Poling Family Blog

Who Do We Think We Are?

2010-04-04T20:22:00.001-07:00

Parrish and I have been watching the new show "Who do you think you are" where different celebrities track their ancestry to find out where they came from. It inspired me to start an account on ancestry.com, and I found some rather fascinating stuff about our little ol' clan. I ran into dead ends on the Polings, Jamesons, and Youngs, but the Merricks...oh, the Merricks. Here are a few highlights...

Either William Hays (Great Grandpa x 7) or Hardy Hays (Great-Grandpa x6) fought in the Revolutionary War and thus received a land grant of 200 acres in Georgia.
Jean Jacque Reneau (Great Grandpa x 6) was born in 1739, immigrated from France, married a girl from North Carolina (Mary Ann) and lived to be 100.
Richard Glover (Great Grandpa x 10) was born in England in 1611, fathered William Glover with Mary Booker in Virgina, but then somehow made it to Indonesia in time for his death in 1684.
Arthur Jordan (Great-Grandpa x11) was born in 1595, died in 1635, and immigrated from England to Virginia somewhere in between. (The first Thanksgiving was in 1621)

I'd love to find more info out about the Polings, Jamesons, and Youngs...does anyone know the names and birthplaces of John Milton Poling's parents, Grandma Poling's parents, or Granny Merrick's parents?

Finally

2010-03-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally used my "find" from the crap swap that we had last summer at Walt's house. I inherited some frames from Linda that I planned to use in Charlie's nursery but it just took me forever to decide how I wanted to use them. If you haven't already seen them on our blog, check it out here. The frames are on the second to last picture... the three frame set on the far left and far right. We put some of Carson's "fishing" pictures in them to fit the nursery's theme!

Sorry we're not the best about posting on here, it's hard enough to keep up with our personal blog. If you want to see what's going on with us, come on over to our blog here.

Thanks Linda, they look cute! Stop by soon and come see them yourself!!

Thanksgiving in the Robert Poling house....

2009-12-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

was rather unorthodox this year. You see, Genny was diagnosed with swine flu the day before Thanksgiving. So Thanksgiving Day consisted of taking care of our very sick Genny as she barfed and watched the Macy's parade and several episodes of Dora the Explorer.

The highlight was when she consented to eat some plain pasta and drink some sprite and watch funny cat videos on YouTube. (this was while Robert was eating a lovely Thanksgiving meal with Audrey at his mom's house.... )

Here's Genny's favorite cat video right now. It's fun.

Audrey didn't get sick until Saturday. She's better now.

There was snow. Since our assignment was to include something funny that someone said, I've put this picture in here. Genny got up Monday morning to snow and yelled at me (accusingly) "MOMMY, WHAT HAPPENED?"

We're ready for Christmas!

Thanksgiving Post

2009-11-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

We had a blast this year! Cute quote of the year was Carly, as we were leaving Mimi and Jeff's and she said, "Jeff is your step-dad?" I said, "Yes." She said, "Well, you sure got a nice step-dad." And he is! He fixed Carly's bike tires AND took her to see a movie.
I have a funny memory to share. You know that, "Where am I?" look that I have on my face so often? Well, it's because I don't know where I am. Or, very often, I am in a parking lot and I cannot find my car. So I can tell this story without feeling guilty.
One year, Granny Merrick was at our yearly Thanksgiving (or was it Christmas?) celebration at the ranch. And she was at the age where she was beginning to become a bit confused (hello, me on a daily basis.) And she asked Mom, "So, what do you teach?" Mom replied, "Fourth grade." She didn't hear mom, and asked her to clarify. And so it went over, and over again, until Mom was shouting, "FOURTH GRADE," while holding up four fingers in an attempt to communicate through sign language. Finally, we all saw the lightbulb go off, and Granny Merrick said, "Oh, you teach FIRST AID." We all nodded and grinned.

Our First Turkey

2009-11-28T17:48:00.000-08:00

Since Parrish's Grandma is going through Chemo right now, we offered to host Thanksgiving at our house this year. Which ended up being a group of 20 people! It was lots of fun, lots of work, and I now have a huge appreciation for every host and hostess in my life! We bought a 20 pound turkey a few weeks ago...we named him Bob. Bob the Bird.

Fun Day in Benbrook

2009-11-27T13:30:00.000-08:00

We had a fun time on Thanksgiving day. We ate early, decorated our own table cover, watched ball games, laughed at the funny kids, and enjoyed the 70 degree weather. Quote for the day was from Conrad, as he held his half eaten cookie, asked Molly, "Can I have a cookie?" He ate probably a dozen all together. I thought that was just fine, as I had about that many too. Thanks, family, for a wonderful day.

Thanksgiving at Linda's

2009-11-27T07:07:00.000-08:00

We had so much to be thankful for this year. Good food prepared by Mimi was at the top of my list! Mom skipped the turkey this year and made a yummy roast. Carly, Conrad, and Shelby had lots of fun chasing each other around and exploring the neighborhood. Haley slept most of the day as long as she was being held.

Over the past few years, it has become a Thanksgiving tradition for the Morris, Pfaff, and Rowland families to take a group photo for Mimi's Christmas card. Every year, we take at least 10 photos, and every year, not one of them has everyone looking at the camera. This year was no different! Here's my favorite:

At least Bryon and I are looking at the camera! Oh well...we can always try again next year!

Poling Family Reunion 2009!

2009-07-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

I thought that since this is the Poling Family Blog, maybe we should post a photo of us at the reunion. See, I might not be the sharpest crayola in the box, but I can connect a few dots given, say, 2 weeks to think about it.
You might be a Poling if:
1. Crap Swap is not only a common word in your vocab, but is also one that has a positive connotation.
2. you said, "I can't believe it's raining. Is it still raining? Wow, the rain!"
3. you participate in country entertainment (guns, beer, ATVs, kites)
4. you are handy at fixing ceiling fans in high pressure situations (you with me Mer?)
5. your closest brush at fame was your image projected on a big sheet in Walt's living room
6. you took at least 500 photos in front of the new Poling Ranch sign
7. one of said photos was your Facebook profile picture
8. you got all dressed up in your swimming gear to eat breakfast with the family
9. your family reunion shirt theme is beer and guns.
10. you are talented, fantastic, and brilliant (or you are married to someone talented, fantastic, and brilliant.) :)

Can ya'll think of any others?

Annual Report

2009-06-26T16:15:00.000-07:00

I think we should continue last year's Happy/Crappy challenge from Meredith. We are starting some wonderful family traditions and this was one of my favorites. Who goes first?

What's missing?

2009-04-05T17:41:00.001-07:00

I think we need 3 more ladies to add to this fine looking family picture!! What do you think?? This was taken at their cousin's wedding in Edinburg, TX March 28th.
Gary did a great job officiating the ceremony!

If you haven't seen yet...

2009-03-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen our update yet... check it out!

www.happyandersons.blogspot.com

- Carson and Julianne

Looking for Good Home

2009-03-07T12:34:00.001-08:00

Remember this buffet? I brought it to Kerrville 22 years ago. It belonged to Laura Lee and JM Poling, then to Mother and Daddy. I was planning to strip it down to the oak, but meanwhile, I got pregnant with Landon and haven't had time since. Let's see, he's 21 now.....

Anyway, I had the matching table rebuilt to a smaller size, but I would like to keep it. I am just out of space for this piece. I could pass along 2 of the chairs that match.

It's so retro, and kinda cute. Anyone have the perfect spot for it? We'll deliver! Well, maybe!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

Love,

Marc, Molly, Carly, and Conrad

It's an Oklahoma Christmas...

2008-12-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

Parrish and I happen to live on the Parade route for the Sand Springs Christmas Parade. We missed the Parade last year, but caught it tonight...

There were all the normal, cute floats. The local square dancers. The guys riding horses (one of them was sending a text while on his horse.) There were the Shriners in their funny cars, the local pageant winner, the weatherman, the State congressman, the boy scouts, etc.

And then, just as I was telling Parrish about the giant Piggy Bank float that we once constructed out of chicken wire and pink kleenex for Fritch State Bank's float in the Howdy Neighbor Day Parade (circa 1988), along came the 4H Group. They were all piled on a trailer, and behind the trailer...A GIANT SEVERED PIG HEAD.

And it was being chased by a bull dozer....

'Tis the Season!

New Baby Poling

2008-11-24T20:11:00.001-08:00

Our son, Landon...

2008-11-22T13:07:00.001-08:00

Carson and I are proud to annouce... it's a BOY!! By that I mean, we inherited a new roommate in September, here a few shots of our little guy. He's growing up so fast!

Here he is helping Carson make dinner...

He helps do the dishes...

Here he turns 21, growing up to be such a big boy...

And here I helped him find the perfect Halloween costume! Isn't he precious!! Don't worry, you didn't miss the baby shower, but all gifts, funds of support, or food are gladly accepted. Please send checks or cash to:

4500 Angus Drive. - Momma J

Late Halloween post...

2008-11-22T12:54:00.001-08:00

Sorry my life has been crazy and I'm just now entering a post! I've never really done this before so here goes it... here are some pumpkins that Carson and I made one year. Mine is the spider! Impressed??

Carly's Pumpkin

2008-10-31T15:15:00.000-07:00

"My pumpkin is very cool and sweet." -- Carly Morris

Cousin's Crazy Costume Carnival

2008-10-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

I may not have gone all out on a pumpkin, but atleast I have a sweet costume!

The McDaris Pumpkin...

2008-10-31T11:07:00.000-07:00

We worked long and hard last night and whipped this baby into shape:

Confession: We've been sick all week and never came within 10 feet of a pumpkin. I stole this picture from Google. But isn't it neat? If I did carve a pumpkin, I'd want it to look like this!

Yes, here's our entry!

2008-10-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, here's the entry for us! Gen painted it at school yesterday, and she is very proud of it. She keeps picking it up ("Oooh! Heavy!") and bringing it to me to tell me "I paint that at school!"

Justus' Pumpkin

2008-10-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

this is my entry, its a few years old, but its def not as cute as Monica's or as intricate as Molly's

Monica's Poling Pumpkin Showdown Entry

2008-10-27T14:49:00.001-07:00

Okay, so the carving isn't as creative as Molly's cat, but I had to scrape out every last seed inside!

Pumpkin Throwdown

2008-10-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

I would like to challenge all of you fantastic and talented people to the First Annual Poling Pumpkin Carving Contest. Here is my entry.

I can only come up with one rule for you wiseguys: Don't even think about copy/pasting from any professional-type carving websites. We won't be fooled.

The winner receives bragging rights and the satisfaction of personally smashing everyone else's sub par entries. Of course, you have to come and get them yourself. And you have to wait until Halloween is over and the pumpkins are saggy and gross and/or have already been stolen and smashed by a raucous group of high-schoolers.

Good luck to all.

No longer unemployed

2008-10-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

I have not posted on this blog spot in a while and said I would when I had news. Well I am employed now working as a landman. I am preparing lease packets and working with Mineral owners to sign that lease. I currently work from home, which is nice that I am not driving 1000 miles a week any more. Thanks for all the helpful ideas on my job search and hope to see yall soon...

Little Girls Love Chuck!

2008-09-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Channing and Parker Burton were so cute with Linda's dog, Chuck! Channing thought Parker would enjoy being locked up in Chuck's crate with him. Seeing her enjoying it so much, Channing climbed right in with her. It was quite the site to see all three of them bonding!

Linda, we all had a great time at your house! It was neat for me to see my cousins, second cousins, aunts, etc. The shrimp pasta was delicious. Send out the recipe if you get a chance. Thanks for hosting the impromtu reunion!

The Peggy Gathering

2008-09-22T11:52:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at the gathering and loved seeing everyone. Thanks for the special entertainment provided by Chuck, Channing, and Parker (does someone have a cage picture to post?). It was a very fun day. Welcome to new family bloggers - please add.

Back to School

2008-09-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Back To School!!! Here is a picture of Carly in her F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S new tutu from the Wendy Lee Collection. She loves it! And there's a picture of Conrad on his first day in 3K. Conrad only cried for the first day, and Carly has only had her name on the board about 20 times. I have only done about 7,000 schedule changes and I only cried for the first week or so.

The House is Done!

2008-08-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, folks. Only a short 7 months later, the new home is completed and occupied. Walt moved in officially on Tuesday evening, August 26th, 2008. It is a beautiful home and just fits what Walt needs.

Happy Crappy!

2008-07-25T18:25:00.001-07:00

Ok everyone!

We never got around to our big fun game at the reunion - Happy Crappy! Here are the ground rules...

1) Name a happy thing that has happened to you in the past year (or month or week), and a crappy thing that has happened in the past year (or month or week)

2) Start with the crappy...end with the happy.

3) You can have as many happies as you want, but only one crappy...no whiners, people!

Ready? Leave you happy / crappy as a comment to this post!

Here's where WendyLee caves to public pressure

2008-07-21T10:29:00.001-07:00

Also, here's some rejected T-shirt designs:

FRONT pocket:
Back:

If anybody wants a shirt done and didn't get one, just send me a shirt you like and tell me what you want on it.

I have a good video of Linda playing the drums....

2008-07-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

But since I am a VERY NICE NIECE and Linda asked me nicely to not post it, I'm posting Gen playing the drums instead. She IS the cutest thing ever! Here's a few other pics I got!

McDaris Update

2008-06-13T20:05:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

So obviously I haven't been checking the blog as often as I should! As for us, we have been busy, busy, busy! In April I went to New York City with my mom, Aunt Mary and cousins Michelle & Tonya. When they flew out, I stayed, Parrish flew in, and we spent a couple of days in Brooklyn with some friends from college that live there. It was all great fun! After that, I had the Walk for work, which went really well. We were able to raise over $65,000, which felt great...it was a lot of fun and a lot of work! I have also officially finished my MBA, and am just waiting on OSU to send my degree to me. I officially have letters after my name now, so please start referring to me as "Meredith McDaris, MBA" or simply "Master Meredith" - just kidding. Parrish is also getting ready to finish his degree...only 5 more hours and he'll have his M.A. in Ministry, Ethics & Culture.

And lastly...we have lived in Tulsa now for 4 years and moved here for the purpose of getting our graduate degrees. Since we are almost finished with that process, we are taking applications for our new city. Right now the top 2 contendors are New York (yes, we are fully aware that the cost-of-living there is quite high) and Denver. If you have suggestions, please let us know! One requirement...it has to be bigger than Tulsa.

Love you all!
Meredith & Parrish

p.s. Welcome Shelby!!!

Here are some pics:

New York Trip -

The Walk -

Gen waters the grass

2008-05-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Some of you may not know this, but Robert really loves to water the grass. He has a tractor sprinkler, and each night he sets it on its course. If time permits, he and Genny sit on lawn chairs and watch it. So last night, Gen learned to use the hose to water Mom and Dad and Daisy (and some plants too). You can also hear the panhandle wind blowing on the video!

To Molly: To upload video, just make sure your digital video file is on the computer somewhere, or plugged in the USB drive or whatever. On the toolbar, you can add a video by clicking the icon to the right of the "add photo" icon. Then the video uploads just like a picture, only it takes a lot longer (give it about a minute for every second or two of video, usually).

Rowland Update

2008-05-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend. Carson got us tickets to the Colonial plus an added bonus of entry to the Merrill Lynch hospitality room. Thanks again, Carson! We enjoyed the view above the 18th hole where we got to see the exciting win at the end of the tournament. We loved it!

This picture is of Jeff, Glenda, and Kent (friends from Amarillo) and our new curbing around the tree. Thanks for the challenge, Wendy Lee, to all post updates. Your turn Wendy Anderson!

Thirty pounds later...

2008-05-26T04:57:00.000-07:00

This is the closest thing I have to a profile picture, one from my baby shower back in April. I really haven't gained much more weight since then, just a few pounds from all the cake and cookies I've been craving!

Life around here has been all about preparing for baby. Getting a new washer/dryer, installing the car seat, packing bags, freezing some dinners, and getting a new tv have been our excitement lately. Yeah, yeah...the new tv has nothing to do with baby on the way. It's just taken us a year to finally get one, so it was nice to mark that off our "to do" list. And, for those of you that haven't ever installed a car seat, try to avoid this task at all costs! My mechanical engineer husband threw the instruction manual at me after about 30 minutes saying he gave up. It's harder than it looks! We keep asking ourselves how we ever made it past childhood without car seats to keep us locked in place. Gone are the days of playing "Barbie" in the floorboards!

Wendy Poling has inspired me to start our on little Pfaff blog to keep up with our crazy life. Check it out at www.pfafftimes.blogspot.com. There is only one little post right now. We can't wait to announce her name to the world. All the guessing has been lots of fun!

2008-05-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy spring with lots of parties and performances. This is a picture of Carly last night at her recital. She did well! She always has a way of finding center stage. The theme of the recital was "Fire." It was appropriate, since everything in Big Spring has either caught fire or exploded this year. Walt can relate all too well, I guess. Maybe if Robert or Wendy will teach me how to post a video, I can post one of her performances.
Conrad is doing well and is finally pulling out of the terrible two's. This is our last week of school and we're ready to get a break from teenagers! But -- Marc will do summer basketball camp for little kids, and I'll be working for a couple more weeks on summer school and transcripts. No big summer plans. We hope to go to the cousins' reunion; it all depends on TAKS retest. There is a chance that I will be District Test Coordinator next year and I'll have to do summer testing for the kids that failed (life would be so simple if everyone would just pass!) Even so, surely I'll be able to make the reunion...and maybe I'll let Conrad come this year since he is being a nice boy. I guess I better start saving up for the gasoline (isn't it CRAZY?????)
Take care, everyone!

Calling for updates!

2008-05-23T11:31:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, how about an update?

Things that I'm sure everyone need to know:

Monica -- profile pics, please?

Walt -- house pics, please?

Stan -- how long until you are looking for a new boarder?

Justus, Gary and Andrew -- Europe trip?

Robert -- tell us about your new job!

Parrish -- you too!

Landon -- you too!

Carson -- your new job as well!

Meredith -- pics from the big Bridges Foundation walk you organized so well?

Linda and Molly and Wendy and Julianne -- what big plans do you have once school's out for summer?

Quite a Collection of Fine Poling Women....

2008-04-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Monica's Baby Shower, 4/26/08

Bronco in Progress

2008-03-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

This is Landon's "sexy" pose like the girls in the car magazines. He's been putting in a lot of hours on his little '67's new paint job.

Next is LineX (like Rhinoliner). Then it'll all go back together!!!

Site updates from Poling Amarillo

2008-03-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here's Rob's cobra build site: http://robertbuildsacobra.blogspot.com/

And, here's my new business endeavor: www.twirlytutus.com
(Justy, I don't ship to Africa, so no tutus for you.... sorry.)

Finished my mural!

2008-03-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

I knew I couldn't wait 3 weeks for the paint to dry to apply my tree mural. So, if it all falls off, I can only blame myself. This is my first attempt at creativity in YEARS, and I really had fun with it. I can only hope Baby P enjoys trying to figure out what is all over her wall! I thought you guys might want to see just how easy it was to apply, even for a fat pregnant woman.

Survivor

2008-03-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

I thought you all would like to see one of the items that survived the house fire...this was in the trunk in Daddy's bedroom. And, it's TRUE, of course, even when it doesn't seem that way.
We are all fine in Kerrville. Gary and I worked on the plumbing all day, and then went to Lowe's to replace our grill...you know the one we paid $169 for several years ago. We could replace the disintegrated burners for a total of about $200, so...
Other than that, Landon is working long hours, and is back in the process of restoring the '67 Bronco. He painted it today, and we will have the long awaited photos as soon as it is all put back together. Andrew kayaked the Guadalupe with friends today...he's had a good start to track season, mostly running the 800 and the mile.

I still show up @ school everyday and do my one plus one is two thing. I am glad it's spring break!! No plans, really, unless one of you call with an invitation!!
Gary's been working in West Texas some, staying in Fort Davis. He loves it out there. The big plan is for Gary to meet Justus in London May 6th on Justy's out of Africa trip. They will part in Paris after reliving Dday in Normandy. Justus' plan is to hang around Europe until the end of June. He needs a travel companion for 2 weeks it anyone is interested in backpacking Italy. So, Gary, who missed his calling as a travel agent, is already having fun. They will ride the bullet train(Mission Impossible) through the chunnel, go see King Lear at the Globe Theater, and all kinds of good stuff. We are mostly doing this with freebie miles and freebie hotel points! I tell everyone that I'm sending Gary to London and Paris for our 30th anniversary! But, after all, I got to do London with Linda and Judy and Peggy a year and a half ago.

Dinner showdown

2008-03-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

Monica, we're here, responding to the call for posts!

So Gen's not a big eater. Actually, that's an understatement. Last night, Robert challenged her to a banana-eating showdown....

Nursery

2008-03-10T07:15:00.001-07:00

It's been a whole month since this blog has seen a post, so I thought I might get the ball rolling again. Robert, how's the Cobra coming along? Justice and Wendy P., I'm really enjoying reading your blogs. Stan, when are you going to write in about your new roommate? Wendy A., I KNOW you have a funny story or two to tell!

I'm still baking that bun in the oven. She's growing quickly and loves kicking, rolling around, and getting the hiccups just about the time I want to go to sleep. I still can't believe in 3 months, Bryon and I will be parents. Scary thought!

I've been feeling great, minus the heartburn. Bryon on the other hand has suffered the side effects of pregnancy quite a bit. Apparently, my snoring keeps him up at night. Nothing says "I love you" more than a box of Breath Right nasal strips for Valentines Day! Also, my nesting interrupts his video games and drives him crazy. Lucky for him, I've run out of closets to empty!

The nursery is 75% finished. We've turned our dark green study into a pastel rainbow of girly-ness! Painting took me almost two weeks, as I just worked on it in the evenings after work. Bryon helped some, and Mom was a huge help getting the ceiling done. That ceiling is mom and my favorite part since it was so much work! Here is a before picture:

Here is a few most recent "During" pictures. I'm waiting for the paint to completely cure before adhering the tree/birds/leaves to the wall, so ignore the white backing paper. It will be coming off!

I look forward to more Poling family updates and am warning all of you in advance of the baby blogs you will be seeing. You know how obsessed new mothers can be!

cousin's reunion

2008-01-27T01:48:00.000-08:00

The cousin's reunion for 2008 should happen right here in Monrovia! being more serious, are we going to do this again?

Picture From the Borger Newspaper

2008-01-20T07:21:00.001-08:00

Pictures

2008-01-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

Here's just a couple of pictures.

A Few More Details...

2008-01-10T08:32:00.001-08:00

I just talked to Wendy (Poling) on the phone and her and Robert are there now. Here are a few more details...

The fire seems to have been sparked in the heating unit -not the water heater which they thought at first. The spark sent flames through the air ducts and different parts of the house caught fire all at once.
Walt was awake when it happened at 6:30 this morning and had already eaten breakfast, so he was able to get out right away.
The office was the least damaged and 8 paintings and some pictures were able to be salvaged from there. It doesn't look like anything else made it.
There are lots of firemen there now hosing everything down.
Walt is moving in with my dad for the time being and is doing suprisingly well with everything right now.

If I hear anything else I will post it here. Love you all - Meredith

Fire

2008-01-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

I have very little to offer as far as details, but a hot water heater started a fire at Walt's house this morning. He was able to get out safely, but the house is a total loss. Here is a picture taken this morning with Robert's cell phone. If anyone has any other information, please post.

Christmas in Big Spring

2007-12-27T17:31:00.001-08:00

You can tell I took this from my car window! But I wanted everyone to see the lighted poinsettias that decorate Big Spring. They are everywhere! Big Spring is the "Lighted Poinsettia Capital of...(the world? Texas? The Permian Basin? I really can't remember, but I am not kidding on this. It was printed in the paper recently.) We all have enjoyed the Christmas lights and if you want to make a few bucks, learn how to weld these and put them on a website. Here they cost $100 sm, $150 med., and $300 lg!

I hope Santa was good to all of you! Merry Christmas!!!

Writing the Tribute

2007-12-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

Okay. It is time for me to contribute in earnest to the memory of Mother. First of all, thanks to all of you for posting such wonderful creations. Nothing would have pleased Mother more. I have been thinking about what I would write for a long time, and have really struggled with what to say, but finally, maybe have worked through some things...like denial that she's really gone from this world and getting past the last years of her suffering to remember her for more of what her real character was. Again, thanks to Molly for the challenge and honor to do this. I think we should continue with more good topics.

I will begin with the Christmas card. This was number 19 out of 20. I put together a couple of notebooks with the cards that told a little of the history of each card. For this one I wrote a quote from one of my students, "This looks like God could just step down from the sky." That is how this painting felt to me. I also quoted a carpenter that was remodeling our house that said, "This is the way it will look when Jesus returns." Mother painted me a duplicate of this original because I liked it so much (don't know where the original is) and I have it hanging in my house now. I look at the opening in the sky and really do see eternity where Mother is. I also stretch it a little and see a "cross" in the wire above the gate. It is my comfort. These cards are Mother's touch reaching out to us today and I loved every one of them.

Now to lighter things. Mother invited me to go on a trip with her and Granny to see Betty and Wally in Connecticut. It was a time filled with many, many laughs.
Mother saw these liberty hats in the souvenir store. I couldn't believe she bought them! We had a good laugh with Betty. Mother just had so much fun on this trip and she was so good with Granny who was really beginning to enter into the middle stages of Alzheimers. Betty and Wally took us to New York. It was such a treat for us to all be together and I treasure the experiences we had there.

Well, confession....it has taken me 3 hours to get this much done on this post, as my scanner and I do not communicate well, and the picture posting has been a real challenge. I had several others to show, but will bring them to the next family reunion. What's the next topic for posting, and I'll read up on the editing of my pictures? Love to all you kin folks!.....and Happy Birthday Mother, Number 75, today, December 12th. We'll see you soon.

Memories of a Good Mother

2007-12-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

I've enjoyed reading the stories. It's so neat to hear others' perspectives on someone you love. Several ideas that Mother used to impress upon me when I was a kid ... to look at the details...ie. ALL THE COLORS IN A CLOUD...I know I've told this before, but I can remember many times when we would be driving along and she would get me to list all the colors I could see in a cloud or in a hillside, but guess what, she could see several more than I could come up with. Besides details in creation, she was good at looking at details in people. She would encourage me to look at WHY someone might be like they were, WHY someone might be a little rough around the edges because of sorrow or fear or hard times they had experienced. If I came home from school not liking someone, it would be time for a life lesson. I probably needed a LOT of interpersonal training, but it really has had an influence on my life, hopefully made me a more merciful person. The last years took their toll on her positive nature, but she was good at looking for the good in people.

Mother was a patient person, Lord bless her. I can't believe she always let me do my own decorating, and boy, in the 70's, it was really gross, but she let me make my own decisions, and I know she must have cringed at my color choices! Funny, but much later, I tend more to the fall colors she loved best.

Best memories...Mother in the kitchen, fried porkchops and those creamy potatoes with lots of salt and pepper...Mother at the piano...now and then I'll hear one of those oldies and it really takes me back. Linda, I never realized it then, but looking now at old photos, she really liked to dress her kids well. How many little dresses did she sew?! I can remember going to Cloth World to pick out fabric. And a LOT of shopping trips through the years, which, come to think of it, weren't the best memories through those teenage years! The photo of Mother and Meredith is still my favorite! And the rabbits are one of my favorite paintings. The photo of Mother and I and the boys was during one of her visits to Kerrville. I think she was taking an art class at the Cowboy Artists Museum.

She drove that little white minivan down here many times during about a ten year period...Texas Arts and Crafts Fair, or Carson's graduation, etc. Carson's graduation was a funny memory, as she was here and the sky's broke open and SOAKED everyone during the Star Spangled Banner. It was chaos. We all ran ten directions, and most of us made it home! It was a couple of hours before Landon showed up because he went the other direction. We knew someone would bring him home! Graduation was resceduled until 9:00 that night in a crowded, warm auditorium. Most of the crowd had dry clothes by then, but the graduates were still soaked in their caps and gowns. Once, Mother and Verdi Brown came down on their way to an art show in Corpus. That was a fun visit. They stayed in downtown San Antonio for a night or two.When I dread that long drive from the Panhandle, I always think of the times Mother drove it, and I get a little tougher! Justus ought to tell this story, maybe he will, but for a year or so, Justus really had a weak stomach. That kid would get the throw ups really easy, and he was just like me when he did, just wiped out. Once when she got here for a visit, he had been sacked out on the couch all day, very sick little camper. Mother always carried those little orange peanut butter crackers when she travelled, her emergency food. She went in an sat with Justus for a while, got him to sip Sprite and nibble on those crackers. In a little while, he revived, and was as good as new.It's always been a family funny when we are sick that we need some of Granny Nelle's miracle crackers!
draft

A subtle guide

2007-12-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

Your stories and memories of Granny Nell are all amazing and have brought me to laughter and tears in the same moment. Reading your blogs have provided a great escape from my studies. She meant a lot to each of us, and loved us more than we probably all deserved. She believed in us and I knew that even if I was not blessed to have spent the amount of time with her as many of you had. I don't have a funny story, just lots of little memories that I hold on to. For instance, I remember her taking us to the Museum in Fritch, and being in awe of the murals. Breakfast was always a momentous occasion on the ranch, what a great way to start your morning and Ive never had better biscuits. She also was a great healer and one time gave me a sprite and peanut butter crackers and I was cured, I thought it was the greatest cure ever.

One particular memory stand out. One summer just my mom and I visited the ranch, I think it was right before my senior year of high school and I got to spend time with them without the rest of my brothers. One day Granny Nell's pastor came over to discuss funeral arrangement stuff and I sat in with her and my mom. I was amazed that through the meeting she never seemed afraid, but instead she just bragged on all of us ; her kids and grand kids, and it was obvious the extreme love she had for us. I was scared not wanting to come to terms with her planning her inevitable funeral, but left blown away about how focused she was on others. That has stuck with me over the years, and I only hope that I can care about others the way she did.

This picture is at the entrance to the Poling Ranch on the day of Granny Nell's Funeral, I always thought it fitting how beautiful the sky was that evening!

2007-12-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

I read these posts this morning and I have been on the verge of tears ever since! Granny Nelle was such an amazing person and someone who taught me so many things. I remember going to the post office with her, and on her way out she said hello to someone who didn't return the courtesy. She looked straight at me and said, "ALWAYS say hello to someone when you pass them - even if you don't know them." It seems fitting that she came up with the name for "Howdy Neighbor Day." She taught me other things - like to always use "cream rinse" when you wash your hair. A nice coat of red nail polish always looks good. Accessorizing matters. It's ok to spend $50 on a shirt if it's at Annzel's.

She also taught me how to draw - I remember being at the ranch during the summers, and when I would get bored she would set pots and vases on the kitchen table and have me draw them on the chalkboard in their kitchen. When I was ready for her to come look at it, she would erase the parts that weren't quite right and I would re-do it until it was perfect. My senior year of high school I had an art piece that was chosen to go to state, and I think she was more excited than I was.

I remember when I was a kid (10-12 maybe?) and there was a new litter of kittens. One of the kittens got an ear infection which left it a little retarded. It would try to walk and would only be able to make a half-circle and then would fall over and start the whole process over. We quickly named him Dizzy, and I was determined to nurse him back to health. After a few weeks Granny Nelle took me into Fritch and had Jock Lee put Dizzy to sleep. I'm sure that's the only ranch cat that ever had a dime spent on it, and I'm still thankful for that.

Of course, there's also the story of Parrish's first visit to the Ranch when Buddy died. The five of us stood in a circle around Buddy, dead on the kitchen floor, and Walt said, "Yep, he's dead. Stan, get the back-ho." As we were walking out to bury Buddy, Granny Nelle tried to make conversation with Parrish. She asked, "Well, Parrish, do you think dogs go to heaven?" A perfectly good segue for the theology student. I don't know why we thought it was so funny, but it still cracks us up.

My Freshman year of college...

This is a picture I took at the Ranch one Spring,

and for some reason it makes me think of Granny Nelle.

Exactly how I remember her...

2007-12-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

I have so many great memories of Granny Nelle. Some of them are about the quirky, funny things she did, like the time she told us, "Did you know that if you go to the gas station and get an ice cup, you can put coke in it and they won't even charge you!" I also have a funny, funny memory of attending "A Chorus Line" with Granny Nelle, Mom, and Monica in Amarillo after my parents divorced. Mom had decided that Monica and I needed to be versed in the arts, and who better to include than the artist Granny Nelle? So off we went to the Civic Center for the off-Broadway production of "A Chorus Line." This was back before the Internet existed, so I don't guess any of us knew much about the plot. When the production began, we were so excited for what was in store. We had no clue. I was probably 8 yrs old at the time, but I guess I was old enough to realize what a homosexual was because I remember thinking, "This is kind of strange," when the men were singing about being gay. I recall many native Amarillans leaving during that song. The crowd was really beginning to thin out. Then came the song of all songs: "Tits and Ass." No kidding! Granny Nelle and Mom just laughed while all the other stuffy people filed out furiously. I'm very proud to say that we lasted until the very end. Thank you, Mom and Granny Nelle, for the wonderful "art" lesson I received that day!

When I think of Granny Nelle, I think about sitting on the porch of her house and always seeing her face through the little window into the kitchen. And she was always laughing. The last time I saw her was one of the most precious days of my life. Carly was 2 at the time and Granny Nelle was pretty much confined to her bed. Carly was at the stage where she didn't like anyone except Marc and myself. So, I was worried about taking her to the Ranch and her acting ugly. But on this day, Carly climbed onto Granny Nelle's bed and started jumping up and down, laughing, squealing! Granny Nelle loved it and was laughing right along with her. It was precious. I cherish this memory and I'm so grateful that my daughter remembers Granny Nelle and got to know her if only briefly. I am also grateful that I have a "Grandmother's Memories" book that Granny Nelle filled out (if only partially) before she left us. It tells me about her experiences growing up ("I never knew we were poor," she writes.) She also wrote about knowing God ("I always believed he was real, but any doubt was gone when we had our first child. When you realize you gave birth to a perfect tiny human being -- perfect in every way -- God had to be the Creator.") She also writes about being a Christian. She says,

"I have fallen short -- every day of my life. I think being a caretaker to someone who needs you and you quit thinking about your needs -- it helps you become a Christian. Learning to be a giver instead of a taker -- in any walk of life."

To me, that is the embodiment of Granny Nelle's life.

Wild Plum Jelly

2007-12-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite memories of Granny Nelle was her wild plum jelly on those itty bitty biscuits she would make. The wild plum thickets would only produce fruit about every 5 years, and Granny Nelle would go out and pick them all. She then would make this beautiful pink jelly.

One year (1993-ish), there was a bumper crop. My boyfriend at the time and I went out to the ranch to visit. We all decided to load up and go pick plums. By the time we arrived at the thicket, Karl, the ex-boyfriend, decided he was allergic to the bees and wouldn't get out of the truck to pick plums with the rest of us. There was Granny Nelle, in her shorts and pantyhose, picking like crazy, while the lazy boyfriend of her granddaughter sat in the air conditioning! Needless to say, I don't think Karl was her favorite!

Now, back to those biscuits. Does anyone have the recipe? What did she use to cut those out? They weren't any bigger than a silver dollar, and she always had them ready to go before I was even out of bed. They were hard and dense, and I still crave them when I visit Walt. And, I think she baked them on the same pizza pan as when I was a little girl.

Granny Nelle was always interested in what I was doing, and more importantly, HOW I was doing. She was such a good listener and cared so deeply for me. I miss her funny sense of humor and her big hugs, kisses, and pats on the hand. I feel so lucky to have been a part of her family!

remembering Granny Nelle

2007-12-07T11:11:00.001-08:00

This is the last picture we have of Granny Nelle. It was taken right around Mother's Day of 2005, I believe. I know that someone had brought her those beautiful flowers from their own garden, and she was so amazed at all the different textures and plants that person had grown.

Ed Montana had come over that morning and played his guitar while she played the piano and sang. And that had been so much fun for her.

So when I look at this picture, I remember the Granny Nelle I knew, who always had a smile, a sense of wonder and a sense of fun.

Thanksgiving in Ft. Worth

2007-11-24T05:24:00.001-08:00

The Linda Poling clan had a great time celebrating Thanksgiving in Ft. Worth this year. Jeff did a crab boil in the freezing weather, while Mom prepared lots of yummy sides and desserts. Carly and Conrad entertained us all. I've been instructed by Carly to take her American Girl wish list directly to Santa. The list kept getting longer as the day progressed! Conrad is going to be the smartest kid in our family, as proven by him telling us, "That's not funny!" He's already observed that his mom, grandmother, and aunt all have an odd sense of humor.

It was an interesting end to our day with SNOW! Just as we were all dozing off, mom announced it was snowing. Sure enough, there were great big flakes falling from the sky. Only in Texas can it go from 80 degrees one day to snow the next. Anyway, we had a great Thanksgiving together and wish everyone of the Poling peeps could have joined us!

The Poling Family Curse

2007-11-09T06:14:00.001-08:00

So I've been gathering dates in order to properly present the Poling Family Curse.

Here goes: the first born of the Poling family parent is destined to be born in the month of the Poling parent's birthday.

It starts with Walt (born in June) and his firstborn Linda, who was also born in June. Then Linda's firstborn Monica was also born in June. And, lo and behold, Monica's due date for her firstborn is also in June!

Next Stan. His firstborn Robert shares his birth month: October. And then Robert's firstborn, Genevieve, was also born in October. More on this later.

Next Wendy Poling Anderson, who was born in April. Her firstborn, Carson, was also born in April.

Molly and Carly are the only exception. How they were able to escape the curse, we may never know.

I (Wendy Lee) had hoped to escape the curse. Genevieve's due date was September 25. My mother-in-law informed me about the curse about 2 weeks before my due date, but then added "But I'm sure she won't be born in October!" Yep, it was funny then. Until she was a week overdue, and I went into labor with her right at midnight on October 1. The curse lives!

Amarillo Poling blog

2007-11-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,
We have a blog for Genny, Rob and I now. Check it out sometime!
http://thelandofpoling.blogspot.com/
love you all,
W

Pharoah, Pharoah

2007-11-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Wendy buying me a tie for Christmas. She had to fly all the way to London to shop at Harrod's for me, but hey, I'm worth it.

Actually, I'm stepping up in my challenge to post something on the blog and this was the funniest picture I had. I took a picture of the flowers I planted but they just didn't look very flashy. It took me two whole days, I'm sore all over and I got two strange insect bites on my wrist. A lot of work for very little flash!

Funny stories about Mother - One time she washed and dried an adult wool sweater and it came out of the dryer about the size of a baby size one. She just kept holding it up and laughing. She wasn't upset - just thought it was funny. I like to remember her laughing.

Love to you all! Linda

News from Irving

2007-10-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

So, this past weekend, Bryon and I created this poem for our parents:

Get ready to giggle.
Get ready to laugh.
Because next June,
there’ll be a baby Pfaff!

Boy or Girl?
We still don’t know.
The news will be out
when Monica shows!

Will she have Monica’s eyes?
Will he be blond like Bryon?
No doubt about it,
There'll be some cryin’!

So postpone your summer
plans next year.
When the weather turns hot,
Your grandkid will be here!

So, we aren't the next Robert Frost, but I think we got our point across! June 11th is the official due date. We are really excited, although I feel nausea about 75% of the day right now. I would post our sonogram, but really, they all look the same. (only ours is MUCH cuter than anyone else's EVER!)

"Fight Night"

2007-08-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share this article with everyone - we were presented with the check from "Fight Night" and the grand total was $130,000. They just handed us a handwritten check like it was no big deal - crazy!

http://www.tulsaworld.com/lifestyle/article.aspx?articleID=070728_4_D11_Fight11346

How to Post a Link

2007-08-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

When you are typing your post, there is a little button on the tool bar that has a green globe with a chain link above it (to the right of the Text Colors button). Just click that button and paste the address into the URL field. Also, make sure that the type matches the first letters of your link (usually either http or https). Enjoy!

Great day for the Pfaff Family!!

2007-08-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

In Denver today, OSHA released their report on the zoo concerning Ashlee's death (Bryon's sister). The zoo was cited with 1 "serious" violation, and several other violations. Basically, OSHA found the zoo to be at fault, verifying what we knew all along. I spoke to Bryon's mom today, and she sounded better than she had since that horrible day in February. Healing can now begin as we all can move on.

Check out some of the local Denver news at http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=74732 if you get a chance. (Meredith--will you teach me how to do link within a post?)

2007-07-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hey, everyone! I wanted to post just to let you know that our plumbing was finally fixed. They dug up some of our pipe and it was crushed. After it was replaced, everything worked. So if you ever come visit, you can flush with confidence. Here are some pictures of the kids on the 4th. I could not get Conrad to smile. Then he ran off and got into the pet carrier...and what do you know? Big Smiles!

2007-07-08T08:05:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody! Greetings from Robert and Wendy and Genevieve. We sure enjoyed the reunion at Monica and Bryon's house and we hope that it's a yearly tradition! We also learned that traveling with a baby is a new experience...

So, here's what we are doing now. Robert is an engineer at Amarillo Gear Company, and he's been there for 4 1/2 years now. He works with right-angle gear drives mostly for cooling tower applications. Wendy was teaching at Amarillo College full time until this May, when she went to part time to stay home with Genevieve. For the foreseeable future, her classes will be online, which just offers a little more flexibility.

We will be married for 9 years next January. And this October, Genevieve will be 1 year old! Can't believe she is growing so fast.

Right now we are doing some work on our house. We had siding put on, and we are painting the doors and stuff. I put in 2 new flower beds in the back yard, which is just one of my favorite things to do!

We are also trying desperately (still) to get Genevieve to crawl. She wants to walk--big people walk, why shouldn't she??--but not crawl. Any ideas out there?

Using the Poling Family Blog

2007-07-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Meredith has figured out that from this blog, anyone can contribute without using the "poling family blog" username so that we can all tell who has written an entry. If you are already set up on blogger (or is it blogspot??) and want to use your current account, just shoot me an email at monicathedove@yahoo.com and let me know your username. I can then add you to the members of this blog. Good luck!

2007-07-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

It's a busy weekend around here. We had our 16th annual neighborhool parade one the Fourth. You don't know this kid in the wagon, but he rode the whole parade with the dog's tail wagging in his face, which was too much fun. The parade photo is from last year, as it was not so sunny this week. Our fifer grew up in the fife and drum corps in Williamsburg, and Gary is our official storyteller/historian. We usually have about 60 neighbors, and it is a good tradition. Andrew and Landon are shown with a group of the younger Bluebonnet boys who have all grown up shooting each other with paintball guns, etc.

Carson and Julianne are here this weekend. I drew her picture on the board in honor of her birthday, but it has undergone various changes back and forth over the weekend...fat legs, skinny legs, buck teeth, BIG boobs, even a sex change with the artistic additon of extra unmentionable anatomy. Brother in laws... So far, there has been skeet shooting, kayaking, and presently fly fishing going on. I have done a lot of laundry and some cooking, but I definitely notice extra help when Julianne is here. She made the decadent ice cream sandwich desert for tonight! Justy even dropped by for a few hours off from camp and just woke up from a 3 hour nap before he heads back. What a week they have had at camp on the Frio River. They've had 3 floods...4foot, 15 foot, and 3 foot rises. One thing Justy is responsible for is the waterfront, which has been destroyed each time...losing docks, slides, the blob. How would you like to be in charge of 8-12 year olds with daily rain all summer?

We do have sunshine today and it looks like the weather patterns are changing. I wish I could send some rain to those who want it, even though I am not tired of it yet! One photo is my back yard with constant rain since about March!

That's just news as I see it for now! I loved Molly's ongoing narrative...You write so well, and could publish as the new Erma Bombeck! Meredith, I didn't know you were such an artistic designer! You've done a great job! Monica, thanks again to you and Bryon for hosting us in June and for teaching me how to shutterfly and blog!!! Much love to you all, Wendy

Morris Update

2007-07-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well, what can I say. If you haven't already heard, I have been experiencing a string of bad luck. We have our health, so who can complain.

Well, I can complain! We recently moved to Big Spring. It feels great to be back in dry air country...you know, less frizz in the hair and the laundry doesn't mildew quite so badly if it sits for a little while in the washer (mommy needs a little time for herself on myspace.) Oh, and the people are really friendly. Everyone has a tatoo, so I'm feeling a little left out, but I'm thinking of putting "Marc" or "Marc's chick" on my left shoulder pretty soon so that I can fit in. Kidding. But here's the kicker, our house flooded a few days after we moved in. We went to visit some friends for the evening and we'd been having some problems with the ole potty. That little floater deal that tells the water when to stop seemed to have a malfunction. So, everytime you "went" you had to remember to turn the water on (fill the tank) then off (when the tank was full.) Well, being the blonde that I am, I didn't remember step 2. You can't expect me to remember these kind of things. No really, in my defense, I made sure that the water had quit running, but I didn't turn it off. Yadda, yadda, yadda, we got home and our house was flooded. We attempted to pull up the carpet and suck out the water ourselves, at which point I stepped barefooted onto the nail tack strip, but eventually realized that our efforts were useless. In fact, it seems that the water we were sucking up and dumping in the shower was beginning to back up and out of the other toilet. Meanwhile, I had developed tetenus. Not really. But we did have to call in the experts. I don't have photos, but I did make a video, of the 17 blowers and 3 dehumidifiers we had going. This kind of thing costs about $3000 in case you are curious or happen to even still be reading this. I couldn't even turn on the coffee maker without blowing a circuit. So, we tiptoed around our dark and extremely loud house for 4 days. I felt like I was on an airplane. I slept on the floor, which isn't so easy at this age I have discovered. But eventually we were declared dry! And yes, we have an insurance claim that will hopefully go through. And we're good friends with the plumber. And if you ever need a good blow dry, I can hook you up.

The bad luck continues. So, last night we went to see some friends for the fourth, and my friend notices that there is no longer a diamond in my wedding band. It's all pathetic and prongy looking. NO I DID NOT INSURE MY DIAMOND. Like, who insures there wedding ring? I don't want someone to replace it; I want MY diamond. The one that all the vowes were said over, the one that went to me on our honeymoon. The one that I managed to wear through both pregnacies despite measureable water retention and potential loss of finger. Let me move on here.

Did I mention that the septic system backed up again? Could I just use the restroom in peace?

So, I decide today (Marc's and my 9th anniversary, yay us!) that I need a makeover. You see, we are headed to Marc's 15th reunion tomorrow in Andrews and I want to look hot. You know, 30 year-old hot, if that's such a thing. Perhaps I should have realized that my luck being as such, it's not really the best time to roll the dice on a new hairdresser and/or style. Long story short, I have a West Texas hairdo. She even ratted it out for me and put on some extra hairspray. Just in time for the Andrews Class of '92 reunion.

I have some other funny things I could share...like the fact that Marc and I tried to have an anniversary meal out this evening with two kids (disaster...Conrad screaming, "Chicken French Fries," for the entire time until the seemingly very slow meal was delivered. Margarita take me away.)

Really, things are fine. The kids are a blast. It's going so quickly.

I so enjoyed the Poling reunion and hope we make it a tradition. Maybe Conradical will eventually be declared disciplined enough to attend (and Marc, too.)

I love summer...Carly made this on Paint:

Molly

McDaris Family Update

2007-07-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

Hmm...where do I start the official McDaris update? This will largely be based on the photos that are available on my computer, because our hardrive was recently wiped out, so our photo choices are limited. Parrish and I are getting ready to celebrate the big 0-4 on August 9th, and I can't believe we've already been married for 4 years. For those of you who weren't able to attend, here is one of my very favorite wedding pics. You just can't beat those Amarillo sunsets!

During our first year of being married, Parrish was finishing his degree at Ozark in Joplin, and I was working at Christ in Youth organizing overseas trips for high school kids. I don't miss the job, but I DO miss all those stamps in my Passport! After we both graduated, we moved to Tulsa for me to start my MBA and for Parrish to take a job at a church in Jenks, right outside of Tulsa. Parrish resigned from that job last year and started seminary at Phillips here in Tulsa. So, we are now both in grad school and looking forward to finishing! (Me especially...only 2 more classes).

In September I took a job at a local non-profit (The Bridges Foundation) doing fundraising/special events/grant writing/etc. I just love it! We find jobs for people with developmental disabilities, and they are just some of the most amazing people I have ever met - they overcome more struggles in a single day than I can possibly imagine. We recently had a black tie boxing night to benefit Bridges and Joe Frazier was there as a special guest. Now, although I didn't previously know who exactly Joe Frazier was, I now know that he famously knocked out Mohammad Ali back when they both could talk without a slur. I'm sure you all already knew that. So shocking that I wasn't up on the sports trivia! So, it was a great event which raised over $120,000. Here we are with Smokin' Joe:

In April we stumbled upon a loft apartment on Main street of a town called Sand Springs. It has cut our drive time in half, and we think that it is just soo cool! The first picture below is of our kitchen area - we used our bookshelves to make a wall and covered the ugly backs of the shelves with scrapbook paper...so far, my favorite project :) The second picture is of our living area. Get the full loft tour here

So, other than that, we are not too exciting. We are constantly on the lookout for the next greatest Mexican restaurant, a good place to study, and/or good day trips to take around Tulsa. We're looking towards a possible move in 2009 (Northeast, maybe?), but until then we are takin' it easy in T-town...

Monica and Bryon's Babies

2007-07-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Since Bryon and I do not have children, we are one of those obnoxious couples that is obsessed with their dogs. I just wanted to post a picture of them both. Here is Lilly, our OCD pointer:

She loves to stay on point at birds for hours and run laps around the hot tub in search of frogs that might be living there.

Not to be outdone, here is Winsor, our overactive Weimaraner:

This picture was taken at Walt's in May. The yellow flowers covered the ranch and were beautiful. Walt says they are a weed, but I personally think he planted them just for my visit!

One of these days, Bryon and I MIGHT have kids of our own and will quit bugging everyone with pictures of our dogs. In the meantime, just act like we are normal!

Monica

Monica and Bryon's State of the House Address

2007-07-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Monica and Bryon Pfaff

Who are Monica and Bryon, and what have we been doing lately? I, Monica, am a pharmacist with Target in Irving, Texas, and have been with the company for about 7 years now. Bryon works for McCarthy Building Companies as an engineer. He is currently working on a new performance arts theater in downtown Dallas.

We live in Valley Ranch, near the Dallas Cowboys' Headquarters. We enjoy going out on our boat on Lake Grapevine. Bryon's favorite thing is to fish, while I just try to keep from getting seasick! For the cousins that were our tubing with us in June, take a look at the marina now:

We can't even park in the lower parking lot, as it is 5 feet under water! We really enjoyed taking everyone out and have an open invitation to anyone that wants to go again.

We also enjoy traveling when we get the time. In the past year, we have spent a lot of time with Bryon's parents in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As you probably all know, Bryon's sister passed away in February, so we have stayed busy sorting out all the details. His father has created a website for those of you interested--www.ashleepfaff.com. Please shoot him an email if you like the site! Anyway, we have also been to our favorite get-away, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, in May. In a perfect world, Bryon and I would be traveling food critics, and Playa del Carmen would be our first stop. We tried 6 types of ceviche this time in search of our favorite. YUM!

In the past year, we have definitely learned the value of family and can't say enough about what a great time we had having all the Walt Poling grandkids at our house. Thanks to all of you for making the trek our way!