Train Them Up in the Way...

We had some special needs this month with my surgery, and our kids came home to help out. What a blessing they have been to their mom and dad.

We agree with God's Word that says children are a blessing from the LORD!

 It was tough getting over the surgery, but you can tell by the look on my face that having my grandbabies around me is a healing tonic!

 My precious princesses, Emma Ireline and Viola Marie.

 A visit to GG's wouldn't be complete without a romp in the woods.

 We do our best to make sure that EVERY princess has an outfit.

Papa Wes figures if he just gets them watching a video, he at least has them all posing at once.

 Papa Wes and Matt's bunch went to New Braunfels to visit Mawmaw, and Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Aggie joined in the fun. This is at McAdoo's Seafood in the old Post Office.

 Matt and his beautiful family.

The cajun enchiladas were wonderful, as well as the fish tacos and oyster po'boys. Mawmaw enjoyed her crawfish bisque.

 Mawmaw (Sylvia) with some of her Grands and Greatgrands.

Great Uncle Jimmy and Great Aunt Aggie, in every sense of the word!

A parting shot of Ashleigh feeding her baby birds the creme broulee. Oh yes, it was gooo-ood!

Our Valentines

Our February was filled with a good long visit from Kate, Mercedes and Evangeline. This made our Valentine month very special, along with other events.

 The girls get the run of the upstairs when they are here, with lots of tea parties goin' on.

 Evie tries to cuddle with our stray 'W'.

 There is an angel in my garden!

 Our munchkin ewok Evangeline.

 Supper at Dahlia is a special treat when Kate and the girls are in town.

 This expression on Mercedes has been compared to her mom, and her grandmaw!

 Some see the mischief of Papa Wes in Evangeline's eyes.

The girls enjoy playing in the yard.

 I have a reputation for celebrating Valentine's with my kids.

 They had fun exploring all the goodies.

 My Mercedes has a special regal knack!

 Part of our Valentine celebration was a special dinner at Canyon of the Eagles put on by Vinton and Peggy Stanfield. We had a reunion with old friends, with a common passion for the sanctity of life; Judge Edna Staudt and hubby Randy, and Brian and Michele Shaver.

Did I say that my Mercedes has a special knack for the regal?

 Mercedes and Evangeline helping me roll out the dough for some Austrian Twists.

And the tea party moves to the porch on an especially pleasant afternoon.

We were so blessed to have an extended time with our Kansas girls. And they promised to come back soon! Woo-hoooo!

Christmas 2012

GG's blog helper has been delinquent, so apologies all around for this very late posting! Enjoy the pictures of a joyful family gathering, missing quite a few this year to illness and other maladies. We really did miss you all that couldn't make it.

 Mawmaw Sylvia sharing wisdom with her brood, who still need her wisdom!

 The cookin' crew at the Roost. Jimmy and Renatta were putting together some awesome stuffed jalapenos, while Bridgette and I were just working our standard culinary magic!

 Mawmaw in hog heaven surrounded by her great-grands; Sylvia Baughman, Katie Adams, Thomas Adams, Will Adams, Griff Shoemaker, Kaylee Griffin (oops! She's a Grand!), and Beka Shoemaker.

 Katie Adams already demonstrating her ballerina talents; she's up on point!

 Mawmaw and Abbey sporting their Christmas head-gear.

 Mawmaw with the California crew, Tim and Kaylee Griffin.

Sylvia and all her children, first generation that is.

Even though many were missing, we still managed to put a pretty good crowd on the steps for the traditional 'whole fam damily picture'.

 Meanwhile, back at Liberty Hill, we were able to continue the Christmas celebration with some that weren't able to make it to the Roost. Here is Evangeline Hopkins, affectionately known as 'Pooter', rocking in the chair her Mom and Uncle Matt rocked in.

 My grands in their grand costumes, Morgan, Viola, Mercedes, Emma and Evangeline.

 Yes, I'm happy. Holding one of my favorite annual gifts, the publication of the Matt Griffin family blog, so I can have all those pictures in my hands.

 Papa Wes models the shirt that Kate made for him, illustrating the 'happy birder'. Yeah, that's Wes!

We put on a pretty good feast, and filled ourselves up good. The grands get along in a grand way!

We were so blessed to have our kids in for Christmas! Thanks guys for making that happen.

Viola Marie Turns Three

Baby V has turned three, and she will let you know that she is no baby! We had a great time celebrating her birthday and spending precious time with the Matt Griffins and Randy and Tacie Motz. Enjoy.

 The Grammaws enjoying the decorating and fellowship that goes on Friday night before the party.

 Now I'm bragging on my daughter-in-law. She made this cake from a split mold, and decorated it with the bees and the icing that looks like honey coming out of Poo-bear's hive.

 The mason jars became the party favor containers to take home.

 Viola and her Poo-bear.

 It's time to blow out the candles!

 And the traditional sofa photo of the party party.

 GG and Papa Wes love their Viola!

 Matt and Ashleigh treated the In-laws and the Outlaws to CanCun Grille in downtown Midland. The lobster and shrimp enchiladas were wonderful!

Can't get enough of those precious Grands!!