Morgans Pictures

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MACKENZIE! Feb 27

I know it's a late post, but better late that later, right?! Happy Birthday my dear Mackenzie! 14 years old and so mature for your age.

Dad and I are both so proud of you. From a cute caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly (must get that from me, haha). You are just a joy to be with. I love you so much!!!!!

Happy Birthday Z!

Chasing Chase Daniel

Of all places, right outside the restroom at First Colony Mall in Sugar Land, is none other than Chase Daniel himself. My daughter Morgan, recognized him but didn't think it was really him. Of course, it was him. Who could it be?!? She wanted me to verify that it was Chase and not just some look-a-like. It happened a couple of years ago with Josh Groban. We thought we saw him at the Woodlands Mall but didn't think anything of it. As we were leaving the mall, we saw a big sign...that says...Featuring Josh Groban. To make the long story short. Mackenzie actually had the guts to ask him if he was Chase (she couldn't remember his last name). She introduced her sister to Chase and all 3 of them chatted a little bit.

It was fun seeing him in person since we're from Columbia, MO once upon a time. Maybe he'll get drafted by the Texans and we'll see him play again.

Christmas Greeting

Happy Holidays!

Hello Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!!! Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. We are doing well considering the crazy weather we've been having. We had all four seasons in a matter of days. Can you believe it snowed here again? This is the second time it snowed since we've been here and I don't like it!!!! The girls, specially Riley was so excited to see even a dust of snow. As for you northerners and mid-westerners, please keep the snow and cold weather to yourselves.

Here is a little snippet of what has been going on in the Ray household:

In August, I changed jobs and went on to work as a staff accountant for a group of OB/GYN doctors located at the Texas Medical Center. I'm doing exactly what I did while working at the hospital so there is not much change there. The best part of this new job is I don't have to work on weekends, I get to leave 30 minutes earlier and have every other Friday off. Robert and I now work only minutes apart so as our schedules allow we do get to eat lunch together.

Robert started his MBA program in August through the University of Houston. It's a 2 year program with a trip to China in June. So far, Mr. Grade Grubber (as the girls calls him) has done pretty well. His last exam in Accounting he scored a 98% but was not satisfied with it so I'm sure he was itching to talk to his professor and ask for more points to get a perfect 100, hence the name "grade grubber". In November, Robert was promoted to Director of Operations at MD Anderson. He is now in charge of both inpatient and outpatient facilities and has about 450 people under him. This was a great promotion and if all goes well over the next few years will set him up well to be a great candidate for a VP role in some hospital.

Morgan turned 18 this year and is a senior in high school. She still plays soccer and is the co-captain of her club and high school team. After Thanksgiving, she traveled with her team to North Carolina to play at the CASL Showcase Tournament. Her team ended up winning in their bracket. She also got to see her Uncle Jim, Uncle Tom, Aunt Lisa and Aunt Rosemary. Thank you for coming to see Morgan play. Last month Morgan accepted an athletic scholarship to play soccer at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX about 3 hours away from mom and dad. SFASU is a Division I school with 13,000 students. She's thinking about going into pre-pharmacy or physical therapy. Uncle Tony and Aunt Margaret, be on stand-by as she might need your advice.

Morgan and Lewis Homecoming 2008

Mackenzie is 13 yrs old and is an eight grader. She's very active in school. She is the editor-in-chief of their yearbook, has the lead role in their upcoming play and the captain of the 8th grade A-team volleyball squad. She's got a lot of guy friends who likes to hang out with her because she is the only girl in the neighborhood who can rip stick with the best of them. Mackenzie still enjoys singing and dancing, primarily in her bedroom and not in front of a crowd. She is on the computer the majority of her free time, usually chatting with her friends. She is doing very well academically in school.

Mackenzie 2008

Riley is 6 years old and is in Kindergarten. She loves school. Her sister Mackenzie takes her to the bus stop in the morning and Morgan picks her up in the afternoon. She is reading at a 1st grade level, thanks to her wonderful teachers at Star Montessori pre-school. Like her cousin Elizabeth, she also got her ears pierced. She loves everything sparkly and pink. She enjoys staying at home and playing with her dolls. However, when we go out, she never wants to go back home. Her sisters are usually ready to leave the mall before she wants to go home.

Riley's First Day of School

So, as you can see we have been very busy in our own little world. We hope to use this blog to keep everyone up-to-date. We will continue to update this blog on a routine basis and welcome all to visit and keep up with what is going on in our lives.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and wish everyone a safe and properous New Year!

Love to all,

Ray's from Houston

Robert, Maria, Morgan, Mackenzie, and Riley

Our Family

"I was looking up at the stars... giving them each a reason why i love my family..

I was going great, until i ran out of stars."

Family, please hold my hand, as we journey through this land

Together we stand, together we fall

No matter what, God will keep us together

That will be the best of all.

Family, Please hold my hand, because without you i cant stand

For we were put on this Earth for a reason

To go through every Good and Bad Season.

Family, please hold my hand, as our strength together builds
each other to become strong

So that our love for each other will last

Long..

We've started a blog

Hey family and friends we have started a blog to let you guys know what we're up to in the great city of Houston (Missouri City).