The Trimmier Life

Where to start….no way to know…no good way to put it….no easy way to ease the pain…

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I am writing this blog to let all of you know that my cousin, Jon Jon, passed away after an 11 month battle with Leukemia and Lymphoma.  I got the call the morning of May 4^th, but I’m not sure that it’s really set in yet – nor do I think it will until our first family get-together when there will be an undeniable void.  And we’ll just pass that road when we have to…

Upon getting the news, Dustin and I packed up and headed to Granbury to be with my family. The mood, although somber, also centered around the celebration of Jon’s life, the memories he made with each of us, and the love and dedication he showed to so many friends with his little time on Earth.  Sad and happy, we recounted his silly humor and sarcastic nature, his courage and heart, his devotion to his profession, but mostly his love for family – a family that was not only made up of blood relatives, but of friends he had made throughout school and life and those special people he had created friendships with while they were his patients.  The service was one that undoubtedly showed that he was loved back by all who knew him – picture slideshows played for nearly 20 minutes with each friend rarely being shown twice – a testament to how many lives he had touched and bonds he had forged.   Although all who had gathered strongly agreed with the pastor when he opened the service with the phrase “We are not supposed to be here today”, we all knew in our hearts that God had already made other plans and no matter how badly we wanted to do otherwise, we had no choice but to follow His lead.

The burial was one of the most angelic I had ever seen (given my <thankfully> limited experience).  After a short passage, my aunt Donnie (Jon’s mom), Cassidi (Jon’s  fiancé) and Bobby (Jon’s  brother) released white doves to fly over the crowd – the point at which my aunt was handed the dove was the only time I saw her smile that day…it gave me hope knowing that she would reluctantly find peace in the small things as she tries to move on.  Upon release, the doves flew freely towards heaven giving us a small hint at the peace we will all one day know.

In the days and nights since Jon’s funeral I’ve been in a rather strange place.  I didn’t like seeing him in the casket – he didn’t look like Jon Jon, yet that’s the resounding image I have in my head, my dreams, the darkness at night.  I must admit that I had grown further away from Jon each year since I had moved away from Granbury, but the sense that he is actually gone has been something I’ve struggled with on a daily basis.  I’ve gone through waves of sadness, especially when I think of my grandparents and his mom.  I catch myself wondering how holidays will be (especially this year) and what Mandy and I will say to our kids about the ‘uncle’ they never got to meet.  One of the strangest things about the death of someone young, in my opinion, is that they will not age along with those of us left behind.  I always expected that Jon and Mandy would age with me, Jon 2 years behind, Mandy 3.  But now, Jon’s time has stopped and I’ll only know him the way he was and never again the way he is.

My heart aches for Mandy – she’s the one whose bond with Jon had grown stronger with every day as we’ve all grown older.  A very good counselor friend of mine wrote me an email about ‘my new normal’ and how hard it might be to find any sense of normalcy in the chaos I’m currently feeling…it was such a comforting email and I pray that Mandy is able to find the comfort that she needs to get through the next few months or years that it will take to move on without Jon.  I pray that she is able to accept her new normal quickly and find peace in the past as well as the future.

And so, to commemorate his life once more before I truly try to move on, I’m posting his obituary – a true eximplification to the compassionate person Jon was.  I look forward to the day when his memories can be recalled without tears and for the day in which I will see him again.

In Nomine patris et filii et spiritus sancti

Jonathan Charles Ward, a proud and caring young nurse and our “JonJon,” slipped peacefully away from this life in the predawn hours of Monday, May 4, 2009, after a year-long fight with acute T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and multiple complications from stem-cell transplant. When he left us, Jon was literally in the protective, reassuring arms of his mother, Bene’, who gently guided him into the arms of awaiting angels with orders to deliver his sweet soul directly to God’s feet at heaven’s gate. Jon was 26 years old.

Jon was born Jan. 6, 1983, in Fort Worth and spent his elementary school years in Watauga attending Keller schools. The family moved to Granbury, where Jon grew up on the lake, surrounded by close friends and family. He graduated from Granbury High School in 2001 and decided to follow in his family’s footsteps and chose nursing as a career. Jon was an “all-guy” kind of young man, playing high school baseball, riding his jet-ski, shooting pistols, running with his testosterone-driven buddies and he took their gentle-natured heckling over his career choice in stride. They all admired him for his decision to take care of people for a career.

Jon graduated from Weatherford College and earned his nursing license in 2003. During nurse training, he became interested in geriatric and rehabilitative care and decided to pursue that specialized interest. It was the right choice. Jon went to work immediately after graduation at Southwest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Worth, where he was still employed up to the onset of his illness in May 2008. Jon flourished as a nurse and became known for his advanced knowledge and technical skills, but even more so for the depth of compassion he demonstrated daily in caring for the elderly, sick and injured.

In his brief six years as a nurse he positively impacted the lives of hundreds of his patients and their families. Jon became a mentor and teacher to new nurses and was an unyielding patient advocate who demanded excellence in care and attitude.  Nursing came naturally to him and he was completely immersed in the profession.  He was proud of being a nurse. After his cancer diagnosis forced him to leave work and begin immediate chemotherapy, the first concern he voiced was not about him, but about who was going to take care of his patients. He maintained and demonstrated this depth of character during the next year as he battled daily with his deadly opponent.

Jon was a healthy, strong young man who enjoyed physical pursuits, working out, riding his bicycle, Darth Vato music, dancing, laughing, and sharing his outgoing sense of humor and practical jokes with his friends. During his treatment, multiple surgeries and eventual stem cell transplant, he never learned how to, or accepted being sick. Even as multiple complications ravaged his body, he never lost his will to fight, which was motivated by his desire to return to nursing work and start a family with his fiancé Cassidi. He will be remembered most for his courage, dignity and character in the face of great odds against him. Doctors were constantly amazed at his ability to rebound from near-deadly episodes after the transplant and Jon was pleased that they learned much about human immunology and treatment combinations from his struggles through the months and months that followed. During the last few months, Jon spent more time in the hospital than at home, but never surrendered to the illness. Jon was still fighting when God finally relieved him of his burden.

Forever a warrior in our memories, Jon is now a warrior angel in God’s elite corps of protector angels. He passed every earthly challenge and test and earned the spot. He continues to offer protection to those who cannot care for themselves, as well as those of us who has been left behind. Jon, dance again in heaven with the perfection that has been restored to you and know you are missed and revered for the days we were granted with you here in our lives. In your absence, this world is now a less colorful place and gaping holes are left open in the many hearts you touched during your too-brief time with us.

Jon, secure our places there next to you until we meet to hold hands together again in heaven.

Jon was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Donald Boon, and uncle, Robert Hodges.
Survivors: Hundreds who loved him, including mother, Bene’ Ward LaFayette of Fort Worth; fiancee, Cassidi Corbitt of Cleburne; father, Charlie Ward and wife, Bonnie, of Burleson; brother, Bobby Morton and son, Josh, of Fort Worth; grandparents, John and Opal Ward of Granbury and Jane Aills of Granbury; uncles and aunts, Garry and Kay Baker of Granbury, Johnny and Terrie Ward of Granbury and Beth Hodges of Granbury; and cousins, Jennifer Ward Trimmier and husband, Dustin Trimmier, of San Antonio, Mandy Baker of Granbury and Bobby Hodges of Granbury. Jon also leaves behind his beloved English Bulldog, Reggie.

As if the week leading up to your wedding weren’t stressful enough, imagine throwing the swine flu into the mix.  Drew & Anne (my brother & sister-in-law) had to deal with just that when the outbreak occurred in Mexico a few weeks ago.  Not only did they have the normal week-of-the-wedding stresses, but they also had to deal with rearranging flights, canceling hotels and re-planning their (what was supposed to be) Mexican Riviera Honeymoon at the last minute!!!  All said and done, it worked out o.k. and they scored an awesome suite at Treasure Island in Las Vegas, but I sure did feel sorry for them during the fiasco that ensured!

Once the reservations were straightened out, the couple was able to get down to real business – getting married!  The wedding festivities took place in Alice, Texas (Anne’s hometown), a tiny place just southwest of Corpus Christi with an atmosphere that reminded me so much of the place I call ‘home’ (Granbury).   Small shops and stores lined the downtown streets along which we found Jean’s Steakhouse where Tim & Deb hosted the Texas themed, boots and jeans party following the rehearsal.  Family and friends roasted and toasted the happy couple and a few even showed off their Texas style!

The happy couple @ rehearsal dinner

Deb & Cindy - Tim & Dustin - Anne & Jenn

Us in our boots

Almost everyone at the rehearsal dinner

On Saturday, before the ceremony, the Lacey’s (Anne’s parents) invited us out to their ranch to blow off some steam and shoot some guns.  All guests took turns shooting clay birds and various other targets setup around the grounds.  Mr. Lacey was very patient with the new and seasoned shooters showing some how to hold, aim and fire while challenging others with multi-bird shots.  The guys even created several games to throw a little competition into the mix.  While Dustin was a pretty good shot, I was horrible, not even hitting 1 bird!

The wedding went off without a hitch – the church provided a beautiful backdrop to a moving ceremony.

Wedding Party

Brothers & Sisters

Trimmiers & Ecrettes

Once officially husband and wife, the party moved to the Alice Country Club where everyone ate, danced (at one point there was even a soul train dance line), and sang (the karaoke machine was such a fun addition to the reception) their way into the night.  The bride serenaded her groom multiple times throughout the evening with dedicated songs and several guests tried their hand at performing for the crowd.  The end of the night came way too soon (as it always seems to do) and we ushered the couple off to their honeymoon and to their new life together.

Reception fun

Dustin and I are excited to have a new Trimmier in the mix (especially since it’s a ‘sister’!) and excited for what the future holds for the new Mr. & Mrs.

*To check out all the pictures from the rehearsal dinner, shooting, wedding and reception, click here and select the album you want to view!

A few weekends ago, we had the pleasure  of spending some time with Drew (my brother-in-law) and Anne (his fiance) in Dallas, two people we don’t see nearly enough.  Dustin and I traveled to D-Town to host a couples shower for them in celebration and anticipation of their upcoming wedding.  Dave & Buster’s provided an awesome atmosphere for both the girls and boys to catch up and play while celebrating the reason for the season (yes, wedding season is officially in full swing!).  While the event was a small one, it was a wonderful time spent amongst the best of friends and family.

The guys playing pool - Ryan showing the guys up at pool - Dustin and Drew

Dustin, Jenn, Anne, Drew

Perhaps one of the best memories from the trip was our (mine & Dustin’s) first trip to Ham & Eggs – an awesome little eatery close to Anne & Drew’s apartment.   It is said that many of the Dallas Cowboys choose Ham & Eggs for breakfast because of their huge portions and although we didn’t spot any sportsmen that morning, we did indulge in the ridiculously large pancakes and biscuits.

Seriously, is it necessary for pancakes and biscuits to be that big??? Check out their size in relation to the body parts they are near (Anne's hand and Dustin's arm)!

Anne & Drew – thanks for your hospitality and remember, now that it’s all over (I’m a little last in posting this!!), you can sit back and ENJOY!  We love you and look forward to many fun weekend trips to Dallas in the future!

Well, you couldn’t find any snow near the Trimmier residence this year during Christmastime, but you could find us blowing and going and having fun!  Our Christmas festivities started with one of the best bashes on the face of the planet — Urbanovsky style!  We joined my mom’s family on the Urby Farm (in West, TX) along with about 40 other people and celebrated in true Urby fashion with great food, lots of laughs and caroling before opening gifts (a long standing tradition that my granddad used to make all the grandkids do before getting presents…we’ve kept the tradition alive and now all the aunts, uncles, kids, and grandkids share in the singing).  It was definitely nice to see everyone as we usually only see them 1 or 2 times a year.  We have a lot of new babies in the family and it was fun seeing their eyes light up at the Christmas tree as they opened their new toys.

Middle Picture: Top - Von, Dustin, Jenn, Bottom - Sheila, Grandma Urby, Marvin

The celebrations continued on Christmas Eve when Dustin and I hosted the Trimmier family at our house for dinner.  Deb, Tim (Dustin’s parents), Drew, Anne (Dustin’s brother and his fiance), Nanie, Papaw (Dustin’s grandparents), Dustin and I dined on luscious beef tenderloin, homemade mac-n-cheese, sausage balls, veggies & dip, mandarin & blackberry spinach salad, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, broccoli corn casserole, hot rolls, lime jello salad, buttermilk pie, pumpkin bread, and cherry pie before retiring to the couch to have lively discussion about the family’s notable events in 2008 and plans for 2009.  One of the most noteworthy celebrations in 2009 will be the upcoming nuptials of Drew & Anne — May 2nd!  We also had fun researching the Trimmier family history and learning of our ancestor’s fame — Did you know that Leonard Tremeer earned a bronze medal in the 400 meter hurdles in the 1908 Olympics — seriously!  Also (and obvious from my previous sentence), Trimmier used to be spelled Trimeer and then Trimyear before it morphed into its current form.  Thanks to ancestry.com, my husband and father-in-law are now obsessed with tracing the roots of their family tree (I must admit it’s pretty darn interesting and I can’t wait to see what else they uncover!).

Drew & Anne, Christmas flowers, Nanie & Honey

Christmas morning was filled with stocking stuffers (Dustin and I did not do any ‘big’ gifts this year as we have made several large purchases for our home and office throughout the year) and lounging while enjoying our first Christmas morning in our own home…isn’t that weird – we’ve been together for 6 Christmases and in all those years we have never woken up in our own bed on Christmas morning.  We are usually traveling to see family across the state and country, but this year we stayed put in good ‘ole San Antonio and we thoroughly enjoyed it (sorry Mom & Nanny!).  It was nice to have people come to us this year and even nicer not having to spend 2 to 3 days of our time off sitting in a car on I-35 battling all of the other holiday travelers.  After coffee and stockings the Trimmier gang joined us again for lunch – Nanie’s homemade chili and tamales — if it’s not obvious yet, the theme of our holiday season was ‘EAT!’ – but I guess that’s true for most American families!!  Benjamen Button was the movie pick for that evening (it gets 2 stars from me for its lengthiness and weirdness) and the rest is history – well, that is if history is lounging on the couch, eating lots of leftovers and playing on your new computer!

Later in the week we enjoyed an intimate Italian dinner at Little Italy with Dustin’s parents, Drew & Anne – it was a lovely meal accompanied by lovely wine and even lovelier conversation.

We hope that all of you enjoyed your Christmas as much as we did and that you and your families feel the essence of Christmas all year long.  We leave you with one last saying of the season and wish nothing but it’s meaning upon you ~ “Christmas is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.  It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” Agnes M. Pharo

As many of you know, my Uncle Robert passed away in August 2007 of brain cancer, leaving my aunt Beth and cousin Bobby, his then 8 year old son, here without a husband or father.  My family has done several things to ensure Bobby doesn’t forget his dad and what an amazing person he was (saved pictures, created scrapbooks, clipped newspaper articles) — and today our family learned of another way that we may be able to ensure that the memory of Robert and his good deeds is never forgotten.  The city of Southlake, Texas (where Robert was a police officer) is building a new city park and the Parks & Recreation office is taking suggestions on who they should name the park after.  The guidelines for naming state that the person chosen must be a “A deceased individual or group who served the community” and my Uncle Robert did just that.

You can read more about the park and it’s naming here and here.

I’m asking that you take 2 minutes to email the Parks & Recreation department at jdove@ci.southlake.tx.us to tell them that the park should be named after my uncle, Officer Robert Hodges.  No long, detailed explanation is needed (although a sentence or 2 might help our case).  You need only to include your suggested name of the park (Robert Hodges Memorial Park), your name, address, and phone number.  I am pasting my submission below so that you can see how well thought of my uncle was in his community.

Thanks for your time and consideration in this matter!  The deadline is this Monday, December 15th, so PLEASE send your emails ASAP!!!!

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I would like to suggest that the new Southlake City Park be named after Officer Robert Hodges, a 12 year veteran of the city of Southlake Department of Public Safety, who passed away August 2, 2007 after an 8 month battle with brain cancer.  My suggested name for the park is the Robert Hodges Memorial Park.

Officer Hodges’ career flourished as a motorcycle officer in the city of Southlake and in 1997 he received the Director’s Award, the department’s highest annual individual recognition award.   In 2002, he was awarded the highly coveted Life Saving Award after rescuing and resuscitating a drowning 22-month-old child from a swimming pool.  Officer Hodges was also a well-known motorcycle riding instructor within the community and served as an instructor to motor officers from more than a dozen law enforcement agencies throughout the DFW area.

Apart from his daily duties at the police department, Officer Hodges was a highly regarded community volunteer who founded and organized the Southlake Showdown Police Motorcycle Rodeo benefiting Special Olympics Texas.  He also developed and implemented the school crossing-guard program for Carroll ISD and volunteered many hours training school crossing guards to ensure the safety of children.  He loved the fact the he was recognized by kids in the community.

Office Robert Hodges was a highly respected community advocate and volunteer and his popularity in the Southlake community can be seen through the many events and fundraisers that the citizens of Southlake organized for him and his family while he was ill (see links below).   There is no better way to preserve his name in the Southlake community than to name the new city park after him.

Dallas News Article about Officer Hodges’ passing – http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/obituaries/stories/DN-hodgesob_04met.ART.North.Edition1.4244f88.html

Motorcycle Rally benefit for Officer Hodges – http://www.dfwfreedomriders.org/newsletters/2007mar-nl.pdf

Robert Hodges Softball Benefit – http://southlakelibrary.blogspot.com/2007_03_01_archive.html

Southlake Citizens organize Casino Night Fundraiser for Officer Hodges –http://www.dentonrc.com/grapevinesun/pdfs/grapevinesun050307.pdf

Spokes4Hope a bicycle program for underprivileged kids started in Officer Hodges’ name by fellow motorcycle officers – http://southlaketxnews.com/images/frontpage.pdf

Officer Hodges honored for his valiant service to the Southlake Department of Public Safety in a speech by Congressman Kenny Merchant in the United States House of Representatives – http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?r110:20:./temp/~r110R7XrkW::

I know it’s been way too long since I’ve posted about my cousin Jon and his progress in battling leukemia.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has emailed, myspaced, facebooked, texted or called to check on him and to remind us that you continue to pray for him and our family.  A lot of time has passed since I last posted on his battle and a lot has happened.  I’m going to make a very long and grueling story short and add Jon’s blog comments where I can to explain what he is going through. These are laymen’s terms, so forgive me if some of this sounds simplistic…believe me, it’s not.

• I had already posted this, but I’ll reiterate to refresh you — After the initial months of chemotherapy and radiation the tumor in Jon’s chest had shrunk by almost half.  Here is his blog about the occasion –

So I finished my 3rd cycle of chemo. It was really tough. This isn’t getting any easier. It is the hardest thing I’ve had to go through so far. I told people before, I can truly understand why some people just want to let go and stop going to chemo. It wears you out so bad. Sometimes you just want to say forget it…make me comfortable and enjoy the time I have left. It is hell. The worst pain, nausea, anxiety and fear all balled up in to one feeling. I can’t come close to describing the way it actually makes you feel. I’m not giving up. I have 5 more chemotherapy treatments. Then I don’t know what happens. Hopefully the tumor will be gone and the Leukemia in remission. If not, then I’ll figure it out when I get there. I had a CAT scan while I was in for the 3rd Cycle and it showed that the tumor in my chest has shrunk almost in half. That was wonderful news. Hopefully it keeps on shrinking. Thanks again everybody for the prayers and support. I love you all. Don’t take your life and health for granted like I did.  Be thankful for each day. This life we have is borrowed. Take care. -Jon-

• After a few more rounds of chemo, the pain came back as did the tumor L Jon’s blog –

well it appears that my situation has taken a turn. I started having pain again in my arm and chest. The same pain that brought me to the hospital to be diagnosed with the t cell lymphoma and leukemia. I had a PET scan which shows active disease. The tumor in my chest some how has grown back to its original size. So now I’m back at square one. The fight is not over. My next step is to go to Baylor Dallas for significantly stronger cycles of chemo therapy. I will also have to have bone marrow stem cell transplants. That’s all I know at this point. I’m terrified right now. They are going to get the ball rolling on the transfer on Monday. Who knows when I’ll actually make it to Dallas.  Please continue to pray for me. I really need them. I thank everybody for everything.
-Jon-

• Jon’s condition continued to worsen for a while and he had to take higher and higher doses of chemo to try to fight the cancer. Jon’s blog –

I have officially been in the hospital 25 days in row. The Chemo was rough but I made it through again. The chemo was so strong that I might have to stay in the hospital 6 weeks instead of 1 week like in ft. worth at Harris. The chemo cycle I received was 6 times stronger than what I was used to receiving. So now I’m just waiting on my Labs to recover, most importantly I’m waiting on a Bone Marrow/stem cell donor match. My life depends on it. So that’s where things stand right now. I’m doing pretty good over all. I’m not fat and hairy anymore. I’m just fat. I hope everyone is doing well. I miss everybody and mixin it up at shows.

P.S. I’m sorry, I know I’m being selfish but If you have time could you throw up a prayer that I find a Bone marrow stem cell match. Thank you and God Bless

• Over a month went by with no leads on a stem cell/marrow match/donor. I can’t imagine how slow that time must have gone by for Jon. All of the family went to get swabbed (you only have to have your cheek swabbed to determine if you are a marrow match for someone!) and a few swabbing drives were setup to encourage other people to get tested to see if they were a match for a marrow transplant (not just for Jon, but for any of the thousands of people who are needing a transplant to survive!). Finally, we found out that Jon’s dad was almost a perfect match. Jon’s blog –

Well everybody, they found a donor for my bone marrow transplant! It’s my Dad!!! This is unheard of in the medical world. Biologically parents are only a half match 6/12 to their offspring. But somehow my parents shared certain antigens, making my blood and my father’s blood very similar. He is a 10/12 match. We even have the same blood type. My Oncologist said it’s a miracle. You just don’t see parents that close of a match. In my dr’s words “its really cool!” It’s great. My doctor said that even if there was a perfect 12/12 match to come along, he would still use my dad as the donor because we are from the same blood line which reduces the chances of my body rejecting the transplant. My Doctor feels comfortable that with the anti-rejection meds that I should respond well to the transplant. I’m hoping so. I would like to thank everybody who has been put on the National Registry and had their blood checked for me. I can’t thank everybody enough. Y’all are wonderful people. I will go in the hospital on Nov 30th. I will get 2 days of high dose chemotherapy followed by 3 days/6 doses of radiation. Then I will get the bone marrow/stem cell transplant. I will then be in the hospital for at least a month. Hopefully my body will accept the new marrow and stem cells and they engraft. If they engraft as planned, it should kill off the rest of the tumor in my chest and convert the leukemia and put all my cancer into remission. I just have to continue to take it a day at a time. God is wonderful. I hope everybody has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I love everybody. -Jon-

• As of now, Jon remains in the hospital and is recovering from the transplant. Here is a ‘momma’s report’ on him from December 7^th – “Jon had nausea during the night and his blood counts are very low and he will receive another unit of blood. He said he feels awful with body aches like the flu. He wants to be well and live a normal life. He has suffered so much, he deserves a beautiful life. The fireworks of celebration are just around the corner. We love you dearly sweet family.”

I beg you to please keep Jon in your thoughts and prayers as he undergoes this phase of his battle with cancer.  My family is thankful for your love, support and prayers during this time.

First off I must confess that busy-ness has overwhelmed me the past few weeks.  I’ve been so busy in all aspects of my life (socially, philanthropically, at work, at home) and though I’m usually able to deal with it all and keep on truckin’, I’ve found it very hard lately.  I’m not complaining as I’ve enjoyed some great girl time, husband time, and me time in the past few weeks, but I am just no longer able to juggle the 500 tasks I have going on at once each day.  I’ve been frazzled, unorganized, fuzzy-brained, sleepy, headachey, and lethargic and I just can’t get over it.  To try to tackle the domineering inertness I’ve come down with, I’ve given myself 1 task each night that I must complete — be it cleaning the dining table (of all my crafty projects that fill my to-do list with due dates before December 24th!), check my email or even just making dinner.  I’ve done pretty well between my evenings out…I mean, I couldn’t resist Bunco night, girls pizza night, and a cookie exchange party…but I am looking forward to some time in the future (most likely after Christmas) when I can calm down a bit and get back into a routine (working out and eating in are both on that agenda).  For those of you who know me well, this agenda also includes ridding myself of the ‘bumps’ that have once again shown up on my feet — itchy, irritating, keep-me-up-at-night, blister bumps that I haven’t had since I was about 23 years old!!!  They’re back and they’re a bitch..supposedly from stress…inattentive to any topical or oral medication I use to battle them.  uuugggghhhh….

Ok, now to the real purpose for this post…Thanksgiving!!  I have a lot to be Thankful for.  My life is pretty darn good – my family is the best – friends are the finest – job is paying the bills.  With the exception of praying for a little more in the way of health for my family, this year has been pretty superb.  Dustin and I spent 4 days with my family in Granbury and it was so nice to be able to spend time with everyone.  Thursday was filled with fun and food at my grandparent’s house on the lake and ended with a night full of laughter while playing Cranium.  Friday was spent napping and finishing the leftovers!  Saturday was with my Mom who prepared a delectable dinner of Cornish hens.  The drive to and fro was a little longer than we remembered (how does 4 hours seem to stretch out every time we make the drive?)…but we’d do it again in a heartbeat if it meant spending time with some of our favorite people.

(Left) Jenn & Dustin (Right Top) Dustin, Jenn & Jon Jon (Middle) Nanny & Papaw with the grandkids (Bottom) Bobby, Garry & KK

Check out all of our pictures from Thanksgiving here.

I pray that all of you were able to enjoy such a tiptop time with your loved ones this Thanksgiving as well.  Get ready, the holidays are upon us and I know it means the hustle and bustle is here to stay (for at least the next 4 weeks).  Good luck getting your house ready (my decorations are half hung, but mostly strewn about the house waiting to be placed….uuuuhhh…the list goes on!).  I hope to see many of you this holiday season, but until then remember “At Christmas play and make good cheer, For Christmas comes but once a year” (Thomas Tusser).