Garrett is Such Teenager!

Do you have a teenager? We do! He becomes more and more a typical teenager every day. It is stock show season and there is so much to do every day and the closer it gets to a show the more hectic it becomes. It seems we fight him every second of every day to do what is necessary. He loves his pigs and stock shows seem to be the ultimate for him. Why does he fight the responsibility so hard? is dad's patience and mine are just about gone. He has grown up so much the last year, but man, some days!

We have been so proud of him his first year in High School and his teachers are always so complimentary of his work ethic and intelligence. He's almost a different person at school. Guess most kids are but he really seems to be loving school and "being grown up". Why can't that attitude spill over into his home life? It is just so frustrating because it seems like we are constantly scolding, yelling, threatening. It would be nice to pay him a compliment but about what? Ooooohhh!

Lonnie and Garrett leave for Ft. Worth on Tuesday so pray they don't strangle each other! We aren't through with stock shows until March so pray a lot!

We Survived the Sleepover

Well. they were cute and I loved every minute of it. The three girls are such good friends and have just grown up together so they are usually well behaved and last night was no different. We took them to Mc Donald's for supper and they had so much fun. Some of their classmates came in and it was an all out party! They were laughing and teasing each other non-stop. Got home and they just played and played. At 11:15 I went to bed because the girls were watching a movie and I just knew they would fall asleep. How goofy am I???? I woke at 1:30 am and they were still up!! I just said "bed, now". No one complained and they were out in no time. Ashley was up by 8 am and wanted the others to be up with her. By the time we got them both home this afternoon all of them were exhausted. Guthri is asleep right now! This afternoon Guthri participated in the local Girl Scout Cook-Off. She was very reluctant but Ashley's mom convinced her it would be fun. So, she wanted to make "Pig Sandwiches" that she found a recipe for in one of her library books. It was nothing but bread, jelly and raisins. But, you cut out the bread and make a nose and ears to make it look like a pig. Raisins serve as eyes and nostrils. They were so cute! She made three and placed an "Ant on a Log" made of celery, peanut butter, and raisins by each sandwich. Her plate really looked cute. (I will try to get a picture posted soon.) When we got there she just went nuts and said she wasn't going to do it but I just down played it and when it came her time her troop leader, Carol, took her by the hand and just led her to the judges. She relaxed and started talking to the judges. In the end, she was happy and even helped Ashley get over her shyness and went with her to the judges. She had a great day and got a 1st place. She was so proud of herself. (won't tell her she was the only one in her category) Maybe this will boost some of that confidence and help her do more things. I am happy for the "birthday bash" to be over and the girl scout thing to be done with. Sunday holds its own crazy schedule so we will see how the weekend turns out!

The Princess Turned 7!!!

Today was Guthri's 7th birthday. She woke up in a grumpy mood (what else is new?) but her daddy soon turned her mood into an excited, giggly little girl. She saw all her presents and just had to open them. She got more excited over the $5 headphones than anything else! She has been getting cards all week and has made a haul on the money. If I need a loan I know where to go! She is so blessed to have such a wonderful loving family who remembers every birthday and only want her to be happy. All her aunts and uncles are much better than we are at making sure she gets something special for her birthday. Sorry to all our nieces and nephew (only 1)! Her grandparents are so good and just give and give. I hope she understands someday how lucky she is. We try to teach her that not all kids get things like she does but sometimes I worry that she just expects it and doesn't truly understand. Maybe it will come with time. We came home after school and made chocolate cake and spaghetti for supper. It was all her idea so she has put it in her brother's face all evening that it is her birthday and she can do as she pleases. I can't wait for bedtime!!! On Friday, Guthri will have a sleepover with two of her friends. We will do the McDonald's thing and then to the house for a movie, Easy Bake Oven and popcorn. It is so much fun to hear all those giggles and one telling the other to quit being so bossy! They are a hoot! Well, I let you know if I still think they are still a hoot on Saturday afternoon.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Winter sneaked up on us here in Childress!! Yesterday at day break freezing rain started to fall; however, it didn't stick until close to noon. Garrett looked outside about every 20 minutes just knowing school would be cancelled. No such luck! School administration made the decision to start school at 9:30 this morning so our family loaded up in Lonnie's pickup and headed for town. It took about 20 minutes to make a 9 mile trip but mainly because he was just being cautious. The snow and sleet just kept coming throughout the day. At 12:45 today, the Vice-Principal announced that would would dismiss at 2 today and try again tomorrow at 10. The bottom line is that it will be cold tonight! Guthri is wanting to play outside so badly but can only stand it for about 3 minutes and then she is back to warm up. I love it!! I stay inside and make soup and hot chocolate while watching out the back window. Lonnie and Garrett are out there in the pig pen putting out water and pampering those silly things. Guthri is talking to the dog and making sure he is warm. It's been some fun family time and we are happy for the little bit of moisture! Just heard it is to be 10 degrees tonight!

A Great Dad

Our daughter, Guthri has been sick the last few days. Lonnie has been such a trooper and and a wonderful dad these days. He took her to the doctor and has stayed home with her for the last two days so I could continue to be in my classroom. He is sitting at the table at this very moment helping her do all the work she has missed at school. He is so patient and pushes both of our kids to do better and better. Guthri struggles in school and has tremendous Dyslexic tendencies. I see her future full of struggles and challenges but he sees her as a successful, beautiful child. I wish some days I could see the world through his eyes. He never gives up!

County Livestock Show

This past Saturday we had our county show. The weather was great, we were all low key and everything was great. Garrett did fairly well so we were proud of him. He placed 2nd with his Duroc, 3rd with his Chester and 5th with his Hamp. He did a great job showing and was very helpful to younger 4-Hers. He showed pigs for two girls (What's up with that?). He was even asked to show chickens!!!! He turned that one down.

Guthri had a blast and was very good as long as she had her Nintendo DS! She played with her friends and cheered along her brother. Granny and Pappy got to come and spend a long weekend so it all turned out fine.

Now we are on to the majors and Garrett has high hopes for his pigs. He leaves February 3 for Fort Worth with his Hamp so wish him luck!

Please Pray for our Service Men & Women

On Monday, January 19 Scott Long, son of Noel and Donna Long, was deployed to Iraq. His tour is to end in four months so we ask that you remember him and his family in your prayers. His wife and four children will remain in Hawaii at their home.

I know there are many families struggling with husbands, fathers, sons, mothers, wives and daughters being away from home. I thank you for allowing your family members to be so strong and unselfishly committed to my freedom.

Christmas

This Christmas we were fortunate enough to be with our families for the weekend after Christmas. We had a great time together and then got to enjoy time with all of them. You will see a picture of our sweet little puppy, Zoey, and the kids. She was such a beautiful part of our family but unfortunately she was run over on January 2. Our hearts are still broken but we are so happy that we had Christmas with her and got some cute pictures with the kids. Hope you all had a great holiday too.

Just Getting Started

We are just trying to get started on blogging. Not sure we yet understand all of it or if we will have the time to keep it up but want to give it a try.