What was I thinking??

Okay. . . . why was I in town with rollers in my hair? Why did I get a photo taken? Looks like one of those photo booth pics, doesn't it? And while I have to admire the "neatness" of my rollers (I mean LOOK how nicely they are aligned) Why was I flashing a peace sign? And I use to SLEEP in those thing! Yikes!

Editorial ~ If you say it ~ mean it

How often do you say "I love you"? Do you mean it or is it just a way to end a conversation ~ "I love you, buh bye". When you say "I'm here if you need me" does that mean ~ call if you need me and I will be there for you OR does that mean call if you need me and if it is "convenient" I'll be there for you? In the last few weeks, I've been reminded that people say what they think you want to hear. As we were watching Daddy struggle through his last days people were quick to say "call me" or "let me know if there is anything I can do". I have to say some were actually there ~ Uncle Wayne with his brownies, Uncle Wayne with his green tomatoes, Aunt Doris with her conversation, Uncle Jerry and Aunt Louise with their love and listening ears were very supportive for Mother when she needed them to rally around her to help hold her up. Then there were those who said it and didn't mean it. Those who we thought would be there but weren't. Those who talk a good game but don't deliver. Our children came and brought their children with them. Cousins and friends showed up to offer condolences. But the hole in my heart from Daddy's passing was widen when some chose not to come. I will remember. . . .

We are many. . . .

The sisters

Teresa (the baby) Wanda (the oldest) and me (the middle child)

I know what you are thinking "she just posted this photo the other day!" I didn't forget, I just thought it would be cool to look at us, our children, and their children. Mother is doing well. She is staying alone at night. We told her we are a phone call away and that is how she wants it. Daddy fought 'til the end. I hope I made him proud.

The Grands

Lisa, Jennifer,Will, Kim, Aimee, and Archie

It's a rare thing that all of our children are in the same place so we took advantage of the opportunity to snap a photo. It almost looks as if they planned what to wear so they would co-ordinate. Lisa lives in Pelham, Jennifer in Colorado, Will in Arkansas, Kim and Aimee in Jasper, and Archie is Wetumpka. They gathered for Daddy's funeral. Their children seemed to get along well. Daddy would like this photo.

The Great Grands

Hannah, Jakob, Christopher,

Sarah, Ivey, Olivia, Lily, and Claire

And here are the great grands together ~ it wasn't easy getting them to be still long enough for a photo. As you can see ~ the girls outnumber the boys. (I don't think they really mind too much.)

Turkey in Hiding

This smart turkey is wearing "armor" so he will

not be shot for Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving ~ a time to remember all of the things we are thankful for ~ to gather with loved ones and enjoy too much food. Those who are so inclined will enjoy the parades and the ball games of the day. However you chose to celebrate ~ may you enjoy Thanksgiving Day.

Daddy

Daddy lost his battle today, November 19th. He fought bravely against the ravages of dementia. Mother, Teresa, Kim and I were with him at the end. He fell asleep and drifted peacefully into a place of rest.

John Howard Panter

1929 ~ 2009

Survived by:

Wife of 62 years

Tommie Lou Brown Panter

Daughters

Wanda Lee Kehler (husband Dennis)

Reba Gayle Nibler (husband Buck)

Teresa Ann Herzig (special friend Jimmy)

Grandchildren

Archie Joe Best (wife Tanya)

Jennifer Leann Willenbrecht (husband Arie)

Kim Marie Wilson (husband Skoot)

Aimee Diane Wells (husband Michael)

William Alan Herzig (fiance' Jennifer)

Lisa Nicole Nibler

Great Grandchildren

Ivey Best

Lily Best

Jakob Wilson

Christopher Wilson

Sarah Willenbrecht

Olivia Wells

Claire Willenbrecht

Happy Anniversary

To my husband, Francis Martin (Buck) Nibler

Happy Anniversary
38 years and you still love me?
Looking forward to the next 38.

The mighty hunter

The rule at Kim's is "If you shoot you ~ you have to eat it". Saturday, Jakob and Topher went hunting with Skoot and Charley (their Poppy). As you can see ~ Jakob got his first "kill". They helped clean the squirrels and ate some. Each of the boys said it tasted like chicken. . . . I will just take their word for that because I will not eat "wild" game if I know it beforehand. There has been some "venison" stew foisted on me under debatable circumstances. . . . "Oh, I thought you knew?!" or "It's just like beef?!" Yeah, right!

What's with the tongue?

I chose to have my tongue "bare"

Lisa choses to "accessorize" hers.Looks like Kim had something RED to eat

and my tongue is just NASTY

(looks like a pickle hanging out of my mouth)
The eyes have to be WIDE open when the tongue is out?

The tongue ~ an organ of "taste"? What is SO funny about sticking out the tongue for a picture? Obviously, I have no qualms about doing it. I can even touch the tip of my nose with my tongue. (I know I know ~ quite an accomplishment, right?) My children are also "uninhibited" with their tongues. What is that phrase? "Know when to HOLD your tongue"? Our girls are thoughtful and kind but also know how to burn you with words. Never ask their opinion unless you truly want it ~ for it may not be the one you wish to hear.

Did you think I forgot?

The purpose of my visit to Colorado was to be with Claire on her third birthday. Somewhere along the way ~ that got lost in the postings. She had a "Dora the Explorer" cake which was actually constructed of cupcakes. The top was iced smooth as if it were a one piece cake. Very clever! Half of the cupcakes were chocolate and half were white ~ each person could just pull out the one they wanted ~ no messy knife involved.

After a loud rendition of "Happy Birthday"

Claire blew out the candles!
What's a birthday without PRESENTS??
Looks like we'll never know.

The 'king of this castle' posed with

his princesses before

Trick or Treating began

Sarah with her "loot"

She shed her princess garb for more comfortable

clothing ~ the better to count the candy in, yes?

Claire counted her "loot" as well

She chose to do it regally :-)

The EX suffered from icicle overload

Thought this was cool

I think he was waving buh bye?

This is our grand nephew

Alisha's son ~ Charles

Chuck and Retta's oldest grandson

His dad is in the service and serving in Afghanistan

This was his choice of costume for Halloween.

On the road

On Tuesday November 3rd I started for Alabama (by way of New Mexico). The drive was great and the weather clear. I left Jennifer's before she took Sarah to school. I drove straight down I-25 into New Mexico. I saw the "Mile High" stadium in Denver and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. When I got close to Albuquerque, Wanda called with specific directions to their house. I made it with only one "little" bobble. Unlike my wonderful husband ~ I am not afraid to ask for directions so I stopped at a gas station and asked a man pumping gas where I should be. He was very nice and his directions were spot on. I don't like to see the girls sad but I have to admit it makes me feel special when they are sad when I leave. Claire was busy getting her hair "done" but I snapped a photo anyway.
Jennifer put on a "happy" face.
I drove past the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and could see the football field from I-25.
Talk about purple mountains majesty ~ WOW what a view!
A photo of the view from the last rest stop in Colorado.
Finally the WELCOME to New Mexico sign.
Wanda's front yard is NOTHING like mine ~ no acreage to mow.
Wanda was there to meet me when I made it to their house.
Wanda and Dennis have a nice backyard with this cute little fountain on the patio.

Mother's Birthday

Mother insisted she did not want a cake for her birthday. I took her this one the DAY BEFORE ~ technically NOT her birthday ~ therefore, not a birthday cake, right?
She got calls from lots of people ~ starting with Jennifer and girls singing to her ~ then Will, some ladies from church, and Uncle Paul.
She got lots of cards.
Gifts and visits. Kim and family, Buck and Lisa, brothers, sister, church people.
Terrell even stopped by. (Veronica was with him but photo unavailable)
She said the best thing was having Teresa, Wanda, and me with her this birthday.
Mother and her girls.

Another Birthday Greeting

Happy Birthday today to Mother

Tommie Lou Brown Panter

is 80 today

And the snow came!

I love the snow. Why? Well, one reason is because it isn't RAIN. We've had PLENTY of that in Alabama the last few weeks. Snow in Colorado is beautiful AND I got to be out in it with Jennifer, Sarah, and Claire. They cancelled school and we played outside ~ went shopping in the snow (I didn't forget how to drive in it) and replanned Claire's party. Jennifer had planned an outdoor party (less mess). As it turned out the children played out in the snow then came in for refreshments ~ more about that later.

It started to snow after the girls went to bed.
I would have been excited
with this much snow.

but it kept coming until
there was a "cake" on the
picnic table.
(at least it looked like one to the girls)
The EX didn't know what hit it!

Jennifer was ready to shovel.

and Sarah and I were READY to play!

She made a snow angel

Claire helped Mom

Peace from Windsor, Colorado

Check out how deep it was!

A day with the girls

What a fun time I had on my visit to Colorado. Jennifer and Arie never seem to mind if I stay and stay and stay. I really enjoy their company but the girls make it more fun!Quite the "fashionista"

Claire is wearing a "dress up" skirt I took them.

She is definitely "working" this outfit.

There is also an orange one, a purple one, and a hot pink one.

The girls are very good about washing up

after they eat.

Sarah was like "Magra ~ not now!" Claire with a Prince in one hand and

a Princess in the other

and just a hint of a smile.

As a kindergartener ~ Sarah has homework.

I was able to visit Sarah's classroom one day

during my stay AND had lunch with her.

And then it is PLAY time
(Everything was picked up and put away before bed)

The girls help Jennifer cook

and practice in their kitchen.
Do you know what "pretend" tea tastes like? It is YUMMY!

Claire after bath.

Claire likes to snuggle

with a puppy named Baby Pup.
Sarah and Bear

who is almost as big as she is!

(P.S. ~ they were both faking

look closely ~ they are trying not to laugh)