ANTM

Well... ANTM is officially over and that means my blogging days will be significantly minimized... unless I can think of something exciting and creative to blog about.

Anyway, Last night was the season finale of ANTM. There were 4 final girls left, Alexandra, Krista, Raina and Angelea. They started the show off with a runway challenge in an airplane (while it was flying). Krista ended up winning... it was one of her many challenges that she won while on the show and she has picked up some really great swag from all of them!

Next they did a photo shoot where they were trying to be ugly-pretty. Don't question me... that is what Tyra came up with. Raina had a hard time being ugly because she is so pretty and Angelea.... Oh man... her photo SUCKED. But half the judges loved it of course. This elimination was a double elim and to my surprise Angelea and Alexandra went home! I was pretty excited that Raina was in the top two... I didn't anticipate her being there, but I was definately happy she was. I just love her look, with those killer eyes and big ole eyebrows!

I have NO doubt that both Angelea and Alexandra will get a modeling contract after this. Angelea booked 6 of 6 go-sees so she must have some sort of personality and Alex is an amazing plus size model, who I know will go far!

Now it is the last 2 girls, Raina and Krista. They did their cover girl ad and commercial, a seventeen magazine spread and then stomped it out in a fun and flirty runway.

Raina is a covergirl, she looked AMAZING in the print ad. I was worried about her walk in the runway, but she actually didn't do half bad! I thought Krista was a shoe-in to win, maybe it was just good editing, but Raina definately gave her a good run for her money. In the end it wasn't enough and Krista, as expected was the next America's Next Top Model.

I think one of the reasons I wasn't too excited about this was Krista's body shape. She was almost a bit TOOOO skinny and could possibly give the wrong message to young women about what they are supposed to look like. Tyra thought being able to see her bones was hot... but to me it was kind of gross. She wasn't Average enough for me. Where as Raina was a big thighed, wide torsoed average girl. Krista models amazingly well and will go far, but you know there were girls out there going... I want to be skin and bones like Krista so I can be the next top model!

Oh well, that is my two cents. This season wasn't that exciting for me because I pretty much KNEW Krista was the winner a couple of episodes before the finale because she was blowing the rest of the girls out of the water, winning challenges and getting the best photo. Hopefully next season will be more exciting.

Until then... here is your next top model:

ANTM

I can't believe this season is ALREADY coming to an end. :( How very sad and depressing... whatever will I do on Wednesday nights?

Regardless, I thought last night's episode was a little blah. Besides Krista yelling, Yay ME! the whole time. She is definitely letting the pictures go to her head. But I must say I am enjoying this downfall of Angelea! I was REALLY hoping she was going home this week... but no such luck.

The girls did a photo shoot with Tyra who used all kinds of things to make shadows on the girls and they had to find the light in the shadows. Some of the pictures came out really cool and some of them were kind of weird... but after all it was Tyra.

Krista and Alexandra (as much as their new little click is driving me nuts) actually both rocked their shoot. Alexandra really surprises me when it comes to her being a plus size model... this really has NOT been an issue for her at all this season. And usually the plus size girls make a huge deal about it and clothes don't fit when they go to go sees and stuff... but this year it is a little mellower for whatever reason.

Anyway, Raina, Angelea and Jessica didn't really do so hot in their shoot. Jessica seemed a little down on herself this week. She kept saying how she didn't think she could be edgy enough and she was missing her family... because of the the self doubt, I don't think she did as well as she could have. I know a lot of people LOVED Jessica... but the judges have a point, she is a bit too commercial. But have no fear, I KNOW she will be picked up for a contract.

I am hoping that Angelea goes home next... however next week is a double elimination. I really like Raina and her unusual look, Mylanta! But I dunno If she can hang with the big dogs. At this point it is looking like Krista and Alexandra are top 2... but as you know anything can happen to change that. Krista, I think will for sure be the top 2... but who will be with her?

Bummer of a day

It is a BEAUTIFUL day out! After 3 days of snow and rain... it is finally nice outside and what am I doing?

Sitting under a blanket with a cat in my lap eating hot soup and getting ready to take some amoxicillin. :(

LAME!

This all started Friday. I didn't feel well, left work early, but decided to still go coach a soccer game... in the snow. Probably wasn't the smartest idea there. I came home and had a fever and some crazy chills. I had a fever ALL day Saturday... in fact I don't even remember Saturday happening. I felt a little better Sunday, but had the worst sore throat I've ever had.

I went to the Dr. today and the prognosis was Strep. YUCK!

I had all these amazing plans for my Monday off... and THIS wasn't it. I was supposed to go to Alb. to hang out with my friend Dawn and her boys.. but no. I am on a couch with a cat (who thinks this has been the best 3 days of his life...curled up with mom and blankets on the couch) eating soup and popping pills. Sigh...

On a side note... I was all upset when I saw my pills because they were horse size! But when I opened the container they were hot pink... Score! Hopefully the whole cool color thing will help those damn horse pills go down easier!

ANTM

HOORAY! The day I've been waiting for has FINALLY come! I am SOO excited! Alasia is GONE! It is about damn time!

Tonight's episode started off in New Zealand! Whoo Hoo Finally overseas, that only means one thing: The end of the season is near! The girls get to New Zealand and have to immediately go on Go-Sees with almost no sleep from the night before and looking kinda scruffy!

Unfortunately Angelea rocked the go-sees. I don't know how, but she booked 6 of her 6 go-sees, she made it to every one of them and back on time. I hate to say it... but that was kind of impressive. Jessica made it back first and early so she wouldn't be late, but most of the agents thought she was too cute and commercial to be a high fashion model. Alexandra was next, but she went to go-sees wearing ugg boots and without sufficient makeup. The other three were late and Alasia was REALLY late! (As expected.)

The next day they had a photo shoot with sheep. I love sheep so I was kinda excited! (I grew up with sheep, my parents have them... :) lol) Christa ROCKED that photo shoot... she did amazing. Alasia, Jessica and Angelea looked lost, just completely lost in all of their shoots. I was very happy to see Alexandra rock her shoot and like usual, Raina did really good. Although I am starting to notice she looks to her side in almost all of her shots!

Christa was top photo, Alexandra second and Raina third. :) Angelea cried like a blubbering baby, but got called and Jessica and Alasia were in the bottom two. Thank the lord, Alasia went home! I hope Jessica steps up and does amazing next week, because she deserves to be here!

Next week Tyra takes the girl's pictures so they all need to step up and rock it.

From now on as long as Angelea doesn't win I don't care who does, I am just glad Alasia is gone! lol Whoo Hoo!

Soccer Kiddos

So Soccer season has started up again and I am coaching two soccer teams and having a blast! The first team is co-ed 12 and 13 year olds and the second one is ALL girls and they are 10 and 11.

My all girls team is the only all girls team in the whole soccer league and we decided to take advantage of that with our name... they are the Fashionistas. (I came up with it! lol) I just adore those little girls. I come to the field and they come running up yelling "Coach Jackie!" and give me hugs! Isn't that adorable! I am thinking about making them some matching hair ties or buying matching shoe laces or socks. I haven't quite figured it out yet, but if they are the Fashionistas they need to live up to their name, right?! lol

My older team is just a bunch of really great kids. Next year a big chunk of them will be able to play high school soccer, so this is their last year of AYSO. They are a bit more mature, which I like because you can tell them to do something and they actually do it and know what you are talking about! (Imagine that!)

I just love both of my teams to death! Such great kids. I can't even explain how much I like working with these kids, even if it is for just a couple of hours a week!
I can only hope that what I am doing will influence at least one kid in a positive way!

I am hoping to take pictures at some of their games and I might be lucky enough to get a good one and share with you all! I tried taking pictures at a game yesterday, but I brought the puppy (which was a big mistake) and was a little too distracted coaching and chasing a puppy to take pictures. The puppy however, really enjoyed the half time oranges, he also stared at a flag blowing in the wind for about 15 minutes and tried to drink every bottle of Gatorade! :)

ANTM

Uggghhhh... I am soo frustrated. Seriously, Alasia is STILL here! Ridiculous! She sucks ass. Her photo shoot was absolutely horrible for 3 or 4 weeks in a row, but stupid Andre Leon just loves her... so she stays. Just Ridiculous.

Ok, now that that is out of my system... Tonight the girls were supposed to be able to show their personalities through modeling and walking. They had to do a runway show with outfits from MTV's The City star Whitney Port's clothing line at a drag bar. Of course Angelea fit right in... cause she looks like a drag queen! lol! Jessica had a cute little walk that showed her cute little personality, but Krista had a crazy walk and ended up winning the challenge.

Before their hairy photo shoot, Alasia almost made everyone late... I wish the girls wouldn't have waited for her in the limo. They should have left her butt home! But it is ok.. she obviously has issues with being on time and next week is the go sees... I hope she shoots herself in the foot by being late then! :)

Their photo shoot was about modeling in outfits made out of hair (gross, I know lol)and they had to make it look like the hair was moving in the wind. A lot of girls had a hard time with this. Plus, they were in teams so the girls got to heckle each other, which just made it worse for most of them to concentrate. Alexandra did horrible, Anslee did horrible and of course Alasia did horrible and the worst of them all, in my opinion. She only did like 2 poses the whole time!

Krista rocked the photo shoot and ended up getting top photo and she deserved it! As usual I thought Angelea sucked, but she got 2nd best photo over Raina who had an amazing photo. The bottom two were Anslee and Alasia. Of course Alasia stays because Andre Leon loves her... but Anslee has been sucking so I wasn't too upset to see her leave. (Although I think Alasia deserved to go home more!)

Next week the girls travel over seas to New Zealand and they have their go sees and a photo shoot that looks pretty cool with some live animals! Can't wait!

ANTM

Tonight's show was a tad frustrating. Well maybe just the ending was frustrating! :)

The girls learned about their style and what clothes will work well for their body type. I thought it was interesting that some of them (Alasia) didn't even know what their body type was! Lol. That evening they had to go to a party and socialize with high fashion people for the launch of a new line of handbags (exciting...)! I hate that they don't show how all the girls do in challenges this season. But oh well.. I guess if they aren't noteworthy then why waste quality airspace!

I actually kind of liked their photo shoot this week. All of the girls actually looked really pretty and did decent jobs in their shoots... except Alasia.

I think it is funny that some girls get really cocky and then get shot down by the judges. Brenda said she was really confident and just knew she did her best and blah blah blah... and then Bam she is in the bottom two with Alasia and gets sent home.

I was Seriously mad at the outcome! I wasn't Brenda's biggest fan...but Alasia!?! Why in the world are they keeping this damn girl around! She made the ENTIRE group late, she sucked at that party and meeting Tinsley AND her photo shoot was horrible. I just don't understand.

Jessica surprises me more and more every week, BUT her attitude wasn't very good this week. When the panel tells you they don't like your shoes... you either take them off or apologize for making a bad fashion statement and say you have no idea what you were thinking. I should give her a call and let her know.. lol

Also, Angelea's attitude is out of control. I despise her...

Until next week!

ANTM

Bleh.. i just don't feel like blogging.

So... tonight's show...

The models had to create chemistry with a model and the model just happened to be Nigel Barker. I thought the whole making chemistry thing with Nigel was stupid and Jessica... oh my... She is crazy. She practically undressed him! Soo awkward! I was a little disappointed that Anslee didn't win the challenge, but I am glad Jessica proved herself after her shenanigans in the tram!

The photo shoot... was just waaay over the top and outrageous! Their makeup and everything was just crazy! Although as my friend Marcie pointed out when we were watching it... some of the girls makeup wasn't as crazy as others... which wasn't really fair. Krista didn't even have fake eyelashes or crazy eye makeup!

I think it is funny how some of the girls shoots seem like they do really bad... but then at panel the judges really like their photo. Like Brenda and Anslee... their shoots weren't that great... i mean, mediocre at best.... yet the judges liked their pictures. Oh and not to mention stupid Alasia... who I think totally sucks, but the judges just seem to love her. Ugh. And then there is Raina who seemed to have a really good shoot, but the judges weren't impressed and she was called second to last. She is definitely one of my favs.

I thought Jessica was going to not do good this week, but she surprises me week by week! I am soo glad Anslee is here for another week! I really like her, she just needs to step it up.

So who went home? Tatianna. The judges said that she lucked out every shoot with just one good picture and the rest weren't good at all. I think that was a good choice. She needs to go back to school to become a coroner. lol. Alexandra was in the bottom two with her. I think Alexandra has potential, but may be going home soon, but hopefully Alasia will beat her!

ANTM

Oh Dear. I just cannot call this season of ANTM at ALL! Everyone I like goes home or does poorly. Maybe I should start rooting for the girls I DONT like at all and they will do bad instead of doing good! lol

First of all, Brenda is annoying and I don't think her makeover was really that different at all. She needs to go home... but maybe I should like her a lot. j/k

This show I thought was kind of blah, minus the photo shoot. The shoot made it seem like a lot of the girls did a good job. But when it came down to the judges they just didn't really like very many of the girls' pictures.

Seriously... Alasia had the best photo again? She sucks. Did anyone else notice (besides Marcie and I) that she was wearing that stupid silver bathing suit under her sweater during the acting challenge? She should of been sent home just for wearing that horrendous thing a second time after swearing that she would never wear it again last week!

Anslee seriously needs to keep her mouth shut. I really liked her.. but she made a fool of herself in front of the judges and is really lucky she didn't get sent home.

I was sad to see Simone leave. I really liked her, but she did need to push through a lot more in pictures. I think she was too smart and thought about modeling too much instead of just doing it naturally. She definitely has model written all over her, so with some coaching I think we might still see her around someday.

From the previews it shows Jessica getting a little frisky with Nigel Barker. In previous seasons this did not go over well with Nigel and the rest of the panel. If she doesn't take a good picture after that friskiness then she might be a goner.

Until next time...

ANTM

The Debbie Downer and Negative Nancy went home tonight... her name was Wren. :)

I am soo glad she went home. She didn't want to be there and she was bringing the house down with her negative attitude. You shouldn't do something because someone else wants you to. You should do it because YOU want to, so it was good she left because that is what she wanted.

I was actually kind of disappointed in some of my favorite girls' performances... they could have done soo much better. I don't like the top two girls that got called this week and don't want them to ever have the top two photos again, so some other girls need to step it up! lol

I was disappointed in Simone, Jessica and Anslee. Step it up girls! Use your hot faces to make your pictures rock!

And that is all I got this time... I am tired. :)

Chunkers

Well it is official. I have 2 overweight animals. I am not sure how this happens, but it does. 2 overweight animals. wow.

I went to the vet today with Bailey and Bodie to get their shots. The first thing the vet said is that Bailey was overweight. I was totally sad. :( I know Eric Cartman is fat... but he kind of always has been. But Bailey was a tiny pup when I got her and was a skinny minny. Apparently I am feeding her too much and not exercising her enough and she needs to go on Diet food. :( Boo. She is getting soo much excesses now that we have Bodie they run and play all day and I take them on walks everyday (although I used to take Bailey on daily walks too).

I am just soo bummed that I let two of my animals get overweight. Imagine what kind of parent I will be if I can't even keep my animals healthy. (or i guess they are too healthy) I hope I don't end up with big ole fat children too! lol. Sigh.

Baptism Pictures

I got my pictures from Abby Reed Photography (abbyreedphotography.blogspot.com) this weekend of Isabella's baptism!I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you all! She also has some on her blog too! Ryan and I feel soo blessed to be Isabella's God Parents! The ceremony went amazingly well, it was very beautiful and Isabella did GREAT! I love that little girl soo much! :)









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Puppy love...maybe

It has been 2 weeks since we brought Bodie home from the animal shelter. He has totally fit in with the family and is a really good puppy! (still no accidents in the house!)He and Bailey really get along amazing. They love play fighting and wresting, but most of all they love snuggling. :) It is soo fun to watch them run and chase each other and roll around together in the backyard! I am soo glad we got Bailey a playmate and friend.


They have only NOT gotten along one evening. I have been feeding them separately... just to be safe. Bodie INHALES his food. It literally takes him 10 seconds flat and his food is completely gone. One night I decided to feed them together, just to see what would happen. Bodie finished his food and kept his distance from Bailey (who eats incredibly slow compared to him) then he decided he wanted her food and went in to get it. Bailey could care less and walked away from her food. Maybe the next part was my mistake, but I knew Bailey had barely eaten so I picked Bodie up and Bailey went back to her food... as I was pulling Bodie away he started growling and being all mean to Bailey. She finished her food and for the rest of the night it seemed like he kept trying to intimidate her and would growl at her all night. I am sure it has something to do with the fact that Bodie had 5 brothers and was in the shelter.. I am sure he had to fight for his share of food.

I was majorly freaking out, but by the next morning they were ok. I haven't fed them together since and they have been best friends since. So I guess I will just have to feed them separately from now on? I am a little worried because later on this month we are going to Utah for the weekend to visit Ryan's family. Usually when we go away for the weekend we would just leave Bailey with enough food and that is it. Now what do I do with the two of them who can't eat together? I am going to have my neighbor watch them.. but I feel bad that I have dogs that cannot eat together and I don't want it to be a big hassle for them.

Other than that life is grand. Bodie learned a good lesson this weekend. He got into a bag of bird seed and ate quite a bit. He pooped out pure bird seed for a whole day. I THINK it is all out of his system already and the birds were pretty happy with the massive piles of bird seed in the yard. :) Gotta love puppies!

ANTM week 2

Wow... what an episode. With 2 photo shoots, 2 eliminations, models falling all over the place and tons of drama this was quite the episode! I am still kind of in shock.

I NEVER anticipated the two girls who went home this episode to go.I mean, they were my top picks for staying in the top 5 in my first blog! Talk about craziness!

First off the nude photo shoot. That is a bold first shoot... if I don't say so myself. I was VERY pleasantly surprised with how awesome Jessica was, she totally rocked that shoot. I was VERY disappointed that Gabrielle went home. I didn't think her shoot was THAT bad, (although I found it interesting she thought she did amazing) And I defiantly don't think she was worse that Alasia. Seriously?! Alasia totally sucks. She doesn't model well and doesn't know anything about fashion magazines or models. She does NOT deserve to be there and I really hope they send her home soon! Poor Gabrielle!

Second, That runway show was horrible! I can't believe that Alexandra fell not once but TWICE. How horrible. That totally sucked and I felt real bad for her! Glad she got to stay with a decent picture... but if she doesn't step it up I think she won't be around long.

Third, the last photo shoot. Kind of a stupid shoot, perfume with ink while getting sprayed with water and wind. Yuck. But I guess it teaches them to work through elements. Raina freakin' ROCKED that shoot. Her pictures was just amazing beyond words! I am glad she did good because I kind of like her.

I totally liked Nadua in the beginning, but she got weirder and weirder. She was almost too confident and just didn't take really good pictures. I thought she had a lot of potential, but I can honestly say I am kind of glad she is gone. I hope Ren steps up her game, because she definitely has potential to make it a long ways. I will give her the benefit of the doubt that she was just having a hard time with the elements and she will do better next week. :)

I still don't like Angelea, Krista and now really don't like Alasia. I HOPE one of them goes home next week... but at this point I have NO idea who will.

Tatianna actually surprised me with her photos and actually pulled some nice ones out.

I would like Anslee, Jessica, Ren and Brenda to good next week... we shall see! :)

ANTM is BACK!

I have been waiting for this day to come for a Loooong time! And finally the new season of ANTM has begun!

For the first time... maybe ever... I actually really like a lot of the girls on the show.

I am not a big fan of Tatianna, Krista or Angelea... but 3 out of 13 isn't that bad! lol

I really like Anslee, I think she got one of the best makeovers, she was the one saying she didn't want her hair cut, but after it was cut and died a little blonde even Ryan said she looked better! Gabrielle, the half german half black girl is also one of my top favorites. She seems to really know the modeling biz and has somewhat of a spunk to her. Raina, the thick eyebrow girl, I really liked until she got made over. Now that her eyebrow color matches her hair I don't like her as much, but I think she will be around for awhile. Brenda, the ginger is kind of cute and reminds me of someone, but maybe she has just has that girl next door vibe about her. And finally there is Naduah, the baldy. I don't know why but she came across very likeable. She has a history, but she is using it to her benefit... that along with some past modeling experience she will go far. Although I must say I think Naduah looked worse after her makeover and all they did was mess with her eyebrows.

Ok one weird thing.. what was the deal with Ren? Why bring her in last minute, why couldn't she be with all the other girls. I just didn't really get that whole thing. I thought it was going to be like someone or something spectacular and instead it was just weird and awkward. Plus, what was with the cliff hanger? I was looking at the clock going, it is supposed to be over soon, but they are going to a photo shoot and then bam...the show ends! We didn't even get to see the new judge! I guess that is what they intended...so we will tune in next week. I must say though... Tyra definitely toned it down a little bit from the last couple of season premieres and that is ALWAYS a good thing. :)

I really think Gabrielle and Naduah both have really neat looks about them and have potential to go really far... I am calling these two girls as being in the top 5 and I can see Raina in there as well.

I think they will keep Angelea and Krista on there for awhile because they are drama queens and will make for some good dramatic tv, but I don't think they are ANTM material.

As for who goes home next week? I have no idea... but if I had to guess, Alasia, Simone, Jessica or Tatianna.

Not so perfect puppy :)

Well he is no longer a PERFECT puppy. Bodie had his first puppy chewing mishap. I heard some chewing going on and assumed he was chewing on a chew toy, but I was wrong. Bodie had started chewing up the carpet that goes into the doggy room. I caught him before he made too big of a mess and luckily for him we are planning on putting some tile in soon, so it won't really matter. Bad doggie. On a side note, he is learning how to sit and is doing a really good job. And tonight we took both dogs on a walk together. It was a little chaotic, but we survived. I am THINKING of taking both of them for a walk by myself tomorrow morning... we shall see. :)

New puppy!

Ryan and I have been looking for a puppy for months. Our current doggy, Bailey is going to be 3 this summer and is a total social butterfly! She loves every dog she has ever met. So I knew she would love having a sibling dog! We have been searching the pounds and shelters for what seemed like an eternity. Ryan really wanted a lab mix puppy because his grandparents always had labs while he was growing up. FINALLY, on the Animal Humane Society's website 5 male lab mix puppies popped up on Thursday. They were absolutely adorable and I figured our odds that all 5 would be adopted by the weekend were probably pretty low... I was wrong.

Luckily I was able to take off an hour early from work on Saturday. We sped to Albuquerque to get to the shelter before it was closed. We got there with 20 minutes to spare. As we were walking back to see the dogs I saw a cute puppy with a lady... they were in a specific area where dogs get acquainted with people before they become adopted out. The puppy saw us walking by and followed us along the fence line wagging his tail. I told Ryan that the puppy was one in the bunch we came to look at and HOPED that there were more left. When we got back to the dogs there was only one puppy left in the cage.. and he wasn't the cutest of them. :) He was sweet still... so we went to find someone to let us look at him before they closed.

A guy came and wanted me to show him which dog we wanted... I told him there was only one left, but I went anyway and to my surprise the lady didn't end up adopted the puppy we saw walking in and he was there too!! He had this adorable spot on the top of his head... soo I picked him! Within a couple minutes of getting acquainted I think we both knew that we wanted to bring him home. :)

He was surprisingly good in the car. He curled up in my lap and slept most of the way home. When we brought him home Bailey was totally infatuated with him. She wouldn't stop licking him! Since then she has calmed down. They play and sleep together. They love each other.

Puppy... who we decided to name Bodie is a great puppy. SO FAR, he sleeps in a crate, walks on a leash, hasn't had an accident or chewed anything up. Crazy! He is a great addition! Bodie is a Lab/Heeler mix and has HUGE webbed feet! They are bigger than Bailey's feet... which means he will be a big boy! :)

Here are some pictures for you enjoyment!

Bag Addiction

So I haven't posted a blog in FOREVER. But I am pretty excited about my newest handbag. Sigh.. I know I have a handbag addiction. But it is OK. Besides, my husband and I have a deal and every time he buys a gun I get to buy a handbag. So pretty much he feeds my addiction. :)

Shopping online for a handbag is hard because you cant actually see what it looks like. BUT I kept going back to this one online. No matter how many other bags I looked at... this one just kept catching my eye. Now that I have it home it looks like it has lived here in my house the whole time. :) It just belongs on my arm.

The Bird, the cow and the cat

My coworker told me this the other day and I thought it was hilarious. :) Enjoy!


Winter was approaching and a little bird decided that he would wait to fly south for the winter to avoid the crowds of the other migrating birds and because he didn't think the weather was that bad yet. The weather started to get cold and he finally decided to fly south, but the weather was waay to cold, his wings started to freeze. He just couldn't fly any further so the bird found refuge in a barn on a farm. His wings were nearly frozen stiff with icicles as he lay on the floor of the barn.

A cow in the barn came by, sniffed around and unloaded a big, stinky pile of poop on top of the bird. The bird was drowning in cow poop and thought to himself, “I am dead.”

Although the poop stank, it was warm and helped thaw the bird, bringing much needed warmth. The bird struggled a bit and managed to poke out his beak to breath. The bird thought to himself, “Yes, yes, I am alive! I’ll be okay!”

The bird was so happy, it began to sing. A cat in the barn heard the singing and came over to investigate. The cat discovered the bird within the cow pie, dug the bird out, and ate him.

Moral of the story:

1. Not everyone who craps on you is your enemy.
2. Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
3. If you are warm and happy, but up to your head in shit, don’t sing about it.

2009

What a year 2009 has been for the newly married Waggoners. After ending 2008 with an amazing wedding and even more amazing honeymoon, you would think it would be hard to top.

However, 2009 did not start off as anticipated for the Waggoners. January 1, 2009 Jaclyn’s 6 month seasonal position with the Bureau of Land Management ended and she became just another number in the unemployment count.

After 3 months of applying and job hunting she landed a job as a bank teller with Grants State Bank and kind of a public relations consultant for them as she made about a dozen radio commercials for the bank while working there. Within 3 months of working at the bank the Bureau of Land Management called and offered Jaclyn a full time job back as a Park Ranger.

About the same time that happened Ryan was given the opportunity to fill in for a manager at the new mine his company had opened up. He did and still is a Maintenance Supervisor at El Segundo Mine and has been doing an amazing job. While his new found responsibilities are at times a challenge, it definitely is a challenge that he wanted and has looked forward to. Within the next couple of months his hard work will pay off as he is supposed to be offered the position that he has been doing for all this time.

Jaclyn has also been enjoying her job. She is the public affairs correspondent for the BLM Grants area. She also is a contributing columnist for the local newspaper, writing a monthly article in the Outdoors column.
We bought a pop up camper early in 2009 and have made several camping trips. Perhaps the most memorable trip was with Ryan’s siblings. We had the girls for about 5 days and Patrick and Katheryn also came along! We had such a good time… although it was the first “real” camping experience for both Katheryn and the girls, everyone survived!

We also got two ‘new’ vehicles this year. In April we purchased a 2009 Pontiac G8 GT and in August Ryan traded his truck for a Jeep wrangler.

Another exciting event that happened this year was our elk hunt. Ryan got drawn for an elk hunt in the mountains behind our house. Unfortunately, we did not get anything. However, we both had a really great time together. We camped out for 3 nights in our pop up camper and got up early every morning! Not to mention it was a great time to go hunting, Fall where all the trees were turning color throughout the mountain! It was an amazing sight!

Early on in December we went to Dallas to visit Ryan’s sisters. For our anniversary we went to go see the Dallas Cowboys play in their new and amazing stadium. We stayed in Dallas for 4 days and enjoyed every single minute of it! We can’t wait to go back in 2010 so we can spoil Katie and Rebecca… who turn 12 this year!

This year we also gained some new family members. Jaclyn proudly welcomed a new baby cousin, Isabella Grace Conticelli into the family and Ryan also gained a new family member…. His little brother proposed to his girlfriend Katheryn Baca! We are very excited for both of the new additions! ;)

Our animals are doing fabulous. Bailey LOVES taking camping trips with us in our camper and also loves going on jeep rides. Eric, the cat is loving life as well. He lives for mom’s lap, food, chasing that red laser and smacking his sister Bailey!

Life in the Waggoner house could not be better and we could not have asked for a better first year of marriage. We cannot wait to see what the second year of life together will bring and how God will bless us. We hope you all had an amazing holiday season and we wish you all the best in 2010!

Love,
The Waggoners