TEXAS RICHARDSONS

2012 has arrived with a BANG!

2012-01-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

Broken pipe leaking in our bedroom wall... detected Jan. 1st. Smells awful and I can't sleep in my own bed, both water heaters went out = no hot water in the house... Jan. 7th, getting fixed today, driving to soccer 4 days a week now, yes, I said 4 @#%^ DAYS A WEEK!!, breathe...... (why again does my kid like soccer so much! And remember that is on top of all other activities my kids seem to love and enjoy. Only reason we are doing them. Wrecked on my brand new bike... ok really just fell over because I couldn't un-click my shoes from the pedals. Massive bruises, cuts, scrapes, bruised ego. You can laugh, I would. Bobcat hiding out in our front yard bushes. Tried to get one of Jackson's friends... I swear I live in the freakin ZOO. Scared to go outside. A bobcat really??? Haven't seen my hubby since Jan. 1st, only at church, sitting up on the stand if that counts. His work load is ridiculous! BUUTTT.... 2012 is an even year and they always tend to go better for me. I think it is going to be a good one. Don't you?

Quick catch up, and then onto Summer!

2011-10-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

Rylie did here first Science Project. The Science of Cereal. She got the 5 most popular brands of cereal to test which one got the soggiest the fastest. Honey Bunches of Oats won for soggiest.

We had a very cold week this past Winter that left us stuck in the house for 3 or 4 days. School was cancelled and everything. Everything was covered with ice outside. If we wanted to leave the house we had to walk wherever we went. So we didn't go far. I did not enjoy that week one bit.

Spring Break Britt was out of town for the week so the kids and I made the best of it. We took ourselves 20 mins down the road to Arlington stayed in a hotel and went to Six Flags! Good times! We also took a ride to Fossil Rim with some friends. Fossil Rim is where you drive through and see all the wild animals. Some will come right up to your cars. These animals are not caged they just roam around. Those Ostrich are scary with their red eyes!

Jackson got bit by a neighbors dog. It was awful. Britt was out of town that week too. Pictures are gory - sorry! He was not teasing the dog either. He just went to pet him and the dog latched on and wouldn't let go. Not my favorite week that week either. Everything healed up fine but he has some crazy scars on his hand. Hope they fade as he gets older.

Rylie had another piano recital. She won an award for being the student who practices the most and it shows. She got to bring home a big trophy. Hopefully that will give her the motivation to keep practicing. I love to hear her play.

The Dallas Mavericks won the Championship. This was one happy house. I was so happy for them! They deserved it. It was awesome that they won the championship but I was the most happy when we got to go to the game where they beat Colby and LA. Boy, was that exciting! Made up for those bad two weeks I mentioned above and pretty much anything else bad that happened before that. Aww Shucks Colby... better luck next year! GO MAVS!

Our Sweet Girl

2011-09-16T12:04:00.001-07:00

This is one post I have been dreading to write. I am almost a year late in doing it. I just kept putting it off and putting it off. Which has put me even more behind in blogging. Last November (2010) we lost our sweet Rugby girl.

She was such a special dog! We got her before the kids came along at a time in our lives that was really hard. We had been through a rough couple of years of infertility and I had lost hope and had been told that there was no hope by Doctors. Britt was in the middle of his first year of Law School and had accepted a Summer position in Nashville, TN. Which meant that I would be alone in Lexington, KY while he spent his Summer in Nashville. We decided that getting a dog would be the best thing for us. We are both dog lovers and knew we would eventually have dogs. So this seemed like the perfect time. A dog would keep me company while Britt was gone for the Summer. We started looking around Christmas time. We knew that we wanted a Boxer. Britt found an ad in the newspaper and we were set. We drove to Indiana to get her. She was 8 weeks old. I will never forget when we saw her. A family had sold all of her brothers and sisters and planned on keeping her but decided they couldn't. They already had Rugby's mom and grandmother as pets. We got to their house and they opened the door and she came bounding out and practically fell down the stairs. She was tiny and the cutest thing. She came right to me and I knew we had to have her. I cried all the way back to Lexington with her. I was so happy! Little did I know she would be the one thing I needed that would bring the joy back into my life.

She was a little stinker in the beginning. She was into everything and she had to sleep in our bed under the covers if we wanted her to stop crying.

A few years later the kids came along and she was just like a big sister to them. They could pretty much do anything to her and she was calm as can be. In fact in the 11 years we had her she never even growled at them. Such a sweetie!

Rugby did not really start to slow down until around 9 years old. She was so full of spunk! The last few months of her life she really slowed down. We knew that it would be soon. We are so thankful that she just went to sleep one night and we didn't have to make the decision for her to go. It was one of the hardest days we have had in a long time. We miss her so much! So thankful for the time she was with us. She helped us more than she could ever know. We love you Rugby Roo!

Here I go....

2011-09-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

This may take me days but I am going to catch this blog up!

IKR

2011-08-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

IKR stands for "I know right?" This is the new thing I have been hearing coming out of my kids mouths. Sometimes they say "I know right" and other times they just simply say IKR. I mean seriously guys, c'mon, you should know that. This is right up there with "HAGS." I am either old or this generation is just way to complicated for me. LOL

COWBOYS vs Steelers & a 9th Birthday!!

2011-03-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

December 28th, 2001 was a fabulous day in the Richardson house! We were blessed with a baby boy after a long loong looong wait!!! Seems like just yesterday that we brought him home. The years have flown right by us and now he is 9!! Boy how we love this little guy. What a blessing he has been to us. He is quite the little ham and keeps us laughing and on our toes at all times!

Jackson had another fun birthday party this year. This is the 2nd time he has shared his party with one of his best buddies. If you know Jackson he is the number one Cowboy Fan of all time. Just make a visit to his bedroom if you don't believe me. Well, his buddy Bryce is the number one Steelers fan so what better birthday party then to invite all their friends and have a football game. COWBOYS vs Steelers ( guess who won??). There were 26 boys at the party and guess what???? we did not have one fight or wrestling match the whole hour and a half. Now that is miraculous if you ask me.

COWBOYS won!!! Happy Birthday little man of mine! We love you!!

Snapping Dragons!

2011-03-29T10:24:00.001-07:00

Rylie made the the music group at her Elementary this year. They go by the name Snapping Dragons and she is having a ball. They have performed at a Hockey Game, StoneBriar Mall, Hebron High School's Holiday music performance and will be performing again this May for a competition. They sing, play several different musical instruments and have a lot of fun together. The group is made up of 12 - 5th graders and 12 - 4th graders.

2 Buchanan's, 1 Balls and 1 Petersen

2011-02-25T11:50:00.000-08:00

November 2010 was a good month! We had Rugby's 11th birthday, Thanksgiving, and family come to visit! Hooray!! My parents, my youngest sister and my nephew came to see us! Gosh!! I really love when family comes to our house. So thank you all for making the long trip and spending some time with us. We had a fantastic time as usual with you all. Hope you did too! My Utah family are the biggest Dallas Cowboy fans! I mean it is non-stop Cowboy talk when we are together. So of course we had to take them to tour the stadium. They were in heaven. Weren't you guys! Especially my dad and Brayden, it is their favorite team. ha ha ha!! They aren't really Cowboy fans but we are so we made them tag along with us to the stadium. I think

they might secretly be fans now. Don't tell anyone! Especially the rest of the Utah family that

wasn't here with us.

After we all gave our Press Conference post tour (you can catch us on ESPN this month) we headed to the Texas Rangers stadium for some quick pics and the kids scored some pretty awesome hats!

Rugby turns 11!! November 7, 2010

2011-02-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2010

2011-02-24T09:41:00.001-08:00

Everything's bigger in TEXAS y'all!!!

2011-02-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

First trip to the Texas State Fair turned out to be loads of big Texas fun! I finally decided to take the kids to the famous Texas State Fair. You know the one that Oprah visited last year? Anyway, we did have a great time but I think it is just like any other state fair. Sorry Texas! One thing holds true to what they say though Big Tex is pretty darn big. Look at him! Wowsar!

CHE Fundraiser!

2011-02-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

The school Fundraiser each year is a fun run. For every lap the kids run they make money for the school. The kids enjoy it! This year it was so stinkin hot outside. The kids were bright red and soaking wet when they were done. This was back in September! After it was over I couldn't stop thinking about the poor teachers and how bad the classrooms must have smelled after the kids got done running. They did this in the morning so the teachers had to endure that smell the rest of the school day. ugh! Can you imagine??

push em back push em back way back!!!

2011-01-12T19:22:00.000-08:00

We have a ruff, tuff, fighting machine in this house named J - man!! Ok so I just made that name up right this minute but it works for this post. This past fall Jackson started playing tackle football. Boy was he and his dad ready for that. His mom not so much!! I was scared to death. It all started when we took him to get him weighed and measured for his pads. The kid in front of him in line got on the scale and the scale read 151 lbs. I started hyperventilating right there in the line. 151 lbs people!!! 9 year old boy guys!! I am standing next to the J - man who then gets on the scale weighing in at a big 51 lbs!! The J -man was going to be playing with and against 100 lb heavier kids. NO WAY!! But oh I was wrong. He did play and he played hard. He did so well that they put him in as quarterback. He had a great time and couldn't get enough. If they played it all year round here he would be playing. He loves it! The only thing that would make it better for him is if his team was the Cowboys instead of the Aggies. Maybe next season! It really wasn't that bad for me either except the one game where he got pummeled and didn't get up and wasn't moving for like 5 minutes and coaches from both teams were huddled around him on the field and I had to do that hyperventilating thing I did when we were waiting to have him weighed. Yes other than that it was a fun Football Season!! GO COWBOYS!! I mean AGGIES!!

Practice uniform

Getting dressed for the first game

Back to school 2010!

2011-01-11T20:49:00.000-08:00

I have a 4th grader and a 3rd grader!! When I really think about that it makes me want to slow the time down somehow. Where do the years go?

Here is our 3rd grader!

Here is our 4th grader!

More Summer Fun!!

2011-01-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

The kids and I headed to Cleveland Texas to visit a GREAT friend of mine!! Sheri is from Cleveland Texas and was home visiting her dad for a few weeks in the Summer. Sheri and I met in GA, served together in a few callings at church and became great friends fast! She is one of the funnest friends I have. I am really hoping I spelled Cleveland right.? I know I got off track but I am kind of worried about it because I know she will read this post. She never gets anything wrong and she has the best memory of anyone I have ever met, except for maybe my other good friend Marcie. Anyway, back to Cleveland!!! We had a great time seeing where she grew up. Swimming in lake Livingston, hanging out at the hotel, swimming at the hotel, one chipped tooth and trying to figure out what every one's signs were?????

Family Pictures! August! In Kentucky!

2011-01-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

While we were in Kentucky we thought it would be a great time to get family pictures done. Britt's parents own some beautiful land/farm that would make a great place for pictures. So off we went color coordinated and all. So many to choose from - here are just a few.

Dairy & Tobacco Farms in Kentucky

2011-01-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

Britt's mom took us to one of her friends Dairy farms. Mr. Frogue the owner gave us a tour and explained to the kids how they milk the cows and how everything works. We got to watch them milk the cows but didn't get to actually milk them. They do everything electronically now. So these machines actually do the milking. It was interesting to see the whole process. When I was growing up we had friends with a dairy farm and they milked the cows by hand I actually helped a few times. :) So this was something different to see. The tobacco business is a big thing in Kentucky also so while we were at the farm we got to see how they get the tobacco ready to smoke and sell. They hang it in barns and then they smoke it for about 30 days.

UK - Lexington KY

2011-01-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

We took a trip to Lexington while we were in Kentucky. This is where Britt went to Law School. This is also one of the most beautiful places on the earth (or that I have seen so far anyway). I loved it there and would live there again in a second if I had the choice. We wanted to show the kids where we lived while we were there, the Law School, the UK campus, the College of Pharmacy, that is where I worked for 3 years while we were there, and of course all the beautiful horse farms, castles, Keeneland and some of our favorite spots to go while we were there. Not so sure the kids really cared to much about any of this but Britt and I sure had a great time reminiscing. Such a great place and it treated us well the 3 years we were there.

UK campus... Top picture Memorial Hall right next the Law School.

This next one is the classroom where they held moot court. I got to see Britt in action in this room a few times. He was awesome!

Next one... one of Britt's classrooms. Britt and the kids sitting as if they are in class. This is how I would describe them.

Britt - totally in to what Professor Fortune is teaching, looking for those straight A's he always got. What a student!

Rylie - huh? what? I totally don't get it!!

Jackson - oh wow my Professor is so cute. I wonder if she is single!

One of the many horses around Lexington this one is outside the College of Pharmacy.

A hamburger joint on campus with quite the name. We thought it was funny!

This is our apartments we lived in Stoney Falls. It looks exactly the same as when we were there almost 10 years ago. Britt and the kids standing in front of the door of our apartment #723. The picture with the kids sitting on the grass was right under our balcony and we would take Rugby out there everyday and let her run around.

These are some of the horse farms and houses around Lexington....

Water Park/Kentucky

2011-01-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun in Kentucky this Summer! We stayed with Britt's parents and were on the move doing fun stuff the whole time! Britt's brother Matt and his wife Angie and their kids came up from Tennessee and stayed for a few days. His brother Craig was also there. We spent the day at the water park. The kids loved it and I think the parents did too!

These pictures below crack me up!!!! They kind of remind me of those pictures when you are on a roller coaster and there are hidden camera's just as you go down a really big hill so fast you can't breathe and then everyone gets to see your awkward funny face when you get off the roller coaster on t.v. screens.

Summer/Kentucky

2011-01-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

Moving on to our Trip to Kentucky/Tennessee this past Summer. We spent the first day at Britt's brothers house in Tennessee. They were kind enough to let us come and spend the day at their house. We ate bbq and got to see Pop and Nanny while we were there. We had a great visit with them and the kids had fun playing with their cousins!

Still trying to catch up!

2010-11-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

Utah = swimming, jumping, rolling down the Temple hill, baseball and fun!

Haedyn Chaetton, Jackson, Rylie and Bam cheering Ashton on at this baseball game!

Jackson and Chaetton at the baseball game

Rylie & Haedyn at the indoor jumps

Jackson, Ashton, Chaetton and Bam at the indoor jumps

Rylie and Chaetton taking a swim

Jackson & Ashton hanging out at the pool

Jackson rolling down the Temple hill

Rylie rolling down the Temple hill

Kids on the Manti Temple Hill

Kids outside the Manti Temple

DAD

2010-10-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Utah = Fun with Grandpa

The kids always love to spend time with my dad when we are in Utah. Like past trips we had some fun with him again. He is so patient and kind and is pretty willing to do just about anything with the grand kids and kids! Not so sure he is going to like all these pictures I am about to post because he doesn't even know I have them. He was busy sleeping while we were busy laughing and taking pictures. Thanks for being such a good sport dad. Hope we don't have to use any of these for blackmail photos one day!

Dad fell asleep on the couch holding this toy gun and the way he was holding it looked like he was sleeping with it to protect himself (maybe he was trying to protect himself from all the grandkids jumping all over him). We couldn't pass up the opportunity for pictures. Jackson had to get in on the action and give us a thumbs up which made us laugh even harder. Dad you didn't even flinch with us laughing and taking the pictures. Makes me laugh thinking about it right now. Mom was in the kitchen laughing so hard she was crying. Should of been there dad. Oh you were!

Did you laugh looking at these dad? C'mon you have to admit they are pretty funny! We always have so much fun with you. So glad you can roll with it, you are awesome! We are so glad we have you and so glad that the kids have you for their grandpa. Jackson just asked me the other day can grandpa from Utah come here for my birthday in December? Thanks for being that kind of grandpa and dad that we all want to spend time with. We love you!

The Whiff

2010-10-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Utah = Whiffle Ball

Every Summer while we are in Utah we always end up playing this game I call Whiffle Ball. I am not sure if that is the right name, but we will go with it. And every year we laugh while we play until someone gets a black eye (Jackson) or somebody quits in the middle (we are a very competitive family) there are always tears shed (because something isn't fair) but we keep on playing it every year.

Who knows what these two are coming up with?

Any way you say it Sixty is the Bomb!!!!

2010-10-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Utah = A fun 60th birthday celebration!

60, sixty, the big 6 0, sixxxxtyyyyy!!! SIXTY SIXTY Sixty sixty sixteeeeeee!! Hooray!!!

While we were in Utah we decided to plan a little surprise 60th birthday party for my mom. I mean turning 60 is a big deal right? In my family that means you are going to get a joke played on you and you better be ready for it!

Me and my sisters had been planning this for about two months. Trying to think of a way to make this fun for mom, let her know how much we appreciate her and really celebrate the 60 years she has been on earth. So this is how it all went down...... Keeping in mind we had to keep this under wraps because we were trying to surprise her. My sister Katy lives about 20 minutes from my parents so we had to think of way to get her and her three boys to my parents to spend the night. Hmm... what could we do? Got it! All the girls and kids would sleep out in the backyard in a tent (cause it would be fun for the kids, wink wink). We also needed the kids help to blow up 200 pink balloons, put marshmallows on toothpicks and decorate the front yard in the middle of the night. After everyone in the house went to sleep we got busy with the surprise. The kids were so excited to help. I am so proud of them for keeping it a secret. Around 2:30am we snuck around to the front yard and stuck the 200 balloons in the grass along with 6 pink flamingos and the marshmallows. We had made posters to put up in the front yard and we also stuck posters up on main street letting everyone know that Pam Buchanan was turning 6o. I am from a small town where everyone knows everybody so we thought this might be a little embarrassing for mom. We finally got it all finished around 3:30am and tried to get some sleep. Little did we know that it was supposed to rain and be freezing that night ( it was July 11th). We did not put the rain gear on the tent so we got wet. Try moving 6 tired, wet, unhappy kids in the house at 5:30 in the morning. Fun times!!

The next morning this is what my mom woke up to.....

We found this cute hat that said the big 60 on it and had candles shooting out the top of it! We made her wear it all day! Look how cute she is!
After she saw the front yard we were trying to figure out how to get her up town so she could see the posters. This is sad really, don't judge... still all of us in pj's about 9am we say c'mon mom lets ride up town and get a d-coke. She said this early, sure d-coke at 9am sounds pretty good to me. Does that give away that I am highly addicted to d-coke? yikes! She went for it and off we went up town. When she saw the posters she almost died. It was quite funny! I think they stayed up for the next 3 days. We thought the city would take them all down. Lucky for mom they were displayed for at least 3 days. Hooray! Later in the day we made dinner and had cake and ice cream. She was a good sport and wore that silly hat most of the day.
This is mom and all my sisters. We were sad that our brother Ben couldn't be there. He and his family live in Logan and they had already been down visiting before we did this. They had to get back home for work. We missed them.

Just a little about my mom from my perspective......I have been lucky enough to be with my mom for 38 years of that 60. Mom you are without a doubt the funnest mom I could ever dream to have. I have had so much fun with you over the years. You taught me how to be a good person, friend and sister. You taught me how to keep a really clean house. You taught me how to laugh and have fun. You taught me how to be a mother. You taught me how to respect others. You taught me the gospel. You taught me that you love me no matter what I have done and you always will. You taught me how to take care of my body and spirit. You taught me that I can have a fun and enjoyable life by seeing you enjoy yours. Since I have lived far away from you for the past 13 years I have come to appreciate you so much more. I love our phone conversations (pretty much every other day). I love that you look forward to when we come every Summer for two weeks and take over your house and everything else. I look so forward to the times you get to come to Texas and see us. I know I am in for a good fun time. Thanks so much for everything you have done, taught and continue to do for me. You are something special and I am so glad you are my mom!!!!

4th of July

2010-10-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

Utah = Stadium of Fire

My mom and dad got us all tickets to the Stadium of Fire for the 4th of July. I was so excited because Carrie Underwood was the "Big Star" performing. Seriously, that girl can sing! She was so great! It was so much fun hanging out with family, listening to some great music and watching an awesome fireworks show. Thanks for the tickets mom and dad. So much fun!

10,897 FT

2010-10-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

Utah = Jeeping up in the mountains... Oh how I love and miss the mountains. Utah ritual when we come to visit is a ride up the Manti Lasal to Sky Line Drive in the jeep. We see snow every time even in July! The kids love it!

To Colby,

2010-09-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Colby, When Jackson got home from school today I went through his backpack and this is what I found.....

Dear Town Council,

I would like to nominate Officer Colby Balls for a good citizen award. He takes his job very seriously. He cares about the people in his community. He respects all people and wants to see them succeed. He treats others fairly. As my uncle he is a very good example to me. He is funny and I love him.

Sincerely,

Jackson Richardson

I wish I could scan a copy of the letter and post in his handwriting. So cute. I had no idea they were working on this in class. He did it all by himself. You have made quite the impression on him. :)

SUMMER FUN!!

2010-09-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

UTAH = FUN

We did so much this Summer in Utah. I am not sure where to start. How about from the beginning? On the way to my parents house from the airport we stopped by BYU to show the kids the campus.
This is where Britt did his undergraduate studies and where all the magic that makes us Richardson's began. The kids were not really that interested, they wanted to get to Manti and see all their cousins. Can't really blame them when they only get to see them once a year. Britt and I sure had a great time walking around and doing the remember this or that game. While we were walking past the bookstore we had to stop and watch this "ONLY AT BYU" activity that was going on. There were a group of students, some really big tricycles, and a lot of cheering going on. We assumed they were having some FHE activity(could of sworn their Bishop was there). Which team can finish riding the giant tricycles the fastest. HA Ha!! We really got a good chuckle seeing that. BYU is a great place! We have so many happy fun memories from when we were there.

Just might be the CUTEST thing EVER!!!!!!!

2010-09-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

k, so I am totally going out of order here but I couldn't resist. The Summer posts are coming. Really soon! BUT......

Are you READY to SEE the CUTEST and I mean CUTEST picture to date????? Wait no longer..... here it is.... scroll down!! I am not lying

TOLD YOU!!! I was totally not lying! So dang cute! I know we are NOT supposed to brag or boast but c'mon, let me do it just this once. Thanks!

Another Concert!

2010-09-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

This past year has been a year of going to concerts. We have had so much fun going and spending time with family and friends while we were enjoying the music and a little, ok maybe alot of dancing. Happiness!!

We took the kids and went with some friends to the REO Speedwagon concert. Since it has been a few months and the older I get the more I seem to forget details ummm say..... by the next day, I can only remember that it was blazing hot outside and the line to get drinks was over an hour long so we suffered without liquids for 3 hours. Oh ya, and we parked about 5 miles from the outside arena and had to take a school bus with no air to and from our car. BUT.... we did have a lot of fun! REO was still tearing it up and they sounded pretty much the same.

Dancing to the 60's

2010-09-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Rylie had her dance recital in June! This year the theme was the music of the 60's. Rylie was in 3 dance numbers this year. She danced to "Born to be Wild" for her Jazz routine. "Get Back" for her hip hop and "Georgia On My Mind" for her ballet.

It was a lot of hard work this past year. Rylie really has grown as a dancer and it is so fun to watch her. We have just started the new year of dance and she decided to add tap. She is doing 4 classes of dance this year which = dropping her off on Wednesday nights at 4pm and picking her up at 8pm. She is one tired girl on Wednesday's but she loves it and seems to be keeping up just fine.

BLACK EYED PEAS Y'ALL!!!

2010-08-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

Back in the month of April 2010 Britt and I took off with some friends and went to a concert..... That concert was the Black Eyed Peas. LOVED IT!!! They were so good maybe my favorite, ok reverse that, I am going to have to stick with U2 being my favorite, but B E P was right up there. You know it was one of those concerts where you can just get down the whole time. DANCING all NIGHT. My kind of concert. They were very futuristic and I loved that. I mean who flies through the air over the crowd on a bullet bike all lit up with moving lights?? You don't know? That would be Taboo y'all. My kind of show.

May Recital

2010-08-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

Rylie had her piano recital in May. She played Home on the Range and Miniature Sonatina. Another fabulous job by Rylie!

Another School Year Comes To An End.

2010-08-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

I can not believe another school year has passed us by. No more 2nd graders in this house. Jackson and Rylie both had a great school year. They learned a lot and are ready to move onto 3rd and 4th grade. Jackson has started to learn how to write in cursive and his Math skills are pretty awesome too. Rylie took the big state TAKS test this year and aced it. I'm not even kidding! She did not miss one question. How is that for Ms. Smarty Pants. I am telling you she is quite the student. I could have taken a little lesson from both my kids on how to be a better student and really apply myself. What luck! Fingers crossed they continue to love school. Now onto a much needed break from school and schedules into the hot Summer do what we want kind of fun. The kids deserve it!!

Jackson with Principal Blake and the school Mascot "Dragon"

Jackson receiving his school awards from his 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Perrin.

Rylie with Principal Blake and the school Mascot "Dragon"

Rylie getting her awards from Mrs. Carr her 3rd grade teacher who I love love love. She is A W E S O M E!!!!!!!

The Red Sox have done it again!!

2010-08-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Champions Spring 2010!! Another fun season of baseball. Go Sox!!

Girls Trip!

2010-08-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

In June I took off with the girls for a much needed girls trip. We went to Austin and stayed on the lake for 3 days. It was so nice to go and just sit by the pool and relax. I met all these ladies through Jackson's sports. We all have boys the same age and they are all really good buddies going on 4 years now. Us moms have been together so much sitting at the boys games that we all have become really good friends right along with the boys. So we took off to relax in the Sun. I had a very entertaining time with these ladies. So much fun that I highly recommend Austin and good friends. Marty, Julie-Anne, Marci, Mandi, and Me!!

YIKES!!! I am so behind....

2010-08-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

I really don't like when I get this far behind because in my old age I forget all the details of the pictures and all the important things I will want to read about one day. Shoot!

Sweet Girl!!!

2010-06-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Britt wasn't the only one to have a birthday in May! Rylie had hers too!!! We now have a 9 year old in the house - holler! She is such a sweet girl and a BIG helper! She choose to have her party at the roller rink. We had a 70's style party with tye dye clothing, and games and a lot of groovy skating. The pictures are not the best and I didn't even get a picture of her cake. It was so cute. It was tye dye with a big peace sign in the middle of it. Anyway.... it was really cute! Just 9 things we love about Rylie....

1. gorgeous thick red hair ( that she lets me fix it anyway I want).

2. her willingness to help ALWAYS!!

3. the way she plays the piano beautifully.

4. her hug she gives me EVERY morning before she does anything else.

5. her smile and wave she gives when I drop her off at dance for the 3 1/2 hours a week of dance she does.

6. her beautiful blue eyes.

7. her love of riding her pink bike.

8. that she loves her dad so much and is always so concerned about him.

9. her love of shoes. Rylie and I see eye to eye on this one, and since she is only a half a size away from being in the same size shoe as me we can soon share. Something Rylie has wanted to do for as long as I can remember. I just have to keep her away from the high heels!

H.A.G.S or hags

2010-06-09T17:13:00.001-07:00

The kids took their yearbooks to school today for yearbook signing. As soon as they got them home I grabbed them and sat down to read what everyone wrote to my kids. This is all I saw......

Jacy
hags

Madi
H.A.G.S

Taylor - hags

Payton
H.A.G.S

and so forth and so on.....

OK call me old but who the heck knows what hags means??? were they calling my sweet kids HAGS!!! I mean - RUDE!!!! So I call Rylie and Jackson into the room and ask them? They both laugh and think it's funny that I have no idea what H.A.G.S mean, then tell me it is short for HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!!!!!!!! wow how times have changed. I mean we wrote things like..... hope you have a great Summer NOT h.y.h.a.g.s OR call me NOT c.m OR you are so good looking NOT y.a.s.g.l OR stay cute NOT s.c OR steph and britt forever NOT s.a.b.f
I learn something new everyday I tell ya. I still need to post about the new trend called Silly Bands. It has taken over our house for the past month. Another time though. For now I just want to sign off and say....

H.A.G.S
Stephanie

This guy right here.....

2010-06-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

well, he just had a birthday on May 14th. Let's see..... I turned 29 in March so that makes Britt 28! In case you didn't know I robbed the cradle. Here is just a FEW awesome things about this special guy...

1. His all time favorite athlete is Micheal Jordan.

2. He has more self discipline than anyone I have ever met.

3. He eats grilled chicken twice a day (with nothing on it).

4. He has really big muscles (ask him to flex for ya).

5. He loves the Dallas Cowboys!

6. He could lie on a beach any beach in the sun all day and not get up for anything - even a drink.

7. He really does not like when I pinch him.

8. He loves. loves. loves. Clint Eastwood!!!!

9. His pop (grandfather) is his idol.

10. He is a penny pincher - if you ever need money advice he would be someone to talk with.

11. He loves me unconditionally always - even when I pinch him. That is saying alot, you outta try living with me.

12. I am pretty sure he cried when LOST ended.

13. He knows the scriptures up, down, sideways and backwards.

14. He looks really sexy bald!

and finally............. drum roll

15. He is going to buy a boat.

I had to add these last two pictures because this just might be worse than me pinching him. He is going to kill me. Don't you just love the one in the sombrero....... hilarious!

ps... he isn't really buying a boat. I just totally wanted to freak him out - remember #10?

Diggin Divas!!

2010-05-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

Rylie just finished up her first season playing volleyball! Britt and I were a little nervous when she said she wanted to play because Rylie is not really the "sporty type". She played a season of soccer and I almost didn't make it through that season alive (her either). But, little did we know, she was pretty darn awesome! No tears (except when they lost). She really improved through out the season. I do have to brag just a little and say her serve is GREAT!! The team ended up taking 3rd in the playoffs. Which is really good considering they were playing 4th graders and only two girls on Rylie's team had ever played volleyball before. We are really proud of her! She loved it and we look forward to the next season of volleyball.

Texas Wildlife!!

2010-05-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

Sooooo, the wildlife here in Texas is about to put me over the edge - literally. After finding two of these...... and now two of these.......I think I might just pack up my bags and go! Why is this happening? Why do these disgusting creatures always end up in my back yard? why why why???? So here is the story - you know there always has to be a story with us. Jackson is playing basketball out on the back patio, I am on the phone with my mom inside, Jackson comes running in screaming there is a snake, my mom asks? what is the matter, I say just a minute, go out back, see the LARGE snake all curled up by the hose on the patio, 8 ft from the patio door, start hysterically screaming to get inside, get Rugby inside, me still screaming, hang up on my mom. Go back outside because now my neighbor Bob (the same Bob who saved me from one of the tarantula's - remember?) is wondering what all the screaming is about, I tell him there is a rattle snake on my patio. Help ME Please!!!! My phone is ringing off the hook while all this is going on. I think to myself I probably should see who that is.... well in the middle of all this snake catastrophe Rylie's dance teacher is calling because Rylie has hit herself in the nose with her knee and it is bleeding all over the dance studio (no lie). I need to go get her. I tell her teacher I will be there asap after I get the snake outta my back yard. Bob is now in my back yard with a shovel. He looks at the snake, says that is two snakes and I think they are mateing. GROSS!! Sorry but it is! Bob tells me he is going to chop their heads off with the shovel. ummmm...... ok......... let me turn the other way and get Jackson out of the back yard. Bob starts chopping away. I am screaming along with Bob's wife Cindy. I can not even begin to tell you how petrified I was. Britt has now pulled up from work and grabs another shovel, he is trying to chop the males head off because the female is almost dead from Bob chopping away. sick! sick! sick! It was like a horror film. I did not sleep very much that night and I am seriously thinking about moving. P.S. Rylie was fine, no broken nose, just bruised and bloody - kinda like the snakes!!!!!

A Letter!

2010-05-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

dear mom,

all I want to say is i am sorry. i know i have been treating you bad and everything but i can give you 2 reasons why i wrote this letter.

1. I have to go to the gazebo by the lake to meet Riley there.

2. i don't want to clean my room and all that stuff because i already feel punished enough.

well i think i have rounded up my letter. so all i want to say is sorry and that i won't do it again. i also don't want to give Sydney her bracelets back because she said no trade backs.

sincerely,

Rylie

love you.

A little background... Rylie had got into trouble for something. I had told her when she came home from school the next day she was going straight to her room and cleaning every inch of it. All this trading something for something is going on in the third grade. Drives me crazy. I had told Rylie that she needed to give Sydney's bracelets back and let her keep the eraser she had given her for the bracelets. An eraser for a bracelet.... hmmmm who came out on top on that trade? She did not want to give those bracelets back but that was one of things she had to do for getting into trouble. So she came out of school with this letter that she had typed while at school. It did make me laugh for just a minute but she still had to clean her room and give the bracelets back. She has not been happy with me.

Conversations with 8 year olds!!

2010-04-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I have had some entertaining conversations with the kids lately. Had to post just a few for your entertainment.

For about the past two weeks Jackson has been telling me that he wants to be named something different. He doesn't like the name Jackson. Britt struggled with this same thing when he was about Jackson's age and I have his journals to prove it. He always signed his name as Todd at the end of his journal entries. Funny huh? Well, I guess that wore off because Britt still goes by the name his momma gave him. So I am not at all worried that Jackson will keep his most awesome name we gave him.

So this was the conversation this morning when I was doing his hair for school.

Jackson: Mom I just thought you should know that I will be changing my name when I am 18.

Me: Reeeallly?

Jackson: Yes mom! I have been thinking about doing it when I am 16 but I think I have to wait until I am 18 and an adult.

Me: And what is the new name you will go by????

Jackson: either Jack or James

Conversation with Rylie on the way home from dance last night...

Rylie: Mom what kind of person do you think I am?

Me: Well, I think you are 99.5% perfect. If you could stop fighting with your brother you would be at 100%

Rylie: no no no that is not what I mean. Do you think I am sporty, musical, or a great dancer?

Me: I think you are very musically talented and a beautiful dancer and still trying to figure out if you are really into the sport scene, but really I would call you studious.

Rylie: What is studious?

Me: Very book smart, straight "A" student, very bright. You definitely take after your dad and not me when it comes to that. Why are you asking?

Rylie: (very stressed at this point) because I just don't know what I am going to do with my life. (no really she said that)

Me: Well Rylie you have quite a few years to decide that. I just want you to treat people right and have fun growing up.

Rylie: (still stressed at this point) well Jackson already knows what he is going to be and I am like 7 months older than him.

Me: What is he going to be?

Rylie: He is going to own a bright yellow store and sell smiley faces. You can only go in if you are smiling. (WOW)

Me: (trying to not laugh) That is great for Jackson but I am sure you will figure it out soon. Don't worry about it!

Rylie: I guess I will just own a store called Studious!

A Dance!

2010-03-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

Britt and Rylie's first daddy/daughter dance!

Yippee!!!!

2010-03-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

Guess who gets to go to the Stadium Of Fire? C'mon sing it with me..... Stadium of FIRE phoom phooom, STADIUM OF FIRE tadum.... OOOOO I am so excited!!! Thank you MOM and DAD for getting tickets. I can hardly wait! For those of you that might not know what the Stadium of Fire phoom phoom is.... it is a big 4th of July show in Utah. It is held in the Cougar Stadium in Provo, GO COUGS!! They have a concert and lots of big fireworks and lets not forget the theme song... Sing it with me - jk you don't really have too, my mom will sing it with me. And just to top it all off guess who the big star will be that is performing this year?

YIPEE!!

There is a first time for everything..... right?

2010-02-26T14:55:00.000-08:00

The first time my kids ever built a snowman or made snow angels...

The first time the Dallas area had 11 inches of snow in history.....

First time photos of our home and neighborhood covered in snow....

It was pretty and fun for a day - but I didn't move to Texas to play in Snow. I moved here for the Sunshine. Bring on the Summer please!!!

Pinewood Derby Baby!

2010-02-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

Jackson started cub scouts in January. He had his first pinewood derby race a few weeks ago. When he brought his car home (block of wood) Britt and I just looked at each other and shrugged. We are not the two most handiest people on earth. Really not handy at all if you must know! WE can barely hang a picture straight on the wall. Basically we knew with our help Jackson was going to come in last at the big race. Britt cut the wood into a car shape, Jackson painted it and I threw the wheels on it about 20 minutes before the race. Being the GREAT parents that we are we had a LONG TALK with Jackson on the way to the BIG RACE and told him it was ok if he came in last, next year will be better when mom and dad get a little better at making cars and not to cry if he came in last yada yada yada. We think we had him prepped and ready to not expect his car to do to well. We got to the church and then had to weigh his car in... the cars are supposed to weigh as close to 5oz as you can get it. Well, Jackson's car weighed in at 2.4 oz. OOPS... first big mistake, you have to expect it with how handy we are really. Luckily someone had an extra weight and fastened it to J's car for us. It now weighed 4.8 oz. Close enough for us, we weren't really expecting much. There were around 30 cars and each car had to race 3 times on 3 different tracks. When it was J's cars turn Britt and I gave J the thumbs up and said, now remember don't get upset if the car loses, no biggie right. And then a miracle happened right before our eyes and his car wins all three races and he comes in 2nd overall with the 2nd fastest time - WHO KNEW really? We were shocked as you all are right now. So now with ONE pinewood derby under our belt we are feeling more confident with our handy-ness. Look at the trophy J got and now sports in his room with all the other ones. Jackson's car is the solid blue one! SWEET!!

27 Boys & 6 Girls!!!

2010-02-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

That is how many kids were at Jackson's 8th birthday party! A party it was too! Jackson's actual birthday is December 28th and his good friend Bryce's is January 28th. So they had their party together right in the middle on January 16th. It was an indoor swim party this year! It really was a lot of fun and no one got hurt and no fights between any of the boys. It was great!! There are a lot of pictures because when I got home and looked through them I had to laugh at Jackson. He is doing some pretty great poses in these pictures. It made me happy that he had so much fun at his party and he has really great little friends that he is so comfortable with.

What's next?...... A Birthday and a Baptism!!

2010-01-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

December 28th Jackson turned 8. A big year for Jackson boy!! Not only did he turn 8 but he got baptized too. We were lucky enough to have our parents and Uncle Craig and Aunt Tara here for the big day. Thanks again guys for making the long trip. Two trips to Texas in 7 months is a lot to expect but you all came and we are so glad you did! We really appreciate it and love you all bunches. The 2nd of January was the big day.

Uncle Craig and Aunt Tara came from Kentucky and Florida.

Grandpa and Grandma Buchanan came from Utah.

Granddaddy and Grandmother Richardson came from Kentucky.

It was a very special day! Jackson good job for making the decision to be baptized. You are a sweet boy and we enjoy you every minute of the day. You bring a lot of fun to our home. Your personality is so fun and happy. We are so blessed and grateful to have you in our home.

Another post and pics of Jackson's crazy fun birthday party to come.

A visit with Santa, making Gingerbread Houses, & Christmas Morning!!

2010-01-20T11:51:00.000-08:00

Our activities in December were many. Here is just a glimpse of 3 of them. We had a visit with Santa Claus. The kids were sure to tell him everything they wanted. Santa was a very good listener! Jackson asked Santa what his address was at the North Pole?? His answer 1 North Pole. That seemed to satisfy Jackson - thank goodness!Next we had a gingerbread house making/decorating night at our house with friends. The kids had fun and did a great job decorating their houses. I didn't get a picture of the finished products - shoot! Christmas morning was exciting as always! The kids were full of excitement and happy with what they worked so hard to be good for all year. Rylie got her big mountain bike (pink of course) and Jackson got a BB gun and enough Dallas Cowboys football deco to cover his whole room from top to bottom. Seriously you should see his room. It is hard to believe another Christmas season has come and gone. We have so much to be thankful for.

Don't you just love Rylie's pose showing off her stuff? Price is Right here she comes. What a ham!

Christmas Caroling in Castle Hills!

2010-01-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

Some of Rylie's friends and their families got together this year and went caroling in the neighborhood. One of the families rented a trailer and we piled bean bags, blankets and lots of kids into it and went caroling. We went house to house for 3 hours and sang them a song and left them candy canes. It was freezing.... but so much fun! The girls had a great time and so did the adults. Jingle Bells!

Rylie's Spelling Bee!!

2010-01-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

Rylie had her UIL Spelling competition in December. There were 3 school districts participating. She did a great job and ended up placing 7th overall. She had a lot of fun and learned a lot of new words. She is a bright girl and we are so proud of her determination and hard work!

Clear back in November!

2010-01-11T18:42:00.000-08:00

The 2nd grade put on a musical in November about Thanksgiving. Jackson's class had to sing 3 songs about being thankful. Jackson was thrilled let me tell you. His least favorite thing to do is sing - and having to do it in front of everyone almost put him over the edge. He was so nervous and you could tell because he was practically doing the sprattles. Not sure if that is how to spell that but it is those middle splits you do when you spread your legs out to each side and hit the ground. I am not kidding his legs were so far apart the whole time he was on stage. He looked like he was stretching to go for a run or something. It was quite funny and cute at the same time. Poor thing! He did it though and they were so cute.

Another GREAT sports Season for Jackson!

2009-12-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

I am really really behind! Anyhoo, Jackson finished up soccer, baseball, and football in November. 3 sports was 1 to many for one season but we made it! Jackson of course loved it all.

BASEBALL - was tough this season. They were playing 3rd grade boys from select teams. They learned alot and will be better prepared this Spring when they go back to playing for the city league. Their team was the Sea Dogs. He played short stop and 2nd base.FOOTBALL - was just the opposite, they played 1st graders which made it a little to easy for them. They won every game but still he loved being out there. He played quarterback for his team this season! His team was the Aggies (of course he would have preferred being the Cowboys). Next season he will be playing tackle football. I am not sure if I am ready for that - but he is - in case you didn't know he is going to be a professional football player when he grows up! :)SOCCER - was again awesome! Jackson's soccer team the Knights have been playing together for 5 seasons (Spring and Fall) and some indoor soccer as well. They have a great coach and have really learned to play well together. They won all of their games this season and only had 5 goals scored against them all season. They went to the playoffs and won the championship game. It was a really fun season! This was the last season the boys will be together as a team. Some of them are moving on to select teams. Jackson is moving on to FC Dallas which is a select team that will challenge him more and will travel. He will miss playing with all his friends but he is moving on with 3 of them. We are glad he will stay together with some of them. We had a 2 week break after all that awesome-ness and now we are in 2 games of basketball and indoor soccer, with 6 weeks to go. Gotta love sports!!!

Rugby is 10!!!

2009-11-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

Rugby turned 10 on November 7th. We had her usual birthday party by giving her a cheeseburger from McDonalds. We actually gave her two this year. Turning 10 is quite a big feat! :) We got her a few toys, a new collar and lots of dog treats. Rugby is turning gray and slowing down a bit, but she is still the best dog in the world. We love you Rugby!!

3rd Grade Project

2009-11-14T14:05:00.000-08:00

Rylie had her first really BIG project due at school last week. BIG for 3rd grade in my opinion. They had to learn about the community. We had to visit City Hall, the Fire Department, the Police Station, the Public Library, The Elementary School and the Parks and Recreation Building. We had to get a picture of her standing in front of each building and she had to visit with two employees in each of the buildings. She had to learn their names and their job titles. Then, put it all on a poster board, labeled with full names, job titles and full addresses. She then had to present it in front of her class at school. I was so glad to have this over with. Took way to much time. Rylie of course loved every minute of it and loved telling about it at school. I remember now why I didn't like school - the homework. I was not a good student. For some reason I was blessed with two kids that love school and don't mind doing homework and a smarty pants for a husband. I feel like an outcast.

Halloween 09

2009-11-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

The ZOMBIE & the SPIDER LADY!!!

Some shots before trick or treating!

Out looking for treats!

Heading home!!

RACE FOR THE CURE

2009-10-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday I was able to do the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. It was my first year to do this race. I was very overwhelmed by the amount of people there, and the stories each one of them had to share. There were many hopeful stories and many stories that had sad endings. It was very inspiring for me. I will be doing this race every year (new goal) and if I could I would wear the t-shirt I received every day of the year. It is heart breaking that this disease has effected all of us by either going through it ourselves or knowing someone who has been through it themselves.

I am hopeful that a cure is found very soon!

One EERY Piano Recital!!

2009-10-14T12:16:00.001-07:00

Rylie's October Piano recital was a fun one. The students all dressed in their Halloween costumes and played Halloween music. The room was all decorated and dark, except a lamp that was shining on the piano keys. Rylie continues to amaze us with her piano skills! :)

2009-10-11T08:22:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

OCTOBER!!!

2009-10-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

This is the month for... gHOsts, WitCHes, jAck-O-lAntErns, coStuMes, CaNdY and I will add.... CREEPY CRAWLY HAIRY CRITTERS!!!! I am TERRIFIED of SPIDERS. Even the littlest ones you can find, but when you come home from a long day and hear your dog in the backyard barking, which is unusual because she never really barks ever, and going crazy and it is pitch DARK outside AND YOUR HUSBAND IS OUT OF TOWN (breathe) then you tell your kids to back away from the patio door because you aren't sure if there is a creepy crazy person in your backyard (I did not really say that to my kids, but I was sure thinking it) and then I flip on the outside lights and I see Rugby (the dog) going crazy over this... a BIG disgusting hairy TARANTULA!

I literally started to hyperventilate.... was not sure what I should do because there was no way I was getting near this thing, they jump you know? really they do (breathe) so I ran next door to our neighbors and got Bob to come and get rid of the CREEPY CRAWLY thing which had took off crawling up the wall next to the patio door, THANK goodness Bob was home and he came right over and got the YUCKY thing off the wall and onto a shovel, lets not forget my kids and his kids had joined in on the FUN and were letting out these nice high pitched Halloween ScREamS btw, and then Bob took it out of our backyard, don't really know what he did with it, not sure I care as long as it doesn't make it's way back to my house. GROSS!!

One Fantabulous Speller!!!

2009-10-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Rylie tried out for the UIL team at her school and made the team. UIL stands for (this is really long) University Interscholastic League Academic competitive programs. Only 3 third graders were able to make the team this year. We are so proud and excited for her! She will represent Castle Hills Elementary in spelling competitions. She will have her first "District Meet" December 5th. Rylie was beaming when she came out of school today. I said you must have had a really good day at school, she said I made the UIL team! We were not supposed to find out the results until tomorrow, but they let her know today by announcing it to the school in the end of the day announcements. We are excited to see how she will do! Who knows, maybe you will see Rylie on the National Spelling Bee one year! lol!

Rah Rah Rah!!!

2009-09-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

Rylie headed to cheer camp this past week! One of the girls we go to church with is a cheerleader at our local High School (cutest girl btw). They had a cheer camp for girls Elementary age. Then the girls would be able to cheer with them at the next home football game during 1st quarter. Rylie had so much fun with Cami and the rest of the cheerleaders.

GO HEBRON!!!

THEY HAVE ARRIVED!!! IN ALL THEIR GLORY!!

2009-09-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!! That is angels singing btw!!!

No, really seriously!!!

2009-09-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

I really need to be part owner of Sports Academy. I have spent enough money there in the past month. Take a look-ie!!

Let's see, we have outdoor soccer cleats, football cleats, indoor soccer shoes and baseball cleats. Yes, it is important to have the right shoes for the right sport. Maybe the problem is Jackson is signed up for tooooooo many sports this Fall! Yes, this is Fall shoes only here people. I am taking total responsibility for this. Not that Jackson doesn't enjoy every minute of his sports, I just usually do not let them do three things in one season. What the crap - a - do was I thinking?

Let's not forget Rylie's shoes and Fall schedule. Again, what was I thinking?

Ballet, hip hop and Jazz. If there were shoes to be bought for piano lessons they would be in the picture too. Thank goodness piano doesn't require a certain shoe!!

Some of you, maybe all of you wonder why I run around crazy and act looney all the time. Now you know! Smiles!

Monday is a BIG day!

2009-09-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

I have a BIG DrEAm come true being delivered Monday! I can't WAIT!! I will post pictures when it gets here. YAy for deliveries!

80's Hairbands - gotta love 'em!!

2009-08-27T11:46:00.001-07:00

Britt & I and some friends went to the Def Leppard concert the other night. Opening for them were Poison and Cheap Trick. We couldn't pass up a show like that! WOW - did we have a great time! Poison did not disappoint and Def Leppard was still AWESOME! The people watching was pretty stellar too. Most people were our age or older, some dressed up in 80's gear and some have never left the 80's and came as they were. I am not joking! Quite some entertaining people.

Boy how I love these kids!!!!

2009-08-24T12:11:00.001-07:00

A new year of school begins! In the Richardson house it is 2nd and 3rd grade. Why does the first day of school always make me cry? Sending those two little bundles of joy off to school each year comes with mixed emotions for me. Sending Rylie off this morning was like sending off a 16 year old to school. She was almost running to get in her classroom. I don't think she will miss me one bit. I will miss her though! That makes me cry.Sending Jackson off was a bit different. He was crying before he even got to his classroom. He was a bundle of nerves. He loves school but I think a tiny bit of him still misses me during the day. That makes me cry.I know they will both have a great year!! They have nice teachers and good friends in their classes and a mom that misses them at home.

Dolphins & Beluga Whales - Sea World

2009-08-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Sea World - San Antonio

2009-08-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun at Sea World. It a was hotter than Toledo (is Toledo really hot?)! Anyhoo, we hit all the shows and went for one heck of a ride on the Steel Eel. That was one of my favorite roller coasters I have ever been on. Scary fun! You know that scary fun feeling in your stomach kind of fun?

The first show was the walrus and seal show. It was pretty entertaining

Next was the GREAT Shamu show. It really was AWESOME! We loved it! We sat in the splash zone but did not get wet. We were lucky - the people sitting right next to us were drenched

I have one more show to add but something is not right with my post. I have lost my patience with trying to post my pics. It is taking forever and then the pics all come out in the wrong order. So I will be adding one more post out of order. Oh well!

I really hate to break it to you.....

2009-08-14T17:46:00.001-07:00

but there is not a basement in the Alamo! Sorry Pee Wee Herman fans, Pee Wee did not find his bicycle in the basement of the Alamo. I know, I was shocked too (Britt is cringing as he reads this). Britt is a history buff and I think for a minute he regretted marrying me when he heard all I knew about the Alamo was the Pee Wee bicycle - basement stuff.

We did tour the Alamo when we were visiting SA! I admit I really did not know much about it (but the Pee Wee thing - which happens to be a big lie). We took a tour and I learned alot. I thought it was pretty cool. Not what happened there but seeing the buildings and the grounds. It really was beautiful. Rylie will be learning about the Alamo this year in school so I am glad we went and she saw and learned about what happened there.

Imax - Ripley's Laser Tag, Swimming and the Hot Tub San Antonio!

2009-08-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

More games, movies and relaxing at the Marriott - Riverwalk

San Antonio - Mirror Maze

2009-08-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

Of course we had to do a few of the tourist trap games these places always seem to have. First stop was the mirror maze. It actually was kind of entertaining. They have you put on these gloves and tell you to always keep your hands out in front of you or you will most definitely hit into a mirror. We got inside with the mirrors and it was dark except the lights outlining the floor. It was pretty hard and a little confusing. Britt made it to the exit and called us over. He looked like he was right in front of us but when we tried to get to him we hit into the mirrors. Eventually Rylie made it and then me. Jackson was a little freaked out because he couldn't get to us. He could see us but those darn mirrors make it hard to find one another. So he did what he wasn't supposed to and ran without his hands up in front of him and BAM! He hit smack into a mirror. We all saw him do it but we couldn't get to him because of those mirrors. It knocked him down and out. He didn't know where the heck he was. When he came to he started crying and holding his head. We all were having a hard time not laughing. It was funny! It was so dark in there we couldn't see if he had a bump or not. We made it back to the exit looked at his head and this was the result.

He had a mild concussion and his bump is now purplish black. But hey those games are totally worth the bump on your head and the 10 bucks per person it costs to get in.

Day 2 San Antonio!

2009-08-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

We really got lucky on this trip because..... The Dallas Cowboys happened to be in San Antonio having training camp. Lucky us they were staying in the hotel right next to ours. Britt and Jackson were in heaven! We went and watched them at training camp for a few hours. It was pretty exciting! I do have to say that Cowboy fans are a bit crazy. I felt like we were at a game and the way everyone was acting you would have thought we really were. Crazy people! I just happen to have two of those crazy fans living with me. GO COWBOYS!!

San Antonio!!!

2009-08-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

We headed to San Antonio for a long weekend. It was our first trip there and we had a blast. Our hotel was on the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is a beautiful place. There are outdoor restaurants, stores, live music, barge rides that take you on a tour of the Riverwalk and beautiful landscaping. We loved it! We were there for 4 days and it was a jam packed 4 days. 1st day there we took a barge ride around the Riverwalk and got ourselves acquainted with everything. Random pictures of us below on the Riverwalk.

Hawaiian Falls

2009-08-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

Waterpark we have just down the road from us! I always wish I would have taken more pictures of these fun activities. These are my only two from this trip. We sure had a fun day though. We went with a load of the kids friends and spent all day going up and down. Fun! Fun!

Pizza & Ice Cream & Family

2009-07-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

Another of our many ADVENTURES while we were in Utah. We took the kids and headed to Ephraim for PIZZA and a TREAT at the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shoppe! This was one of the last things we did while we were in Utah. We had a GRAND trip again this year. Looking forward to next years trip already! Thanks to my TERRIFIC FAMILY for an AWE AWE AWESOME time!!

Shout Out to my Younger Sister!!

2009-07-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have to give a shout out to my younger sister Katy! She just had her 3rd baby and that makes it 3 boys for them! 3 boys! She is so brave. They happen to be the cutest 3 boys out there (besides our Jackson of course - hee hee). She is a busy mom and a GREAT mom too! I had to post a picture of the new addition. He is a little hunk of burnin love!

Slipping, Sliding, and Water Gun Fighting!

2009-07-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

While in Utah my sister Katy's kids, Ashton and Landon aka Bam along with Rylie and Jackson enjoyed some water time.

Off We Go a Camping

2009-07-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

Over the 4th of July weekend we went camping at Fish Lake Utah. I love those beautiful mountains! We went up with my parents my brother Ben and his family and my sister Katy and her family. We had a fun fun time and stayed very busy. We set up camp, gathered fire wood, ate, built a fort (yes we really did build that fort that sorta looks like a tee pee), ate, rode the 4-wheelers, ate, played kick ball, and did I mention we ate?

Here is dad chillin by the fire with Bodie. and we did a little fishing!

Utah

2009-07-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

We love love love to go to Utah and see our family! I love that the kids get to be with their grandparents and cousins. We see them once a year (wish it were more) and we have a ball together. My sister Sheena and her husband Colby came down for the first weekend we were there. It was great to see them and the kids loved keeping them busy..... They may have driven them crazy. Luckily for us they are patient and willing to hang with the kiddos and keep them entertained.

Road trip to Utah

2009-07-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

We had a fun road trip to Utah this year. We usually fly but this year my parents drove out to see us and we hopped a ride back to Utah with them. They were very kind to let us tag along. We went through I think 8 movies, countless DS games and they both finished reading a book. Jackson read Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Rylie read the Meanest Doll in the World. They finished them start to finish while on the road. So props to my kids for being so good for 18+ hours in the car. We did stop for one night in Albuquerque NM. That was interesting. I think we stopped at the worst possible place in NM. A little bit on the scary side, but we made it. We were up early and on the road again. We were making a small detour to the four corners that day. We made it and can I say DON"T GO!! It really was a waste of time - other than you get to say you stood in 4 different states at the same time. We paid 3 dollars a person to drive in and take a picture right in the spot the 4 corners meet. Look here it is.... and that is pretty much all that was there. Oh we did see the Last Ride.Sad to say I do not know all the history on this but the picture turned out pretty well so I thought I would post it! I can't forget that Michael Jackson died while we were on the road as did Farrah Fawcett. We made it safely to Manti in 2 days and a fun trip!

HOLY HOT DOG!!!! Someone make sure Ben see's this post!

2009-07-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

I guess that deal of buying Jackson a new fishing pole if he ate 2 different kinds of meat a week really worked! Thanks Ben! We have been trying to get him to eat hot dogs forever. Now onto hamburgers!!

Ok so my brother Ben made a deal with Jackson before we left Utah that if he would eat meat 2 times a week he would buy him a new fishing pole when we came out next Summer. We asked him to please try a hot dog the other night and reminded him of the deal Uncle Ben made with him. To our surprise he said "okaaaaay I will try it" Mind you this comes from a kid who gags over any kind of meat period. I mean he gags so bad we think he is going to throw up. So when he started eating it without the gag reflex and sound effects I knew I better grab the camera and document this. This is huge people! Kind of another one of those miracles we have in our house, you know new cars showing up after 14 years, first baby teeth falling out at 7 yrs old and now hot dogs! Who knew?

"B" Day June 20th, 2009

2009-07-14T19:12:00.000-07:00

Rylie we are so proud of you for making the decision to be baptized. You were so prepared and ready. You are a great example to us and we are lucky to have you with us forever! Congratulations on your baptism!!

Rylie's baptism was very nice. Both of her grandpa's gave talks. Her grandma R. gave a prayer and grandma B. played the piano. Jackson gave the closing prayer and Britt baptized and confirmed her. We had quite a few come to support her from our ward. Thank you all! It was a special day for us and we were so happy to have family and friends with us to celebrate.

Take me out to the Ballgame!!!!

2009-07-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

Another of Jackson's baseball season's came to an end in June. He was on the White Sox this year. They had a pretty good season. Won some, lost some! He enjoyed every minute of it! He had two games a week and one practice. It kept us busy busy, but we enjoyed it. We LOVE baseball!! Right before our families got here we found out Jackson made the all star team. They take two kids from each team and form two teams to play each other. He was so excited he made the team. Even better than that the game was going to be played while both sets of grandparents and Uncle Craig and Aunt Tara were here. It was exciting for us that they got to see him play. They ended up winning the final game of the season - HOORAY!!!

Off to the Horse Races at Lone Star Park

2009-07-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

While our parents were here we headed to watch the horses race. Britt's mom really loves this. To watch her in action (cheering for her favorite horse) is awesome. She gets so excited! It is fun. We sat in a box and had our hamburgers and then the betting began. We would all yell out who our favorite was for each race. I just would watch to see which horse was the prettiest and that is who I went for. Horses really are beautiful. This was one of my favorites --- soooo pretty!!Lone Star Park is nothing like Keeneland in Lexington KY. If you have never been there try to go (even if you go just to see the BIG hats). We had a great time! The horses are beautiful and we every so often picked a winner!

Our sweet families came to visit!!

2009-07-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

In June we had some visitors... Our parents and Britt's brother Craig and wife Tara. We had a great time together and loved having them here. They came for a specific reason - Rylie's baptism. Thank you so much for coming and supporting her. It made it so special for her and us to have you all here.

Ballet Recital - Swan Lake

2009-07-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

Rylie's dance company put on Swan Lake for the recital this year. This was her first recital in Texas. It was ALOT of work and different from anything she ever did while living in Georgia. They had practices that lasted 4 - 5 hours for 5 straight days before the recital. Then they put on 4 performance's over 3 days for audiences. It was quite the production, lasting 3 hours each performance. It was put on in the Addison Art Theatre. I am waiting on the video and will post a clip of her dancing then. She had a lot of fun and really loves to dance. Looking forward to another great dance season this Fall.

End of the 2009 school year!!

2009-07-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that another school year has come to an end. This was our last year to have a 1st grader. No more 1st grade homework for the B & S Richardson home. Kind of sad really!

Rylie had a great 2nd grade year! She loved her teacher and loved the new friends she made. She has really excelled in Spanish this year - she can say the whole Pledge Of Allegiance in Spanish. It is really fun to listen to her speak in Spanish. Now, if only I had taken Spanish more seriously back in Middle School, we could carry on a conversation. Rylie is looking forward to her 3rd grade year. We have heard 3rd grade really picks up on the homework. EEK! I thought 2nd grade had quite a lot of homework.

Jackson really had a FUN 1st grade year. His teacher was EXCELLENT! He learned and grew alot, but we think this year he was most interested in chasing the girls on the playground. Yes, we have a boy that is already crazy about the girls. Isn't this the age where they are supposed to think they are pretty gross? He is ready for 2nd grade but we are really going to miss his fabulous teacher.

Last day of school at the recognition ceremony. Hanging with Principal Blake and the school Mascot Dragon!!

2nd Grade Movie Project

2009-06-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Rylie had to do a movie project in 2nd grade this year. Here it is! She did a great job!

Junior Bees!

2009-06-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

Now that Rylie has turned 8 she gets to go to Achievement Days. This is a activity at our church for girls between the ages of 8 - 11. She went last night to her second activity and they made these cute flip flops for the 4th of July. I had to post a picture! She is so excited to be old enough to go and I am so excited she has such great leaders! :)

Oooooo......least favorite day of the year today!!!

2009-06-03T12:01:00.001-07:00

I don't use the
H
A
T
E
word very often (pretty much never), but I am going to use it today.
This was shopping and trying on swimsuit day for me. Ooooo how I
H
A
T
E
this day every year!! Awful, bad attitude, down on myself day. See! See what it does to me? It justifies me using the "H" word.

It's really GREAT to be 8!!!

2009-05-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

Rylie turned 8 on May 22nd! It is really hard to believe that many years have passed us by. What a blessing this little girl has been to our family! She will be baptized in June and she is really getting excited for that. Both sets of grandparents are coming and Uncle Craig and Aunt Tara are making the long trip too! We can't wait!

For Rylie's birthday she invited 3 friends to spend the night. We went to the movie Night at the Museum II, dinner and then came back home for cake and ice cream. She had a great birthday! Happy Birthday SWEET Rylie!!

Now, if I can just get over the fact that I have a child old enough to be baptized - I feel old!

Piano

2009-05-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Rylie had her Spring Piano Recital in April. This was her 4th recital. She is moving right along and still really enjoys it! Let's hope she sticks with it!

MIRACLE in the Richardson garage!!!

2009-05-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

Some of you might think this is not worth blogging about, but some of you who know Britt will totally understand why it made it onto our blog.......

After 15 years, yes I said 15.... Britt has a new car!!! Yes all, you heard me right, he really did it! I know it is hard to believe. That is why I am calling it a miracle. He came home from work the other night didn't even tell me he bought it. Just came in the house and acted like nothing miraculous had happened. I just happened to go into the MIRACLE garage and there it was sitting right in the spot that old 15 year old car used to be in. I have to tell you I let out quite a scream and probably scared our neighbors.

Just a little background for you who don't really know my Britt. What are those people called that can't stop buying or getting rid of stuff? Hoarders I think? Well, I would call him a money hoarder. He just has a really hard time spending it. He has saved and saved for this new baby. I think enough to buy 7 or 8 of these cars, but he has not been able to do it. Until our miracle Thursday. He actually has a car now that has air conditioning/heat and headlights that work. Actually the headlights did work only on high beam though! Crazy the thought, I know. So congratulations to Britt - it was a really big step. Good Job! I won't say what the make and model is, cause it doesn't really matter, but it is black (our favorite car color) and pretty darn sleek!!!!!!

Straight from the mouth of Rylie....

2009-05-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Today I came up to get on the computer and this is what I found - typed by Rylie

SWINE FLU

Today at my house I heard (on the news) that there are school's shut down for a week (including mine) because of the SWINE FLU. It says that the SWINE FLU came from Mexico. A girl at my school named Grace called it the Slime flu. Also it mentioned that our school is shut down for a week too. (THE SWINE FLU IS DANGEROUS ENOUGH TO KILL US). But at least I am safe at home.

Rylie

YMCA Daddy Daughter Campout #2

2009-04-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

Rylie and Britt hit Oklahoma for another campout this month. They had another great weekend of camping, fishing, horseback riding and scavenger hunts. Rylie was really brave and tried a few new things this time. She ate crawfish!! Not something I would be willing to try, but she did it and liked it! They also made swaps for their fishing hats. She went on a swing that was tied from a big tree and swung out over the lake (how fun). She had a really great time with her friends. She loves spending time with her dad. This has been a really fun thing for just the two of them to do together.

2009 Egg Hunt!

2009-04-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

We really didn't do anything eggstraordinary (sorry I had to write it) this year for Easter. The kids colored eggs. They went on an egg hunt at church. They had a good time! My planning skills have really got to get better for Easter!

CHAMPIONS!!!!

2009-04-21T10:46:00.001-07:00

Wahoo!!! Jackson's soccer team - The Knights took the championship this season. It was a great season and they worked really hard together to win. These boys have been playing together for 5 seasons. They have really learned how to play well with each other and they have GREAT coaches!

Last season they won every game and then lost the championship game. It was sad and there were lots of tears. Jackson's tears didn't stop for a good thirty minutes. So this was sweet revenge this year. They were so excited! They got medals and a championship cup! We had a party and they got their trophy and got to drink sprite out of the championship cup. They loved that!!

Jackson had a great season. He plays shadow and loves his position. He concentrates well and dosen't let many balls get past him. I wanted to post a few great shots of him playing hard and a few more of his team. GO KNIGHTS!!!!!