Watch for New postings---SOON!

I have been SO remiss in keeping you all updated on the "sassy side of things". I am going to try really hard to keep things current in the future. Give me a few days to get things together and pictures organized and then I will update you on current events.

Merry Christmas----Part 1

I know that it has been a very long time since my last post. In fact, I completely missed the Thanksgiving holidays--Shame on me! In my defense, things really get busy around that time, not only preparing for the Thanksgiving day itself, but already thinking and working on all the activities for the month of December. So, at this point I can only ask for forgiveness and hope that my posts for Christmas and the New Year will make up for it.

We started our Christmas celebration a little early this year. Klee, JD and LilE all came in the week before Christmas and we took the opportunity to meet with all Smitty's siblings and get together with his Aunt Pearl who will be 98 in February. We have been with Pearl on Christmas all our married life (and even a few years before). But, with all of the changes in our lives recently, traditions have to change as well. We had a great visit with her that day.

Pearl and LilE

Christmas has always been one of my most favorite times of the year for many reasons. It is so fun to experience it through the eyes of children. LilE was simply delightful this year. We had such a wonderful time. The following pics are just a few from Christmas with my side of the family. Keep checking for additional post and Christmas Part 2 with additional pictures from Christmas morning and Smitty's family.

LilE and the cousins.

Sassy and her Little Sis.

Christmas Eve tradition is to open presents with Christmas PJs. I guess you never get too big to have your picture made in your new PJs.

Sassy (Mimi) and LilE Christmas morning!

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.