Carson has braces now too!!!

Carson was so excited to get braces. Of course, his parents weren't that excited to have two children in braces. At least our money is being spent on two great causes, Beauty and handsomeness.

Carson's great mouth shot of his wonderful braces. You can't really see it but his braces are football and soccer. How technology has evolved.

Michaela and Carson sharing in their experience of having braces. Michaela has great sympathy for Carson and they now share something in common and seem to be getting along even better. Why didn't I put braces on them sooner?

New Toys!!!

First, my new toy is a washer and dryer. Juan was complaining that the old washer and dryer we had were no good on the clothes and the agitator was ruining his work shirts so he went out and found the best deals out there. I then went out to look for simple and cheap. We came back with these and then I turn around and sold my old washer and dryer and filed out 2 rebates so the washer and dryer were a steal if washer and dryers can be.

I love white and how clean they look. They take a bit to get used too but they use less water and are very quiet.

Now to Juans new toy. He has wanted this toy every since I can remember. He loves motorcycles and His sale pitch to me was that it is cheaper in gas and he could save money as Michaela is going to take drivers training in the Spring and need a car for driving to and from Highland.

It is a very pretty motorcycle and it is fun to ride on. Michaela had the opportunity to be the first to get a ride and believe it or not, I was the last to get a ride but a long one at that.

Another view of Juan's new toy and for you all to know Juan paid cash for this toy and we owe nobody anything. He has been saving for sometime now. I think with all his jobs and being so willing to take care of us, he does deserve some fun items in life.

Jackson Soccer tournament

I took an afternoon Sunday hike all by myself because I was stir crazy in the camper and I needed a little alone time and some exercise. This was the view from top of the mountain looking at Jackson Hole.

One of the many sunsets we saw in Jackson.

A great cloud I happen to spot on our way home from Jackson. I'm sure glad it never touched the ground. It disappeared in about 45 minutes.

Carson worked so hard at these games. His goal was the same at each. Try to score and to take someone out. Although the taking out part is his way of saying I need to be more aggressive. I believe he was more aggressive but more or less the other teams were just as aggressive. View video at the end of this blog. Who was left on the top of the doggy pile?

Carson had no problem keeping up with all the players. He played his heart out and I am so proud of his hard work and love of this sport.

The team ran to us spectators and we cheered them for playing a great game. A neat tradition each team does to thank their spectators. Although they don't always do it because they may be upset from a loss.

Michaela and her wacky hair. She had a blast in Jackson but was pretty picky at what to eat. She just wants everything her way right now. Isn't that just a teenager. I love her!

Carlos was always ready for a picture opportunity. I although lacked picture taking on this trip. I did get a few choice moments though.

Carson Hard at play and this was the team they played for the Championship. They came in 2nd but to a very strong team from Jackson. Way to go Carson.

Carson right in front of the goal trying to get a header. Jon got the header and Carson got bruised up by the goalie. At least we know he was going for the ball.

Carson with his medal. They won 1st in their division and 2nd in the A and B division (16 teams played)

Carson and Jon proud of their playing but wished they had won it all. They both played great and worked hard as a team. The best team work in awhile.

The whole team proud to indulge their parents for a photo opt. Great fun and playing in Jackson. Jackson better be ready for next year.

Video of Carson working so hard. Go Carson!!!!

Michaela is 14 years old!!! (A little Late)

Michaela is no longer that little girl who eats lip gloss but a beautiful teenager through and through.

This picture was taken with one of her good friends and she loved the attention and photo shoots. I need a great camera to do this with Michaela more often.

Michaela before she officially turned 14. She had a great time and loves to take pictures thanks to Aunt Jody

Michaela in a team meeting for fast-pitch softball. Her favorite sport.

Michaela posing for me right before she went to 6th grade. She is so tiny yet grown up. I love you Michaela.

That little girl who loved to eat lip gloss has grown into a great teenager and is continuing to bloom each day. High School is a blast for her and she love being the manager of the Highland Volleyball team.

School is here already.

The whole family is back in school. Juan is taking Graduate classes, I am trying to finish my bachelors degree, and the kids are all in new schools/classes. I dreaded the paying process and would rather pay for High school 10X than college. College books take all your savings alone. But we are all excited to be that much closer to Christmas break and able to see our friends everyday.

Carlos was the only one who would let me take a picture of him at his school. Michaela and Carson said they would do it on a week end or when no one was there. I hate that my children are growing up and get embarrassed easier. I guess that's what happens when we get "old".

Michaela, Carson and Carlos were good sports though to let me get a picture of them at home on their first days of school. They all looked great and they are all at different school. Michaela is now a High schooler, Carson is a Middles schooler, and Carlos is a 2nd grader. Carlos was so excited to go to school and ready to learn more. Carson was excited to see who was in his class and have a locker. Michaela is so social that being at school is like a party, except for all the homework she received the first day of school. She even had more homework the second day of school. This is new for her. She rarely had homework in Middle school.

Extreme Makeover In Pocatello, Idaho

A few of us at the concert they held the night before the family came home from Key West, Florida. They raised money for the family.

The gang and a band from Pocatello played and had a fun night out.

Ben, Carlos, Jon, Austin, and Carson on the ride to see the big reveal of the house.

All the people waiting for the family to arrive. We waited about 7 hours for them to come and when they did we were hungry and ready to be home.

Some of the volunteers who worked on the home waiting for the family to come home too.

The family arriving at their new home right before "Move that Bus."

Ty talking with the family and getting some shots for the TV show that will air the end of September or first week in October (supposedly).

The bus and the crew right before the bus drove off.

The Big reveal. The home is 6000 square feet and the family has 9 children. There is an apartment to help supply income because the mom has cancer. She won't have to worry about house payments or even property taxes for 20 years or so. WOW!!! A fun opportunity to see this show in Idaho and the great work that the community did. Way to go POCATELLO!!!

Just Jody and Joss

Joss playing with a battery. She only held it for a few and then I remembered this could get dangerous.

Michaela. Isn't she beautiful and a great help.

Grandma and her wounded leg. I would show the gross leg but I don't want anyone to throw up as two of my sisters are pregnant and I would have to put "Viewers BE CAREFUL"

Joss and her new sippy cup. She loved holding this and making a mess all over her. Isn't she adorable.

Joss and Michaela jumping on our neighbors trampoline. It was great. Joss slowly got the hang of it but was ready to be on steady ground when we left.

Carlos and Joss played this funny game for awhile. Joss would pick up the rocks and Carlos when Joss was not looking would throw them. It was pretty funny because Joss just kept picking up the rocks and wondered why the pile was so small. Notice video at the end of this entry. It's great.

Joss took the best route to get back up the slide, climb right back up. Of course Michaela was right there making sure she could do it and have a blast.

Michaela, Carlos and Joss posing for a picture for me. They were having so much fun and loved to be "in charge" of Joss. Of course, Joss has her own mind and loved just wondering about.

Joss was a little scared of this slide because it was enclosed but sure enjoyed playing outside with Carlos. He was a great help. He would of made a great big brother. I guess he makes an even better cousin!

One of the many times we took Joss to the park. She loves to swing and was smiling the whole time, although you can't see her great smile because of her bink. Next time I'll remember to take it out. I forget the little baby things as my baby is 7. WOW has time gone that fast.

Michaela was great help getting Joss ready for the day. he loved to do Joss's hair and together they are doing a Cabbage Patch kids hair. Funny how these dolls have made a come back.

Video of Joss and Carlos playing with the rocks.
Video of Joss Jumping.