Blake Makes His Debut and Going a Hundred Miles An Hour..

A few weeks ago, Blake played with my Dad's band for the first time. He was so happy. He played again tonight with them. He now says he is an "official" member and asked my Dad how long this band will last. :)

Lisa is the best violin/fiddle player ever and has a great voice.

My sister Micki has the prettiest alto voice and she can harmonize with anyone. I am just a band groupie.

My Dad getting down with the music. He has played in bands since he was 16. I was Blake's age when my sisters and I sang with my Dad's band at the Calgary Stampede in Canada.

Blake did so well. My little lefty.

Random pictures. This is the cute invitation that Ashley and I got for a Valentine's Party. The party was so cute.

My sweet former Activity day girls heart attacked my back door and gave me the BEST sugar cookies.

Blake found this old picture on a piece of paper. When I saw it, it made me get teary eyed. I wish my kids were still little like this. Ashley had the mushiest baby cheeks that I loved to kiss and make her laugh. Time goes by so stinkin fast.

Ashley sacked out on the floor. She rarely does this, but always falls asleep in the car and now tells me if we are going anywhere longer than a 5 minute ride, "wake me up when we get there."

I got a job a week ago. It was a tender mercy right when I needed it. I have the best Mom in the world who watches my kids for me. She is the best! I have really enjoyed working with the great kids that I aide. I feel like I am going a 100 miles an hour though. There aren't enough hours in a day to do everything.

I told Blake I had a job interview so he set up a play office in the playroom and called me in for a "Blake Interview." The first question he asked me was, "What is the worst thing you have ever done in your life?" :)

There's A Big Beautiful World Out There!

By: Nancy Carlson

There's a lot to be scared of, that's for sure!
There's that mean looking dog, and booming thunderstorms.
There are rollar coasters, and scary stories in the news.
There's a lot to be scared of, like getting up in front of a whole bunch of people, and spiders and other creepy crawly things.
There are clowns, and spooky shadows in your room, and people who look different from you.
All this scary stuff can make you want to hide under your covers and never come out.

But after a while, hiding under your covers can get pretty boring.

Maybe that scary dog only looks mean.
If you hide under your covers, you won't see the rainbow after the storm, and you might never enjoy the thrill of the roller coaster ride.
If you hide under your covers, you'll miss your mother saying everything is going to be all right, and you might never know how great you sound singing a solo.
If you hide under your covers, you might not see all the interesting things in your own backyard.
You'll miss laughing out loud, and you won't see the stars come out.
And just think of all the new friends you'll never meet.

There's a lot to be scared of, but there's even more to look forward too... so throw off those covers! There's a big, beautiful world out there waiting just for you!

This Book was written on September 12th, 2001.

I thought this book that we got from the library was so cute. I wanted to put this in for Blake and Ashley's blog book.

Mommy is so proud of you both for always standing up for what is right and not being afraid. Mommy loves you Blake and Ashley!