Christmas 2008

*Preface: pictures are missing from this post, but will be added soon. I was playing hostess on Saturday, so I will have to wait for my sister-in-law's pictures.

Christmas 2008 has now came and gone. It seems this year that it flew by. Christmas Eve after picking up with boys from their mom, we drove around and looked at Christmas lights in Flower Mound. Our outing was cut short due to Colby being sick. We had to get him home to get him some medicine for his horrible cough. When we got home the boys were uber excited to see all of the gifts under the tree (b/c there were not ANY gifts under the tree when they had left). I had been hording all of the gifts in our room.

The boys finally went to bed and we stayed up for about 30 minutes (even though we knew they weren't asleep). I couldn't stay awake any longer. We got their bikes out of our closet , set them up in front of the tree, and filled stockings. Morning finally came and I heard Tristen wake first. He hadn't been into the front room yet to see the bikes (b/c all of the gifts are usually wrapped). He had tried to wake Colby up, but Colby didn't crawl out of bed until I went and got him. They were SOOOOOOO excited about their new bikes. They boys also got some new clothes, a Tony Hawk hoodie, and a Wii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They were beyond thrilled. One last gift to be opened was a gift from their Uncle Shane who lives in Denver. He is flying each one of the kids (separately) out to Denver for a weekend snowboarding trip. The boys were ecstatic. Neither one of them have ever flown, nor have they ever been snowboarding. Tristen's flight is already booked and he is going January 16th. Colby will be going in late February. They are going to have the time of their lives. I'm pretty jealous that I'm not going!

So, of course, Christmas Day, the Wii was turned on and wasn't turned off until about 11 hours later. The boys had a blast playing Wii Sports. I decided to go rent 2 games (to try them out before we buy them). I rented Mario Super Sluggers (or whatever it is called) and Mario Galaxy. The boys weren't crazy over the baseball game but they've enjoyed Mario Galaxy.

Saturday, we did Christmas with our families and the boys scored Guitar Hero and an additional Guitar from Grandpa & Jeannean (Jason's dad and wife). From my mom and Paul, they got Mario Kart. They got some really cool shirts from Zumiez from their Aunt Marty and Aunt Brandie.

It was a very nice Christmas for us and our families. We are truly a very blessed family.

Tagged - Random Facts About Me

My friend Kelly - GrandPooba - tagged me to list 7 random facts about me. I'm not sure how random these are since I've done quite a few of these, but I'll give it a shot.

1. I was adopted when I was 3 weeks old. I don't know my birth parents, but hope to meet them one day. My adoption was done through the state of Louisiana and they have a voluntary registry. If both parties (adoptee and birth parent(s)) register with the registry, they will put the parties in contact. I'm hopeful one day I'll get the chance to meet them.



2. When grocery shopping, I have to go in the same order through the store every time. It isn't possible for me not to. I start at the back and work my way to the front.


3. I grew up in a town of 900 people. I said I'd never move back. Jason and I *kind of* wish we had the capability to move back to raise the boys there, but it isn't possible due to the boys' mom living here.

4. I never get gas before my gas light comes on.


5. I graduated college in 3 1/2 years.

6. I've busted my chin open 4 times!

7. I don't have a middle name!

Now that you know some random (or maybe not so random) facts about me....I want to know some random facts about you. Tag the person by leaving them a comment. I'm tagging:

1. The Kim Family
2. The Roberson Family
3. Andrew & Krysie
4. The Haring Family
5. The Brodt Family

Recent Happenings...(w/pictures..finally!)

Tristen - right before his Christmas band concert
(note to self- the fireplace, does not make a pleasant background for pictures)

Colby - at his 5th grade Christmas party. They had to wrap a package with one hand tied to their friend. It was quite comical.

My girlfriends and I at Pete's Piano Bar. Jolee and Beth were in town from Midland to see the Cowboys last game at Texas stadium. I loved having them in town and wish they lived closer. Our Friday night was fun filled at Pete's. Saturday, we headed out for a power shopping trip. (Side note: the malls in West Texas pale in comparison to even Vista Ridge Mall.) I tried to take them to Stonebriar or the Galleria, but a) we didn't have time and b) they were pretty much spent after our 2 hour power shopping trip.

Jolee, Beth, Me & Haylee (my sister-in-law)

Since it is has been awhile....last, but not least, a recent picture of the hubby and me.

My Life (thus far...)

The things I have done in my life, thus far, are in bold. I guess I need to travel more. Looks like that won't happen until we retire. LOL!

1. Started your own blog. Uh, yeah. That is what this thing is, right?
2. Slept under the stars. Many times! As a kid, we spent many nights on the trampoline in the backyard.
3. Played in a band. the BAAD Cat Band, thankuverymuch! Yes, that would be the band at my alma mater Wink High School.
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland/world. When I was young.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo. If you count singing in my car, as a solo. Fortunately, for the world, I have not actually sang a solo in front of an audience.
11. Bungee jumped. Not exactly, but some friends and I did the skydive thing at Six Flags on our Senior Trip.
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Adopted a child. No, but I was adopted.
16. Had food poisoning. Once.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked. - yeah, but it was in Wink, and in Wink, you KNOW everyone!
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill. And I forsee many more in the future due to the changes that were just made to our Paid Time Off.
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a Marathon.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run. Yeah, right! Softball didn't really work out for me.
32. Been on a cruise. I prefer the land.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors. - if I only knew who my Ancestors were. (see ques.15)
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied. One day....one day..... a girl can dream, right!
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David.
41. Sung karaoke. Uggghhhhh, yes, but only after a few adult beverages
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight. Yes, on our honeymoon - fabulouso!
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain. Yes, but it wasn't all romantic like you see in movies and pictures.
53. Played in the mud. I grew up with 3 brothers, how could I not?
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie. Not really, but I am in a training video for one of my previous employers.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business. We tried, and will try again once J finishes school.
58. Taken a martial arts class. Didn't make it past the white belt with yellow stripe level. Yeah, call me a quiter.
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies. Hell yes! I was the top seller in my Daisy troop!
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason. Yes. :)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving..
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper. Growing up in a town of 900 people, it isn't hard to get your picture in the newspaper, so yes, I've had my picture in the newspaper. I was lucky enough to have the most unflattering picture of me plastered on the front page of the Tech newspaper my senior year. I was shaking some seasoning onto crab cakes (in my Restaurant/Hotel Mgmt class).
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox. Yes
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous. Bob from the Bachelor, Mike Modano, Willie Nelson, I'm sure there are a few others, but my memory fails me at times like these.
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one. Unfortunately too many.
94. Had a baby. Not yet.
95. Seen the Alamo in person. Uh YEAH.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee. Yes, but not anytime recently.

Christmas

Christmas season is finally here. We usually put the tree up the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, but the boys were at their mom's and they wanted us to wait for them. Jason put lights on the house on Wednesday and we decorated the yard. We put up the Christmas tree on Friday and got it all decorated.

Jason - putting up our lights

The old tree...

Little did we forget, the stupid cord had a short in it. (It is a pre-lit tree.) Jason thought he had fixed it, but the lights would not stay on. Finally, after messing with the cord more times than he would've liked, he told me to go buy a new tree. Off on my trek I go! Of course, before I headed out at 8:30pm to Lowe's, I researched online to see what was on sale (everything was 50% off) and comparable to what we had, even though I wanted a bigger tree. I wanted a tree w/a wider base than our previous one. I went to Lowe's searching for the tree that was listed as $49. I found it, but decided it wasn't what I wanted! It looked just like our old tree. So after debating with myself and w/Colby who came along to help, we found the perfect tree. My luck, they were out and so was every store within a 10 mile radius! UGH! So, I called around and found that Lowe's by my work had 3 in stock. On my way to work the next morning, I went and picked up the tree, which was the last one!!!!!!!!!!

So, I brought home the new tree and got to go through the fun of undecorating one tree and redecorating the new tree. It really wasn't that bad, but I did have to go buy more ornaments b/c our new tree was so much bigger..

The new and improved tree...

Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving came and went a week ago. Our Thanksgiving was very low-key, but enjoyable. Since there really is not point in posting about it now and we really didn't do any very exciting, I'll just post what we are thankful for. With the state of the economy and all of the other stresses, we are a very lucky and blessed family.

• Our jobs - With myself being in the banking industry and Jason being in the automotive industry, with are both very fortunate to have not been HARD hit by the tough economic times. At Jason's previous dealership, they laid of both techs and advisors this week. Jason fortunately has been fairing pretty well at work and making good money (his pay is pretty much straight commission without having to go into a long drawn out explanation.
• Our healthy family
• Our home
• Our surrounding family
• Our marriage
• Our friends (even though we don't get to see some of them as much as we'd like)

Even though it is late, I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Marriage Survey

How long have you been married? 1 year, 5 months, 6 days

Is this your first marriage? Me, yes. Jason, no.

Is it how you imagined it would be?Yes, for the most part.

What would you change? Our communication. We both need assistance in this area.

Are you married to your soulmate? Soulmate...I don't know that I believe in soulmates. I do know that I cannot imagine not being married to Jason.

What do you argue about the most? stupid things.

What do you see eye to eye on the most? our future.

Where did you meet your spouse? Through a friend at Pugsleys

Where was your first date? Applebees LOL!

Where were you when you became engaged? At our apartment.

Did you live together before marriage? Yes, for 2 years.

What was your wedding song? My Best Friend - Tim McGraw

Who was in your wedding party? Lots of people. We had a large wedding party. I had 6 girls and Jason had 5 guys, 2 flower girls and 2 ushers.

Do you get along with the in-laws? Yes, for the most part. Compared to others, I've got it great!

Whats your view on children? We both want one more. There are days when we question ourselves if we really want another one, but we do.

Does your spouse feel the same way?See above.

Are you a 2 peas in a pod or opposites attract couple? When we met, we were oppposites! I think we've both adjusted and changed some since we met and we are more like 2 peas in a pod now.

Do you go out without your spouse? At times, but not often.

How long are you away from your spouse before you start to miss him/her? depends on the day! LOL!

Have you ever compared your spouse to someone you have dated in the past? Yes, in comparison that the life that I have is so much better with Jason and that it would've never been this great with anyone else.

Do you trust your Spouse?Completely and totally.

Does your Spouse trust you?Yes.

How well does your spouse know your favorites? Fairly well.

Do you get along with your spouses friends? Yes.

Does your spouse get along with your friends?Yes.

Did you go on a honeymoon?Yes, we went to Playa del Carmen and it was HEAVEN! Can't wait to go back!!!!!!

Do you watch the same TV shows?No, I rarely watch tv. I have issues with just relaxing on the couch for some reason. It puts me to sleep.

Can you agree on Pizza toppings? Yes, b/c I usually just pick off what I don't want.

Who takes out the trash? Most of the time he does or the boys do.

Who does laundry?? Me, I'm OCD when it comes to the laundry.

Who cooks dinner? Me, unless it is on the grill.

Do you have any traditions? We have a few holiday traditions.

Do you know your spouses passwords/pins? Yes, he is rarely on the computer.

Does your spouse know your social security number?No, he usually asks me for it if he needs it.

Do you ever nag your spouse? I try my hardest not to, but I'm sure I have my moments.

Do you admit wrong doing? I try to.

Does your spouse? He would answer yes. Honestly, we both have a very hard time admitting when we are wrong. We are both very strong-willed/opinionated and hard headed.

Golf Tournament

To assist with defraying the costs for the Spring Season of Colby's Select Baseball Team organization (consists of 3 teams) chose to do a Golf Tournament fundraiser. This was decided about 45 days ago!!! The tournament was this past Saturday, and it surprisingly went off pretty well. Jason, his dad, Allen, and John (2 of his good friends) all played in the tournament. It was a long day for me as I had to be out at the golf course at 9am to assist with setting up, as I was on the volunteer committee for the tournament. I began the morning selling raffle tickets for the raffle we were having during the dinner after the tournament. After all of the golfers were registered, another mom and I were rushed out to hole 14. Had I of known, I was going to be out in the cold wind all day, I would have been a bit more prepared. Amy (the other mom) and I were on hole 14 to entice the golfers to pay $5/person ($20/foursome) to move up 200 yards to the women's tee box. The hole was 543 yards from the white(men's) tee box and was a par 5. We ended up fairing pretty well and making $380 just from that. I'm anxious to hear the report on the profits that we made.

Again, sadly, I did not take any pictures. I had the camera with me, but everything was so chaotic I never got the chance to take any pictures.

Tristen's 12th Birthday

Tristen turned 12 this past Sunday!!! We are 363 days away from having a TEEN on our hands. Oh dear! I'm a HORRIBLE mom and could not find my camera on the day of his party, so I do not have any pictures of his birthday party. (It was later found under a stack of blankets on the couch!) Tristen chose to celebrate his birthday at Main Event. He and his friends had fun bowling and playing video games. Tristen's birthday wishlist didn't really consist of a whole lot besides gift cards. He did want a Texas Tech/Michael Crabtree jersey, which he received from us. He also wanted a Texas Tech hat. (Yes, I've trained him well!) My mom sent him money for him to go pick out his own hat. He was more than ecstatic to get to pick out his own hat. He received lots of gift cards, that will put to use soon, I'm sure.

**Insert picture of Tristen** (making a note to myself!)

Need a 2009 Calendar....

Some of my readers, may or not know, but both my older brother and I were adopted when we were infants, so adoption is near and dear to my heart. A 'friend' (you can read more of her and her husband's story on their blog) of mine on a message board I frequently read and post on, is trying to raise money for her and her husband to adopt a child. If you need a 2009 Calendar, you should buy one of these adorable calendars! Part of the proceeds go towards their adoption fund.

Lonely blog...

Yes, I realize that there haven't been posts on here lately. There really hasn't been anything very note worthy going on at The Hopper House.

Colby had a tournament this past weekend. It was a team that was just a mixture of some kids from previous teams. The boys did surprisingly well. Saturday afternoon (3pm game) and evening (7pm game) it was F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G!!!!!!!!! They tied one game and lost one game. (Yes, in pool play, you can have a tie.) Sunday, in bracket play, we won our first game that was tied for 4 innings, had some really crappy calls and then had a coach from the other team ejected. It was pretty heated, stressful, exciting all at the same time. The 2nd game was hard fought but we lost.

Tristen has a Christmas concert coming up on December 7th. 3 months ago when he got his trumpet, I didn't think too much of him having to practice at home. Fast forward to today, after 3 months of practice and 3 months of private lessons (1/week), I ask Jason last night if he could soundproof his room (I'm kidding). The kid can blow and although he is still a beginner, he is doing very well. Every day for 30 minutes, we get the pleasure of hearing him practice. It should be very interesting if Colby ventures into band next year! LOL! Tristen's birthday party is this coming Saturday. He chose to have it at Main Event. Should be fun times.

Not really any updates for Jason or myself. Jason reseeded the front yard with some annual rye grass and it looks amazing. It is more green now than it was prior. He prides himself in the front yard. Now if we could only decide what we are doing with the backyard. First project is a patio. Second project is tearing out the random plants the previous owners had that were randomly placed and never really 'looked' right. Tigger enjoys peeing on them, which then results in dead plants. The only thing he has learned to NOT pee on is the rose bush. It took him a few times, but I think he finally learned his lesson. Third project, well, it wouldn't be our project, is possibly a pool. We really wanted a home with a pool, but it didn't happen that way. We still aren't certain, but we are seriously considering it.

We're counting down the days until we can put up the Christmas lights. They are sitting by the front door anxiously awaiting Jason to put them up. Yes, I know Thanksgiving isn't here yet, but our tree and lights will both be up by Thanskgiving Day. Colby and I went and looked at decor for the yard yesterday. Ugh...I could spend gobs and gobs of money on Christmas decor. Surprisingly, the boys Christmas shopping is pretty much complete. I still need to purchase them a few stocking stuffers, but that is about it. :)

Well, there ya have it. Life in the Hopper house has been pretty low-key lately.

Texas Tech!!!

The game was amazing! It was by far, the best football game I've ever watched. The only thing that would have made it better was if we had been at the game. My brother, Bear, an avid UT fan, was NOT happy when he left our house last night. He thought the game was over when UT scored their touchdown to take the lead. Although, as they were making the drive for the touchdown, he kept saying that UT needed to take more time off the clock. Sure enough, Harrell took the team down the field and as we sat and watch anxiously, he made the connection with Crabtree for winning touchdown with :01 second left on the clock. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I've been on cloud 9 ever since the game ended. I sported my Texas Tech shirt today and left my Texas Tech flag on my car. As I was running a few errands today, I got the occasional guns up from some fellow Tech fans. Although we knocked of the #1 team and are now #2/3....it is on to the rest of our tough schedule. Next week's game is just as big. We are 9-0 for the first time since 1938, and let's hope the winning can continue.

Halloween @ The Hoppers

Our first Halloween in our new house was a success. Here are some pics of our decorations. We had a large pumpkin that stood about 8ft tall in the front yard, but was demolished by the wind about a week and 1/2 ago. Jason says that he is going all out next year with black lights, strobe lights, etc.

Those would be ghosts hanging in the tree.

Our celestial pumpkins were a success, and we received TONS of compliments on them all night. They were by so much easier than carving a pumpkin. Tristen's pumpkin says 'BOO' and Colby's pumpkin says 'Leave!'.

Colby was the scary guy and Tristen was the ninja.

Tech vs UT Game

As Saturday approaches, the more excited (and actually nervous) I get. Around work, I have quite a few fellow Tech alums and the game is definitely the watercooler talk of the day!

Yes, I'm a woman and LOVE me some football, especially Red Raider football. Growing up not only in Texas, but also in a small west Texas town, Wink, TX, (to be exact) you live and breathe for football. After going to a 1A sized school which at one time was on the brink of being a 6-man football team, I got to experience watching Texas Tech for 4 years. Going from watching football at our itty-bitty stadium in Wink, to Jones Stadium (now Jones AT&T Stadium) was quite exciting back in the Fall of 1998 (sheesh, that was 10 years ago..OMG!). Since I graduated back in 2001, I've been able to attend a few games, but not near as many as I would like. I'm hoping next season to take the boys to a Tech game. Hopefully, one day, they will follow in my footsteps and be a Red Raider!

Regardless of Tech's record, every year our games against A&M and UT are always huge. We've conqured A&M for the past several years. The last time we beat UT was in 2002 and they were ranked #3. I was at that game and we rushed the field after the game.

This year, UT is ranked #1 and we are ranked #6. Tech is undefeated and obviously UT is, as well. This game is HUGE and I only wish I was still in Lubbock to be amongst all of the excitement. ESPN's College GameDay is in Lubbock for the first time ever. Raiderville, the 'town' where students are camped out all along the stadium awaiting the opening of the gates so they can get the best seats. Raiderville's population has now surprassed 1900. The pictures I've seen from all around campus make me envious that I'm not still there.

My brothers are avid *cough* bandwagon (kidding) UT fans. Actually, they've both been UT fans for as long as I can remember. I, in fact, was an avid UT fan until I decided to go to Tech.My brothers are planning on coming over to watch the game at our house and I'm sure it is going to be a rowdy evening. A few other Tech alums are supposed to be coming over too, so hopefully we'll have a balanced crowd. Jason said that he might have to skip out on this watching party b/c he isn't sure if he can handle all of the yelling. He is kidding, of course. He is quite amused with me when a Tech game is on.

Either way, I know it will be a good game and hopefully Tech will come out with the upset of UT. Here is a good article about the game - Same Story, Different Team

Wreck 'Em Tech!

Thanks Susan!






The way this works is I answer the following questions with single word responses, and pass the award on to 5 other bloggers:

1. Where is your cell phone? in my purse
2. Where is your significant other? on the couch
3. Your hair color? Blonde
4. Your mother? Peggye
5. Your father? never really had a real father
6. Your favorite thing? this time of year
7. Your dream last night? don't remember
8. Your dream/goal? i'm living it
9. The room you're in? Office
10. Your hobby? Shopping
11. Your fear? losing close loved ones
12. Where do you want to be in six years? where i am now, but w/one more child
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you're not? calm
15. One of your wish list items? wealth
16. Where you grew up? Wink, TX
17. The last thing you did? ate dinner
18. What are you wearing? jeans and a sweater
19. Your T.V.? on the World Series
20. Your pet? outside
21. Your computer? desktop
22. Your mood? annoyed
23. Missing someone? Yes
24. Your car? dark blue
25. Something you're not wearing? shoes
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your Summer? Fun
28. Love someone? Yes
29. Your favorite color? Red
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? last Tuesday

Here are five blogs I love!

1. The Roberson Fam

2. Kim Chaos

3. Nikki & Memo

4. The McNoskys

5. The Haring Family

Rambled thoughts...

Nothing interesting enough has been going on for me to type out a whole paragraph. So, to improvise here are some rambled and bulleted thoughts.

• I got a speeding ticket last night!
• Jason's foot is in a boot b/c he fractured his heel bone, thanks to softball.
• We bought some Halloween decorations for outside. The nice wind storm / cold front ruined the pumpkin we had bought. We made some ghosts for the tree that have held up. (I will try to remember to post a picture.)
• Colby has his last baseball tournament of the fall this weekend.
• Last weekend, I hung out with 2 of my brothers for the first time in YEARS. We are all finally on the same side of Texas and it makes it easier for us to all get together. From what Jason told me, they are both planning on coming over next weekend for the Tech/UT game, which should make an interesting evening. Me, as the Tech Alum and hardcore football fan, and them, as UT fans. Whatever! I'm sure it will be a rowdy house.
• The VW Bug that I posted about awhile back is still in the garage, still in pieces, and pretty much where I expected it to be. Although, Jason did get back the front beam on Wednesday so hopefully he will get to work on the floor pans soon, so he can put the body of the car back on the frame (or whatever it is called) and I can have my parking spot back.
• The boys still haven't picked out a Halloween costume. I'm sure they will be the same thing as they are every year. Some scary looking thing which basically consists of a black robe and a scary face.
• Tristen made a Christmas/Birthday wish list and well, we kinda had to break it to him early that he wasn't going to be getting a) a laptop, b) a new cell phone, or c) an electric guitar. He has no need for a laptop, his cell phone gets LIMITED use, and he has a cornet. Once he masters the cornet and can fully read music, we'll see about the guitar. Poor kid, he had to start all over on his wishlist. Yes, we know it is a wishlist, but nothing on his wishlist was going to be granted, so we had to tell him!

See, nothing very exciting or noteworthy has been going on in our little world. Hopefully, we'll have some excitement soon!

Random...

I got gas today for $2.59/gallon!!!!!!!! WOOOHOO!!!!!

Love the UPS Man...

I love coming home to packages from the UPS man. I had not 1, but 2 packages today! One I was expecting, the other was kind of a surprise. I ordered me a new Texas Tech t-shirt b/c it was too cute and I had to have it, so I was expecting that one. We play A&M this weekend, and it is always a big game! Wreck 'Em Tech!

The other package was Christmas ornaments. Yes, I know Halloween isn't even here yet! On a message board that I frequent, we do ornament exchanges. This year we are doing 3 exchanges. I received my ornaments today from my 'Secret Santa'. I LOVE them. They are from Pottery Barn.

Our Cornet Player

Tristen ventured into Band this year at school. He had to choose a Fine Arts elective. He choices were - Band, Orchestra, Choir, Art or Discovery. He chose Band. The instrument he picked was the Cornet. We have him enrolled in private lessons 1 day/week and they seem to be paying off. He is also required to practice 30 minutes/night. Some nights, those are the longest 30 minutes hearing him practice, especially since he is a beginner. Granted, he is in beginner band, and has only been doing this for the past 7 weeks, but he is doing great. I didn't realize that they were already doing Chair tests. (For those of you who don't know what a Chair test is - it is a test that places you basically from best to worst. The goal is to be 1st chair.) Last week Tristen was 7th chair (out of 24). This week he moved up after his chair test. He is now 5th chair! Woohoo! He was so excited to come home and tell us.

A night out...

2 weekends ago, we were finally able to get a night out without kids. Our friends Chris and Stacy had a joint bachelor/bachelorette party. They rented a party limo bus for us all to ride on. My intentions were to have a drink or two and be done for the night. Yeah, that didn't happen. It is very rare that I have more than 2 drinks when we go out. I'm not sure what got into me, but I had a blast! Unfortunately, we weren't able to make it to their wedding, as they were having a destination wedding in Mexico. Below are just a few pics from the evening. (We are slowly approaching the end of our bachelor/bachelorette parties. We only have a handful of friends left that aren't hitched yet.)

1st Six Weeks - Check!

We've survived the 1st six weeks of school! Wooohoo! Report cards came home today, and both boys made the A/B Honor Roll! Although, I actually already knew they had both made the A/B Honor Roll. Online gradebooks are AWESOME! I'm not so sure how awesome the kids think it is, but I especially love it for Tristen b/c his teachers actually update it on a weekly, if not daily basis. Anyways, we are super proud!

Our All-Star Baseball Player

Last weekend, Colby played in his 2nd tournament with his new select baseball team. He came home from practice last week telling us that he was going to get to pitch in the tournament. As always, I told him, 'That is awesome, son, but remember, just play wherever the coach puts you.' Coaches have a tendency to tell a kid one thing and then do another. Colby has been eager to pitch for quite some time. He has only pitched 3 or 4 times in actual games. He just have never been given the opportunity to fully develop as a pitcher. The kid has some amazing arm strength (even for a small as he is).

Anyways, so Saturday, 2nd inning comes along and Colby is placed on the pitcher's mound. I could no longer sit. I know most of the people who read this don't have kids our boys' age (so you don't really understand), but the feeling you get when your child is the 'center of attention' whether it be on stage, on the field, on the court, etc. your stomach just turns in knots. You get nervous and excited - all at the same time. I got up and paced back and forth b/w the bleachers and the dugout. Colby did AMAZING. He struck out several batters. He had 2 ball hit straight back at him. One he dove and caught for an out, and the other one he snagged as it flew right by him for another out. It was so great to watch him finally get his real chance to prove that he can pitch. After the game, while we were at the concession stand, he had several parents from the opposing team come up and tell him how great he did.

When the tournament was over on Sunday, each player was presented with small little wooden home plate in memory of the girl that the tournament was benefiting. Along with the commemorative home plate, an award was given to one player on each team. It is called the Barnabas Award, which is given to athletes who encouraged others to strive for their best performance athletically and personally. Colby was selected as the player from his team for this award! Of course, my camera died as I was trying to take a picture, so I missed the picture of him being presented with the award. Below is a picture of him at home in the backyard with the award.

Last weekend's fun... (long entry!)

Friday - My youngest brother's graduation from Dallas Fire Academy. He is now offically a Dallas Fire Firefigther and I'm one proud sister. My brother has a passion for what he does and has been involved with firefighting since he was 18. He went on to get his Associate's Degree in Paramedicine. He then went to work for the City of Austin. Last year he began the rigorous process of applying to be a firefighter. After a long 8 months, he was finally offered a position by the City of Dallas. He has been in the Fire Academy since April and he will soon be placed at a Fire Station. The boys got to see him in action and got a tour of the training academy. As soon as Bear gets settled into his new fire house, the boys will have many opportunities to hang out at the station and even go on calls with Bear. They are more than excited!

Boys and I waiting for graduation to start.

Bear drove the truck and set up the ladder as his part in the simulation.

Building on fire...

The little brother and me

Uncle Bear with the Boys

Saturday - Early morning wake up to go to the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes walk in Plano. This is the first time the boys have done a charity event and the loved it. Although, they didn't participate in raising any of the funds, they were able to see and hear stories of kids who suffer from diabetes.

The boys w/Savar - the kids club mascot from my work.

The boys loving all of the paraphernalia from my work.

Tristen - enjoying his apple while we walk.

-Colby -

We finished the 5K walk!

Saturday evening - We had family over to celebrate my mom's 60th birthday, Jason's birthday and Bear's graduation. We had a full house - about 25 people. ! This was the first time we've had people over since we've been in the house. I've already deemed that I need a bigger kitchen! Really, I think we just had too many people in the kitchen trying to help prepare the stuff for hamburgers. It was a successful party!

Mom and my youngest brother, Bear

Marty, Christy, and Pat

My awesome 'etch-it' cups! (Scratch your name into your cup!)

Jason and his sisters - Brandie & Marty

Me and Abby

Sunday - We cleaned up and lounged around. That evening we went out to dinner w/Jason's friends for his birthday dinner (a week late). It was a long and exhausting weekend but all in all we had a great time.

Tristen and Abby's self-portrait

Abby - telling her mom that she wants a baby brother! HAHA!
Marty - holding Alex, Kate's precious baby boy

Happy baby boy, Alex and KateJason - after he was sung Happy 21st (*cough* 31st) Birthday!)