Friday, December 29, 2017

Quad Thursday and Friday in Fort Worth.....


We had company Thursday!
The Quads came to spend the day with us and we all had such a good time!


I served a late lunch that was a mini version of our Christmas Eve Dinner.
I made up fresh veggies and Logan picked what fresh flowers she could find in the gardens and placed tiny bouquets at every place......



 while Trystan wrote their names with decorations on the place cards.
This eliminates any quarrels about who is sitting where.
They take turns doing this and it works like a charm.
They even drank their lavender tea from small stemmed glasses.

We kept busy and played lots of games!
An I Spy puzzle, Upwords, Bingo, and Pick up Sticks.....


The kids requested a new Rules of the House - now up to #13 out of  21!


You can see how tall they're growing!


Harrison is reading as well as Louis Dean does!
Aunt Sherry and Uncle Dean bought the complete set of Little House books for them a few months ago. We gave them to the kids that afternoon. Harrison set right down and started with the first chapter of the first book. It was a moment I treasure and will long remember.

Amber came to pick them up and as they drove away, she paused the car and rolled down the windows. They all shouted out their goodbyes and ended with a big round of HO HO HO's!!!


The house seemed so quiet after they left.
We put our feet up and watched a Gunsmoke.
That's such an old program that many young people have never heard of it!
It ran for 20 years from 1955 to 1975.
We see lots of actors that went on to fame and stardom.
Last night it was Harrison Ford playing a smart mouthed villain!

This Friday morning I headed to Fort Worth like old times.
I used to visit Mother every single week.
On my way to the nursing home, I stopped in at Hobby Lobby and loaded up my basket with 80% off of Christmas debris! I chose some white tulle and lots of greenery with pine cones among other things. I have a plan for the gazebo and front porch next year and now I have the debris to do it!


Mother and I had a nice little visit along with Lillian, her room mate.
Mother goes through more make up than I do and let me know she needs some more. 
I promised to bring some on my next visit along with a couple of new writing pens.



My sister, Luann, and I met up for a late lunch at Abuelos.
While we are half sisters - same mother/different fathers - she was adopted when she was about 4 years old and her mom had a stroke this year. So....we were both in Fort Worth visiting our mothers before we met up! She is such a sweet sister and we do love each other!
We hope to meet every month in 2018!

I stopped by Nita's on my way home.......
This is their back 'play room.'


I was happy she hadn't undecorated yet!
I didn't get a chance to admire this on Christmas Day so I was back to take a look.
See all the gifts under the tree?
They are all past Christmas gifts of Mike's from his childhood.
He's kept them all. Box and everything.


Their home is a treasure of fascinating antiques and collections of dinosaurs, fossils and all manner of cool stuff!!


Mike keeps everything in pristine condition and it's all documented and cataloged.


This set was under his Christmas tree when he was about 3 years old.


You can see it here in this old photograph.


So many wonderful memories!


I enjoy every visit to their 'Playhouse!'


I came home with a full heart.
Families can be complicated. Most are.
Ours is. 
Still, we have all forged a good life for ourselves and we love and support one another.
I'm so very grateful that all six of us siblings are believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and each of us is strong in our faith and walk with him.
We are all so very blessed!



14 comments:

Ginny Hartzler said...

Luann's home looks like a fun museum! Or maybe an antique toy museum. It must be so much fun to look around. I remember Gunsmoke well, also The Untouchables with Eliot Ness. Played by Robert Stack. Your photos of the quads are very clever, and it is good to see them!!

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Hugs and Love Linda.
Joy

Carole said...

Glad you had a lovely Christmas. Mine was better than expected - having all the family together is great but.... they sure know how to push your hot buttons! I was so exhausted on Boxing Day I barely managed to move! Now for the New Year!

Bluebird49 said...

Mike's parents (or Mike), did so well to keep his gifts in such good conditioning n for him, and even have pictures of him with them! I didn't get gifts when I was little, certainly never anything that got saved that way. I will bet that room is fascinating!
Mama never wore any makeup, but her eyebrow pen I'm and some powder--a bit of lipstick. I guess I'm about the same about my eyebrows---I can't leave home without 'em! Your mom looks really good! It's nice she still wants to look good.
Glad you've had more time with the quads and Amber--and so glad you and Luanne see one another.
Yes, every family is complicated. Some people don't overcome that, but it looks like y'all at least try to overcome! That's all any of us can do!
Have a great New Year's weekend, Linda and Louis Dean! <3

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

You are very blessed with a wonderful family. I enjoy all your pictures you share of the happy times you have together. The quads are of an age you can really have fun with games and such. So nice you had a day with them too.

Changes in the wind said...

A family full is what you have and it is a blessing to all.

NanaDiana said...

What a wonderful Christmas season you have had, Linda. Precious children and sweet family memories to carry you through the new year. Your mom seems to be doing well-love that she still loves her makeup.
Those old toys and gifts are precious. I bet not many people have things like that.
God bless you, Linda. Hope you have a wonderful 2018!!! xo Diana

Shannon Hopps said...

Mike's collection is amazing! This family is, too. I love peeking in at your wonderful gatherings and traditions. Thank you so much for sharing!

MadSnapper said...

beautiful post and wow on all those all toys, they are worth a mint now... you are all blessed to have each other.. hope you and your whole wonderful exteneded family has a wonderful 2018

Vee said...

Amen! There is definitely a family resemblance between you and your sister. Ohhhh...now I know that Mike and I are the same age. Were his parents collectors? How did he know to save the boxes and provenance? I love seeing the Fab Four! How they are growing and learning so much!

Anonymous said...

you are so lucky to have your Mum still with you,, what an amazing photo,, and the children,, now thats a happy house full,,, what an interesting home to visit as well, its beautifully decorated and the fossils and curiosities would be an exciting thing to see, I love fossils!!!! Its always a joy to visit with you,, its like we're right there with you,, Happy Happy New Year to you and your family!!!!

Estelle's said...

The quads are growing before our very eyes..they must love, love coming to your home! Glad you enjoyed your holidays...blessings and hugs for a brand new year...love your sassy new haircut!!!

Debbie said...

a wonderful...truthful post, most families are complicated - ours is!! but with all the little hiccups it brings - it is still the most celebrated of all, especially at christmas!!

beautiful images, so nice to read about mom and the quads. belated christmas blessings!!

Susie said...

Linda, The quads are growing, growing, growing...I know it good but kind of makes me sad too. They are kind and beautiful, thanks to all who are in their lives, teaching them. Glad you mother is doing well. It's good that you children have the spirit and strength to stay close. That good memories out weight any bad. Happy new year to all of you. Blessings to you and LD with wishes for good health and much happiness. Love you, xoxo, Susie