Chelsea is 17

Chelsea, my cousin, turned 17-years-old this week. She's grown into a beautiful young woman with wonderful personality and very smart. I'm amazed how fast 17-years pass. I remember the day her mother, Irma, called me over to her home to say she failed a pregnancy test and wanted me to confirm it. I was in college when she was born, but came home just in time to see this little baby that melted my heart. She's been a blessing to our family.

Now that she's 17 and can drive I expect her to be a larger part of Ashton's life....especially when we need her to pick him up from school and babysit.

Happy Birthday

Love

The House Family

Skiing Video

More Pixs from Steamboat, CO.

I'm not a bad skier, but I wouldn't consider myself experienced. We've gone skiing for the last two years in a row, which has helped me gain skill and confidence. This season I felt comfortable on the greens and had lots of fun. Maybe next year (if I still have a job and we can afford it) I'll get the courage to hit some blues. In this picture I'm on a green run called, Why Not.




Marc and I one day took the Gondola up the mountain to have lunch and check out a blue or black run, which you see going up the mountain. It's scary to me, but Marc couldn't wait to hit the blues and blacks with his snowboard. Here we are over looking Steamboat and Gondola Square down below.

Happy Birthday Austen!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
AUSTEN

Back to the Real World : Bummer

I'm missing Steamboat badly. The glow from being on vacation is now gone after two days at work, so it's back to the real world. Bummer. Yet, I'm trying to be positive.
Lots of things going on ...

Today is Austen's birthday. He's turning 11-years-old. Next year he's off to middle school and soon he'll be driving. We should all be scared.



Ashton last week started soccer. Tonight is his first soccer practice. He needs it because at his first game he kept grabbing the ball with his hands and scored a couple of goals, but in the other teams goal net. He might need to stick to skiing.

I'm trying to wake my butt up early to go to the gym after I drop the kids at school, but before work to get it over with early. So far I went to the gym, Sunday and Monday, but failed miserable (Ashton and I over slept) on Tuesday and today. But, I can't give up. The two days I did exercise I felt great. Who wants to bet I'll start going more often?

That's what's going on.... what's happening with you all?

House Family Ski Trip -- Steamboat 2009

We've had a mixed experience during our ski trip to Steamboat, Co. for the Kids Winter Festival.

We arrived without a problem and our first day of ski lessons went well...for everyone except Marc. His first day of snowboarding was spent falling on his butt, knees, side and every way someone can fall while snowboarding. Of course, Marc, being the hard headed person he is, never quit and after one more day at snowboarding school he's gotten it and now is hitting the blues. His goal is to hit to black.




Unfortunately, our vacation hasn't gone smoothly. We did have a serious situation on our second day of skiing. Kailey fell during ski school and seriously broke her elbow. They got her to the local hospital, but after several x-rays and lots of pain medication it was determined they couldn't do anything thing and that she had to travel over 180 miles to Denver's Children's Hospital. So, Dennis picked up a rental car and he, Gram and Kailey headed to Denver for surgery. All went smoothly and now Kailey's arm is in a cast and everyone is back together in Steamboat.

All isn't a loss. Marc, the boys and I have enjoyed the slops. Papa has enjoyed being with us. And now that Kailey, Dennis and Gram are back, they're joining us as much activities as possible like bull riding, bounce houses, rides on the Gondola and snow mobiles (which where doing tonight for Papa's birthday).

We're getting ready to go back skiing at Steamboat, Colorado. The group has grown since last January when Peggy, Austen, Dalton, Ashton and I traveled to this winter sport destination.

Larry is going the group to celebrate his birthday on January 18th.
Marc, who's never skied before will also be joining us to try snowboarding. It should make for funny video, which I promise to post.
Dennis, Jamie and Kailey are also coming. Dennis has skied, but I don't think Jamie has hit the slops and, I believe, this will be Kailey's first time in snow. I'm sure she'll have a great time.



The Yampa Valley and surrounding area contain several geothermal hot springs, from which the city derives its name. The city is named after the Steamboat Spring, located near the present-day library. The spring itself was so named because its bubbling sounded like a steamboat to early settlers. Unfortunately, construction and blasting for railroad silenced the chugging spring in 1908.




All the kids, Marc and I will be attending ski school. Some for more days than others. No amount of school will help me stop eating snow, but I hope it will help me avoid a tree.

Florida Gators -- BCS Champs

GATORS RULE

The Gators kicks some Oklahoma butt this Thursday.
It was a tight game between two strong teams, but the Gators had passion and played better.
After helping Dalton with homework, I was glued to the television.
Everyone was asleep by the time halftime, so I wasn't able to scream and cheer my team. Although I couldn't contain myself a few times, which woke Marc up. But, I didn't care.

I remember the 1996 Championship game. I was a senior at UF getting ready to move back home, engaged to be married to Dennis Donet and looking forward to starting my career as a photojournalist. It was an amazing game. Stever Sperrier was the head coach and ruled the field. He wasn't very liked, but he delivered results. We partied till we dropped after that win.

There wasn't major partying during this championship game, although I would have loved watching it at a bar full of UF alumni. But, the win was sweet.

Go Gators!!!!!!!

A Message to Remember

Thinking of Granny

Granny, who just turned 80-years-old in December, is one of the most interesting and special person in our lives. Standing just about 4feet and something inches tall, she dominates a room when she enters it. Her personality is delightful and her endless conversations about anything and everything are astonishing.




Granny is dealing with some health problems, so I'm calling out to all for prayers.

She's a strong woman that has tackled and concurred many adversities in her life.
God will bless her during this time.

We love you, Granny..... XXXOOOXXX

Ashton Kicks Bear Butt

During a walk through the woods in Evergreen, Al. this past December during Granny's 80th Brithday Bash Ashton revealed big plans to "kick bear butt". I was mainly worried about getting shot by a hunter. Thank fully neither Ashton, nor I, needed to be concerned with a bear or a hunter.

Enjoy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! 2009

So long 2008. You've been a terrible year. There have been a few bright spots ... the election of our first black president, family is still together, and all of our children are healthy and (when their step-mother isn't nagging them) happy. I'm not sad to see you go, 2008. Actually, I'm very excited about your end.

Welcome 2009. May you be filled with a stronger economy, no layoffs (especially my job), great things for my family and blessing to all around the world (might as well be ambitious while I'm being hopeful).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
LOVE
THE HOUSE FAMILY