The James Posse

I'M BACK!! (for now)

2011-01-09T21:43:00.003-06:00

I know it has been a year since I have posted anything, but I have been very busy lately. Most of you know, but I have gotten a job as the Family and Consumer Sciences (Home EC) teacher at Eldorado High School. After being a housewife for the last 10 years, this has been quite an adjustment for me and Tim. I really enjoy the job (and the money is nice), but it is alot of work!

The main reason for my comeback to the blog world is that we had the Schleicher County Livestock Show this past weekend. Kreek has been working very hard with his show heifer, Pudding, since we got her last May and all the hard work paid off this weekend. She showed like a dream and he won Grand Champion Heifer. He was so excited!!

I have added some pictures of him and Pudding along with his new belt buckle.

The judge was asking him questions about her.

Kreek will be showing her again in Kerrville on January 21st and at San Angelo on Saturday, February 19th. I am sure I will post more pictures from these upcoming shows.

Hopefully I will keep up my blogs a little bit better now, but I am not making any promises!!

Kaegen's Birthday

2010-01-08T11:42:00.002-06:00

Kaegen's Birthday is on December 22nd. We had her party on Sat., Dec 19th and all the family came. It was a Tinkerbell Party and Aunt Stef made a great cake as always.

Then on Dec 23rd, we went to San Angelo and took Kaegen out to eat. Of course, she chose Bonsai Garden so she could bang the whatever it is called. After that we went and saw the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks the squeakual. It was really cute. That movie came out on the 23rd, so that is why we did this the day after her birthday.

Daddy measured her and marked it on her growth chart.

Over New Year's weekend we went to Littlefield to see my family. Kaegen and my dad made her cake and she got to decorate it all by herself.

Well that is all I have time for now, next to come is Christmas pictures.

Kreek's 1st deer and Christmas Plays

2009-12-20T14:19:00.009-06:00

Kreek went hunting at Rowdy's ranch on Thursday. He got his first deer, a 12 point. He shot it in the leg and Tim had to chase it for about an hour in the pitch black. With the help of Rowdy's dog, they finally found it and Kreek was so excited.

I was hoping to get a good picture of the kids with the deer to make Christmas Cards, but Kaegen wanted no part of the deer. So sorry no Christmas cards this year for us.

Friday Kreek had a readers theater with some of the kids in his reading class. He was Munching Max and he did great.

Connor came home with us on Thursday after Kreek deer hunted and spent the night. She got to go to the kids school and see their programs.

Mrs. Collins his reading teacher.

After the reader's theater, the whole 2nd grade class had a Christmas Program.

They sang lots of Christmas songs.

And they each had a speaking part. Kreek remembered his lines and really didn't need a microphone at all. He almost blew us all out of the gym.

Kreek's teacher had a baby the first of October and this has been his substitute since then.

We used the background of his program to get some cute pictures.

We had Kaegen's birthday party last Saturday and her real birthday is on Tuesday, so that will be the next post to come.

PS. Aunt Debbie, am I doing better?

Everything Part 2

2009-12-15T10:47:00.006-06:00

We have been gearing up for Christmas also. We cut down our own tree at the Cristoval Tree Farms just like we did last year. The only difference is that this year is was about 6:30 pm, in the pitch black and I forgot my camera. We used a spotlight and ended up finding a great tree. Of course the minute we got home it had to be decorated by the kids. They could not wait until the next day. Kreek got to put the star on the top of the tree this year.

The finished product
We have also seen Santa this year. Kreek wants blue roller blades and the movie Santa Buddies. Kaegen wants a purring kitty and the movie Snow White.

We also decorated our gingerbread houses this year. I even got Tim involved this year. Here are a few pictures below of the decorating and the finished products.

I don't know if I mentioned this, but Tim's good working dog disappeared from the house a couple of months ago. So for Tim's Birthday our neighbor gave us a border collie puppy. He is so cute and spoiled rotten. He stayed in a tote inside the house for a few days because it was so cold. Then he discovered how to climb out and then he began staying in the store room. I think his name is going to be poncho.

Also this past Sunday, our church had a Christmas Play. Kaegen was Mary and Kreek was a shepherd and then a wise man.

I think that will catch us up for now. This week Kreek is having a reader's theatre and a 2nd grade play that I will blog about later.

Everything Part 1

2009-12-14T12:55:00.005-06:00

I received an email from my Aunt Debbie informing me that I have not blogged in a very long time. So I decided I better do it and boy do I have alot to tell.

First of all my school is going great. For those of you who asked, I am getting certified in Early Childhood through 6th grade all subjects with ESL(english as a second language) and also EC - 12th grade special ed. I do not want to teach special ed, but since I will probably have a special ed student in my class that certification could help me get a job over someone without it. I have completed one course, started my second course, and only have 3 more to go. I will be done around the end of February with my EC-6th and it will take me the month of March to get the special ed one. Then of course I have to pass lots of test and try to get a job. I am also still substituting and staying busy as always.

The week before Thanksgiving Kaegen ended up running fever and getting a rash all over her body. Tim took her to the doctor to discover that she had Strep Throat. The doctor said that she would be contagious until Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. So she missed three days of school and about drove me bananas. We met my parents in San Angelo on Wednesday and sent Kreek on with them to my Mema's in Kerrville. Tim, Kaegen and I drove down on Thursday afternoon. On Saturday my brother, sister-in-law, nephew, Kreek, Kaegen and I went to the San Antonio Zoo. The kids have not been to a Zoo in about 5 years so they really enjoyed it.

Kreek woke up on Sunday running fever and also developed a rash. So on Monday off to the doctor and we caught it before it was Strep throat and he missed two days of school. Other than all the sickness, we had a blast over Thanksgiving and got to visit with lots of family.

Kreek is also involved in PIP's (players in progress - basketball). He performs at half time of every home girls varsity basketball game. He really enjoys it. Maybe he will be a good basketball player like his mom.

I will finish a part 2 tomorrow, I hope.

Mud and Carving Pumpkins

2009-11-02T20:49:00.005-06:00

Once again I have been extra busy and it is only going to get worse. I have decided to get my teaching certification throught the Region Center in San Angelo. Luckily it is all online, but I an afraid it will be very time consuming. I have also been substituting 4 days a week and staying busy with that.

Now to the fun things, pictures of the kids.

We got a little rain the other day and as soon as Kreek came home from school he was in his old clothes and in the mud puddle.

Mud ball in hand

A few weeks ago, Eldorado had a fall festival and they had a rock climbing wall. Kaegen never went up it but Kreek did about 5 times and loved it.

He is on the far right

Almost to the top.

We also did our annual carving of the pumpkin. The kids did all the cleaning out of the pumpkin and Tim and I did most of the carving. Kaegen wanted a cat face and I think it turned out cute. Kreek just wanted a normal face and he did a good job also.

Finished products

Kaegen was Tinker Bell for Halloween and Kreek was a knight.

This is one of Kaegen's best friends, Connor and she was a pink cowgirl.

Well with the holidays coming and school for me coming I hope I will have some time to post a few thoughts and pictures. Keep me in your prayers as I have been out of college for almost 10 years. HA HA!!

Homecoming

2009-10-03T17:26:00.002-05:00

Well Eldorado's homecoming was a few weeks ago and the kids love it.

Monday was pajama day at school.
Tuesday was crazy day. I put 8 ponytails in her hair.

Wednesday was opposite day and Kreek was not going to dress like a girl or vice versa.

Thursday was 80's day and the kids did not understand that one.

Friday was green day and once again the hair got painted green.

I had promised Kaegen a cheerleading suit last year and I never found one. So, she got one this year and loves it.

Right before we went to the football game.

Kreek's Go Kart

2009-09-27T18:14:00.003-05:00

About a year and a half ago, Kreek was talking to Tim and told him that he wanted a go-kart. Tim told him that if he would save half that we would match it and he could buy a go-kart. Since that day he has not spent a dime. He went on dayworking jobs with Tim and worked for us around the house. He also made money from making good grades. After every $100 he made he would give the church $10. Toward the end he just wanted to go ahead and prepay God up to $500 so when he made it to his goal that would be it. We thought that was pretty funny. So about a couple of weeks ago he had saved $500. Tim and I found a go-kart on the internet and purchased it without him knowing. One afternoon after school a big truck showed up at the house and delivered this.

PawPaw and Nana showed up and about 4 hours later this was the end result.

We have had it for about 2 weeks and have had nothing but heck with it. We have had to order a new part and maybe we will get it going again. But he loves it.

Kreek's 3rd party

2009-09-27T15:24:00.004-05:00

We decided to let Kreek have a real birthday party with friends and not just family. He decided he wanted to invite Asher, Addison, and Orin from Iraan. He said that he gets to see his friends from Eldorado everyday and he hardly ever gets to see these friends. I picked all the boys up in Iraan on Saturday morning and we headed to Eldorado. The weather was horrible and it rained all day, but the boys had fun. Of course, PawPaw, Nana, Dave, Stef, Avery, Coy, Tommy, Rita, Rowdy, Jennifer, and Connor were also there.

Kreek wanted a cowboy theme and Stef made this beautiful cake.

Kreek had to light his own candles.

Blowing them out.

Opening his presents.

Hitting the pinata.

Silly Uncle Dave wore the pinata

We built a fire and roasted hot dogs for supper. Then they all roasted marshmellows and made smores. We had 2 blowup mattresses and they all had a campout in the living room.

Connor also spent the night with us for the first time.

The next morning we made it to Sheffield for church and that was it.

Kreek had a blast and can't wait for next year.

Kreek's 2nd party & Mountians

2009-09-19T16:54:00.008-05:00

So Kreek's 2nd Birthday party was over Labor Day with my side of the family. My parents own a place in Cloudcroft, NM and we try to go every year over Labor Day Weekend. Since Tim is feeding calves, the kids and I decided to make the 7 hour drive by ourselves. I have never drived that far by myself and I was a little nervous. Tim always drives and I always sleep. To make matters worse, I woke up that Friday and felt horrible. I had a bad sinus headache and body ache, but I took my trusty Garmin GPS and headed for the mountains anyway. I will admit that about halfway there I called Tim crying because I felt terrible and just wanted to be in my bed asleep. We finally made it and I started feeling better the next morning and we ended up having a great weekend. It only rained one afternoon and it was not too cold.

Kreek's cake

Blowing out his candle

Showing off his presents (he wanted lots of money and boy did he get it)

Sitting around the campfire

Kreek was my driver on the 4-wheeler all weekend.

Baby Ty loved to ride on the 4-wheeler. He would look at Grumpy, point to the 4-wheeler and say Go. And of course my dad said ok.

My borther, Tyson, with his son, Ty, and my cousin Colby with Kaegen

Kaegen loved the water falls and playing in the water. The bridge in the picture above is a trail for the 4-wheelers to go over this water.

Kids, Uncle Tyson and Ty on new bridge

Ty's new facial expression

We had a great trip to the mountains and can't wait to go back.

Kreek's 1st Birthday Party

2009-09-19T14:09:00.004-05:00

Well, first of all our (well Tim's) feeding program is off and running. We officially have begun making our own feed and are feeding about 100 calves. It has been very eventful. Tim has got his work cut out for him, but as he said, "If it was easy everyone would be doing it." I have been fairly busy substituting and I have decided to go thru the Region Center and get alternative certification for teaching. So hopefully by next year, I can be a teacher.

Kreek birthday was Sunday, August 30th. We decided to go out to eat on Saturday whereever Kreek wanted to go. It was us 4 and Nana and we headed to Bonsai Garden in San Angelo.

Here he is eating the delicious soup.

The cook is fixing to get started.

If it is your birthday, you get to make a wish and bang on the gong.

Then you get cheesecake.

More to come on Birthday Party #2 and Party #3, Kreek's new play toy and Homecoming in Eldorado.

First Day of School

2009-08-27T13:31:00.008-05:00

So, Monday was the first day of school. Kaegen is starting Kindergarten and she was so excited. Here is a picture by the door. She picked out her clothes that day and the Lion King shirt my mother got her in Las Vegas is what she chose.

Then she wanted me to take a picture with the dogs.

Then she wanted one with the cats.

Then one by the door to her classroom.

Then one by her locker.

Then with her teacher, Mrs. Harris.

And lastly in her desk.

She was a little nervous, but very excited. She loves school.

Then there is Kreek. I got one by the door and we were leaving.

Can you see the fake smile of happiness.

Then one in the cafeteria eating breakfast. He was not happy and begged me to take him home and homeschool him again.

Kreek's teacher is Mrs. Meador. She is one of Kreek's friends mom and she is Kaegen's "boyfriend's" mom. She is also fixing to have a baby in October.

So we have almost survived the first week of school and it is not to bad. The kids are pretty tired and are excited to sleep in on Saturday.

Summer Vacations Part 2

2009-08-25T16:56:00.005-05:00

After the waterpark, we ate at the Rainforest Cafe. The kids and Sharon have been there before, while we were at the Cotton Bowl. The last time, Kreek ate a bunch and had lots of a volcano desert and got sick in the middle of the night and it was not fun. So he was not too excited about going, but he shared a pizza with Uncle Coy and had no dessert and did fine.

There is an alligator at the entrance and Kreek was trying to throw a penny into his mouth.

Being silly!

After lunch at the Rainforest Cafe in Grapevine, we headed to Dallas to Medieval Times. Kreek absolutely loved in and Kaegen did after she realized it was not real and they really were not trying to kill eachother.

Our knight we cheered for was the Yellow Knight. He did good, but in the end he was not the winning knight.

After each competition event, the knight is given 3 flowers to give to 3 of his fans. We sat on the 1st row and he rode up to Kaegen and handed it to her.

Kaegen and Kreek with the princess. Can you see how happy Kaegen is? She is with a "real" Princess.

Kaegen and Ashley with the knight who gave Kaegen the flower.

Kreek got all the knights to sing his crown and this was our yellow knight.

We had a great vacation and can't wait till next summer. First day of school post coming soon!!

Oops I forgot

2009-08-21T18:48:00.003-05:00

I forgot to include the best pictures. Theses were taken during the big tube rides.

Kreek was sort of scared and was right next to Ashely. I got the joy of going down backwards and hated it.

So the next time with Sharon I made sure I was not seated where I would be backwards. The funny thing is that after this picture was taken, Ashley drank about a gallon of water.

This is the howling tornado ride. Coy, Ashley and Sharon rode it first.

Sharon told Coy and Ashley not to tell me the whole truth about the ride or I probably would not ride it. So I caved in and went to ride the ride. As we got on the tube and were pushed away, Coy said, "Oh there will be a little drop off in a while, but I will tell you when." I said, "Oh Coy you are scaring me", then it went dark and Coy informed me that we were fixing to drop. And then I screamed like a little girl as we went down into a big bowl that swung you back and forth. As you can see in the picture, I was very tense and Coy and Ashley were looking at me laughing. After it was over, it was not that bad, just shocking at first.

Summer Vacations Part 1

2009-08-21T16:58:00.004-05:00

Kreek had told Nana that he wanted to ride a train this summer. We found the Texas State Railroad train that went from Palestine to Rusk (in east Texas). On Saturdays, it has a Lone Ranger rides again theme show. So Sharon, Kreek, Kaegen and I left on Friday July 31st and arrived in Palestine about 9:00 pm. The kids swam until 11:00 pm and we finally got to bed around midnight. We headed to the train the next morning. We meet lots of "bandits" before boarding the train that departed at 11:00 am. While on the train, they "robbed" it and explained that all the money is donated to charity. Kaegen also became a Texas millionaire, receiving a million dollar bill with one of the bandits pictures in the middle of it. As the train was moving, each "bandit" would walk around and talk to everyone. Then the Lone Ranger and Tonto came through and met everyone also. About halfway to the next depot, the train stopped and they had a shoot out. We stopped at Rusk and ate lunch and then got back on the train and headed back to Palestine. Once we got to Palestine, we got in the car and headed back home. We got in about 1:30 am. It was really neat and we all enjoyed it.

I began this post on Monday and then I had a melt down. I discovered that I had never downloaded the pictures of the train ride onto my computer and I have already deleted them off my camera. So I have no pictures from the train ride and I almost cried.

So, onto the next vacation. We all went to Avery's 1st birthday party in Midland on Sat., August 8th. She is so precious and is growing up fast. Coy, Ashley, Sharon, Kreek, Kaegen and I headed to the Dallas area after her party. We made it to Weatherford and spent the night. After going to Church, we headed to the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. For those of you who don't know about it, it is a hotel with an indoor and outdoor waterpark. It was a blast and we all had fun.

This is the outside. It has 600 rooms and is beautiful.

The big 4 person tube rides as they come outside and then you end up back inside.

This is what you see when you walk in the waterpark. The bucket at the top will dump 1000 gallons of water on top of you.

There were 3 single slides on the inside and 2 big slides with 4 person tubes.

Kreek riding a wave in the wave pool.

Kaegen and Aunt Ashley in the wave pool.

In the kiddie pool.

These are 2 outside slides with an outside pool.

Kreek loved the lilly pad obstical course and would jump from one to the next.

This was Kaegen's favorite. The wolf would howl a few times and then water would spray out everywhere. Kaegen is in the pink swimsuit.

This is what Kreek's hands looked like after all day of swimming.

Kaegen went to hear Wiley read a bedtime story to all the kids.

There is soooo much to do at the Great Wolf Lodge and we had a blast. I will post a Summer Vacations Part 2 and post pictures of the next few days we spent in the Dallas Area on another day soon hopefully.

New puppy, kittens, and rattlesnakes

2009-08-06T13:41:00.006-05:00

The new puppy we inherited over 4th of July is so adorable and the kids love him. He is going to be so big, but hopefully not to overbearing. Here are some cute pictures of him.

We have discovered that rattlesnakes like our place. People have told us that with all the destruction and construction we have done around the ranch that we have disturbed the dens and probably will see lots of rattlesnakes. Tim and Kreek have killed 6 so far and we are still counting. When we lived at our other ranch we always had lots of cats around and we never saw a rattlesnake near the house. When we moved here we brought 2 with us (that was all we could catch). Tim ran over one of them and the other we think was killed by a raccoon. So we were on the hunt for cats. We got three kittens from Neva (which have all been killed by some animal or Tim with the pickup again oops) and three kittens from Lanora Watts (two are still with us for now). We are trying to get them big enough to keep the snakes away, but the kids are spoiling them rotten. Who knows if they will or not?

A few Sundays ago we were in Sheffield all day at church and got in late that night. I went to feed the dogs and discovered out our border collie, Gringo, looked like this.

He had been bitten by a rattlesnake somewhere on the mouth. I am sure he was protecting a curious puppy. After a few days of swelling, blood and lots of drool he was back to normal.

Sharon and I got back from our recent trip (more on that later) at 1:00 am. Tim was in Iraan doing a little work so we carried the kids into the house. I went out to feed the animals and was filling up the cats water. I turned around and heard the rattlesnake about 3 feet away from me. I am deathly afraid of snakes and I ran so fast into the house. I yelled, "Sharon, RATTLESNAKE!!" Her and Kreek came running with guns. Between the both of them it was dead in no time. Kreek had to cut the rattles off and it had 13 and a button. I hope to never get that close again to one.

new dog pen and rock patio

2009-08-06T09:27:00.008-05:00

Well I will try to catch up on all that has gone on since the last post. After we got back from Cisco camp, Tim and I got busy building things. We started with making a new pen for the dogs and then built a rock patio. We had dug up lots of flat rock buried at least 4 inches deep with dirt that was once a walkway around the house. We called my Uncle Ricky and he told us how to lay a rock patio. We had a dump truck of sand delivered and got right on it. About 3/4 of the way thru we ran out of rock and had to go look in the pasture to find more rock. Lastly, we poured the mortar and we were done. Then 2 hours later, we got 3 1/2 inches of rain. It washed a little of the mortar out, but held up fairly well and we will always take rain.

New dog pen

Beginning

Middle

Finally finished

It is a little uneven, but for first time rock layers, I say we did a good job. Since Tim helped me with the patio, we then began redoing fences and building feed troughs for calves. We got most of it done, but still have not finished it.

4th of July & Cisco Church Camp

2009-07-29T14:04:00.010-05:00

Well once again I am apologizing for taking so long to post. My computer was freezing up so it is with the Geek Squad in San Angelo, so I have borrowed Tim's laptop. I forget how much I love my computer until it is gone.

So back to where I left off, 4th of July at Kerrville. There were 29 people there and it was lots of fun. We played washers, played games, had water balloon fights, and did lots of swimming. We had to feed the perch before we jumped in the water or they would peck you to death.

The crazy family.

The family showing their college signs.

Swimming in the creek.

Uncle Tyson and the kids watching TV ready for bed.

My nephew, Ty.

Some family friends, Mark and Vera Lee, brought 8 yellow lab puppies with them. 5 of them were spoken for and they had 1 male and 2 females left. The kids called Tim and begged him to let them have one. Tim drove down on Friday night to join us. So on Saturday night, Tim had given in and let the kids have the male. His name is Major and he is adorable. This is a picture of Kreek holding him.

We drove home from Kerrville Sunday morning and feed all the dogs, cats, and other animals and headed to Cisco for another church camp. Michael Light was the preacher at the Pecos River Encampment this year and he is in charge of the Cisco camp. He was short handed on staff and needed our help. Tim was a counsler for the 8th grade boys and I helped in the kitchen. It was really a neat camp and we had lots of fun.

Kreek stayed in the dorm with Tim and the campers really took Kreek under their wing. Tim and Kreek were involved in the talent show with the boys.

Kreek and Kaegen got to sing a song.

They had lots of activities for the campers and Kreek got to be one of the helpers. They had to pull him on top of the sleeping bag to the other end. He loved it.

Kaegen and her daddy and Kreek and one of the campers.

They had an amazing arts and craft center. The little kids got to go there every morning while the bigger campers were in bible classes.

Well that is all for today. More to come on the new puppy, rattlesnakes, new rock patio, my birthday, and vacations.

Sheffield Church camp

2009-07-22T08:38:00.008-05:00

It seems like I am always apologizing for it taking me so long to blog, but we have been very busy. We had our Church camp at Sheffield June 20th - June 28th. The kids had a blast (and Tim and I did also) and it was HOT!!!

Kreek on the big slip-n-slide to cool off.

Painting the bell.

Jennifer Holmsley made us ladies these shirts that say Cook Shack Widows. All of our spouses are at the cook shack cooking all week and we rarely see them so it feels like we are widows for the week. The dominoe shack is also close to the cook shack so I am not for sure which shack they are really in more.

We got home on Sunday the 28th and I got right to doing a million loads of laundry and getting the camper all put back together. Tim got one night in our bed and then he had a farm bureau meeting in New Braunsfel on Monday and Tuesday. Then we were all suppose to to go to Memaw's house in Kerrville on Thursday the 2nd. Tim and Kreek were dayworking all say. They finally got home aboyt 4:30 and Kaegen and I were packed and ready to go. Tim went to unsaddle the horses and discovered that another one of our horses had been bit by a rattlesnake. It's leg was very swollen, so Tim headed to the vet's office. He called me about 5:30 and said to go without him that he had to stay and doctor the bite mark. So the kids and I headed to Kerrville. We had a blast swimming in the creek, playing washers, and lots of visiting. I will post pictures from this trip and more on our busy life on the next post.

4-H Playday

2009-06-17T14:25:00.008-05:00

The kids had a blast at the playday. All day Tuesday, Kaegen kept asking when is the playday? We took 3 horses. One for Tim, one for Kreek and one for Kaegen. Well it turned out the horse Kreek was going to use (Woodrow) was acting a little bad and bucked some with Tim, so we decided to let them both us the same horse (Nine-O). Kaegen was the 3rd to go, so after she was done we would hurry up and change saddles, then Kreek was around number 8. After he was done we would hurry up and change saddles again because there was only about 12 people riding. After it was over, I was exhausted and felt like we were so rushed, but we survived. Tim ended up riding Woodrow and helping Kaegen. She was a little scared at first, but by the end she was riding Nine-O all by herself.

I was trying to video and take pictures at the same time, so I didn't get too good of pictures, but their is still 3 more playdays in the future. I did get good ones of Kaegen because Kreek was videoing for me and that helped alot.

First up was the barrels. Only got pictures of Kaegen because I was too busy videoing and yelling at Kreek because he was doing the pattern wrong. Oops.

Next, was the flag race. Woodrow did not like the flag and Tim could not get Kaegen close enough to reach the flag, so they just trotted on back.

At first, Nine-O did not like the flag, but finally Kreek scooped down and got the flag.

Next was the pole bending. Kaegen actually led the horse all by herself and followed Tim.

Again not a good picture of Kreek at all.

Last event was the goat ribbon pulling. They actually held the goat for you so it was too easy. Kaegen led the horse all by herself and Tim walked in front. He helped her off the horse and she ran to the goat and got the ribbon and ran across the finish line.

Kreek finally got Nine-O to lope.

Well this will probably be the last post for awhile. Our Sheffield Church Camp starts on Saturday and goes thru the 28th. Then we will be in Kerriville for the 4th of July, so I am not sure when I will post again.

Kaegen's New Bike

2009-06-16T14:39:00.003-05:00

Poor Kaegen has always gotten Kreek's hand me down John Deere tricycles and Tonka bicycle, so she finally got her a new Barbie girlie bike. Tim told her that if she would pay for half of it that he would pay the other half. So last week we went to Wal-Mart and she found the one she wanted. It is a ride-with-me barbie bike and she loves it.

Also, today the kids are going to their first play day with 4-H. I will try to post pictures of it before we head off to church camp on Saturday.

I never thought....

2009-06-11T18:07:00.004-05:00

Well, I never thought I would see these on our ranch, but here they are, Longhorn Bulls. We have some first time heifers and have decided to put a Longhorn bull to help make calving easier.

Even our horses did not know what to think.

Kaegen's Ballet Performance

2009-06-09T15:54:00.006-05:00

Kaegen has been in ballet since we moved to Eldorado and she loves it. The teacher will not be coming back next year to do dance classes, so for now this was her final performance. They performed to the song, How much is that doggie in the window, monkeys jumping on the bed, and raindrops and gumdrops (a Barney song).

These are the doggie costumes. They turned out really cute.

This is their raindrops costume.

Man she can jump high.

They wore their pajamas for the monkey song.

After it was over, she yelled for her daddy to come see her. We had no idea that you were suppose to bring flowers for your ballarina, and she was so sad that dad forgot hers. He promised her some the next day and she did not forget either.

Kaegen and Trisha, her teacher.

Kaegen's school program

2009-06-09T13:06:00.006-05:00

The Pre-K classes did a program for all the families. They sang all sorts of alphabet songs, mother goose songs, and the school song. They all did a great job and had fun doing it.

Kaegen and her teacher, Mrs. Droll. She was a great teacher.

Kaegen and the teacher's aide, Mrs. Rojas. She was also great.

Kaegen and her best friend, Sophia (they also do ballet together).

Other pictures from the program.

Singing the school song.

I will post pictures from Kaegen's ballet next.

Kreek's water day & Awards

2009-06-08T10:16:00.009-05:00

Kreek's water day was also fun. They had differnet stations set up and played games with your classroom. This station was tag and you are it. Kreek was running fast.

This station was capture the flag. If that girl guarding the flag touched you, you had to go to the kiddie pool and dump a bucket of water on your head. Kreek then snuck up behind her, captured the flag and ran across the line. He was so excited.

Next they had tug of war. The boys were beating the girls so Kreek's teacher in the yellow joined in to help the girls.

They got to take water guns, play in the sprinklers, and the fire trucks sprayed everyone with water.

On Thursday morning Kreek had an awards ceremony and got a certificate for the A B Honor Roll. He was so excited.

Kaegen's water day

2009-06-06T15:14:00.004-05:00

Again, we have been extremely busy. Tim and Kreek are dayworking and Kaegen and I are doing housework. So in between loads of laundry, cleaning and work for Sharon, I have decided to post a few things.

Wednesday, May 27th both kids had water day at school with firetrucks and all.

Kaegen's class had a huge blowup slide that was so fun.

Then she opted to play in the kiddie pool.

They had all sorts of snacks including watermelon and snow cones.

Then the fire trucks showed up and sprayed them. She sort of liked it.

Kreek's Baseball Year

2009-05-22T11:27:00.007-05:00

When we were first introduced to Kreek's baseball team, we were surprised. His team consisted of 1-3rd grader, 3-2nd graders, and 6-1st graders. We were very young, but we were hopeful. The 3 other teams had one 4th grader, a few 3rd graders and so one. I do believe that the teams were not formed fairly, but again we were hopeful. Well baseball is over and we tied for 1st place. We are so proud and excited for our young team. I think they surprised everyone with being so good. Here in Eldorado, little league consist of 7-10 yr olds and is player pitch. So needless to say Kreek has been hit by the ball probably 6-8 times, but he never cried and bounced right back. He played second base and left field and is pretty timid at batting, but he only struck out a few times (he mostly walked). He did score a few times. He even hit a ball and made it to second base and 2 people scored from it and that was very exciting. So here are a few pictures from the season and last night's awards (that ended at 9:30 pm). He was very exhausted this morning for school.

His team was the Giants and he had to be #7 because that is how old he is.

Random pictures

Ready to run home.

Excited after a big win

Runing home and scoring!!!

Catching the ball and throwing it to the pitcher.

Toward the end Kreek would try to hit the ball, but his timing is a little late and he couldn't hit it very often, but at least he tried.

This is him trying to get out of the way so he doen't get hit again.

Saying good game to other team.

Receiving his trophy.

He loves his trophy.

I am so glad that baseball is over!!!! Only 4 more days of school left!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kaegen's Field Trip

2009-05-20T10:15:00.006-05:00

Sorry it has been so long since I have blogged (sorry Aunt Debbie). We have been very busy and things have been very crazy. In March, Tim sort of lost his main income job with the family oilfield business. Their business has slowed down and we were very thankful. I think all the James clan had been working to hard for too long and have sort of enjoyed the slowing down of the business. Tim and I were excited to have him here all the time and getting stuff done around the ranch. Well that lasted about 2 weeks and he has been non stop working. Between day working and welding he has been so busy we cannot focus on our stuff here at the ranch, but we will take the income while we can. So last week he was staying in Iraan working for Seth. On Tuesday night the kids and I were going outside after supper to clean up toys and encountered a rattlesnake on the back sidewalk. I have a major phobia of snakes and cannot get close enough to kill them, so I started calling out neighbors. The only one I could get a hold of drove all the way from town and killed it for me. I told him that he saved Tim from driving the hour and a half home to kill it for me. Then the next night (Tim was still in Iraan) at 4:30 in the morning our smoke alarm starts going off saying FIRE FIRE. I jump out of bed running thru the house and didn't find anything. Then 5 min later it goes off again. So I called Sharon's house where Tim was to see what to do. I searched everywhere and nothing. After going off one more time a little later, it has never went off again. So needless to say, I told Tim he was coming home and not leaving me again for a long while. So he came home Thursday night and left out early Friday morning to day work for a guy here in Eldorado. So Friday morning, Kreek comes into my room at 6 am crying with a severe earache. Kaegen was having her field trip on Friday at 8:00 and I had promised her I would go. So I called Sharon at 6:15 am and said can you please come take Kreek to the doctor so I can go with Kaegen. Of course she threw clothes on and was at the clinic at 8:00. She did make the comment that at least I let them sleep until 6 am instead of 4:30 like the other morning. I do not know what I would do without her. THANKS!!!! Well Kreek did have a pretty bad ear infection and was given some antibiotics. Besides all of that going on we have been busy with either baseball practice or games, ballet practice, and me substituting at school. That has been fun and exhausting. So, I promise after school is out, baseball is over, and ballet is over I will try to blog more often. Kaegen's ballet recital is on May 31st and then that is over for the summer. Also more to come is Kreek's baseball pictures, Kaegen's pre-K program and water day at school that involves fire trucks. FUN FUN!!

Last Friday Kaegen's Pre-K class took a field trip to the Nature Center in San Angelo. Here are some pictures from that.

The instructor told then to cross their arms in front of them if they do not want to touch the animals and she will just walk by and let them look at them. Kaegen had her arms crossed from the beginning. These were hissing cockroaches. YUCK!!!

Some kind of turtle.

This is a trantula.

Some kind of lizard snake, I all ready forgot, but she was not going to touch it.

This is a blue tongued lizard. She actually touched the rest of the animals.

This is a chinchila (I have no idea how to spell it, so I spelled it like it sounds.)

She made them smell the ferret before they touched it and it smelled nasty.

Kaegen loved the big turtle.

They also had a little alligator in a pen. Of course Kaegen thought it was huge!

This is Kaegen and her best friend. Myranda with a HUGE snake behind them.

See the turtle swimming behind Kaegen.

The whole class and their teachers.

After the nature center tour, they all went to CiCi's pizza to eat and play. Then back to Eldorado. Kaegen had a blast.

I started this post on Wednesday and I am finally finishing it on Friday. Kreek has finally finished baseball yesterday and I will add another post hopefully today with his pictures. One thing down and a few more to go.

Easter Fishing Trip

2009-04-17T10:09:00.008-05:00

Ever since I was a baby, my family has been going to Lake Buchanan every spring. This trip was very fun and we caught lots of fish. Tim, the kids, and I left early (5:30 am) Friday morning and headed to the lake. We met my brother, his wife, and their son at the lake.

We stayed at Paradise Point and as you can see the lake is very low.

We got out on the water that morning. Kreek rode with my brother and his family.

Kaegen rode with Tim and I on Uncle Coy's boat that we borrowed. Kreek has been fishing for a couple of years now, but this was Kaegen's first time to really fish with a real rod and reel and a hook. She had fun and adapted well. She would put the end of the rod under her arm and the reel was right at her armpit. When she would catch a fish she would instantly yell daddy. Tim was at the front of the boat and I was at the back about 2 feet from her. Did she ever yell for mommy's help? No, of course not only daddy. Tim would help her a little bit by holding the rod up, but she did most of the work and loved it. She absolutley refused to ever touch a fish, but I think I was the same way.

I don't know what it is about a boat, but it puts them to sleep everytime. I know it did with my kids. This is my sister-in-law, Alana and my nephew, Ty.

We caught 49 white bass fish on Friday morning.

My Mom and Dad met us later on Friday evening. We caught 55 fish that evening.

This was a beautiful sunset.

My dad was actually brave enough to let Kreek drive the boat back to the cabin.

On Saturday morning we went out and caught fish like crazy. Between all of us we raked in 155 fish. Kaegen and Kreek both started to get sick and run fever, but we were catching so many fish that they had to stick it out. Kaegen and I got on the boat with my dad and she was feeling pretty bad. I was fishing with her in my lap and I was just raking the fish in. Then all of the sudden I caught a fish and I knew it was a stripper. As Kaegen would say it, "Momma just threw me down." I then stood up and yelled for my dad to help me. Between him and I we got the biggest stripper that I have ever caught in the boat. I was screaming so loud.

Around noon we were still catching fish, but decided to come on in and start cleaning fish.

Here is the 155 fish we caught.

We had to use one of my dad's tote to carry all the meat in.

That evening I stayed at the cabin with all the kids since they were not feeling well. The others only caught 6 fish.

I promised the kids that they could go out on the boat on Sunday morning, so sick and all we went out. We had a little luck and caught about 18 white bass, 1 cropie, and a yellow catfish. I caught the catfish out of pure luck and accident. Since I caught him, Tim made me hold him for the picture. I have never messed with catfish and had no idea that they bite. I soon learned that they are not nice like white bass are and he bite the heck out of my fingers. So that is why I look weird in the picture and am holding his mouth open.

Just a cute pictures of my dad and my nephew.

The easter bunny did come to see us on Sunday morning and I will post those pictures another day. And I have some pictures of us cleaning the fish.

Easter Parties

2009-04-16T10:22:00.004-05:00

Kaegen had her Easter Party on Wednesday and we made these cute bunny, tulip, egg and butterfly shaped ham and cheese sandwiches. They were a big hit and our dog, gringo, loved the outer edges of the sandwiches.

We also made some cupcakes that turned out okay also.

Kaegen wore her bunny ears to school and all the kids thought it was neat.

After snacks, they crossed the street for an egg hunt.

Ready, set, go!!!!!!!

Kreek's easter party was on Thursday when the wind was blowing 30 mph. His class was the only 1st grade class to have a party. The other three teachers did not want to mess with one. I thought that was pretty sad, but luckily Kreek has a great teacher. They walked to the local park, played, hunted eggs, ate a sack lunch and got a snow cone for dessert.

The egg hunt was very unique. Each kid brought candy filled egg with each of the kids names on them. So as you hunted eggs you could only pick up the ones with your name on it. That made it fair and quite enjoyable. At the end the parents were helping by yelling the kids names out as they stood by the eggs. With 17 kids and 19 eggs per kid it took quite a long time.

Spring break

2009-03-30T11:04:00.005-05:00

Kreek has been wanting to go ice skating for a long time. So I promised him over Spring break that I would take him to Odessa to skate. My mom, Uncle Dave, Aunt Stef and Avery met us there. It was alot of fun. Kreek could not get the hang of skating, so he just ran on the ice, then slid. And he did all of this going 90 mph. He would fall and be back on his feet before I could blink. Kaegen just stood there and let us push her. As long as someone was touching her at all times she was fine. The kids had a blast and can't wait to go back.

Kreek's school rodeo and skiing videos

2009-03-15T23:13:00.008-05:00

I have been trying to post this for a while, but with the recent rainy weather our internet was out of commission. I will not complained though because we needed the rain.

The First Grade PE and music teacher's put on a rodeo. The students got to make a stick horse and name it. Kreek named his rainbow and Tim hated it. The kids came into the gym riding their horses around.

They did the pleadges and sang Texas Our Texas.

Then they split into different groups and each kid did one event. They had a boot scramble, hat toss, barrel racing, pony express and calf roping. It was sort of like a relay race with 2 teams. Before each competition the kid's name and horse's name was announced and they waved.

Kreek did the calf roping and even brought his own rope from home. He was the last one to rope on his team. He was next in line and they were dead even.

He roped it on the first try. Tim and I were so proud.

Kreek running back to his horse to cross the finish line first.

Right after that the batteries on my camera died. So no more pictures, but I will tell you the rest. They sang a few more songs (She'll be coming round the mountain, The Lone Star Trail). Then they rode their horses out again.

It was a really neat performance and the kids loved it.

I have tried a hundred times to post a video on here and it never worked, but for some reason today it worked.

This is at Toas, NM on our ski trip. This is the second day of Tim teaching Kaegen and she did so good.

Kreek decided he wanted to try going down moguls. I went half way down to video first. Coy was in the lead and is the person Kreek runs into. Ashley is at the top following after. I love the way Kreek falls upside down, slids around, gets up and continues without even batting an eye. He then continues full speed down, jumping the mogals and slides to a stop at the bottom. He is definately fearless when it comes to skiing. Is he a James or what?

A few more things part II

2009-02-27T10:30:00.006-06:00

Again, sorry it has taken me so long to post, but as always we have been busy. Also, my internet went out and I fought with Direc TV for 2 weeks before someone finally showed up to fix it. Lots have gone on since I last posted.

First of all we will start with Kaegen. She finally got to use her saddle Santa brought her and she rode Kreek's horse named nine-o. Tim helped, but she is starting to get the hang of it.

Also, Tim sent her a rose to school for Valentine's Day and she loved it.

We are trying to teach Kaegen how to ride a bike without training wheels. She is using Kreek's old bike that has no padding on the seat. It was a little rough but she is getting the hang of it also.

Now onto Kreek. Kreek's teacher had a pancake making valentine's party. The parents cooked the pancakes and the kids got to use a cookie cutter to make them into a heart shape and add just about any topping you wanted.

Kreek also had some new tricks he wanted me to take pictures of since it could not be all about Kaegen that day.

Also, Kreek got caught doing something good at school and was put into a drawing. His name got drawn and we got to go eat lunch with him at school on Friday. Luckily Tim had the day off and got to join us. Then later on during school that day he got to have an ice cream sundae dessert. He loved it.

The most exciting thing we have done lately was go skiing at Taos, NM. It was a very long car ride, but it was beautiful. The weather was perfect and the snow was amazing. This is Kreek's fourth year to go skiing so he is a pro, so we decided it was Kaegen's turn to learn. She caught on really well and loved to go fast.

I have some video's of the kids, but I can't get them to post. I will try again later.

I guess that sums up our lives so far.

A Few things

2009-01-30T19:22:00.003-06:00

Last week at school was G.E.E.S.O week during PE for Kreek. I have no idea what it stands for, but it is basically a free throw contest for the different grade levels. Kreek made 5 out of 10. I figured that was good since we don't even own a basketball or a goal. One guy made 6 and he became #1. There were three guys that tied with 5, including Kreek. They had a shoot out. Well Kreek must have had a bad day and did not make any out of 3 shots, so he got 4th place. He received a little ball with his name on it (mispelled of course, Creek) and a ribbon. Today was also the 100th day of school and they made glasses with 100.

Kaegen was bored the other day and decided to blow up balloons. Then she decided to color them and name them. I am not for sure who the one with the big knot on it's head is. She had fun and I thought it was pretty neat.

Also, Kaegen has show and tell every Wednesday at school. So for O, she took an orange. After school she decided she was going to do what they show on TV and peel the orange and stick a straw thru it and drink the juice. She was very disappointed and learned a great lesson that not everything you hear or see on TV is the truth.

Football game

2009-01-26T12:44:00.003-06:00

I finally got the pictures from the Cotton Bowl Game we went to. There were so many people and it was a neat experience (even though Tech lost).

One word

2009-01-26T08:57:00.002-06:00

One Word
1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Where is your significant other? work
3. Your hair color? brown
4. Your mother? unorganized
5. Your father? serious
6. Your favorite thing? kids
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your goal? happiness
9. The room you are in? bedroom
10. Your hobby? kids
11. Your fear? rattlesnakes
12. Where do you want to be in six years? ranching
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you are not? hungry
15. One of your wish list items? money
16. Where you grew up? Littlefield
17. The last thing you did? eat
18. What you are wearing? windpants
19. Your TV? on
20. Your pet? Gringo
21. Your computer? slow
22. Your mood? exhausted
23. Missing someone? nephew
24. Your car? clean
25. Something you are not wearing? make-up
26. Favorite story? family
27. Your Summer? busy
28. Love someone? completely
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? yesterday
31. Last time you cried? unknown

I tag Sam, Amanda, Alisa, and Keva

Longest blog ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-07T20:47:00.012-06:00

Well, sorry it has been so long since I have posted. We have been very busy. I will start at the beginning of this whirlwind. First of all, Kaegen had her first dance recital on Friday, December 19th in Sonora. It was really neat and Kaegen had a blast. Here are some pictures.

Her teacher in the middle.

Kaegen is the 3rd one from the right.

After her recital we left Sonora and headed for Littlefield for my side of the family Christmas. We arrived at 2:00 am. So we started off our vacation exhausted and still have not caught up on sleep.

Kreek got lots of great things.

And so did Kaegen.

This is my nephew Ty Carr. He is 8 months old and too cute.

On Sunday, we celebrated Kaegen's Birthday (actually birthday was on Monday 22nd) with my family. She got to make and decorate her cake with Grumpy (my dad) and she loved it.

She got more presents. I hate that her birthday is so close to Christmas!

On Monday the 22nd we left Littlefield (after I visited the dentist for a cleaning and the chiropractor for an adjustment) and headed to Midland for another party. Kaegen wanted to play video games and ride go-karts (in 30 degree weather, but it is her day to do what she wants to do) at putt-putt and go bowling. SO we did!

Then we headed to Uncle Dave and Aunt Stef's house for a hamburgers and a party. Notice the beautiful castle cake made by Stef. We are so lucky to have a cake designer in the family.

More presents!

We managed to get home around midnight and were completely exhausted again. Then Tuesday and Wednesday I did laundry, laundry and more laundry and cleaned house. We did our family Christmas on Christmas morning.

Santa brought Kaegen a saddle and Kreek a scooter.

Also, the kids wanted to buy presents for eachother this year (with our money of course). They were so excited to give them to eachother.

Then around noon we headed to Coy and Ashley's house for the James Christmas, were the kids got even more presents.

We spent the night in Iraan, then got up Friday and headed back to our house for another Christmas. Sharon's side of the family and Butch's side of the family all met at our house in Eldorado on Saturday for a get-to-gether. A cold front came thru making it a little cold, but we survived. This was a redneck Christmas with the food being served in the barn on a flatbed trailer and people sitting on the dirty floor. I think around 50 people were there and it seemed that all enjoyed the day.

The James side of the family.

The Morgan side of the family.

Sunday, we went to church and with what energy I had left I cleaned up a little. On Monday the 29th, I did laundry and cleaning. Then on Tuesday, Kaegen woke up feeling horrible and throwing up and I had no idea why. I had planned on going to Iraan because my mean boss and mother-in-law (ha,ha) thought I needed to work over the holidays. Not really. So we finally made our way there around 3 pm. All of the sudden around 9:00 that night she started feeling better and has been fine ever since. I worked at Sharon's on Wednesday and then went to the Sheffield Church New Years Eve Party, which once again got us exhausted from no sleep. On Thursday, I woke the kids up and we headed to Eldorado. We have to pack up and head to Dallas that afternoon. Some may remember, but Kaegen had won 4 tickets to the Alamo Bowl at the Eldorado Fall Festival raffle. Well, I was talking to the man in charge and I told him that we were Texas Tech Fans, so he got us tickets to the Cotton Bowl instead. We had him get 2 extra tickets and we all headed to Dallas. David, Stef, Avery, Coy, Ashley, Sharon, Tim, me, Kreek and Kaegen. Sharon stayed at the hotel with the kids while we got to go to the game. It was so much fun even though Tech got their butts kicked. I will post pictures later when I get them from Ashley. So on Friday night the kids ate at the Rainforest Cafe and had a blast. Well around 1:00 am Kreek started throwing up all over the place. He throws up every 30 min all night until about 4:30 am. There were no other rooms available so we just had to spray lots of air freshener and stay there. It was horrible and once again no sleep. We came back home on Saturday and were exhausted. Kreek felt better and was fine Saturday and Sunday, then guess what he threw up again in the middle of the night on Sunday. I am so sick of throw up (it has been almost constant since Thanksgiving). Then to make matters worse, Tim, Kaegen and I all had doctor appt on Monday morning, so Kreek skipped school and came with us. After lunch he was feeling fine and I sent him back to school when Kaegen went. On top of all of this Tim decided to buy 50 more calves to feed along with the 50 we are already feeding. It never ends. So Tuesday I spent all day doing laundry and cleaning.(I think I have done that alot on this blog). So today I worked for my mean boss again (ha,ha) and took the kids to the dentist which was not a good experience, but we survived. Only to come home to Tim being sick and nausious. If he starts throwing up I am going to just lay down and give up.

Well I hope I did not bore anyone with the mile long blog, but as I said at the first this has been a big whirlwind of a vacation.

Christmas Parties

2008-12-18T17:31:00.007-06:00

This had been a very busy week. On Monday, I did all of my Christmas shopping after the kids got out of school, thanks to Sharon. The kids picked out things they liked, then she occupied them while I bought the things and hid them in the car.

On Wednesday Kaegen got to wear her PJ's and housecoat to school. They watched the movie The Polar Express. This is what she picked out to wear. (Good timing on your gift Memaw).

"Fishing Princess", so true

After school on Wednesday, we made cookies for Kaegen's party and homemade bread for the teachers.

Today, I made Christmas tree and star shaped sandwiches for Kreek's party and finished the homemade bread. Then we zoomed to Kreek's party at 11:00 then to Kaegen's at 1:00. Here are some pictures.

Here is Kreek's teacher, Mrs. Hernandez

Forgot to take a picture before the class ate the sandwiches, these were left over. I decided that sandwiches taste a lot better when they are shaped like Christmas trees and stars.

They got a present from every person in the class.

These are his friends.

Then we had Kaegen's party

They only had to buy one present (books, coloring books, crayons, etc.) and they drew numbers to see who's present they got.

Kaegen and Mrs. Rojas

Kaegen and Mrs. Droll

Then they had Santa come visit. Kaegen told him that she wanted a saddle for her to ride a horse with. Santa brought Kreek one last year, so now it is her turn.

It was a great and busy day. I am glad it is over. After school tomorrow we are heading to Sonora for Kaegen's Christmas dance performance. Then off to Littlefield for Christmas this weekend with my family.

Christmas Lights

2008-12-12T07:59:00.007-06:00

Well I might have went overboard. I have put up 51 strings of lights, 2 deer, 3 spiral trees, and an 8ft tall blowup snowman. Since moving closer to town and living right on a highway, I figured it would be worth the hard work of decorating. It took me 2 days, but it is done and all set on timers so they come on and off all by themselves.

Here are some pictures.

The barn has lights on both sides and the little building is our well house.

The wind blew our snowman over the other day and it blew a fuse. So I am trying to find a new one so it will start working again.

Of course the kids have to decorate their rooms also.

Decorating the tree.

They are finally old enough to understand how to decorate evenly, so I didn't even have to move any ornaments around.

Our Christmas Tree

2008-12-10T09:35:00.007-06:00

On Sunday after Church we drove to Cristoval to cut down our own tree.

We rode the hay ride again with Kreek and Tim this time.

We searched and searched till we found the perfect tree. Kreek began to cut it down while Tim and Kaegen watched. It only took a little while till Kreek decided it was hard work and Tim helped him finish the job.

Then it was time to find Nana a tree. So we finally found it and both Tim and Kreek cut it down.

Kreek was under the tree and when it fell over it alomost got his head.

Then Kreek got to help press the button that shakes all the loose needles and critters off the trees so we don't take them home with us.

Pictures with different back drops.

It was a very neat experience and we will probably do it again next year.

Sorry it has been so long

2008-12-10T08:33:00.005-06:00

Well we have been very busy people lately. After about 12 days we are all finally over the stomach bug. I think everyone at Thanksgiving eventually got it. Both kids and I then got a cold and have been coughing and congested. Maybe one day we will all be healthy again.

Last Thursday, Kaegen's class went on a field trip to Cristoval to the Concho Christmas Tree Farm. It was a little cold, but we survived.

Kaegen got to help unfold the flag and attach it to the pole.

They rode on a hay ride around the farm.

They got a partner and dressed the farmer.

The owner dug up a dead tree and they got to help plant a new one.

They decorated a little Christmas trees.

They also got to feed alpacas. Most of the "city" kids thought that was great.

Kaegen had a great time and Kreek gets to go on the 17th.

Forget spreading Thanksgiving cheer we spread the stomach bug!!!

2008-12-01T09:03:00.003-06:00

Well we had a very eventful weekend or should I say week. Kreek started getting sick and throwing up on Friday the 21st. He threw up at school and got sent home. The rest of the day he was fine and going 90 mph. All day Saturday he was fine. Then on Sunday morning he threw up again. It was really strange because after he threw up he was fine. So he went to school again on Monday and felt fine. Then in the middle of the night on Tuesday he threw up again. So he did not go to school on Wednesday. My brother, sister-in-law and nephew were headed to Kerrville for Thanksgiving and stopped by to see the house. We figured Kreek wasn't contagious since Tim, Kaegen or I have not gotten sick yet. They took Kaegen with them and we made Kreek stay with us and we were heading to Kerrville on Thanksgiving Day. Well Kreek threw up again that night, but felt better after so we headed to Kerrville. Well my mom called and said that Kaegen had threw up all night long while in Kerrville. So we figured it must be the stomach bug that was going around. As you probably guessed it we all started falling like flies. My sister-in-law and nephew got it, then Tim got it horrible and was in bad shape all night, my Aunt got it, I got it, my mom got it, my brother got it, my dad got it, and Kaegen got it again. I think that was all as of Sunday morning. I hate to think how many more are sick today. I just hope and pray that my Memaw (who is battling cancer and taking cemo once a week) does not get it. The good thing is that it only last 24 hours. We thought Kreek was all better since he had not been sick since Thursday morning, well you guessed it last night he started throwing up and was sick all night. He is not at school right now, but is feeling ok, so when Kaegen goes at noon I am going to send him also. He had perfect attendance until this happened and now he as already missed three days.

On a better note, Tim got me a new camera for Christmas. Well let me rephrase that, I told Tim he was getting me a new camera for Christmas and I wanted it before Thanksgiving and I drove to Best Buy and bought it myself. I have not downloaded the new stuff on my computer, so as soon as I do I will post some pictures of the better times at Thanksgiving before we were all sick.

We do hope all the family will forgive us and we will be invited back next year. HA HA!!!!

Kaegen's dance

2008-11-26T16:08:00.001-06:00

I did not forget my camera this week for Kaegen's dance class. This is one of her best friends, Sophia.

Kaegen's teacher helping her with her feet placement.

I tried to post a video, but it took too long and wouldn't work.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!!!!

My turn

2008-11-20T08:36:00.003-06:00

Well all the blogs so far have been about kids, so this one is about me. On Tuesday, the electrician was wiring new lights for the barn. I was standing around talking to him and all of the sudden I got bit by a wasp. I use to never have a reaction to them, but since we have moved to Eldorado I guess I have become allergic. My finger is so swollen and it hurts. I took a Benadryl last night thinking this morning it would be better, but I was wrong. When I took Kreek to school this morning I found the school nurse and asked her about it. She said to take 2 Benadryl and ice it. If it is not better by tomorrow, then off to the doctor for a steriod shot. I am going to have to be careful because if I ever get bit in the neck, she said go straight to the doctor so my neck doesn't swell up preventing me from breathing. I will post a picture of my hand so all can feel sorry for me. I told Tim that I was going to have to take the day off and not work since I am injured. He just laughed.

Kaegen's dance class

2008-11-19T14:32:00.002-06:00

I finally talked to some parents around town and discovered they have a ballet dance class for young girls. So I ran to Academy and bought her a pink outfit and ballet shoes. She is in a class of eight 3 and 4 yr olds. She had her first lesson on the 18th and loved it. I forgot my camera at the house, but took this one before I left the house. Although the others have been practicing for weeks, she is not behind them a bit in her dance moves. Probably because she dances around the house all the time. I will not forget my camera next week and will add some video's next time.

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More HELP

2008-11-18T22:32:00.001-06:00

As soon as I posted that message it updated. Do you always have to do that?

I need HELP

2008-11-18T22:28:00.002-06:00

I don't understand why my blogspot will not keep things current. On my friends that I have listed on the sides, it won't updated to the latest things that were posted. It use to, but now it doesn't. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, how do you archive your old post? Mine just keep piling up on the screen. Please HELP!?!?

Thanks

Pictures of the house

2008-11-13T23:07:00.011-06:00

Many of you have been wanting to see pictures of the house. I have finally had time to take some pictures, so here they are.....

As you can see it is a cute, cozy rock house. There are lots of huge oak trees providing lots of shade and lots of leaves and acorns. The house was built in 1932. It has 2 layers of rock, plaster walls, and we added insulation and sheetrock on top. It is very well insulated. To the right is a newly built carport and a store room for me. The store room is about 10ft X 30ft, which is nice, but this is Tim's store room.......

A 60 ft X 75 ft Barn. I don't care what people say, a woman has less junk than a man. Or at least this woman does. The silo in the background was built in the late 1890's. I have heard many people tell me that it is a historical landmark. And to think Butch wanted to tear it down until we all convinced him otherwise. We have turned it into the feed barn, so maybe all the mice will stay far away from me and my house.

This is my cute fall decorative front porch.

This is what you see when you walk in the front door, a beautiful fireplace.

The other day we had our first fire and the kids loved it. We also discovered that it works GREAT and heated the house so much that we almost had to open the windows to cool off.

Our TV is on the wall opposite the fireplace.

As you can see the living room, dining room, and kitchen are all one big room with lots of wood floor. I like the floor, but I have to sweep it at least once a day.

As you look down the hallway, the double doors on the right is the laundry room. Kaegen's room is the first door on the left and Kreek's room is the last door on the left. At the end of the hall is the kid's bathroom and the last door on the right is the master bedroom.

This is Princess Kaegen's room.......

This is Kreek's room................

This is the kid's bathroom..........

Here is our master bedroom, it is not that big, but it works for us.

Belive it or not, the part where the desk is use to be the closet and a bathroom. In the old bathroom you could sit on the toilet, brush your teeth and take a shower at the same time. I am not lying. So we made that part of the bedroom and added a seperate bath and closet. The part that is now the laundry room, master closet and master bath use to be a second living area and we decided that this is better use of the space.There was not enough room for a bathtub, so we have a huge 4 ft X 4 ft shower. It is very nice. The glass double doors in the bathroom is where the closet is.

And this is the master bath.

I can not wait until this spring and I can work in the yard. We have big plans of adding a sprinkler system, flower beds, and green grass. It will be alot of work, but it will be worth it.

Thanksgiving Lunch

2008-11-13T22:22:00.003-06:00

Today was the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at school and the parents could go eat lunch with their children. Kaegen and I went to eat with Kreek and he loved it.

We also had a special guest eat with us, George Washington himself. He did a program for the school and the teacher's said that he was great.

This is a picture of one of Kreek's best friends, Ethan. He is quite a character (as the picture shows). I think he looks just like Jake off the show Two and a half men.

After Kreek finished lunch, we walked him to the playground and it was time for Kaegen's class to eat. I was stuffed and could not eat again, but I did sit with her and watch her eat.

Texas Tech and our good luck charm

2008-11-05T09:42:00.004-06:00

On Saturday, Butch, Sharon, David, Stef, Avery, Coy and Ashley came to our house in Eldorado. The boys had to work goats and then we cooked supper and watched the game. We also celebrated Ashley's 22nd birthday which was really on the 4th. Avery had the cutest Texas Tech cheerleader outfit. Here is some pictures of her.

At half time, Stef took the outfit off Avery and put her pajamas on. Sharon made the comment that if Tech starts losing, she would have to put it back on. We almost went and woke Avery up to put it back on, but Tech was able to pull out the win anyway.

My nephew, Baby Ty

2008-11-05T09:31:00.002-06:00

I have not seen my nephew since Labor Day weekend and I can not wait until Thanksgiving to see him. My sister-in-law sent me this picture of him in his halloween costume. So, I thought I would post this for you all to see.

Cutest Bear Ever

Halloween in Iraan

2008-11-05T09:08:00.007-06:00

After school on Friday, we drove to Iraan to trick or treat. We all met at Coy and Ashley's house to begin the adventure.

Here is a picture of everyone getting ready to go get candy.

James, Jade, Josie, Jadeyn, Jennifer, Connor, Kaegen and I hoped on James' mule and went trick or treating in style. Josie started out as a horse until she saw princess Kaegen and she wanted her princess dress on. So Jade took her home and changed her into her dress. Jadeyn was a lamb and Connor was little Bo Peep. Kaegen knew exactly what to do and had no problem taking the candy. Believe it or not, Connor was too shy and wouldn't take the candy and Josie just wanted to play with Connor's cane. Here are some pictures from the event.

Hello, is anyone there??

David, Stef and Avery came a little bit later. Here is the prettiest pumkin ever.

Kreek went with the boys trick or treating so I did not get any pictures of him. After all the trick or treating, we headed back to Coy and Ashley's house for supper. Tim made Jumbalya (how ever you spell it) and it was GOOD. Ashley has also made lots of goodies and snacks to eat. Then we all went to the football game which Iraan won of course.

Fall Festival Fun

2008-11-04T23:55:00.005-06:00

On Thurday, Oct 30th, Eldorado had their Fall Festival. Every grade level had 2 booths and other organizations also had booths. It was alot of fun. Here are some pictures.

Before we left. Fishing Booth

Plinko Booth
Miniture Golf

Kaegen is going to be a good basketball player just like her mom.

Bean Bag Toss

Train ride

Of course every princess needs her fingernails painted.

Inside the gym, they had 4 big bounce houses set up. The kids loved the big slide.

The PTO also did a raffle. The prizes were 4 tickets to a Dallas Cowboy's home game, 4 tickets to the Alamo Bowl game, a weekend getaway to San Antonio, and $100 free gas card. The school sent home a paper selling these raffle tickets so I bought 5 tickets for each kid. We all went to the carnival from 5 till 7. Then, Tim took the kids home for supper and baths. I had to stay and work booths untill 8. About 7:45, they drew names for the raffle and I was totally surprised when I heard Kaegen's name called as the winner of the 4 tickets to the Alamo Bowl. So I guess we will be in San Antonio on Monday December 29th. Eldorado really puts lots of effort into making this a great event. We had a blast.

Halloween Candy

2008-10-30T12:34:00.004-05:00

Yesterday before church, we all decided to make some halloween candy. Not homemade of course, but from a kit bought from Wal-mart. It was alot of fun and I even think that Tim enjoyed it although he probably wouldn't admit it. We have our fall festival at school this evening so I better get ready.

Here are the results of our hard work.

Here goes nothing...

2008-10-29T10:15:00.006-05:00

I really enjoy reading everyone else's blogs so I thought I should do one for our family. For those of you that don't know, we have moved to the big city of Eldorado Texas. Butch and Sharon (Tim's parents) bought a section of land about 15 miles outside of Eldorado. They have built a huge (60ft X 75ft) barn, rebuilt all the working pens, added a storage room/carport and totally remodeled the house. It is a beautiful place that we are enjoying until Butch and Sharon kick us out and retire here. I will take some pictures and post them later for all to see. The kids are going to school in Eldorado and really enjoying it. Kreek is in 1st grade and Kaegen goes to half a day preschool. Tim still works in the oilfield with Butch and Coy in Iraan. It takes abour an hour and 15 minutes to get to Iraan, but he doesn't mind the drive.

So now about the kids. Last week was homecoming in Eldorado and Friday was extreme Green day a school. We found green hair color spray and well you can see the outcome below.

Kaegen at the Pep Rally.

The homecoming parade, Kreek is the one on the left waving with the mask and the green shirt on.

Getting ready for the big game.

Well I hope this looks and sound okay. If you have any suggestions please let me know.