Woodpecker Attack !!

A couple weeks before Christmas I got a call one afternoon from Ashlee while I was at work. I was on the teller line that day covering for one of the girls on vacation and when I answered the phone I hear Ashlee histerical on the other end. So of course there is worry in my voice and some of the customer could hear it. Ashlee says, "Mom, Emmie brought a bird in the house!!" This is a usual occurence but Ashlee was particularly scared of this bird because when she tried to get it out the bird flew at her face. So here I am at work trying to coach her on how to get the bird out and she yells, "I can't get it, it's a woodpecker!!" to which I loudly respond , "It's not a woodpecker" completely forgetting that I am work, on the teller line. The customers are cracking up at this point and I am embarrased. Turns out it was a woodpecker, and turns out Ashlee would not get him out of there. Poor Bill, (our resident exterminator) had to catch the bird and get him outside when he got home. So here is the hunter, (and yes he is in the box cuz he's ready to be shipped out.)

And here is the poor Woodpecker.

State Cheerleading Competition

On December 4th, 2010 Ashlee and I went to Denver with her cheer team to the State Cheerleading Competition. Her team did fabulous. They made finals and ended up placing 5th out of 30 teams. She had a great time, and I loved watching it.

Ashlee with her friend, Shelby.
The view from the stands. The colliseum was so big it was a bit intimidating for Ashlee. She was so nervous, but so excited at the same time.

So this is a boring picture, but for me it holds the best memory of the entire trip. Here the girls are getting ready to take the floor. Just after I took this picture, I noticed Ashlee raise her head from the group. She was scanning the seats to try to find me and she couldn't see me though I could see her. Then I see her mouth, "Where's my Mommy?" with a scared look on her face. I waved to her so she would know I was there, and then she waved back and smiled, and said, "OK." It was so sweet and I was so touched that even though she is getting older, it is still important for her to have her mommy close by.

The team at the Embassy Suites getting ready to leave.

Up in the stands waiting for their turn to perform.

Ashlee and Kirsa.

Jaci's Early Christmas

Since Jaci was at our house for Thanksgiving this year instead of Christmas we had her open her Christmas gifts before she left to go home. We usually don't get to see her open them when she is not with us, so it was fun. Plus it is easier on me since I am the shopper and I don't always know what she likes or if it will fit. Luckily I was successful this year. After she got done opening her gifts, (mostly clothes because she is getting older) we got to see a fashion show, and I was glad she like it all, and it all fit!

Family Pics by My Sis Haley

Hal took our family pics on Thanksgiving day. It was freezing outside but it is the only time Jaci was here to do them. Haley does a great job. Love them.

Turkey Day 2010

This year we spent Thanksgiving at home because I had to work the day after and we thought we were going to have to spend it alone, but my Sister Heidi surprised us and came to spend it with us!!! We had a great day and enjoyed being together.

Cooking in the Kitchen

Ashlee, Jaci and Me

Maddie taking a rest and watching a movie.

Paul intent on his computer

Me and Hal

Jaci and Bill

My Sisters

Ashlee doing what she does best... texting.

My Sisters

Bill and I

Maddie and I

Maddie and I

Karaoke Party

Cheer Competition

This past weekend Ashlee went to her first cheerleading competition in Colorado Springs. Bill and I went to watch. I had a blast watching her cheer. She loves it and it is so exciting for me to get to watch her. Her team, the Montrose Indians, took 1st place in the Co-Ed Division. They were so excited.

Right before awards.

Ashlee with the 1st place trophy.

With Mom and Dad

Mom is so Proud!!!

The team right after the win!

Whatta Water Leak!

Let's just say the lawn was extremely green this year and our water bill kept getting higher and higher. I was thinking wow... the City of Montrose is getting really pricey for some water. It seems as if we had a leak in our main water line that goes from the back of the house to the garage. There must have been a crack in the pipe that slowly over the summer kept getting worse and worse till it busted and the meter ran out of control. We wouldn't have known if the meter reader from the city would not have left a note for us. So a few days after we had an excavator and a plummer out to fix the problem. What a project. Here are some pics of the fun day.

The pipe was over 6 ft deep. Thus the poor guy in the trench.
Check out our "lazy river"

Massive digging going on.

Just a little pond, that's all.

All finished and back to normal...somewhat.