Academic Scholarship!

We received news that Blake was awarded an academic scholarship to Oklahoma State University. They awarded her $7000 per year for four years. This was offered without applying. We will be busy applying for more financial support for the next few months.

Now she's famous!

The USASF has an app for all-star cheerleading rules. The app describes rules, terms, levels, etc. of all-star cheerleading. We were informed that in the glossary of this app, under "Show and Go", there is the definition of this term and an image of my girl! That's impressive. Next time you see her, ask "Hey are you the 'Show and Go' girl?" ;o)

Merry Christmas to Me! xo

We had a wonderful time for Christmas this year. We did our annual BUNCO game at our house with Clay's family and drove to Salida Christmas day to spend time with my side of the family. The kids were spoiled rotten but as always, were very grateful! Oh, what a wonderful life! xo

Buddy and Conan

Camie's dog, Buddy, came over for Christmas Eve with the family. He's getting older and sometimes struggles to get around. In his prime, he was quite the cat hater! Now that he has been humbled by his physical ailments, he took advantage of some close face time with Conan. We all got a good laugh watching Buddy and Conan. No one was hurt during the capturing of these photos. ;o)

Eight Stitches OUCH!

It was Sunday morning and the house was a mess. I was vacuuming the rugs in the breakfast nook and saw that Conan, the cat, was outside wanting to come in. I reached over and opened the door for him to come in and he jumped back. I turned off the vacuum, reached over to pick him up, and OUCH . . . he spooked and sliced my hand open with his claw, right down my knuckle. I knew immediately I would need stitches. Clay and I headed to urgent care, waited for an hour, and yes, I got 8 stitches on my right hand AND a tetanus shot. ;o(. Merry Christmas to me.

Nuggets Game with Young Friends from High School!

Clay and I had an opportunity to catch up with old, yet young, friends over the weekend. We were invited to a Nuggets game with Scott and Lisa and Michael and Christina. Both of which are dear high school friends and high school sweethearts as well. We enjoyed box seats and great conversation. A great game was played, but I couldn't tell you much about it. I was too busy soaking up good friends, good fun! We then headed to a piano bar in downtown Denver and enjoyed a rockin' good time. I can't wait to do it again!!!

Future Pilots!

Evan and his long time buddy, Colton, have spent the last few days together to jump start their Christmas vacation. Here is the two of them on Evan's flight simulator that he purchased with his Birthday money this year. They have such a great time together.

'Tis the Season!

Blake and long-time friend, Lorel, love to bake. They choose to stay home and create their masterpieces rather than go out on the town. I don't have a problem with this except for the tempting aromas and abundance of high calorie, high fat, yummies in the house. Christmas cookies for everyone! ;o)

First Shave!!

Evan was informed by his Civil Air Patrol officer that he had too much facial hair. What? Yes, he was sporting a peach fuzzy little 'stach, but I was holding on to his youth as long as I could. Clay showed him the ropes of shaving yesterday. Evan now is clean shaven and older every second.

Accepted to Oklahoma State University

Reality Check!!!! We received word today that Miss Blake has been accepted to Oklahoma State University. I am excited for her yet am an emotional wreck! We are still waiting to hear from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Tryouts are in late April. Decisions will be made at that time.

Wrestling Season

Evan continues to keep his spot on the varsity wrestling team and proudly goes out on the mat twice a week to compete. This has been a season of learning experiences. He got his first win last night . . . he pinned the guy! GO EVAN!!! I am so proud of his perseverance. He continues to have a great attitude and is really having a great time out there.
The picture is Evan on "game day" where he had to wear a tie. God bless YOU TUBE, because I never learned to tie a tie, Clay was out of town, and we needed help! I typed in "how to tie a tie" and wah lah, we were in business!

DECA State Qualifier

Miss Blake has joined DECA this year, a business and marketing club. She participated in a local competition where she sat one-on-one with a judge and had somewhat of a business interview. She had never done this before and ended up in second place with a qualifying place to the State competition. She can't participate because she has a cheerleading competition that weekend, but we are proud for the accolades anyhow.
The picture is a mobile upload and certainly not great quality, but I am a proud mama to get a shot of her and friend, Kate, with their medals!

Christmas Party Number One

ToothZone held their Christmas party last night at the Hilton and we had a nice time. Clay had been in Columbus, Ohio since Tuesday. His flight came in at 5 p.m. and the party started at 6. He landed in Colorado, rushed to the car, drove the hour drive home, showered and flew out the door with date by his side. I'm so glad he is home.

Family Picture!

The Spirit Celebration in Denton, Texas, was over the weekend. Cheer Central traveled by bus as a team. The team ended up in second place out of a large number of teams! They also were awarded their Bid to the World Championships in April. This is an amazing feat! This is very early in the season for them to be so good. They competed twice on Sunday. At the end of the routine, when they fall to the ground, they spell out "SUNS".

SUPER PROUD MAMA NOTE: Miss Blake was awarded a "WOW" award at the end of the competition. This is an individual award which I have never seen offered at any competition. They said she had a genuine smile and they couldn't take their eyes off of her as she performed. Yea Baby! That's my girl! xo

Blake's senior pictures!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Building a deck!

Sure there is snow on the ground and the temperature has not been above 40 degrees, but we're building a deck! The boys and good friend, Rob, have been hard at work. I want a hexagon shape with the center cut out to add the fire pit in the middle. I have not been their favorite for the past two days. Clay would much rather do square with no bells and whistles. Thank you, Sweetie, for lovin' me SO much! xo

Competition Season Starts!

Yes, it is too early for competition season! Blake's team will travel to Denton, Texas next weekend to compete in their first National Competition. Two teams of 20 from their gym will be traveling by bus. I volunteered to miss this one.
The gym had thier beginning of the year "Showoff" yesterday. The teams were AMAZING!!! Blake's team is one of two premier, level 5 teams! I am super excited for the new season. They have new uniforms this year and new routines. I have pictures and videos of both that I am dying to post, but they are top secret until I hear otherwise. Crazy, I know, but this is serious stuff! ;o)

Elk Hunting

Evan and Clay left for Chaffee County to elk hunt on Friday. Blake and I enjoyed a weekend with no boys in the house. ;o) We finally heard from the boys late Sunday to hear they have had no luck yet. They were going to hunt Monday morning and return home late that night. I am crossing my fingers for a kill. I would really like to have my boys home next weekend. They, on the other hand, are probably enjoying the free time, cussin', passin' gas, drinkin'(for Clay), and smellin' pretty rank. Don't get too used to it. Reality awaits in Fort Collins!

Wrestling Season!

Evan has decided to go out for wrestling and we are proud parents!! The practices are mostly conditioning and we rarely hear him complain. The meets are set up as varsity wrestles first in sixteen weight categories from 75 lbs. to 167 lbs. and heavy weight. Varsity is chosen two days before the meet and could be either an eighth grader or a seventh grader. Evan was varsity this week at 167. Preston vs. Kinard was Friday afternoon and Preston pretty much got spanked, but it was our first meet. We will get the hang of it. Evan wrestled an eighth grader who I thought had a full beard! But anyhoo, having seven days of practice with no wrestling background and no signs of whiskers, he did awesome! He didn't win, but he gave it his all and we couldn't be more proud! Matches are Tuesday and Friday! Go Pumas!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

The kids are getting older and Halloween just isn't the same. Evan is 13 yet looks like he is 18 so trick-or-treating is out of the question. He needed a new gig this year. He dressed up as "Jason" and sat in the bushes in front of the house. We all got a kick out of the kids who hesitated to come to the door. He didn't confront anyone, just sat silently. Good Fun!
Blake was able to dress up for today's practice where she arrived as a Super Hero!
Please don't grow up. Please don't grow up! Please don't grow up! xo

CSU Football!

We attended the CSU - New Mexico game yesterday and witnessed a big win for CSU!! Blake has some cheer friends who are wanting to cheer at the University of New Mexico next fall so we wanted to check things out. To be honest, we're not feelin' it.
At the game, we ran into several old friends and had a fantastic time. Great day! R-A-M-S- Rams!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

To turn off the other music, scroll down to the bottom and press pause on the ipod. Enjoy! xo

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Poker Party at the Perry's

Evan decided he wanted to go to Hooters with a group of buddies and see how badly his sister could embarrass him. She did a pretty good job!
After Hooters, six thirteen-year-olds came over and played poker. Bless Clay's patient huge heart! He was the dealer and managed to keep them somewhat focused yet very entertained.
The evening ended with a sleep over and a serious game of hide-and-seek! Yikes, my house may never be the same.
Happy Happy Birthday Evan! xo

FaceBook Post

" . . .well it was a great birthday, no homework and we won the game!"
Evan


Leave it to my guy to have such simple expectations. He makes me so proud! xo

Seventh grade football . . . out!

The season is over and we are sad. We had a blast watching Evan and the Preston Pumas play ball this fall. They ended the season 3-5. Watch out for next year's team!! Evan has expressed an interest in wrestling. The first meeting is this Monday. We can't wait! xo

Official Legal Document!

Well, my little boy is turning 13 in three days! Good thing I have this document he created five years ago after witnessing an argument between his teenage sister and her mom. It reads "When I'm a teanager I will act mitcher." It has his "Signicher" and the "Legle Dockyoment" seal. Phew, I am a lucky mom! Any signs of immaturity and I am playing this card.

Date Night!

Clay and I went to a wedding directly after the game. We stayed the night and enjoyed an evening together. Yeah for Date Night!

CSU Pueblo Game

CSU-Pueblo played the School of Mines this Saturday. Our nephew, Grant, played a great game. He is a strong defensive player and we just love to watch him play. He sacked the quarterback, tipped a ball for an interception, and hustled the entire game. We are very impressed! They didn't get a win, unfortunately, due to, what we think, was a bad call. We enjoyed a chilly fall afternoon with the family.

Like No Place Else

Fall color in Colorado is at its peak. These are some photos a friend of ours took in Ridgeway and Telluride. Too gorgeous not to share! Enjoy! xo