The Show

Gavin did good, but his pigs were not what the judge was looking for. This was his first showing experience, so I am proud that he tried, even if he did not place. We always have Houston.

Gavin "driving" Daphane


The pig got away from Gavin


Liam missed the show-he was tired

Ft Worth we have a problem

It looks like we will not be getting a guaranteed ribbon. Bella is showing signs of stress. We thought she was just stiff from laying around and it being cold, but we were informed by the people beside us that she was stressing. Evidently, this is a hereditary defect and can be brought on traveling and noise. Looking back, I remember her acting strange Friday after we clipped them. Only we have never had a pig strss on us. We have only had one other set of pigs (Picklez & Shelby) and they never had any problems. I am thinking she needs some medicine to get over this and from reading the rules many times, I know we can not give any sort of medication and still show or risk being barred from competition. As disappoining as it is, we will pull Bella from this show and get her ready for Houston. She will not be ready for San Antonio. So, hopefully, she can be shown. Madison is not too disappointed, she really does not like to be in front of a crowd. Now, I just need to make sure she stays calm so we can bring her home.

It's Show Time

Today is Show Time

I checked the schedule, it looks like we will be coming home with a ribbon with Madison's pig. They are 5 pigs in the class and they place 6, so we are coming home with a ribbon. As for Gavin, he's got a lot of competition in both of his classes. We need to get in a smaller class. I'm going to keep my finger's crossed for a lot of ribbons.

Practice with the Pigs

Who would have ever thought you need to practice walking with a pig, but, to get the use to the ring and let some excited feelings out you need to get them out and practice. Sometimes I think it is more for the person showing than the pigs. But, it never fails, you get a new pig in the ring and it takes off running. This was no exception, all three of our pigs had to make a run for it. As long as this does not happen when they are showing it is ok.

Liam & Madison walking with Bella

Gavin & Daphane


Gavin & Lola

We got back to the barn later than we expected tonight, getting up early and washing pigs and getting wet in 30 degree weather, we were exhausted so we went back to the hotel to take a nap. This was only suppose to be a 2 hour nap which turned into a 5 hour nap. Maybe someone was looking out for us. While the kids were walking their pigs we found out that their was a tragedy at the barn earlier. A pig was in the ring walking and had a stress attack. The pig did not make it. I would have never thought a pig could die from something like this. This is something that I would not want to experience or have the kids witness. From what I understand, it was a pretty tramatic experience. I just feel for the one that had to leave without their pig. Even though they are stinky, messy and sloppy animals you get attached to them.

This was a little boy down the aisle from us that

was ready to go home.

Bella, Daphane, Lola

Yes, there are 3 pigs. Bella (Madison's) Daphane (Gavin's) & Lola (Liam & my pig only for naming sake; it's really Gavin's). We are finally in Ft. Worth after packing and loading, 3 pigs, 3 kids and way too much stuff. I made a list and still forgot a lot of things. I should take tips from April. She is the organization and packing queen. I try, but I am no where close to her. She is the most organized person to go on a trip. Maybe if she had made my list I would now have forgotten key items such as feed buckets, shoes, extra pants, etc..... when you are washing pigs, you need a lot of pants or at least water-resistant pants. Pigs like to be dirty and muddy, they do not like water, especially when it is in the 30's. Hey they should be happy, I had warmed the water. I could have just washed them in cold water. Now they are clean and sleeping with their other pig friends (this is what Liam told me).

Looking for the Purple Circle

Go for the Gold!!!
Break a Leg
See you in the Purple Circle

These are all various terms of winning. We are looking for Purple now, which means we are on our way to the Ft.Worth Stock Show. I'm hoping the bring the prize winning pig.

It's A Wiggles Party

Look how red his cheeks are

I have wanted to have Liam's party at the Wiggles Party Place and this year was the perfect time. I was surprised that I got the date I wanted being that I only called about 2 weeks before. I knew Liam would have a good time since we watch the Wiggles A LOT!!!! We had Wiggles valentine's cards last year, we watch the Wiggles on Saturday morning and until the Disney Channel changed the line-up Liam watched this in the morning. I did not tell him where his party was until we pulled into the parking lot. He was so excited. He was so into playing that he ran out on his own party while the other kids ate their pizza. I had to wrangle him back for a mintue to sing Happy Birthday and to take a taste of his cake and then he was off again. There was no stopping him, he was on a playing mission. He was so into playing that we skipped opening presents while we were there. I'm sure everyone was glad he did not throw a fit and start screaming. He had to pry him out of the place at 1:30. Mind you his party was over at 12:30. I thought for sure, he would fall asleep in the car, oh no.....he was wide awake and kept asking when could we go back to the Wiggles house. He finally settled down once we got home and he wanted to open his presents.

Thanks Dylan



Thanks Adam, Ashley, Addison & Kennedi

Thanks Sandry (Landry)

Thanks Isabelle

Looking like a real Cowboy




Thanks Guy, April, Maddie & Maycee

We have had more fun watching Liam with the Tonka car that he has. It has a remote that he does not understand how to use. The car can go backward & forward, only Liam does not know how to get it to go the way he wants. It usually come straight for him and he takes off running screaming "The cars gonna eat me". He does not realize the reason the car is following him is because he has the button held down. I should tell him, maybe later.

Happy Birthday Liam !!!

Three years ago today, our lives changed forever. We had been a family of four and in an instant we became a family of five. I cannot believe I waited 8 years to have him, but it was worth the wait. And there has never been a dull moment - (if you do not believe me, the box licking incident is just a sample of what he has done.)



Liam is so excited about turning "Tree" (three) he can not stop talking about it. He has requested that I bring cupcakes to his school. I should just bring a tub of icing since that is usually all the kids will eat, but Scooby Doo cupcakes are on their way. He will have a few birthday surprises that he does not know about. One is his birthday party, I am so excited about it. When I paid the deposit, I could hardly wait for the party. The other is one of his presents, which will most likely back fire on me. He is getting cowboy boots. I'm sure he will want to wear them all the time since I had to pry them off of him just to pay for them. The other surprise will be his birthday dinner. He should have a great day!!! The only downside will be that Madison has a basketball game tonight. She will at least get to celebrate with powdered donuts for breakfast with him.

Happy Birthday Liam....WE LOVE YOU!!!