The Burlesons

2009-08-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Jake and his cousin Tyler were baptized. It was an awesome service with great praise to our Lord and sweet words from the boys' daddies and others involved in the baptism. It was a very special evening filled with love and worship for our awesome Savior!

Vacation

2009-07-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

We were so blessed to spend a week with my family in Fort Worth and San Antonio. We had an awesome time, memories that will last forever!

Sweet girl

2009-07-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Today is sweet girl's birthday. The day our family went from 3 to 4. The day Jake became a big brother. The day Trey became not only a dad, but a dad to a little girl, a girl he will give away one day. A girl who changed our family forever. A girl who was so chubby that she out grew her infant car seat at 4 months (maximum weight was 20 lbs and she weighed that at her 4 month well baby appointment). A girl who loved her pp (passifier) so much she carried a purse around that was full of them. A girl who would cry "I want my pp" as loud as she could in the middle of any crowd. A girl who loves to be gross and rough with her brothers. A girl who excels at school. A girl who loves to be around friends and laugh and play. A girl who would rather wear her softball jersey than any cute girly outfit. A sweet little 9 year old girl who still loves to cuddle with her mom and dad. God has blessed our family immersurably and one of the best 3 blessings is Addie. She makes us laugh. She makes us proud. She makes us better. She is our sweet little girl who we love very much. We prayed for her and continue to pray for her. Love you Addie Grace!

Mama, what is a lake?

2009-06-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

I know it is sad, but my kids have never been on or in a lake. They have been near a lake and stuck their feet in, but never all the way in and surely never on a boat. So, when our friends asked if we wanted to come spend the day on their boat, we jumped at the chance. Jake was at camp, but Addie and Max loved playing in the water. Addie LOVED innertubing and going fast. Max was a little more reserved which totally suprised me because he is a dare devil most of the time. We had a great day, thanks Mahoneys!!!!

Hey now, you're an all-star

2009-06-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

OK. So, I know the title of this post is really dorky, but this my blog, so I get to be dorky! Addie girl got picked to be on the all-star team for her 8U softball team. She also got votes for her 10U team, but she is only eligible for 8U. She and her proud brother showing off her new trophy. (she has 2 proud brothers, but the other one was at a friend's house) Also, her running to get her trophy after she was announced. Add, you are always our all-star in all you do!

Camps, camps, and more camps

2009-06-19T15:23:00.000-07:00

Our kids love summer. They love to be out of school, swim, play in the front yard, and travel. They also love to go to camps, so that is what they have done the past few weeks.

Addie: AHS volleyball camp & RHS softball camp

Max: RHS baseball camp & AHS baseball camp

Jake: RHS baseball camp, THS golf camp, and GT camp

They had a lot of fun, but we are done know...just summer fun for a while. Last week this was our schedule:

Max 8:30-10:30 AHS

Jake 9:00-10:30 Comanche Trail

Addie 10:00-1:00 RHS

Makes me tired just thinking about it again!

These are a few pictures from some of their camps!

In the dog house

2009-06-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

I don't really even know what to say. He really wishes he was part dog. Strange, I know...

Top Ten

2009-06-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Top Ten from the end of the school year:
(in no particular order!)

1. Jake got lots of awards at his ceremony including 400 club for AR reading, smartest kid (voted on by the students), 3 commended TAKS tests including one 100, best mathematician, and A honor roll for the whole year.

2. Addie played volleyball and softball. She is improving on her serves for v-ball and getting more aggressive. She has been playing 3rd on both her softball teams and doing well. She loves both her sports and loves being around her teammates.

3. Max played baseball and flag football. He loves being catcher and shortstop. He made 2 put outs at home back to back while his favorite catcher from RHS was the umpire. Matt (the umpire) was really excited and said that doesn't happen very often even in high school ball. Max was thrilled. Trey is coaching his football and they are having lots of fun, too.

4. Trey got a new boss and is really excited about a new season. He was more excited that summer finally arrived! The baseball team went very deep in the playoffs again and of course we are very proud of them.

5. Max and Addie enjoyed field day/picnic day the last week of school. Max's team went undefeated in the tug of war competition. Addie's team only lost one.

6. I helped run Jake's class's game at his field day. It was a fun day, too.

7. Our nephew, Hunter, graduated from high school. Congratulations!!

8. Addie made a 100 her math TAKS test and missed one question on her reading TAKS.

9. We helped Trey on a scouting trip to Ft. Worth. It was a fun free trip full of baseball and family.

10. School's out! After that final bell, we ordered pizza and hit the pool.

2009-06-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a letter Addie wrote to me at school about this summer:Hey mom, I love spending sumer with you. Each day we have so much fun together. We go to the swimming pool and to the Rangers game, we go forever. My cousins are coming to stay until winter. With my cousins, we are going to Sea World. The fun will start when we enter. Shamu never washes with his shampoo. We love to go to the dolphin show. Let's go and play at the waterpark. Mom, why don't dolphins have toes? Do you know if Sea World has sharks? Mother, I hope you like this summer together. I will remember this forever.

From your album: "May (and some momma bragging mixed in!)"
Sweet girl wrote this note the 1st week of school, she brought it home yesterday.

I am special because I am the only girl in my family. I am special because my dad is a football coach so I get to meet the players and I get to play on the field before and after the games. I am special because my parents and brothers love me.

Road Trip

2009-05-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went on a scouting trip with Trey. He usually takes one of his former players with him, but they couldn't make it. So, we took advantage of a free trip! Jake helped Trey scout by keeping a scouting report on one of the teams and Max helped by letting Trey know what he thought of all the players. Jake did a great job and Max really knows a lot about baseball, too. Addie and I watched and enjoyed getting away for a few days. We also ate at some good restaurants, went to the movies, and visited my sweet granny. The school provided a car, and I do mean a car. We are used to an SUV, so this took some getting used to. Actually, on the way home, I think the car began to shrink. Everyone was getting closer and louder. But, the kids really did well despite sitting right next to each other. We decided to play 20 questions about an hour out from Amarillo. Playing 20 questions with Max is interesting! Here is an example of one of his turns.

Here are some clues we learned while asking him questions:
It is something made of copper
It was a gift
It is not in the USA
Someone made it
Do you know what it is???

I bet you didn't guess the Liberty Bell. Neither did we since he said it was not in the USA. However, that was the answer. He said it is in Philadelphia, not America. Jake informed Max that Philadelphia is in Pennsylvania and that is in the USA. Oh my, we spent 20 minutes on asking questions and guessing that. We also made note that maybe we needed to work on Max's knowledge of the 50 states.

Here is another conversation between the kids:
Addie (playing Nintendogs): my dog has ticks
Max: my dog had tittens, too

How about one more:
Max (playing 20 questions): it is a pacific kind of monkey
Us: It is from the pacific?
Max: No, it is a pacific one
Us: what???
Then we realized he meant a specific kind of monkey

We had a great time spending time together, laughing, swimming, watching baseball. I love my family!

sweet little boys

2009-05-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

I read a book that had part of this poem in it. I was subbing and trying to keep the tears from ruining the teacher's papers on her desk. Here is the whole poem from the book Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury.

Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts:
First smiles and teeth and baby steps, a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away and leave to me your past,
And I will be thinking ofa lifetime of lasts...
The last time that I held a bottle to your baby lips.
The last time that I lifted youand held you on my hip.
The last night when you woke up crying, needing to be walked,
When last you crawled up with your blanket,wanting to be rocked.
The last time that you ran to me, still small enough to hold.
The last time that you said you'd marry me when you grew old.
Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from your past-
Would I have held you longer if I'd known they were your last?
Our last adventure to the park,your final midday nap,
The last time when you wore your favorite faded baseball cap.
Your last few hours of kindergarten, those last days of first grade,
Your last at bat in Little League, last colored picture made.
I never said goodbye to all your yesterdays long passed.
So what about tomorrow-will I recognize your lasts?
The last time that you catch a frog in that old backyard pond.
The last time that you run barefoot across our fresh-cut lawn.
Silly, scattered images will represent your past.
I keep on taking pictures,never quite sure of your lasts...
The last time that I comb your hairor stop a pillow fight.
The last time that I pray with youand tuck you in at night.
The last time when we cuddle with a book, just me and you.
The last time you jump in our bed and sleep between us two.
The last piano lesson,last vacation to the lake.
Your last few weeks of middle school, last soccer goal you make.
I look ahead and dream of days that haven't come top pass.
But as I do, I sometimes misstoday's sweet, precious lasts...
The last time I help you with a math or spelling test.
The last time I shout that yes,your room is still a mess.
The last time that you need me for a ride from here to there.
The last time that you spend the night with your old tattered bear.
My life keeps moving faster, stealing precious days that pass.
I want to hold you longer-want to recognize you lasts...
The last time that you need my help with details of the dance.
The last time that you ask me for advice about romance.
The last time that you talk to me about your hopes and dreams.
The last time that you wear a jersey for your high school team.
I've watched you grow and barely noticed seasons as they pass.
If I could freeze the hands of time, I'd hold on to your lasts.
For come some bright fall morning,you'll be going far away.
College life will beckon in a brilliant sort of way.
One last hug, one last good-bye, one quick and hurried kiss.
One last time to understand just how much you will be missed.
I'll watch you leave and think how fast our time together passed.
Let me hold on longer, God,to every precious last.

2009-05-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

I know that I talk about Trey all the time, but I never have pictures of him. So, here is a picture of Trey during a pitching change in the Black vs. White series (the practice series between the varsity during the swine flu scare that shut down UIL sports). I know it is blurry, but it is the best I have. I also added a picture of Addie looking for a fly ball and Max diving for a ball up the middle. Max is the one who is diving head 1st.

I'll

2009-05-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

Jake got to bring home his science class's guinea pig last weekend. His name is I'll, short for I'll Bite. It was fun to have him around for a few days and know that he would soon be going back! Rowdy didn't like him very much and I'll could have cared less about the dog. Max had to show Rowdy some extra love since he had a rough weekend sharing the pet attention.

What's been going on lately

2009-05-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

This time of year is always busy for our family and we love it. The kids are enjoying all the end of year activities at school, Trey is entering post season time in baseball, and I am anxiously awaiting our summer together. A time to slow down, go swimming, eat Popsicles, play games in the front yard, and stay up late. Well, I cannot wait for that, but first I need to share what has been going on with us. Jake won an award for a photography project, he was 1st in the school of got an honor of merit at the district level. He is ready for his aviation camp and movie making camp this summer. He will also go to baseball camp at RHS and TX rangers father/son camp. Jake had to take 3 TAKS tests this semester. We know that he got commended on the two we have results for missing 1 on the reading and 0 on the math. YAY! Addie's softball and volley ball have started up again. She loves to be out playing her sports. Add took 2 TAKS tests, but we only know the results for the reading test. She missed 1 question and was commended. She is going to GT camp, volleyball camp, and softball camp this summer. Yesterday, we moved my old bed into her room, she loves it! It is such a big girl bed, she is getting so big! On to Max. Max is playing baseball, of course, and doing really well. He is mainly playing catcher which he loves, but he is really missing playing in the field. He has made some outs and home and Saturday he made 2 outs in a row at catcher. This was really special because it is rare to have 2 outs in a row at home and his favorite Randall catcher was the umpire at the time. My kids idolize those RHS players, so he was thrilled. He really wants to be a catcher, but he misses being a part of the action in the field. He is also hitting well. Trey is coaching both boys in flag football this June. A great program that they love. Max is going to baseball camp and the TX rangers father/son camp. Trey's freshman team did well this season, but they did not win district (first time since Trey started). The varsity is doing well and just waiting for the UIL to reinstate games around the state to continue on with the end of the season and post season. The head football coach took another job and so we are awaiting a new boss! Hopefully, someone awesome! I am doing good, too. Just trying to keep up with everyone and make sure they are all fed, clean, and happy. We have lots to look forward to this summer including a trip to Sea World, Rangers games, camps, and most important Lance, Carrie, Tyler, and Emily!!!!!! Every day we are so truly blessed. We have our health, our family, and most important Our Lord. Thanks to him who can do immeasurably more than we can ever imagine. Here are some fun pics of our fun fam!

1st Day of Max's Baseball Tournament

2009-04-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

Max's team played in a tournament here in Amarillo this weekend. Their first game was Saturday morning followed by game #2, they went 1-1. Here are some cute pictures of our little baseball player.

Here is Max trying to catch a pop up. He slipped over the bat and the ball dropped. So close!!!

The ball dribbling away.

The game was tied, bases loaded with Max up to bat. He hits in the go ahead run and ends up scoring later in the inning.

Max running to second and watching the 3rd base coach.

Getting the force out at home, good job bud!

2nd Day of Max's Baseball Tournament

2009-04-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

Poor little bud. He woke up around 4:00 this morning with a bad stomach. He threw up and had diarreha until 9:00. His game started at 9:30, so he didn't get to play. He misses playing with his team, but he is ready for the next game!

Easter

2009-04-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

There are no pictures of a pretty dress, new shirts, or egg hunts on this blog. Oh no, our poor baby girl had the stomach bug on Easter. We did make it to church and then to The Plaza for lunch, then things took a turn for the worse and we sped right home. So, no pictures of 3 smiling kids. A picture of one sick girl and pictures of 2 boys trying to be quiet while dying eggs. Sorry sweet Add!

As we left church, I asked the kids if they believed in the resurrection. They all chimed in with a great big YES! What joy filled my heart to know that my kids believe the way that Trey and I believe. When I think back to the things that happened thousands of years ago this past week, I just cannot even find the words! I am thankful that we serve a God who is real and alive!

2009-04-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

Max has kept busy this past week. He is still playing baseball. Here is a picture of him on second ready to come in and score. He is still getting to play catcher which he really likes. I am hoping that he will grow to love his new team team. He likes playing with all of his friends, but is really struggling to just enjoy it all. It is hard for me to see him hurt and be upset especially with the game that he loves so much. Now, don't take that the wrong way, he still loves his baseball and wants to play! On to cowboy day! Max's teacher has horses and competes in horse activities. I know, I have no idea what I am talking about! Anyhoo, the first grade classes had Texas Day that centered around a cookout, games, and most importantly The Horses! Max dressed up like a cowboy best he could coming from a house of people that have never been in to the whole western thing. He got to watch Mrs. Rains ride her horses and show some tricks with them, see their trailer, and pet them. It was a fun morning. Thank you Mrs. Rains, Ernie and Doolittle!

2009-04-07T07:08:00.001-07:00

If you have never read the blog bring the rain (on my sidebar), please read todays entry. I do not know this family, but they have been through so much and she always shares her heart. Today is no different. Please take time to read!

2009-04-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Max's team won a tournament this past weekend. They had a lot of fun. The other teams in the tourney were not like the teams we are used to playing. Our team probably had more than 20 in the park homeruns and quite a few grand slams. Singles and doubles suddenly were home runs! Max hadat least 3 homers himself. All of the boys did wonderful and had a blast getting the chance to go out and win all their games. They actually won by run rule in all 5 games. This is not how all their games will be, but it was fun while it lasted! Way to go Wildfire!

snowball fights and snow forts

2009-03-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Max and Add made their own forts today (with a little help from mom and dad). Max even made a chair in his to sit in and wait for attack. Add made her's in the front porch area. Later, some neighborhood boys came over to fight, until Addie told them to leave because they were messing with her fort. Addie really didn't enjoy the snowball fights, but the boys had a blast! It was such a nice day to play in the snow, lots of snow and lots of sun.

2009-03-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

We had a snow day on Friday for the big blizzard that was to come through. It didn't even really get bad til later in the afternoon, but we still enjoyed our day off (although I will be sad to sent them to school on the make up day). We played monopoly, apples to apples, pictionary, and lots of yahtzee. We ate way too much and laid around too much which made for a great day!! We enjoyed spending the whole day together. On Saturday, we went out to play in the 11 inches of snow with huge drifts. It was really fun.

TAKS

2009-03-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Jake and Addie both got commended on their reading TAKS test. We are very proud of them. This is Jake's 3rd year to take the TAKS and he actually likes it! He has had perfect tests in the past and a 4 on the writing (which is the highest score). Only 6 kids in his school got a 4 on their essay. We do not yet know the excact score for Jake, his teacher just let him know that he was commended. Addie only missed one question, so great!!! We celebrated with cake and cherry coke! Way to go Burleson Brains.

2009-03-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

For Spring Break, we really wanted to do a whole lot of nothing! We were ready to sleep in and hang out. Trey's baseball team was in a few tournaments and we went and cheered them on, Max had baseball practice, and Addie had softball practice. We had sleepovers and had friends over. We also spent Thursday at Palo Duro Canyon riding bikes and hiking. The kids did great riding on the trails (this was our 1st time to take bikes). We rode a lot and they never got tired. We tried to hike the lighthouse trail (over 5 miles) and didn't make it the whole way. It was getting dark and we knew we wouldn't make it all the way before the sun was totally gone, so we headed back. It was a fun day. We also spent time at church, playing in the church playroom, playing tennis, and being lazy! It was a great week because we did all of these things together!!!

2009-03-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Max was in the 1st grade production of "How Does Your Garden Grow?". He was in a group of unruly weeds who are taking over the garden. They performed a cute song and "danced". I have a video and will try to post it just as soon as I figure out how!

2009-03-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

This was Addie's last basketball game. 4 seconds left. We were down by 1 point. Our team is passing in the ball. Addie gets open. Hannah passes the ball to her. Add goes up for the shot. The girl on the other team who is a foot taller blocks it. Bummer. BUT, they played great and Addie had a blast! Great job Pink Knights!!

sweet girl

2009-03-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at Addie's basketball she got right in front of a girl who was dribbling the ball down the court. When she did, the girl kinda lost control of the ball and it hit Addie right in the nose. It hit her so hard that it knocked her to the ground. She got up and kept playing until the play stopped. I could see how bad it hurt and that she was really trying not to cry. Then, her nose started gushing and she started to cry a little. We went to the bathroom where she spit and blew blood all over the sink, mirror, wall, etc. Once the bleeding stopped and we got her and the bathroom cleaned up, she went right back out and started playing. Tough girl! It bled a few more times later in the day, but she feels good. The reason I posted this is because she wanted me to post the video of her getting hit. Our video camera is really old and doesn't have a USB cord to transfer the videos to the computer. So, I put this pic and the story on here to share how sweet and tough little Add is!

2009-03-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we did something that we swore we would never do, we let Max play in an out of town tournament. He had a blast even though their team got beat 3 games in a row. Max just loves to play, he doesn't even keep up with who is winning. The last game, they got beat 19-1 and when we got in the car he asked if they won. He just loves the game and has fun playing, drinking powerade, and hanging out with his buddies!

Lakers

2009-03-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

Max had his last basketball game last weekend. His team ended the season undefeated. They had a great time and he found out he really likes basketball. In his first game he scored 14 points. He loves stealing the ball from the other team but his favorite thing to do was try to save the ball as it was going out of bounds. He would make these big jumps and try to slap it back in and was successful quite a few times! He is very aggressive and hustled any time he was on the court. Great season Lakers!!!

out practicing with dad

2009-03-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

It has been so beautiful the past few weeks and we have spent a lot of time playing outside. YAY! These are a few pictures of Addie and Max practicing up at Randall with dad. Jake was out with a friend, so he is not in any of the pics.

Jake's basketball

2009-03-09T07:25:00.001-07:00

Jake's last basketball was last weekend. He made a lot of good friends this season and had fun. Here he is taking a break on the bench with dad and then dribbling down the court. He enjoyed playing and Trey had fun coaching him. Trey did wish that they could have run the offense correctly just once!!! They won a few games and tied twice.

Max and Add basketball

2009-02-21T15:29:00.000-08:00

The kids have been loving their basketball seasons. I wasn't able to make it to Jake's game this weekend. Trey is his coach so they went to Jake's game while I took Max to his. It is such a bummer when they play at the same time! These are a few pictures of them playing. Addie trying to steal the ball, Max getting in the action and getting hit hard, Add eyeing the competition, and Max going for the basket. I'll add some of Jake next week!

A weekend in the life of the Burlesons

2009-02-16T14:20:00.001-08:00

I haven't been very good at posting lately, so I thought I would let you know why! This is a list of what the Burlesons did this past weekend.

Friday

2:00 set up Max's Valentine's party

2:30 attend Max and Addie's parties

3:15 leave the school with Max and Add and 2 friends

3:30 pick up Jake

Clean house, play with the kids, make supper

7:30 Addie's game

Saturday

10:00 Jake's game

10:00 Trey has to be at work for a triple header

11:00 Max's game

11:00 Addie's game

12:00 Max's friends birthday party

1:00 Max's baseball practice

4:00 practice is over (Yes, you added right 3 hours, but in the coach's defense, the boys love it and do not want to stop practicing. To these boys, this is play time, the best part of the day.)

5:00 Get Max ready to go to church with his friend.

5:30 Take Addie a bag to spend the night with her friend

6:00 Usually we would go to church now, but Trey still isn't home from work. He never has to work this much, just happens to be the one day!

7:00 Take Jake to buy new jeans because he has holes on all of his.

Sunday

10:00 Go to breakfast with the family

1:30 Max's baseball practice

2:30 Addie's game

5:45 Church ( we didn't make it because Addie wasn't feeling too good, so we all went to bed early.)

This is how our weekends have been, as are many families. This is why I haven't found time to update lately. I couldn't think of another way to spend my weekend than with the kids and Trey. I love watching them have fun and play. So, maybe in July I will have more time! Just kidding, I will try to do better. And I got a new camera, so you can all see the kids in action. Til then, Julie

2009-02-16T14:13:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to stay home and have our own super bowl party with the kids. No one was really that into the game in our family, so we had a jungle pong tournament. We did have the game on in the garage and watched a little. It was fun to have time at home and with the kids, and they were good at jungle pong. I had to put the picture of Max on here in his footed PJ's. Trey doesn't understand how I can continue to buy them for him, but look how cute he looks. And he is my baby. He is rough and tumble all day long and all boy, so I think it is OK. He did have to wear different ones to bed because he kept diving in these on the garage floor.

spelling bee

2009-02-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

I know you cannot see Jake very well in this picture, but it was the best I could get. He is the one sitting behind the chair that says #2. He is slouching and staring off into space. Pretty much what he did the entire bee. He was less than thrilled to be there, but he did great. Again, he would not study. This was the county bee, a level beyond the school bee. He made it to the top 6. Good job Jake, we are proud of you!!!

2009-01-20T19:06:00.000-08:00

We had an awesome three day weekend, but we do not have one picture to prove it! So, I will just have to tell you about it. First, Friday night we had Jake's friend party for his birthday. Think lots of cologne, a preteen movie, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, sodas, and pretend movie making. Seriously, they have already embarked on making videos. I think I was in high school when my friends and I were making Debbie Gibson music videos. We had 4 boys over for the fun and to spend the night, it was fun. Addie had her first basketball game of the new season on Friday also. They did great and she played well. Some fast breaks, jump balls, and a basket. Saturday brought two more basketball games. Jake's game went good, but they lost. He was still asleep from the late night before, but managed to find a few moments of aggressiveness. Max played right after and had a great debut game. He scored at least 12 points and played awesome. He stole the ball more times than I could count. Then, we went to a friends birthday party and they all had fun playing football. Of course, Addie was right in there with all the boys. Later we went to get Addie's friend to go to church with us and then she spent the night. Sunday we played at home and then went to Max's baseball. That evening, we played tennis. I let Trey win. Trey had to work on Monday, but the kids and I had a great time running errands and getting flu shots. OK, maybe they didn't have fun getting the shots, but no tears and no screams. I am so thankful for my sweet family and I loved getting extra time with them. I hate running errands and shopping alone, so I love having them along. We really had a great weekend.

2009-01-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

We get to The Greenways at 3:40 for the spelling bee at 3:45. Jake is ready to go. Around 4:00 we start a practice round with 58 kids! 5:45 we leave with our runner up who is moving on to the county bee. He was less than thrilled. I don't know if you can see the pain in his eyes, but it is there. It was long and hot. He wore his hoodie during the bee and didn't take it off until he was sitting with us and that is when we noticed- his zipper was undone. Oh, my child! Thankfully, the hoodie concealed that while he was on the stage. He did a great job especially since he never practiced and refused to study. We are very proud of him, but we would still be proud had he been the 1st one out (that has actually happened!). Goode luk in te cowntee spilleeng bea!!!

2009-01-20T18:52:00.000-08:00

OK, so normally I am a very good coach's wife. Not last week! Last week was the football banquet and Max and Addie both had basketball the same night. It was just practice but it was the last practice before their games. They really didn't want to miss and I didn't want them to have to. Sooooooo, I had Jake go to the banquet as Trey's "date". My poor baby. It was 3 hours long and he was so bored. An 11 year old doesn't really enjoy listening to speeches and watching vidoes that don't apply to him or entertain him. I was in bed before he was! Thanks for being there for me and for dad Jake! Love you!

2009-01-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Trey had his debut as Jake's fifth grade basketball coach. Trey really does not enjoy basketball, but he loves Jake so he coached this team. Things started out shaky and they were down by 10 at halftime. The boys came out after halftime and did great. One of the boys made an awesome shot with about 3 seconds left to tie the game. In this league, they do not have overtime and the game ended tied. Once the refs told the boys that, Jake yelled throughout the gym, "we didn't lose!". They all had a great time and it was a fun game. I get to see Trey coach all the time, but I love it when I get to see him coach his own kids!

2009-01-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

Our Jake turned 11 this past Friday. I cannot believe that it has been 11 years since I first saw him! As all moms, I remember everything that happened the day I delivered him. I had been very sick and on bedrest. I had been struggling with pre-eclampsia and my blood pressure was very high. On January 9, my due date, I went to see my Dr. and my blood pressure was 220/100. They sent me right to the hospital and started treatment for the high blood pressure. I couldn't have the lights on or the TV turned. Thinking back, I think that was the last time I would lay in silence! Jake was born at 6:23 and our lives changed forever. He has brought so much joy and love into our lives. Trey and I love this boy so much and cannot imagine life without him. He is such a smart, sweet, and fun son. More importantly, he is our brother in Christ. We just love him so much. Of course, that means that he sometimes falls prey to our silly jokes. For his birthday, all he wanted was an Ipod. He was sure he was getting one and he was. However, we had to pick on him a little. We wrapped up an old Precious Moments figurine and gave it to him. This first picture is his reaction to the fake gift. He really tried to be nice about it, but the tears were building up, so we brought out the real gift. The next picture is the joy and relief he felt when he saw the Ipod!

Christmas!

2008-12-31T12:24:00.001-08:00

baseball camp

2008-12-31T12:03:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Oma and Opa paid for Max's baseball camp at Texas Tech. He had a blast! A bunch of his friends went, too. It was a great day and an awesome gift- thanks Oma and Opa!

2008-12-31T12:02:00.001-08:00

2008-12-31T11:32:00.000-08:00

We have had lots of fun in December. Max won these glasses in school and loves them. He wore them everywhere (yes, even the store) with his Indiana Jones hat. We decorated Oma and Opa's tree with Ashley and Brynn. We helped deliver Christmas presents with Mission 2540. The kids loved playing Santa and I love that they see how important it is to help others. We all went caroling with Oma and Opa. This is a yearly tradition that I love. I love seeing my kids deliver poinsettias to homebound people from our church and seeing their eyes light up. I love hearing them sing sweet carols. Addie got to have some girls over to decorate cookies and ornaments. I am still finding sprinkles and glitter on the floor, but it is totally worth it-they had fun.

2008-12-31T11:27:00.000-08:00

Jake and Addie finished their seasons in early December. They both had fun and did a great job.

Jake's first flight

2008-11-30T13:20:00.000-08:00

It was a normal Tuesday afternoon. A little cold, but sunny with a few wispy clouds. We had just gotten out for the Thanksgiving holiday and I was busy preparing for the weekend ahead. My dad offered to pick up Jake from school so they could go to their flight class early. OK, I didn't think much about it. Until, I got the call. "Hey Julie, go watch above your house, Jake is about to fly a plane over it!" Oh the things that went through my head. He's only 10! I didn't sign anything stating he could go in a plane much less fly one! Where's my camera? Opa is in so much trouble! Then I heard it, the sound of a small plane getting nearer. I ran outside and there it was. My baby flying right above me! He went by a few times then flew over to Oma & Opa's, Brad & Carla's, and Trey at work. I waited outside for him to come by again and he did. I stood there in the driveway waving and taking pictures. Hope the neighbors don't think I am weird! I was a little upset at first, I mean this was my baby flying an airplane and I had no prior knowledge of it! However, I know how much this meant to him and I know that this is a memory that he will have forever. By the time I got to talk to him, I was just so excited to hear about it and that he was on the ground again. He was the pilot and the instructor helped when necessary. Jake took off and landed twice. Once from the Amarillo airport and then from Tradewinds. Uncle Brad and Opa rode in the back seat. What an experience! Thank you Opa, but next time ask for permission!!!!

2008-11-30T13:05:00.000-08:00

November

2008-11-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

Below is a slide show of most of our November. We had a busy month. Max turned 7 on the 12th. We celebrated that night at home and then he had a friend party on the 22nd. We had his party at our church's gym and played capture the flag. It was really fun and he had a blast running around with his friends. Addie was in a reader's theater at her school. She also has been playing basketball and volleyball. I'll add some pictures of volleyball later. She is on the black team in the pictures below (she is #5 and has 2 black stripes on her shorts). Jake has been playing basketball and has made some great baskets! (pictures coming!) We've played a lot of games, the kids love Cranium games and baseball Monopoly. On Thanksgiving morning Trey had to demolish part of our utility room. We had a leak behind our washing machine and it made a huge hole in the wall. We had the plumbing repaired and then Trey fixed the wall, pulled up the flooring, and then painted the concrete. Poor guy, but he never complained. Besides that, we had a great Thanksgiving holiday with our families. Below is a picture of Addie with the cute turkey cupcakes she made. We are so thankful for our family and our overwhelming blessings.

2008-11-30T12:54:00.001-08:00

RHS VS CHS

2008-11-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

On halloween night, Randall played Canyon, an old rivalry that hadn't been played in a few years. Now we are in the same district, so the rivalry was reignited. We won 37-20. It was Max's night to be on the field with dad. These are pictures of him and 2 other coach's kids enjoying being with the "big" boys. They got to run out of the blow-up helmet, warm up with the team, and hang out on the sidelines. Max is the one with the blonde hair.

Halloween Happening

2008-11-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

OK, we really did have a good Halloween. I don't know why Max and Add look so unhappy in this picture, but I promise I was not torturing them! We had been at Halloween Happening-a carnival/trick or treating party at Randall. Max is a baseball player and Addie is a volleyball player. Jake was there, too but he didn't want to dress up or be in the picture. It wasn't that long ago that we were taking him to the ER in his Charlie Brown costume to get staples in his head after an accident at a Halloween party. He was 2 and a very cute Charlie Brown. Over the years he was a turtle, Charlie Brown, a Peppermint Patty (the candy), a fireman, a baseball player, and a football player. Life just goes by so fast, enjoy your little ones because they will soon be in 5th grade!!!!

Flag Football

2008-11-04T08:27:00.000-08:00

Max had his last flag football game last Sunday afternoon. He did great! He had 2 touchdowns and helped on defense, too.
He enjoyed his first season of football!

Knight's Night

2008-11-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

We went to the kids carnival at school last week. Max and Addie had a blast on the Monkey Motion. Addie learned how to do back flips, but Max had trouble. Last time he did it at a party, he was great at back flips. He just couldn't get the rhythm this time. We had a good time and then were off to the football game!

PICK SIX

2008-10-22T14:41:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of our sweet boy right after he scored his first touchdown (he was excited, the sun was in his eyes). It was right after halftime and the other team threw a pass. Max intercepted it and took off running, but he went the wrong way! He ran through a group from the other team and then realized he was going the wrong way, so he turned around and ran back through the other team and then half the field for the touchdown. It was awesome! All the fans were cheering for him, it was the first interception for our team. We won 35 to 0. He also got a ton of flags and of course, had a great time with his buddies. Max's baseball team also started the end of the year tournament at NRC. They lost the first game, but he caught another pop up and hit well. They won the second game and he played great, had a base clearing triple (could have been a home run), and hit some other great hits. Addie also played a great softball game which they lost by one point and a basketball game which they lost by more than 20. Oops, we'll get better. Addie has only played Upwards, so this basketball league is totally new to her, much more fast paced and competitive. It really is good, but she has some catching up to do. I did give her credit for an assist when the ball hit her in the back of the head, her team recovered it and scored. She is so much like her mom. She said that was really funny when the ball hit me in the head. She is so funny!

Trey and Julie

2008-10-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

We have been unbelievably busy this past month, but we wouldn't have it any other way. Some parents can't wait to have a break from their kids, but we love being with ours and watching them do all the things they love to do!!! The Raiders are doing good this year, they just won their district opener. Trey has been busy working, but the other coaches don't mind if he runs out for a while to watch the kids games on the weekend. My job is going good, too. It is hard to see some of the kids struggling, but great to see them improve! I almost got puked on, but she missed me by a few feet. That is one of my fears-I don't deal well with vomit, but who does? Read on to find out what has been going on with our sweeties.

Mr tooth-Max

2008-10-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

Max has lost 4 teeth at school in the past 2 weeks. The nurse told him she was going to run out of the special tooth treasure box necklaces if he keeps this up. He is so funny! He has been doing so great at school. I had his beginning of the year conference with his teacher and she told me he was reading on a 3rd grade level and a great leader in the class. He helps get the class ready every morning and will let kids know if they are making bad choices. He adores math and Mrs. Rains said he is at another level than most of the kids. When he started K, he could add coins with ease. I hope he always loves math. Max's baseball team has struggled a little this season, but Max has done great. He made an unassisted double play last week and then hit an in the park home run. He plays 1st this year and has done pretty good. He likes to get people out. Max also played flag football this year. He has played a little bit of offense, but mainly defense. He loves to pull those flags!!! He caught a long pass, but I wasn't there to see it. We usually have 6 games a weekend, so sometimes I am with Addie and Trey is with Max, but I heard it was great! Little Max is a cool kid (without many teeth)!

Addie

2008-10-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

Addie has been so busy these last few weeks. Her softball team, the Pink Panthers, are doing great. They have only lost one game. Addie plays second and sometimes center field. She loves softball!! One game, her team scored 14 runs, she had 7 RBI's and scored twice. She can rip the ball when she gets ahold of one! Add has also started basketball. We have scrimmaged a team of older girls a couple of times and her league games start this weekend. She is improving every practice and scrimmage, she is actually trying to set screens now. Addie always does great in school, she loves to read and work! She hasn't made below 103 on any of her spelling test and her report card was awesome. She never gets any marks for behavior either! She has also been a party girl-4 parties in 2 weeks. Add is always busy, but she truly likes it that way. She is so sociable and wants to be doing something all the time. We are so lucky to have such a sweet and smart little girl.

Jake

2008-10-13T14:04:00.001-07:00

Jake is really enjoying his new school. He loves all the science experiments and reading club. He gets points for reading books and taking tests over them on the computer. Jake has always loved to read, he reads way above grade level. On back to school night, all the kids had an "all about me" sheet on their lockers. Jake's had info like I am attending flight school, I want to be an aeronautical engineer when I grow up, and my favorite book is 30 seconds over Tokyo. He decided not to play football-a relief for me! We just signed up for basketball and he is ready to play. This past weekend, Jake went with my parents to Ft. Worth to go to an air show. He saw so many planes and the Thunderbirds. He had a blast! Jake is such a good kid and we are always proud of him!!!

Rowdy makes 6

2008-10-03T19:05:00.000-07:00

We have a new family member! We adopted Rowdy a few weeks ago and he is fitting into our family great. He was loved and trained by another family who just didn't have a big enough yard for him anymore, so we took him. He is 2 years old and a great dog. The kids just ran and ran with him the first day we got him. Then, Max and Addie took him on a "tour" of our house. We feel so lucky to have him.

Homecoming

2008-09-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

This week was homecoming and Wednesday, we had the parade. In this black convertible are our kids, the Plunk kids, Coach Plunk, and Trey. The kids had a blast waving at their friends and throwing candy at the crowds. I think Trey had fun driving the car, too. There were tons of people at the parade and then a big cookout afterward. It really was a fun night and something I know the kids will remember forever!

Second Day of School

2008-09-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

Well, here they are on their second day a school. We are so lucky to have such good kids. We love you guys!

First Day of School

2008-09-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

Although my children LOVE school, the first day is always hard. Our days of sleeping late, swimming, playing outside way past dark, staying up late playing games, and just spending tons of time together are over! A lot of moms say they can't wait for school to start again, but not me. It is always a hard day, but exciting, too. All five of us started school this year. Trey is in 9th grade at Randall. Oh, I mean he teaches 9th grade! Jake started 5th grade at Greenways Intermediate (a new school in a new district for him), Addie started 3rd and Max started 1st at Windsor, and I started a new job (intervention) at Sundown Lane Elementary. The morning was wild and we forgot to take a picture! I was so sad-not only was summer over, but I had no picture either. So, these pictures are what my sweeties looked like after a full day back at school.

2008-08-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

We have had a great summer and the best thing we did was spend time with our families! We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our family. Thank you for letting hang out with you! We love you!!!!

2008-08-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

2008-08-12T09:49:00.001-07:00

2008-08-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

Jake wanted to go and check out TCU and we found the stadium open, so we went in. Trey and the kids had never been there and thought it was really cool.

2008-08-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Addie and Max decided to try out the climbing wall at the zoo. Addie is on the left, Max is on the right. They did great, but their arms were a little too short to go all the way up, but they got pretty far. They loved it.

2008-08-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

2008-08-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THIS PICTURE! We can learn a lot from this orangutan. He/she is just relaxing enjoying the day. I wish I could always have this attitude. When I forget all my worries and just relax, I have a great day. My sink full of dirty dishes and my overflowing laundry baskets will still be there tomorrow. Today, I am going to play with my kids because too soon they will be grown and I don't want to regret not having the attitude of this monkey!

2008-08-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

I am not usually one for scenic pictures, but this rainbow was so beautiful and had been "following" us for miles as we drove to Ft. Worth. Trey had gotten a call a few hours earlier with a job offer. We were struggling with what to do and were just stressed out. This rainbow took my mind off of that and just reminded me that God is in control. We knew Trey needed to stay at his position and our family needed to stay in Amarillo, but we still worried. Thank you Lord for sweet reminders at the perfect time. You are in control!!!!!!

2008-08-12T08:43:00.001-07:00

2008-08-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

This was Addie's first year to get to play volleyball. She was so excited to get to play. She worked really hard on her serves and passing. She did a great job and had a lot of fun with her friends. I got to coach her team which is always fun! They don't keep an official score, but I know we had a winning season!!

2008-08-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Our spring was full of baseball games. Trey's freshman team did great and won the district. The varsity made it to the playoffs again. Trey has to scout and was gone 5 weekends in a row. We are always excited for our Raiders to do well, but it was hard being without him! They almost made it to the state tournament again, but they lost in the deciding game in extra innings. They had an awesome season and we are really proud of them. Jake's team battled through their season and ended up third in their division. Jake caught a lot of balls in the outfield and had some good hits. Max's team only lost one game in the regular season. They lost in the tournament, but came back to play in the championship game. They lost, but still had fun. Max played pitcher and regularly threw people out at 1st and caught a buch of pop ups. He also hit the ball so good and rarely got out. All my boys had great seasons.

2008-08-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten Graduation! What a fun year. It is so hard to see my baby growing up, but what a great kid and student he is. He did not get in trouble one time this year and is reading at the highest level tested in kindergarten. He said kids in his class would come to him to ask him for help with words. At the end of the ceremony, the principal asked if any of the kids want to come up on stage and say what they want to be when they grow up. Max went up and said he wanted to be a baseball coach. He will probably change his mind a hundred times over, but whatever he chooses to be, he will be great because he is an awesome kid and a sweet son.

2008-08-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of our little Addie about to rip the ball at her softball game. She loves playing softball!! In her first season she played short stop, catcher, outfield, 3rd base, and 2nd base. She also had a lot of great hits including an in the park home run. She is #9 on the Pink Panthers.

2008-08-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

After a long day of playing baseball and watching baseball, Max and Jake went with Trey up to the high school to work on the field. The boys were playing and Max tried to run under a bar and didn't make it! He hit his forehead which made him flip back and bust his head open on the concrete below. Trey and one of the other coaches stopped the bleeding and put a piece of guaze inside his hat and brought him home to mom. Of course, Trey thought he was OK, but mom said "Uh, I think I will take him to the Urgent Care Center." Sweet Max had to get 7 staples. He was so brave and didn't really cry when she put them in. He wimpered and winced a bit, but he really cried when she said no baseball for a while. He is such a tough guy, but we still HATE to see him hurt!

2008-08-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

2008-08-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

Max and Jake were both on the White Sox this season. We promise Max really does like playing baseball. We cannot remember why he was upset, but as you can see, he wasn't very happy at this moment. By the time we got to the field, he was thrilled and helped lead his team to a victory. Jake's team lost, but he was still smilin'!

2008-06-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

Jake had an awesome opportunity at end of spring break (which was also Easter). His Opa took him to Washington DC. They went to the Smithsonian, the Mall, and other DC sites. He had a blast looking at all the aircraft and riding on an airplane for the fist time! Even though all these things were great, the best thing that happened was that Jake accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour during the trip!!!!!! He had been thinking about it for a while and we had talked about it, but he and Opa started talking and he decided he was ready. What a special weekend, one that he will remember forever and that changed his life. Thank you to a special grandfather!

2008-06-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

Addie and Max still love dying eggs. It's hard to wait until they get done, but they had a great time.

2008-06-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed with such a wonderful family. Although we are very rarely all together for Christmas, we always enjoy the ones we are with. We always miss and remember the ones who cannot be with us. Our kids had a great time with cousins Ashley and Brynn.

2008-06-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Trying to get a Christmas card picture can take a while with three kids, but we sure have a fun time trying!

2008-06-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

Our baby is 6! He had a great spiderman party at our church's game room with lots of friends and family. He got catcher's gear, mitt, and tons of toys. Max is a great little boy and we are so glad he is in our family!

2008-06-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

Addie's two front teeth were already loose, but when she feel on the neighboor's trampoline, they got REALLY loose! They feel out a short time later.

2008-06-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

We always love Halloween!! Addie went as Hannah Montana and the boys were their favorite Randall football players. Jake was #5 Blake Bonner and Max was #1 Brad McGinnis. Little cousin Ashley was Baby Bop. We went to Oma and Opa's and then to Randall for games and way too much candy. It was a great evening!

2008-06-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

On Halloween, the kids got to dress up like what they want to be when they grow up. Max was a coach, Addie was a teacher, and Jake was an architect. Oh, and Trey dressed up like he
was still in high school. He's so fine!

2008-06-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

2008-06-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

Max had to miss his first day of kindergarten because he was having asthma trouble and had to go see Dr Walsh. Addie started 2nd and Jake started 4th. They had a great day! Max had his 1st day on the 2nd day of school and was welcomed by all his new friends. Trey is teaching freshman this year. We remember how we were in 9th grade, huh. Poor Trey, but he survived!

2008-06-11T11:24:00.000-07:00