taylor’s new look

Taylor got his braces off today!  He’ll go back for his retainer on Thursday but this is one happy lad!  He’s had treatment for nearly 3 years. . .

Before and after pics!

taylor’s honor band concert

Taylor’s performance for the All-City Honor Band Concert was held on February 1st at the Century II Concert Hall.  We heard the seventh through twelfth grade bands perform and wow, there sure was a lot of talent!  Taylor was please to have been selected to be a part of this event and is excited to continue playing in the future.

The sign outside of Century II advertised his concert.  Taylor getting ready to come off the stage.  Due to the nature of his instrument (trumpet), we saw him walk on and walk off

hectic january

I knew by looking at our calendar for the beginning of 2010 that we were going to be in for an extremely busy January.  I was right.  Jocelyn had auditioned and been selected for the Southeast Area Elementary Honor Choir which consisted of practices twice a week after school.  Taylor had auditioned and been selected for the middle school Honor Band which consisted of practices twice a week at a high school about 25 minutes from us.  On top of that Jocelyn and I had Girl Scouts with the cookie selling kickoff beginning and Wesley had Boy Scouts along with the Pinewood Derby races and his own music performance at school with math night.  It wasn’t uncommon to have two events on at the same time/night and 1 night we had 3!  Although I didn’t mind shuttling everyone around, I’ll be honest and say that I’ll be really glad when February arrives and our schedules return to semi-normal!  Taylor’s concert is up next on Feb. 1st. . .

Jocelyn following her choir performance January 28th at Curtis Middle School’s auditorium.

Grandad was a big help with Wesley’s Pinewood Derby car.  He earned 5th place overall and will be attending regionals in February.

colorado in winter

We packed up the van on Boxing Day and headed to Keystone, Colorado, only to be stuck in Colby (about the 1/2 way point) with a closed I 70 due to blowing snow.  We arrived the following day later than originally planned but that didn’t stop us from having fun!  Between ice skating, tubing, skiing and snowboarding, we all had a great time.  Here are some pics of our trip.

The kids are quite the ice skaters now!

We had a rest outside the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – hot chocolate and ice cream!?

We went back for some night ice skating after David had arrived.  The hotel had their chocolate train set again. Cool!

Tubing at the Nordic Center is always a lot of fun – and hard work!

Mum and Kate —- Grandad and Wesley!

Dad relaxes befor heading down the hill — Jocelyn and Kate, BFF

Taylor’s an awesome snowboarder.  David did really well after only have skied once before, 5 years ago!

Zach and Wesley took snowboarding lessons together and did great!

Jocelyn took her 2nd skiing lesson and loves it although Wesley says he’s a snowboarder now, not a skiier!

merry christmas!

wesley the cub scout

Wesley joined Cub Scouts this year and is thoroughly enjoying himself.  He loves the Pack meetings where the entire family attends and does something together.  This past Monday night, he received his Bobcat badge as well as his chess and soccer belt loops.

my beautiful children

I am truly blessed to have three wonderful, healthy children.

jocelyn’s 10!

Jocelyn celebrated her 10th birthday on November 30th.  We took her out to eat at Red Robin’s and she was sung to and was given balloon ears.  She loved all of the attention!  I love you, Baby Girl!

2nd annual balloon launch

My nephew Weston passed away in September of last year.  He would have been 3 this month.  In his memory we do a balloon launch at the park where two trees were planted.  We wrote our messages on our balloons, said a prayer, and then all released our balloons simultaneously.  Weston is always in my mind but I am comforted in the fact that he is in heaven with Jesus, waiting for us.

This is one of the plaques by one of Weston’s trees at the park in Norman, OK. (right)  Checking out how much the tree has grown.  Quite a bit, actually!

Keith gives the instructions prior to the prayer.  Off they go!  The colors were so pretty against the blue sky.

giving thanks part II

Our trip to Oklahoma City began later than originally anticipated with us arriving late on Wednesday night instead of in the afternoon.  Traffic was a nightmare!  We enjoyed our stay at the Hyatt and their staff was extremely friendly and helpful.  Thanksgiving Day was spent at Jerry and Shirley’s house with turkey and lots of other foods.  Amazingly, we had TOO many pies!!  The cousins got along extremely well with no fighting.  We enjoyed spending time with Ken’s family although Steve couldn’t make it this year.  I’m truly blessed!

We crammed as many people around this table that we could. The cousins always enjoy eating together. Keith and Amy smile for me!

Ken with big sis, Julie.  (right)  Amy, Julie and I – my sister-in-laws!

Keith and Ken.