December 13

December 13 was just another day at Willis Creek Ranch... filled with a ladies luncheon, horses, and a digger.  :) 

This was the day for my Bible study group Christmas luncheon.  We were so sad to miss Sheryl and Brenda.  But we sure had a wonderful time.  The food was delicious (carry in - group effort) and we enjoyed just sitting back and visiting.  I sure do love this group of ladies.  I gave each lady the 'Crowded Table' Christmas ornament that Brianna made for me.  I tell you what... those ornaments are one of my favorite things ever!  Brianna did such a good job!  Everyone asked the obvious question... Does Brianna ever sleep?  She gets so much done and is sooooo talented!  Love that girl.  

front side of ornament...

back side of ornament - see the video posted at the very bottom for context... :)

As the ladies were leaving I noticed Jackson was riding Jo in the octagonal pen.   

the moon was already visible - pretty

I was wising Mav could see his Daddy riding with the digger working in the background. :)

Jackson was working on Jo getting used to the rider
opening and closing the gate from the saddle

I took more photos and video of the digger working to show Maverick.  He loves this stuff.  :) 

Crowded Table - by the Highwomen

Birthday luncheon

The day after my birthday I kept the celebration going with a luncheon with dear friends.  I always enjoy my time with these ladies and they certainly made me feel very special for my birthday.  This was the first of TWO times that I would wear a tiara that week.  ha!  (definitely not the norm for me!) :D  Alicia provided a tiara with a big '50', just so we could remember.  :D  ha!!!

Kady and Laura

Kady, Laura, Susan, Deb, Alicia

Laura and Susan

I had an extra special birthday surprise!  Dear Kelly called to join in for a few minutes.  Boy, do we miss Kelly!!  Thanks to all for arranging that treat.

Kelly sent us a picture of her.

Susan gave me a ton of salad stuff (she IS the queen of salads!!!!)

What a pretty ice cream cake! 

Blurry, but I love this group of ladies...
Kady, Deb, Laura, Alicia, Susan

showing off my other gifts  :)  

Wednesday

I SO enjoyed a luncheon out with these dear ladies.  We had a great time catching up.  I'm thankful for each of them.

Deb, Susan, Kady, and Alicia

Susan, Kady, Alicia, and Laura

Alicia mentioned that she needed to make a video to be played at the retirement celebration for a former track coach.  Deb offered to film it right there and then and even upload it to YouTube for Alicia.  Susan, Kady and I were quite amused watching Alicia make the video.  :D

Just for your viewing pleasure, here is the video Alicia made for her former coach.  (She is hilarious!)





After lunch I ran a few errands.  When I was walking out of Walmart I was so happily surprised to see these two!!!

Megan and Jeff

Megan and Jeff were in town visiting for just a couple days and I hadn't expected to be able to see them.  What a joyful surprise to have a chance to visit for a few minutes.  Love these two!

:)

Get Togethers

I have not been very good at taking photos of get togethers lately.  I have no idea why!  I resolve to get back to my 'norm' of annoying everyone who gathers for a meal with me in order to get a photo of the event.  :D  So, be ready all!

Although I forgot to take photos at a dinner the night before, I did
remember to do it the next day when the family gathered to eat the leftovers.  :)
Jonathan, Jackson, Brianna, Marvin, Mama, and Daddy 

Daddy told me to give the camera to Jonathan and get in the photo.
I always do what my Daddy tells me to do.  :D 

We weren't present for this gathering, but we sure wish we had been!  What fun!!
Rojina and James met Charlie & Tina and Ernie & Gina for dinner one night.

I so enjoyed lunch at Take Root with Sondra, but I only took a photo of my lunch!!
(It WAS tasty... chicken mole)

And then back at Take Root for another luncheon - this time I remembered to take a photo.  :)
(clockwise from top) Chris, Karen, Sue, Susie, Laura

Jasmin's Eggplant Lasagna

Jasmin served this wonderful dish for our most recent ladies lunch.  It was absolutely divine!  She said it is actually Paul's recipe.  Well, it sure is a good one!  Thanks to Jasmin (and Paul) for sharing the recipe with us!

Eggplant Lasagna  (from Jasmin)

For two 9x13 pans

(3) eggplants sliced 1/4" thick. Coat with olive oil. Bake in single layer at 350° for 20 mins. 

(2) small boxes sliced portabella mushrooms. Bake at 350 for 30 mins.

For each 9x13 pan

(1) jar marinara sauce

(2) 8 oz bag shredded provolone cheese

1/2 c freshly shredded parmesan

Layer marinara sauce

Eggplant

Mushroom

Provolone

Parmesan

Repeat for 2nd layer.

Bake uncovered at 350° for 30 mins

Note: I covered the oven racks with heavy duty, jumbo foil and placed the eggplant on them to bake.

You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for a few days before heating and serving.  The flavors meld together even more over time.  

Random July

Here is a random catch up of July...

I enjoyed getting together for a Ladies Lunch with these dear friends.  Jasmin hosted us at her home at Spring Lake.  It was great to have time to catch up with each other and enjoy a delicious meal together (cooked by Jasmin!).

Chris, Susie, Jasmin, and Laura

with Jasmin's house behind us  :)

Caught this handsome fella hanging out in his truck.  :)

Jonathan

We went to the doctor and my peripheral vision caught sight of something familiar...  :D

can you spot Jackson and Brianna's wedding invitation on that board?  

Mama's flowers are so pretty...

Beautiful sunset as I was driving home one evening.

Annie in her outdoor pen at the barn

I love this!  You may recall that Rachel initially made a 'family tree' for Mama and Daddy's 60th wedding anniversary a few years ago.  It was done with marker on paper and faded over the years.  So dear Rachel embroidered the family tree for permanency and gave it to Mama and Daddy for Christmas this past year.  They have it framed and ready to hang over their bed in the new room.

I never got to visit with them this year, but we always enjoy being a campsite for Eric and Gwen and kids (just Jared this year, I think) while they show cattle at the NEMO fair.  :)