This Makes Me Smile Today

In as much as my family photo below is "who I am;" so is my mantle....filled with the love and smiles of dear friends and family that I continue to be blessed with.  

On the day eve of the birth of our Savior I am reminded of the one thing He asks of us...to love one another.  I see His face, His love and His grace every time I pass by my mantle. 

Dear Jesus....Happy Birthday.  My gift to you is to love and honor these people as you have asked me to.  With my most humble love....Your Child (and homegirl)....Patty

I wish for you all a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones and a most prosperous new year.

Blessings and love.....

Ella Bella: Part II

This morning I woke up to this email and photo.....

We got your cute card today and Ella immediately wanted to cut your picture out so she could carry it with her. Then she kissed the picture twice & placed it carefully with her stuff. She loves her auntie!

-Ciara

Ella Bella

Telephone call between Ella and I (after she received my Christmas card with Santa Claus)

Ella: Did you see Santa Claus?

Me: No, but he called me yesterday (forgetting about the card).  Do you want to know what he said to me?

Ella: No.

Me: What?  Really?

These are Me....

There's a few people missing (most importantly my dad-he was hunting)...but this is who I am.

Top: Uncle Juan, Mom, Sarah, Tia Velma, Tony Joe

Bottom: Tia Alfie, Tia Irene, Patty, Sissy, John, Gavin, Grandma, Mari and Patti

Behind the Camera: Marisa

I am beyond blessed!  

Promenade.

I traded your sweetness for my loneliness,

And your confidence for my own regret,

And your simple grace for this disarray,

That's my stock and trade,

While you promenade....

-The Gourds

It's getting to be that time, blog friends.  It is the time of year when I stop blogging and dedicate all computer time to SILENT AUCTION 2011!  Gone are the days of creative blogging, present are the days of data-bases and emails and the need to be HIGHLY organized in a timely, efficient manner.  I call upon you, blog readers, to share with me your ideas for awesome Silent Auction items!  Do you have something you can suggest, a friend or loved one who might be willing to donate a good, quality item?  Contact me via email or Facebook.  I am currently looking for an individual who might consider donating a Kindle, Nook, etc, an iPhone, a guided deer hunting trip, a high end ladies hand bag, etc.  

Signing off for now as I am headed to spend good quality time with my family in McAllen.  May you all enjoy a wonderful weekend.