A "Cowboy" Thanksgiving

So, it has been a while. I am not even sure if I know how to blog anymore..... I am committing to getting back into recording my family's events!

I decided to start at Thanksgiving. Brandon and I left our kids for Thanksgiving! I know that sounds horrible. But, our kids sure didn't mind. Not sure if Papa Bruce and Grandma Debbie thought it was such a great idea though!

Brandon LOVES the Dallas Cowboys. He has since he was a little boy. They are "his team". When we lived in Arkansas we had the chance to drive and attend our very first Cowboy's games. Even going to the Thanksgiving game one year with Kason who was 2 at the time, and Jaicee who was 2 months. It was such a memorable Thanksgiving - and Brandon has wanted to do it again ever since.

So, we finally did it! Thanks to some amazing and wonderful friends - Ms. Tommie and Ms. Sheri - we were able to visit the "Palace in Dallas" in style.

We flew out on Tuesday, and immediately went over to the stadium to take a tour. The tickets were $30 a piece and well worth every penny. Lets just say that place is AMAZING! A 5-star hotel inside a stadium. The "Palace in Dallas" (as we like to call it) is exactly what it is!

We visited the locker rooms, and yes that is a concession stand above...not bad huh?


This is the 'Jones Family Perch' equipped with plenty of screens for replays, even a phone directly down to the coach on the sidelines, and his own elevator that goes to the sidelines.

The amazing huge screen that is almost distracting when you are watching the game....it is so big and oh so clear!

We were able to meet some friends from law school that evening for dinner. It was so fun to spend time with Rick and Ginger! (Not sure why we didn't get a picture?)

The next day we ate at the "waffle house" for breakfast and then set out to explore Dallas and the Ft. Worth area. We of course had to hit the Galleria Mall, with the gigantic christmas tree and ice rink in the middle. We also went to Ft. Worth for the first time. It was such a fun cowboy city, very different from Dallas!




Thanksgiving day was finally here! Brandon was so excited he couldn't even sleep. We met up with our great friend Sheri....and off to the stadium we went.

We had perfect seats, and even sideline passes (notice they say "Guest of the Owner":))to go on the field before the game. NFL players are so BIG, FAST, and ATHLETIC when you are right next to them. Much better to watch them like that then on TV!

That is Dez Bryant warming up...he was fast and jumped so high! We also saw Troy Aikman. Also picture are some New Orleans Saints warming up...I don't think the picture does it justice, but the guy with his back toward us was a GIANT! His thigh width was my entire body width!

We even met Jerry Jones! The picture wasn't great...but I had to put it in. Sheri is friends with Jerry Jones' family...that is how we got the tickets and sideline passes!

Here are the players warming up, and running out of the tunnel before the game. And the game is not complete without the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders!




The game was so exciting, amazing, energizing, and so much fun! The Cowboys ended up losing but it was a great game. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

We ended the day with Thanksgiving dinner with Ms. Sheri, Ms. Tommie, and baby Cole! A perfect Thanksgiving, and definitely one to remember!

Crazy May!

May was so busy....and crazy...and fun. The only way to document it is in collages. So, here goes......



It started with a great mothers' day! I love being a mother - and am so grateful for 5 unique and crazy kids. The kids and Brandon gave me a watch that I have been wanting....love it! (it was obviously sunny - check out my eyes and ava cowering in my shoulder from the brightness)



Lots of school programs, graduations, and saying goodbye to fabulous teachers. Kason graduated from sixth grade - now onto the big JR HIGH! He even played the graduation commencement song on the piano for their graduation. All of the kids did excellent in school - and had a wonderful year.



Dance competitions/recitals galore! Jaicee and Halle both had a few each.



Plenty of soccer, basketball, and baseball to last for a year. But we decided to do it in one month. Kason was playing soccer, baseball, and basketball; Braden played tball and soccer; Jaicee and Halle both played soccer.



We had 19 seven year olds over for a birthday party. It was lots of fun, but I don't think I will do quite that many again!



I happily attended Jaicee's fieldtrip to antelope island. Let's just say when the sign at the entrace flashes: "Bugs, Bugs, Bugs, and Biting Gnats" they are not kidding! My head was covered in gnats and I came home with bites all over my neck and head. At least it was memorable! The kids also went with Dad on a hiking/hunting/rhino adventure one night. Oh, and Halle graduated from "RAD Kids" at her school. If you don't know much about RAD Kids - look it up; I was extremely impressed on the curriculum! It teaches the kids all about strangers, bullies, how to get away from danger, and empowering kids to talk if they are ever threatened.

Whew....we survived May! It was questionable for a while....I think May is busier than December!

Happy Birthday to my Halle!

Halle turned 7 today!

I love her so much, and am so proud of her.

She has a firecracker personality
Has an incredibly kind heart
Knows what she wants (and is not afraid to tell those around)
Loves to dance, sing, and perform
Cartwheels all over the house
Loves being a big sister to Ava
Is an excellent reader
Likes playing with friends
Loves to play school and be the teacher
Makes up dances with her sister and friends
Is a true conservationist: seriously! She turns off lights, closes doors, and makes sure no water is wasted.
Has the cutest raspy voice
Lost her two front teeth
Has a gorgeous smile and a contagious laugh



For her birthday Halle picked Chuck-A-Rama for dinner. Being the "great mom" I am - I obliged. Let's just say that the kids and Brandon loved it! I am not so sure how she came up with this idea....but the endless ice cream must have had something to do with it.

We love you Halle. Happy Birthday!!

Pure Chubbiness gives me Happiness

(Ava 20 months)
My favorite picture of the day!

The Ultimate Hiding Spot

I think Braden found the best hiding spot ever.....



I couldn't even find him.


Funny thing is...he waited so long he fell asleep!


Actually, I found him here after coming home from the grocery store late one night. He had gone to bed, but wanted to come down and watch the basketball game with his dad. He knew he shouldn't get out of bed, so he hid in the living room....and fell asleep!



Luckily, I saw him (which was hard - you can barely see his arm) before I went to make sure he was in his bed. I would have panicked not seeing him in his bed.

This kid is a crack up! He keeps us hopping!

Befores and Afters

Some things have changed around here in the last 6-12 months or so.....thought I would document them!



Halle lost her two front teeth!


Kitchen Before.....

Kitchen After


Kason got his much anticipated BRACES!


Brandon finally got a new phone after using his sister's hand me down phone for quite some time. (purple nonetheless)

Finally decorated my basement shelves - thanks to my talented sister in law Cyndy (didn't have a before picture....but love the after)

And, last but not least....we sold our very first car that we purchased as a married couple. 13 years, 204,000 miles, 5 kids later....it served us well. Farewell our friend - you will be missed!

Puzzled!

He loves to do puzzles

All kinds

All day long!

The best part about it is that he sings while he puzzles.

Music to my ears!