It Don't Get No Better Than This!

Yes, I know that's HORRIBLE grammar, but if you hang out around the rodeo very long (or regularly watch the PBR on Versus), you're going to hear such talk. A lot! I find it to be an endearing feature of the sport that I love to watch the most...even more than football! Love the cowboys, especially the bullriders! Love the hats, the buckles, the bulls, the clowns -- you get the picture!

The touring division of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR -- not Pabst Blue Ribbon!) came to Conseco in January. I didn't want to miss it! The kids brought along a couple of their friends to initiate them to the sport. We had a blast! The pictures are not super clear -- sorry about that -- but, I think it captures the feeling of the action. Hang on for 8 seconds and enjoy the show!

Make your own free digital slideshow

One of these days, I'm going to make it Las Vegas for the PBR Finals. Road trip, anyone??!

40, 40, 40, FORTY!!

Happy 40th Birthday to my wonderful hubby, Ross!!

I love you very much!!

Merry Christmas to All!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Happy Birthday, Madeline Olivia!

Twelve years ago, we welcomed into this world our firstborn: Madeline Olivia Hooten. We knew she was a "she" as I HAD to know ahead of time! We couldn't wait to meet our "Maddie", named after my beloved mamaw, Madeline June Grady. After 34 hours of LABOR, she arrived on her due date. (I made a note to myself about her being stubborn, yet punctual!)

She has been such a wondrous addition to our lives. She is independent and opinionated, yet kind and compassionate. She has a great sense of humor, but HATES surprises. She's inquisitive and questions everything. So, I've learned that "because" is NEVER a suitable answer! She's intelligent, yet I worry about common sense skipping a generation! She loves to take care of little kids. She has tutored & mentored fellow students. She's learning to be responsible with chores and lots of homework. She challenges herself to try new things (except for riding a bike!) She dove right into cross country this year and we were so proud of her endurance and hard work.

Her favorite word is "No" (at least it's the one I hear the most!)

Her favorite color is Pink
Her favorite food is ice cream or chocolate or bread
She loves to watch winter ice sports! If there were a curling school nearby, she'd apply!
She loves the rodeo -- that's MY girl!
She loves school and her friends
She LOVES Jesus
She loves being quirky!

We love her!

Happy Birthday Maddie, MaddieMoo, MadHatter, Mad, Maddazzle!

Here's a photo tribute to Maddie through the years:

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Birthday, Jacob Sterling!

Today is my baby boy's 9th birthday! How the time flies! He has brought so much joy and laughter into our lives over the last nine years. He's our "Mr. Happy-Go-Lucky"! He is the most pleasant and content child you'd ever want to meet. I honestly can say that I've never witnessed a single tantrum! He loves to sit on my lap and hold my hand. I treasure his sweet and gentle nature.

He loves sports of EVERY kind! He gives each one he plays 110%! He works hard to improve at each one. He can often be found practicing hoops, throws, hits, kicks, etc. in the back yard -- all year long, no matter the weather! He loves to watch the PBR bulls and cowboys with us too! I treasure his enthusiasm for action.

He is our little patriot. He loves military history. He loves to learn about the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. He loves to study about World War 2. He loves to watch shows about the Marines boot camp. He dreams of attending West Point. I treasure his respect and love of his country, even at such a young age.

He loves time with friends & family. He loves his new school. He loves going to church. He loves Jesus. He LOVES to sing! (Journey's Greatest Hits is a current favorite!) He loves to have mock battles in the backyard. He snores. He's a good little brother. He's a nightowl. He loves Westerns. He could eat his weight in cranberry sauce or popcorn! He giggles at EVERYTHING! His smiling face makes my day!

I am so thankful to God for the blessing of getting to be his mom!

Here are some pics of my beautiful (uh-hem, "Ruggedly Handsome"!) boy through the years:

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2Bme @ SOCC -- It's On!

This is a slideshow of the wonderful girls in the tween ministry that I lead at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Cool Colors and Cooperative Children

I took advantage of the beautiful day yesterday and took the kids to Brown County State Park to take a few(hundred) pictures. We had a great time in spite of the swarms of dive-bombing ladybugs!! I LOVE the Fall in Indiana and, of course, I LOVE my kids! Check out the slideshow!

http://s671.photobucket.com/albums/vv77/hootiemama/Brown%20County%20-%20Fall%202009/?albumview=slideshow