Biggs Kidds

Merry Christmas from our House to Yours

2010-12-07T21:10:00.000-08:00

We love Christmas! These lights were professionaly hung by The Biggs Boys Jake and Chase. The classic question came from Jake when he asked me, "Who is going to clean all this up?" I just smiled and said "I am looking at them". Chase and Jake did all this by themselves. They had some instruction from me on where to put them, Adam helped consolidate some of the cords. I think they did great.

Black History Month

2010-02-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

This is orchestra and choir singing , if you look real hard you can see Allie playing the violin.

Today while Allie was having piano lessons, Evie came in said "I know what song Allie is playing let me sing it". Allie was playing "This old Man" But Evie sang these words to me.

Martin Luther King
Had a Dream
That we would work as a team
It should not matter the color of our skin
Lets get along and be good friends.

Allie and Evie had special programs at their school for Black History Month. There was a Pastor that spoke at both of them. He had a very good message of having dreams, no matter how bad of circumstances you come from you can dream and make a better life for yourself. There are some very talented kids that sang and one 5th grader recited a portion of "I Have a Dream Speech". Allie played in the orchestra at her program. I am so glad that I was able to talk her into playing in the orchestra. She is very happy that is what she decided to do too. I am real impressed with their performances.

almost 3 going on 16

2009-10-13T19:47:00.001-07:00

This all happened today with Nielie. She is to turn 3 on Friday but I think she think she wants to be older.

She had to wear this outfit today, we tried panties but I found her like this trying to put her diaper on herself. Later tonight after baths, she was so upset because she didn't want to put on pajamas. She put on another skirt and then went into the laundry room and got this same outfit of the dirty clothes and put them back on. It is her "rainbow" shirt.

She got a fun Birthday card from Grandma and was so happy about this.

Nielie has hard time staying in bed at night. She is really a roamer. She loves my makeup. This is how I found her the 3rd time I put her in bed. I had forgotten to shut off my bathroom light. I think she did a pretty good job on her toenails don't you think. The mascara is not to bad too. She is at least in the right area. Notice her big girl items along with the makeup- Bottle and "blue blanket" even though it is pink.

Back to School

2009-08-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

This is Evie and her teacher at meet the teacher night. Evie also was able to try out the cafeteria with some nachos that night also.

This is Evie when I left. She didn't even look up. I waited a few minutes in the hallway to see if she would look at the door but she didn't. She did look up at when the teacher said "Eyes on me." She had the biggest smile on her face but she wasn't looking at me, she was looking at the teacher. She still had not noticed that I was there. Apparently she wasn't scared or sad to leave me.

Yesterday was the first day of school. The kids were pretty excited. The girls were the most though. Evie has been asking each day when school was going to start for the last two weeks. She didn't miss me at all she said when I picked her up from school. It is alot quieter during the day with her gone. She really was ready but it is still kinda hard to let her go. It is a long day 7:45- 3:10. She was so tired this morning but still wanted to go even though I told her she could stay home another year and go next year. One of Evie's biggest surprises yesterday was when were almost to her school after dropping everyone else off she wanted to take off her shoes. I told her she had to keep them on and then she says " You mean I can't take them off when I get to school?"

Allie started Middle school which seems kinda crazy. Our kids are getting older which means we are too. The boys are at the same elementary school together which is nice. Having the kids at three different schools is a little hard but next year will be easier when Evie is at the same school as the boys. School shopping was easy this year because they have to wear uniforms. They have 3 different colored polo shirts ( no logos on them) they can wear khaki or blue uniform pants or skirts. They have to have their shirt tucked in and a belt on and they can wear tennis shoes. They boys were pretty worried about it but after school yesterday Chase said, "Mom the uniforms aren't that bad, it just like any other clothes."

There were a couple of funny one liners yesterday form Nielie. First of all in the morning when we were getting ready for school I said "come,on we have to go to school" and Nielie said all surprised" I five?" She thought she had turned five and was going to school. Then we were eating breakfast and Adam said, "Nielie you are going to work with me." She replied " I not go to work, I not a Daddy." Today when we were walking Evie into school a lady said you have two going to school, Nielie replied before I could ," I not five. I two and a half."

Big Move

2009-08-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

It has been about 2 1/2 weeks since we moved. We are kinda settled but still have lots to do. Since I am getting good at moving, this time I decided to just unpack with the knowledge that I would rearrange things later. I have always tried to put everything where I want it the first time but it just takes too long.
We are having lots of fun, the kids are having fun playing with toys I have had packed up while were trying to sell our house, it is like having new toys all over again. The kids are now getting ready for school. Evie and I went to buy school supplies for her and the boys today. Figure the boys didn't want to waste their last days of summer buying school supplies. Two more weeks and the fun begins. We have some great neighbors with kids that have been great to our kids. As much as I loved Fairview/Lovejoy I know this will be a good place. Our kids had such great friends, with great families and it was so wonderful for our kids to have all that great influence. In some ways this town reminds of where I grew up, but bigger. It is funny you get used to what you are around and that seems normal. I have already appreciated it being 5 o'clock and still no traffic. I also love being so close to everything. The boys went to FB camp at the HS last week and had lots of fun. FB starts this Sat for them. Allie has met some girls that she is going to school with and they have been great to her. Evie will start Kinder this year and is so excited.

Here are some pics of us enjoying our new home.
This is Jake being super silly and putting on Evie's life jacket to swim.

This is everyones favorite move. Even Nielie will jump from here if Adam is there to catch her.

Hayley this is for you, still trying to break the child labor laws. We don't have much grass to cut, but probably more yard work. I wouldn't let the boys come in till they had filled a target bag with weeds or leaves. It was around 8am so it wasn't too hot.

This is Jake taking a break- and "Hey, where is Chase"? That is what I end up saying over and over again. He somehow manages to wander off.

After our second day here, Nielie was able to figure out how her life jacket works and goes all over the pool.

Evie loves to do "Nutcrackers" off the wall. Where do think she heard this from.

This is the boys at FB camp. There were 190 boys registered from 1-9th grade. Jake is the 3rd boy on the sideline and Chase is behind him. There were some very BIG boys there.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!!

2009-07-30T05:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad! I am so glad that you are on a mission, we sure miss you but I am really glad for the example you are setting for our boys and all the other grand kids. You have been a great Dad and a wonderful Grandpa. I am glad that you made us work even when we hated it and sometimes hated you for making us do stuff. Now as I am trying to teach the kids how to work I am realizing that it takes more effort from the parent to get them to work. One thing you always put first was the Lord. Your pickup always had your scriptures and the Ensign on the front seat. Here are a few things that I have learned from growing up with you as my Dad

1. I can cut the boys hair because of the way you taught me how to use clippers to clip the steers for the fair.
2. I can drive a 26 ft U-Haul through town because you taught me how to drive silage and wheat truck.
3. I can use pesticides and weed killers like no other and I am not scared of using them like most people I know.

I know there are other things but these are the most recently used skilled that are coming to my mind. I sure love you Dad. We all love you here. Thank you for everything and have a Happy Happy Birthday.

Missionary Life in West Virginia

2009-07-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun visiting Mom and Dad on their mission. Jennilyn and Cooper were there too.
Chase was so excited when we finally got to pick up Jennilyn and Cooper from the airport. Then we drove a couple hours to get to Mom and Dads.

When we were packing, Evie wanted to bring this jean skirt and a white shirt for "missionarying with Grandma". I laughed so hard because I couldn't believe she thought these would be good missionary clothes! Maybe that is just an internal thing to think these are the clothes you need for missionarying. Anyway as soon as we got to Moms she wanted to put these clothes on and be just like Grandma. Grandma wasn't wearing a jean skirt but she did have on a long skirt and white shirt and Evie wanted to be just like her. Evie really wanted to do missionary work and would ask each day what missionary work we were going to do.

Jake got to go with Dad on an appointment. Then one day Jake and Chase went with Mom and Dad to district meeting.

This is right before we were leaving. Dad is trying not to cry- actually he was really happy it is just the best picture I have.

On this trip I realized that our kids are getting older and they were actually pretty entertaining sometimes. It is getting much easier to take them all places. I am not saying easy, but easier. One of the things I will remember is how much fun Jake and Chase had with Cooper. They really had fun playing with him and getting him excited. Here is a picture when I was waiting in line to check us in at the airport and the kids were sitting here waiting. This is something I never thought I would see even just a year ago, all of them except Nielie sitting there just waiting!

It was such a wonderful time visiting Mom and Dad and meeting their friends back there. I also loved being around them and Jennilyn and Cooper. I am so glad we were able to go. It is so pretty and was so interesting to experience another part of the US.

George Strait

2009-07-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

George Strait came and opened up the new Cowboy Stadium. I had seen him in college and thought it would be neat to go but then I thought- Tricia your pretty old, your kids will have games that day, you don't have time and just too much hassle. Well the week before I kinda was getting the urge and when we were in the car I said,"Allie how bout me and you go the George Strait concert next week?" She said "Mom we really should just stay home and spend time together as a family." I responded by telling her that we wouldn't be spending time together because me and Adam had to go to some work function over in Ft Worth and I knew we couldn't go to the concert I just wanted to tease here. The weekend before we had been gone b/c we had to go to a wedding over in Tyler, so it would be 2 weekends with spending time with the kids. Well anyway sure enough we had to leave the baseball game early, Aunt Laura came over to babysit so we could get over to Ft Worth for some work party. All the way there the traffic was crazy b/c of the George Strait concert that also had Reba, Blake Shelton, and Lee Ann Womack. Anyway I was not real excited to go a work party and was getting a little irritated with Adam for going this one way- which seemed to go into all the traffic. I was really getting mad when he stopped to ask a parking attendant for directions until the man asked for tickets and Adam handed him our parking tickets. It wasn't until then I realized that he had gotten us tickets for our Birthdays to go see Mr George! I really was so excited and understood why he told me the theme was Western for the work party and it was in Ft Worth. First of all the stadium was incredible. I didn't know they could make stadiums look that fancy outside the suites. The screen is amazingly huge. They were all great! We there around 5:30 and Lee Ann Womack had just started and the concert wasn't over till 11:30 or so.
George Strait is just so classy. I could have listed to him all night. Adam had actually gotten the tickets back in Feb and kept it a secret that long. He did a great job on this surprise. Allie had actually known and kept it a secret too-
I have say that I was again very glad to be from Texas. I have always loved George Strait since I was probably 1o years old. He sang some great songs, like "If it wasn't for Texas" and they showed all these great places. I really do love it here. When he got on stage he started saying "Jerry open the roof!" and kept chanting it till he opened it. Pretty neat stadium but I would have to say that for me it was the music and Adam's company that made it a fantasic night.

These pictures show all the natural light that comes through and kinda shows how big the screens are. It really doesn't do them justice on just how large the middle screen really is. This is Mr. Blake Shelton.

This Reba singing "Fancy". She changed her clothes and came back and sang this song. She is still so good!

Mothers Days Activities

2009-07-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

Chase's class doing a song on Mothers.

Chase receiving his end of year award with his friend David. They received the Skittles award for adding such variety to the class.

Chase getting ready to say his part in the program. One of his best friends Grace is next to him.

Chase's class put on the best Mother's Day Tea. His teacher Mrs. Dwiggins was wonderful! I spent time in her classroom quite often and was always amazed at her great classroom management. Those kids knew exactly what to do, how to do it and when to do it. She spent so much time preparing them for this program or at least it sure looked like it. They each had to draw a picture of their mother and then we had to guess which one we were. Chase had colored my hair with dark roots and yellow ends, how sorry is that ( I really did need to get my hair done). Chase just loved Mrs. Dwiggins and adored her. He was worried about the last day of school and didn't want to cry but he was sure going to miss her.

These girls were all in Chase's class at school, they also happened to have brothers in Jake's grade and were some of Jake's best friends. One of the girls also had a brother in Allie's grade and happened to be one of Allie's best friends. This is at one of Jake's baseball games. Jake played FB with 2 of the brothers and baseball with one of the other boys. I must say that Evie loved these girls too and they were some of her best friends. We love these families!

End of School Days

2009-07-08T14:32:00.001-07:00

Before my kids were in school I remember a friend telling me that the last weeks of school and right before Christmas school is crazy and as a parent you are super busy. I really did not believe her but she was so right! Here are just a few of the things.

This is Allie on the last day of school as they were all getting their recognition.

Allie and her teacher- Ms. Meyers

Allie at her 5th grade party

Allie had a Beatnik party where they dressed like a Beatnik, recited poetry for us and were treated like we were in a little cafe. She loved her teacher Mrs. Rolhmeier. She was Jake and Allie's Gate 10 teacher. They both loved her! She really was a very big bright spot in their school year.

The 5th grade also had a "green" fashion show where they had to make something out of a recycleable item. Allie made a bubble skirt out of grocery bags.

Then there was field day. Allie and Jake had field day at the High School track. It seemed almost like Christmas Eve at our house they were so excited. This is note that Jake made for himself and left by the bathroom sink the night before.

Allie and Jake at the end of the day after field day. They both had so much fun. Allie even ran in a boys relay but they took 4th. They did field day with the 3 other elementary schools in Lovejoy. Jake got 1st in 100, 200 and 400 relay. Allie got 1st in the 50 and 100.

Spring Baseball

2009-07-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

This spring the boys both played on baseball teams with several of their friends. I have loved it here because they end up playing with so many kids from school that they see everyday. They have overlapped too playing FB, basketball and baseball with the same kids. We are going to miss these great families and boys and coaches.

My boys claim that bats make all the difference. Adam surprised them with composite bats. They took such good care of them to point it was driving me crazy. They wouldn't leave them in garage(too hot and would ruin them) wouldn't use them at the batting cages (need different bats for those) would clean them after each game to get any marks off. This is a picture they took with their old bats. The new ones were able to stay in their room (a controlled temperature) and were actually always leaned against the dresser. This was the killer though, one time I had to go somewhere between games and Jakes bat bag was in the car. He wanted me to take the bat in the store because it would get to hot in the car. I put my foot down and said I am not carrying a bat into a store, it will be okay for 10 minutes. I was actually pretty happy that they were taking such good care of their bats. This is the sad thing though. Chase had a game after one of Jake's games and Jake left his bat bag. We have not gotten it back. It had his nice bat, another bat and his mitt and balls with names on them. We have prayed and even fasted and the bag has not been found or turned in. It has been a good and a hard lesson for all to make sure and not leave anything behind

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TROY, ADAM, HAYLEY and TRICIA

2009-06-01T22:10:00.001-07:00

Something that is cool is that 3 of us kids share the same birthday. I was so excited when Hayley was born because she made 3 girls and 3 boys. I remember telling Marc Mckool who was the mechanic that now we were just like the "Brady Bunch" and he said no- more like the "Braty Bunch". Hayley was blessed on the same day that I was confirmed, I was baptized the day before. There is a picture somewhere out there of that day of Hayley in her blessing dress and me in my baptism dress. It is easy for me to remember how much older I am than Hayley because of that.

I have always thought it was neat that she was born on Troys and mine birthday. I always felt bad for people who didn't get to share their birthday. I haven't known any difference. It was always fun too because it seemed to end up on graduation weekend when there were lots of parties and it was always so fun to see everyone again. I remember we would always have on big cake with all our names on it. When I would tell people they wouldn't believe me and couldn't figure it out. Since Mom had us C-section she scheduled it that way. I think she was way smart to do it that way.

When I met Adam at BYU we had so much fun talking and I really liked him. We hadn't know each other to long and and he told me his birthday was June 2, I thought this guy is the biggest smoozer- how did he find out my birthday and why is he lying about that. I really thought he was lying and was turned off for a few seconds till realized he really wasn't lying and it was his birthday. I just knew it was fate after that - just kidding but you know who those freshman minds work. I always had it in my mind that if we worked it right we could get married on our birthdays too- because I had graduated on June 2, entered the MTC on June 2 and I needed to get married on June 2! But he was year late asking me and in 1996 June 2 landed on a Sunday. I was happy to get married May 30 instead. Needless to say June 2 is a great day for lots of reasons but mainly because I get to share it with Troy and Hayley and my husband.

I have wanted all my kids to have a birthday buddy. Jake was born on Jennilyn's birthday, I wanted Evie to be on Chase's birthday so bad but she is a week later. I really wanted Nielie to be on Allie's birtday but she is a week earlier. They do have birthday buddies but not on the same day. It does make it fun to celebrate more than one at a time.

I am glad mom was smart and put us all on the same day. I am a little homesick wishing I could be there with them and that our kids could play with their cousins when they have the Family Sunday Birthday Party. I love Texas the only thing that I don't like about it is that my family isn't here. I am so glad that I have Adam to celebrate it with, I don't know what I would do if I didn't get to sharer my Birthday cake with someone else.

Lip gloss #2

2009-04-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

This morning Nielie had to do her normal lip gloss ritual. She got it on real thick this morning, actually she had reapplied some after about 15 min. She is real funny she just comes in our bathroom, pulls out my makeup drawer and says "I need lip gloss". She prefers the kind with a wand. On her bottom lip is a big thick drip just waiting to fall.

I like Flowers

2009-04-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

Nielie has managed to pick lots of flowers around the yard lately. When I tell her not to, she says "I like flowers" and continues to pick them. The brown stuff by her mouth is some mulch she thought she might like. She is having so much fun outside these day. They are all so filthy at the end of the day. It stays light till about 8 so we have to remember to go inside at night. Evie is great at finding geckos. We see them daily. One she recognizes as the one whose tail she pulled off. She loves finding rolly pollies and geckos. Kite day at school was canceled so we came home and flew them in the front yard. It was great! I don't have a picture of it but Nielie was so cute running with her kite in the front yard. By the time I thought to go get the camera she was done. But she kept it up for quite awhile with some help from Allie. Chase and Jake really enjoyed it too. I loved the fact that we didn't have to go somewhere to fly a kite.
Last night I was watering the flowers and Nielie was helping me. As I was watering I would pull out a weed I would see every now and then. She was really watching me because right after I would pull a weed out she would bend down and pick up some mulch. I think she thought I was just picking up mulch. She did it about 5 times.
I had forgotten till we moved out here how much I like being outside and how good it is for me. I had also forgotten this lesson I had thought about weeds when I spent so many summer hours hoeing or spraying weeds. I was reminded of it again last night. This is the analogy- Weeds are so much like sin, they are bad,take over the good stuff, can make things really look ugly and they make me unhappy. But just like sin, even the small ones need to be taken care correctly or they get out of control, their seeds spread, and more keep poppy up. Last week I spent way too many hours outside working on our yard, getting weeds out, planting, fertilizing, all the stuff it needed. Well the weeds that I didn't take care of properly- get the whole root out are already back this week, even all the mulch I put on top them didn't cover them up for long. They are back and to make sure they stay gone I need to get the whole root out. But the wonderful thing is that they can be taken care of, we can get the whole root out even if it takes a hoe or a pick we can get the weed out of our gardens. I added to it this time also that it takes constant effort to keep them out because new ones pop up and it is much easier to take care of them when they are tiny and are easily pulled out. I love being outside and seeing things grow and get green.
( Just so you know the kite picture was taken about 3 weeks ago- the front yard looks much green now after lots of fertilizer and water.)

Dana Kay Barber/ Abydos Writing Project

2009-04-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

This is Jake getting his award and sitting with his teacher Mrs. R. Jake and Allie both have her for Gate 10 and just love her. She reminds lots of Allie Kinder teacher Mrs. Smith so full of life and excitement.

One day back in Feburary I got a call from Jake's teacher and I was afraid of what she was going to tell me. But it was a good call, he got 2nd place in the Dana Kay Barber contest, the Abydos or New Jersery writing contest. There were entries throughout the state of Texas. He placed 2nd in the 2-3 grade prose category. His title was MUD. When I read it the first time I laughed so hard because it helped me understand how his mind works a little bit better. I shared with my family because it was just funny and we all could relate about the mud. He was very excited to go get the award. Luckily the conference was in Dallas this year so we didn't have to travel far.
Here is is entry just as he wrote it. Only students whose teachers are certified in Abydos can enter this competition. The teachers can make no corrections. He typed it also.

I walk out to my grandpa's field. My feet sink into the schematized mud. My cousins and I look farther down the stretch of mud. We plant our feet stiffly into the mud, then take off. The dark sky stilly zooms by us. It feels sticky against my face.I take one last step then jump. I flick my head back just in time to catch my cousins sink into the soft, cool and warm mud before my face hits the mud. I feel it begin to consume my entire body. I swing my head upward until I surface. My cousins are already standing and laughing they look so funny I can't help it I bulge out laughing. Then we lay down into the mud. I sink no lower than my nose. I rest a split second then we decide to get as muddy as we can. We thrash like freaks and make weird comments like we would pop out of the mud and say 'honey I'm home' or stand up and rub mud into our shirts and say 'don't come in I'm in the shower'. Then we find thick mud and cover a stick in it. Then we got big globs of sticky mud and spread it over our heads then I took the stick and told everybody we should scare drivers so we do that but it gets boring because nobody comes so we start to head home. I look up and see my aunt charging us with a metal bat saying,'you come here this instant'. We knew we had done it now. I look at my mom by the house with a hose pouring water in her hand. She signals us to come to her so we do. The water was so cold it felt like ice. I haven't touched mud since but that was a year ago and I am nine so I still have a lot of years to go so. But I can't take the consequences of freezing water.

I have to disagree a though, he has touched mud since many times. Jenni this picture and story are for you because you have lots of mud days ahead of you. Just know that it feels that so good on Cooper and Casons skin and that is why they do it. I think this picture is taken after Cooper saw what his older cousins did the day before.

Hello Duck Goodbye Duck

2009-04-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of one of the famous ducks back in the creek. I wanted you all to see how big and beautiful it is. I also want my kids to never forget the lesson learned by the Duck!

Another Bathroom update

2009-04-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

Again we were having problems with kids toilet. I got out the snake and got a wetwipe out. The next day the tub wouldn't drain either. Again Adam wanted to fix it. This is what he found.

He thought it was a t-shirt at first, actually just a bunch of wet wipes. Nielie was just practicing flushing the toilet I guess. I am glad she is the baby and we can all laugh. Yesterday I caught her "dipping" a book in the toilet. Tonight Allie caught her putting her little stuffed dog in the toilet. I think I am going to have to put one of those toilet lid locks on the toilet. I have never had a kid a do this. She has done more damage with marker than most of our kids put together. She is really funny though when you tell her not to do something she says in a monotone voice "Okay Mom" and goes on like nothing happened.

How can I get mad at a little girl that is always into stuff and just so cute. If you can tell in this picture she is in my heels with a screwdriver trying to change the batteries in her leapster.

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LIP GLOSS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-23T21:14:00.001-07:00

Nielie has become obsessed with lip gloss lately and a few other things. She carries around lip gloss all day and I think she is eating it or sucking it out of its tube. The other day she had it all over her hair and face. I would look at her and she would smile and say"I petty". I could not get it out of her hands. Today she got my super stay lipstick/lip gloss. That stuff is like paint and will not come off. She painted Evie up too needless to say they had red lips even when they got into bed tonight. She has even tried putting deodorant on her lips thinking it was lip gloss. She is very much into lotion, makeup, hairstuff- anything that can make a mess. The other day I went into her bedroom and it was very fragrant- I did not remember putting a new plug in the room - then I noticed the empty deodorant on the floor. She had rubbed deodorant all over her table- it was a white chalky mess. Tonight while we were having FHE she was off in the bathroom- another new fascination. When I was putting her to bed I noticed about a pound of palmade in her hair-gross!

Today Nielie comes to me naked and says " I poopy" So we run to the bathroom and sure enought she goes to the bathroom. I have never had a kid do this. Maybe she sees her brothers on the pot so much she is getting the idea. Her little bum is red because all she wants to do is sit on it and flush tiolet paper down the toilet. I had to get out the snake again tonight because she happened to send a few wet wipes down there. She does not want to wear a diaper so today we went and got some DORA and Princess panties. She is really funny but we have another problem. She is learning how to talk in super loud mode and repeat everything until you acknowledge here. I feel like I am a failure because all our kids are so loud. I wonder where they get it from. This weekend my sister in law said" your kids are so energentic and full of life- they must really inspire you". I remember telling Cindy when Kellen and Ty were little I wanted to have kids just like them. She kept telling me no you don't. As long as they turn out like her boys I will be happy but they are full of life.

Here are some pictures of Spring Break last week. Jake said it was so fun because they got to play with friends everyday. I tried to get some work in them though. I think they only had to hear the story of what I had to do every spring break about 15 times. Chase told me it was spring break not work break after such a comment I would break out in my famous " when I was growing up I spent every spring break on the back of the onion planter. I had to ride on that little piece of wood seat up and down the rows with the dust flying in my face, then if I was lucky mom would take me to town on Saturday and buy me a dress." They all needed that reminder last week as well as myself to remind that it is okay for them to work and they don't have to be entertained all the time.

This is in the creek in the back yard. Looks very dirty - we got lots of rain last week so it had a little bit more water in it. They were swinging on the rope and had so much fun.

We did get to go to Oklahoma and stay with Brandon and Nicole on Friday and Sat. It was fun to see them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad the morning they left our house to go to Baltimore after taking care of me, MRSA, and moving! They could have had a nice long road trip from the MTC to Baltimore but came and took care of us while I was in the Hospital and we were trying to move. Shawn and Kristy were great to drive their car out for them so they could come help us.

We want to wish Mom a Happy Birthday! We sure love you! The kids think you are just the best. Adam thinks your a great-mother in law too! We are sure happy you are on a mission, we miss you and can't wait for you to get back. This may embarrass you mom, but I want to remember these things too!
A few things about Mom is that she can always find the bright side to anything. She never gets too upset and is real forgiving. What I appreciate the most is that she taught me the best job is being a wife and mother and to give it your all.Mom instilled a desire and belief that the most rewarding thing I could ever do is be righteous wife and mother. She dedicated her life to Dad and to us kids and she still does. The best thing is she never complained about it. I never remember her having lunch dates, only drive thru lunches when we were picking up parts for Dad. I don't remember her going on any girls-nights out, only Homemaking. She made us kids feel like we were 2nd only to Dad. My mom is very selfless. I think that is why she is so happy.I have great memories of my childhood and so many of then were in the car. I remember running parts with mom all the time. I remember sitting on the counter in Valley Auto wanting a piece a bubble gum from the machine. I liked going to Pioneer the John Deer store in Hermiston because they had tractors to play with while we waited. Then there was Les Swab where we might wait a long time to get tires changed. We didn't have any DVDs to watch in the car, we listened to KONA and Anne Murray.
Another thing I am really glad she taught me about was Food Storage. I don't think she meant to, it was just what we did. She always had food storage. I am sure lots of it had to do with the fact we lived too far from town to just go run and get something so she always had to have stuff on hand. I am so glad she taught me that it is okay to buy cases of food even the cash registers look at you weird and ask what you are doing. I know the ladies at Food Depot eventually got used to mom and her cases.
I remember lots of times when we would run out of water. We would have to take the laundry over to Hermiston to get it done. It was not the favorite thing to do but mom never lets laundry get out of control. One summer we lost water and power so many times it was crazy. I remember thinking I would go without electricity rather than water. We would use the big yellow water jugs till we got more water. I am thinking about myself and if I was in that situation I would have went crazy with all the dirt and dirty clothes coming in the house and no way to clean it up. I don't remember mom ever getting upset and I really don't think my kids could say the same thing about me in that situation.
One thing I am trying harder to be like my mom is that she really worked on Saturday to get ready for Sunday. I remember her making a dessert, and jello salad for Sunday Dinner. We always had pancakes or waffles for dinner on Saturday night. I also remember her washing the cars on Saturday afternoon and usually having us mow the yard. Then on Sunday morning she was always up early getting the meat in the oven so when we came home from church the food was ready for us to eat.
My mom always supported my dad is whatever he did. She always made sure he had a meal before he had to go meetings, so she needed to be home by 5. If she was going to be gone for lunch she always had lunch ready for him when he came in for lunch. She washed his filthy muddy pickup so many times for him too so he would have something clean to go to town in. She would get the garden going and take care of it for him. She would go to Ballgames with him, she has even went hunting with him.
She helped him so much with the farm and still does. I think it is just great that now they are missionary companions!
There are lots of times I think what would I do if I didn't have my mom to talk to and then I remember that she lost her mom when she was younger than me. I do feel bad thinking that she has had to go through trials without being able to talk to her mom. I love my mom and if I could be half of what she is I would be happy. She has been my solid example of how to be Christlike and how to be a wife and mother.

Happy Birthday Uncle Brent! I think the only time you twins have been apart from each other is when Uncle Brent was on his mission and now when mom and dad are on theirs.

Mom and Dad with President Stapleton after being set apart.

Swing Shift

2009-03-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

After I got the kids to bed I was reading this article from Sister Beck in the church news. I LOVE IT and it makes me realize I have to do better.

"The most valuable time of the day for a family is the afternoon/evening shift. Be at the top of your game on swing shift. People are hungry, people are teachable. You feed them; that's when you serve them most. PLAN FOR SWING SHIFT, AND THEN WORK THE REST OF YOUR DAY AROUND THAT."

Hopefully if I do this my life may seem more orderly. Now I just have to figure out how to be at the top of my game!

I've lost my Maria

2009-02-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

I am realizing how much Allie helps me! We went to the Dr yesterday and he said "I am not going to lie, this is a bad break and I can't fix it here in the office." So Monday they are going to put Allie out and try to get it back into place. Her hand is really swollen and she is feeling the pain. It is her right hand. She was/is worried b/c TAKS is on Tuesday and there is no way she can take it then, hopefully next week on one of the makeup days though. I told Allie I lost my right hand gal- literally. I guess this is good so I appreciate her more. There are so many things she helps me with the kids, dishes, laundry and whatever else I need. She has had a great attitude about this though. Monday is a big day for her class. They are going to Enterprise City, something she has looked forward for months and now won't be able to go. She is hoping she doesn't miss too much soccer and worried she won't be able to play FB @ recess or go to PE. I never thought she would be a tomboy but I am so glad she is who she is and holds her own with the boys.

Allie's Awards

2009-02-26T20:36:00.001-08:00

Allie was awarded a BECCA award in school a month ago. I really didn't know what it was for. The office just called me to come to the Friday assembly when it was awarded. To make matters more confusing Becca is the school dog. Becca goes to everything and lives in the school. I didn't know what it was till the principal was explaining it. It is a friendship award and someone has to nominate you. A younger girl in 3rd grade nominated Allie for being a good friend. Here is her picture with the principal and the girl who nominated her.
Allie also participated in the schools UIL Social Studies competition. The students compete with students from other schools (about 6 or so other schools). She got 3rd place. She thought it was going to more about politics than history and was surprised when it was more about history. We are happy for you Allie. Allie loves politics and I think she does a pretty good job of analyzing the political landscape.

Hello again Dr McNutt

2009-02-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

I was almost to the school to volunteer in Chase's class when the school nurse called me (her calls are way too frequent I must add) to tell me Allie had hurt her hand during recess and I need to get her to a Dr. So we call Dr McNutt's office and he was in surgery for the day so we went to Dr G. He ordered x-rays, it is fractured (I think he said on the growth plate). There was not a ortho that could see her today so we will go back tomorrow.

Adam was proud of her and how she broke it. She was playing FB/2hand touch at recess and she was going after a boy. He turned and her finger popped. She never cried . When I got to the school I asked the nurse is she crying, she say she was actually laughing. Sure enough she was giggling. She thought it was pretty funny. I am just glad she is okay and it is not major. I am thankful also to have lived her long enough to feel comfortable knowing which Drs to go too. I love Dr G and Dr McNutt. One thing I am not looking forward to is wrapping her cast with padding to play soccer. We too familiar with cast padding.

Here are some pics within the hour after she hurt it.

These are her fingers tonight around 6pm.

This is really funny though. I called the school so the boys could go home with friends. There was a different lady at the front desk and when she realized that our kids ride a different bus than their friends she said they couldn't do that, that we had to check with transportation dept(I hated to make matters worse by saying our kids ride home with friends and come to our house all the time). I told her I didn't know how long I was going to be and they need to ride home with their friends. She was very nice and said I will call transportation for you. Rene ( the mother of the kids our kids were going home with) called me a few minutes later laughing so hard. The office had called her and said that they were going to send our kids (her 3 and my 2) home one a different bus. They sent a special bus to take those 5 kids home alone because they thought the other one would be too crowded with our additional 2 kids. I still laugh thinking about those kids riding alone on their private bus. When I picked them up Chase said it was awesome! I really am embarrassed too- I could have called someone else to get them. Rene even said she would come pick them up at the school but they said it was no problem, the bus was ready to go.

How Firm a Foundation

2009-02-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago a friend came into RS and said Tricia we were so surprised how Evie knew almost all the words to "How Firm a Foundation". They said it was so funny b/c it was the first week they were learning it and Evie already knew it so well. They even had her come up to help teach it. I am only sharing this because I usually don't get raving reviews from Primary. I love Primary but I am glad I am not in it right now b/c I really don't want to know everything my kids do in there. This is an example, last Sunday Adam had taken Evie out, a few minutes later I took Nielie out in Sacrament Meeting. After the meeting my friend who was sitting in front of us said," It was so cute, Chase was doing a headstand in the chair while you were gone", yeh real cute. That's what I mean about not wanting to know everything that goes on. I am really thankful for the good teachers that they have and their patience and effort to make Primary such a good experience for our kids.

This is Evie singing the 1st verse and little bit more, she can sing along great with the cd but needs some coaching without it. She is real excited for Grandma and Grandpa to watch her.

I am having trouble uploading the video, going to need Adam's help.

Family Campout in the Back Yard

2009-02-16T21:51:00.001-08:00

The week before Chase's Birthday we had so much fun with a campfire in the back yard. We spent about 3 hours outside. It was so cold- about 30 degrees outside, a full moon and just beautiful outside. Adam gave us some country tune with his I-Phone and we felt like we were back in College Station @ Snook. We had hot dogs and smores. Adam really made it camp out by putting up the tent and sleeping outside with the kids. I felt it was too cold for Nielie (actually I thought it was way to cold for myself too). About 4:30 a.m. I woke up in the house b/c I was cold and it was 26 degrees outside I went out and made them all come in. It was real fun! We can't wait for the burn ban to be lifted in Collin Co so we can do it again.

Chase's 7th Birthday

2009-02-16T21:11:00.000-08:00

Chase had his birthday on January 17th. He had fun party with a few friends. We had a scavenger hunt that Allie organized and the kids loved. In the scavenger hunt they found the things they would use for the party ( flashlights, stuff for smores, sticks to roast their hot dogs and marshmallow's, and paint balls). They had so much fun having a campfire, shooting paint balls, and playing flashlight tag in the dark. Chase is sure fun and we love him. He is a very high energy kid. A few nights ago he came in and he said "Mom I just can't get to sleep, I have so much on my mind. I am so hyper!" So true, he can get his mind going so fast. He wants a dog so bad and I will not cave for a dog. I have had him reading the Beverly Cleary series on Henry and his dog Ribsy. The other day he walked in the kitchen and said "Mom, I just found an inference". Adam was in the kitchen and I looked at him and said Chase say that again-I can't even remember what the inference was I was just so surprised he even knew what one was. He has a great teacher- Mrs. Dwiggins. She really gets Chase to work for her. She has been wonderful for Chase and we love her.

Am I my mother?

2009-02-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

We have had some real problems with the kids bathroom for about 2 weeks. I had cleaned up a flooded toilet about 20 too many times in a 2 week period. I had gotten out the good ol'snake several times but could find nothing. After a day when I was tired of cleaning up poopy water (It seemed like about the 4th time in one day) and finding nothing with the snake I had had it. Part of the problem was the kids would flush and leave the room and not realize the toilet had overflowed. Then I remembered my mom and how she would get the snake out when the toilet wouldn't come unplugged and just had to laugh. I don't remember her getting as mad as I was getting but I wonder if she did. I do need to be thankful for one thing though, because of her use of the snake I knew what one was. I wanted to call a plumber but Adam wanted to figure it out. He actually removed the toilet and found the little toy Nielie had stuck in the toilet. I had wondered about Nielie doing something like that b/c she loves to flush the toilet. Luckily I have not had to touch snake since Adam fixed it.

Another life for the little Gator

2009-01-21T20:32:00.000-08:00

My favorite day of the month-the 1st Thursday of the month is bulk trash pick up. Well I was having the kids haul some stuff up to the front. I thought they needed to get rid of the gator since it hasn't worked for over a year. They were complaining about how to get it up there. They came up with this, then it became the best toy after Christmas. There are more pictures to come because there have been some modifications.

San Antonio For Mary Nan's Wedding

2009-01-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

We went to San Antonio a few days after Christmas for Adam's cousin Mary Nan's Wedding. She was married in one of the missions down there. I had never been to San Antonio and it was so much fun. We stayed on the Riverwalk with everyone and it was so neat. We were only there for a night but I could see how you could spend a few days there. We had fun with Uncle Eric and Aunt Kristen, just wish Ashlyn and Maddie would have been there.

Kathleen and Caroline- the bridesmaids, sisters and cousins. You can't see from the picture but their waist is burnt orange. They had an orange and red wedding because Mary Nan went to OU and Eli went to UT- very cute.

Adam, Eric, Kristen and Grandpa Biggs all went to the wedding. Me and the kids were at the mission and this is a shot of the wedding party from afar.
Later that night the adults got to go the party. We had so much fun. You would have thought Adam and Eric were 14 and at a stake dance. We really were quite calm compared to the seasoned frat boys. Aunt Helen and Uncle Richard gave a great reception.

A highlight of the night is when they sang "Sweet Caroline"- very fun!

This was a super cute dress that Mary Nan wore as her going away dress. So cute!

I am embarrassed to put this picture on because it is so weird looking and a bad picture but one of the reasons I had so much fun that night is because my dress would twirl. I remember there was a girl growing up that loved to twirl at the stake dances and this night I was that crazy girl. I had so much fun dancing and getting my dress to twirl!

Christmas Parties

2008-12-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

We have been to some fun Christmas Parties this year. One was a White Elephant Party with lots of people, around 40. The best gift was a box with a note in it that said "Check the Front Door". A goat was tied to the front door- a pregnant goat. It was so funny. It didn't stop there in the middle of the circle driveway was a tiolet with a Poinsetta in it.

We went to this one work party down in Dallas that was pretty amazing. It started with the "Save the Date" and then the Invite. We were a couple hours late but I am still glad we went. I had never seen anything like it. It was like a big kid carnival. I had Adam try to take some discreet pics with his phone.

This is dessert tree by the door when you left. There were other dessert tables around though. As you can tell from the guy in the back, it was around 6 ft tall. The trees on the table are actually made of cream puffs. The dinner was great as well with choice of lamb,beef or pork. My favorite was the mashed partinis- mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes served in martini glasses with different toppings. They (ladies dressed up as snow princesses)also kept handing out all this bling, like feather boas, hats, blinking bling rings and necklaces, and glasses. Allie is modeling all of them for us. The girls had so much fun dressing up in them. What is funny is that the adults at the party had fun dressing up in them too.

This is a pic of the invite, the save the date was a just as big, no choclate though.

Santa Baby

2008-12-16T18:06:00.000-08:00

Chase dressed up Nielie and brought her to me and said, "You have a Santa Baby now." Nielie was pretty happy about it and kept saying "Ho,ho,ho". Then this is really funny. She left the room for a while and came back with Santa's black belt to put around her. I couldn't belive she did it. I don't know who was more proud, me or Chase.
Today we had a ice day. It started out just a delay and then they cancelled it. I wish I would have done more fun things with the kids but the day just got away from us. They did their chores and messed around playing. Then some of their friends from across the creek came over and they worked on their fort. It was so cold. I honestly don't know how they could have stayed outside for as long as they did. Evie was so happy to have them home today.

This was the girls the other morning. I went in their room and they had the little people lined up. I asked what they were doing and Evie told me they were having "Elf Lessons". Herbie was teaching them about being good Elves. It all ended though when they had jumping lessons, the nice neat line got messed up.I thought it was so funny. As you can see Nielie has her dress up on over her clothes, this is what she looks like everday.

It's Begining to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2008-12-15T03:43:00.000-08:00

This a tradition at our house- Chase dressing up as Santa. Jenni got him this outfit about 3 years ago and I think we are going to pass it on to Cooper next year. Chase has really gotten about all he can get out of this Santa costume. His Elf Evie is right along with him. He made his own beard out of cotton balls.

The other night we went to NorthPark. We had so much fun going to storytime with Santa. It was well worth the wait. Santa told the kids the best things they could give are smiles, hugs, and friendship. Santa reminded us to put the fire out in our fireplaces on Christmas Eve and to make sure and leave something for reindeer as well because they get kinda grumpy

We also went to see the Trains. We have went before but I think the kids enjoyed it even more this year. It really is amazing how they do this display.They have little city displays of Dallas, DC, New York, and several others. The pictures do not do it justice. It all benefits the Ronald McDonald House. I thought of Tammy and Aunt Susan and how much this place has helped their families. We topped out our night by returning to the car to have ice/sleet on our windows. The kids were so excited to have a little bit of wintery weather in Dallas.

Christmas Time

2008-12-14T18:50:00.000-08:00

There are a few things that becoming traditions at our home. One is Chase dressing up as Santa. Jenni got him this suit three years ago, I think this may be the last year of him being able to wear it. He made the beard himself out of cotton balls.

It's my Birthday and I'll Cry if I Want To

2008-11-13T20:28:00.001-08:00

This is kinda late, but we have had some birthdays! Nielie turned 2 on October 17. She is at a real fun age right now. She is trying to say and do everything. We all love watching her and hearing her talk. She is making messes now quite regularly which the kids don't always like cleaning up but its okay because she is the baby,right. She loves dresses and is always wanting you to put on her or on a Polly Pocket. We think she is so sweet and cute! But she is two and is not afraid to act that way.

She thinks she needs to ride a big girl bike.

She doesn't think Chase should be wearing her dress!

She loves to be with big kids, espcially if they are outside. She was a little unsure about all the leaves around her.

It is a good thing she is in our family.

Fall Football and Soccer

2008-11-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

I haven't post much about these lately, but we are coming to an end. Last Saturday Chase's team lost in the 2nd round of playoffs. He was pretty upset and crying. He is very ready for tackle next year. Towards the end of the season he put his pads on and went and practiced with Jake's team. It was pretty funny because they let him play defense and he would get plowed over by the offensive line but get right back up to do it again. Chase is the one with the "S" on his helmet. He is right next to Jake. In the huddle he is kneeling down with #6. I still laugh thinking about him practicing with the big boys.

Allie's team started our rough this season. But they ended up only losing 3 games and 4th overall. In the playoffs they played the #1 team, ( they had lost to them 2x's before) and they lost 2-0. She was also pretty disapionted but there is always Spring. Allie really learned lots this year. This was her best season so far. She had good coaches who loved to win but also made it lots of fun.

Jake's team had a bye for the first playoff game and won their 2nd round. We played Wednesday Night Lights! It was pretty exciting b/c they had beat this same team in their last regular season game in the last seconds. They were coming back for blood this time, last time they were just pinching -literally. We won in overtime 13-6. Jake was pretty nervous but so excited when it was all over. He scored 2 TD's. We are Superbowl Bound- that is Plano Superbowl Bound. This is such a fun team to watch play because they all make big plays- it really is a team effort.

Halloween

2008-11-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Halloween this year. Chase dressed up as Brent Hartley- An onion farmer- also his Grandpa. Notice his pants. Me and Adam couldn't get over how much he looked like dad from the back. Did you notice the top button undone with his belt. It made us all miss Grandpa. We even found a Hartley Produce hat for him to wear. We are running low down here guys- any extra send a few our way. I had bought some onions at Kroger a few days earlier and so we had a little onion bag ( a Hartley Produce one) and Chase used that for his Candy. He gets so intense about things. He was obsessed with Dad for about 2 weeks. Grandpa wanted him to dress as he now, as a missionary but Chase wanted to be an onion farmer. Now, since this is a little late posting, he obsessed with BYU Football. He even wrote them a letter and we have already mailed it to Shirley Johnson at the FB office. He has been reading the book " Calming the Storm" about when BYU played Miami in 90 so long ago ( my freshman year at BYU). He has been watching Lavells Last Stand nonstop. He can be so intense on somethings.

This really is a pretty true picture of Jake-always trying to be tough. Adam was borrowing this pickup and it was pretty funny because Chase said take the picture back here so Grandpa won't notice that it isn't the same kind as his. Already worried about driving a Dodge rather a Chevrolet. I was surprised he knew the difference.

Nielie dressed like she does everyday. She loves dresses and is either wearing one or carrying one around asking someone "Dress, Dress" to put it on her. She has loved carrying around her "pumpkee". Evie was Cinderella for Trunk or Treat, Allie was Ariel, and Jake was himself- a FB player. Hayley told me we were so original. I wish I had more of my sisters in me and could dress up. I told myself we have been unusually busy this fall so that is my excuse. I wonder what my excuse will be next year.

We had a super fun Trunk or Treat at the Jones' home. We had went there earlier in the week for October's Pack meeting which was a Harry Potter Theme. Again, very cool and fun. Our kids couldn't wait to go back for Trunk or Treat. There was a train ride, games, a cake walk ( Chase picked a great Chocolate Cake which we used for Allie and Nielie's Birthday cake), quite a few other games as well. Lots of fun. This train was so fun, Evie is waiting for the golf cart to come hook up to the train. For pack meeting they used a lawn mower to pull it, so very cute and clever. The kids couldn't get enough of it.

The Kids are Sick about Obama- Literally

2008-11-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

The kids are taking it pretty hard, Chase threw up last night, still
queasy so he is home. I went to go get Nielie-gross!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She had thrown up in the night a ton, I mean a ton- and it had all dried in her hair, on her neck, pillow. She was crying, saying yucky, yucky.
We took Allie to the Dr this morning, she can hardly swallow
Obama-I mean her throat. She is kinda funny- she said does anyone listen
to the radio any more- he is going to make us a Communist country. I picked her up from school on Monday with a fever and she still isn't better. They tested her for Step-no and Mono- no. So just a virus. Nielie also didn't have strep. She has some bug though.

This is the back yard with the trees all changing by creek.

The front yard is pretty to look out over because of all the trees in the neighbors yards. As you can see the grass is changing to the dormant season here-ugly brown, but I guess it goes with the season.
The yard is so pretty right now, not because of anything we have done but because of all the trees. The kids and I have a total of about 16 bags of leaves (from 2 days) and it doesn't look like we have even touched the leaves. It is so pretty in the back yard. I love seeing and hearing the leaves in the wind. Me and Jake got 2 bags just waiting for the bus this morning. Anyway I think now I may understand why Dad didn't like trees so much. The leaves can be overwhelming but it is fun to watching them change.

During these troubled financial times, perhaps we should be investing in Steers?

2008-10-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

I was watching the news Friday and caught the last bit of clip and it really made my cry. Why? It made me miss this so much. I found this link of the video and was letting Evie watch it. I was trying to tell her that is what I used to do. I was trying to tell her that it was so fun to show steers and maybe someday she could do it. Then she really let me down, she said "I could milk a cow!" I said "NO! Show a steer". How could my own daughter get that confused and think it was neater to milk a cow rather than show a steer? I loved showing steers and I am so glad that my dad helped us so much. Going to the fairs really were our vacations. I know they weren't for my parents but I sure loved it. We all have some great memories of the wild ones . Now I realize that if my kids were to ever show steers how much work it would be on me and Adam-don't worry Dad, I am not getting ideas-at least for a few more years. We never saw that kind of money but it was so worth it. That girl kinda reminds me of myself when I was her age and of how much I loved showing steers. I know it has been so long that I am only remembering the good things, but I do remember there was some fighting, that we never won Herdsmanship award (the award for keeping your pens clean-we were after Grand Champion or Showmanship). I think we were the only 4-H group that only met when we went to the fair. Was our club name really SunHeaven Hillbillies? If it was I am really embarrassed. Mom could rat the steers tail better than anyone, even when she was 38 weeks pregnant with Jenni in 100 degree weather. I have to admit I love to feel my boys head after I cut it real short b/c it reminds me of how the steers heads would feel after we would clip them for the fair. I tell Jake and Chase I can cut their hair b/c I learned how to clip the steers first. I have not convinced Adam of this yet.

Mom and Dad please watch this- it is really short.
http://www.dallasnews.com/video/index.html?nvid=289264&she=1

Here is the story from the paper

State Fair of Texas grand champion steer sells for $95,000

We’ve got a Champ.
Emily June Kelley, 12, of Yoakum, took home the top prize in the grand steer champion competition this afternoon at the State Fair of Texas' annual Youth Livestock Auction of Champions.
Grand Steer Champion brings home $95,000
October 3rd, 2008

The steer’s name, appropriately: Champ.
The grand champion fell short of topping the $100,000 mark, but did bring in $1,000 more than last year’s winner: a cool $95,000.
That was way more – about $35,000 more – than Emily expected.
"I was like, ‘Wow,’ " she said. "It was over my head. It’s just overwhelming."
The grand champion steer winner gets $30,000, and the rest of the proceeds fund State Fair scholarships.
Since she’s only 12, Emily hasn’t decided where she’ll go to college. But she’ll use the money for her education, mostly likely in an agriculture-related field, she said.
She has been raising Champ since last spring at her home in Yoakum, about 90 miles south of San Antonio.
For many of the contestants, letting go isn't always easy. The students form bonds with their animals, said Daryl Real, the fair's vice president of agriculture and livestock.
"A lot of the animals are treated better than you and I are," Mr. Real said. "[Students] spend a lot of time with these animals and care for them. It's a project they take a lot of pride in. In order to be successful in the end, it's a must to spend that time with them."
But the students know there's a time to let go of their furry friends. It's part of the life cycle -- these animals are being raised for food, said Mr. Real, who raised animals as a kid.

I was also thinking, I only remember a few times when I felt really sad to sell the steers, they were all usually so darn mean and wild. I don't think they would allow tranquilizers today -did they then? I know Dad really enjoyed it and I am so glad he did. Dad even liked it so much he had Pam show even after she went to college because she wasn't 19 yet. With all her years of expertise she won showmanship & got to be in the round robin that year. I know that is what convinced Scott that he wanted to marry her. Remember when Troy's steer got loose during weigh in and took out all the fancy fans of the Hereford show? What about Thayne our Professional Fitter? Rember our reputation for having wild steers and always being late for weigh-in and having to call and tell them we were on our way. I could go on and on. I am going to go on the hunt for some pictures. My kids love seeing all those trophys in the basement and mom I hope you never get rid of them. Maybe that will help all our kids know how we spent our summer vacation.

Another funny story- When Allie was a baby we went to the Puyallup Fair. At that time I was a germ freak with our little baby girl that wasn't even one year old. I think most of you remember how protective I was of her. Adam was in shock and awe when I took Allie out of the stroller so she could get close to the steers and touch them. I told him that steers don't have germs, that they are good animals to be around.

Where's my camera?

2008-10-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

Well as you can see from the pictures Evie has had it. She thinks she is an up and coming photographer. I could not find it this morning and was a little worried because of my track record with cameras. I had had it outside in my pocket last night but then did some yard work. Once a month the city comes and picks up all the limbs, branches and grass and today was the day. I had been taking some limbs to the front of the yard and I had also raked up a bunch of grass in the dark. Well I rummaged through the limbs, dumped out the bag of grass clippings hoping to find it. I could not find it. Well I hear a little girl-Evie open up the door and announce that she is awake and hungry. I said, "Evie I am going to need your help today looking for my camera, I think I lost it outside." She says," Oh mom, I already found it. It was under my pillow this morning." I just had to laugh. She was so proud she had found it,and when I asked how it got there she said, " I just forgot about it, sorry." This all before 8 am. I am glad she found it, just wish she would have found it before I went through the grass.

Next I go to upload my pictures and wow- she has a clicker finger. For the past few days she added over 400 pictures to my camera. Maybe I should be watching my child better. It is kinda funny.

This cracks me up, her shadow!

Don't know what is so great about this, I guess she was just in the room.

Mr Skeleton is my kids favorite Halloween decoration/toy. He is aging though, a few broken bones, even some missing ones. They love to dress him up and reposition him. This pose is kinda funny .

I am guessing that Evie wanted to document Nielie's crying.

Another Evie story. Jake's friend brought him over a cinnamon roll on Sunday b/c he had hurt his arm. Well he was saving it for breakfast the next day. Jake woke up Monday and was so mad because someone had eaten his cinnamon roll, but just the middle part- leaving the edges. I knew it was Evie. She had snuck and ate this roll. When she woke I told her that robber had come in our house last night and ate Jake's roll. Her eyes got real big and she said "Wow!" I asked her if that scared her and she just smiled. I asked her if she ate it and she said "no- a robber came and ate it." We are really working on honesty with her. I finally did get it out of her and we made some more cinnamon rolls for the family. She is a little convincing though. We had an incident on Meet the Teacher Night where I thought she had taken some M&M's from the teacher. Actually she had taken them from Office Depot. We went right back to Office Depot( after I drug a screaming, crying Evie out of the school still claiming that the M&M's were hers) and paid them and she apologized. She is a very determined child. I think we were Office Depot for about 10 minutes waiting for her to say she was sorry. She is very dramatic and can really play it up. The funny thing is it is not like she never has sweets.

Psycho Mom

2008-10-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

All our games were far enough apart today that I was able to go to each one. Adam was out of town so I was on my own but luckily I was able to get each of them to their games. Adam and I have realized how important it is to have good friends on the kids teams to help us get the kids where they need to be. It's like tag team.

Allie lost her game, some tough girls- really physical. Allie played hard. Chase lost his game too but Chase had a sack- except the flag didn't come out- we really think the league needs to do something about this. They have to clip off the ends of the belts otherwise they get confused with the flags. They are supposed to keep them tucked in but they come out. We watched the video a few times and Chase had 2 hand on it for a while but it didn't come out- we as parents think it really was the belt. I think ASA may get tired of my suggestions for them especially when I refer to how Frisco does things. Chase was also a team captain- you can see him going out for the toss. He is number 6.

Jake had an exciting game. The team they played-the Dolphins were the Champions last year. We were ahead 13-0 with 2 minutes into the 4th quarter. Jake had a TD and extra point. These are Jake's own words of what happened next

I was doing a sweep, didn't see the guy behind me and when he tackled me I fell with my fingers back. He didn't get up- and didn't get up. When he did he was holding his hand and crying. The coaches are trying to help him, thinking it was a stinger or something. Adam calls me wants to know the score and I tell him what happened. By now the Dolphins have scored twice and tied it up 13-13. Adam says tell him to get tough and get out there. So being the psycho mom that I am, I go grab the teams first aid kit, get tape and start taping his hand. With about 2 minutes left I tell the coach he's okay so they send him back out there, he is still crying but I say "BE TOUGH AND GET OUT THERE". When the game ends it is tied so we are going into overtime. When the boys come off the field a few boys are crying, the other team is much bigger than us and really beating us up. Anyway we won- 20-19. They didn't get their extra point. They were so excited-we were so excited. One of Jakes friends got hit really hard right after Jake got hurt. He is a real tough kid but he was pretty upset. He went back in too. After the game he was still crying and his mom thought he had gotten hit again. When she realized that he had not that he was still hurting from the earlier hit, she said "Why did you go back in if you were still hurt?" He said " I couldn't leave Jake in there alone" ( I really wish that Jake would have had that attitude earlier when he got hurt).I love how football really teaches boys how to work hard and help each other . I know this sound really silly but I really think it (sports as a whole) teach kids some important lessons.

We go the Dr on Sunday (he opens his clinic on Sunday Mornings form 9-10 to x-ray and cast kids that got hurt on Saturday in FB) and Jake does have a hairline in his hand. We get it casted but he can still play so we are real happy. This is the doctor who helped Jake last year when he broke his arm. I love this Doctor- he has 4 boys and played FB in college. He doesn't make you feel crazy for letting your kids play contact sports. This clinic he does on Sunday for FB kids is free of charge. GREAT!

Monday when it was time for practice Jake was saying he didn't want to go that it hurt still. Being the psycho mom I am I get the bubble wrap (to cover his cast so it doesn't hurt others) and tape and say "get in the car we are going". I was a little worried that it might bother him so I stayed to watch for a while- he was fine. Again, another lesson learned that sometimes you just have to toughen up and be strong. Last night he didn't even say anything about it hurting.

I love Sarah Palin! In high school they said she had the nickname Baracuda. She is having to be a baracuda and fight right now. She said when asked about being an underdog that it means you just have to FIGHT HARDER! GO SARAH!

Sept Pack Meeting

2008-09-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Jake getting his Wolf and face painted from Sister Graham. She is the master mind behind these pack meetings.
Lighting the arrows of light, complete with wisdom from an ancient man-I think he may of supposed to be Mormon ( at least that is what someone said- I need to check).
Maybe this is supposed to be Moroni, Lighting the arrow of light.
Getting ready to shoot the arrows of light.

This Cub Scout Troop we are in goes over the top for Pack Meetings. Last month they did the Olympics with games, medal stand and medals for all ( even the little kids). I had heard when someone gets the Wolf or Bear it is quite an event. Tonight Jake got his Wolf Badge. When he recieved the Wolf they put a wolf head and skin on him and painted his face. He was pretty excited. There were two boys who got their arrows of light also. The highlight of the night was having the Indian shoot flaming/fire arrows into the sky.

FB Practice with a Cowboy

2008-09-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Tonight at practice one of Jake's coaches has arranged for Danny Amendola a WR for the Cowboys to come and talk to the boys. He wanted Amendola to talk to them because he is smaller guy and remind that it really takes discipline and work but you can still be a good FB player. He is a young guy and real nice to the kids.I think he played at Texas Tech and is from the Woodlands. Chase was pretty excited to get his picture with him and play catch with him.

Jake waiting to get his autograph

Jake's Team

Chase and Amendola

2008-09-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a fun day, we would have liked a few more wins (and points) but we will take what we get. We started with Jake's game. They are still undefeated and in the upper tier in their league. We are so used to Frisco Football it has been a little hard for me to change this year. Jake has a bunch a good boys on his team and a good group of coaches which really helps. We miss playing with our friends in Frisco though. Jake scored once for an extra point.
Chase's team lost in last few minutes. One thing that is hard for Chase this year is that in ASA they won't let you block like they do in FFL. But Chase still blocked to the whistle every time. Chase is just waiting for tackle next year for when he can actually hit someone.
Allie's team lost right at end too. Allie got on such a good team. Her coaches are really good and are teaching them so much. Allie had goal but they lost 2-1.She is getting pretty aggressive and so much fun to watch.
Nielie topped off Jake's game by falling on the bleachers and cutting her gums really good. She also cut that little piece of skin that connects her gum to her lips. She was pretty much out for the rest of the day.
I sat in the car for most of Allie's game with her because she was so miserable. This is a picture of all of them walking back to the car after Allie's game.

Fall Saturdays

2008-09-22T06:12:00.001-07:00

Tinkerbell

2008-09-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Friday when I was trying to clean house Nielie was keeping herself busy. I came back in the laundry room to put clothes in the dryer but she got to the dryer before I did. It kind of scares me because she tries to shut the door. The chocolate is from the M&Ms she found up on the piano. Hayley told me the other day that my standards had really fell after she saw what I let Chase wear to school. I hate to admit that she is so right.

Chase and Christmas

2008-09-18T05:28:00.001-07:00

Chase loves Christmas. I have been trying to focus his attention to Halloween, but since he has been thinking about Halloween since July he is ready to move on to Christmas. This morning he had to wear this sweater that Grandma and Jenni got him last year. He loves the all the Santa Claus Movies and any Christmas books he can get his hands on. I keep telling him he may be the next Santa Claus. The other day he told me he thinks he really may be the next Santa Claus because he started "really wanting cookies all the time". By the way he wrote a thank you letter to Santa last week thanking him for all the toys from last year. Then he wrote to the elves because they get forgotten about. I really think he may be in line to be the next Santa.

Nielie's New Tricks

2008-09-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

Nielie put the stuff on the table all by herself, this is actually Allie's doll table. She was so proud of herself.

This day she was fascinated with doll chairs. She took it everywhere.

I know this is really scary looking and it is. She would not stop till she got to the top. I would pull her down time after time. I took the ladder down so she wouldn't climb up but you can see she found her own way up there. I think the novelty has worn off, because she doesn't do this as often.

You can also see how her hair grows straight into her eyes. We have to always have her hair in a pony. When she wakes up in the morning she will blow it out of her eyes. She is so fun right now. She loves Dora, and would wear her Dora flannel nightgown all day if I would let her. She is trying to talk also. The other night we were eating dinner and we were all talking, not really paying attention to Nielie who was in her high chair. In the middles of it she said "yummy", I stopped and looked at her and said what did you say? She looked at me underneath her hair and said "yummy". Tonight we were saying prayers and when I was saying the family prayer someone was chomping on ice right in my ear, I was getting ready to get mad at someone (of course a big kid) for eating/drinking/ not paying attention during the prayer and I look up and it is Nielie kneeling down by me, chomping on ice right by my ear.

Free Market Foundation

2008-09-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

I will admit I am a political junkie. I drive my husband crazy because I would much rather watch the news channels than just about anything else. My favorite channels on the radio are am talk radio. I have been depressed the last two days b/c my fav Lara Ingram got taken off the Dallas channel. She was my friend, I have never met her but I felt like I knew her. I have some back ups but she was my favorite. When we moved here a few years ago I signed up for Free Market Foundation newsletter so I could get their voting pamphlet. I would get their emails and hear some about them. They do lots of very important work in and out of the court room preserving conservative Christian values here in Texas. Anyway at Jakes FB game a week ago one of the moms was talking about how her husband was at the RNC and she didn't want to go b/c she has went before but then when Sarah Palin was chosen she really wanted to go. Anyway we started talking about Sarah and how exciting this has all become. She asked me if I knew what her husband did, after telling me I knew why his name was familiar. He is one of the driving forces behind Free Market Foundation(actually the President and general counsel). She invited me to this luncheon. I was really glad I went. I know I need to do my part to stand up for families, marriage between a man and a women, life, and everything else that has made our counntry great. I really appreciate people like the Shackelfords who really give their life fighting for Christian values. I know that I can't do much but I have to admit that Sarah Palin has made me think that I can make a difference. We have to start in our community. I am thankful for Grandpa Hartley watching Nightline and all those other news shows even though I was bored at the time. I remember just wanting to understand what they were talking about. I think some of it rubbed off. I am afraid it is happening to my children as well. Allie loved to debate kids about Romney last Spring. She even wrote a mock newspaper article for TAKS pretesting about Romney getting elected. I think my Aunt June would have been proud of me for attending and if she lived in Dallas would have been there too.

The Bus

2008-09-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

This year my kids ride the bus and I LOVE IT. The reason I love it is because I do not have to wake up Evie and Nielie to take them to school. It is really nice because my girls will sleep to at least 8 or later. When the kids leave for school the girls are asleep and 90% of the time Nielie is asleep when they get home. I feel like they so much happier not getting woke up in the morning and afternoon picking up kids. It is nice to be able to focus on the big kids in the morning and get them out the door. They seem to think it is pretty neat too. This is a funny side note, another reason I love this town. One of my friends, who has a kids in college and some that ride the bus with my kids grew up here. She told me the bus driver is the same bus driver she had. It reminded me of Mr. Walker and how he drove Troys kids after driving us all those years. Remember all those mornings he waited for us? What about Sarge, and how Mom thought that really was her name? She really was nice to us though and was such a good lady but she could really scare us. I still remember when she would sometimes ask to use our bathroom, that was so weird but it was an awful long bus ride. It was a good thing that she drove in the afternoon, we would have missed alot of school if she would have been the driver in the morning, she would have never waited like Mr. Walker did.

Back to School !!!!!

2008-09-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

The kids have been back in school for a few weeks and are loving it. Jake was so excited four boys from his FB team are in his class. Chase loves his teacher, I don't know what she is doing but she is really motivating him. It is really fun to see him excited to go to school. He loves bringing me home his folder and showing me what he has done. Allie has some some nice teachers too. She is having fun playing FB with boys at recess. She told me the girls play tag and that is kinda boring. In fact Friday after school she got invited with Jake to over to friends house and play FB with the boys. I asked her how it felt to be the only girl with 11 boys, she didn't answer me. She knows how to make her Daddy proud!

Supermom Blogger

2008-09-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

I saw this on the Today show today.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26620845/

Her sister continues to write about how she is doing. Her sisters blog has some pretty neat thoughts into tragedy and life. Anyway it has inspired me to enjoy each day. Besides the fact that she shares the same religious belief as me, she is a mother, a mother who knows what really is important.
http://nieniedialogues.com/

Our Pet Turtle

2008-08-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

This is our best picture of the turtle-

When Adam was coming home the other night he saw this turtle on the road so he picked it up. It was the best entertainment! I was surprised that they didn't kill it because of all their playing with it. It lasted over week till Allie let it out of its home/rubbermaid box and it crawled off. A few week later I learned from Pam that turtles can carry salamonella so they aren't good pets for little kids. They had fun feeding it anything they could think of (including a hot dog) and cleaning its shell.

Shantae's Wedding

2008-08-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

We drove to Utah to go my niece Shantae's wedding. Me, Jenni and Hayley and I think about 9 kids. It was so much fun and I am so glad we got to go. We missed Mom and Dad but it was great to see everyone that we did. The wedding was beautiful. Those little girls (Shantae and Shayla) are all grown up. I had alot of fun spending time with Pam. When I was in college she always had the little kids and crazy life. Now she gets watch me and my crazy kids. I am sure glad she had Jayden though. My boys had so much fun staying at their house out in the tent trailer.

Summer Pics

2008-08-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

Since Summer is offically over I thought I should post some pic from what we did this year. Going to Grandma and Grandpas is always the BIG EVENT of the Summer. It was weird this year with them gone, We are so glad they are on a Mission but we did miss Grandpa on the couch taking a nap, his dirt from his boots on the floor, Grandma in the kitchen and just their presence. I will admit I was a little teary when I first got there and they weren't there. We sure love them and I am glad for their example. Luckily we all stayed safe and there were not accidents.

Meg, Evie, and Nielie driving circles.

Mom I wanted you to see where the kids spent alot of time in the dirt, right along BH-9.

Evie, Kate and Meg coloring with sidewalk chalk

Jake and Cooper, Cooper was just playing with the big boys. He would drive the gator to wherever the boys were. It was pretty funny watching the little man drive that thing everywhere.

Chase helped Walt one day by picking up all "treasures" ( screws, pieces of metal, etc.)in front of the shop. He isn't looking to happy here because he wanted to take them all home and you guess it, I said no.

Jake, Tayden, Carsen and Chase spent an afternoon working on this jump. They were so proud of it. This is Jake taking his turn.

I wish I was my Mom

2008-07-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

My Mom can handle anything, even boys that run crazy circles around her and everyone else. This picture explains Chase completley! This is him-so full of energy that he doesn't know what to do with all.

My Kids are Grounded from the store-except Allie

2008-07-31T14:36:00.000-07:00

We had a fun trip to Walmart today do some school supply shopping. I was trying to price match so I had my ads and all, 2 shopping carts, 5 kids and 1 happy mom. I love back to school shopping. I think that is one of the reasons I wanted to be a teacher. This time of year always makes me want to be a teacher again. Anyway school supply shopping here is way different than at Patterson Elementary. I remember getting to pick out crayons 64 ct with the sharpner, cool notebooks, markers if we wanted. There was no list of things that we had to get. Well down here there are specific lists of about 25-35 items, specific like down to the brand of glue stick, crayons (24 count only), color of spirals, and folders. It can get a little confusing to say the least. They even will let you purchase the whole kit for something like $30, but I think it is so fun to go get your own.Well needless my good intentions did not end well. A 4 year old was upset, but she did get a 64 count crayon box,(she is attending the Biggs HomesschoolPreschool for one more year), the others could only get the 24 count. At the checkout Chase was bored so he started rocking cart # 2 that had Evie and Nielie it. To threaten Chase after several attempts I tell him I am taking him to the store manager, that did not last long. Finally we make it out of the store, and I tell them all they are not going to anymore stores the rest of the summer (except Allie). Jake is upset because we are heading to Dicks next to pick up his cleats, no he is not going in. I will go in and pick them up. Chase cries for quite awhile because I tell him that I will have to take him to the police because maybe he will listen to them. He claims he will do whatever. I remember mom making a threat that scared me the most. She would say "If you kids don't stop they are going to put me in the Pendleton Hospital" That was the nearby mental Hospital. That one always made me feel bad and try better. I only wish I had her mental health, I would be such a better mother if I did.
As we get to Dicks I am feeling like I am the worst Mom, and then I see a minivan with writing on the window that says "Worlds Best MOM". Inside I know that Jake is not going to like the cleats(wrong color) so we head over to Champs, none, Finishline none, We pull into the new Athletes Foot and he runs to see if they have some -YES Just got some today and the right color!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Blue and White!!!!!!! But they aren't open, they don't open store till tomorrow. They were so nice though and let us buy them anyway. Great People and lots of cleats. Once FB starts is so hard to find cleats and they had some. They are still grounded and we are doing all school shopping online from now on.

FINALLY

2008-07-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

My kids have so much fun reading their cousins blogs! They love seeing the pics and reading about what they are doing. While they are reading I always feel so good thinking that they are staying close to cousins even though we live so far away. But after they are done they always ask "Why don't we have a blog Mom?" Well I have run out of answers and the pressure has finally worked. Anway I am excited when I have enough things blogged that I will be able to get it put in book form and we will have our Family History.