The Alva Family

Baseball Season...Morenci Tournament Champs!

2011-04-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

Koby has been playing Varsity baseball since his Freshman year, this is the third year we have played in the Morenci Tournament. In years past, we have always played this tournament without really trying to win. We used it as a time to let some of the younger players have some practice. It was always discouraging to leave the tournament after having lost games and feeling dejected because we knew we could contend for the title but the coaches didn't really care about it. This year, we have a new coach. At the beginning of the season, I asked him if there was anyway we could try to win the Morenci tournament. I knew our boys were good enough to do it, but we needed the coaches to allow our best team to play each game. Well Coach Johnson allowed that to happen this year, and our boys are now the Champions of the Morenci Tournament. SO AWESOME!!!! I knew they could do it and we are so proud of them! They beat the #1 team in the state 15-3 and so everyone is feeling good and I hope this gives them confidence as we finish up the last two weeks of the regular season and then head off to the State Tournament. I love baseball season!

A new little guy in the family..Blake Camron Howell

2011-03-31T23:27:00.000-07:00

The newest addition to our family came on March 18, 2011 when Blake Camron Howell was born to my brother Camron and his wife, Lauren. Gracie and Audrey have now become big sisters to a little brother, otherwise known as "bro". It is always such an honor and a pleasure to hold a newborn in my arms. Babies make me so happy. I love this little family so much and am so grateful I was able to hang out with the big sisters for the night while mom and dad stayed at the hospital with Baby Blake. My only regret is that I do not live closer so that I can see this little guy and his big sisters more often. Someday.... I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family, and Blake is the newest addition. YAY!!

Basketball 2011

2011-03-04T20:22:00.001-08:00

The Thatcher Eagles were Runner's up this year in the 2A state basketball tournament. This year was so wonderful and these boys gave us the ride of our lives. They went an astounding 28-3, with the three loses coming within a few points of winning. The state tournament in Prescott, gave us fans games that were overwhelmingly entertaining and was some of the best basketball we have ever seen. I am so proud of Koby and for his teammates and coaches. This year is one we will never forget.

This trophy wasn't quite what we had hoped for but we will definately take it. You will see one hand that is wrapped in tape. That is Koby. Four minutes into Championship game against Westwind Prep, Koby went up to block a player from making an easy layup and took a fall into the basket stand. The trainer on the sidelines told Koby his season was over and that his arm (forearm) was broken. As Koby sat on the end of the bench with ice on his arm, our hearts were broken. Not only was he out for the BIGGEST game of his life, but his upcoming baseball season was in jeorpardy. After a few minutes, he had movement in his hand and he asked the trainer if he could wrap it so he could try to play. The trainer did so, and within a few minutes Koby was back on the court trying to help his team play against one of the best 2A teams the state of Arizona has ever seen. Most of the boys on the opposing team will go to Division I schools on basketball scholarships. Koby's shot was off, but he was able to help with ball handling and adding that spark to the team that only Koby can do. At the end of the game, the score was not in our favor, but there was not a person in the building who wasn't impressed with our team and how our boys played this incredible team. As we went home that night, Koby had no regrets and was just hopeful that he would get good news the next mornning when he would have his arm x-rayed. Luckily, the news was good and so with that we are moving onto baseball. YAY!! Some awesome memories were made this season and it was fun having mom, Camron and Krista up in Prescott with us to cheer on Koby and the Eagles. :) Here are some awesome pictures from the year taken from a great guy, David Palmer, the best Seminary teacher the town of Thatcher has ever known.

New Wood Floors

2011-02-18T15:17:00.001-08:00

It was definately time for our house to have a makeover. We decided to break the remodeling up into sections. The first section to be done was the Living Room and hallway. It started out with a major demolition day with Connie and Bobbie Lucero, my mom and Papa, helping me knock down a wall and pull up the carpet and baseboards. It was a very long day but we got it done. This gave me a day to put paint on the walls before the new floor went in.

My first hero is my brother, Camron. He and his family drove to Thatcher for the weekend to help me with the project. Camron spent the day with me painting the walls and making everything look great. That evening my other hero, my brother-in-law Brent and my sister Krista arrived to help with the installation of the floors the next day. Krista was especially sweet as it was her birthday and so she let me borrow her husband most of the day. Early Saturday morning, the process began...

I am just so grateful for my family and friends and all they do to help me. I definatley could not have done this project without them. It was great to have a wonderful weekend with them, even though Brent and Camron were very sore for a few days. We love the end product.

HAPPY "21" Mandi!!!

2011-02-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

Mandi is finally "LEGAL"! One of the questions she asked me was, "What do kids do when they turn 21 and don't drink or gamble?" Well, the answer was, come to Thatcher and go to La Casita with your family. That might sound boring to some people but to Mandi it was just fine. Koby had basketball games that weekend and we were putting wood floors in our house. So, that was the excitment of the Birthday weekened. I can't believe Mandi is 21, wow time sure flies. We love her so much and are happy that she is such a special part of our family.

A New Angel in the family.... Breckin Rylee Howell 1-10-11

2011-01-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

Mandi, Cassi and I had the opportunity to be in Tucson when Dusty and Adrienne brought their new little bundle of joy into the world. Breckin was beautiful from the moment she showed her little face. Words cannot describe what a feeling it is to be in the room when a new baby is delivered. Thanks to Adrienne and Dusty for allowing me to peek in on the special occassion. It was a beautiful day. Ryker, Hailee and Markee were excited to say hello to their baby sister, although Ryker was hoping there may have been some mistake and SHE was really a brother. Sorry Ryker!! You are going to be the best big brother to one more little sister. :) It was a great day. I love babies and I love my family!!

2010 Christmas Tournament Champs!!

2010-12-30T11:28:00.000-08:00

The Thatcher Eagles pulled off an amazing win over the Safford Bulldogs to win the 2010 EAC Christmas Holiday Basketball Tournament on 12-29-10. It was a tight game with Safford in the lead most of the game. The Eagles were down by 6 at the half and came back to take the lead during the 3rd quarter. The fourth quarter was crazy....finally Thatcher was ahead by 1 with one minute left in the game. Koby was 6 for 6 from the free throw line during that last minute of play and Thatcher ended up winning the game by 6. WOW! It was intense but it's the kind of game everyone was hoping for. It's really too bad there had to be a loser because they all played their hearts out. But the EAGLES will gladly take the win and the trophy. It was a great night!

Here are some more pictures of Koby in action.....one thing that is really cool...Koby has grown up playing all sports with the kids on the Safford team and he has been able to stay good friends with them. They play hard against each other, but when it's all over...they are friends first. I think that is amazing and make me so happy and proud.

December is here.....

2010-12-13T19:32:00.000-08:00

Koby and Gentry made a beautiful couple as they went to Girls Dance together. Aren't they adorable????

ROUND VALLEY TOURNAMENT December 9-11, 2010

Koby and the Thatcher Eagles traveled to Springerville for the annual Round Valley Basketball tournament. We, as usual, followed the team up north for a few days. The Eagles had a great tournament this year and only lost one of the 6 games they played and that was a close game in overtime. However, they did end up winning the Consolation Bracket. It was beautiful weather this year, NO SNOW!!! We had a great time together and supporting the EAGLES. As you can see from the picture, Cassi is having a little trouble giving up basketball now that she has moved on to college. She found herself helping the team by taking stats, she looked right at home on the bench with her former team!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!! :)

Its game time.....

2010-12-02T16:02:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family!!! I love this holiday and I miss Grandma and Grandpa Carter as we celebrate Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for them and the legacy they have left. I am proud to be a part of their family. I am also grateful for my mom and Dan and all they do for each of us kids. We are truly lucky to have such wonderful parents. My siblings are awesome as well and all of their kiddos. IT makes me happy to be around such great people. So, I guess that means we are officially into the HOLIDAY season now and you know what that means.........IT's TIME FOR some BASKETBALL!!!! Here we go KOBY!!!!! Good Luck to the Thatcher Eagle Basketball team!!!

Birthday Week 2010!!

2010-11-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

It's birthday week for Koby and Cassi. WOW, time sure is flying by for this mom. Koby turned 17 and Cassi is 19 years old. I am so proud of each of them and am so grateful for their presence in my life. I have been blessed with some awesome children and I look forward to many more birthday celebrations.

Suns vs. Lakers

2010-11-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

We had the chance to go to the Suns/Lakers games to celebrate Cassi and Koby's birthday's. It was the Suns season opener and the Lakers are the defending World Champs, so it was really exciting. Alex is probably the biggest Lakers fan in the world, so we invited him to come with us. Needless to say, I was the only one cheering for the Suns and the Lakers won the game, so yeah! I don't need to say anything more about that. haha

We had a great time and enjoyed spending some time with Alex as he is taking a break from touring and finishing up the new album "Symphony Soldiers". We were able to hear new songs and are so excited for the album to be done. THE CAB is going to go places, they are so good and it is going to be an exciting 2011 for them and US as we tag along for the ride. :)

The holiday months are upon us, Koby turns 17 this month (geez.....) Cassi will be 19 (double geez...). I can't believe it, time flies when you are having fun. Today was a good day!

2010-11-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

What matters most...

2010-10-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

What can I say....this is what life is all about! My family! They are the most important people to me and my most precious possessions. A lot of things have happened this past month, and I have had to deal with one of the hardest things that parents have to face at times in their lives and that is when their children move away from home and try to make it on their own in the big world. Did I teach them all that I could? Will they be able to make good decisions on their own? Will they find happiness as they figure out what they want to be when they grow up? Will they forget me? haha I hope not, I have dedicated the past 20 years of my life to these kids and while none of us are perfect, I think they have turned out pretty good. NO, really good! These are the people that I want to spend eternity with.

So, Koby...it's just you and me at home. We have the house to ourselves. :) But it is a wonderful blessing to know that my girls are not far away. They are safe, they are happy and they are furthering their education and finding their way in this world. All is Well!!!

Apartment coming together

2010-10-19T20:20:00.001-07:00

I thought we would post some pics of the new apartment. The girls are still "decorating" but they have a few things up and the place is looking wonderful thanks to all of our family and their "donations" to Mandi and Cassi's new home.

An exciting first.....

2010-10-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

Well here it is....Mandi and Cassi signing the lease agreement on their very first apartment together. Oh My!!! As a mom, I have a lot of different emotions going through my mind at this time. I am so happy and excited for the two of them, but part of me is so sad that they are all "growed" up and moving out on their own. Luckily, I now have a new place to stay when I am in the Valley, no more hotels for us!!! But really, this is a great day and I am looking forward to sharing in this experience with Mandi and Cassi as they begin this new phase of their lives. Good times to come!!!

Saying Goodbye....

2010-09-05T23:02:00.000-07:00

OK, so saying Goodbye at the airport was a little bit tougher than I had anticipated. I think Blaine was feeling the same way. I have to say it broke my heart seeing Blaine and his mom saying Goodbye. We all know that everyone will be blessed because of his service but that doesn't make it any easier when it comes down to that final goodbye. We were all very grateful that he had one of his best friends, Joey Elkins to travel with. They made it safely to Utah, after missing the flight by just a few minutes. Oh man!!! I can't wait to see the pictures of Elder Taylor and his little black badge on this white shirt that declares him a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Blaine's Farewell...

2010-09-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

August 29, 2010. The day of Blaine's farewell. We are so excited for him and the new journey he is about to go on. We are so proud that he has chosed to serve the Lord and look forward to supporting our very own missionary for the next 2 years. Today is a good day!!!!

Birthday Surprise!!!

2010-09-05T20:38:00.001-07:00

As I get older another birthday isn't always a reason to celebrate, it's just a reminder that so much of my life is in the past. haha But really my kids made me especially thankful that it was my birthday this year. They surprised me with tickets to see one of my favorite comedians, Brian Regan. Mandi and I spent the evening on the 3rd row in the pit. WOW, he was so close and there were so many times in the show that I couldn't breathe and really thought I might pee my pants. He did not disappoint and next time I want Cassi and Koby to be there to see him as well. Thanks kiddos, it was a great present and I love you guys so much! The night also ended on a great note as I got a picture on my cell phone from Lauren with a picture of Grace and Audrey announcing they are going to be big sisters. YAY!!! It was a good day!

Family split in two.....

2010-08-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

Well, August brought on a new experience for our family. Mandi and Cassi moved to Gilbert to live with their dad and attend college down in the Valley. That leaves Koby, Ma$e, Shaant and I left at home. I am excited for this new adventure for Cassi and Mandi but I sure miss them at home and our house is definately a lot quieter. I'm sure Koby and I will figure it out but for a while it's just going to seem a little empty around here.......

CatWalk

2010-08-01T15:14:00.001-07:00

We had the chance to go to The Catwalk in New Mexico this past week with my mom, my sister Krista and her two sons, Trey and Crew. I have fond childhood memories of this place when I was young, we used to stop on our way to visit my aunt and uncle in Luna, NM. Krista said she wanted to take her boys there and so we jumped on board and went along. The Catwalk is now a National Park so it has really been fixed up a lot since I was there last.

It was a beautiful day and we hiked to the very top. The rivers and waterfalls were great because of all of the monsoon rains we have been having lately. It was a GREAT experience and I'm so glad we could go. Koby had to stay behind and work... :( But it was fun to spend a little time with Mandi and Cassi before they headed off to Gilbert to go to college. Things are changing at our house....stay tuned.....

WARPED TOUR 2010!!!!

2010-07-05T10:15:00.001-07:00

So call us CRAZY (believe me it wouldn't be the first time)!!! But a summer tradition for the Alva Family is to attend the ALL day, outside music festival called Warped Tour! Yes, they call it that because you have to be warped in the mind to go to this tour, in the sun, in the Arizona/New Mexico summer just to see TONS of your favorite bands play at the same place. We usually do one date each year in Las Cruces, New Mexico because it is usually a little cooler than the Phoenix date. But this year we went a little crazy and attended Phoenix and then drove 6 hours that night to Las Cruces to do it all over again the very next day! Why 2 dates this year?

BECAUSE...this year our friends, THE CAB were playing Warped and we couldn't pass up an opportunity to see them play more than once. It was awesome to see them rock out for so many kids each day and to spend a little time with our favorite rock star. So, it was well worth the heat and sunburns. Also, Cassi had the chance to meet one of her all time favorite lead singers, Tyson Ritter of the All American Rejects. She was just a little bit excited (she was shaking but don't tell her I said that, haha) !!

Kris Allen in concert

2010-07-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

So the 2009 American Idol, Kris Allen came to Tucson on June 23rd. Anyone who knows our family will know that we are HUGE Adam Lambert fans, so why would be going to see the guy who beat Adam? Because he is the cutest thing ever and is really talented as well. That was such a great year on American Idol, so much talent in the Top 10. Anyways, so Mandi helped us win 6 free tickets to the concert and since it was in Tucson and my neice Hailee was always in love with Kris, we decided to invite the Howell family to go with us. My sister-in-law Lauren also came down from Queen Creek with a couple of her friends. It was a good time....

Happy Michael Jackson Day!

2010-06-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been one year today! If you know me, you know how much I love The King of Pop!! Our family has declared June 25th Michael Jackson Day for the rest of all time! :) Wherever Michael is right now, I hope he is happy and at peace. I think we all deserve that.

2010-06-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

Elder Blaine Risher Taylor, Called to Serve in the Portand Oregon Mission leaving on September 1, 2010. I am so proud of this boy, he is one of my other children and has been a honorary member of our family for quite a long time now. He joined the church last summer and I thought that was such a special day. Well, now I am even more proud of him as he takes the step of becoming a missionary. He is setting such a good example for everyone around him and he is going to be able to touch so many peoples lives as he serves the people in Portland! YAY! Today is a good day....We LOVE you Blaine!!!

Blue Ridge Tournament Champs!!

2010-06-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had the chance to go to Blue Ridge to watch Koby and the Thatcher High School basketball team play in a tournament. My brother Camron has a cabin in ShowLow and so the girls and I were able to meet Cam and his girls Grace and Audrey up there and stay for a couple of days. We had a great time hanging out, watching a lot of basketball, eating out and just relaxing. To top of the end of a great weekend...the Thatcher boys WON the tournament. It was so cool, they beat a lot of really good teams and it was a wonderful weekend. This upcoming season is going to be special!!

The Gila Valley Arizona Temple

2010-06-13T00:24:00.000-07:00

May 23, 2010, the dedication of the Gila Valley Arizona Temple. I feel so blessed to be able to witness this wonderful moment in the history of our valley and our church. As I sat in the audience and was touched by the messages and the dedication ceremony I was humbled and grateful for all of my blessings. I have experienced many things over the years. I have learned some very hard lessons, but what I definately know to be true is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only church that holds all of the keys to the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the Atonement and for the sacrifice of my older brother Jesus Christ. Without the atonement available to all of us, we would never be able to earn eternal life. This I know is true. I'm grateful that we do not have to be perfect, but that we need to be doing all we can and trying to do better each and every day. That is all we can do. Do I want to be perfect, of course! Will I be in this life, probably not. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I have that my family is an eternal family. It may not look like everyone else's but we are strong, we may not be perfect but we are trying. I love my kids more than anything else in this world and promise I will do everything I can to help them along their way in life as they figure out what is important and what isn't. I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father has directed our Prophet that a temple should be built in The Gila Valley. We have waited a long time and now it is up to us to use it and bring blessings into our lives and into the lives of others.

This day is truly a day to REJOICE!!!

The Day the Prophet Came to Town....

2010-06-12T23:52:00.000-07:00

So, the day had finally arrived, May 22, 2010. The anticipation in the air was something I will never forget. All of the kids were so excited and the adults were feeling the same way too. The time finally came when they directed everyone to take their seats on the field. I will never forget the incredible reverence that was there when President Monson arrived. It was amazing that that many people could be so quiet, they didn't want to miss anything. He shook hands and talked to everyone before he even took the stand. Then when he addressed the kids, there was a feeling so strong it was undeniable that this man was the Prophet of God. WOW!

I myself was so excited, just knowing that the people that mean the most to me were there for that moment. The Prophet actually came to Thatcher and it only got better from there. The kids put on a show that was so polished, you would have thought they were all professionals. All of the many hours of work and sweat (literally it was hot during the practices) all paid off because they performed for their Prophet and it was really special. At the end when the Angel Moroni was lifted and the kids all put their white capes on, it was AMAZING!! Dr. Lunt, Patty and Ken Raines and everyone else involved really outdid themselves.

I will forever be grateful for this day and for the experiences that my family was able to have. Dr. Lunt kept saying that this would be a life changing experience. I know that it was for my family. To hear the excitment in Cassi's voice when she told me she had the opportunity to shake the Prophet's hand was something I will never forget. The light in her eyes and the smile on her face is forever etched in my memory and in my heart. Koby was also soooo close to President Monson and his life will also be forever changed because of this moment. Mandi and I were on the field right behind the stage helping the elite dancers with their quick costume changes. It was a great opportunity for all of us to be involved and together. Mom, Dad, and Camron were in the audience right in front of the podium where everthing was taking place. They too were touched by everything that happened that night.

President Monson was so funny, one of the pictures shows him waving a red flag, he actually took it from one of the kids down front. He was following along with the kids as they were waving the flags during the production. The kids were supposed to be following a director in the stands but I don't think one eye was watching Tia Palmer, she was getting upstaged by the Prophet and I doubt that she cared one bit. haha He was so playful and cute with the kids. You can tell he is just a big kid at heart. Also before he left the stand when everything was over, he paused for a moment, looked out over the crowd of kids and hugged himself, like he was giving each of them a great big hug! That was special, you could feel his love for all of us especially strong in that moment.

I'm sad it's over but so grateful to be living here at this time. We Thank Thee Oh Go For a Prophet and all of us from the Gila Valley are especially grateful for the reason we were all gathered to celebrate. The Gila Valley has a temple!!!

P.S. I really need to thank all of our friends at Hollady's Photo for taking so many wonderful pictures and for sharing them with all of us! Go check them out on facebook and you can see thousands of pictures they took over that weekend. They are awesome.

The Big Day is here...

2010-06-12T19:06:00.001-07:00

For months the Youth of the Gila Valley Temple District have been practicing for the Gila Valley Temple Cultural Celebration. I told my kids from the very beginning, "I have waited my whole life to be in the same place as the Prophet of God, you are going to have that opportunity before your life even begins." I couldn't believe we were so lucky to live in Thatcher during this time. I hate to say I was right? haha But I was! It was a big sacrifice for the kids. After many hours of practice over a 3 month period, lots of sore muscles, and the neverending question, "Why are we doing this again?" It was finally time for the big day to arrive. Above is a picture of our family, plus my other daughter Kellie T, just before the celebration would begin. The stands are beginning to fill up, there is excitment in the air, everyone knows the Prophet is in town and soon he will be right there with us. WOW, what a moment!

Cassi's graduation!!!

2010-06-12T18:43:00.001-07:00

Well, all I can say about the events that took place during the third week in May 2010 is.... WOW...AMAZING...WONDERFUL...JOYOUS...THANKFUL...LOVE...HONORED! It all started on Thursday May 20th when Cassi (18) graduated from Thatcher High School. I really thought I was going to be so sad on that day, but when it acutally arrived I was so excited and happy for her. It was great to be surrounded by friends and family who were with us to celebrate this big moment in Cassi's life. Braden (Mandi, Cassi and Koby's half brother) was able to come from Utah to see his brother Brenton and Cassi graduate. It was so awesome for the kids to get together because they don't see each other very often. It was a wonderful experience. Another great story from that day was Cassi meeting Justin Pike. He and Cassi used to be pen pals while she was in Elementary School. He was serving in the military during Desert Storm and they wrote back and forth for about a year or so (it started out as a class assignment but grew into a friendship). She has always had fond memories of him and was so surprised when she had the chance to meet him for the first time at her graduation. His brother was also in Cassi's graduation class..Wonderful Night!

Some people are special...Our Angel!

2009-08-16T00:44:00.000-07:00

2 years ago this past week, one of our favorite people in the world left this earth. His name is Billy and even though he is gone, he is still a big part of our lives and our memories. Billy taught our family many lessons and even though some of those lessons were hard, we are better off. We miss him dearly, we thank him for the love he showed our family and most of all we can't wait to see him again!! RIP Billy. We love you! It seems like yesterday...yet FEELS like FOREVER!!

Summer 09 is Over!!

2009-08-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mandi for getting this blog up and going again. I thought it would be appropriate to begin where we are now.

Mandi is 19 years old and in her 2nd year of college. On the 24th of August she will be enrolled full time at Arizona State University. She is still living at home right now and will be taking this first semester online. She just began working as a teacher at the Palomita Children's Center. Mandi is very excited to save a little money and is looking forward to making the move to Tempe for Spring semester. Mom is excited for her but a little nervous and sad to see her grow up and move out.

Cassi is 17 and just started her Senior year at Thatcher High School. WOW!!!! She is working hard to get ready for the upcoming basketball season where she looks forward to helping her team get to a state championship. Cassi loves her dogs, Ma$e and Shaant, her two Chihuahua's. Well, they are the family dogs, but they seem to love her best. We look forward to a lot of fun things for Cassi this year as she experiences her last year of high school.

Koby is 15 and starting his Sophomore year at Thatcher High School. He is very anxious to be turning 16 in November!!!! Koby is taking football season off again this year and is working hard on basketball and of course his beloved baseball. He is looking forward to these seasons and is hoping for state championships in both sports. Koby also made show choir this year, it will be great to see him share his talents. Koby is growing up into a wonderful young man and we are excited for a new school year for him. It's gonna be interesting!!!!

As for me....anyone who knows me will know that the reason I live is for the kiddos pictured above. And I kind of like their parents too. hahaha My kids and my neices and nephews are everything to me and I love them way too much! As you can see they are a rowdy bunch of kids, but I look forward to every opportunity I have to make a memory with them and I look forward to many more. Yes, I have a job that I also love, but at the end of the day, my family and friends are the ones that keep me going. Enough said!!!

The First Post

2009-08-15T19:29:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our family blog! We've had this for awhile but today we decided that it was time to start posting. Mandi played with the layout and made the header for us and now we will be posting regularly. Hopefully this will provide a way for you to stay up to date with our happenings and such.