December 6th- December29th

I know its been a while but I have a legitimate excuse, our internet has been down and I am having to come to the shop to update and things have been crazy around here. Now back to our lives.
Ryan put another birthday behind him (and he is so excited about that).
The kids cant wait for school to be out. I am still trying to get Christmas bought.
Lets see I cant rember what we did that Friday night but Saturday Halie did a little babysitting and Ryan,Sierra and I went into Denton for a little while. Kim and Colton came over that night and Ryan took him riding on the 4 wheeler and we let him open his presents from us. We had a nice dinner and watched a movie.
Sunday Ryan kept the kids and I went shopping Tammy,Barbara and Miranda. And we had a great time. We had Ryan's employee Christmas party at Babes this year and it was great I didnt have to do a thing but show up. We also had a last minute get together out our house the following Saturday night. Brent and the girls, Mitch Miranda and Tripp, Scott and his wife Brandy and Crystal from the office came, we ate had some drinks and Crystal and I partnered up and wiped the floor with everybody else playing the 80's trivia game.
We took the girls out to buy their Christmas presents. We decided to just let them go pick it out instead of telling us then trying to go get it. Ryan had Halie and he spent 1 hour in Ambercrombi and Finch ( he was thrilled). Sierra had a play that she had a few lines in and then her Christmas party the Thursday before Christmas. Halie got a 108 on her Biology mid term. We are hopefully her math grade stays around the high c's.
We had our Christmas with the girls Friday night. They loved all the presents (considering they picked them all out) Ryan got me a new hard drive type camcorder and also camera. I got him tickets to the Supercross in Las Vegas this spring.
We headed to Powderly on Saturday had Christmas with Mom, dad, Tiff,Tammy and kids that day.
Had Christmas Eve at Granny Belles and PaPaw's them off to Cindy and Glenns. Christmas day we gave the girls their gift from Santa that they knew nothing about Sierra got a Disney type I-Pod that plays disney movies and music. And Halie got a Micro soft Zune I-pod that plays movies,videos music ,radio. We had lunch with my parents and Ryans parents then headed home late Monday.
We are trying to leave to go to Colorado. The weather is so bad they have closed the interstate going into Colorado Springs so we are delaying our leave. Until mid day Sunday or even Monday. I really dont want to get stranded on the side of the road with four kids.
I will update when we get back.
Love to all.

Nov. ne-Dec. 5th

We had a great Thanksgiving I hope everyone else did also.
We took the motorhome in on Wednesday had lunch at Barbara and headed to Aunt Tollies after that. Ended up back at Barbara's for dinner. We headed home Friday afternoon after we had lunch with Cindy and Glenn in Paris. Halie ended up staying with Cindy and Glenn and Halie stayed with Tammy and the kids. So Ryan and I had a few days at home alone(image that). Saturday Ryan and Mitch worked on building a fence on the land and I put all my Christmas stuff up. It was a little bitter sweet for me, We decided to tell Sierra about Santa (I dont think she believed us). It was just as hard for me telling her as it was for her to hear it.
No more Santa until I have grandkids (which hopefully wont be anytime soon). That night Ryan and I went out to eat and a little window shopping in Frisco. Sunday Ryan went and work at Muenster getting ready for Last Man Standing race.
I had my first appointment to have my leg worked on Monday Ryan took me in case I couldn't drive afterwards which was a good thing because I got really sick about 30 minutes after. She said is was all the toxins being released into my blood stream. She also said it was a good sign. BUT my leg felt much better, so I have two more sessions before we go skiing. And we are hoping I will be able to ski this year.
We survived the big winter blast which came in on Thursday. But the kids were disappointed they did miss school. Ryan left out on Thursday to head up to Muenster for the race ice and all. Sierra spent the night at a friends house Friday night and Halie and I had a little time to ourselves. We met Kim at Denton High and went to the craft show picked up Seirra afterward then head to Muenster to spend the night with Ryan. We didnt see much of the race because it was freezing. David Knight won again this year, they made the race harder (if that was possible) than last year and only two people finished the race.
Tuesday was Ryan's birthday so Monday night we went to eat at Don Camilo's to celebrate with Brent. Tuesday I meet Ryan in Garland for lunch and that night Sierra had a Christmas concert at school and Mitch Miranda and Tripp joined us for that and came back to the house for some low fat birthday Brownie YUM. One of Ryan's employees got him a sword (which will be proudly displayed at his OFFICE and Barbara got him a bar sign for the gameroom, my mom got him a gas tank whiskey dispenser and the girls and Cindy got him clothes. He got himself a new dirt bike.
Pictures are of ryan getting ready to go to Muenster. Sierra at her concert. Ryan's birthday brownie and Us with Tripp

November 11th- November 19th.

Hello to everyone!!!
Its finally starting to look and feel like fall, even thought it will be in the high 70`s for Thanksgiving. Well lets go back a week and start at the SUPERBOWL Pilot Points 3rd and 4th grade team WON!!!!!!! It ws a great experience for the kids they got to play and cheer at the UNT Stadium. Barbara ,Granny Belle ,Miranda and Tripp came to watch Sierra cheer. It was a nail biting game they won in over time and I scared Tripp half to death when the boy caught the ball to score a touch down and win the game. They had a party and trophy presentation for the kids Monday night at Midway(pic included). Sierra finished up her last bio feedback therapy session until after we get a new brainscan done (Tuesday). So we will be able to see if if has changed her brain waves. Even thought the school has seen big changes this year. Sierra made the AB honor roll this six weeks. Halie would have made the AB honor roll if not for the advanced class she is taking. She tried very hard to bring the grade up (40 points in 3 weeks ) but it just wasn't enough. And she made B`s in both her math classes. WONDERFUL!!!!!! Ryan bought a new motorhome (diesel class A) on E-BAY of all places and the man delivered it from Arizona (and took ours back as a trade) on Friday. He is soooo loving it and when you take the air out of the shocks it fits in the shop. Saturday Halie volunteered at Midway with the Angel food program. Stacee came home with us afterwards and we went to grapevine mall to buy Ryan some new jeans. His 34 `s are falling off of him ( he is down to 205)so he got 33`s and one pair of 32`s . The 33`s fit but where to snug for him to wear in public (you know what I mean). 10 more pounds and they will be perfect. I just have to say how proud I am of Ryan I wasn't sure he would be able to do this change of diet thing and stick with it but he has and we all know how much Ryan loves good food. And if he keeps dropping weight he will be the one getting hit on from now on. Ryan gave the kids the money they earned helping fix up the house in Aubrey that we sold and of course the had fun spending that. Halie got some really cutes shirts and of course Sierra got toys. Then we took the three of them to GameWorks (Stacee had never been) they played and we watched the ball game in the bar. Headed home started a fire in the fire pit and Stacees mom,dad and two brothers came over and we talked and had marshmallows. Fun day. Sunday Ryan worked around the house and watched the kids so I could go to Kims with Miranda to a Zoe (SP) purse making party at Kims house. Sooo in 6 to 8 weeks I will have a one of a kind purse designed by Tanya. It was fun and I got to see a lot of my old friends from Ann Windle. After I got home the kids decided to have a silly string fight in the front yard. And Sierra has already started watching Christmas movie (It will be a long December)
So the kids are off for the whole week, I think I may take the kids to see happy feet today not sure. Tuesday Sierra has two appointments the last being in Dallas. And Wednesday I will load the motor home and we are heading to Powderly when Ryan gets off of work.
Hope you enjoy the pics and have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.

October 28th-November 9th

Again I know its been a while since I updated but we have been very busy. Let me try to remember to my last blog (or close to it anyway) Lets see week-end before last Ryan went riding with some friends and the girls and hing out around the house. Sierra had football game that night. Sunday I really cant remember anything special. Then last week Ryan flew out to LA. For three days the kids and I went about as business as usual we did go to Frisco and spend a few hours at Dave and Busters. The Friday night Sierra went home with Brent, Katie was homecoming princess and they borrowed me car to drive her around in the parade and homecoming night. Halie and I went and picked up Ryan from the airport then grabbed a bite to eat before heading home. Saturday I got up and meet Brent in Sherman with Sierra then we did some shoe and coat shopping, then back home and waited for Ryan to get home from work. Then it was the last play off game for the Pee Wee team (we lost but the younger team won). Sunday it rained but that evening we went to Macaroni Grill then walked off the pasta at the mall. Monday I work all day putting the baskets together for the Bingo night (Friday night). We had a lot of help and finished so Tuesday I went and stayed with Harley and Hayden so Miranda could take Tripp to the Dr. Yesterday I made a trip to Sams with another mom to buy supplies for Bingo night then took Sierra to her appointments and meet Ryan and Brent for dinner and picked Sierra up from church and Ryan picked Halie up from the football game. Tonight we are staying home and watching a movie. Friday I will be getting things finished for Bingo and will again be up at the school most of the day and night. Saturday is the big SuperBowl and Sierras last night to cheer this year. We are trying to put together a skiing trip this year and that seems to be challenge. Enclosed are some pics for Sierra and Halie on Halloween and Halie and her boyfriend Kevin.

p.s. Thanks Granny Belle for the Popcorn balls

Oct 20th - Oct 24th

Hello

I hope everyone had a great week-end.
Thursday I went with Ryan to Alverado to look at Diesel Class A motorhomes. Then that night we went to Frisco mall to buy Ryan a golf bag,shoes and a glove, he played in a charity tournament Monday. There is a climbing wall in Dicks so we talked the girls into climbing it. It was great they really did good considering Halie is scared of heights. I almost forgot Ryan and Brent came in 3rd to last but they didnt care it was free beer and food. I asked Ryan how much beer he had because it is 1 point per beer and he said he had lots of points but he figured he walked it off.

We decided to go ahead and go up to Muenster for the week-end. We had to miss Sierras game but she was o.k. with it she has a few more to go.
We left after school on Friday and got there in time to set up camp but not ride. We did sit out by the fire roast hotdogs (turkey hotdogs)and marshmellors, and we talked about memories of past riding trips. I love the remember when`s. Sometimes the girls remember things I hadnt thought they would remember. Saturday one of Ryans riding buddies Daryl joined us at our camping spot and Ryan rode motorcycles with him for a while then came back and the four of us went. We cooked hamburgers and more marshmellors and did some more talking, since we didnt have any movies to watch the girls spent most of the time sitting outside with us. Which dont get me wrong is great BUT I could have used some quiet time with Ryan. We did see what would happen if you threw a bag of unpopped microwave popcorn on a open fire and Sierra was amazed that the kernels still popped. Sunday we rode for a few hours in the morning BRRRRRR. Then we loaded up and headed home.
Sierra has a play off game Saturday and Halie had a Serve-a-thon last week where they had to serve the ball and hit it in a certain box and I pledged 2 dollars for each one she got right and she hit 73 out of 100. So I will be getting my check book out. She also had to stay after school yesterday and today for missing work and I know she just loves that. I took a picture of her and her new boyfriend but she took it before I could scan it in.I cant beleive its already almost Halloween time sure flies. OH and for all who knows what I am talking about I am finally getting my kitchen table today its only been two months since I ordered it. YEAH!!! WRONG after I got it out and put it together I turned it over and one of the tiles had been shattered during shipping. So I called the company I know they love me after all the nasty emails that have went between us but I guess the didnt really want to deal with me anymore so they are sending me a new one, now YEAH!!!!!!
Have a great week.

October 3rd - October 18th.

Yet again I apologize for not posting in so long but I have been knee deep in the PTA. Lets see I dog sat for Kim for about a week. Sierra had a few Dr. Appointments one was to get a MRI done on her tummy. Everything turned out fine we may just have to realize we may never know why she has the troubles she has. We also went back for her yearly check up with her back Dr. And she is still at a stag one. I worked all day at the school last Tuesday on the catalog sales. Cindy and Glenn came up Wednesday for the night. And then she went up to the school Thursday and helped me work on it. Thursday and Friday morning I help Jodi Corbin at the middle school do physicals. ( yes I know I don't have kids in that school). Friday after helping her I went back up to Sierra s school and helped give a teachers luncheon. Ryan took us out to eat Friday night because I was exhausted. We also went to Olive Garden on Saturday (Ryan's idea) he did very good he only ate on breadstick and didn't eat what he normally does but choose a more healthy meal. We walked around the mall and got the girls a few things and me a much needed pair of tennis shoes. Sunday Tiff and Johnny brought Harley over and she spent the day with us and we spent the day in the house, I cooked all day. I have to say I am very proud of Ryan and how well he has adapted to his new life style. Even hanging around the house all day he didn't sit around and snack like he usually would. Sierra has her last regular football game Saturday night. We are discussing going riding this week-end but nothing final yet.

October 3rd

This has been a sad and stressful week in the Smith household. My Uncle Clarence (pictured on the left with my grandfather on Sept 9th) lost his battle with cancer Saturday morning in his home with his wife Becky and parents by his side. I was able to drive down the night before with Halie to see him and my family the night before he passed. We as a family (The Brannans) have been extremely lucky in not having lost a single family member until now and there are over 50 of us. My grandparents are devastated. Watching them during the funeral was the hardest thing I have had to witness in a very long time if not ever. But I learned something that day I learned what it meant to be a Brannan to be loved and respected for having that name. Clarence wasn't always the most loving and openly affectionate member of the family and the preacher said it best "If he liked you you knew and if he didn't you knew that too." But he had a wonderful turn out and I believe part of the reason was he was a Brannan and that means something in our home town. That name stands for a lot, honesty, hard working, integrity, and also having a heart. My grand parents have the biggest of them all. And that was proved even more so this week-end. I am extremely proud to be one of those Brannans and to be a granddaughter of Rebel and Belle Brannan. Even though my name is Smith now. In my heart I will always be a Brannan.

I also went with Ryan to the doctor on Friday to get his blood work results and it seems years of stress at the shop and to many burgers and fries has caused him to have some pretty high cholesterol numbers total is 278 his LDL (the bad ) is 205. He is working very hard to loose twenty pounds and cut out a lot of the foods he loves but are bad for him. He will also be taking some medication in hope that when he looses some weight he can stop them. And you know me I love him too much to let me ignore this (not that he is) so I will be making sure he sticks to it.

Halie had a few Dr. Appointments as well it seems she cracked her toe in the shower and she has had a few dizzy near fainting spells one at school. It seems her diet will also have to change less sweets and carbs and more protein. (She is her mothers child) her sugar has been out of whack. With Brent also on a diet it seems everyone is on a special diet of some sorts. So today I will be cleaning out the cabinets in the kitchen and getting rid of all the temptations.
Sierra is the same we are going to have a follow up with her Doctor to see what is next it seems the wheat wasn't the magic answer after all.

I have had a blessing in my life one that has been there for a while but I haven't always had the time to recognize it. Miranda is her name we have become very good friends lately. I have made mistakes in the past about her and I am deeply sorry for that. She has been there when I needed her and I for her. And Tripp well that's a whole other story. In my heart she is my sister in law and friend and he my nephew. I am truly blessed.

Sept 10th - Sept.24th

I first of all want everyone to know that the hand of God has blessed our home with a miracle. Yes thats what I said a miracle he has laid his hands on my camera blessed it and caused it to sprout legs and run off. Thats the only thing it could be because my children and husband swear they haven't touched it. And of course I believe them. So now I cant add any pictures and what fun is a blog without pictures.
Moving on,,,, lets see Friday night before last we watched Tripp so Mitch and Miranda could go out and eat. Saturday we kept Harley and Hayden so Tiff and Johnny could go to a wedding and they went with us to the game and I would have some pictures but oh thats right NO CAMERA.
Sunday we hung around the house it was rainy all day Ryan and I even took a nap. During the week was about the same nothing exciting doing on. This week-end was about the same hanging around the house cleaning, Sierra s football game Saturday night, and yard work on Sunday. Hope next week is more exciting and my camera decides to come home.

Sept 7th- Sept. 14th

I know it has taken me a while to update my blog but............ Monday I sat down and put my pictures on and wrote a nice long blog and before I could post it my computer froze and I lost it. I was so aggravated I am just know trying again. So here goes. Friday was homecoming her in Pilot point Sierra rode in the homecoming parade with the Pee Wee cheerleaders and performed at the pep rally. She thought she was miss thang. We left as soon as she was finished and headed home to load up and head out to the river (north of Clarksville) Saturday mom and I got up and decorated for the party and Ryan took the kids across the river to ride four wheelers on the sand dune`s (sp) Granny Belle and Papaw was suppose to get there between 4:30 and 5:00 but they showed up before any body else got there. She was still surprised just not the reaction we had hoped for. But we all had a wonderful time she had all her kids there and almost all her grandchildren and great grandchildren there. We got up Sunday morning packed up and head home in plenty of time to so Ryan could unload and watch the Cowboys get beat.
I have spoke to a few of Sierras teachers and her tutor Jodie and they all conclude that something seems to be clicking with Sierra they can see strong growth in her since last year. We are not sure if its from the Bio feedback thereby or just her maturing or maybe a little of both.
We know she may never be on the same level as her peers but we are happy she is still improving. It looks like wheat may be the culprits for all of her stomach problems we took her off wheat completely for 4 days and there was a noticeable difference her stomach went from
30 in. To 27 in. So that means no breads,cakes,cookies,breading on meat, stuff like that. But she will survive.
Tiffany and family are coming up this week-end for Johnnys sisters wedding, so the kids will get to go watch Sierra cheer Saturday night.
Hope everyone has a restful week-end.

Baby Tripp

I have to put up these cute pictures of Tripp. I watched him today and took these pictures after he had himself a good ole poop. Notice his shirt, his aunt Ton Ton got him that.

Sept 1st- Sept 6th

Here are a few pics of Sierra at her first football
game Saturday night, we thought Sierra tried really hard and did very well.. We are very proud of her. She had the time of her life!!!!

We enjoyed the wonderful rain on Sunday and Saturday, Ryan and some friends went riding in that wonderful rain Sunday but he still enjoyed it.
Monday we took the kids to eat at Golden Corral. That's seems to be our new favorite spot Sierra can always find something she can eat there. Then we went to the movies ,Sierra and I saw How to eat fried worms, YUCK . Ryan and Halie saw the race care movie with Will Ferrell they both loved it.
Halie is home sick today with some kind of infection, I thought it was only allergies but they put her on antibiotics and can go back to school Thursday but no sports for the rest of the week. Homecoming is Friday so we will be going to watch Sierra in the parade and at the pep rally. After that we are heading to the river till Sunday that's all for now.......

August 20 - 31st.

Here are the long awaited pictures of our porch we inclosed. I LOVE IT. (Halie and Ryan says my slip covers look like a circus tent) But who cares I can sit on the couch and watch Sierra swim and not be out in the 105 degree heat. I wish I would have taken some before pics but I forgot. (now there is a shocker) Plus we are using the table for dinner and if you have ever been to my house and ate at the cramped breakfast nook area when its 105 in my kitchen you know what I am talking about. My breakfast nook table is still not here but my little fold up table and chairs work fine for now. Its still busy busy busy here during the week so we have been spending the week-ends at home doing a whole lot of nothing. We took Sierra out last Sunday for her LAST MEAL before the big exclusion diet and all the new medication we started on Monday, she is doing pretty good on the diet its hard for her but she is handling it quite well I think. Halie is doing well in high school and loves being out of athletics and into tennis. She brought a math paper home the other day and it had a 92 on it VERY happy to see that.
So we are hanging out here for the holiday week-end I had hoped to go to Hugo on Sunday but Ryan has said no. After that we are booked for the next three week-end. I will be getting to do my auntly duties next Wednesday and get to babysit Tripp I am very excited. Granny Belles big shindig is next week-end and then the next week-end Harley and Hayden (and Tiff and Johnny) are coming up and I am going to get to watch the kids while they go to Johnnys sisters wedding. And then we are suppose to have the company picnic sometime after that.
I will take lots of pics and post them.
I hope everyone has a great Labor Day Week-end.

Aug 16th- Aug 20th

The girls made it thru the first week of school. Halie loves high school, she likes having lots of different kids in her classes she even has some seniors in a few. Not that she doesnt love her fellow fish but a change has been nice. Sierra LOVES her new teacher Mrs Allen. She has a lot of her friends in the same homeroom. She is still struggling with learning the cheers and dances, she had a break down last week but she said she wanted to keep trying so we are standing behind her. Friday was my birthday I rode around with Ryan that day it turned out to be a very stressful day for the both of us (business issues) Barbara came up and visited Mitch Miranda and Tripp for the week-end so I went and visited with them and that was nice and peaceful (the kids were with Ryan) then we ended up coming home instead of going out to eat at the restaurant of my choice I was to tired mentally and physically. Saturday my three best friends Kim, Sonya and Michella (and their families) came up for the day and we swam, cooked some burgers and just hung out. Sunday we got up and drove to Grapevine to eat at P.F. Chang`s (YUMMY).
So all in all it turned out to be a pretty good birthday just spread out a little.
Pictures are of me and the girls at P.F. Chang`s and Sonya,me Kim and Michella hanging out Saturday night.

Aug 13th- Aug 15th

Today was the day!!!!!!!! Halie started high school.And Sierra isi n the 5th. It was a little on the difficult side for me. I drove past the school after getting Sierra settled in an I wanted so desperately to go in and help and comfort Halie I know she was scared and nervous and had no idea what she was suppose to do except go to the cafeteria and wait. But I know shes not a little girl any more so I kept on driving I am sure she was glad of that. Anywho we had a productive week-end Ryan,Stewart and yes me laid the tiles for the floor. We havnt grouted it yet but we should get to it this week. After that all we have to do is install the air condt. and we are finished YEAH. I have to tell everyone a funny story. Halies boyfriend George was gone almost all summer so he came home on Friday and Saturday afternoon he was here. I wanted to talk to the both of them about a few things ie late night calls things like that, so earlier this month Sierra had told us that she saw them kiss in the hot tub( it was during the day Sierra and George`s brother was there I am sure it was a peck on the check) So I took this opportunity to play a little joke on them as I was closing my speech I looked at George and said Whats this I hear about you kissing my daughter in our hot tub. Ryan busted out laughing I thought poor George was going to melt into the couch. But later on I told him I was just picking at him. I ran into his mom the next night and she told me he told her what I did she got a laugh out of it too. We only have one chance to make our teenagers life hell we might as well enjoy it.
Enclosed are some pics of my two beautiful girls on their first day back to school.

Aug 3rd - Aug 12th

This has been a CRAZY week, busy is not even the word. Sierra is going 2 to 3 times a week to the bio feedback thereby plus her normal tutoring with Jody and her cheerleading practice twice a week. Halie had her braces taken off yesterday then on to the dentist to get them cleaned where they found two teeth that were decaying due to too many cokes so Friday we have to have those fixed. Yesterday I left the house at 7:45 a.m came back picked up the kids at 9:30 and didn't get back home until 8:30 at night. Sierra got her uniform Tuesday night she is beyond excited. Tonight Sierra has cheerleading practice at the same time as Halie`s freshman orientation luckily its at the same place. Friday we take Sierra to get a blood test done to see if she has a food allergy. FUN FUN FUN.
Ryan flew to Louisiana Wednesday morning and spent the day with Garrett and Craig from Horton . Then him and Chad took turns driving back. He got home around 1:40 a.m. and got up at 5:30a.m. to head back to work. He also had to go to the eye Dr. This morning he has a burn on his pupil from the sun. Not sure how that happened considering he wears sunglass but anyway they gave him some drops to put in for three weeks and then it should clear up.

The back porch is almost completed all that is left to do is lay the tile. Which Ryan and I are going to tackle this week-end. It should be interesting to say the least.

School starts Tuesday and I am counting down the minutes.
Hope everyone has a great week-end.

July 25th- August 2nd

Well I usually dont blog mid week but I am making an exception mainly because its 10:48 and I cant sleep and Halie and I had such a good day today.
We went an enrolled her in high school today, got her schedule,books and locker all that`s left is the orientation next week signaling the end of summer and the beginning of my nervous break down. (Just kidding) I stood around with Halie and her friends listening to them gossip and laughing with them , telling them to be nice when need be and over all trying to install a little motherly advice about the up coming year. And I realized at that time she really is growing up, I know when I went to high school I thought I was grown. I feel she is pulling apart a little bit everyday but I guess thats whats normal. Some days its o.k. some days it`s not.
Then we went to Grapevine school clothes shopping. Now for those of you who have a teenage daughter present or past or a niece knows how difficult that can be. I am truly paying for my raising when it comes to Halie and buying clothes. I hate to say it but she is as picky as I am (and was back then too). It has to fit just right, hang just right and look just right or forget it. She will say if its not right I wont wear it, then we are only wasting money. Which I know thats a good thing but after walking around the mall for 3 hours I wouldnt care if she bought a trash bag to wear. Even the expensive jeans I would have killed for back in the day she says no dont fit right and ends up in another store buying a pair of no name 20.00 jeans(again not complaining about that.) We only got upset with each other one time (thats a first). We grabbed some dinner on the way home and talked about 80`s music and hot guys of the 80`s. ie... Robe Lowe. I had fun with my daughter!!! Not.... she`s my daughter I have to like being with her but I REALLY enjoyed being with her. Someone told me the other day that I had a really good kid and to stop only looking at what she did wrong but how she acts when I am not around. The messy room, laziness , giving me attitude thats all normal stuff, things I even did . But the kind of person she is deep (deep) down inside the person I dont always notice or see. I realized she was right and I am trying to do that. I love you Halie I know I dont always do or say the right thing but I try.

July 20- July 23

Here is a couple of pictures of the newest member of our family Tripp Wyatt Morris Born Friday 11:15 p.m. 6 lbs. 1 oz. 18 1/2 in. And in perfect health Miranda has preclampsia (sp)And has been ordered to have complete bedrest until Wednesday and NO COMPANY until then also.

And below are some pictures of the kids at the lake. The first one is of Sierra hanging on for dear life when she and Austin fliped off the tube and the other one is of Halie Austin Sierra and Kaleigh. I have to say I think the new woman in Ryans life (the boat I am assuming he will name her a girls name) doesn't care to much for me. Friday night while putting some supply`s in the boat I climbed down the back latter and my shoe got stuck on the top step and I fell about 4 feet to the HARD concrete below. Sierra went nuts screaming MOM FELL OUT OF THE BOAT. After all the stars stopped circling my head and I limped back to the house I am sure Ryan had a good laugh about it. Then on Sunday when we took the boat out to Lake Ray Roberts we were going across the water full speed and the strap that holds the tube to the back of the boat broke and the tub fell out ( which was tied to the tow rope) and my foot was tangled up in the tow rope and of course all I had in my head was that show about king crab fishing and you never get caught up in the rope because it can pull you into the water so I started yelling MY FOOTS IN THE ROPE Garrett jump up and held the rope until Ryan could stop the boat, needless to say I have rope burns around my left ankle, and THEN I was walking to the back of the boat to take pics of the kids and Ryan hit the throttle and almost threw me out of the back of the boat. I said I HATE THIS BOAT Ryan says well next time stay home. I guess I see where his loyalty is.













Looks like the coming week will be pretty busy several appointments to go to. They are still working on the back porch enclosure, and school is just around the corner so that means school supplies, school clothes all that fun stuff.

July 10th - July 21st

Hello

Well as you can see Ryan and I went on vacation this week. We decided last minute to go to Cancun this past week-end since the girls were going to be gone to Nana`s for the week. We left Friday morning and got back Monday afternoon.
It was wonderful ,we stayed at all inclusive hotel. Which is totally the way to go. All the drinks you could ever want. We snorkled Saturday and Sunday and even parasailed(sp) And Ryan got a lot of well deserved rest . The kids are coming back Thursday night, we missed them but we sure do enjoy the peace and quite when they are not here.

See those white looking sails up by the hotel? Those are beds with canopies they have them all over outside, by the pool, the ocean everywhere.

We are waiting patiently for the arrival of Tripp, it should be anyday.
And we finally decided to go ahead with the remodel of the backporch and the guys started that this week. Ryan will have lots of fun wiring it in the heat this week-end.

Sierra starts her bio-feedback therepy next week.
Halie got her packet in the mail to enroll in high school.

I guess thats about it, I cant think of anything else exciting.

BYE

July 6th- July 9th

HELLO everyone :)

Ryan has a new toy.

Well actually its for all of us. We got it last Thursday and took it out on Saturday with the girls and their friends. Scarty cat Halie actually rode in the tube and we are very proud of her. Sierra only wanted Ryan to go faster. (look at their mouths)

We had a great time it was relaxing for Ryan and a little nerve racking for me. I am so afraid the kids are going to get hurt (the kids friends) I dont want to have to go to a parent and say, so sorry I broke your daughters arm too.

Sierra goes back to the bone doctor Tuesday and I hope the cast comes off, even though she is doing very well with it. The water proof cast cover was been a life saver for us.

Sierra has a couple of appointments this week but over all a pretty boring week. Halie is about the same, George is still out of town so she spends a lot of time on the phone.
They are going to Nana`s this week-end and will be there until Thursday (I think). Ryan and I are thinking about loading up and going somewhere in the motor home for the week-end.
Hope everyone has a great week.

June 26th - July 6th

I have combined a week and a half because not much happened last week.
The only thing half way exciting about last week was we got the results from Sierras brain scan and it was really good news. She doesnt have any major problems just a lot of small problems. But he is hopeful the Bio feedback therapy will help her a great deal. YEAH.

This past week-end Ryan closed the shop for a 4 day holiday again YEAH. Saturday we hung around the house to let Ryan rest a bit. Sunday we took the kids bowling and played video games at Main Event. And then about 4:00 Rhonda called (Stacee`s mom) and asked if Sierra could go to church camp with Stacee after much thought and worry we agreed to let her go. She left Monday morning and I pick her up today at noon. This was a really big step for me and Sierra I will let you know in the next blog how it went. ( the pic is of Sierra & Stacee before camp)
Ryan and I spent the day together on Monday boat shopping. On the way home that evening I said to Ryan well I guess this is what it would be like when the kids are gone, he looked and me and said I LIKE IT.
Tuesday Ryan went and road motorcycles with Charlie and Halie and I went and visited a friend. Then when Ryan got home I went with him to walk a few house in Dallas. Then we went with some friends and watched the fireworks in Tioga. (pic of Halie and friend )
And by the way we got some RAIN
Wednesday was mom and daughter day for me and Halie we ate at the Cheesecake Factory then played some games at Dave and busters then had pedi. On the way home Halie said have you noticed how much of a better mood you and dad have been in these last few days and I said Yes she said its because Sierra`s gone!!! I said did you think it could be because dad has been off work? She said no its Sierra.

Hope everyone has a great week.

June 19th - 25th

I know I know I am late. SORRY.
I left on my trip to Washington State on Wednesday morning the flight was great even with little Colton along for the ride. We spent Thursday looking around the town of Bellingham and visiting the house her parents used to own. ( The new owners havnt moved in yet so they let us go up and look.) (Pic of us on the balcony is included) We spent the Friday going to Victoria Canada we took a 3 hour ferry ride there and back we even got to see some whales along the way. Saturday we went and had a picnic at the top of mount baker which was also a beautiful drive. I can understand why people like to retire there it in the low 80`s and they thought they were having a heat wave. I flew home on Sunday Ryan and Sierra came to pick me up. I will keep my pics with me so everyone can see them.

June 5th - June 18th

Sorry I am a week behind believe it or not I didnt really have time to sit down and do this thing. But its early Monday morning and the kids are a sleep so I figure I better do it while I have the chance.
O.K. lets go back about two weeks. Breanna and Katie came in with Brent and stayed a week with us. Sierra had a lot of appointments that week so we didnt get to do a lot with them but we did get a chance to go bowling ,they swam a lot and we all went to Gatti Town one night and had a real good time. And Sierra did all of this with a broke arm (we just didnt know it.) She wrecked on the scooter on Tuesday we went to minor emergency on Thursday and they splinted it and got her cast put on the following Monday . She broke it on the growth plate on her right wrist a very unusual place for some one her age to break it. (But we are talking about Sierra ya know) We go back this Tuesday to put a new cast on and that will stay on for 5 to 6 weeks. We are looking at something over the internet to slip over the cast so it is water proof and she can swim that is the hardest thing for her not to do.
She also had the brain scan done that week and we should get the result this week. I took a picture of her doing it but she wont let me post it.
Miranda and I had a garage sale that weekend also we did o.k. I guess. Stacee and her parents came by and took Sierra for the day and Halie had some friends over so the four of us with out to eat (Mitch and Miranda)with out the kids.
I cant remember what we did on Sunday.
This week Sierra had vacation bible school and she loved that. And we loved having 3 hours of quiet time at the house. Brent and Ryan got a mini-flu this week too. Ryan was shivering and he got so cold he went and got in the hot tub at 3 a.m. Ryan and Chad are about to ship out the first light order they are happy about that.
Ryan and I took Halie out to eat on one of the night's Sierra was at vacation bible school then went into Denton and had ice cream at Beth Maires.(sp) Thursday night she was suppose to spent the night at a girls house but didnt fell comfortable and ended up at Kaleighs house for the night. Again Thanks Debbie for always taking care of my girl.
Ryans cousins and some friends came over Friday and spent the night. They went to a Rascall Flatts concert and then to Six flags on Saturday. We really enjoyed having them stay with us.
We drove to Powderly on Saturday after noon. We got mom and dad a outdoor wall mounted fan for under there carport they love to sit out side every evening ,Ryan installed it for them and they LOVED it. We went up to granny Belle`s after that for a Fathers day get together. I ended up sitting by my PAPA a lot that night and I really enjoyed talking to him. I know there may not be many more fathers day for him I am so glad I have had the memories that I have with the both of them. We stayed for quite a while had homemade ice cream walked next door and watched the kids fish. I am so blessed that my children get to have these get together`s like I did growing up. We spent the night with mom and day at had breakfast out side (with the fan blowing of course) Then we drove to Hugo on Sunday had lunch with Glenn and Cindy and had birthday cake for Halie she turned 14 yesterday She had a birthday cake and birthday pie. We are going to take her out to eat tonight for her birthday tonight. I take the kids back to Powderly on Tuesday and I fly out Wednesday with Kim and Pat to Washington. Will write again when I get back. I will try to get a picture of Sierra`s with her cast too.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy week.

May 28th - June 3rd

Hello

I hope everyone has had good week.
We had a busy week. This was the kids first week of summer,Halie spent most of it sleeping when she didnt have company.
Sierra had two therepy appointments and Stacy came over for a few days. But mostly we just hung around the house.
We did go to Commerce on Saturday afternoon to my good friend Sonya`s house for a Bar-B-Q. Thanks for inviting us Sonya. On our way back I got a call from a friend that Kalei Jordans dad had just died. Halie was very upset all the way home and has tried to spend a some time with her. I went over yesterday and visited with Lynn (her mom) and then later took Halie,Kaleigh,Kalei and Cody to Denton to find something to wear for the funeral. I hope we helped take her mind off of it for a little while. So we will be attending the family night and funeral this week. (Please keep this family in your prayers.)
Miranda and I also went to Tyler to my cousins wedding on Sunday and had just enough time to stop off at Canton for a few hours along the way.
Sorry no pictures this week.
To be continued..............

May 22nd - 28th.

Well its over ,School that is. The kids were more than ready for the break.
Sierra had a end of the school year party on Friday and an awards ceremony on Thursday she got a certificate for Achievement, A B honor Roll, Participation and Citizenship and I also got one for Appreciation for being Room Mom. Sierra got to go and stay with Mitch and Miranda while we had Halies party on Friday night she always likes that.
We also went and visited and new dr. for Sierra who is going to do Bio feedback therapy on her this summer, after we go to a new neurologist to get a Q-EEG ( brain map) and we are very hopeful that will help Sierra a great deal in the upcoming school year. I have done some research on it and we spent two hours with a specialist who is hopeful it can help her. It cant fix her but we are hopeful it will do some good. The Q-EEG will shoot images of her brain and can show what parts are not firing then they take that information and do the Bio feedback therepy to help stimulate those parts of the brain.

Halie also had a great last week of school, she made a 82 on her Math Semester test and we are very proud of her, she struggles with math ( she is my child) so this was a great accomplishment for her.
We gave Halie a early Birthday Party Friday night it was suppose to be a surprise but she found out on Wednesday. About 25 to 30 kids showed everyone seemed to have a good time all the food was eaten anyway. We cooked Fajita`s and made virgin frozen drinks for the kids Kim and Debbie came over to help and that was much appreciated. OMG I almost for got Halies boyfriend bought her a Tiffany bracelet for her B-day.

Ryan is YEP you guessed still busy as ever, he did take a day off and go riding on Monday.
We took the kids to Grapevine and went to Gameworks on Sunday thats always a good time.

I started going to a Chiropractor, I am going 3 times a week he says the nerve running down my hip is encased in the muscle and thats whats causing all the pain, and the muscle to be in such bad shape. He thinks he can have me back to good as new in a few month's. I am keeping my fingers crossed but not holding my breath. He even saw Sierra today and thinks he can help with her tummy problems.
We have Home Depot coming to day to give us an estimate on enclosing and expanding the back porch. (Barbara my pestering worked.)
To be continued..........