cute stories that I forgot to share

Ya'll,
There are a couple of really cute and touching stories that I forgot to share with you. I think I told you that Nathan gave Randi our Nana's engagement ring (circa 1919). I forgot to tell you that Randi's Dad had some gold removed from His wedding ring and placed in Nathan's. So they really married their families together, too.

Rachel wanted a handkerchief to carry with her for those delicate tears that are part of these emotional occasions (snort...you know we always BAWL!) Anyway, I found one that was Daddy's and gave it to her. She nearly lost it when she found out whose it was. But instead of carrying it herself, she gave it to Nathan and it peeks out from his suit pocket during the wedding.

THEN, Randi and Nathan made gifts for their bridal party. Rachel got a necklace that had a locket on it and inside were tiny little pictures of Mama and Daddy. She, Susan and I lost it then. It is so sweet.

Funny story and I'm outa here...Owen danced the night away at the reception so he was pretty tired that night. In fact, he was so tired that he couldn't help to get himself undressed or dressed in his jammies. Rachel put him to bed in a clean diaper and a big blanket. When he woke up the next morning, he said, "Where clothes go? Ow-ie naked." Isn't that a riot?

Love you all,
Candy

Did I mention we're having a girl? Rachel and Matt found out today. When asked if he wanted a sister, Owen replied, "No." Oh, well.

Calling all available family......

Now it's not that we expect ya'll to drop EVERYTHING and run to Graham, but............
Mom can sure use help. Buster is planning on getting her in June/early July so if you wanna help go through stuff, help pack, help with a yard sale, help throw away stuff or just help, come on by Mom's house.

Buster and Nicky are driving down to Graham to load a UHaul and drive her back, but they aren't going to have time to pack and etc...so we sure could use the help.

If you can, call or email Mom with a date you can come by. Remember, Buzz lives with her, so you'll need to grab a Buzz treat when you come in the house!

Happy Birthday, Jim

See the post below to understand why I am posting late birthday wishes to you. Hope you had a wonderful day.
Love Candy

Nathan got Married!

Owen, front and center. Uncle Chip dancing beside him. His Mama watching in the background.

Owen shaking some 2 year old booty.

Carol, me, Susan, Matt and Owen trying to stay purty and out of the wind.

Isn't this a beautiful venue? That's Lake Travis in the background.

Owen and Aunt Susan look at silly pictures.

The bridal party. Rachel was a groom's-peep.

Newest Cousin, Randi Hensley kissing her husband.

This is Randi and Rachel handing out boutonnieres and coursages.

Cousins,

Let's see if I can get my thoughts together to give you an idea of how perfect this last weekend was. Well, except for the wind...it's Texas...whachagonnado? (As Rachel would say)
We (Steve, me, his mom, Susan, Rachel, Matt and Owen) took two cars from our house bright and early on Friday morning. We wanted plenty of time to dally, rest, eat, etc. on the way to Austin. We arrived at our hotel around 2pm, I think. We got checked in and made our way to the swimming pool. BR-r-r-r-r. April in Texas isn't ready for swimming no matter how bright the sun is. It was still better than being in the car.

Quick showers, change of clothes and we're off to Nathan and Randi's house for the rehearsal. Owen learned his part as ring bearer. He carried a small bird's nest to Uncle Chip-Chip...that's Nathan to the rest of you and "Nate" if you live in Austin.

We left from there and headed to the Clay Pit for the rehearsal dinner. The meal was yummy (thanks, Nathan for the menu) and Bones and Steve made very tasteful and appropriate toasts to the couple. Our group headed back to the hotel for some rest. It was about this time that Randi's mom, Dorothy, asked if I would make pew bows. Quit laughing! I was wishing for all of you that have that "crafty" gene. It isn't me! With some help from Steve's mom, Carol, I got the job done...and they looked good, if I do say so myself.

Rachel is pregnant you know and HUNGRY all the time now. I'm sure she's making up for the three months of queasy. At 11am, she was directing us to Chuy's, her favorite Mexican food restaurant in Austin. We chowed down on some good food then split up until we would meet again for the wedding. Rachel, Steve and I went to the venue to help around noon. Susan, Carol and Matt went back to the hotel, then to a book store and down for a nap. You can guess which did what.

Rachel and I sliced watermelon, onions, lemons and generally did whatever Dorothy needed us to do to help. Steve went to Sonic for a drink run. Groom's family photos were to happen around 3pm. Rachel and I began getting ready about 2:30. I had already given up on my hair due to the wind so getting ready was really easy. Luckily, Susan saw a pair of shoes in the corner of my closet and brought them with her to the site. The shoes that I had chosen to wear would not stay on my feet...and that's not good when walking outside. Susan was the hero when she brought the flats that worked just great.

We all took pictures with Nathan and then lined up for the ceremony. Nathan has a friend that plays cello. He provided music for the entire ceremony. He was seated in a little alcove under some live oaks. We all go escorted in. Dorothy and I read passages from Corinthians. Nathan and Randi gave their hearts to the other's keeping and we were played out by more cello music. It was lovely and moving.

Randi, her sister Lydia and their Dad, Bobby Jones.

The reception was behind the open area in a grove of trees. We all ate bar-b-que that Randi's dad had been cooking all week. I'll get you the recipe for the corn. OMIGOD!!! The dance floor opened with the new couple dancing by themselves. Then Owen decided to join them with some styling 2 year old dancing. He danced every dance until the floor was cleared for the flower toss. He wanted to dance to that...All the Single Ladies. Cake was cut and eaten. Nathan's boss made it and it was yummy. We had toasts from the Maid of Honor, Best Man and Friend of the Bride. They were very moving.

Additionally, a photo booth was set up for silly pictures of the guests that were then put into a photo album with comments for Randi and Nathan to keep. I'll try to scan the pictures of Steve and me and include them sometime.

We all left around 9pm since Owen had danced himself silly and we were frankly exhausted with the long day. I was too tired to sleep, but I'm catching up with a day off today. I wish you all could have been there.

Love you all,

Candy

Graham is going to "pot"

I know I no longer live there, but I'm still keeping up with what's been going on. Apparently, the tobacco shop in town on 4th street is selling a form of pot to kids under 18. I think it's called K2 or something. Anyone have any idea how to stop that sort of thing? Not sure if it's legal or what, but there is a bunch of mad moms and dads on facebook wanting to close the place down.
Even though my kids don't live there, I don't want stuff like this going on in my hometown.
I am mainly sending this message to spread the word and help the cause.
Share with everyone, ok?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARGARET KAY

Dear, dear Katie - I hope you have a great day Tuesday. I've sent a card but it will probably be late but I did send it!! We have such wonderful memories together, don't we!! All those Saturdays at Granny's playing in the garage in our hideout. Ah, all the foes we vanquished with our swords from the maple tree - really didn't know we would kill it! And the first cousins to walk the barrels!! We have left such a legacy for the younger bunch!!!! (Do you suppose they are believing all this?) Anyway, I love you so much and will always have such great memories of our youth!! The baseball games, the dress-up parties, and all the wonderful family parties in the back yard!!

What Danny told me-----

I forgot to tell everyone that I saw Danny and the girls in the store yesterday and they were on their way to DFW to pick up Brad and his wife. (I'm sorry I can't remember her name - that is so terrible but forgive me 'cause I'm older than dirt) Anyway, they will be here with Buster and the family visiting for a while. And keep those prayers coming in for them too.