Briley Blog

New Flowers

2011-03-13T14:48:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year when we clear out all the old dead plants to make room for new ones. Cameron helped me trim, plant and water. She's got a little bit of a green thumb like her Memaw, Papa, and Mimi.

Blog Button

2011-03-11T18:49:00.001-08:00

This is the button I created for others to link up to my blog. If you copy and paste the html code below this button in the side bar and add a gadget you will have my cute little button on your blog page too.

Valentine Dance

2011-02-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

Chowing down on cheese puffs

Dancing with Taelis

Dancing with Aaron

Passing out their Valentine cards

Cameron had her first school dance today. Her teacher had the kids dress up for the party today because today they would be cutting a rug. She wore her fanciest dress for the party. She had such a blast dancing with her friends. She wanted them to Tango with her. All she needed was a rose in her mouth.

Valentine's cards

2011-02-05T15:23:00.000-08:00

Cameron had a good time filling out her Valentine cards. She was so particular about which classmate got each card.

Like Father like Daughter

2011-02-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

I amazes me sometimes how much these two are alike. I love how they look so intense as they play with their gadgets.

Snow Day

2011-02-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

Goldie racing in the snow.

Tossing snow in the air. It was super powdery.

Racing each other.

Throwing a snowball at the camera operator (mom).

Snow angel interrupted by Goldie.

We had our first real snow of winter. It started as freezing rain and turned to snow early this morning. There isn't all that much on the ground, but it was enough for Cameron and Goldie to play in. I'm not sure which one loved it more. It is currently 17 degrees and dropping. We are supposed to wake up tomorrow to 7, yes 7 degrees & windchills below zero. I'm not cut out for this kind of cold! I'm seriously thinking of moving to a tropical island. Really!!!!

Eagle Mountain Park

2011-01-29T14:10:00.001-08:00

Cameron and I went out to Eagle Mountain Park for some practice on my photo taking skills. This place was spectacular. It had a wide variety of trails for hiking/jogging. I can't wait to go back when it is Spring. It was awesome!!! Cameron was a real trooper allowing me to have her stand here or there. It was a great day out in the sunshine.

I learned...

2011-01-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

It is okay to be who you are. As you can see we are complete goofballs around here.

Bowling

2011-01-01T18:21:00.001-08:00

Check out the lean~

We took Cameron bowling for the first time while we were in San Angelo. Apparently Eric spent much time at this bowling alley because his mom belonged to a league. I learn new things about his childhood everyday. I would never have guessed that Elaine was a bowler. Anyway, we had a really great time. It was so much fun to watch Cameron get excited over every roll that she performed. She was also Eric and my biggest cheerleader. She greeted us with a huge hug whether we got a strike or a gutterball. I got mostly gutterballs, but she made me feel like the best bowler in San Angelo. Afterwards we topped the night off with a steak dinner at Zetner's Daughter. Yummm-o!

Christmas

2011-01-01T18:08:00.001-08:00

Christmas came a few days early at the Briley house. Thank goodness we have a direct line to Santa so that we could let him know about our trip to San Angelo. He was able to make it to our house a couple of days before Christmas. He didn't disappoint either! Both of my sweeties were thoroughly happy with their gifts. I especially love the picture of Eric hugging his new iPhone. He really does love his gadget that much.

Cookies out for Santa

Momma loves this gift. Yea for no messes!

I think there may be a picture of me riding my new Huffy bike with a banana seat. I think that is why I like this picture of Cameron on her new bike from Memaw.

Love isn't a strong enough word to describe his feelings for the new iPhone.

Barbie dream house from Santa

One of these people was ready to get up and open presents. Can you guess which one?

GoGo from Mimi and Big Guy

They both gave each other an iPad. The looks on their faces were priceless!

Thanksgiving

2011-01-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

Papa and the grandkids

I love these two girls!

Nana and her future Aggies

Aren't we a great looking group?

This was the final picture of the over 50 we took.

Cameron and John Lee

Better late than never is my philosophy these days. Here are some of our favs from Thanksgiving with the Mathis crew.

Devilishly Good Halloween

2010-10-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!!!

You have the right to remain silent, Pablo!

No worries, he wasn't smuggling any drugs. Just here to reroof your house.

We're such nerds.

She was trying so hard to be evil.

Sweet little devil.

She probably ran 1 mile stopping briefly at each house for candy.

Our little gobblin.

Happy Halloween!!!

H is for Horrible Hair Day

2010-09-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten is full of wonderful activities that allow the kids to express themselves and act silly. Friday was Horrible Hair Day after learning the letter H. We had to do our prep work the night before by sleeping in sponge rollers and picking out as many large colorful bows as we could find.

The kids were a sight to see as they came down the hallway each with a different signature look. The principal even made a surprise appearance in each classroom (even mine) wearing a rocker black and red wig that I loaned her.

Sorry the pictures are grainy. I am still learning to shoot pictures in manual mode so I don't have to use the harsh flash. Apparently, I still have some learning to do.

quiet moments

2010-09-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

Every afternoon Cameron and I come home from school and she spends a little time playing before Dad comes home gets her all riled up. Here is one of those peaceful moments before the squealing and chasing ensues.

trying to learn better photography

2010-09-19T17:17:00.001-07:00

I have been reading a photography blog written by a girl I worked with years ago in Abilene. My goal is to make myself a better amateur photographer. I obviously won't be quitting my day job anytime soon. Her lesson this week has been changing the focal point while shooting in manual mode. Here are my few attempts that were worthy of publishing.

First Goal

2010-09-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Cameron scored her first soccer goal. You can tell by her reaction that she isn't quite sure it really happened.

More Soccer Pictures

2010-09-19T13:56:00.001-07:00

Ball handling drills

Dribbling practice

offense/defense drill

pretending to be a deer before the game

team huddle

getting in there to get the ball

a very tired little girl after the game.

World Cup? Not yet!

2010-08-29T15:00:00.001-07:00

I am officially a soccer mom! I really kind of hoped that it would never happen to me seeing as I think soccer is tremendously boring, but I am now a changed woman. Soccer being played by inexperienced 5 year olds is over-the-top entertaining. Down right hysterical! Cameron and The Wildthings (how appropriate) are 1-0. I wasn't really sure how she'd take to this sport since she is timid about things, but I forgot how competative she is. She hates to be beat at anything! And for this sport it is a good character trait to have. Cameron was a hustling machine out there on the field. She wasn't afraid to dig in there and try to steal the ball from the other team. She even managed to knock down some big red headed kid. The coach seems to think she may have some pretty natural abilities. Guess only time will tell. As for now, we will be spending every Saturday being entertained by our mini Pele.

Check out the hustle of #2

1st Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-28T07:20:00.001-07:00

Packed up & ready for the 1st day

Cameron & her Bestie Hannah.

A family picture before we all start our first day of the new school year.

Sweet Summertime!

2010-08-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

Our last hoorah of the summer was an overnight trip to Possum Kingdom Lake. It was the best overnight mini-vacation our family could have asked for. We all spent the entire day in the water playing on floats and jumping over the big waves made by the enormous boats out on the lake. Cameron and Goldie played until the sun went down. We were treated to a fireworks show that was going on at the marina. Afterwards we laid on the pier and stared at the vast number of stars that we don't get to see here in the city. What a relaxing weekend with the ones we love.

Waterbug

We saw a hummingbird sitting on her eggs. Amazing!

Girl power!

The best friend a girl could ever have.

Swimming with Daddy

Fearlessly jumping off of dock.

Tubing behind sharkboat.

She loved tubing!

Out on the pier until the sun went down.

She did it!!!

2010-07-17T11:13:00.001-07:00

Swimming lessons went fantastic this year. Cameron actually learned how to swim. Last summer was a cry-fest, but something magical happened in just a few short weeks. I think the water fairy came and sprinkled her with brave dust because the girl is swimming (full fledged, face-in-the-water swimming).

Cameron & Hannah BFFs

2010-07-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

It's time for the girls annual picture to commemorate how they've grown and changed since they first became friends in the summer of 2005. They were each only about 8 months old when they met but they've been great friends ever since. This year the girls will be starting kindergarten together at Chisholm Ridge Elementary. Oh, how quickly the time has passed. I can only imagine what this picture will look like in 2024 when the girls are graduating from high school.

Hannah & Cameron - Summer 2005

Hannah & Cameron - Summer 2010

Feeling Crafty

2010-07-14T14:14:00.001-07:00

Cameron and I decided to be a little crafty today. We took an empty paint can from Home Depot and used Mod Podge to adhere scrapbook paper. We decorated it with craft flowers and letter stickers for a personal touch. It is for her Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sandoval who happens to be a dear friend of mine. She's wild about animal print so we hope she will love it. We are planning to fill it with chocolate and other treats to help her survive the long 7 hour days with a room full of 5 year olds. I'd need mine full of booze if I was going to make it as a kindergarten teacher. By the way, it was super easy. We started it and finished it in a matter of about an hour. I bought an extra paint can so I may be making another soon!!!

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

2010-06-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Grating zucchini

Oooooh-La-La

Our finished product.

We thought this would be a good way to get some extra servings of veggies!!!

1 1/2 c. All Purpose Flour

3/4 c. Sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1 egg slightly beaten

1/2 c. veg. oil

1/4 c. milk

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. shredded zucchini

1/4 c. mini chocolate chips (we used 1/2 c.)

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Combine egg, oil, milk, lemon juice & vanilla. Stir dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in zucchini and chocolate chips. Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 for 20 - 25 minutes.

Carnival

2010-06-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Cameron has discovered her inner dare-devil. We decided to try out the traveling carnival that came to town & what do ya know, she loved it. I think she would have gone on every ride if we hadn't run out of tickets. Which is a total rip off, by the way! Daddy has found him a rollercoaster buddy.

Mad because we didn't ride in the front of the roller coaster.

Riding in the twisty Jeff Gordon bear w/Daddy.

This one looked scary, but she said it was so cool.

Hard to tell, but that is Cameron.

Silly girls

2010-06-23T16:10:00.001-07:00

Blue hair that Nana bought Cameron from the beauty supply.

Clowning around

Cameron and Nana had a good time together acting silly. Don't you love the clown nose that Nana got for her. Cameron always has such a good time with my mom. They are both lovey-dovey girls and are always cutting up!

Family

2010-06-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here are few pictures of the newest addition to the Jostes family. Our sweet nephew and Cameron's cousin, John Lee. He is a great baby. He slept most of the time we were there to see them. Clay and Erin seem to be adjusting well to becoming parents. They looked like old pros changing diapers & warming bottles. Sorry there isn't a picture of John Lee with his momma she kept getting the baby snatched out of her hands by one of us.

Papa with his grandkids.

Papa and John Lee

The doting dad

Great-grandbaby & Memaw

We bribed her with icecream in order to get a picture of them together.

Beach Bums

2010-06-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

For the last 3 years, Eric and I swore we were never taking Cameron back to the beach. Our first experience was less than pleasant with tons of whining, crying, and complaining from a 2 1/2 year old. Well, we have eaten our words and we tried it again. A trip to Port Aransas was on the agenda for our worldwind tour of Texas. All I can say is SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!! Cameron loved every minute of it. We started our adventure on the ferry that takes you from Aransas Pass to Port A. We collected shells, built sandcastles, jumped in the waves, and were swarmed by seagulls after our Nilla Wafers. The day ended with only one of us getting sunburned (me). My trusty sunscreen man let me down and left me with lovely red tiger stripes on my back. Just glad it wasn't my little ghostly white girl.

A great view for the ferry ride!

Sandcastle architect

Warning: Don't feed the seagulls!!!!

Testing the water

Graduation 2010

2010-06-01T16:46:00.001-07:00

Graduation 2010 went off without a hitch. Cameron's class had a cute ceremony where they showed some of the things they'd learned this year. She and Isabel recited a poem and then she and Amani showed off their terrific reading skills. Cameron received her diploma along with awards for reading, writing, and citizenship. She could not have had a better year or a better teacher. Mrs. Clark was so patient and so loving to our sweet girl.

We were so proud of her. Now it's off to big school with Mommy.

Bluebonnets

2010-04-24T15:00:00.001-07:00

Cameron and I went to have our pictures made in the bluebonnets this morning. We took a few candids of our own until the professional arrived to do our shoot. It rained last night so the ground was MUDDY! My cute new cowboy boots were caked with mud. Miss Priss managed to get a piggy back ride to and from the field and stayed clean as a whistle. I'll post the other pictures when I get them back from my wonderful photog, Audra.

Hammin' it up.

Huddling to stay warm. It was a chilly 58 this morning after the rain.

School Picture

2010-03-10T17:40:00.001-08:00

This is the first of many school pictures to come. I love looking back at my old school pictures and I hope Cameron will have the same fond memories. She'll probably look back and say "Why did my mother make me wear that?"

Stockyard Station

2010-03-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

Here they come!

Hannah on her pony named Ariel.

Billy Bob's Cadillac

My sweet cowgirl on her horse with the sparkly saddle.

Cameron and I spent some time with Hannah and her mom down at the stockyards. We've lived in Fort Worth for 5 years now and have yet to go down there when they are actually moving the cattle through the streets. Our experience started as we took a shortcut through the alley behind Billy Bob's to get to E. Exchange. The whole time we're dodging cow patties and trying to not get run over by the beer trucks making their daily deliveries. As we almost make it to where we need to be, we come to a road block because there are cattle trailors unloading the bulls used for the rodeo. She was pumped. She wanted to get closer so we could see them come out of the trailor. Cameron got the full experience by riding a sad old pony, but she thought it was great. Just glad she didn't ask for one for her birthday. I was so proud of her, no not for riding the horse, but for yelling "saw 'em off" when I told her how the longhorn cattle would come down the street like a real cattle drive. I want to take her back some evening for the rodeo.

February Snow

2010-02-12T08:50:00.001-08:00

Sledding at Highland Hill

2010-02-12T08:21:00.000-08:00

After our early release from school, we all bundled up and trudged up to Highland Hill with our trashcan lid. We weren't the only ones with this bright idea. The hill was packed with kids and adults taking advantage of the record amounts of snowfall. We're hoping to go back again today now that another 6 inches has fallen since we were there on Thursday.

I'm Ready for my Close-up

2010-02-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

We were lucky enough to get a mini-session done w/my favorite photographer, Audra. She always manages to capture Cameron and her personality. This time she asked us to do a shoot rather than us asking her. Well this made Cameron think that she was going to be in magazines and newspapers. She was such a ham, but the pictures turned out great. These are only a few of the pictures that I love. I'll have to post my favorite one later.

Cousins

2009-12-29T16:41:00.001-08:00

Cameron and Ella climbing trees at Memaw's house.

Snowy Saginaw

2009-12-29T16:35:00.000-08:00

Round two of winter weather has officially hit Saginaw. We missed the first round while we were down south. So, Cameron was super excited to play in the little bit that had accumulated.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

2009-12-29T16:20:00.001-08:00

We sent Santa an email and asked him to come early to the Briley house so that he didn't have to try and find her all the way down in south Texas. Luckily Cameron had been such a good girl this year that he granted our request.

Getting our cookies ready for Santa

Fireplace poses

Super special surprises for the big guy in the red suit

A pillow pet, just what she asked for

A full stocking

Dad had the biggest gift

Thanking Santa for her gifts (aka Cassie Nelson)

A pet snuggie for Emmy Lou

Merry Christmas from the Briley's

2009-12-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

We would like to wish all of our friends and family a very Merry Christmas. We are truly blessed because of the wonderful people in our lives. We look forward to a new year full of hope, love, and kindness.
Love to all,
Eric, Carlynn, & Cameron

Night out on the town

2009-12-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

Cameron and I went to see "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" at Casa Manana theatre. We dressed up in our pretty dresses and met a few of friends for an evening out. It was so much fun to see her expressions as the play unfolded. We were even able to get a few autographs from the cast members after the performance. Mrs. Claus was kind enough to do a picture with her too.

Posing in her pretty dress.

Mommy & Cameron

Logan, Emmy, Sophia, Cadence, Hudson & Cameron

Cameron and Hudson waving their light-up Santa wands.

Mrs. Claus & Cameron

To Market, To Market

2009-11-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

Cameron is all about writing things down on sticky notes now that she has learned to read and sound out words. Eric mentioned this morning that he would be heading to WalMart for groceries. So our little one, traveled back and forth from the kitchen to her desk to make an accurate list for Daddy on his shopping trip.

For those of you that don't read "5 year old", I will translate.

lunchable, ice cream, apple, milk, creamer, poptarts, bread, and popcorn chicken

Needless to say, Dad only made it back with the milk, creamer, and poptarts.

Gymnastics

2009-11-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

Here are some new pics of our girl doing gymnastics. Sorry they are a little blurry as I took them with my phone.

Gentlemen Start Your Engines

2009-11-21T19:47:00.000-08:00

Eric and I from time to time feel the need to feel a little high class. What better way to do that then to go to a NASCAR race? I mean, where else can you say that you were one of the elite patrons (meaning we had all are teeth). We met up with some family friends from San Angelo and had a great time tailgating before the race drinking cold beverages. The best part was the patriotic tribute to the Fort Hood soldiers and their families. At race time, a HUGE helicopter landed on the infield and the pacecar emerged from its back end. Kind of like it pooped a fancy car. We had awesome time and awesome seats and that wasn't just cause we had sleeves on our shirts and no mullet.

A Super Incredible Halloween

2009-11-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a long haired girl in an oversized Incredibles costume. Yes, I know that the Incredibles had skin tight costumes that aided them in defeating the villian, but when you order a costume designed to fit a 4 year old and your child is a small 5 year old, this is the result. We thought she looked adorable anyway. We also got tons of mileage out of this costume. She wore it for her birthday, 2 days of gymnastics, her class party and then on Halloween. Best $25 I've ever spent. And based on it's size, I'm thinking it may still fit four years from now.

Posing with our scary Mr. Pumpkin Head

All smiles at SHS trunk or treat

Getting the good stuff to satisfy her sweet tooth.

"Enough pictures, Mom"

Loving on Cherry the Devil Dog (our neighbor's dog)

Training Goldie

2009-11-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

Giving Goldie a belly rub. Not the most flattering picture of Goldie.

All smiles from our two long haired girls.

Cameron has loved training her new dog. She and Goldie have been working on "sit" and "stay". It is so funny to listen to Cameron get this stern voice and give her command. Then of course she rewards Goldie with tons of scratches in all her favorite places.

Happy 5th Birthday

2009-11-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

Cameron celebrated her 5th birthday on October 11th with some of her most well dressed friends. Being the frugal family, we decided to get as much use out of her Halloween costume as possible by having a costume themed party. We had a house full of princesses, a bride, a witch, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, a football player, a cheerleader, a golfer, and a few superheros. We had a great time decorating bracelets, playing pin the nose on the pumpkin and of course eating cake. Oh how the time has passed too quickly. Five years went by in the blink of an eye. Eric and I are so blessed by our sweet Cameron.

First Hunt

2009-09-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Our first hunting adventure started on Friday morning in Academy. I was at the register to check out with my 4T camoflauge shirt and the smallest pair of camoflauge rubber boots I could find when the sweet looking little old lady in front of me commented on how adorable my little boy was going to look in the items I was holding. The look on her face was priceless when I told her they were for my little girl. She almost gave me a look of contempt that I would dare dress my daughter in these things. (Note to others: Do not go to Academy and think that you are better than others. It is Academy, not Neiman Marcus) Little did she know, it didn't phase this country girl. I just smiled and said Cameron is our little hunting buddy. Again, the look of contempt.

Anyway, Cameron was super thrilled to have the perfect outfit to wear hunting. (See, still girly) While in San Angelo, we took her out to Cousin Tom's ranch and she had a blast looking at cows and goats and riding on the bumpy, rocky, so called roads. After a few test rounds fired off from Mom's 20 gauge, Cameron decided "that wasn't too bad" and we were off to dove hunt. She was a real trooper. She stayed right by my side picking up the dead birds and the not quite so dead birds (twitchers). She would even spot them in the air and yell "Shoot, Mom!" It was an amazing first hunt with my hunting buddy.

New Puppy

2009-09-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

We have a new furry baby at our house. She's soft, golden, and only weighs 70ish pounds. The kicker is she's only 8 months old. Our new golden retriever, Goldilicious aka: Goldie has come home to stay at the Briley house. After her first day here at home, she only managed to tear up one of my plants (roots and all) and the cover for Eric's BBQ grill. Not bad considering I thought my backyard would look like war zone in Afghanistan when I got home this afternoon. She's really a sweet girl and loves to play ball. I think she may have the Briley hunting instinct too. She was ever so close to catching a poor neighborhood cottontail. That little bunny didn't know what the hell was going on when Goldie came at her so fast.

Cameron is so pumped to have an animal that is her very own.

Class Pet

2009-09-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Cameron's new school has a class pet and we were the lucky folks that were able to bring him home for the weekend. Boomer, the guinea pig, has been a great houseguest. He loves to eat veggies and is quite cooperative when a overly excited 4 year old wants to hold him. Cameron is such a lover of animals that this was probably the best weekend adventure we could have ever had. I'm sure we'll volunteer to bring him home again before the school year is over.

Go Rough Riders

2009-09-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

Nana has been on the hunt for the perfect cheerleader outfit for Cameron that matches our school colors. It is much harder than you think to find Cardinal Red (not maroon and not red). At last she found one and mailed it to us just in time for the first football game of the season. As we made the trek up to our seats, we were stopped by at least 4 different people asking where we'd gotten the suit. An obvious hit among Rough Rider fans.

Cameron not only looked the part that night, but she acted the part too. She spent the entire first half yelling DEFENSE and Let's Go Riders. When the streamers came flying from the sky after the first touchdown, she concluded that God must have sent them.

Thanks, Nana, for making the first game of this season a memorable one.

Random Pictures from this summer

2009-09-12T10:31:00.001-07:00

Here are some random pictures from this summer that I just now got around to taking off of the camera.

Cameron the last day of swim lessons finally brave enough to jump in.

Swinging at Memaw's house. She learned how to pump her legs in order to keep herself swinging.

Cameron and Hannah's annual picture sitting in our living room. Hard to believe that it's been almost five years since their first picture was taken together in this same spot.

Original picture of the girls the first summer they met.

Making Cake Balls

2009-07-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

Cameron and I were home alone today so we decided to bake. (Yes I know, amazing we didn't burn the house down.) Ever since she went with me to a retirement party at my school, she's been wanting to make cake balls because the ones Joni made for the party were SOOOOO YUMMY! Cameron did an excellent job mixing the batter and sprinkling the cake balls after they'd been dipped in almond bark. Here is a link to the allrecipes website if you'd like to make them yourself. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cake-Balls/Detail.aspx?prop31=1 We used a strawberry cake mix and strawberry frosting. The ones covered in dark chocolate taste like a chocolate covered strawberry. It was a great mommy/daughter day!

Uncle Clay and Aunt Jo

2009-07-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

I just had to post these pictures of the happy couple. Only a few weeks to go until they are hitched!

Swim Lessons

2009-07-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of swim lessons for Cameron. I was fully anticipating a morning of crying and refusal to participate. She surprised me by actually trying what the teacher wanted including sticking her face in the water. Tomorrow could be another story.

Harvest time

2009-07-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

When Cameron and I were home in Mathis, she was able to check out the combine and were even able to make a few rounds with Kyle, my cousin. The new combines are so awesome because they now have a jumpseat for passengers. This is so much more comfortable than riding on a water jug like I used to do when I was a kid riding with my dad. It even has a computer system that tells you the moisture and the bushel weight of your maize.

Cozumel

2009-07-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

Eric and I had a week away just the two of us. We spent most of our days just relaxing in a lounge chair looking out at the blue water and enjoying a good book and a beverage. The entertainment was good, the food was great, and the time together was fantastic. I we traveled to the other side of the island one day and had a cold beer at a great little bar called Coconuts. Free margaritas to anyone that bared their coconuts, but I wasn't brave or drunk enough to do it. Eric snorkled and found some cool sealife including a starfish. The sunsets were beautiful ways to end each day. On our last full day there I had the opportunity to parasail. It was such an amazing experience. It was so peaceful and I was actually able to see the divers below on the coral reefs 50 ft. below the water. Ahhh!!! I love summer.

Our Spa Day

2009-06-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

Cameron and I spent the morning being pampered at the spa. We opted for just pedicures today. I was so proud of how patiently Cameron sat there while her toes were being polished. She chose polka-dots for herself and decided I needed a heart on my toes because I love her. It was such a great morning together!

Thou Shalt Clean Up After Yourself

2009-06-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

One of Mommy's commandments: "Thou Shalt Clean Up After Yourself". I've got one of them trained. Now maybe she can help me teach Daddy to follow the commandment as well.

Daddy's Good Luck Charm

2009-06-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Cameron calls herself "Daddy's Good Luck Charm" because everytime she goes fishing with him he brings home a big catfish. I'm so glad they love doing this together. I still remember fishing with my Pop when I was this age.

Sleeping Beauty

2009-06-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

I came home from my last day of school on Friday exhausted. I wasn't nearly as exhausted as Cameron, though. Eric picked her up from daycare early so they could spend the day together. While they were cleaning the house, he found her face down in the living room. Apparently she was so pooped out that she just laid down and went to sleep. Either that or she just collapsed face first and fell asleep. Regardless, we got a funny picture out of it.

Ft. Worth Water Gardens

2009-05-25T13:15:00.001-07:00

Cameron and her Mimi and I took a trip down to the the Fort Worth Water Gardens this weekend. It was such an amazing adventure for you senses. The sound of the water was so loud at times that you could almost not even hear yourself think. The mist of the water hitting your skin helped to refresh us on a day that was starting to get hot. I forget how something as simple as sticking your feet in the water can be a wonderful memory.

Action

2009-05-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Nonstop action would be an accurate way to describe Cameron these days. She is a bundle of energy that only slows down at bedtime. Her latest thing is to jump off of her picnic table and do full turns, tuck, pike, and straddle jumps. She also became brave enough to try a skin the cat on the swinging bar on the swingset. And she'll cartwheel on any soft patch of grass she can find. Our backyard has become her own little gymnastics training ground. I would give anything for an ounce of that energy.

Everything is Coming up Roses and Daisies and Lilies

2009-05-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

Cameron and I have been working in the flowerbeds in the afternoons when we get home from school. And with all the great rain we've been having up here things are really looking beautiful. Last night, Cameron wanted to pose for some pictures to show off all of her hard work. Check out the elephant ears on that kid!!!

Kenny Chesney Take Two

2009-05-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

Eric and I went to the Kenny Chesney concert with our friends Jay and Jennifer. The first attempt at the concert was quite unsuccessful. The 1st concert was canceled about six songs into Kenny's show due to a horrific thunderstorm. Well being the great guy that he is, Kenny came back to Frisco for a free performance for all who weathered the storm. It was a blast. He played his songs and a few of other people as well. After 3 hours on stage he called it a night. And what a night is was!!!!

Hippity Hoppity Easter

2009-05-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

This post is soooooo late but here are a few pictures of our little egg hunter.

Rollerskating Date

2009-03-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

Cameron had a date with her boyfriend, Jobe. The two went to the rollerskating rink for a few trips around the big floor. The first few attempts were not too successful, but after a change of skates to ones with wheels that didn't turn quite as easily, Cameron and Jobe were skating fools. They had a great time together as always. It was fun to see the two of them trying to keep from falling. I think Jobe's mom and I got the biggest workout helping them. My arms will be sore tomorrow!

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

2009-03-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a recipe we tried while we were home in Mathis. Clay and Cameron had the best time licking all of the utensils and bowl. You may have to bake it longer than the recipe says depending on your oven.

1 (8) oz block of cream cheese
3 sticks butter
3 cups of Swans Cake Flour (very important to use this!)
3 cups of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
6 eggs
DO NOT preheat the oven.
1. Blend softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar together in one bowl.
2. Add in teaspoon of vanilla
3. Begin to fold in cake flour and two eggs at a time and blend until smooth
4. Once all is in and blended smoothly pour (or scoop) into a greased Bundt pan. (I prefer to use Crisco shortening and then pour some cake flower in the pan to dust over the shortening. Make sure all the shortening is covered in flour especially the center of the pan or the cake will not come out well.)
5. Once the batter is in the pan and you have licked all the utensils then put it in a cold oven and set to 225 degrees for 30 mins
6. At the end of the first 30 mins, bump the temp up to 350 and cook for another 30 mins. After the first 15 or so at 350, peek to see if the top is getting too brown. If so, put a piece of Reynolds wrap over the top and continue cooking.
7. Check every so often with 10 mins left. Once done to your liking, take out and let cool when not much is left on the cake tester. ( I like some on there for the gooey part of the top!)
8. Let cool for a 5 mins or so, then turn upside down and should come out easily if the pan was greased well.

Hope everyone will try this recipe. It was scrumptious!!!

Spring Break part 3

2009-03-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

On the final leg of our trip around Texas, we made a trip to New Braunfels to spend some time with Uncle Clay and Aunt Jo. We visited Landa park and rode the train, played at the park, looked at the Comal River, and finally visited a Safari at Natural Bridge Caverns. It was a jam packed two days. We had a blast and can't wait to spend some more time with them soon.

Check out the cool picture of the mama deer thingy with her new baby. It was so new, its little legs were still quite wobbly.

Down on the Farm (Spring Break part 2)

2009-03-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

While at Papa and Grandmama's, Cameron got to see all the new baby calves frolicing in the pasture. We took the gator out to get a closer view. (Thanks Uncle Glenn for letting us borrow it.) She and Papa also had a tea party. He is such a kid at heart that it didn't take much for him to get into the role.

A great grandmother's love

2009-03-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

I just loved this picture of Cameron and Memaw. They have a very special bond that only happens between a great grandmother and her great grandchild. I think back to my own experience with my great grandmothers. Grandma Jostes used to drag a heavy school desk down from the attic just because we wanted to play with it. Grandma Sliva always made sure you never left her house with an empty stomach. I don't remember too much about my Granny O'Neil, but I do remember her baby grand piano and that she could play music by ear. Oh what great memories. I hope one day Cameron will look back on her time with her great grandmother, Memaw and Gigi, and smile because of the wonderful memories they made together.

Kids with Kids (Spring Break part 1)

2009-03-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

Cameron and I went down to Mathis for a visit during our spring break. It is my mission to make sure my little city girl gets to experience country life like I did as a kid. While staying at Nana and Granddad's, one of our visits was to the Funke's house to see all of Pud and Elmer's new baby goats. It didn't take much persuasion for our kid to pick one of their kids. Cameron absolutely adored the little critters, and I think she would have taken one home with us if she could. I wouldn't mind then we wouldn't have to mow!

Pink Eye

2009-02-27T16:38:00.000-08:00

Cute little white bunnies are supposed to be the only things with pink eyes, but unfortunately this is not the case for poor Cameron. This morning she woke up with a very droopy, pink right eye. After a short trip to the minute clinic at CVS, my instincts were correct and she does have conjunctivitis (pinkeye) We have some great eye drops that are supposed to clear it up quickly. Now were just spending the day coloring, watching cartoons, and playing My Little Ponies. We are washing our hands like crazy to keep anyone else from getting it.

On a side note, I would highly recommend the CVS minute clinic to anyone not wanting to wait 2 hours in their pediatricians office. Of course we'd have gone to the regular doc if I hadn't been sure of what was wrong with her. But, for pinkeye and other minor ailments the Minute Clinic is my preference!!!

Little Red Riding Hood

2009-01-31T15:07:00.000-08:00

Cameron has recently become enchanted by the old song "Hey There Little Red Riding Hood". Everynight before bed she will watch the video on Youtube from Eric's iPhone and sing along. She really enjoys the remake that is faster than the original, but it sometimes goes too fast for her to sing along. Here is the next American Idol singing her favorite song. (besides Britney's Womanizer)

This one is for you Lena Elaine! (TAG)

2009-01-25T14:12:00.000-08:00

My dear lifelong friend Elaine reminded me of all the wonderful memories our moms captured on film. My mom probably has a Rubbermaid tub full of just pictures of Elaine, her brother Gus, me and my bro Clay. Here is one I just happened to have a copy of here at my house. I think I'm pointing and laughing at those short shorts Gus was wearing.

Ready for the Catwalk

2009-01-18T17:39:00.000-08:00

We got some new dresses for Christmas and this one happened to be a big hit with our supermodel wannabe. She strut her stuff before church and we were lucky enough to catch a few of the poses. Thanks Auntie Marla for the new duds. She obviously loves them and thinks she's smokin hot!

Bathtime or Syncronized Swimming?

2009-01-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

Cameron has a dog bath toy that wears goggles and swims in the tub if there is enough water. Well tonight, she decided that she too needed to wear her goggles to see under all the bubbles. This was so funny to us that we thought we'd share w/you all.

I've Had Enough, MOM!

2009-01-02T10:41:00.001-08:00

I've been experimenting with the settings on my new camera. Well unfortunately for Cameron, she has had to be the model for my practice. From the looks of the second picture, I think she's getting a little tired of my "practicing" on her.

Christmas in Mathis

2009-01-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

Jingle Bell Jog

2008-12-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

Cameron and mom did the Jingle Bell Jog 1 mile fun run to benefit our scholarship foundation for the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw school district. It was cold and windy and mom was pulling a wagon with Cameron and her friend Hannah. After a short while into the race, Cameron decides that mom is not going fast enough despite her words of encouragement. "Come on mom you can do it!" and "Faster Mom, we're not winning!" So, she and Hannah get out and run the rest of the way. Only hopping in one more short time to take a break and then back out to finish the race on her own two legs because mine were too slow. After all was said and done, Cameron had finished second in the race and Hannah was third in the preschool girl division. She was so proud of her red ribbon!

Happy 4th Birthday, Cameron!

2008-11-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Cameron's 4th birthday with her BFF Hannah who was also turning 4. The girls had an awesome time painting pottery at Sunshine Glaze in Southlake. The best part was that the mess was cleaned up by someone other than Hannah's mommy and me. It was a blast. Destination birthdays from now on!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing Halloween. Batgirl loved passing out candy just as much she enjoyed getting it.

girly girl

2008-06-12T14:21:00.001-07:00

BIG FISH

2008-05-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

Eric has been a fishing fool since gymnastics season is over. He has hit the catfish jackpot the last three times out to check the trotline. Three nights ago he came home with 2 fish over 20 pounds along with a 15 and 12 pounder. Last night he had another 20 pound fish on his line, but today he struck it rich. He caught a 60 POUND yellow catfish and a 20 pound blue cat. Our freezer is getting mighty full. As you can see from the pics, this ain't no fish tale.

Camping Out

2008-05-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

Cameron and Dad spent the afternoon "roughing it" in the backyard. They've been planning for weeks to have a camp out, but when the time arrived to actually have one, Dad realized the old tent was missing a few important parts. After a trip to Walmart, they had a new tent and the camp out was on.

Bluebonnets in Texas

2008-04-28T19:42:00.001-07:00

How does your garden grow?

2008-04-05T12:36:00.001-07:00

The answer is: Hopefully better than last year. Eric and Cameron spent the afternoon tilling and hoeing to get the ground ready for a new spring garden. They worked nearly all morning together and finally got the seeds planted into nice little rows. We're expecting a bumper crop!

Olympics '08 - probably NOT

2008-04-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Cameron has started taking gymnastics classes at a local gym. This is the first time that Mom and Dad are not her coaches and are just her fans in the stands. Surprisingly enough, she's pretty good at it. No, she's not a prodigy or the next Mary Lou Retton, but she has had fun and is doing well. I just want her to be able to do a cartwheel when all is said and done. Okay, and maybe a back handspring.

Hippity Hopping for Eggs

2008-04-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well, it wouldn't be Easter in Texas if we didn't have a cold snap forcing us to put coats on over our cute spring dresses. We endured and managed to hunt for eggs that the Easter bunny left while we were at church. Cameron was extra careful not to pick up the brown "eggs" that Poncho left behind.

Zoo Trip

2008-03-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

Today after two days of nonstop rain we were able to get out and enjoy the sunshine at the Ft. Worth Zoo with some friends. It was Cameron's first trip to the zoo and she loved all the animals. She is such a nut for any type of critter. So, the zoo was the perfect place for her. As soon as we made it to one exhibit, she was calling out the name of the next animal she wanted to go see. I had one tired little girl in the car on the way home, but it was such an awesome day.

Visit to New Braunfels

2008-03-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

We spent the first weekend of our spring break in New Braunfels visiting our favorite Uncle Clay. Lucky for us, it was a two for one visit because Papa, Grandmama, and Memaw decided to make the trip to see us there. I love the pictures of Cameron and Papa making their mean and nice faces.

Snowy Day

2008-03-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

Well, as you know in Texas one day it's hot and the next day it's snowing. Thursday we had our first real snowfall of the year. Of course, it happened in March! It ended up being about 4 or 5 inches when it was all said and done. We had a blast playing in it and making a snowman. We had to drag our frozen popcicle (aka Cameron) into the house. It is amazing how having kids can sometimes make you feel like a kid again yourself. Unfortunately, the snow didn't last long enough to have a day off from school the next day. Better luck next time, I guess.

F is for Family

2007-12-28T17:38:00.001-08:00

F is for Family and the other choice word I had when I was trying to get the timer set on the camera to get this picture.

If it has wheels...

2007-12-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

If it has wheels, Cameron probably got it for Christmas. Santa brought her a Dora bike and her Uncle Clay gave her Dora roller skates and Mimi and Big Guy got her a new wagon. The funny part is that she wore the helmet long after she stopped her rolling activities. She looked like the "special" kid.

Christmas Pictures

2007-12-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween, Argh!!!!

2007-12-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

I thought that as girly as Cameron is that she'd want to be a princess or a fairy for Halloween. But to my surprise, she wanted to be a pirate. In fact she is obsessed with all things pirate. So being the good mom that I am, I ordered her a pirate costume and prayed she wouldn't change her mind a week later. We also took time to take our annual pumpkin pictures.

Look at Me, I'm 3!

2007-12-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

Cameron had her third birthday in October. She enjoyed celebrating with her friends in the bounce houses, on the swingset and in her new red Mustang. It is amazing how quickly a year goes by.

Possum Kingdom Lake

2007-06-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

We were invited out to Possum Kingdom lake by our friends the McKinney's for a weekend of fun in the sun. We splashed in the water, posed with a hog, and were so exhausted from our adventures that we fell asleep on the boat. It was a BLAST!!!

Lil' Aggie

2007-06-30T09:13:00.001-07:00

Cameron is a true Aggie from her head to her oversized toes.

Mimi, Gigi, and Me

2007-06-30T09:10:00.001-07:00

There is nothing better than cruising in the golf cart with my Mimi and Gigi!!!!!!

Big Girls

2007-06-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Cameron and Hannah are on their third summer of playdates, sleepovers, and friendship. It amazes me how the time has passed so quickly. In honor of the tradition started that first year, we sat the girls down on the floor in their respective spots and took the annual picture for posterity. Older, wiser, and mostly potty trained now with many adventures ahead of them during their friendship.