburne ISD to accept a position with the support staff at Field St. Baptist Church. After 18 years (two years as a teacher during the mid 1970s) I leave the CISD central administration office. For the past 8 years I have been employed as the administrative assistant/superintendent secretary. The 8 years prior I was receptionist and worked one year as the part time assistant to the community services director. My tenure at the central office as been a good one where I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of great and wonderful people who truly are like "family". However, God has opened another door and I have chosen to take the opportunity to work less hours with less stressful demands. I wish the very best for my former colleagues and look forward to beginning a new career with my church "family".

Field Street Baptist Church

CONGRATULATIONS, SON!!

B and his proud mom

August 15 was a special day for B and the family. B graduated from UTA with a Master of Science in Information Systems. He has worked non-stop the last 14 months to complete this degree. Saturday we celebrated with him on this accomplishment. This was achieved while working full-time, moving into a new home, and completing a certification in technology auditing (I'm not sure exactly what it is....I'm just proud he did it). Congratulations! YOU MAKE US PROUD.

"Cliff Notes" for April through July

I have been remiss in keeping my blog updated. Shame on me! I have no excuse except I've let other things take priority. So, with my sincerest apologies I will try to give a very quick summary of things that have taken place since my last post in March.

April was very busy and nothing of great interest (that I can remember anyway) except of course Easter and the celebration of our risen Savior.

May was a busy month at least for Smitty. We celebrated Mother's Day, our 37th wedding anniversary, and my birthday all in a period of three weeks (gifts required). We also had a nice weekend in SC with LilE and her parents.

LilE and her casual pose --May 2009

June was vacation month. Smitty and I took a week and headed toward Yellowstone National Park. We flew into Salt Lake City and toured the town and then drove northward to the Grand Tetons and on into Yellowstone. We saw some beautiful country and enjoyed some much welcomed cooler temperatures. I've got the vacation book with all the pics finished....just ask to see it!

Sassy and Smitty with the Yellowstone River in the background.

July was mainly work, work, and more work. We did take some time and had a late b'daycelebration with B and Elle at a Ranger's game and enjoyed some fireworks a day early. We traveled once again to SC to see the kids and enjoy a little time in the pool with LilE.

Pop and LilE enjoying some pool time.

Tyler Azalea Trails

Last weekend Smitty and I along with friends B & W headed east in hopes to get a look at the dogwood trees and azaleas. We timed it just right in that the Azalea Trails in Tyler opened that Saturday. We were not disappointed at all. The weather was perfect and the blooms were gorgeous. Driving and strolling through the neighborhoods lived up to our expectations. I couldn't put all the pictures on the blog, but enjoy some the few I have attached below.

Dallas Blooms

Supposedly, I am on spring break this week, however, I worked all day Monday, several hours on Tuesday, and got a text message from my superintendent that will require me to make a quick trip back to the office on Thursday. However, B and W took pity and invited me to go with them to the Dallas Arboretum to take in some of the beautiful spring blooms--the first of the season. Tulips were the main attraction on this particular day. It was an absolutely gorgeous weather day-- warm with a slight breeze and plenty of sunshine after cold and wet last week. There were lots of people out and about on this beautiful day and strollers with babies and toddlers were too numerous to count. I wish pictures did justice to what the eyes really beheld, but hope the pictures below give an idea of the beauty of the gardens. It is worth a trip!!

The Pajama Game

It has almost become a tradition that I receive as a Christmas present from Smitty tickets to some musical or play. This Christmas was no exception. Tickets were presented to see the musical The Pajama Game at the Majestic Theater in Dallas this past weekend. I remember as a preteen girl watching the movie version of this musical starring Doris Day. I couldn't remember too much about the musical except that it took place in a pajama factory with lots of singing and dancing. Saturday night was a very entertaining evening with a lot of songs that I haven't heard in a very long time. Thanks, Smitty. I really do love those musicals!

House Decorating Cont'd.

In the past year, we have done major redecorating to our kitchen, TV room, living room/dining room and guest bedrooms. Many friends and family had the opportunity in December to see the major changes that we have made to the house since purchasing it in July of 2006. Since Christmas we have added just a few additional touches that have the rooms complete. (at least Smitty thinks so!). My decorator found this framed artwork to complete the newest reading vignette in the living room. It is in my opinion the finishing touch.

See below the completed look with the

goose-neck arm chair, skirted table

and reading lamp next to the beautiful

bookcase.

Another addition in the "Cottage Guest room" is the newly upholstered wing back chair that was my grandmother's. If I recall correctly this chair had actually belonged to my grandfather's sister who gave it to my grandmother. When Grandmother Strickland moved in with my mother the chair was reupholstered and used in Grandmother's bedroom. After Mother passed away, the chair was one of the things I asked my siblings if I could take. It has been glued, tightened, and reupholstered to look brand new. It makes a very nice statement in this nostalgic bedroom. It is a very "sweet" little bedroom chair that holds a lot of special memories for me.

Study of Esther

On February 2 I started attending a women's bible study on the book of Esther. We meet on Monday evenings for a time of discussion of the week's homework and then view an hour-long video with Beth Moore on the study. Many years ago I did several Precepts Studies with Kay Arther. They were very in depth and sometime difficult studies, but very rewarding. After going back to work I missed the opportunity to attend these week morning studies. This particular study, Esther: It's tough being a Woman, just captured my heart. Meeting on Monday nights sometimes causing concerns due to my responsibilities at monthly school board meetings, but God has blessed the times I have been in attendance as well as through the daily homework. I recommend this study!

Happy 3rd B'day to LilE

We had the opportunity to once again be with LilE on her birthday. Three--what a wonderful age. We had so much fun watching her open gifts, play with friends, and eat cupcakes.
Because her b'day is so close to Valentine's, KLee decided to go with a valentine theme b'day party. Fun was had by all.

Valentine Theme B'day Party--LilE made the centerpiece

Happy Birthday to LilE!

LilE, JD, and KLee

Happy Valentine's Week

I am truly married to a very thoughtful and loving man. He knows how much I love fresh flowers. He has faithfully through the years remembered anniversaries and Valentine's Day by sending beautiful bouquets (even though money in those early years probably could have been spent more wisely). This year was no exception, but did have a little different twist. Knowing that Valentine's Day would fall on a Saturday and that we would be in SC celebrating LilE's third b'day, Smitty sent roses on Monday, February 9th, in order for me to enjoy them all week. I was the envy of every woman who walked into my office. Their male counterparts took a little different view. Thanks Smitty for being a very special Valentine to me!

Cook for the Cure Recipes

I wanted to share a couple of recipes that we cooked during our recent culinary arts class and Cook for the Cure program. I am looking forward to another culinary arts event in late March. I hope to have additional recipes to share at that time as well.

Garlic Chicken

2 tbsp crushed garlic

1/4 c olive oil

1/4 c dry bread crumbs

1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Warm the garlic and olive oil to blend the flavors. In a separate dish, combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Dip the chicken breasts in the olive oil and garlic mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture. Place in a shallow baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Red Lobster Biscuits

2 c Bisquick Baking mix

2/3 c milk

1/2 c cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 c margarine or butter, melted

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix Bisquick, milk, and cheese until soft dough forms; beat vigorously for 30 seconds. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto non-greased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Mix margarine and garlic powder; brush over warm biscuits before removing from cookie sheet. Serve warm. Makes 10-12 biscuits.

Hope you enjoy!!

Cooking for the Cure/Pass the Plate

Saturday I spent 6 hours participating in a deliciously fun activity and a worthwhile cause. Students in our high school Culinary Arts class wanted to do something that would help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation to honor their culinary arts teacher who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer. After doing some research, they discovered the Cook for the Cure program presented by KitchenAid.

These students presented a culinary workshop preparing many delicious recipes and the fun part was we got to eat everything we prepared. Our theme for the day was Adventures with Phyllo. Our menu included black olive and basil souffles, strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing, garlic chicken, Red Lobster's cheese and garlic biscuits, dilled carrots, baklava, and chocolate covered cake balls. I will post some of my favorite recipes on a later post.

All participants (this was small group of 8) were presented with a Cook for the Cure plate, which has been registered through KitchenAid. Every time this plate is passed (with food upon it) to someone else, that person will go on-line and register the numbered plate and then pass it on to someone else who will do the same. Every time the plate is registered KitchenAid will donate $5 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Go to http://www.kitchenaid.com/ for further information on this program. I can go on-line and track the times my plate has been registered. I can't wait to see how many times my plate gets passed. Be watching... who knows who may be receiving the plate.

Better Late than Never: 2008 Holiday Season

I have been very delinquent getting around to posting during the past 2 months due to all the activities and responsibilities that come during a very busy holiday season. The thought even crossed my mind to just forget it and move on to current events, but after reviewing the pictures during Thanksgiving and Christmas I just couldn't miss the opportunity to share a few with my readers. (I am starting with the events of Christmas and moving backwards to Thanksgiving)

CHRISTMAS was a special time for us this year since all the children were home for almost 2 weeks. We enjoyed having everyone here not only on Christmas day, but for several days where we played games, ate, relaxed, ate, did a little after-Christmas shopping, ate and just enjoyed being together. We also spent time with extended family during the holidays. God was good to us this Christmas as we celebrated being with each other, but most importantly as we celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day: It has been a tradition since the birth of Klee that you always get to open one gift on Christmas Eve.....Christmas PJs. Christmas morning is also very special in that we play a Christmas game that involves opening the gifts one at a time. We spent the entire day playing the game and opening presents and stockings. Even LilE got into the spirit of the game.

You're never too old to get Christmas PJs!

All LilE wanted from Santa was Christmas cookies. Delicious!!

Mimi opened her special Christmas gift from LilE....an original!

B and Smitty trying to figure out the game.

LilE and Elle opening a gift after a correct answer to the game.

No, not a puppy from Santa....but LilE enjoyed playing with Zoe.

Isn't B styling in his new cowboy hat from Santa Elle?

Klee and J resting after a long day of unwrapping gifts.

Christmas Eve with the Lyle Family: Christmas Eve was spent with my sister and her family and all the little ones. We enjoyed seeing the next generation of cousins getting a little play time together.

TP and Kdiddle (my little sis)

Christmas Music by LilE and KP

Cuz AP and LilE

KP, GP, LilE, & AP

LilE and the Christmas Cat!

Smitty' s Family: We got together with Smitty's family a few days after Christmas for soup and sandwiches and gift giving between the little ones. With so many fancy cameras we couldn't miss the opportunity for a family portrait. Good looking family don't you think?

The Smitty Bunch

SMITTY'S 60TH B'DAY celebration came between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Because his birthday falls so close to Christmas he doesn't always get the attention or the big celebration that most receive on their b'days. I just couldn't let this one go by without some fanfare. We spent the evening with family and close friends enjoying some very special treats.

Lots of Sweet Treats for the B'day Boy!

Darrell, and his other brother Darrell (aka Walter) with Smitty

Smitty's special b'day guest, LilE

THANKSGIVING found us heading to Nashville, TN to meet up with some of the Smith family in a central location for all. The parents of some of Klee and J's closest friends graciously offered their home (while they were away for the weekend) for us to gather as family and prepare Thanksgiving dinner. We had a wonderful time with brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins during that weekend. We ate, played, and traveled many hours to spend time with our Carolinian family.

LilE and her turkey!

G, G, and JJ

Smitty and sis LJ

All the girls.

Big grins from the little W, LilE and E.