Only in a Small Town

Only in a small town is the weekly newspaper the highlight of the week, and not because of its cutting edge news, but for the gossip columns and the sheriff's report.

Only in a small town it's an honor to have a handmade toboggan from an old friend, and only in a small town would all the residents that are lucky enough to own one of these authentic hats get together to take a picture to put in that weekly newspaper to honor that old friend.

Only in a small town can your 2 year old son play in the front yard with only a diaper and shoes on.

*no photo evidence required

Only in a small town can a field trip to the cotton field to jump modules be one of the year's highlights.

Only in a small town is The Dairy Queen on a Sunday after church more than just a place to eat, it's a social gathering.

Only in a small town is a ride on a four wheeler with dad perfect Saturday night entertainment.

Only in a small town can you find a snake in your classroom that isn't a classroom pet escapee, but an unwelcome intruder.
Only in a small town do residents drive to the fire to help others who are in the flames' path rather than turn and run the opposite direction.

Small towns are special and unique, and each is one-of-a-kind. I love mine and wouldn't trade it for all the malls, Targets, or Starbuck's in the world.

Does That Make Me Crazy?

It's that time of year.....when everything starts to speed up and I'm doing my best just to hold on and not to forget to keep my head on. But, honestly, I really do enjoy this time of year! Things are fast and crazy and I love it!

Does that make me crazy?

Tucker is going to be turning two soon, and I'm actually looking forward to it! I'm ready for this next stage....not that I'm wanting him to grow faster than he already is, but he's so stinkin' fun right now and learning so much I just can't wait until he's TWO!

I'm looking forward to 2.....Does that make me crazy?

My sister and her husband just ran and finished the Houston Half-Marathon in January (WAY TO GO SIS AND ROY!). Now they've got the running bug and have given it to me. As a family we will be competing in the Oklahoma City Half Marathon later this spring. Yes, you heard me correctly......I'm going to run a HALF MARATHON!

I'm training for a half-marathon, and I'm kinda enjoying it......Does that make me crazy?

Seeing how I'm training to become an amazing athlete, I'm really trying to eat...eh....better...aka trying to cut out the gallons of Dr. Pepper a day I was drinking. Let me tell ya....it ain't easy, but I can proudly say I have not had a drink of the glorious nectar in 7 days! However, this new wave of 'health' has driven me to cook more. Every night this past week I've cooked something new, and it hasn't been half bad! I absolutely L-O-V-E The Pioneer Woman, and all of my new recipes came from her. But, I fear that I've lead you astray......I've been healthy in the fact that I've stopped Dr Pepper, however, my cooking I believe has made up for it. I think I'm craving the calories rather than the DP. Take a look at the dish from last night: (thanks Pioneer Woman for this photograph of your Fried Round Steak)

I've quit drinking Dr. Pepper to be healthy but cooking more......Does that make me crazy?

Klay is still a student and doing great. He's taking two online classes and corresponding labs online, and doing a magnificent job I might add, as well as working 5 days a week on a construction job. Let's just say he's a busy man.

Klay's back in school and loving it.......Does that make HIM crazy?

Let's face it. We are crazy people living in a crazy world....there's really no way around it.

Thanksgiving Fun!

Last week Klay, Tucker, and I made the long trip down to Houston to see my sister and her family. Tucker made the drive with no problem and we had a great time spending time with family and cousins. The boys played endlessly, Katie and I cooked, and Friday Roy and I braved the long lines and took advantage of the great sales at Best Buy.......at 3 A.M. We attempted to get Christmas card pictures of all the boys in their new outfits (thanks Sassy!)......and it was definitely a small circus. Here are some of the best that I was able to get:This is a picture of my sister's boys Tate and Reece. These boys had a great time all week!We had a great time and so ready to see these guys again in a few weeks!

Happy Halloween I wish you!!!

This Halloween, we had the force........

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween. Bring on Turkey Day!!!!

Long LIve the Matadors!!

In our family, fall is the absolute best time of the year. The weather is changing, school has become routine, but best of all.....
TEXAS TECH FOOTBALL!!!

Yes, they have been struggling this season, but we totally support the new staff and what they are doing for the program. In the mean time we have been teaching Tucker:

1. Guns up 2. Fight Raiders Fight

3. How to sing along with R-A-I-D-E-R-Sssss!

4. Catching the ball with 2 hands

5. and form tacklingNumber 5 tends to be his favorite thus far.....
We are all excited and nervous about our upcoming game this week, and you can count on us rooting for the Raiders all weekend long!

Kitchen Entertainment!

Don't you just love how cornstarch feels in between your fingers? Tucker sure does!

Last night I was cooking dinner and was needing to entertain T-man at the same time....so I improvised....and Tucker loved it!
Well, somewhere in between the phone ringing, cornstarch in my eye, and my pasta water boiling over, I thought it would be a good idea to let Tucker have some chocolate pudding.....

Of course I let him feed himself!

Did I mention the part where I didn't think to clean up the cornstarch first? Oh well, Tucker thought it was still good! However, an IMMEDIATE bath was necessary!

So our kitchen, clothes, bathroom, and tub were huge messes, but he sure did have fun!!

Family Pictures

Here are some of my favorites from our session with Cristy Cross this past spring. I realize that was a while back, but these pictures are timeless and amazing! She does great work!! Check her out!

On a side note, happy Friday and Happy Football Season! It is most definitely the most wonderful time of the year!