Derek's 40!

Derek turned 40 on Friday, September 25th!!!! I had planned on doing a big party for him, but I knew what it all entailed and I just could not muster up the energy to throw the "perfect" party and have my house perfectly decorated and so on.... Besides, I had thrown him a big blow out surprise party for his 30th birthday. He had also just passed his Professional Engineering license at that time, so there was lots of reasons to celebrate back then. So, nonetheless, I had nothing planned. Then on Monday, he called me from work to tell me he had planned a party for himself and worked out all the details! (Well as many details as a man works out, which includes food and a guest list!) Hysterical because that is sooooo not like him! Seriously! It was a very small party because it was so last minute and most people already had plans which we completely understood. However, we were blown away with the close friends that completely rearranged their schedules to be here and help him celebrate. He had a great time. I wish I had taken more pics...there were guests that I didn't even get pictures of...which makes me sad.




These 3 have known each other since Jr. High!

Thank you for all your help Dawn!

This is Derek's best friend since kindergarten!


Then, on Saturday night, we were invited to go to dinner with this group. This whole group excluding 3 spouses went to high school together and they are all still close friends. 4 peeps out of this group have a birthday within a month of each other. Anyway, Brooks had a baseball game, so we told them that we would have to meet up with them later during dinner. Just after they knew that Brooks' game was over, they called to see where we were....Next thing I knew there was a knock on the door.....As I looked outside, I saw a limo!!!! I yelled, "What in the world, there's a limo outside!!" It was very nice of the group to wait for us so that Derek could be with them to celebrate. We had a great time! Here's a few pics...

Ellison's Gymnastics Meet

Ellison had her 2nd ever gymnastics meet last Saturday. She did sooooooo good and we are very proud of her. I cannot imagine getting up in front of all those people by myself to do all that hard stuff! Here's a few pics:











Level 4 Team

Are you ready for some football????

Now, I'm not talkin precious Colt McCoy here, or sweet honey Tony Romo, or even the new Cowboys Stadium....

Brooks had his first game on football game on Monday night. It had been pouring rain the entire weekend and on the day of the game, so they moved it to the high school field, which would have been loads of fun.....but.... they decided to play 2 of the 7th grade teams on the field at the same time. One team got one half of the 50 yards and the other team got the other half of the 50 yards. Which was really really weird. There are so many 7th grade boys that play football so we did a lot of watching this...


He's #89.. Cute boy!

We got to see a little of this...


And it looked like he might get a little action here...

but I'm sorry to report there was no great catch and a 50 yard run for a TD. Maybe next time!

It was still fun, even though it was really like a mini scrimage.

Labor Day at the Ranch 2009

We always go to the ranch for Labor Day because it is the beginning of dove season. The kids (and dog) absolutely love it!

Just in from hunting!


You can't go to the ranch without making s'mores!




The 2 bloggers of the family...me and my SIL, Amber



Brooks and Uncle Matt



Brooks called a family football game. He always has an agenda, always. I think everyone had fun. This was the 1st time the guys had done this. I have a feeling this will be a new ranch tradition.









Cheerleaders/paps on the sidelines

All loaded up to go see the longhorns. Sam wanted to see the "cows" , so we all loaded up.

Brooks and Cousin Dalton on the 4-wheeler. This visit to the ranch marked a new era for the family. This is the 1st time that Brooks has been allowed to drive the 4-wheeler all by himself. He was loving his new found freedom. Nene told him that she was going to be watching him very closely, and he told her, "don't worry Nene, I'm building trust." So funny!
One of the many longhorns at the ranch. Those horns are so big, they just amaze me everytime I see them.

Over the moon!!!

GREAT NEWS!!! :) So happy to announce that this week it was good news and a Cheatham name was on the list!!! We are so proud of you Halle Caroline!!! You worked so hard and fought like crazy for your spot on the dance team!!! I love that you "smiled so hard that your cheeks hurt"!

Skipping School!

This is what you have to do at my house when you stay home sick from school! With a flower in your hair... You clean the whole house! Haha! Both of the girls had their well checks on Tuesday and while we were there, the doctor talked me into getting them the flu vaccine. We chose to have the nasal mist. What we didn't know is that the nasal mist contains the live virus, but the shot does not. Now I have not researched this, but this is hearsay from my good friend who just happens to have a little handy ER doc around her house. not naming any names. Anyway, she started running fever yesterday afternoon, but seems to be fine today. Since the schools are pretty serious about being fever free for 24 hours, I thought I better keep her home. I'm pretty sure she had a touch of the flu from the vaccine. This girl loves to clean and I am thankful! So while she was laying on the couch and saw me cleaning...she jumped up and asked to help. That's when I knew she was feeling just fine! Since big sister is gone to school, she went and looked in her drawers for her big flower clip. Love it! Whatever makes you feel good darlin!