Card Night

This past weekend I was able to do something I haven't been able to do since I was probably in high school.

(No, not see my collar bones, that ship has sailed.)

I was able to take part in Card Night at Momma's house.

This is something I have truly missed over the past few years.

Growing up, Momma and a group of her friends would all get together to eat and play cards and eat.

(Maybe this does have something to do with the fact I can't see my collar bones. Or my knee caps.) 

So, we got it all organized and there were 8 players total.

We figured playing Phase 10 would be a no go, so we decided to play Pokeno.

But first came the food.

After we all had our first course, we began playing.

Pokeno is fun, but that's not what made the night so delightful.

Stories of awkward doctor's visits, spa experiences, talk about family and work, and being with a group of women who aren't afraid to laugh-- that's what made the night special.

And the cheese cake.

And the pepper jelly with cream cheese.

And the cream cheese stuffed jalapenos.

Hmm...maybe Philadelphia Cream Cheese company has something to do with conspiracy to hide my clavicles.

Making Texas Memories: Fancy Shmancy

The school has a gala every year to raise money for scholarships and such.

We snagged some tickets and got to get all dressed up.

V and her husband, Hal, also were able to snag some tickets.

They took this picture.

Here's what led up to this picture.

Making Texas Memories: Canada Day and a British 4th of July

Our first year here, we were invited by some friendly Canadians to celebrate Canada Day.

Yay, Canada!

Since Canada Day is July 1st, it's the same week as 4th of July.

That particular year, we were also invited to a 4th of July party...by a British family.

Making Texas Memories: Cake Balls

I promised V I would teach her how to make cake balls before we moved.

Her son, L, wanted to learn too.

He's a little multi-tasker.

These are good days.

A Weekend with the Crew

Last Friday, Momma, Lucy, and Ethel came out for a visit.

 If you don't know, southern people plan their adventures around when and where they are going to eat. Our itinerary had been in the works for weeks now. We knew that they wouldn't be leaving until after noon so they would eat a late lunch. Cracker Barrel. Every proper adventure or task involves Cracker Barrel.

 

By the time they made it in, Mr. Z had 'the shakes' from near starvation. We met them at their hotel and played the part of their bellhops. 

Their hotel room was almost the size of our apartment... we are thinking of seeing if they offer a monthly rate.

We got them settled in, they touched up their lipstick, and we went to Panera.

I found out that they had gone to a garage sale before they departed on their adventure. A young woman that goes to our church who was getting rid of some clothes she didn't need any more because she has worked hard and lost about 70 pounds. This particular young woman is known for her love of shopping and sense of style. And guess what size she is not anymore? MINE! I tell ya, they hit the jackpot! These clothes were in as-good-as-new condition and just in time for jacket weather.

Saturday morning we scheduled IHOP for breakfast and a trip to The Guild.

In the words of Ethel, "they got all kinds of junk in that place".

Lanterns. How I love them.

If only The Little House had a solid ceiling... Maybe it's best it doesn't because otherwise each room would have a chandelier. And that wouldn't really be functional since the ceilings are about 2 feet high.

 This place has just about anything you could want.

And some things you might not...

We ended up leaving with a quilt rack.

It had to ride in Momma's armpit.

After The Guild, we dropped Mr. Z off and shopped until we dropped.

Ethel said we had to get her out of those stores before her pocket book really got into a bind. Then asked where to next?

Momma grabbed some Spanx and got in line.

Massage chairs...

While we got our shop on, Mr. Z worked on cooking us up some of his heart warming tortilla soup.

After a long day of shopping and walking we settled in with some hot tortilla soup for the soul and some homemade cheesecake. Then we curled up on the couch and watched Toy Story 3.
A wild Saturday night! I told you, with these women, you have to be careful! No wonder I had to check their blood pressure periodically.

Sunday morning we loaded up and headed to church.

We started attending Houston First Baptist Church a few months ago. Of course we attend the traditional service with the senior crowd. That's just where we feel more comfortable. The choir and full orchestra is incredible. That many voices singing in unison is so powerful.

That will definitely go on the list of things I will miss.

Five Guys was next on the itinerary.

With shopping bags and full stomachs, we had to send them on their way.

On their way back back to a world where they don't have a huge hotel suite that rivals the size our apartment. A place void of Mr. Z's soul healing tortilla soup (except the little bit we let them take home with them). Back where there aren't skyscrapers speckling the horizon. To a place where you are always guaranteed a parking spot at your home. 

To that home not too far ahead in our future.

The ladies

One of the many things I have missed since we moved from that precious corner of God's earth has been card night. Ever since I was little, Momma had card night. A group of rather delightful ladies would get together, laugh, bring finger foods, laugh, drink sweet tea, laugh, play cards, laugh, eat dessert, and laugh. 

(Note: party foods are a weakness of mine. At this very moment my mouth is salivating thinking about catalina salad, corn salad, those little sausages, pin wheels, cheese cake...oh my.)

I love these women. I crave their food. I enjoy their company. And the only things these women love more than each other are their families and Jesus.
 When I was in high school and not supposed to want to stay home and play cards or dominoes with my momma's friends, I would still come home a little early. Most of the time they played way past my curfew anyway. I remember one Friday or Saturday night while Michael and I were still dating, we were a few minutes late getting to Momma's house. Of course she wouldn't have been mad, but he liked to pick at me for having a curfew. Well, we pulled up to a dead house. No light. Nothing. Momma was still out partying.

These ladies cut up. They get wild. They get crazy.

Is it gonna be Phase 10 or Mexican Train Game?

5 rounds or 10?

1 cheese cake or 2?

That's right, like I said, it's wild.

I wrote this to say: Ladies, we are scheduling a card game for May 2011. Put it on your calendars