A BIG THANKS TO FED EX!

As Dave and I were looking over our financial situation today, I was just so grateful that Dave has a great and reliable job. This is that time of year when I always seem to get a little overwhelmed and find myself scared to balance my checking account. With three birthdays and birthday parties, re-roofing our home, paying for Ryleigh's ER bill, sending two kids to the doctors with Staph infection, getting a rock chip in my car window that needed repair, paying for new brakes, and of course not to mention Christmas, I can't help but be grateful that my husband has a wonderful job and works for a great company. So props to FED EX!!!!!

GRANDPA HAS A LAYOVER IN MEMPHIS

We were lucky enough to get to visit with my Dad last night. He's a pilot for Northwest Airlines and had a short layover in Memphis. We joined him for dinner at Huey's but didn't get much conversation in because of the live band in the background. We went back to his hotel and hung out for a little bit until the front desk asked that my kids settle down. It was a short visit, but it was worth the late night and heartburn we had from eating hamburgers at 9p.m. We'll see you in two weeks Dad.......Then the front desk in Mexico can give us a ring!!!!!

BASKETBALL SEASON BEGINS

Basketball has officially started. We had our first game tonight and actually won. By the looks of how practice and the first half of the game went, I thought there was a pretty slim chance of us winning. The score was 10-12, and just like football Carson made all of the points. He has really been blessed with some athletic abilities. We all know he didn't get that from me. That's one thing I have always wished for was at least one athletic bone in my body. Maybe in my next life! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARSON!

Carson had a really fun birthday party. He had it at a place called Crossfire Commandos. It's a spy themed party and they get to use their imaginations and play like they're on secret missions. They got to fly from zip lines, get harnessed up and do flips on the trampolines, and get in the big foam pits and go crazy throwing foam at each other. Cara even jumped off the trampolines into the foam pit. You go girl! It was the perfect boy party. The boys got to be crazy and I didn't have to do a thing to control them. The crazier the better. We all had a really good time. I can't believe my first born just turned eight. He's definitely not my baby anymore.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARSON!

ALYSON'S REWARD

I'm so excited. Not only did my sister Alyson comment but my Mom did too. It's funny how that totally made my morning. I promised a reward and here it is Alyson.....Your own personal post by yours truly....me!

(Mom yours is on it's way. I think you both deserve a reward, and Ryan you too. You're not a Hooper but in my eyes you are my immediate family. Mom and Ryan's personal posts to come soon..........)

Alyson, Reiley, and I took a very fun and memorable trip back to NYC. Here's Alyson with the NYC firefighters. You go girl!Alyson with her hubby Greg. Alyson picked a great guy and Greg a great girl.
Alyson and Tanner at her wedding. Alyson looked awesome that night.Alyson with Carson and Ryleigh in West Palm Beach, Florida.


Okay so this is kind of cheesy Alyson, I know- But I decided your reward was to have my own personal post just about you and why it is I love and appreciate you so much. If someone asked me to explain you this is what I would say.......Alyson is a very kind, service giving, hardworking, non-judgemental, smart, and honest gal. She has always provided for her son and has never put her wants before others. She is smart with her money. She never has to have the nicest clothes, house, or toys, to prove anything to those around her. Alyson is a very strong person. Not only physically but mentally. If she wants something she goes for it and doesn't let others get in her way. Alyson is a great aunt. She loves her nieces and nephews like they were her own. She is always willing to help and pays attention to her surroundings and is aware when others need help. She is always the first to donate to a special cause even when she doesn't have the money. Alyson has been given some hard trials in her life and she has learned from her mistakes, overcome them, and come out a stronger woman in the end. I'm so excited for Alyson and her new adventure ahead. With a new marriage and a baby on the way I truly believe she has earned whatever blessings may come to her.

Alyson you are a wonderful sister and I am so lucky to have you.
Love ya, Nicole

HOOPER FAMILY

So once again I'm calling out all of my family members. I have had my blog for about 5 months now and not one post from any of you. So I decided to reward the first person from my immediate family who decides to take 2 minutes to sign in and comment. When it comes down to it, the whole reason I do this is for you. So I need some response. And dangit while you're at it...................Get your own blogs. Don't let this world of technology intimidate you. There you have it family, leave a comment and you will be rewarded!!!!!!!!

(Okay, so did I sound mean enough???)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARAANN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARAANN!

I decided it would be fun to have the kids decorate their own cupcakes. Mom will be sweeping for days after this one.

Cara was so excited when she opened her present from Grandma Shauna. " Yes, a Dora Vanity set. Just what I wanted".

Here's Cara with Tyler and her girls and of course her crazy brother in the background.

What girl doesn't love a pink princess party? Even I had fun setting it up.

Today was Cara's 4Th Birthday. I can't believe she is already four years old. She has been asking about her birthday for months now. I wanted to have it at a local party place but she insisted on having a Princess party at home. She had 15 of her "girls" over and her prince charming Tyler. We played games, decorated cupcakes, hit the pinata, opened presents, and had cake and ice cream. All in all I think she had a special day and we want to wish her a very Happy Birthday!