My sister the grandmother "Jilly"

Jill and Tommy have three grandsons now. They call her "Jilly". Here she is with her youngest grandson, Boston. Boston was born June 25th to Heather and Micah.

Here is Jilly and Caden. Tiffany left Caden with Jill every morning this summer while she went to the gym to work out. Jill is going through withdrawals this past week as Tiffany has started leaving Caden with the babysitter as she prepares to return to teaching next week. Caden was born April 25th to Tiffany and Keaton. According to Tiff, Jill has been dropping by in the afternoon to see Caden this week.

I didn't take a picture of Jilly with Mason. Here is Mason admiring his three uncles. He loves being with the triplets. He cried and cried today when they had to leave. He was crying "I don't want to leave". This made "Jilly" feel good. He still had to leave, but he is very much loved by my sis and her family.

Sandy

Thomas, Jordan and Blake

My sister's triplets turned 18 this weekend. Here is Thomas, Jordan and Blake all holding their cakes.

Thomas' cake had his picture and a field and stream theme because he is a hunter. Jordan had his picture and a car because he loves vehicles. Blake had his picture and a sports theme for his cake.

My mom, Grubb and I went to Amarillo and attended church with the Bonner family and then to their home for a hamburger cookout. Heather and Micah and their two boys, Mason and Boston were also there. Tiffany and Keaton and their son, Caden also attended. It isn't often that all five of the Bonner children are together. Although Heather and Tiffany and their husbands live in Amarillo, they all have busy schedules.

The "trips" are starting their senior year at Randall High next week. We are looking forward to this year with the boys and looking to the future with them.

Love you "trips", never forget that you are my favorite triplet nephews!!

Aunt Sandy

Friends Forever

(It may take awhile for the slide show to load, it is a big file.)

This evening we attended a fish fry and we rode to this event with Larry and Kathy. As we were leaving several young couples were outside with their young children watching them run and play in the grass. Kathy and I stopped and talked about how fast time moves in our lives. It seemed like yesterday that we were the moms outside with the small children.

Christmas 2006 we hosted a Christmas party for the Hudson's, Vernon's, Roberts, Gant's and the Howard's. The Hollands and the Tixier's were invited but unable to attend. The Tixier's took all three of their boys on a cruise and the Hollands had previous plans. I asked each family to bring a CD with pictures of their family for the year 2006. We put the CD's in the DVD player and each family told about their highlights for 2006. This year was definitely eventful for every family.

I started to put captions on the pictures above but I realized that would take me days to accomplish that task. I hope you enjoy looking at the pictures and reminiscing as I have this evening. We no longer have any small children.

David and Debbie Hudson: Shannon and Ronnie married in August, they are both students at Texas Tech. Actually, Ronnie graduated yesterday. That leaves Shannon as a student and a realtor. Brian graduated in May from Clovis High School in May 2006 and entered his favorite college "OSU" in August following his sisters wedding. David and Debbie joined the "empty nester" group. David is the best Veterinarian and Debbie keeps the business running as the office manager.

Wes and Ellen Gant: Mark is a Junior at Texas Tech. James graduated in May 2006 from Clovis High School and he is attending Texas Tech. Wes and Ellen also joined the "empty nester" group. Ellen retired from teaching after 30 years in the same classroom and immediately became a care giver for Wes's mom. Wes lost him mom this summer and now Ellen is finding other ways to keep busy. Wes is employed at All Pets Animal Hospital.

Steve and Ilene: Geoff graduated from Texas Tech in May with an engineering degree and is employed in Houston with British Petroleum. He is engaged to Amy. Geoff invited us all to be a part of the engagement. That was so special. We are all making plans now to be in Houston in January to attend this wedding. Tim graduated from Clovis High in May 2006 and he is attending South Plains Junior College. This left Steve and Lenie with no children at home either. Lenie is a buyer for the best gift shop in Clovis, Roden Smith. Steve is the "computer man" for Farmers Electric.

Mike and Debbie: Tanner and Amy have moved to San Antonio and guess what???? They are expecting a baby. Yes, the Tixier's will be grandparents. We are so excited for them. Tyler graduated from the University of New Mexico in July. Trevor is entering his senior year at La Cueva High School and expected to be a star football player for the La Cueva Bears. He better be great, his dad is one of his coaches and he will be yelling "golly moses Trever", if Trevor doesn't preform well. Debbie will be in the bleachers cringing and hoping all goes well. Debbie also retired from teaching this summer. She has taught for about 25 years. Mike is coaching at La Cueva High School.

Larry and Kathy: Thomas graduated from WTAMU in December with a finance degree and was hired by Warren Cat into their management program. Tory graduated from Texas Tech in May and has since obtained his insurance license and started a career in that field. Kathy is still teaching at Clovis High School but has a different schedule this year. She will be teaching three Marketing classes and two English classes. She is very excited about this. Larry is still busy selling Pioneer seed and farm implements.

Grubb and Sandy: Meredith married Heath Rutherford June 10, 2006 and they live here in Clovis. Heath is the General Manager for Bender Chevrolet/Cadillac and loves his job. Meredith works for Brandon Reid construction. She has very flexible hours and would not trade this for anything. Lee K. is a sports broadcaster for NBC/Fox out of Amarillo Texas. He too loves this job. His girlfriend of two years just graduated with her masters and is moving to Lubbock Texas to pursue her Doctorate at Texas Tech. Lee K. will miss having Rachel and Abi around daily. Grubb is still drilling wells and Sandy is the Manager of an Oxygen/DME company in Clovis.

As you can read. The youngest of our group, is a Senior in High School now and the oldest is married and expecting a baby. This seems impossible. They are all 18-26. WOW. Where were we when this happened?

I can say this, they have all done so well and we could not be prouder of them and their accomplishments. Way to go "wrangler kids". We love you so much.

Sandy

It has been a year for the Cole's: Their 1st Anniversary

Ronnie and Shannon were married August 12, 2006 at the Christian School previously known as Central Baptist Church on 8th and Hinkle. It was a beautiful ceremony and then the reception was hosted by her parents Dr. and Mrs. David Hudson,(David and Debbie) at their home.

Isn't this a beautiful picture of Ronnie and Shannon? I love this picture. She was a beautiful bride and Ronnie a handsome groom.

Shannon and Debbie. Debbie you looked fantastic and you were the perfect "brides' mom".

Ronnie, Shannon, Debbie, David and Brian, the brides brother.

One of the tents that you provided for your guests that evening. It was absolutely beautiful and so much fun. The Hudson family has always known how to host a party and this was no exception.

It has been fun watching you through your dating, engagement and marriage.

Ronnie and Shannon are celebrating their anniversary next weekend at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso, NM. Ronnie was busy this weekend graduating from Texas Tech so that messed up the actual weekend for a celebration of one year of marriage.

We love you both.

Sandy

Texas Tech graduate, Ronnie Cole

August 11, 2007, Ronnie receives his degree.





On Saturday morning, we drove from Amarillo to Lubbock to celebrate with Ronnie and his family the receipt of his Bachelors degree.

Here is a picture of Ronnie and Shannon at the Cattle Baron where we all gathered for a celebration lunch hosted by David and Debbie Hudson.





























The cake in the traditional Red and Black for Texas Tech.

















Carli is cutting the cake for all the guests.



























I attempted a picture of the table. The room was so long and slender and I could not get a good picture of the guest. I would guess there were about 40 of us there to celebrate with Ronnie and Shannon this great accomplishment.


Ronnie, we are so proud of you. Best wishes as you move forward to obtain your Masters Degree.







Thank you for including our family in this celebration.

We love you

Sandy

Rachel Engler receives her Masters Degree

Rachel graduated Friday evening at WTAMU in Canyon, Texas with her Master's Degree. From the beginning of our friendship with Rachel, she has talked of obtaining her Masters and then her Doctorate. Rachel, so many people have dreams and goals, but they do not carry through with them. You told us this day would come, you would be leaving Canyon, Texas headed to your next university for more education. You are to be commended for this accomplishment.

We are excited for you as you move on to further your education and your life experiences. I realize you are leaving your incredible family support group, Lee K., your home for the past few years and your friends in order to fulfill this dream. Life is full of "let go" moments that define our lives. This is a big one for you and Abi.






Here is a picture of Rachel after receiving the diploma holding it high over her head. Yes, Rachel, it is yours to keep.

The ceremonies ended with the singing of the school Alma Mater. I loved seeing Rachel with her hand in the air waving the WT symbol as she sang.

Lee K. and Rachel in the foyer after the graduation ceremony.

Rachel invited our family to a celebration with her and the Engler family at Blue Sky in Amarillo. Rachel is holding her celebration cake. Attending the meal to celebrate with her were guests: Grammie Engler, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Engler, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Engler, Jennie (Engler), Katie Engler and her daughter, Emma, Abi Engler, Lee K. Howard, Keith Brown, Thomas Roberts, Darcy Marlow, Meredith Rutherford, Grubb and Sandy Howard. We had fun celebrating with you Rachel.

I am excited to see what life has in store for you. Make it happen.

We love you

Sandy

A few amateur pictures from the actual wedding

Molly and Jonathan were married at 7:00pm August 3, 2007 at Central Baptist Church in Clovis, NM. Here is a picture of the back of her gown.

A view of the church.

The pew markers were beautiful

Bly and Anna before the wedding

The mother of the bride holding one of the Bridesmaids flowers.

Lee K. and Rachel before the wedding

Here is a picture of one of the busses that transported the guests to the reception. The reception was held in the Kolek backyard and there is no parking in their neighborhood so they had busses to transport the guest.

The brides cake was a five tier cake decorated in orange and pink. Each layer was a different flavor, strawberry swirl, chocolate, and I don't know what the other flavors were.

I loved this grooms cake. It has a bride with a fishing pole "catching" her groom. the top of the cake is camouflage and the cake is german chocolate. It was wonderful.

Susie is talking to the caters as they are preparing to serve the guest.

The centerpieces were so pretty. I loved them.

Lee K. and Lance at the reception.

Molly and Jonathan's first dance. They danced to my favorite Chris Le Doux song

"Looking at you girl" . The dance was so romantic.

Heath and Mere at the reception.

Lee K., Rachel and Abi at the reception

Aren't they darling? Here is Piper Cotham and Abi Engler. These two are great friends.

This picture was taken when Meredith and Lee K. were giving a toast to the Bride and Groom. Lee K. made it through his fine, Mere had a few tears while trying to tell her cousin how much she loved her and cherished their times together.

Brother and Sister ready to give their toast, Mere and Lee K.

Heath, Meredith, Lee K., Molly, Jonathan, Anna and Rachel singing to L.K.

This was a special day for the wedding because it was also PaPa's birthday, August 3rd. At one point in the reception, all the grandchildren and their spouses stood behind L.K. and they all sang "Happy Birthday".

The wedding was beautiful, the vows were great, the entire event was spectacular from beginning to end.

Best wishes for a long and wonderful marriage.

Love Grubb and Sandy

Molly had a Bachlorette Party

Molly's Bachlorette party was hosted by Meredith and Carli at Meredith's house.

I looked at all the pictures, it appears Molly received presents, they had a "fireman" and "nurse" theme.

I don't think I will post the other pictures!

Those attending the party were Meredith, Carli, Holly, Keely, Kendra, Kerry, Rachel, and Jenny.

They had desserts, frozen drinks, ice tea and snacks as their menu and played several "fun" games.

Jonathan and Molly's Rehearsal

Jonathan and Molly watching the PowerPoint for the first time.

The front of the church at the rehearsal, no flowers yet.

Three of the bridesmaids and the three flower girls.

Nellie Teune, pianist and Kendra and Kerry Jones, the vocalist.

Nikki McDermid the wedding coordinator

Some of the wedding party relaxing while we were waiting for the groomsmen to arrive.

Not the best picture but this is Jonathan's dad and Larry Kolek in the background visiting. Frank, Molly and Paula seated in front visiting. Molly is Molly Bly's grandmother, she and Frank have dated for years. Paula is Jonathan's mother.

The rehearsal meal was at the Clovis Civic Center. I only have a few pictures from that event. The menu was house salad, roast beef and gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, rolls and a buffet of desserts.

Lee K. Rachel and Abi are in this picture.

Lance and Carli are seated beside them. Lance and Carli are a precious couple. Grubb and I had the opportunity to get to know them better the past few days and what a wonderful couple they are.

Molly's Bridal Luncheon

Molly with her tiara. Ellen thought the Bride needed a little sparkle. She found this and had Molly wear it for a picture.

We started the luncheon by filling out a card with a blessing for the Bride and Groom on one side of the card and a bit of marital advice on the other side of the card. It was fun to have Ellen read the card and have Molly guess which guest had written this for her.

Ellen also made a charm cake and each bridesmaid, Rachel and Abi all pulled a charm so that Ellen could predict the meaning of the charm. This was a fun game, it is always fun to hear Ellen's idea of what the meaning of each charm is meant to be.

We ended the luncheon by all standing in a circle and praying a blessing on Molly and Jonathan and their marriage. I am not sure there was a dry eye in the room. That was a very special time for all of the guest.

Ellen Gant and Lisa Jo McCasland hosted the Bridal Luncheon for Molly Bly. The decor was in the wedding colors, Pink and Orange and just beautiful. The meal was absolutely delicious as only Ellen can do. She is a great cook.

Molly and her mother, Anna Marie

Molly, Molly Bly and Bly all at the luncheon. The Bride, Molly, with both her grandmothers. Did you ever wonder why she is named Molly Bly? This should clear up that question.

Meredith, Holly, Molly, Carli, Rachel, Keely, and Abi.

Bly is showing the strawberry cake, strawberries and chocolate candy that we were given for dessert. This was wonderful.

I am sorry that I do not have a picture of Jonathan's mom on this post. Paula came in a little late and I had already taken pictures and forgot to pull my camera out and get her picture.

The guest at the luncheon were:

Molly Bly - Bride

Anna Marie - Mother of the Bride

Bly - Grandmother of the Bride

Molly - Grandmother of the Bride

Paula- Grooms mom

Ami - Grooms sister

Meredith - Matron of honor and cousin of the Bride

Carli- Bridesmaid and long time friend of the Bride

Holly - Bridesmaid and friend of the Bride

Keely - Bridesmaid and college friend of the Bride

Rachel - Guest book attendant and friend of the Bride

Abi - Flower girl and friend of the Bride

Jenny - Guest book attendant and friend of the Bride

Sandy - Aunt of the Bride

The guest were served by Ellen Gant, Lisa Jo McCasland and Katie Jo McCasland.

Thank you so much for this special event. We all had a great time.

Sandy