Time with Mom and Sisters

It's a very rare thing for "just" us 3 girls to be at Mom's by ourselves. The majority of the time it's with our husbands and/or children/grandchildren. In fact, I don't recall doing this since the weekend of Dad's death. So this past weekend was a special time. It was also the very first time Beverly had driven by herself from Texas to Kansas. Way to go, Bev! Prayerfully, you have arrived safely home by time this posting is complete. Bev and Kaye drove to Mom's from their respective homes on Thursday. Since I had Bible study groups in the morning and evening of that day, I didn't go then. Instead I meet all 3 of them Friday morning at the new Orthopedic Doctor's Clinic very near my house. Mom had an appointment with Dr. Smith there. We were very impressed with these facilities and Dr. Smith who was thorough and kind in dealing with 4 women (ha!). It was determined that Mom will be having back surgery March 15th at St. John's Hospital in Joplin. From the doctor's explanation of what has happened to some disks in her back, it appears to be her only option to be pain free. And Mom is so ready for that as she's suffered with back and/or leg pain for almost 6 months. She's always been very active and this has just about done her in. Bev & I both have had back surgery, so we can definitely sympathize with her misery. We appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery and a quick recovery.

After her appointment, we came by my house, so Bev could see where we lived, picked up Jeff and then went to a really neat indoor/outdoor interior decor place called Sandstone Gardens. They have a delicious restuarant inside where we had lunch. Jeff took our picture on a pretty staircase in the store.

Saturday morning, we stopped by our cousin Kimbra Brunk's restuarant in Girard, Peppermill Cafe, so we could say hello to Sandy Virnardi who was working that morning. An extra treat was to also visit with her daughter Amber who was there with friends eating.

Then we headed to Pittsburg for a fun afternoon of Bunco with Boore cousins and aunts at Holly Viet's new home. We had three tables of 4 players each. Since I was taking the pictures, I'm not at one of the tables at this time, but did play (unfortunately was one of the "top" losers!). But it was fun anyway! Here is Michelle Hardister and her daughter, Cara, Aaron Boore, and Jeanice Bradshaw (roommate of Chelsea Boore's).

This table consisted of Kaye, Holly, Chelsea and Morgan Boore (who was recently crowned Girard Homecoming Queen - whoo hoo)!

Mom and Aunt Freda Hardister were our "audience" since the game is fast moving - they decided to just "watch."

The last table consisted of Beverly, Nancy Boore, Shawnee Viets and Aunt Judy Boore.

We played 4 rounds (I think), then had a break for food and fellowship :-) Then played another 4 rounds. Then it was time for prizes!!! Each one brought a "white elephant" and those were awarded as prizes. Lots and lots of laughter and fun! Here we are before the prizes were chosen.

Our only boy in attendance (of course) picked the gift bag that had a dress in it!!

Sweet Jeanice relieved Aaron's of his embarrassment by taking away his gift (we played it like you do at Christmas.....).

There was only one gift worth taking home and Chelsea got it, lucky girl!

Thanks so much, Holly, for opening your pretty home to us for this fun family gathering. Sure hope next time, I can get ONE Bunco!

I love my family and am so thankful for each of you!

The Passing of Jeff's mother, Evelyn Gaston

We said goodbye to Jeff's mom, Evelyn, on January 30th. We rejoice that she is now experiencing all of the glory of her heavenly home and is no longer in pain or suffering. But as with all deaths, it was sad to say the final goodbye. Our lives are so busy these days trying to wrap up her affairs, so I am attaching the link to our daughter, Rachel's blog, who did a great job posting a memorial tribute to her grandma.

Please take a few minutes to read it:

http://rachelanncox.blogspot.com/2010/02/in-loving-memory-of.html

Thank you to all of you who have been so kind us during these days. We love you!