The Gannon Family

Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Gannon.....

2010-12-08T08:56:00.010-06:00

Well, I am recovered enough to share that we had the most absolute beautiful and wonderful weekend. Friday we left work early to head out to Ashelynn Manor for Dustin and Nikki's wedding rehearsal. It was a beautiful place!!!

After the rehearsal we headed to Alicia's Mexican Grill for the rehearsal dinner which was very, very nice. Dustin and Nikki gave Tim and I and his mom, Karen, and her husband, Kenneth blocks that spelled out family with pictures of us on them. I absolutely love them and had them on my mantle as soon as I got home!!!!

Saturday morning we got up and Cynda, Tim's mom, myself, my mom, Stephanie and Little Mac all headed to the Junior League of Houston for the Bridesmaid Luncheon. It was a very nice meal and wonderful fellowship with Nikki, family and friends. Everyone was to bring Nikki an ornament for a gift. She received some beautiful ones.

After the luncheon I headed home to clean and cook chili as we were having 25 people over for dinner. We sure had a house full but it was a wonderful time of fellowship again as we gathered to celebrate Nikki and Dustin. Everyone was so excited because the wedding was upon us!!!!

Sunday morning I got up and met Nikki, her mom, Judy, sister, Shelly, Stephanie and their friend, Laura at Ashelynn Manor to all get our hair done together and help the bride get ready for the big day!!! It was a wonderful day as I have watched Nikki grow into the most beautiful lady inside and out and she was marrying my son, Dustin.

The wedding was absolutely beautiful. Everything was put together so wonderfully and Nicole was one of the most beautiful bride's I'd ever seen. She was glowing radiantly with such beauty!! You could see happiness and joy all over her!!!! They said their vows and we were introduced to the new Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Gannon.

We watched as the photographer captured wonderful pictures that we are all so excited to see!!!

Everyone headed to the reception where we had a blast......an absolute blast. Lots of fun, dancing and celebrating was done!!!

We sent the happy couple off with bubbles everywhere in our friend, Steve's old car. It was the perfect wedding!!!!

Dustin and Nikki are currently having a blast, I'm sure in Cabo San Lucas!!! We wish them nothing but the very best for the rest of their lives. And I'm so ready for some more grandkids!!!!

All I can say, is I am still so very very full............my cup runneth over!!

Happy Thanksgiving.....

2010-11-22T08:47:00.008-06:00

Well, it's been forever since I posted on our family blog....and yes, I mean forever. Maybe I'll try to start this up again because I have lots to share.

Let's see if I can wrap up the year........

Matt came to live with us again full time in April! So glad to have my son living uder our roof again..........Eric, our oldest son married Alison Brown on May 30 of this year in Maryland. We are so happy for both of them. Our whole family went to the wedding and had a blast......

.....summer was filled with river trips and lots of camping. Ruff-n- Rowdy did tons of cook-offs this year and won over 30 trophies, plaques, ribbons and around $1,500.00 in prize money!!...we spent a week in Hot Springs celebrating Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary!! Another fun week........
......Matthew started high school this year.....and my grandson, JD started kindergarten this year.......

My granddaughter MacKenzie, or Mac as we call her, turned 3 this October. What a fun birthday she had with a petting zoo and a pony to ride.

........and now, Dustin, our middle son, gets married in less than two weeks to Nicole Platon. Nicole and our daughter Stephanie have been best friends for going on 15 years and when Tim and I met, so did they!!! We can't wait for the big day coming up!! So many things.....going on but we'll keep you better posted............

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and family. May the Lord show Himself in a mighty way to you and your family and bless you all!!!

God is in Charge........

2010-02-09T09:18:00.002-06:00

"Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever." Matthew 6:13 RSV

What protection this.....phrase affords. As you confess that God is in charge, you admit that you aren't. As you proclaim that God has power, you admit you don't. And as you give God all the applause, there is none left to dizzy your brain!

Max Lucado, Everyday Blessings

Happy Birthday JD...........

2010-01-20T10:15:00.010-06:00

Five years ago today I was sick. Bad sick. Like couldn't hardly get out of bed sick. I was in bed in misery when my wonderful firstborn called with news she was about the give birth to her firstborn.....and my first grandchild. I'll never forget all the emotions I was feeling that day.....took me back to when I had her. Ahh, the joys of motherhood. But I was also torn to shreds because I had the flu and wouldn't be able to be there.

I got phone calls throughout when Steph finally told me the nurses said I could come if I would wear a mask. God, in all His glory, gave me strength to get myself dressed and headed to the hospital. I put on my mask and went in to witness the true miracle of birth. All three of mine were quiet tramatic and painful so I NEVER enjoyed them. I was glad when I was holding that precious Steph.....Shan......Matt but I can't say giving birth was an enjoyable experience.

But, I did enjoy watching my beautiful daughter give birth to Jimmy Dale Vandagriff III. Oh, he was so beautiful!!!!! I was blessed beyond words...............still am.

Today is JD's 5th birthday so I want honor him!!!! Happy Birthday JD. KK and Papa Tim love you so very much and we are both so very proud God chose us to be your grandparents. I hope you are blessed with a very special birthday.......because you are a VERY SPECIAL boy. You have brought so much joy and laughter to this family. Your funny faces.......your big precious smiles that you use your whole face with......your kindness and sweetness are true gifts to us all.

Hope you have a super birthday and I can't wait to get to enjoy Pizza tonight as we celebrate your big #5!!!! Happy Birthday JD!

YOU are still Holy.......

2010-01-19T08:54:00.002-06:00

Holy, You are still Holy
Even when the darkness surrounds my life
Sovereign, You are still sovereign
Even when confusion has blinded my eyes

Lord, I don't deserve Your kind affection
When my unbelief has kept me from Your touch
I want my life to be a pure reflection
Of Your love

And so I come into Your chamber
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Saviour
And I'm at Your mercy
All that has been in my life
Up 'till now
It belongs to You
You are still Holy

Holy, You are still Holy
Even though I don't understand Your ways
Sovereign, You are still Sovereign
Even when my circumstances don't change

Lord, I don't deserve Your tender patience
When my unbelief has kept me from Your truth
I want my life to be a sweet devotion
To You

And so I come into Your chamber
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Saviour
And I'm at Your mercy
All that has been in my life
Up 'till now
It belongs to You
I belong to You

And so I come into Your chamber
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Saviour
And I'm at Your mercy
All that has been in my life
Up 'till now
It belongs to You
I belong to You
You are still Holy
You are still Sovereign
You are still Holy, Lord
You are still Righteous
You are All-knowing
You are still Holy

You Are Still Holy by Kim Hill

I Still Believe.......

2010-01-18T09:24:00.002-06:00

Scattered words and empty thoughts
seem to pour from my heart
I've never felt so torn before
seems I don't know where to start
but it's now that I feel YOUR grace fall like rain
from every fingertip, washing away my pain

I still believe in YOUR faithfulness
I still believe in YOUR truth
I still believe in YOUR Holy Word
even when I don't see, I still believe

Though the questions still fog up my mind
with promises I still seem to bear
even when answers slowly unwind
it's my heart I see You prepare
but it's now that I feel Your grace fall like rain
from every fingertip, washing away my pain

I still believe in YOUR faithfulness
I seill believe in YOUR truth
I still believe in YOUR Holy Word
even when I don't see, I still believe

The only place I can go is into your arms
where I throw to you my feeble prayers
in brokenness I can see that this was Your will for me
Help me to know You are near

I Still Believe by Jeremy Camp

Happy New Year.......

2010-01-14T09:13:00.003-06:00

.........and I know.....it's 1/2 in to January but this is the first time on my blog since the new year so thought I would wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!

We brought in the New Year from our wonderful place in the country (Saratoga, TX). It was low key with our family. Tim's mom and John came in so we cooked up a mess of chili and gumbo New Years Eve. Then of course for New Years Day we had our typical Honey Baked Ham, Black-Eyed Peas, Cabbage, and Cornbread. It was yummy.....one of my favorite meals of all. Crumble up my cornbread, pile on the peas with juice and top it off with fresh onion....oh my!!!!

Without going in to tons of detail we had mediation regarding the custody issue with Matt and as of right now we have an agreement that I can live with / with peace. I prayed for God to work throughout that day and I truly know He did. HeIt could have gone bad....and according to the mediator, she thought the way it started we wouldn't be able to come to an agreement. I believe God exposed TRUTH and then things started to fall into place. Right now, a lot of the future is in Matt's court........ We want to see him walking down a path of goodness and make smart choices which over the last year he hasn't. If God places him on your heart, please pray. I just want my son to flourish in goodness.

If you have followed us long you know we are approaching our busiest time of the year. Rodeo Cook-off this year.....straight in to Rodeo......then our big annual cook-off with work. It's April before I slow down. On top of that.....Tim, myself and our best buds, James and Jill have a formed a cook-off team, Ruff -n- Rowdy Cookers. We are registered with the National BBQ Association and the Texas Gulf Coast BBQ Association. We did several cook-offs last year but plans are to do quite a few this year. We have so much fun doing them and most of the ones we do are for good causes. Tomorrow we do one for the Hold'em and Hit'em club benefiting youth and education. It's our first this year and we are so ready!!!! If you live in the Houston area come to the Farm and Ranch Club in Bear Creek......Friday night 6 to 10 and Saturday 10 to 10. It will be a fun time. Come see us.

I'll share more of what God is doing in a future post!!!!

What's God Up To................?

2009-12-16T09:25:00.006-06:00

I have been living in a "theme" lately that I think God is telling me something. So, I'm submitting totally to learn from what He is telling me and showing me.

I've shared that I have been going through a tough time. We are having some custody issues with Matt and who knows what the future holds for my family but I do know this. I am not going to give the enemy any more ground. He will not push my buttons anymore. I have wallered in this mess long enough. Heading toward depression is just feeding this disease. NO MORE! Today, I choose with all my heart and mind to BELIEVE God when He says, "Trust Me" or "This is not your battle" or "Are you listening to ME?" Yes, Sir, I DO, and yes Sir, I am.

Over a month ago I got a great book for Thanksgiving called Giving Thanks The Gift of Gratitude by M.J. Ryan. I read it during the Thansgiving season and it spoke volumes to me about living a life with a grateful heart. It had already put me in a mindset of being grateful and tackling each day with a sense of gratitude. I've enjoyed focusing on all the things I have to be grateful for and have thanked God over and over for each of them lately.
Then Tim and I were sitting on the couch one Saturday morning several weeks ago watching a few movies and started watching the movie Pay It Forward, a movie that stars Haley Joel Osment as a boy who launches a good-will movement, Helen Hunt his single mother, and Kevin Spacey as his social-studies teacher. When 11-year-old Trevor McKinney begins seventh grade in Las Vegas, Nevada, his social studies teacher Eugene Simonet gives the class an assignment to devise and put into action a plan that will change the world for the better. Trevor calls his plan "pay it forward", which can be described as a charitable pyramid scheme, based on good deeds rather than profit. "Paying it forward" means the recipient of a favor does a favor for a third party rather than paying the favor back. Anyway, I had seen it before but Tim had not so we watched again and it really hit me hard. I thought we all need to live like that.

Then last week I needed something urgently from our coporate office and sent an email with my request. My co-worker sent what I needed but at the end of her email she said, "Pay it Forward." I emailed her back and told her that Tim and I had just watched that movie. She said she did too and we both discussed the good in the movie and how we both sobbed watching it. But I thought how odd, to hear pay it forward again. So, at that point I thought I must be being led to do something on these lines.

Then yesterday I don't know what I was doing online but came across something that was almost like flashing at me......it's called 29 Gifts in 29 Days................It's a challenge to give to others.......and I've taken it. It's not all about giving tangible things by any means. It started from someone who was wrapped up in her own mess, disease and pity party.....when someone told her to give 29 gifts in 29 days.......take the focus off her. Very interesting story. Check it out on http://29gifts.org/

So, for whatever reason I see God doing something in me............and I'm here with an open heart to see what He's up to.

Oh, and yesterday was Day 1 of my 29 and I gave encouraging words to a co-worker. She is in our corporate office and it started with a business email and just a Merry Christmas at the end when she responded and we started talking back and forth. She has no family where she lives so was talking about not being as excited about Christmas as usual. In our talking we found out we had so much in common and have had so many of the same challenges / still do. I was so blessed through that.

My verse today is another one with God getting me through this trial.......

Peace I leave you; My peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

Ooooops!........

2009-12-09T15:15:00.005-06:00

Did I really say I would post something every day about the true meaning of Christmas? And share something from our family. Surely I didn't mean every day........well, I had good intentions. Usually do. Usually fall short.

But, here I am today. After going through a tough several days, I am DETERMINED not to waller in what I am going through. It will do me no good and will keep me depressed through this wonderful Christmas season. This is a season of "JOY" and that is how I want to live it. In joy. Believing God to get me through this and He be glorified through it.

So how is your shopping coming along? Don't ask about mine. A few things done but still lots to do. BUT, I'll get it done. Everyone have up their tree? I don't. I don't like that. I want it now. I have one up - my kitchen Christmas tree......I love it but I want my big one up in the den.

My daddy started his chemo today. I just talked to him and all went well. Thank you for all the prayers. Keep them up. We have to pray him through the next 6 months.
From my Christmas devotional......Preparing for Jesus

Listen: the light of Christmas shines into darkness! We should be the walking dead. What we deserve, in fact, is the absence of God - a cold and cosmic isolation - for this is our sin, that we chose to be gods in the place of God. In the day we disobeyed we began to die. We should, therefore, be dwelling in the land of deep darkness, mistrust, hatreds, hopelessness, finality, and death.

But here in a child comes God, the light! And light in darkness is a frightening thing. ("People loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" John 3:19)

O my friend, a self-examination both humble and true most cause us to tremble before the Living God. Yes! - we will be "greatly troubled" at the appearing of angels.

But even as we feared, so do we rejoice when we hear the light say, "Don't be afraid. I have not come to punish but to give you life. I am no judge. I am the Savior born for you."

Life instead of death? That is a wonder! And the wonder is all the more intense because death had been expected - because death had been right!

The mercy of God? Is not this a dazzling wonder? And isn't Christmas wonderful after all?

It's Snowing in Houston today........

2009-12-04T08:55:00.005-06:00

Remember the other day how I said I love Christmas because it makes me feel like a kid............well, today our forecast here in Houston is SNOW. Yes, you heard me, SNOW! I was working away at my desk a little while ago when Lily, our receptionist yelled, "it's snowing!" My office is up front so went running and sure enough it was snowing hard!!! I just wanted to run

out in it.......like a kid......but thought maybe not all would appreciate my kidness!!!

Stephanie said JD has had a blast playing in the snow. He's been out playing in it quite a bit today. Here are a few pics.

And remember yesterday, saying it was a really tough day. Well it was. Tough really doesn't describe it. I think I will wait until after everything is settled before I share details but mainly just need pray over a custody situation with my son. I'm about to walk a very, very tough road and know that I trust in the Lord with all my heart to go before me...........

Didn't have much today but here are some cute pics of the 2 most wonderful grandkids! I am blessed indeed!!

One of my favorite Christmas Songs........

2009-12-03T16:38:00.004-06:00

Today has been a rough day. A really, really rough day that has taken a lot to even get through. Please pray for our family.

I haven't been in the mind set to blog today but really wanted to share a Christmas thought each day. I have listened to one of my favorite Christmas Songs over and over today by 4Him......thought I would share...............

A Strange Way to Save the World

I'm sure he must have been surprised

At where this road had taken him

'Cause never in a million lives

Would he have dreamed of Bethlehem

And standing at the manger,

he saw with his own eyes

The message from the angel

come to life

And Joseph said"Why me?"

"I'm just a simple man of trade

Why him with all the rulers in the world?"

"Why here?"

"Inside this stable filled with hay

Why her, she's just an ordinary girl"

Now, I'm not one to second guess

what angels have to say

But this is such a strange way

to save the world

To think of how it could've been

If Jesus had come as He deserved

There would've been no Bethlehem

No lowly sheperds at His birth

But Joseph knew the reason,

love had to reach so far

And as he held the Savior

in his arms

He must've thought"Why me?"

"I'm just a simple man of trade

Why him with all the rulers in the world?"

"Why here?"

"Inside this stable filled with hay

Why her, she's just an ordinary girl"

Now, I'm not one to second guess

what angels have to say

But this is such a strange way

to save the world

Now I'm not one to second guess

what angels have to say

But this is such a strange way

to save to world

This is such a strange way

Such a strange way

to save the world

Anticipation...................

2009-12-02T15:23:00.004-06:00

I love Christmas. It always makes me feel like a kid. And that’s the way it should make us feel. Remember being a little kid and how you couldn’t wait for Christmas to get here? The waiting sometimes would drive me crazy…..and I’m a patient person. I can even remember on Christmas Eve after we got back from my grandparents (we always did Christmas Eve – dinner and presents with my Memaw and Pepaw Brown) and not wanting to go to sleep but knowing you had to so Christmas morning would come……then laying in bed NOT being able to fall asleep. The anticipation of Christmas morning. Then, finally I would fall asleep just to wake up at the crack of dawn……….only to have to WAIT some more. In the Early family my wonderful parents liked to capture every detail of our waking up and walking into the den to see Santa on film. SO once we woke up we ran and woke them up. THEN, we had to go back to bed and pretend to wake up while they were filming (on the old 8mm cameras with the very BRIGHT light). And then we were filmed walking in the den with our very big smiles…..FINALLY. All the waiting was always worth it. My parents made sure we always had a fun and memorable Christmas!!! Oh, and neither my brother nor I went in to acting but, boy, we sure had the practice!!

Then, the fun, fun, fun memories of my kiddos going through the very same thing. I didn’t own my first video camera until the year Matt was born (14 years ago this Christmas) so Steph and Shan escaped the Oscar Performances until they were 12 and 5……..but I didn’t make them go through the “wake up” performance – just captured them opening presents and all the joy they experienced.

All this waiting…………what are we waiting for?

So, what am I waiting for? What are you waiting for? Ultimately if you know Jesus, you are waiting for Him to return and call His Church / His Bride / His People HOME!

I am currently doing a Christmas devotional called Preparing for Jesus by Walter Wangerin, Jr. which started yesterday all the way through 12 days after Christmas. My dear friend and former boss, Beth gave it to me one year and I haven’t done it in some time. I am already enjoying it so much.

Excerpt from Preparing for Jesus:

Mark 13: 32 thru 37……..
32 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35 "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "

The word Advent is derived from the Latin adventus, which means “the approach” or “the arrival”. The verb is advenio: “I arrive. I come. I am coming.” Who is coming?

As a season of the Christian year, Advent is ancient. It goes back at least to the middle of the 6th century. Already then it’s observance defined not only the ONE who was coming, but also those who were faithfully and self-consciously waiting. It defined the peculiar people who looked forward to the coming of the One. Who is coming? Who awaits him?

The Son of man, He is coming. Jesus. That one. Him. And we are the people who await Him. You and I. Since it was for us He died, we are the ones who wait in love. And since He ascended to heaven with promises to return, we wait in faith – for at the next and final Advent, Jesus will take us as friends, as brothers and sisters into His house forevermore.

Finally, then, how shall we prepare? In these days, while yet there are days and time, by what activity should we make ourselves ready?

Why, by meditating on His first coming – for though the future may be hidden from us the past is not, and the one can teach us the other.

The story of the birth of Jesus is open before us. We have a spiritual and holy account of the time when God Himself directed preparations for that first coming of His Son into the world.

Behold, I bring you good news of great joy!!

So let us enter the story one more time. In this present season of Advent let us experience the Infant’s Advent in the past and so make ourselves ready for the Advent of the Lord of Glory in the future.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.......

2009-12-01T14:14:00.006-06:00

I, today, am officially ready to start really thinking upon the Christmas season. I am so ready to start decorating....may start some tonight.....but definitely will have it all done by the end of the weekend.

Every day, I want to think upon the TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS more than what we have made it to be......more than the presents.......more than the stress.......more than the commercialism.....more than the financial burden. I have some fun plans to blog each day with a new thought upon the "true meaning of Christmas"!!! and something from our family.

My biggest prayer right this moment is for you and your family to experience the true joy of Christmas.....the real and most meaningful gift ever given. Jesus. He is it. He is the reason for the season for sure.

Last year I was keeping JD and MacKenzie, my two precious grandkids during the Christmas season. JD and I were walking around looking at all KK's decorations when we were looking at my favorite navity scene I have. My mom gave it to me years ago and it was my very first one to own as an adult. I picked up the baby Jesus in the manger and was telling JD about His birth when he took it out of my hand and said, "oh KK, He is so beautiful." Yes, HE is. I hope you can see the BEAUTY in the wonderful birth of our Savior!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:1-2, 14

May He dwell close to you and yours this Christmas Season.

We love you.

47 is much too young to leave.......

2009-11-23T11:39:00.005-06:00

I sat at a memorial service for Tim’s cousin on Saturday which hit me much harder than I thought it would. It was one of those “ah-ha” moments that life hits us with every now and then. It’s a reminder of how precious life is……what a gift we’ve been given with life…….and the gift we’ve been given with those God has put in our lives. I hope that I’ll take this “ah-ha” moment and continue to ponder it and allow God to do a work in me with it.

Sherry Suzette Wingard was born August 21, 1962 and died much too young, at 47, after a long hard fight with cancer, on November 17, 2009. She is survived by her husband, Wallace Wingard, 2 children, daughter, Samantha and son, Clay, and 2 step daughters, Kristie and Samantha. She also leaves behind 3 grandchildren which is what breaks my heart. She was exactly 7 months, 14 days older than me.

Tim and I were scheduled to fly to Miami on Thursday after work to head to the final NASCAR race of the season. We were looking so forward to it and to hanging with some of our best buds, Grant and Tiffinee. I had had a pretty stressful and trying couple of weeks with Daddy’s cancer / surgery / on-going set backs, so this trip was just what I needed. BUT, after learning her memorial service would be on Saturday, my wonderful husband, family man he is, knew that we had to lay aside our wants and desires and do what we needed to do. So we headed up early Friday to Ruston, Louisiana with Tim’s brother and sister-in-law.

Friday night was the viewing and we all hung out at the Funeral Home and went to get something to eat. Saturday morning we got up and headed to Tim’s mom’s to pick her and John up so we could all ride together. The service was in the church where Tim’s grandparents and so much of his family grew up in. St. Rest Baptist Church…..a small little country church with such history. We were looking at the picture in the foyer of the 150th reunion and I thought about all of the lives that gone to that church, was saved in that church, baptized in that church. Those married and those buried at that church. The service was nice and hit me in a particular way about what we leave behind…….our legacy……but afterwards is where it got tough.

The family walked across the two lane road to the cemetery where other family members were buried, including Suzette’s mom, Linda, who was also Tim’s mom’s twin sister. Suzette wanted to be cremated her ashes scattered across “the creek”, a place where she and Wally had a camp and hung out with all their friends just about every weekend. Anyway, they also buried an urn for symbolism I guess. Her son Clay had already dug the hole for the urn and we all gathered in the dreary, drizzly, cold to say our final good-bye’s. As he started covering the urn with dirt, I started thinking again about death and how we are not promised tomorrow. I thought of her young kids (in the 20’s) without a mom, and those grandkids……………those precious little boys!

As he finished up Suzette’s son-in-law, Stevie sat down on a bench with Samantha, his wife and Suzette’s daughter, and started playing and singing a song he wrote. Samantha was holding the paper with freshly written words on it as her husband played and sang a beautiful song about choosing heaven on earth………. in how we live.

Backing up, Tim, myself and some of the kids went to Ruston, LA this past summer for a family reunion. Stephanie had given me a beautiful book for Mother’s Day of her family and my precious grandkids. Anyway, Suzette and I were sitting there looking though the book and she kept telling me I had such a precious family……that my grandkids were adorable and then went on to tell me that that was what she was living for right now. She said she loved her husband and she loved her kids, but they had memories of her to last forever. She started telling me about how those 3 grandsons (all under 4) would have a hard time really remembering her and she was treasuring every moment she could with them right now. She knew she was getting closer to her appointed time to depart this earth. I remember as clear as day how that hit me then.

Now, here I am standing and listening to a beautiful song but all of a sudden standing and playing right beside me were her precious, energetic little grandsons. I was taken back to her words……watching them play not really knowing what all was happening around them. They were the three cutest little boys in the world. I was totally beside myself thinking about it. I can’t explain those moments. The words of the song……little boys playing……..a sad goodbye. Would they remember? It made me think about my JD, almost 5 and MacKenzie, who just turned 2. They love their KK and I love them so much that I can hardly stand it. I want to treasure each and every second I have with them. Life is so short. We are here but a breath………..we are not promised tomorrow. Life happens so fast…….it goes so fast……..we go day in day out like little ants going ninety miles an hour. We don’t slow down and really take in life. But I am reminded again to do that now.

I have been blessed beyond words with my Tim, my family, and my friends…..some I see often, some I rarely see but still treasure the friendship tremendously. Growing up my mom always said to me, “live every day like it is your last, you never know when it might be.” Do I? Do you? If God called you home tomorrow, what would be remembered about you? Will you leave this earth with earthly treasures left behind or treasures not of this earth….but of the heart. Will you have run the good race? Will you have any regrets? Do you have anyone you need to forgive? Do you have anyone you need to say you’re sorry to? Have you told those you love that you love them…..really love them….or do you assume they already know that? Do you hold those kids, those grandkids and treasure that moment?

None of us know when the day is. No one but the Good Lord Himself knows……so make sure your life is right with God……live each and every day like it is your last. Treasure the gifts God has given you. Make sure those you love know it. Slow down, enjoy the moments, smell the roses! We only get to live this life on earth one time. Make yours count!!! Live a life of gratitude and thankfulness……because we all have so much to be thankful for.

I do know that I can honestly say that I am not ready to leave this earth. I only found my soul-mate and best friend, Tim, 5 short years ago. I want to have many years loving him and growing old with him. I want to see my kids grown, marry, and my grandkids grow up. I have so much more life I WANT to live. BUT, if for some reason God decides my appointed time is here tomorrow, I will leave this earth a very happy and fulfilled woman.

Praying for my Daddy......

2009-11-13T09:56:00.006-06:00

Many of you know this and are already praying becauase you are my Facebook friend.....but my dad is battling Colon Cancer. My family covets your prayers!

Mom and dad went to the doctor last week and cancer was discovered last Friday, 11/6. Tim and I and our family were in Dallas for the NASCAR race. Mom called me and told me he was having surgery on Monday. I got up Monday at 3:45am to leave the campsite at the race track at 4:30am to be at the airport at 5. I landed at 7:45am and was picked up by my little brother Chris and taken straight to the hospital. I was fortunate that I got there when I did becuase they moved his surgery up an hour......but I still had a good 20 minutes with him. It was hard on him when I walked in because he had told mom he had his two boys there but not his girl. He was taking it very hard at the time.

He made it through surgery fine (they did have to cut). They removed over 9" of colon and tissue. I knew my mom needed my help so I stayed each night I was there in the hospital room with her and daddy. The nurses there was the sweetest things you could ever imagine and they brought me in a cot. Monday he pretty much slept the entire day. I was planning on returning to Houston on Tuesday night but decided to stay an extra day to help mom and give her a chance to get out.

Tuesday was a little better. He still slept most of the day but when he was awake he seemed in high spirits and felt as expected. Wednesday we had a horrible day. He struggled with his breathing a lot. We got the report that the tumor was 100% cancer but were still waiting on the lymph nodes report.

I decided to stay another day and yesterday (Thursday) dad had a better day. He had started some breathing treatments so was doing a little better with that. He was getting up a little more and trying to be a little more mobile.

About 2 hours before I was to leave for the airport we got the news that the lymph node report came back showing more cancer. We were bummed because we really had thought we were going to get the all clear. BUT, we have peace that God is in control! That we believe and trust in.

I was sad to leave my parents but also was ready to come home and see my Tim. I had missed him terribly. It was great to sleep in my own bed last night next to the Love of my Life!

This moning the oncologist came in and talked to mom and dad. He will go in right after Thanksgiving to have his port-a-cath put in and will begin 6 months of chemo shortly after that.

I ask all of my friends and family to join us in prayer for God's glorious healing of my father's cancer!!! Thank you so much for all of those of you who have already prayed and helped us through this very difficult week!!!

Prayers needed.....

2009-10-06T11:49:00.003-05:00

I told you I would try to be a better blogger. Well, here I am but not really to share much about what's happening with the Gannon's as much as asking those of my friends and family that read this.......I need prayer. In a most desperate way.

1. I have been sick for 9 days. All stomach and head. Constant nausea. No appetite. At this point I feel extremely weak. Today I had blood tests run and am about to go have an abdominal ultrasound done. I am at work but need to be in bed. If I don't get a small burst of energy in the next hour I will go to bed.

2. Without really being able to share any details I do ask for major prayer for wisdom regarding a current situation that I am in that involves Matt and my ex. It has about gotten me extremely down and depressed but I am praying for God's strength and intervention into this whole situation. I am believing God to blow us all away and for Him to be glorifed in the outcome.

Thanks my friends and family.

Bad Bad Blogger.............

2009-10-01T18:13:00.005-05:00

I know I have been so out of touch over the last 3 1/2 months. No excuse because it would be the same as it is everytime I go silent for some time......CRAZY SCHEDULE. Not even sure where I would even begin. I'll try to do a better job because I had a few family and friends fuss that they don't know what is going on.

Part of the problem is I FACEBOOK now so it is where I put my daily going ons. But, no excuse for not setting up time to do a quick hello.

We have had a super summer. River trips. Camping. Week in San Antonio with Tim. Lots of time at our place in the country. Watched the grandkids for a week with the exception of 2 days while Steph and Jimmy went to the Cayman Islands to celebrate their 5th anniversary.

Tim has spent the last SEVERAL months with a very, very busy travel schedule. He is gone most weeks (during the week) but home on weekends. It has been hard. I respect his job so much and understand but I don't like it. With all kids out of the house, when he is gone, it is a bit lonely. I'm adjusting I guess.

Football has started back.......Tim and I have had Texans season tickets for 3 years now. We love to go and tailgate with our friends and go cheer on our Texans. Unfortunately they are starting out too well, but hopefully that will change.

I've been home this entire week with the weirdest stomach bug. Absolutely no fever but have lived with the constant feeling like I am going to throw up down to the mouth watering. I threw up several times Monday and the beginning of this but none since. I have absolutely no appetite but have no issue with drinking fluids and keeping them down. There is a part of me that wants to get back to work tomorrow and then scared because today I was feeling a lot better then took a shower. It wiped me out so bad. So, I guess I'll just have to see.

Matthew is in 8th grade this year which is so hard to believe. He is on the 8th grade football team and is doing well. He plays defensive end and has had a few good quarterback sacks!!! That's my boy! He is doing much better this year......grades, school, etc. Makes me a happy Mama.

Shannie started her sophmore year at Sam Houston this fall. She is renting a townhouse with 2 friends and is enjoying college so much more having her own place vs. the DORM. She is doing well and I am very proud of her and happy she is experiencing it all!!!

JD is playing soccer this fall and has had 2 games so far. It is absolutely the cutest thing I have seen. He scored his first goal last game. Papa Tim and I are both so very proud of him. He tries so hard and Steph says he spends lots of time in the backyard with the soccer ball. Miss Priss Kenz started dance this fall and Steph says she is doing great. I was supposed to go watch her play this past Monday but that is when I came down with this crud.

Well, I'm tired but will do a better job of checking in for those few of you that do read!!!

Has It Been 2 Months.........?

2009-06-17T15:30:00.004-05:00

Yes, it has. Shame on me. I wish I could say life has slowed down since I said it would but I think everyone can say that's not how life is anymore. I CAN say it's not been 500 mph like the first of the year was. It's been more of a steady and fun gallop!!!!

When I saw it had been 2 months I was shocked and figured I should at least check in so here we go............random as can be.

We've been spending a lot of time (weekends and weeknights) at our place in Saratoga, TX. It is north of Beaumont in the Big Thicket and it is such a haven for us. I love it. We have even picked out our place to build. We will start VERY SOON, clearing out the small trees and brush. That way by the time we are ready to build our dream home, there will be a beautiful place to build it. We will start digging a pond that will be in the back yard and use the dirt for our pad to build on. I can't wait to start that. I am so ready. Right now we stay in our 5th wheel camper (which is our home away from home) when we go out there! It's WONDERFUL!

In May we took the 5th Wheel to Ruston, LA for Tim's family reunion. We had so much fun and really enjoyed seeing family he hasn't seen in some time. He has a cousin that was coming in from Conneticut with his family. Let me tell you about this cousin. His dad, Tim's uncle (now deceased) is the creator of the Kool-Aid Pitcher Man. You know the one running around with all the kids in those commercials while we were growing up!!! Uncle James is the creator. He was in advertising which Andy now is in. They have a neat family and I enjoyed meeting them. We hope to stay in touch and Tim has to travel to one our jobs in Stamford pretty regularly so we've decided he'll stay through a weekend and I'll join him so we can spend some time with Andy and their family.

The end of May we went to San Marcos to camp over a long weekend and float the river. We had a lot of fun. We had a pretty big group with us so it made it even more fun. We went up Thursday night and floated the river 2 times on Friday and 2 times on Saturday. Saturday our group got pretty rowdy. Some of our crew probably drank more than they should have and it got pretty noisy and turned in to a big deal which caused us to get kicked out of an RV Park. Can you imagine? Still blows me away that they kicked us out. Anyway, it was still a blast - here are a few pics!!!

When we're not in Saratoga for the weekend we usually are trying to stay cool in this HORRIBLE HOUSTON HEAT!!!! I am so grateful that we have a beautiful pool in the back yard. I have been living in it......which is why I am sporting a nice tan this summer!!!

We have another River Trip coming up next weekend (not this weekend). We are headed back to Luling to float the San Marcos River and go to the Watermelon Thump Festival. Yes, they have one. Check it out http://www.watermelonthump.com/! I've even threatened to enter the watermelon seed spitting contest. Do you know they have a spitway for this. Only one in the country. Yep, they do. And in case you are wondering, the record I have to beat is 68 feet. Hmmmmm.

Well, better get back to it but wanted to let some of my friends and family (that constantly say, "UPDATE YOUR BLOG") know all is well!!!!!

Random stuff.................

2009-04-14T10:15:00.008-05:00

We are officially off the 500 mph ride we have been on for the last 6 weeks! We are down to a steady 55 mph which I am loving and which is why I have not posted. For the last week I can say we came to a screeching halt.

Random catch up.

Left Friday, 4/3 for Ft. Worth and the NASCAR race. Awesome weekend and birthday! We got to stay infield in the Dewalt hospitilatiy section and enjoy a totally different view than ever before. You really don't see the race track well in the infield but it was fun. They had food and drinks going all day so that was nice. We did get to do the garage tour which was fun. So CLOSE!!!! We also could walk to each end of the track and be up close to the sight and SOUNDS!!!

On Saturday, 4/4, my birthday Tim had to run meet a co-worker who gave us a couple of extra tickets. He came back with my bday present. I love it. The back says National Guard across it. For my non-NASCAR friends, Dale Jr. drives for National Guard so it is my favorite new fun jacket.
Here are the handsome "Gannon Men"

Here is a picture of Matt Kenseth's car who drives for Dewalt and we were cheering on as well at the race, after Dale Jr. of course.
And the car I was cheering on all day!!!!!!

I love CAMARO's, always have, always will. If you saw the movie Transformers you saw BumbleBee which was the proto type of the new 2010 Camaro. I will own one of these some day soon. The pace car was the new camaro. Isn't she a beaut???

Then, we actually got to meet Matt Kenseth.
And here is my autographed pic from him!!!! It says, "Happy Birthday Kim". How did he know??????
It was a fun birthday weekend.

Last weekend, 4/10 - 4/11 was very nice weekend as well. We stayed home all weekend. Worked in the yard. Worked in the house. Matt came over for the weekend so we just enjoyed family!

Easter was nice. Went to church and then just chilled at home. I loved being home for the first weekend in over 6 weeks. Felt so good.

Life is slower. And I'm lovin' it!!!!

Thank YOU Ricky and Tanya...........

2009-04-02T07:53:00.007-05:00

OK, I had to share what Ricky and Tanya gave me yesterday for my early birthday present. They are the ones we go to race with every year to thank Dr. Rick for all his help and service to our company. They are very, very dear friends of ours!

Ricky is a huge Kyle Busch fan and loves to throw it in my face. I mean loves to (this last race in Vegas we were at a club Friday night and he pulls out of the back of pants/which he had been hiding a miniture Kyle Busch standup to sit on the table with us)!!!!! Here is a picture from last Phoenix race with him kissing (or licking) on Kyle Busch stand up in the grocery store.

Anyway, Ricky called me yesterday and said he wanted to run my birthday present to me at the office since Tim and I will be out of town on my birthday Saturday. He said he and Tanya were bringing it over.

I realized it was April Fool's Day and just knew that he was bringing me some sort of gag gift such as a life size stand up of Kyle Busch or something. He is second behind my Tim in practical jokes so I didn't have a clue on what to expect.

My office is close to the front door so I heard them come in and ask for me. I got up and started walking up front when I see Tanya standing there with a big smile on her face and Ricky peeking around the corner. I really didn't know what I was about to see.

I turned the corner and found the most incredible, thoughtful and wonderful birthday gift. I am still blown away by their gift. It means the world to me.

If you can't make it out, it is an AUTOGRAPHED Dale Earnhardt, Jr. T-shirt with a picture and ticket from last Phoenix race we went to. When we were at the race we were in the Raceway Club and Tanya won the shirt in a door prize drawing. I have to say I was jealous of her gift but also glad she won something. SO, she gave up her gift and she and Ricky had it very nicely matted and framed for my birthday! I LOVE IT AND AM SO GRATEFUL FOR IT AND FOR DEAR FRIENDS!!!!! Thank you Ricky and Tanya.

Cook-off Weekend Fun and Successful..............

2009-04-01T16:10:00.010-05:00

Well, one more HUGE event is marked off the list....DONE! We had our company cook-off we do once a year. This is a big event and a lot of work goes in to it. I have chaired it for 5 years and Tim is the head cook so he and I put this on with a lot of work. I say we, but I mean we along with some of our co-workers that volunteer their time.

We did the Animal House Toga Party theme this year vs. the Saloon/western theme we have done last 2 years. It was fun to see so many people coming out in their togas!!!

Tim and his cook-team cooked enough food to feed approximately 2,000 people. Tim is really proud of the new pit that he, Dustin and James (from work) plus some of James' crew built. It still needs some accessories added but it cooked good.

We have the Texas Race this weekend and I will officially be jumping off this 500 mph ride I have been on since the end of February!!!! Ye-Haw!!

Well, here are some pics from the weekend.

Rodeo.....DONE.........

2009-03-12T08:24:00.006-05:00

Just checking in. Random stuff.

WE are officially through with Rodeo. It is over. Finished. Done. I'm glad. We are tired. It was fun. BUT, it is a lot of work and 2 days out of every 3 for 3 weeks will wear on you big time.

I really love volunteering for such a worthy organization. For the past 76 years the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has given over $235 million dollars in scholarships to students in Texas. It is wonderful to read stories and testimonies from the students. Check out the HLSR website http://www.hlsr.com/

My favorite shows were Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley tonight, Josh Turner, Keith Urban and Gary Allan. Gary Allan was probably my top. He put on an awesome performance! My parents were in town all last week for Spring Break. They joined us Tuesday night for the Keith Urban show. It was fun.

Shannon was home for Spring Break the week of the 9th. She went with us to several shows and it was great having her home though didn't get to spend much time with her! Matt was off last week and spent most of the week at our house which was awesome!

On the 15th Stephanie and Jimmy were in the 31st St. Patrick's Day parage on 1960. Shan took Kenzie and JD, along with my folks, Matt and my nephew Justin. They had a blast. Tim and I were working rodeo that day. Anyway, a photographer from the Chronicle was there and ended up taking a pic of Shan and Kenzie which ended up in the paper last week. Cuties!

Now, we are full gear into our cook-off this Friday and Saturday. It will be a crazy week but looking forward to it. Tim and a few guys here at work built a new pit which will feed about 1,500 people in one cooking. It is massive. Tim has been wanting one for some time and he finally got it. It should make this cook-off easier on the cooks. This year our theme is a Toga Party - should be fun. I'm sure I'll have lots of pics to post next week.

Well, mainly just checking in and letting you know we survived RODEO. Hopefully, we'll get through this week too!!!! I'm hangin' on for dear life!!!!!

Weekend Wrap Up.................

2009-03-03T10:00:00.007-06:00

We had a blast just like I knew we would. Vegas is definitely the "city that never sleeps". Gambling is neither Tim nor my cup of tea so we didn't really even do that. We each put 20.00 in a slot machine to say we did it but we would much rather do something more interesting with our time and money. The race was awesome though I didn't like the outcome - it was a great race.

We packed as much in the weekend as we could. Saw some of the hotels/casinos.....boy, it's amazing the extravagance of some of those hotels. Some are so beautiful.

We went to Bouchon, a French Restaurant in the Venetcian that was nice. A little classy for my taste but it was nice. Then, Dr. Rick wanted us to go to the LAX which is the Numero Uno club in Las Vegas. We had a VIP table and it was all ok, definitely premiere peep watching which is at the top of favorite hobbies!

Saturday we chilled, went and ate steaks then Tim and I walked around for a bit. We went to the Bellagio so I could see the fountains. That was at the top of things I wanted to see while I was there.

Sunday was the race..............it was AWESOME. One of the best races I have been to in some time. Junior ended up with a 10th place finish so I was happy. Dr. Rick is a big time Kyle Busch fan (and loves to throw it in my face) so he was happy with Kyle's win. Not me. Nope. Not me.

We're home. Life revs up a huge notch as my team opens rodeo tonight. Oh, what a month ahead!!!! Why do I do this to myself every March? I know if I didn't, I would miss it!!!! I'll just hang on for the RIDE!!!

My Favorite Little Cowboy..............

2009-02-26T09:39:00.003-06:00

If you are from Houston you know HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO is upon us. The trailriders are coming in today and tomorrow. The world famous cook-off starts today. The parade is Saturday. It's Go TEXAN day tomorrow and a lot of your schools are having Cowboy Day or Rodeo Day or Western Day at school.

Steph just sent me this picture of the cutest little cowboy there is. Today at his preschool is Cowboy Day.

Meet Cowboy JD. HE IS PRECIOUS. Steph called me a few minutes ago and I told her to tell him that his KK thinks he is the cutest and best looking cowboy she has seen!!!!!!

Now It's Our Turn..................

2009-02-26T08:18:00.007-06:00

Last weekend Stephanie and Jimmy took off for a long 4 day weekend away. This weekend Tim and I do the same thing. Every year we take our very dear friends, Ricky and Tanya to a NASCAR race. Dr. Rick (what I call him professionally - but Ricky is what I call him as my friend) is our coporate physician and has done so much to help us that this is our once a year thank you to him.

The last two years we have gone to Phoenix in April. We would all fly to Phoenix and Tim and Ricky would take care of a day's worth of work at our Phoenix office and usually go by the clinic there then the rest of our trip would be fun. This year we decided to do the Vegas NASCAR race so tonight after work the 4 of us head out and don't return until Monday night. I can't wait. We are going to have a blast, that I can assure you. They are both so much fun to hang out with.
Personally, I am looking forward to the time with my husband. We are in a spa suite so plan on doing some down time too and just chill. When we return on Monday life will kick up a HUGE NOTCH for about 6 weeks. Tuesday night, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo starts and Tim and I are both on committees. My team opens the show on Tuesday with Rascal Flatts (yeah!). Then for the next 3 weeks we will be working 2 out of every 3 nights. And there are a few nights off we'll be there seeing a performer we can't miss. Rodeo ends Sunday, the 22.

Monday after RODEO we go full force getting ready for our yearly AGC cook-off with work. I chair the event each year (our 5th year) and Tim is the head cook. We are already working hard on it but that week before is CRAZY..............I MEAN CRAZY. We set up Thursday all day, season meat, get ready and Friday it's full force. The event is Friday night and Saturday. Last few years we have done a saloon/western theme (which is why you see Tim and I looking like Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty below) and have won several of the events..........ribs, people's choice award, best hospitality and theme. BUT, it's time to change our theme so we are doing the ANIMAL HOUSE TOGA PARTY. It is going to be great. But it is some of the hardest work we do. It is so much fun but such an exhausting weekend.
That week afterwards should be ok but we leave the next weekend for my birthday weekend in Ft. Worth at the spring TEXAS NASCAR RACE. Our company uses Dewalt tools non-stop and have a great relationship with them. Well, the local rep and I worked on a lot of stuff for my boss and the World of Concrete earlier this month so Nathan is treating me with 4 tickets, infield with the Dewalt team, the works for the race. Hey, I couldn't think of a better birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After that race on April 5, life should slow down. But you never know.

Just looking forward to this weekend away with my BABY!!! We NEED it!

Missing my Little Ones.............

2009-02-25T07:21:00.004-06:00

I wanted to blog yesterday but coming back to work after two days of vacation is not fun. It was a crazy day at work.

BUT, just wanted to say that I had an absolute blast watching my JD and Kenzie girl all weekend. It helped so much with Tim gone until Saturday afternoon then he had Rodeo set up on Sunday so was gone most of that day. I usually pout and miss him terribly. I missed him, yes, but no time for pouting. I was having too much fun with JD and Kenzie.

JD is absolutely the smartest, funniest, and cutest little guy I know. He NEVER stops talking and it is not just rambling. He asks you so many questions. And he wants to talk about everything. I do think he asked me 100 times over the weekend, "KK, you really love me and you love for me to come to your house, don't you?" And 100 times I answered, "JD, KK loves you more than anything and I REALLY love for you to come to my house, cause it makes me SO HAPPY!" He just smiled. I got to watch him at both of his T-ball practices. He has SO MUCH ENERGY. He will be good at baseball. I can already see it. Just like his Uncle Matt!!! OH, and he loves to play with my cell phone. He can operate it better than me. I told Stephanie he can get around that phone, have music playing, playing games and never ask me how to do anything. I was a little sad that he reset my game, Bubble Bash, which I was on level 6 and about to beat the game. It has taken me forever to get there. Now, I am at level 1 again. :(

Kenzie is absolutely the most beautiful little thing in this world. She has a smile that just melts my heart. I wish I could have captured a picture of this but you should see her when she looks at you, tilts that head ever so slightly and smiles so big, with her whole face. Oh, I miss that right now. She loves her KK. I tried all weekend (well, I try all the time) to get her to say KK. Nope. It's mama. She calls me mama. I know in time she'll be saying KK and I'll love it. Oh, but she CAN say Papa. Thanks. Papa Tim gets home and says to her, "say Papa Tim." And immediately out of her mouth, "Papa. Papa. Papa." She loves her Papa Tim too! Oh, and she has the strangest fascination with BIRDS. That's my girl. I have always loved birds and fed birds and even video taped baby birds or birds feeding in my yard (which I have been given much ill-treatment over it by my girls). Well, Papa Tim goes Pheasant Hunting in South Dakota now and then and has a beautifully mounted pheasant on our bookcase. She constantly points to it and says, "uh. Uh." I know she's saying, "Papa Tim's bird." Cause that's what we always say!!!

I am a blessed KK. I get to see my grandbabies all the time but I surely enjoyed the consentrated 4 straight days of it. Everyone asked me yesterday at work if I was tired. Was I worn out? Well, maybe a tad but the joy of being with them and caring for and loving them outweighs any tiredness I may have felt.

I miss them both!!! Thank you Stephanie and Jimmy for needing a trip away. I needed the JD and Kenzie FIX!!!!

Looking Forward to Tomorrow......

2009-02-18T13:17:00.006-06:00

And you ask why?

Not the fact that my wonderful and handsome husband is going out of town again, to our office in Phoenix. He'll be home Saturday mid-day so that's not too bad. Anyways, I won't be alone. I'll actually have much wanted company from my two most favorite little people to be around.

JD and Kenzie! I leave here from work at 5 and go straight to JD's t-ball practice where they will be with their Fufu (Jimmy's mom). Steph and Jimmy are headed out of town for a much needed 4 days away!!! I am watching JD and Kenzie for all four days..........and I can't wait!!!!!!

They were at my house this past Saturday visiting Eric and Alison, who came to see us and show off Alison's beautiful new engagement ring (wedding next year in Maryland - yeah!!!) Anyway, when they left, I told JD to start counting down the days until he gets to come stay 4 days with me...........because I would be counting down the days too!!!! Stephanie says every day he asks how many and he himself, is pretty dang excited!!!

I have stayed up on my housework and plan to spend extremely fun, quality time with the two little loves of my life!!!!

I'm sure I'll have plenty to post about after the weekend!!!

OK, had to share some pictures we took at Thanksgiving. I so wanted a good picture with JD and Kenzie.

Take #1 - JD and Kenzie look, smile. Nope.
Take #2 - C'mon JD and Kenzie, KK wants a picture. Kenzie decides to think about it. JD wants no part in it!
Take #3 - Please, please, please. Nope. Don't think so.
Take #4 - Just one......................nope, we're getting aggrivated.
Take #5 - PLEASE - see how I am sweet talking them.
Take #6 - If you can't beat 'em - join 'em!!!!!!
Oh, I love those two. We're going to have a blast this weekend. Spoil Rotten Time!!!!

My Man is HOME Safe and Sound......

2009-02-13T08:16:00.008-06:00

I was fast asleep when I heard the house alarm start chirping last night because someone had opened the door. Normally that would scare me to death if I was by myself. Last night it brought joy and a sense of relief. Tim was home.

I've shared that Tim has been out of town most of this week and last night was like a bad dream with him trying to get out of New York to come home. He called me yesterday and said he was worried about getting out of LaGuardia (LGA) because of some high winds. I started looking into it and all flights out of LGA were already running about 3 hours behind. He was on the last flight out so I knew it would probably end up being cancelled. Started working on getting him out of Newark, NJ (EWR) and was able to get him on a 5:30 pm flight which was already showing a 1 hour 13 minute delay.

He made it to EWR with no problems but once he was at the gate it became like a bad dream. There was constant delays. When they finally had a plane and a crew (7:30 EST) they loaded up. We talked right before they closed the door. I was so relieved he was about to leave. I then get a text message (8:13 EST) saying they pulled from the gate and then the co-pilot ran out of hours. He couldn't fly anymore. So they pulled back to the gate to see if they could get another co-pilot. Jetway was broken and wouldn't pull out to the plane. Great. After getting that fixed, a new co-pilot and reboarding of plane some "dummy" opened one of the side doors of the plane. Would they ever take off?

We talked off and on during this time but were both irritable at the situation. At 10:04 EST I got the text message that the door was shut. I called and checked flight status after a few minutes and Praise God the plane had taken off just a few minutes before.

My thoughts last night during all this? Aggrivated. Irritable. Why was this happening? Was God delaying the plane because of the strong winds and trouble? Worrying. I remember praying to God to please put a hedge of protection around that plane and get my Man home.

My thoughts this morning. I opened my eyes and there was my Baby. I was happy. Grateful. Joyful. Relieved.

Then we turned on the morning news to hear of the tragedy that happened to Continental Flight 3407 that had departed just minutes after Tim's flight from just a couple of gates down, in the same terminal from the very same airport. My heart dropped. I was so burdened to pray for those families who lost loved ones last night.

I have had so many emotions running through my mind this morning and right now feel so aggrivated at myself for getting so frustrated and irritable because of all that Tim went through to get home. At least he made it home.

Families of Flight 3407 can't say that. Please pray for them.

A Very Blessed Mama......

2009-02-12T08:20:00.008-06:00

I had something hit me afresh yesterday evening as I was making the drive up to Huntsville, Texas to hang out with Shannon at Sam Houston State University. My girls don't just love me............they really, really like me. They like to "hang out" with me! I am blessed.

Tim has been out of town most of this week. He actually has been doing a lot of traveling here lately. AND I FLAT DON'T LIKE IT! I understand it, I respect his job but I don't like it one bit that he has to travel. It wasn't as hard when Matt lived with me every other week and when Shan was not in college. Now, when Tim leaves, I am pretty much by myself. I usually go see Stephanie and the grandkids or get caught up on things around the house. Fun, fun!

Shannon and I are both HUGE Aaron Watson fans. http://store.aaronwatson.com/bio.php He is an Abilene based artist with such a great sound. He is so dang down to earth and obviously has his head on straight. He talks about all the offers for the "big deal" and how he would rather do it his way and stay close to his fans and treat them like friends and family. He said instead of taking the elevator straight to the top (which he could easily do), he would rather take the stairs. He is so in love with his wife and speaks of her through-out his show. Shannon shared with me that he doesn't even allow women on his tour-bus, the other guys that are single can't bring women on. How awesome is that? He doesn't even allow temptation to walk through that door. All these qualities plus his incredible voice, hooked me from the first time I heard Shannon and Stephanie listening to him.

Anyways, he was coming to the local college hangout/honky-tonk there in Huntsville and Shannon wanted her mama to come up and go with her. She, I and my son, Dustin, went to see him about a month ago in Beaumont (yes, Tim was out of town). So, Shannon said we had to see him again. Actually I think she and would travel around just to hear him sing.

Shannon had been invited by a "guy" at college to go to the basketball game last night but she turned him down to hang out with her mama. She said some of her friends couldn't believe she was inviting her mom to come up and go out to the local college hangout. "they would never do that."

All this got me to thinking, "I am blessed." I remember a couple of very dear friends of mine over the years couldn't care less about their moms. Stephanie has had a friend or two that doesn't have relationships with their moms or really could care less about them. I don't understand this. I know it is real out there but I can't imagine it. My mom is one of my closest friends in this entire world. I treasure the moments I have with her like gold! She is funny. She is sweet. She is real. I love her.

Shannon was so fine to have her mama along, She was practically sitting in my lap. She pulled her chair close to mine and we had a blast. We sang and clapped and danced in our seats. She was not ashamed of her mama being there with her. She likes me. And, boy, do I like her!!! I was even invited to spend the night in her dorm which I did. I enjoyed meeting her room-mate and suite-mates!

I was telling one of Tim and my good friends here at work about it this morning. He and his wife and kids are like family to us. They moved from Chicago a few years ago and with no family here, they adopted Papa Tim and KK and crew as family. Shannon babysits for Bill and Traci just about every single weekend. Anyways, he said to me, "but Kim look, you are so tight with your mom and your girls grew up watching that and you and your girls are tight." He is right. We are tight. I love my GIRLS!!!!!!

Selah.......

2009-02-10T12:18:00.002-06:00

Selah is my favorite Christian Music artist and I am listening to them constantly here lately. As a matter of fact, their Greatest Hymns CD is playing in my laptop CD player as I type. I'm on my lunch hour and have been staying in while I have been fasting. Though I am done with the 30 days, I'm still in a major health eating mode. Tim is out of town today so I just decided to blog and have some of my favortie Cashew Ginger Carrot soup and some raw carrots. Yummy!

Just wanted to say thanks to the Lord for this side of the fast.....this side of a rough season!!!!!

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
What ever my lot you have taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though the devil will ruin, though trials may come
Let this blessed assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And He shed His own blood for my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight
And the clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul

It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

Yes, Lord, thank YOU, it is well with my SOUL!!!!

Celebrating the Birth of my Soul-Mate......

2009-02-03T08:15:00.006-06:00

45 years ago today Timothy Eugene Gannon was born. I was 1 day from being 10 months old. It wouldn't be until some 40 years later that Timothy and Kimberly would fall in love, realizing they were born to love one another and were definitely SOUL-MATES.

I am so grateful that the Lord created this special person through Delton and Cynda Gannon. He is indeed special. The Lord Jesus is my ROCK and reason for living! BUT, I am grateful that on this earth HE gave me Tim to be my tangible Rock and someone to share this life with. Oh, God is so good.

Tim is my very BEST FRIEND. He makes me laugh so hard each and every day, which if you know me, you know I love to laugh. He makes life fun and worth living.

He is so very handsome to me. He has eyes that calm me when he stares at me and makes me feel like I am the only one in the world. He has a smile, a beautiful smile that makes me melt. BUT as incredibly wonderful as these attributes are they don't compare to his heart. His heart is made of gold. He has been such a tremendous support and encouragement to me through a very, very tough year. Even in times that it stretched us, when we didn't agree on something, he still loved me and never left my side. I have never in my life felt so loved, treasured and wanted by a human being.

Thank YOU God for my Soul-Mate, my Best Friend, Lover and Partner for LIFE!!!! You have blessed me beyond measure and my cup indeed runneth over.

I love you Tim Gannon, more than a pig loves slop! Thank YOU for always being there for me. I look so forward to growing old with you and especially look forward to our "date" when we're 80!!!!

We've been busy.......

2009-01-30T14:48:00.007-06:00

I just realized it has been over a month since I blogged. The month of January has flown by!

Just wanted to say we are alive and well. Here's the month in a nutshell:

January 1 - we were at our place in the country. We had had a wonderful New Years Eve with the bon-fire, cook-out, incredible fireworks and all! We took the grandkids and they had a blast. JD loves to go to "the country". He wants to go all the time! Anyways, I cooked us up a mess of black-eyed peas, honey baked ham from The Honey-Baked Ham Company (I LOVE), some cabbage, cornbread and sliced onions. Oh, this makes me hungry just thinking about it. Oh, it was good.

Tim and I took off mid day to head to Dallas.

January 2 - We had tickets to the Cotton-Bowl with Texas Tech and Ole Miss. Tim and I became instant rivals for the day. Our son, Eric graduated from TT so we are big fans. I'm from Mississippi and would have loved to have graduated from Ole Miss but my folks were transferred here. It was a fun game and a fun time. Tim was all in my face the first part of the game as TT came out strong. But, he had to sit on his hiney with egg on his face pretty soon as the Rebels wanted it more!!!!!
January 3 - We went to Canton. Oh, how I love Canton. I want to go back when I can spend some money. It was right after Christmas, and paying Shan's college tuition for this semester so Tim kept me on a short leash!!! Everytime I stopped for too long, he pulled me on! We had so much fun.

The rest of the weekend we enjoyed our Camper/5th wheel which we had taken to stay in. We really have enjoyed owning that and though we are still paying for it / it has already paid for itself with all the times we have used it and all the fun!!!!

January 5 - I started my 30 juice fast. I have been feeling so bad and had a few health issues that I knew it was time to take care of me totally........physically, mentally, spiritually, etc. So I started me a fasting. It has been very good for me all around. Slow down. Listen. Evaluate what's really important. (That will be it's own post next week as I conclude).

January 20 - JD turned 4. Can you believe that sweet, handsome and hilarious child is 4? He is the funniest fellow and has an imagination beyond words.

January 23 - my folks came in. I love my parents to visit. We always have so much fun.

January 25 - JD's 4th bday party. It was a construction theme and so much fun!!!
Here is the Princess Kenzie in her Mudcake Orginal - made by mama outfit wiht construction equipment on it!
We went out as a family after the party to eat mexican food for JD's bday. I had broth. Yes, broth at a mexican food restaurant. This is when they came to sing happy birthday to the birthday boy!!!

January 29 - My dad and I painted my dining room. I have been wanting to redo it and I spent the night before texturing the walls. I must say I really love the texture (Spanish Knife) and the paint!

Today - dad is putting the last coat of paint on so I look forward to putting it all back together tomorrow for our SuperBowl party on Sunday!!! Tim and I go tonight to see Rodney Carrington. He is one of Tim's favorite comedians and what I gave him/us for Christmas this year. It's become somewhat of a tradition for me to get him/us some sort of comedy tickets each year!!

Well, that catches us up!!!!

My Son is a TEENAGER!!

2008-12-27T13:52:00.017-06:00

I should have made this post 2 days ago but with Christmas I wasn't on the computer much at all. First of all, I was a little depressed. Secondly, I was still working on my tons of homemade presents. Let me explain.

Matthew was with his dad this year and I didn't get him until the 26th at noon. Stephanie and Jimmy had their precious little ones to have Santa with then they went to her sister-in-laws this year because we weren't having our Christmas until 26th evening. Shan got up early and went over to her dad's to celebrate Christmas with her brother and dad and their family. Eric had to work Christmas eve and the day after so he didn't come in and Dustin had to work Christmas day so it was just Tim and I. I kept looking at my handsome husband thanking him for being there.

I talked to my mom for a few minutes but we were both on the verge of tears (actually I think a meltdown) so we didn't stay on the phone long. We weren't helping each other. She, too, likes having her family and this year my little brother and his wife were going to her family and my other little brother, who is a fireman, had to work so she was like me, childless.

THEN, my family did homemade Christmas gifts this year. I had so much fun doing these. I made everyone blankets (except the girls cause I had extras for them). I made picture frames that were so awesome and crosses with stones on them. I made the guys key holders made of wood with hooks in them (and little stuff on it for whatever they are in to - Texas Tech stuff for Eric and UT stuff for Jimmy). It meant a lot to me to make these with my hands thinking and praying over the person I was making them for.

*********************************************

Oh, this wasn't really the intent of this post. It was to say that Christmas morning (4:40am to be exact) thirteen years ago I was delivering the best Christmas present I have ever been given. Matthew Brian Bankard was born. I had a very tramatic birth and he (and I actually) almost didn't make it. God had other plans..............................

Matthew has been through a lot and we've had some major challenges but I love that child more than I think he will ever know. He, for this season of time, lives full time with his dad and at times I miss him so much I can hardly stand it. I do get to see him often and stay in constant contact with him. In my divorce it was agreed that we would do joint conservatorship and the kids spent one week with me, then Mike, and so on. Shan couldn't do it for long and chose to live with me full-time. Matt has gone several years longer but we are finding through some of his challenges, that he needs the stability of one home. He chose his dad. I hurt over it but know that God is in control and will watch over Matthew as it is one of my standing and urgent prayers.

I won't go on and on but just want to honor my son, my teenager as he turns 13.

Here are a few random pics of my Matthew! Wish I had my hands easily on some baby pics but these were ones on my computer.

Christmas Tour of Homes 2008

2008-12-16T09:29:00.017-06:00

Welcome to our home!!

Now remember, we are Texans. My husband is a hunter. Our snowmen look a little differenct in Texas.

Don't worry - we're keeping an eye on him. He's been told to leave the Buck alone!

My pretty red door really looks good at Christmas. Here's a bright picture so you can get the look.

Here it is with the lights on and no flash so you can really see the lights.

Come Inside................

Right inside the door is the very first nativity scene I owned. My mom got it for me years ago and it continues to be my favorite though I have several. This one is made of terra cotta.

This past weekend I needed a JD/Kenzie fix so they came and spent the night with Papa Tim and KK. JD and I were talking about the nativity and the birth of Christ. I went to pick up Baby Jesus to talk about HIM and JD took it in his hand and said, "oh, HE is so beautiful." I said, "yes, HE is!"
Here is Baby Jesus, and isn't HE beautiful?

My welcome wreath when you walk in.

This is our staircase. I love to wrap it in garland and bows!

Our mantle with our stockings. I love these so much because they go so well in our rustic family room!

Mantle lit up at night.

Here is our Christmas Tree.

Our Christmas tree with lights on/no flash.

Another Nativity Scene in my kitchen/breakfast room.My pencil tree in the kitchen/breakfast room. I love this tree. I get to decorate it however I want. The family tree in the living room has everything on it from many years of collecting. But, this one has my pretty's!!
Well, that's some of my favorites. I'll do phase 2 later with some more goodies!!!!

Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

Favorite Christmas........

2008-12-12T08:16:00.008-06:00

I've seen this on several blogs so I'm following suit................

1. Fresh or fake Christmas tree:
Definitely fresh. Always! Last year we had just moved into our new house and were spending Christmas at my parents so I only used my pencil tree (which I usually put in the kitchen) for our tree and it was so hard. This year - REAL!!!

2. Favorite Christmas ornament:
I have so many but probably the one my mom gave me while I was in Mississippi for Thanksgiving. It is a frog. It brings back so many memories. I used to draw one particular frog (Fred the Frog) when I was young all the time. I had to draw it for my little brother Chris constantly. I think I even made my mom an ornament out of cardboard of this frog. The ornament my mom gave me at Thanksgiving looks just like Fred.

3. Favorite Christmas song:
Definitely O Holy Night but I also love A Strange Way to Save the World by 4Him.

4. Favorite Christmas tradition:
I guess this takes me back to being a little girl. Every year my brother and I would wake up and have to go wake my parents up, go back to bed and "pretend" to wake up again while my parent's video taped us. We definitely should have won oscars for our performances each year. When I watch them now, I get tickled because it was a performance!!! But, I love it and remember making my kids do it a time or two and it is a memory I cherish.

5. Favorite Christmas gift ever received:
I can think of quite a few but the ultimate favorite was 13 years ago this very Christmas when Matthew Brian Bankard was born at 4:40am. I had a pretty tramatic delivery and I remember when they knocked me out not knowing if my son was alive or not. His name Matthew means "gift from God" and he truly is that to me. I can't believe that child is going to be a teenager!!! Wow! Another that I love is my past, present and future diamond pendant Tim gave me the Christmas of 2005. He wrapped a big box and inside were 4 wrapped boxes. The first one I opened had a piece of paper where he wrote something about our "pasts". The next about our "present" and the next, you guessed it, our "future". Each of the three were written so wonderfully and beautifully, and yes, I bawled. I love my MAN!!! The 4th was a beautiful past, present and future pendant with the three diamonds.

6. Favorite Christmas meal:
Honey Baked Ham, turkey, dressing, giblet gravy, green beans, cranberry and blueberry salads, purple hull peas, and rolls.

7. Favorite Christmas memory:
I would have to say the Christmas of 2003. We knew that my Pepa wouldn't live much longer so I know I remember making sure to enjoy this one with him. We took tons of pictures. I still miss my Pepa at Christmas. He made it very special.

8. Favorite Christmas cookie:
I guess it would be my favorite cookie anyways......sugar cookie!

9. Favorite place to be at Christmas:
I love going to my folks for Christmas. It's like being a kid again! BUT, I'll take anywhere my wonderful Husband and kids are.

10. Favorite Christmas movie:
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - hands down.

TGIF.......

2008-12-05T09:26:00.010-06:00

Oh, am I glad it's Friday. What a week. I am so ready to go home and decorate my house for CHRISTmas!!! We have been in our house well over a year now but last year we went to my folks for Christmas, and I didn't do it ALL UP! Can't wait.

I was looking through family pics over this last week (a lot from our Thanksgiving trip) and just laughed at how goofy we are. I love my family. I am blessed beyond measure. Each and everyone of them are the funniest people I know. I have the pleasure and joy of laughing daily!!! Thank You Lord!!!!

These are random. Some have a story - some of just how my crew (who all think I am obsessed with taking pictures) respond when I want to take a picture.

Kenzie LOVES to eat. She is so funny to watch!!!

We love to go to our place in the country!! Bonfires always bring out the fun!!

Grandkids had had enough of pictures. One JD would do good, Kenzie would be looking somewhere else, then the next would be the opposite. I gave up and joined them!!!

Kenzie loves to make anyone smile!

Just a typical response to a camera.

Little too tight there Baby!

JD is in a stage where he just makes goofy faces when you point a camera on him.

Stephanie modeling before the bonfire!

Tim and I have Texans seasons tickets and love to go. Our group even went to New Orleans for the preseason game. Here's Tim high 5ing a Saint that he had just headbutted.

This is how Eric's precious girlfriend met Papa Tim for the first time. Eric wanted me to make sure his dad toned it down and behaved. He shouldn't have requested that. Tim was rednecked to the hilt!!

Now this was supposed to be a lovely Mother-Son picture!

We always go visit my brother, Bubba at the firestation when we're in MS and Shan took JD's hat!

We always do a hayride at my folks. We tried to do in the day vs. night this time bacause it was so cold at night. Well, it was still cold and this was Shannon keeping warm.

Thanksgiving......

2008-12-01T07:59:00.004-06:00

Our family minus a few...............

The SPREAD...............my Dad, Uncle Larry and Mom

We are home from my parents (Olive Branch, MS). We had an absolute blast. I love going there. This time was a little sad though because Tim stayed here to spend Thanksgiving with Dustin and Eric. This is the hard part of blended families. Tim's favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. He's not big (at all) on Christmas because of what has happened to it. Anyways, he likes being with family with no expectations of gifts - just each other. I have switched holidays all of my adult life (going Thanksgiving one year then Christmas the next). This was our year to go to my mom and dad's. My three look forward to going to their Nana and Papaw's all year long and now JD who is obsessed with his NANA talks about going all the time. So we went and Tim stayed here. Dustin and Eric have a grandfather that is not in good health so they need to spend all the time they can with him (especially holidays). I do hope one year they will choose to go to my folks with us to make it a perfect Thanksgiving.

I do have to say I enjoyed getting to spend 5 straight days with my kids and grandkids having fun. The Princess, Kenzie, became extremely attached to her KK. She at times wanted me over her mom. Sorry Steph. You are still her one and only Mama. I remember when Stephanie was a baby - she preferred her Nana over her Mama most of the time. At first it hurt my feelings then I grew to love it because I knew she still loved me but how special to have to special grandparent. Stephanie and her Nana are still extremely close. I hope Kenzie and I will be!!!!!! I just enjoyed the heck out of her reaching for me and wanting me to hold her and THAT SMILE. OH, THAT BEAUTIFUL SMILE.

JD, on the other hand is obsessed with his NANA. I love it though. He walks in the room in the morning and sees no one but Nana. Says....."Nana, and runs straight to her." I know JD loves his KK because when Nana is not around, I get that same treatment!!!!

My three...............this picture is my favorite because it's been way too long since I have had one of just Steph, Shan and Matt

How precious family is. How precious grandparents are........parents are.........grandkids are............kids are...........!!!!

Four Generations

I have so many other great pics so I'll keep posting. Most of them have stories so I'll have posts for the next week or so!!!

Hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Abounding Thankfulness..........

2008-11-19T09:07:00.011-06:00

I know, Thanksgiving is still a week away but I am in the mindset as I type these words. I am so full of thankfulness that I can hardly contain myself. I can not express in words how grateful I am for the Lord's goodness to me. Thankfully, He knows as He looks upon my heart!

The cornucopia is a time-honored symbol of abundance, long associated with Thanksgiving. However, it was symbolic well before this holiday existed. The word 'cornucopia' actually dates back to the 5th century BC. It derives from two Latin words: "cornu," meaning horn (as in the name of that one-horned creature, the "unicorn") and "copia," meaning plenty (a relative of such words as "copious" and "copy"). Thus, "cornucopia" literally means horn of plenty, and the names are used interchangeably. It was usually depicted as a curved goat's horn, filled to overflowing with fruit and grain, but could actually have been filled with whatever the owner wished.

I feel like my life is the "horn of plenty" right now. Overflowing and abounding goodness. I can not contain all that is in me. It overflows like the fruit and vegetables of the horn of plenty. Abundance. That's what I have.......not in material things, though I feel blessed in those but what I'm talking about is the intangible good things. The blessings in your heart that your treasure. Abundance. Yep, I got it!!!

In no particular order here is a list of just a few things I am so thankful for:

1. My Best Friend and Soul-Mate, Tim.

2. The incredible experience of being loved by Tim.

3. Laughter............and lots of it! Thank you Tim for making LIFE so fun.

4. My wonderful children, all 5 of them!

5. The 2 precious little joys of my life - the Prince & Princess of our family.

6. A wonderful son-in-law, Jimmy. Thanks for being my Steph's dream come true.

7. My parents. The love they have bestowed on me throughout my life.

8. My siblings and their families. Family, oh, what a blessing.

9. The blessing of friends that I treasure. Some I see often, some I haven't seen in some time but they are eternal friends.

10. My salvation.

11. The fact that sometimes as it seems my world is turning upside down, knowing God still sits on HIS throne and never takes HIS hand off my life.

12. God's forever faithfulness.

13. God's amazing grace and mercy on my life.

14. Watching God move in our family.

15. Answered prayers.

16. Living in freedom!

I could go and on but these are the top!

Father, thank YOU so much for Your agape love! Thank YOU for giving me so much to be thankful for. Thank YOU for the abounding and overflowing goodness. You are the BEST!!!!

End of another season......

2008-11-14T08:41:00.003-06:00

Well, Tim and I leave the office in 5 hours to head to Miami, Florida for the last NASCAR race of the season. We did the annual Texas race 2 weeks ago and had a blast. I know this weekend will be super fun and super needed.

Every now and then, well, actually almost all the time I just want to go away from everything with my man. I absolutely treasure our family and our lives but with all that has been going on and the way life gets so busy, I just want to be alone with Tim sometime. I just want to focus on each other and chill. That is the plan for this weekend.

We have an office in Miami so we have some good friends there. We'll most likely hang out with them some. We are going with a friend we work with and his wife and should have a blast. I'll update next week.

I can't really share right now in any detail but I just want to give a SHOUT OF PRAISE to the Lord. He is working in our family. We still have a road to walk but I BELIEVE we will make it. He has done a few things over the last few days to remind me of HIS constant faithfulness and sovereignty. My heavy heart is lighter!!! Thank YOU FATHER!

God Bless America.....

2008-11-05T11:34:00.002-06:00

All I have to say on this whole thing is we better stay on our knees for this country. God is still on His THRONE!!!

The PRINCESS is oNe!

2008-11-04T08:56:00.002-06:00

I so wanted to post this last week right after MacKenzie's first birthday but we left 3 days later for our annual NASCAR trip to Ft. Worth and I was a busy KK. BUT, I still have something to say about this................

The Princess of our family turned 1 last Sunday, October 26 and it was indeed a party for a princess. She looked so adorable. I can not tell you how blessed our family is to have her in it.

Miss Kenzie,

Your KK thinks you are so precious and so adorable. I want you to know that the day your sweet mommy told me she was pregnant, I knew you were going to be a princess! Your mommy was the girliest of all girls growing up and I knew God would bless her with getting to live that experience through her own little girliest of girls!!!!

I am so grateful that the Lord chose us as your family. Your KK and PaTim adore you and want more than anything to help raise you to be a wonderful, caring, considering, loving and Godly young woman!!!! It is your heritage!

Happy Birthday Princess!!!!

Honoring My Parents....

2008-10-21T10:16:00.005-05:00

Last month my parents celebrated 48 years of marriage. They are coming to Houston in a couple of days to join us in celebrating Princess MacKenzie's first birthday. I told them I would be giving them their anniversary gift when they arrived as I didn't want to ship it. I put together something for them and had it framed for their anniversary along with a few other fun things. My dad and I are into the "family tree" thing. I enjoyed helping my dad when I was younger work on our Family Tree for the Early's. The first Early to settle in America was John Early (from Ireland) in 1642 when he settled in Middlesex County, VA. Anyway, that is another blog in itself but I thought I would give my parents something of our immediate family tree.

He's HOME!

2008-10-07T08:42:00.014-05:00

Well, all I can say is I am a very happy lady. My man is HOME. I wanted so bad to blog yesterday but Monday's are crazy. I have lots I want to say about my feelings of Tim being home but I will have to do that when I have more time. What I did want to share is that he had a blast. He looks so good and so happy! It did him a lot of good. He is so grateful for the opportunity to get to go. He did say it was a once in a lifetime experience!!!! I am happy for him.

This is their group!

This is their camp. Can you imagine flying in to this every day after hunting? Beautiful!Here is his moose. Remember he will have these mounted to look like a bald eagle. Can't wait to see that.Here is the caribou. He is having the shoulder mount done.And the big BEAR!!!! We are still trying to decide about this guy. Full standing mount or the bear rug!!! This place is beautiful.
Tim and Neil
The view from the front porch of his cabin. Oh to wake up to this every morning!!!!

One More Day!

2008-10-04T08:49:00.002-05:00

It's Saturday morning. I'm still laying in bed watching some of my recorded shows from the week. Tim called and woke me up this morning at 7:23am (which was 9:53 Newfoundland time). They were hanging in out, chilling before they start packing up camp to head back in to Gander this evening so they can catch 6:00am flights in the morning to COME HOME!! One more day. I can't wait.

Speaking of the time difference - I did Google why Newfoundland is 2 1/2 hours ahead of us. Here are two explanations:

"Standard time was fixed in 1883 to prevent the myriad of short time differences that would result if every locality determined the mean solar time by different meridians, depending on the longitude of the particular place. Lines at every 15 longitude were drawn down a map of Earth to create 24 international time zones differing from each preceding and following zone by one hour. Because of political boundaries, such lines often depart from the strict 15 rule and sometimes zigzag or demarcate ares that differ by half an hour only."So here's my take on Newfoundland. Atlantic standard time is based on 60 degrees west of Greenwich. Newfoundland standard time is based on 52 degrees west. Eight degrees is more than half of 15 degrees, so itmakes sense for Newfoundland to be 30 minutes ahead.

Many people wonder why the Province of Newfoundland has a time zonethat varies by the half hour rather than the standard one hour. While the system of Standard Time employs 24 meridians, and each are the oretically the centres of 24 Standard Time zones, some adjustments have been made to the time zones for the convenience of inhabitants that lie within the zones. Newfoundland, (but not Labrador), lies squarely in the eastern half of its time zone, exactly three and a half hours from Greenwich. The Newfoundland government attempted to bring the province into conformity with the other Atlantic provinces in 1963, but withdrew in the face of stiff public opposition. Other countries that operate on the half hour time difference are: Suriname,Iran, India, Sri Lanka, and Central Australia.

Oh, that explains it. Now I understand.................I think. But anyway, all I know and care about this morning is that in about 30 hours my wonderful and HANDSOME best friend will walk through that door and I will melt as I always do when he looks at me!!!

Until then I am blessed to get to baby-sit my little Prince and Princess tonight and they will spend the night with KK and Aunt Shannie while Mommy and Daddy get to have a night alone and tomorrow they are going to the Texans game on mine and Tim's season tickets. I finally made the decision yesterday that as much as I would love to go to the game I want more to see my Husband the first second I can.

I also can't wait to see all the pictures Tim took and hopefully very, very soon J.R. will have all pictures taken this past week put on a CD. I'll share!!!!!!

Back to my shows...............

Can you say PRECIOUS?

2008-10-02T22:16:00.001-05:00

No words needed at all!!!!!!!!

THE BEAR HUNTER

2008-10-02T22:01:00.004-05:00

Well, Tim has had a very fun and successful hunt with his kill of the moose on Monday, caribou on Tuesday. All he had left was the black bear. I know he tracked one yesterday but today was the day. He called me tonight, so excited at the big kill. His black bear was 7 1/2 feet tall. That is huge for a black bear. He is so proud. He said it was double the size of the other guys he is hunting with. The guide, who lives there and does this for a living told Tim that was one of the largest bears ever killed in that area.

Tim has never been bear hunting so I wanted all the details. He said it was so exciting but his heart was racing and about to pump out of his chest. He said he had to put 3 bullets in the bear and by the time the bear died he was headed for Tim. Yes, my heart would be pounding. I'm glad I wasn't watching that. I would have probably passed out. I wanted to ask Tim about his philosphy he shared before he left. I kept asking him, "Baby, what will you do if the bear starts coming after you? He said put 4 bullets in the bear then 1 in the foot of your hunting buddy and run. Let the bear get him. Of course, he was just joking Neil. He would never do that to you!!!!!!! I am just so excited for him!

SO, Tim's first question to me was, you still want your watchbear??? I'm thinking the bear rug is sounding better. I think a full size 7 1/2 foot bear standing in my house would scare the pants off me, with or without the growl!!! We'll see.

He did say the other guys are going out tomorrow to find a bigger bear than they had. Each hunter is limited to 1 moose, 1 caribou and 2 bear. They are obviously jealous of "THE BEAR HUNTER". Tim said he is satisfied with his kill and sees no need to kill another!!! That's my man!

Well, I assure that I will be posting lots of pics once Tim is home........which by the way is now less than 65 hours. I had several people ask me today why I had such a spring in my step. I was smiling saying Sunday is getting closer!!!!!!!

1/2 way there.......

2008-10-01T20:26:00.004-05:00

It's Wednesday night. I'm on the couch with my computer. Just got back from meeting Shannon in the Woodlands. We met at Barnes and Nobles, got us each some new reads then went to one of our fav places to eat.....The Cheesecake Factory. We had fun. Now I'm watching one of my favorite TV shows, Criminal Minds.

I am halfway through the week of missing my best friend. He is having a blast. I posted about him killing the moose. Well, yesterday he got his caribou (reindeer, if you don't know what they look like). He said it was so much fun. I'm not a hunter at all, but enjoy knowing he is having a successful and fun hunt. He said he tracked a bear for a while yesterday. I talked to him this morning before the helicopter came to get them for their hunt. He wanted to get the bear today. I haven't talked to him but for a second tonight. He called as Shan and I were leaving but we had a really bad reception. I'm hoping to still hear from him.

Here's the weird thing I found out. Gander, Newfoundland is 2 1/2 hours ahead of us. Where in this world did they gain an 1/2 hour? How is that? No one seems to know. Maybe I'll google that and see.

Well, just wanted to update Tim's hunt. I'm 1/2 way there. I can't wait to see him. We have Texans seasons tickets and I can't decide if I am going to go and take a friend or kiddo....or just give to Stephanie and Jimmy. I really want to see this game against the Colts and my Peyton Manning superquarterback. BUT, my bestest friend is more important and the thought of being at the game when he walked through these doors makes my bottom lip pooch out....makes me sad. I think I've about made my decision. I want to see him as soon as I can.

Peace out!!!

A Hunter's Widow................

2008-09-29T15:25:00.006-05:00

Well, update first on surviving Hurricane Ike with little inconvenience and damage. We were the lucky ones. We only went 4 days without power (kind of). Remember our new toy!!!! Well, we parked it in our driveway and lived out of it for 4 days. A/C….power……TV………..computers. So, we didn’t go without really. We even used the built in generator to power our fridge inside the house. We never lost water. We have gas water heater so we were able to take hot showers as much as we wanted and run to the trailer to get all dressed in the A/C!!! We only had limbs and debris in the yard and the back fence blew down but we were already ready to replace that. SO, I have no complaints whatsoever.

I know so many lost absolutely everything. My heart breaks for those on Bolivar Peninsula, Crystal Beach and Gilchrist. Just wiped out. Those in Galveston are trying to clean up and see what they have left. My prayers go out to all of them.

I won’t sit on this soap box for a second but I have struggled with my anger against all those complaining and griping non-stop about Centerpoint not restoring their power quick enough but yet they are standing in front of a nice house, with minimal damage. They still have a place to live. What about those who lost everything? I know, I said I didn't go without power like so many but I swear, if you still had a house to live in, be grateful for goodness sake. Enough said……………………………

Ok, to the purpose of this post…………….my wonderful and much deserving husband had the opportunity of a lifetime dropped in his lap Friday at the very last possible minute but we made it happen. Our company does lots of hunting trips. Tim has been blessed to get to go on pheasants hunts in South Dakota, and lots here in Texas. Usually these hunts are for some employees but to entertain our clients. A spot opened and Tim was asked to go to hunt BLACK BEAR, MOOSE AND CARIBOU in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. This is something that would cost much more money than we would probably spend on a hunt. Very deluxe big time. Nice lodge. Helicopter every day taking them out to their hunting area and picking them up to take them back to the lodge!!

And, I am so happy that he is getting to do this but I am alone for 9 days. Did you hear me say 9 days? Well, I did have Shan and Matt over the weekend. Shan normally leaves on Sundays to head back to Huntsville but she actually decided to spend the night and leave early this morning. I’ll baby-sit JD and Kenzie tomorrow night. Matt is at his dads but he and I are going to go meet Shan for supper Wednesday night. Other than that, a widow!

I told him I wanted him to kill me a black bear and told him I wanted to have it stuffed, and put by the front door for my “watch-bear”! I’ll put a motion sensor on it to growl when I need it to since he travels so much. He asked if I would settle for a bear rug in front of the fireplace????

He did call me when he arrived and said it was absolutely beautiful scenery. His lodge sits right on the Kaegudeck Lake. I sent my camera with him and told him when he wasn’t hunting, please take pics for me.

Let me just say I am counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds until 3:00 Sunday. I already miss him like crazy!!!!

Pray for me! Well, I love my hubby so much and can’t stand to be away him....especially 9 days.

TUESDAY MORNING UPDATE............Tim called me last night so excited. He killed an 11 point with 35"spread moose yesterday. He said it was so exciting. He said that when they arrived in Gander on Sunday morning the guide took them by his house for lunch (his wonderful wife, Donna cooked). He said the guide had the most unusual moose mount that he had ever seen and that was how he was doing his. Apparently they take the antlers and make them form an eagle. He said it was so pretty. I can't visualize it but anxious to see it. AND SEE MY HUSBAND!!!!!!!!!!! (Anyone who knows me knows I "google" everything. It was driving me crazy to try to picture his mount. I'm assuming it will look like one of these. Who knows. I'll definitely post a picture of Tim's when we get it.
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OFF to COLLEGE goes MY BABY GIRL!

2008-08-26T11:35:00.006-05:00

This was written on Sunday, after getting Shan all moved in- though posted today………..

Well, I don’t know where to start. Full of emotions. My Baby Girl, Shannon has just left to head back to Huntsville. She starts COLLEGE tomorrow. I am sitting at the kitchen table in my son, Dustin’s house. He and Tim are on the back patio replacing some siding and putting up gutters. Tim and his brother own 100 acres here in Saratoga. It is right by the Big Thicket National Forrest in East Texas. I love to be here. VERY PEACEFUL. At night you can see a million stars in the sky. It is dark at night. Not a streetlight in sight. Quiet as can be except for the creatures God created to sing or talk with the wind.......oh yeah, or bark, no HOWL, as the case is sometimes with Doc, my son, Eric's hound-dog!

Tim woke up very early yesterday morning to head to Saratoga so he could help Dustin this weekend. Shannon and I slept in a little bit then loaded her truck to move her in to her dorm at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). We could not have fit another thing in the back seat of her truck. I wasn’t driving which means I sleep on a road trip and my seat was so straight up it was quite difficult to sleep. But, never fear, I managed somehow!!!!!! Until the skies opened up to some mighty rain. We pulled off 45 and under the overpass to bring Shan’s suitcase FULL of clothes up front with us. “Where was it going?” was all I could think. We shoved in on top of my feet for the rest of the trip……fortunately was only 3 more exits down.

We pulled up to her dorm and it was still raining cats and dogs. We sat there for a while just looking at each other and finally decided to make a run for it to at least get checked in and get her key and go see her new living quarters. You can’t call it her room because she said “her room” is on River Park Drive and not at SHSU! OK, living quarters is the best I can come up with then. We were drenched but got the key and went to see the LQ………………ON THE 4TH FLOOR, MIND YOU, WITH NO ELEVATOR.

We decided it may never stop raining so we decided to "get ur done"! We made about 10 trips back and forth to her truck with arms loaded, things hanging on our heads, however we could tote it UP 4 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS. By the 2nd or 3rd trip, Mama was needing a break. I am too old and way out of shape. Reminder to my self that I need to EXERCISE. I told Shan, she was definitely going to get in shape with all the walking!!!!! Glad it’s her and not me! Just joking…………………. Oh yeah, another break was needed after the 4th. After the 5th. After the 6th. Long break after the 7th....8th....9th and 10th.

Anyway, below is her very cute and very cool new LQ!!!! We did good, Baby Girl!!!!!!!

Afterwards we headed to Saratoga to just relax and spend the next 15 hours or so chilling and enjoying peace before the SEPARATION.

Another blog to come about the SEPARATION……..

2 Years Today.......................

2008-08-05T17:06:00.004-05:00

I am laying in the bed just chilling. It's been a strange day. A very strange day. First of all, today Tim and I celebrate 2 years of marriage. No, that's not strange. That is wonderful. That is joy. That is happiness. Strange is celebrating it with a tropical storm and funeral.

The tropical storm was really not much for us other than some very much needed steady rain. My flowers are grateful. The grass is grateful.

A dear co-worker of ours passed away on Thursday. He was a character. He was someone I will miss at work. A life cut way too short. He was struggling through some personal issues and dealing with a lot. It breaks my heart that he left this earth with so much going on. He leaves 2 sons, 19 and 25, who I watched today at his funeral be so strong. How sad they no longer have their dad around. Another reminder to me, life is precious. We are here on this earth but a breath. We need to live each day as if it were our last. One of my memories of David is that from the day he met me he called my Kimmie. I haven't liked anyone calling me that after my divorce. Mike called me that. But, I never minded David calling me Kimmie. I will now miss being called Kimmie.

Another reminder to me of what I have. My husband means the world to me. He is my fairy tale come true. He is all I have ever dreamed of. I look at him and see someone so very handsome. But that's not why I love him. He is a man of integrity. He is the real deal. Sometimes that is hard for me. I still struggle sometimes with my past and he is the one who suffers from that. BUT, he is patient. He is loving. He understands me better than I do myself. He loves me unconditionally. I am so grateful the Lord blessed our broken roads.

I'm in a mellow, melancholy mood. I am happy. I am sad. I am grateful. I know God has HIS plans in everything that happens. I know David is no longer suffering from the pain he was in last week. I know life is precious. I realize that. Life is good. Life is hard.

I love my Lord. I love my husband. I love my kiddos. I love my precious JD and Kenzie girl. I love my family..........my parents, brothers, sister-inlaws, neices and nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins......................I love my friends.......ones I don't get to see much anymore. Ones I see every day. I am grateful for them all. They are all life.......................................

New toy....new college.....new city....new adventure

2008-07-28T13:36:00.005-05:00

This past weekend was one of "new" for us. We just bought ourselves a new toy and we got to try it out in a new city while we were at Shan's freshman orientation at her new college! And I can tell you for sure, it was a fun new adventure.

Tim and I have wanted for some time now a travel trailer of some sort. We have rented a bumper pull travel trailer numerous times for camping and mostly for our annual Texas Nascar race in November. We got a great deal on it and it is absolutely beautiful, huge, and so awesome. With our large family it will work great because it will very comfortably sleep 12.

We met Tim in Huntsville, Texas on Wednesday night at the Huntsville State Park and camped there until Saturday. Shan had her freshmen orientation and we had the parent orientation at her new college, Sam Houston State University. This will be another post in itself - will probably wait until we've moved her in her dorm the weekend of August 22nd. I can't believe this is happening but it is a good thing. Shan was so nervous and scared but did great over orientation and is now looking quite forward to it all. We'll be dorm shopping here soon!!!!!!

Well, all is well. Just wanted to share our "new"s with you all!!!!!

A Much Needed Girls Weekend....

2008-07-22T09:42:00.016-05:00

Every now and then do you just want to go somewhere away from the hectic life's race we run on a daily basis? And isn't it nice to do that now and then with your best girl buddies? Well, I got to that this past weekend with 3 of the most treasured "girls" in my life (my Mama, my Steph and my Shan). The 4th "girlie" isn't old enough yet to join us but I look forward to Miss Kenzie doing that with us someday!!!!

Well, this weekend the 4 of us headed to a beautiful lodge in Hot Springs, Arkansas and we had so much fun. We went up on Thursday night.........I got to sleep as much as I wanted going up and back. I have made the drive to Mississippi countless times in my adult life so it was nice for my two precious girls to do the driving and me SLEEP. Stephanie threatened me that at the next stop she was getting a stick to poke me when I slept.....or was it when I snored. Seems to be a problem for me these days. I have constant sinus problems and a little overweight so apparently I snore worse than my dad (so my room-mate Mom said. Goodness, I remember his snoring). So, I'm going to loose this weight and have some more tests run on why I have such bad sinuses!!!!!!!!

Back to our weekend. I can just tell you that I haven't laughed like I did this past weekend in A VERY LONG TIME. With all that has been going on with Matt and our family laughing doesn't fill my every day like I wish it did so to get to laugh my head off was such a blast.

We slept in Friday then headed into town for some serious shopping. Got me a great purse, some cute sandals (though they didn't pass Steph and Shan's approval) but they are so comfortable!

Friday night we took a Sunset dinner cruise on the Belle Riverboat. It was nice and again some serious laughing!!!!!

When we got back to the dock we went in the store and actually think we were the last to leave. We found HATS. Words can't describe this experience but pictures sure can. LAUGH, IT'S OK. WE WERE ALL FOUR ABOUT TO PEE IN OUR PANTS.

And the best of the night.....................
MRS. AMERICA!!!!!

Saturday, some more shopping and then we hit a bead shop for some more beads to do some serious necklace, bracelet, and earring making. We had so much fun. My mom is seriously into and has cases and cases and cases of beads. Everything you could imagine. We came home with some cute necklaces. I have been wearing mine and bracelets and earrings since I have been back. Steph wasn't sure at first and said she couldn't get in to it. Boy, you should see her creations. Absolutely beautiful. And Shan, our extremely creative one. Hers are beautiful as well. Mom just watched us and put our clasps and stuff on for us. She also entertained us with some singing.

It was such a fun weekend. A must new tradition for us girls. Thanks, Mama, Steph and Shan for making memories that I will treasure until my last breath. I love you three more than a pig loves slop!!!!!!!!!!

Quick Update

2008-06-06T11:10:00.004-05:00

I have so many things to say......so many emotions twirling in me right now but all I can say is that my baby girl is officially a high school graduate. Friday night she walked across a stage and was handed her diploma while listening to her family go apes yelling for her. She got tickled at us many times. She spotted us early and watched and laughed as were very goofy and trying to make her laugh. We had a blast. Then Saturday we had a wonderful luau in our backyard at our pool to celebrate hers and Eric's graduations. All my family came in (which was very nice) and we did a luau with the whole roasted pig and all. Very nice. Very nice indeed.

THEN, this week I have felt the blow of the enemy's hammer intensely. Without giving details, we are going through a trial as a family and it is extremely painful. I'm exhausted and need prayers immensely. I need wisdom more than I have ever needed wisdom in my life.

Thank you Lord for the fresh breath of joy and happiness, the release for just a time to celebrate my baby girl's milestone. Renew me, and give me strength to fight because I have none right now.

Motherhood is wonderful and yet so hard....

2008-05-13T14:09:00.002-05:00

I have so much in my heart and on my mind right now but not sure I can actually get it out the way I feel it.

I was reading my precious daughter's blog http://the-van-fam.blogspot.com/ this morning and caught myself reflecting on my early motherhood years. How precious and wonderful little children are. I have so many wonderful memories of Stephanie, Shannon and Matthew when they were each young. I remember how though it was tough managing everything and everyone at times, the main hurts I felt for them were seeing the skinned and bloody knees, the scary dreams I would comfort them over. Or, helping them through those first heartbreaks with girlfriends and boyfriends. I remember how much I hurt for Stephanie the end of her sophmore year when she didn't make the varsity cheerleading squad (and was the only JV that didn't). She was devastated and I remember sleeping in her bed the entire night holding her while she cried and cried. Through all those hurts we grew as a family and we learned alot about God's love and His grace and mercy. Stephanie learned a ton that following year as she was Head Captain of the JV squad. She learned so much about character. I remember her Aunt Lizby telling her that God is more interested in building character in us than giving us everything we want. Those hurts I look back on and am grateful for. They did build character in all of us.

I think I am suffering the biggest pain right now than I ever have as a mother. I pray with all my heart the Lord brings us through this one in one piece. Right now I feel so battered, so weak, and so worn. BUT, I know that I know that if I stay down, who will battle for my son. I have to take a stand and be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. I need to gird my waist with the belt of truth, put on my breastplate of righteousness, pull up my boots of peace, take my shield of faith, put on my helmet of salvation and pick up MY SWORD, pray and fight for my Matthew.

Matthew is a mess right now. He has done things that I never dreamed he would. I've been naive and thought it was just a stage. Matt has baggage that has never been dealt with but we are doing that. I think his dad's and my divorce was the hardest on him. Today he says he understands and knows we are both much happier but I think there was damage through it. I will not let my son continue to walk this path of destruction. I beg for your prayers. His name means, Gift from God, and he is indeed that. He is just so lost right now. Not lost in the Lord, he has his salvation but lost in his way.

Also, I am hurting with a broken heart for Shan who shared a hurt with me that about knocked me off my feet. She is graduating in a little over two weeks and I ask for your prayers for healing of her heart. I don't want her going out into the big ol' world with baggage. I am so grateful she shared this with me and I will pray with her through this all.

The enemy is so mean. But, we have a God that is so good. And I know that He is always for us. He is my Strength and my source of help in my time of need. I really ask for your prayers for our family. This pain is almost unbearable.

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18

She's All Grown Up...........

2008-04-07T16:46:00.018-05:00

We are embarking on a very momentous time in the Gannon family. Tim's oldest son, Eric, graduates from Texas Tech (Lubbock, Texas) on May 9th. We are so very proud of him. He's worked very hard and has reached an awesome time in a person's life...Accomplishment.

BUT, also, our baby girl, Shannon graduates from Cy-Fair High School on May 30. She's definitely having that "moment" when you realize you are about to step into the "real world". (She's teases......as opposed to the fake world.) My wonderful husband is out of town today so at lunch my plans were to run to Home Depot and get some more mulch for my flower beds. BUT, right before noon I got a text message that asked me what I was doing for lunch and would I meet her. Knowing how she has been feeling lately, I told her of course I would meet her. She called me a little later saying she was already at Joe's Crabshack and had us a table. I told her I was almost there.

I walked in, looked around and there was my girl sitting at a table studying a menu. She noticed me and looked my way with that beautiful smile of hers. But before I got to the table, tears were filling her eyes eventually overflowing and running down her cheeks. It took all I had not to start crying myself (I knew what was wrong) and just sit next to her and take her in my arms and tell her everything was going to be fine. I didn't care that we were in public but I am also trying to walk this walk (again - Steph graduated in 2001) with her but allowing her some dignity and opportunity to grow. SO, I sat down and we started talking it all through. The first thing she said when I sat down was, "I don't want to grow up." It's the typical Senior end of the year. You realize that your whole life so far has pretty much been planned for you. You live with your parents, you go to school, etc., etc. Now, you are faced with YOU having to plan your life. It is scary. BUT, I told her that Papa Tim and I would sit down with her and help her. Don't let it overwhelm her because she doesn't have to have it all planned out right this moment. Let's take it step by step. Long story short, we had a wonderful lunch together and helped her know that it's ok.

Now, I get back to work and start processing this all myself. My little girl is all grown up. I immediately am taken back in my mind to her kindergarten graduation where the whole time I am videoing it I am bawling. I will never forget as the processional music played that beautiful little girl, with her peach Easter dress on and that handmade blue graduation cap walked in and I said to myself, "I will blink and you will be walking in to that same music with your cap and gown on." And it has happened. I have blinked and in 7 weeks I will watch her walk in with that burgundy cap and gown on and yes, I will be bawling again. But with such pride. Shannon is very unique. She is one of the sweetest people I know on this earth. She is so sincere. So sensitive. So caring. She would do absolutely anything for anybody. She has the sweetest heart you will ever see. She definitely has a gift.

I pray God's richest blessings over her life as He directs her on the path she is to take. I ask for your prayers because it is a tough time in life. BUT, she will soar like a eagle.........that I believe with all my heart!!!!

Here are a few pics of her as a little girl and her Senior Pics.

Shan and her Nana.

My beautiful daughters, Steph and Shan

Celebrating Life

2008-04-04T14:00:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm not blogging to tell you that today is my birthday but more importantly how blessed I am at the age of 45. I think the birthdays that hit on the 5's and 10's always seem to stand out more to me. This birthday has made me realize how if the Good Lord let's me live until I'm 80 then I have lived over half my life. If he decides to bring me home before 80, then I have definitely lived over half my life.

I am just so grateful for the Life the Lord has given me.

First, my salvation that gives me TRUE LIFE.

Secondly, a husband that I treasure with everything I have and love lavishly and know he feels the very same way about me!

Third, for kids that I love and am so proud of.

Fourth, two precious grandkids (so far - pray for many more). Grandkids. I can't even describe the joy they bring me.

Fifth, a family that I treasure.

Sixth, good health.

Seventh, for some priceless and dear friends.

Eighth, for a beautiful home, job and enough money to enjoy life.

I have learned not to take life for granted. I treasure each and every day as if it were my last. The Lord does not promise us a tomorrow. He knows the number of our days. I trust HIM there. SO, I want today to matter. I want to make a difference in my family's lives. I want them to know that I love them and not just assume it. I want to tell them (and I do) all the time, every chance I get, every time I talk to them that I love them. I want to show them every time I can. I do hope that the Father gives me many more years to spend with Tim, since we only found each other 4 years ago. We love each other so much and want to make up for the years apart. I want to watch each of our kids get married and have kids of their own. I want to treasure JD and Kenzie (and the others to follow) for many years.

BUT, all that said, if the Lord took me home tomorrow, I would have lived a very full, loved, and blessed life. And today, I celebrate LIFE!!!!!!!

7 things you may or may know about Mama G

2008-04-04T09:59:00.003-05:00

I was tagged by http://the-van-fam.blogspot.com/ (my precious daughter, Stephanie) so I guess I have to answer and pass on........................

Here are the rules: Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

My 7 Things...

1. I wake up every day of my life and roll over and stare at my wonderful, handsome husband sleeping and thank God for him. On the mornings he is out of town, I still roll over and stare at his pillow and still thank God for him.

2. Today is my birthday. I am 45. Wow.

3. My great uncle x 8 (Jubal Anderson Early) was a Confederate General in the Civil War.

4. I love turtles.

5. I have a Dale Earnhardt Jr. shrine in our house. (Not really a shrine - just a collection but it has come to be known as "the Jr. shrine").

6. I am a hairspray finatic. Years ago a friend and I used an off brand (can't remember it now) that they stopped selling and it took me years to find the new "perfect" hairspray and you wouldn't believe how many cans of hairspray it took.

7. I paraglided off Mt. First in Grindewald, Switzerland in 2002. Mt. First is around the same elevation of Pikes Peak.

Now, I don't really have enough bloggers to tag (unless I am re-tagging) so if you happen to get on my blog to read hope you learned something new about Mama G.

The Day of My Best Friend's birth..............

2008-02-04T13:04:00.000-06:00

I so wanted to make this post on Friday but that day was quite crazy. I had spent three of the days last week at a seminar/workshop put on by Franklin Covey organization called 7 Habits of Highly Effective People at the invitation of my Company's founder and president. He sent his executive assistant down here to Houston to join me and we both went through it. It was actually one of the best workshops I have been to in quite some time. Very good. Very real. Very much of where I am right now in my walk in Life! Along with my relationship with the Lord, the incredible love and support of my husband, what I learned in this workshop will help me in the crazy world we live in. BUT, that's not the purpose of this post.

What I am wanting to do in this post is honor my husband. Yesterday, February 3 was Tim's birthday. We had 40 people (adults and kids) at our house enjoying the fellowship, watching Eli Manning and Giants upset New England in the SuperBowl (which made me a very HAPPY person) and also celebrating the birth of my Best Friend........and Soul-Mate. I even surprised Tim and flew in Eric and his girlfriend from Lubbock so they could enjoy our celebration. We had a most wonderful time.

I am so grateful that the Lord put Timothy E Gannon on this earth February 3, 1964 (yes, that makes me 10 months older). Though it would be some 40 years later that we would find each other the man I was born to love was born! I could go on and on and on but I mainly wanted to honor him on his special day and to share something very DEAR to my heart. Since Tim and I have been together I have asked everybody for pictures of him when he was young. His mom, through many moves didn't have much (other than group pics where he was playing and not really looking at the camera). Because I couldn't place him when he was young, it was like something huge missing inside of me. He had seen tons of pictures of me growing up (since my mom was the queen of picture taking obsession with me a real close second and Steph closing in). He could look at me and picture me at any age of my life. He can look at Shannon (our 17 year old) and see me. BUT, I couldn't do that. It was a real void in me. We had the opportunity a couple of weeks ago to go through trunks of pictures that had been at his house where his boys live. And lo and behold, I came across pretty much every age of Tim Gannon. I cried........tears of joy. Finally there was completion. I could look at him and see him at every age. I can now look at that beautiful smile of his and see it on his young face. I can now stare into those incredible eyes of his and see youth. I can picture his face young and strong when I look now and see the lines of life on that handsome and strong face. He is incredibly handsome to me. When I look at his pictures of his teen years I think of what if I knew him then............I know I would have been all over that..................he was so handsome then!!!!!

I'm sharing them as a tribute to my Baby...............oh how I love that man!

Life..............

2008-01-24T11:39:00.000-06:00

Well, it is the new year and all is well at the Gannon house! Christmas was wonderful. We celebrated with Tim's family before Christmas then headed to my parents in Olive Branch, Mississippi for time with them. It was so much fun!!!

We just celebrated JD's 3rd birthday this past weekend. Stephanie had a cowboy themed party and he was absolutely the cutest thing you have ever seen. If you know JD you know he has a personality that has no match. He is one character. Well, dressed up in his western duds just added to the already dramatic and precious JD. I laughed so hard watching him have a blast feeding goats and donkeys. He would call them over saying, "here goatie, goatie, goatie." Then he would walk down to the donkeys to feed them saying, "here donkey, donkey, donkey." Everytime the animals ate out of his hand he laughed hysterically. EVERYTIME!!! He is so funny. His PaTim and I enoyed every minute of it. Of course his precious little sister, MacKenzie looked absolutely beautiful!!!

Life is good right now. I feel so blessed to be married to the most wonderful man in the world. He is so good to me and we both know we are so blessed to have found our soul mates and best friends even if it took many years. I fall more and more in love with that man every second of every day. I am in such a mood right now. I am reminded so much how precious life is. I am reminded to never take it for granted. The Lord gives us each and every day as a precious gift and I think we all get so caught up in life that we forget that.

One of Stephanie's high school friends (previous blog pray for coy) and her husband are living each and every day like it is a gift. They know how precious every second is. They don't take one second they have with that precious little Coy for granted. They praise God through each and every bit of it for the gift they have been given. I am just seeing things around me constantly about precious life.

We are never promised tomorrow but I think we loose sight of that. We put off today things that should be done. We put off telling the people we love how much they mean to us. We think that we'll have the time to do that later. What if we don't?????

I am going to be 45 this April. I didn't find my soul mate until a few years ago and I hope and pray the Lord gives us many, many years together. I want to grow old with that handsome man and sit next to each other rocking on our front porch and laughing our heads off.

I lived many years very lonely and unhappy. Besides my kids and relationship with the Lord I was lonely. I lived many years searching for happiness. I made so many mistakes. Screwed up big time over and over. I finally came to a point that I thought I was living what I deserved.

Today, past guilt and condemnation I am happy. The Lord has given me more than I could ever have asked for. I only dreamed of a love like Tim. I only dreamed that a relationship could be like the one we have. I only dreamed that someone would literally treasure you as you treasure them. Today, I live it. I only dreamed that you could have a hard time and love each other so much that you work through it, you talk it out. You deal with the stuff. You don't sweep it under the carpet until it gets so big that you trip over it hard. And dealing with stuff only makes you stronger. Makes the love that more stronger....................strong where it can't be broken.

I have kids that are incredible. I don't know if they know yet how much I love them. Well, maybe Steph has an idea since she is now a mother. It is incredible love. Then, there are grandkids. JD and Kenzie are life. They are treasures. They are my heritage. Me, when I am long gone. I pray I leave them one they are proud of.

Well, in all my rambling I feel good but tears stream down my face as I think about my family. I can only thank the Lord, and praise Him for giving more than I could have ever dreamed of. He is so much better than He has to be!!!!

Make sure you hug your sweetie today. Tell your kids they are special. Tell someone you care. Do something selfless. Play hard. Laugh LOUDLY. LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST LIKE IT IS YOUR LAST DAY!

My Christmas Present....................

2007-12-12T14:32:00.000-06:00

I know everyone is busily into their Christmas shopping and all but I just wanted to share my Christmas Present. I can't think of one single material thing that anyone could give me that could top .............................................

My Precious Family

Enough said. My cup runneth over!!!!!!!

Pray for Coy...........

2007-12-10T10:58:00.001-06:00

Stephanie went to school with both these precious parents and they need our prayers in a mighty way!!!!!!

http://www.prayforcoy.blogspot.com/

In Case you are checking........................

2007-12-07T15:23:00.000-06:00

Well, if there is anyone out there still reading (dear friends and family), we are alive.

First of all, I am so overwhelmed that I don't know where to start. I think I last blogged before Tim and I went to Huatulco for our first anniversary. Long story short.....it was fabulous. I had already started the greatest blog about the greatest husband who gave me the absolute greatest week in paradise. Oh, the details I could tell but................

School started (duh).......my Shannie is a Senior. Did you hear me? A SENIOR. This can't be happening. But it is. Matt is in Jr. High. Again, did you hear me? Wow. They are growing up tooooo fast.

We bought a new house and moved the end of September. We love it and are having so much fun making it our home. It's the main reason I haven't been a blogger of late. Still to this day have boxes in my garage and closets. I say if I haven't missed anything yet, I should just throw it away. Right! I'm such a pack rat. BUT, I have cleaned out a lot so I am proud of myself there.

Probably one of the greatest things that happened since we last blogged.........I am now not just KK to my precious JD but now I am KK to a beautiful new granddaughter, Miss MacKenzie Colleen Vandagriff. Oh, she is precious and I can't thank the Lord enough for grandbabies!!!!!

We did our annual family NASCAR race in Ft. Worth first weekend of November. We had an absolute blast!!! Eric brought his new girlfriend from Texas Tech for us to meet and she is precious. We instantly fell in love with her...........and I think, no, I know, Eric feels the same way about her!!!!

We had Thanksgiving at our house..........KK and PaTim had a house full with our kiddos and good friends we have made from Chicago, Bill and Tracey. Bill works with us as an attorney and they 2 precious little ones that have adopted us as their KK and PaTim since they have no family here!

Well, now, just like everyone else I am trying to get ready for Christmas and still keep my sanity. First of, where are my Christmas decorations. They were in the last load that just got stuffed anywhere. I'll try this weekend to find them and get my house Christmasy! We will leave for my parents the weekend before Christmas to spend a whole week there (first time in some time) and I can't wait. I need the break and the get away desperately right now!!!!!!!

If for some reason I don't blog again until after the holidays.......I pray you don't get caught up and lost in the craziness of it all but remember the greatest gift we have ever been given. I have been hearing so much about the commercialism of Christmas. Christ wasn't even born on the December 25th. Do you the origins of the Christmas tree, holly, mistletoe....blah, blah, blah. You know what? I have done my research. I know about all that. BUT, it has been the date set to celebrate the birth of Christ. And I will. I will praise Him for saving a wretch like me in his death and resurrection. BUT, HE had to be born first. Thank You God for the greatest gift of all!!!! I wish you and your precious family a very Merry Christmas and may God bless you with peace, love and joy this Christmas.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:11, 12

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

One Year Already.........?

2007-07-31T14:12:00.000-05:00

One year ago this coming Sunday, August 5, Tim and I became husband and wife. WOW, it's hard to believe. I have spent the last year living what I often thought was just a fairy tale. Lavish Love with the absolutely most remarkable man. My SOUL-MATE, my BEST FRIEND and every DREAM COME TRUE. I wish I could come up with new words to describe it and express it but I really don't think there is one that could truly capture it all as my heart feels it. Let me just say I am blessed as my cup runneth over!

SO, how are we celebrating one year you ask? HEAVEN on earth..................7 days, 7 nights in a private villa on a secluded beach on the pacific ocean in Huatulco, Mexico. We head out this Saturday and I absolutely can't wait. One of the reasons I've been blogless over the last few months is the typical "life is crazy and doesn't slow down" so we are both desperately looking forward to NO PHONES, NO KIDS (though they are the joy of our lives), NO WORK, NO CLEANING, NO COOKING (cause we have our own cook there), NO WASHING, NOTHING BUT.............Tim and I. And sun. And water........from private pool outside our master suite to inside and outside hot tubs to the OCEAN, for pete's sake! Alone with the LOVE OF MY LIFE. Yep, it'll be Heaven on earth!!!!

I'm sure I'll let everyone know how wonderful it is when we return. Here are some pics of the villa.

Here is the villa at night. WOW.
And during the day................
Our beach......our view!!!!! Just can't wait!

WE ARE still ALIVE!

2007-06-14T14:31:00.000-05:00

I know, it's been waaaay too long since my last blog (6 weeks and 1 day one to be exact) but I can't seem to slow down long enough to be able to BLOG! I was just reading Steph's and thought just do something quick and at least let people know you are alive and show some new random pics.

SO, YES we are. Obviously we have been moving in that "full 500 mph gear" that life seems to go at times! AND, so much has happened over the last 6 weeks. Where do I start?

School ended. My Shannon is now officially a Senior. I don't think I can take it. I still remember bawling while I was videoing her kindergarten graduation and saying that I will blink and she will be graduating high school. Oh, how time has flown. This time next year, she will have. I will be crying!!!! And, Matt is now officially a Junior High student. NOW, that blows me away! He heads to 6th grade next year and is very excited!!! New school, new friends.

We kept JD from Wednesday afternoon until Sunday afternoon (first weekend in June) while Stephanie and Jimmy headed to Las Vegas for a weekend of fun. Steph actually wanted some major "chill" time while Jimmy was in the World Series Poker tournament. They had fun. WE HAD A BLAST! JD is absolutely the most wonderful little fellow. He loves his KK and I adore him. Shan actually watched him during the day on Thursday and Friday and I took the night shifts and weekend! He is handful as most little 2 year olds are but so much fun. We set up a little pool for him and he wanted to live in it all day Saturday and Sunday and, he wanted KK in there too. WE have had non-stop rain now for weeks (or has it been months?) and that one weekend the sun was out in all it's glory. I was dying to get into some flower beds but instead I heard, "KK, get in, KK get in." Let me just ask you. How many times do you get to "get in" and have fun? How many times did I tell my kids to wait while mama finished up something? So many regrets. I'm not regretting being a KK one bit. I eat it up like candy! SO, KK did some swimming too. Now, I can tell you that this was one time I was ready for mom and dad to pick up JD. Normally the time is too short. This time KK was tired!!!! BUT, boy did we all have fun.

The second weekend in June some good friends of ours got married in Monterrey, Mexico. So, Tim and I flew out Friday morning to celebrate with them and their family. They both work here and John has worked in safety with Tim as long as Tim has been here at Baker. Gaby joined us a couple of years ago but they instantly fell in love. I can tell you that I have been to Catholic weddings before but never the full blown Spanish Catholic wedding. It was an incredibly beautiful ceremony and both were radiant! We had a great weekend!!

AND on the Friday we landed in Monterrey, I got the call I was so waiting for. Steph had her ultrasound and she called to give me the good news that she is having a girl. I about screamed in the Monterrey airport and was grinning ear to ear!!!! Check out her blog Steph's having a girl! Here's a pretty current pic of Steph. Isn't she a beautiful pregnant mom?And then there are these precious little feet that I can't wait to kiss all over.

Work is busy. Life is busy. This week we have been preparing to go on a camping trip this weekend. We leave tomorrow and head up to Lake Sam Rayburn until Sunday. All the family is going except for Eric. He's in Phoenix working hard this summer. Look forward to a fun weekend with our kiddos. Steph and Jimmy are taking their boat and Tim's brother and family will be there with their boat. Catfish fry, swimming, boating and fun, fun, fun with our family!!!!

I promise to take lots of pics this weekend and will try to do a better job of posting next week!!!
Hope this finds you all well and blessed!!!

What a Weekend!

2007-05-15T08:19:00.000-05:00

Our LONG weekend at the river was wonderful. I really love that place. We stay in the Frio River Cabins and the whole place is wonderfully beautiful. Six nice and secluded cabins. Trees everywhere! Beautiful. The river was up due to all the rain so floating the river was really fun. Last September when we went we walked and pulled our tubes through a lot of the river but this time very little walking and lots of floating.

I enjoyed watching JD float this year. He loved it and did it like a pro as did his sweet cousins, Nicky, Lexie and Lezlie. Those kiddos love the water which is really nice for us adults because we do too!

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My digital camera was killed at our cook-off when the bad storm came through so I didn't get to take pics except when we were floating with my disposable water camera. Now I have to take it to get the pics developed so I'll post those when I get them (probably in a year or two - which is why I LOVE digital cameras). BUT, Steph has posted a few on her blog so check it out.

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Well, Eric left on Sunday and finally made it to Phoenix yesterday. I think he is going to enjoy working there. He was telling me over the weekend about all the places he wants to visit while he is there.......Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, etc. Here in Texas we have to drive long hours to go anywhere!!!! Fortunately he'll get to fly home every three weeks!

*****

Maybe tonight I can finish unpacking everything!! Last night was dedicated to my sweet man. Matt's at his dad's this week and Shan went to spend the night there too :) so Tim and I were ALONE! We sat on the couch and did some good talking then watched our very favorite show 24. Next week is the two hour finale. GO JACK! What am I going to do with Monday's now?!?! I guess I could start working in my flower beds since they have been a little neglected!!!

2007-05-09T11:18:00.000-05:00

Steph is fussing again because it has been over a week since a post. Well, I haven't had much to blog on about. I guess I can just tell you that we as a family (along with some good friends) are headed to the Frio River tomorrow for a long weekend! Looking VERY forward to that. We went last year and had a blast. This year we have a big group going and are renting out all 6 cabins.

Eric will be heading to our Phoenix office to work Sunday so it will be nice to have a long weekend with him before he makes the drive out there. It will be sad not having him work from Houston office this summer and getting to spend a lot of time with him. SO, we'll enjoy and treasure the three days we'll have with him this weekend.

Dustin has been working with Baker for almost a year now but has had a great opportunity in Beaumont so tomorrow is his last day. When we return from the river he'll be moving out and moving back with his mom in Saratoga. SO, again, it will be nice to spend this long weekend as a family before he isn't around as much!

Other than trying to get ready to head to the river..............LIFE IS GOOD. WE ARE BLESSED!!

UPDATE on Steph

2007-04-30T13:40:00.000-05:00

Just an update. Steph's surgery went well. She is home recovering. I just went by to give her a kiss and drop off JD's medicine from earlier this morning. He is home sleeping. He and KK walked every square inch of our yard and He was pooped!!! He even picked all the flowers (weeds) for his mommy!!

Thanks for your prayers.

Prayers for Steph and Baby V

2007-04-30T07:55:00.000-05:00

Log on to The Van Fam for Steph's post but she is about to go in to surgery in just a few minutes. Please pray for the Precious Lord to wrap His arms around both she and the precious little one growing inside her. I trust and know she will be fine!

PaTim and I had the privilege of having JD spend the night with us so Steph could go home last night and get a good night's rest and they had to leave the house at 6 this morning. I love the precious time with JD. As everyone was going to bed last night you go through the ritual of "JD kisses" which consists of a regular kiss on the lips with sound and all! Next comes eskimo kisses then of course you end with butterfly kisses. First one eye then he say's, "oder one". So both eyes kissed! Everyone gone to bed, just JD and I cuddled on the couch watching The Lion King when he finally said, "KK, I sleepy." So I took him up to his bed in Matt's room, hugged on him bunches, prayed with him and laid him down with all his sleepies...Mickey House, Bear, Bear blanket and regular blanket. He even took hostage my new neck pillow which he cuddled up with. I told him when woke up in the morning, just call KK and she would come get him. Then I leaned over kissed him and said, "I love you JD." With his precious and sweet little voice, he looked up at me and said, "I wuv you KK." Oh, I melt every time.

This morning as PaTim was finishing up getting ready I heard, "KK. KK." I opened the door to find the most precious little face with the biggest smile on his face waiting for his KK......holding in his arms everything in his bed!!! I'm thrilled to be able to work from home today and take care of my little man.

Thanks for your prayers for his sweet mama and my precious Sweet Pea!!!

Grandchildren - What Incredible Gifts!

2007-04-26T15:55:00.000-05:00

JD is the MAN! What a precious grandchild God has blessed Papa Tim and I with. He makes me laugh my head off all the time. At 2 years 3 months he is a talker. Oh, but I love the conversations. How precious. I love each and every second that I get to spend with that precious little fellow! He indeed thinks his KK is awesome! Feelings mutual Little Man! He hasn't been feeling good the last week and went to the doctor this morning. You got to check out the stickers from the doctor's office. Look at that face. Is he cool or what? And do you think he knows it?!?!?!

Speaking of grandchildren and doctors, surely you caught on my post about the wreck that I have a grandchild on the way. Sweet Steph is 12 1/2 weeks pregnant with grandchild #2. Praying like crazy that she gets a little girl. SHE NEEDS a little girl. She was the girliest of all girls growing up and she needs that. BUT, we'll take whatever healthy little one the Lord sees fit to grace us with! Especially after Steph having a miscarriage! We are just grateful each and every day for the precious life growing inside that darlin' Steph. Here are pics at 12 1/2 weeks of Baby V as Steph calls her. Actually the doctor said today if she was to guess VERY EARLY she would say boy. Jimmy is already picking out boy names. I'm thinking I want to wait until next ultrasound (anatomy scan) in 6 weeks (June 8th) to find out for sure!! I can't make heads or tails out of these pics but I still love to look and praise God for our next grandchild - girl or boy - doesn't matter. I love that precious life already!!!!!!!

Several have asked about Stephanie. Here is her blog page to keep up with her and her sweet family........................The Van Fam

Also, I pasted in a portion from Steph's email today she sent when sending her pics! Please keep her in your prayers!

I had my second pre-natal visit today. Things are looking good and I am all set for my surgery on Monday. I'm a little nervous but I'm sure everything will go fine. My due date is still set for Nov. 4th and the baby looks good. Dr. Sinacori did say as of right now my placenta is too low. If it doesn't move up (which is usally does) then I will need a c-section. Too soon to tell or worry about that. This will however make Monday's procedure a bit more riskier b/c this means the cervix is much closer to the placenta. She's aware of it though so I'm sure things will be fne. I'm trying not to stress too much about that right now. But a few extra prayers couldn't hurt...

What a Weekend!

2007-04-26T15:05:00.000-05:00

Here is it Thursday and I am just now blogging about last weekend. I think maybe it was a little need of rest from such a full and FUN weekend. And, coming back to work and the mountain that always grows while I am away. Also, yesterday was Dustin's 19th birthday so we were busy eating at the NEW Los Cucos by our house. Anyway. Happy B-day again Dustin.

OK, my friend Kelly at Girl on a Mission wanted to know how the weekend went. First of all let me just get out the way that NO I was not happy at the outcome. I respect Jeff Gordon as a driver. He is a good driver. He was mentored by one of the greatest drivers of all time (which I grew up loving - BIG E!) and I also think it was very honorable of Mr. G to fly the #3 Dale Earnhardt flag in honor of tying Big E's wins! I just don't CARE for Mr. G. Enough said.

We had a lot of fun with Rick and Tanya (corporate doctor and his girlfriend) in Phoenix. Got to hit two on my favorite spots there. We usually stay in Old Town Scottsdale when we go and there is a place there - Itallian Grotto. Yummy!!! And the manager there remembers us (well he really remembers Tim - funny story) so he took very good care of us that night. The other place is RA Sushi. Love it. Love it. We now have one in Houston so Tim, I, Rick and Tanya hit it often. Still love to go there in Phoenix since that is where we discovered it. Didn't stay long....we went on a Friday night right in Tempe where ASU is. We walk in to a VERY LOUD (thought maybe I was just getting old but even Tanya (26) said it was) sushi bar filled with VERY YOUNG adults!!! We ended up at Sushi Brokers in Scottsdale.......good choice! Then we hit the huge 30 person hot tub at our hotel. Very nice relaxing way to end the evening.

Saturday was race day! As soon as we get the pics off Tim's camera I'll post a few. My camera drowned at our cook-off in March when the storm came through. BUT, here is one that Tim and I had taken in front of June Bug's car! I didn't know the guy was shooting so I'm talking away (using my hand as well)! We got pit passes and all and really had fun at the race. Afterwards, in a bad mood, then had to fight 2 1/2 hours of traffic to get out. NEVER, in all the races we have gone to have we ever had to fight that much. Bummer.

Over all, great weekend. Tim and I enjoyed our time together and finally decided after sleeping in probably one of the most comfortable beds EVER, to buy us a new LUXURY king size mattress!!! After returning from Phoenix and waking up two mornings in a row with ACHING backs we did it. Ahhhh. Last night slept like a queen and king!

AND even though he finished 19th I still think.........................

Headed to Phoenix

2007-04-19T10:35:00.000-05:00

Well, Tim and I are off to the races in Phoenix (Phoenix International Raceway - PIR)!!!!!!

I am so excited for another long weekend with my Bestest Friend. We have both looked so forward to this weekend and know we will have a blast. We are going with some friends (our company doctor and his girlfriend) so that will be fun. The place we are staying at has a spa so I'm thinking while Tim and Rick are working for a few hours tomorrow Tanya and I are going to have to have massages and have a little pampering done!!!!

The PIR Spring race is a night race so Saturday night we'll be screaming for Junior to win. He usually runs quite well at Phoenix. As a matter of fact, the first PIR race we went to Junior did win!!! I was a happy woman!
So, hope you all enjoy your weekend! You won't hear from me until next week - I assure you I will be enjoying mine!!!!

Go Junior!!!!!!!

Back in Time....

2007-04-12T07:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a day I'll treasure forever. I got to go back in time and enjoy Stephanie at 8 years old and Shannon at 18 months again. Sunday when I picked Matt up, Mike gave me a cassette tape that he had found in cleaning. He said it was Stephanie when she was younger singing.

Yesterday when I got in the car to take Matt to sitters for school we decided to put it in and listen to it. It was absolutely precious and I laughed and cried all the way to work (1 hour drive).

You see, Stephanie Lynn Bankard (now Vandagriff) was born an entertainer. She was singing and performing for Mike and I from the time she could stand. She would make the hearth of the fireplace her stage and constantly performed. She even put on plays with the neighborhood kids at Christmas and Easter giving us parents the pictures of the Nativity and how everyone would have felt at the death of Christ. Performer. Director. Cheerleader. That was Steph wrapped up!!!

This tape started off with her, obviously teaching school, having her students do the pledge. I'm talking ...."ok, class, let's stand for the pledge. Hand over your heart and face the flag..." She did leave half the pledge out but how precious. She went on the give the students birthdays for the day and directed her class to keep their eyes on the teacher and follow her direction. Next she goes in to telling her class to be ILAC (with such enthusiasm in her voice) and went on to explain, "I AM LOVABLE AND CAPABLE!" She obviously was also born the cheerleader that she later became and excelled at.

Anyway, for an hour I listened to my precious 23 year old become 8 again and listened to her sing her heart out (bless her heart - she knew the words but God just didn't think Steph needed the beautiful voice), teach her students to be ILAC, fuss at her baby sister, Shan, and play with her childhood friends (one particular she is still extremely close to...Miss Ashley Meyer). It was an hour I'll treasure for years.

I called her during the day and shared some of it with her and she couldn't wait for me to get home so she could come over and listen to it. I thought about it all day.....that child was precious. She was so talented and gifted. I listened to the tape again all the way home and it was only a few minutes after I arrived that she and my little man, JD were over. We set up an old stereo in the kitchen (one that still had a cassette player) and we all listened to Stephanie entertain us. I then loved watching her face as she went back in time. It was another moment that was precious.
*
We had such a blast and all laughed. Steph felt bad at how much she fussed at Shan because today, those two have the most precious sister relationship. I only have two brothers so it has been such a joy for me to watch two sisters relate. They have been there for each other through many tough times and I know they treasure each other more than I realize. Praise God!
One last note. Even today, my precious Stephanie is still quite the entertainer. She is so full of life and loves to laugh. She is so much fun to hang with and I still treasure all the entertainment!!!!!!!!!!
Stephanie Lynn Vandagriff, thank you for being such a gift in my life. I love you with all my heart!!!!!!!

AND EVERYONE ELSE REMEMBER - ILAC - I AM LOVABLE AND CAPABLE!!!!!!!

The Day of My Birth

2007-04-04T10:47:00.000-05:00

Well, today I turn 44 years old. On one hand I'm thinking to myself that I am getting old. On the other, I feel young, I am in love with my Soul Mate, and I pray God gives me 44 more years!!!

This is what he gave me for my birthday. We both are Irish and love things that reflect our Irish heritage. We have even both dreamed of visiting Ireland someday, hopefully soon. This bracelet speaks of us better than anything. It is what we call each other all the time. The Gaelic language - Mo Anam Cara - meaning My Soul Mate. Of course I bawled when I opened it. Tim has given me incredible pieces of jewelry since we have been together....my beautiful engagement ring which he picked out himself and of course that wedding band that bonds us for life!!!!!! First Christmas we were together he gave me a beautiful diamond heart necklace which he said was him giving me his heart. Next Christmas the Past, Present and Future Diamond Necklace. He even had me open three seperate boxes first which he wrote some incredible words describing our past. Our present. Our future. I loved them both so much that I combined the two penants on to one necklace which I never take off. He has given me incredible pieces of turquoise which I love. Now this...a beautiful bracelet that says My Soul Mate. Thank You Baby. You are TOO good to me! I love you!!!!!

My cup indeed runneth over and over!

ONE SPLIT SECOND............

2007-03-23T13:22:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting at our South Florida office right now waiting for Tim to come pick me up. I have been working here today training a couple of the girls here to do travel. They are going to take over all the South Florida travel and it will be done out of this office. It will be such a load off me as travel has become a MONSTER!

I was thinking about yesterday and all that happened before I got to get on an airplane to head this way to see my Man! First of all, I never shared that we had this trip planned for a while. We knew I had to get here for a full day of training and Tim is here basically every other week right now so we knew after Rodeo and all that was going on it would be perfect to give us a long weekend away. What I never shared is that something came up Tim had to go to Ohio on Thursday night and would return to Miami very late Friday night. Needless to say we were both quite upset at the fact that not seeing each other since Monday mid-day we would have to waiting until close to midnight on Friday. AGAIN, I understand and respect Tim's job and knew it was out of our control that he would have to attend a meeting in Ohio on Friday. SO, as I woke up yesterday I was about the head to Florida to work and still wouldn't see Tim until late Friday night. I was on my way to work when somebody, obviously in a major hurry, ran a red light going about 55 mph. and hit me in Tim's truck. Without going into all the details of the wreck let me just say this guy was in such a hurry that he didn't think he needed to stop and see if I was ok but instead just took off. Thank goodness for the witness right next to me who chased the man down and made him stop. I'm ok. Sore, rattled but fine. Tim's truck will definitely need some repair! But, all this to say it scared the daylights out of me and I've relived the accident a thousand times in my mind.

It's made me do a lot of thinking about what can happen in a split second. It could have been so much worse in just a split second. If I had been in my car, it could have really been bad. I am so grateful that the Lord was watching over me!!! I have so much to live for. I have the most wonderful husband in the world and want God to give us so many years together on this earth. I have 5 incredible kids (6 counting my wonderful son-in-law), JD, my grandson and another grandchild on the way. All this to say, it was one of those things that just smack you in the face, and remind you how precious life is. It truly is a gift as is all my family and I'm grateful the Lord protected me from could have been so much worse.

Oh and I forgot to mention that something came up in Miami that kept Tim there for a meeting on Friday plus he wanted to see with his own eyes that I was OK. SO, he picked me up from the airport last night and boy was it good to see his handsome face!!!

How Time Flies!

2007-03-16T11:54:00.000-05:00

Yes, we are all still alive and well. Let me rephrase that..........we are still alive! I'm truly sorry that I have not had a new post in a month. Can I just say that I can't believe how fast this last month has flown by? I am screaming right now, "Either someone needs to slow this ride down or let me off!!!!!!!!!!" Well, I guess the way our calendar looks over the next couple of months, I better buckle my seat belt tighter and hang on!!!

Tim and I are members of the Coral Club for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (for those who don't live here - it's HUGE. LASTS FOR THREE WEEKS) and Tim works for the East Club Committee B Team so every third night we are at the Rodeo for sure. On top of other nights to see performers we like and want to see. So, for the last three weeks we've done RODEO non-stop. It's a lot of fun but when it's over - you're glad.

Staying in the western theme....................Now, we are full swing (I say that because we've been working on it for the last couple of months on top of everything else) in to our annual Cook-off that we do here in Houston with other construction contractors/subcontractors. I am chairing the committee this year for our team so I'm swamped trying to finalize everything. It is going to be so cool this year. The last two years we've been involved has been a Mardi Gras theme. FUN, to say the least. Actually two years ago we won for best hospitality. Here is a picture of my wonderful Tim and I in our jester costumes and a few others.

This year, we are changing themes and will be doing an old west saloon. It is all coming together really nice and I think we will have a chance at winning again. Tim will be cooking some of his "famous" ribs along with chicken and brisket. We also have someone cooking up around 600 pounds of crawfish. Oh, I can't wait!!!!! All of us on the committe are going all out in costume to make it more authentic. I have my Miss Kitty costume ready and we have a marshall ready!!! If you're in town next weekend (March 30 and 31) let me know and we'd love to have you join us. Saturday is fun for the kids with lots of activities!

FORTUNATELY, Tim and I will get a very much needed break this weekend when we get to spend it ALONE in Miami. He is there this week for work (and yes, I miss him terribly right this moment) and I'll fly down Thursday to spend Friday at the South Florida office doing some training but then Friday night, Saturday and Sunday, we will get to be together with no agenda and no one to entertain or take care of except for each other. We both need it very much!!! Life has been crazy! It's been a while since we really had just time for US!!!

BOOGITY, BOOGITY, BOOGITY.....LET'S GO RACIN' BOYS!!!!!!

2007-02-20T11:00:00.000-06:00

Anyone that knows much about me or the Gannon's knows we are die-hard NASCAR racing fans. Sunday afternoons you will ALWAYS find us in front of the TV watching cars go fast and turn left!!!!!!

Tim and I have been fortunate over the last few years to get to go to quite a few races. We both work for a concrete construction company so often vendors give us tickets to go. Our company has built the crash walls at Homestead (Tim even got to drive the rental car around that track) and we are re-doing the track at Bristol this year after the spring race. How awsome. That is one track/race I must go to before I see Jesus!!!! We have been to Daytona race, several of the Phoenix races, last two Homestead races and last two Texas races. I got to go to Coca-Cola race back a few years ago!!!! If you like NASCAR and haven't been to a race - it is a must to really get to experience NASCAR!!! Watching on TV doesn't even do it justice!

We started a family tradition in 2005 and took our whole family to the Texas Race (Dickies 500) in November. Since we are Texans we don't have to worry about the airfare and can just drive up. We do rent camping spots and do the whole camping scene and have a blast. The kids love it. We love it. My brother and his family come from Mississippi and this coming year my other brother and his wife are coming. It grows every year and this year, 3rd Annual, is going to be the best yet. Our son, Eric, is designing us a dance floor so that while we are hanging out we can do some two-steppin'.

Obviously, you can tell who our favorite is!!!!! Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Well, my wonderful son-in-law decided he likes other drivers (won't mention their names, yuck!!) The girls tend to really like Kasey Kane as well (I'm sure it's because he is so dang cute). Several of our family members have other drivers they really like too but the census in the GANNON family is that JUNIOR ROCKS!!!!!!!

Our first race this year will be the race in Phoenix the weekend of April 20 - 22. We are heading there with some friends Thursday evening and back Sunday. We surely will have some FUN!!!!!!

Good Luck this year Junior

Go #8

And Happy Valentines Day AGAIN!

2007-02-14T10:12:00.000-06:00

I posted my Happy Valentines late yesterday because I knew it would be later this morning before I could put anything up and I wanted it to be there first thing!

BUT, I wasn't expecting to walk in my office this morning late (went to Matthew's school Rodeo Dance program - that could be a blog in itself) and find more beautiful flowers. Timothy, you are so good to me. I can't even come up with the words right now to tell you how much I love you and how much you mean to me. You are an incredible gift from God! My cup INDEED runneth over!!!!!
I can't wait for you to get home from Miami tonight. I have missed you Baby.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Happy Valentines Day

2007-02-13T16:24:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines Day to My Wonderful Husband and Valentine Timothy
You are my TRUE LOVE!

Thank you for loving me the way you do!

I am so grateful for you!

Thank you for the beautiful flowers I received at the office today!

Happy Valentines Day to our kiddos:

Stephanie, Jimmy and JD

Eric

Dustin

Shannie

Matt

You are our pride and joy!

We love you!

Kurt Russell????

2007-02-08T11:22:00.000-06:00

This is such a hoot!!! I laughed my head off!

Mine............. Kurt Russell?!?!?!

And Tim's...............

My Best Friend

2007-02-07T12:06:00.000-06:00

I’m thinking Stephanie is getting upset with me because I’m not blogging appropriately (ofen enough). I guess I’m thinking I’m supposed to have some wonderful writing to post and forget it’s just a place to throw your thoughts out there so I’ll try to do better in the future.

OK, so can I just say that I miss Tim? He got on an airplane this morning headed to a meeting in Gulfport, MS and will be back tonight at 8:00. BUT, I miss him. He travels quite a bit with his job (which I understand and respect but I DON’T LIKE IT ONE SINGLE BIT). Our kids think we are such nerds because you would think he was gone all the time the way we act. A couple of weeks ago he flew to Miami very early in the morning. He left the house around 5:15 or so and I was still in the bed (pouting I’m sure). He hadn’t been gone 10 minutes and we were on the phone talking already. Shannon knocked on the door wanting to borrow my Chi straightener (note to self – get her one for her own so yours will always be in the bathroom when you need it; also a new brush, so it will be laying by your straightener on your vanity in the morning when you need it). OK, anyway, Shan comes in the door and sees me laying there on the phone and immediately starts shaking her head saying, “Are y’all already on the phone? He just left.” I told her that he had something he had to tell me (“he loves me and misses me”) so don’t worry about it!!! Yes, we talk as much as we can while he is away. I constantly await that one special ring tone to RING!!!!!

Another “nerdy” thing I do is watch him fly to his destination. I usually end up at the office late (after fighting horrible traffic – no HOV lane when he’s gone!!) and immediately go to the Continental website and plug in his flight number and it shows the actual flight status with picture of where the plane is at that very moment. I love it and refresh it often. Then when I see the status showing "landed, taxying to gate" I know that my phone will be ringing shortly! :)OK, that’s definitely the most “nerdy” thing I do but I don’t care. It just keeps me close to him. What can I say? I am in LOVE and it is so wonderful.

Depending on whether he’s an hour ahead of me (Florida) or an hour behind me (Arizona) we are each other’s alarm clocks. We would much rather awake to the sound of a ring tone (designated for each other) then hear each other’s voices than awake to a beeping alarm clock. I love it!!!!

Most of his trips are for 2 to 3 days so those I miss him terribly. This one he won’t even be gone overnight and will get to come home and crawl into the same bed as me tonight but today, I miss him. I love him. I am so grateful to God for my best friend, lover and soul-mate. Thank YOU Lord for my BEST FRIEND!

Well, I guess I'll join in!!

2007-01-25T14:10:00.000-06:00

I guess it is time I give this blogging a try! It seems to be the "IN" thing to do right now and it will be a fun way to share things about our family with family and friends around the country.

My wonderful Husband and I have been married now going on 6 months (wow) and I can't describe it. We are so happy and feel so blessed to have each other. I can't imagine life without him ever again. He is my best friend and my soul mate. We have so much fun together and he makes me laugh my head off all the time. He makes LIFE FUN!!!!

Stephanie and Jimmy have been married over 2 years. They are so much fun to hang with!! Tim and I seem to hang with so many of their friends. I still haven't decided if it makes me feel young or old!! I guess both at times! They are super parents to JD, my grandson. Don't even get me going on him. That's a blog in itself (Coming soon). He loves his KK and she ADORES him!
Shannon is 16 and driving now! It's definitely a new phase in our lives but I am for sure loving the, "Shan, want to run to the store for me?" I've loved being chauffeured around for a change!! She got a pick-up truck for Christmas and loves it!! Look for pics soon. She is so proud of that truck. Now everyone in our family has big vehicles but me - I still drive my little go-kart (as Tim calls it)!

Matthew turned 11 Christmas Day! He LIVES on the computer and plays basketball right now. I guess the computer exercises his mind while basketball exercises the body! He is in 5th grade and is doing very well in school.....well, we might want to work on the conduct a tad bit!

Eric is a senior at Texas Tech (Go Red Raiders!). We all went up after Thanksgiving to his ring presentation! Had a blast! We always love it when he is here and miss him like crazy when he's away! He was my challenger in our fantasy Nascar racing this year. Tried hard but Mama Kim still beat him!!! I think he is about as competitive as me!

Dustin will be 19 in April and works at Baker with Tim and I. We often all three get to go to lunch together which makes for a fun break in the day. Dustin is indeed his daddy's son. He makes me laugh my head off every single day!!!! I tell you he's CRAZY!

Well, updates often I hope!!!