Brandon's luck in soccer

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Brandon had his second soccer game (the first home one) on Monday night. So, I rushed there after work to see the game. I thought it was a great time to try out my "new" zoom lens. I didn't have it during the last soccer season. I am not posting any of the shots here except a couple of Brandon but they turned out great! I am really happy with the way the lens performed.

Anyway, he sat on the bench for the a lot of the first half. The coach finally put him in and I'm not kidding, within five minutes, he was hurt. Another player collided with him and knocked him to the ground, hurting Brandon's left knee. Here he is signaling to be taken out.

He spent the rest of the game sitting on the bench in pain.


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I didn't think it was that big a deal, but he couldn't walk on it - it was really hurting him. He asked for ice and then we went on home. There was another game, but he wasn't feeling well. The knee wasn't swollen or didn't appear to be, but it was hurting him.

Long story short, I took him to the doctor the next day and he has most likely hyperextended his left knee or sprained it. The doctor isn't 100% sure - it could be more serious, but he doesn't think so. WE have to go back in a week to recheck. Brandon is using a crutch to get around. Lovely. Last year he was out from basketball due to a broken finger so I sure hope that isn't what we are facing here...with a hurt knee. I think is is getting better though - he seems to be in less pain and can get around OK with a crutch. I think he is bearing more and more weight on it....but dang, can we just have one injury free season??

However, can you see how BIG he is getting? At the doctor, he weighed 157 pounds and was measured at 5'6 1/2!!! Where is my little boy?? I'm thinking he is going to be tall!!!

Anyway, he is fine, but I'm anxious to see what the doctor says on recheck next Monday.

*I've been sooo lazy about posting. I wrote this post over two weeks ago....but I thought I'd go ahead and post it. Brandon's knee seems to be fine. He hyper extended it and on the recheck, it seemed much better. He is still supposed to be careful and stretch now before playing soccer, etc.

I haven't been that motivated to blog lately....hopefully I'll get move motivated soon. :)

Why Yes Mr. Clinton

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Is that not hilarious? The mask is a pretty good likeness no? We were in Hasting this weekend and Brandon begged me for this mask. I finally relented because I thought it was pretty funny. They had a Hilary one too which I almost bought. I thought it would be funny if Brandon and I went as Bill and Hillary to something for Halloween...but I only got the Bill one. And in case you are wondering, I don't really care for either one of them but I do like the mask.

Brandon has really made me laugh this weekend with that thing. He has also scared the FIRE out of me with that. Let me tell you, if you aren't expecting it, and you round a corner and see THAT face, it would scare you too. :) He has been teasing Lexi with it too. It is pretty funny to see her reaction when he has that mask on. She was growling at it pretty fiercely. She doesn't like Bill Clinton either. They say dogs are a pretty good judge of character... ha ha

This weekend was spent trying to get caught up on household "stuff". Oh yea, and I figured it was time for a movie too so Friday I went and saw "Righteous Kill" with Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino. Really good movie! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Saturday we finally got some of the rain and wind from Hurricane Ike. They projected the Dallas area would get bad rains and wind, but we really didn't get anything that severe. It was just really rainy and not that much wind. I'm glad we were spared, but I do feel for all those in Houston/Galveston, etc. that have lost everything. Very sad.

Oh and this weekend I started watching some videos that I've had for FOREVER. 24! Have any of you ever watched that series? Well, I never have though I have several friends who love it and follow it. Well, I have Season One on DVD but have never watched it. My friend Karen has told me for the past year or two - to watch an episode and "you'll be hooked!" Well, she was right. I have now watched 3 episodes and I'm thinking about watching more tonight before I go to bed. It is a guilty pleasure. You just can't take your eyes off the show. Anyway, I'd be curious to know if any of ya'll have watched it or like it.

I'll leave you with some more lovely pictures of Brandon clowning around...hrrmmm - I mean Bill, clowning around.



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Oh and in case you ever wondered what Bill Clinton would look like if he picked his nose......


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And then ate it.....


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Well be curious no more! Now you know!!!

Best Shot Monday - First Day of School - 8th Grade

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Well, let me back up. I took this picture actually on the night BEFORE the first day of school. I had to laugh (and smile inside) cause this is what I saw in Brandon's room. He has a calendar that he has already marked his schedule on, as well as his soccer games and stuff he feels necessary to keep up with. Also, it is lying on top of the clothes he has out to wear to school the next day. I always get my clothes out the night before for the next day. It is one of the anal retentive things I do. I guess he takes after me!

The picture below was what he looked like the morning of the first day of school. We usually take it by the swing in our yard but it was raining pretty hard on the first day so this was the best I could do. You could tell how UNTHRILLED Brandon was to have his picture taken. After all, he is 13!!! AW mom!!! Well heck, at least I didn't try to follow him in the school and take a picture of him in his desk. :)



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Now fast forward to AFTER SCHOOL:


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When I got home from work Wednesday night last week, this is where I found Brandon. Fast asleep in the living room! And yes, I guess it appears he carries that danged gun around with him everywhere.

He said he had a good first day - I guess it wore him out!

The Times They Are A-Changin

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I can see change on the horizon. And I can’t tell if it is going to bring me rain or a beautiful day, but I see it coming. Just thinking today about Brandon and me and the future I guess. I see him on the very cusp of being a full-fledged “teenager” complete with raging hormones, acne, and excess hair. (ewwwww!) I don’t think he has hit puberty full force yet. I guess I would be kidding myself to think it has not started, but it certainly hasn’t totally manifested itself yet. He has some tell-tale acne sprinkling his nose and chin and his voice – well, his voice is sounding a tiny bit deeper, but more of a hoarse nature to it. Hard to describe – different, but not the “squeaky” change or very deep voice I would imagine would occur. Mostly I guess, it is not so much his physical appearance, but his actions that are indicative to me that change is on the horizon.

He is involved in our youth group at church, which is a great thing. He is really wanting to spend a lot of time up there, basically whenever the doors are open. They have a great time – they play music – several guitar players and singers are in the group…they play cards, and games and have lock ins and just have a great time, all within the confines of the church. In fact, he came home and told me last night that he is now “in the band” up there. And of course, there are girls. In the past, Brandon has never shown an interest and on the surface, he still isn’t. However, I am wondering if his recent influx of interest in activities at the church as to do with a few very cute young ladies I have seen at the church. In particular, a set of twin girls that are just as cute as they can be and another gal that Brandon actually danced with at Cotillion and won a dance contest with last year! So, I’m thinking he has some ulterior motives for his involvement. I could be wrong.

All I can say is “I’M NOT READY!!” I’m not ready for my little boy to turn into a man!!! I also realize of course that my not being ready has nothing to do with it, but I can at least complain on here, my blog, my outlet!

The thing that really brought this to my attention was the other night, they had an event at the church. Brandon said they were watching a movie and it started at 6:00 p.m. I was riding with a cycling group at the time (more on that in a different post) so I had my parents drop him off. I couldn't remember when I was to pick him up so when I got done with my cycling (about 7:30 p.m.) I went by the church to pick him up.

They were watching a movie (Radio) and hanging out. I told Brandon "come on" because I didn't want to have to run back up there to pick him up later. He didn't want to leave, but he came. He said they weren't done and could he stay. Without thinking, I said no - I had come there to get him and didn't fancy the fact of going BACK to pick him up later. We ended up getting home. He was asking me to go back after we got to the house. I was like "no, of course not" but then I realized, as the tears spilled down his cheeks that it would really mean a lot to him to get to go back. He said they weren't nearly finished - they were going to watch and discuss the movie (and the movie wasn't nearly done when I got there he said) and then they were going to do other things....and he was going to miss them.

I breathed a heavy sigh and really contemplated. I was taken back to my own youth when these things took on dire importance. Connecting with peers, etc. So, I gave in. I decided we would go back and I would ask the youth director exactly how long they would be. If it was a while, I would let him stay. Brandon very seldom cries. This was something that brought him to tears. I guess this is what made me realize I think the puberty has started!!! I felt for him I guess.

Took him back and talked to the youth director. Turns out they WEREN'T nearly done. Brandon was right. After the movie, they were going out to the local park and were going to play volleyvall until rather late. He offered to bring Brandon home after. I said that was fine. So, he was so happy to get to stay and enjoy being with his freinds. There are only a handful of days left until school starts back (it starts back on WEdnesday August 20 for us) so I felt inclined to let him enjoy the last few days of summer.

I guess this little incident just opened my eyes to what is happening in front of my eyes. My little boy is growing up.

And I'm so not ready.

Best Shot Monday - Future NRA Member?

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Had to grab the camera for this one! Walked into Brandon's bedroom one night to turn off his light and saw this! Pretty hilarious. This is an air gun (soft pellet) in case you are wondering. Not sure why he took it to BED with him....

Here is a closer look at it in case you are really into the gun thang.


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Be sure to visit TRACY'S SITE for more Best Shot Monday!

Wordless Wednesday

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Why yes,




that is my freezer.




Why yes,



that IS Brandon's soccer shirt FROZEN in the ice cube maker.* WHAT???????



Would you like a closer look?



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Oh yea, and not one word about the amount of ice cream in my freezer :) It is after all.....LIGHT.

*Yea, he stuck his shirt (and pants and a blanket) in the freezer so he could put them on before he got in bed to cool himself off. He opened it to find the shirt FROZEN SOLID IN the ice cube maker. Problem is, I can't get it out. I'd have to totally thaw out the freezer, but I don't have another one to put my stuff in in the meantime. Any suggestions?

June 18 - the rest of our day's best pictures - Animals Galore!

Well, Brandon called me tonight. I was sooo glad to hear from him. He and his dad (and their family) had just left the movies. They saw "The Hulk". Brandon gave it rave reviews. He is having a good time, so that is good. They are headed to Branson next, I believe. Our church has their youth camp the week after he returns and although I really want to keep him home with me, I told him about the camp and he is deciding if he wants to go to that or not. If he does, then he'll come home on Friday the 18th and then go away the 21-25 for camp if he decides to go. I am doing my best to now sway him one way or the other. We shall see.

OK, on to more trip pictures. My sister had researched this place near Glacier National Park called Goat Lick. Below is information I copied off the informational sign that was posted near the goat lick site. (that I thought you'd be able to read, but you can't!)

Mountain goats prefer the rocky cliffs at higher elevations. Yet each spring goats descend from the high country to natural mineral licks along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Apparently the goats need the salts and minerals in these eroding banks. The main lick is the gray section of the cliff visible from the viewing platform. Goats can often be seen at a secondary lick located in the gray rock directly across from the river. Specially constructed fences direct goats under the highway,providing safe passage to the lick. Before the fences were built, vehicles
posed a serious threat to the goats.

So, we first got there and went to the "viewing platform" specially constructed for viewing. We were thrilled to see a goat and her baby, but kind of disapointed that this was all we could see. The goat was really far off, but with my telephone lens (400 mm), I got a good zoom on it. So, we stayed around there for quite a while, hoping to see more.


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Everyone else had wandered off when I was looking up to the right of where the picture was taken and through the trees (and kind of up on a steep hill above the "viewing area" I saw a glimpse of some other mountain goats. I started looking and it appeared to me there were many of them...but you couldn't see them for the trees. So, I hopped over the viewing platform area.....it wasn't roped off, and you could tell other people had blazed a trail there as the ground was quite worn.

Well, I made my way up the steep slope to a clearing and my heart skipped a beat when my mind caught up with what my eyes were seeing. There were mountain goats EVERYWHERE. I mean EVERYWHERE. Probably 25 of them or more. The position I had climbed to was actually underneath the highway bridge and the goats were under the bridge and all over the cliffs there. You really couldn't see them FROM the highway, but from this vantage point, you could. I felt like I had just won the lottery!!! I started snapping pictures left and right...again with my 400 mm zoom. I was soo glad I had purchased this lens and it really came in useful during our trip. The only problem was, I wished I had had my monopod with me as a lot of the pictures came out a bit blurry. But, a lot of them came out good as you can see here.


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Look at this cute little baby!!! There were several mamas and babys. I just could not believe how sure-footed they are on such a steep mountain side. It was completely amazing (and a bit scarey actually) to watch.


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This was from another vantage point. After viewing for a while from the side of the cliff, we decided to hike up to the highway and down the side of the road on the opposite side of the highway from where we had been. I then saw this baby underneath the highway. Isn't he/she cute??


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So after we watched the Mountain Goats (and I took like 150 shots of them), we drove on. We then came across this deer that was just on the side of the road. Since there was no other traffic, we just stopped and I slid open the van door and shot this picture. The deer didn't seem too afraid of us.


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More mountain scenery we saw as we were driving near Glacier. I just loved the way the green fields and the fence accented the mountains in the background.


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Then, we headed into Canada into Waterton, which is also basically Glacier National Park, but on the Canada side. And wow, was it pretty! Brandon and I had to have the obligatory picture next to the sign marking the entrance.Um, and yes, he is now taller than I am.


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Beautiful Upper Waterton Lake. Just to the right of this, out of the picture is a beautiful hotel called the Prince of Wales hotel. Just gorgeous!


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And as we made our way into Waterton Park and were walking around, we saw this!!! A little fawn following its mom around. I jumped out of the car and again used my telephoto lens to get these shots. That baby would not stay still. It was trying to keep up with its mama.


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This last picture gives you an idea of the size of the fawn. It was tiny!!! And oh so cute.

Well, that is my pictures to share with you today. Of course, there are many more on the way.