Grandma from afar

New Year

2011-01-26T21:28:00.000-08:00

Here it is January 2011 and it has been almost a year since I have posted. I am going to try to get in the habit of posting regularly on my blog and include a diary of sorts of my life, my childhood as well as married life. I am pretty sure in the past posts I wrote how I met and married my husband, but I will try to relive some of the early days of our marriage before children as well as stories I heard growing up from my parents and relatives. As usual I have stayed up way too late tonight so I will continue this tomorrow night.

My Sister Janice

2010-03-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

My sister Janice went home to heaven January 7, 2005. We were able to see her one last time Christmas 2004. She was such a dedicated worker she worked up until the last two weeks of her life. She loved her family and is missed so much. When our parents passed away in the early 90's she always made sure our two youngest were remember for birthdays, holidays and whenever we visited Texas.

Janice and I were the closest of my sisters growing up in a family of seven girls. She and I attended Westminster College the same year in 1968-69. She had her daughter the same year as we had our second son. We even were married the same year. I sure miss her.

Home at Last

2010-01-03T06:06:00.000-08:00

We made the trip home yesterday from our Christmas Vacation to see our children in south Texas, and my sisters in DFW area. It was great seeing everyone but it is always nice to be home. Today hoping to see thses little ones.

2009-12-31T19:15:00.000-08:00

White Christmas in Texas 2009

Three Generations Perry III, his Pampa, and Greatgrandma Hilderbrand

2009-06-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

High School Friends

2009-06-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

Perry and Randy have been friends since high school. This picture was taken at Wesley College probably in 1979 the year Perry graduated from Wesley.

Our Family in 1975

2009-06-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it was only 34 years ago this picture was taken at Wesley College?

March 2009

2009-06-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

Getting ready back in March to pick up Marcus when he returned from Afganistan.
My how time flies.

Third Degree Sparring

2009-06-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

Abigail is sparring as part of the test to become a 3rd degree blackbelt. She received her certificate last Friday in the award ceremony.

Brothers

2009-04-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

Byson and Blaze are getting ready to go home from school. We are so blest to have 3 of our grandsons living close and attending our school. Byson loves his classroom and teacher Mrs. Boyd. Blaze is in kindergarten and loves to show Byson what to do at school.

Micah Daniel Johnson

2009-04-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

My sister Linda is holding her first grandchild, Micah Daniel Johnson. He was born to her daughter Annette and son-in-law Tim Johnson. She is so proud to be a grandma. I can't wait to see and hold him.

Regional Taekwondo Tournament in Gaitlinbury, TN

2009-04-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

Our youngest daughter is a second degree level 4 blackbelt certified training instructor and participated in the regional tournament in Gaitlinburg, TN in March. She came away with first place, gold medal in forms and sparring.

Grace

2009-04-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

Our youngest Granddaughter is so sweet, Grace Suzanne Coghlan. Grandpa and Grandma love her so much, and wish we could see her more often.

Our little man

2009-02-18T13:35:00.000-08:00

Leo loves to sleep.

2009-02-18T12:58:00.000-08:00

My son Thomas.

Christmas Memories

2009-02-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas in 2008 was the best Christmas ever. We had all our children home, except Marcus (Catherine's husband).

2008-11-30T15:52:00.001-08:00

Meet our newest granddaughter Grace Suzanne, and newest grandson Leo Marcus:

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

It was a Happy Thanksgiving this year indeed. This year Dad and I were not alone. We had Benjamin, Thomas, Abigail, Catherine, Marcus and their 3 boys with us this year. It was my birthday and I loved every minute of it. I got a beautiful bedroom set for my birthday. My sweetheart is so sweet!

Kissing Cousins

2008-08-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Perry IV and Byson

Meet the Parents

2008-08-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

We were so happy that night.

My Kids

2008-08-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

My son and his bride Roxanne with his three brothers and two sisters.

My Boys

2008-08-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

2008-07-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful bride, Roxanne and her dad were ready to have their final walk down the asile together.

2008-07-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

xxxx

2008-07-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Much better.

2008-07-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

Are we ready? We must have been trying to figure out where was everyone before the ceremony.

2008-07-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

Roxanne's grandmother and grandfather were celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary on the same day.

2008-07-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

The wedding was so beautiful.

2008-07-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

2008-07-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

2008-07-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

2008-07-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

Getting Ready

2008-07-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

Going to the chapel and I'm gonna get married. Thomas was very helpful helping Christopher get ready for his big day. Benjamin was Christopher's best man and they got ready in our room that afternoon.

Tag Your It

2008-07-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Two names I go by:

1. Mom

2. Grandma

Two things I’m wearing right now:

1. Glasses

2. yellow blouse

Two of my favorite things today:

1. Going to church

2. Playing with Byson

Two things I want at the moment:

1. My wedding ring I lost

2. all my family to live close by

Two favorite pets I have had:

1. Samson

2. Sugar (both dogs)

Two people I hope will fill this out:

1. Lydia

2. Aunt Gail

Two things I did last night:

1. Drove home from Enterprise

2. Talked to my kids on the phone

Two things I ate last night:

1. Chicken

2. Fries

Two people I last talked to:

1. Byson

2. Catherine

Two things I will do tomorrow:

1. Work for Grandpa

2. Go grocery shopping

Farthest trips I have taken in the last 5 years:

1. Texas

2. Gatlinburg, Tn

Two favorite holidays:

1. Thanksgiving

2. Christmas.

Two favorite beverages:

1. Ice Tea

2. White chocolate mocha Coffee

Tournament time again

2008-06-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

Abigail and her dad are off to Chattanooga to compete in the regional Taekwondo Tournament.
Her academy has as many competitors as the local academies from Chattanooga. Hopefully she will bring home some more gold.

Carnival Week

2008-06-27T20:00:00.001-07:00

Today we ended carnival week with bounce houses at both our preschool's. The children had so much fun bouncing especially Byson. Uncle Thomas just had to let him bounce and had him wanting more. When he put him down he said jump, jump. His favorite thing to do is to ride in Uncle Thomas' jeep. He loves jeeps.

It's a Girl and a Boy

2008-06-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Kim and Perry had a beautiful baby girl today on our soon to be daughter in law's birthday a little after 8 o'clock. About an hour later Catherine and Marcus found out they will be having a little boy. That's #11 and 12 grandchildren. We are so thankful mom Kim and baby are doing great and can't wait til we get to Texas to hold her.

Summer Happenings

2008-06-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here it is the end of June and our summer theme weeks of school are going fantastic! We have enjoyed Teddy Bear, Western, Hawaiian, Zoo Week and now are having a blast with Carnival Week. This Thursday the snow cone man will be coming to each of our schools to sell the children a snow cone, then on Friday we will have bounce houses at each school to end the week with lots of fun in the bounce houses. Byson loves to stop in and enjoy a Popsicles at our last recess of the day.

Abigail's Instructors The Rodgers

2008-05-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers with their two sons have helped Abigail reach the rank of 2nd Degree Level 2 Blackbelt.

Award Ceremony

2008-05-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

Yeah she made 2nd Degree Level 2 Blackbelt rank. Way to go Abigail.

My Two Guys

2008-05-16T05:43:00.000-07:00

While Byson's daddy is away fighting in the war Uncle Thomas helps keep him in line. Recently we had a church picnic can you guess what Byson really loves to eat? That's right Cheetos.

SHE WON THE GOLD!!!

2008-04-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

2008-04-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

2008-04-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Abigail and her dad traveled to Mobile to compete in the National Taekwondo Tournament and came away with a gold medal for forms. Way to go Abigail!

Happy Birthday Abigail!

2008-02-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

Our youngest daughter celebrated her 14th birthday on Valentine's Day. She has grown accustomed to competing with the big holiday for birthday celebrations. This year I was home sick in bed and her dad and Thomas had to come to bat for her to make her day special. She was very excited as she heard from most of her brothers and her sister. Her call from Catherine was special as Byson could say almost audibly Happy Birthday Aber.

Presentation Day

2008-01-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

Every quarter at FCS the upper division students have to present a project in front of their classmates, their parents, teachers and friends. This was Abigail's first one of this year, it was a mythic retelling.

My Boys

2008-01-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

This was taken last summer, but they are the same today. As sweet as ever, they would be the dynamic duo if they lived closer.

New Year Admonitions

2008-01-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

This year I hope to complete reading through the Bible. Below are the scripture verses Dr. Grant posted to show us how important reading the Bible should be in our lives.

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

“The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12)

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path…The sum of Your Word is truth, and everyone of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting" (Psalm 119: 105; 160)

"All His precepts are trustworthy. They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness" (Psalm 111:7-8).

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep my Word" (John 14: 23-24).

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your Word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes" (Psalm 119:9-12).

"His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust" (2 Peter 1:3-4).

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God shall stand forever" (Isaiah 40:8).

May we take heed to his admonitions and get in the Word this year.

Medal Winners

2007-12-30T21:55:00.000-08:00

Abigail and two of her fellow classmates, Bobby and Nicky came away from the Birmingham Taekwondo Tournament in November with medals. Rodgers Taekwondo where they are students usually have the most winners at the tournaments. Congratulations Abigail!

Merry Christmas Byson!

2007-12-30T21:47:00.000-08:00

Even with all the battle scars Byson was a happy camper the day of our Christmas party for the children at preschool. He fell a few days before the party and cut his eye, then the day of the party he fell again on the concrete. What are little boys made out of......

Merry Christmas Vasquez Family

2007-12-30T21:43:00.000-08:00

Catherine and Marcus and their boys spent the week before Christmas with us. Here they are at our preschool after our annual Christmas party. Byson loved dressing up and being a big boy at school that day. Aunt Abigail bought him new supenders and he loved them. He isn't quite sure if he likes his momma holding brother.

Monopoly

2007-12-30T14:23:00.000-08:00

Perry III likes the fact he is winning, Mom was the 2nd one out that night. Deanna, Abigail and Kaitlyn ganged up on the adults and ran everyone else off the board.

Mario Kart Show Down

2007-12-30T14:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas night found the kids having a Mario Kart showdown. You should have heard the hollering as they raced well into the night.

Christopher

2007-12-30T14:06:00.000-08:00

It was very cold the night we all went for a tour of Benjamin's house. Christopher loves his last year's Christmas present.

Deanna

2007-12-30T14:04:00.000-08:00

Deanna enjoying fellowship after lunch.

Booger Boy

2007-12-30T14:01:00.000-08:00

Perry IV . . .

Abber

2007-12-30T13:58:00.000-08:00

Abigail better known as ABBER by Byson showing off her Christmas present from Christopher and Roxanne.

Smile!

2007-12-30T13:52:00.000-08:00

Everyone smiles for pictures at the fellowship meal.

Waiting. . .

2007-12-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

Deanna, Abigail and Kaitlyn waiting for the gang to go to church.

Little Sweeties

2007-12-30T13:43:00.000-08:00

Rebecca, Perry IV and Natalie playing around.

Little Casanova

2007-12-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

Perry IV practicing

Christopher and Mom

2007-12-29T19:04:00.000-08:00

Christopher and Mom looking at pictures.

Benjamin and Mom

2007-12-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

Benjamin and I share birthday months. It was good to be with all 4 of my sons this year.

Happy Birthday Kim

2007-12-29T18:56:00.000-08:00

Kim looked so good in her birthday clothes (and boots) that her hubby gave her. Happy birthday Kim, thanks for the great visit we had this year.

Thomas and Mom

2007-12-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

Thomas and Mom catching up on his 3 months of living in Texas. I'm so glad he is back home.

Fellowshipping After Church

2007-12-29T18:50:00.000-08:00

We had all our children except our oldest daughter at this fellowship meal after church the Sunday before Christmas. It was so good to see everyone. Christopher and Roxanne surprised me when they got to there. Christmas is good.

Natalie and Her Puzzles

2007-12-29T18:41:00.000-08:00

Natalie loves to put her puzzles together. She is a very busy girl indeed.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-29T18:38:00.000-08:00

Perry IV and Grandma are enjoying some snuggle time on Christmas morning.

Little Sweetie

2007-11-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

Rachel was winding down with some mommy time after the wedding.

GO COWBOYS!

2007-11-11T17:59:00.000-08:00

Byson loves to eat apples. He's a regular Cowboy fan with Grandma. He is a football baby indeed. On Friday nights you could find him with grandma and grandpa at Aunt Abigail's high school football games yelling "dooooo" (translated gooooo) boys. He is right in front of the tv when he watches the game with grandma yelling as much as she does.

Time for Refreshments

2007-11-11T17:55:00.000-08:00

Blaze, Natalie, Becca, Rachel and Lydia enjoyed the food at Aunt Linda's.

The Crowd

2007-11-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

After Annette and Tim's wedding the crowd gathered at Aunt Linda and Uncle Ronnie's for a time of fellowship.

My Perry's

2007-11-11T17:17:00.000-08:00

My two Perry's.

Hugs!

2007-11-10T19:44:00.000-08:00

What I miss the most about Thomas:
1. His hugs.
2. His help around the house.
3. His late nights and fixing him something to eat.
4. His help with pumpkin rolls (ha)
5. His taking Abigail to school.

My Boys

2007-11-10T19:39:00.000-08:00

Benjamin had his hands full at Aunt Linda's after Annette's wedding. Keeping up with two toddlers kept us all busy.

Little Boys Haircuts

2007-11-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

Take a little more off the top please! Byson was getting his hair cut like his dad's. The shop was next to our preschool, and he was a pretty good little trooper for the stylist.

2007-11-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

HAM FESTIVAL

2007-11-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

Feeding the sheep kept Byson busy for a long time. One of our first students at Spring Hill Academy Preschool, Kendall Perry was behind the sheep puppet.

Ham Festival

2007-11-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Byson enjoying a train ride at Spring Hill's annual Hog Festival. Our good friend and banker Joan sends us off with a smile.

Picture Day

2007-11-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

Mr. Pickles takes Rev. Coghlan's place on picture day. He is the best photographer in the world!

2007-11-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

What a smile.

2007-11-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

Even Grandma can't resist getting some hugs in when Byson comes to visit.

Harvest Party Highlights

2007-11-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

Byson loves going to Grandma and Grandpa's school. At school he is so irresistable all the teachers love to hold him. At our recent Harvest Party one of our newest teachers, Jennifer Wolford, is giving him some of the bountiful treats we enjoyed that day.

Welcome to the Family

2007-10-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

The newest addition to our family, Caden Cole Coghlan. He is 8 months old and what a cutie!

my children at the wedding

2007-09-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

We recently attended our neice's wedding in the Fort Worth area and it was the first time in many years that we had all six of our children together in the same place at the same time. It was a great time!

Yummy!

2007-09-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

Byson loved his own special cake. He didn 't know what to do with it at first but when he found out he could get his hands in it he went to town!

A Winnie Pooh Party!

2007-09-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Byson, he didn't know quite what to think of his Winnie the Pooh cake grandma made for his first birthday.

It's Our Little Biggie Boy!

2007-09-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

I am amazed how fast this past year has sped by. It seems like yesterday when Byson was a tiny baby. He is a year old now and has been walking since he was 11 months old. He gets into everything. He definitely keeps Grandma young.

Time Out!

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

Byson learned to blow a whistle at his birthday party. What a cutie!

Yeah Legos!

2007-09-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

Byson loves Lego's. His favorite thing to do with at our preschools when he visits is to throw them in the trash cans. In fact his favorite thing to do anytime is to throw things away. Last week Catherine couldn't find her cell phone, three guesses where she found it. Of course it was in the trash can.

My Turn Grandpa

2007-09-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

On Byson's first birthday we celebrated at his house and he and Grandpa took time to play a game of catch. He loved being the center of attention and had a blast playing with his toys.

Happiness Is . . .

2007-09-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

Happiness is to me getting together with family and friends. We will be celebrating my niece's wedding in the next few weeks and it will be a time to fellowship with family and old friends. I can't wait until I get my hands on the grand kids. I love each one of them. We kept Byson, Catherine's little one this past weekend. He was a handful but I loved every minute of it. It makes me so happy when he runs up to me and puts his little hands out to me to pick him up, even tho his mom would be standing right next to me. We attended FCS's first home game last Friday night and Byson was with us watching Thomas' old team win 66 - 6. He yelled right along with us, and stayed awake all through the game and the pizza stop after the game. Thankfully he slept until 7 am Sat. morning.

Byson's First Haircut

2007-08-13T05:17:00.001-07:00

With the celebration of his first birthday behind, Byson got his first haircut. He looks so cute and looks just like his dad now.

2007-08-12T15:49:00.000-07:00

Can you guess my idenity?

Party Time!

2007-08-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

To keep the tradition alive, Catherine asked me to make Byson a Winnie the Pooh cake for his first birthday. I started decorating cakes long ago when our son Perry was only 5 years old. Blaze wanted to know who was going to blow out the candle. He was a good volunteer, he got it out in one breath.

Happy Birthday BYSON

2007-08-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

Byson really enjoyed his first birthday cake. He didn't quite know what to do at first but after his mom helped him get his fingers in it he went to town with it. We really don't know how the year went so fast. It seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. Now he walks everywhere. He loves to throw things away which keeps us busy to make sure he doesn't. His cake was a Winnie the Pooh, but he had his very own #1 to bite into. I used chocolate frosting and he enjoyed it so much.
Happy Birthday my little biggie boy! Grandma and Grandpa loves you so much!

2007-08-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

Lydia and Megan had fun on vacation.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL

2007-07-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today Rachel turned 3, she was so happy! Now she gets to go to work with her dad. On their birthdays their Dad takes them out to lunch. Can you guess where she picked for her birthday lunch? McDonald's of course. From the report from her Dad she had a great day with him. Happy Birthday beautiful, Grandma and Grandpa loves you sooo much.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

2007-07-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

Abigail's 25 hour project took 33 hours to complete. She made a replica of one of the seven wonders of the world.

Graduation Day

2007-07-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

What a gang we made at Thomas' graduation. We had a ball with all the family here to celebrate with us. Can you believe it we all stayed under one roof too. All I will say it was very interesting. :) just kidding, really you should have seen us working together to get the house ready for the 70 guests who came the next day to celebrate with us. The barbecue from Post and Beam was the best we had tasted. It was great having all the little ones here, we sure miss them now.