RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY!

Wow! We thought it was great that it had warmed up a bit to melt our snow, but now it is pouring rain out there! If it wasn't slick to drive on, I would prefer snow over this. It is yukky. The ground is already saturated so it's sitting on top of the ground. (I shouldn't whine, it is not flooding or anything) Our basement doesn't like this kind of rain, tho. I'm sure that after while we'll be down there with the shop vac and fans drying it up! On Christmas Eve Mom Poteet was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. She was very sick, and the hospital was the perfect present for her. She is improving every day. She will be there for several more days. We had a great Christmas day. It was very relaxing. It is so different when the kids get big and don't want to get up at 3:00! I miss those times, and I would gladly have gotten up that early again! Brian and Kristi and the boys came up for the afternoon, and we just lazied around. I'm sure they were up before us, so it was good to relax! I managed to get this picture of Brent, Tyler and Evan after lots of tries. Ty didn't want to pose that day - I ended up with lots of side-views of him! The one of Zacher is right after he got up - he's not quite awake yet, and Kinzi is always ready for a camera! Loves from Grandview!

It's C-c-c-c-cold!

This weather is not fit for man nor beast! I think the high was supposed to be about 9 degrees today. When Kinzi and I left for school this morning is was -2. Makes me very green when I consider the Kauai dwellers! We went to Brent's Christmas program at church on Sunday. It was a wonderful production. Brent played one of the wise men, and was also in the chorus. It was a musical, and the folks in charge really put a lot of effort into it - it was very nicely done. Brent kept yanking up his pants all through the whole play! Brian said his pants were not too big, but he must have felt like they were! I told Brian he needed a little black bottom to hold them up! It was really cute. Kinzi is playing very well in basketball. Her team struggled last week because 2 of their starters were academically ineligible, but she played awesome even though the cards were stacked against them. She got KNDO's game ball for Friday night's game! (One of our local news channels awards the "game ball" to an outstanding player each week - and Kinzi got it even though her team lost the game.) That was pretty fun to hear when we watched the news! I am putting in some defense pictures from Friday night's game against Wapato. #15, who she is guarding in the pictures, is actually a real good friend of hers. They played on the same team for some tournaments last spring. Kinda fun. Loves from Grandview!

Thursday afternoon

Well, we are our same busy selves! Kinzi's basketball jamboree was Monday evening to kick off their season. Grandview won both of their games. Kinzi played so good! It was fun to watch her enthusiasm. She is so much faster and more intense about the game than she was last year. She played fall AAU, but it was more laid-back and she didn't play sooo hard. It was really fun to watch her play so hard and be so determined. the whole team played so well together - they are going to be strong together if they can keep up what we saw on Monday. There are no pouters or whiners on the team this year, and that is a huge plus. If anybody has been around a group of girls for long, you know what I mean! They can be brutal, and a bad one can really be a stinky potato! The stars today are our animals. Chai is the siamese, Hyro is the black and white kitty, and Jake the dog. The kids say we spoil the animals more than them, maybe, but they don't have to make it in the world when they grow up! Loves from Grandview!

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend

We were real lucky this year and had two days of turkey! We went to Janice and Troy's yesterday for turkey dinner, and I did a repeat at home today. I had to work last night so it worked better for me to make the mess today. The girls played well at the state volleyball tournament, but they didn't place this year. We are sure proud of them. But... it's now time for basketball! The girl's jamboree against a few schools in the valley is on Monday, then they start with regular games. We are looking forward to some fun games! I've posted a couple of pics from the tournament, and one of Kinzi's senior pictures. Loves from Grandview!

Homecoming Slideshow

Well, I'm going to try to post a slideshow of homecoming this year. It's my very first try, so if it has woopsies, I'll just learn for next time, and we can all laugh! For anybody who missed the previous blog about it, Kinzi was a senior princess. Zachery performed one of his songs at the assembly, so it was extra special for us! The royalty got to choose what song was played for their presentation and introduction, and the one on the slideshow is Kinzi's song. I know it has already been a month, but I'm just now getting brave enough to try this. Hope you enjoy it! Luvs from Grandview!

Volleyball State Week

It has been 10 days since my last post! Shame on me! Kinzi has been soo busy getting volleyball season wrapped up, it seems like time is just gone. The district tournament was last Saturday in Ellensburg. Grandview qualified to go to the state tournament with their first win of the day against Ellensburg. Then they played Selah for the district championship. They lost in 5 games, but they played hard and we're sure proud of them. The state tournament is at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, which is very nice because it's only about 35 miles from home. Much nicer than having to do the motel thing! Their first match is Friday, the 21st at 2:oo against ArchBishop-Murphy High School. I'm including a few pictures from Saturday during the Selah match. I'll try to do better at this - of course, that's what I always say! Loves from Grandview!

Volleyball

There is another clip on KNDO that has Kinzi making kills at the volleyball game on Monday. This one aired last night. It is a little longer than the last one, and has several of her kills. Its called something like "Grandview volleyball and LaFever have great success". ( I forgot to remember the exact title!) Loves from Grandview!

Kinzi on the news

Hello! Just a quickie - I have to show off just a tiny bit. Kinzi was on a tiny clip on KNDO news last night. She is making a kill in the volleyball game. If anyone would like to watch it, it is at http://www.kndo.com/. Open the website, then click on Sports, then local sports. In the middle of that page look for the Video Now. It is in the middle a little way down. The clip is called Grandview Volleyball Coach wins #400. Last night was their last league game, and they have a bye for their first round in districts because they won the south division of the league. They won't play again until the 15th. I'm putting in a picture of Jerry and Kinzi and I at Senior Night. Loves from Grandview!

Beautiful Saturday Morning

It's gorgeous here this morning! The sun is trying to peak through, our trees are slowly letting go of their huge orange leaves (one is a Sycamore!), and the yard is a soft gold blanket. And, best of all - the wind isn't blowing! I really should be out there raking - but I'm not. They will still be there after bit. That is - if the wind doesn't come up and blow them all to the neighbors' yards! Can you see a plan formulating in my mind? We don't really do that on purpose, but sometimes it works that way. Thursday was senior night at volleyball. It was a good match against Wapato for the girls. Grandview won easily. Last night was senior night for the football boys. One of Kinzi's best friends, Edgar(Cheddar) hurt his neck and had to go to the hospital. Kinzi and a few of her friends followed the ambulance so they could be with him. She said that he is gonna be okay, and that he was visiting with them before they left. Neck injuries are scary little buggars that don't always show all the problems at first, so I would appreciate any prayers for his complete recovery from this. Kinzi is at practice right now, and I think we are going to take her senior pictures this afternoon, while everything is so pretty outside. I'm putting in a few pics from the volleyball game Thursday. It seems like all my pictures are just of my kids, but they are our lives, so that's what we snap! The first is Kinzi getting ready to serve. Then Zach, Stephen, and Matt enjoying the game. Then Jerry and Janis, and finally Kinzi and Dylan being goofy after the match. Loves from Grandview!

Wednesday Afternoon

Yippee! I don't have to work tonight! (It doesn't take much to make me happy) We went to the hospital and saw baby Evan and Kristi and Brian last night. He is so precious! Kristi looked very good - actually she looked more rested than Brian! I think she got a nap during the day, but he didn't. I know sleep was a welcome thing for him when he got home. Brent and Ty were excited for everyone to get home today. Evan looks like both of the boys - at first glance I thought he was more like Ty, but after I held him for a few minutes some of his little facial expressions were just like Brent. He gets to just be Evan though! Jerry has been run ragged this last week with car problems. It seems like before the last bolt goes into one repair, one of the kids calls and they are stuck somewhere! I guess it would help if we owned something with less than 150,000 miles on it, but hey, you do what you must! It keeps us humble. I'm putting in a couple of pictures of baby Evan. The last one is Zach's performance at the anti-gang rally last weekend. He did a great job. He really has a way with a crowd! (Knows just how to butter his mom, too!) Loves from Grandview!

Saturday AM

Maybe I can take a few minutes this morning before I get busy and say hello! It was good to have homecoming week over, but it seems like I have been just as busy! Kinzi will be leaving in a few minutes for volleyball practice, and my kitchen floor is screaming at me about how I don't love it anymore! But I'm going to have coffee before I do anything. Well, Kinzi broke the volleyball kill record on Thursday evening. Pretty exciting! Of course, I had to work so I wasn't there! I was hoping she would do it on Tuesday 'cause I don't work that night, but it wasn't to be. But Jerry keeps me posted with text messages. Isn't technology great? Zacher is performing today at an anti- gang violence thing that Sunnyside and Grandview are putting on. It will start at both Sunnyside High School and Grandview's fairground with a march/walk to the Sunnyview Park, which is halfway inbetween both towns. There, there is going to be the big get-together with several musical performers and speakers and such. They are asking everyone to wear white, in absence of gang colors. I hope it goes well and helps a little - gang violence is becoming a huge problem in our valley. I'm putting in a few more homecoming pictures. You know, toilet paper is one of the specialties of that week, and we were blessed! I ran out in my jammies and grabbed one quick shot of a little chunk of the house - had to hurry 'cause they are still running grapes across the street, and I didn't want to be the side show! the next one is Princess Kinzi, Prince Rogi, and Princess Vanessa at halftime. The last one is Rogi and Kinzi before they left for the dance on Saturday. Loves from Grandview!

Homecoming Assembly

Boy - what a day! The homecoming assembly was today, and what a great time. Kinzi was a homecoming queen candidate; she looked gorgeous! (just ask her mom!) And, as a special bonus, Zacher performed one of his songs at the assembly too. I was such a proud mom today - I spent a better share of the whole thing crying! Janis, Troy, Stephen and Kolten were all able to come enjoy it with us. Backing up a few hours, last night at the volleyball match Kinzi got her 1000th kill. That is a pretty special honor for her. There has only been one other girl that has done it in Grandview. The record is 1034, and Kinzi is at 1005 after last night. Pretty exciting! I had to work so I didn't get to be there to see it happen, but my working lets her play so it's okay. The pictures are from the assembly today. One of Zacher performing, one of Kinzi watching the action, and one of both of them afterwards. Loves from Grandview!

Lazy Saturday

We are having a lazy day today. No kids at home, so no games to go to! I wish we could have gone to Spokane for the volleyball tourney, but lack of the almighty dollar left us at home. I'm just glad Kinzi is getting the chance to play. We've talked with her a couple of times today. Their team is finished now, they ended up in 9th place. Kinzi was real happy with how she played, so that's what it's all about. I even took a nap this afternoon! I never get to do that. It has been cold here all day - about 60 degrees, but the wind has been blowing and it goes right through you. My first picture today is of my sweet mama and Jerry at the Applooza carnival. The next two are of Kinzi while she was on her San Diego basketball trip this summer. The first one is at home just before we left for the airport. She was gone for her birthday, so they went to the Red Robin for dinner that day. The waiters gave her balloon ears to wear while they sang happy birthday to her! She is just goofy enough to make it work. Loves from Grandview!

Hellooooo!

Remember us - the ones who don't post often enough? It seems like I have to choose post or sleep, and sleep usually wins out. I am lonely this evening. Kinzi is in Spokane for the Crossover Volleyball tournament, and of course Zacher is in Tri-Cities. We went down to see him and get him a few work clothes today, and I think seeing him just made it worse! Zacher is starting an exciting adventure. He has been messing around with music for a while (rap - not his mama's favorite genre), and has shown a real creative spark and way with words. Anyway, someone heard his stuff and wants to sign him to do Christian Rap. It is a small record company, but we are so excited for him! He is going to perform at the Homecoming assembly at our high school on Friday. Kinda fun. Kinzi is a homecoming queen candidate this year, so we are real excited for that too. They will announce the queen on Friday at the assembly. Maybe! Jerry is working the chains at the football game, but it cold out so I stayed home. Football players - I luv ya but hate the cold! I miss my kids, so I am posting a picture of each one of them. Maybe I'll feel better then. I'm having a real hard time with the growing up thing! I know I have to be a good mom and let them go - but I really love being around them! Little stinkers anyway! Loves from Grandview!

More Applooza

Here's a few more pictures from our day at the Applooza school carnival.

Wednesday Afternoon

I have just a few minutes before I go to work, so maybe I will get this post done in time. I had a rotten day at school today so I need to think about something fun for a little bit. We had a great time at the volleyball game last night. Grandview played Ephrata in Gdv. Cindy, Harley, Carol, Ruby and Hal, Janis and Troy and Dylan were all there. We just love it when any of our family comes and shares the fun with us. Harley plays for Ephrata and we were looking forward to watching her play. However, she was very sick on Monday and stayed home from school. And you all know the rule - if you don't go to practice you don't play. She is feeling better now though, and Thursday they will play in Prosser, so will get to see her then. I'm sending a couple of pics - the one of Kinzi's hit is actually on her way down. She gets up there pretty high, but it is hard to catch it at the very top of her jump. The next one is Jerry, Cindy and Harley, and then Troy and Hal. Loves from Grandview!

Fun Weekend

What a fun weekend we have had! Grannie Annie and Papa came on Friday afternoon and left this morning early for Boise to visit with Homer and Kay. On Saturday we all went to Brian and Kristi's house. Once there, we loaded up and went to Applooza, the kid's carnival at Liberty Christian School where Brent and Ty attend. What a fun time! There were lots and lots of those blow-things to play in. There were slides, obstacle courses, bounce houses and also some things a little too big for Brent and Ty yet. They went on everything they were big enough to do (multiple times for the coolest ones!), then we retired to the shade and had fried apples. What a treat! They were sliced, breaded and fried, and served with whipped cream and caramel. Probably ruined the idea of apples being healthy! Then back over to the toys until everyone was worn clear out - I think mostly us big people. We went back to Brian and Kristi's house and barbequed hamburgers. Actually, Brian barbequed and we just sat and enjoyed them after he worked hard. We finished the day with apple strudel and an intense game of rock, paper, scissors between Kinzi and the boys. Not sure who won - I was sitting in a comfy chair, so of course I dozed off a few times. Sunday afternoon Grannie Annie and I made chili pepper puree to use for flavoring rice and other mexican stuff, so the house smelled pretty pungent! You boil the peppers to almost mush, then puree them in the food processor. We froze it in small containers then put it in a ziploc for the freezer. Yummy stuff. This morning was back to school and the real world once more. They are gonna stop back by on their way home, so maybe we can have another hurrah! The pics are stolen from Grandma's file, one of the boys at Applooza, and the kids at Brian's house. Loves from Grandview!

Too Long

I know I promised to keep this updated better, but somehow life gets in the way! I had a post all ready on Wednesday morning, but I tried to add too many pictures, and the whole thing sorta crashed, and I didn't have time to start over. Our volleyball team won both of their matches this week in 3 game each. We played Toppenish on Tuesday and Prosser on Thursday. Kinzi played very well - just ask her mama! She had 14 kills on Tuesday, and I haven't heard stats for Thursday. Janice and Dylan were part of the Kinzi cheering section on Tuesday. We missed Troy - he was out getting dove dinner for his family. Ruby and Hal, Hal's brother John and family, and Janice got to come on Thursday. We really enjoy our family getting to share our happiness and pride in Kinzi. Zacher starts school on Monday. He is really liking being at Brian and Kristi's. He was home for a few hours on Thursday, and he and Kinzi were arguing over which one of them Brent and Ty like better! Kinzi thought she held the top spot, but she's afraid she might lose it now! Of course, Zacher is sure he's been top dog all along! We had too much action at the football game last night. Early in the game Josue Oros, the quarterback, got hit too hard and sustained some type of head/neck injury and they took him away in an ambulance. Then right around halftime, there was a gang shooting at the house right at the corner of the school property. It was directly across the street from Chris and Brandy's house (Tandy's Brandy) Two boys, 15 and 16, were shot. Word at the game was that they were both confirmed dead, but the media just says they were taken to the hospital, so not sure what the real truth is yet. The stadium was locked down for a while, but by the end of the game they were letting people leave. I think it was retaliation for a shooting/death of a rival gang member at Eastside park a week ago Thursday. Kinda scary. On a lighter note, we're gonna go down today and take Zacher to get some new jeans for his birthday. We are pretty practical - you only get what you need for presents! He only has 1 pair of jeans and needs at least 1 clean spare pair when he's going to school. The pictures are from the Toppenish game. Loves from Grandview!

Sundome pictures

A few pictures from Saturday.