Selah and Milly

Opening Gifts On Christmas Day

The 'Heinz 57' family got together for Christmas day. We Mathi were there. Blair and Melissa came with their three boys, Chase (15), Chandler (almost 13), and Chapman (8), as well as with Melissa's grandparents Di Di and Mamaw. Matt, Andrea, and John were all there, too. Finally, the great hosts, Granny and Grandpa created an unforgettable holiday dinner. There were many blessed events: Chase held Selah. Chapman taught Selah how to use her new tools. Chandlerengaged in deep dinner table conversation. Di Di talked with the younger men about his time in the military and gave his wisdom about the current economic and political situation in America. The women discussed family, food, jobs. The highlight for me was watching Selah during the present opening. I could only post a short clip of her enchantment, but it is enough to melt your heart.

Christmas All The Time

The Very Merry Mice. Try this Hullabaloo Move.

Ole King Cole Don't Smoke No Mo

Granny's Taking Me To The Zoo Tomorrow

Christmas in Clovis

The Mathi joyfully spent the day with Tom and Rachel in Clovis, New Mexico. They talked of new things and old. They ate good sandwiches and dip. They walked through a windy field and chased the "fairie dogs." The Howards then went to a Christmas party and stayed out late dancing. Meanwhile the Mathi did a tour of Clovis. They ate at the local Pizza Hut out on Prince Rd. The Pizza Hut was remarkable for its heavy wood furniture, stringed beer flags, and its over abundance of flatscreens. After dinner, the Mathi family joined the majority of the locals for the traditional Saturday night ritual of "picking out a movie" at Hastings. But they didn't pick out a movie. No. They left without having accomplished that feat. Instead they visited the city zoo. Five minutes until closing. The hyena was pacing. The bald eagle was balding. Santa was fleeing the scene. Everyone else was sleeping. So, the Mathi went back to Tom and Rachel's to watch the Grinch. Selah Mathis was characteristically moved by the Grinch's situation. She was righteously relieved by the "way it all worked out." And so, they fell fast asleep. In the morning, the two small families ate a large trucker-sized breakfast at the diner down the road. The old friends parted in a parking lot, knowing that they would soon see each other again.

Fall In Minnesota

Down By The Bay

Grandma Judy and Papa's House

Now we spend five weeks of our summer in Minnesota. It's time to be with our family. Grandpa Jerry has flown away to be with Jesus, and Selah says that "he's happy now." He's always been happy, though. But now his joy is complete. Let's remember him always. More pictures eventually to come... A kiss for G.G. Lois. GG DeWayne and GG Lois Peterzen-Fast.The Peterzen-Fast Home. Exploring Minneapolis, MN with Aunts and Uncles.

Uncle Michael's Playground.

Basilica of St. Mary.

Miss Kate Jenkins

You know you're in Minneapolis when you see...

Downtown rooftop restaurants in Michael's neighborhood.

Granny and Grandpa's

Granny has all kinds of plans for while you're here.

"I love my very own Grandpa."

Grandpa reads the classics.

Sitting in Mimmie's rocking chair. Let's remember her always.

We spend each evening with Uncle Matt and Aunt Andy.

Cousin Marlette reads the classics.

Celebrating Birthday #2. Daria comes for her neighborly visit.

Family Roots in Louisiana

Selah (2) and Mamaw (83) Hands

She's young at heart.

Mamaw (Betty Sistrunk) and Selah's Great Aunt Cindy and Great Uncle Bobby Mathis

Selah meets her Aunt Christy and Uncle Robert Doles for the first time. Gets showered with all sorts of toys and dolls and Mexican food. Louisianna style.

More big boy cousins for Selah girl. Joey and Jacob Doles are two of the kindest men we know. Joey is planning to study forensic science, and Jacob is deciding between something along the lines of graphic design and culinary arts. Can a person see those strong Mathis genes in the chin, nose, forehead and ears?