It Has Been A FANTASTIC Mother's Day!

My precious family took me to Buca di Beppo for an unbelievably delicious Italian dinner. Sorry, Donna, the waitress cut off half of your face in our group shot, but you can tell where London wanted to sit!

That's because Aunt Donna shared her tea and food with London! She loves iced tea!But Uncle Jona earned points by sharing, too!

The food was UNBELIEVABLY DELICIOUS and was served family style so that we all could get a taste of everything. For a minute there, we wondered if Jona was going to share the lasagna. We also had stuffed shells and a veal dish.
But we all saved room for desert! I think Trey and Dylan's choice was the star of the dinner. We all had a hand in eating this. Jona, Donna and Daniel hid the cannolli dish at their end of the table.
And Wyatt and Carla did serious damage on this chocolate cake with a scrumptious chocolate sauce.


After all that food, we could still smile...

or act silly from the sugar high...
or act like boys always manage to do....
or just look fantastically content with such a fully tummy!Of course...all of this food and family fun was for the mommies of our family....
and these are the darlings that made us mommies (and gammy)...
Yep...there's nothing like family and a fantastic day!

I Just Had a FANTASTIC Weekend!

This past weekend was truly a blessing to me....I got to see all four of my grandkids, Wyatt and Trey ... he prefers to be called Hugh now, but it is hard for me to remember that after 8 years ... spent the night with me Saturday night while Jona and Donna traveled to a Warrior Run that Jona completed. That afternoon we went to Denton to visit with Carla, Daniel, Dylan and London.

Dylan calls them WYATTTREY...veryseldomonenameatatimeusuallybothatonce. We went to a fantastic park there and let everyone romp and stomp. When we drove up, Trey's...er, Hugh... reaction was, "WHOA!" EVERYONE got in the action ... well.... I just followed along with the camera and enjoyed taking pictures of their antics.

Carla has the first half of the pictures taken in the enclosed climbing area with all the mazes and swings and monkey bars and hand rails and everything else that makes a kid happy. You can see those on her blog at www.mommysliceoflife.blogspot.com.

Here are some of my favorites that I took after we left the play area and went over to the open park and lake area.

Wyatt decided right away to climb a tree while...

Dylan and Trey tortured London with tickles...until

everyone had to get in on Wyatt's tree action...even London.

London loves her Daddy...bet you can't tell he's pretty crazy about her, too...

Trey decided to balance on the bench...but
Wyatt couldn't be outdone so he jumped over it...and
notice who is taking off by herself with brother in hot pursuit! But finally....

we were able to settle the kiddos down for a Grammy and Gramkids group shot...still
we did have to be a little silly....and
even when it was time to call it a day, Carla and Dylan were still feeling silly...
A good time was had by all....even Charlie!

I'm Officially Retired

Well...due to my back surgery and ongoing pain, I have joined the ranks of the retired. But it is not all bad! I get to go to bed when I want and wake up when my body says to. My surgeon wants me to rest and heal.

I am still able to enjoy my children and grandchildren. I go to ball games or just spend time with them. London is too little for organized sports now, so I sew for her instead. My love of sewing has led to a little sideline for me...check out my etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/bipsbabes. I won't get rich, but I really enjoy creating outfits. My sales pay for my new creations for London!

Wyatt was going strong as a left handed pitcher. Unfortunately, he hurt his arm in his last game, so Jona and his coach are not going to let him pitch anymore until they know he is ok. Needless to say, Wyatt is not happy about that.

Trey has developed a love for soccer. He now is playing offense and he loves running up and down the field. He makes some really good blocks and saves. It seems he has found his favorite sport!

Dylan is quite the t ball player. He loves hitting the ball and running the bases. He seems to have a natural aptitude for the sport. He also has an active imagination...he loves to play different characters. I make costumes for him...the last was Avatar.

So my life is full and happy. I am blessed. I try to go every weekday to the senior citizen center to swim...well, walk up and down the pool...to help out my back. I plan to start volunteering soon.

Summer Has Marched Right on By!

Wyatt at his baseball gamTrey at the lake
Dylan just chillingSweet Baby London

Unreal...I have to be back in school in two weeks. This has been a great summer. I have been able to spend lots of time with my kids and grandkids. In fact, I had lunch with Donna, Wyatt and Trey yesterday at the boys favorite habachi grill. Today I shopped til I dropped with Carla, Dylan and London. My sister Dana spent a week with me...that was a fantastic time for both of us.

Whoa! It's been a long time since I updated.

I can't believe so much time has passed since I last posted. School is only 4 days from being out for the summer. Take a look at the latest pics of my grandkids.

London Is Wearing Carla's Baby Clothes

These are both outfits of Carla's that I saved. The one on the left looks just like Carla.

The Little Princess Is Growing Fast!

Syd...this picture is for you. You probably don't remember, but this is the sweater and bonnet you and your Mom gave Carla when she was born. We also saved that beautiful white blanket, but we haven't gotten it in a picture yet.

My Baby Turns 21

Can you believe it? My baby girl turned 21 this weekend. We celebrated her birthday at my apartment with a family get together. Jona, Donna, Wyatt, and Trey joined Carla, Daniel, Dylan, Londaon, and me for her favorite meal...manicotti and cheesecake. Wyatt made his award winning cookies to add to the meal. Even though Carla is my princess, you can guess who the star of the show was....that's right....the grandkids, especially our newest star London. Donna managed to avoid the camera somehow. I was only able to get Jona and Wyatt in one or two. And the one behind the iron man mask is Trey. We really had a great time together. I so love being out here in Texas with my crew, even though I do miss all of you back in Mississippi.

It's been quite a weekend for the Hilburn's and Mom

London Paisley FINALLY made her entrance into the world Friday, Oct. 3rd at 6:45 PM. Daniel was the best at keeping Carla calm. I did Grammy duty and entertained Dylan while he waited for his little sis. I think she looks like Carla did when she was a baby, but then I can see Daniel in her too. One thing is for certain, Carla will definitely make her into a girlie girl little princess. Sound familiar? I didn't do that to Carla, did I?

More pictures of London and family

Dylan was so proud of his little sister! I spent the weekend with him while Dad stayed at the hospital with London and Mom. He is so gentle with her and will be the best big brother ever!

Thirty-three Weeks and Counting

It's almost time for London's arrival. Needless to say, we are all very excited. Carla said if one more person tells her she is huge, she might just get an attitude! No, not my Carla! Daniel and Dylan are both very excited about London. Dylan keeps patting his mommy's belly and giving her kisses!

I'm Working on Things for London...It's Almost Time for Her Arrival

Carla wants me to start my own sweat shop to get all the things made for London. This one is my pet project. I also made an afgan to match it. She and Daniel promise that she will wear this home from the hospital.

Wyatt's Summer

Wyatt's baseball skills continue to improve. His mom and dad signed him up for private pitching lessons since his coach spotted his leftie pitching ability. He loves the game.