Catch up time

The events----

It has been an awful long time since I last blogged. I will hopefully do our family life justice by writing and thinking up the last few months and thensome. We had some really fun snow---freaked out the locals...the NORTHERNERS loved it.

January and February

Middle School basketball- came in fourth in district

Church basketball- came in first in stake area

Winterguard Competitions

College applications and financial questions

Big Time Rodeo

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Welcome to the 8th grade Wnba!

Whew! What an exciting and taunting weekend for 8th grade girls basketball. Friday night---we battled against Grapevine...lost by one point. The refs were extremely stinky and were worse the last minute and ten seconds. That is how our team lost. There were some big...big girls on this team too. A big girl was one of the best that Gretchen keept the ball from. The BIG girls' dad was sitting next to me and said...look at that small girl...is she even a 8th grader? SURPRISE!!!! Gretchen stole the ball from her 2 times. Oh ,the dad said she IS GOOD. Oh I said...that is my daughter ---the small one. If looks could ---well you know. The battle went on for awhile...lucky for them there was no OT. G's team came away with scratches and bruises but nothing extreme. The next day, Saturday, we played twice in the tournament. First, against Richland Hills, which was an okay game except Gretchen got pounded. One of the girls slammed her on the floor head first...she laid there a couple of seconds---not good--since she recently had ear surgery--then she got up gave the thumbs up to coach and she went on to score 6 points. She came away from that game with a few more scratches and 3 fouls. Go girl. Second team we played was really out for blood. They were Timbercreek. Hard core cores and very annoying with their ball chant. Which---Gretchen fixed one girl accidentally by bopping her in the throat acccidentally ---- We won this game in OT because their girls fouled out so much they only had 3 left to play the rest of the game. Both teams were very foul tending. We brought this game with everything we had too--of course. The only bad thing was Gretchen got punched in the nose and bled ---then her teeth were bleeding. So yes---these girls were out to WIN...and our team did...3rd place in tournament. Whew!!!

Random--

Random thoughts as my third Christmas season in Texas arrives--

I have come to appreciate the Texas spirit of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fourth of July, Veterans Day, Labor Day and football season... whether the area in the city is decorated in flags, lights, spirit or whatever...there is a certain respect here that I haven't noticed anywhere else I have lived. I look forward to seeing the flags out in the islands for miles and miles....I look forward to the goofy Halloween decorations that are displayed by my neighbors and around....I really look forward to alllllll of the lights and decorations that are displayed for fun and competition during the holiday season - many have the mangers displayed out too. Football is a whole different season here and it is one you won't forget and really get into...a lot. I liked football before but I really have become a junky ...I still display my Michigan flag and wear my shirts...I get looks cause obviously the Longnorns, Texas a&m, the frogs etc... are very popular and over powering here.
I get a kick out of how cold the texans get when it dips into the 50's---oh they really freeze anything below that. My neighbors know I am a northerner because I relish the fun and idea of putting my festive lights out when it gets chilly and possibly cold here. Oh Susan---you are such the northerner...what can I say...thank you!!!! All of the Texans have their heat on 70 or so ---me, I keep my heat at 67-68 or if it is windy out and the breeze comes in the house maybe 69. Friends have learned to layer up in my house because comfort is the thing you know----love it.
One really lucky thing for our family is that we got great neighbora again. We talk and share--always wave hello stop and chat--even the men do. we had that somewhat in Indiana as far as the men but more here. In the area where I live people let you know when your brake lights are out---not in Ind..... or Jersey ---or Ohio. In fact---a motocyclist followed me to let me know one of my lights were out...creepy but southern kindness. Dogs rule here in the neighborhood and all over as far as I can tell. Everyone seems to be walking or running with a dog. You will find in Lowe's or Home Depot owners with their dogs small medium and LARGE ones. It cracks us up. We thought about bringing our cats but ---nahhhh. Although I have taken them in the car 3 times since being here to pickup or drop off Gretchen to/from school. Funny! So, if you are smart dog sitting is very popular here---
I think that is all for now--- I now there is more to share but I have stuff to do.

Homecoming and Texas Mums

here is the mum and kayla the other picture is her showing Taylor's name on it from EFY in Texas. They still talk and talk.

It is a huge deal here and maybe somewhere else---mums on your neck from your guy or from yourself. They can be gaudy or just right. This is Kayla's second year in having one designed for her---by mom. We just added some stuff to last years and she was happy! Wait till next year--maybe a guy will make her one.......

Undefeated Volleyball team-Go Gretchen

It has been a great 8th grade volleyball year for Gretchen's team. They have 2 more games till the end of the season... then BASKETBALL. Here are a few views of her efforts as well as the teams. Also--notice the white shirt? She is a "lebarro" (spelling) which means she can come into play anytime.. anywhere and SURPRISE the other team with her talents. Cool!

Roadtrip coming soon

Have you watched the insanely funny movie Roadtrip with Raven Simon(e)? I have seen it twice and belly laughed both times. My husband and daughter are headed to Utah and Idaho Oct. 25th. Just them and the sky and the open road. If you have seen the movie roadtrip you are probably laughing right now... I know I am. The only difference is that Mike isn't wanting her to stay in Texas or have to go to our Alma Mater--- but the whole trip thing with the two of them is a hoot and a half. I wonder if Donny Osmond will happen on their trip?????Anyway off they will go to BYU-I, BYU-Utah, and Utah State/Univ. and whatever else they have time for. OMG!!! I hope they take pictures and learn to enjoy each others company---not happening right now... ...butting of the smart and bullheaded minds. So stay tuned...I know I will.

Our High School's First band Competition

Way to go Stephanie pounding the sound effects! Waiting for her place ...

Kayla and her colorguard's cool moves . Man can they move it.

The band ended with preliminaries of 4th place in the rain....drumline (percussion) got 2nd place and colorguard received 1st place. Finals were not cont'd due to massive rain. Next, homecoming parade and football game.