Happy (belated) Halloween!

Abby and her two best friends, Audrey and Kayla.

Happy 70th Birthday, Mom!

We went to Amy's house last Saturday to help Mom celebrate her 70th birthday. It was a very fun party! Sarah made a DVD with pictures of Mom. Amy and I collected memories (via letter and email) from family and friends and then put them in photo storage box that that Abby had collaged with pictures of Mom's flowers from her gardens in Lancaster and Lake City.

Off to College

Jared and his buddy, Sam, headed off to college today. Well - just for today. They went to Stephen F. Austin State University for a high school baseball evaluation camp. It's a chance for the coaches to see the high school players and for the players to meet the coaches. They went in Jared's car and made the trip alone. I think they had fun. :)

A Masterpiece

There is a window in my new office that was enclosed by a roof that the college put up to remedy a leak. Anyway - Jamey cut a piece of wood to fit the frame and then Abby painted a masterpiece inspired by elements of the ECC playground. I am so thrilled with it! Everytime I look up from my desk, I see her painting. And everyone who has come in my office since the painting was put in place last Friday has asked who painted it and has commented on how cool it is.

Letter Jacket

Jared got his letter jacket yesterday. Pretty cool!! Now he just needs some cooler temperatures so he can wear it!

First Day of 11th and 8th Grades

I was allowed to document the first day of 11th and 8th grades, but the participants (particularly the 16 year old) were a little reluctant. As you can see, I had a hard time getting a genuine smile from him.

Goodbye, Carpet; Hello, Hard Hardwood!

Yippee!!!The new floors are in and all the furniture is back where it belongs. You can see the progression from start to finish. The only one who doesn't love the floors is Milly. They are a little slippery for her taste!

The wood was delivered and we moved all the furniture except our beds and the couch into the dining room, our extra bedroom, and Jamey's room.

Milly had to spend three days behind gates in the back part of the house.

Making it to the Top

While we were in Lake City, Jared and I hiked to the top of Uncompaghre Peak - elevation 14,308'- the 6th highest mountain peak in Colorado.We both felt great going up and at the top and then had headaches coming down! But it was worth it!!

Special Recognition

Abby was invited to the Longview ISD Board meeting tonight to be honored for her Duke Scholar Recognition. I apologize for the poor quality of the audio on the video clip; you'll have to listen very closely.

Abby with Superintendent,Dr. James Wilcox

Abby with the LISD School Board Members and other Duke Scholars

Where Did the Time Go?

Seems like just yesterday we were bringing Jared home from the hospital....

And then today he got his driver's license and headed out for his first drive alone....

And,yes,there were some tears after he drove off. It makes me both happy and excited for him and sad all at the same time!

Lesson from the Master

Dad came this weekend and gave Jared (and me) a lesson on how to wash a car. He brought all the supplies we needed and then showed us how to use each one. It was fun but exhausting! We were having a hard time keeping up. I have to say our cars both look fabulous!!