Held Against His Will!

When we went to the Rangers game in July and toured Cowboy Stadium, Taylor and I were desperately trying to see where our seats would be come December 24.  You see, I bought Cowboy tickets the same time I bought the Taylor Swift concert tickets (Cowboys-Philadelphia Eagles).  This would be a great surprise for Carey for Christmas!  I have been planning since that time how the kidnapping would go down.  We couldn't tell Brooklyn because, well she's not a good secret keeper, until the night before and then she was threatened with everything - most of all with the wrath of my anger if she spoiled it! 

In the beginning, we were planning on going to the Hudman's (dear family friend, Phillip), for Christmas Eve again this year.  Carey had been fretting about what "white elephant" gift he would take (I already had mine picked out - hehe!)  I was taking the best macaroni and cheese (Stouffer's frozen - yum!) as our contribution to the meal.  Phillip had already told Carey what time we should be there - good team player that Phillip!  So we are all set, minus the "white elephant" gift for Carey.  I casually mentioned to Carey Friday night that we should go eat breakfast as Cracker Barrel.  I said that B wanted to go there anyway because of Poppy - (Poppy, Carey's dad, always gave us Cracker Barrel gift certificates for Christmas.  We didn't have the heart to tell him that we had to drive an hour to eat at a Cracker Barrel.)  We then decided to sponge roll B's hair so it will be curly for the "Hudman's."  My thought behind this was one less person to get ready in the morning.  And then I proceed to threaten Taylor with "if you don't get up and get ready to go eat breakfast in the morning, I'm going to have a fit." (all part of the act.)  Whew!  Almost there!

We are all shined and polished, the girl's pillow pets and blankets are in the back of Big Silver, his Cowboys hat and hoodie are wrapped and in the back as well.  After "waiting on Taylor" (the norm) we are off to Cracker Barrel!  Keeping my cool, eating my bacon and grits, drinking my water (trust me, I already had a Dr. Pepper), staying calm.  CHECK PLEASE!  Carey's paying and I'm giggling like crazy in Big Silver and Taylor's right there with me!  And we're off - in the turn lane, laughing.  Carey says, "Where are you going?  Sonic??"  Ha!!  Onto the interstate!  "Where are we going?  Take me home!  Now!  Where are we going?"  It was almost like that 'ol "are we there yet?"  I proceed to tell him that he has been kidnapped and he can now open his first clue or set of instructions.  It's a picture of an eye.  He says "eye?  Eye 20?"  Nope!  Let me go ahead and give the instructions (these were all given in red envelopes):

Picture of an eye
Words "4 the"
Piece of red card stock
Picture of an envelope
Words "in the"
Picture of a glove
Picture of a box

Simple?  Not so much!  He is driving me crazy and even though I had them spaced out to give him one every 20 minutes or so, I had to go ahead and give him the first 3.  I told him when we got to Duke's on the other side of Canton, he could have another clue.  Would you believe there are 3 Highway Patrol cars parked outside of Duke's?  Carey is not shy, so in he goes with his clues, lays them down on the table and tells the officers that he was eating at Cracker Barrel and the next thing he knew he had been kidnapped and doesn't know where he is going.  The officers probably thought this shift is going to be a nightmare if it's starting off like this, but they were helpful and tried to help him figure it out.  They even suggested that he might be getting a new red truck!  Now this next part is embarrassing and very out of character for me.  It was one of those things that it happened before I knew it happened.  After we shew Carey on into the restroom I tell the officers "Cowboys game" (they all in unison lean back and say "Ooohh!."  I then proceed to lift my hoodie to prove to them that is where we're going.  Why else would I have on a Dallas Cowboys t-shirt on??  Awkward, that I halfway flashed 3 Highway Patrols!  (sorry you had to see that Taylor.)

And we're off again.  By this time, he is laughing and trying to be serious all at the same time.  He's threatening us with "I'm going to be really mad," "Taylor, our relationship will never be the same," "I hope all of ya'lls Christmas gifts break (ouch!)"  He even "phoned a friend" (Phillip).  Too much already and open all of your clues, PLEASE!   Once he found the red envelope in the glove box, he was all smiles and couldn't believe we tricked him!!

Yes, my dear, we got you!  Merry Christmas!

B and Carey with their freebie hats!

We were in the nose bleed section!

Just before they came out!

Halftime performance

The dancing Santa's!

Spent:  $60 on parking, and $55 on 4 burgers, 2 sodas and 2 waters.  And wouldn't you know they lost (20-7), but we had a blast any way!

Erin Condren Products

Do you like Vera Bradley stationery?  We do, but I could fall for Erin Condren too!!  My friend Jennifer is doing an awesome giveaway.  You can read about it here.  Check out her 12/7 entry.  Erin has a really cool website with some great products!  Check it out!

A Thief Amongst Us

This is really supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but sometimes it can be a struggle!  Especially when it affects children and on top of that children that are in foster care.  Yes, foster parents do get a monthly reimbursement, the children's medical needs are met and if they are in care long term and emancipate from the foster care system, their college is taken care of.  BUT, they are children that are not in their own home or with their own family for whatever the reason.  It just isn't the same and they are truly the victims. 

Each year many of the child welfare boards across our great state, send letters to individuals and businesses in the community seeking monetary donations to help with the Christmas expense.  This year in Longview, the coordinator of our Christmas shopping took advantage of the many Black Friday shopping deals.  And more recently a thief (or thieves), took advantage of her hard work.  Close to $20,000 worth of merchandise was stolen from a donated storage facility. 

The good news is, these kids will probably never know their original gifts were taken and the community, and by this I mean:  Longview, San Antonio, Houston, Beaumont, Nacogdoches, Athens, Tyler, Shreveport and California (I'm sure this isn't all of the generous cities), have come through BIG time!!  Not to mention our many anonymous donors!  It has truly been a blessing to see the anger stemmed from this turn into more blessings!  It has been a very emotionally and physically draining week, but we are so blessed!! 

We all know the "true meaning" of Christmas, and this week I have seen first hand so many individuals show this true meaning by their kind acts and prayers.  The children from Gregg county will be taken care of!!

Dancing Halloween Style

Brooklyn got to wear a Halloween costume to dance this year and perform for the other students.  Since we didn't really "dress up" this year, this is what she came up with!  Taylor cut and tied the shirt to help her out!  I love it when they're helpful and not hurtful (as Aunt Kimberlie would say!)

With Jack, the hobo dog

Our Thanksgiving!

Since Carey's sisters and mom live in the Rockwall area and it's easier for my family of four to travel up there, we spend most of the holiday's with them.  This year we had Thanksgiving at Amy's house.  Kelci was in from school and all of the cousins were around.  So what does that mean??  You got it!  The famous "everytime we get together we have to take a cousins picture"... picture!  Here are a few of my favorites!  I have more, but had to narrow it down!

Aunt Kimberlie's idea!  And a good one!

Keelie, Mallory, Kamden, Tristen, Kaden, Brooklyn, Makaylee, Taylor, Kelci

MeMe and the grand kids!

Tradition:  When Taylor and Kelci were little they would get under the table to pull the wishbone.  This year it was their turn again, only we added the next to oldest cousins, Kelci Bethke & Makaylee Mueller (sisters), and Taylor & Brooklyn.  Look at those Eldridge's winning this year's wishbone pull!  Team Eldridge!!

Like we don't get enough football!

Love this picture of Tristen!!

The MVP:  Makaylee Mueller!



It's always good to get to visit with family and we always have a good time - especially the kids!  We have so much to be thankful for.  The list would just go on and on.  But here's a short list:

our Father in Heaven

our family

our health

our jobs and insurance

the comforts of our home

peace

End of the Road

We started off on a weird note this trip.  Carey and I chaperoned again and before we even left the school grounds, one of the buses brakes locked up and another one's windshield wipers weren't working.  We waited about 40 minutes for two smaller buses to come and take us.  On the way, one of the windshield wipers completely fell off on the bus we were riding on (driver side - eek!)  But we made it safely!  But the whole day was just off.  Everything felt strange - the fans weren't their usual selves, the wind (oh, the wind), the cold.  It just wasn't a good combination.  Of course everyone was sad when we lost the game and I'm sure it was a long ride back to Longview for the players.

But hey, there's always next year!  And an 11-2 season is not too shabby!!  Pretty good if you ask me!

Go Lobos!

Viewette of the Week

On November 12, we played Temple High School in Corsicana - absolutely the windiest football stadium EVER!  The wind was blowing so hard we seriously lost our balance several times.  Trash was flying all through the air and if we didn't hold onto our Subway sandwiches, they would have sailed away!  Taylor has been named "Spirit Girl of the Week" before, and this week she was named "Viewette of the Week!"  All of the other drill team members vote for a new girl for each of these categories, each week.  They make the announcement right after the girls perform at halftime!  So it's a surprise for everyone!  I love this time in our lives!

When you're named Spirit Girl or Viewette of the Week, you get to walk with the officers to the opposing team's drill team and present them with a gift.

Carey and I chaperoned on the bus this trip.  And I might add the chartered bus!  The only time the Lobos ride "Big Yella" is when we play Marshall or a team in Tyler.  All of the other district and playoff games are chartered.  Three buses for the football team, 3 for the band, majorettes and cheerleaders and 1 for the Viewettes!  This is on the way home.  Pooped out!

17

Seriously, where has the time gone?  Taylor spent the night with her friend Angel Reed down the road and this morning I have been texting her like crazy.  Giving her a play by play of what was happening 17 years ago.  She has yet to respond which tells me she's sleeping in!  We had a scary delivery but a beautiful life!  Love this girl!

First Christmas with Kelci!  LOVE this picture!

We had a fabulous time this weekend taking pictures with some of Taylor's best friends!  We really missed Andrea :(

Lexie Jones, Korynn Johnson, Marissa Hadley, Sophie Tibiletti, Parris Kane, Jeni Scoggin and of course Taylor up at the top!

Trashy People

We are trashy people.  Not like that!  We collect alot of "trash."  Literally!  My friend Laura Parker introduced me to the 30 gallon lawn and leaf, but can really be used as a kitchen trash can, can many years ago.  At the time her family was a family of 6.  Now she's a family of 8, and I'm betting she's graduated to TWO 30 gallon trash cans!  Anyway, I started recycling just a few months ago and it has really cut down on our trash!  Since we live outside of the city limits I have to take it into Longview to my friend Heather Gee's house.  Now we are "less" trashy people!

Honor America

On Saturday, November 5, we attended the Honor America program that the school hosts each year.  It is a really special memorial to honor all of the military personnel serving our country!  I didn't take as many pictures as I wished I had :(  This year they swore in new recruits for all of the branches - this brought tears to my eyes.  I am so thankful for all of the men and women that have fought for my freedom and continue to defend it today.  And am in awe of the young recruits.  Thank you!

 



FS Southwest!

At first it was ESPN and ended up being FS Southwest (Fox), to air the Lobo / Deosoto game.  We had a pretty good crowd even though people could have stayed home and watched it on television.  And it was the first really cold game of the season.  Yes it can get colder, but we were freezing!  I know there are many sports that can take "time outs," but I didn't know that TV could!  Every time the ball changed over they would announce "TV time out."  Guessing this was for commercials?!

Close!  But way to go District Champs!!  Now to the Play Offs!

LOVE This...

I love that my Expedition doesn't have a gas cap!

B's First Golf Tournament

Saturday, 10/22/11, the Cheyenne Club held it's 2nd annual charity golf tournament to benefit the Gregg County Rainbow Room.  Since I was there for work, I decided to let Brooklyn play in it.  It was held at the Longview Country Club and she had a wonderful time!

Bobbie Richards (from work) and Brooklyn

Brooklyn, Bobbie, Brandt Thorson (Rainbow Room board member) and Kyle Michalka (from work)

 



The team:  Drew Womack (I work with his wife Linda), Kyle, Bobbie & Brooklyn

The team mates had to scare the geese away!

This was a 4 man scramble and once they used Brooklyn's drive to start from!  She was feeling pretty awesome.  And several of her drives were just as long if not longer than some of her team mates!  Later that night she asked me when could she get on the course again!  She said, "that was amazing and not just the golf cart!"  They had a final score of 70 which is par for the course!