A Tribute to Dr. Fred Taylor Matthes

I am once again going to have to backtrack and post some pictures from my trip to Texas.  It has been whirlwind of a December, some happy times and some sad times.  We got the sad news of my grandfather passing away on December 18th, 2012.  He had been battling an abscess in his colon that was not healing, and he was too weak for surgery.  So he went to be the our Lord and Savoir December 18th.  

Praise God for such an amazing man.  He was 82 years old and lived a wonderful life, married to his high school sweet heart for 62 years, 5 amazing children, 15 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.  He graduated from Baylor Medical School and finished his residency program in pediatrics and moved back to Bay City, TX where he set up practice for the next 41 years.

He loved the Lord and was such an example to everyone he came in contact with.  He loved the community and wanted to make Bay City a town of success.  He loved his patients and took great pride and joy in helping children of all ages.  He also loved the  country.  He always had a team of Clydesdale horses that he would hook up to the wagon and take us grandkids out to pick corn, head into Blessing to the hotel for lunch, or just drive us around for fun.  I have so many wonderful memories and my grandfather and am so thankful for being raised in such a loving and wonderful family.  

I had a great time with family and we were able to look back at pictures and reminisce about the good ole days with Papa.  There were many tears yet lots of laughter rejoicing over a man who was such an amazing father, doctor, grandfather, and friend.  We love you so much Papa!!

A beautiful couple of 62 years.  What an amazing example of true love!

My sister Laura and I flew together to Texas.  It was around the holidays so of course Grandmama wanted to make her amazing pecan caramels   And amazing is just what they were.  She is such a great baker and cook!

The onlookers checking out the baking process!

The wrappers and cutters.  It takes a lot of people to get a batch caramels wrapped.

Out last day in Bay City.  We had to get some cousin pictures and of course it i the day that Laura and I did not have time to get dressed. Oh well we made memories right!!

Uncle Mike and I being funny.  I am six months pregnant and he is... just being funny!

Grandmama in the kitchen at 81 years old.  She is making cinnamon rolls, pigs in a blanket and whatever amazing things she  always makes for Christmas.  We had such a great time and am so happy we were able to go!

Christmas around the house

It has been a long week.  Things have been busy, lots of emotions, and good times as well.  This has been a sad Christmas for me as my grandfather passed away December 18th.  It had been a battle for a few months because he was fighting an infection that just wasn't getting better.  We had been somewhat prepared but didn't know it would happen this fast.  I have more to blog about him what an amazing man he was but that is to come later when I can put it all into words.  I wanted to get these pictures up of the house all decorated for Christmas!  Since Christmas is now over.  We are going to have a fun week with Tim's family.  His mom is here and the rest of the crew gets in today and tomorrow.


A few things in the dinning room.  I saw this cute idea on pinterest to decorate my light fixture and I think it turned out great.  Fun and simple.

I am obsessed with burlap and was so happy with how the tree turned out.  I had a ton of burlap left over from Dad and Mom's party this summer so it was a free decoration!

I didn't get a chance to show this cute little ornament from last year so here is Jonah's first Christmas ornament from my friend Katie.

I got a little creative this year and decided to make ornaments.  We had an ornament decorating party at my church and I decided to make more for friends and family.

And the beautiful stockings my mom made.  They turned out great!  Isn't she so talented!  These are so special because she made them and I am loving the traditional Christmas colors along with my favorite aqua and green.

She also made the tree skirt.  Thank you mom!

Marbles Museum

I wanted to get some pictures up from when Chris came to visit.  We went to the Marbles Museum in Raleigh.  What a great place for little ones.  There was so much to do Jonah just kept running from station to station excited as can be.  He had so much fun and we are for sure going back. Here is one happy boy!


Jonah's new coat from Papa and Mimi.  And Daddy has one just like it!!

We are big into dinosaurs these days.  He loves to roar like a dinosaur and plays with the two he has all the time.

There was this great little area where the kids could put on white coats and play doctor.  Jonah loved it.  We might have a future MD, 2040!!

It looks like he is giving a lecture here.  So cute, and Papa Joe loved this one of course.  They both might end up having a love for bones!

Our last stop was the ball pit.  Jonah would pretty much dive into the balls and roll around.  He was just flopping around and falling down and loving every minute of it.

There was this pig at the top of the ball pit that once full would open up and all the balls would come falling out.  Jonah loved watching and waiting for the balls to drop.

Love and miss you Mimi.  Can't wait to see you in 2 weeks! love your Jonah Bear.

Baby Langston

I have a lot of catching up to do so here we go.  My friend Mandy and I hosted a baby shower for Josh and Melanie Langstong along with our small group.  It was fun to have everyone together for one last time before one of the couples moves to Baltimore.  We had a fun evening of opening presents and eating lots of yummy homemade desserts and appetizers.  Tim and I are so blessed with a wonderful small group from church that we have enjoyed so much for the past 2.5 years.  And most of the girls in the small group are stay home moms so I have made some wonderful mommy friends!  Here are some pictures from the fun night we had!


Here are just a few snap shots I got of people at the shower.  Jonathan and Katie Beth.

Katie Beth, me, and Melanie.

And it is so fun to be able to joke with friends.  We were all laughing after we took the picture because we were worried we had food in our teeth.  So KB and I were pointing out our troublesome spots.  It was funny if you were there:)

Josh and Melanie

 My little decorations I made.  The candy cane and sock swag.

The lineup is Melanie on the left, Mandy, and then me.  It is so much fun because we are all due pretty close together.  Melanie is due February 14th, Mandy February 17th, and me March 17th.  How fun to be pregnant with two of my dearest friends!!

 Happy shower Josh and Melanie!