My revamped bedroom with nature theme

I convinced Steve to do a little repainting in our bedroom. The color I selected is called "Crocodile Tears" and I had the idea to bring in as many of my patio plants as I could to do a nature theme. It's very soothing and I love looking at my plants!

And because old Lucky is a part of nature, here he is looking out the window, and because it's my nature to be a little on the messy side, that's my mess there on the left.

Then, just as a side note, here is one of the benches Steve built for me to go with my table I use outside, but it turned out so pretty I thought I can also use it in the entry (that's the trick or treat candy left over from last night -

And, lastly, here is a picture of a little rocker I bought for $5 at a garage sale that Mom, Vicki and I passed while walking to the Farmers Market in downtown McKinney. I couldn't resist it at that price, and I hung Landry's little cowboy vest from when he was little over the back. Kinda cute, huh?!!

And since I've shared all this, you might as well see what I just had for breakfast this morning (good thing we got an extra hour this morning!)

The Bathroom Birth Announcement

After numerous inquiries from family and friends as to the status of "The Bathroom Project", we are pleased to announce that we now have a fully functional, and even attractive, bathroom off our master bedroom. Yes, it took a half a year to complete, but let me tell you, I truly appreciate and enjoy my new "Great White Throne Room".

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

It's like falling into a snowbank or a fluffy white cloud. Below is the view from the toilet, which I really enjoy.

Now, I don't post this incite any jealousy on anyone's part, but we did add a technologically advanced two-button toilet. The first button is for number one and the second button is for [you guessed it!] number two, get it? Now when we need to go the bathroom, we just jump up and announce "I've got to go push the number 2 button!" [or whichever is appropriate], and it is much more civil and socially acceptable.

And, one more pic if you will bear with me, we added shelves over the two-buttoned toilet, which I also like a lot! And, voila! The project is finished! Thanks for your prayers and support!

IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN TEXAS!

Friday night lights are in full swing here in McKinney. Landry's team, the McKinney Boyd High School Broncos, are now 4 /3. We've had a couple of rough weeks, and this is our bye week. However, if we can bring in 2 more District wins, we'll make first round of the playoffs. We have been blessed this year to have lots of family attend games with us, which makes it so much fun! The boy got nominated for King of Athletics, so I got my 2 seconds of glory on the field at half-time as his escort. As Mark put it, the Kemps were able to maintain their perfect record of never having won anything in the popularity department, as Landry was beat out by another kid! Oh, well, it keeps us humble! See the inflatable Bronco head [above] as it spews Bronco football players out of its mouth before the game and at halftime!

Family From the South and the North Meets in the Middle!

From the South:

Haley and Scout came to see us in September, and we had a great time together. Wes flew in on Saturday from Washington, so we got to see him, too. Got what is beginning to be a rare picture of all the kids together. We also celebrated Steve's Birthday (double nickles - 55!)

From the North:

Mike, Cindy and Mindy were all here at Mark and Jen's to attend the OU / BYU game at Texas Stadium. Haley and I decided to tag along and we had a great time! The Cowboy Stadium is a sight to see, a monster of a structure!

Family Get-together in August

Here are Mike, Jen and Vicki's youngest children, Mark, Jacob and Landry.

We were all able to meet at Mom's in Norman for a weekend in August. Vicki and Jake were there from NY, and we had a great time playing pool ball, eating, and visiting!

WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED !

Looking at colleges!

Can't believe it's time for The Boy to think about college! Last Friday we toured OU while in Norman (wish I had taken pictures - such a gorgeous campus!). Today we drove down to Waco to have a look at Baylor University. It was one of their official tour days called Sic 'em Day. Started at 9:00 so we left at 6:30 this morning. Walked the campus, listened to their pitch, ate lunch, and drove back. It was impressive, to say the least.

Start of the tour - many beautiful buildings!

Big Man on Campus (bookstore with miniature furniture!)

One of the Baylor Bears that reside on campus.

Science Building

In front of Science Building

Family Reunion 2009

Family Reunion - Cothran-style . . . . AGAIN! I think it is the 41st reunion, and we have come a long way since the days when we co-habitated in the state park at Quartz Mountain, with no air conditioning and no catering. Either we like it , or we are really gluttons for punishment! Look - not a bead of perspiration on any of us! (above: me with the Sisters)

Marshall & Phil - the old codgers



Three generations of Lehmans!

Diane, Brian, Brett & Kathryn - Kat has her eyes closed, but for some beautiful pics of her and her band The Vintage Vibes, check out www.myspace.com/thevintagevibes. They are playing at Winstar in August and September, and Phil and I want to plan a little jaunt to check it out! Anybody game?

This looks like some trouble to me!

A good aunt with a semi-rotton nephew

Looks like a fine branch of the family tree!

We have been blessed!