Patriot's Pen Award

This morning we learned that Cason's essay, My Pledge to our Veterans, was chosen as the winning essay for Nacogdoches county schools (6th - 8th grades) in the Patriot's Pen Essay Competition. He won this great plaque and $100. He was super surprised and excited!

Two of his classmates came in 2nd and 3rd and a senior from their school won 3rd place in the high school contest. 

 The winner's of the 2022 Patriot's Pen Essay Competition!! 

Sneaky Lucy

When I came home from attending the Patriots Pen Awards at the school, I found Lucy in our closet. Apparently she snuck in while we were loading the car. She must have sensed the bad weather that was coming and decided to hide. 

 

Happy Birthday Emory

Emory turned 14 today! After church she chose to eat lunch at Jalapeno Tree. Later that afternoon she blew out a candle in her edible cookie dough tub (she did not want a cake) and opened presents. She said she had a great day! 

 

Carlisle FFA Jackpot

Yesterday we attended the Carlisle FFA Jackpot show. Cason showed his heifer Bessie for the first time and they ended up with a banner. They were both nervous but did great! 

Emory had to sit this one out and watch Cason show Ellie. He did a great job showing her (she can be at a bit moody at times) and they ended up third overall in the breed. 

Ellie selfie! 

It is hard watching your brother show your heifer. 

Today was Charlotte's Web day for Eli and Cason had a presentation over Italy. 

Eli wanted to go as the Old Sheep, which surprised me because I figured he would want to be the farmer. When I asked him he gave me an are you serious look and reminded me that HE is a farmer EVERY day!

Eli's first grade class! 

Cason had his presentation over Italy also today, which included an experience. He took Italian meats and cheeses for his class to try. He was just THRILLED to take a picture before school. 

New Year & 1st Week Back

We popped fireworks New Years Eve eve because Emory had a party to attend New Years Eve night. The rest of us just hung out at home New Years Eve. 

Cason cut the brownies

Lucy got to come inside because fireworks scare her. This is how she stayed most of the night. 

Then is was back to school and basketball. 

I only managed to get a few snaps of Cason this game. 

Then the second game back Emory went for a rebound and in an effort to avoid falling on another player, she fell and hurt her foot badly. A trip to ER showed it wasn't broken, but she did suffer a severe sprain with torn ligaments. 

She is out for the rest of basketball season and gets to sport a boot for the next couple of months. 

She is super bummed, but will be cheering her team on from the sidelines! 

Christmas Day & Eve

 Christmas morning Eli was up before 5, but we made him wait a bit before waking up the other two. After presents were opened we ate breakfast and then started preparing for Christmas lunch!

FIFA and Coffee for the win! 

Watch out rodents...Cason is coming for you!

Christmas Eve we went to church and then came home. The kids took their annual Christmas pj's picture in front of Christmas tree and opened their gifts from each other! 

My favorite part of the Christmas Eve service! 

Cason being Cason 

This cute display has been set up at church for weeks and I finally got a picture! 

We had a wonderful Christmas this year freezing temps and all!