New Years Eve

Happy New Year Everyone!!!
Tony and Cliff worked on the kitchen counter tops yesterday and got quite aways with it. They will continue their project today. Can't wait to see it completed.

We went to dinner at Los Lupes last night with Leo & Cha. Had yummy food and then home to our nice warm house. I am such a puss. I hate the cold and it was only about 39 degrees. HA.

We watched Family Guy and The Office and Cliff and I laughed our butts off. The girls didn't seem to think it was as funny as we did. I guess they don't have our sick sense of humor. We dyed Alecia's hair a soft black last night and it looks great. I am going to have to do it again today as there are some light spots. She has so much hair that I thought we'd need an extra box of dye but we tried it anyway. I was worried it was too dark for her but it actually looks nice.

The girls will be leaving either tomorrow or Friday. It is always so quiet when they all go. I'll miss them. Then Big Daddy and I will be on our own again, running amuck with no restraints who knows what could happen?

I think we are going to stay home tonight and play games with the kids. I tried to get Teddi to bring our baby Oli out but she is having a baby party with her friend Amber. So I imagine it will be the Mexicans and us partying like it's 2009!!!!

Rockin to the Oldies

Well the big girls are here and we are having a ball. It is so much fun for us all when they get to spend time with us. They can relax and be themselves around their Dad, and boy they do. When they get in trouble they really get punished though!! Last night Alecia was really bad and so I gave her the harsh punishment of being forced to sing old 80's rock ballads and then eat ice cream. I hope she learned her lesson after that!!

We have discovered that Traci can sing after all, she didn't know she was an old rocker but last night we had her belting out Joan Jett and she rocked the house. Of course Dad had to rock out to some Danzig and we liked that although Traci said that Glen was a major CREEPER!! HA!
Cliff was clowning Ozzie Osborn and saying, "I've been the Prince of Darkness since 1979!" in his British accent till we were all laughing hysterically. Ah I love the Old School rockers. Then the girls sang me a song they said was about me. It was by some new group and all I remember is it was about some girl named Debbie who was dreaming of shaking her butt dancing on top of White Snakes car. It was pretty funny and really fit too. Lately I have too much butt to shake anywhere, but oh well.

We also went bowling and that was fun. We bowled 3 games and I won one and Cliff won the others, It was pretty distracting cause all the kids are out of school and the place was a mad house.

Cliff and the girls are working on the counter tops today. I can't wait to get them done. Traci was excited to show her Dad her construction skills so I hope they have fun. I am going to dye Alecia's hair tonight and we are going to grill steaks in Traci honor. She says she never gets to eat meat at home so I try to make sure we have meat as much as possible while she is here. She gets meat, Alecia gets ice cream, and Cheyenne just eats non-stop anything in the carbohydrate family. I guess you can say we are all pigs, there you have it!!

Christmas Past

Well Christmas is over. We had a wonderful time and hopefully so did all the kids. We picked Cheyenne up in CO last week and had a real fun week. We went to see Santa with Gabbi and Charlee and then made cookies for Santa with Mr Tony. Santa managed to find Cheyenne although she was quite disgusted that Santa used the same wrapping paper as I did to wrap gifts. She thought he should have found something besides EXACTLY what I used HA. She was also amazed that the Tooth Fairy found her this week. Traci had convinced her that the Tooth Fairy NEVER finds you at Dad's house but Traci was wrong, she did come and she left a whole dollar!!

We picked up Traci and Alecia yesterday in Co when we took Cheyenne home. We spent the evening partying at Aunt Julie's. Alecia and I were big party poopers. I had an excuse, I have to sing in two weeks and couldn't chance all the cigarette smoke, I don't know what party pooper Alecia's excuse was. Maybe she just loves me so much she could not bear to leave me!!!! We got to see Baby Bailey, Aaron and Becca's baby, what a sweetheart. She felt so light after our big chunk babies. Cliff and I laughed when we held her cause it wasn't like lugging around our fat butt babies.

We drove home this morning and the roads were clear all the way. We were really lucky. Even with the bad storm just blowing through, the roads were clear and dry both trips. We took the Durango both times in case we needed the 4 wheel drive but it wasn't necessary. Can't believe that poor car is still running. It now has 250,000 miles on it and it runs like a top. Amazing. Cliff drove it 90 miles and hours over and back and it didn't miss a beat. Sweet. Side note: It was so damn cold over there I about died. It really made me remember how much I hate the cold. I hope I never have to live where it's cold again. Please Please Please don't make me

Cheyenne in the mask she made with her Christmas paper dolls!

The Gabbi in front of Mimi and Big Daddy's tree on her first Christmas ever.

Look at those big black eyes!!

The big girls model their new leather coats and sun glasses. They also got jewelery, games, pj's, CD's, watches, movies, lotions and potions...........

Mima and Baby Oli

Baby Oli in her box!!!

Teddi and Baby Oli in her new ride! I was surprised at how fast she learned to drive her car, She was so cute in it. A hot chick in a sweet ride.

Clear Sailing

We made it back from Colorado today about 4:00. The roads were clear and dry all the way but it was sooooo cold. I thought I'd die. It was miserable. So glad we don't live there. It was great to see everyone and we had a great time at John and Julie's on Saturday night. And yes we have awarded the MVP award to Dakota with mad props for being "player of the year". (inside joke that you had to be there for) As you can see we got our Cheyenne and brought her home with us for the week.Here she is with her friend Emerald. They have lots of fun together and are so cute.

We go back next weekend to get the older girls. We did get to see them this weekend which was great, but we will pick them up next weekend when we take Cheyenne home.

The one day I spent in CO I managed to catch a cold and I feel miserable. I think I will take a hot bath and go to bed!!!

Stay Positive

I am trying to stay positive but it just is not easy with the crap I deal with at work. I have never seen so many people who have no clue about business and have no conscience when it comes to dealing with other human beings. I estimate we will have to file for bankruptcy by the middle of January and in a way it will be a relief. Richly deserved to say the least.

We leave to go get Shiner in the morning. Cliff wants to spend the night in Co and visit a bit. I am glad cause we usually just turn around and leave and I always feel bad that we don't go see people. He just hates Co so bad that he can't stand to be there one more minute than necessary. AS bad as the roads are going to be, it will be best to do it in the daytime. When I checked the road reports it is snow packed and snowing so it should be fun. 450 miles of hell!!!then 450 miles back. Oh well at least we will get our baby for a week.

I got to see my Ollie last night in Vegas. She is so sweet. As soon as she saw me she said MIMA then looked around and said DADDY DADDY? She is such a beauty with all that golden hair and big brown eyes. I love her!!

White Christmas

Well Vegas got 3.5 inches of snow last night. Crazy. Of course it shut the whole town down. They even closed the schools up here . It was just rainy here but I quess it was the whole school district. Cliff had to work today and he said the snow started just about the time he got to the race track so it was mainly snowy in Vegas. It has been really cold. We felt sorry for Digger so we made him a bed in the laundry room and put a little heater in there for him. All my lantana finally froze, that's how I gauge when winter is here, when my lantana freezes.

Well I am ready for Christmas, We go to get Cheyenne this weekend. I have big plans for next week. I want to take her for pictures with Santa on Monday night and let her do a little Christmas shopping, then bake cookies with the kids on Christmas Eve, hopefully Teddi will bring Ollie out. Can't wait to see their sweet faces. So far it has been a wonderful holiday season, hope it continues.

I have to go to Vegas tonight and help Teddi a little. Hopefully the roads will be good. They have been closed out of Vegas into California all day. Weird. I guess the passes got 10" of snow. Got Cliff a pizza for dinner cause he will be bachelor-ing it tonight. Hopefully I won't be too late.

Spanky

Cliff and I watched Gabbi today for Charlee and it was like having our own little monkey. We combed her hair like Alfalfa and took her picture. She is so sweet. We had a lot of fun.

Cliff did more tile today and started the back splash in the kitchen, it looks fabulous darling. Can't wait till it's all done. We are hoping to have it done for Christmas but he has to work tomorrow and then we are going to get Cheyenne on Saturday and then he will probably work again on Monday, so maybe not. We will see. I don't really care just it would be nice for him to have it over.

It is suppsoe to snow 4 inches in the Vegas Valley tonight and it is crazy cold (for us). I hate winter!! Even here HAHA

Snow In the Desert

We woke up this morning to snow flakes. It's the desert folks so it's not sticking but it is snow. It actually is accumulating on the mountains and looks beautiful. Just in time for Christmas. Thank heavens that Cliff got all the Christmas lights up before it turned off so cold. They look beautiful. He even did the trees. The high all week is suppose to be in the low 40's. Oh brother!!!

I am not looking forward to that drive to Colorado this weekend as I am sure the roads will be a mess. They say it's suppose to snow 2-6 inches every day this week over in that direction. Yuck. I told Cliff we better take the Durango. It's 4 wheel drive and even though it will take more gas, the Mustang is so light, I am afraid over those passes it would be a mess. Thank heavens Cliff drives so well in snow, we'd be sunk if I had to do it. At least we get to get our Cheyenne so it will be well worth the effort. I can't wait to see her sweet face. She will be so excited for Christmas with the babies.

Wish we could have the big girls with us for Christmas, but we have major Baby Mama Drama on that front, so maybe next year.

Radical Racing Rednecks

Well Miss Claiborne! Here it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I told Cliff that on this side of our carport we look like we are high class white trash form Alabama.
This side of our carport we definitely look like we have friends in low places, maybe in Arkansas. HA HA.

It's a good thing I am a big ole racing fan and that his name is painted on the car door, just looking at it makes me excited, that saves him.m

Working Weekend

Well lets start with bowling Friday night! We won 3 out of 4 games, so that was good. I bowled about my average but the guys all did better. Leonard & Cliff almost broke 200 on game 3. Cliff bowled 199 and Leo a 191. We had a good time eating a big fat greasy bowling alley cheeseburger and fries washed down with ice cold Budweiser. Yummy

After league, we came home and changed clothes and went back to the VR lounge to hear the band. Cliff saw them coming in as we were leaving and said we gotta see these guys. They were really young, I mean they looked about 16. The lead guitar player looked like Slash and the guy fronting the band looked like a cross between Johnny Depp and Dwight Yokum. We got in there and found a table before they started, so we saw them come in , I just laughed and said "Since when can 12 year old's play in a casino?" But then they started. The first song they played was Folsom Prison Blues and I about fell out of my seat. These guys were so damn good, I mean way above anything that you would normally hear in a road band. They were kind of like Indie Country and smoking hot. They were visually so interesting and their sound was just magic. Everything they did (lots of real old country) but with a twist that made it so fresh and interesting. I could have listened to them for forever and I am so critical and such a hag that is going a ways HA HA.

Saturday we got up and I went and helped the kids finish painting. Their house looks so nice. Then I came home and Cliff was laying the tile on the kitchen counter tops. What a difference it makes and he does such a beautiful job. He is going to finish this week, I can't wait. Then this morning, I finished putting bows on all the Christmas packages and he grouted the tile. Then Charlee came over and we went to Walmart and bought some fabric and I made her some new kitchen curtains and place mats, they looked really nice. Now we are just laying around watching the Broncos game. Wish the weekend was longer, I can barely stand the thought of work tomorrow. I am sure there will be drama.

Martin got home from visiting his kids in California, I am glad he's back so I don't have to worry about Teddi!! Welcome back Martin!!

Tony following in Toby's footsteps

Tony had his first guitar recital tonight.They did a wonderful job and of course he was by far the best!!!

What a handsome boy and such a sweetheart! I'm sure he loves to hear his Mimi say so. He also is doing well in school with all A's and B's.

Lord, ain't we proud!!!

Toby, here is a video of Tony playing "You ain't nothing but a Hound Dog." See you are not the only one who got trotted out to the dog and pony show to do this song!!

What the #$%^@ is going on?

What a stressful day! Seemed like it went from bad to worse at work. It should get interesting from here to the end of it all. Seemed like everyone was fighting and half stepping. I was so glad to get home I can't tell you. Mom called and she was upset and having problems, then poor Leo came over and had to vent on his day out at the base. He about punched the foreman in the nose (which he deserved). That's the one thing about our Leo, he can stand up for himself when needs be. He said, " I'm happy to BE the Mexican but don't make the mistake of trying to treat me like I'm a dumb Mexican." What a mess. I expect us to get kicked off the job at any time. I just keep trying to talk some sense into everyone but I don't think it's much help. Too many rocket scientists and not enough skilled tradesmen. As Doris Day said, " Que Sera Sera".

We tried to go bowing last night and relax a little but the lanes were all full. So we just went back home and watched the comedy channel. I told Cliff I'm sure I would have bowled a 280 if I would have had the chance, then he said he would have only bowled a 279 so I could win. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Claiborne wants a photo of the hillbilly race car, so I will try to post a picture this week. It should be hilarious

Tis the Season

We got the tree up tonight and it looks wonderful! Cliff really wanted to help with the festive occasion (not) but he dug right in and we finished in no time. I told him he's all bark and no bite. HA

Here is one of the new blown glass ornaments we picked up at Christmas. I love it!

The new cowgirl! ( a blond just like Clifford likes them) the hussy.

The new cowboy! (long and tall just like I like them) the stud

This horse was a must have cause its a palomino like Chinook , my Dad's horse when I was a kid

In the upper right corner is the saddle we bought. It kind of looks like a turkey with a saddle on in this picture HA

Another handsome cowboy hummmmmmmmmmmm

Santa is a fatty mcfattie

Cowboy Christmas

We went to Vegas yesterday to my favorite shopping experience, Cowboy Christmas. I was amazed when we got there because, usually, you can hardly find a parking space and you walk a mile. Well, this year the parking lot was just empty and when we got inside, the place was empty. It was so strange.

I have been to Cowboy Christmas every year since the NFR moved to Vegas from Oklahoma City in the 80's and it is always just packed; you can hardly move. I mean there was even a place to sit at the food court (unheard of, part of the fun was trying to eat a $12.00 hamburger and drink a $7.00 beer while standing up). Every vendor had 2 for one sales and 25% off (that part was nice but also sad as there is never deals until maybe the last day of the show). I did buy some blown glass western ornaments for the tree, a cowboy and cowgirl about 7 inches tall each, a saddle, a cowboy riding a horse on a sign that said RODEO, a fat Santa holding a sting of chili peppers, and a palomino horse that reminded me of my dad's horse Chinook.

Sadly the cowboys head broke off on the way home cause they wrapped them so poorly, but I think I can fix it. Cliff is such a good artist that he will be able to paint the little bit on the shoulder that will need to be fixed. So, tonight we are going to put up the tree and I can't wait. I will post pictures of my treasures when we get the tree up. I LOVE my western ornaments. I will have to put them high so the babies don't get them.

We did end up ordering Cliff a coat from Western Outfitter. They had a beautiful silk and cashmere blend tropical weight fabric that was a camel and black hounds tooth, very very petite pattern that I couldn't pass up. the color was so great on him. So there you have it, shouldn't have but did. Then he asked me what I wanted for Christmas since he got a new coat and I said, " I want that damn race car moved off the carport and around back of the shed, so we don't look like such hillbillies." He said, "Wait a minute, I just wanted to BUY you something, don't get crazy on me." HA So I got my ornaments, 2 coffee mugs, and a turquoise and black agate necklace and earring set. I guess that means the car stays in hillbilly heaven. HA Good thing I am such a race fan and that his name is painted on the door of the car. That may save him HA

Judy took all her grand kids to Zion over the weekend to ride on the train called the North Pole Express. I guess you get to ride and see Santa and all. I can't wait to see how Olivia liked it. She is just the right age to start to enjoy it. Hopefully there will be pictures.

It rained a little last night and is cold and misty today. It's real nice for a change. Feels like Christmas!!

Paint the Town

I had to post these pictures. Olivia was helping me wash dishes and I turned around for a minute and she had climbed into the dirty dish water. Then she tried to hide, it was so funny

Yesterday, Cha, Leo, Tony and I painted their living room, dining room, and kitchen. What a job! But it looks so nice and they are proud of it. Big Daddy was sick with a sore throat but came over for awhile and helped out with the Gouda Cheese and he and Tony played video games for a bit. He finally felt so crappy he went home for a nap while we finished. We still have the family room to go but that's next weekend. At least now she can get her tree up and Christmas started.

Today we are going to Vegas to "Cowboy Christmas". They now have it spread out in4 different places so that's a pain. We will probably go to the convention center but maybe not, maybe we'll go to the Sands. Who knows. I love to go and see everything, I get so many good ideas. We usually buy Cliff a frock coat from this guy from CA, but he has plenty of them now so we will probably pass this year unless he had something really good. Once in a while he has a fabric that is so good we just can't say no. We got a beautiful wool and silk blend a couple of years ago that is the most beautiful men's coat I have ever seen. They are really expensive but I guess that's the price for quality and the cut and styling is fabulous.

I

Baby Oli's Birthday

Well our sweet little girl is now 2 years old. I can hardly believe it. She is turning from a baby into a little girl before our eyes. Here she is playing Texas Hold em on her second birthday (isn't that what all 2 years old do?) As you can see the family tradition of playing "bite it" with the birthday cake was not as popular with Gabbi as it was with Oli. She did like it better once she was to the part where she licked it off her litte fingers . Funny girl.

Aunt Charlee had to help little Miss play "bite it" with the cake and she thought it was really funny. She has just the right spirit and personality for it. She just went for it. In fact she played bite it twice. Also Oli was not happy about having to eat dinner before she could taste her Minnie Mouse cake. She got a couple of finger fulls before Teddi could stop her. I finally said ,"what difference does it make? Let her lick it if she wants, it's her birthday for heavens sake! "

Mama and her big girl. One of her presents was big girl panties. She is almost trained and so proud. She kept saying "Mick Mouse panties", It was so sweet .Then she had to put them on over her pj's and wore them all around making us laugh

Yes the cake was a delicious tres leche cake that we devoured like ravenous hogs

Business as Unusual

What a busy week! I have been slammed all week which is unusual as of late. Had to go to Vegas for a meeting yesterday that took most of the day, glad that's over. Hopefully some real good things will come out of it, but that remains to be seen. It is certainly an unstable market and we are breaking into the Government sector and I am really learing a lot about how it all operates. Talk about a game, what a ride.

Today is Olivia's birthday and we are having her party tonight. I am making her favorite foods, fried chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, biscuits and a Minnie Mouse tres leches cake. Yum. We are going to eat and then go to the city's tree lighting. Should be fun. Great minds think alike. Charlee and I bought Oli the exact same birthday present. Now we have to go to Walmart and exchange one of them. How funny. Can't wait to see our baby's shinny eyes!!

Big Daddy's Gift

Here is a photo of my beautiful "Be in the band ring" that Cliff got me for my birthday. I absolutly love it !!! Happy Birthday to me!!!

High Handed

We took a day trip up to Utah today with the Mexicans. We drove up to the Mountain Meadows Massacre site. Sobering and Sickening. Then back to St George. We had to pick up a new mic stand we had ordered. Then we went to Walmart and bought some poker chips and came home and played Texas hold em.

The Mexican ended up winning over all but Big Daddy had an amazing hand. Now if someone told me this story, I would call them a big fat fibber, but I swear this happened.

When the first 2 cards were dealt, Cliff said "I am not even going to look at my cards" The first 3 cards out were the 10 of spades. the king of spades, 5 of diamonds. Then the flop was ace of spades and the river was the jack of spades. Cliff said " I know I have the Queen of spades in my hand". We all just laughed, remember he had not looked at his hand well I will be damned, he had it! A royal flush in spades.I bet we never see that again and without even looking at the cards! Cool!!

Now everyone has gone home and it's quiet again, Oh yes we put up the first of our Christmas decorations, our little Nascar tree in the office. It looks so cool. We got a few new ornaments for it this year. Little mini Jeff Gordon pit crew guys Sweet

Behold the Gay Indians

Happy Thanksgiving!! As you can see, we went for a Gay Indian Theme this year. Big Daddy and I decided that we would make Indian feathers (like when we were in grade school) and everyone had to wear them to eat dinner.

The funny thing was, none of our crew even thought it was odd. Everyone just put on their feathers and we pigged out. As you can see, Big Daddy was the Indian Chief so he had a war bonnet head dress which we spent a great deal of time crafting. It had to be very elaborate to reflect his high stature and important standing with the tribe. I, as head squaw, had a few extra feathers in my head dress and then it went down hill from there. Pretty funny and we had a blast.

For anyone who doesn't know, the guy with Teddi ,is Marty, her new boy friend. He's a keeper and didn't even blink about putting on the gay Indian attire. We knew he was all right, when we explained that we were celebrating "Happy Let's Screw the Indians and Take their Land Day." and he just nodded and put on his feathers!! Entrance into this tribe can be intimidating at the least but Marty has proved his bravery by taking Teddi firmly in hand (that little squaw needs a spanking once in a while) and loving our little papoose Oli Butt.

Well now everyone has gone to Cha & Leo's to spend the night and Big Daddy and I have decided that THAT is what we are most thankful for!! We love em' all so much, bit silence is still golden, and these tribal councils can be exhausting. Love you guys!!!

Big Chief

Big Chief and his war bonnet

Thanksgiving Eve

Well I got up early and put the turkey in the brine. This is the first year I have used a brine and I hope it's good. My all accounts it's the only way to go. We'll see. Made the cranberry relish, boiled eggs for deviled eggs. Now tonight I am going to make the chicken and homemade noodles, pies, and dressing. Then it will be a snap tomorrow. Ted & Marty will be here about 2:30 and then we can pig out.

Cha Cha and Gabbi have been sick I hope they feel better tomorrow. I told them to come over for brunch so she won't have to cook at all tomorrow. It is raining and has been since about 9:00 this morning. Suppose to be tomorrow too. Yeah, it's fall.

Foiled

Well, Nanny and I got up to walk this morning but we didn't make it too far. She had been sick to her tummy all night and was a trooper to even try to walk. We only got about a 1/4 mile when she got so sick and hurled. So much for that. Back home we went and I got some house work done. If she feels better we will try again tonight.

Poor baby Gouda is sick. I think she has allergies. She coughs all the time poor baby ; especially at night. Cha took her to the Pediatrician (who I think is a nit wit and who knows how to do Nada but refer you to a specialist.. nice , since the kids have no insurance)She is taking her to another DR today and we will see what they say.

Well, today is Cliff's last day at work so things should get dicey from this point till after the new year, but hey it keeps life interesting!! Getting ready for Thanksgiving and looking forward to it. Can't wait to decorate and get ready for Christmas. Clifford has made me swear that I will wait till the first weekend in Dec, but I want it done for Oli's birthday on Dec 4. I know since it's for Sweet Baby Oli he will give in. He is a push over for the babies. All she has to do is say, "Dad Dad and run give him a hug and it's all over.

Play and Pay

We went to see Randy Linder in a Credence Clearwater tribute band last night at the Eureka. We only went cause we had free tickets but boy was he great. This guy can play the guitar like none other; just smoking. His voice was a dead ringer for John Fogerty also. We really enjoyed it.

Had dinner at Gregory's ; Chateaubriand for two. Wonderful. All during dinner Cliff kept singing " Don't feel bad if you see me out with painted women, but if I need a lady I'll call you" Maybe I wore a touch too much makeup........................

Played the penny slots for a while at the Eureka then went over to the Virgin River and listened to the band there. A real let down after Randy Linder. They were OK but their sound was so out of balance it sucked. All you could hear was rhythm guitar and drums. The lead guitar, bass, and the lead singer you could not hear at all. It was weird. Plus the chick singer was a crack up. She was all over the place and if you could shake it, she could play it. Sometimes two tambourines and a little set of chimes at the same time. It was kind of funny. She could sing but you couldn't hear her so it wasn't that enjoyable, just funny watching her sing and it was like no sound was coming out then working all her hand instruments like a wild woman, kind of surreal.

All the usual suspects were there and as funny as ever. Cliff gives them all nicknames it's so funny. There is Mr. Alan Jackson wanna be( except he is about as short as a midget), Franko the Mexican dance man, Grandpa Money Bags and his hot mama (they bring a younger guy for her to dance with while the old husband sits and watches), Old Skeezer Cliff calls Queenie (for Queen of the Silver Dollar),the little short fat chick Cliff calls Pork Rind and her new boy friend who's name I cannot convey in mixed company, Ken the Rico Suave cowboy who dances all the girls. So funny to watch all the players. We got home about 2:00 am and I slept till 8.

We ran to St. George today, washed the car, Cha and I walked pushing the Gouda up and down hills till my butt cheeks hurt. Glad the day is almost over.

"Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez"

Last night was league bowling night and we won all 4 games. Now that sounds like the shiznits but we won the 1st game by 7 pins, the 2nd game by 56 pins, and the last game by 1 pin. We also won pin fall. Hopefully that will put us back in 3 rd place because we had dropped to 4th and Big Daddy was not happy to say the least. He is so funny, you would think we were on the World Bowling Tour not just knocking over sticks at the Virgin River (HA) He is just that passionate about everything, it's fabulous!!



Poor Tooboocoo Bill is the clean up man and it's a good thing he has been bowling for 50 years and is up to the task. It is so fun bowling with these guys they are a riot. No matter what happens, good or bad, they call for a beer frame. It is a crack up. Big Daddy stuck with his plan and didn't have a beer till we started and bowled much better. We went to the Eureka for awhile and played the penny slots but I got tired and made Big Dad and Leo bring me home, then they went back out. Don't know what time BD got home but it's 8:16 and he is still sleeping like a baby.



We are going to see a Creedence Clearwater cover band tonight and have dinner at Gregory's. This is diet sabotage!!! How can it be my birthday and then Thanksgiving and me on a diet. We all know my level of self control so let's not pretend that I am even going to be reasonably good. As they say in New Orleans, "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez"

Happy Birthday to Me

Well I am now officially 56 years old. I can't imagine. Seems like it was only yesterday blah blah blah. I tell you one thing it's been a hell of a ride.

We went up to White Rock with the kids and dutch oven ed chicken, potatoes, and baked beans. Had a big fire and it was so much fun. Oli and Tony had a blast but Gabbi wasn't too happy with it all. She's at that stage where she wants to get down and motor around and there was no way in all that dirt. She did good and lets us eat so that was fine. Leo was still in Vegas and didn't get to come up on the mountain with us but met us back at the house and we had Tres Leche's cake with peach filling and coffee. It was to die for. There is a Mexican bakery in town and the woman makes the most amazing cakes I have ever seen. All decorated beautifully with fresh fruit fillings and whipped cream for frosting. They are more like a torte than a cake but look like a cake. (As you can tell, I am impressed with her).

Just wished Toby, Traci, Alecia, and Shi could have been there, then it would have been perfect. I know they would all have had fun. I think everyone is going to be here for Christmas and I am so excited.

We are going to have a fabulous Christmas this year filled with lots of lights, our beautiful Christmas tree ( decorated with chili pepper lights, red twinkly lights, vintage blown glass cowboy ornaments, and country and western music star blown glass balls. All topped off with an old west style cowboy hat for a topper and lots of raffia that looks like hay. I love our tree, it is so us and beautiful to boot. I love Christmas music and can't wait to hear Thistle Hair the Christmas Bear, Christmas in Dixie, all George Straits stuff, Motown Christmas, oh hells yeah it's gonna be fun. A nice hot cup of Irish coffee and I will be the happiest girl in town.

I was thinking last night that I must be the luckiest woman alive. How I got so blessed is just beyond me. As we stood by the fire last night watching the kids running around Cliff looked over and started singing to me and I got tears in my eyes and told him "Baby, I wouldn't have missed it for the world." His response was to give me a big fat kiss and say, " You're the one ,Wyatt" (see Tombstone for further reference)

BOWLING BALL

Well, I have finally had to admit my bowling does not suck because of my bowling ball. Like Napoelan Dynamite it's my lack of skills.

Cliff and I went bowling and I used my new ball and bowled a 150. I have bowled so bad lately that I was sure it was my new ball. I have been using a lane ball to bowl during league hoping that would help. Negative. So now I am back to my tornado and hoping I don't bowl like a spaz this weekend.

Still walking everyday and it feels fabulous. Kness just getting better and better. I am even eating right. Hope it lasts awhile. Cha & Leo are ordering a tres leches cake with peach filling for my bday so I am sure I will be screwed there but oh well. It's my B-day what ya gonna do ?

Faux Anniversary

What a nice weekend!

Started out with dinner at Ruth's Chris. Fabulous food but ridicules prices ( what ya gonna do?) Cliff had a T-bone and I had a Fillet. Perfect in every way. We finished eating and were having a cup of coffee when the waiter came over to the table with a piece of chocolate cheese cake (yes Alecia, it was smothered in real whipped cream with chocolate drizzled over it and chocolate truffle sprinkles yummmmmmm Dad said to tell you it was freaking awesome.) with a candle and sat it on the table and , with a big smile said "Happy Anniversary!!" We looked at each other and said "Thanks!" Who knew. So now we are excited cause we finally know when our anniversary is, we kept wondering cause neither one of us could remember. It was pretty funny. Whoever's anniversary it really was got ripped off for a fabulous piece of cheese cake which we enjoyed very much.

Tracy Lawrence was rocking as usual. Man can he put on a show. Just puts everything in to it and brings the audience along for the sweet ride. He was just wringing wet with sweat by the time it was over. Side note: The last three times we have seen him he has been wearing the same shirt! I can't figure out if it's
1. Coincidence
2. His only shirt
3. His lucky shirt
4. His Vegas shirt
5. Coincidently his only lucky Vegas shirt
hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

The Railhead is such a great venue and so intimate. We had great seats up front and had so much fun. Half the fun is watching the skeezers trying to get the bands attention by their crazy dancing as close to the band stand as they can get. Seems like they get fatter and trashier every year. I told Cliff, I need to start a school for skeezers and show them how to dress. Like Miss Dolly Parton says, "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap."

There was an after party with a band called Stetson. It was one of those things where you want to like the band, and by all rights, you should like the band, but their energy was so whacked that you just didn't. For one thing ,the chick fronting the band (my age and very classy cowgirl) was so busy being fabulous she forgot about the music. She could sing.... but moved so stiff as to not mess up her hair or work up sweat and mess up her make up that I wanted to slap her. Needless to stay we only stayed about 30 minutes and then just could not take anymore. Also, they were either too freaking loud or me an Big Daddy are getting old.

Had breakfast this morning with our sweet Olivia and Teddi and Martin. When Olivia saw us she said ,OH, Mimi and Dad Dad with the biggest smile. She is so sweet and cute. Teddi had Oli's hair in a pony tail with her golden curls . She had on some cream colored jeans with UGG boots and a little puffy vest. She looked sooooooooooooooo cute.

So now we are home and waiting for the race to start, Big Daddy is already napping and I am not far behind................................

OMG

Well bowling did not go quite as planned. I did OK but Clifford did not.

According to him he did not just bowl unacceptable it was unforgivable. I suggested that he flog himself till he had flayed all the skin off his back, then wear sack cloth and ashes. He didn't want to go that route feeling it was far to lenient a punishment for his sins.

Instead he has decided that he can't start drinking beer until we start bowling as apposed to two hours before. I feel that is far to great a sacrifice and suggested the punishment described above but he insists on this ultimate sacrifice. Go figure.

He did tell me last night that my birthday surprise is on it's way. Ohhhhhh sweet.

TGIF

Finally, Friday!

Can't wait to go bowling tonight. It's league night and I MUST be on. We are second in our league and not to far out of first place. If you know Clifford, if you're not first, your last! Mr. Competitive. Last week I threw my ball and only knocked over 3 pins, when I came back to the table, he very sternly looked up at me and said, "That is unacceptable". I about died laughing. It was so funny. Then he gave me his funny grin. I promised to do better and at least bowled above my average of 122, so I was forgiven. Leonard and I both know we are in for it if we miss our averages.

We were so hungry after we bowled, I was almost sick. It didn't help that I had had a couple beers on an empty stomach. We had Chinese and it was wonderful. They had some old dried up hot dogs in a rack at the bowling alley and above them it said Delicious Wieners. Cliff said "Lets just have a delicious wiener, that way we can brag that we ate one and lived." I said, "I beg you not to eat a delicious wiener, cause from the looks of them you won't live." Thank heavens he listened and is around to torment Leo and I tonight.

I am looking forward to a fabulous weekend. We are going to see Tracy Lawrence at the Boulder Station on Saturday, dinner at Ruth's Chris steak house, and spending the night in Vegas. It will be nice to get away for the day. It's been awhile since we had any down time. We may try to sneak over to and see our friend Rick Champion's band at Tony Keith's I Love This Bar.

Then home Sunday for the final Nascar race of the season. Jeff is out but maybe someone can still beat Jimmy Johnson. It would be nice if Jeff could win so he doesn't end up with a win-less season, but what ever. He is still the MAN.

Old People

Charlee Ann and I have started walking at 5:00 am. It is actually not too bad as I am already up at that horrible time of day. I get up and make Cliff coffee at 3:30 when he leaves for work so 5:00 seems like half the morning is gone. That will change next week when his job ends but for now it gets me up.

I am so sore from walking. I cannot believe how fast I can get totally out of shape. It sucks! I just know that I have to get moving. My knees are so bad and I am sure the fat on my butt is not helping. Amazing how many aches and pains you can have. I just keep repeating, I won't get old, I won't get old. We'll see how that works out for me (HA) If I am gonna get in shape for the January show I better start now.

The weather has turned off beautiful, it's suppose to be 73 today and I love it.

ALways Patsy Reprise

Well, it looks like the show will go on.

Mom called last night and said she talked to Steve Wall and he and the boys are in. The Steve Wall Band has done the show with us about 30 times. They are great. Steve is a hoot, sounds just like Joe Cocker and is a rocking bass player. Haven't talked to him so I don't know if he will use Roger Kennedy on lead guitar, Lawson Childs on drums, Scot Derrer on keys or not, but that has been our normal line up. These guys are real pros and usually do the show with one rehearsal. I can't wait. Miss Marnie and I always have fun with it and it will be fun to see her.

The theatre is a 650 seats and has great acoustics. It is always fun. We are there for three nights. I have heard that our sound man Walt is no longer there and we will miss him for sure but can't wait. Now if I can lose some weight so I can get my fat ass in the costumes, it will all be good. Hopefully it will give me some motivation!!!

Wonderful Wet Weekend

We had a nice relaxing weekend.

Friday evening we went bowling for our league night. I finally bowled a decent game, I at least bowled a little over my average. We won 3 out of 4 games so that was nice. Had a few beers and then Cliff, Leo and I went and had Chinese food about 9:00. It was yummy.

Satuday we got up early and watched MAD TV for awhile and then cat-napped. In the afternoon we went to St George and bought two dutch ovens, a camping coffee pot, and a cast iron griddle. We want to take all the kids out to the hills and cook out next weekend. The weather is perfect for it. Just cool enough to make it enjoyable, but not too cold for the babies. Had dinner at Texas Roadhouse then home to our sweatpants and TV.

Sunday we woke up to beautiful rain. We really appreciate it here in the desert. I took all my house plants out to get a drink and enjoy the weather. Made Green Chili Stew from Cliff's Mom's receipe, then just layed around and watched the Nascar race in Phoenix. I was glad we weren't there, the weather was crappy, Gordon blew his engine, Jimmy Johnson won (again), and I don't like that track. Anyway, Cha & Leo brought Gouda over and had dinner with us and we got to kiss our girl. Tony was at his Dad's. After they left we watched "Windtalkers" or at least I started to watch it. I could only take so much (yes I cried, too many memories of the 60's and the war) then I went into the bedroom and watched comedy. I did notice when Cliff came in his eyes were a little misty. God I love that man