This is the life..

Not to often is there a time when we ALL have a free weekend together. So when it finally happened we took full advantage of it. We layed around this beautiful pool, swam, played volleyball, ate way way to much, watched movies, and had a GREAT time.  It was so much fun, and so relaxing.

Just what the doctor ordered....



Paden chillin poolside



We could not keep these 3 out of the water, this was 7am

I sometimes get sad that the kids are getting so big, but times like this make me so greatful, that they are old enough to appreciate things like this. They all said how nice it was to not have to be anywhere, at a certain time, and just have fun together. And them being older made it pretty easy for Mark and I to slip downstairs for a nice quiet dinner alone.. What more can we ask for ??   Just the opportunity to do it again SOON !!

funny boys

                              

These sweet little puppies joined our family about 5 weeks ago. Garett has 2 Heelers and now together we all have way to many dogs. Garett is and always has been an animal lover, so he is very particular about his dogs and how we do things with them. But recently Cole has taken a very active interest in these puppies. I'm sure because they are cute and playful, but they are getting big enough to be weened and mama is trying with all her might to do this. Garett and Cole have had other ideas on the subject though. I found them holding her down the other day so the puppies could eat, the other GREAT idea they had... They tried to milk her. Yes you heard right, I almost wet my pants laughing so hard, they were sure it would work and then everyone would be happy. After explaining this is NOT going to work. I thought we were home free, he's finding homes for them, (although it is quite the screening process) they are eating dog food No worries right ?
    Yesterday I came home to find this

Cole was In the dog house cuddling with this puppy because his mom had bit his head when it tried to nurse. He decided it needed some extra love and attention so for the next hour he and the puppy cuddled in the dog house....  I could hear him talking to it and loving it, then once agian in Cole fashion, he ask if it needed a Tylenol for it's headache..  Love this kid, he always keep me laughing !

*** I almost forgot the best part of the whole puppy experience, the type of dog these are usually don't have tails, So when they are just days old, we clip the tails. Garett and I have always done this but Cole wanted to help this time, So we let him... The first tail comes off and Cole gags and walks away crying.. A few min later he came back and ask us to  please stop he didn't like the sound they made. After explaining why we do it and that he didn't have to watch he looked at Garett and said
" It's a good thing I wasn't born with a tail, Mom would have cut it OFF "  
 What do ya say to that ?

3 little words

I'll Probably be In BIG trouble for posting this, but it's a chance I'm willing to take.. ;-) Coming home from a ball game last night ONE of the boys(see I'm not mentioning names) was texting "friends" and when he was losing service said he had to go and would talk to them later, to which HER reply was ok  I Love you, text me tomorrow..... Wow it's CRAZY the stir 3 little words can create, voices cracking, and hormones RAGING, oh my, he wasn't even sure he would be able to sleep last night.  I was kind of teasing him ,and he says Mom do you remember the first time dad said he loved you ? I'm sure you acted goofy too..

 Which got me thinking.. Problem is I still act goofy, when he tells me he loves me, He still takes my breath away, I still get excited when I see him walk in a room, or when he gives me that little wink when there are a lot of people around(which I know means I love you). I still get butterflies, when he send texts or leaves me a little note in an unexpected place. Is it weird that after all this time, we still like each other... to some yes it is, I've had people tell us to get a room, or say 'oh please' when I've gotten up to leave or go to the other side of a room and he gives me a little smooch... I guess with Valentines Day and our Anniversary both within the next week, it's made me think about it more.... But thats the kind of love I want for each of my kids, and thats the kind of love I want them to see growing up. It's ok to still be like silly teenagers sometimes. Because life definitely throws enough curves at us to keep us all grounded and in the real world most of the time. Is it always easy to be married or in love  ? Oh HE** no. We all know that, but I think we all need a little ok, ALOT of excitement and a whole lot of fun in our lives.  Let yourself love and act like we did when we were those silly hormone crazed teenagers, Then wish me luck dealing with mine.. I think I'm gonna need it.

January ? I think I lost you

If the whole year goes by as fast as January did, I'm in TROUBLE !!I can't believe February is here. This month brings lots of Birthdays, anniversaries, parties, and of course more basketball games. Cole is starting  wrestling camp today, and will make his wrestiling debut in Eureka on the 21st. Can't think of a better place to spend Presidents day(Yes- that was sarcasm). 
It's turned off cold again, I knew it was to good to last, who gets off with only a few weeks of cold weather ? Oh ya my Hawaii girls, (love you traitors) I'll be there soon... In my dreams that is. 
The kids got report cards and Tay, and Cole both got straight A's. and the boys did well they don't want their grades posted  ha ha.

I will post more later but just wanted to catch you all up quickly.. Love to all

Uncle Nolan

On Sunday January 23, 2011 we lost Uncle Nolan.  He was so strong and brave right up until the very end. He was completely surrounded by his family that loved him dearly, as he passed from this life. What a joyous reunion I'm sure he had with his family on the other side.  Aunt Elaine is so strong and has taken such good care of him. What a beautiful thing to witness, her love and encouragement to him as he was ready to pass. Assuring him, she and the kids would be fine and take care of one another.
What a blessing to know Families are Forever.   We love you Uncle Nolan.. You will be missed



Spring Fever

It's hard to believe it's January by looking at these pictures...

SUNNY AND 67 DEGREE'S

We love this weather, if only it would last.

Little Things

The older I get the more I realize, it's the little things in life, that make me the happiest...

In this CRAZY hussle and bussle of life, it seems we never have time, to "just stop and smell the roses" so to speak. There is always a ball game to be at, or a practice to get to, school programs, classes to teach, meetings to attend, and the list goes on and on and on.......  Why is it so easy to get caught up in this crazy thing we call life ?

I LOVE to cuddle up on the couch and watch movies or read stories, with my hubby and kids. We used to do this all the time, now it doesn't happen as often, so it makes me even happier when it does.

I LOVE the fact that my kids still want to talk to me about their day, and whats going on in their life.

I LOVE the late night talks Mark and I have coming home from "wherever", when the car is quiet and the kids are asleep.

I LOVE that ALL my kids still get excited everynight when Mark gets home from work, and bombard him with the days events in 30 seconds time ;-)

I LOVE that even though Paden is 14, he still tells me He loves me, even when his friends are around.

I LOVE the fact that my kids still want me to tuck them in at night, and spend that few minutes of alone time with them before they fall asleep.

I LOVE the fact that I get random texts throughout the day from Mark, just telling me he loves me.

I LOVE that even though they fight like cats and dogs, my kids still want to make blanket forts with every blanket in the house and get in and giggle like crazy at themselves.

I could go on and on and on,.....

I realize someday some of these things will stop, and I know that they will be replaced with other things that I LOVE. But for now, this is what my life is about, and it's these little things that make my life complete, and get me through the craziness of everyday.

These crazy kids of mine..

There have many times in my life that things have amazed me, but my kids seem to do it on a daily basis. I am posting just a few pictures from the last few months. But each of the pictures captures them so well. They each have such unique, and differnt personalities, but at the same time they are so similar it's scary.

Paden and Garett played on the same Jr. High football team this year. It was so much fun to watch them play together. Nothing like brothers out for blood. They went UNDEAFTED all season, and had very few games that were even close. Another round of Panther football players in the making. It's pretty neat to watch them learn and grow together. This picture was taken after the last game, I needed one good one of them together in uniforms. As This is Paden's last year in Jr. so next year they won't be together. This by far is one of my very favorites pictures of these 2 together.  I hope they always remember how they felt that day !

Then we have Taylor. What an important part to our family. Without her we would definately not have near the excitment around here that we do. I can't always say it's good excitement :), but we LOVE her and her strong willed personality. Her favorite place to be is anywhere her Dad is. She is most definately a daddy's girl. She loves to drive her brothers crazy, (not that it is to hard)  but then turns around and does the sweetest things for them. She is a spitfire. As far as she is concerned there isn't anything she can't do ! And as long as she believes that -- look out world !!!!

And where would we be without this little man ? He brings so much joy and laughter into our home. All of my kids are pretty quick witted(they get that from Mark), but this boy is above and beyond  anything I could ever imagine. This picture absolutely captures his personality. This is him 24/7. And he makes us laugh just as much. He is growing up so fast, he loves to be with his brothers on whatever adventure they are embarking on. But is just as happy to hang out and play with Taylor. He LOVES his DS and as many ball games and late night trips as he's been to in his life, it's been a lifesaver numerous times.

 It's easy for all parents to say they have great kids.... But i truley believe I do. They are hard workers, good students, loving, kind and caring people that are willing to help others with whatever they can. I hope you enjoy the pictures and a little gimpse into their lives.. {{{{HUGS}}}} 

all is well

don't faint........i know it has been so long since i've posted anything, most of you probably thought i'd given up. well you were mostly right ;)
    but 1 of my new years resolutions was to keep this updated ( even if that is just once a week )
so many things have happened since i last posted anything i wouldn't even know where to begin to catch up, so i think maybe it's better if i just continue forward and do so much better from now on !


all is well with the higbee's  we are as busy as ever, and trying to be somewhat more organized.---
   the older the kids get the more out of control i feel my life gets. the days that i plan on being home and getting all my "mommy duties" done, are the days that i get 50 phone calls from each of the kids, saying i've forgotten a library book or my p.e. clothes, or hey mom can you run down and check this out. i have to admilt some days it drives me CRAZY..... until i start thinking about how fast life is speeding by. i'm realizing, before i know it, my kids will be grown and heading out to start lives of their own(what a scary thought for me). as a mother i guess i just hope that i have them ready to go out into the world and face whatever they may be faced with. so if that means that no laundry gets done until midnight because they have needed me during the day, or that dinner is a little late, and when we finally eat we do it on paper plates, because who knows if there will be time to do the dishes before someone needs help with homework, or a project, or oh mom i forgot i have practice RIGHT NOW ! i'm really o.k. with it. my house may not always be emaculate, but guess what we live in it, and it's always full of warmth, and kids and friends, and food, and a lot of chaos---- so to me that means it's full of LOVE, and that makes me one happy momma

Lund Gymkana & Cave Lake

We spent the 24th of July in Lund, They have apretty big celebration with alot of fun activities. The kids did the gymkana on Thursday which was a lot of fun they all did really good. It was Cole's first so he was a little nervous but he did GREAT. Mark had to work which meant I took the kids all by myself I don't realize how much I count on him until he's not there. Garett didn't think I could saddle his horse the right way and was quite worried that i wasn't gonna be able to handle. I'm happy to report all went well. Not that I want to make a habit of going without Mark, but I'm glad I proved to myself (and Garett) I can do it if I have to. Mark came up on Saturday Morning and roped. Then we ran up to Cave Lake on Sunday. I think everyone had a good trip and alot of fun.

Cole

Taylor

Garett

Cave Lake

Gage had just figured out Taylor was swimming in her Panties

All the kids swimming in the lake ( water temp was just above freezing)

Mark enjoying Cave Lake (notice the sexy outfit)

On the way out the kids wanted to stop and hike up the the waterfall

All the kids at the top, even Little Evie made it

On the way up to the falls we found an owl that must have been hurt or sick because it let Mark and Melinda get very close to it, they both got some great pictures. I've never seen an Owl up close they have some pretty fierce claws.

I'm a SLACKER !

The gang watching Paden's firework display.

Cole doing his FAMOUS headstand



Cole, Linda and Elle



Taylor in Gary's Race truck


Mark, Chris and Rae



Paden and Garett

Nevada Bank & Trust

Christian Enterprises

Cole and Gage at the 4th

Cole and I before his last t-ball game

Wow it's been forever since I've posted anything ! It's been kind of a crazy month we finally got all the cows moved up north, the kids were such a HUGE help this year there is no way we could have done it without them. Garett got his cast off at the end of June and his arm seems to be doing good it's a little weak but no pain. But oh man did that thing stink when it came off. The poor Dr almost gagged and told him to immediately wash it. We had a great 4th of July Mark and I did the 5K run that morning and less than half way through he pulled his calf muscle and couldn't finish. He was pretty frustrated but it's feeling better now. It was a pretty relaxing day, It's always so good to see everyone on the 4th, as usual so many people come home, and it's great to catch up with them.

My mom has been having some health problems, and they found some blockages in her heart, On July 1st they put a stint in and thought they had taken care of the problem but on the 7th we had to take her by ambulance back to the hospital for 2 more stints, hopefully this time it will help and she can begin to feel better. I usually love to go on ambulance runs but when it's your own family member it's a little different.
Mark and I are playing in an adult softball league, It is so much fun. We have games every Friday night and it's great! The kids think it's pretty cool to come and watch all us "old folks" play, we have even talked my dad into playing this year, he's on different team but I think he's enjoying it. Haven't gotten any good pictures yet but will try and get some to post later. Here are a few pictures from the 4th and Just random pic's from the summer.

A Huge Thanks

Just a quick Thank -You to all my friends and family that helped out and donated blood ! I know for some of you it was a huge thing but thanks for overcoming your fear and helping me attain my goal. They said it's very hard to get people out in the summer, and Alamo doesn't have the best record for donors anyway. They only set a goal for 15 donors buts thanks to all of you we got 24. Thanks a million, we never know when a loved one or even ourselves may be in need of blood. We need to each set a goal to give blood 3 times a year. Have great weekend, Love Ya all !

Blood Drive....

I'm in charge of the community Blood Drive for Alamo, on Thursday June 18 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. If anyone is intrested in giving blood please contact me to schedule an appointment. " Find the Hero in you, give Blood three times a year."

WOW ! There dressed up and clean

Since I had them dressed up, and somewhat clean I got a few cute pictures of them. It amazes me how fast they are all growing up. Before we know it they'll be grown. Sure love you guys !

Paden (12)



Garett (10)


Taylor (7)

Cole (5)