160 Year Anniversary

One hundred sixty years ago today the President of the United (James K. Polk) signed annexation legislation, and Texas became the 28th state.

Texas, meaning "those who are friends," was the largest state until Alaska was admitted in 1959. Texas is still a big state, especially in the hearts and minds of Texas residents.

technorati tags: texas, texasstatehood, alaska, jameskpolk, vickisblog

Thank You

Now that gift giving is done, it's time to write thank you cards. Here is one of my favorites:

Cute enough, but that's not the favorite part. Last Christmas I sent my son's three daughters some money. They sent this card. It is the inside that impressed me. On the right inside page, Shelby followed the traditional format of thanking me, saying they like the gift, and ending by repeating the thank you.

They each signed the card (at least the two who could write), and then the names were repeated in cursive, perhaps to ensure I would remember who they were.

Here's the good part. On the left side she drew a picture to illustrate their plans. I see their chosen store and the helpful cashier. Even if I couldn't take them shopping, I could share in the experience. Clever and sweet.

technorati tags: thankyounote, granddaughters,

0 days left -- This is it

Christmas Eve

Children are anxiously awaiting "The Big Day" when they get to open the presents that have been decorating the floor under the tree.

Anticipation

But what about the tradition of naughty kids getting coal in their stockings? With the cost of heating fuel these days, it may be less a threat and more a blessing.


Only 1 day until Christmas.

technorati tags: christmas, presents, coalinstockings

Happy Festivus

A Festivus for the Rest of Us

Apparently many people celebrate Festivus after learning about it on the immensely popular Seinfeld TV show. If you are so inclined, decorate your Festivus pole and gather with your family to air your grievances and wrestle with the head of the household.

Read about the beginnings of this great holiday (actually pre-Seinfeld) and enjoy!

If you are not into the anti-materialism message of Festivus, be aware there are only 2 days until Christmas.

technorati tags: Christmas, festivus, seinfeld

Christmas Card

We like to personalize our Christmas cards, and we like to design around the Christmas tree. Here is the first one from about 10 years ago. That's me on the Amigo scooter.

A few years later, we found our reflection in the ornaments.

This year we are enjoying the snow-covered 30-ft. pine tree sparkling in the twilight of our back yard. Well, except in real life, this is Texas and the temperature is hovering in the 60s and 70s. Check out our fantasy here. Or go a step further and look at our complete Christmas site.

3 days before Christmas

technorati tags: christmascard, personalizedchristmascard

A Favorite Military Wife

Take another look at one of my favorite military spouses. I wrote about her before, but I just returned from a nice visit to her site and thought it was worth mentioning again. She usually has interesting posts, and she has a wealth of variety in her sidebar.

She links to so many other sites -- some military-related from the perspective of other spouses, mothers, and active duty personnel. But there are sites written by all kinds of people. Besides blogging, she links to quizzes. For example,
What sport are you? She's football
How weird are you? 40%
What planet should you rule? Jupiter

There are links to blog directories, a home-schooling site, and a page offering unique toys -- and that's not all! Read and explore. I'm sure you'll enjoy.

And as long as I'm talking about active duty soldiers and sites I have written about before, visit here and send a Christmas card - for free - to our troops. My granddaughter just did, and said she hopes lots of people do, too. I thought I would pass it along.

6 days before Christmas

technorati tags: militarywife, activeduty, quizzes, uniquetoys, blogdirectories, linkstoblogs

Posing for Pictures

Fireplaces are a favorite background.
Even at parties.

7 days before Christmas