Home sweet home
January 17, 2009 by Lecher.us
Hey i really am glad that i am at my house!! I mean i love grandmas house but i miss my mom and dad alot.
But this is funny cause when i am at my house i miss being at my grandmas house so it is so confusing lol.
Brandon is i dont know where, Nate is leaving for andrews very soon, Keegan is trying to wrestle my dad, so
you know what he is doing and my mom is just watching tv. Today we went to our new target it is really nice
buy very excpensive. It looks like we have a nice outside mall coming. A mall closer, hopefully it has all my stores
lol. Well im going to got bond with the family so bye bye!!
Courtney
2009 so far
January 6, 2009 by Vickie Elledge
For those who were really glad that 2008 ended, well for me anyway 2009 is more of the same so far. Less than an hour after the new year started a very close friend of my parents died. Floyd Wilmes was a very good man, devoted to his family. He will be missed. The next day, my friend Karan lost her father in law. Mike (son in law) has also been dealing with a very ill father. Floy has been hospitalized for a few days and now is in a nursing home in Evanston. Elaina, who works for Steve, got a call on the weekend that her mother suffered a stroke and massive heart attack. The prognosis for that is not good. So… I really have not noticed that things have changed… Have you? Oh yes I guess change wont happen until after Jan 20th.
Yesteday morning we woke to our wonderful Wyoming wind. And the day before we had been blessed with over 8″ of snow…SSOOOO guess where all of that ended up….right…you guessed it… our drive way and front yard. Oh yes… the next door neighbors got their share also. Fortunately a very nice young man who works with neighbor Scotty came by with a 4 wheeler and a blade and by 5:30 he rescued us. So see no change there either. More of the same.. Oh yes I forgot… change wont happen until after Jan 20th. My bad.
Lets see, it is now January 6th.. so I guess we have to wait another 2 weeks to see if things can get any better.
Baby Braelyn has a birthday already. I can hardly believe she is going to be 1 already. Happy 1st Birthday Precious Princess. It is very hard knowing we can not be there to help you celebrate. Wish you were closer baby girl.. Love you very much. Hope you have a wonderful Princess Party.
Brandon is doing well after the surgery. Nate is busy wrestling again starting this week as school started again in Ft Collins Monday. Wont start here until next week.
Belated Happy New Year everyone.
The mom
My First Christmas!
December 26, 2008 by Braelyn
Boy did I get a good night sleep last night! Finally, because I have been so tired having had so much to do for the past week. I flew to Denver on the 19th with my mommy and daddy, and we rented a car and drove to Fort Collins and picked up my cousin Courtney who rode to Casper, Wyoming with us. We got to grandma and grandpa’s house where we spent almost a whole week. It was really fun, but there were so many people around that I didn’t sleep much because I didn’t want to miss out on a thing!
While in Casper, I got to spend time with a lot of my family that I never get to see, so it was so much fun! I played at Great-Grandma Hotshot’s house with all of her Christmas toys. They play music and I like to dance to it. I also like crawling around her house and exploring all the really fun stuff. I got stuck a few times! Daddy is going to put some pictures up on his website, maybe on mine, too. I loved seeing my great-grandma. She loves me so much and I love her, too!
I also got to see my Great-Grandpa Carlen. This funny guy just keeps kissing and loving on me. He gave me so many kisses this past week that I won’t know what to do without them. He is so lucky… he is going to spend a whole month in California. I haven’t ever been to California, but my mommy and daddy said we’ll go there sometime and go to Disney Land and see our family out there. I can’t wait!
I also got to see my Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Mikey and my cousins Stephen and Ashley. They all love me, too! It was really fun spending time with them and going over to their house to party like the rockstar I am! When I grow up I hope I can dance as good as Ashley. Ashley and Courtney both tell me how hot Zac Efron is. He is cute, but I don’t like boys yet. I also am going to learn karate like Stephen so I can keep all the boys away from me!
Of course I also got to spend a lot of time with my Grandma Vickie and Grandpa Steve. Boy, I sure love them and wish I could see them a lot more. I have been lucky to see them a lot this first year of my life, especially considering how far away they live from me. They love me lots and it was sure fun seeing them in person instead of on the computer like we always do.
I can’t forget to mention that my oldest cousin Brandon “Big B” was there for some of the time and so was my cousin Keegan. They were fun to hang out with, too! I just wish that Big B, Nathan, and my Aunt Wendy and Uncle Tony could have been in Casper for Christmas Eve with us. It’s ok, though, because I got to go see them on Christmas Day in Fort Collins. It was weird to see them all at the hospital because Big B had surgery on Christmas Eve morning. His surgery went well! He looked different with a bandage all over his head, but I got to see him after they took it off and he had cheeks just like me! Big B loves me lots and kept holding my hand. He is so special, I love him so much. Nathan thinks I’m pretty cool, too. He always likes to hold me when I see him. I can’t believe how big he is now! I will get to see him in May when he graduates from high school. It was really fun seeing all of the Lechers, even if it was at the hospital.
Besides seeing everyone for Christmas, I had a lot of firsts while in Casper. I went to church for the first time and I was such a good girl. I really liked it and want mommy and daddy to take me to church more often. I think God is pretty cool! I also took two steps on several occasions. Everyone clapped and told me how big I was — they are so weird! And, I got lots of presents! Aunt Stephanie cheated and gave me one of my presents a few days early. It was a really neat play purse full of fun stuff. I also got a coat and a bunch of clothes from my grandma and grandpa. I got a really pretty (even if my daddy doesn’t think so) leopard print outfit from the Lovatos and Ashley. The Lechers got me some really cute purple overalls and matching shirt. Great Granpa Emmett gave me one of my great-grandma cookie’s collector beanie babies, and my great-grandma hotshot gave me money that mommy and daddy are putting into my savings account for me. While all of the presents were neat, I really loved playing with the wrapping paper and bows! I also loved dancing to all the music that was played.
On Christmas Day we flew back home where I got even more presents. None topped seeing my Bubba again! I really missed him but was happy to see him when we picked him up from his Daddy/SD’s house. When we got home, I got to open more presents from Santa, Mommy, Daddy and Bubba! I got a big kitchen to play with, a really neat musical stand with a computer just like daddy’s, an awesome Dave Matthews Band shirt and more! It was a great first Christmas, that’s for sure.
This morning when I woke up after a long, really great sleep in my own bed, I got to see my Hoover (and the other dog) again! I really missed them, too.
Well, I think I need to go take a nap. I am exhausted just thinking about all of the wonderful time I got to spend with my family and all of the fun and pretty presents I got. I can’t wait for Sunday because I get to have another Christmas with my Grandma and Grandpa Bradshaw, my uncle Chris, Aunt Sandy and my cousins Cayse and Wyatt. I bet more people will be there, too. And then, in just a couple of weeks I will get MORE presents because it will be my First Birthday! Oh, the excitement. I am tired. Watch for pictures and probably even some Hoover videos coming soon!
Love,
Braelyn Grace
Well I think it’s time for me to take a nap. I am so exhausted just thinking about all of the
A Weird But Blessed Christmas
December 26, 2008 by Steve Elledge
Where to start? What a week! See if i can recap it:
* Brandon went down to Fort collins for a Dr. appointment last week (thursday I believe) and brought Keegan (Butchie) back with him.
* I went through a bunch of medical tests to try to figure out why I was in so much pain. Was finally diagnosed and began medication for Shingles.
* Ryan, Rebecca, and Braelyn flew in to Denver on Friday, rented a car, stopped in Fort Collins and picked up Courtney, and arrived here in Casper Friday afternoon.
* Sunday I quit caffeine and one of my medications, per Dr. instruction, in preparation for a stress test to be administered at the Medical Center on Monday morning.
* Vickie accompanied me to hospital Monday, caffeine headache and all, only to learn I was a week early and the test is scheduled for the 29th! Sheesh!
* Packed Brandon’s vehicle up with clothing, desk, & futon and he headed to Fort Collins on Tuesday. That’s gonna leave a big hole in our lives for awhile – he has really been fun to have around.
* Christmas Eve started out rather confusing. We didn’t know for sure what our schedule was going to be but we all hung in there and guess what —- turned out great. Mom came over around 3, Betty & Emmett met us at the church at 4, we all enjoyed a nice Christmas Eve service then came to the house for a great Dinner with Turkey and all the trimmings, we then opened gifts and I believe that a good time was had by all.
* 5:30 Christmas morning Ryan, Rebecca, Braelyn, and Courtney in one car – Vickie, Butchie, and i in another – headed for Fort Collins. Went straight to the hospital at Loveland where Brandon was recovering from over 5 freakin’ hours of surgery on Christmas Eve.
* Met up with Wendy & Tony & Nate at B’s room and visited a couple of hours. They had “attempted” to sleep in B’s room but I am thinking they got very little actual sleep. What a dedicated and loving support group for the B – his parents are amazing, his Lecher grandparents stayed with them through the entire surgery and into the following day, and the rest of his family prayed and supported him from all over the country! I AM DAMN PROUD OF THE ELLEDGES, THE LECHERS, AND RELATED PARTIES! I wouldn’t be anything else (even if i had a choice lol)!
* We got B to his parents around early afternoon on Christmas Day – a great gift for us all and he looks really great “unwrapped”. When the Doc took the bandages off it was incredible to me!
* Vic and i drove back to Casper Christmas night so that our “girls” wouldn’t be here alone all night _ who knows what they might invent to do to retaliate? LOL
* Sooo… it’s the day after Christmas and what do I think?
* I love my family so much – every last one of them. I am blessed beyond belief. I realized that I have a remarkable and diverse group surrounding me that are irreplaceable.
* God is so good. How could anyone think that all that has happened in one week in my life is “chance”? Wow …… I am truly blessed.
* The week was hectic, the week was a little painful, the week was perfect because I was able to connect with so many of this amazing family .
Peace and love and God’s grace to each and every one of you.
It appears the wind has stopped – or at least died down – another miracle! Think I will go out and stack some firewood if it isnt too cold. If it is ….. I’m not too bad at vegging – still have some Gallactica episodes to look at courtesey of the B!
The Dad
Dancing elves and other things
December 12, 2008 by Vickie Elledge
Happy Birthday (yesterday) Rebecca. Hope you had a great day. We sure enjoyed the dancing elf this morning.
Brandon is having surgery Dec 24th at 7:00 am. Keep them in your prayers as this is another biggie for him. He will be staying in Colorado after the surgery for a while. Hard to travel between Casper and Ft Collins weekly for doctor appointments in January. I dont trust the roads. He is taking a leave of absence from his job and school for the semester. We plan to go down there on Christmas day when Ryan and Rebecca leave for the airport as they are going to fly out of Denver in the early afternoon.
Dad (grandpa Cookie) is staying with us for a few days. Betty went to Kansas City with her daughter. After Christmas he and Betty are going to California for 4 weeks to stay with Lynda and Fred and get out of the Wyoming cold for a while. That should be fun.
Uploaded a few pictures to Thanksgiving and Christmas 2008. Have some for the Lecher album also that I will do shortly. Nate wrestling, etc.
Well that is it for now. Have a great week-end
The mom
Black Friday
November 28, 2008 by Vickie Elledge
I did not go shopping at 5:00 am, but I talked to Stephanie and Mike and they did. I can not even feature this but they said the Walmart/Sams parking lot was full and people were parking on the street outside the lot. Target had lines to check out winding to the back of the store to the toy isle. Unbelieveable. And I slept in this morning. See what I missed. ;-( Oh well Steph and Mike splurged at Starbuck.. hot chocolate and diet pepsi. Not sure I understand why to go that early for Starbucks, but they had fun.
I did get most of the rest of the decorating done for Christmas. The tree needs the ornaments and that is it. I did tell Brandon that when he comes back from Nebraska we can put the small tree up in the basement. Might finish up the inside tomorrow.
We had a nice Thanksgiving, pretty quiet. Lots of food, friends from church, and what family was in town. We did eat lots of turkey, pie, etc.
Well love to you all, I am going to go put a few ornaments on the tree.
Mom: It’s that time of the year again
November 28, 2008 by Lovatos
I loved your thankful list. Quite an assortment.
I too am thankful…for you and Mike and Ashley and Stevie.
I am thankful for Wendy and Tony and Brandon, Nathan, Courtney, Keegan.
I am thankful for Ryan, Rebecca, Spencer and Braelyn.
I am thankful for the love of a wonderful husband.
I am thankful for salvation through what Jesus has done for me in my life. Thank You Father.
Wow so much to be thankful for.
We are truely Blessed
Happy 20th Anniversary
October 16, 2008 by Vickie Elledge
Wow Congratulations to Wendy and Tony. It seems impossible to think you have been married 20 years. God bless you both. We all love you and wish you at least 20 more.
We have had our fall snow and the temperature is rising so the snow has melted away. I am glad. We are going to Colorado tomorrow afternoon and hopefully will get to witness a football game with Mr. Keegan’s so far undefeated team. Then it is off to the airport for a trip to Maui to be the Nanny for Braelyn while R&R have a much needed vacation. Have I told you ever that being a grandma is one of the best jobs I have ever had. I have the greatest grandkids in the world and that is because I have the greatest kids as their parents.. and we love you all. Huh Steve?
Brandon has finally gotten over what ever crud he has been fighting. Mike has been ill also. I am praying that no one else gets this stuff. It has been wicked.
Well I am off to the health club for a work out this morning and then finish up the packing etc before the trip. Have a great day.
Ashley PAAAASSSEEDD
September 24, 2008 by Vickie Elledge
Happy Birthday Ashley. Went to the dept of transport and she passed to get her learners permit and I mean learner. She talked me into letting her drive home from school to her house….. Well lets just say she has a LOT of learning to do. We made it home ok, but believe me the girl needs drivers training. She thinks her driving lane is the parking lane nearest the sidewalk.
Stevie has a foot ball game here in a few minutes. He likes that football. It is still wonderfully warm so going is fun. I have never been a cold weather sport observer if I did not have to be.
Brandon spent the week-end in Fort Collins. He enjoyed seeing family and friends. He pulled a bone head move though. Went over to his old place of employment and they made him a very lucerative offer to quit school and come back. I told him next time he goes home, invite his friends to sonic for dinner and stay away from the pressure. (hope this time he listens to me).
Had a brief visit with Braelyn on the web cam last night. Seems she is crawling pretty well and has a tooth though. Check out Hoovers videos of the young lady. Pretty good. Spencer’s soccer team is also doing well. Good job Goalie.
Not much news from Colorado. Keegans team won their football game when Brandon was home. Courtney’s school softball team is doing pretty well and Nate’s senior pictures area awesome.
We are back into Bible study full swing. I have a new group of ladies and I think it is going to be really fun. They are very interesting and all very eager to learn more. Our community group is doing well also. So I guess summer is over, fall is here and before long the holidays will be upon us. Oh yes, we must celebrate Steve’s next birthday soon. I catch up with him for a few weeks each year.
Bye for now. Love you all and God Bless
Stuff
September 9, 2008 by Steve Elledge
* Trip to OP was great! Had a good visit and rested my mind. T’was a great week.
* Drove down to Wheatland Sunday PM with B and Vic – met Lechers for dinner. Actually a very nice afternoon/evening.
* Drove all over Platte County yesterday. 350 miles. Not as much fun as Sunday or the trip to OP but I survived.
* Heading for Rock Springs tomorrow for 2 days of Board meetings. Whooppee!
* Flying around Wyo Friday with some folks from the Railroad looking at projects. We are also supposed to meet briefly with the Governor that day. Whooppee again!
* Flying to Germany Sunday for an 8 day stint – back the following Sunday night. Whooppee Whooppee again!
* Things are generally good but I am starting to wonder how much longer I can keep up the intense travel schedule.
* Vickie & Brandon Birthdays are this week – Steph is next week. Happy Birthday to them.
* 60 days till the election – can’t come fast enough for me. I’m saturated with all of the hype and propaganda already. And reading anything and listening / viewing anything make me very skeptical ……. it is really hard to trust the Media — all of it!
* Stay flexible——Peace!
The DAD
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