Family Matters

Celebrating Danielle's Birthday

Here is a layout of photos and journaling celebrating Danielle's birthday party.

4-H Achievement Banquet

This afternoon I attended the 4-H achievement banquet at the fairgrounds in Mound City.

Since the kids receive their plaques and buckles for their 4-H projects at the awards banquet on the last Saturday of the fair, I wasn't exactly sure what they would do at the achievements banquet.  All I can say is that 4-H today isn't like it used to be in my day, big surprise right? 

Today, the kids were recognized for 4-H activities done throughout the year, not just during the fair.  There are a lot of opportunities for the kids to work on their projects outside of the fair, for example project talks, community events, parades, etc.  There are various levels of recognition (purple, blue, red) based on the number of criteria met.

Quentin received the following recognition:
- KAP Champion (purple)
- KPA Project Award - Horse
- Emerald Pin

 
(Quentin is fourth from the left.)

Mollie received the following:
- Cloverbuds certificate of participation

 
(Mollie is second from the right.)

Kate and Jed were recognized for their work as club leaders.  Kate has served as the Busy Bugs club leader for two years.  Jed has been the horse project leader for the county for three years. 

 
(Quentin stood in for Jed - he is the third from the left on the front row.  Kate is just behind and slightly to the left of Quentin.)

Last but not least, Dad presented the camp counselor award on behalf of the Farm Bureau.

I hope the kids will continue to participate in the opportunities that 4-H gives them.  I have always felt that my participation in 4-H was as much of a contributing factor to my work place success as my college degree.  Leading meetings as a club officer, public speaking opportunities, meeting deadlines, and documenting my projects in those darn record books are just some of the skills I learned through my own 4-H experience.  In fact, I still have my record book and I love to go back through it.  You could almost consider it one of my first scrapbooks. 

Great job, Quentin and Mollie... congratulations on your achievements!

Aden's kindergarten graduation

Aden graduated from kindergarten last May.  I was shooting video of the graduation so the photos are from before the ceremony and then afterwards.

Sy, Randen and Cooper getting ready for the ceremony to begin.

 
Karsten, Canyon, and Kaden playing before the ceremonies.

 
Jared and Leslie, the proud parents of the little graduate, Aden.

 
Leslie and Aden

 
Grandpa Randy, Aden and Grandma Robin

Don't you just love little people wearing caps and gowns!??  LOL...

Congratulations Aden!
 
 
 
 
 

Shelbie's graduation pictures

Shelbie graduated last May and I was able to go to the ceremony and the party afterwards.

Here are a few photos from that evening.

 
Shelbie walking into the auditorium with her classmates.

 
Shelbie receiving her diploma.

 
Humoring me and letting me take her picture.

 
Trenton and Courtney

 
Sy

 
Jessica and Grandma Robin

 
Friends and family back at Randell and Tim's for a party.

 
Robin, Courtney, Shelbie, Randy, Taylor, and Tim.

I know you are half way into your Freshman year, but wanted to share the pictures of your graduation.
Congratulations, Shelbie!

More photos from the Fuhrmans

Here are a few more photos from the afternoon at the Fuhrman's last May.

 
Brena

 
Cassidy trying to wrestle Quentin to the ground and Brena cheering her on.

 
I cannot believe how much Breck has changed.  And you won't see her fussy this way, especially when she's in Mamma's arms.

 
The horses getting a break, too.

 
Quentin

 
Quentin took this shot of us on the fence; Quentin's taking photos and I'm shooting some video.

 
Brothers catching; Bret on the head and Jed on the heels.

 
Dalton going for some heels.

 
Quentin showing off his antique holster that Uncle DeWayne gave him.

 
Dad, Quentin and Dalton (driver) on a surrey ride pulled by the halflingers.

 
On the surrey, Mollie sharing her beautiful smile.

 
Here's a happy Breck

 
Breck having fun with Quentin and his cowboy hat.

So very blessed to have this wonderful family!

Some more photos from the Fuhrman's

These pictures were taken May 31 at the Fuhrman's, the same day as Jed's bucking adventure.

The pictures above are of Cassidy's new baby.  I think she named her Lilly.  She is only one day old in these photos.

 
Bret heading (notice he caught) and David healing.

 
David and Bret talking it over.

 
Working the chute...

 
Watching the action from the back porch.

 
Dad in his element... horses, his boys... doesn't get any better than that!

 
Father and son (David and Dalton) roping together.

Love these days just hanging out and enjoying time together.

Max Brockus Update

I found out this evening that Max had a negative reaction to some new medication, which is really good news.

Thanks, everyone, for your prayers.

Jace scores two goals today

I received a couple of ecstatic texts from Julie today (if text messages can be "ecstatic"... LOL).  Jace scored a goal in each of his two games today - that's TWO (2) goals in one day!

Julie even commented in one of her text messages (the first goal) that it was a pretty shot that went into the far right corner.  Jace kicks with his left foot and he has a wicked fast shot, so I know if he had a good shot on goal it would be nearly impossible to defend.

I think Julie's last text says it all "He had an awesome day!!!! We are so proud of him!!!!"

Congratulations, Jace.  I am so very proud of you, too! 

 
(This was a shot of Jace I took at one of his games in September when I was in South Carolina.)

T-Ball Pictures

I was going to one of Mollie's games this summer and surprise surprise... the team she was playing included Aden, Randen and Cooper!  How cool is that?!!  And Cooper and Courtney were with them. 

I only got one picture of Courtney because she actually took my camera and took a lot of these pictures.  I did some videotaping of the game.

So most of these photos are courtesy of Courtney Raye!

 
Courtney
 

 
Bret giving Mollie some instructions.

 
Cooper trying NOT to have his picture taken.
 
 
Cooper and his adorable smile.

Warming up to the camera... just a little.

 
What a cutie pie!

 
Aden (left) and Canyon (right) warming up.

 
Mollie warming up.

 
Aden asking coach some questions.

 
Canyon

 
Canyon... looks like he's waiting for a ball to come his way.

 
Oh yeah, here it comes Aden.

 
Dog gone... I can't pick it up.

 
Getting the ball to first place.

 
Randen patiently waiting for someone to hit a ball to him.

 
Aden got another way... it pays to be in the pitcher position.

 
Aden throwing the ball to first.

Moo (Mollie) in the dugout with her team.
 

 
Mollie Moo

 
Good hit, Mollie.

 
RUN Mollie RUN

 
Coach Bret explaining what Mollie should do if she gets the ball.

 
Aden has been moved to third base.

 
Randen working his glove.

 
Looks like Canyon is whistling.  He must not be getting many balls on his side of the field.

 
Aden, patiently waiting.

 
Aden and Canyon having a good time in the outfield.

 
Randen

 
Randen

 
Mollie having a little laugh at something.

 
Randen warming up to bat.

 
Aden made it onto base. Woohoo!

Keep Max Brockus in your prayers

I received a note from Stacy this evening telling me that her dad, Max, was hospitalized.  They don't know exactly what it is, but she said it was a stroke or something like it.

I just wanted you to keep Max, as well as Kelly and Stacy and their families in your prayers as Max recuperates and the girls travel to see their dad.