Wines and Vines

The Rypple Vineyard is up and running. Well, sort of. We have three rows of grapevines in our back yard...they are black spanish, blanc de du bois, and champanel. The ones shown below are the black spanish. They have come in full force. This is a great accomplishment since this is the first year we have been able to grow a crop. (You have to wait 3 years before you can let them produce grapes.) So, they have been growing since the March we got married!

We have been making wine for 3 years as well. Artie will be turning in some of his Port wine (called Nosey Puppy Port with a picture on the label of Lola) to Wine Maker magazine that judges and rates all the wine from amatures. He has had many winemakers in the state taste his port and they all rave about it. So, I look forward to the results.

School is out!

If you know anything of my school year, you will know that I am very much enjoying my time away from school...well, at least for a week. I am teaching summer school to help pay off the first IVF treatment. But my 20 days of summer school will be nothing like the 177 I had this past year.

I have heard the rumors and I have even gotten some e-mails about it. YES - New Kids on the Block are back at it again and they are on tour. I did not get to go to any of the first concerts, but I am darn sure going to the next one. There are a few of us that remember how to "Hang Tough" and how we really thought they were singing to us when they said, "I'll be lovin' you forever!" So I plan to get tickets for this at the American Airline Center in Dallas and wear all my buttons and have a good girls night out in October. Something to look forward to.

Ok - I wrote something so it wouldn't look so bad to put another pic of my nephew on here. These were taken at his daycare. I loved them! He is becoming such a little man!

Couldn't help myself

Ok - I know. Another picture of Grant. But this is the best. I know I don't have any kids of my own yet, but I think he must be a really smart baby. Here is Grant at one month old cracking up and belling laughing while my mom and Lacy play patty cake. Just thought it was great!

F man!

Fletcher is getting so big! This is him at a ball game with his parents.

CLASSIC! "What? I don't have any chocolate on my face?"

I lub him too much. I just want to squeeze him up!

My mom is officially retired!

Happy Retirement! My mom finally retired. I guess it took that other grandbaby to put her over the edge. She had a good time yesterday enjoying it with family and friends. Here are just a few pictures of the party. 25 wonderful years! But I am sure she is glad that it is over. Now it is time to relax...or get spit up on.

New pics of "G" man

Being an Aunt is fun. But being an Aunt to a nephew that lives so close to you is the best. I love holding him all through church, showing up to hold him for an hour after school, and just listening to him make noises constantly.

Guess who bought this shirt?!?

And who would not love that little "butt chin" and strawberry hair?? YUM!

Artie and Grant having a moment

Sweet times!

This shirt was for Daddy.

Fletcher meeting Grant for the first time.

OK - more video clips that make me laugh!


This is "F" and me in the car singing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5US5Scasw8



Wal-Mart sword fighting :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiAqZKHVj9Y