Jessie

Jessie joined the FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America)at school this year. Recently Jessie and her friend Beyla participated in the local FCCLA Illustrated Talk contest. They had to pick a subject, write an outline and the talk, make a power point presentation, memorize the talk and present it. The subject they chose was Youth Obesity. They did a lot of research and put together a very good presentation. We are very proud of the girls...they won first place and will be going to regionals in January and then hopefully on to State. We will keep you posted!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAITLIN

Caitlin has turned 16! October 8th the day started off with text messages from friends and family, a package from Aunt Robin and Uncle Dave, Jessie put a small disco ball with a light in her locker and surprised her with notes wishing her a Happy Birthday, they sang Happy Birthday to her in the lunch room, She received roses from Granna and Papa Larry at school



we took her out to eat and then we (Cathlena, Michael, Granna, Papa Larry, Papa, Nanny & Jessie) surprised her with her number one wish on her birthday list.......a puppy....1/2 Yorkie and 1/2 Maltese who she named Calie, and lots of accessories for the puppy!




On Saturday we had a party with Caitlin's friends...presents, cake, music and a lot of chatter!


We all had a great time celebrating Caitlin's 16th birthday!

Pontotoc County Fair 2008

It is County Fair time again. This year Caitlin entered two Boar goats in the fair. My-Ann her doe and Samson her whether. Caitlin and her goats headed to the fair grounds on Thursday morning so the goats could be weighed in and classed. Then the clipping, bathing, drying, touch up shaving and grooming takes place so they will be ready to show the next day. On Friday the showing starts. The goats are bathed again and blown dry so they will look all sparkly. The showing starts out with the Open Class Pewee Division - 3 to 5 year olds - they are so cute!



After Open Class is completed then the 4-H/FFA Competition Begins. Entries in each class are called to the holding area to wait until time to enter the show ring.


Caitlin and My-Ann in the holding area


Caitlin waiting to show

When it is time to enter the ring the announcer states the class and calls out the entries names and the judging begins. The goats are judged on how they walk, stand and muscle and tone.


My-Ann holding her pose as Caitlin watches the judge.

Caitlin and My-Ann won a Blue First place Ribbon in their class and went to the winners holding area. After all classes have been judged all first place winners are called back so the Grand Champion can be chosen, who receives a Purple Champion ribbon and five hundred dollars.

Caitlin and My-Ann were the Grand Champions of the Boar Goat Doe Show!


A little fuzzy but you can see the big smile


Caitlin & My-Ann taking the official Champion picture with the Judge and check.

Caitlin had a few minutes to relax and then was back in the ring showing Samson.


Caitlin and Samson entering the show ring


Samson waiting to be judged.

Caitlin and Samson took fifth place in their class in the Boar Goat Whether Show. After a couple of days off Caitlin and the goats will get back to work getting ready for the Tulsa Show.

Zip Line

We added a zip line over the pool! Jessie and her friend Beyla really have enjoyed it!

Patio Project

This summer was all about projects. Not only did we put in the pool and deck but we covered the patio as well. We have a refrigerator for drinks, the air hockey game, a sitting area with stereo and a misting fan. What more could you ask for, well I wanted an area to pot plants and I have that too. Now that the back of the house is looking good it is time to start on the front!



Caitlin taking a break on the new covered patio.




My favorite area...




I really enjoy having my morning coffee here or listening to the rain... Come join me any time you can!

Road Trip to South Carolina

On Friday, August 1st, Caitlin, Jessie and I left on a road trip to Aiken, South Carolina to visit Eva, Danielle and Shaun. I really wasn't worried about the drive except for getting through Memphis and Birmingham. Thank goodness for cell phones! Mike stayed on the phone with us giving precise directions that got us on the right highways with little or no stress! We spent the night in Oxford Alabama and on Saturday we arrived in Aiken, South Carolina a little after noon.

On Sunday we were privileged to attend services at New Covenant Presbyterian church, where Shaun is the assistant pastor, and hear Shaun preach. The rest of the week we went shopping, enjoyed touring downtown Aiken and relaxing with family.


I had a very special alarm clock every morning...Eva would come in and wake me up so we could start our day together. I really enjoyed my mornings with Shaun and Eva!



Eva and Jessie playing ball


Relaxing on the deck


Shaun, Danielle, Eva, Caitlin & Jessie


These two lovely ladies sit outside a gift shop in downtown Aiken


On Friday August 8th, we left Aiken and headed back home. We decided we were going to try and make it all the way home in one day, stopping only when we needed gas. Danielle thanks for the wonderful kettle corn, it was the favorite snack!

It was a long day (16+ hours) but we arrived back home at 10:45 pm on Friday (I did load up on caffeine along the way)

Thanks for the great visit Eva, Shaun and Danielle

Pool Project-Phase 5 -The Deck

After many months of waiting and hard work I think we can say the pool project is complete. Flowers are planted around one side and the first section of the deck is built and we are enjoying the pool and deck! Summer is nearly over so we will concentrate on getting grass growing and when spring arrives we will start landscaping again and add another section of deck.


Laying out the design


Almost there


Ready to use!





A little color!

According to the weather this morning we are going to have temperatures in the 90's so the pool will be open and ready to use so......so come enjoy it with us!