Costume Change...

What a nerd!

Spooky ghost!

Matthew the lumberjack!

Jessica's on her way through the woods to Grandmother's house.

TRON LEGACY

Happy Halloween!

Twister

What could be more fun than playing twister?

I was reluctant at first, but it really was fun.

I learned that Lauren does not play nicely:)

She pushes and tries to make everyone fall.

Jessica just laughs her head off.

The boys were very strategic.

Yep, that's me. The big 'ole bum. I have no pride.

I purposely posted this picture so that everyone can

feel better about themselves.

It's kind of like giving service.  

"Josephine"

I love to listen to Pandora Radio

(www.pandora.com) while I'm working.

It's so great! I can create my own radio stations based

 on one artist that I really like.

Here's a confession:
 one of my favorite stations is John Denver.

 I also like Glee, The Civil Wars, and Tim McGraw.

The other day I heard this song called

 "Josephine."

It's sung by an artist I had never heard of.

 Her name is Brandi Carlile. She's amazing.

I love this song, among many of her others.
 I'm such a sucker for her type of harmony.

I'm pretty sure that I have to buy some of her albums.

 Take a minute and listen and let me know if you've heard her before. I'm gonna learn this song!

Laurel Falls

Our family enjoyed a great hike in the Smokies last May. Little did we know that we would come upon a real live bear. We felt a little excited and a little anxious. Fortunately, there was a ranger  following the movement of the bear.

The "Falls" with Jess and Lauren

Colorado Mountains

Beautiful Colorado mountains! This is where I grew up. I have some of my favorite memories right here. It's a little piece of heaven. We drove Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to get here. Yay for family reunions! It was so great to see everyone.

 Jess and Ben can't wait to start fishing!

Jessica is a first time fishergirl. Grandpa gives her some step by step instruction on how to cast. Casting is my favorite part of lake fishing. I can really get it out there. It's all in the wrist.

Ben's got one! It was so very exciting to see him reel in his fish!

Mr. Stoner doesn't seem to be very excited. He's just acting casual. He was really bursting inside. 

Here it is! Ben's first catch ever. Doesn't my brother Curtis look so official fisherman in his little vest? I thought so. 

Mr. Stoner caught a rock, weeds, or something annoying like that. It's not fun to fish when all you do is get snagged on the bottom of the lake. Jessica's giving him some advice.

Circle K Ranch offers to put on a "rodeo" if there are 60 or more people in your reunion party. We qualified! Heres Matthew doing his best to go get around a barrel. It was so much fun to ride the beautiful horses.

I couldn't get these girls to take a nice "smiling" picture for me! I finally just told them all to frown...and they sure responded. This is Rachel ,Lauren, and Tara.



Matthew, Jessica, Lauren, and cousin Tara took an early morning ride. The horses were very gentle. Matthew said that his horse was stubborn and would not obey. I think that horse knew that Matthew was not the boss.

Matthew Runs!

Yesterday was Matthew's first cross country meet!(Can you see him? He's in the middle, third runner.) He was nervous...I was nervous for him. It was so exciting to see the start of the race. A mass of middle schoolers ready to take off. Me and the rest of the family headed to the half way point and didn't see him. Then we stood at the base of the hill near the finish line..waiting....here he comes! Chest heaving, legs burning, breathing hard. I had instant tears in my eyes. My boy is in pain, he's hurting. But I'm shouting, "go Matthew go." He made it. I'm so proud of him.  He felt beat and exhilerated all at the same time. He's ready to do this again next week. I'm gonna try not to get tears in my eyes.