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!