Family Shower and Other News

This is Monday morning, and I thought I would just report on our weekend.

Saturday we spent the day cleaning out the closet in the front bedroom so that Charis would have plenty of space to put her stuff while she's here. That was quite a chore but we got it done. We have five or six bags of stuff for Habitat for Humanity to pick up today and I took Grandma Cherry back about a half dozen of her paintings that we had stored in the closet. We are such pack rats and we save really stupid stuff and it takes having a reason for us to start throwing away and cleaning up. We then ate a late barbeque lunch at Rudy's, but Charis wasn't working.

Sunday we went to church and expected to vote on a very controversial subject, but the announcement was that the vote had been delayed. One of the elders caught us in the hallway as we were walking in and asked Paul to preach this Wednesday night, Saturday night, and both services Sunday morning. Wow! He said the Elders thought Paul's voice of experience would be very good for the church at this point. That was very unexpected, but exciting.

Then Paul dropped me off at Grandma Cherry's for Mandy's shower and we delivered the pictures we were returning and Paul helped me take in our large and heavy present (TV trays) and he helped me wrap it. Then he left and drove home.

Jenny came and finished up the decorations. Mandy's colors are black and turqoise so the table was decorated with a turquoise cloth and net w/pearls and black candles. Mandy's shoes that were on the invitation were on the table and Jenny had some small decorated votive candles and little colored marble throws that finished off the table. Very pretty.

We had cookies, fruit, mints, nuts, and punch. The nuts were late because Kathy's preacher preached too long, LOL. The punch was provided by Starley in frozen packages. Funny happening: Somehow Starley's recipe wasn't followed and the punch was served sans ginger ale. Pucker punch! We started running out too quickly and Starley asked where the ginger ale was. Mistake realized. Jenny started running around with the ginger ale bottle pouring some in everyone's cup, the ones who had already gone through the line. The later served ones got punch, heavy on the g.a. We always have such fun at these family showers. It's things like this that make us laugh a lot.

People present: Rachel, Mandy (dressed in aqua and black), Audra, Shelby (Isaac's wife) and Shelby's sisters and Mom. Max's (groom) Mom (Marianna), Max's sister (Tasha), Max's aunt and four girl cousins and one nephew. Then Phil's mom, aunt, cousin and her daughter. Then all of Rachel's kin: eight hostesses (Cherry sisters and sisters-in-law) and all the cousins and kids, etc., etc. Remember, Grandma Cherry's house is not air conditioned. She had put in a window unit by the piano and Freddie had bought some fans. It was okay; everyone sweated a little but it wasn't unbearable.

I would guess about fifty people were there and Mandy got some really nice gifts. Rachel was taking lots of pictures and I want her to send me one with her and Mandy (and Audra) so I can post it here. (Ra-Ra, if you're reading this, would you send me that pic.) I'm always amazed that Mother, 88 almost 89 years old, gets around so well and can handle such a big party. She starts the shindig with a little talk and she presented Mandy with a picture she painted for her, one with lots of red poppies in the foreground.

Jenny had put together a lot of questions for Mandy to answer about Mandy and Max and every time Mandy came to a hostess gift, the hostess had to read a question. That was fun and informative. All in all it was a really fun time. Wish you could have all been there.

Can you believe I could post this much info about our weekend? Kelly, it's all your fault. You challenged us to "Come on, guys, . . .!" By the way, where's yours? ;->
MB

The Dog Days of Summer at the Burlesons

Read Brett and Kelly's blog and laughed at Kelly's statement encouraging everyone to write and keep everyone posted. I have had the same thoughts and have also been lax about posting. I also check everyone's blogs each morning, and I agree, we're all either boring or busy.

Nothing much happening around here, but I'll start writing and see what pops up in my mind and comes out through my fingers. ;->

We're investigating putting in a third driveway and going several feet back so we can park our fifth wheel here at the house. We got a bid yesterday and will probably go ahead, and in the process we'll get our crumbly sidewalk fixed. We think having the fifth wheel close will be more convenient for quick, short trips because it won't be such a hassle to put everything in and make sure everything is working. We'll see. We've also promised Sierra that she can go with us and sleep in our fun trailer. We made that promise over two years ago. Our reputation as grandparents is hanging in the balance. We MUST go forward with these plans!!

Charis called and needed a place to stay between August 1 and Baylor classes starting, so she's moving in with us next Monday for about ten days. We're really looking forward to having a teenager with us for a few days. She'll probably liven things up around here.

We're in the process of changing churches. This is an experience we don't have very often and I don't like change much at all. But, we're doing it and moving forward. Interesting times.

Logan, if you're reading this, I want to ask you about what's happened to your blog posting? I check it every morning and I really enjoyed it when you were posting. Hope you get back to it soon. You're a good writer and I miss reading what you write and what's happening up in Enid.

Cherri, thanks for sending the e-mail and letting me know Mike and Dara have been sick and how busy you guys are. Yikes! I was tired just reading all that's been happening out your way. Hope you get caught up and get to rest a day or two very soon.

Sunday is the family shower for Mandy. She's getting married the last Saturday in August. Paul's performing the wedding. It's rather nostalgic as Paul also performed Mandy's parents' wedding, Rachel and Phil's, many moons ago. Should be a fun time. Rye is also getting married the week before at the same place Brett and Kelly got married. August will be a busy family time besides also being Jenny's, Brett's, Megan's, and Ty's birthdays.

As I wrote before in an e-mail, Hannah and Derek had a baby boy, who was Starley and Ralph's 48th grandchild and Grandma Cherry's 80th great grandchild. Think our Thanksgiving place will continue to hold all of us? Our large family continues to get larger. Fun and funny.

I've started rambling, so I'll sign off. Not sure this was worth your reading, but, hey, these are the dog days of summer. LOL
MB

2partners

Waxing Philosophical

This is a personal/public word to all you kids and your spouses and children, my grandchildren.

"Thank You" for the wonderful birthday celebrations. [There were more than one.] The cards, gifts, kind words, and every hug were all appreciated more than I can express. But I want to "thank you" for something else too. That is your maturity.

I've thought a lot about maturity lately. I know it doesn't automatically come with old age, [maybe an appreciation for it does] and it isn't excluded because of young age. But I'm impressed with all of your maturity.

What is that anyway? I'm not sure but, from my perspective, it is at least these things.

Taking responsibility for where we are. I think this includes feelings, circumstances, and where we are as a person. In other words, it is not blaming someone else for any of those things. I am what I am by the Grace of God...and my choices.

Respecting other people where they are. It is, perhaps, an ability to recognize my differences and being OK with yours. I guess this is celebrating who we are and who the other person is without a need or desire to fix them.

It is, perhaps, living as a resource for others and their needs but never as the source of what they need, [Only God is that] or they the source for me. [He is.]
So maybe it is becoming interdependent rather than independent or dependent. This allows for relationships but never interference unless requested or the control of others.

If this is maturity...and I think it may be a part of it..."Thank You" is in order for your...maturity. I'm proud of you all.

Dad/Paul/Papaw/THE HUlK [I warned you...maybe too philosophical?]

Happy Birthday!

Happy 66th Birthday to William Paul Burleson aka Papaw, Dad, Handsome, Butch, and The Hulk.

Looks like today is going to be a scorcher again. Yesterday afternoon my computer readout said it was 106 degrees in Norman. Don't think we'll be celebrating outside today!

I love birthdays. I think it's such a great time to give focused attention, celebrating the special day when the world welcomed that person, however many years ago. Everyone should have at least one special day in the year when it's just their day.

And today is Paul's! It's so easy to celebrate and honor him because there's hardly an adjective that doesn't describe him, the good ones that is--warm, friendly, helpful, responsible, fun, engaging, interesting, and loving. Does anyone give better bear hugs? I could use this whole text box to list adjectives, but I won't. Suffice it to say, he's the BEST!!

When Brett called last week and asked Paul his favorite cake so Kelly could bake it for him last Saturday, I heard Paul on the phone say that it's really Waldorf cake, but that's too hard to make, so yellow cake with lots of chocolate frosting would be next. Kelly was very gracious and had the very best cake with 66 on it! (Thanks, Kelly.)

Yesterday at work I thought about Paul's statement and decided to take on a Waldorf cake last night. I went to the store after work and had to buy all the ingredients. I haven't cooked in so long I even had to buy some flour, even the basics.

But, he has his Waldorf cake this morning, complete with that wonderful butter icing, albeit a little crooked and a little patched up. LOL. Tastes wonderful! We couldn't wait, so we had a piece, still warm, before we went to bed last night.

We are in our 48th year of marriage, so I've had the privilege of being with Paul and celebrating his birthdays almost 50 years now. There's no better day than July 19th! Happy Birthday, Handsome!! Hope it's a good one.
MB

Rob Bell, Frontier City, Birthday Party

We've had quite a weekend! Busy, hot, and fun!

Friday evening we heard Rob Bell at the Diamond Ballroom in SE OKC. He's a pastor from Grand Rapids, MI, who is touring this summer giving talks around the country. He's been called one of the best communicators of the day, and his message is Biblical and presented in a unique way. We enjoyed seeing, hearing, and experiencing him.

BUT!! Paul and I arrived thirty minutes before the doors opened and stood in line in the 100 degrees plus outdoors holding places in line. Doors opened at seven and we were some of the first ones in. Tony and Melody's family came down from Tulsa and met us at the Ballroom. The Lenox teenagers led the group in and went all the way to the front on the second row right in front of the speakers. AND the air conditioning wasn't working. One hour of loud, loud music and absolutely no air moving and in a very hot building waiting for the eight o'clock opening, and I thought I wasn't going to make it. I was thinking that I was way too old for this. Mel leaned over and said that Dad and I were really cool coming with all the young folks to hear this contemporary speaker. Well, okay, if you say so!

We stopped by Braum's on the way home and everyone got something very, very cold to help cool down.

Saturday, seventeen of us went to Frontier City: Wade and his three boys from Enid, plus Ann, Kade's girlfriend; Mel and Tony and their three plus Beth's boyfriend, Bryce; Brett and Kelly and their two; and Paul and me. We had a really good time. Logan rode all the roller coasters for the first time and said he really enjoyed it. Of course, Grams and Papaw rode the Renegade Rapids with Brett and his family and the log ride fairly early and got soaking wet, so Grams looked like a ragamuffin the rest of the time. We all met for lunch in the Cantina area and the little ones watched a kid show.

Wade and his gang split off to ride a few more rides and then they took off for home so Wade would have time to get ready for their contemporary service at 7:01 that evening.

The rest of us rode rides and walked around. Grams and Papaw got really tired and really, really hot; so as old folks do, they had to take it easy and walk a little slower and head for the cooler places. We kept watching each other to make sure each was okay and we kept laughing at how young we think we are and yet our bodies keep mentioning (loudly) that we might ought to take it a little easier. Anyway, by 4 p.m. we had all had it and headed for Brett and Kelly's house to have an early celebration of Papaw's 66th birthday. When we got to the car, the outside temperature read 109! We were so HOT!

The B.Burleson's house was so nice and cool and they had gone to great lengths to prepare. They had a large birthday cookie that said Happy Birthday Hulk (Papaw has become The Hulk, named by Pierce) on it and a big yellow cake with chocolate frosting with two number six candles on it. Green balloons were everywhere and they had printed out many pictures of The Hulk and had them around. Brett had iced down pop and water, and he brought in pizza. We had such a good, COOL time. (Thanks to Brett and Kelly for all their hard work and for providing us all such a good time!) It was really fun and relaxing! Papaw, aka Dad, loved his gifts end enjoyed his early birthday celebration (Wednesday is the actual 66 in 06 day).

The fun-packed weekend was more fun that we've had in a long time. We so appreciate our kids and their kids and our whole family. And we especially appreciate it when they make an effort to travel and be with us and those who work to accommodate the large group. It's an extra special family that we have, very diverse, and we love them and enjoy them immensely.
Great weekend!
MB

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

I thought I would respond to the e-mail Mom sent to all of you that told of my "accident" with the black water hose [that's the c#*# hose for all rednecks] while loading the RV to come home from the lake.

First, it was not the solid stuff that was the problem since Mom and I had been discreet and used the facilities provided by the Park. Those facilities, however, were far worse in many ways than was the hose incident. The sights, the smells, and the insects were enough to cause you to wonder if you'd lost your mind coming to the lake in the first place.

It was the liquid stuff that became my problem to the tune of soaked shoes, jeans, shirt, arms and legs. No face problem for which I am eternally grateful. [We had used the RV facilities for nocturnal times of refreshing moments of personal relief only thank the Lord.]

But in spite of that comodious experience, it was a great time. Bob Waddle and I beat Carolyn and Mom "two games in a row", count them, two games of cards, a game called "hand and foot". [They did beat us four games in a row until those last two but what they don't know is Bob and my strategy was to let them win a few to off set the hot weather to ensure a good time for all since they tend to get grumpy and depressed if it's hot AND they loose. A bit of male strategy at work and it DID work.]

Finally, I did learn a lot about this RV thing and Dara is taking me to the movie for my birthday next Monday since they will be out of pocket on the 19th. She is debating between CARS or RV. I've not seen either one and she will choose which one but I'll bet I could teach them a little something about RVing it. By the way Dara, I do eat popcorn at the movies, a big bag at that. But I'll be glad to share it with you.

Well, check out Logan's new blog if you haven"t
already. It's loganslines.blogspot.com. I think
everyone is in on and aware of 8lives. That pretty
well wraps up the family blogs And you may be
wondering about the short lines in this final
paragraph, I am too, don't know what happened.

Dad/Paul/Papaw/THE HULK

A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose

I just had to share with everyone something very special. Roses have always been my favorite flower. One day last year Paul and I were sitting on the back porch and I commented that I wished we had some roses on our back fence. I came home that evening from work and I had two rose bushes planted along the back fence with trellises included. Unbelievable! It made the statement "Your every wish is my command." very meaningful. The two rose bushes are now in full bloom for the second time this year. Every time I look at them and enjoy their beauty I think of how much I love Paul and his everyday efforts to make sure I'm happy. Everyone should have such a "handsome feller" in their life. Just wanted to share. Have a happy Fourth. (Also did you notice we old folks figured out how to upload pictures to our blog. Yeah! We're learning.)
MB

Frontier City

We're set for Saturday, February 15, for Frontier City. Paul called and bought the tickets. We have tickets for Tony, Melody, Cody, and Nataly; for Brett, Kelly, Sierra, and Pierce; and for the two of us. We have one extra because when you buy for a group of ten, you get a free one. So, we're waiting to hear from Boe and Logan to see if they're going to be able to come. (Boe, you had mentioned you would really like to come and were going to try to. Let us know.)

We would welcome any and all of the rest of you. We just bought tickets for the for-sure ones. We can and will buy tickets for everyone who wants to go, or rather who shows up when we go. ;-)

Charlie Daniels is in concert that night at 8 p.m. Not sure if any of you guys are interested in staying, but your ticket is a ticket to the concert also. Paul and I may try to stay; we'll have to wait and see how much energy we have left after all day in the sun and riding all the rides. Remember, we're getting to be old folks. Shucks!

Frontier City opens at 10:30 and it might be best to get there early before it gets too hot. We usually meet at that Love's on I-35 and 122nd. Why don't we plan to meet there at 10:30 and drive over together.

Friday night the 14th Paul and I have tickets to the Roy Bell Concert at the Diamond Ballroom in OKC. Tony, Melody, and Brett are really sold on him, but I'm not familiar with him or what he does. Should be interesting. I'm really looking forward to it. The Lenoxes are coming down and we'll probably meet them there.

I did see one of his videos at Liberty in Tulsa, and I'm so literal that I had to have it explained to me. I'm realizing as I get older that I'm almost a pure literalist and have very little imaginative juices flowing, so when there are creative and implied presentations, I'm a little bit lost. I think I'm somewhat smart and intelligent, but I'm not too good at this other stuff. All of you kids seem to be and Paul's a master at it. Good thing I have you guys around. Please be patient if I ask stupid questions, and don't laugh too hard.
(Please.)

Looking forward to the 14th and 15th.
MB