Whats going on with The Smith`s

January 2010

2010-01-25T12:16:00.000-08:00

I cant believe how fast January has flown by for us.

We have been busy as usual. We have been doing a lot of camping and riding dirt bikes. Ryan`s foot is doing much better it still gets sore and he hasnt been able to work out yet but I think he can see a path at the end of the tunnel. He has only had to go to LA once this month YEAH!!!!! And we have had lots of time to hangout togther and with friends.

Halie has SENIORITIS so bad she cant stand it...... She did really good grade wise last semester and is looking forward to the end of this semester already. We already found the perfect prom dress and shoes for prom if you can believe that....

Sierra is also ready for school to be out.... She has spent lots of time with friends and family this month and she is so excited about her birthday next month. She did some grade level testing at school and I am anxious to see how she did.

Same ole same ole with me........

Pictures are camping, house in snow,playing Wii

October - December 2009

2009-12-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

Its seems like its been forever since I have blogged. Maybe because it has HAHAHA

We have been very busy .

Halie has started her senior year and she has been busy with school,college classes and just running around in general. He high school won state in football this year and it was so exciting.

Sierra is still at Accomodated Learning and doing very well and has made lots of friends.

Ryan is still busy but at least he is home more and has had more chances to go ride his dirt bike especially since we finally found a new camper.

On September 11th we bought a new house in Cross roads and we love it.

The Tiptons came up and visited the week of Thanksgiving and we went and saw Ice at the Gaylord. Cindy and Glenn also came up and saw the new house and Cindy helped me ake new curtains for the living room.

It seems like we have camped almost every weekend siince we got the new camper.

Thanksgiving we had lunch at Barbaras and Aunt Tollies then we went up to Oklahoma and went camping with some friends and had a great time.

For Christmas we spent the week at the Cabin, and Tammy,Brooke and Will came up with us for a few days. We took them tubing and Will tried his hand at Skiing.

Today is Christmas Eve and we are having a wonderful day. We had 4 inches of snow over the last few days so we are having a white Christmas. Ryan and I let the girls open their presents this morning and they LOVED what they got. Halies Santa gift was a new laptop and Sierra got a Ipod touch. They also got stockings full of candy and trinkets and assorted clothes, perfumes, jewlery and what nots. Ryan got a new WII game. I got to have my sister to come up and that was the best gift.

So today we are hanging out in our PJ`s playing WII, watching Christmas movies, and the girls are enjoying the presents they got. I am cooking a big Christmas dinner of Turkey and dressing and all the fixings for us to eat on all day. This may be a perfect day for me.. We leave tomorrow morning to spend Christmas day with The tiptons and start for home on Saturday.

We are suppose to have The Guzmans spend a few days with us then we are off to Muenster to camp thru New Years Day. Then we will head to Powderly and Hugo to see all the family we missed on Christmas.

August 15th - September 1st.

2009-09-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well I celebrated another birthday YIPEE (NOT). We did the usually out to dinner thing, we also met Cindy and Glenn for her birthday as well. Another year gone by way to fast.

I also spent a weekend in Powderly helping my mom redo her bedroom and visiting with everybody. Ryan spent that weekend up in Oklahoma riding dirtbikes.

The girls are back in school Halie is loving it except for the two college classes she is taking. Its quite a bit harder than the high school classes, we tried to warn her. Sierra started a new school also but its not quite working out, they just cant give her the constant help she needs. So I went today and re-enrolled her in her old school. It will be a long drive for me every morning and afternoon but it will be worth it so she her do better and not so stressed out.

Last weekend we rode dirt bikes on Saturday and Sunday Ryan and I got up early to grab some breakfast then off to a movie. THe rest of the day we hung out with the kids at home.

I hope everyone has a great week.....

July 31st- August 14th

2009-08-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!!!

We have a busy summer with lots of traveling, friends and family.

Seems like we are busy every week with riding dirt bikes or friends coming over to swim and cook out. We spent a nice day in Hugo going to Glenns family reunion (sorry no pics of that )

The girls and I spent the night at mom and dads and I enjoyed cooking dinner for them and visiting with everyone.

Right now I spending our last day at the cabin :( But we have really had a great trip. Except Halie not being here. Ryan and Sierra brought a friend so we have a full house.

We have done our usual hiking, bike riding (we rode from Breckenridge to Frisco and back and thats over 20 miles) dirt bike riding and ranger riding and Ryan and I even had a date night with James watching the girls.

But we leave in the morning and then the girls have only one week before school starts. And with Sierra starting a new school I am sure it will be stress full time, at least in the beginning.

Hope everyone has a great week-end.

July 9th- July 30th

2009-07-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

It seem like as soon as we got back from Co. we took off running. We spent several weekends at the lake.

I was able to spend a week in LA. with Ryan and Kim came and stayed with the kids.

Tiff brought the kids to come and swim one evening. We hosted a birthday party for a friend of ours and she had a blast. We went to a family reunion in Hugo and then back home for Tripp`s birthday.

Ryan stayed home this week which the girls and I love.

We are trying to decided on where Sierra will go to school this year, and it isn't a easy choice for us. But we are praying about it and hoping we make the right choice.

One more week at home and then its off to CO. for another week.

Then it will be time to buy school clothes and supplies and that means summer will be officially over ;(

June 25- July 7th

2009-07-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

Kim,Colton ,Sierra and I left on the 25th for our trip to Colorado. We drove to Amarillo had dinner at the Big Texan then drove on to Dumas to spend the night.

Friday we stopped at the Royal Gorge and spent a few hours before going on to the Cabin.

Saturday we hung around the cabin and did a little shopping for groceries we needed for the cabin. The next few days we did some sight seeing, watched a movie, went to the zoo, and did some shopping. But most of all I waited for Ryan to get here. Finally Wednesday came and I drove to Denver to pick him and Halie up. Thursday we too Kim and Colton on a little hike and a picnic. Friday Ryan and I drove Kim and Colton back to Denver to fly home and then we took the long way home and took in the scenery. Mickey Paula and the kids came up on Saturday and we spent the day catching up then went and watched fireworks that evening. Then Sunday we went on a long hike with them before they headed home. We took the kids out to eat dinner then rented some movies.

Monday Ryan and I got up and ate breakfast then went on a 3 mile up hill (or mountain) hike. Then drove around for a few hours and had dinner alone (without the girls) and walked around Breckenridge. It was a great day!!!!!

Tuesday all of use rented sone bikes and took a shuttle bus up to Vail and biked back to Dillon. The girls actually had a good time, then it was back to the cabin to rest up.The weather is beautiful up here and I know how hot its is back home so I am so happy to be here.

June 16th-June 24th

2009-06-24T02:48:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I hope everyone is staying cool this summer.

Wednesday we went to the Tyler zoo with mom,Tammy,Harley,Hayden and Tripp. We had a great time I am trying to spend as much time with the kids as I can before we have to move, Kassidy came in for a few days for Halies birthday and we all went in on Saturday for Fathers Day. First we visited with Glenn and Cindy then went to my grandparents for our fathers day feast. Later we went to Michella's for some visiting with my old classmates. Spent the night at moms then drove home. Sunday we worked around the house trying to get it ready for the real estate lady to come take pictures of the house. Monday Ryan and I snuck off to watch a movie. And Tuesday Ryan and Halie left for LA. And Sierra and I had some lunch with some friends and Sierra went home with them. I had the house all to myself till then next morning. It was great.

Tomorrow we start for Colorado. YEAH!!!!!!

Halies Birthday

2009-06-19T05:05:00.001-07:00

Halie is finally old enough to finally watch a rated R movie (legally)

She had a really good birthday, Monday night we took her out for her favorite restaurant and I secretly had George show up to surprises her and she loved it!!!

Thursday Kassidy came up and a bunch of her friends came over for a pool party then they went to a late night movie? We bought her a bunch of clothes and her favorite was a ATM Victoria Secret shirt and a Ed Hardy shirt.

I think she was happy with it all.

June 3rd- June 15th

2009-06-16T03:58:00.000-07:00

Pictures are of Mom and dads party,Harleys party, and dinner with Craig,Roxy and friends in Baton Rouge

Well we made the long drive back home on Thursday, but we did stop in Kilgore and have dinner with The Shipmans and that was great we hadnt seen them in years. And we made it home safe and sound all ready to start our summer. I took Harley out for the day for her birthday to lunch and build a bear On Saturday we had a surprise anniversary party for my mom and dad on Saturday and OHHHH were the suprised it really turned out great. Sunday got up early and came home . Monday night I had a small girls night out with Kim and Nicole and back home to pack to leave again. Ryan and I left Tuesday for a 4 day auction in Houston and Sierra went to Stacees Halie to Kassidys. Im so glad those two get along now. We had a great but hot time in Houston, one day I took off found a mall and walked and shopped all day ALL by myself. It really was great. Thursday I drove home and Ryan stayed for a few more days. Cindy and Glenn came up Thursday and we took them to Cabela`s and Friday I took her for her last eye appointment. As soon as they left my sister and kids and parents came up. We had pizza and salad when Tiff and family came over. I had to go pick up Ryan in Denton thanks to Kim picking him up at the airport for me. Saturday we had Harleys birthday and it was a HUGE success.

Sunday we worked around the house and James came over to hangout with us. BUSY BUSY BUSY. Now if I could just get a few more hours of sleep I would be doing o.k.

May24th- June 1st

2009-06-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

SUMMER VACATION is finally here, YEAH.....

Halie got out Monday and Siera and I on Thursday. We hada end of school party at school and we all had a ball. As soon as school was over we got on a plan and came down to LA to spend a week with Ryan. We are staying at Craig and Roxies and we always have a blast. Saturday we wentto New Orleans to a auction and we all went out that night, LOADS of Fun but nothing that I can post on the internet (If you know what I mean).

Pictures are of Halie,Chelase and Georgre and Georges gradution, the family in New Orleans

May 12th- May 23

2009-05-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Sierra and I went to watch Harley sing at school and then went and had dinner with Tiffany,Johnny and the kids. Ryan and I was able to spend all of the weekend together. We went for a drive Friday evening, watched a movie Saturday, and worked in the back yard and cleaned out the shop on Sunday.

Monday Ryan went back to LA on Monday and the week was pretty humdrum.....

This Friday Ryan,Sierra and drove to Powderly and had dinner with Barbara and Bailey, for Baileys birthday. The drove up to Hugo to watch our niece Blakely graduate. And Halie stayed in Pilot Point and went to George's graduation. Saturday Ryan went riding, Halie and I had another girls day (Love it) and Sierra stayed at Nanas for the weekend.

I cant believe that Monday at 3:30 Halie will officially be a senior. Let the tears start

May 7th May 11th

2009-05-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

Me and the girls, Ryan and his mom and me and my family
Sorry about the bad quality of the pictures I forgot my camera so I used my phone.

I soooo enjoyed our week off thanks to the swine flu outbreak.
I got a lot of stuff done and was able to spend a lot of time with Ryan since he had decided to stay home that week.
Sierra went back and forth from Stacees house Ryan went riding up in oklahoma and I went to Plano and did a little shopping for her birthday at the outlet mall. James stayed the night with us and him and Ryan watched the final motor cross of the year, they were up until 12:30.
This past weekend was mothers day and we spent it in Powderly and Hugo.

Saturday we spent the afternoon at my grand parents house with most of my family.

My parents stayed at the river that night so we stayed at their house. Sunday we went to church with my in laws and had lunch with them.

We got home late afternoon and I crashed for the rest of the day (Happy Mothers Day to me)

Sierra made me a great card and picked some earrings out of my gift closet to give to me Heehee

Halie made me a flower arrangement at school.

Everybody gets back to the real world tomorrow with Sierra and I going back to school and work and Ryan going back to LA.

I hope everyone has had a great May so far.

April 25th- May 6th

2009-05-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

Pictures are Ryan and I in San Antonio, The Dream Team heehee, Tripp and the girls at Chucky Cheese

I dont think the sun will ever shine again around here. Its done nothing but rain for the last several weeks.

Ryan and and I took off for the weekend for our anniversay, we had a great time in San Antonio. Didnt do a whole lot, but I think that was the best part.

The next weekend Ryan took off with some friends to go ride dirt bikes up in Oklahoma.

And Sierra spent the weekend with stacee. Halie and I spend the day Saturday together . We got caught in a storm in Plano and had to hang out in the food mart till it blew over. But we had fun anyway.

Sunday Ryan and I snuck off togther to watch a movie.

Sierra`s school is closed the week because of the swine flu so I had a unexpected week off

Halie is doing great, still single but happy. Shes ready for this school year to be over but what kid doesnt.

Sierra is still loving her new school, we got in touch with a new diagnostician and this summer we are going to be getting her retested to see how she is doing.

They have been studying the reproduction system and let me tell nothing will prepare you for questions from your 13 yr old about the male anatomy.......

Ryan is still working hard trying to run (and/or help run) 4 businnes's. He is still gone during the week but hes skipping a week here and there and staying home. Which we love...

Me Im fine....

Mar 24th- April 21st

2009-04-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

I cant believe its been almost a month since I have blogged...... And again I cant even begin to remember everything so I will hit the highlights....

Halie had a wonderful prom. She went with Colby (who is home schooled and wouldnt have been able to go to prom ) and a group of friends. After a late dinner at IHOP her and her friends came back to the house for a sleep over.

We kept Tripp one evening and ended up taking him to Chucky Cheese for the evening and we all had a great time. We also took Hayden to the movies for his birthday.

We have been able to watch Halie play tennis several times this year. We also had dinner with some friends over the past month and go riding but it seems like we have spent a lot of time at home this past month.

This past weekend Sierra stayed at Stacee's and we spent a lot of time with Halie going to the movies,eating out, shopping stuff like that. And we all have enjoyed it. We know we only have one more year with her and we are not wasting a minute of it.

This coming week end is our anniversary and Ryan and I are doing something with out the kids just not sure what??????

I will try harder to blog more often from now on. Pics are all of Halies prom. I love the one with Ryan and Colby!!!!!

Feb 25th - Mar 23rd

2009-03-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Have I said lately how we need to grow up

After the muscle relaxer started working

I cant believe I haven`t posted in a month. And my memory being with it is I will try to highlight the last 4 weeks.

We actually spent the last weekend of February at home, can you believe it?

The next week Ryan drove to LA. and when he drove back Thursday he met us in Grapevine and Ryan Sierra and I got on a plane for Colorado for a long week end at the cabin.

After we got on the plane (which felt like an oven) we soon were told that we were leaking something from the bottom of the plane. And we were happy to take a tram to the other side of the airport to get on another plane. We finally took of a little over a hour and a half behind schedule. And got to the cabin a little before midnight. Ryan and I got in two good days of skiing and Sierra got in some mommy and daddy time. We left Sunday afternoon and drove to Colorado Springs to spend sometime with Ryans cousins family and flew back Monday.

The next weekend Ryan had a race and the whole family went. Ryan was doing really well until her wrecked and fell on a cactus. OUCH!!! he pulled out quills for days after.

This passed week was spring break, Monday aunt Barbara got sick, took a fall and ended up in the hospital for a few days so Miranda and I drove in to see her and make sure she was o.k..

And we left Tuesday for camping and riding for the rest of the week. We had a great time with lots of friends and plenty of fun. Until Saturday afternoon Ryan, James and I took a final ride. I wanted to show James how good I have gotten since the last time I rode with him. Anyway took a tumble and knew right away I had done some damage to my ankle. Kim took me home,took some pain meds, iced it and hoped it would be better then next day but I was wrong. Ryan took me to the E.R. Sunday and luckily it wasnt broken and I had only torn one of the three tendons that run across my ankle. So I was suppose to stay off of it, wear a brace, and use crutches for least a week but Im afraid it will be longer I seem to heal much slower than the average Joe. But then I went for a regular check up with my regular Dr. and she did not agree with the ER dr.s diag. she feels that I have a torn achellies tendon as well and wants we to wear a boot for about two weeks and then I have to go back and see her for another xray. She thinks its much worse than what the other dr. thought and could actually have a small fracture that didnt show up because of all the swelling . I felt so sorry for Ryan, he has had to unload and clean the motorhome and bike trailer and do all the laundry. I think he appreciates me more

pictures are of camping trip,skiing.Halie playing tennis, and Ryans race.

Hope everyone is well.

Feb 19th- Feb 24th.

2009-02-24T18:51:00.000-08:00

Its official... I have two teenagers in the house now.

Sierra had a great birthday. Four of her friends from school went with us to celebrate her birthday at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. One girl went home fairly early on Thursday (she cant handle large crowds) And another went home around midnight after having some asthma problems. (there`s more to the story so please feel free to call but I shouldn't write it since the kids are my students) The next day they swam and played until 3:00 and then everyone went home (YEAH). We were suppose to take her out for our annual family dinner that night but after the night I had we decided to postpone it until Saturday.

So Saturday Halie and I went prom dress shopping after looking most of the day she ended up choosing the very first one she tried on. UGH!!!! Ryan and Sierra met up with us later for a early birthday dinner at Jimbeh`s(Japanese Steak House) Sunday we all stayed home (Image that) Monday Brent spent the night with us because (this is so funny) he spends so much time taking care of Ryan`s businesses that he forgot to pay his own electric bill and the power got turned off . Tuesday I picked up Harley and Hayden and took them out for dinner, no reason just wanted to spend a little time with them.

And so far we have no plans for the weekend, but I'm sure that will change.

Feb 12th- Feb 18th

2009-02-18T13:54:00.000-08:00

We finally got to go on our cruise. And was great. I flew out Wednesday after school and met Ryan in Baton Rouge. Spent the night there and went to work with him for a few hours then drove to New Orleans. We got on the boat around 2:00 got settled in then met up with some friends. That's first night we were both tired after the Wholesale Co. meet and greet so we grabbed a quick buffet dinner and hit the hay. Friday we sailed all day so Ryan and I got some lounge chairs on the adult only deck and vegged out all day. We met up with friends again and made some new ones. That night was the big Dress up night which was fun, I love to get all dressed up and Ryan hates it (he didnt even have to wear a tie only a jacket). Saturday was our day at Cozumel and we choose to do a Adventure park with rock climbing, zip lines, and snorkeling. After that we had some lunch and did a little shopping before getting on the boat. Dressed up again for the Valentine dinner and went to a piano bar afterwards with friends, then out to the main deck to watch drunk white people try to dance(it was great). Sunday we sailed again same as before hung out with friends and in general just had a great time. We got off the boat back in New Orleans Monday morning, drove back to Baton Rouge and caught a earlier flight home.

We are already looking in to a cruise to take the girls on this summer. Its not something for everybody but we enjoyed it. Sierras birthday is coming up and when that is over we can all relax a little bit.

Hope every one is well.....

Feb 1st- Feb 11th

2009-02-11T06:28:00.000-08:00

We had two really great weekends in a row. The first was our superbowl party, and then we went camping at Lake Murray with some friends and had a great time.

Jan21st- Feb. 1st

2009-01-31T07:22:00.000-08:00

HELLO everyone can you beleive Im already updating again???? Truth is I helped Rya get on haul a bunch of wood yesterday and I can barely get out of bed this morning and Im already sick of t.v.

We all had a great weekend. Ryan,Brent,Luster and Queen went to Las Vegas this weekend and had a great but tiring time. He was more than ready to come home Sunday. They did run into Dog the Bounty hunters wife, Ryan didnt believe it was her even after she shook her boobs at hin, he made her show him her ID and lost a hundred dollar bet.

The girls and I went to Powderly that weekend to hang out with family and friends. Halie spend the weekend with Kassidy and her friends. I picked up Tammy and we spent spent the evening with some girls we grew up with and we had a blast. Saturday the girls and I spent the day with my mom. Sunday we got up early and came home and waited for Ryan. The girls had a short week at school with all the snow and sleet that fell. Sunday is Superbowl and we are going to have a small party to eat drink and be merry Have a great week

Pics, Halie and Kassidy, Girls night out, Me, Tammy,Michella and ,Sonya Queen,Ryan,Brent and Luster before the trip to Vegas.

Jan 12th- Jan 21st.

2009-01-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

Hi.....

Not to much to write about this time, I guess we are still tired from all the holiday festivities.

Halie and Sierra are back to school and all seems to be giong well. Halie got her report card and she made straight A`s again. Sierra is still enjoying her new school.

We finally found a new used car for Halie, and we are so glad too.

We went to Ryans Award Banquet last Saturday night. This weekend Ryan went riding and the girls and I did all of nothing. Sunday we went as a family (which doesnt happen very often anymore)

Picture is of Ryan and Charlie with their trophys

More Christmas pics

2009-01-11T15:17:00.000-08:00

Here are some more Christmas pictures, 1st is of Sierra and I before her Christmas party at
school (She is as big as I am now I can believe how tall she has gotten)
2nd and 3rd are of the kids at the Frisco Fire department Christmas display.
Its a miniture city ie.. Walmart, that they use for biscycle safety and for the holidays the decorate it and you can go thru it at night.

Dec 24th- Jan 4th

2009-01-04T13:38:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Another Christmas has come and gone and went by way to fast.

We left the house Christmas eve around 4:00 drove to Aunt Tolie`s where we were able to visit and not have to worry about being rushed. We spent the night a Cindys and also opened our gifts with them that night also. Christmas day we had lunch at moms with Granny Belle and Papaw and came home to pack for Colorado!!!!! The girls friends came later that night so we could get up nice and early. We got to the cabin about 6:30 Friday night. Saturday Ryan and the little girls played outside then we all got dressed and attempted to go sledding at the sledding hill in town but it was less then ten degrees so we only stayed about 30 minutes then grabbed some lunch. Sunday we stayed in our pj`s almost the whole day. We watched t.v. played video games, read etc.... That afternoon Ryan took the kids into town for some dessert. That was probably my worst day so I stayed there. For those who I haven't spoke too I was sick the entire trip. Within 30 minutes of getting out of the car I started having horrible allergy and sinus problems. (I joke that I allergic to the cabin). Monday we ALL got up early and went skiing. Halie and her friend Sarah took a all day snowboard lesson while the four of us skied. But Sarah took a fall and ended up having to go to the hospital for cattscan and xrays (Everything came back clear) I think it knocked the breath out of her and scared her more that anything. Tuesday the older girls stayed home and Ryan,I and the little ones went back to ski. After lunch we started down a blue and I realized it was a very difficult blue and Stacee got to going to fast and could stop when she headed toward some moguls and yep you guessed got hurt so we spend another 4 hours in their hospital. (sprain) Needless to stay with me feeling like crap and the two of then getting hurt I was ready to come home. We nixed the snow Mobile plans I was afraid of what might happen. Wednesday we rested most of the day but went into town for a little shopping a dinner for New Years Eve I think we were all in bed by ten. Thursday went tubing in Keystone (we always love that) then went home to pack and clean up. Ryan started getting sick the night before so neither one of us got any sleep that so we went went ahead and got up to start the long drive home (we left at 3:00 a.m.) So after taking their friends home we got home by 6:30. That night I took a double dose of NyQuil and sleep all night long, the first since we left.

I was usually up from midnight to 4 or 5 watching t.v.. the er visits and being sick I was wanting to come home early and that has never haqppened.We have been taking ski trips for almost 10 years and this was by far the worst trip ever, between Saturday we didnt get out of out p.j.`s and it felt great. Sunday Ryan and I went to Denton to by groceries and have just a little alone time. And Halie went to Frisco with Jordan. We just sat down from putting all the Christmas decor away YEAH I am sooooo glad that is done. Another Christmas come and gone.

Hope yours was great also.

Dec 1st - Dec 23rd

2008-12-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

December always seems to just fly by with all the parties and gift buying and Christmas everything. Ryans birthday is also this month so I cooked him his favorite dinner and chocolate cake ready for him as soon as he got home from the airport Friday. We also got to go see Tripp in his Christmas pageant. I also got to spend a couple of dinners with Kim and I even got to see Colton, who is growing so fast.

We decided to take Harley and Harden for the evening and take them shopping for there Christmas presents lets just say we havent had small kids for a long time and we are very happy about that. but we loved spending time with them.

The last week of school was very busy for our school. Monday was Sierras class party and they took the kids shopping to buy a needy family Christmas presents. Then we took them to Beni Hania (sp) Tuesday school was canceled because of ice. Wednesday we took the elementary class to the movie tavern for their Christmas party (the highlights of having a small school) Halie also went to work with us that day. Thursday was just one big party day at school.

Saturday all my family came up and we had Christmas at Pilot Point this year. We all had a great time except for the Cowboys losing. Sunday Ryan and I did a little Christmas shopping.

Monday Sierra Cindys for a few days and Tuesday Halie and I finished up our shopping. And Wednesday we will go to Ryans side Christmas celebration an Wednewsday is my families side.

I cant believe Christmas has come and almost gone again.

Pictures are of Sierra and friends at christmas party, Halie when she opened her itouch ipod (she didnt know she was getting it)and Sierra with her DS and Harley and Hayden opening their gifts.

I hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas

Nov 8th- Dec.1st

2008-12-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!!!!!

As usual I am a few weeks behind so I need to back up.

Friday 14th we drove to Powderly to give me sister a surprise birthday party, it turned out really great she was totally caught off guard. Shes going thru a hard time right now so she needed the cheering up. We ended up spending the weekend there visiting with both sets of family. I was also able to get in a couple hours of visiting with my grandparents since we wouldnt be there for Thanksgiving this year. The next two weeks seemed to fly by, work and school as usual I actually got to see Kim a few times.

As I said before we decided to miss Thanksgiving and spend the week at the cabin, the decision was hard but after talking to my mom I realized I actually spent more time with him when I have been coming in for the day than trying to share him 50 other people for 50 mins.

So as soon as Halie was out of school Friday we took off for the cabin. Besides Dixies diarrhea it was an uneventful trip up. Sunday Mikey Paula and the boys came up and spent the day with us. And I could kick myself for not taking pictures. Monday we did a whole lot of nothing. Tuesday Ryan and I skied,and Tuesday and Thursday we all skied, well Halie took a snow board lesson and likes it better than skiing. Thursday night we went to a local restaurant for a Thanksgiving dinner...no cooking, no cleaning, and no left overs to worry about. I loved it (not for every Thanksgiving but it worked this year) Thursday night we had a big snow and it continued until after we left on Friday afternoon. We drove to Mikey and Paula's and stayed over at their house, then left bright and early Saturday and ended up getting home around 6:00p.m. Sunday Cindy and Glenn came over for a short visit. Then Jordan took Halie and Sierra to see Twilight (I'm so jealous, I'm still on book 4) . Ryan and I went to Denton to see if there was any great left over sales going on,,, we came home with deodorant (big spenders)

Ryan leaves again Tuesday for LA. and Sierra and I head back to Grapevine. Looks like Pilot Point is still in the running for 2 A state champs!!!!!! I cant believe there is only three weeks until Christmas break... I cant put my finger on it but I have absolutely NO Christmas cheer this year. I have no plans on putting up a tree or lights. Especially since we wont be home for Christmas or the week after. And Christmas gifts will be cut back drastically this year. I think the last few years its only been about the gifts we GET not the gifts we GIVE so we are going to be doing a lot more giving this year. And being a lot more thankful for what we already have. We are letting the kids take a friend skiing again this year so they will be Thankful for that gift.

Pictures are of us at top of Breckenridge ,The cabin after a good snow, (I love this one )Halie and Ryan taking a break coming down the mountain. Sierra skiing, me and Sierra (can you believe how big she is getting) Ryan and Halie snowboarding, Ryan and I and Ryan and the girls in front of Cabin on Thanksgiving morning. And Pictures of Tammy at her surprise Birthday party.

Oct 21s t- Nov 7th

2008-11-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

Its starting to look like fall around here finally (You know fall in Texas 40 in the mornings 80 in the afternoon)

Ryan had a race this weekend (his last ) And he came in first place which means even if he misses the make up race the weekend before Thanksgiving he has won the Championship!!!!!

So it was just me and the girls this weekend. Saturday I took Sierra and Stacee to watch High School Musical 4, while I walked around the mall,which I truly enjoyed. Sunday I dropped those two of at Stacees and Halie and I went back to mall to pick up a book for school and we just hung out for the afternoon. I am reading the Twilight series with her and it seems to be a part of almost every conversation we have.

Halloween came and went with no excitment.

Ryan came home Sunday and didnt go back to LA. that week. The next weekend we drove to Powderly for the day. My Grandfather had a stroke some time back and it has made him blind in one eye among other things.

So I wanted to spend sometime with him. I also learned that we wouldnt be having our yearly Christmas Eve at their house, which I completely understand dont get me wrong its too much for him to have our whole clan (kids and all)in one house and too much for Granny Belle. But I almost feel like a part of me has died. I cant even write about this without tearing up. Christmas Eve at Granny Belle and PaPaw`s was a constant in our lives growing up and as adults. Most of my childhood memories circle around Christmas Eves with them. A house full of people with everyone talking at the same time (years ago people having a little to much to drink). Granny Belle running around nervously making sure every thing was done and everyone was eating not for once thinking about herself. All the family's together for one night. And PaPaw sitting in his recliner looking at all the kids opening their toys with a big smile on his face. I remember the excited of me opening my gifts, then being old enough to be the one to hand out the gifts to the next generation, then watching my own children get to have those wonderful moments themselves. I have to say I know I am lucky to still have my grandparents with me and the last several years I have tried to take in those moments and store them away because I knew they wouldnt last forever. Sadly though I missed the last Christmas Eve (which ended up being the last) because we decided at the last minute to go to Co. That has caused a lot of pain in my heart. But I would rather spend an hour with them (with just a few people) just talking and spending time together than a big holiday when I barely get in a hello and goodbye. I just love them both so much its hard to put into words. They are my biggest inspiration.

Sunday we just hung around the house doing a whole lot of nothing. Tuesday Ryan flew out and flew back Thursday afternoon. He has to work the race at Muenster this weekend from Friday to Sunday (It seems like he is never home) But he is staying home this week (HURRAY)

Halie is doing good, still has the same boyfriend, still doesnt have another car and made STRAIGHT A`SSSSS on her report card (and she is taking hard classes)

Sierra is doing good also She still likes her school. We did have a incident last week where a student threatened to kill her (hes not right in the head) I in turn told them if he wasnt taken out of her classes I didnt know if we could stay there (for her safety he is 14 , 6ft tall and weighed about 300 lbs) and me having the wonderful boss that I do she has taken him out of regular school, he only comes on Monday`s and Friday`s that is after being expelled for two weeks.

It was a big dramatic ordeal and Luckly Sierra doesnt even really understand what happened (he wrote on a piece of paper all the ways he wanted to kill her and she didnt read it just gave it to me and you know this grizzly bear momma took care of it) No Force on earth is as strong as a mother protecting her child!!!!!! And believe me he felt the force.

(Sierra also got her first visit from Aunt Flow that same day)

I am still loving my job, still hating the drive.

Two more weeks till Thanksgiving Break I cant believe it and cant wait to be at the cabin for a week.

Pics are of Tripp playing at our house and Hannah Montana (Harley) andBatMan (Hayden)

THE KITCHEN IS FINISHED

2008-10-21T10:21:00.003-07:00

Here are pictures of the kitchen, I am so in love with it !!!!!!!!!! Ryan sent me roses on the 20th anniversary of our first date. (hes so sweet, and I thought he forgot)

Oct 7th- Oct- 21st

2008-10-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

We are still chugging along on our kitchen, its gone rather quickly but it seems like forever when you dont have it . School and work is still going great. Ryan had a race last weekend and came in first even with a broke big toe. Kim and Colton came over Sunday to help with the kitchen and was much appreciated. Thursday Tiffany came and picked up Sierra and took them to my moms for a long weekend, and Halie and I had some time to ourselves. Friday I had the whole day all by myself and since we changed Sierras school that doesnt happen very often. Ryan flew in that afternoon and the three of us went out to dinner because I still dont have a kitchen. I think Halie has enjoyed the last few days without Sierra and getting us all to herself. Saturday we left around noon to drive to my parents place on the river and stayed the night. It was very relaxing and Ryan needs that. Sunday as soon as we got home I went to the grocery store to buy food to fix for Jordans birthday (YES my kitchen is finished). He came and spent the afternoon with Halie, Saturday they are going to the EdgeFest(she got him tickets for his birthday) Monday we finally went and picked out a table for the kitchen and Brent joined us for dinner.

Pictures Halie and Ryan at dinner,Sierra and Elliott at the Aquarium in Dallas(school field trip) Ryan playing with Harley and Hayden ,and the pumpkins we carved at the river and when I say we I mean TAmmy and I not the kids.

September 14th- October 6th

2008-10-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

I havent blog in so long I can hardly remember what has been going on around here.

Ryan is still going to LA. during the week and coming home on the weekends. Yes I hate it but what choice do I have.

Sierra is doing great in her new school and I am begining to love my new job especially my high school sign class. Halie and Jordan got back together (I dont know if I said they had broken up or not) She tried going out with someone else (which we encouraged her to do ) but ended that rather quickly and the got back together.

I started on some new meds for my Fibromyalga it has gotten steadly worse since Ryan took over the concrete plant in LA. I know the flair up is all from stress. They seem to be working but they make me very groggy during the day so I am hoping that will eventually go away. She also gave me some muscle relaxers when its really bad and some sleeping pills to help me sleep.

The only real news I have is that Haliue wrecked her car or actually totalled it last Saturday night. She was coming from Jordans friends house and pulled out in front of a guy who she thought was turning like her (she said she saw his blinker) but he went straight and t-boned her. Ryan and I were in Frisco when it happened. We were not able to get to the accident scene in time so we went straight to the hospital. She was hysterical and scared to death. The guy that hit her was cussing her out. Luckly two cars came up on the scene and they happened to be mothers so they took her under their wing, which was a blessing for her. She ended up bruising the bones in her hand but nothing was broken. The parametic said it was a miracle she walked out of the car, if it would have hit her on the driver side she probably wouldnt be alive. So we are very gratefull to have our little girl with us. After talking to several people we are pretty sure its going to be totaled.

Sierra and I flew to Baton Rouge this weekend to see Ryan since he had to work and couldnt come home.

Satur day Sierra spent the day with Pops and Tanya (Ryans dad and wife) And Ryan and I sat at the batch plant BORED out of our minds waiting for all the trucks to come in. Sunday we went to the batch plant again and that afternoon we went to Craigs to watch the Cowboys and a later dinner at the Bass Pro Shop in Denham Springs.

Sierra and I flew home Monday and picked up Halie at school. We were so excited to see what had been done to the kitchen since we had been gone.

Pictures of Halies car, Craig, Roxie,Ryan and Sierra, eating snacks and watching the cowboy game all while in the pool. And Sierra in one of Ryans concrete trucks.

September8th - September 14th

2008-09-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

I just cant believe how fast these weeks have been flying by.

Monday I hung out with Ryan most of the day since he was leaving to go back to LA.

Tuesday was our first day of school, it flew by. I was a little concerned early on in the day, well actually I was in tears. I made the decision early on to put Sierra in the younger class instead of the middle school class. They just cant modify it down to her level for all the classes its just to hard and not fair to the other students in the class and I felt Seirra would be too overwhelmed and she starts mentally checking out. Anyway back to the first day. She is in a class where all the kids are much, much younger than her and much smaller. So that first morning I watched her (because I am in the class with her some during the day) and she looked like a giant sitting in the small desk up against all the other kids and it just really hit me hard how far behind she is. I had to get up and leave and take a breather outside. She seems to be ok with it I am the one with the problem. Some of the stuff they are doing she already knows so she feels so proud when she knows the answer and that gives her confidence, but alot of it she doesnt know and that tells me she is where she needs to be. She does have lunch with the middle school kids and she has one class with them that the Mellisa (the principle ) teaches and she is able to put those lessons down to her level. The first day was o.k. for me I am not used to teaching teenagers I think I would rather deal with 3 and 4 year olds. But by Thursday things were going pretty good. Between the three classes the high school class is turning out to be my favorite. (who would have thunk it) Now the 3 hours in the car I can do without but I know it will all be worth it. Wednesday ryan and Brent left for LA. Thursday Sierra had a sleep over with a new friend at school and I came home and took Halie and friends to watch Guyer high school `s pruduction of "SWEENY TODD" and it was amazing, I have seen Broadway plays in New York and this play was just as good. Friday I had all kinds of appointments then came home and waited for Ryan to fly in. With the hurricane coming in and the wind blowing so hard is plane was canceled, but after hanging around the airport for several hours they were put on a later plan and made it home before nine (he was suppose to be home by 4:30) Saturday we got up early and drove to Powderly for my Granny Belles 80th birthday party, and no hurricane could have stopped us. They had the horse barn cleaned out by the time we got and we helped set up and put the decorations I made out. We had a really good turn out despite the hurricane that was going on. Granny Belle and PaPaw seemed to enjoy themselves. I know that every family event we have now is special and I try to set back and take in every moment and store them away in my memory. We decided to drive back home that night despite the weather.

Sunday all the rain was gone and it ended up being a beautiful day even though we spent most of the day watching football. And life starts back over again tomorrow.

Pictures : Sierra and the two Rachels (Sierras friends at her new school) Halie and her friends at the play Sweeny Todd (girl on left was in the play and used to be a fellow student and friend at Pilot Point) Tripp playing in the rain at the birthday party (all the kids had such a good time playing in the rain) Pictures of Granny Belles party ( is Granny holding her first Great Great Grandchild)and Sierra on the first day of school.

August 26th- September 7th

2008-09-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

Before I start with this blog I have to go back to the week we were in LA. and tell you a funny story, I'm always telling on the girls and Ryan so I figured I better tell one on me as well.

The girls and I were in a Cracker Barrel having breakfast the first morning we were in Baton Rouge so I am in the rest room washing my hands and this very sincere older lady looked over at me and said So how far along are you, without missing a beat I said "four months" she said Oh how sweet, Congratulations and good luck. I walked back out to the table with a big grin on my face and Halie said what happened. After I told her she said why did you lie, why not just tell her you arent pregnant I said then that would have made her fell bad and I was where nobody knew me. So back to the thinking I was pregnant, I was wearing a flowy shirt that tied right underneath the boobs. And back when I was really pregnant the shirt probably would have been considered a maternity shirt. Anyway HAHA after Ryan heard about it I got prego jokes for the next week. Ive gained a few pounds but come on.

O.K. back to the last two weeks. I started my new job on Wednesday 27th and Sierra went to those two days with me. It was good to be back at work I felt like my brain was turning to mush so it was good to shake the cobwebs out of the old thinker. That Friday I spent the day with Ryan and that evening Halie was gone to a football game. Sierra went skating and Ryan and I went out to dinner and went to a wine store. Saturday Ryan and I went riding dirt bikes at Muenster and the girls hung out at home all day. Sunday we drove to some stores looking at tile samples for the house Sierra joined us Halie was at Chealses house. Monday {Labor Day} we took the girls to the movies and hung around the house the rest of the day I did cook a big dinner and have Brent over I knew my Kitchen was fixing to e torn do so I had better cook while I could.

I went back to work on Monday and worked Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday evening we went and put the final touches on picking out the cabinets and all that kind of stuff. Thursday afternoon was the schools open house and Ryan and Sierra drove up for that. I have my own classroom, that no one else uses only me. I teach three sign classes, elementary, middle school and high school. The rest of the day I work as a aide for the elementary class. And yes Sierra will be in those classes. It will be hard for me to turn over the primary caregiver to the teacher.

Friday was homecoming and Halie got out of school at noon and was kind enough to take Sierra to the parade and the pep rally. We were busy at home tearing out the kitchen. Ryan worked in the kitchen till about 6:00 then he cleaned and loaded up to go to Houston to ride on Saturday with Charlie and James. They left around 8:00 and got there around midnight. Saturday the girls and I had a Wonderful day together (As I am typing this they are up stairs screaming their heads off to each other AWWWW sisterly love) Anyway back to Saturday. They are both at the age where you could just tear their little heads off at a monents notice so the fact that we all got a long and enjoyed being together was WONDERFUL for me. We got up early and went for breakfast, then went shopping at Sam Moon and I let them pick out a purse, then we went to mall and I let them get their eyebrows threaded. It was awful for Sierra after the first eye she was bawling and wanting to quite I told her she couldn't do just one eye. So we started reminding her of when she shaved hers off that time and she was laughing by the time it was all over with. I'm sure I looked like a horrible mother when I was holding her head down telling the woman to go ahead and finish. Then we went grocery shopping at this great new store in Frisco its newly open so they are still doing alot of cool things on Saturday and Sunday. They had a scavenger hunt that day so the three of us did that and Sierra got a bag full of goodies, a tshirt and lunch bag. After that we walked around and ate lots of samples and bought frozen meals (since I have no kitchen) On the way home I remember I was invited to a jewelry party at a friends house so we stopped off at her house for a while. Her two kids are in Sierras grade so they came back home with us to swim and ended up mainly riding dirt bikes and four wheelers. Normally I wouldn't let them do that without Ryan here but Sierra was so happy; they are part of the popular kids and she is usually watching them play in our neighborhood so she was on the inside this time not the outside looking in I just couldn't tell her no. Halie went to a party that afternoon and Sierra and i ordered pizza and watched PollyAnna until Ryan came home. Sunday morning Ryan and I got up early and snuck to town and had breakfast and too Kroger to buy sodas. I quite drinking them all togther so I stopped buying them and Ryan and the girls are having a fit. Came back home and decided today would be a cleaning day for everyone. And since most of my kitchen stuff is cramed in the patio I decided to set up everything a little better, so I was working right along and I pull out some boxs that I built to keep the dog food and birdseed in and behind it is full of MOUSE POOP. So I figured they were getting in to eat the food and seed. I cleaned out the first one no problem I open the lid to the second one and reach in to pull out the bag of bird seed and I see a SNAKE!!!!! Of course I scream and ran ouside to get Ryan (snake killig is a man`s job) He grabs my big kitchen knife and cuts the head off, it was a baby but it looked like poisonous and big enough to do some damage. Ryan was freaking me out because after he cut its head off it kept trying to strike with just a little head and no body. We guessed it came in thru the doggie door and set up camp in the box and was feasting on the mice.(maybe we should have kept him for a little while longer NOT just kidding) His little tummy was full.

Halie is adjusting very well to her Junior year so far, she has more homework to do but she is loving having her own car.

Sierra and I start school on Tuesday we are both starting school next Tuesday.

Ryan has been home the last two weeks. The hurricane did quite a bit of damage in LA. to both business`s ,as of Friday they were still without power And it doesnt look like he will go back this week either. He has his first race since early summer this coming weekend. And we will be going to Powderly to celebrate my Granny Belles 80th birthday.

Pictures are of Sierra and Halie bing silly in the car on Saturday (Halie would die if she knew I posted this picture.) My classroom, Halie and her car I cant believe I forgot to post it. And the snake we killed.

August 19th - August 25th

2008-08-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone....

This was the last week of Summer for Halie. And since we didnt get a chance to take the kids somewhere warm for vacation at Halies request. I decided to take the kids to Wolf lodge again with a friend. So Sierra took Stacee and Halie took Melissa a girl that lives in the neighborhood. Funny thing is she is Georges girlfriend (Halies ex) and the used to hate each other but now they are best buds. Anyway we went Wednesday afternoon and stayed until Thursday afternoon and picked Ryan up from airport. We dropped Halie and Melissa off at the fair in Denton so they could go to a concert. Sierra spent the night with Stacee and Ryan and I had a evening alone. Friday morning we had breakfast with Lucky, he is partners with Ryan on the land outside of Denton. His brother died recently and we wanted to spend a little time with him to see how he was doing. I spent the rest of the day working with Ryan. We had all the contractors at the house that afternoon to take measurements for the kitchen. And then drove back to the airport to pick up Brent. Saturday morning we got up really really and went to Lake Murray to ride dirt bikes and was it HOT. Charlie and James came back home with us and swam. Sunday Halie got up early again and went riding up at Muenster with Jordans family. Sierra went over to Stacees for a back to school party. We did some looking around for appliance`s

for the new kitchen. After Sierra came back home we drove up to the land to see how the hay was coming along. And Ryan got my tahoe stuck in the mud (HAHAHAH) so lucky had to come and pull us out with the tractor. Monday was the first day of school for Halie. I realized after I took her first day of school picture (something I have done every year since Kindergarten) that I only had one more picture to take after this year. It was a very distrubing thought. Anyway, after school we went to buy her school supplies than met up with Rya n and Brent for dinner. Here is some info that some of you might find helpful. On Monday nights Johnny Carinos as whats called family night. On thheir menus that have family platters that are big enough to feed 2 to 3 people usually around 20.00 a platter. But in Monday nights they are the same price as a single serving entree price which is usually around 10.00 to 12.00 dollars. So six of us ate a appetizer, 3 big platters of food, bread, salad/ or soup and drinks. for 50.00 and around here that is GREAT. And we brought home enough food for two more dinners.

I start to work Wednesday and Sierra will go with me so she can get some testing done. Ryan is here for the rest of the week. Theres a three day weekend coming up but Im not sure what we are going to do if anything.

Ryan , James and Charlie, and Halies first day of school, the girls asleep in the back seat of the truck, Ryan and his new bike, the girls at the waterpark with friends.

July 30th-August 18th

2008-08-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

As soon as we got back home and settled in from being gone on vacation Ryan packs up and goes to Lousiana for the week. And since we didnt have anything going on here (except for me working in the office, good thing I know the boss) the girls and I decided to pack up and join him. We drove up on Thursday and Friday afternoon the four of us drove to New Orleans for the weekend. When they say its not a place for kids they are right. Even in the day time there are some strange people down there. But we still had a good time. Friday night we ate a late dinner at the hotel and it was very fancy and Halie loved it (image that). Saturday Ryan and I got up early and went walking and found a beigna (SP) cafe(the french version of a doughnut ) and they are very popular down there. We took some back to the room woke them up and made them get ready to go out. We walked around, went to a beautiful old catholic church, got our palms read(except Ryan) then we went on a carriage ride. Had some lunch then headed to the aquirium after that the kids were wore out so Ryan and I had a drink and went shopping at a local mall. He found a Oakley store going out of business we got $1200.00 worth of stuff for less than 250.00 First time I have ever seen Ryan get that excited over a sale. Meanwhile the girls had rested up and met us there. We went back the hotel changed clothes and went out to dinner with the girls. After dinner the girls said they would go back to the room and we could walk down bourban street. They were having a street part on oneal street where all the art galleries were having an open house so walked thru all of those (it didnt hurt that they were giving away free wine) Then we walked to bourban street and looked at all the drunk people. We went in a dance club and watched and a country and western club and watched and decided we are way to old to be in that kind of crowd. Sunday morning we got up and went back to Denham Springs. We took the girls and visited Russ and Tanya a little bit. We came back and and had dinner with Craig,Roxie,Shelby and her new boyfriend, and Tammy Roxies sister in law. We were suppose to come back home on Monday but everybody begged us to stay. So we did. Monday the girls and I met Ryan for lunch then went back to Roxies. That night the four of us went out and had a nice dinner and the kids stayed and ordered pizza and swam. Tuesday I took the girls to the local mall and we bought school clothes. Brent flew in that day so he was at Craig and Roxies too. Wednesday we decided to just hang out at the house. And that afternoon Roxie had her massage therepist stop by and I got a massage. She also cooked a huge dinner RIBS not my favorite but I had eaten enough all week so it didnt hurt me not to eat. Sierra and I went out to swim but mosquites were carrying us away. Thursday morning we packed up the car went and picked up Ryan and headed back home. It was great to sleep in my own bed for a change.
Friday the girls and I stayed home and cleaned house. Later that afternoon Ryan came home with a builder friend who is going to over see the job of remodeling our kitchen. Its going to be a total gut job and I know Ryan isnt going to be home enough to oversee it so his friend Queen is going to do it for him . I hope it all goes well I am not sure Ryan is going to be able to turn the job over so I am sure it is going to be a interesting experience for us all. Saturday Ryan worked at the shop most of the day and I left around noon to go to Powderly for my cousins baby shower after that we drove to the hospital to see my cousins first grand baby Memphis Ray. I had dinner with Barbara,Granny Belle and Tripp. We all went and visited my dad later on until it got late then I spent the night at Barbara`s. Got up the next morning had coffee with mom and Harley then went to church with Cindys for her birthday .(Monday is both our birthday`s)
Ryan and the girls came up and met us after church for lunch. I went by and picked up Tripp and Harley to bring them back to there moms in Pilot Point. Monday Ryan took me to eat breakfast , the girls took me to eat lunch and Kim took me out for dinner all for my Birthday I AM STUFFED. And Ryan and Brent went back to LA for the week. Tueday Sierra went to Jodi`s for the last time it was hard for all of us and Jordan came over to spend the day with Halie. And they made me a birthday cake. I am ready for some quiet time but I have a feeling that wont happend for quite some time.
Hope everyone has a great week.

pictures of the birthday cake that the kids made for me, and our trip to New Orleans

July 15- July 29th

2008-07-29T05:15:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I at The Bath`s at Virgin Gorda
Our boat The Marolanga

Sasha the captains cat

Gus and Marcella the Captain and his wife
me
Ryan helping hoisting the main sail

Last day on the sail boat
Bay on Virgin Gorda
Bay at Tortola

St. John bay
Ryan and I beach on Virgin Gorda (did i marry a hunk or what)

I spend most of the week getting ready for our trip to the Virgin Island and getting the kids ready to go to nanas. So Friday morning around 5:00 a.m we left for the airport and we landed in St. Thomas around 3:30 and took a how should I say very dangerous cab ride to the hotel. Remember they drive on the wrong side of the road and the roads are literally one lane and everyone shares the road. We also had a fellow passenger to take home that was a local and we got to see the un tourist part of St. Thomas. We got to our hotel room unpacked and walked down to the beach. Craigs plane was delayed so we had dinner with out them. You know how they say dont drink the water in mexico well the same can be said in the Virgin Islands. Poor Ryan was sick all night. We met up with Craig and Roxie for some breakfast and grabbed our bags and headed for the marina. We met Gus our captain and he took us to the boat on the dingee. After we got on the boat we went down to the cabin and started to put our bags away and the motion of the ocean and the stuffiness of the cabin I got my first taste of sea sickness. So after a quick meet and greet with Gus and Marcella (Gus`s wife) we sailed out of the harbour and headed toward Hawks Nest on St. Johns. I felt better after that. We had lunch once we got there and every one snorkeled. We spent the night there and after breakfast snorkeled a bit and then sailed to Josh Van Dike another island. We went on land to give our passport info and had a drink and a snack at Foxys a well know bar. We set sail again that afternoon to a small island that was little more than a beach not even the size of our yard. We snorkeled there as well and spent the night. The next morning we set off for Tortola. We went on land and rented a car to drive around the island. We had some lunch drove around some more and ended up taking a hike up to a look out post at the top of the mountain. Needless to say it is absolutely beautiful there. We turned the car in and met Gus and Marcella for dinner and dancing (you know Ryan so we didnt dance). The next morning we sailed all day to Virgin Gorda. The next morning we went on land rented scooters and toured the island. We went to The Baths and place where all these huge boulders have created pools on the shore line. We swam there for awhile got back on the scooters and drove to the top and took pictures. On the way down the mountain we ended up at this swanky hotel a place we were not suppose to be and got kicked out. We had lunch and sat at the bar until Gus came and picked us up in the dingee. The next morning we sailed to Norman island, Roxie and Craig hung out on the boat all day and Gus took us on land and we stayed at the beach all day swimming and relaxing this island was the inspiration for Treasure Island. It was one of my favorite days. The next morning Gus took us to the best snorkeling we have ever been too. We then sailed to St. John. The next morning we went on land rented a jeep and toured St John. Which by the way Jon Bon Jovi owns a house there, we never found it but it is there. We stayed our last night there. The next morning we started getting our bags packed and sailed back to St Thomas and hung out on the boat until noon . We went back to the hotel for the first real shower in a week and a nap in a real bed in real air conditioner. I got sea sick only twice and on the last day it took me about 6 hours to get my land legs back, I kept swaying like I was still on the boat. Plus I was very nausea's. We had a last dinner with Craig and Roxie and went to bed for a good nights sleep. We left St. Thomas the next afternoon and got home around midnight. We had a wonderful time. The only complaint was the A.C. was broke on the boat so the night`s were hot so sleeping wasnt always that easy. But all the great things out weighted the bad. WE loved getting to know Gus and Marcella they are from Germany and had some great story's.

They also had a cat on board Sasha. We were there on the off season but there was lots of other boats there that docked up in the harbours just like us, some personal boats some charters like us. And a lot of the people was European and they dont have a problem with nudity, so you would be hanging out and you see a boat sailing by and they are all NAKED!!! Man, woman, kids and all. I saw more naked men than I have ever wanted too. To bad for Ryan and Craig not many women actually Ryan didnt see any. My favorite part of the trip was when we would sail from one island to the next we would go up to the front of the boat and lay on the trampolines and listen to music, read ,sleep or just talk and relax. We really hope to take the girls next time but not stay on the boat as long. Not real sure how Halie will handle taking a shower on the boat, you stand on the back of the boat with a little water hose you soap up, jump in the water to rinse off and then rinse off again with the water hose.

It was the best trip we have ever taken, I m so glad we were able to go since Ryan is going to be gone for a few monthes most of the week starting next week.

See ya soon

July 4th- July 15th

2008-07-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

I still cant believe that this summer is all most halfway over.

We had another great 4th of July party. We had about 25 people show up and we had a great firework show. My parents drove up for the party this time too. Saturday we drove over to Frisco to visit with Cindy,Glenn, Glenn's Sister and her husband and his cousin. And that evening Charlie and Luster stayed over so we cooked out and swam again. Sunday Ryan and the guys went riding dirt bikes and that evening my week long Sign Language workshop started in Dallas. I dropped Sierra off at Stacees house for a few days so she wasnt sitting at home with Halie all week.

Ryan left Monday to go to Louisiana for a few days. I went to class everyday from 8:00 to 4:00 so by the time I got home after 5:00 I was spent. Just a quick note I DONT KNOW HOW SINGLE MOMS DO IT. Because thats what I felt like with Ryan gone all week. I was so tired at the end of the day all I wanted to do was crash when I got home not cook or clean or do anything else. So KUDOS for all my single friends with kids. Thursday Ryan headed home and I had a late night at the workshop in Dallas. The staff put on a banquet and a show for all the students and spouses. SOOOO I talked Ryan into staying the night at the hotel with me and going to the banquet too. I had to remind him of banquets I went too for him and he happily agreed.

So we had a very nice evening together after being apart for 5 days.

Friday Ryan got up and headed home early and I had my last day of sign class. At home Ryan hooked up the camper and boat and head to Lake Lewisville for a weekend of fun in the sun with all our dirt bike riding families. I met up with them after my classes.

We had a great weekend lots of fun and way too much sun. We didnt even get home until 6:00. This week has been a recoup week and trying to get everything ready for our trip Friday and getting the kids ready for Nana`s. I do have a funny story about Sierra I will share.

Monday we met up with her friend from her new school Racheal and her mom at the mall in Denton, we had a early dinner with them and the girls went to the bathroom, they came running out wanting to borrow a pen of course asked "WHY" they said they wanted to write a phone number down "I said what phone number" they said the one on the wall that said FOR A GOOD TIME CALL THIS NUMBER and they wanted to have a good time. Debra and I almost died from laughing we then explained why they couldnt call that number.

Tuesday night Halie slept over at a friends house and we took Sierra to watch the new 3-D movie.

Wednesday I dropped by and picked up Tripp for a few hours so Miranda could get ready for her garage sail. Tripp is like a little fish he was dog paddling all over the pool (white his life jacket) he is so cute and funny.

Today I am trying to pack everyone and get the house cleaned up before we leave
I

t seems this week has been reversed for the girls last week Sierra had company or was at sleepovers and this week its been Halie. Its seems like they are never her together and thats not always a bad thing.

My physical therapy is doing good( I guess) I still have more pain in my wrist than I did before but I am keeping my fingers crossed it will eventually get better.

I promise to take lots of great pictures this week and post them.

I have lots of pictures this time........
Pics are First two are of The 4th of July, , the guys playing water vollyball, and everyone looking up at the fireworks. The gang hanging out at the lake, we had three boats tied together and we got a water trampoline for the kids to play on (the big red thing on the left), Lunch at Sneaky Petes, a fun restaurant on Lake Lewisville, Ryan and I on the front of our boat, Kim and I on the lake (I had to ride with out using my right hand to hang on and Kim kept cracking me up I thought I was going to loose it)) Tripp swimming with Ryan and Sierra, my sign class (I met alot of amazing wonderful new friends there, the dog was a service dog in training). Ryan and Sierra`s feet (HAHAHA) , and the girls and I on the back of the boat tuddling(thats what I call going really slow so we can hang our feet of the back into the water) around the lake.

Hope to see everyone soon.

June 20th- July 1st

2008-06-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

We finally got to go and use our cabin in Colorado. And it took every ounce of strength to pack up and come back home. I guess you have figured out by that last statement that we loved up there. The first day we left after lunch and drove to Amarillo to spend the night and eat at the big texan, got up first thing and head for Breck. That first afternoon we just looked around and made a list of what we needed. And that morning Ryan and I got up early and grabbed some breakfast at our favorite spot (We always find a good breakfast place wherever we go). The we found a beautiful place to go hiking but we soon discovered we didnt have the right kind of shoes so we came back to the cabin grabbed Sierra (Halie wanted to sleep) and drive to Dillon and Silverthorn to get some amenities. My mom and dad came the next evening and the next day we just drove them around and showed them the sights. Wednesday we drove back to Colorado Springs and went to the top of Pikes Peak. It was actually snowing when we got to the top.

On the way down we passed lots of police officer, emergency vehicles and search and rescue people. I later found out from my good friend Paula that lives in Colorado Springs that a teenager had driven off the summit and fell 1000 feet (no apparent reason). We stopped at a great authentic mexican place on the way home and had a late lunch. The next day we got up early walked thru a rebuilt 1800`s mining town. It was so funny when I realized that my parents dragged me around to places like this growing up and I hated it and here I was doing the same to my kids. Later that afternoon we went rafting and we loved it. It was a great experience and I would love to do it again soon. Friday we hung around town did a little shopping and got ready to head home. Mom and dad left early that morning, I was hoping to stay another day but Ryan and the kids convinced me to go home so we left around 11:00 and got home at 1:00 in the morning (very long day). Needless to say we really like up there in the summer. Its so quiet and COOL especially after leaving here and its 100 degree`s. Sunday Ryan mowed, Jordan came and picked up Halie and they went on a date. And Katie and Brent came over an swam with Sierra. I on the other hand stayed in bed all day I was exhausted and had a horrible headache.

Monday things got back to normal, Ryan and I had breakfast and then I came back picked up Halie and Sierra. Halie had a eye dr. appointment and Sierra had tutoring. Later I picked up Katie again Mitch came over to swim and I cooked out steaks. Tuesday I had my first physical therapy treatment on my wrist (not very promising) then meet up with Kim in Denton for Lunch came home to a house full of kids sent Halie out the door to go to the mall with friends and cooked dinner for us and Brent an family YEP everything is back to normal. And I am already planning our next trip back to CO. in August.

Pictures are of mom dad and girls in front of the great waterfall Ryan and I found on a hike, mom and dad by the creek behind our house, us in front of cabin, Ryan and the girls bellying up to the bar at the 180`s town in Fairplay , and Ryan and I at the creek that runs right out our back door, rafting.

Halie`s Sweet Sixteen

2008-06-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

ITS FINALLY HERE HALIES SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY...... And it seems like we have celebrated all week. And since I didnt download the pictures in chronological order so I will have to go backwards.

We took Halie and two carloads of her friends to sixflags on Tuesday, It turned out to be the perfect day. It was overcast with a few rain showers (mostly before we got there) and it was barely in the upper 70`s. We closed the place down and rode more rides than we had ever gotten to ride before because it was so slow that day. The next day I sure felt like I had a sixteen year old. I love to ride the rides but my body is all out of wack after riding that much in one day.

Wednesday we took her to get her license then looked at cars again. Little gas friendly cars are hard to find these days and shes so picky shes willing to wait and get what she wants for the price we will pay, so it may be a long wait for her.
Halie spent the evening with Jordan and his mom, they took her out to eat at PeiWei`s and then brought her home.

Last Friday night we spent the night at Cindy`s and she worked really hard making Halie a special cake for her birthday (Its a flip flop cake) They also gave her $50.00 in pennies to put towards her car , very clever idea. We also had birthday cake at Granny Bell and PaPaws on Fathers Day. And she picked out a small cheesecake to share with her friends when they went to six plags. NO MORE CAKE..........

The weekend that Ryan and Sierra was gone Halie and I snuck off to Los Colinos (sp)

for a girls weekend , we got pampered from head to toe at the hotel spa and ate dinner at the Ghengis Grill then played at Dave and Busters. It was all a suprise to Halie. We had asked her monthes ago if she wanted a big party, an big gift, or put the money toward a car and she picked put the money towards a car (shocked the sh*t out of me) I was proud of her so I spoiled her anyway. We had a really great time it being just the two of us.

HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT BIRTHDAY HALIE WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 30th - June 19th

2008-06-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday Cindy came up to have her lasik Surgery done. She had the procedure done on Friday and then had a check up Saturday morning. All went well so she headed home that morning with Sierra in tow. Ryan went camping and riding dirt bikes with a friend and Halie and I went to Paris to go to my aunt and uncles 20 th wedding anniversary party. Then Sunday mom and I went to her side of the family reunion. I got to see a lot of people that I never get to see it was great. Everyone headed home on Sunday and we found that our house had been TP`d again. This time I had had enough and called the police and they came out took evidence (I know it sounds funny) and pictures. I also convinced Ryan to put up a camera and outside lights.

This was the girls last week of school. The girls got their final report cards and we were so proud, Sierra had A`s and B`s and Halie not only had A`s and B`s but for the semester had only one B and the rest A`s. We are so proud of them.

Ryan and I spent almost everyday together because we knew when school was out that would be the end of that. Cindy and Glenn came back Thursday for her one week check up. They headed home Saturday and took Sierra with them for the whole week. Ryan took off for a race Saturday and Halie and I had a weekend to ourselves. And Sunday we went to the lake for Harleys birthday party.

Monday Kim and Colton came over to swim and hang out I really enjoyed that cause I dont get to see her very often. Halie has vegged out all week and with Sierra gone I worked with Ryan the rest of the week. Mitch Miranda and Tripp came by one evening and showed us all the vacation pictures and they had a great time.

Sierra drove us crazy all week wanting us to come and get her early so Friday after Ryan got off work we headed to Paris. We met them at the fish fry for a early dinner then spent the night with Cindy and Glenn. We had a big Fathers Day at Granny Bell and Papaws. I got to visit with my two cousin in laws and I always enjoy that. We didnt leave until 8:00 that night so we were pretty happy to get to bed after a long day. Sunday was Fathers Day and we took Ryan out for lunch. We looked around at some car lots getting a idea of a car for Halie. Then came home and jumped in the swimming pool. Monday Halie had a appointment to get her eyes checked, good thing too because she has her dads eyes, she has astigmatism (SP) just like him. So its glass and/or contacts for her. I will try to catch a picture of her wearing her glasses she looks so cute.

Pictures are : My mother and her siblings (with 2 missing), my PaPaw working in his garden, and Colton after he found Sierras bucket of golf balls.

May 20th-May 28th

2008-05-28T18:37:00.001-07:00

Not that I am complaining in any way BUT the girls have school until the 5th of June after all.
Halie (bless her heart) failed her science taks by 1. She was devestated she has made As and Bs all year including chemistry and she fails this test. Which in turn cause her to have to go the last two weeks. So since she is going Sierra decided to go too. Like I said no complaints coming from me.
We wanted to go camping or do something different for the long weekend but we waited till the last minute and everything was booked. But we ended up having a very busy Memorial Day weekend. Friday Sierra spent the night with a friend and Ryan,Halie and I drove to Southern junction in Rowlett for Lacys birthday party. When we got there around 7:00 it was really hot and when we got in to be seat it was really hot. Two minutes later we find out why, the building had lost all power except for 110. So they couldnt use the A.C. or turn the vent a hood on to grill all the great food they are suppose to serve. We decided to hang around and stick it out for Lacy. A few HOURS later everything got fixed and we got to eat and watch Lacy have a good time at her party.
Saturday Sierra came home and we went to Denton for a few errands then headed to Forney for a crab boil. We didnt stay long and actually had dinner at Razzos on the way home. Sunday we bought mulch for the back yard and Brent and the kids came over to swim and Brent helped Ryan out spreading it all. Monday we decided to have a cook out about 20 people came and we really had a great time visiting and just hanging out. By the time everyone left and we finished up it was bed time and we were exhausted. Wednesday Ryan and I snuck off to see the new Indiana Jones movie while the kids were still at school.

My hand is coming along very slowly. I still have a very small range of motion without pain. And to answer the question YES it still hurts worse than before I had the surgery.
I am still ZIPPO in the working out department I cant believe that I exercised for over 2 monthes and I just let it drop. (No habit changed here) I really want to get back to it since in mid July I will be in a bathing suit for 8 days straight. I just have no motivation. It didnt help that all the time I cut back on eating and exercised I lost not one pound or saw any toning what so ever.

Ryan is up to running two miles almost non stop. I cant seem to drag my butt out of bed to do it.

Cindy came up on Thursday, she is having Lasek done Friday morning in Plano. Hope all goes well. Brent and the girls came over Thursday night to see Cindy. I cooked a big dinner and the kids swam. I almost for we got our house TP`d the other night. I bet you they used at least 100 rolls. The worst thing was the thre about 25 whole rolls into the swimming pool we are lucky it didnt clog the filter. It was horrible. I guess I`m going to have to call a electrition to put up some motion lights in the front yard. My neighbor up the street had her house done Friday night seems to be a big joke for some kids in the neighborhood. Any way hope everyone has a great weekend.

Pictures are , Halie me and Lacy at her party, Mitch,Tripp,Katie an Sierra, our trees TD`d and me and Tripp.

May 1st - May 19th

2008-05-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have a perfectly good reason for being so behind, not sure what it is but I am sure I do.

Ryan had a race that weekend and I believe Sierra went to a friends house and Halie and I went summer clothes shopping I even let her drive my car to Lewisville and she did really good.

The following week was Teacher Appr. Week a very long week for me at school. The PTA does something different for the teachers everyday as well as planning something for the students to do everyday and its my job to organize and set all that up. I am sooooo glad its my last year when Thursday luncheon was over I was done. But I did get to keep Tripp on Wednesday and that was fun. That weekend was prom and Halie went with a guy friend on the tennis team so Saturday I paid for Halie and a friend of hers to get their hair all done up. About 6 kids and all the parents came to the house to take pictures and watch the kids off. They all went to eat at Shoguns then to the prom and after prom party put on by the school. We hadnt planned on going in for Mothers Day because I know I would be up all night worrying about Halie and she would be exhausted when she got home BUT One of the girls mother was chaperoning the Prom and after party so I didnt have to worry my self sick. So Sunday morning Ryan told me we could do whatever I wanted to do that day and I said Go see our moms and we did Halie was a real trooper about it too not one complaint about having to get up. So we spent the day between my mom and Ryans mom. We stopped in Sherman on the way home and ate at Roadhouse. I wanted a steak for dinner because Monday was my surgery and I couldnt eat after midnight. The surgery went really well they were able to go in and repair everything. Recoup time has been a little longer than I expected. You know me I want it done yesterday. I was out of commission almost all week. My hand and wrist are still extremely sore and ache most of the time. I wont have 100% use back for another 4 weeks.

Ryan even dressed up and took Halie to the sports banquet Tuesday night.

I planned a surprise birthday for mom this weekend. Her and Dad came up Friday night I cooked a big Italian dinner and Brent and Katie came over and we watched the kids swim.

Saturday Ryan and Dad went and worked on the land we took the kids to the lake to play.

The plan was to tell mom we were going to go eat a early dinner at Babes and had Tammy and family and Tiff and family already waiting for us with a table and when we walked in Mom was shocked she had no idea. But the best part was Tiff told them it was her birthday and she had to wear a chicken hat and flap her wings while everyone sang happy birthday day. Daddy loved it.

We all came back home watched the kids swim and ate birthday cake. Tammy and family spent the night too so we stayed up playing pool and poker till late that night . Sunday morning everyone packed up and went home. Halie boyfriends Jordan came over and we went to the lake for a few hours then came home and crashed.

This is the last week of school for the girls, Sierra has field day and awards day but I dont think Halie has anything special. She had Powderpuff last week but of course didnt tell me until it was over. I get my stitches out Thursday so I can finally take a regular shower.

Heres another funny story ( I hope I havnt posted it yet) I always tell on Sierra so I will tell one on Halie. A few weeks back we went camping I came up with the girls after they got out of school. We had to stop at the grocery store in Muenster to get a few things Halie had brought a friend and she had just started so they went to go buy supplies. I walked around the aisle to get some chips and when I came back to where I had left the girls they were standing next to a buggy with the supplies in it and a man standing at the front of the buggy. I looked and Halie, then the buggy. and then the man. And said " Halie thats not my buggy and the girls turned around looked at the man and he said well I sure dont need them. Those girls faces turned 10 shades of red. The man and I had a very good laugh about it.

I still cant believe that summer is almost here. It seems like last week they just started Halie will be a junior next year. Her 16th birthday day is less than a month away. Just a FYI I love reading everyones blog I dont always make comments but I do read them so please keep it up.

Pics are Halie for prom, Halie and friend. mom at babes. Good thing mom doesnt read my blogs.

Have a great week.

April 15- 29th

2008-04-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!!!!

The day after the concert I had to get Sierra to the orthodontics by 8:00 UGH!! I realized very quickly that I was going to hate the drive when Sierra starts school next year in Grapevine, but I will survive.

Ryan had another race this weekend in west Texas. It was miserably hot and dusty but he came in 4th in all but first in his division. Charlie ended up breaking his foot in the race.

The girls and I ended up doing a whole lot of nothing while he was gone mainly working around the house. Halie had a friend over Friday night and they spent the day eating out and watching a movie in Frisco (what a life). He got home late Sunday night dead tired and feeling like crap. He ended up sleeping in on Monday morning. I took the kids to school came back home was going to lay back down with him for just a second and we both ended up sleeping until 11 o'clock. But since I never sleep well when he is gone I guess we both needed it.

On Wednesday Cindy came up for a few days, she is getting lasik done and she had her first appointment on Thursday. We took her out to eat Wednesday night then she went walking with us while Colby came over and watch Sweeny Todd with Halie. FYI very gory movie. Thursday I drove her to her appointment then to the mall to get a new RX for glasses (she cant wear her contacts while waiting for the surgery) while we waited we grabbed some lunch and we had our eyebrows threaded (its where they trim your brows using nothing but thread) she thought it was the neatest thing. That evening she went with Sierra to watch Katie in a program at school. Friday morning she headed back home.

Halie spent the weekend at Chealsys house. It was our anniversary weekend and we had thought about going out of town but Sierras plan for spending the weekend away fell through so we stayed at home. Friday we picked up Sierra from school and took her to met her new friend at the bowling alley for a few hours then came home and watched a crappy movie with her. Saturday we went to lunch with her then bought some summer clothes came back home. That evening we burned the burn pile had hotdogs and two bottles of wine it was actually a pretty great anniversary , but all the smoke made both of us sick or Ryan even sicker and Sunday we hung around the house with unknowing to us sinus infections. But I have to tell you a horrible story about the fire. The brush pile that we burned had been there awhile because of all the rain so about 5 mins. after we started it a baby rabbit hops of the fire of course I panic and run towards it trying to shwww it away and yep you know it it turned around and ran right back into the fire. Of course I am freaking out an about 30 seconds later you can hear it squelling in the fire I am going nuts by now and of course cant do anything about it, well the noise stopped and Ryan says its over he`s dead WRONG the poor little baby came crawling out all burned I thought I was going to cry. But being raised on a farm I knew what had to be done so I went and got a shovel so Ryan could put it out of its misery. Poor little thing Ryan said its little eyes had burned out I was horrified. You would think I would be used to things like that but it was a baby. Any way my mom and dad came by for a quick visit on Sunday he made me two chairs and footstools to match and they brought them by.

Monday morning I was too sick to take the kids to school so Ryan offered for me. He ended up going to the doctor and found out about the sinus infection and Lisa asked how I was doing and he told her I was sick with the same thing and she wrote me prescript too. YEAH so we are both on the road to recovery.

Tuesday I was up and around but still felt and sounded like crap. Wednesday I had another Dr.`s appointment for my hand and its finally time to do the surgery, its scheduled for the day after Mother`s Day. After the appointment I met with the principal of Sierras school and finalized my job with them for next year. They are going to pay me salary but its not come to come close to paying for tuition so I will get a monthly paycheck again and at least it will pay for

the gas down there. Later that night some people came over to help Ryan work on his bike and then Brent and Mitch came over and helped pull the pool cover off. I cooked out some burgers for everyone and we sat around ate and had a few drinks.

A couple of quick funny stories at Sierras expense.

One day last week I picked up Halie from school and she went with me to buy grocery's which I wont do again I spent at least a hundred dollars more with her going .... She picked out these reeses peanut butter cup ice cream sandwiches, that night after our walk Sierra had ice cream all on her pants she said she had eaten one of halies ice cream. Later that night Halie asked who had eaten two of her ice creams. Ryan and I both knew we hadnt and Sierra said she had eaten only one so guess the ghost ate it ( we figured it was Seirra) the next night Ryan caught her trying to get in the freezer again he asked what she was doing and she said getting one of Halies ice cream an Ryan said But you had two last night and she said How did you know ? He said i didnt you just told me. You should have seen her face.

The next story is also about things Sierra says. I made myself a cup of hot tea an put it in a to go cup with lid and set it on the arm rest in the tahoe. I turned around to tell Seirra something and knocked the cup over and it spilled all over my back and it hurt like hell too. I raised my shirt to get Halie to look at it and she said it looked bad. So I drove on to the shop cursing from the pain all the way there. Once there Sierra ran over to my side and said let me see so i turned and pulled my shirt up for her to see and she winced and said im going to tell dad what happened. As i walked in front of her she said "Mom your shirts all wet" I couldnt help it I said "DUH Sierra remember the hot water that spilled on me" It was funny later when I told Ryan but at the moment I was exhuasted by her. I ended up having second degree burns on my back two big blisters came up later that day and its still blood red.

Both of the girls are doing great at school AB honor roll for both of them. They are taking the TAXT (SP) test this week.

Ryan has a race this weekend last one until the fall HURRAY.

The only picture I have is of us on our anniversary (after the bunny incident I needed some wine)

Hope to see you all soon.

BON JOVI

2008-04-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

Last night was the BonJovi concert this makes my third one to go too. Kim and I went and of course our wonderful driver Ryan came with us so we wouldnt have to drive.

As always it was AWESOME. You all know how much I love me some Jon, Kim too. We had really good seats and got some great pictures. Daughtry(Barbara he was on American Idol) opened for them but I missed most of him singing cause I was standing in line for a tshirt and it was well worth it. Last time I tried to be cheap and went on ebay to get one and the first time I washed it it faded to nothing. Then they came on and played for overt two hours straight It is such an awesome feeling to be standing with over 20,000 people singing songs that we all love word for word. And they still put on a high energy concert. But Kim and I could just sit and look at him for two and half hours and be happy. We are thinking about in two years when he goes on the road again flying to New Jersey to watch the concert there that would be so cool. Anyway after getting only a few hours sleep last night Ryan and I are ready to crash. But it was well worth and cant wait to go again.

Pictures are of Jon, me and Ryan, me and Kim , and Daughtry

April 5th- April 14th

2008-04-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone....

This weekend we went to muenster. Halie brought a friend and Sierra has kids there that she plays with so it ended up being a fairly queit weekend. The kids and I drove up Friday after school and Ryan went that morning. Since I just got my cast off I rode very safely for a while on Saturday. Everyone brought food for a big cookout that night and we all had a great time with great weather. Sunday I woke up and realized the keys were locked in the truck so I hopped in a friends truck and headed home to get the spare set and as I was going thru
Sanger I happend to look at my phone an see I had missed calls and messages from Ryans phone. They had the keys, for some unknown reason all the doors but one were locked (the ONE we didnt check) so I hurridly turned around and headed back, a little too hurridly because I got pulled over in Lindsey for speeding but he took pity on me with my sad story and let me off with a warning.

Tuesday Halie played her last tennis game of the season and we took some of her team mates out to eat. Wednesday night Sierra went to church and right as she got home we had some nasty weather. It hit again around 4:00a.m. the winds did some pretty good damage in our neighborhood.

Friday We worked in the back yard getting ready for summer. And Sierra had a friend come over. Saturday morning Ryan and I got up early and had breakfast at Dennys then he took off around ten for his race in LA. The girls and I picked up Jordan and went to the mall in Grapevine and caught a movie later. Sunday I worked more in the backyard , cleaned house and waited for Ryan to come home. I will be so glad when his races are over for a while. He has one this weekend and one in May then he is off for the summer. But he is doing great he`s in 1st place.

Pictures are first one the riding group and 2nd is riding group and me (I was told I needed more pictures of me on the blog) and third is Ryan, Roger, and James. Rogers wife made the shirts for the guys They are KTM orange (the name of the bikes they ride) TEAM SCANDOULOUS on the back with their ktm talk log on name on the front. They are a little dorky but very nice of her. Ryan wouldnt dare wear anywhere but muenster.

Have a great week.

March 19th- April 4th

2008-04-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

This was Spring break week for the kids. We mainly hung around the house but we did leave in the motor home on Thursday and spend a few days in Powderly for Easter. Friday we took Dad fishing at Pay Mays lake and went out to dinner with Cindy and Glenn that evening. At the restaurant I ran into Gene and Wilma, they gave me my first job as a teenager and I just LOVE them. Saturday we took Harley,Hayden and Tripp to a Easter egg hunt at Paris and later that evening had dinner with Barbara and Bailey and all the gang. Sunday we had the Easter egg hunt and lunch. We really had a great weekend, we dreaded the drive home. Monday the kids headed back to school at great relief to me, but Sierra started getting sick that night and ended up staying home the rest of the week. She ran a very high fever, and just felt like crap all around. But the thing the worried me the most was she wouldn't eat.(we all know Sierra and eating). We took her to the Dr. were all test came back fine except for blood in her urine. She is back to normal and we are going back in a few weeks to do a follow up urine test. Wednesday we closed on the house in Colorado we are estatic about that and cant wait for us and all of our friends and family to start enjoying it. Halie had a couple of tennis game in the last few weeks, she really is coming along really well. The only problem I have is she has her fathers desire to win no matter what and her mothers short temper. Not the best at sportsmanship but we are working on that. The coach says she wants to win so bad she doesnt always make good choices. Nothing horrible just not the way I would want her to act.

Ryan left Saturday for a race out in west Texas. He came in First and he is in first place in the whole division points wise. He is really into getting in to shape, he gets up every morning and runs a mile. We both are trying to get into better shape, I love to get my ipod and go walk at the walking track at the lake but Ryan is not crazy about me going by myself I told him I would get a can of mace if it would make him feel better. Back to the weekend, Saturday Kim and her new boyfriend came to Pilot Point and we had dinner so I could get to know Patrick a little bit.

Sunday we picked up friend for Sierra (she was finally feeling better) at went to the movies, Halie and I saw Horton hears a Who and the girls saw another movie
I cant remember the name of. Tuesday Ryan and I had a date day since it seems like he is gone very week end racing. I also had my last PTA meeting that night.

Wednesday I had my cast taken of YEA YEA. He said the tendon is healing itself very well so surgery is not necessary which is good. So he gave me brace to wear when I am doing something where I might jam or over extend the thumb. Which seems for me to be every waking moment.

That afternoon Ryan and I went to the lake and walk/ran about 3 miles. I love being with him (I know it sounds corny) its like being with my best friend. Thursday we got the motor home ready to head to Muenster for the weekend. And the curse on our motorhome coninues ,this morning Ryan was filling up the holding tanks the water went up thru the toilet and flooded the inside (no its not suppose to do that) of course I tried to look at the brightside that the floor is tile and not carpet Ryan on the other hand didnt see it that way and finally just said stop talking.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

I almost forgot as part of a class Halie is in she had to keep a baby doll that has to be taken care of like a real baby over night. It records how much it cries and if its not feed, diaper changed and so on. I woke her up about 5 times that night LOVE IT....

Pics are of Barbara and Tripp at Easter, Haydens Birthday, Anden,Harley,Hayden and Tripp at the egg hunt, dad fishing, and the house in Colorado.

Mar 5th- Mar 18th

2008-03-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone once again.

Well its been since September that I wrecked and they finally decided to cast my hand and thumb to try to get the tendon in my thumb and torn cartilage in my wrist to heal. And as you can guess I`m not thrilled about it, I am suppose to wear the cast for 4 weeks then a brace for 8 more weeks. They say theres a small chance of it healing on its own (cartilage not at all) So then the next step is surgery but the way this cast is going I m going to ask to cut the 8 weeks and fix it now.

We had a busy week at Sierras school. I am over the ART fair this year and all the projects were due, it was also teacher appreciation luncheon and I picked a perfect menu Soups,Stews and baked potatoes because it ended up snowing 6 inches. They cancelled school and everything. So Friday was a snow day Sierra stayed at Stacee's house for the whole weekend, Halie had a sleepover too and Ryan had a race so I had the house for the weekend too myself. Ryan got home Sunday night with a second place plaque.

The next week was about as busy as last week with tennis games and more PTA stuff.

Ryan and I left on Wednesday to go to Colorado for a few days, we wanted to be there for the inspection of the house and everything went great. There were a few problems but the owners agreed to fix them and we should have the keys by the end of the month. We were there long enough to get to ski for one day. I had to wear Ryans gloves so it would go over my cast, I looked like I had man hands. Cindy came up and watched the kids while we were gone. We stayed home this weekend and worked in the yard raking leafs and burning brush. Saturday night we burned leafs and cooked out hotdogs. We love doing redneck stuff like that.

Monday is the first day of spring break for the kids and we took Harley ,Hayden and Tripp to this fun play place in Lewisville called Going Bonkers. Its been raining cats and dogs all day today. We went today to get our passports started ,we aren`t going anywhere but I figured we better have them just in case. This weekend is Easter and Haydens birthday so we will be spending the weekend in Powderly.

I hope everyone has a good one.

Pictures are...

Tripp at going bonkers, The BIG snow we got a few weeks ago, Harley and Hayden at Going Bonkers , and looking down main street in Breck.

Feb 22nd- March 2nd.

2008-03-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

Halie and I got up Friday morning and followed the bus to lake Dallas for her tennis tournament Halie and her partner won two out of three games and came in second at the tournament. Ryan picked up Sierra from school early and came up to watch. Ryan and I were both pleasantly surprised at how much she has improved since last year. After the game we drove to Grapevine to stay for the weekend at the great wolf lodge. It has a indoor water park. If you ever get a chance to go, GO. It is amazing You feel like your in a different world. The girls and I never left the hotel until we left Sunday. Ryan started his stock market class Saturday morning. Sierra stayed at the water park for over twelve hours Saturday. She was exhausted by the time Ryan got there that night but she kept playing until they closed the park.

We came home Sunday and we all crashed. Monday I had lunch with Kim at the school.

Tuesday I met Barbara in Sherman to pick up Tripp and bring him back home.

Wednesday I got called to the school to pick up Halie she ended up having strep. Ryans class ended Friday around 6:00 p.m. and he was so happy he had been going for 7 days leaving around 5:30 and getting home after 7:00 everynight. He is not one to sit in a class room anymore , he learned a lot but it was torture for him. After Ryan got into Denton we went and picked up Halie from her tournament she played mixed doubles but didnt do as well as last week. We grabbed a burger got Ryan some supplies for his race this weekend and headed home.

Kassidy had a soft ball tournament in McKinney this weekend so they came up Friday and spent the night. The two of us went out for breakfast and had a manicure pedicure. It was really nice to spend some time with her. Ryan left for his race while we were gone. We went and watched Kassidy play ball for a while then picked up Stacee and took her and

Sierra to the skating rink and Halie and I had dinner just the two of us. The girls and I are going to work in the yard today and wait for Ryan to come home from the race.

Pictures are of Halie at tennis tournament and water park.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Feb 7th- Feb 21st

2008-02-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

Its a rainy cold day here in Pilot Point and it seems to be that way a lot lately.
Back to the weekend of the 9th and 10th, Saturday morning we all got up very early to go to Waco to ride motorcycles. Sierra brought a friend and we dropped Halie off to spend the day with Jordan and his family. Sunday Ryan and I spent the morning in Denton ,we picked out a patio table that matches the couch and chairs set we have on the patio then picked up some groceries because I cooked dinner for Kim Sunday night for her birthday. We rarely get to see each other so it was wonderful getting to catch up. Mitch,Miranda and Tripp came over for dinner and the girls and I got to play with Tripp for a while.
On Tuesday Halie had a tennis game in Little Elm, she won all three games. Thursday after taking Halie to school I took Ryan and Sierra to visit the new school. At first she was very hesitant to go in and stay but after about 5 minutes she didnt want to leave. She went into a classroom while Ryan and I visited with Mellisa the principle. While Ryan was talking to her and getting some questions answered I got emotional about the whole thing. I cant even put into words how hopeful I am about this school. This place has been a blessing for us. We have waited for so long for a answer to our prayers. And everytime I go up to Sierras school and watch the kids in her classes I am even more convienced we are doing the right thing. And since the word has gotten out that she is leaving I have had two more teachers come up and say that we were doing the right thing for her and thats always a plus. Sierra wants to start now instead of waiting till September. I took Sierra back to school so she could go to the Valentine party.
That afternoon Jordan came up to see Halie for V- day he sent her some gorgeous flowers and took her out for dinner. We also went out to dinner for V-day.
Friday Ryan and some of his friends went to east Texas to camp and ride, and I bet you all remember how wonderful the weather was that weekend (not). It was cold and rainy all weekend. They all stayed in the motorcycle trailer, guess you know why we didnt go. Saturday we met Mitch,Miranda and Tripp for lunch in Frisco then Seirra had a Birthday party to go to in Pilot Point. Afterwards Halie and I drove to Denton and had a late dinner. Sunday we stayed home and waited for Ryan to come home. And he was exhausted when he got home. One of the guys locked his keys in his truck after they got back so we had a long evening waiting to straighted that out. Tuesday night we let Sierra spent some of her birthday money and let her pick a place to eat for her upcoming B-day.
Wednesday was Sierras birthday, I cooked her favorite dinner and backed a cake for her. We decided to get her a cell phone for her birthday. We are going to get rid of the house phone so we thought we all needed one. She has been begging for one for over a year. And you know me I had to trick her, so I put a braclet in the box the phone came in and then put the phone in a plain box. So you can image when she unwrapped the phone box and saw a bracelet inside it. Needless to say she was a little disappointed. And as she reached for the plain box I called her phone and it started ringing it took her about 30 seconds to figure it out. It was hilarious and I got it all on tape.
Ryans stock market class starts Saturday and Halie has a tournement in Lake Dallas Friday so we will have another busy weekend.

Pictures are Tripp playing at the house, Halie and Jordan on V-day, This is the first time Sierra has rode her dirt bike down a trail and not just in the wode open (dad is behind her). Sierra and Halie will all their V-day goodies, Sierra getting her phone (or thinking she is getting a phone, which she does later)

Have a great weekend.

Jan 25 th - February 7th

2008-02-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

On Friday night we stayed home I know can you believe it. The girls and I cooked dinner and we just hung out and watched t.v. Saturday we all went to the shop, Halie cleaned her dads office and Ryan and I took apart and moved some shelves to the shop at the house. That night we went out with my friend and hairstylist Nicole and her soon to be hubby. Halie babysat the kids and then later Nicole and about 6 of her friends came over to hang out in the gameroom. Sunday morning Ryan got up early and headed to Muenster and I sleep in (till 7) then went and picked up Harley and Hayden with the girls and met up with Ryan so the kids could ride and they had a ball, we stopped at Chilis on the way home for dinner. Monday I did laundry and packed everybody up. Ryan and I went to LA. for a few days and the girls stayed at friends house. After we flew in to New Orleans we rented a car and Ryan drove me around to see the damage that was still there and you would be suprised most of the town looks like it was hit by Katrina 6 mos ago not 2 1/2 years ago. We stayed with Craig and Roxie that first night and then the next night we all drove to Gulf Port and spent the night in resort casino. Craig made us reservation at Emeril`s resaurant in the hotel. We all sat at the chiefs table and had their 5 course tasting menu. It was soooo neat they picked out the food they served us along with different wines for every course. We had some many new foods that we would have never tried. They also waited on you hand and foot, we really thought we were hot shit. (HAHA) Until we realized that the next night we would be sitting around the camp fire eating hotdogs on paper plates (which is what we perfer) Near the end of the meal I looked over and Ryan was unbuttoning his pants, I couldnt help but laugh. We are who we are no matter were we are. We flew home Thursday unpacked and repacked to go to Muenster for the week-end. Sierra brought a friend and Jordan and his family came up for the day on Sunday to ride and visit. We got home and unpacked and cleaned up just in time to watch the superbowl. We were so tired we ended up watching it in the bed while eating dinner. It was such a boring game we had pretty much given up and got distracted and missed the big play of the game but we did start watching again to see the every end. Monday after noon we decided to have Sierras birthday party the next evening. The Hanna Montana concert was playing at the movie for one week only so I called all the moms and got permission to pick all the girls up Tuesday. We went to the mall and hung out till the movie started watched the movie, took them to dinner and then home. Sierra and all her friends had a great time. She had wanted to take them all camping for a weekend but we could find a weekend where everyone could go so we did this instead (which was for the best I dont think I could have handled a whole weekend of that). Halie had a tennis tournment but it was canceled because of the weather on monday. I think we are going to Waco Saturday to ride DB`s and Halie is going to go to Jordans house for the day its their 6 mos. anniversary. We also got her report card and she made all A`s and B`s for the last six weeks and the semester average.

Pictures are Halie,Jordan,Ashton, Sierra and Julie at Muenster, Craig,Roxie,his mom and dad,Ryan and I and two of the chiefs at Emerils. One of Harley with Ryan and Hayden riding a dirt bike with a very good friend of ours at Muenster and Sierra with friends standing in front of the movie poster, watching the concert and at the The Cheesecake Factory enjoy her birthday song and cake.

Hope everyone has a great weekend !!!!!

Jan 11th- Jan 24th

2008-01-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I am getting better its only been what 13 days since I bloged last.
Everyone is doing great. Halie had mid term exams last week but she was exempt from every class since she had good grades and very few absences.
Sierra made A`s and B`s again and Halies report card hasnt came yet.
Weekend before last Sierra spent the weekend at Stacys and Saturday Ryan and I got up and headed to Dennys had some breakfast and then just hung around Denton waiting for time to go watch a movie, during that time Jordan drove to pick up Halie and brought her to Denton to watch a movie and then we all went and had lunch. We went to the mall and let them walk around until it was time for him to go home. Sunday I think we hung around the house all day. The next week I went to visit the school in Grapevine that we had been told about. I was very impressed with all the teachers and especially their phlosophy for working with kids like Sierra. They put all their money into the kids and paying good salaries to the teachers. The school is in a little strip center I passed it twice before I even saw it. They have about 25 students max. They have class on a regular schedule like the public school district with holidays and summer break about the same and they only go three days a week Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday. Which is great because its over an hours drive one way. But its worth it. I totally believe its the best things for Sierra at least for the next 2 years. We are going back in two weeks so Sierra and Ryan can look around and then fill out the paper work, write a check and she is in. Hopefully it will only be for two years then she can go to Pilot Point High School we really dont want her to miss out on things like prom and homecomings and stuff like that. And Halie will be driving next year so I dont have to worry about getting her to and from school and practice. The school has also offered me a aides job and to help out with the new Sign language class they are hoping to start next year. ( I am still thinking about that).
Last weekend we went camping at Lake Murray in OK. IT WAS FREEZING. It was almost too cold to ride (I said almost) We mainly sat around a fire and talked about the times we had been there before and how much we enjoyed it and how quickly things change. Dad was also camping in another section of the park and mom came up for the weekend so they came over and had dinner with us Saturday night. Sunday we left around noon and headed home with a small case of poison ivy. I have pretty much spent every day with Ryan this week. Which we all know I love that. I know when Sierra starts school all that will end. Looks like we are in for some nasty weather tonight the kids are hoping they close school Friday but I am sure it wont. Not sure what this weekend has in store for us but I am sure we will think of something.
Hope to see all soon.

Dec.20th - Jan.10th

2008-01-10T07:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone and it was a whirlwind. We decided last minute to go to Breckenridge for Christmas. Mike offered us the house and we decided why not. So we or I hurried to get every thing ready to go. We let the kids open their gifts early so we wouldnt have to carry all of it up there. We left around noon on Friday and drove to Mickeys house west of Colorado Springs. We ran into a blizzard on the way there. It was so bad driving down the road to his house we had to look out our windows to see how close we were to the ditch that was the only way to stay on the road. And when we got there the storm had knocked some power lines down and they had no power. We made it to Mikes house the next afternoon. We had a great time while we were there. Mickey, Paula and the kids came with us for a few days and we loved that. We talked and played games and even got to go eat lunch with out the kids one day thanks to Halie.The kids had a blast sledding and playing they rarely get to see each other. It is so beautiful up there I just love it. I would go back today if I could We even had a real Christmas Eve dinner turkey dressing and all the works. We did take the girls stockings with the Santa gifts Halie got her new phone ( we tricked her into thinking we hadnt gotten in the mail yet but had it the whole time) Sierra got a Hanna Montana phone. But their favorite gift was the WII we got them with the help of my mom THANKS MOM!!! We started home the Saturday before New years. Sunday Ryan went dirt bike riding ( I couldnt believe it after he drove for 13 hours on Saturday) The girls and I unpacked and repacked and headed to Powderly for the long weekend to have Christmas with all the family since we missed it.

Ryan drove there that evening. Tammy,George and the kids came to moms and we played cards and let the kids open their gifts. Monday we went to Ryans moms for Christmas. And that evening Ryan and I went to Michellas for New Years Eve. Sonya her husband and her brother and sister in law was there we had a great time I even won the poker pot. New Years day we had lunch at moms and went and visited Granny Belle and PaPas. We watched old home videos I really enjoyed our visit. I hated missing Christmas with them.

We came home that evening and Sierra stayed at Nanas we let her skip school for two days.

Halie wont miss a day she wants to be exempt from her mid terms. On Thursday we decided to go to Muentser for the weekend so We packed the motor home. Kim and Colton went with us and he had a blast. kim said he absolutely loved it. Jordan and his dad came up on Sunday to ride so they got to spend some time together. Came home Sunday late afternoon. And I am TIRED and sick. I thought some of the wood we burned had kicked up my allergies but I am not sure its not a touch of the flu. Both girls went back to school Monday and Ryan went to LA. on Wednesday. I think we are saying home this weekend. I need a break. Over the whole Christmas break I was home 2 nights. The girls are doing good, Halie had to cook a meal Sunday night and write a report on it, she cooked Italian sausage manacotii (sp)and it turned out really good, and she got a 100 on the paper. She went to dinner and to the movies with her BFF this week (just the two of them). We are getting Sierra back in with a therapist her little nervous habit is getting worse and a friend of mine said its not normal and we needed to get her in with some one. Still not sure what we are going to do with her next year.

I hope everyone had a great holiday and a even better new year.

Heres your pics BAM. 1st pic is of Ryan and colton on my bike, Sierra,Colton (on his little 4 wheeler) and Ryan both at Muenster , us at the house we stay at in Breckenridge, the girls tubing, at cindys on New Years eve, Dixie in her winter getup she hated the snow,Christmas eve dinner and finally the 4 of us at Keystone.

Dec 11th - Dec.19th

2007-12-19T17:27:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas is only a week away and I am finally finished with my shopping.

Last week was pretty hum drum not much going on. Ryan and I did sneak off one night and have dinner while the girls stayed home ALONE or almost alone Colby was here. I put on my second teacher luncheon on Friday and it went off with out a hitch. That afternoon was freezing so I went and got some movies and planned on watching TV all weekend but that didnt happen. We did stay home Friday night but we ended up watching The Scrooge on t.v. Saturday Ryan and I got up early and had breakfast at Dennys (big surprise). Then went over to the mall and I picked out my Christmas present from Ryan. We went to Haslet to pick up Jordan for the day. Then back to Pilot Point to get Halie and Sierra. We took them all to Frisco and watched The new Chipmunk movie it was soooooo cute. Had a little dinner then Ryan took us to the court house in Frisco and looked at the lights, they have it set up to where the lights blink to the music on the radio it was neat looking. Then we drove Jordan all the way back home.

Sunday it was so nice we went to the McKinney trade days and walked around and ate some fair food (yum). Monday I rode with Ryan for the day and then met Kim and Colton in town for dinner. Yesterday I picked up Halie after school and took her to Denton to pick out Jordan and Chelseas Christmas gift.

Wednesday was a great day. I picked up Harley and Hayden from day care and took them for the day. I took them to Kohls to pick out a outfit for part of the gift then to the mall in Frisco to ride the merry-go-round and little lunch and to see Santa. After that we went to toys-r-us. for the rest of their gift. And finally back home so they could play with the kids. I think they had a great time I know I did.

Last night Sierra and I watched a Christmas movie while Ryan and Halie had a daddy daughter evening. They went to McKinney ski clothes shopping. I let Ryan take her because I cant stand paying that much for clothes she will only wear a few times for a couple of years before she grows out of them. I offered to go with them but he wanted to spend some time with her I think.

He did make her get a size bigger than normal so she can wear them for a while and after she went to bed I tried them on and they fit me too YEA

Sierras whole 6th grade class had a Christmas party/dance at school today I went and help out, it was fun I even got out there and did the hocky pocky and that mexican dance that came out years and years ago (I dont know how to spell it)

We are going to meet Jordans family tonight in Denton for dinner so the kids can exchange gifts and visit since they wont get to see each other for a while. Tomorrow the kids get out of school at one and have almost two weeks off.

See everyone soon. Have a great weekend. Picture is of Harley and Haydon visiting Santa.

Dec. 4th - Dec. 11th

2007-12-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

Can you believe Christmas is only a few weeks away?

Tuesday I went to the new Orthopedic dr. in Lewisville, he gave me a cortisone shoot in my wrist. OUCH The ones I had in my hip were not bad at all but the one in the wrist WOW. I need to give it a few weeks to see if the pain goes away. If not the only alternative is surgery. The best option is that they can repair the tear and be done. The not so good option is that its torn from the bone and they will have to drill a hole in the bone and pull the cartilage thru the hole and secure it from the other side. And then have a pin sticking out of my arm and a cast for 6 to 8 weeks. That night Halie and I worked the concession stand at the High school Basketball games since I couldnt do much with my hand she had a friend come help we actually had fun and offered to help out again if they needed us. Wednesday was Ryans birthday,he got his stitches out that day also. His hand is doing good. Brent treated all of us to dinner that night for his birthday.

Friday morning Ryan and Charlie took off for Muenster for the last man standing race. Which was a big upset the guy thats won the last two years and was expected to win again LOST some guy from Poland won.

Friday night Barbara, Tripp, Sierra and I went to Frisco for dinner and to walk around the mall.

Saturday Sierra and I went to a local high school to their craft show, while Halie was still at her friends house we picked them up on the way home and got ready to go to Six Flags.

We got there when it opened and stayed till it closed and it was crowded. I did a lot of sitting and waiting will the kids rode, at least it wasnt cold. We hit a IHOP on the way home for a late dinner. I think I got to bed around 12:30.

Sunday my mom,sister,Barbara and Miranda went on our annul shopping trip to buy all the grand kids a gift from Barbara and Granny Belle ( shes not able to keep up anymore). Ryan got home that morning after we left and took Halie to Grapevine to met Jordan and then took Sierra and her friend to lunch and headed home for some much needed rest. I got home around 6:30 very tired.

We got the girls report cards this week Sierra made A's and B's. Halie made all A's except for one C in Geometry. We are extremely proud of both of them.

I did forget to write about something that happened a few weeks ago with Sierra. It was a bad week and I need time to process it all. Sierra has had a very hard time this year. Kids are cruel as we all know but this year has been a little more than normal. She has friends that love to come over and spend the night, go out with us and even go on vacation with us. But when it comes to carrying over that friend ship at school thats a different thing. Being in special ed classes is like a leper sign on her forehead. And she has been told I can be your friend at your house but not a school. (Ouch) Anyway she has had a girl bullying her and even threatened to hit her if she talked to one of her friends. And telling her she needed to go sit with the weird kids table at lunch. We also realized that Sierra wasnt doing as well in school as we had been told. On her report card it has her on a 5th/6th grade level but when I looked at the papers coming home with her I noticed they were not 5th and 6th grade work, I talked to the principle about it and shes not actually on a 5th and 6th grade level its what shes working towards. Basically they are trying to make it look like the kids are doing better than they are mainly because of state regulations and the No child left Behind system. I told her principal that they had given us false hope last year and that we feel like we have been kick down the mountain we thought we had been climbing the last few years. So she is actually still on a 3rd to 4th grade level. So Ryan and I are looking into other options for Sierra next year. Middle school is hard for anyone I think it could be horrible for her. And during this same week Sierra decided to trim her eye brows with a brow trimmer. And needless to say it didnt turn out well. She shaved about 90% off. We have been putting makeup on the to try to make them look better. That was about 2 weeks ago and you barely notice or we are just used to it. So everyone please pray for us and guidance to do the right thing for her.

I looks like its going to be a dreary week so I am sure we will be hanging out at home alot this week.

Pictures are of The kids at six flags and all of us on Ryans birthday.

Nov 20th - Dec. 3rd.

2007-12-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

Hello to everyone.
Thanksgiving was a fast and furious week. Tuesday and Wednesday I spent the days working with Ryan and Wednesday afternoon we picked Sierra up from school and bought groceries for Thanksgiving. Thursday we drove to Hugo for lunch with Ryans family and then to Powderly for a early dinner with mine. The day went by much too fast, but I am really starting to stand back and take these holidays in, you never know if it will be the last. Friday Ryan went riding dirt bikes with some friends, because of the forecast for Sat and Sunday we decided against camping. While Ryan was playing the girls and I did a little Christmas shopping (not at 5 a.m.)
We really love those days when Ryan is of playing and its just us girls and we get to eat and go where we want. I took the girls to the Genghis Grill in McKinney,I think we found our new favorite place to eat without daddy. Saturday we slept in and then had a late breakfast at Dennys and then to Cabela's for some Christmas gifts and a back seat for the ranger.
Sunday we put up the Christmas decoration(YEAH).
Ryan had is Surgery on Tuesday and it went great, he had a lot of scare tissue to cut out but it was a success. He gets his stitched out Wednesday.
I went Wednesday to a Orthopedic Dr. about my hand that is still bothering me after 2months. He sent me for a MRI and the results were not what I wanted to hear, I have torn cartilage and a displaced tendon. He is sending me to hand surgeon Tuesday to see if surgery is needed.
Friday was Basket Bingo the fundraiser I was chairperson of at Sierras school, it was alot of work and the night was long and stressful but we made around 1,400.00 so it was a huge success. I am just glad its over. All I have left is a teacher luncheon next Friday after that I will be done until February.
Saturday we took Halie to meet up with Jordan and family for the day, and we took Sierra and Stacee window shopping at the mall and then bowling. Ryan and I watched because both of our right hands are out of commission.
Sunday I dont think I ever got of the couch (unless to go to the kitchen or bathroom).
Next weekend is Last Man Standing and Ryan and some friends are going to that but the girls and I are sitting out this year, he needs a guys weekend anyway.
I cant believe Christmas is just around the corner.
Sorry no pictures this time.
Cant wait to see everyone in a couple of weeks( Paula are you guys coming in for Christmas this year)

November 7th - November 18th

2007-11-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

After recouping from the trip to Oklahoma we decided to stay home for the week-end. Saturday we took the kids out to eat and play at Dave and Busters. And that evening Sierra cheered her last pee wee football game. Both the 5th and 6th grade teams lost (OH DARN) so no more Saturday night football games. Sunday Ryan and I hardly got out of the bed, we ate breakfast and lunch there. I went over to a friends house around 2 and took Halie to Georges for a Dallas cowboy football watching party. Sierra stayed home with a friend and Ryan watched the game. It was a very relaxing day and we needed it after going camping every weekend for the last 6 weeks.

This week I was able to ride around with Ryan for few days and that's always great. Thursday it was time to load the camper up again for this weekend. I am so excited that Kim is going with us. Ryan and I left Friday morning and Kim picked the kids up after school and headed up.

Ryan took her on her first four wheeler ride as soon as she got out of the car (it was actually the ranger but close enough) needless to say we had a BLAST and she REALLY cut loose this week-end (thats all I am going to say in the matter). And it was so good to get to spend some time with her.

We stayed until late Sunday afternoon and it was dark before we even got home so the unloading was postponed until today.

I almost forgot Jordan and his family came up for the day and rode with us, Ryan took Shawn and Jordan on a ride ( almost killed them as Jordan put it) and I took Kim and Leann on a tour of the riding area. All in all it was another great week-end with family and friends.

We are taking Brent out to eat for his birthday tonight I think her turns 40.

Pictures are of Sierra cheering her last game, our Christmas party at the river notice the Christmas lights in the tree and the chili pepper lights on the motorcycle (I have to say this picture of Kim doesn't do her justice she has lost a lot of weight but she is wearing a large jacket) And Ryan with Darrel and James two of the guys we have become very good friends with.

It will be a short week of school for the kids with Thanksgiving coming up. I hope everyone has a great holiday.

October 25th- Novermber 6th

2007-11-06T11:09:00.000-08:00

Hi to everyone!!!!!

Its so cold here today (for me anyway).

I have misplaced my calender/datebook (not lost just misplaced I hope). So I probably wont remember everything but I will give it a try.

Lets see back to October. The weekend of the 27th we went camping again. I picked up Halie from school early because she was sick at her stomach and we took off for muenster. We got about two miles from the park and we lost both tires on the left side of the trailer. It was bad!!! we ended up very lucky though our dear friend Daryl happen to came by and help us out. We ended up staying on the side of the road for 5 hours. But by dark we made. We had another fun weekend and Halie really enjoyed having us to herself. We went on a night ride in the ranger and we had way to much fun for us old people. We also found a guys motorcycle that had been hide in the woods and picked up a injured rider and carried him to his truck ,we are getting our monies worth out of that thing. Sierra went with a friends family tent camping at the lake. She had so much fun but she isnt too sure about the tent over the motorhome.

Wednesday was Halloween, neither of the girls dressed up so Halie had a friend over and we watched scary movies and handed candy out.

The next week-end we decided to do something different and GO CAMPING but at least we went somewhere different.

We went up to Talihan OK, the girls stayed with Nana and Popie because its so rocky they wouldnt have enjoyed riding there. Ryan went on a 8 hour ride on Saturday so I did some reading and hung out with Connie, Daryls wife. It is beautiful up there with all the trees turning.

The girls had a good time at their grandparents Cindy took them to do some shopping on Friday and then the went to the movies and out to eat on Saturday. And after church they met back up with us to hand them over. We are staying home this week-end after being out 4 weekends in a row. Sierra has a double header Saturday night so we will be at the football field for 4 hours. We are going to try to go watch Halies boyfriend play football Thursday night so I will be foot balled out.

Ryan goes back to the Dr Wednesday to see what he says about the test results on his hand, he had the test run last week and they said he has moderate to severe CT on his right hand and mild on his left.

I cant beleive the holidays are just around the corner, time sure flies around here.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Pictures are of Ryan and friends sitting around the campfire at Meunster, Tripp at Halloween, the trailer after loosing the tires, and Ryan and friends recovering a lost motorcycle.

Clarification

2007-10-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

I need to make a clarification on my last blog. As anyone who really knows me would know I would never allow a situation where Halie had the opportunity to sleep at a boyfriends house. I know his parents very well and I also know their morals and standards as they also wouldn't allow it. Whats that saying about PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES??????????????????
Those same people should worry about there own children and not mine.

Oct 19th- Oct. 24th

2007-10-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hi........ Everyone.

Friday was extremely crazy for me. We decided to go camping (again) up at Muenster. Ryan was suppose to come home early load up and take off well before noon, but he forgot he had a walk thru and it took 6 hours. The girls got out of school at 1:00 and by 1:30 we took off for Denton where I had some errands to run for Ryan (oil for the bikes, barbecue at Rudys stuff like that). Halie spent the week-end in Haslett with Jordan (she sleep at his aunts house) I had to have her there before 4:00. The went to the high school football game Friday night. Saturday Halie , Jordan and his friends went to Six flags for the day. And Sunday the ate brunch at Reunion towers and had a small party at his house. Then his parents surprised him and his friends with a hummer limo for 4 hours. So they drove around the metroplex then brought Halie home.

Mean while Ryan got to Red River about 5:30 and we got there a little later. Stacee came up that night and she spent the week-end with us. As always we had a great time there.

We got home Sunday around 3:00 and Barbara was visiting Miranda so they came over and I cooked her an early Birthday dinner. Monday I had Hayden for the day and Barbara had Tripp so we took them to Wiggles Play center in Frisco and they had a ball.

Tuesday I took Dixie back to the vet her next is causing her pain again so next week they are running some test to see how bad it is.

Sierra is going camping with a friend at Lake Ray Roberts this week-end and not sure what we are doing yet. Hope everyone has a great week.

Pictures are of Ryan,Little Joe, Sierra, Mike and Stacee going down Six Flags (thats what they named the hill) at Muenster, Tripp and Hayden at Wiggles Play Center , Halie and Jordan, them at reunion tower and Jordans friends and family in front of limo.

Ist six week report card

2007-10-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

I cant wait until next week to share the news of the girls grades.
I am ecstatic to say that Sierra made the AB honor roll. ( I know its on her level but we are still proud) And Halie was 3 points shy of making the AB honor roll. She had 4 A's 2 B's and 1 C and it was in Chemistry so we are o.k. with that. YEA maybe my girls did get their daddy's brain after all.

October 10th- October 17th

2007-10-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hello

I hope everyone is having a great week. I am ready for some fall weather. Yesterday was nice and cool but its suppose to get hot again this week.
Last week was another busy week for me. One of my PTA jobs is getting the Teacher luncheons together, that's about 65 people and the wonderful woman who had the job last year went all out especially with decor. (Not crate paper and paper pumpkins on the wall.) And wanting to keep up the tradition I planned a Fall picnic set up hay outside with scarecrows , mums and pumpkins. threw blankets on the ground. I also set up the tables that holds the buffet with fall decor, leaves, pumpkins, scarecrows I think I did a pretty good job. Only 5 more to go. As soon as it was over I headed home and Ryan and I headed out for a week-end to ourselves. Lacy came down and kept the girls for us, and Ryan and I went camping and riding at Muenster. It was GREAT We set outside by the fire at night and it was so quiet. It was the first time I ever felt rested after camping.

I finished up the pumpkin contest at Sierras school yesterday so another job marked off my list, my next project is the Basket Bingo and that's the biggest project I have this year.
The girls gets their first report cards for the year today. Halie is still playing tennis. She is spending the week-end in Haslett with Jordan (not in the same house) its his 16th birthday and his parents are planning a big week-end. And neither of us want to travel back and forth both days so she is spending the nights at his aunts.
Ryan is going to get carpel tunnel (sp) surgery, he goes for his first visit Monday. The numbness has gotten really bad in his hand and he would like to race again but he cant until he gets this fixed.
We are taking Halie shopping tonight to get her something to wear ,Jordans parents are taking them to the BAll restaurant in Dallas on Sunday.
Talk to everyone soon.
Sorry no pictures.

September 30th- October9th

2007-10-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hi I am behind again I know Sorry.

Week-end before last all I can remember doing is Halies boyfriend coming up for the day on Saturday and we went to the lake (Ryan,me Sierra,Halie,Jordan,Brent,Katie,Breanna and Blakelee) we had a great time . Sunday we layed around all day and watch football. Last week I finished getting ready for the garage sale, Thursday Kim came over and spent the night so she could get up early with me for the garage sale. Friday afternoon Cinday and Glenn came up to help out too. I cooked a big dinner that night and then we rode the 4 wheel toys they loved it.

Saturday it rained most of the day so it was a good thing that Friday turned out to be the better day. I got up Sunday and cooked a big breakfast before they left. Barbara and Bailey came to visit Mitch for the week-end and they asked us to go eat lunch with them. We hadnt had Babes in a long time it was great. I am putting together a Teacher Luncheon on Friday so its going to be busy week.

Everyone is doing great Report cards should be coming out soon.

Ryan and I are going to try and sneak away this week-end I dont care where I just hope it happens. Sunday wil be 19 years (since we started dating) I know its silly to call it and anniversary but we do.

pictures are of Blakelee and Jordan at the lake, Halie amd Jordan at thelake and Halie,Cindy and Glenn having some fun at the house.

September 17th- September 29th

2007-09-29T04:58:00.001-07:00

YEA Homecoming week is finally over.

Ryan and I finished the float for the cheerleaders Thursday night while trying to pack for muenster, did I forget to tell ya we decided to go to Muenster for the week-end!!!
Anywho the parade and pep rally were great though HOT. We ran back home afterwards
took the trailer apart and met Ryan who left around noon to get in some riding time with his buddies. We really did have a good time as tired as I was. Halie took a friend Chealse and Breanna went with us to. She had thought she wanted a dirt bike so Brent thought she should ride around on ours before they even thought about buying her one. It only took one little wreck to change her mind. But she did great on the bike. We bought that cute little pink riding outfit,, excuse me riding gear at Bryans for Sierra and some boots since she would be riding the bike instead of the 4 wheelers. We had about 5 motor homes all bunched up with about 30 people it was lots of fun. It was also the 35th anniversary of the riding park, its as old as me. HAHAHA We have been going since Halie was 2 so its 13 years and we are still loving it everytime. (though always tiring for me) These are the times the kids will always remember.
On the way home Sunday I started getting sick at my stomach (I think I ate some bad meat) as soon as I got home my head was in the toilet so Ryan and the girls had to unload, wash and put everything away. Monday still yucky and Ryan came home early because his allergies were killing him after being in the dust all week-end. Tuesday I felt fine and Miranda called and said that Tripp was sick and couldnt go to daycare and could I keep him and take him to the Dr. Which I gladly did. Wednesday around noon Ryan and I snuck off and took the boat out for a few hours (which was heavenly) ,went and picked Sierra up and then it hit. Tripp left his little bug with me and I am still not able to hold regular food down only broth and crackers. But if I am going to get sick I would rather get it from a little cutie like Tripp instead of old bear like Ryan.

The girls got there first progress report in, Sierras doing great and Halie only had one C and it was in Chemistry. She had already talked to the teacher about it and corrected a test. She doesnt want to fail a class or miss a day so she wont have to take the exams at the end of the semester. The big garage sale is next week-end so I will be spending the next week getting that ready.
Hope everyone has a great week.

2007-09-29T04:58:00.000-07:00

Sept 4th-Sept 17th

2007-09-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

First of all let me explain the photes. Ryan bought new toy for me and the girls which Sierra has pretty much taken it over. She is riding so good we were amazed, (but we are very watchfull grandmothers and aunts so dont worry). So the first one is Halie right before she takes off notice her very stylish riding boots and shorts. Second is Ryan showing the kids what NOT to do on a motorcycle. Yes that is a beer in his hand. And then Sierra. And a picture that I took of Granny Bell and PaPA at her birthday.

Everything is finally settling down around here. Its not a constant what do we need to do now. We are finished with the first phase and have decided to take a break before we start the second which will be the kitchen.

The girls are both very happy with their classes this year. Sierra has cheered at two games and is EAGERLY awaiting the homecoming parade Friday ( which I volunteered to coordinate) and performing at the half time show that night.

Halie made Varsity in tennis And we are so proud. She is also working on the sophomore float and will be in the parade. But I probably wont get to see her since I am pulling Sierras float.

It seems like there is somewhere I have to be everyday and or night. How did I do everything when I actually had a paying job?

Sunday we went to Powderly to celebrate my Granny Belles 79th birthday.

When we came home that evening we smelled a dead animal under our carport, the smell followed the Tahoe up to Ryans shop where Ryan found a dead RAT in my motor. YUK.

Before I forget I am no longer a blonde (after twenty something years) I am a brunette.

I needed a change.

Hope to see everyone soon

Tanya

August 20th - September 4th

2007-09-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hee Haw the kids are back in school !!!!!!!!!!! Life is good.

But back to the week of the 20th, I took the girls and friends to the mall on Monday. I also registered the girls for school, got haircuts and physicals for back to school that week and the wonderful school shopping that week also. It was probably the easiest for Halie she found all her clothes in 3 stores. Taking Sierra was like pulling teeth she just wanted to go back home and play. Friday Halie went with Brent, Blake and Toni to eat dinner and we took Katie and Sierra to the lake. Saturday went to Hugo for a memorial service. A very good friend of Ryan (since he was 5) Darla Jo lost her father due to a freak accident. Sunday Sierra stayed over at Brents and Halie spent the day with her boyfriend Jordan. I will try to remember to get a picture of him next time I see him. Monday 27th we picked out the carpet for the house and the tile guys started (only a week late). Tuesday we re stained the wood work in Ryans office. Ryan flew to LA on Thursday, he picked up a new sub division and he had to go down for a meeting. But because of the weather in Dallas his flight home was canceled and he spent the night . Our bathroom counter tops were put in Friday and then I picked up Harley and Hayden and took them and the girls to meet dad so the kids could stay the week-end there and go to the fair. Ryan and I had to stay home because we had workers in and out on Saturday . We also got a lot of work done with the kids gone. We met dad and mom Sunday and had a late lunch with them. Brent and the girls came over Monday to swim and cook out. Tuesday was the first day back to school for the girls.

I am trying to learn to live with everything out of place and dust everywhere in the house but I am having a hard time with being patient about the process, Sunday morning I woke up at 4:30 and started painting the ceilings I just couldn't sleep with all that still has to be done. BUT Friday they are suppose to lay carpet and the bedroom furniture on Saturday after that all we have to do is put everything back in its place and we are done(for now) but first we have to get everything out of the house so we can lay the carpet. I am glad Ryan and I have a strong marriage or we couldn't have survived this.

Since we have the internet back at home I will be getting this done every week instead of two weeks.

Pictures are of the new shower and tub, those of you who remember what our bathroom looked like before know what a dramatic difference it is. Halie and Sierra 1st day of school, Katie and Sierra at the lake and Ryan with one of the tuna he caught.

July 31st- August 19th

2007-08-19T06:33:00.000-07:00

I know I am late again BUT it has been crazy at my house so there is my excuse I didnt say it was a good one.

We are still working on the House and I dont think it will ever get finished. We have completed Halies bath room. We painted it a honey yellow (even though it looks brown) got her a new small armour and a make up table her colors are teal and cream Ryan hung new lights and door pulls and it looks like a different room, and for all who knows how much time it took me painting the flower murals on the walls YES it was very hard for me to paint over all that BUT she wanted a more grown up look so thats what we did.

On the 3rd Brent Toni all the kids and Toni's sister and her kids came over and we had a little swimming party. The next day we went with them to dave and busters and ran into Miranda and Tripp and had a fun after noon. Sunday we worked around the house. On the 6th Halie finished her driving class hours she had already passed all of her driving test but she had a few observing hours to finish. We are very proud of her for sticking out the class, most of her friends did it via the Internet but I told her she would be a better driver doing it this way and when she turns 16 all she has to do is go fill out the paper work and she is done no driving with the police officer YEA.

That Wednesday I started painting the down stairs of the house, continue that on Thursday and by Friday I could hardly move. Brent and the kids came over and so did Barbara and Miranda and of course Tripp to hang out. Saturday Sierra went with a friend to six flags and she rode the shock wave CAN YOU BELIEVE IT. Halie went with Ryan and I to find bedroom furniture. Halie got a new bedroom suit, Sierra is getting our bedroom suit and we got a new suit with a king size bed.

Halie spent the night with Blake that night and Ryan and I went out to dinner and a nice drive with the top down. Sunday yep you guessed it worked at the house

monday 13 Kim and Colton came over to swim and Sierra had Cheerleading practice.

Tuesday Ryan and I spent the day picking out tile and the guys starting doing the sheet rock in our bathroom. Ryan and Brent left Wednesday on the trip to California to go deep see fishing with Rick and others. I took the girls to do a little pre school clothes shopping. Wednesday I watched Tripp so Miranda could go get the paper work done on her new teaching job in Lewisville Congrats to her. Friday I painted and the girls had sleep overs so I had some peace and quiet. Saturday was my birthday Halie called me at 12:01 to tell me HBD. I picked up Sierra from her friends house and drove her to another friends house to go to a water park. Halie came home in time to baby sit Colton so Kim,Toni and I could go out to Ernestos for my Birthday. Ryan comes home today, and if you keep up with my blog you will notice that Ryan and I have been apart for Valentines day, our anniversary, and now my birthday all thats left for the year is his birthday.

To let you know how everyone is doing, Ryan is still under 200 pounds and I cant believe how skinny he looks. He is still into the day trading and loving it, things are picking back up at the shop. He told me his trip on the high seas WAS AN EXPERIENCE!!!. He said the water was very choppy the first day out but he only puked one time, Brent on the other had was extremely sick and puked at least 15 times. He said they both would have paid any amount of money to be on dry land. The next day was better or the water was calmer I would say.

They each caught a few . Saturday they canned the tuna and will be bringing it home Ryan said one tuna will make a case of cans.

Halie is very happy to be finished with drivers training Ryan even let her drive my car the other day. That was a nail biter for me. She has been hanging out with Blake a lot and Blake is going to go to Pilot Point instead of Aubrey. She met a boy at DT and they have been spending a lot of time on the phone because he lives in Haslet, so today I am taking her down there and his parents are dropping them of at the movies so I guess its kinda like a first date thing. And then his parents are bring her home.

Sierra our little dare devil is doing great she is doing the PeeWee chearleading for the last year and cant wait to start school.

And I am about the same ( cant wait for the kids to start school)

The house is coming along, we have the tiles guys coming Monday to lay the tile in the master bath I finished painting it Saturday and staining and sealing the cabinets too. I kilzed Ryans office, moved everything out but the futon and plastic off everything will Ryan was gone so the sheet rock guys cane do the room and the guest bath room walls, as soon as that is done we can get new carpet laid and then bring in the new furniture. now we all know I am by no means a neat freak but I am tired of my house being in such a disarray Plastic hanging every where , ladders, paint rollers and everything is sitting in my foyer UGGGGG. But when its all finished it will look great and then Ryan will start tearing the kitchen apart.

The kids go back to school the day after Labor day and thats when my summer break starts.

With it being so hot the last few weeks our pool has been a popular place to be. So I decided to add some pictures of that.

Hope every one has a great week.

July 11th - July 30th

2007-07-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

This will be a long one sorry I have waited so long in between,

And since its been so long I may not remember everything but here goes anyway.

We went to a water park with Brent and the girls week- before last and had a blast, until we were on our way home and we came up behind a wreck and it ended up being one of Ryans van. The guys driving rear ended a truck pulling a boat and the boats motor ended up in the vans motor. Wasnt a great ending to a very fun day.

Last Saturday we headed to Powderly for Trip's FIRST birthday Party, and Cindy and Glenn meet us to get the girls for their annual week at nana and popies. From there we started our trip to LA. We got to Baton Rouge about noonish on Sunday visited at the shop for a while then we went to grab some dinner and Craig joined us. After we went to Craig's to unpack and got the grand tour of their hosue . I love his pool and the out side area. Monday we mowed and cleaned up the lot that we are trying to sell down there and then rented a trencher and dug some trenches at the shop, ran the wire than layed the pipe and covered it up. Now I know why Ryan wanted me to come he need a helper. Later we went an showered and went out to eat at a very nice steak house we were there for 3 hours Dinner there is like an event. The next day we drove around and looked at some of the jobs in the area then back to Craig's where a lot of people from Horton came over and we ate and swam. I have to tell you Craig has a swim up bar in his pool him and Ryan were in the pool for 6 hours the drank in the pool and ate in the pool sure hope they got out to pee. We were supposed to head home Wednesday but they begged us to stay one more day so they could take us down some of the rivers in their boat, and we are glad we decided to stay we had a wonderful time it was very relaxing ( We all had to much to drink but oh well). We drove home Thursday and then Friday I got back in the truck and headed to Powderly where I met Barbara for lunch and a movie which I enjoyed alot. And then went and picked up the girls in Hugo. This week-end ended up being a work week-end around the house for Ryan and I. We rented a wood splitter and split all the wood Mitch gave us. Worked on some of the pool equipment and of course the bath room that seems to be never ending. We did get the cabinets set Sunday and I am very excited to get this finished and move on to another project.

The girls on the other hand had company all week-end Sierra had a friend over Saturday night and Sunday Halie and I went to see Georges new baby brother Dillon and George and Alan came back home with us and swam and rode four wheelers.

Halie is almost finished with her driving YEA!!!!.

Pictures are of us going down the river in the boat, Tripp and Mitch at the party, Sierra going down the BIG Slide at the water park, Halie and Blakelee, and future employee of Service Electric Hayden ie.. thats our bathroom.

Have agreat week.

2007-07-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

June 28th - July 10th

I guess I need to start back around June 28th thats when I dropped Sierra off for Cheerleading camp, she stayed from Thursday until Sunday and she stayed in a dorm at UNT we thought the girls would be paired up and share a room but when we got there all the girls had there own rooms. Sierra was very upset about staying by herself at night. And come to find out so were all the other girls. I found out later that the all pulled mattress to their friends rooms and sleep on the floor so Sierra didnt have to stay by herself after all. The girls had a great time and won a few trophy's. Halie finished the class part of Drivers ED on Monday at noon and started the driving part that same day. She did really well but the coach said she was a little bit of a speed demon and since he has a brake on his side of the car we are going to let her drive a few more times with him before she drives or cars again.

We had a great 4th we had about 25 people show up, the weather couldnt have been better.

We loved watching Kims sisters and her kids enjoy the fireworks that was the best part of the whole night. We went and had dinner with Brent and family for Blakelee's birthday on Sunday and Will came up to visit for a while too.

And old friend of mine and old teacher of Sierra's ( from our Sullivan Keller days) is coming up Wednesday to visit and we are looking forward to that.

We are still working on the bathroom we bought the tub and all the fixtures for the room. We got the tub set on Sunday. Actually Ryan and Kevin did not me. But I am sure it will be SEVERAL weeks before we get back into our bathroom again. Ryan is already talking about redoing the cabinets in the kitchen, I told him one room at a time is all I can take, but then again not having to cook could be a good thing.

I almost for last Friday night Sierras tutor and friend Jody ask if she could come over for a sleep over. So her and her husband took her out to eat then to the park and finally to walk around the square and eat some ice cream at Beth Maries and they stayed up till midnight playing games and reading. She had a wonderful time.

Pictures are of Tripp on the Ryan and Kim's niece Bailey and Sierra and her squad at camp.

Later.

June 14th - June 27th

2007-06-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

I am trying to update more often but with no Internet at the house it has been a struggle.

Halie is still doing the driving school thing, she has been really good about getting up and going but I think its harder on Sierra and I hanging around in Denton for two hours every day. Sometimes we just sit in the parking lot and watch a movie in the car.

Saturday (16th) was Harleys birthday party and Sierra went home with mom and dad after it was over and we took Halie and a car load of her friends to the
Frisco mall for her birthday. I had pictures but I cant find the photo card it was on. Sunday we went to Powderly for fathers day. Monday after class Ryan meet us for lunch for Halies official birthday. And it was vacation bible school for the week at Midway church I was excited to have the evenings with Ryan but he went off to Louisiana on Wednesday and didnt get home until Friday. Kim and Colton came over for the day on Friday and swam then we went to have some dinner. Ryan got home around 9:00 completely exhausted. Saturday I keep Tripp for a few hours so Miranda could go job hunting and, Sierra spent the night with Katie and the went to Chucky Cheese to celebrate Katie's birthday. And once again we took Halie and friends to the mall to watch a movie and hang out, while we went and bought a new water heater and the parts too fix our A.C. unit that all went out over the week-end. Sunday Ryan and I worked around the house all day. Monday was back to class for Halie and we had a final meeting with Sierras squad to get them ready for camp. She leaves Thursday and will be back Sunday.

as for pics the first one Ryan is going to kill me but I think it is so cute I am sitting in the floor with Tripp feeding him his oatmeal and Ryan comes in to eat his breakfast and Tripp gets up and wants to see what Ryan is eating and decideds he would much rather have Ryans cereal than his oatmeal. (Ryan has a mouth full of cereal in the picture his face isnt that fat) And on that note Ryan is down to just a little over 200 hundred pounds.

We have gotten so much rain lately it has put a damper on swim time but here are a few shots. First is Tripp and second is Colton

June 6th - June 13

2007-06-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

Sierra is back home and the fighting resumed as soon as she walked in the door(of course). Friday while the girls were still asleep I got up early and headed to Denton at which time Kim called and reminded me about Coltons Birthday party (I cant believe he is already 2). So I grabbed a gift and headed to Chucky Cheese. Then I went and signed Halie up for the Coaches drivers training course. Needless to say she was not at all excited about it. As soon as I got home both girls were begging for company so I went and picked up Stacee an took Halie over to a friends house. Sierra and Stacee swam for hours then Halie called and all of her friends wanted to come swim so we had a bout 6 kiddos over. And Ryan and I snuck off to grab a bite to eat after they all left. Saturday Sierra went to Stacees for the night, the girl scouts had rented Water works so they invited Sierra to go. Ryan and I got up and decided today was the day to start the bedroom demo, after much disagreeing we settled on a plan and started taking the bath room apart. That afternoon Rick and Lisa came over and we all went to play tennis with Halie at the courts. They are really good players and wanted to give Halie a few pointers.

They also asked us to go with them to the Rangers game later that night. It was a great game at least the last 15 mintues any way,the Rangers came back to win after being down 3 and with two outs in the 9th inning. After the game we went to Hooters and didnt get home until 1:30. Halie was so funny when I called to check in with her after the game, she said its o.k. mom stay out as long as you like.

Sunday we got up and resumed the demo work. And Halies friend Maria and her boyfriend Colin came over to hang out. It was a very tiring week-end.

Monday Halie started her driving school which she loves after all. Monday I picked Harley and Hayden up from daycare and the played in the swimming pool and Brent and Brianna came over for dinner. Tuesday Sierra had a orth appointment, then we went home and did yard work.

Ryan went to the Dr. and got all his results back and they put him on some new meds, and he is already doing better.

Both of the girls got there final report cards in and both did really good Sierra averaged A's and B's and Halie did too except for the pre AP class.

Halies birthday it coming up on Monday and Fathers day is Sunday. I am sure we will have another busy week-end.

May 29th - June 5th

2007-06-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

We survived the first week of Summer. Tuesday and Wednesday I was still feeling the effects of the bug that Sierra and I had so we hung around the house and got caught up on the laundry and house cleaning. Thursday I took the kids summer clothes shopping that is always such a joy. Friday Sierra headed off to church camp. I meet Ryan and Rick for lunch then headed home and got side tracked and ended up at my neighbor Trina house and talked for a few hours. Her son and Halie are like brother and sisters and have been spending a lot of time together lately. After mowing the yard and Killing a 3 foot snake we took Halie and Colby for some late night ice cream at the sonic. Saturday we decided last minute to go to Canton so Halie called Colby and off we went. On the way home we stopped in Frisco and Watch the Pirates movie then had a late dinner at I Hop. Sunday Ryan and I went to Lowes for pool supplies then did some yard work. Monday afternoon Brent,Mitch and Tripp came over and help take the pool cover off. Halies boyfriend Collin also came over to visit and I cooked out some burgers and dogs. Sierra comes home today and I am very anxious to see her (but not Halie)

Pictures are of Halie and Colby at SOnci and at the movie's. Hopefully I can get a picture of Collin.

Have a great week.

May 21st-May 31st

2007-05-31T05:34:00.000-07:00

SCHOOL IS OUT!!!!!! I dont know if I should smile or cry. I am sure by the end of June I will be crying. But anywho the last week of school was fast and furious. I was helping at Sierra`s school everyday this week. They had an awards ceremony on Wednesday and Sierra got an Award of Excellence in Science (can you believe that) She was so excited. Ryan took the afternoon off and went with me that made it even better for here. Halie was glad to be out and not be a fish anymore. We are going to put her in the coaches drivers training course as soon as she turns 15. Cant wait for that (JOKE JOKE).

The kids and their friends were able to leave extra early from school on Friday so we headed up to Muenster around noon. To say it was a soggy Memorial weekend is putting it lightly. But we got thru it. We had a really good time, some of Ryans riding buddies and spouses came along.

One of his friends as a little motorcycle just the size for Sierra and she has been throwing a fit to ride a bike like daddies for ever so Daryl put her on it and and the first thing she did was punch the gas she did a wheelie and ran right in the the front corner of the motor home dragging Daryl all the way. She was scared but not hurt. It turned out to be a good thing because she wont be bugging us to buy her a motorcycle anytime soon. It rained on and off all day Saturday but we were able to get in some riding time. Saturday night it came a flood and the creek got up to like a small rapid. So Sunday we let the kids go swimming in it, It was only knee deep so they had a good time. Sunday evening we all decided to take a ride together and I let Charlie ride my four wheeler so I hopped on the back or Ryan BAD IDEA he decided to try to cross that creek that was up and you guessed we got sank it. We had to pull it out of the river and back up to the camper and it took at least an hour for them to drain everything and get it started again. Monday while we were getting everything ready go home we let the kids go ride around and Halie and Brooke got the four wheelers stuck in what seemed like quick sand. We had to shovel out the mud with our hands and the two shovels we had. Needless to say we were not too happy with them. We had just put clean clothes on and had cleaned the motorhome. But I guess we can laugh about it now.

Sierra is headed off to Church camp until Tuesday. I am taking Halie and a few friends to the movies today while Sierra and I o and shop for some summer clothes. Not sure whats in store for the week-end, I just hope it doesnt rain. We got an inch and a half yesterday in about 2 hours.

Pictures are of the kids playing in the mud on the bikes, Sierra and Stacee (before they got dirty, Halie and Brooke, Ryan and I, and the kids playing in the flooded creek (they are sitting on their butts)

Mothers Day - May 20th.

2007-05-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the motor home in to Powderly for the week-end. We headed out Friday afternoon. Saturday we took the kids into Paris for Lunch and a trip to walmart. Saturday night we went to Ryans cousin`s wedding. Sunday We had lunch at my moms and then went to Hugo to visit with Cindy. These last two weeks of school have been crazy I will be volunteering at Sierras school for the next two weeks. Friday after school we took the kids to see Shrek3 it was o.k. but we didnt love it. Saturday we picked up Tiff and the kids and went to Rockwall to Lacys graduation party. Tiff drove back home in moms car and mom,will and brookie went with us to Gatti Town. Harley and Hayden loved it. Then Sunday we took mom to lunch at Joes crab shack for her birthday.

Ryan went to a race in Oklahoma and came in 2nd. School is almost out so it will be a very busy week. I will try harder to get my blogs done in a more timely fashion.

Pictures are of the four of us before the wedding, All the kiddos at Lacys Graduation party, and lunch at Joes with mom Tiff and the kids.

oooops I forgot something

2007-05-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

The show we went to was a topless show (Barbara dont tell Granny Belle). It was a comedy by Cirque d Solie (sp). It was very tastefully done not sleezy or anything like that. (Kim I actually went) I saw more little bitty titties than I ever wanted to see in a lifetime HAHAHAHAHA

Vegas Trip

2007-05-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

We made it back, We flew out Thursday got to the hotel around 6:00 did a little gambling had some dinner at a buffet. Friday we walked the strip and looked at all the casinos`s and then went to a show that night. Saturday we rented a car and drove about a hour out to The Valley of Fire then went back to the hotel and got ready for the race. The race was great but COLD it was unseasonable cold in Las Vegas over the week-end. We went and gambled a little more and got to bed around 1:00a.m. Then headed home Sunday. It was a great place to visit but we wouldn't want to live there. When they say its sin city they mean it. Its sex, sex ,sex every where you go. Definitely not a place to take your kids. But we were glad to just get away.

Pictures are of the hotel we stayed at, they hada big show everynight calles sirens of the TI. 2nd is of a rock at Valley of Fire that looks like a dogs head, and the last is a picture of Bubba racing.

April 4th - April 28th

2007-04-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have my little calender book out so I hope I will remember everything.

We had Sierra`s end of school ARD on the 9th. They had nothing but good news to share. She is doing AWESOME she went from working on a 2nd and 3rd grade level in math to next year starting on a 5th and 6th grade level. She has NEVER work on grade level before always under.

She is still quite a bit behind in language and reading but she is improving every day. Putting her in a regular Sience and Social studies class with modifications and a special ed. teacher to help her was a huge sucess also, she is not on grade level but doing great. They even suggested that she should be able to go on to college ( with major modifications) if she wanted too. We are so ecstatic for her.

Halie played in her first tennis tournament on the 11th. She played doubles and they won the first game but lost by one serve in the last game. But it was a good learning experience for her. She is excited about playing in more games next year. Both girls got their report cards Sierra made the AB honor roll, and Halie would have if not for the Advanced Geography class.

The week-end of the 13th - 15th Sierra spent with her friend Stacee. So Halie had us all to herself, and she loves that. Saturday we used Ryans gift card from Christmas to go out and eat and then took Halie to play minuture golf. Then Sunday we worked out side around the house. We even cleaned out the gutters. FUN FUN!!!

On the 17th I rode to Tyler with Ryan to set a t-pole. Ryan left that Thursday to go to LA> to help move to the new shop he bought. And while he was gone for the next three days I had a kidney stone. But I stuck it out at home by taking pain meds. I finally passed it early Sunday morning that was the only time I would have went to the hospital if Ryan would have been home. That was a very long night. But Sunday the girls and I went up to the little fair we had in Pilot Point for the day and waited for Ryan to come home. When he got home I showed him the stone and it was about the same size as his last month but he says my tubes must be bigger than his thats the only way I was able to get thru the pain without having to go to the hospital.

MEN got to love em!!!

Monday was the beginning of camp for Sierras entire 5th grade. We went to Camp Grady Spruce on Possum Kingdom Lake near Graford Texas (about 21/2 hours away) We had a great time Sierra wasnt ready to come home I on the other had was ready by Tuesday night.

We rode on a boat to Devils Island and hike that, went digging for fossils, she rode horses, shot a bow and arrow. Learned about lake life and how to use a compass. And hiked up another LARGE mountain. And lots more fun stuff. It was fun but very tiring for us old parents. I was sooooo very glad to climb into my own bed last night. And yes we missed all the excitement with the flooding here on Tuesday. Ryan did take some video on his cell phone, I couldnt believe the amount of water they got here. They measured the shop Chad uses and it was a foot up the wall inside the shop.

We finally got Ryans test results back he is not diabetic just hypoglycemic. VERY happy about that. If we had to take sugar away from him too we might as well have shot him to put him out of his misery.

Ryan and I are leaving Thursday for Vegas.

The girls only have one month of school left, but it looks like it will be busy we have every week-end booked thru the month of May. Weddings,graduation, birthday parties. But at least it will go fast.

Sierra has two more camps to go to in June and I think Halie will be going to church camp this summer too. I can only hope its on the same week.

Pictures are of Sierra and I on Johnsons peak, Sierra riding canyon, shooting a bow and arrow with Mr Vawter (Sierra`s science teacher) and Sierra and her bunk mates in front of our cabin.

Have a good week.

April 26th

2007-04-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in a long time and I cant really do my regular post now since I am about to go to camp with sierra for the week. But since our anniversary is this week and I wont be home to celebrate it with Ryan I want to post these pictures I figured everyone will get a kick out of them. I promise I will have a nice long blog when I get back to catch everyone up.

This is a picture of us the night before our wedding.

And too Ryan, I get up every morning and Thank GOD that you are apart of my life.

Thank you for all the love and support you have given me. But most of all for all the laugh`s.

Sorry I wont be here Thursday. I love you babe!!!!!!!

Sierra`s Birthday Party

2007-04-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

We had a GREAT TIME on Saturday. I am sure Sierra will remember this as one of the best birthday`s ever.
They came and set the thing up at 9:00 o'clock in the morning. And there was not one minute that there wasn't someone on it until they picked it up 10 hours later.
She had about 20 friends show up plus Tiff ,Johnny the kids, mom and dad,Cindy, Brent, Toni and the girls.
We cooked out hot dogs and had cake the kids danced ,played basketball and everyone told Sierra this was the best party they had ever been too. The party ended around 3:00. Then Kim and Colton, Sonya ,Jim the kids and Michella and Jim and their kids and Charlie came over after 3:00 and we all played some more. (Hope I didnt leave anyone out.)
And the playing wasn't confined to the kids WE ALL raced on the obstacle course. And yes we are also ALL paying for it too. I have lots of great video.

Pictures are of the Football Field birthday cake that took me hours to make.

Sierra and most of the kids at the party, Sierra with the her sign ( the man who set up the obstacle course teenage son has a little side job where he will set up the sign for ten dollars during the party. How could I say no to that?) And then the girls put together a little dance for us and the song they picked is by a singer named Sierra (spelled differently) and in the song her back up singers sing "This is Sierra" and in the picture they introduce Sierra during that part of the song.

We had a wonderful time but it was exhausting. It was after 10:00 before we cleaned up a little and everyone went home it was a long day but well worth it.

Update on Ryan

2007-03-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

Ryan got a call from the Dr. yesterday they have his stress test results but they want to wait and do a glucose tolerance test before they tell him the results. We are not sure why they want to wait but I am sure its for a good reason. So Thursday he has to go in and do this test over several hours. Again he is sure its all nothing so I am not going to worry about it for one second. (yea right). Remember to pray for us on Saturday we are have about a cazillion kids, friends and family over for Sierras b-day party and hoping the rain ends soon so we wont have to empty the shop and put the inflatable obstacle course in there. I will post pictures as soon as I can.
Have a great week-end.

March 19-27th

2007-03-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

I know I skipped a week but I cant remember if anything interesting happened so I am moving on. Monday the kids hung around the house and I had a appointment with Ginger (the first one since we got back from skiing and yes it was as pain full as the first visit) Tuesday Sierra and I got up at 4:30 and drove Ryan to the airport to fly to LA. That night Kim and I went to dinner for her late birthday and picked up Ryan on the way home. Wednesday Sierra had a dentist appointment to get a tooth pulled and on the way home we grabbed Tripp for a little baby time and give Miranda a break. Thursday the girls and I took Hayden and Harley for the day and enjoyed lunch at Chucky Cheese for Haydens birthday because we would be missing his party on Saturday. We were invited to go to LA. for the week-end on a camping Trip with Craig (the builder that got Ryan started in LA) his family and friends so we headed out Friday on a 7 hour drive to a 4 wheeler park. We had a great time we loved his family and Friends they asked us to join their little group of campers on their next trip. Somewhere closer I hope. The only problem we have is that they have a different riding style than we have, we have small FAST 4 wheelers and they have the LARGE slow one. We usually make fun of riders like them. They strap their coolers on the back ride for a mile or two then stop for a little drink and rest. BUT we ended up having a good time. WE even thought about gettin one like theirs after Ryan drove it and said it had suspension and power steering he said I wont hurt for three days after riding this kind. Anyway new friends are always great.

Monday I took Miranda to the airport she is going to visit her family for ten days.

Tuesday we had to turn Sierras science project in and that night they had a ceremony announcing the winners and SIERRA GOT 2ND PLACE IN HER CLASS. (or as Ryan put it I got 2nd place) but she worked really hard and we are very proud of her. The judges had no kids in the school so they didnt know Sierra was in the special ed program so that made the win even better.

Ryan also had another kidney stone Monday night. We thought he was done with that but I guess not.

This Saturday is Sierra s big party(we cant wait for it to be over) so I am sure I will have lots of news and pictures for you next week.

Pictures are of The kids at Chucky Cheese, camping and Sierra with her science project OH her project was trying to see if different types of music helps plants grow faster Country music won.

March 8th- March 13th

2007-03-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

Hello

I hope everyone had a good week-end. We had some great weather.

Sierra had a very exciting day on Friday. Since she sold 25 cookie orders she was able to ride in a limo to the lake and have a pizza lunch with some of her class mates, then after school she got to go to the party for selling so many orders and Erin spent the night with her. I worked with Ryan on Friday and helped him lay pipe in Dallas. Dad came up that day and started work on the land, we are trying to clear out that low lying area and make one main creek. Mom drove up Saturday and went window shopping at the mall and took her to eat Chinese food. And Ryan and dad worked at the land.

Sunday we all went and worked at the land while the girls rode 4 wheelers, and Tiff ,Johnny and the kids came out and we had a picnic lunch. We also went up to the "haunted house" as Sierra calls it on the property next to us and as we where walking around the front a HUGE black bird crawls out of a hole in the roof and scared the crap out of Halie and I. Mom headed home that afternoon. Dad stayed another night and worked yesterday and then headed home. Neither of the girls wanted him to leave.

The girls have spring break next week and we are thinking of taking the camper to the lake for the week.

Ryan had another appointment on Monday to see what is causing the spells with his head and they decided to do a EKG (i think its what he said) and she saw a abnormality in one of his rhythms so he is going Wednesday to do a stress test. Ryan said the dr. didnt seem concerned and said it was no big deal so thats the case or he just told me that so I wont worry about it.

She still has no idea what is causing his spells. So if he has another one he is going to a specialist.

Sierra`s party is in a few weeks and I will be thankful when its over its all she talks about. I hope she has a good turn out.

As of to day we have no plans for the week-end. (Believe it or not)

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!!!

Feb 26 - March 6

2007-03-06T05:59:00.000-08:00

Here is the one and only picture I took on the trip. We flew out Thursday around 2:00 drove to Breckenridge went to see house and then headed out for a late dinner. That next morning (Friday) it was COLD, with the wind blowing 20 mphs it was in the single digits. We took one run down and Rick started getting altitude sickness, Lisa`s feet were hurting and Ryan had another episode with his head so we headed back to the house. Ryan stayed in bed the rest of the day the rest of us hung out on the couch watching t.v.. They went and had some dinner that night and brought back Ryan and I some soup. Saturday morning was a lot better the sky`s were clear we could even see the mountain from the house. (The wind blew the snow so bad we could see it the day before) After Lisa got her boots adjusted we skied all day. We went out to eat Saturday night then got up EARLY Sunday morning to get in a half day of skiing before heading to the house to pack and get back to Denver to return the car and get to the airport. Which we ended up getting there two hours early then the plane was delayed another hour so we spent some time in the airport bar. I was so glad Ryans spell didnt last as long this time or he wouldnt have been able to get on the plane. We got into Dallas around 9:30 but by the time we got home and talked to the kids it was after 11:30 before we got to bed. And Poor Rick and Lisa had to drive to Paris after dropping us off. Dont forget Sierra`s party on March 31st I will be sending out invites soon.

Sierra`s Birthday

2007-02-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was Sierra`s 11th birthday. Ryan and I took her roses and sonic for lunch up the the school. We couldnt eat with her because they were taking taks (SP) test but they let her come up to the office and see her flowers and pick up her lunch she was so excited( she never got flowers before) Ryan and I on the other had were crushed that we had to go eat at a restaurant and not eat the cafeteria lunch. (HAHA) After we pick up Halie from tennis practice we headed to Frisco for Sierra birthday dinner. She picked Gatti town. So we pigged out on pizza and pasta and then hit the midway for video games and bumper cars. We really had a great time we took some silly pictures in the phot both while we were there but I have to wait until our Internet is up and running before I can scan them into my comp. at home. When we were busting at the seams we headed home to eat yep you guessed birthday cookie. We are waiting until March 31st to have her party with the way this winter has been we are not chancing it.

February 10th- February 18th

2007-02-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

Is this warm weather great or what? Finally I can go outside with out a jacket.
Well Cindy came up Saturday before last and we took her out to eat to celebrate her retirement. Halie ended up spending the day with Blakelee and going to the movies Saturday night. Sierra went back to Hugo with Cindy and Katie. Ryan and I once again had some time alone. And we drove up to Dallas and traded my car in on a Lexus SC 430. I had smelled cat pee and looked at all her scratches on my hood for the last time. ( She liked to climb on my car at night and sleep on the rag top and pee).And we all know she isnt going anywhere. We had a late dinner after that and picked up Halie and headed home. Sunday I took Halie and a friend to Denton for some shopping and later Ryan joined us for dinner and a movie.
Ryan left for LA. on Tuesday and got back Friday night. I went to a women`s only party Friday night with a girl friend and had a fun time. Saturday we took Sierra to Frisco and got new radios for all the cars. Ryan tried to install them in my car and his truck but thought better of it after about 30 mins. so I made an appointment to get them installed. Sierra had a sleep over that night then Sunday we picked up Halies friend and loaded all the bikes and took the kids bike riding at the lake. That night as Ryan and I were in the hot tub soothing away the days bike ride Brent brought over some birthday gifts for Sierra and a mardi gras cake for her from Nana. Which I have enjoyed way to much.
Pictures are of Halie and her daddy, Halie and Sierra on one of those rare moments when they get along and all the girls on Sunday. (We had so much fun and Ryan and I out lasted the kids)
Hope everyone has a great week!!!!!!!

Janurary 30th- February 9th

2007-02-09T07:37:00.000-08:00

Lets see if I can rewind my brain back to last week.
Halie had the flu apparently a BAD case of it and after 5 days of being home sick as a dog we also found out she had strep throat. Sierra stayed home Wednesday because of her braces. Saturday Halie felt a little better so we took the girls to the movies and to dinner, Ryan and Halie watched Epic Movie ( dont waste your money) Sierra and I watched Happily Never after(dont waste you money). Sunday we stayed home grilled some burgers and watched football ALL DAY.
Monday Halie was able to go back to school and I started getting the flu But I didnt get it near as bad as Halie I have never seen her so sick. Its Friday and I am finally out and about again.
I am riding with Ryan today just to get out of the house. Both the girls have sleepovers tonight so Ryan and I will either go out or maybe his mom and Glenn are coming up and we will go do something with them. Cindy worked her last night so she is retired as of today and we want to celebrate.
Other than that life is pretty much normal as usual. We still dont have internet at the house so I am having to come up to the shop and do this so there may not be pictures for a while.

Hope everyone has a great week-end.

January 19 - January 29th

2007-01-29T13:47:00.000-08:00

Pictures are of Halie after the party on Sunday and Tripp helping Barbara play poker.

Hello everyone!!!! Is it ever going to get warm again, BBRRRR. And we are without a fireplace, and of course its my fault. I loaded it up with firewood Saturday night and a log was sticking out to far and the glass on the door shattered when I wetn to close it. And I am freezing.

Anyway back to last week, the girls went to Powderly and Hugo for the week-end Halie had a great time watching Kassidy play ball and spending the week-end with the Scroggins.

Sierra got to spend the week-end at NaNa`s with Katie. And Ryan and I got to spend the week-end at home ALONE YEAH we were all happy.

Friday night one of Ryan`s salesman took us out to eat and have a few drinks , we had a great time and come to find out he is a snowboarder and his wife is a skier so a future ski trip may be in the works. Saturday we went into Dallas did some window shopping,watched a movie then dinner and headed home. Sunday we hung out here most of the day then I went to Kims for a tupperware party and while I was gone Ryan decided to head into town and up grade our t.v. in the bedroom or should I say up-LARGE he went from a 2o something inch to a 42 in flat screen. He looked like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar when I got home and saw it. I think its way to big for a bedroom, Brent and every other male that has seen it disagree`s(of course). The one good thing I can say is that it is hanging on the wall out of the way.

Monday the kids headed back to school for the normal routine. While the kids were at church we had dinner with the Morris`s Wednesday night. Friday night the girls and I went to Frisco to buy Halie a party dress for Sunday and had a little dinner. (Ryan flew to LA. for a few days)

He got home around 3:00 Saturday both the girls had friends over for the night and Mitch Miranda Tripp and Barbara came over for dinner and cards(and a few drinks).

Sunday was a lazy day for us. Halie and her friend went to the party which was 7 hours long. Here parents must have been a glutton for punishment.

Halie is home sick today, her allergies have went haywire,it started lastnight at the party, she called and said her eyes were burning bad. I told they may have been burning incense or something. This morning she was coughing ,runny nose, sore throat and gagging from the drainage. I doped her up and she has been asleep all day.

Sierra gets her braces put on again Tuesday and we are dreading that.

I guess thats about it have a great week.

January 11th- January 18th

2007-01-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

I always put pictures of the four us on here so I decided to put a few pics of the other Smiths, first is Dixie and Sierra staying warm under the fireplace, second Baby (I bought her the warm bed for outside I guess I do have feelings for her after all), third is Kalie curled up next to the heater. These were all taken Monday when it got so cold.

You would think we are still back in Colorado with the weather we have been having.

Thursday we took the kids to watch night at the musuem it was o.k. nothing great.

Saturday Sierra and I went with Ryan to walk a house south of Fort Worth and that night I had dinner with Kim at Red Lobster we had a nice time it was just short due to the upcoming weather. Sunday we hung out at the house because of all the weather. Monday the kids were home for a holiday which was a good thing because they would have missed anyway because of the ice on the roads.

Tuesday Halie went back to school and Sierra stayed home again broken retainer and had a appointment at 2:00 to fix it and prepare her teeth to get her braces put back on.

Wednesday they had another bad weather day and was stuck at home.

Thursday YEA everyone is back at school.

Friday Halie and Sierra are heading in with Brent, Halie is going to Tammy`s and Sierra is going to Cindys. I guess they need a break from us. (We are fine with that)

They both got their report cards and did very well Halie brough her advanced class grade up 15 points.

My friend in Powderly had a pretty little baby boy yesterday congrats to them.

My other friend in Commerce just got back from a cruise and had a great trip.

I almost forgot my niece got accepted to A&M in Commerce.

Have a great week-end!!!!!

2007-01-10T07:41:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot that we had a photographer come to the house and take some pictures of us before the holidays. Here are just a few.

December 31st- January 9th.

2007-01-09T06:40:00.001-08:00

We are back and we had a great time. We headed out Sunday morning and got stopped in Amarillo because all the roads leading into Colorado from our area were closed. There was a ten mile back up leading out of Amarillo going into New Mexico and the police started turning people around and sending them back to Amarillo. So we started trying to find a hotel. The first one had no electricity we went on to the next one and they didnt either. Come to find out one of the main power grids went out. At first we were told it was the whole north side of the interstate but later found out it was only that block. So Ryan kept looking and we finally found two rooms at the Camalot Inn and it looked like a castle (not a nice castle) I was a little leary at first, when we first started looking I told the girls if worst comes to worst we may have to stay there. And worst came to worst they were the only ones with rooms left. But the hotel turned out fine. I was happy to have a warm bed to sleep in because I am sure there were people that had to sleep in their cars.
Monday morning we got up early and hoped the roads had opened and we were in luck. On the way out of Amarillo we passed through where the ten mile back up and been and we started seeing snowmen on the side of the road it seems the kids started getting out and playing in the snow after being stuck on the road for so long.
We decided to call Ryans cousin about having lunch with us since we didnt get to stay with them like we had hoped. But when we called we found out that Mickey was in the hospital with a burst appendix. We got to the condo around 4:00 that day. We unloaded the car and then we went and got our rentals.
Tuesday we got up early got everybody ready and Ryan took the two little ones to ski school and Ryan went to his private ski lesson to learn how to snow board.
I went with Halie and Alisa and watched Alisa and Stacee learn to ski.
Around noon Ryan was finished and his instructor told him he was the best student he had ever had. He even took Ryan down a blue and he did great. We were able to ski for a few hours until Sierra and Stacee were finished with Ski school.
They both did so well that we didnt make them go back the next day.
Wednesday Ryan Sierra Stacee and I headed out to go ski for the day. Halie and Alisa skied for a few hours but Alisa really didnt take to it very well. Stacee on the other hand loved it and was pretty good at it too. I had to tell her to slow down. She would just shoot straight down the hill.
Thursday it started snowing and snowed for two days. Halie joined us on Thursday and we skied all that day too. After the lifts closed we headed back to the condo and had a snow ball fight. And that is where I got injured. I was video taping everyone playing in the snow and we started having a snowball fight and while I am filming Ryan throws a snowball and hits we right in the forehead. I even got it on camera. He hit me so hard it cut my forehead I started rubbing the spot with my hand and realized it was bleeding. He has had many laughs about it since then.
That night Ryan and I took the rentals back and then went to
Pug Ryans ( a restaurant we went to last time we where there).
Friday we all sleep in and headed out around 11:00 and went up the mountain on the gondola to go tubing. Remember it was still snowing and very cold so image going down a hill 30 to 40 miles and hour. We have a ball though and have lots of video to prove it. After we came back down the mountain we had some lunch, did a little shopping then went back to the room to start packing.
Ryan and I woke up around 4:30 got loaded and started for home an hour later. Coming out of Colorado Springs the winds started picking up and started blowing snow across the road. We had to drive around 40mphs all the way through New Mexico we lost at least hour. The winds were so strong we saw 6 cars that had actually been flip over by the winds.
We got home that night after being on the road for 15 hours.
We stayed at home on Sunday and did a whole lot of nothing we were so tired.
Monday Ryan went back to work and the girls and I stayed home and finished unpacking and doing the mounds of laundry.
Mitch,Miranda,Tripp and Brent came over that night ate dinner with us and watched the video of our trip.
So today the kids are back at school (YEA) and all is back to normal.

But I have to say taking the girls friends with us was great. I really did make things easier, they didnt get near as bored on the ride up there and back. And they stayed more content while we were there.
I hope everyone has a great week.

December 6th- December29th

2006-12-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

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.