It's been SEVEN YEARS!

 Can't believe it's been almost SEVEN years since I've posted.  Lots of changes since that time.  Watch for FFF updates coming SOON!  XOXO, Pam

Oh how I love these boys....

I asked for an updated photo of the boys....this is what Ashley sent me.   Dylan, on the left, is 17 and Colton, on the right, is 15. 

Storms...

It currently looks like about 8pm outside....darkness and rain.  And LOUD thunder and a little lightening.  And lights flickering.  Ahhhh, spring in Texas.  Least all the roofers are not out with their cards and flyers today! 

Be safe out there...

XOXO,
PK

Update on Ashley.....

Many have asked how my sweet girl Ashley is doing....  This picture says it all.  It's from a year or so ago, but that smile is still in place.  Greg is so good to her and she's happy.  They have a GIANT house in Allen and love it.  Spend time in the mud every chance they get and chase Dylan and Colton around.    It's been a tough year for this girl, as she said goodbye to her Mom in January, but as always, she's getting thru it.  She's had more than her share of tragedy over the years.  Love her move than I can ever express and so happy to be part of her life.    XOXO, Mom 2

One more for today...

Update on my weight loss journey....  Although I kick the scales often, you really can see that I've dropped a pound or two, or 80...  :-)  This is December 2014 on the left (surgery was January 2015), middle was sometime in mid 2015 (before my hospital stay) and the black and white stripped shirt is from this past Friday night.  Still a ways to go, but never going back to where I was.  Sorry, I get smaller, but the photo gets larger....  :-)

XOXO,
PK

It's been a YEAR!

Good grief....it's been a YEAR since I posted.  I'll get back to this, I promise!  Would love to see Jeannine, Megan and others start blogging again. 

Spent the weekend in Tulsa at a SeneGence Seminar and had a great time.  Met lots of new friends!   And I've never seen so much cheetah print and blue clothing in one room.  7,500+ attendees strong...  Already planning next years trip! 

Lucy is my Crown Princess (rank) and such a sweet girl.  She left the DFW Metroplex to live out her dream in Nashville, Tennessee...  Such a beautiful voice.    She's on spotify!  And this is her web site....   http://www.lucyscholl.com  Someday I'll get to say "I met her when...."  XOXO my beautiful friend! 

I fly out Monday for Nashville....  We are having a Loan Processor Summit.    Fly back on Friday the 11th.  Can't wait to meet all the Processors that I communicate with often!    Maybe.I.can.see.Lucy!

I've also found a new passion.....  Kickboxing!  Above is a picture of the facility that I go too.  It's literally as the end of our neighborhood.  Burpees, Round houses, V-Ups, bicycle, mountain climbers,  planks, jogging, squats, you name it, we do it.  And I LOVE IT!!!!!! 

Time to go watch a little tv with the Mr.  XOXO to all!

PK

Family Reunion TIme!

Tomorrow is the Fenter Reunion in Point....  This means it's time to bust out a great recipe, because all those ladies who will be attending are awesome cooks!  I am taking deviled eggs, strawberry shortcake  and potato salad.  Not just ANY potato salad....  I'm trying this recipe:

Potato Bacon and Corn Salad

2 lbs small red potatoes (do not peel or cut)
Kosher salt
Pepper
6 slices of bacon (fry or bake and chop into small pieces)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 ear sweet corn (cut kernels off the cob)
1/2 small red onion (cut into think strips)
2 cups baby arugula
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Boil potatoes, bring to a rapid boil.  Add 2 tsp Kosher salt, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until knife does thru easily.   Drain, rinse with cold water and slice in half or quarters depending on size.  Set aside

In a large bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard and 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper.  Add potatoes to this mixture and toss.

Just before serving, toss in bacon, corn, arugula and parsley.  Enjoy!

I think it sounds awesome and will be something different to add to the dinner, which is sure to be great.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

Happy Friday all,
XOXO,
PK

Heartwarming...

It is very heartwarming to see Emory band together as a community to dig out of the rubble from the recent tornado.  Was sad to hear that the guy who was killed in the truck that the tornado picked up and tossed like a hot wheel was from Emory.  A tornado hits the town he is from, he is in Canton and is killed there.  Such a sad story.  The former military guy that was with him as he took his last breath was so sad on the news. Brought tears to my eyes.  Although I've not lived there for many many years, Emory still holds a special place in my heart.  Let's hope that tonight's possible storms spare the area.  They do not need anymore rain or bad weather.

Sorry to be so quick....tired tonight!

XOXO,
PK

P.S.  Check out mirrormirroronthewallfenter.blogspot.com for my famous Banana Pudding Recipe.

Pray for East Texas

The Facebook posts and pictures of yesterdays tornadoes in Emory, Canton and Mineola are very sad.  It's pretty scary when you live in McKinney and watch the news to see that the storms are headed straight to the small town that I grew up in (Emory in Rains County) and  that Mom and many relatives still live there!  She was texting me from the shower.  She and Bill were in there with her tablet, his book, pillows and blankets. There was a brief delay in her responses as I watched the news of it hitting there, but luckily they were okay. My niece, Morgan Johnson, was in a storm shelter in Sulphur Springs with 36 of her patients.  I've not heard of any deaths in Emory, but just read that there were 5 confirmed in Canton, and they are still searching.  A Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership on I-20 was hit and there are pictures of new vehicles tossed around like a hot wheel, but they are mangled.  Saw one extended cab truck where the doors were peeled backwards. It is also "Canton Weekend" so there were a lot of people in that town that would not normally be there.

Say a prayer as they dig out of the rubble....  I will.

Update to the Fenter Funny Farm!

Hello to everyone!  It's been a YEAR since I've posted on our blog.  I've started a new adventure.  Let me first say, that I've not given up on my first passion....  That would be Mortgage Lending.  I'm about to celebrate my 1 year anniversary at my current company and September will be 33 years in the busines.  I love it!  It is so awesome to be happy. 

Now...to my new adventure.  I've recently joined SeneGence International as an Independent Distributor.  LipSense is our hottest item.  It's long wear lip stick that is smudge proof and kiss proof.  It can last up to 6 - 18 hours.  There is nothing else on the market like it.  I'd like to invite you to like my Facebook Page which is MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL .  Share with your friends as well.  I also can be contacted at MMOTWFenter@yahoo.com.    My blog, which is not just about LipSense or make up is mirrormirroronthewallfenter.blogspot.com  No  web site yet, but it's on my "to do" list, along with several other projects.  36 available LipSense colors are below.

I plan to start blogging again.  Trying to decide if I continue on with this blog, which has been around for many, many years, or if I start a new one.  Or perhaps....I'll have more than one. It's always been fun to chronicle the antics at the Fenter Funny Farm.  I'll give you a little update on all of us.

First....Danny!  He's the same as ever, maybe a little more contrary.    He works at Tom Thumb in Allen in the Bakery.  It's' fun to stop by while he is working, to see him talking about bagels and birthday cakes with customers is awesome, not to mention his hair net.  He likes working there and that is what is important.  He and I have lived in McKinney since August of 2015.  I say we live in the poor part of Stonebridge Ranch.  No more country life for us.  I do miss the wide open spaces and being able to fish at our old house in Weston, but do not miss the insurance bill, taxes, electric bill., etc.  We will celebrate our 27th anniversary in October and are going on a cruise in August.

Next....  Ashley!  Ashley got married to Greg a year and a half ago.  They built a new house in Allen and it is GORGEOUS!  At this moment, they have a pool and outdoor kitchen in full out construction mode.  It is sure to be a show stopper when it's complete and many people have said how much they can't wait to enjoy it this summer.  Myself included!    She is happy.  I'll type that again....she is happy, and that makes me happy.  Her husband, Greg, works in the same industry as I.  He is awesome to Ashley and the boys.  The other day, I read a post on Facebook where he said "my son" and he was referring to Dylan.  Made my heart sing. 

Speaking of Dylan....  He just turned 16 on the 17th, and got his first truck.  Ashley and Greg threw a birthday party at Blue Goose in McKinney, and surprised him by pulling the truck up behind the window where he sat.  He jumped up, after Ashley did a little tearful speech, hugged her, hugged Greg and went out to see it.  Yep...this Nana cried!  He used to sleep curled up in a ball under my chin and now he is 16....yep, 16!  He is just about to finish his Sophomore year in high school.

Not to ever be outdone by big brother, Colton will be 14 in June.  He is a scooter junkie.  Goes to the skate park every minute he can.  He's even learned to do a flip on the thing.  Yes, he wears a helmet.  He also loves to tease me about my beloved Dallas Cowboys.  Every.chance.he.gets!  I'll try and find the video of him doing a flip.   

As a family, they love to go to Mud Pits and ride their razors (4 wheel enclosed contraption of fun).  Recently they went, and Dylan sent me a picture (at 3in the morning) that I turned my phone in every direction trying to figure it out.  He was sitting in the Razor, with water above his waist.  Colton and I talked about it...we decided there was NO WAY we were driving into a giant puddle of water, where you can't see the bottom or even know how deep it is. 

And now to the "twins".  They just turned TWENTY THREE this month!  How time flies!

Colby is working for a company that stocks Tom Thumb stores and resets Albertson's stores.  He goes in early morning, like 4:30am and gets off mid day.   He's been there for over 3 years and really likes it.  Colby recently moved to Sherman with a friend.  Seems like yesterday that I was writing about his antics on this very blog (read back about 5 years ago, it's pretty entertaining!)  If you remember his gray Dodge truck....we'll we sold it, after a lot of battle wounds.  He now has a Kia and other than hitting a deer and munching the front (I yelled at him when he told me and said "if there is not hair on that car, I'm going to beat you"), it's a great car, after we put a new motor in it last year (sigh).  He posted on FB Thursday that there were "cops on 121" and all I could think was "Wonder how he knows?"  That 4 lb 1 oz preemie now stand 6' 2" with a full beard and curly red hair.  This momma is challenged by him at times, but gosh I love that kid.

Chelsey is going to college at TWU in Denton and should finish in December.  She has all on line classes, which is awesome, because she's able to work and go to school full time.  She's been bartending at Razzoos for a while now.  Money is good.  She works weekdays only.  She gave her notice on Thursday to go to work at Prime Lending for a summer internship.  (May to August).  It's funny...  she has to be the only twin (or possibly the ONLY kid) born while her mom worked at Prime Lending and now she's going there.  We shall see if she enters the crazy mortgage business that I've been in for nearly 33 years.  She has been dating Wes for a little over a year.  They are on the go a lot and recently went to the mud pits with Greg and Ashley.  They go out and take Uber for transportation, which makes me laugh, but it sure is safer than driving!  Chelsey is still driving "Lexie" that she got 7 years ago....  She now has 120,000+- miles and is still running strong.  Windshield is still cracked (happened when I had it) and the bumper is sagging in one spot.  Chelsey is blonde (color and extentions cover her strawberry blonde) and blue eyed and just makes my heart sing when she asks if I want to hang out on a Saturday morning. 

And now for me....my name is now "PK" as everyone, except Colby, calls me.  He still calls me Mom.  I'm with SWBC Mortgage officing in Plano.   September 10th will be 33 years since I learned how to spell Mortgage and made this a career.  I have no idea how many thousands of loans I've been a part of, but it's a bunch.  I still love this business.  As you may or may not know, I was really sick in 2015.  Ended up having my colon removed, had an ostomy bag for 3 months and then was converted back to my pipes inside being reattached and operating.  It was a horrific ordeal, spending 45, 3, and 10 days in the hospital and rehab, but I'm healthy and happy these days and that is what matters most.   Never take good health for granted.  I did a 5K with Carla last year.  She ran, I jogged and walked, but I did it.  She had a sign up when I got to the end and I cried across the finish line....

Mom got married February of 2015 and travels and smiles all the time.  I do not see her often, but I know she's in good hands with Bill and they are probably at Good Samaritan in Emory digging thru treasure as I type this.    They have flowers and vegetable plants all over their yard.  They may have watermelon in their front flowerbed...  Both have a green thumb and it's fun to see what they have growing in every inch of dirt possible!

My sweet sister Carla, will celebrate her 11th anniversary, in June,  to my awesome brother in law Paul.  They live in Pittsburg, Texas.  He owns Bradshaw Electric in Winnsboro and Carla owns Pizza Inn in Pittsburg.  They are busy...all the time.  Morgan, her daughter, got married in December and I was privileged to be a part of helping them put it together.   Yep....Aunt Pam cried when she walked down the isle.  Keifer, her husband,  was in the Army until about a month ago.  They are now enjoying civilian life in Sulphur Springs.

Weekend before last Danny and I took Mary, his Mom, to Van Vleck to visit her sister (hi Aunt Jackie!).  I think they talked non stop for a couple days.  Danny's sisters, Susan and Judy are n Greenville.  Both doing well.  All his step-brothers and sisters and families are doing well.  Jeannine doesn't blog anymore, but has many funny FB posts!  Jeannette is now a snake handler in Alba, Texas.  Johnny is still in Sulphur Springs, probably making everyone laugh...just like he does us.  Jackie and Lisa are in Point, and I'd guess they are playing with their grandbaby River as I type this.

I think this gives everyone a run down of how things are at the Fenter Funny Farm...  Now, go check out my FB page and order some lipstick!   Will post more often, I promise. 

Much love,
PK

this one is for Karen (and Sherry)

Said goodbye to a really nifty lady today.  Met someone at the funeral that i have heard about for years, but never met. Sherry told me Karen followed my blog and that she turned her on to reading it. So...Karen this one is for you.....such a beautiful life and family and many friends.  Glad we met and laughed a time or two. Beautiful tribute and service today.  RIP and it was nice to meet you Sherry.

Christmas 2015 has come and gone. Great times spent with friends and family.

A quick update!

　

Have not blogged in well over a year.....wanted to update.  Had Weight Loss Surgery January 21.  Photos are on the left, just before New Years 2014 and on the right is yesterday....making progress!

XOXO,
Pam

Yes...it's been MONTHS since I blogged

Where the heck have you been?


So...Danny and I have settled in to an empty nest.  We have also learned to cook for two.  We have learned to jump in the car and go somewhere on a moments notice.  We have learned to walk to the Rough Riders Ballpark and Dr Pepper Stars Center.   We have learned to "juice" with the new juicer we bought a month or so ago.  We have learned to record on ATT Uverse.....Love me some Kelly and Michael.  I watch it every night when I get home from work.


I've traveled and opened offices....and then shut them down recently.  Got snowed in Minnesota for a weekend because Dallas was too icy to return too.  I've not seen Ashley, the boys, my sweet sister or Mom enough.   I've worked a lot.


I'm SICK of the cold weather.  Ready for spring...warm afternoon walks and just warm in general.  Can't ever remember it being this cold before.  HATE it!


Just returned from a 4 day weekend in Phoenix, AZ.  80+- degrees.  Sunshine.  Green grass.  Palm trees.  Snapdragons.  If was WONDERFUL....maybe a return some day.


I miss Daddy so much....  Today especially because it was so pretty out and it made me want to go fishing. 


Maybe when I get tired of apartment life (not yet!) then I'll find a place on a lake....


Chelsey is doing great in school and work.  I see her often and she just makes my heart sing.  Colby is working 3am to noon or later Monday thru Friday and staying out of t.r.o.u.b.l.e. for now.  Except for the two red light tickets I recently received....both had a picture of HIS truck.  He'll be paying those tickets tomorrow before I get arrested.  Danny is working with him. 


It's been a tough few months for this family....maybe we'll all get back in sinc soon. 


So...Morgan and Carla, it's time for your to update.  Maybe even a picture of the new house sister.  Ashley, I miss you more than I can express...kiss the boys. 


Love to all and maybe I can come back more often.


XOXO,
PK

Wow...it's been month!

Well....it's been over a month since my last post.  We've been enjoying the new place.  It is WONDERFUL to have so many sidewalks...I walk 5-7 miles every Saturday and Sunday and 2-3 miles each day of the week.  I love it.  Danny walks after I leave for work.

Colby is now in his own apartment.  I think he slept all day today.  He has Tank, so for the first time, it's just me and Danny for the last couple of days.  We have not killed each other yet.  :-)

Chelsey starts back to school tomorrow.  So hard to believe it's been 15 months since they graduated from high school.

Had dinner with Ashley on Friday night....beautiful as always.  Amazing how much she and Chelsey look alike. 

No travel for me in the past couple of weeks, but I'm heading back out in September, to Minnesota and Missouri.  Weather should be perfect.  Speaking of perfect, I went to Irvine, California a few weeks ago, what a beautiful place.  Green palm trees, green grass, 80 degrees....it was wonderful.  Next time I want to see the ocean and the mountains.....not enough time when only there 2 days last time.

Off to watch a little football on TV.....glad it's back!

XOXO,
PK

A really tough day

I've had a Kleenex in my had most of the day....you might want to grab one, because I need to write my thoughts so I do not forget this day.

Tonight marks 1 month since we lost Daddy.  A month.....in 6 hours we'll have to say "over a month ago" and I've had a heck of a time dealing with this today. 

It started as any other day....I zipped to Richardson to work at the company that helps us close loans.  I get out at lunch and head to Chik fil a, my favorite when going to Richardson.   As I sat in line I watched as I lady came out with these tiny little shoes in her hand and a little girls hand in the other.  The little girl couldn't have been more than 2 years old.  She was crying so hard and the lady was trying to console her, it was a very sweet moment to witness.  I'd venture to guess that that little girl was crying because although the lady thought it was time to go, she'd rather stay and play.  As I watched this with a smile, the song "I saw God today" came on.  It's George Strait and it's just a very touching song, especially when you remember that his daughter was killed in a car accident several years ago.  By the time the song was over, I was up to pay and in tears beyond stopping.  I couldn't help but think about Dad.  Just as now, as the tears roll, it happened today too.  I finally got my food and got back to the office.  At 5:30 I bolted for home and when I got in the car, Brad Paisley and Dolly Pardon were singing "When I get where I'm going" which is what I chose for Dad's funeral.  I cried some more. 

Then....as if it should have happened, I hear "One more day" that Morgan chose for the service.  This was more than I could stand....I cried all the way home.

Gathering myself, I get to the apartment and go check the mail.  There is an envelope with Mom's handwriting.....I remembered her saying that Cay had written something for Carla and I and she wanted to mail it.  It was here.....I opened the envelope and when it started "Dearest girls" I couldn't read anymore thru the tears.  It took me a minute to clear my eyes, but then I read her story of the deer and a man's two daughters.   It was such a fitting end to a very tearful day.   I shall save that letter forever. 

I miss his calls, I miss his questions, I miss him....I know you do too Carla.  Maybe we can go see the deer the next time I come down that way, together.  He'd like that.

Cay thank you for making me smile thru the tears, I sure needed it today.  And Mom, I love you!  You too Carla. 

From one of his girls....
Pam

absolutely nothing day!

I can't even remember the last time we had a do nothing Sunday and it sure felt good. Danny and I went to Starbucks this morning. I cooked lunch then had a nap. Colby and I then ran to Tom Thumb and I cooked breakfast for dinner. His request. He's cashed out on the couch. Danny is watching tv in his room. Tank and are in my recliner.  Nice ending to a quiet Sunday.

Ohhhhh and I got a new vehicle yesterday. Buick Encore it's a mini of moms Enclave.  Steel Gray 2013.  25 city 33 highway mpg. I always said once you go SUV, it's hard to go back to a car. I made it 3 years. Now....suv again!

Have a great week all!

PK

One less flight attendant

SCORE! Got the plane seat by the window and in the row where the middle seat is a tray. A very funny flight attendant on a plane a few weeks ago said it was Americans way of cutting costs. 4 trays in place of seats took one flight attendant off their 737's. She said the number of seats determines how many of them work the flight. She finished by saying that it just made her have to work harder. LOL.

Off to Irvine, CA I go. TTFN

Central Park

No.....not that Central Park. This one. Tank and I checked it out tonight. He's bellied out on the floor cooling his...um, tummy. Yeah tummy.

Bright shoes and a Happy birthday

Yep....this is what Danny wanted for his birthday.