Marching band season consumed our world for the latter part of this year, but I wouldn't trade a minute. Z had an amazing Freshman experience being a part of "that Wylie Band". The upperclassmen took him under their wing and he made a ton of new friends. The dedication and level of responsibility required matured him in a fast & furious way. It's a beautiful thing. :) I chaperoned a lot and, behold, I am the "momarazzi".

Friday Night Lights! Saxophones!

Z w/his Section Leader

TX Stadium Playoffs

1st time at TX Stadium!

Wil's job is going very well especially considering the hit the mortgage biz took this year. Their office is swamped w/loans so we feel very blessed. When he has to work a Saturday here and there, I don't say a peep. Spring ball is just around the corner and he's gearing up to play on two leagues. Batter up.

I'm on winter break and that's why you're seeing a post! I'm taking advantage of a little down time and catching up on neglected projects. Great news! I finally jumped through all the hoops (4 semesters of Algebra!) for my math requirements and I'm home free. It's been a grueling process to get to this point. There were so many times when I thought I couldn't do it. But I've come too far to quit. Today, I registered for a full load at UTD, got my ID badge and parking permit. Welcome to big school!

Mamaw is coming for Christmas and I'm so happy she's well enough to join us. I've been flittering about making ready for her arrival. It's going to be a nice Christmas having her here.

I'll leave you with an outake from our family Christmas photo night: W & Z goofin'.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Summer in Full Swing

School's out so Z & his friends are all about summer break!

Water gun fights, winter skin freshly fried (*ouch*), Guitar Hero marathons & Sonic Blasts!

~ End of school party ~

We leave for DC this Sunday, so stay tuned for more summer shots! Until then, hold it in the road.

Turning 40 in Paris

A couple of weeks ago the boys & MIL surprised me with a birthday trip to Paris, TX! I've always been curious about this old cotton town and it was fun to kick around for the weekend. We were a little short on time, so it was a drive-by kinda tour. There are still several historical sites we'd like to see - like the Civil War general's house (Sam Bell Maxey) and of course all the antiquing your heart desires.

Eiffel Tower ~ Paris, TX

Mom & W

Old Rail Depot

Folklore has it that Mr. Babcock would only believe in Jesus if he showed up wearing cowboy boots, so when he died his family made sure Jesus was a kicker ~ look closely.

Since we're well into spring, it's time to dust off this ole blog.

Z just turned 14! We celebrated with his favorite chocolate/snickers cake and midnight "glow-in-the-dark" bowling. He's actually quite the natural - I think he broke 100 every game. And what's even crazier and unheard of, so did Mom! However, this is a senstive subject for Wil - see, from his vantage point, my form was all over the map and there's no way my ball should've made it beyond the gutter! Competitive family? nahhhh.



Zane's school band had a major sweeps win at UIL! They've been practicing all spring ~ it's "the" competition of the schoolyear, so we're super proud for him.

In sad news, we lost our Roxie girl last Friday evening. She suffered from a common stomach problem for her breed and it finally got the best of her. Z took it surprisingly well, but Toby's still a little mopey. Every time he comes near the kitchen we feed him a treat. (I think that still qualifies as feeding our feelings doesn't it?) If we thought he was spoiled before...

~Rest in peace pretty girl~

In happier news, we're planning a trip to D.C. in June - it was part of Z's b-day surprise. He's always wanted to see the Smithsonian, so that's first on our agenda. If you've ever been to D.C. and have favorites to share, we'd love to hear about it. More to come on this, but for now, I'm off to algebera tutoring. :(

I'll leave you with a recent pic of Z making lasagna for the fam!

Good Eats ~ by Z !