New Business, Father's Day & Family Reunion... OH MY!!!

Well, to say we've been busy, is an understatement.

Since I've last written, Nick has turned in his resignation at East Texas Medical Center to pursue our dream... He's starting his own business in irrigation, landscaping, and lawn care.  We are extremely excited, yet nervous at the same time!  We've prayed extensively for this step in our lives.  This is something Nick has always wanted to do.  He's known since high school that he wanted to own his own business.  So, after over three years of us praying as a couple for God to show us when it was the right time, we're starting a business.  East Texas Proscapes will be open for business very soon!  Call Nick to get him to come bid a job for you, (903) 475-2848.  Nick will be finished at the hospital on July 6th, and he hopes to hit the ground running.  So please consider us for any of your irrigation, landscaping, and lawn care needs!

Nick's snazzy new business card that his marketing department designed. :)

On Friday, June 15th, Nick & I went to see the Texas Rangers beat the Houston Astros with our Sunday school class.  We had an absolute blast!  There were 50 of us in all who went.  I love our friends soo much.  We sat in the All You Can Eat section which was quite fun.  Unlimited hot dogs, nachos and cokes were nice.  A lot of us stayed at the Hyatt Place near the Ballpark after the game so we wouldn't have to drive home after the late night game and fireworks.

Me & the lovely Kathryn!  She's one of my favorites!

The view from our seats.

Part of our group.  Love them!  Mitchell's intent on the game.

Me & the handsome husband.

Casey & I watching the fireworks.

We woke up Saturday morning and had breakfast with Mitchell & Casey at the hotel.  We also ran into some dear friends from our Tarleton days.  It was great to see Charly, Jake & Nate.  Such a surprise too.  They were headed to Six Flags for the day.  Nick & I headed to Nick's aunt's house for the remainder of our time in the area.  Aunt Carol lives in Arlington, and Nick's grandmother and Aunt Rhon, who both live in Waco, were on their way to Carols.  So, we spent a few hours will all of them.  Nick fixed a sprinkler head for Carol, we had lunch, we visited, and then we headed back home.  Of course we had to stop at FREEB!RDS for dinner.  It was delicious, and I forgot to take any pictures this day.  Whoops.

Sunday morning, I headed to New Boston to visit with my Daddy for Father's Day.  I also got the added bonus of getting to meet the new music minister for my old home church, FBC New Boston.  He and his family seem like that will fit in great with the community.  His name is Harold Smith (if you say it fast enough, it sounds like Aerosmith - or so my sister thinks).  He's moving from Mississippi.  My Dad was on the search committee, so we all (search committee included) and the Smith family went to eat at Cracker Barrel for lunch.  It was delicious and fun to get to visit with everyone.  After lunch, we all headed our separate ways.  We are awesome daughters and got Dad a signed stadium chair back from the original Cowboys stadium.  My aunt said that if we keep this gift giving up, we'll have to build a stadium. :) It was signed by one of Dad's favorite players, Bob Lilly.  Dad was actually at the game where the Cowboys inducted Bob Lilly into the Ring of Honor.  He was super surprised and excited for his gift.  We're not going to be able to top the birthday and Father's Day presents after this year. :)

Dad with his girls!

My little "nephew," Wyatt, turned one on Tuesday, June 19th.  I can't believe a year has already flown by!  We weren't able to go to his birthday due to our family reunion, but we celebrated him all the same.  I called the morning of to wish him a happy birthday.  He wasn't up yet, but his momma told him from me.  I love that little guy so much.  Can't wait to see them soon!

Look how big this "little" boys gotten!

On Friday, June 22nd, Nick & I met up with a lot of his Dad's side of the family at Catfish King for dinner.  We were having a big family reunion the next day at Camp Shiloh, but this has become something of a tradition.  Whoever can make it, we head to Mt Pleasant to eat dinner together.  After eating, Nick & I went out to the camp since that is where everyone was staying.  We visited and were eaten alive by mosquitos.  (Note: Bug spray causes color on things to attach themselves to you.  My flip flops had to be pried from my feet, and the metal from the chair I was sitting on smeared black down my arms.  Weird, I know.)  But we had fun all the same. :)  Saturday, Nick & I headed back out to Camp Shiloh for a delicious pot luck meal.  I took my famous pork roast and corn casserole.  We had a fabulous time.  I was commissioned this year to make new family reunion t-shirts for our portion of the Nicholson family.  Nick's paternal grandmother, Edna, was a Nicholson.  This family reunion consists of all of her siblings and their families.  So, I made shirts for the Edna Robertson (Mimi to those in the family) clan.  Mimi was an excellent cook, so I went with a "Cafe" theme.  Everyone loved the shirts, and now I've been asked to help design a whole Nicholson family reunion t-shirt.  I'm excited!

Nick & I waiting for the big family picture.

The whole Nicholson clan!

The back of the shirt.  The "UN4-3303" was Mimi & Pop's phone number.  A few family members have had strangers ask them where Mimi's Cafe is.  We have to explain that it doesn't actually exist. :)  Seems like it looks like a real restaurant t-shirt. :)

The front of the shirt.

Sunday morning, Nick & I ate breakfast with Aunt Patsy, Uncle Bobby, Joe & Melanie at Herschel's.  It was yummy and nice getting to visit with everyone during the weekend.  Too bad we only do this once a year!  Sunday evening, Nick & I had dinner with the Mayben's, who had just returned from a vacation.  It was good to see them, and eat lots of good steak and baked potatoes. :)  Keyton & Kenlie were very excited to see us, and we were excited to see them.

It seems that we are having a rare weekend where we have nothing planned, so we'll see what is soon to come.  I definitely want to clean my house like a crazy woman!  I haven't had time, so it is deep cleaning time.  AND, I'm sure I'll be crafting to my little hearts content. :)