I'm Back!!

Mike and the kids went camping with his family, a trip best not discussed. I went to Dallas with my mom and some friends for an Eastern Star meeting. We had a blast!!! Just some nice alone time with my mom, we don't get much. There was lots of shopping and lots of laughs, we even made some of the meetings!!

One week of getting things ready and then next week starts up with volleyball practice. Once it starts, so does everything else, teacher inservice and school mainly.

I've been making the schedule for the concession stand, trying to decide when the kids can work. Wow, I must give credit where credit is due. Scheduling is not easy and those that must do it all of the time can't have any hair left.

I know everyone is about to start school. I hope you all have a great year!!

One for the road...

So, I guess we'll be doing a lot of traveling this week. Today was spent 4-H'n. The girls did EXTREMLY well!! Morgyn only got a partcipation ribbon, but she is not old enough for the rest yet, one more year. Reagen had 2 projects today, her Decorate Your Duds got a blue, state qualifier and Reserve Champion. Her baking (cheese biscuits) got a blue, state qualifier and Champion. In fashion revue she got Reserve and a red. For her first year, it was pretty awesome!!!!!
Courtney also had two projects. Her leather got a blue and state qualifier. Her Clothing got blue, state qualifier and Champion. In fashion revue she got Champion, blue and state qualifier. That means we are headed to Pueblo at the end of the month so she can model her dress she made.
All three girls were awesome and four out of four projects are headed to state fair. I'll post how they place there at the end of the month.

After everything tonight, the girls left with Mike's parents for a couple of days at their house and then camping Wednesday thru Monday at Cimmeron. I go to Denver to pick mom and dad up from the airport (they've been to North Carolina to visit Michelle) and then Dalhart on Wednesday and Dallas on Thursday, back to Dalhart Sunday and home Monday. Mike hopes to go camping with his family this weekend as well. Lots of miles.

Middle of Fair...

... and I'm ready for it to be over. Of course, this is only the first of two this year. We still have Kiowa County in September. With everything else going on, I sure haven't sat with my feet up enough this week. I'm hoping and praying that it won't come back to bite me in the butt later; but maybe if it does, my butt will be a little smaller!! The leg does seem to be doing ok right now, but I can feel and see it at the end of the day when I've been up a bunch.

Courtney's sheep didn't do well at fair, not sure what happened. The judge was looking for something else I guess.

Well, gotta run!! Fair here we come (again)!!!

On the mend

So, I had my last injection this morning, thank goodness!!!! My abdomen looks nasty with bruises right now. I am still taking rat poison, aka as warafin; I will be taking it for the rest of my life. I go back for a protime blood test today to see if the meds need to be adjusted. Then back to the doctor Monday. I was figuring and I've spent a total of $300 dollars the last week on doctors, hospitals and such, and I know that I'll be getting bills in before long. My pocketbook needs this to all settle down. It is a really good thing I have insurance because I do know that one of my meds was over $1000, small blessings!!

So it seems that my medical stuff is all that is going on, but we are really busy and gonna get busier. This coming week is Cheyenne County Fair. Courtney is showing her sheep through FFA and will have to work concession stand for their volleyball fundraiser. I'm hoping we'll have a cooler week next week and it won't be so bad.

Once fair is over, we all are going our different ways. I'm headed to Dallas (maybe, lets see what the doc says), the girls are going camping with the Johnson family, Mike hopes to go camping as well but it has to rain first.

One more comment. If you get the chance, look up the Voca People (I think that's right) on YouTube. They are amazing. I saw them on the Early Show this morning and WOW!!

If it weren't for bad luck ...

... I'd have no luck at all. So we went to Texas this past weekend to help Mike's dad brand his late calves and pick up the new bed for the dually. When we got home last night my leg was bothering me and when I really looked at it I noticed that it was swollen something fierce. I went to the doctor in Eads today and he immediately sent me to Lamar to have an ultrasound done. I have blood clots, again. So I am getting injections in my stomach and taking warfarin. It is some nasty medication and I am defiantly not looking forward to all of the side effects. Oh, well, meds are better than the clots.

Another year...

So, I am now officially one year older and we had a GREAT time at my birthday barbecue. The festivities started Friday when I had the biggest surprise of the weekend. My youngest walked in the back door and I yelled at her to close the door when someone else walks in behind her. I didn't make the connection right away, she had to walk through the dining room and halfway through the living room before I realized that CORINTHIA HAD COME!!!!!! Man was I excited!! I guess everyone in the country knew what my big surprise was and I didn't even know one was coming!!

So, Friday night while Corinthia and Ryan were here, Tearle and Bart came out with some 'lady' friends and we had a nice evening. Stayed up till after 1 visiting and enjoying each others company.

I slept in till 8 Saturday morning, saw Mike, Ryan, Reagen and Morgyn off to the neighbors for a branding and waited until 9:30 to get Corinthia up. We then made a quick trip to La Junta (NOT Lawana, Corinthia) and had lunch and ran to Walmart. She made us drive 1 hour to go get a damn birthday cake, but it was DELICIOUS.

OH, my splurge. On the way to La Junta, we stopped at the C-Store and I bought 10 lottery scratch tickets. I always say that the 7-11-21 game is someday gonna pay off for me because my birthday is 7-11, so I bought ten 7-11s on 7-11. Scratched and scratched and won 33 dollars on my 33rd birthday. HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?!?!?

Once we got back, Corinithia got the tour of the ranch. This is her second trip out and she has only seen the house. We went to look a prairie dog town to see that yes, they do eat grass. We checked all the tanks in the Rainy pasture and discussed how we do things out here. A quick stop at the house to pick up Reagen and Morgyn and then up to the creek. We check all the tanks in the state and cakehouse pastures and then went to the ponds on the creek. The girls wanted to swim, but we were being eaten alive by horseflies and I thought they might try to carry us off to their leader, so we hightail it out of there and back to the house.

Once we get there, Courtney is about back from Hastings, Nebraska and volleyball camp. Corinthia and I run to pick her up in KIT CARSON (not Carson City) and get back to where the barbecue is about to begin.

We had so much fun at the barbecue. Several people came out in addition to my family and Corinthia and Ryan. Brent, Pam and Dustin; Monte and Lori; Sam, Denise and the boys; Bonnie and Dwight; Bart; Tearle; Kevin, Angie and the kids; and then some friends of Dustin's came out later. (Gary and Janette was out the evening before since they had to go to Amarillo on Saturday.)

The brisket was a huge hit (Thanks Claudes Marinade!!) Lots of good food was brought (many different potato salads). The keg was flowing (or foaming). And the best company you could imagine.

I think I FINALLY got to bed about 4:30 this morning, but I feel wonderful. I am so glad that so many came out and they made my 33rd birthday so special. Love you all!!!

Summer Fun!!

So, the girls are back from Mom and Dad's! YEA!! We actually went to pick them up Sunday and had a busy few days.

They had a BLAST with mom and dad. During the 10 days they spent in the Dalhart area, the girls participated in Relay for Life, went to Wonderland Par, attended a Dilla's baseball game, went swimming several times and had their 3 cousins spend the night a couple of nights. They also helped Grandma and Grandpa with several little projects.

Since they've been home, we've done alot of 4-H projects (gotta get em done!), helped dad on the ranch and sent Courtney off to a volleyball camp in Hastings, Nebraska. She is suppose to be home Saturday, just in time for my birthday Barbecue.

Birthday Barbecue - too much work, but Mike insists. I really don't want to, I'd rather have a quiet evening where someone else does all the cooking, but you know how a man is when he gets and idea into his head. I guess I made a comment at the beginning of the summer that we haven't had a party out here in a long time, so he decided to do one for my b-day. I'd rather not mark getting another year older, just because that means my kids are too and they grow up too fast. So, we are expecting several out Saturday night and I'm fixing brisket and beans. Hope everyone else brings something to go with, I'm not sure if Mike got the word out or not. It'll do, whatever happens.

Strawberry plants - The dumb dog dug them up. She seems to think that my beds are her bed and she sleeps there. I was VERY upset!!

Well, have a great week!

Who woulda' thought it?

Ok, I've always talked about how busy I am and really would like to slow down; I now am looking, begging and pleading for something to do.

The girls are all in Dalhart with my parents. They have a full schedule. So far they have walked in Relay for Life, gone swimming (a couple of times), helped Grandpa clean out a rental house, seen UP, and its only been 4 days. Today they are going to pick up their 3 cousins and mom and dad are taking all 6 grandkids to Wonderland Park and keeping them the next 2 nights (brave or stupid, you decide!).

Mike has started helping Barry with harvest. SO, I am home alone ALL day and really enjoyed the first few hours, but am bored out of my mind now. I've read, watched all the talk shows, and am ready for some company!!

So, next time I am complaining about how busy I am, PLEASE remind me of this week. I really do enjoy all the activities the kids and Mike keep me hopping to and am starting to miss the people and the activities.

Class Done!!

So, I got through the last week of my writing class. It was rough and I got a lot of work done, but I am really glad it's over. I ended up with the memoir piece, the poem, a 'life' story told in 6 word memoirs and lunes, and a piece about the perception of math to most students. I also made a leather 3 ring binder as my final project. It was a rough week; I was getting up at 5 or 6 everyday and staying up till 1 or 2. But I did finally finish and can enjoy the rest of the summer.

So, as soon I was done with class Friday Mike and I left for Pueblo to help with a branding. As we were pulling into the hotel I told Mike to stop the vehicle. He didn't understand why until I pointed out Lawana and Jim standing there. Isn't it crazy that we both end up in Pueblo at the same hotel on the same weekend. We had a very nice visit Friday night.

My girls are in Texas right now. They went down to walk in the Relay for Life with mom. They also have lots of other activities planned. Tonight they went to see UP, they are going to go to Wonderland Park in Amarillo, go to a Dillas game and spend time with their cousins. Noah, Halle, and Kandin are looking forward to the sleepover with my 3. I think mom and dad are crazy to have all 6 grandkids over.

Wow!! What a Week!!

So, last week I've been taking a writing class. Yes I know, I'm a math teacher. Why am I taking a writing class for teachers? Probably because I'm a glutton for punishment. I'm the woman who has to spell check the most basic of words and hasn't written since college. I signed up for the class because I need 4 more graduate credits to move up on the pay scale and this is a 4 credit class. But I've amazed myself and the English teachers. I've written a memoir piece and a poem (YES, a poem) and I think they are pretty good, if I may say so myself. OK, so others have said the same. In fact, the 'teacher' of the class said she is raising the bar for me. I think we both had pretty low expectations and I exceded those. If I get brave enough, maybe I'll be able to share them once I'm done editing. Still one more week to go, we'll see how things turn out.

We went to a branding today and really enjoyed the morning. It rained on us most of the time, but just a slow, straight down rain that kept us cool and the dust WAY down. It was one of the relaxed, fun brandings that are the best.

Mike and I also went to a wedding tonight. Riki Berry and Cody Cordova got married. Riki is such a neat girl (ok, not really a girl). She has been such a good friend to Courtney and is really a good role model. We wish them the best of luck and many, many years together.

I have lots of writing to do for my class this week, so I probably won't be on again until next weekend, unless something BIG comes up. Have a great one!!

Running on....

OK, I'm not sure what we are all running on. Sometimes I think adrenaline, others its fumes and most of the time it has to be empty. Courtney left the house at 4:00pm Thursday, got home after midnight from a volleyball camp. She then left at 6:30 Friday morning, got home at 6:00 pm, left at 6:30 this morning and is planning on being home at 7:00 tonight all for basketball. With all the ball, we are spending almost every spare moment trying to get the 4-H projects completed. The earlier we can complete them, the more summer we'll have, at least that's the plan.

Mike's parents are coming up tomorrow for a much needed fishing trip. We all need it and are really looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the day. Our weather has been wonderful, not too hot, so it should be really nice. After everyone has their fill of fishing, we are going to have a dinner at the house before they all head home. Mom and Dad are taking Reagen and Morgyn with them. Courtney has so much going on that she needs to stay with Mike and I, but that's ok since she won't be home much and Mike and I will get our alone time.

Oh, the srawberry plants are still growing and even producing a few strawberries. Maybe they will survive (knock on wood!).

No, I haven't fallen...

...off the face of the earth. I was so looking forward to school being out because things were SO hetic during the spring. We haven't slowed down at all, just changed our hours. Now instead of getting up at 5:30 and going to bed at 10, we now get up at 7 and go to bed at 12 or 1. It's go, go, go all the time. Between all the cowboy work, 4-H and ball camps we are non-stop. I was really looking forward to staying home yesterday since it's the only day until the last day of the month that I don't have anything on my calender; but of course my husband told a friend we'd be 'happy' to come help brand. Needless to say, he had to kick me out of bed, throw me in the shower and make me get in the car.

OH, we got a 'new' pickup. So it isn't brand new, but new to us. Finally a vehicle where all 5 of us can travel and take the horses. It's a 2002 Ford F350 Crew Cab Dually. It's BIG!!! I love driving it, I love being bigger than most on the highway. I really like taking one vehicle and not two, gotta help the enviroment too!!

Well, have a wonderfull week. I'll try to post again soon, but we are running all over this week again, so no promises.

The Return of the Kids

So, after branding last weekend we left the girls in Texas with their Nana and Papa. Mike and I always enjoy the time we have alone, even after almost 15 years of marriage. Mike's dad brought the girls home yesterday since basketball camps and our busy 4-H season begins this week. Today we spent branding for a really good friend and enjoyed visiting with several other friends. Monday begins Courtney's first camp of the summer, plus its also weigh day for our fair animals. We also have a 4-H meeting and then project specific meetings throughout the week. So, with the return of the kids is the return of the busy schedules. I love having them home too, though. There is never a dull moment and someone is always doing something.

Oh, one more thing. Bonnie and Dwight brought us many strawberry plants last night and while Mike and Courtney went to gather cattle; Reagen, Morgyn and I prepared the flowerbed and planted them. As we worked the girls got to talking about Grandad Ames who passed away in April. They talked about the times they helped him and Grandma in thier massive garden. The girls reminded me to "break the roots up, just like Grandad." We asked him to help us so maybe his green thumb would offset mom's black thumb since I can't seem to grow anything. I'm having a hard time figuring out how to post pictures. If I got them on there, they are of the girls by the stawberry beds and a picutre of one of the plants.

BRANDING 2009

We all have congregated in Hartley, Texas this weekend for one of the most fun (thanks Corinthia, I'm a math teacher, not english) weekends!!! My father in law has an annual branding and everyone gets together from Colorado, Kansas and Dallas. My crew (from Colorado) got here Thursday and they helped dad get everything set up and ready. They did some small things Thursday night and moved cattle Friday morning. Friday afternoon we spent in Amarillo (HELLO HOOTERS!!). When we got back to Hartley Corinthia FINALLY arrived and we spent the night, all night catching up and laughing. So we finally got to bed at 2 am and had to be up at 4:45 (Corinthia's alarm started going off at 4:30 and didn't shut up until 5:00). We then gathered, sorted and branded all of the calves. We were done by 11 and spent the afternoon eating lunch, riding horses and making beer runs. There were a couple of little spats here and there ( teen girl drama) but everyone lived and we are up now drinking more beer and having more laughs.

This really is one of the best weekends of the year and everyone is already looking forward to branding 2010!!!

Count Down!!

So, we are down to 3 days of school!! The last couple of weeks have been hetic, anyone who has kids, works with kids or every was a kid (ok, that's EVERYONE) knows how crazy the last few weeks of school are. Track meets, field trips, reward trips, banquets and award ceremonies keep everyone running and wishing for Sunday, May 17!! It is Tuesday and we still have piano lessons today, Courtney's AR trip tomorrow, Honor's Night Thursday, Kindergarten and 8th Grade Gradutation on Friday and Senior Commencment on Saturday. Something everyday day. I am really looking forward to the lazy days of summer!!! Oh that's right, basketball, volleyball, 4-H, fairs, brandings, sortings..... What lazy days????

Colorado Spring

So, it is again a typical Colorado spring; cold and dreary. Today was suppose to be the elementary track meet and I was told it was going to happen today. So I took off work, had sub plans, put off my shower since I was going to be sitting outside in the wind and rain (taking it tonight) and had on my comfy clothes ready to watch a track meet. The bus gets to the house at 7:30 (I normally leave way before then, 6:45) with the message NO TRACK MEET!! I am no where ready for school so I hurridly get things ready to go, call my sub to cancel and rush to town. Starting the day off like that always throws the rest off for me. I hate starting rushed and frazzled!!!

So, I now will take Wednesday off for the rescheduled date (the weather is suppose to cooperate).

Yes, We are still here!!!

So, I haven't posted in a while. Anyone with kids knows how hetic spring is. I have all the 'fun' high school stuff with Courtney. That includes, but is not limited to: track (state is this weekend), prom (BIG issues there - thats a whole other post), trips, banquets and any thing else she can come up with. I also have all the elementary stuff with Reagen and Morgyn, including the elementary track meet, AR trip, field trip, Bike Rodeo, Hospital Tour Day; who knows what else they'll come up with as well. Then, its spring branding season, so weekends are full too. I can't wait until school is over and we start summer activities. It's just as busy, but different. Without having to get up for work and school, the pace is completely different. We do just as much with summer ball, dance lessons, swimming, and 4-H; but I get to sleep too!!!

Well, hopefully I'll get to blog again. Have to let ya' know about prom and such.

23 1/2 Days

Yes, I'm counting down to the last day of school. The teachers are just as bad, or worse, than the kids. I'm looking forward to summer break. I'm not sure why between the class I'm taking, the camps Courtney is going to and 4-H for all 3 girls it will be BUSY!!! But then if it were any other way I'd complain about being bored to tears. I just enjoy having some time with no set schedules and sleeping in. Ok, sleeping is is 8 am for me since I'm nothing like Corinthia!! But I still enjoy it.

Hoping to do some traveling this summer as well. We always to Mike's parents for branding (Memorial Day weekend this year, Corinthia). But Mike and I also want to take an anniversary trip this summer. We've never gotten to do anything fun for our anniversary and it is 15 years this year. We are thinking a spa resort with fishing and white water rafting. Doesn't that sound like fun?!?!!?!? I actually am looking forward to it.

Spring Arrives and Winter Returns

So, we had a beautiful winter, more spring like than wintery (is wintery a word?). Now that spring is offically here, winter has reared it's ugly, cold, and wet head. We've had several spring blizzards, and today of all days its was cold and WET!! Courtney went to a track meet and Mike, Reagen and Morgyn went to a sorting. I followed the three and their horses cross country to video the little ones first time to sort cattle. Their last time out it was pouring cold rain. I think if we'd been 5 or 10 degrees cooler it would have been snow. The kids had a blast though and placed 2nd. Mike got 3rd in the open class. Not a bad day!!

So we gave the girls part of their Easter presents early and now we all are sitting in a dark livingrooom watching the Tale of Despereaux. Next up is Bolt and then Bedtime Stories. Ok, so the other two will probably wait until tomorrow, but we are enjoying a night at home together.

If I don't get on tomorrow, Happy Easter everyone!!

Wow, Its been a LONG time

So, things have been hetic lately and I've just plumb forgot to blog!! After spring break we have been running around a great deal and then a few things have happened in our family to really throw us off track. Friday of spring break I was helping Mike move cattle and was bucked off my horse. Now, this happened almost three weeks ago and I'm still feeling it. I'm not as young as I once was and healing takes much longer. I do have to say Thank God for chiropractors!!!

Then Saturday morning Mike's Grandad Ames lost his battle against cancer. He survived much longer than the doctors thought, and we are most grateful for the time we had with him, but it is still hard to say goodbye. As my two youngest so apptly put it into perspective for us, he is an angel now, but the oneriest one up there!!!

So, now we are in full swing of the spring season and all that entails. Track, spring concerts, field trips, prom, banquets, awards programs, ... And anything else that can be thought of.

Have a wonderful day!!!

Back At It

So, spring break is over and we are back at school. I love my job, but this time of year everyone would rather be elsewhere. We've had beautiful weather, so who wants to be stuck indoors. Of course, the weather is turning and we are under blizzard warnings tonight and tomorrow. The prayers of no school tomorrow are all over the building, who said prayer isn't in the school system? After tomorrow, we are suppose have spring return. I love both seasons, but I'd much rather have them transition from one to the other and not the major swings that we are seeing.

Have a wonderful day!!

Spring Break Work

So, while the children are in Texas with their grandparents, I had visions of sleep, rest and relaxation. THEN my husband brings me back to reality!!! Yesterday we pulled a well, went to town to get parts to fix it and went back early this morning to put it all back. Not too bad, just not what I wanted to do this weekend.

Last night he did take us into town to visit some friends in town and I got my baby fix!! Eve was born Christmas Eve and I love to snuggle with her. I also love giving her back to mom when she gets too fussy, hungry or needs a diaper change. We did get some really good loves in and when she went to sleep with me, mom was very grateful since she hadn't slept well all day. I say it's all my padding, little ones love it.

Well, maybe I can get a nap in before Mike figures it out!!!

What Is That I Hear?

NOTHING? Not the kids arguing, screaming or crying. Also, not the kids laughing, whispering secrets or saying I love you. Mike and I meet his mom this afternoon and she took the kids home with her for spring break. They will visit all of thier grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I enjoy the peace and quiet, but it will get too quiet after a while. I'll start to miss them (but not yet).

So, Mike and I went in to the bar last night for the dart tournament. I didn't throw terrible, but my partner and I just couldn't pull it out. Mike on the other hand won our first night in. He got enough to pay our entry fees for the night, too bad it didn't cover the bar tab as well. We had so much fun that we are planning to make it a habit. I think we are going to go in some to practice while the kids are away. The tourney's are on Wed. and Sat. nights, so I think we'll go in Saturday again and throw. Maybe I'll do better next time.

SPRING BREAK - HERE WE COME!!!!

So, we get an EXTRA LONG spring break this year, and it starts tomorrow!! I'm so excited. The boys basketball team made the state tournament, which starts tomorrow. In a school our size, one team takes half the high school, a quarter of the jr. high and most of the staff. So, we don't have school Thurs, Fri, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri!!!! I'm so excited for the break!!

My three girls are spending spring break with their grandparents in Texas, so Mike and I are going to have some nice one-on-one time. I only have plans for one day next week, a massage, manicure and pedicure on Tuesday!!! Mike got me a gift certificate for the massage and manicure for Valentine's Day. (I am giving myself the pedicure just because I am spoiled rotten!!)

I'm also hoping to have company over Spring Break. (Hint to Corinthia!!!)

I will try to blog over break about all that is going on, but who knows, maybe I'll sleep for 10 days!!!

Old, Fat Ladies Basketball

So, today I joined a group of ladies that started playing basketball last weekend. The only requirement to play is you must be over 30. It was ALOT of fun. We laughed a bunch and even got in a little basketball. If I can get in a couple of games a week, maybe I will not only look better; but more importantanly, I'll feel better.

Mike and the girls went to a neighbors for a branding. It seems to have started early this year, but everyone had a really good time and enjoyed themselves.

Everyone enjoy the week ahead!

Road Trip!!!!

So, Saturday our girls lost a heartbreaker of a game. We still aren't out of the playoffs, just means we get a road trip, a 4 hour road trip. So, we all are leaving Thursday since the girls play Friday morning. Win Friday, play again Saturday, win Saturday we go to state!! Lose either Friday or Saturday and the season is over. Our girls have come so far this year its unbeleivable. A team with one senior, one junior, four sophomores and three freshmen and playing in the regional tournament, with a chance to win something, that's amazing. I think we will be hoping for a state title in a couple of years, not just a trip to state.

So, I know it seems all I talk about is Courtney's bb right now, but that is about all we are doing. Our family sat in the gym for three days, that doesn't leave much time for anything else. Mike, Reagen and Morgyn are all ok and still working and playing hard.

Well, have a great day, till next time...

What a THRILLER!!!

Courtney played in the first round of her district basketball tournament last night. Winner gets 2 more games this weekend and at least one next weekend at regionals, loser goes home. Our girls played a team that beat them by 5 in the regular season (but shouldn't have), and both teams played an AMAZING game!! Of course, it is even more amazing since we ended up on top!!! 32-28!!! It is kinda bittersweet. In a way I was looking forward to basketball being over and done with and we have at least one more week (two if we are really lucky). Tonight's game is going to be really tough. We play the number 1 seed in our district, for the third time this year. The first time before Christmas, they beat us by about 30, the second time was just last week, they only won by 16. Who knows, maybe we'll shock them tonight?!? Win or lose tonight we play tomorrow. These two games are for seeding in the regional tournament. Next weekend, we can end up 1 hour from here, 5 hours from here or 8 hours from here for regionals. We are hoping for a 1 or 3 seed for the closer games!! Well, I'll let everyone get back to the daily grind. Think of Courtney tonight if you get a sec and send a silent cheer for her!!!

LONG short Weekend

Ok, so it's been a while and I'll tell you what, things are hetic!!! This weekend was LONG because of all that was going on, but short because I didn't get enought rest, housework, ranch work, ect, ect, ect done.
Saturday was a day FULL of basketball games. There were 7 played in our gym and of course my girls were the first game and last game of the day. We did go home in between, but didn't get much done since we were in full basketball mode. Reagen's team won, Courtney's lost.
Sunday I felt yucky!!! Still feeling bad, but on Sunday I did absolutly nothing since my head hurt so bad that thinking was too loud!! Getting better, it is just taking some time. There's no rest for the weary though. This is a busy week at school. I have lunch/hall duty this week, which I hate with a passion. Thank the good Lord that it only comes around once every 5 weeks and I don't have to do it every week. We also have a FFA conference and District Basketball. Our boys have a first round bye, so they have an automatic place in the regional tournament. Our girls play at 7pm on Thursday. It sure is going to make for a late night. If they win, we go back Friday and Saturday and then on to regionals. If they lose Thursday (lets hope not) the season is over. I actually wouldn't be too disappointed to have my weekends back, but I know it would hurt the girls to be done. So, I'll go cheer for them to do well and hope they get what they want.
I hope you all have a great day!!!

All's Quiet on the Home Front

All's quiet on the home front, for now. Not too much going on. I do have to brag about my WONDERFUL husband. He is so good to us. Last night, after we joked through texts about him being the best on the planet, he again volunteered to cook for us. Mike cooking sure isn't a suprise, he probably does 80% of the cooking at our house. It just was a really nice treat last night because I was completly worn out. Like I said, not too much going on, after supper last night we just watched a little tv together and went to bed early. Not too much planned for tonight either, its a rare Friday without a basketball game. Probably much the same as last night, dinner and an early bed. Reagen and Courtney both have ball games tomorrow. Reagen plays in the first one at 9 am and Courtney plays in the last one, about 6 pm. It sure does make for a long day, but at least we'll be close enough to home to rest between.
I hope you all have a good weekend.

Yea!! An Evening at Home, Kinda

So, Courtney tells me that coach says the team deserves a break and they are going to be done with ball practice by 3:30 so she can ride the bus home!!! You have no idea how excited I am to hear this. I teach an early class and leave the house about 6:45 everyday and have to wait until Courtney is done with ball practice at 5 or 5:30 every evening to go home. It sure does make for long days. We live too far from town to go back and forth, even with gas prices dropping some. So, since she could ride the bus home with her sisters and watch them, I left school a little early and Mike and I went to town for some much needed grocery shopping (yes, Corinthia, my monthly trip). It was nice to have some one-0n-one time with my wonderful husband. We enjoy the time we have to just talk without the kids, where we can discuss anything we want without having to censure because of little ears. After a quick stop at the farm store and Walmart (can't get to town without going those places) we go to the grocery store. Two baskets and $400 later we head home. Frozen pizza was for dinner, so it was very quick and easy and cooked while we all put the groceries away. We still wern't too late getting home, since I had the groceries unloaded and put away by 7.
It was nice to sit and talk to the girls too, hear what they did at school. The little ones couldn't wait to share the petting zoo the FFA does for FFA week. Courtney took our pony in to let the kids pet. Morgyn was really excited to show off the horse ALL of her writing is about at school. Everyone in her class has heard of Bullet and now they have 'met' him!
Now we are back to the grind since ball practice resumes today and it will be another late night; the things we do for our kids.

High School Ball - Again

So, last night Courtney had a basketball game. It was senior night, so very emotional for our one senior on the team. We played a VERY highly ranked team. They have already beat us once this year, by about 30 points and we are very young; so everyone kind of dreaded this game. Our girls took the court and fought very hard. We only lost by 16 this time. It is easy to see the improvement in our girls. The experience our freshman and sophomores are gaining this year will be invaluable in the next 2 and 3 years. We should be a team to watch in the next few years. Courtney played really well. She gets under the basket and does all she can to get the rebounds. She also isn't afraid to scrap for the ball. Her confidence sure has gone through the roof lately. I still have a hard time believing my little girl is growing up so fast. I remember my freshman year and can't believe it's time for my daughter to have all of those fun (and not so fun) high school experiences.
Our ball season is winding down, thank goodness. We are all tired. There is a game Saturday, and then districts are next weekend. We'll see from there. After that is regionals, we have a chance to go. State is the weekend of the 13th. Who knows? Stranger things have happened.

Ok, Here Goes

Corinthia, I'll try this, and we'll see how it works!! My best friend of, oh about 20 years (yes we are that old now!!!) said this is the best way to keep track of what our families are up to. Since we live so far from one another, I said I would set one up and give it a try.
So a little about me and mine first. I am happily married to my high school sweatheart, Mike. We will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary this summer. He is a ranch manager, taking care of about 1050 head of steers on a cattle ranch in Eastern Colorado. I am a Jr. High/Sr. High Math teacher (yes I can hear the groans). We have 3 beautiful daughters. Courtney is 14 and a freshman in high school. She keeps us on the move, playing volleyball, basketball and running track, a member in 4-H, FFA, and school band. Reagen is in the 2nd grade, just starting 4-H and elem. basketball. Morgyn is a 1st grader and is taking after her dad. She loves horses and the cattle work.
So, that's it for now. I'll do my best here and hope that you are not bored to death by my feeble attempts at this thing.