Christmas 2008

Family Picture 2008

They Had Fun!

We had a great Christmas! I hope everyone did too. The big ticket items this year were a D_Rex for Cole a Karaoke machine for Joslyn and a new camera for mom, Dad got a bunch of little stuff. The snow is melting off and we have been in the fortys the last few days. Just enjoying not having to do anything.

Merry Christmas

It is hard to believe it is that time of year again. The kids are growing like crazy and they do something everday that amazes me. They both played fall soccer and had a great time. Joslyn is turing into quite the competitor. Cole is the comedian. I have no idea where they get it?? They are both going to play basketball in January, that should be fun. I am not quite sure they have that running through their blood. But it will be a good time. Shawn is busy with school and work. Jackie and I thought we were helping him do a re-write on a paper and it came back with the same grade. So we decided that teacher doesn't know what she is talking about. I am not to busy at work. I have a student teacher so I wonder around the halls alot, today I ended up in a 5th grade class. I visited some of my students from last year, itis fun. The work will resume soon, she leaves at Christmas.Have A Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving 2008

We had a great time this year at Thanksgiving. Aunt Denia and Larry came up to visit. We were totally surprised when Dad and Carla walked through the door. It was an awesome time to have everyone right here at the house. We cooked and cooked and cooked, there are alot of family traditions we have to keep alive. LOL Had to be there. Even though Andy was not here he still got a present to remember his big sis by on Thanksgiving 08. Only in Redmond Oregon can you find camo adult size pj's. Dad even text me a picture of the great purchase! I am very Thankful for the wonderful time we had with family.

Happy Birthday to Cole

Today my little baby bubba is five years old. He is going to pre-school and enjoying it more everyday. Although he says the kindergardners are nicer than the kids in his class. Tonight we went to Izzy's buffet for Cole's bithday dinner. He also took some cupcakes to his class to share. He said it was fun because he got to pass them out because he is the birthday boy. Saturday we are having a party at Pappy's pizza after soccer. Until next time.

Joslyn is in the Second Grade

I can't believe it, Joslyn is in the second grade already. Wow how time flys. She is doing great with her second week of school. She has Mrs. Morgan this year, and says she is very nice. The kids and are getting back into the swing of things with getting up early and going in with me at 7:30. Cole is going to Pre-K class across the street from my school at Sonshine Christian School, where Joslyn attended. He has Mrs. Betty, whom we really like. She said to me Cole is "stubborn" in a nice way. But that is nothing I did not already know. He has been feeling his pre-school oats lately.
We also have a new house guest, his name is Mart. He is a exchange student from Thailand. Mart is 16 and a Junior, he is very shy, which is a a little akward in social situations. But I think he will come around. He tried out for the school band today and waiting to hear. He plays the DRUMS! Cale is taking him to play basketball tomorrw which is another one of his favorites.

Remembering Grandma

I went back to Bakersfield this past weekend to attend the funeral of my last living grandparent, Mary F. Brley. It was a very nice service and we had a good time shareing some memories. She was my mom's mom, so I know they are together again and that is comforting. My grandma was a woman of few words but you always knew where you stood with her. One thing I loved about her she always greeted and departed with a kiss, I think that is something famlies don't always do but should. Also Jessica reminded me that she would always say "Come back when you can stay longer" that was her way of saying thanks for stopping by. She lived her last days with family and I know my mom would be appreciative of that, because that is always where we like to be. I love you Grandma.

Detroit Lake

We had a great time at the Detroit Lake with our friends the Goads. We did some wake boarding and knee boarding. Well I tried to wake board... We camped for three nights and the kids loved every minute of it. They entered a coloring contest and even learned about huckleberries from the park ranger.

We came across some young girls with there grandmother who was haveing a diabetic attack on our way home today. We were able to help her with some juice and a orange and get them to meet there dad, it felt good, and they were very happy.It is amazeing, I don't thinkg Oregon is known as the friendly state.

Getting Ready

Well our summer is winding down and the school year will be kicking off soon. I am in a new room this year so I have done some painting and organizing this summer. Not only do the kids get to go back to school but Shawn is also. He is going to be going to COCC for a degree in EMT and paramedic, it will be great for him. So he will be working nights and going to school during the day, who needs sleep huh!

We are going on a three day camping trip, leaving tomorrow. We will be heading to Detroit Lake with our friends the Goads. They have a boat so we will get some time on the water.

Riding the Tube!

This is Joslyn and Braylin riding on the tube behind Grandpa's boat. We had alot of fun at Pine Flat Lake. The kids and I slept out on the covered porch of the trailer on the air mattress. Cole had a sleep over with his Uncle Brandon and Aunt Amber, I kinda forgot to mention that Cole does not like showers. Well Brandon took the boys to the shower while Amber was with the girls. Brandon saw another dad in there with a drink in hand and he said Oh it looks like I should have brought you one of these also. I think Cole may have been voiceing his opionion. The funny thing is now all he wants to do it take showers, morning and night. Thanks Uncle Brandon for getting him over that hurdle! LOL

4th of July

The kids and I went down to California for the 4th this year. We had a great time staying with Brandon and Amber. The kids love to hang out with there cousins. We then went camping with my dad and Carla up at Pine Flat Lake, it was very fun on the house boat. Brandon, Amber, Austin, Tristin and Braylin got to come to. The best part was the jumping off the top of the boat into the lake, even Joslyn did it. Maybe next year for Cole.

Parade

We were all in the Fair Parade on Saturday with my drill team. Joslyn, Cole and Shawn were the pooper scoopers on the quad behind the horses. I think they got more applause than we did. It was a fun excuse to get dressed up and ride my horse again like old times.

New Addition

We got a new family pet, a four year old Jack Russell Terrier. He is great! Very well house trained and great with the kids. Shawn even likes him. He has been a great addition to our family. He sleeps in his crate int he kids room, and now Joslyn has decided she can't sleep if Ruger is not in there.

2008 Fair

We had a great time at the fair this year, the kids both got reserve grand champion with their chickens. Cole was Reserve Champion in the Rhode Island Red Class and Joslyn was reserve champion in the Califonia Leghorn Class. We let Max our friend show one of our chickens and he got Grand Champion California Leghorn LOL. So next year his dad wants us to raise a rabbit for him LOL. The kids also got to experience their first country music concert. I took them to see Little Big towm it was great, I think Cole's exact words were " Lets get out of Here". But he settled in and even danced a little bit.