It's a White Christmas!!!

As Christmas approached the weathermen kept predicting bad roads and snow. Since it is West Texas, we didn't listen. Christmas Eve morning Jeremy and I were awakened by Judson coming in wet and cold from the snow. I was completely impressed that he had on jeans and not shorts. I grabbed my coat and camera and journeyed out to the backyard. It is always fun to watch the dogs investigate snow. They don't like the cold, but know it is fun to play in. They hopped all over the yard while Judson ran and played. He would eat the snow, throw the snow, and lay in it...all while awaiting Morgan. As soon as she came outside, he grabbed and hurled snow at her. It was on!!! They hchad a short snowball/pile fight and then bored with one another went on to make snow angels. Morgan laid down in time for Raider to come over and try to lick her in the face. Seeing her on the ground was like a green light for Jud who came running over and started trying to dump snow on her. The wind was really too cold to stand, so we all went back into the house and they had some hot chocolate to warm up.

http://s159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/wjones15/Christmas%20Eve%20Snow/?action=view¤t=481f85d6.pbw
Christmas morning Judson came bouncing in our room telling us about the wonderful gifts Santa had left by the fireplace. He let us know he had inspected them and then went to wake Morgan. As he is our alarm clock and she likes to sleep late, he felt a slap to the forehead would be the best way to get her up.

We all got up and opened presents and as Santa left an Xbox 360, Jeremy had to make sure it worked. While they set it up, I cooked a big Christmas breakfast and called Mrs. Anderson to come over. We enjoyed a nice breakfast and soon the kids were watching Jeremy kill zombies. We had to pry him away from the game to pack for Matador.

We had waited til mid-day before traveling hoping the roads would clear. Our trip wasn't too bad and we stopped in Roaring Springs for a late lunch with the Merediths. The kids had a snowball fight with the cousins and all of them came in soaked!! We headed into Matador for Christsmas with Jim and Carla. The kids received some special gifts made by Meme...bulletin boards, GI Joe bunk house, and a fancy suitcase along with many other things.

Then we loaded up for the short drive out to Mam-ma and Pap-pa's. The highway was clean and nice and then we hit the dirt roads. My little 4Runner traveled well on the road and then we turned onto the "lane" where snow was piled up all the way to the house. We scraped along until we finally made it to the cattle guard and rushed through the creek. I was so proud to make it without getting stuck.


We had dinner with my family and Nana. After waiting on Judson to finish his huge piece of brisket, they could finally pass out presents. They each got the Wii and DSI games they had asked Mam-ma for and Nana surprised Jud with new boots and Morgan a new camera. (Yea, now she doesn't have to borrow mine)
We had a great Christmas with all of our family. We had safe travel, good food, fun with cousins, and lots of love. Now I sit and watch Jud building with Legos and Morgan play her DSI. Where is Jeremy???? Playing their new Xbox.

The Best of Region 16

Morgan tried out for all-region orchestra in October. I knew she was nervous, but we wanted her to try for the experience. She was one of a select few to make the cut. We were so excited for her!!!

Last Friday she went to Monterey High School for an orchestra clinic. They had a conductor from San Antonio leading them. Students were there from all Lubbock districts and Plainview. They spent all day Friday rehearsing and learning with their peers. I went to pick her up at 5:30 and walked in while they were playing. I was shocked!!!! I really thought an older group or professional orchestra was playing. I found her director and asked where Morgan was and she pointed to the stage. There was my little girl making the most beautiful music....it took my breath away!

The next day we anxiously made our way to the auditorium to hear the best of Region 16 middle school orchestras. Friends and family joined us as we waited for the kids to perform. They treated us to three beautiful songs and Morgan left the stage with a huge smile. The students each received a patch for all-region. She came home with a nice plaque, t-shirt, and a CD for many hours of hearing her performance over and over. Congratulations Morgan, we are so proud of you!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mmiL9s1iSg

Canadian Fall Festival

For the weekend of October 17-18th, we traveled to Canadian to visit Bobo and Meme. The town was having their Fall Foliage Festival. Jeremy and I had never visited, so this was our first trip and we were very impressed with the town. We will probably never eat at the RailHead again as it took about 3 hours for our food. I know they were busy, but WOW!!!

After eating, the guys went back to Jim's for a football-watching afternoon and the girls went to the Arts and Crafts fair. They had lots of neat things to look through and Morgan and I made some good purchases. We looked around the town at several stores and headed back up the hill. Judson had made a friend who was going to feed the elk across the road. So he and I went with her and he helped while I took pictures. This was the first time I had seen live elk, very different.

The next day they drove us around town and showed us houses, the art museum, and the old bridge. It is 3/4 of a mile long, so I got my walking in for the day. Then we took the kids to the skate park, they love it! Tony Hawk was brought in to design it, so it was a very nice place for kids. Even Jeremy, the big kid, got to ride on a skateboard.

We had an exhausting, but nice weekend and got home to prepare for the next week.

September

We have been busy with school and the kids activities. Just an update, Grandpa Jon came and visited for a couple of days. Jud took him all around the neighborhood and they made it to the park to play catch. They had a great time and wished he could come more often.

We made it to Matador for Maw-ma's 88th birthday party. The kids enjoyed visiting the cousins and loved the ice cream and cake. Maw-ma was thrilled to see them all! She would love to watch them all explore the canyons like we all did.

Exciting Orchestra News

Morgan came home on Friday after having a "chair" test in orchestra. She is now 1st chair cello. There are three students playing cello in the Varsity orchestra. Both of the other students have already had at least a year in the class. Morgan is doing extremely well and we are so proud. She is keeping it pretty quiet, but we know she is very excited, just very humble. She will have to work hard to maintain her spot, but I believe she can do it.

If I ever get the video thing figured out I will post a video of her playing, but so far it hasn't worked. These pictures are from last year at the First Friday Art Trail.

School's In Session

Well we started school this week. Morgan started her 7th grade year filled with Varsity Orchestra, Pre-AP classes, and competitive atheletics. She seems to be liking it so far, but I feel it will be a very busy year for her. Judson started his 4th grade year and is extremely pumped about his science class. I have moved him over to the school where I am teaching. He is really liking it and I pray he keeps his enthusiasm.

My first week was a great one! I am very blessed to be at this school. The staff is extremely supportive and the students have been sweet and polite (this week). I forget how tiny 3rd graders are at the beginning of the year and how much they grow during the year. It should be an interesting year for all of us.

Possum Kingdom

We just got back from a great weekend at Possum Kingdom. We love it there!!! We all stay busy in the water and with the boat have been sharing lots of smiles and excitement. This trip Morgan became adventurous and did a complete 360 turn on the kneeboard. She did it several times with a huge smile each turn. Judson became brave and took on the kneeboard. He loved it! The boys (dogs), Bud and Raider, decided that they might miss out on something, so when the door to the cabin opened, they would run and jump on the boat waiting for a ride.

Busy in the backyard

Judson and I began working on the playhouse this week. We started with bare wood and have ended with a very cute little house. It is now his "science lab" he says. The middle picture shows the first brown we had made for the porch and posts. Judson was talented enough to spill the gallon and I dabbed paint out of the yard. We have some texture (leaves, sticks, etc.) on the porch now. When we finished, I didn't like the brown, so we found a darker one in the garage. Overall, we had a good time experimenting and cleaning up. Next......a patio!!

How do I do this?

Wow! I have been following some of my friends blogs and love the way they look. I keep up with what goes on in their lives and see snapshots. I thought this would be a neat way to keep in touch and allow family to stay up-to-date with the kids as they grow. I am overwhelmed right now with all of the options and "gadgets" I now need to figure out. This will be a challenge, but hopefully you will enjoy it.

Where did I get the name???? Morgan is Corndog and Judson is Biscuit at our house.