Utah 14U STATE CHAMPIONS!

Chelsea's softball team played in Kanab this last week for the Utah State Championship. I know, a team from NV taking the UT title...a little odd, but who cares when we came out on top?!

Poor Chels had a meltdown right before the championship game started. All of the girls were exhausted. It was 101 degrees, 85% humidity. Miserable conditions and these poor chicks were in their third day of play. She was sobbing and said "Mom, I'm so tired. I'm just so tired. I hurt everywhere and I just want to go home." To which I responded, "I know, sweetheart. Now is when giving the very last of what you have counts. This is what it takes to be great. Besides, you've made it this far, wouldn't it be so much better to go home with one of those (beautiful trophies displayed artfully to give the players incentive to bust their rearends)?" In typical Chelsea fashion, she dug down deep, hit the mound with confidence and a killer smile, and game 'em hell.

There are two other really great pitchers on Chels' team who twirled like champs, but of course I'm hung up on the way my baby girl owned the mound. She was exhausted, but battled it in a way that rivals the greatest of the greats. Look out, Jenny Finch, my beautiful, freckle faced champ is knocking on your door. :)

Chels' teammates gave the last full measure to back her up. Their defense was one of the most beautiful sites to behold. These girls were one in their full force attack to obtain the win. The girls' spirits never waivered...and they wanted the title. Bad. Gotta hand it to them, they nearly killed themselves in their efforts to play as one and that kind of attitude always secures success.

WAY TO GO GIRLS!!!

The Mark Lloyds

Cam's next

I managed to snap one quick pic of Cam during the last few days' photoshoots. I don't even think she knew I'd turned the camera on her.

Golden Anniversary

Happy 50th, Mom and Dad! I really had a good time shooting these with you. A little disapointed that they didn't turn out better, but, hey, I'm still a novice. Thanks for the fun evening. Love you!!!

And the torture continues...Say CHEESE!

I'm on a roll...these poor kids are feeling traumatized by being dragged all over town for my experiments. Obviously Ry wasn't as thrilled to model for me as the others. Hence the Zoolander look in most of these.

Isn't this the most beautifully handsome boy you've ever seen? Look out Ashton Kutcher here comes Ryan Lloyd!

Official Photo Shoot...sort of...

Chels and I had our first "Official" photo shoot. Mostly we were horsing around, but it was tons of fun. The camera loves her and it was so easy to get really great pictures of her. Lots of laughs and lots of good pics. Tuck even got in on the action. I think he felt left out. Enjoy my beautiful girl!

Official Photo Shoot...cont...

Sunny Disposition

First, I'd like to thank my Mother, who taught me perserverance...

This may well be how my acceptance speech begins when I win an award. Of course, you always have to end by thanking God for every opportunity that comes your way(which I do every day) and then I would say "And last, but never least, thanks to my husband who believed I could make my dreams come true. He is my true inspiration."

I recently entered a photo contest and out of 17,800 photos, only 1,126 made it to the final round. My photo was amongst those 1,126. I may not have won, but it certainly feels like I did.

Ahhh, now if only we can get the Primary Election over with so I can get out there and shoot some more!

Dancing Queen...

Cam's annual dance recital was just a couple of weeks ago. I was completely prepared to be bored out of my skull since I have long been unable to appreciate such a sophisticated art. :) However, Cam was awesome and the recital was simply amazing. The kids were having a ball, the numbers were well choreographed, and the costumes were eye catching. I'm so proud of Cam; she danced her little tush off. Who knew we'd have a kid that likes to read and boogie?

Breathtaking Beauty

Nothing to say about this post except this girl is gorgeous, inside and out.

Sliding into 2nd...

SAFE!

Run Faster Than Your Legs Can Carry You

I haven't posted in an incredibly long time. We do nothing more than chase kids to ballgames (Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat--some in NV, some in UT), work like demons, and chase kids. Elections are well underway and it seems I haven't much time to do things other than focusing on elections. Have completed another photo course and now have enough hours to obtain a basic certification. I don't know what it will be good for, but I fully intend to pursue it...after baseball, softball, and elections.

I intend to start posting pictures of the kids' activities again soon, since Les made me feel guilty. :) It's a good thing.

Semi-Big Leaguer

Ry was invited to play in a wood bat tourney this weekend. The guys on his team ranged in ages from 23-42 and experience included college, minors, and even one pro player. Very cool. Ryan held his own and, by the time the tourney was over, everyone was talking about the highschool sophomore playing on the Arizona team. It was wonderful to be outside listening to teh crack of the bat and watching Ryno play. Leaving at 11:30 at night, arriving sometime around 2:30 or 3:00 a.m., getting up at 5:00 to be to the field by 8:00 was worth it!

Winning streak!

Ryan won a big buck contest in Las Vegas, too. He'll get his deer head mounted, a bunch of meat (yuck!), $500 towards a gun, and two concealed weapons classes. Congrats again, Ry!

THIS JUST IN....

RYAN WON THE NEVADA CLUB BIG BUCK CONTEST!!!! Not only does he gain enormous bragging rights, but he will be the owner of a brand new .338 Mag. Way to go, Ry!!!!

Old Fashioned Christmas

We got our first snow last Saturday. Beautiful...and yes, those ARE Christmas lights at Ebeneezer's house. Bah humbug!