A FIRST...

It is a mircle....Mike took the kids on a overnighter all by himself.

In the 7 years I have been a Mom, I have never had our house to myself.

Mike took the kids to Wichita Falls (my old stopping grounds) so Jessi could perform with the Harlem Globetrotters. She is a member of a basketball demostration team called PiP. She is a basketball nut...and couldn't stand waiting till 2nd grade to play. I really hate missing her first performance :(

If I didn't have a big exam to take tomorrow, I might be enjoying my alone time more.

If all goes well Mike will be doing this a little more often.

EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG MEN

We first met Ryan and Kyran 9 yrs ago when they stayed with us for 6 months. They were the cutest 5 and 6 year old we had ever met. After going back home we had the privilage of keeping in contact with them over the years. It has been so fun watching them grow and mature into the men they are today

Despite a tough upbring they have turned out to be such GOOD YOUNG MEN. They are so kind, respectful, considerate, smart, funny and sweet.

With everyone's busy schedule we have not been able to get together in the last 6 months, so I was thrilled when their mother said I could have them for a week.

The kids love them so much, Jessi has them wrapped around her little finger. Kyran loves how she uses his height to reach everything. Alex loves how they treat him like a little brother, someone who can take him down, yet let him win sometimes too.

We had so much fun, and in my heart they will always be my first SONS.

REALLY GOOD FRIENDS

Dylan is the son of my Dad's really good friends. He lives a few acres behind my Dad. Alex and Dylan hit it off from the start. Alex will say "I want to go to Grandpa's" but really he wants to spend every minute with Dylan. They are both active and silly. Alex loved that Dylan got to spend a holiday with us.



Alex and Dylan showing their true colors

THANKSGIVING DAY

What a great day this was, Ryan and Kryan got to spend the entire week with us. Alex and Jessi adore them. They spent a great deal of time playing video games and on the lap tops. My Dad and Dylan came for a few days adding to the bliss.

Mike made his famous smoked turkeys (3 in all). Everyone got to request their favorite dishes, so I got to try some really new and special receipes. It was one of our best dinners according to Mike.

Texas finally got it's first cold snap, making it feel much more like Thanksgiving. The kids enjoyed the cool weather and loved playing ping pong in the barn.

We had a house full just the way I like it. The biggest kid is the one holding Jessi.

Jessi loves her Grandpa and he adores her. IT WAS A GREAT THANKSGIVING.

The Photo Shoot

It is time for the annual Christmas card shoot. Mike opted out this year, making it easier to get a smiling picture. This year Ryan and Kyran got to join in this year, they quickley learn that one more really means 10 more.....

Jessi is a natural she can strike a pose....

We all had really good time and got some great photos.

It was all smiles until I couldn't find my car keys......that is a whole another blog

Halloween 2007

Something SWEET and Something Scary

It was an interesting year.

Jessi choose to be Amish, but she wanted jewelry and high heels, we managed to explain that isn't really what the Amish wear. Her reply was "So being Amish means you can't be cute"

We will cover this later in life.

Alex was frightening this year, so much that he made two small kids cry.

He felt really horrible, but loved all the comments he got

Newest furry family members

After promising Alex he could have a puppy when he turned 10, the time was here.
After much research on the right breed, a poodle mix (due to allergies), we started looking at puppies.

Mike couldn't envision his son's first dog as a poodle. He just didn't like the "curly" look.

Well I found these little guys at the Greenville animal shelter. Please look at shelters first, there are thousands of pets (designer and pure breds) all waiting for home, http://www.petfinder.com/ is a great source for finding a pet.

It was love at first sight for everyone!!!!