Merry Christmas Friends and Family!

It’s hard to believe that 2025 is just around the corner—and even harder to believe that 2024 is almost over! It feels like just yesterday it was December 1993, and we were living in Seguin. Since it’s been quite a while since my last blog post and Christmas card, it’s time to catch some of you up on our lives.

The biggest and most exciting update is about our oldest daughter! She’s now out of law school, married, and raising the most adorable little boy on the planet. Clark turned two in August and has quickly become the center of her world. Courtney and Rick live in Rockwall, Texas, where Rick is running Patriot Paws, and Courtney works as a corporate lawyer for a franchise holding company. I’ll include pictures at the end of this letter!

Meagann has also been doing wonderfully. She’s married, graduated from college, and is living her best life close to us in Las Cruces. Her husband, Erik, works as a university police officer, and Meagann is teaching at a local middle school.

And then there’s our youngest, Clay—can you believe he’s 25 now? What?! Even bigger news: he’s engaged to Ellie, a lovely young lady from Denver. Ellie is currently finishing her master’s degree in Barcelona (yes, definitely living her best life!). Meanwhile, Clay is a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and is stationed somewhere in the Middle East. While I wouldn’t call his current situation “living his best life,” we couldn’t be prouder of the man he’s become.  Their wedding is scheduled for September 2025.

Greg and I are now living in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He’s working as a corporate HR professional, and I’m teaching ELA Resource and Inclusion in El Paso, TX. As for retirement—well, I can’t say when that will happen just yet. Right now, I’m absolutely in love with my students. They make me laugh every single day. Sure, there are rough moments, and not every day is smooth sailing, but the good times far outweigh the bad.

Greg and I spend way too much time driving back and forth to Dallas. If anyone’s looking for the perfect Christmas gift for us, a time portal or a 737 would be ideal—just imagine how much easier that trip would be!

Merry Christmas!!!

 Merry Christmas Friends & Family!

Has it really been 3 years since I last wrote a post here?   It seems so.  Time flies.   So much has happened in the past 3 years.  

The good part about life happening is that the good memories can fill all the right buckets.   Our son, Clay,  has graduated from high school and is currently active in the NMSU ROTC program with intentions of going active upon graduation.  He has settled into becoming a good student with a strong desire for greatness.   Now, he repeatedly plays too many video games.   What teen doesn't these days? 

Our oldest, Courtney, has graduated from law school and is anxiously looking forward to passing the bar so that she can be a US Army Jag lawyer beginning in August 2021.   Her and Rick are living in the Dallas metroplex with their two dogs, Winston and Jake.  Courtney is baking cakes in her spare time and Rick is working with his mom at Patriot Paws as the general manager.

Meagann is currently on  the downhill slide for graduating NMSU with her bachelors in History Education.  She is hoping to snag a job teaching at the university so she can work on her masters and be debt free.   Next Sunday afternoon, she will be marrying the love of her life.  Her fiancee, is a young man whom she met here.  Erik is a police officer at NMSU and is pursuing his criminal justice degree.   And before you ask, she didn't meet him and obtain a speeding ticket along with a first date.    

A huge shout out to COVID for screwing up all the wedding plans.   What should have been a beautiful golf course wedding has turned into a backyard event with catering courtesy of Costco.      The only bright spot is that this wedding is costing us pennies in compared to what it could have been.     I can't say that Greg and I are unhappy about that.

I wish I could offer up some personal pictures this year for Christmas of the kids or something.  I only have dog pictures and for whatever reason my photos aren't syncing easily with the computer.   Santa needs to bring me a new mac.   I AM NOT REFERRING TO A BIG MAC HAMBURGER. 

I found this video earlier today and wanted to share.  Anthem Lights is one of my favorite groups.   These 2 songs mesh together perfectly.  Enjoy!  

 Lots of Love, OG

                                                            Merry Christmas 2017 !!! 

                                 

FYI...   We moved...  again!    I may need to catch up a few of you, non-facebook friends.   I haven't sent Christmas cards in a couple of years; the time management issue just got the best of me.   So....  way back in 2016, Greg was offered a job with MVT transportation.  He is the head of their HR department and is constantly busy trying to solve a problem or two.  This new job was simply a gift from the Lord.   No doubt about it!   At that time, I finished teaching  pre-k in Frisco and prepared our house for the big move.  It sold in about 5 days and that just confirmed the decision.     Immediately upon arriving in EP early August, I went to the local high school to finish class registration for our son and walked out with a job.  

I am currently teaching at Franklin High as a BIC classroom teacher.  This is a high school sped classroom for behavior issue teens.  This year, they added to my schedule a resource algebra and geometry class.   Never, in my wildest dreams would I have ever considered myself a math teacher.     The Lord not only provides a job in his timing... but doesn't he have a BIG sense of humor!!!  (ME...  HS math teacher?)    So, we rented the first year here and have recently purchased a home in Las Cruces, NM.  It is a small snowbird community that just felt right.    Our home is located near Old Mesilla.   Honestly, it may have had something to do with the Mcalister's Deli and Target being close by.   Our house is keeping us pretty busy.   We have 48 pecan trees and a small orchard filled with apple, peach and several pistachio trees.    I have plans to add a pomegranate tree or two within the next few months.  We absolutely love this house and still wake up daily and are amazed that we own this place!   

                                            

Morning coffee here is the best!!

                                       

Clay is a Senior and will soon graduate in June.   He is still playing French horn & the mellophone in the band and made Wind Symphony this year.   Last summer, he spent a month volunteering at Camp Glorietta and came home wanting to play baseball again.   After that, he went to tryouts and made varsity!!!    This fall, he was nominated to be a member of the spring prom court.    Vote Clay Ginger Prom King 2018!!!!   This may be the closest I will ever get to royalty.  At this point, life is looking pretty good for him.    We aren't sure exactly where he will land after graduation.   Brain surgeon?  Fry Cook? A model?  All we know is that God has a plan for him and it will be magnificent!  

This past December, Meagann transferred to NMSU and is pursuing a history education degree.  She is still spinning with the Blue Stars during her summer vacation.  This next summer, will be her age-out year.   If you get a chance to attend a DCI show...  give her a shout!    She would love to go on staff with some DCI group.   We shall see.   God has magnificent plans for her as well!!!   I am just thankful she gave up the idea of being an underwater fire-starter.    

Our oldest, Courtney is currently living in Birmingham, Alabama.  She is mid-way through her law degree and happily still married to Rick.   He is still working for JC Penney in their loss-prevention department.   Rick gets to bust people for shop lifting and someday, Courtney can prosecute them!     These 2 kids are perfectly adorable, aren't they?   I know God has big magnificent plans for these two!!!   I am also praying that grand-children aren't a part of the immediate plan.   I am not old enough for that...and neither are they!!!

If you are ever in the area... we have plenty of room.  We will feed you, house you,  and entertain you.   There is a ton of things to do around here.  Ruidoso is about 2 hours.  White Sands is on the way!  We have a ton of hiking/jeep trails and Hatch is a short 25 minute drive.   The green chili cheeseburger is incredible!  

Merry Christmas!!!    Greg, Ona, Meagann & Clay Ginger

Enjoy these few pictures of our year... Enjoy!   (I have done a terrible job of taking pictures this year!!)

Friday Night Lights!

Candy Treats...

This post is something I started back in the winter time and just didn't get around to completing and posting.  Yes, I gave this stuff away as christmas gifts.  However, gift giving can be anytime!   Either one would make a fabulous teacher or house-warming gift!

The crock pot recipe is from a former Frisco co-worker.     Thank you LB!!!!  This particular recipe is incredible easy and makes way more than you can imagine.   I used the tiny muffin liners from Dollar Tree.  The candy sprinkles make it look particularly festive!!!!

This stuff can't get any easier!   Drop it in the crock pot and turn it on!  

The hubs friend and co-worker, PV,  made this next one for an office staff party.  He couldn't stop eating it.  Thank goodness she gave me the recipe.   This toffee is simply amazing!   Watch it close and look for the caramel color.  Not all microwaves are the same for cooking times!  Enjoy!!!

Easy Microwave Toffee

3/4 - 1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup butter

1 cup white sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup wter

1 bag milk chocolate chips

Grease or spray a 9 inch circle on a lined cookie sheet or aluminum foil.

Spread the pecans over this!

Spray the glass batter bowl with canola oil as well.

Add the butter, sugar, salt & water to bowl.

DO NOT STIR!

Microwave this for about 9 - 11 minutes or until it is a light caramel brown color.

Pour over pecans.  

Lay the chocolate chips over the top of the toffee and spread after about a minute.

Shake a very small amount of sea salt over this!!!

I used a small tin from Dollar Tree  and lined it with a cute doily!

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!!!

Yes,  I had to do it!    The ugly pajamas were calling my name.    I planned this card all year and it makes me so happy!   And yet, I didn't get the opportunity to send it.    I had all sorts of good intentions.      Here is the latest information on our clan.     

During June of  last summer, our oldest and her husband moved to Birmingham, Alabama.  She was admitted into school at Samford University in the Cumberland School of Law.  She is currently in the top 15% of her class and will soon be running the world.   Courtney is loving her life right now.  Rick is currently working with JC Penney's in their theft prevention department and has gotten a recent promotion over several stores.  Don't ask me what he does...but he seems happy doing it.  Greg & I are thrilled that life is going well for them.    Last week, they were forced into buying a new car because of his travels and found a 2006 Toyota Corolla with 30,000 miles.   It was an epic grandma car score for them!!!

Meagann enrolled into NMSU this month and is doing well.   Transitioning here to EP has been the most difficult for her but she is looking forward to the summer when she resumes marching with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Core.  She is still a part of their leadership team and this summer they will be performing a version of Hamilton.   This one should be amazing!!!

Greg is now employed by Mesilla Valley Transportation.   MVT is a conglomerate of several companies.  Don't ask me what they are.  I can't remember them all.  However, he is the HR man for all of them and is loving how the company is re-shaping for the future.

On the first day we arrived here  in EP,  I walked into the local high school to finish registration for our youngest child, Clay.    He was ready to start summer band camp.  He has acclimated nicely here and now has a whole new posse of friends.    That same day, I walked out with a job.   It was pretty exciting for me.    Fortunately, because of all my certifications...... special education teachers are hard to find... and there I was!    I am loving being in the high school environment and I can say that I never knew how much I would love it.   Go figure!!!  There is a huge possibility that I will soon begin the process of adding to my certifications and get a bigger degree.    Please pray for decisiveness and discernment... and maybe clarity as to when or if I begin this huge step.    The Lord works in mysterious ways and there is always a good reason for what he does.    I can say that several times during the past few years.....  I have questioned and been angry a few times at him.    At this point, I will never doubt his will again.     Moving here was a good thing for our family.   

Our desire is to move out of this rental this summer and with that get a permanent address....so next year......Christmas Cards will happen.   Finally, no excuses!  Right?    

I can't end this on a Merry Christmas but I can wish all of you a good day/month/year.   

All our love............

Merry Christmas 2015 Friends!

Wowshers!!!  Friends, what a whirlwind of a year it has been!   We have been busy with life.  It happens folks.   Often, it sucks.  Yea,  I can't even lie about that.  However, my typical "sucky" day is to folks in third world countries.......a dang good day.    

I am not here to brag about anything fabulous that has occurred with the family.   We have not taken any vacation to a foreign country and snorkeled in the sea with dolphins.  Nor have I won the lottery.  I suppose I would need to purchase a ticket first.   About the most exciting thing to occur this past year was having the grey cave break down on Preston Road on a cold rainy evening at 5 PM.  It required a police officer and random strangers to push it across the intersection.    We donated the grey cave that evening and purchased a Toyota Camry the next day.

Late December of 2014, we were able to watch our oldest daughter walk down the aisle to marry her best friend.   It was inspiring and life-changing.   Her father said he didn't shed a tear.   (That's his story.)   I am pretty sure there was a drop or two from someone....other than me.   Anyway, Courtney & Rick are doing well.   They moved out of their cave-like loft and are currently enjoying a corner apartment complete with a tiny yard for their feisty French Bulldog, Winston.    Tramp has learned to tolerate him.    She will finish her undergraduate degree this spring and they have plans to move to Alabama for her to finish her law degree.    They have both promised me that Alabama is a temporary move & grandchildren will not be raised there.   She is still a part-time barrister with a local Starbucks and Rick is currently working at JC Penney's in their theft-prevention department.

Meagann is currently attending Collin College pursuing her undergraduate degree in Math.    She works for SouthLake Carroll as a color guard tech and performs locally with CGT Dallas. She spent the summer of 2015 performing again with the Blue Stars and traveled across the United States attending dozens of DCI shows performing their program entitled "SideShow".  It was a good summer for her.   Me, I missed her terribly.   Clay did too......  He just didn't admit it too often.  She has auditioned for their summer 2016 show and will be a part of that on their weapons line.   If any of you happen to catch a DCI show next summer.....give her a shout out!!  (You could also spot her a couple of quarters and a hug from me!)  I hope to put in some volunteer time with them next summer....on the swamp tour.

Clay is a Sophomore at Wakeland High.   He is still playing the mellophone & french horn.  This fall they performed their show "Forever".   It was simply stunning to see him and his friends march something this intricate weekly and still maintain excellent grades.  Well, passing grades.   We are exceedingly proud that all our children have had the opportunity to pursue excellence at Wakeland.   Clay's next goal is to finish up his driver's education and obtain a license.   He will resume umpiring in the spring.

Just as 2014 ended, I was hired by FISD as an para-professional aide in a SLC classroom.  I spent the day with autistic children.   It was simply amazing to work with these children and to experience their success at any level.   These kids are fun!    They can really show you what it means to be successful and have a good time!   In late July, I was re-hired again at the same campus.   I am now a head-start pre-kinder teacher.     Let me just say here..........   A lot has changed educationally in the past 15 years.   I missed a lot.   Computers & technology are just starting points to the changes.     What hasn't changed for me is the love of the children.    I absolutely love building the relationships with my classroom students.   I really love to see them grow and figure out what they need to learn.

About a month after I signed the contract, Greg accepted a position with ADP.    He is enjoying learning the different dynamics of their company.   However, he isn't enjoying the 45 minute commute to downtown Dallas.  Be prayerful friends that his position can be improved with a work from home status in the upcoming months.  We are spending a ton of money on the DNT.   It just stinks.


As I have said earlier,   Merry Christmas friends!   I wish the best for you in 2016.   If you are ever in the Dallas metroplex, don't hesitate to call or text.   We can meet up and enjoy catching up on good times.   I can show you where I shop and where to find the best queso in town.

Until then.........   Love & Hugs!     The Ginger Family

Gingerbread Playdough!!!

I made this stuff last week for my classroom!   The kids loved it!  It smelled yummy!  (It looked questionable!)    When I added the spices...  I made sure it was a rounded off.  I wanted it to smell extra yummy!

Here are my little Ginger babies!   This was taken in December 2000!  Wow, time has flown!

Merry Christmas Friends!

As 2014 draws to a close,  I sit here reflecting on the many blessings and events that have occurred this past year.

Meagann graduated from WHS in May and is enrolled at Collin County Community College.  She is currently performing with an independent winter guard group based here in Frisco and last weekend signed a contract with the Blue Stars to perform in their Summer 2015 show.  She is also working with the Little Elm ISD color guard and returned to Cinemark for the holiday season.   One of the above pictures features Meagann at her 18th birthday party.   We had several dozen of her friends over for a surprise party and gave them all a can of shaving cream to empty on her.    It was quite the memory for all!

The hardest part for Greg & I this year was to watch Clay play his final baseball game as a Riverdog.  The team had been together since his 1st grade year.   What a run they had!!!  Clay left middle school and began his Freshman year at Wakeland.  This means I began my 8th year as a WHS band mom.  He played the mellophone in the fall marching show "Venomous"  and enjoyed a trip to Indianapolis for BOA Grand Nationals where they placed 15th out of 94 bands in the Nation.

The biggest news lies with Courtney.  She spent the summer in London working with OM. Immediately upon returning in August,  the decision was made that the wedding would be in December during winter break.  Her fiance, Rick, is currently working for the Collin County Police Department and plans to enroll in the police academy as soon as he accumulates enough college credit hours.  They recently adopted an 8 week old French Bulldog and named him "Winston."
She will be finishing up her pre-law degree this next year at UT Dallas.  Her plans include law school the following semester.

Tramp isn't too sure of Winston.  He prefers to be left alone but will tolerate the attention that Winston is eager to give.   He jumps to the top of the closest couch in fear for his life.   Nothing changes too much with Tramp.....his current hobbies still include squirrel watching, cuddling and napping.


In closing, I ask all of you to look around and count your blessings.   We all have a blessing or two that goes unnoticed and taken for granted.  Be thankful for all.......

Merry Christmas from our dog to yours….

Even Santa can't ignore a face like this.  Merry Christmas to all my friends!