The Bright Eyed Brunette

We have known for a few months now that we would be making a trip to Cherry Valley to watch Carl's nephew, Riley, play football. This is his Senior year of high school, so we wanted to go watch him play but let's face it, the fall and football season is usually pretty busy for farmers and it just never happened. Who would have guessed they'd still be playing after Thanksgiving?! They made it to the quarterfinals of the state play-offs and were playing McCroy. So even though we knew we'd be freezing, we went ahead and went, fulfilling our obligations. And we froze. It was 44 degrees but felt like 30 due to the wind. It is no secret that I hate the winter! Here are a few pictures I borrowed from Carl's sister. My hands were too frozen to take any! Carl, Makena, and Trey were there but I don't know where they were at during the pictures! We got back home around 11:30 and slept very well in our nice warm house!

We started the day off by Carlie killing a deer! She missed an 8 pt. but got a 4 pt.! I got to stay in my warm cozy bed while Carl took her :) Carl and Trey at Grammy and Papa's. My mom and sister "created" a photo booth with props. Everyone enjoyed it! My three goofs! Of course Trey would pick the Turkey leg. We have ponies at Thanksgiving, doesn't everybody! Jamie, Carlie, Grammy, Papa, Makena, and me! It really was a great day! I even had the chance to pick my Christmas card this afternoon! I'm so thankful for all those pictured above and some that aren't :)

Today is Thanksgiving Day. We spent it like most people in America...with family or friends, eating until we were miserable. I spent a little while this afternoon reflecting on everything I have to be thankful for. Of course I am thankful that God sent his perfect Son to die on the cross and resurrected so that I can have eternal life. I am thankful for my family(all of them!) and our health, my church family, and many other blessings that I most certainly do not deserve. But this year I am especially thankful for my grandparents. I have three of them left. It is extremely hard for me to see them getting older and unable to do things...little things. The past two Sundays I have really missed my Papa not being in church. It bothers me because he is always there and now he just can't. He is in a lot of pain but was able to sit at the table and eat with us today. It's also hard watching my Grandma caring for him, even though I know it is her job but its hard for her too and she...

Today was the beginning of the carnival at The 79th Annual Wings Over the Prairie Festival and Duck Calling Contest. As I have said in years past, this is a BIG deal in our town. There are duck hunters from everywhere here hunting and competing along with tons of people coming back home for Thanksgiving. It's wild! This year Jamie and her kids (well, 2 of them) came along with us. We got seperated because her kids like the younger rides and my kids are thrill seekers! Here are a few pictures I got. All of the kids except Eli. He has been sick and didn't need to be out in the cold. We took a break from the cold in one of the stores and of course I wanted a group picture. This is always the first ride they ride on. Trey is on there but I don't think he is visible. Makena rode Zero Gravity all alone. Noah and Trey waiting in the ticzket line. I can't believe that Makena and Trey rode this crazy ride. It went all the way around! Carlie and Makena on the ...

Well this has been a hairy week, and thankfully we are out of school all week next week. Makena has been fighting a sore throat and cold all week. Trey came home after school sick on Wednesday. He had a bad headache, stomach pain, a sore throat, and fever. We went to the doctor on Thursday because I thought he might have strep but it was negative and the doctor said it was probably viral. We got some good meds and we all slept great last night. I was determined we were all going to the Thanksgiving Banquet at school today! Nanny and Pop made it too! Trey singing on the stage I was really nervous about him saying his part. He really didn't feel that well and absolutely refused to look my way! He did a great job though :) The girls did an awesome job singing in the choir. I could've listened to all of them sing all afternoon! Even though I didn't have a kid in Mrs. Odom's class this year, I couldn't resist taking a picture of Noelle. She is a doll...

Happy Birthday to my sweet biggest girl! We are so proud of you!! Opening her presents before school. She asked Grammy to make her a pecan pie for her birthday. Carlie and Katelyn at El Canaveral. We pretty much celebrated her birthday all week! We love you to the moon and back, Carlie Erin!

Okay, so along with thise school pictures making all three of my kids look older, now BOTH of the girls play on the Varsity basketball team! We had our first game against New Life Christian Academy and got beat pretty badly, but the girls both got to start and played their best. Our jumper didn't show so Carlie had to jump...she had never jumped before this!! During a time-out. Next time I'm gonna try and do better about taking pictures. Carlie Makena (a little blurry) It was a fun game, even if we lost. Considering we only had 4 practices before this, I think we did pretty good!

Here are our 2014/2015 School Pictures. When I look at these I cannot believe how much they have grown since last year! So far we are having a great school year! The kids like their teachers and seem to be doing very well in their classes.