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
Nice Weekend
December 8, 2008 by Steve Elledge
The Mom and I took off for Fort Collins on Friday afternoon for a Lecher visit. Had a really nice time.
* Friday night we visited and hung out at the house. Tony & Wendy & Courtney & Keegan & Nate all seem to be doing well and busy as usual.
*Saturday we went over to Windsor for Nates wrestling tournament. He did very well —- stuck a couple of guys and took down second place over all at 152 lbs.
* After the tournament we went to a new Mexivan Restaurant called Aquila’s (or something close to that). We all ate too much but it was awesome food.
* Sunday morning we did church at Timberline – what a great facility and the Pastor had a really good message that I needed to hear on Leadership.
* Then we went and did a touch of birthday (Keegan) and Christmas shopping and went to Five Guys Hamburger joint. A good burger!
* We drove home yesterday afternoon – good weather though a touch windy (go figure).
* Today in Casper, WY the snow has been pretty steady – it is winter out there!
* Dogs are fine – B spoiled them as usual.
* All for now – Love & Peace.
The Dad
Ryan: Home sweet home
November 28, 2008 by Lecher.us
So who won between Keegan and Tony?
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.
There and back again
September 7, 2008 by Vickie Elledge
Steve and I spent a week in the OP area with Ryan, Rebecca, Spencer, and Braelyn and oops I almost forgot… Hoover and Sophie. We got to see and take a nice ride on the beautiful boat. Such fun. Several days were rainy but we did have a great relaxing time and ATE at some of Steve’s favorite places. (Sonic, Jack Stack BBQ, Japanese steak house)..
We also went to the Argosy Casino. Would have been much better off financially if we would have had lunch and left. We left ok. Cash. We had fun though.
I got a new camera for my early birthday. I uploaded pictures yesterday from the trip and from both the old and the new cameras.
We had dinner with Wendy, Tony and the kids in Ft Collins on our way home Friday night. We are meeting them again in a couple of hours for an early birtday dinner for the Big B. He hasnt seen his mom, dad or the siblings in a while so this should be fun for all.
Little B is getting some hair. It is really blond so it is still hard to see…but yes it is there. She is moving all over the place, not quite crawling, but can go most anywhere she wants by rolling. She is so adorable. We went to a family birthday party for Spencer at Rebecca’s parents house in Harrisonville, MO. That was really nice.
Stevie had a tae kwando (not spelled right probably), yesterday in Cheyenne. He got a trophy in sparing and did several other events also. Mike and Steph are spending the afternoon on the mountain with friends at a bonfire. The temp in town is not really warm…. bet it is chilly up there. BRRRRR.
The pugs faired well with Brandon while we were gone. They still try to find him in the basement when he is working or to go to bed. They kept him company while we were gone, but he says it was awfully quiet and kind of boring here. He is used to lots of people around. He seems to be liking Safeway and most importantly school…..
Courtney made the varsity softball team, Keegan is ready for football, and Nate had his senior pictures taken last week, so they are as busy as ever down there. Ashley has started dancing again so that should keep her busy with school also. Stevie has flag football starting here soon too. We thought we were going to get to see Spencer play soccer, but it was raining the game day and they opted not to tear up the fields because it was so wet.
Guess I have caught up with most everyone. I start my bible studies this week again. I have a completely new group of ladies in my group, I only know one of them so it will be great meeting new people. Kind of intimidating though. I know God has a plan for this group, I just am always fearful of taking on a new group. Yes, stepping out of my box. Will be fun though. We are doing Romans, James and Ephesians this year. Will be my 3rd time through it…. There must be something more God wants me to figure out here. Our community group starts next monday and we are doing a DVD series to start with on Choices and such. It should be great. Alice is doing the first week, so that should be great also.
Well we are about to leave to meet the B’s mom, dad and kids in wheatland for dinner.
God Bless and one more thing…. I read a book coming home from OP….. “The Shack”.. A must read for everyone….. EXCELLENT… and inspirational filled with answers to some pretty hard questions. Take my advise…. READ IT. You wont be sorry.
Love to all,
Mom
Sunday Morning Bullets
August 17, 2008 by Steve Elledge
* Big day here at our house. Big B is scheduled to arrive today. Will be staying with us while he goes to Casper College. I could not be more proud of Wendy & Tony. What a great job they have done. All is good.
* Have to get cleaned up and head over to Mom’s house in a little while – Sunday bookkeeping et al.
* Been a little bit damp the past couple of days – not all bad actually – maybe I should give the sprinkler system a day or two off.
* Next few points I received from brother Ron – couldn’t have said them better myself!:
** A day without sunshine is like night.
** On the other hand, you have different fingers.
** 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
** If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
** When everything is coming your way, you”re in the wrong lane.
** Light travels faster than sound. That’s why some people appear bright until you hear them.
** How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
Great words of Wisdom – he sent 23 so I cherry-picked my favorites. Sort of funny but pretty profound.
* Going to my first Casper Ghosts game of the season this afternoon. Haven’t been able to build up much interest in watching them for some reason. We’ll see how it goes.
* All in all – things are good on our end. Hope you all are having a great summer. NO BO.
The Dad
Summer is almost over?
August 12, 2008 by Vickie Elledge
Teachers here in Casper started back on duty yesterday. Kids start to school here next week, I think they also start in Ft Collins also. Seems early to me. Speaking of kids, I ordered a large canvas print of the grandkids who were here last week. Should arrive tomorrow. I hope it is as good as the one I have of little B. Will be a great memory of a fun time last week and week-end.
I think Maggie and Sophie have about recuperated from all the people.
Going to a function tonight with Women in the Word.. Another indication summer is almost over. I even made it to the club for a work out yesterday and if I finish this in time… I am going again today.
The Moore/Rocks had some interesting adventures on their way home. Seems they blew a tire down in the Denver area. That would have scared me with that many people and that much stuff in there. Praise God that no one or nothing was hurt. They made it back to California Sunday evening. I am sure they were glad to be out of the car.
Courtney tried out for a different softball team and she was chosen to be on the team. Keegan has selected for a competitive team next year also. Think Tony and Nate will be missing coaching.
Brandon will be here this week-end. Basement almost finished painted. Still no furniture so guess he will sleep on his mattress for a while. Ashley and Stevie busy this week at a camp for kids and Ashley is teaching. Nate is still working with Dave. Havent heard what is going on with Spencer and Braelyn, but I am sure they are keeping everyone busy there. I know that each of my special grandkids will have a wonderful year at school.
Steve is on the road again this week some, but just day trips I think. Lifetime health and fitness is calling me…not really as the body is a bit stiff today, but I AM going anyway.
tata for now.
The Big 80-90
August 7, 2008 by Ryan Elledge
Hard to believe, really, but within a two week span, my grandfather (mom’s dad) turned 80 and in less than two days now, my grandma (dad’s mom) turns 90. Last week, Rebecca, Spencer, Lil B and I traveled to Casper (plane to Denver, rental car to Casper) to celebrate the two huge milestones. Sitting here at 36 years old, I can’t imagine what it would be like to be 80 or even 90 years old. Both grandma and grandpa are in good health, though grandma suffers from arthritis which landed her in the hospital for over a week and my grandpa is in the early, but apparently progressing rapidly, stages of alzheimer’s. Grandma isn’t moving around too well, though better than I figured she would. And grandpa goes “distant” on us, but to me, he does a good job of being on top of things.
We were fortunate enough to see, and introduce Braelyn to, a large number of my family members. We saw my mom’s aunt Betty, my uncle Randay (whom I haven’t seen in I don’t know how many years), my cousins Jamie and Chris (Randy’s daughter and son), Tom and Janice (kinda like aunt/uncle, but not really), my cousin Heather and her husband Dale along with their kids Christian and Justin, my aunt and uncle Fred and Lynda (Lynda is my mom’s sister), my cousin Jason and his wife Dawne, along with Madison (daughter) and newborn Luke (one month younger than Braelyn), plus my absent cousin Josh’s daughter Karleigh (doubt I spelled that right). Also saw my dad’s cousin Mike Elledge and wife Judy, friend and baseball teammate from way back Tony Cerullo (who’s grandma Betty lives with my grandpa now). Tony’s wife, their kids, Tony’s brother Adam, and parents including Geno whom I haven’t seen in forever. Of course, my sisters Wendy and Stephanie were both there, along with their spouses (Tony and Mike) and kids (Brandon, Nate, Courtney, Keegan from the Lecher side and Ashley and Stevie from Steph’s side). Yep, mom and dad were there, of course, as well as probably a ton of people I can’t remember right now as I type this. Tried to list as many names as I could to give some shout-outs to the family who may see this. If I left you off, let me know and I will edit and add ya, since it was purely accidental. Missed seeing, only by a day, my cousin Heidi and her kids as well as her brother (thus also my cousin) Paul. They showed up to spend some time with grandma.
Whew. Lot of family. Funny thing is at any given time, nearly all of the above were over at my parents’ house! In fact, the ‘rents parked their RV (aren’t you glad you still have it, mom?) in their back yard (redneck city!) and Heather, Dale and the boys stayed in it. Had a great time visiting and relaxing with the family. Spent a lot of time listening to Mike Elledge and Fred play the guitar every night, which ultimately broke out into song and all. Also spent a tremendous amount of time playing on Fred’s Martin Backpack guitar. Small and weird to play, but I really enjoyed it. So much so that I went to Guitar Center yesterday to get me one… but they were sold out. Oh well, maybe someday soon. Christian, who is 14 years old, and I spent a lot of time on it. Thanks to him for teaching me some things (Fred, too). We learned Jason Mraz’s I’m Yours song and Dueling Banjos from the movie Deliverance. Also learned Blackbird by the Beatles (I think) but known more to me as Dave Matthews covers it frequently. Probably spent more time hammering away on the guitar with Christian than I have in months! I am definitely reenergized from a guitar perspective. Christian, who I must say is an awesome kid, has been playing less time than me but has progressed much faster. I think it’s because he spends far more time on it than I am able to, plus he works it not only in school but often with Fred. If I had someone to “jam” (I can hardly jam) with, no doubt I would spend more time on it. Once a week with lessons (less frequent now since Scott, my instructor, is out-of-town getting married and honey-mooning) just doesn’t get me where I would love to be.
Anyway, some great hilights from the trip include:
- Seeing grandpa sing some karaoke at the bowling alley
- Two trips up to the cabin… sorry grandma didn’t make it
- Seeing grandma, at almost 90, hang till past midnight on two nights!
- Seeing my oldest sister, Stephanie, really enjoying life
- Seeing both of my sisters really get along (not that they don’t often, but they really seemed to have a good time together)
- Watching my nieces fight over holding Lil’ B
- Seeing the basement at mom & dad’s prepped for Big B to move in in less than a month while he goes to Casper College (aka Harvard on the Hill)
- Seeing my nephew Nathan really coming into his own and getting the crowd roarin’ with Karaoke — quite the country singer he is!
- Seeing nephew Keegan really growing up and becoming yet another awesome kid!
- Watching nephew Stevie take to the guitar, along with karate chopping me a bit here and there
- Seeing just how grown up my niece Ashley has become — oh, and watching her and Spencer pretend not to like each other!
- Throwing down a bunch of Fat Tire with the family (sorry Christian, you just aren’t old enough yet!)
- Witnessing my dad (and I) exercise extreme patience (not kiddin’) with all of the commotion
- Witnessing my mom, as usual, being so dedicated to her family
There was so much more to the weekend, but that is a short list of the hilights. All-in-all, it was great to see the family. It was like two family reunions combined into one. Just sorry I didn’t get to see Ron, Shelli, Paul, Heidi and kids, and Josh. Maybe at 90 & 100 I guess!
Well, Rebecca is at the gym playing raquetball with Holly (Rebecca’s first time ever) then doing some running and whatnot. Braelyn is up in bed (gonna go check on her now), Hoover is laying by my desk (surprise, surprise) and Spencer is over at a friend’s house for the night (surprise, surprise…. wonder what mischief they are up to tonight). Guess I’m gonna go relax a bit and watch the boob tube and fall asleep. Just had a few moments so thought I would blog about the last weekend. I think I have about 545 pictures almost finished uploading in the gallery (Under PLACES > CASPER > AUGUST 2008). Thankfully I didn’t take so many the camera would break, but I came close!
Cya for now,
RE
**NO BO** — **GO USA**
Oh yeah, poker on Saturday night. C’mon over!
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