Having a Ball With the Smith's

I'm a lucky Mom

2012-02-15T08:05:00.000-06:00

Pretty flowers from Makenzie

Court Side Seats

2012-02-14T09:38:00.000-06:00

Makenzie got her first appearance on Varsity last night, well at least she had court side seats. She did tell me she wishes she could have tried to defend the other team's big girl, just to see if she could. She is always up for a challenge. And yes, we won!

The roster.
They even spelled her name right, although the height isn't exactly right, but half of them aren't.
Speaking of height, how about that 5'6" Post,and 5'6" is generous.

The starters from JV that were pulled up

These 5 aren't used to sitting out a whole game!

Player like Coach

2012-02-14T09:25:00.000-06:00

Makenzie was sitting next to Coach Hammond during the game last night. Coach Hammond works with the Post(her position) and he was her shot and discus coach last year. Dale kept looking at them and they were sitting the same and even making the same expressions at times. Dale kept saying, "get a picture" so I did.

Same expression

Makenzie caught me taking this so she was laughing, but she didn't know why I was taking it.

Basketball Season Not Quite Over Yet

2012-02-13T11:49:00.001-06:00

Makenzie got her basketball stats for the year:

9.6 points per game
229 points total (they said 230, but we did the math and it was 229)
82 FG
8- 3pointer
41-68 FT

She has been pulled up to Varsity for playoffs. She probably won't see any playing time, but it's an honor just to be pulled up.

The first playoff game is tonight, so hopefully some of Makenzie's winning streak will rub off on the Varsity team.

Her Varsity uniform. She got her #42 back.
That's what she was last year and when they handed out the uniforms this year another girl in front of her grabbed it.

Makenzie in the Varsity sweat pants. They didn't have enough jackets to give her a matching jacket,
but that is one less white thing she will have to keep clean at school today!

They think all basketball players are 6 feet tall. Brittney's pants dragged on the ground also.

Undefeated Season #4

2012-02-08T12:45:00.000-06:00

Makenzie has not lost a basketball game in 4 seasons!! It's great to be surrounded by a great group of girls who are team players. It's exciting to be a part of so many good teams, but it will make that first loss that much harder, but right now we will just concentrate on the wins. Way to go JV Lady Cougars!!

The 2011-2012 JV Lady Cougars

The Varsity Team came out to help them celebrate

This was the girls reaction as the banner was shown to them

Way to go out with a big win!

Michelle Schmidt and Makenzie are the only 2 that have had 4 straight seasons of being undefeated

My pathetic attempt at decorating a cookie cake.
I only had to fix it twice, once when I went to take a picture and my camera strap dragged through the icing and then the second time when I went to take a picture and went to remove my lens cap and it bounced on top of the icing. Can you say more blond moments for me. At least the girls didn't care, I think they demolished it in 1 minute flat!

Last Home Game

2012-02-06T16:38:00.000-06:00

Makenzie had her last home game of the season and that's when they have parents night, when they recognize all the players and their parents and I got a rose out of it.

Dale, Makenzie and Marti being introduced

I can't leave Dale alone with roses.

Sunday Afternoon Nap

2012-02-06T14:42:00.001-06:00

Watching or Sleeping

2012-02-06T14:40:00.000-06:00

Jacob after midnight, watching(sleeping) the BYU v Gonzaga on the computer in his bed.

It was a school night.

My Man

2012-02-06T14:31:00.000-06:00

Dale vacuuming the church

Matthew's Jersey

2012-02-06T14:28:00.000-06:00

We went to Texas Roadhouse the other night and found Matthew's high school jersey hanging up.

We had been told it was there but never go there to eat.

Team Work

2012-02-01T12:55:00.000-06:00

Makenzie's team having a prayer before their game last night.

Flying High

2012-01-31T12:33:00.000-06:00

Dale had his solo flight on Saturday, January 28, 2012.

I went with him and even went with him and his instructor on some pre-solo flight run through. This was the first time I have gone with him. I get motion sick very easily, so it took awhile for me to go with him. I was very nervous for his solo flight, but after flying with him, I really wasn't nervous at all, well a little bit, but not as much as I thought I would be. The first take off he had the plane was a bit off balanced, but that was due to the extra weight in the back, me! After 3 or 4 touch and go's his instructor and myself got out of the plane and he was on his own. I stood and watched him fly. I am so proud of him and excited that he finally gets to do what he has always wanted to do, learn to fly. He has a post on his blog in progress that he will share in more detail, but wanted to share a few pictures form that day.

Dale in the pilot seat.
I had a cool head phone with mic, but tries to take a picture with the small camera only to find out the battery was dead.

Downtown Houston from the plane

Coming in for a landing.
It was hard to see from the back seat

Another landing

Cool shadow of the plane

Dale in the plane all by himself

Headed to the runway

And he is off

Dale is flying that plane!!

All done.

He did it!!

Blonde Moments.....

2012-01-31T11:02:00.000-06:00

I thought these were only for Brittney(haha, we love you Brittney), but I had a few last week.

Wednesday of last week we had over three inches of rain in the morning. That afternoon, I guess I figured we needed more water, but in the house. I was doing my monthly cleaning of my washer filter. There is a tube that you remove the cap from and drain any remaining water from the washer. You then take out the filter, clean it, and replace it. I did all that, except I forgot to replace the cap on the tube and started a load of laundry. I went upstairs to upload some basketball pictures. Luckily, Dale came home from work early only to notice water in the kitchen. I tried to flood the house. Again, I we were lucky that the water was contained to the laundry room, powder room and a small part of the kitchen, ALL TILE!! Dale got out the shop vac while I was soaking up the rest with our many beach towels conveniently located in the laundry room. I guess that's one way to clean your floors!

On Saturday, I locked myself in our bathroom(Miqui,you can stop laughing now), at least the toilet room in the bathroom. I went to leave and the door knob came off. I tried to put it back on the part that was still on on the other side. All I did was push that side off. I was trying to stick my finger in there to open it, but the door had been locked, so it wasn't as simple as pushing the lever. I don't keep anything sharp in the toilet room, magazines, toilet paper and feminine products are all that are in there. After many attempts to get out, I start yelling Dale's name through the hole. He was upstairs and it is really hard to hear anything from the bathroom up there. After a lot of yelling and banging on the door, Dale finally heard me and rescued me. Good thing he was home or I might have had to break the door down. On the bright side, I had a bathroom to use if nature called.

Things that make me smile!

2012-01-23T11:23:00.000-06:00

Makenzie's team had their toughest game, all season, Friday night, and it was against our basketball rival, which we had already beat the first time we meet during District play. We came out on top, but barely. Makenzie probably had one of her best games ever. She caused turnovers, got some steals, rebounded like crazy and had some good moves and some good shots and this was all why the other team was taunting her over the leg protection she wears on one of her shins. She said she heard it, but it didn't seam to affect her, especially at the free throw line. On a side note, the kid that was so obnoxious was almost going to have to wear leg protection , because I thought Dale might go down and kick him in the shin. The team was extremely happy to get this win and team out of the way!

I know I shouldn't laugh, but the look on the Refs face as he dodges the ball cracks me up!
We did feel a little sorry for him, because he had to ref the game before us by himself and started our game by himself until a Varsity ref got there and came in to help.

Making the lay-up after she stole the ball!

Another really nice shot

One of the coaches daughters.
We are the Cougars and playing the Spartans

I looked up and saw not only the JV parents cheering, but also the Varsity and Freshman parents.
This was only one section of fans also. There were fans to the right and left of this section.

We are the VISITOR!

This picture says it all!
Some look extremely happy and others have that look of relief on their face.

Happy Days... He's Been Cleared

2012-01-23T11:03:00.000-06:00

Jacob was cleared on the 17th to play basketball again. His finger still looks weird, but the X-ray looked straight, so the Dr gave him the OK to play!! He didn't start, which he usually is a starter, but he came off the bench and didn't miss a beat and didn't even look out of shape for not practicing for almost 3 weeks. At one point his hand got hacked at and it started to hurt, but other than that all went well, except we lost to a very good team. The team he played looked more like a high school JV team than a Jr High 8th grade team. They gave it their best though and Jacob was happy to be back out on the court with a basketball in his hands instead of the water bottles.

Warming the Bench

2012-01-16T14:30:00.000-06:00

Walking out of Jacob's game Thursday night the coach asked when he gets his lefty back. We told him he has an appointment on Tuesday. He told us how hard it was to keep Jacob from wanting to practice and that he still shot better hurt than the rest of the team. Jacob wants to play as much as his coach wants him to play.

Jimmer and Jacob sitting on the end of the bench.
We find out tomorrow if Jacob can return to playing.
You notice Jacob isn't the only team member with an injury.

Roll Tide

2012-01-11T07:36:00.000-06:00

Jacob sent this picture to his LSU fans after the game on Monday.

Jacob is not an Alabama fan, but he dislikes LSU more.

"Roll Tide"

Rough Weather

2012-01-09T13:08:00.001-06:00

Rain, what is that? We haven't had a good rain in a very long time, but we got over 6 inches of rain this morning. There was a funnel cloud spotted 2 miles north of us and a tornado touched down 6 miles southwest of us. We really needed the rain, unfortunately some people got a little more than just rain. We are fine, just a little wet!

Taken at 9 am in the morning. It was really dark and started to hail.

Trying to capture the 2 inches of water running down the side walk

A house across the street from us. You can see the gutters were doing overtime

Mother Nature made lake

The pool was to the top!

The other house across the street from us

You can see how much water was on the street.

LOL

2012-01-09T12:49:00.000-06:00

These made me lol(laugh out loud) this week:

"What do you call 53 grown men watching the Texans first playoff game at home?... The Dallas Cowboys" Thomas Bennett's facebook status

"I have a bad feeling that we're in for some tough times. Bloodshed, hatred, and humanity at its worst. Yes, it's time for church basketball." Steve Brown's facebook status

It was determined by a "nose goes" that Matthew would take care of Dale when he is old, mostly because Matthew wasn't around when the kids did the nose goes. Last night Dale was talking about when Jacob was going to take care of him. Makenzie reminded him that it was Matthew that got him. Dale said fine, he will get all my money and my plane. Jacob said, "He can't even ride a bike, what makes you think he could fly a plane."

This is a quote from Coach Hammond, one of the girls basketball coaches, as he was pumping up our Varsity as they were getting ready to play the number 23 team in the state:

"I came here to chew bubble gum and kick ass! And guess what?...I ain’t got no bubble gum"

By the way, we beat that #23 team in the state!!

While at that basketball game, I was on the floor taking pictures. Coach Clayton, the Varsity football coach, told the mascot to go rub Coach Hammond's head. She shook her head no. Clayton said she needed to rub it for luck and just then, Hammond rubbed his own head and Clayton said, see he likes his head rubbed. A few moments later, Coach Clayton is saying to me, get a picture of this. The mascot did rub his head.

It must have brought us luck, we won!

It hurts to be hurt!

2012-01-09T08:52:00.000-06:00

From starting Point Guard to water boy. It was hard to watch Jacob have to sit on the bench during his basketball game. The orthopedic doctor is working hard to have him playing in a few weeks. We will see. It's killing Jacob to have to sit also. The High School Varsity coach was at his game and told me he really wanted to see Jacob play. He asked which hand the finger was on and I told him the right. He said that's good since he is left handed. I love how all the high school coaches know that he is left handed.

We Love It

2012-01-09T08:37:00.000-06:00

We started the New Year off with basketball, I know, what a surprise!
As we sitting at the dinner table last night we were going over the weeks activities, Tuesday, basketball, Wednesday, Mutual, Thursday basketball, Friday basketball, to which Makenzie said, "We Love it."
Makenzie played a team that they played in a tournament championship game. We were a little surprised when 5 members of that JV team were up on Varsity. Their JV team didn't look like the team we played a month earlier. We killed the JV team and our Varsity bench killed their Varsity. I made the comment that our JV could beat their Varsity and it occurred to me that we already had a month earlier.

This is who Makenzie had to guard this game

This who she had to guard a month ago, this girl was on Varsity this time:

There was a bit of a size difference. Luckily our Varsity got to deal with it this go around!

The best thing from that day was a fashion statement by one of the dads from our freshman team. I only took a picture because another mom couldn't get her phone camera to work and I had my camera out.

Many husbands were informed that day that they would not be allowed to walk out of the house in this attire. Dale just might do it to embarrass me.

How do you end the year??

2011-12-31T22:12:00.000-06:00

With an emergency room visit, at least Jacob did. He was at the health club playing basketball and was crossing over and his right hand was hit. He has one broken finger and a couple of them that are jammed. They had to numb his finger so they could reset it and then splint it. He has a chip in the growth plate so he has to make a visit to a hand surgeon. He is very bummed, since he will probably be out for the rest of his basketball season. The only good news is that he is left handed and it happened on his right hand.

Not only is it broken, but he has some really dry skin that needs some lotion!

The X-ray

All splinted up and you can see that the other two fingers are kind of swollen also

Armed Forces Bowl 2011

2011-12-31T22:01:00.000-06:00

We had the opportunity to go watch BYU in a bowl game yesterday. It was up in Dallas, so we went up the day before and spent the night there. We had beautiful weather for the game and we were treated to parachutes and a fly over. The game wasn't looking too good for BYU at the beginning, but they ended up winning it in the last few seconds. Leave it to BYU to make it a blood pressure elevating game.

We've got Spirit

A big group of missionaries. The Dallas Texas Mission President was a real hero yesterday for letting them come!
We felt Matthew there in spirit!

It was a beautiful day for this!! Look at that blue sky!!

The fly over

The girls sporting their BYU tattoo's

Jacob sporting his tattoo

Celebration after a touchdown that BYU it's first lead of the game

Jacob went down on the hill by the end zone to watch the game

The final score

The team with the trophy

One last picture before we leave the stadium

Kids by one of the BYU buses. We thought about waiting for the team, but decided to hit the road and head back home.

Only at a BYU Game

2011-12-30T21:34:00.000-06:00

After a really bad call against BYU I stood up and yelled, "Bull", nothing more nothing less. The lady sitting in front of me turned around and gave me the dirtiest look, I must have burned her virgin ears. I was thinking should she not be on the sidelines when the coach is yelling at the team, but I'm sure a BYU coach has never used a swear word, but then again, bull isn't a swear word by itself. is it?

Maybe if we gave them a little more hell than heaven, we would have a better football team!

Blast from the Past

2011-12-28T20:53:00.000-06:00

Remember Christmas 2008, we won't forget it,it was the Christmas our children made people think about the Snowman Song in a whole different light!!

Here are a few other versions of the same song that are pretty funny, but it can't top our kids!!

Why I Had to Play Catch-up on the Blog

2011-12-28T14:58:00.000-06:00

THIS STUPID(by the way is not a swear word) 2OOO PIECE PUZZLE!!

The Thursday before Christmas, the kids decided to go to Target at 9:30pm and buy a puzzle. They came home with the Las Vegas Skyline, the other option was The Last Supper. I'm thinking they should have gotten the latter! The kids pulled all the outside pieces out and Brittney and I started to put it together while Jacob, Makenzie and Dale went and sat in the hot tub, I was going to go get in also but I got sucked into this stupid puzzle. Dale and I were up till 2 am Christmas Eve/Christmas day working on this puzzle and stayed up till 1am the next night. We finally finished it last night. I have never spent so much time on a puzzle before, never, and don't plan on it again. The next puzzle that comes into this house needs to be done behind closed doors so I don't get sucked into helping with it!!

Getting down to the end

Filling in all the black pieces at the very end.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T23:32:00.000-06:00

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast

I'm giving Dale the look that the kids give me every time a take their picture

Makenzie's first gift

Brittney opening her first gift

Jacob finally got the Beats(ear phones) he has wanted for a year.

Dale's thinking, not only to I have to pay for this I have to clean up the mess too.

AND NOW IT IS TIME FOR THE FAMILY GIFT

SKYPING WITH MATTHEW!!!

I love that we cannot only talk to Matthew but we can see him as well. So thankful that his Mission President allows this, plus it save money not having to call! We love you Elder Smith and can't wait to have you home next Christmas.

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T23:26:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve dinner and Jacob is having Dr. Pepper instead of the Sparkling Cider

Makenzie sitting down to dinner

All the stocking are ready for Santa

Late Gifts for Matthew...Not Happy!!

2011-12-23T22:53:00.000-06:00

As of tonight Matthew has not received his Christmas package, it has been held up at the FedEx facility in the Dominican Republic for two weeks! Not a Happy Camper! Hope everything is still in his package , that's if he ever gets it! Dale thinks I could have flown over and delivered it to the mission home personally and it would have been cheaper!

Strike two against FedEx!
Here is strike one! At least they got their package.

She's Home

2011-12-19T22:10:00.000-06:00

Brittney got home from BYU on Saturday, December 16th. We are excited to have her here even if we have to send her off again in a few weeks. She was able to go to Makenzie's basketball game and see her old teammates that are still in school and a few teammates that were also home from college.

Dale with the girls after Makenzie's game

Marti and the girls. Jacob didn't show up till later to watch the Varsity boys game.

Brittney and her friend and teammate, Anne Marie

I was glad we stayed for the Varsity girls and boys game. We saw the last game of one of our Varsity boys that afternoon as he was tragically killed in a car accident the next day. I cannot even imagine what his parents are going through. We are so saddened by his loss. It makes you appreciate each and every moment you share with your children. Don't forget to hug your kids and tell them that you love them!

Bright Colored Wreath

2011-12-11T11:32:00.000-06:00

Here is the wreath that Makenzie made in her Floral Design class.

Not a traditional wreath, but very cute, and very Makenzie, she loves bright colors.

She had left over wreath stuff that we decorated the small trees on the porch to match the wreath.

Thinking of Matthew

2011-12-05T13:14:00.000-06:00

It's Always Fun When Cousin's Come

2011-12-05T13:12:00.000-06:00

Dale's cousin Kirk was in town Saturday night. He plays for the Atlanta Falcon's and they were playing the Texans. Dale met him at his hotel and took him to Pappasito's, our favorite restaurant. Jacob and a few of his friends went also, Makenzie was busy playing in her championship game, so we missed out. It was fun for Dale and Jacob to see him and really fun for Jacob's friends.

Thomas, Colin, Kirk and Jacob

Three Days and a Championship

2011-12-05T13:05:00.000-06:00

Makenzie had a basketball tournament Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It was clear on the other side of Houston, 60 miles one way. Their game on Thursday, I heard was a tough, hard fought win for them(I was at Jacob's first game). I heard it was probably the best team they have ever faced. A few of the parents told me that Makenzie had the game of her life that night, and of course I missed it. We were able to watch her play Friday night and they really took it to that team. Saturday morning was a tough game also, but in the end we ended up winning by 22 points. Makenzie took 3 charges during that game. She was already bruised up and that didn't help. This was the first loss that team had this season, so it was hard for that team, but they were nice enough to cheer for us during the first quarter of the championship game, they played for 3rd place before our game and won, so they were already there, but still nice to have them cheer us on since we were playing the host school in the championship. We won!! We took a beating against a larger team, but came out on top! So proud of Makenzie and all of her teammates. This is such a great bunch of girls.

This girl Makenzie is guarding, tackled her early on in the game.
She was slow to get up.

Four of the five starters getting a much needed break

Relaxing in the hot tub after 3 days of basketball

Early Christmas Gift

2011-12-02T12:44:00.000-06:00

My mother-in-law knows how much I love Christmas and how much I like to decorate for it.

She made me this picture that I can use every Christmas.

I love, love, love it!! Thank you!!

This picture is proudly displayed on a bookcase in the entry way into the Living room.

Jacob's Season is Finally Here

2011-12-01T23:37:00.000-06:00

After many weeks of Makenzie playing basketball, Jacob's season finally started and he had his first game. We are happy to report that they game out with a win!!

Jacob was one of the team captians for his first game

Shooting the 3 but they only gave him 2. His coach was not happy.

Going in for the lay-up

Defense

Blessing and Pizza

2011-11-30T14:02:00.000-06:00

We were able to be there for Ezra's blessing.

After the blessing we had homemade pizza cooked in the Brick Oven.

It was a great day all around!

Jordan and Ezra

Jessica and Jordan with Ezra

Jacob with his fancy cheese pizza

Grandpa Smith putting a pizza in the oven

Grami with Porkchop

Erica making her pizza

Porkchop and his Mommy, Yannette

Scrunch getting a hug from her Daddy

Scrunch enjoying a ring pop

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-30T13:47:00.000-06:00

Brittney is ready for dinner

Dale taking a nap so he will be wide awake for dinner

Dale and his Mom

Kent, the cook and the host!

COUSINS!!

Porkchop enjoying his food!

Grandma and Grandpa Smith

Jacob and the Girls!

Ezra likes his Great Uncle Dale!

Kent, Tami and grand daughter, Scrunch

Disneyland 2011

2011-11-30T13:34:00.000-06:00

We're going to Disneyland

Baby Ezra's first trip to Disneyland

Makenzie and her cousin Erica

Makenzie with her cousin Miqui

Brittney and Scrunch

Erica, Miqui, Ezra, Jessica, Brittney, Marti and Makenzie

Cool 3D glasses

Chocolate covered banana's, my favorite!!

Going for a spin in the Tea Cups

A little wet from that ride!

We missed you Matthew!!!

Worn out from a long day at Disneyland!

Blog Land No More

2011-11-30T13:21:00.000-06:00

Until last week these cute kiddo's only existed in blog land. I have followed Scrunch and Porkchop(blog names) since they were born. So glad that I finally got to meet them in person, and Scrunch has just as much personality, even more, than her Mom blogs about!

My favorite story from Scrunch is when she wanted a fruit roll-up. Her mom asked her how many she had had. Scrunch replied, "5 plus 2 more", her mom told her she didn't need anymore. Scrunch hit her hands on her legs and and while raising them up siad, "Come on." Brittney started to laugh so her mom had to give her one. no worries, she really didn't have that many roll-ups. Our kids were wondering if that would work on a ref in a basketball game when they call a foul on them.

Scrunch also ask "Why" to everything. She was spinning around on a chair and I asked her why she was doing that. She said because it was fun. I asked her why, to which she replied, "I don't want to talk about it."

Scrunch putting up the Go Fish cards

Scrunch feeding Grami's chickens

Porkchop showing off how strong he is

Don't worry, this was staged.

Did I Mention They Have a T-Shirt for Everything

2011-11-22T13:09:00.000-06:00

The JV Team Home Game Shirt

Away Game Shirt

2011-11-21T10:25:00.000-06:00

Makenzie's Away Game Shirt.

You have shirts for everything in Texas schools, but I think this is my favorite

Dripping Wet

2011-11-17T13:55:00.000-06:00

Makenzie played the entire game on Tuesday night. That will make you sweat!

Her jersey was completely soaked!

Changed out of her jersey and reading a book during the Varsity game.
It wasn't pleasure reading, it was for school, but she looked like it was for pleasure.

Few Seconds of Fame

2011-11-14T15:51:00.000-06:00

Brittney made it onto TV during the BYU game on Saturday night.

I took a picture of her with my camera when I saw her, but it was blurry. Some friends were DVRing it and went back and snapped a picture, that was much clearer than mine. She thinks she was on a few times earlier, but we were at our high school football game so only caught the last quarter of the BYU game.

This is Brittney with our friend Julie Willis. She sent me this picture in response to the picture that I sent her.
I sent her a picture of Makenzie and I without coats, because it wasn't 34 degrees like it was in Provo.

A nice 68 degree evening. Great football weather!

Good news about your missionary en Santiago, D. R., please open the attached item.

2011-11-14T14:24:00.001-06:00

LA IGLESIA DE

JESUCRISTO

DE LOS SANTOS

DE LOS ÚLTIMOS DÍAS

November 14, 2011

Dale and Marti Smith
Katy, TX 77494

Dear Brother and Sister Smith;

Your son, Elder Matt Smith, continues to progress and is becoming an effective missionary. He has demonstrated dedication, obedience, and love of his companions and the people here in the Dominican Republic. He is respected by me and by his peers.

Now the Lord has called your son to be a District Leader. In this position he will have a responsibility for several other missionaries. He will also conduct interviews to determine if baptismal candidates are prepared to make sacred covenants with their Father in Heaven. In my opinion, this is the responsibility we place on these young men that is most beyond their natural abilities; they must come to know the hearts of those they interview. These interviews can only be done well if the interviewer seeks and receives help from the Lord. This responsibility will stretch your son in a good way. Please continue to pray that he will fulfill his responsibilities and expand his abilities.

We truly feel a great love for your son. We pray for the Lord’s blessings upon you for all you have done, and are now doing, to help him be an effective servant.

Sincerely,
Miguel Lee
Mission President

Basketball Madness Has Begun

2011-11-10T15:49:00.000-06:00

After many weeks of scrimmages, Makenzie finally had her first basketball game of the season. Her winning streak is still alive. She had a good game and scored 7 of their first 11 points. She also had more points, just not sure how many. She also had her work cut out for her. She is always the one to have to guard the "big" girl from the other teams and she usually wears them out. This particular team had 3 big girls that were much bigger than Makenzie so they could rotate them in and out. She almost played the whole game. When they took all their big girls out, Makenzie was able to take a breather. She played hard as she always does!

Makenzie one of the team captains

Michelle and Makenzie have played together since 7th grade and have not lost a game yet

Makenzie making the first basket of the game

Holding the ball running time off the clock

Texas High School Football

2011-11-10T15:35:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday, our high school, played our rival high school in football. It was a beautiful day for it also!It is always a big game. If someone were to fly over the stadium, they would think there was a college game going on. It is always sold out with people sitting on the grassy hill. We lost, not a big surprise, but a little depressing, but we were the first school to hold them under 40 points this year. The only time we beat this team was Matthew's senior year. It's my claim to fame that the team that beat Katy was the team our son was on. Here are a few pictures taken at the tailgate party before the game and the crowd. Nothing like Texas High School Football, but it's hard to see your team lose.

Jacob and some of his buddies who he played football with.

Dale and Makenzie

Makenzie has some strength to pick me up!

Our team getting ready to come out onto the field.
The other team's mascot is the Tiger's, that's why there is a Hello Kitty sign

The opposing teams side

Our side, took this at the end of half time so the empty seats belong to the band who hadn't all got back into the stands yet

Playing Dress Up

2011-11-01T11:41:00.000-06:00

Dale's mean face

Another BYU Game

2011-11-01T11:38:00.000-06:00

We were able to go to another BYU football game this year. This game was against TCU and it was at the Cowboy's Stadium in Dallas. Once again a Texas team beat us. Here are a few favorite quotes from that game:
The guys selling beverages in the BYU section, "Ice cold, non-alcoholic beverages" They were trying to sell beer until someone finally told them they they wouldn't sell any in our section, but how tempted was I to buy one just to see what people would say.

They were announcing the athlete of the week from TCU's football team. At the end they said, "He is one of several athletes working towards his degree". Shouldn't they all be working towards a degree??

While crossing a street going to the car a cop said, "Watch out for drunk people(to the BYU group) and drunk people watch out for cops(as the TCU fans followed).

Too bad we lost but we had fun and to top it off, the hotel I booked was right next to a Pappasito's. Guess where we had lunch on Saturday.

Jacob and Makenzie over looking the End Zone at Cowboy's Stadium
Notice the message on the screen behind them, I assume it was for a BYU fan.

I keep dragging Dale to these BYU games

The Big Screen. I would find myself watching the game on it instead of the on the field

View from our seats. They wouldn't let me take my telephoto lens in or it would have looked closer.

The Interception

2011-10-26T09:01:00.000-05:00

Jacob had an interception in his game last night. This was some what impressive since he jumped up and took it away from a kid who is a foot taller than him and a friend of his. I was even happier to get pictures of it. Dale even got it on video. I loved how excited his coach got when he came down with the football.

Jacob is in the maroon jersey and white pants, or the shorter one.

Congratulations from his teammates!

The Newest Family Member

2011-10-24T13:01:00.000-05:00

Dale's nephew, Derek, and his wife Jeana just welcomed their daughter

Rachel Ann into their family by the way of adoption.

We are so excited for them and so grateful to the couple who had the courage to allow them to adopt this sweet girl. We are so excited for Derek and Jeana!

Derek and Rachel

Brittney, Derek and Rachel

The Cutest BYU Fan (Sorry Kent)

2011-10-24T12:55:00.000-05:00

Jessica and Jordan went to the game with us. I asked if Ezra had a BYU shirt and he didn't. Ezra ended up with a shirt, hat and hoodie(it was too warm for the hoodie). I needed to let Ezra know which team he should cheer for because his Gpa Kent likes that red team up the road!

Game Day

2011-10-24T12:49:00.001-05:00

You can kind of see the Y between all the trees

It's an upside down COUGARS

Jessica, Jordan and Ezra

This is for Jacob... Cody Hoffman

Kevin, Kristen, Carolyn and Brent Chambers
Craig and Chelsea Chambers

It's more fun to win and win at home!

Houston...We have a problem...No Fall

2011-10-24T12:25:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to go spend the weekend with Brittney up at BYU. I was so happy to see that there were still lots of fall colors left. Brittney and I went up to Bridal Veil Falls and up to Squaw Peek to look at the colors. We weren't let down. The colors were really amazing on the way up to Squaw Peek, but the roads are narrow and no where to stop and take pictures. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. It was a nice break from the Houston heat!

This water was COLD!!!

At the top of Squaw Peek

Cold Weather Wimps

2011-10-19T14:50:00.000-05:00

See, we weren't the only ones that were cold at the football game!

Texans, we are all cold weather wimps!

Jacob's football game.
61 degrees and very blustery.

Scenty Reminder

2011-10-18T16:32:00.000-05:00

I was looking through some of Matthew's shirts to find a long sleeve one for Jacob to wear at his football game tonight(a cool front has blown through). Who knew after 15 months his shirts would still smell like him. It was a nice reminder of him. Only 9 months left!!

45 Years

2011-10-16T23:26:00.000-05:00

Happy 45th Birthday!!! We love you!!!

Childhood Left On the Curb

2011-10-11T14:06:00.000-05:00

Brittney is a HOARDER! She saves everything.

Since she is over a 1000 miles away, I decided to de-crap her room, I mean get rid of the clutter!

All the crap I removed, Brittney calls it her childhood,
but I'm sure she doesn't even know she even had the stuff I threw out.

Brittney, just in care you were wondering:

This is what the top of your dresser and desk look like.

You can see yourself in the mirror now that I have taken everything that was taped to it off and cleaned off all the sticky.
I didn't throw away any of your sayings or pictures that were on the mirrior, they are in a nice folder.

You could actually do homework at this desk now!

Makenzie's Sophomore Homecoming

2011-10-11T13:45:00.000-05:00

Makenzie attended Homecoming this year. She went with a small group of friends.

She made her own mum this year since she was taking Floral Design, she got a 100 on it!

Her group kept it very simple. they took pictures, went back to a house and had pizza and wings, went to the dance, came back to a house and swam, ate more goodies and watched part of a movie. I love simple get togethers!! They were going to make smores, but since there is a fire ban here, they would have been making them illegally. they really wanted those illegal smores! Makenzie had a great time and has some awesome friends that she was able to share it with!

The top of the mum

The finished product

Makenzie with some of her basketball buddies

Makenzie and her friends from her Floral Design class

Brittney's roommate, Julia, was home for homecoming, so she gets a picture with Makenzie.
Poor Brittney was stuck in freezing cold Provo.

Makenzie and the parentals

Dressed and ready to go

The girls in her group. there was one guy, but he wasn't there yet.

She is so beautiful!!

Was that really the message??

2011-10-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

Elder Russell M Nelson's talk in the Sunday afternoon session of Conference.
I'm pretty sure his talk wasn't on Flat, Sexy Abs.
Jacob accidentally hit the controller and this came up. I couldn't resist getting a picture.

The Almost Interception

2011-10-03T13:53:00.000-05:00

Jacob almost had an interception in his game last week. They both came down with the ball so it goes to the receiver. That's ok, because the next play the other team fumbled it and we ran it back for a touchdown which won the game for us. I didn't take this picture as you can see me in the background intently watching.

New Revelation

2011-10-01T10:13:00.001-05:00

I wonder if we are going to receive an extra verse to D&C Section 89(The Word of Wisdom) in General Conference today:
"Thou shalt not watch BYU Football as it is hazardous to your health"

Go ahead, laugh at me, it could happen, not the revelation, but the hazardous health!

Sins of the Mother fall on the Daughter

2011-09-29T12:08:00.000-05:00

Brittney just received a calling in her ward at BYU, Ward Prayer Coordinator. Only at BYU would they have that calling. She is responsible for getting people to say the opening prayer in Sacrament Meeting. Jacob said she should give them a time limit and if they go over it, they would go through the drop box in the floor. Brittney laughed, but said if she had to give a talk, she wants someone who gives long prayers so she wouldn't have to talk so long.
I think she got this calling because of my(her mother) actions when at BYU. One ward I was in, the Executive Secretary always called on Saturday to get people to give the prayers in Sacrament Meeting. Well, Steve, the Executive Secretary, just got engaged to Camille. One Saturday, I called every guys apartment in our ward and said, "This is Camille_____, I'm calling for Steve_____, and was wondering if one of the guys in your apartment would give the opening prayer tomorrow?" There were many volunteers for the prayer. On Sunday, we meet for church in the Harris Fine Arts building and had Sacrament Mtg. in one of the theaters. While waiting for church to start, about 20 guys were up on the stage all thinking they were to give the opening prayer. It was funny watching them try to figure it out. Finally they got one guy to give it.It was funny because Steve went to Camille's ward that Sunday so he didn't even get to witness all the guys willing to give the prayer. The next Sunday, the Elder's Quorum President came and asked a guy sitting by us if he would give the prayer and made the commented that the week before they had half the ward wanting to give the opening prayer. My roommates and I just chuckled. I don't think anyone knows who did this, there was a lot of speculation, but my name was never on the radar.
I guess the sins of the mother fall on the daughter.

The Touchdown

2011-09-20T12:06:00.000-05:00

Jacob's touchdown catch. I had to pay for these pictures.

Next time I will pay more attention to the game with my own camera!

I forgot to mention that Dale had the video camera rolling, but he didn't get it either.

Pre-Season Basketball

2011-09-20T12:01:00.000-05:00

Makenzie played in a pre-season tournament with the girls from her high school JV team. They played 6, 20 minute games. They won all of them!!

Shooting

Free Throw

The team coached by Dad's

Yes they are #1

Make sure he respects Yo-az!!

2011-09-20T11:36:00.000-05:00

Brittney recently sent me this little gem from a facebook group called overheard at byu.

To all the girls who are in a hurry to have a boyfriend or get married, a piece of Biblical advice: ” Ruth patiently waited for her mate Boaz.” While you are waiting on YOUR Boaz, don’t settle for any of his relatives; Broke-az, Po-az, Lyin-az, Cheating-az, Dumb-az, Drunk-az, Cheap-az, Lockedup-az, , Goodfornothing-az, Lazy-az, and especially his third cousin Beatinyo-az. Wait on your Boaz and make sure he respects Yo-az….

To all my married friends, which "az" did you marry??

PS. Wondering if the Mayor has already stitched this for a pillow or wall art for Scrunch's room.

Tuesday Night Lights

2011-09-14T10:52:00.001-05:00

Jacob had his first football game of the season. They won 16-0. Jacob is playing receiver this year instead of quarterback. He had two catches, that's all he had thrown to him. The first catch he made was for a first down. The second catch was for a touchdown. Of course I didn't get the touchdown catch because I was busy talking to the High School Varsity Coach. I did see the catch and lucky for me a real photographer was there and she got the picture. I just need to get it from her. When I dropped Jacob off at the Jr High it was 103 degrees. Luckily it cooled off by time he played!! Jacob is #7.

Tuesday Night Lights

Jacob and some teammates walking into the stadium

Cinco Ranch Junior High 8th Grade A Team

Jacob first catch

Hanging on

And he has it!

Jacob and Austin, just after Austin threw a touchdown pass to Jacob

Too Close to Home

2011-09-14T10:37:00.000-05:00

There have been many fires around us, but this one yesterday was pretty darn close.

It is even closer to Dale's office than our house.

It is George Bush Park that is on fire and it's not far from our house.

It's still burning some today, but it is contained and I don't think anyone had to evacuate.

Fire from the Jr High parking lot

View from the High School parking lot. You can also see how dry the grass is.

From the High School football field.
The field is artificial turf that's why it is so green,
but the practice field is in the background and is much greener than all the other grass around the school

They Finally Meet

2011-09-12T15:21:00.000-05:00

BYU vs Texas....The football Matthew always wanted. It came and he was on his mission:(

We have always cheered for Texas, but when it came to the match up against BYU, my blood is blue.

Unfortunately BYU lost 16-17. We had fun meeting up with family there.

We saw Dave and Tyson at the restaurant before the game. We also meet up with Erica and Derrick before the game and then their seats were just a few rows behind us.

I even got Dale to wear a BYU shirt!

He usually wears his School of Mines shirt, it's the same colors as BYU, but he didn't, but maybe he should have, they seem to win when he wears it.

Dani and Makenzie

Marti and Erica

COUSINS!!
Erica and Makenzie

Jacob and his friend Austin.
Jacob likes both teams, but he was cheering for BYU and sad that they lost

Erica and Derrick
We laugh because Derrick never went to BYU and is a Law student at Texas.
Erica never went to either. I think she was afraid of getting beat up:D

Proof...Dale in a BYU shirt :)

BYU"s Team

At half time everyone stood and sang, America the Beautiful.
The USA chant followed.

COUSINS!!!

Brittney was back at BYU with her "Hook 'em on the Book of Mormon" shirt

September 11, 2001

2011-09-11T10:31:00.000-05:00

I just got home from taking Matthew, Brittney and Makenzie to school. I was going to go to the gym to workout, but ran home first to put another load of laundry in. The TV was on and they were reporting about a plane hitting the World Trade Tower. As I watched the news I saw the second plane come in and hit the other tower. At this point I knew this was no accident and that we(our country) were under attack. I was scared and the worst part was Dale was in Syria, yes the one in the Middle East. I started getting phone calls from family members wondering if Dale knew. I tried calling him, but it's not like I could call him on a cell phone, he was in the middle of the desert. I had to call an operator , but the number I had for his room was wrong, well it was right they just added a 1 in front of it. My attempt to reach him failed, although I had a huge phone bill for the multiple times I tried to call. Dale finally called me and he had seen what happened and knew his family would be worried. He was safe, but I sure wish he had been home! The next few days I have never felt so lonely in my life. I had the kids, but I couldn't express to to them how I was feeling and I surely didn't want to worry them, especially with their Father in the Middle East. I would put a brave face on during the day and cry at night. A few days after the attacks, I got a phone call at about 10pm. It was Mrs. Daniel, Matthew's teacher from the 4th grade( Matthew was in 5th, but he played soccer with Mrs. Daniel's son). She asked how the kids were and how I was. She said she thought I might like someone to talk to since Dale was gone. I cried for a few minutes and thanked her for being so thoughtful. I really needed that! I will always remember Mrs. Daniel and her act of kindness. My next concern would be if flights in the US would resume by time Dale was to come home. Yes, it was! I was always so happy to see him after he was gone for a month, but I can't tell you how happy I was when he got home this time and I was even happier because it was his last trip over there! Life is so much better when Dale is here in it!
Yes I do remember and I can't forget those feelings from that day and the days after.

Identity Crisis

2011-09-10T09:51:00.000-05:00

Jacob's room and shirt for the BYU vs Texas game

FOOTBALL

2011-09-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

Jacob has started Jr High Football.

They had their first scrimmage yesterday. Jacob has moved from QB to Receiver this year.

Jacob's team had the maroon jerseys on.

Jacob getting ready to play some defense

Jacob ready to run a route

Jacob makes the catch

Jacob has a nice run after the catch

It took a few orange jerseys to take him down

Another catch

After the catch he was quickly meet by these two guys. I didn't get the picture of the second guy hitting him really hard. Mom mode kicked in and I watched instead of taking pictures.

This is Jacob and his friend Hunter in 6th grade on the Youth Football team together

Jacob and Hunter in 8th grade, but on different teams.
Yes Hunter is tall and Jacob isn't so tall.

Fires

2011-09-07T10:53:00.001-05:00

If you haven't heard, the State of Texas is on fire. We have had a really hot and dry spring and summer. When I was driving Brittney to school, the panhandle of Texas was greener than Houston. We have been fortunate that the closest fires are 25 miles away in 3 different directions. There have been over 600 homes lost to these devastating fires. It's really sad. Even though there are no fires super close, we are still getting the ash and the smoke from them, but at least I have a home to go inside to. The smoke did give us a pretty sunset yesterday night, but that's the only good thing it has done.

Baby It's Hot Outside!!

2011-08-30T14:59:00.000-05:00

It has been a HOT Summer here in Texas. We have hit at least 100 every day in August. With the humidity it always feels like 100 in Houston, but now we get the 100's and the humidity. I usually turn my car off and roll down the windows while I wait for Jacob to get out of practice, yesterday I let the car run and blasted the A/C. It was even too hot for me!

Jacob after football practice

After football practice and shower

Another Award

2011-08-30T14:52:00.000-05:00

Another One Leaves the Nest

2011-08-30T14:47:00.001-05:00

We arrived in Provo on Monday Night the 22nd.
Tuesday,the 23rd. we spent the day getting her BYU ID and Sports Pass and did some shopping for the dorm and bought some BYU clothes for the others back home.
Wednesday, the 24th, she moved into the dorms.

Making a trip to campus to get her ID and Sports Pass.
Glad we went before everyone got there the next day to get into the dorms, we totally missed the crowds.

The Bell Tower

Brittney's car is loaded and headed to unload at the dorms

Got the bed made with the quilt that Grandma Brink made her

Computer up and running!

Welcome to BYU Brittney

Brittney with her friend Chantel from home

Marti(aka proud mom) and Brittney

Brittney with her roommate Julia Hatfield
Watch out Provo, Texas girls are in the house!

Brittney's first day of classes.
Thank you Brittney for the picture!

Utah Peeps

2011-08-30T10:00:00.001-05:00

Outfit Carolyn bought for baby Ezra

Cousins
Nicky, Kyle and Brittney

More Cousins
Jessica, Jordan, Kristen, Brittney and Baby Ezra

The newest family member.... Ezra Meraz

Shaylee all ready to cheer on her Aunt at the BYU soccer game

Kristen and Brittney's "I want a cookie" face

Shaylee wants a cookie too

.....but a balloon will do

Dale's niece Ashlee and her husband Tyler and daughter Shaylee.
Tyler's sister is the Goalie for BYU' Soccer Team

Hurricane Irene lashes Dominican Republic north coast

2011-08-23T01:35:00.000-05:00

Here is an article I found about Hurricane Irene. The eye came about 50 miles of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. This is where Matthew currently is. We are assuming he is ok. We are suppose to get an email from him tomorrow assuming he has power to do so.

Hurricane Irene lashes Dominican Republic north coast

Santo Domingo.- Hurricane Irene, 80kms NNW of Puerto Plata, remains a category 2 hurricane and is moving north-northwestwards with sustained maximum wind speeds of 160kph. A hurricane warning means that in 36 hours or less, at least two of the three effects associated with Hurricane Irene - strong winds, high tides and heavy rains - may occur in the areas under alert.
This morning the Puerto Plata authorities reported that more than 100 families have been moved from the neighborhoods of Aguas Negras and Playas del Oeste, because their homes are at risk from the strong sea wave activity.

The Civil Defense, together with members of the Armed Forces has been taking people to stay with friends and family or improvised shelters.
Some 14 houses in these areas have been destroyed by the sea. Heavy rains and strong winds continue to affect the area.

Maximum wind speed has been registered at 160kph with stronger gusts, and it is likely that this will increase in the next 24 hours.

Storm force winds, and in some cases hurricane force winds are forecast for the provinces of Montecristi, Valverde Mao, Santiago Rodríguez, San Juan de la Maguana, Santiago, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Puerto Plata, Espaillat, Maria Trinidad Sánchez, Samaná, Hato Mayor and Monte Plata. Puerto Plata reported sustained wind speeds of 93kph.

Maritime conditions in all coastal areas remain perilous while Irene moves north-northwestwards, and the Emergency Operations Center (COE) is advising all craft to stay in port.
Coastal flooding risk warnings are in place for residents in low-lying coastal areas on the north and northeast coast like Nagua, Río San Juan and Cabrera.

The forecast for the National District and Santo Domingo North, East and West is torrential rains and wind gusts.

Picture with the article

Coast of Puerto Plata

Aftermath in Puerto Plata

Colorado Peeps

2011-08-21T09:31:00.000-05:00

Marti, Becky and Jerry
The "younger" 3 kids

Buffalo Ears
This is for you Dad!

Princess Jyl

My Great Nephew Isaac

Great nieces, Avery and Emersyn

Brittney and her cousin Nathan

Cousins
Jyl, Brittney and Nathan

Sister and Brother

Great Nephew's
Ethan, Evan and Eli

Adrian

Reliving Childhood

2011-08-20T09:24:00.001-05:00

Fun times with Brittney,my niece, Jyl and her daughters

Emersyn

Amryn

Dressing the boys trophies up in Barbie clothes

We're Not in Texas Anymore

2011-08-19T09:08:00.001-05:00

While driving to Colorado on our way to take Brittney to school there were a couple of things that reminded us we weren't in Texas anymore. By the time we got to my niece, Jyl's house, it was 60 degrees and raining. It was cold, at least by Texas standards.

Temps in the 60's. Haven't seen those in a long time.

RAIN!! Haven't seen that in a long time either

Sunset in the mountains. No mountains in Texas

Happy 21st Anniversary to Us!

2011-08-18T07:54:00.000-05:00

Siesta

2011-08-15T17:18:00.001-05:00

We had Stake Conference Sunday, but we didn't take an OCH, but Jacob found time for a siesta.

The talks hadn't even started yet!

License to Drive....

2011-08-15T16:18:00.000-05:00

Well sort of, Makenzie got her Driver's Permit today!!

Destin, Florida 2011

2011-08-12T12:23:00.000-05:00

It is sad, but we hadn't taken a vacation all summer long, due to camps and work(both Dale and Brittney). Brittney has finished up her job and so we decided to finally squeeze a short vacation in. Many of our friends go to Destin, Florida for vacation, it is located in the panhandle of Florida, about 10 to 11 hours from our house. It would have only been 10 coming home, but we hit some construction in Louisiana, took the alternate route and still hit construction, but that is a whole other story. We have heard great thing about Destin, mainly its white sand and clear water, something the beaches here in Texas don't have. We arrived in Destin on Saturday, August 6th. As soon as we got to the hotel, we changed clothes and headed to the beach. To our surprise, a lot of algae was washing up on shore, the water was clear, just full of algae, but the sand was really soft and white. We were some what disappointed with the water, but there had been an algae bloom due to the warm temps and lack of rain. Each day we were there, the water got a little better. By Tuesday, our last day to spend on the beach, the algae was almost gone, you will see that in all the pictures I'm going to post and I'm going to post a lot, that is because we print the blog out into a book at the end of the year and I want lots of pictures in it! If the pictures I post aren't enough there are more on facebook.

AUGUST 6, 2011

Walking along the beach

Really white sand

Jacob

We found Matthew's name written in algae.
I only got the Matt part since I would have had to stand in the water with my camera to get the whole Matthew

Marti trying to through Dale's back out

AUGUST 7

We set up camp on the beach

Brittney comes to the beach to read

playing some frisbee

Jacob skim boarding

See the water is clear when all the algae isn't washing up.
You can see pieces of algae floating around.

AUGUST 8

Jacob boogie boarding

Marti boogie boarding

Dale just relaxing and floating around hanging onto the boogie board

Brittney

Jacob's feet got sunburned

Matthew has his own Blvd in Destin

Dale saw this and we had to turn around and drive back to get a picture of me with the Vacuum Center sign.

AUGUST 9

The water was clear and the waves were big. By noon the red flags went up, we were still aloud to go in the water, just had to be careful. The big waves were so close to shore that you didn't even have to go out far to catch a big wave.

Our message to Matthew

2011-08-08T08:01:00.000-05:00

Thinking about Matthew from Destin, Florida

Walking in my shoes

2011-08-05T13:26:00.001-05:00

Brittney has been working as a Nanny to a 4 and 10 year old this summer. She has next week off since the family will be on vacation and she thought she had a couple of days the following week before she headed off to school. She worked a half day today and she met up with me at Target. She told me that today was her last day since the kids were going to be with friends the last week. I thought she was going to cry. I asked her if she was sad and she said yes, that she will miss them. Now she knows how I will feel when I drop her off at BYU.

Brittney with Edward and Dylan

Feeling Young

2011-08-05T13:20:00.000-05:00

A few nights ago we were discussing age, mainly that I couldn't believe I would be 50 in a few years. The kids were telling Dale he wasn't far behind, he is almost 45. Dale said he didn't feel that old except for his memory wasn't as good. I relied, that's what keeps us young, we can't remember what it feels like to be young.

Emily is Coming...YIKES!!

2011-08-02T19:22:00.000-05:00

I hope Matthew is prepared for a Tropical Storm!!

They Do Grow Up Too Fast!!!

2011-08-01T20:24:00.000-05:00

Where has the time gone!!! Our sweet neighbor, Alisa, was married in the Houston Temple this past Saturday. We have known them for the past 6 1/2 years when they started building their house next to ours. We are so excited for her and her now husband, Kevin. Brittney was one of her bridesmaids.

It seemed like it was just yesterday that they took the picture below.

2006

2011

Bridesmaids(with the floweres) and Maids of Honor(sisters)

Brittney and Marti

Crystal, Alisa and Brittney

The grass is always greener....

2011-07-27T14:36:00.000-05:00

.....on the Texas High School football fields.

Texas is in a terrible drought right now and we have had hardly any rain this year. I was driving down the highway where everything is really brown due to the lack of rain and I see this green oasis, our high school practice football fields, and they were also being watered. Glad our priorities are straight.

Not Driving Me Crazy

2011-07-27T11:13:00.000-05:00

Makenzie has started driving school this week. It seems crazy that she is even old enough to get a permit, but I must admit, I'm not as stressed as I was with the first two getting their permits and then their drivers license. I've come to rely on having extra drivers, but I won't have any after Brittney leaves for BYU. It will be back to driving to early morning Seminary with the hopes Makenzie can catch a ride to the high school with one of the kids that do drive. I guess I can't send a kid to the store to pick up a few things for me either. I will be excited for Makenzie to get her license, as long as she's a good driver!

Favorite Pic

2011-07-21T08:15:00.000-05:00

I am very fortunate that Matthew sends home a lot of pictures from his mission, but this by far is my favorite!

In true Texas fashion!

WE LOVE YOU TOO!

Happy Camper....NOT!

2011-07-19T20:49:00.000-05:00

Last week Jacob attended Scout Camp. He is not a camper so needless to say he wasn't super excited. It didn't help much when the packing list included mouse traps, mosquito netting, mosquito repellent and bug spray. It was also very HOT, remember it's July in Texas. Dale spent the first night up there and said it was really hot and he was glad he didn't have to sleep all week in the heat. I have pictures to document that Jacob actually went to camp, thanks to Dale who took pictures with the camera that Jacob had to have.

Are we having fun yet?

Not yet

Still not having fun

Maybe he's going to have some fun

We are having fun now!

Happy 60th Anniversary

2011-07-15T02:20:00.002-05:00

My parents have made it to 60 years!!!! Happy Anniversary to them! They are the greatest examples of love and what marriage should be. My dad was the perfect role model of what a husband should be and that's the kind of man I found in Dale because he has the same qualities as my dad. My mom was great example of being a wife. She loves and always supported my dad. They always were kind and loving to one another and treated each other with respect. They never raised their voices to each other, at least not in anger, they have to speak louder now that they are a little bit older. I love you guys very much and couldn't ask for better parents!

Taken one week after they were married at my grandparent Brink's house

Wedding Day
July 15,1951

My Grandpa and Grandma Brink and my parents on their wedding day.
I must say my Grandpa Brink is quite the handsome man!

The Wedding Party

Half Way There

2011-07-14T14:19:00.000-05:00

Matthew hit his year mark today!!!

One more year and he will be walking the other direction!