2024 was a year of emotions, exhaustion, encouragement, excitement and blessings.  
We got a new daughter-in-love and granddaughter.
  		     
Micky's last surviving sibling lost his fight with cancer at the end of 2023. We gathered for a memorial in May.  His battle was one of the most brutal I've seen.  Our brother-in-law Bill started another round of chemo with a smile on his face and his heart filled with faith. 

Linda's mom passed away after a short illness.

Many of our friends had a rough year. Norvell lost vision in one eye due to a stroke.  Paulette fell and injured her shoulder. Jan finally had one knee replaced but she suffered for many months before.  Sharon lost her Tallulah (puppy) but rescued Pepper (lucky dog).

     
       
For the first time in over 20 years the 3 Self siblings had Thanksgiving together.  We enjoyed a Texas feast of New York strip steaks and pecan pie.
 
Our Kiddos
  Jamie continues to work brutal hours in the oil field. He loves his job and the paychecks for 80+ hour weeks are very nice.  Luchi reminds me of my mother, trying to save the world one child at a time.  Each year her young students have the "most improved" test scores.  Natalie is a senior and shopping for colleges.  She was hired by an engineering firm as an intern and was disappointed that her pay was considerably less than waitressing.  Martin gave soccer a try and is actually enjoying it.  He is a freshman and still thinks "girls are trouble".  
     
  Casey and Mary had a beautiful, fun filled wedding in June.  They are adding a "barndominium" to their property.  Casey will use it as his office and they will have guests space.  As always Casey is busy which as he says that is a good thing when you own the business.  Mary is teaching and looking forward to a year with no wedding, graduation, moving or construction activities. 2024 was a busy year for her.  Kira graduated from Texas Tech and moved to Seville, Spain where she is teaching and enjoying a grand adventure.  Katy played volleyball, got her driver's license and traveled to Japan.  She loved the "Japan" experience and hopes to go back for another visit, maybe even a job there.  
     
  Bethany and Michael have 2 school boys and a very busy schedule.  Michael is district manager for NOV a supply company for the oil field and Bethany is the accounting specialist for Will Call another oil field service business.  This is Texas, so what do we expect?  Gatlin is 9 and loves to sing, dance and talk.  He likes science, like his Gramps, but does not like English at all.  Lincoln is in "real" school now and actually enjoys homework and  the "capateria".  The teacher says he is very quiet and calm.  His parents keep asking her if she has 2 Lincolns in her class.   
     
Travelers
  We took a beach trip and went to Puerto Vallarta in August.  We enjoyed it but should have done more research. The resort is huge with lots of "things" in different areas. From our room to the beachy area was a half mile walk.  We had a good time but will do a better job selecting a resort style next time.
   
  In September we drove to Nebraska to check on my cousin Steve.  He gave us a tour of the packing plant his company is building.  It is massive, impressive and gonna be a cold place to work this winter.  We then drove on up to South Dakota and checked out Mount Rushmore, the scenic drives and Sturgis. We saw amazing crops along the drive and were shocked at interstates that are not solid trucks.
   
  In 2024 we took four cruises including our "protest" cruise which means we were gone during the election.  I highly recommend doing this.  We are taking a Christmas cruise and are looking forward to someone else doing the decorating and cooking.  We enjoyed the 35 day cruise to the South Pacific and feel like it was a dream come true.  We have 7 cruises booked in 2025.  It seems we are getting older and accept our travel days are limited in number.  So many of our older friends keep saying "go while you can".  We evidently listen very well.
Retired Life
  My friend Jan inspired me to try crochet again.  I need something to keep me from snacking all day and I was spending hours playing games on my Ipad.  So I am the official "doily queen".  I have discovered textured crochet and find it is challenging and makes me feel creative. It also lessens my side seat driving, not enough for Micky, but . . . 
   
  We made trips to the Panhandle to watch a great nephew Kyle play basketball (Meadow High School) and attended a lot of the UMHB (University of Mary Hardin Baylor) basketball and volleyball games.  The men's basketball coach is from Meadow and Micky has known his family his whole life.  Pretty cool.
   
  Micky is still enjoying reading books instead of federal regs. He watches old movies, cowboy shows and of course sports.
   
  It is the first of December and Tech is bowl eligible (Wreck'em), we will cruise in 14 days, our kiddos and grandkiddos are healthy, employed and happy; WE ARE TRULY BLESSED.  We love each of you and wish you a great holiday season and and a happy and blessed 2025.