Bryan, Jen, & the 3 Henchmen

Hockey

2011-01-15T18:20:00.001-06:00

Brandon has decided to try hockey - so this morning (at 7:30 am on a Saturday - I am a dedicated momma) he suited up and tried it out. Here is a little bit of him practicing!

Brandon's Birthday

2011-01-01T20:36:00.001-06:00

Here are a few pictures from Brandon's birthday.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-08T20:32:00.004-06:00

We got all our decorations up tonight. We had fun - now we can't wait to fill under the tree.

My Grandmommy cross stitched a nativity scene to put above our mantle. This picture does not do it justice, so stop on by and see it for yourself!

Balloon Fun

2010-08-10T10:21:00.004-05:00

Timothy and I were able to ride in a hot air balloon this past weekend! Here are a few pictures.

What I saw from the air:

One of those shadows is the balloon I am riding in.

Angel Fire, NM from the air. The morning fog was majestic as it rolled through the mountains and valleys.
Timothy preparing for his first ride!

I must say that riding at 1500 feet above the ground seemed scary when I thought about it. But, once you are up there it is amazing, peaceful, and wondrous. I can't wait to go again.

Memories

2010-08-10T10:17:00.002-05:00

Growing up as a kid we would put the sprinkler under the trampoline and have a blast. The kids and a neighbor, Jordan, decided they would enjoy our trampoline the same way. It was fun to watch them and it brought back great memories from our house and friends on Meadow Street!

Summer Gymnastics

2010-08-10T10:10:00.003-05:00

Summer is also enjoying gymnastics this summer. Here are a few videos of her accomplishments!

Boys at Gymnastics

2010-07-28T21:02:00.002-05:00

The boys are finishing up a summer class in power tumbling and trampoline. Here are a few videos of their accomplishments!

Musical Debut

2010-07-23T10:26:00.003-05:00

Timothy has been taking guitar lessons for about 6 months. Here is his musical debut.

4th of July 2010

2010-07-06T21:31:00.003-05:00

We spent a wonderful 4th of July in Colorado City with my parents and grandmothers. It rained, drizled, sprinkled, rained, drizzled, and sprinkled. The rain was a blessing, but it was awfully humid when we were outside. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Summer with Freckles (Granny's dog)

We did a little tractor driving.

We played a little ping pong.

We drove the go cart.

We helped put vinyl letters on a new billboard. Summer is a 3rd generation sign maker!

Overall it was an absolutely wonderful, fun, and relaxing weekend - I wish we could do it again sooner than later!!

First Fish

2010-06-25T22:31:00.002-05:00

We went to the lake last weekend and Summer caught her first fish.

Summer is Here!!

2010-05-28T21:00:00.002-05:00

Today was a bittersweet day. School ending always brings great happiness for most in our family. The kids and I are ever so happy about the relaxing months to come. Bryan seems to enjoy the summer, but work doesn't end for him. :( Today, however, I realized that school ending means that my kids are growing older and older. I realized this morning on the way to school that August would bring Timothy's last year in elementary school. Every year I send more than 80 students to 6th grade with only a few tears shed, however I can't even begin to think about sending my own to middle school. I have a feeling that this time next year, I will be a basket case. Hope all our readers have a marvelous summer and we hope that we get to see many of you!!

Spring 2010

2010-05-10T21:31:00.004-05:00

Spring Fun

The kids are all very busy this spring and we are having lots of fun. Timothy is learning to play the guitar, Brandon is running track, and Summer is taking gymnastics lessons. The following videos show a little of our fun. Timothy is not quite ready for his musical debut, so stay tuned for his video in the near future (or not so near - those chords are tough!!)

As you can see the kids have been busy - along with their chauffeurs - hence the reason behind so few blogs! :)

Snow Weekend

2010-01-30T17:56:00.003-06:00

Here are few pictures from our snowy weekend!

Pumpkin Mania

2009-10-28T19:57:00.004-05:00

We decided that if we were going to carve pumpkins - we better get it done! So here are the results:

Brandon's Pumpkin

Summer's Pumpkin

Timothy decided his pumpkin needed two faces, so here is the multi-personality pumpkin

Personality 1

Personality 2

Both personalities at once

We hope your week is spooky...

Back to School

2009-08-24T19:31:00.002-05:00

Well, summer is over, and we headed back to school today. Here are the pics of our first days of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade.

Dog Days of Summer

2009-07-25T17:54:00.003-05:00

Our dog, Shiloh, loves the water. Since it has been so hot lately, we decided to let her play in the water and cool off. I think she loves it!!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T18:59:00.002-05:00

When the dad in your family has everything you should buy him a newer truck, so that is what we did. We decided he needed one with a few less miles and few less melted parts. So, on Saturday we drove to Lubbock and picked up a 2005 F250 for him to enjoy. It has to park on the street for now since our other truck (we have lovingly named it "The Truck with Crust") is still in the driveway waiting for the insurance adjuster! Hope each of you had a fun and less eventful father's day weekend!!

Fire!

2009-06-19T22:14:00.003-05:00

Well, Friday evening Bryan, Timothy, and I ran a few errands and then we decided to eat dinner at Applebees. As we arrived home we were surprised to find a police car blocking the intersection to our block. We slowed down, and then noticed a fire truck in front of the house. As we turned to see what was going we see that the fire was in our driveway. Bryan's truck had caught fire while we were gone.

We are still in shock about the entire event, but we know that God was watching out for us. There was no damage to the house and my Expedition (which we bought last Friday) was not sitting beside the truck and therefore was not damaged. We are also relieved that we weren't driving the truck. I can't even imagine trying to get a family of 5 out of a burning vehicle. The neighbor took pictures while it was burning, so I may have more to share in the next few days.

Mother's Day

2009-06-05T09:51:00.003-05:00

We spent a lovely weekend at home for Mother's Day. The kids and my wonderful husband cleaned the entire house and my children agreed to sit nicely and smile for a few pictures. It was all a mother could hope for! :)

Summer's Writing

2009-05-14T20:17:00.003-05:00

Many wanted to read Summer's story. I tried to scan it, but couldn't get it to post. So I am going to retype it for all to enjoy!!

THE LATE BLOOMER
by Summer

Once there was a late bloomer named Sam. He is seven years old. He doesn't know how to ride his bike or ride his scooter. One day his friend came over to his house. He was worried because he saw his friend with a scooter and he thought his friend was going to ask him if he can play with him on his scooter. But instead he went to ask Mr. Robort for some milk. Mr. Robort is Sam's neighbor so that's why Sam's friend got in his yard. Sam still thought his friend was going to ask him to play with him. So Sam quickly ran to his garage where his scooter was and started practicing riding his scooter. He got better and better until he could do it! So than Sam went to his friends house to ask him to play with him on the scooter. But his friend said no... I want to play on the bike. Sam said well lets play with our scooters today and we can play with our bikes tomorrow. Okay? Okay. said Sam's friend. When they got done playing Sam went back to his house and started practicing riding his bike. The other day he woke up early to practice more. He got better and better. Later on Sam's friend asked him to play on his bike with him. Sam and his friend were having fun. They rode there bikes along the block. When they went home Sam started helping his sister practice riding her scooter and bike. His sister got better and better until she could do it! The End

Written by Summer Belcher

about the Author

Summer alwaysed wanted to be an Author and Illistrader so she started being one. She works with her dad and she is good at art.

Summer, the Author

2009-05-10T20:43:00.002-05:00

Summer wrote a story earlier this school year and we entered her story in a contest called "PTA Reflections". She won 1st place in the local contest and then her story was sent to the state competition. She did not win at state, but we are very proud of her hard work. She is a very good writer for a 2nd grader and we know that her talent will only improve as she grows. Here is a picture of her with her medal and certificate.

Panhandle Weather - never plan for anything!!

2009-03-28T19:38:00.003-05:00

Okay this morning we got up early and headed out to play in the snow. There were several drifts and the kids made a fort.

This evening I went out to see how things were melting and found this...

You know if you don't like the weather - just wait a few hours - it will change!!!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like.... Easter????

2009-03-27T17:05:00.003-05:00

Well last night about 6:00 we were notified that school was canceled for Friday. At that time the kids were outside playing and the temperature was about 65. This is what we saw today...

The roads aren't that bad, but the wind is blowing 30 - 50 mph and we are having negative chill factors and white out conditions. We have spent the entire day at home, burning a fire, drinking hot chocolate, reading, and watching TV - such a marvelous day!!!!! They are predicting 60's on Sunday, so we will be back to Spring in no time!! Amarillo weather is never boring.

A Few Interesting Pictures

2009-03-23T19:52:00.010-05:00

Okay - last week was spring break and I know I should have been blogging away, but the weather was beautiful so I spent alot of time outside. Here is an example of my accomplishments:

In this corner there were 18 (yes-18) wooden posts that had been buried about 2 feet in the ground. I spent about 7 hours on Monday digging out those 18 (yes-18) posts. They were rotting and falling apart, so I decided they needed to be removed and once you start, you have to finish. So a few blisters and a very sore back later we are missing 18 (yes-18) wooden posts and we now have yet another patch of mud!!!

Back in February ( I realize I am a month behind) we traveled to Colorado City to visit my parents and Grandmothers. Here are some great pictures of the kids and their Great Grandmothers:

I have also neglected to give timely updates on Bryan's Man Cave so...

He recently passed his electrical inspection and will soon be working towards his framing inspection, and after that...well I don't know - I am totally not a construction person. Here are some updated photos:

Tonight - yes I know this will cause some of you to faint - a post on the night it actually happened. Brandon and I decided he should do his reading homework outside. He sweetly asked if we could do it in the tree. So...

I must say - getting up was a lot easier than getting down! :)

Timothy & Bryan were at Cub Scouts so Summer was our photographer - I think she did great. She later took a picture of herself -

So this just about catches everyone up - come again in a month or two and see how things have changed!!

Cub Scouts

2009-01-18T17:53:00.000-06:00

Both boys are involved in Cub Scouts this year. On Saturday the 17th they participated in the Annual Pine Wood Derby. For all of you who are not familiar with this, here is how it works. Each boy was given a block of wood, 4 nails, and 4 wheels. They (or should I say their father) then carve, sand, paint, put on the wheels, add weights, and then put graphite on it at least 10 times. Then they race them on a track in the school cafeteria. Both the boys had fun and received trophies for the design of their cars. The boys also received other cub scout awards that morning. Enjoy the pictures.

Boys' Birthdays

2009-01-18T17:39:00.000-06:00

We start the New Year off with a bang since both boys celebrate their birthdays during this month. Brandon turned 7 on the 1st and Timothy turned 9 on the 8th. It is hard to believe they are that old already. Both boys got remote control off road vehicles, kinex, clothes, other various toys, and.... MONEY. They were so excited about getting to go and buy anything they wanted at Toys R Us. I must say they did well spending their money and are still playing with the toys they bought - so that is good. Here are a few pictures from the parties.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T22:55:00.000-06:00

We enjoyed our first Christmas as a family in our new home. Santa was wonderful and the weather was warm and windy. The kids got skateboards, so it was nice to be able to go outside and try them out. They also got new games for the Wii and we had fun as family playing together.

Christmas in C-City

2008-12-27T22:46:00.000-06:00

The entire Ellis side of the family came together the weekend before Christmas and enjoyed time together. The weekend was fun and noisy with all 7 grandkids playing. Here they are making silly faces for the camera. Luci is 4 months, Daniel is 2 years old, Isabelle is 4, Peter is 5, Brandon will be 7 in January, Summer is 8, and Timothy will be 9 in January. We had some much fun!!!!

Penguins Save Christmas

2008-12-27T22:37:00.001-06:00

Summer was in the school Christmas play on the 16th. She was a penguin and had the final word in the play. She announced, "Thank you for coming!"

Christmas Tree Decorating

2008-12-11T20:34:00.000-06:00

I know this may surprise you all, but you are getting to see the pictures on the same night we actually decorated!!!

For all of you who are impatient

2008-11-30T22:00:00.000-06:00

Okay...Okay...Okay
I will post some more pics.

Man Cave Progress

I know that the kids are the most important part so... here are pictures from Halloween!

I hope this will satisfy a few of you for a while!!

Progress???

2008-09-06T17:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I think we are making progress on the man cave. It is that or Bryan just likes driving and digging with large machinery!! See for yourself.

First Day of School

2008-08-26T20:14:00.000-05:00

We started school on Monday and thought you would like to see how we looked in all our new clothes and shoes. Enjoy them now, cause they will dirty in no time! :) Brandon is in 1st grade, Summer is in 2nd, and Timothy is in 3rd! I am still in 5th, however I guess I finally learned all the math because this year I will be teaching language arts, reading, and social studies! I wonder how long it will take me to learn all these subjects!

Only in Texas

2008-08-15T16:01:00.000-05:00

When we bought our house we planned on building Bryan a "Man Cave" for him to restore cars in. This is a hobby of his. He is in the process of restoring a pickup to drive as his main vehicle. The pictures show his truck now. As you can see it is a work in progress. In order to build the man cave we had to move a storage building that was in one corner to the other side of the yard. So...in true Texas style Bryan used this pick up, a car jack, a chain, some rope, and some wood to pull and push the building across the yard. I think the pictures are self explanatory. I will update you as to how the progress of the man cave goes. Right now we have a few holes in the ground (we had to find the water and gas lines in the backyard!). We have also had the blessing of rain, therefore we have a few "swimming holes" in the backyard. The dog loves the water, the boys love the mud, and now I must love to sweep, mop, and vacuum. :)

WEDDING!!

2008-08-06T14:20:00.001-05:00

Here are a few pictures from the wedding! I have tons more, but this will give everyone a little taste!

Family Fun at the Park

2008-08-04T13:13:00.000-05:00

Here are family pics that my friend Jami took when she was here visiting. Enjoy!

Keeping up with the Jones' and all of you

2008-08-04T13:00:00.000-05:00

Ok - I have taken the plunge and decided to start a blog. Why - I do not know. I am horrible at emailing out pictures so maybe I will be better at this - we will see. I will start by putting some pictures that Jami took while she was here. Many of you haven't seen much of Bryan and Timothy so this will give you a chance. I will get wedding pics up as soon as possible. Don't expect me to update very often, but I will try my best :)