Joe's Crab Shack

One of my all-time favorite places to eat is Joe's Crab Shack. On New Year's Day, we did a little shopping at the mall, ate at Joe's and then went to see Quantum of Solace at the big IMAX theater. I don't quite get the IMAX thing, and this wasn't technically an IMAX movie (?), but it sure was BIG and LOUD!!
We realize that now that the kids aren't with us all the time, they may have fogotten how goofy and silly we are and might think we are getting old and senile and maybe they should start making plans (behind our backs of course), to put us in a home or something...so we tried real hard to be on our best behavior and act just old enough AND young enough at the same time.

But hey...when at Joes....you gotta wear the bib!

And then you gotta take pictures to show what a great time you had!

The only down side to having the kids visit, (if you can call it that), is how much we miss them when they go back home...the tousled look when they get up in the morning, hearing "mom" throughout the day, the laughter in the other room when they see something funny on tv, hearing the conversations with their Dad when I'm in the kitchen...then there's the hugs, looking in their eyes and remembering the 4 year old who's eyes sparkled just like that. But in order to not go through the pain and sadness of missing them after a visit, we would have to not have any visits at all, and that will never be an option! It is worth the pain to remember how much we love each other...and remember all of the years, hills and valleys, we've been through together to make us who we are today.

We love you Andy, and can hardly wait for you to visit again!

Andy's vacation

We were so privileged this month that our son Andy chose to spend his vacation with us in San Antonio! He rode back to SA with us after our visit in Arkansas and we had such a good time with him.

Laura and Andy in front of the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier on Corpus Christie Beach

Andy in the cockpit of a plane parked on the aircraft carrier.

Getting the "enemy" in his sight.

DON'T SHOOT....aaagghhhh

Just hanging out, having fun, and glad to be together.

Had to show the shark who's boss...

It was great walking in the sand and surf...picking up seashells and enjoying a beautiful 80 degree day in JANUARY!!

Love to all!!

Master's Degree

One of the highlights, and the first stop on our trip to Arkansas, was attending our son Levi's graduation from Harding Graduate School. He completed a Masters in Business Administration with concentration on Health Care Management. He was one of only 8 students out of the 400+ graduates to maintain a 4.0. He was asked to join Alpha Chi for being in the top 10% of his graduating class. He was also in the Honor Society, Delta Mu Delta. Such an accomplishment! We are so proud of him!

Levi and daughter Carrigan

Gavin and Zeke anxious to see Levi get his diploma.

God has blessed Levi and Laura with unwavering love, support and devotion to one another and their growing family. Laura has shared Levi's vision of getting through school. Even though she absorbed a lot of the childcare responsibilities on her own when he was studying and working...I have never heard one word of complaint or negativism from her. She always lifts him up and speaks highly of him. I am proud she is my daughter-in-law, wife to my son and mother of my grandchildren.

The Carson-King Family
Levi, Laura, Gavin and Carrigan

Motorcycle Tricks

You won't believe the wheelies William can do with this mini-bike his Uncle Dustin gave him! And he's only 6 years old! He may just be a pro some day!! Such concentration. How can a Grandma not just love that sweet face!!

Just please be careful darlin'!!

Locks of Love

For years I have wanted to grow my hair long enough to donate it to Locks of Love the organization that makes wigs and hair pieces for those who are fighting cancer or other illnesses with treatments that cause hair loss. Many of you know that a year ago, my sister, Debra, was diagnosed with breast cancer.....my resolve became even stronger to do this one small thing. I already had grown my hair longer than I'd had it in many years, so I was sure this time I could hold out cutting it until it was the required length.

My daughter-in-law Crystal is a hair stylist, and graciously offers to do her magic whenever we are together to make my tresses look great. This time, she measured, and I had enough length to fulfill the donation requirements!

She cut just above the bands...10 inches!!
Thank you Crystal!!
These go in your name my beautiful survivor Sister!!

Grandchildren...they're the greatest!

We had a fabulous time visiting with our families over the Christmas week, and as much as we love our children, the grandchildren steal our hearts every time they look at us adoringly, reach out to be held, lay their little head on our shoulders, hold our hands or just want to sit next to us. Bill and I loved every minute of it and took every advantage of the time we had with them because we know it has to hold us over until the end of February. Here are a few pictures from our Bentonville Christmas:

Grandpa, Camden and William

Grandma, William and Camden

William ready to open some presents
His Nerf Blaster from Uncle Andy (yes, he likes the peace sign!)
Some army guys, weapons, tanks and trucks
Camden playing

Due to having a really crummy camera, we didn't get any more good pictures, although several people were taking photos and hopefully they will send us some ;^)
Fortunately, Santa found a new camera at the day after Christmas sale, so we'll be ready for our next photo opp.

Here are a few more of William and Camden playing that I took with my phone camera: