C & C World

Birthday Fun!

2012-02-11T21:51:00.001-06:00

Chandler picked to eat her birthday dinner at Gattiland.....she had fun!! I am not sure who had more fun on the bumper cars though--her Daddy is pretty silly!!

Happy 6th Birthday Chan Chan!

2012-02-10T04:00:00.001-06:00

It is so hard to believe that 6 years ago, this sweet girl changed our lives so much!! You have made us laugh & cry so often that I can't imagine life without you, Chan Chan. Thank you for your beautiful, compassionate spirit.

I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON & BACK!!

I can't wait to see where God takes you this year!!

I know it will be awesome!!

Just Hanging Out

2012-02-04T22:17:00.001-06:00

Cheney is at karate frequently.....this is where Chandler passes the time. She feels really comfortable there!!

Just Playing

2012-01-31T21:45:00.000-06:00

Chandler & Holt played video games while Cheney played basketball!!

Moving On Up!!

2012-01-29T20:25:00.003-06:00

Cheney had a karate test on Saturday morning.

Getting focused before the test starts!!

The test lasted about 40 minutes. Nice form Cheney!!

He passed! Getting his stripe from his instructor.

Karate has been great for helping Cheney to focus!! He loves it.....next up: Green belt test sometime in May!!

Hanging Out

2012-01-21T21:52:00.002-06:00

Chan & Holt played super hard at the deer lease....they laid down for just a second. I was hoping they would go to sleep, but just as they got sleepy, they jumped up & were off!!

Many Faces!

2012-01-15T11:15:00.002-06:00

We are at the deer lease & Chandler gets to play with Holt. They are in the same kindergarten class & always have a blast with each other!!

This is their "Mummy" impersonation

I think they love each other--probably won't in a few years!

CUTE!!

Showing off their muscles!!

Giving Chan rabbit ears!!

Trying to look cute & Holt isn't cooperating!!

I don't know what to say except BLACKMAIL!!

Sunday Funday!

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

We have beautiful trees around our house....they give us great shade on hot summer days, but they also give us lots of falling leaves each year!! Sunday afternoon after we got home from church was "leaf raking day" for the whole family. It is much more fun to work together.

Prettiest leaf raker ever!!

The best thing about raking a pile of leaves is hiding in them!

You rake them, then you jump in them!!

Where's Cheney?

I love these two with all my heart!!

Rampage game with friends!

2012-01-08T19:17:00.001-06:00

Recently, we went to a Rampage hockey game....we took along our friends, Micayla & Justin. It was fun!!

Fun Day!

2012-01-04T22:16:00.002-06:00

Today was girl's day out!! Chan invited one of her friends to go to The Jumpy Place to play & take pictures for her birthday party!!

They had fun!!

They were playing some kind of "business" in the playhouse....Chan was typing & Ily was making phone calls.

New Year's Eve

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

After a long drought, we FINALLY got to shoot fireworks at the lease.....Daddy always puts on a good show.

New Year's Weekend @ The Deer Lease

2012-01-02T21:15:00.002-06:00

Since NYE was on the weekend, we spent it at the deer lease......the kids had a blast.

Chandler LOVES target practice but hasn't actually shot anything yet.

Cheney is a pretty good shot.

This is what we do while sitting in the deer blind.....READ!!

Cheney loves being in the deer lease!!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

Halloween was fun this year.....Chandler went as a black cat. She enjoyed the festival at church with her friend, Micayla. Micayla was a hobo.

Cheney went as a sniper, swamp thing, "Where the wild things are" monster....whatever you want to call him. He had fun with his friends too.

I just love this picture of Chandler mid-air on the slide!!

Future Matador

2011-11-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

Cheney has decided that he LOVES soccer, but he likes football too. So, he has set his sights on being a kicker for the Matador football team. He has studied the skills he needs & has even practiced kicking on the real Matador turf. At the last game of the 2011 season, he got to talk to the kicker & get some pointers on kicking the football. The kicker also plays soccer! He was so excited!!

Matador Of The Month

2011-11-26T21:38:00.002-06:00

Chandler was recently selected as the "Matador Of The Month" from her class. I am so proud of her!!

Karate Tournament

2011-11-25T18:00:00.000-06:00

Cheney recently started taking karate lessons. He LOVES it. Recently, he competed in his 1st tournament. He did a great job.

The first event was individual forms. You have to really concentrate to get the form correct.

After forms, each student competed in sparring. Cheney had to spar against his own teammates--this was hard.

Cheney received 3rd place in forms & 2nd in sparring.

After individual competition, Cheney competed in team forms. He was selected to represent the Seguin school with 3 other students. They did their form blindfolded. It was amazing to watch!

Their team received 2nd place in forms! GOOD JOB!!

Deer Lease Fun

2011-11-25T11:26:00.001-06:00

November, December, & January mean weekends are spent at the deer lease.

Cheney loves every minute of it.

At night, the boys love to go rabbit hunting!!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-30T18:33:00.003-05:00

We visited the Pumpkin Patch today.

I love this picture of them. Even though they argue, I know they do love each other.

I love my babies!!

Mommy & Daddy

Daddy & his best girl!!

Mommy & my man....he is growing up too fast!!

Looking so handsome!!

Looking cute!!

Drew's Birthday Party

2011-10-11T20:14:00.002-05:00

We got to celebrate Drew's 2nd Birthday with him this weekend.

It was fun to share with him!!

Aunt Reva had pumpkins for the kids to decorate.

Cheney had fun helping Drew with his pumpkin. I love the expression on the boys faces!!

Chandler & Ashtyn always have fun.....they are the only girl great-grandkids so I am sure they will always stick together.

It was fun singing Happy Birthday to DREW!!

Football Friday Nights & Friends

2011-10-10T19:54:00.003-05:00

The best thing about football Friday nights is hanging out with your friends!!

This is Chandler with Londyn, Victoria, & Ashtyn.

Fair Day 2011

2011-10-09T19:36:00.002-05:00

This weekend was County Fair weekend & we didn't have school on Friday!!! WOO HOO!!!

We spent the day at the fair riding the rides. It was so fun!!

Ashtyn was in town & she came to the fair. It was fun to ride with her.

Chandler waited for a while to ride this purple horse!!

Chandler also caught up with her friend, Madison. They enjoyed the petting zoo!!

This deer was cool to pet!!

Sadly, Cheney never stood still long enough for me to take a picture!! He was busy running from ride to ride. He had a blast.

Orange Belt

2011-10-01T21:53:00.002-05:00

Cheney is really enjoying karate. This week, he tested for his orange belt.....it was fun to watch but I was very nervous.

He had to show off his Form #1, #2, and #3 skills.

And he had to try to break the board....after 3 tries, he did it!!

Kyo Sa Nim Jon presenting Cheney with his new orange belt.

Showing respect

This is great new adventure for Cheney. I expect more things to come!!

Labor Day

2011-09-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

Cheney did some work for MeMe & Pop on Labor Day.....too bad it is so dry here. It might be years before we can get rid of this burn pile.

Homecoming 2011

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Friday night was Homecoming for the Matadors. Chandler LOVES being on the sidelines with the flagrunners. And I think they enjoy playing with her!!

The Matadors look cool when they run out on the field!! They played really well but weren't able to pull out a win against Canyon. The score was 13-3.

Chandler is always goofing off with Julia.

Madison joined Chandler for a while on the sidelines.....they always have a great time!!

Caroline's Birthday Party

2011-09-18T14:25:00.001-05:00

Recently, Chandler went to her friend, Caroline's birthday party. It was at the Children's Museum. They had a great time!!

Chandler & Caroline are in the same kindergarten class.

Caroline had a Hello Kitty birthday party.

The Children's Museum is fun. Chandler played grocery store with her friend, Brooke. They met in preschool & still see each other regularly even though Brooke goes to a different school now.

Matador Football

2011-09-05T21:15:00.002-05:00

One of our favorite things about living in a small town is going to as many high school games as possible & actually knowing the kids who are participating. It is just fun. This year, I am the sponsor of the Flagrunners so C & C enjoy coming down on the track with me.

Chandler loves getting up close & personal with the cheerleaders!!

My favorite part of the game: the players running out on the field. It gives me goosebumps everytime.

Watching the game with her favorite Flagrunners....Madison & Ashley.

Chandler brought her friend, Madison, on the sidelines & they had a great time hanging out with the other Madison.

Great Day!!

2011-08-28T14:53:00.002-05:00

This summer, Cheney went to his 1st overnight church camp. He was gone for 3 nights....while there he asked Jesus to live in his heart. It was GREAT NEWS!! Today in church, he got baptized. We are very proud of him.

He was baptized by Brett. He is the minister who works with the children & youth at our church.

It was so cool that Cheney was so excited to be baptized!! He was all smiles!!

1st Day of School

2011-08-21T21:35:00.002-05:00

The 2011-2012 school year started today!!

This was the 1st day of school last year.....

.....this was this morning. Can you tell how much they have grown?

Mommy can't believe how much her babies have grown up!!

Waiting for the doors to open. Cheney is ready for 4th grade & Chandler started kindergarten this year.

I have to tell you that I thoroughly embarrassed Cheney.....he told me that I should not have walked them into the building. HOW EMBARRASSING!!

Mommy & Me Monday-Back To School Dinner

2011-08-21T17:53:00.003-05:00

We always take the kids out to celebrate the end of school & the beginning of school. This year, we went to the Magic Time Machine. It was fun!!

I really am not ready for Chan to go to kindergarten. I am sad.....I love her little personality right now & I just want to soak it all up. I don't want to lose this time with her.

Cheney is starting the 4th grade & needless to say he isn't really happy about it. He is like his Daddy--traditional learning isn't all that important to him.

MeMe & Pop came along too. We are so lucky to get to be able to spend so much time with them.

Cheney enjoyed harrassing Rango.

Chan wasn't as excited about the characters but she did like Tinkerbell.

Our waiter was Zorro. Cheney challenged him to a sword fight!!

Check back later this week for the traditional "back to school" morning pics!!

Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Cabo San Lucas-Day 7 (cont'd)

2011-08-13T23:35:00.002-05:00

This was our last day in Cabo. We didn't want to leave at all. Before heading in for the night, we took some pictures on the beach.

Daddy, Cheney & Chandler

Mommy, Cheney, & Chandler

Cheney loves the beach!!

These kids are so much fun to travel with.....they are very adventurous. We know we are very lucky!!

She is a beach bum!! This girl was not ready to give up the fun & the sun!!

On the long trip home, we started to plan next years vacation.....wonder what adventure we will go on next!!

Cabo San Lucas-Day 7 (Part #1)

2011-08-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

This morning, we all woke up not feeling too good, but after resting & sleeping, the boys went 4 wheeling. The girls stayed at the pool.

4 wheeling in the desert can be a dirty job.

Nothing be white sand to ride on!!

The ocean & sand made this guy have a fun morning!!

Cabo San Lucas-Day 6

2011-08-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

For dinner, we went to a local place....we really were the only customers who didn't speak Spanish. We ordered by looking at a phone album with pictures of the dishes. It was fun!!

This restaurant has a play area for the kids & a foozeball table. The kids enjoyed playing while they were waiting on our food.

When they asked the waiter for the ball to play, he brought a LIME!! Very resourceful!!

After dinner, we drove into Pedregal (this is Hollywood in Mexico). All the movie stars have houses here. Wouldn't you want to live in one of these houses? I know I would!! Your view is of the the unending Pacific Ocean!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-09T23:17:00.000-05:00

Cabo San Lucas-Day 5

2011-08-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Day 5 was the day the kids swam with the dolphins. After the swim, we headed to the public beach in town. There is a great restaurant we love to eat at right on the beach.

There are a lot of people on the this beach & usually the waves are relatively calm....because of the tropical storm though they were big!! And they flooded the restaurant!!

Me & My Babies....they are growing up so fast!!

That is Land's End in the background.....at the tip of the rock the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

After we got back to the resort, the kids were able to make tie-dye t-shirts....the colors are so pretty.

Chandler enjoyed making her beautiful shirt!

We headed back into town for dinner. We ate at one of the oldest hotels in Cabo San Lucas. It is very pretty. Yes, Chandler looks adorable & Cheney is crossing his eyes!!

This resort is very private....and NO ONE was at the pool.

Land's End & a fire pit....just thought this was pretty.

Cabo San Lucas - Day 4

2011-08-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

We headed to a beach on a cove to try to snorkel. The waves were just too big everywhere else. Unfortunately, the waves were too big here too!!

Pop & Chandler tried really hard to get into the water but were unsuccessful. It was exhausting!!

I think this is a super cute picture of my sweet girl wearing a big sun hat!!

Cheney did enjoy playing in the waves until he was tossed upside down, then he was ready to go home.

What a cutie!! She knows how to play up the camera!!

At dinner, this girl performed for us.....she danced with a lit candle on her head. Too cool!!

Vacation-Mommy & Me Monday

2011-08-07T20:30:00.001-05:00

My favorite time of the year is summer vacation....when I can be a full-time mommy & hang out with my kids!!

Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Cabo San Lucas-Day 3

2011-08-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

We woke up early on the 3rd day & went to breakfast.

Cheney was super hungry.

After breakfast, we toured some multi-million dollar homes. This was the view from one of the homes. C & C decided they could get used to this & so could Mommy & Daddy.

The waves just kept getting bigger & bigger each day. The surfers were enjoying them but we were not getting in!!

This evening, while Mommy, MeMe, & Pop got massages, Daddy toured the marina with the kids.

Cheney & Chandler are saving their money to buy this for Mommy & Daddy!!

This hotel is part of the complex were we stay....it looks so pretty at night!!

Cabo San Lucas-Day 2

2011-08-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

We spent Day #2 hanging out at the beach & the pool.....

The waves were pretty big on this day because there was a tropical storm coming in.

These rocks are really pretty.

The pool. This was our view most days.

They love jumping off the bridge. We had to beg them to hold hands for this picture.

At our resort, they have activities for everyone. The kids love to paint pottery.

We have quite a collection of pottery at our house now.

Chandler loved to make smoothies in the room.

Cheney loves to swim.....he is growing up way too fast.

Because the waves were so big, Daddy took C & C to another beach so they could play in the waves....they found out the waves were big too!!

Ready for dinner.....looking very cute!!

Posing like a model!! Way too cute!!

Cabo San Lucas-Day 1

2011-08-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

After a few hours by plane, we arrived in sunny Cabo San Lucas. We immediately checked into our hotel & headed out to her favorite restaurant for boiled shrimp. This has been a tradition for many years!!

Both kids were only a few months old when they made their 1st trip to Cabo. They love it every time.

Their favorite thing to do in the pool.....jump off the rocks into the pool.

Swimming With Dolphins

2011-08-03T20:32:00.002-05:00

This year on vacation, we got to do something that we have always wanted to do....SWIM WITH DOLPHINS!! It was an amazing experience & if you ask the kids about the best thing they did on vacation they will say swim with dolphins.

Cheney danced!!

Daddy kissed!!

Chandler posed!!

They were so happy!!

Chandler has decided that she wants to be a dolphin trainer & move to Cabo to work with the dolphins there.

I think he will always remember this experience......next time, Mommy is joining them too.

Kihap like you mean it!

2011-07-16T10:41:00.001-05:00

Recently Cheney started taking karate.....HE LOVES IT!! After about two weeks, he tested for his red stripe on his white belt. His instructor, Jon, said he wished that all his white belts were as focused & disciplined like Cheney has been!

Congratulations Cheney!!

Freedom Fiesta

2011-07-06T22:12:00.002-05:00

For the past several years, the Freedom Fiesta has gotten really, really expensive & we haven't been attending. This year, it was free & we had a great time!!

The night started with a kids parade....Chandler, Drew, & Ashtyn had fun walking behind Uncle Sam.

Cheney & Chandler had fun hanging out with their friends.

The 4 Cloughly Great Grandkids......they sure are cute!!

Chandler saw one of her preschool friends--Carter!! They had fun running around the fountain.

We had a great 4th of July......we hope you did too!!

Cool Dudes!!

2011-06-22T07:24:00.000-05:00

Cheney & Thatcher are two cool dudes!!

Great Grandkids!!

2011-06-21T07:16:00.000-05:00

Grandma was able to have all 6 of her great-grandkids with her this past week. We are so lucky that she is able to spend time with them!!

Listed in age order: Cheney (9), Chandler (5), Thatcher (4), Ashtyn (4), Drew (1), & Ledger (7 weeks). Aren't they a bunch of adorable kiddos?

Friends & Cousins

2011-06-20T07:10:00.000-05:00

Chandler got to spend last week with two of her favorite people......Thatcher & Ashtyn!!

She had a blast with her cousins!!

Happy Father's Day Dad!!

2011-06-19T18:58:00.001-05:00

Today, we spent the day with the best dad in the whole wide world!! Our Dad!!

Thank you, Daddy for loving us!!

Sunday Funday!

2011-06-12T20:59:00.002-05:00

This afternoon, we hung out at MeMe & Pop's house. It is fun to just hang out by the pool.

Cheney practiced his archery!

Chandler hung out mostly in the pool......she is so silly, showing off her favorite snack....CHEESE!!

Camping Weekend

2011-06-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

We spent last weekend camping on the San Marcos....it was so fun!!

Chandler had a great time just hanging out & collecting rocks!

The dogs even enjoyed the water!

The best part of camping is riding your bike around the campground.....Cheney even gave Chandler a pump a couple of times.

Last Day of 3rd Grade!

2011-06-08T10:01:00.002-05:00

Where has the time gone? There is no way Cheney is finished with 3rd grade!! WOW!!

He had a great year & was very successful.

Waiting for the bus for the last time this year....

I was able to make it to his awards ceremony. He got a lot of awards!! This is the All A Honor Roll for 3rd grade.

Cheney was the only 3rd grader to make All A's the entire year. He received a pass to ZDT for that accomplishment. He also was the only 3rd grader to reach the "million word" club & was ranked 3rd in the school. He got a Walmart gift card for that accomplishment. It pays to do good work!! We are very proud of him!!

River Rats

2011-06-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

In the summer, our life pretty much revolves around the water. I think these kids would grow gills if they could!!

Ready for a boat ride!

Loving the water

Great way to relax.....one more day of school!!

Cheney was getting instructions on how to slalom. He made some great progress & will be skiing on one ski soon!!

Weekend At The Beach

2011-06-01T21:59:00.003-05:00

We spent Memorial Day weekend at the beach with Khristina & her family. Khristina & Mommy sell Mary Kay together. We had a great time. Khristina has kids that are the same age as C & C. Everyone got along really well. We are planning our next weekend trip soon!!

Chandler LOVED playing in the sand.

Mommy & Khristina pretty much did this all weekend!

Chandler & Maggie had fun splashing in the waves.

Cheney & Matthew rode the waves most of the weekend. It was great to see these two boys play so well together.

These silly girls were showing off their "robot dance" on the boardwalk.

Meena & Chandler had fun playing all weekend.

After all that playing these girls were ready for bed!! What a bunch of cuties!!

Preschool Graduation

2011-05-31T21:16:00.003-05:00

Chandler is ready for kindergarten! Last week, she had her preschool graduation program....it was bittersweet. While I am excited to see her moving to kindergarten, I am sad to see her leave the caring teachers & friends she has made at preschool.

The program was a re-enactment of the story of Noah's Ark. Chandler & her friend, Tanner, were the sheep.

This is Chance & Carter. They were the cutest lions ever!!

Tulip & Madison were beautiful angels.

Ms. Stollewerk's class

Mommy's sweet baby girl is not a baby anymore.....

Chandler & Madison will be friends forever. They will be going different ways next year, but we know they will be back together soon.

We LOVE Ms. Stollewerk!! She has had a huge influence on both of our children & prepared them for kindergarten in so many ways. We will be forever grateful for her love & kindness. Cheney & Chandler have been so lucky to be in Ms. Stollewerk's classroom in their preschool years.

Pinkalicious

2011-05-27T18:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever read the book "Pinkalicious?" It is a cute story about a girl whose favorite color is pink. She loves to make pink cupcakes but she eats so many that she turns pink & then she eats more & turns red!! After her parents take her to the doctor, she is told to eat green foods. Pinkalicious learns to like green foods so she can return to normal.

The children's theatre is doing the "Pinkalicious" musical this month. Chandler got invited to go see it with her friend, Madison. We had a great time!! Before the show, we went to a "Pinkalicious" tea party & ate pink cupcakes!! But thankfully, we didn't turn pink!!

What a cute cupcake!!

With a cherry on top!!

Chandler loved the show!! We had 2nd row seats.....she is ready to go back to the theatre!!

1st Boat Ride

2011-05-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

Our family loves the water!! A few days ago, we went for a boat ride.....Lance & Layla got to go on their 1st boat ride too!!

It sure is fun to ride in the boat!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

2011-05-25T21:15:00.002-05:00

Daddy had a birthday on Monday!!! We had a great day & celebrated with the family at Clear Springs.....YUMMY!!

Happy Birthday Daddy! We love you!!

Happy Birthday Keagan & Camden-BFFs Forever!!

2011-05-16T18:00:00.000-05:00

Chandler went to Keagan & Camden's birthday party this past weekend. It was at The Jumpy Place. This place is super cool!!

Chandler had a blast on the slide!!

It was a SUPER HERO party so everyone made a super hero mask!

Chandler & Keagan have been best friends for a long time. She was the only girl at the party & she loved every minute of it.

We love the Ables family so much!! Who can resist these sweet faces?

Mini Olympics

2011-05-15T22:30:00.002-05:00

Chandler LOVES taking gymnastics!! This weekend, her gym had a Mini Olympics to show off the student's skills. Chandler did a fabulous job & she is ready to learn new skills.

Showing off her bar work.....this is her favorite skill!!

Showing off her vault skills!!

She has GREAT balance.

Showing off the ribbons she won!!

Mother's Day Celebration

2011-05-11T18:00:00.001-05:00

We had a great Mother's Day celebration. I got to spend the entire day with my family.

Daddy & Chandler took a nap.

After lunch, we headed to the ski lodge to visit with more family, but we had a great surprise when we got there.....Chandler's friends, Kate & Madison were there!! They had a blast playing together!! It is so fun to have such great friends.

"M" Day

2011-05-10T18:00:00.000-05:00

Chandler wore her new dress for "M" day.....

Cinco de Mayo

2011-05-09T22:32:00.001-05:00

Cheney's school had a great opportunity recently. People from Ballet Folklorica came & taught his school some traditional Spanish dances for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. It was so cool to watch him perform & we found out he is a pretty good dancer.

Muffins With Mom

2011-05-08T22:26:00.002-05:00

This week, Chandler's school celebrated Muffins With Mom. It corresponded with Mother's Day and "M" week. It was great to spend time with my best girl!!

Chan made me a beautiful handprint tile!!

After we ate our muffins, the class treated us to some wonderful songs about how much they loved their moms!!

Happy Easter

2011-04-25T18:00:00.000-05:00

Our family had a great Easter celebration.....

They looked so cute in their Easter outfits.

Getting ready to hunt Easter eggs

Who could resist this face?

Travis & his girlfriend were looking cool!

Soccer!!

2011-04-24T22:05:00.002-05:00

C & C have been playing Spring Soccer. They are having a lot of fun!!

I am beginning to see that soccer is their favorite sport!!

Preschool Sings In Church

2011-04-17T17:55:00.002-05:00

Chandler goes to preschool at a lutheran church. Every year, the preschoolers sing in church. It is always fun to see the songs they have learned. This is our last year to have a child in preschool.....we are excited to not have to pay for child care anymore, but very sad!! I don't want to leave the friends we have made at preschool!!

We have made some great friends!!

Singing "This Little Light Of Mine"

Chandler walking back to her seat....sweet girl!!

Cheney's 9th Birthday Party

2011-04-12T22:36:00.002-05:00

This year, Cheney had a football birthday party.....it was a lot of fun!!

There were lots of friends there!!

Daddy helped the boys play a game of football!!

There was also a "punt & pass" contest.

Once again, MeMe made a fabulous birthday cake!! We are so lucky that she loves us so much!!

Happy Birthday Bubba!! We love you!!

All A Honor Roll

2011-04-05T20:54:00.002-05:00

This is the 1st year that Cheney has been able to be on the Honor Roll. It has been a tough year with new curriculum & lots of testing requirements. We are so proud that he has been able to be named to the All A Honor Roll every quarter so far this year!!

There were only 2 students in the 3rd grade that made All A's this quarter!! WOO HOO!!

Happy Birthday To My Cheney Bug!!

2011-03-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that 9 YEARS ago, my sweet Cheney Bug was born.....God knew exactly what He was doing when He blessed us with our boy!!

You have grown from a cute little boy to a handsome young man!! Mommy loves it when people tell me how polite, kind, & smart you are!! I know I am very lucky!!

Mommy & Daddy love you, Cheney Bug!! We are looking forward to all the adventures you will take us on!!

Happy Birthday!!

Homemade Dog Biscuits

2011-03-19T19:00:00.003-05:00

For Christmas, Cheney & Chandler got a "Fun With Your Dog" kit. During Spring Break, we got it out & made Lance some homemade dog biscuits. Lance loves them!!

Cheney made some....

And Chandler made some!!

After baking, this is what we got!!

Spurs Vs. Heat

2011-03-18T19:06:00.003-05:00

At school, Cheney participated in Hoops For Hearts....because he earned over $50 he got a free ticket to a Spurs game. Daddy bought a ticket so he could go with him. They had fabulous seats!!

Cheney got to get close during the warm-up.

I am so jealous of their view.

Such a cool dude!!

After the game, Cheney got to shoot free throws....so cool!!

Spring Break Trip 2011-Day #4

2011-03-17T18:34:00.001-05:00

After sleeping in a little, C & C visited the Eric Carle museum. It looks really neat!!

They got to do some artwork while they were there. Both kids are so creative!!

Just being silly spelling his name!!

Even the urinal had Eric Carle's mark on it!!

After dinner, Jeff & Kerry took everyone to a local ice cream place called "Friendly's". Cheney got an ice cream called "vol-cone-o." He took it to Jeff & Kerry's house to eat it. Chandler watched her brother put it together.

His masterpiece!!

Spring Break Trip 2011-Day #3

2011-03-16T19:00:00.001-05:00

I think that today was the BEST day of their trip!! They got up early & headed to Vermont.

They are just such cuties!!

She is ready to go for her lesson

Looking like a pro

Go girl!! Mommy is so jealous!!

This is probably my favorite pic of all.....I love the looks of determination on their faces.

A different kind of tubing than we are used to, but this looks very fun!!

Spring Break Trip 2011-Day #2

2011-03-15T23:23:00.002-05:00

The 2nd day of their trip, Cheney & Chandler visited the Basketball Hall of Fame. Cheney loved it!!

WOW!! Look at the arm span!!

Even the hand dryers looked like basketballs!!

After the Hall of Fame, they visited the Dr. Suess museum.....isn't that cool?

Spring Break Trip 2011-Day #1

2011-03-14T22:31:00.003-05:00

Cheney & Chandler are on their Spring Break trip. MeMe & Pop took them to see Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry. They are having a great time.

It is fun to spend time with Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry.

The 1st stop on their trip was the Yankee Candle Co. Chandler found out her name means "candlemaker." I knew this but had never told her. At the candle factory, there is a restaurant named after her......so of course, this is her restaurant!!

In the candle factory, the kids got to make their own candles. Looks like fun!!

Just Playing Around

2011-03-09T20:52:00.001-06:00

While waiting to watch Bubba perform at DI competition, Chandler played around in the lockers at the school.....she is such a cutie!!

Destination Imagination

2011-03-07T21:35:00.001-06:00

For the past 3 years, Cheney has been involved in an organization called Destination Imagination. It is a great problem solving organization. It teaches creativity & critical thinking skills. These skills are important for students to learn & sometimes they are difficult to learn in the classroom. Being a part of a DI team is a huge time commitment, but Cheney LOVES every minute of it. This past weekend, his team participated in the regional competition. It was a really long day, but he had fun!! Each team can't compete in this competition until they are in 3rd grade so this was Cheney's 1st time at the "real deal." They didn't place but they are ready for next year!!

The Strikers from Jefferson Avenue elementary

Getting last minute instructions from their Team Manager

The team entered the improvisational competition. They had 5 minutes to prepare a skit using specific objects to illustrate the prompt that they drew from the judges before entering the room. As a parent, it was nerve-wrecking to watch.....and I was AMAZED with what they came up with in such a short amount of time.

We are sooo proud of Cheney. Even though they didn't place, they were part of a elite group of students who CHOOSE to work so hard. They gained so much experience taking part in this activity.

Bundled Up And Ready To Go!

2011-03-06T20:55:00.002-06:00

Next Saturday, C & C are heading to the East Coast to visit Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry for Spring Break. MeMe & Pop are joining them on their trip. Mommy & Daddy were not invited.....

They are going to spend a day at a nearby ski slope. Luckily, we have some fabulous friends who loaned us some ski clothes. They are ready.....the funny thing: they got all these clothes on & said "I can barely move" & "I am so hot!"

Mommy & Daddy are sure going to miss them!!

Championship Game

2011-02-27T21:51:00.003-06:00

Cheney's basketball team made it to the championship game....they were undefeated this season. It was fun to watch them play.

Bringing the ball down the court

Love the face!

The Mid-Tex Propane Wolverines

Cheney and Hayden....great friends.

Basketball was fun....next up: spring soccer!!

Daddy/Daughter Date Night

2011-02-13T20:19:00.002-06:00

Tonight, Chandler & Daddy went to the Daddy/Daughter night at church. They had a great time. I think it is ironic that they planned it because Daddy & I had been talking about how we needed to do things with the opposite kid.....Mommy & Cheney then Daddy & Chandler....because it always seems the girls do things together & the boys do things together. We are going to try to mix it up every once in a while.

I bet Chandler had the fanciest ride to the banquet!

Daddy & his favorite girl!!

Happy 5th Birthday!!

2011-02-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Five years ago today, our lives were turned upside down by this sweet girl. We had no idea what kind of blessing God was giving us when he gave us Chandler Grace. The road hasn't always been easy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Chandler Grace, your sweet smile & spirit make me so happy each & every day.

Mommy & Daddy love you so much!! Have a fabulous day!!

Chandler's 5th Birthday Party

2011-02-06T00:01:00.000-06:00

Chandler is going to turn 5 soon!! I really can't believe it!! It seems like just yesterday we were discussing whether IT was a boy or a girl....& Mommy was so happy to hear the magical words "It's a girl!"

Yesterday, we had her birthday party. This year, she chose a gymnastics party. It was a lot of fun!! Chandler has some great friends & family.

Once again, MeMe made a fabulous cake!! We are so lucky that she loves us so much!!

Blowing out her candles....can you believe all the people that were there to help her celebrate?

After eating cake & opening presents, there were fun activities. The 1st one Chandler chose was the obstacle course. She was having a blast!!

These girls all go to church together: Sydney, Allie, Kadie, & Chandler. Youth group will be fun when they are all old enough!!

After the obstacle course, the group headed to the pit for pillow fights!! Chandler & Cheney went first!! Chandler was able to knock Cheney off the beam!!

It is fun to hit your cousin with a pillow!!

Then it was trampoline time.....she can fly really high. Good job on the pointed toes!!

Check back later this week for pictures from her actual birthday!! I really can't believe that she is 5 already!!

We're Playing Basketball......

2011-02-05T12:10:00.002-06:00

Cheney LOVES soccer, but his 2nd favorite sport is basketball. He has played several games & his team is pretty good. The 1st game was tied & other two they won!! I like basketball because it is an indoor sport!!

Warming up with his team.....he wants to be like MIKE!!

Playing defense....he does a pretty good job. We have to work on blocking out & rebounding though. Uncle Jeff? Can you come work on that with him?

"Snow" Kinda Day

2011-02-04T12:48:00.003-06:00

We rarely see frozen precipatation in South Texas, but last night, we got some!! I know some people think we are crazy that we got this excited but you have to understand.....we never get this!! This morning, I woke the kids up with "it snowed" and I have never seen them move faster.

Chandler just said "I can't believe it." She was so excited!!

When my parents bought this house, it was covered in snow....too bad we didn't get that much this time!! Oh well, still fun!!

Trying to recreate the movie.....just like his Daddy!!

Making a snow angel....yes, in the middle of the street. That was the only place that the snow really stuck.

Tracking the cat paws across the driveway.

Needless to say, we stayed outside a total of 10 minutes. We decided we are beach bums and not snow bunnies!!

Chandler's Surgery

2011-01-23T12:00:00.001-06:00

Chandler has been having some issues with ear infections, diminished hearing, snoring, & speech problems. After seeing her pediatrician, speech therapist, & ENT, it was decided that the 1st step in correcting these problems were to take out her adeniods & put in ear tubes. So, this past week, that is what we did.

We checked in to the outpatient surgery area & they gave Chan some medicine to relax her.....she got so silly. She just kept giggling & laughing. Daddy & I were laughing so hard that we had tears in our eyes.

The surgery went fairly quick & she was soon back in recovery. She was not happy to have the IV in her hand.....but they did give her a monkey that had a surgical mask on. After a few tears, she went home & spent the day resting.

Next up: weekly sessions with a speech therapist.

All A Honor Roll

2011-01-22T12:00:00.001-06:00

Cheney did it again!! He made all A's for the nine weeks. WOO HOO!! We are so proud of him.

Showing off his Gold card....the girl is one of Daddy's high school classmates daughter. Her name is Kate.

These are the 3rd graders who made all A's. There were only 6.....one was absent for the assembly. It sure is nice that Cheney is part of this group. The other boy is Cheney's good friend, Rene.

After the honor roll assembly, the DI teams from Cheney's school were recognized. The 3rd grade team is on the left & the 4th grade team is on the right. Cheney's friend, Hayden, is on the 4th grade team. He is standing in the middle of the top row of 4th graders in the red shirt.

Go Spurs Go!

2011-01-21T21:25:00.002-06:00

Earlier this week, I told you that Santa was able to get us tickets to the SA Rampage. Well, Santa also surprised us with tickets to the SPURS!! Last week, we went to see the Spurs take on the Dallas Mavericks. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!

Cheney is already planning our next trip to see the Spurs.

My kids--ready for the big game!!

Our view of the court

Cheney loved every minute of the game.....he tried to get on the jumbotron all night long!!

Chandler had fun but was really more interested in the Spurs cheerleaders & how many times they changed clothes.

Cute Cousins

2011-01-19T19:51:00.002-06:00

During the Christmas holidays, Cheney & Chandler got to play with their cousins....they had a blast!!

This is how Thatcher spent most of his time....looking over Cheney's shoulder as he played his DS. It was pretty cute!!

Ashtyn & Chandler were adorable....they loved playing make-believe together!!

Rampage!

2011-01-17T11:17:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Groupon, Santa brought us tickets to see the SA Rampage. The kids had never been to an ice hockey game so it was a lot of fun!!

The Rampage were playing the Texas Stars. It was so much fun!! The Rampage won too.

Daddy & Bubba watching the game. Cheney thought the fights were the best part!! There were three.

Chandler was really intrigued when the guys got put in "time out" for playing mean.

Best part of the night? Daddy was feeling so lucky after this picture that he entered a contest and won $300!! WOO HOO!! Way to go Daddy!!

Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry

2011-01-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Uncle Jeff & Aunt Kerry came to visit on Christmas Day!! We enjoyed our time that we had with them. Cheney & Chandler had the best time!!

New Year's Eve Fun

2011-01-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

It is a tradition that Pop usually makes us homemade sopapillas for New Year's Eve, but this year, we did something different because not very many people joined us so we didn't want Pop to work so hard. This year, we had chocolate fondue. It was a hit!!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T22:41:00.001-06:00

We hope that you & your family have a blessed 2011!!

We love each & every one of you!!

Cheney & Lance

2010-12-31T10:01:00.000-06:00

Cheney & Lance slept on the couch last night.....

Christmas Morning

2010-12-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

We got up bright & early to see what Santa brought us!! It is tradition that we look at our stockings first.

Santa left a wonderful gift in our stockings.....SPURS tickets!! Cheney was pumped!!

Santa also left our family a new Wii game--Band Hero!! We have had fun trying to figure out how to play the game.

After reading the story of Jesus' birth from the Bible & having a family prayer, we began opening presents. These kids are growing up way too fast!!

Lance enjoyed his gift from Cheney & Chandler. He got a Kong Wubba. HE LOVES IT!!

Getting ready for Santa to visit

2010-12-29T07:00:00.002-06:00

After the kids got their pjs on, they went outside to spread the reindeer food. They wanted to make sure that the reindeer didn't miss them.

Even Lance helped to spread the reindeer food!!

The cookies & milk were all ready so it was time to head to bed!!

Christmas #3

2010-12-28T14:30:00.002-06:00

After we left Christmas at Granny Nette & Papa Jim's house, we went to celebrate Christmas with the Stephenson family. There were lots of people there.....it was loud & fun!!

Granny Nette with Chandler, Cheney, & Karson

Kase showed Papa Jim & Pop Stephenson how to play this new DS game. After this celebration, we headed to MeMe & Pop's house to get ready for bed so Santa could visit us!!

Mommy & Me Monday-Christmas Eve

2010-12-26T23:01:00.000-06:00

We have spent a lot of time the past couple of days with our family celebrating Jesus' birthday. I have heard several times that Chandler is a mini-me......I don't see it. I think she looks like one of my cousins. What do you think? Does she really look like me?

Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Christmas #1 & #2

2010-12-26T16:11:00.002-06:00

Christmas started early on Christmas Eve this year. Right after lunch, Karson & Kase came over to our house to have Christmas with Nanny Gerry. Unfortunately Nanny Gerry wasn't feeling to good & wasn't able to make it, so we had Christmas without her.....after we opened the presents, we headed over to Papa Jim & Granny Nette's house to have Christmas with them. It was so fun to celebrate with our cousins.

The Stephenson grandkids are a GREAT looking group.....Konni just finished her 1st semester at Texas A&M & we are glad she was able to join us. The boys are always wild & crazy!! Chandler is the quiet one of the bunch!!

Karson got a chess game so the older boys enjoyed a game. Kase was mesmerized by his new DS game & Chandler just enjoyed watching what was going on.

Chandler LOVED Granny Nette's kitten Toby....she wants to get one of her own but her daddy said NO!!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-25T00:01:00.001-06:00

Cheney & Chandler want to wish you and your family a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Adopt A Grandparent

2010-12-24T07:00:00.001-06:00

This year, I participated in an Adopt A Grandparent event with my MK business. I gathered donations & then purchased some MK products to deliver to the residents of a local nursing home. The kids helped me deliver the gifts. With my fellow MK consultant, we were able to make 46 residents a little bit happier. They really enjoyed receiving the gifts, but they enjoyed seeing the children more.

Chandler woke up EXCITED to visit the nursing home. I love her sweet spirit!!

Cheney enjoyed wishing the residents a Merry Christmas!

Sometimes we have to be led by the children. None of the kids were reserved about visiting with the residents.

What a great group of kids!! They were so well behaved & enjoyed their visit. I was very proud of them!!

Gymnastics Holiday Showcase

2010-12-23T17:28:00.001-06:00

Chandler LOVES gymnastics!!

Last week, her gym had a Holiday Showcase to show parents what they have learned. Each child could have one parent on the mat to take pictures of them doing their skills.

Streching for her splits.....Mommy had to show her how she could ALMOST still do the splits!!

This is her favorite thing to show us!!

Practicing her walk-over.....her mouth is always open when she is upside down.

Working in the bar

Chan has great balance!!

She is a STAR!!

"J is for Jesus"

2010-12-20T12:00:00.001-06:00

C & C sang in church this past Sunday. They sang "J is for Jesus." It was great!! Part of the song was in Spanish & everyone enjoyed it.