New Generation Singers

MaKayla is part of a local singing and dancing group called "New Generation Singers" They are part of a Nation wide thing where they learn a bunch of dances and songs and then in April they all go to Washington D.C. to perform for each other and one song that they all learned they do together.

This weekend they performed at Swiss Days. It is a local celebration for our city. They also had a booth there and were selling crafts, goodies, and an assortment of things. They are trying to earn enough money to pay for their trip to DC in April. They did a great job on their performance and sold a lot of stuff. I posted a picture of the vinyl boards we made to sell, we sold most of the Halloween ones, so if any of you are interrested, call and we can sell you what is left:)
Thanks to all of you who came and supported MaKayla, I know she really appreciated it!

BTW: The funniest thing was there was a "Santa" there. When discussing it with Izzy she said it couldn't be him because his beard is too short! She finally agreed that it was his Summer Beard or his brother!

In loving memory of scarlet!

I am sad to post this news today. Yesterday MaKayla got sad news from her granda Cindy her horse Scarlet died. MaKayla rode Scarlet in almost all of the horse shows she has been in. Scarlet was 13 years old and an amazing horse with a good temper for her. MaKayla is very upset and sad, it broke my heart and her dad's to watch her yesterday in tears and as she went to bed. We love MaKayla so much and know this is hard for her. Anyone who has lost a dear friend or pet will understand. I posted the pictures that I have of her with Scarlet they were taken this year. We know it is also hard for Cindy, Bill, and Hailey. Our hearts are with all of them. They burried Scarlet in the front of their farm in Beryl. MaKayla says they are going to place a special fence around her grave. We love you MaKayla!

Mom and Dad

Truck Race Vegas!

We got tickets to the NASCAR Truck Race in Vegas for Sat night. So we decided to take the motorcycle down to the race. Well, it seemed like a really good idea at first! We would save lots of money for gas, and would have a nice ride down. Well it kinda didn't work that way. First of all, we only have 1 real motorcylce helmet. But, because I have a little head, I fit into the one we got MaKayla when she was 8! anyway, we filled up the camelpack with water and a jacket for at night when it got cold. I was pretty excited at first.

Well as you can see in the picture I didn't wear the red helmet long. About 10 miles into the trip, I yelled at Brad to pull over I HAD ENOUGH!! The wind was blowing so hard that I thought for sure my head was going to get ripped off! Also, my bottom was completely numb and I couldn't feel anything, I told him that "I could be peeing right now and wouldn't even know!"

Well because Brad was determined to go on the bike, he traded me helmets to help. HE IS THE BEST!! He looked a little like Jim Carey in the movie Dumb and Dumber, I laughed so hard, that I decided to try again before we turned around.

Needless to say, we made it!! We stopped about every 40 miles. That was the limit on my bottom, the wind stopped about 5 miles out of Mesquite and it was actually quite nice on the bike (other than the pain). We got to the race after stopping to eat in Moapa and we got an awesome spot to park in at the race. All the way to where you walk in! That was cool.

The race was awesome and had an incredible finish! Afterwards, we got out of there quickly because we were on the bike and could go around everyone, and took our time comming home! It was a blast (other than the pain) and I CAN wait to do it again!! I now understand the true meaning of being saddle sore!!

MaKayla Referee

This year MaKayla has started to Ref some games for AYSO soccer. She is very good at it, and loves it. Last Sat she was over the UNDER 10 kids. I snuck these pics of her while she was out there. She is so cute and fun, I am so proud of her!!

Journal 09-19-08

So, since this is as close to writing in a journal as I get these days, I decide to write a few things on my mind. I am going to try to keep up with things as much as I can and with my obsession and love for blogging I think it will work. For those of you who actually read this, I am not sure how interesting this will be..
So, anyway yesterday I worked at the auto shop all day while Brad and his parents went to the auction in Vegas. As I sat there I realized several things that I am so grateful for that I don't voice very often and I take for granted. First of all, I am SO grateful that as for now I don't have to go to work out of my home full time. I have been blessed with Brad's income and the few weird jobs I do to supply us with enough money for me to stay home. Along with that I am able to spend each day with my beautiful daughters. I remember when I had to go to work when Izzy was little and it broke my heart. I am doing everything I can to not have to leave the girls again. I am also able to be with MaKayla when she gets home from school. I can run her things to school when she forgets, and be there when se needs me. I love being there to hear all her amaxing stories about school and her friends. I am also able to take better care of my home. I am not and never have been a good house keeper, actually I think I pretty much suck at being a house wife, but this year I am trying to do a lot better. Another thing is that I can be there for Brad when he gets home from work. I don't always - but when I do have the house clean and diner on the stove when he comes home I love the look on his face. I don't know why but it is a guilty pleasure of mine to feed him :) Another thing I am so grateful for is my Mom and Mother-in-law. They are the only reason I am able to do anything! Yesterday my Mom came to my house at 7:45am took Izzy to school at 9am got the baby a nap, then broght her to me while she went to Izzy's school to volunteer for me (since I was at the shop) came back and got the baby and took her home and watched her all day!! Not to mention how wonderful she is with my girls. She always lets MaKayla cook and bake at her house, listens to her stories, plays with Izzy all day long when she is there, and cares for Emily as if she were the only grandchild alive! My mother-in-law is also wonderful, she goes with me on my arrands to keep me company or even to just wait in the car while I run in some where so I don't have to take in the kids! She is always willing to help me and my family in need, and babysits at the drop of a dime! I seriosly would not be able to do half as much as I do if it weren't for the two of them!! I do not wish to brag, but am feeling very blessed, in times like now where things are rough and the future is unknown and money is a problem, it is nice to know that I have such a perfect set of families around!!!

Soccer Season 08'

Well, for the past 8 years we have spent 12 weeks a year at the soccer field. MaKayla started playing when she was in 1st grade and has been playing ever since. Last year Izzy started also and loves it. This year Ali (Izzy's cousin) also started playing, and seems to enjoy it. Their first games of the year were on Sat. MaKayla's game started first at 8:30am. This year she is on a boys and girls team 13, 14, 15, and 16 year olds! They are very good! Izzy's game was at 11am and she happened to play against Ali's team. They wwere so cute, they cheered for each other when they weren't playing at the same time. We love watching them (good thing cause it goes til Nov.) Grandma & Grandpa Hawker, Grandpa Kroff, and Grandma Bankhead all came out for the big games!

Girls Labor Day Weekend

This past weekend Brad went fishing with my stepdad Keith. So we took the opportunity to have a "Girls Weekend!" Isabelle was so excited, and MaKayla took a nap to prepare for the weekend!
We started off by going to the movie Hancock Friday night. MaKayla's friend Lacey came over and babysat Emily so we could enjoy the movie: Thanks lacey!! I let each of the girls have a day of their own that they got to choose all the meals and activities.
Isabelle's day was Saturday: She chose pancakes for breakfast, Macaroni and chees for lunch, and Wendy's for dinner. Her activity for the day was to go back to Sand Hallow because she had so muc hfun the other day. My sister Lori was in town so she came with my nephew Clayton and they all had so much fun playing together!

Emily's Day was Sunday: She chose to go to church and then to grandma Bankheads for dinner. She chose waffles for breakfast, and to hang out at Susies for the evening (she had a little coaching from me)

MaKayla's day was Monday: Her friend Brielle stayed the night before so she came with us for the day. She chose cold cereal for breakfast (even though there was no milk), Taco Bell for Lunch and BBQ Chicken and Ribs for dinner YUM! For her activity she chose Shopping!! (SURPRISE) We went to the mall and went to all the stores and she got some cute new clothes and nails. After that we went to grandma Hawkers where the girls painted their nails and MaKayla put on her beautiful new nails. Will had called us and came with us to lunch and shopping (poor guy)!

It was such a fun weekend! I am so grateful for my three beautiful daughters, they mean the world to me! I love them so much and I am so glad I get to stay home with them and do special things all the time! I am one lucky woman!!