The Red-Headed Stranger

Track!!

2009-02-23T21:14:00.002-05:00

Track starts soon!! YAY!! I'm actually happy for this sport to start :) I've heard pretty good things about it, and since I've been running all winter in preperation for this (and cross country season), I'm a little ahead of the other distance runners who were out for other winter sports such as basketball/weightlifting. So, today and part of last week, we (we being the distance runners) ran for about 4-5 miles each day, and I can definately tell that I've got a huge advantage for the first week of 'conditioning'.

Lehman (the XC and track coach) and I have been talkin (he's pretty young, so he gets along easily with the students... and he's overly cynical and sarcastic. But of course I like this :) and we were talking about what I would run. I am MOST DEFINATELY not a sprinter... I learned that in middle school track... but anyway, I am now assigned the freshman 2 mile runner... hopefully that's not too bad... who knows...

10 Things I've Noticed of Charity

2009-01-04T14:09:00.002-05:00

1) She doesn't post

2) She does not post at ALL

3) She decides to comment maybe once a month

4-10) SHE ABSOLUTELY FORBIDS HERSELF TO POST!!

... you should post now Charity... no comments... just un poco post... por favor?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-02T14:19:00.002-05:00

Hope you guys have a good one :)

WHITE OUT!!

2008-12-21T12:57:00.003-05:00

Okay, so we've had A TON of snow in the past 2 days, and it's getting on my nerves. I've been assigned to clean the areas where the tractor needs to go, and it could be an easy job if it weren't for the wind bringing in more and MORE snow ALWAYS!! I scoop a place, dump the snow in a pile, and turn around to find that I can't even see my own tire tracks!

Dad's feeding tractor just barely fits under the long building (you know, the building that's really long)'s roof. Now, with the snow, he rubs against the top. It's my job with the skidloader to clean away this area. But, the problem is that every time I scoop it away and let him through, then by the next time he needs to get through, there's the snow AGAIN!!! ARG!!!!!!

Whatever could calm my nerves!!
The thought of no school tomorrow if the weather remains the same. That would be very nice:) Tuesdays supposed to be a 'screw around' day and so that sounds like fun, but it's still school and precious time I could be wasting away sleeping:)

Have a fabulous christmas!
From,
The Hooyers (few of the many)

Pre-Thanksgiving Joy

2008-11-25T19:39:00.002-05:00

Some of you may not be happy with my title. You may ask yourself, "This is the little red-headed kid we strive to make uncomfortable and to pick on, right?" Well, you cannot stop my cannonading of joyous yells becuase... EVERYTHING IS DONE!!! By this, I mean that all my extremely time consuming extra curricular activies are OVER, DONE, ENDED, FINITE!!!!!

The musical was a success, and very fun for both the crowd and the crew. As I promised to my mom, I found something else to occupy my time. As I said, after all that business, I needed something to slow me down, but not bring me to a complete stop. I found myself... speech team. This is also extremely enjoyable, and somewhere where I can be my sarcastic and entertaining self. I like the acting part of it, and also to be with people who enjoy being sarcastic also.

As strange, odd, and unseemly as this may sound, I am trying to stay in shape by running regular miles after school and during the weekends. Now, I've taken it upon myself to assign me a nice long break... now that that weeks over, I'll have to get back into shape ;( Poor me ;( O well, I still enjoy the running, and it feels great to still be in shape. Thanksgiving is a-coming, and I just can't wait to see all of you! EVEN CHARITY!!! I haven't seen any family since the 4th of July except for Becka... and we all can guess what that'll do to a person!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2nd Quarter!

2008-11-04T17:29:00.002-05:00

October 23rd signified the end of the 1st quarter of my HIGH SCHOOL CAREER. It went well. I am not a 4.0 student, but that's because of my ONE A- in one class. Care to guess what class? It is a very unlikely class, so if you don't guess it... but feel free to comment!

As Becka repeatedly points out to me at EVERY SINGLE LUNCH... I missed the last Hooyer 'gathering', and of course I feel horrible about that. But! I have a chance to redeem my dignity through the infamous Hooyer Thanksgiving congregation. I plan to attend and hope that this proposition is enough to reinstate my pride... or at least I hope that there's good food:)

Oklahoma practice is becoming very tedious and late (in the night). I think the director sometimes forgets that we actually do have homework, and she lets us out at 10:00. I haven't been getting near enough sleep... but as my mom says, '2 more weeks!' After that, I am done with the musical and cross country. I still have other things, but they aren't as 'special'.

Hallow's... een?

2008-10-28T18:14:00.003-05:00

This Friday is Halloween. Not much to say about it... except that I will be in Algona for state cross country. The girls made it to state (not the guys), but I am going up there to cheer them on... and for the experience of trick-or-treating in a hotel:) I can't decide what I should be (that has to be something that can rightfully represent Sioux Center), that is fun, not too hot, and fun-ee. Ideas? Mom was a gypsy and dad was a 'farmer' for one costume party already... it was pretty funny. Dad was meant to be a hillbilly farmer, and not his usual self... so he didn't change much:) Just kidding! Mom was a beautiful gypsy, and I had fun just looking at her. By the way, dad was born on Hallow's Eve (Oct. 30), so wish him a HAPPY 54TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

I am starting to wonder if you are all not blogging to teach me a lesson... or if, because I stopped, blogging just wasn't cool anymore:)

Hello:)

2008-10-27T11:32:00.002-05:00

Not much is happening... besides the fact that I'm in computer applications right now. We're done with the projects right now, and it's basically a study hall. I babysat Jolee, Casey, and Erika on Friday night. It didn't last too long, and it went better than I had expected. After Sarah told me that they were really hyper when she dropped them off, I expected the worst, but they weren't that bad:)

I better go... cya!

Quick! Post!

2008-10-21T17:39:00.003-05:00

Ok, look. I know that I'm not the best blogger of all (please no comments, I'm already confessing), but I do have a plausible excuse for the last about 3 months and they are:

Cross Country
High School
The Musical

Cross Country is so much fun! Even though, when I thought of cross country, it usually brought bad thoughts of the pain that comes with running. My friend, Austin Renes, talked me into running a couple races around the area in the beginning of the summer. I later went to the meeting think, 'Hey, what can it hurt? I can just be a wuss and just back out if I don't like it'. Of course, with the weightlifting and the summer running that all came and went BEFORE 8 IN THE MORNING, I started to doubt my abilities is cross country. But... I absolutely LOVED the people who were in it and Mr. Lehman is probably the best (inspirational) speaker I've ever heard in my life. He just knows so much about running and about life that I'd be willing to run 7 or 8 miles after one of his speaches. He reminds me a lot of Charity in the way that, he is very sarcastical, and when he thinks of a sarcastical comment to say to some one shorter than him (being 6' somethin", he's usually the taller one) he doesn't hold back in saying it. I love him though, and (unbelievably) am not looking forward to the end of Cross Country. Districts @ Spirit Lake -- Oct. 23. State @ Des Moines -- Nov. 1. I have been with this team through hundreds of miles (literally, hundreds and hundreds of miles), I am going to miss this. On the upside, I have improved about FIVE whole minutes on my first race... that's really good improvement:)

High School is proving itself to be very fun. I'm one of the fortunate few to have such a wonderful older cousing watching my back:) But really, the seniors this year are wonderful, and are unbelievably nice, so that's always a plus. Being in band (in the pit), we have up till this week had to come to early band at 7:30 in the freezing fall morning weather to stand outside and march. I was fortunate enough that I didn't have to march, but this just made standing outside seem even more pointless. Thank goodness that's over now! I'm still in band, but we are winding down on our marching season. What gets me the most about high school is the homework. Now, being the second youngest (James, that's you behind me and forever will be), I probably shouldn't complain too much about this, but I feel I must. I don't really have that tough of a time in most my classes, but that doesn't mean I'm prone from homework. I realize I could have much more, but with so many extra curricular activities taking up my valuable time, I hardly have time for homework... or sleep! Between cross country practices meets and pasta nights, the musical, band competitions, piano lessons, church nights, Key Club, JETS team, being one of 2 class representatives, and having to learn piano music for church, my sleeping time is cut short often. I try to get as much sleep as I can... but it's hard.

The Musical this year is Oklahoma. I have the lead role of Fred.... ok, so maybe he isn't what you call the lead role... but he's fairly important... kinda.... sorta... well, the grand total of his 3 lines is pretty influential on the play:) At first I was kinda upset, but then I looked at my schedule and knew that I wouldn't have been able to memorize all my lines had I gotten a bigger role. The very suprising thing is the fact that Jackie (my long time friend and neighbor) got the LEAD LADY ROLE! She is a very good singer and actor, so I knew she could do it... I just thought some other upperclassmen could do it better! We're all proud of her as a freshman to get the lead role, and she's doin pretty good so far. The guy lead role is played by Jon Hauswald, who is only a sophmore. But again, he is a very good actor and singer and comes from a family of good actors and singers. The Musical is Nov. 14 and 15. If you are bored that night and don't have anything better to do, then you are invited to come.

So, these are my excuses. Please comment to let me know if you, too, are alive and blogging:)

Now I must leave, for Musical Practice till 10!

The Evolution of Dance

2008-08-09T11:17:00.002-06:00

I hope you Enjoy this. Maybe it'll make up for my non-blogging era?

Various Pictures

2008-07-04T17:38:00.003-06:00

I've noticed that I like the way Charity (the mean and tormenting one) does her posts with pictures with short 'wrap-ups' if you will. I think I'll try it... if my computers fast enough... and if the world doesn't end... it could happen

This was on our fishing trip to Mobridge, SD. That's Dillon catching a 'whopper'.

Mom pretending to fish. I don't think she caught anything that day, but she's pretty good about not getting depressed over that kind of stuff.

This is when Mom, Heather, Sydney, Dillon, and I went to Okoboji. This is Sydney and I (and Dillon hiding behind us) on the rollercoaster at Arnold's Park. Click on it and you get a big picture. Look closely and I love our faces.

Me 'pretending' to kiss a fish.

Sydney and I (Dillon was trying to fish with a net) made a sand castle with 3 towers. Then we made a moat. We were eventually tempted after taking pictures to smash it to the ground. Mom didn't want us to, but we convinced her. There's something fulfilling about pretending your a giant monster and smashing stuff to pieces. It was enjoyable.

Speak For Yourself, Mitch!

2008-06-26T09:04:00.002-06:00

I have, in earlier times, told others to post because they had not posted in a week or more.
I, the devoted poster, have regrettedly not posted for a week. I have a good excuse though.

You see, our computer has been shutting itself down alot because of 'antivirus' stuff that we apparently installed. Now we have to bring our computer tower to a computer-man to get all of the stuff fixed.

It's not all bad news though. I'm now at an AMAZING hotel in Okoboji, IA. Okoboji is known for it's lakes (one of the few touristy ones in Iowa). We (we being mom, Heather, Sydney, Dillon, and me) are staying at Bridges Bay Resort which is an AMAZING resort that includes a 1. Beatiful view of the lake 2. HUGE indoor waterpark that includes a bodyslide, tubeslide, lazy river, and pirate ship 3. Bracco, which is a bar/resturaunt thing 4. Outdoor pool that has a swim up bar.
This place is wonderful. We're only staying here Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, but if I could, I would stay here a lot longer (and I'm not just saying that because it's almost 100 miles away from being tortured... cough cough *charity and becka!* cough cough).

So, I'm terribly sorry I haven't posted... well, technically, I will have posted by the time you've read this, but I'm sorry for not posting for a week... or more.

High School Hits

2008-06-17T18:44:00.003-06:00

This year I'm a FRESHMAN! High School sports apparently have to begin in the early summer, and practices apparently must take place extremely early in the morning.
As of this year, I'm joining the high school golf and cross country teams. Running, swinging, and walking sports... BUT, I'm trying to go to weightlifting this summer. That schedule gives you a choice of either A) 5:30a.m. - 6:30a.m. B) 6:40a.m. - 7:30a.m. C) 7:30a.m. - 8:30a.m.
So far I've been going to block 'B' because I have cross country running (2 miles a day so far) at 7:30a.m. Weightlifting is on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and cross country is Monday - Friday. I get no sleep on the weekdays, as you might be able to guess. Yes, this is the time you have pity on me and give me fistfuls of money because you feel sorry for my sleepless nights. Weekends aren't all that great either. Sunday I have to be to church early (usually 8:30a.m.) to practice piano, because I am now a regular pianist at our church. I'm slowly learning the mass pieces and getting in practice. Saturdays I have bass guitar lessons which usually start around 10:00a.m. Those are nice because he comes to my house and is pretty flexible with his hours.
I am quite obviously complaining about getting up too early too many times for the summer, but there is ONE good thing to come from this... when (and if) I get my school permit, my parents will hopefully be tired of getting up early to take me places that they'll give me a car/pick-up. I hope so:)

DON'T YOU DARE SNEEZE ON YOUR LEFT SIDE!

2008-06-13T18:52:00.003-06:00

Puzzling title? Yes, well, it's Friday the 13th and as every one knows, it is horrible luck to spill your salt on this superstitious day! It's also bad luck to be caught doing some of these:

1) Cut off both ends of a loaf of bread.

2) Put new shoes on the table.

3) Leave your hat on the bed.

4) Walk under a ladder.
5) Lean a broom on a bed.

6) Open an umbrella indoors.

7) Sneeze to your left side.

8) Have a black cat cross your path.

Good luck?:

1) Cut your finger nails on a Friday to avoid a toothache during the month.

2) When you set the table, place the salt down first.

3) If you drop a spoon, expect friends to drop by soon.

4) If your left hand itches, money will come to you.
5) When you move to a new house, take a broom and a loaf of bread with you.

6) Put a red bow on a newborn baby.

7) Don't sweep dust out the front door or you'll sweep away good luck.

My New (Mandatory) Chore

2008-06-09T17:12:00.002-06:00

Lately (meaning since summer vacation began), I've been working cattle for money. There are basically 3 jobs 1) Chase the cattle into the chute 2) 'Poke'/shock the cattle along the chute & 3) Give the cattle shote and other 'needs'
I can do 1 and 2. I personally think 1 is more fun because you do more. 2, you just stand there and take your anger out through the shockers onto the cows... unless you're feeling humane at that particular moment. 3, I have no desire to do.
So that's it. Mainly why I posted is so that some one else would follow my lead and post for themselves.
So go...
Off into the world!
On your own (sniffle sniffle)...

Captain Obvious

2008-06-03T17:33:00.004-06:00

Although probably everybody who reads my blog knows (hence the title), I'd still like to say that Bible School is upon us. I'm in 8th grade, and this is my last year (next year, I'll be considered a 'grown up'). My teachers are Steve Rozeboom/Dave Dibbet and they are very fun because us 'older' folk like to talk, and Dave is easy to get off subject, so that made bible study fun. I haven't been bringing our family camera to VBS, but maybe I could tommorrow and blog tommorrow night on how things went tommorrow (that sounds weird). Till then, Good BYE!!!

Happy June!

2008-06-01T11:01:00.005-06:00

Well, I don't have much to say other than it is the first day of June today and I like the weather outlook of the month if today is a sign of what's to come. Sydney is still here and she is alive, but we're still waiting for her parting day. She's fun, but... well, I hope you understand.

We also had an accident last night, but no injuries. Dillon was driving the big green 4-wheeler and Sydney was driving the little red 4-wheeler and Sydney was pulling ahead when Dillon pulled in front of her and she fell off. Now, two things you should know before I finish;
1. The green 4-wheeler is hard to handle and hard to turn especially for some one as small as Dillon
2. Sydney overreacts to ANY pain
Anyway, Sydney fell off and thought she broke her arm. We all knew she was going to be okay, but we pretended to pay attention anyway. After a while she still 'couldn't' move her arm or her thumb, but she had stopped crying after the action scene in Pirates of the Carribean 2, so we knew she was okay. No worries, but it's a story to tell. If ANY of you have any 'special' stories you have of the old building we burnt, please, post them or comment. It's always fun to here them:)
Something else, here is a kid that has a very funny evil eye!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5ALIL7T764 , and a funny POTC (Pirates of the Carribbean) spoof with finding Nemo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5ALIL7T764

Our new beautiful scene we see when we look out our windows. Mom is wondering if we have to build a new building because she loves the view so much.

Well, a Couple Things Have Happened Recently

2008-05-29T16:58:00.003-06:00

Don't freak out. We raided this building before we burnt it this time...

Just kidding:) The actual story is that we are planning on building a new workshop for my dad this summer where two of our 'older' buildings are. This is one of them burning. We're still cleaning out the other. It was fun watching dad pick up the building with the pay loader and starting it on fire.

Also, school is out, and since that wonderful day (last Wednesday), I've been so busy that I haven't been able to even notice any summer. Sydney has been over since Tuesday and she constantly needs attention. I haven't been able to sleep in past 8 because dad supposedly need 'help' loading cattle around the world... or at least 1/2 and hour away. I worked for 5 hours today and I'm expecting more tommorow. Then tommorrow after helping dad, I have Grandma H's piano recital which I haven't practiced with the people I'm playing duets with much (if you'd like to see the recital, it's on Saturday at about 6 at Royal Meadows... I think), Then, Sunday I'm helping dad again for about 6 hours. Then next week is VBS. I plan on either running or biking there and back (2 miles) each day to stay in shape for the 5 kilometer run I'm doing in the Summer Celebration thing in Sioux Center which I think is next week or the one after that. Summer, I thought it was going to be fun and easy... oooooh the irony:(

IT...... IS...... (almost)........ HERE!

2008-05-22T16:43:00.002-06:00

Gee, I wonder what the summer crazed school kid is talking about? Well, for those unfamiliar to irony (known as 'people not aquinted with the Hooyers'), I am talking (of course) about

SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER!!

We ('we' being the senior school participants of the most esteemed [and in debt] Sioux Center Middle School) are done with our middle school career (YAY!!!) next Wednesday, 5/28. We have a half day that day and we have next Monday off because of Labor Day..... so that leaves us with, let's see here....

2 1/2 DAYS LEFT!!!!!!!!!

TRACK IS DONE!!!!!!!!

2008-05-14T17:44:00.003-06:00

FINALLY!!!!! TRACK IS DONE!!!!! I LOVE CAPITALIZED WORDS!!!!!

Anyway, track is done and I am VERY happy about it. It's been going on for about a month or so, and I was getting very sick of it. Now, I am completely done with everything with school... track, exit exams, band/choir, any after school things. Actually, as I'm writing this, I'm wondering why we even have school for another whole week! Everything worth doing is done, so why not just end it?

As I said in passing up in that paragraph up there, band is over with. How I have come to gather this precious information is that I happened to be in the 'Tulip Festival', which is... well... it's a big NW Iowa Dutch gathering I guess. I played in our Sioux Center Middle School Band, playing the snare drum;

snare drum (sner drum) n. A very heavy metalic object that juts into the drummer's thighs, resulting in gigantic welts, and causes extreme back and shoulder pains.

I was very sore after marching, but I got to go on a couple of the convenient carnival rides there.

We have also been done with choir for a while now, and have been watching 'The Phantom of the Opera'. I haven't seen the movie before this, but I read the book and it was very good. I must say though, the movie adds sooo much more with the amazing music and the realistic sets. I found a punk version of the song 'Phantom of the Opera' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnP3BE7MC4s&feature=related by Blink-182, and I think it's fairly good.

OK, maybe I'm not actually running in this one... but it looks cool!

Hmmmm, Let's See Here...

2008-05-08T06:11:00.002-06:00

Not much is going on besides the fact that I am still in track (not liking it) and still awaiting the rewarding feeling of SUMMER... but ya, otherwise not much. Oh, my last post was my 75th:) 1/2 of 1/2 of 300 posts! If you think about it that way.

Heather in another one of Lacy's dresses with her elegant daughter Sydney

24 (hopefully) sunny days left

2008-05-04T20:39:00.004-06:00

Left of what?, you might ask. Well, it really is quite obvious. 24 days till SUMMER!!!! But anyway, school gets out (and summer starts [officially {I really like these parenthesis}]) on May 28 (or 27th, I dont know [again with the parenthesis:)]) so that leaves 24 days... BUT, if you aren't counting weekends, I believe it's 18 days till the end of the school year (and summer starts).

If you're wondering the meaning of this post, it is to fill up space. To add to this fiery fiesta of random space-filling, here is a random picture of Heather (my sister) trying on one of Lacy's *cough cough*WONDERFUL*cough* dresses. The sad thing is she threatened to come to one of my basketball games in that polkadot dress saying 'I'm Mitchell's sister! Look at me!' It hasn't happened yet, but I'm still afraid...

MAY DAY!!!!

2008-05-01T16:51:00.005-06:00

You may be thinking which meaning I am trying to get across with that title. Well, I mean it both ways...

Today is the first day of May. I am hoping this May won't be like the last 13 Mays I've been through, but I doubt it:( I don't know about you guys, but May is the LONGEST... I repeat LONGEST month every single year (you can guess why)!!!! I probably wouldn'tve noticed that it was May, but my attitude gave it away.

Symptoms of Maydayitus (pronounced may-day-i-dis): 1. Wanting the day to be over with

2. Looking at the clock every 5 seconds, hoping it will magically skip forward a month

3. Tired (because you couldn't sleep in)

4. Hungry (because you can't eat whatever time you want to)

5. Slight moments of unexpected giddiness (usually occuring after you forget to check the clock)

6. Posting about May Day on your blog (strangely, this even occurs with people without blogs)

You see my point? I am not a fan of May (unless, of course, you're talking about the summer section of May:)

By the way, in Irish it would be called 'Bealtaine' Day... random fact

Ode to Sarah

2008-04-27T18:07:00.005-06:00

Well, I'm not much of a poet, so I wasn't about to humiliate myself infront of the giant-sized world (midget humor), and I also don't have any pictures of Sarah on our computer... so all I have for you, oh wondrous (rarely-blogging) Sarah, is an ode... and this is it... so you better like it!

Just kidding:)

Sorry, all I wanted to get across to you Sarah, is this

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EXAMS!

2008-04-24T19:40:00.004-06:00

Me... hopefully this won't happen:)

So far, there has only been one 8th Grade Exit Exam (cue overly dramatic music). It was in Science, it was fairly easy, and I think I did fairly well. I know I shouldn't be complaining seeing as some others have their 'ACT's' or some other fancy, scary acronyms, but I thought I should do my duty in saying something about what was happening with the midget's life (by the way; who's turn is it for Mitch the Midget?).

On a HAPPIER train of thought, I finished my wonderfully captivating book, the PRINCESS BRIDE. It was really good, and I must applaud the movie for not leading astray from the book almost at all! I did, however, make the mistake of watching the movie before reading the book... but I live on:)

TeacherTube

2008-04-16T17:00:00.003-06:00

I'm sure all of you have heard of and used YouTube. Well, there's this site on the internet that is very much like YouTube, but it has all videos teachers have put on there that are school oriented.

Becka asked me if I would sing my song for her, and I will deny that request. Instead, I will tell you, Becka, to look on http://www.teachertube.com/

Now, I don't think that my science teacher has put on the songs yet, but when he does, I'll tell all y'all.

Songs with Wind

2008-04-15T20:33:00.003-06:00

Random picture of me and Syd
After every 'unit' in Science class, the teacher (Mr. Schmidt) splits us into 4 different groups. We then have to either take a song that we know, or improvise a new song about the unit/subject we last studied. I have done many this year, and I think this is one of my top work.

What I really don't like about this is that some people have the thought in their minds that they are not singers and nothing can change this. Also, backseat drivers can get annoying during this. Therefore, Paige (a friend of mine) and I made up the whole song, forcing some people to sing because we know they can.

Well, we (me and Paige) made our song to the tune 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' by the Lion King (or Elton John). I thought it went over well, except for the fact that Paige and I sang practically EVERYTHING! O well, it was fun :)

I also had track practice today, and like others have mentioned (and more have noticed, but not cared to blog about it), it was very warm, yet windy out today. I do actually like this weather, because it means that it's warm, but with a very nice breeze. I hope this means that SUMMER IS COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wandering Around

2008-04-13T17:03:00.020-06:00

We have new kittens! It's a new mother though, so I hope they pull threw. I think there's 6... One pretty white one with black (and ORANGE) spots on it like a dalmation. Quite a few calicos (we're used to just black and orange cats, we only get about 1 calico per litter). A black one (maybe 2, who knows at this point). And a gray one.

Right behind our 'Kingdom of Bales' is something that comes every spring... our Spring Pond. It comes about from all the snow accumulating in that spot during the harsh winters. When spring comes, the snow melts (YAY!) and we get a pond in that spot (and lots of other mini-ponds around the farm). It caught my eye while I was traveling from taking pictures of the kittens to the house.

A couple days ago I think it was Arbor Day (or so Dillon says), so Dillon's school had a speaker come and talk about the importance of trees. At the end, they sent forms out for the kids (or rather their parents) to buy a tree. Dillon bought a Scotch Pine Spruce tree (I think).

Mom says that she just dropped a pill of Benadryl on the floor, and Patches ate it. Here's a pictures of him now.

Here's a wonderful picture of me :)

Spy Kids

2008-04-12T10:48:00.004-06:00

They wanted to show mom and I wasn't there, so sorry there's no music. Use your imagination :)

Des Moines

2008-04-10T20:07:00.008-06:00

Maggie Dykshorn and Maria Vander PlaatsThe Golden CapitolMy jealous faceFor you non-Iowans and new Iowans, our wonderful states capital is pronounced deh MO-een. As led up to before in my previous posts, I have visited Iowa's esteemed capital, Des Moines. The reason? We have been studying the make-up of our country's government and how it came to be.
We had a lot of fun. Our whole grade got to go. We visited with the governor (for about 1 minute), we asked our senator questions (for about 3 minutes), toured the capital building (for approximately 15 minutes), and visited the Iowa Hall of Pride (for about 30 minutes).

You might say, 'Well, Oh wondrous Mitch, could there ever be anything wrong with such an esteemed building?' Well, oh thoughtful one, to answer your question, yes, I thought two things could have been better;

1. The bus rides. They were SIX HOURS LONG! Thats 12 hours back and forth! I'm usually okay with road trips, but I'm sure if they stuck you on a school bus with 30 other guys, you'd eventually be driven insane too.

2. It all seemed to be rushed through. I know with such a long bus ride, we don't have much time... but still. I just felt like It could've been enjoyed more if we'd had more time in places. The capitol is really a beautiful building, I wish the tour could've been longer. Also, the 'scavenger hunt' wasn't too exciting when you only had 2 minutes at each station (there were games at the stations, so it would've also been nice to stay longer and explore more)

Hole 'n the Wall

2008-04-06T16:07:00.006-06:00

'The Girls' Dillon & JolieWe have returned!! We hath returned from the 'Land of Wall with Hole'. I thought about not posting about it because everybody who blogs was there anyway... but then I thought of one 'special' person. That's right, I'm speaking of YOU Janet! I understand that you had to stay for your ill grandmother, but I still really missed you. It was nice seeing everybody else, but not having my favorite aunt with me just leaves a big hole. Well, even though I'm sure your kids have MANY stories of 'Land of Wall with Hole', here are some pictures. I didn't take very good ones though, sorry. Hopefully Charity will post many of her pictures. They were good:)

PRANKS!

2008-04-01T16:59:00.001-06:00

O, I was pranked! I'm OK with that, I just hope that other people were/are pranked! I did know that April Fool's Day was coming... but that cannot stop me from falling for the mean pranks of my peers. Some of the pranks?

1. Katie (his old dog) had a heart attack last night - sidenote: I really don't like the ones that involve people getting hurt, or least of all dying.

2. We only have half a track practice today! - Oooooh, this one got me where it hurt... literally

3. Mitchell! School was canceled! You can sleep in! - Arg mom, I shall have my revenge yet!

And many many more... and also, THE DAYS NOT OVER! WATCH YOUR BACK!!!

Happy Birthday... to MANY! (and other... happenings)

2008-03-30T18:04:00.003-06:00

4 birthdays may not sound like a lot, but it is! Yesterday was Sydney's, Cookies (friends mom), and Jerry's (friends dad) birthdays! Then on Thursday it was Sarah's (aunt... maybe favorite) birthday... age is confidential. Sydney had her 10th birthday party at the Sheridon Hotel in SF (Sioux Falls for non-locals). I couldn't go, I was busy:( Sarah (aunt... mybe favorite) had a SUPRISE birthday party at Phil and Judy's house, and I went to that. Fun, but I was tired at the end... a little late for me after getting up early that morning.
Why I was up that early, you ask? Well, I'd be happy to explain! I had a jazz band contest in Vermillion SD, and I played keyboard (electric piano) for that. I had a solo on that and apparently I got an 'Outstanding Solo Award' for that. That kinda suprised me... until I found out they give you an award if you do a solo anyway unless you were absolutely HORRIBLE (and trust me, I came close). It's harder (for me anyway) to make up something on the spot compared to reading music. Bus ride there and back is always fun though!
Today, I ran with Austin Renes THREE MILES! and walked THREE MILES!!! I wasn't forced to, but then I thought about how pained and tired I was after Monday's practices last year, so I thought I should run. It's more fun with some one else. We brought a dog with us (1/2 unwillingly), and that made it easier and harder. Harder to control him, but easier for him to drag you when your running (well, we were somewhat jogging).
Happy Birthdays! Glad you had fun with your Wisconsonite friends Becka! I WANT SUMMER!!!

Arg, track season

2008-03-27T17:48:00.002-05:00

Oh, the pain! Oh, the horror! It's... TRACK SEASON!!! NO!

Well, I guess it's not that bad... i guess. Of course, I will get incredibly sore, and incredibly cold at times, and incredibly hot at times, and incredibly regret going out... but, i guess it'll be worth it. I'm trying to get into shape. That's always fun. Now, I'm looking at track shoes, stretching every morning and night, and groaning after EVERY single practice. Well, I guess it will be worth it... I'll be in shape for running errands for my dad around the farm. That's the icing on my cake? Ummmm, maybe I should rethink my decision of going out for track...

O man!

2008-03-27T07:04:00.002-05:00

Well, our field trip WAS canceled! I got up at FIVE THIRTY for nothing!!!!!!!! Grrrrrr.
Well, I guess we'll have it another time. I think they said April 8. Des Moines, here we come... on April 8.

Summer Fever? Why yes, I DO have a HORRIBLE case of it!

2008-03-26T20:17:00.005-05:00

SUMMER!!! WHY MUST YOU JUST ESCAPE MY GRASP! It is the last quarter of the school year. This is a time of heating up, thawing out, and WAITING! Whay might a schoolboy be waiting for? Well, one example would be SUMMER VACATION!!!!!!!!!! I canNOT wait!!!

Well, with how many snow days we've been having, I would guess school might go into June... let's hope not. That's why I like half days and 2 hour late starts, but don't like snow days. It prolongs my waiting of SUMMER!!!

I try not to think about how long it is until summer (bad karma, it'll make summer come even later), but its proving to be a very difficult task. I have summer fever... and BAD!

It................ is TIME!

2008-03-23T09:55:00.004-05:00

The moment my mom's been cleaning for. EASTER!!!

Well, as I've said before, we are having the Trudeaus (mom's side) over for Easter. They're not as big as the Hooyers, but they're still a pretty big family... but very UNLIKE the Hooyers, the Trudeaus are a little less... whats the word... rambuctious. Mom sees that as good though, less clean-up!

GOOD LUCK NICK AT STATE!!

HAPPY EASTER!

Good Friday!!!

2008-03-21T12:32:00.002-05:00

Happy Good Friday! BE GOOD!!!!

No meat:(

5 years

2008-03-19T21:07:00.007-05:00

Well, I don't know if everyone knows this, but today is the 5th anniversary for the Iraq war. I'm dedicating this post to all the brave soldiers that have fought in Iraq, or have fought anywhere for that matter. I can't even imagine how gutsy you'd have to be to be able to go to a TOTALLY different terrain, surrounded by many people who would rather have you dead, and having to fight against these people. If it were me (if I hadn't run away after I heard gunshots), I would probably die quickly. I was not a good soldier when I played war. I always died! First one. Well, thank you! To all the soldiers!

Bit By Bit

2008-03-18T17:51:00.002-05:00

The reason for this title? Well, I felt like every other day I have been posting about little things that have been happening as something to do. It is tedious work...
Well, congratulations to Tony for starting a blog (I bet I was one of the first Sioux Centarians to know!). I have big hopes for you Tony!
I want to state to you, Janet, that it is a VERY BAD IDEA for you to stop blogging. When no one else is blogging, you keep me going!! Of course, if other people would blog more (HINT HINT), then I might not need you... JUST KIDDING!!! Of course, you are my only gateway to Kansas... except of course Tony and those red-glittered slippers I borrowed from Dorothy and haven't brought back. Anyway, it is a VERY bad idea!
Spring Break and Easter are days away, and I can feel the excitement! Well, the only downer is that we are having the Trudeau Easter at our house... not a bad thing, exept that, much unlike the Hooyers, I am the youngest on the Trudeau side! O how I have been tormented! Well, on the upside, SPRING BREAK!!! Some things to look forward to? Well, NO SCHOOL TILL NEXT WEDNESDAY!, and when we do get back, we have a field trip to our bewildering state's capitol... DES MOINES! Then the next day we have our 'fun day', which mainly includes teams of 6-on-6 basketball teams (students 5-8th) that play in a tournament. Winners play the efficacious faculty team (we have some very tall teachers). Otherwise, you mainly hang out with your friends.
One bad thing, is that this is our last 'vacation' till summer. Always after spring break (which is unusually early this year) I catch a bad case of summer fever.
I apologize for the many capitalizations in this post, but I felt that it was neccesary for the dramatization of my stories... till next time!

2008-03-16T19:47:00.001-05:00

HAPPY PALM SUNDAY!

No win for Mitchell

2008-03-14T16:50:00.003-05:00

Well, my Great American project did not get first... or second. But it did get third... along with TWELVE other people's Great Americans. That's right, our class had such a diverse vote that we had a THIRTEEN way tie for third!
Nothin much else has happened. I had a band concert on Thursday night. Not too big. It got pretty boring towards the end cause we had to sit and listen to the 5th, 6th, (7/8, but they're wonderful because they have a red-head in their band), and High School bands play at least 3 pieces each. Well, it's behind me now.
Another thing that was pretty cool was the High School talent show. I, being a middle schooler, was not in it, but I went and saw some pretty amazing things.
Amazing thing #1: Erik Wiese - he is AMAZING! at the drums. He did a 5 minute trap-set solo and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time
Amazing thing #2: N-SYNC - last year a group of boys did a dance and lip-synch to Backstreet Boys, so this year a group did N-SYNC (boy band). It wasn't as good as last year, but it was pretty good still
Amazing thing #3: Swing Choir - A bunch of Seniors from the Swing Choir did a dance and sung to the song 'We Go Together' from Greece. That was cool
Amazing thing #4: Drumline - They're always so cool. But now I'm sad, cause all the leaders are Seniors and are leaving next year - when I come in!. So, we'll still have it next year... it just won't be as awesome.

Also, I heard from one of my friends that they are planning on making the 7th movie of Harry Potter in 2 parts. Hope they come out not very far apart. I also hope they bring justice to the book.
Happy Birthday Andrew and Becca!

Congrats Mark and Sarah and Mom!!

2008-03-12T21:56:00.003-05:00

two big things happened this week!
1. Mom retired (finally). she has been saying that she would retire, and she finally gave her notice in November. Then they needed her. Then some one quit. Then some one was on maternity leave. The excuses had to run out eventually. Well, now I have her all to myself, except I have to share her (sometimes) with Dillon and Dad... I guess.
and
2. Mark and Sarah bought the new house they've been looking for. The big coincident is that the people they bought the house from are the Lassen's. They have a son in my grade and we're pretty good friends. It's a REALLY nice house, and the best part is... IN-GROUND POOL!!!!!! O, the Hooyers should have fun with that. It's a fairly good sized pool with a slide. Sarah says theres one conditions though... we have to tell her she's our favorite aunt before we can swim... sorry Debbie, Janet, Jolene, Brenda, Natasha, Julie, Anne, and Judy, but you got some pretty tough competition. What will you guys bring to the table? It better be something good! (just kidding, I love you all)

Well, not much.

2008-03-10T20:29:00.002-05:00

You know, this spring/winter seems to be dragging on very much.
last week i signed up for high school classes (my homeroom teacher is Mr. Hulsof... becca, any tips, and what does he teach?). not much else is happening... i'm thinking about job-shadowing gregg (our beloved uncle) for my career class.
ummmm basket ball season is over... dont jump for joy yet, track season starts next week and i dont have long to pig out. lets see, what else?
ummm for those of you who are interested, today is Chuck Norrises birthday.
O! by the way, I did my speech on Walt Disney and I think it went really really well. I might actually win for my class. i dont find out till tomorrow. I shall update.
tomorrow I get to miss almost all my classes because I have been 'honored' to be in the high school jazz band - I play trapset. we're going to a competition. personally, I dont think we're that great. but, im not a critic, or at least not a professional one. I have a pretty cool drum solo in one song though.
well, till next time! bye!

Consequences of being sick for 4 days? Well...

2008-03-02T20:37:00.003-05:00

I was sick about 2 weeks ago for 4 days, missing 3 days of school. Effects of this were HUGE! Apparently I missed the whole high school 'cover plan' thing and I had to basically fill it in myself. I missed student-parent teacher conference practices, so last Thursday I 'winged' it. That didn't go so well. I also missed most of the build-up to our Great American project for History, so I also tried to write a rough draft, edit, rewrite, edit, and rewrite that into my final draft on Walt Disney. This weekend, I have to:
1. Summarize the 17th Amendment and create a speech on it in my own terms. Think of a fun way for my educated classmates to remember this amendment.
2. Draw a poster that is basically a summarization of Walt Disney's life and create a speech for that convincing my classmates why he is the Great American.
3. Write a career report on a career on a 'special' job that I haven't thought of before. My pick? A craft artist. A pretty fun sounding job that doesn't pay anything.
4. Write a song about the respiratory system using at least 10 vocabulary words, rhyming, and actions. O joy.

Wish me luck. Of course, by the time that you do, I'll probably be sitting in detention for not getting half of these done. Thanks for your thoughts though.

March 1 (Marta 1)

2008-03-01T08:04:00.003-05:00

Today is my half birthday (three cheers for the midget who didnt get beat to death... as of 14 1/2 years!). I got to thinking, and one of my classmates' birthday is on August 30, and when I thought about it, she never has a half birthday! Sure, she could try to go over to March 1, but I have already claimed that day. How sad I felt for her... for about a couple of seconds.
You might ask, "Mitch the Midget, why hath you beath upeth this lateth?" Well-eth, I have a basketball game this morning and it is probably my last one of my middle school career! GASP! Well, wish me luck.
Anything else to say? No? OK then, I can finally finish this post. Farewell to all ye fans, I shalt be back for another posteth lest my heart beath torn into two parts.

Not much

2008-02-27T17:42:00.002-05:00

For some of you I've been commenting on your blogs that you have not been posting... but neither have I. Seeing this horrible mistake I decided I should blog even if I don't have ANYTHING to talk about... this is what I'm doing currently. What should I write about?
Well, here's the deal. When something interesting comes up, I'll tell you.

Alvin and the Chipmunks

2008-02-21T17:59:00.002-05:00

I found this site on the internet that allows you to either speak into a microphone or write a saying into your computer and it will make the saying sound like a chipmunk, or your voice in a much higher and quicker tone. It's pretty funny. Me, being the kinde and unselfish person who's ALWAYS thinking of others, decided I should show you guys. Please visit wisely.

Go to www.munkyourself.com/us, click 'get munked', make your wondrous chipmunk, choose how you'd like to make your chipmunk speak, and preview your bewildering creation!

Why Me?

2008-02-19T18:30:00.004-05:00

Like so many others, I am sick. I started to feel it coming on about Sunday and knowing that many others were wick, I took lots of medication... it didn't work. I went snowboarding with a church group on Monday, and it was absolutely FREEZING!!! That definately didn't help my cold. I don't think I have the flu though. Just a bad cough and a runny nose. Sometimes I get dizzy and feel literally sick to my stomach. I didn't go to school today. That was definately the worst part. Just kidding. I had a big presentation today. Too bad.
The list of the victims? Tell me if I missed any.
1. Me
2. James
3. Dad
4. Michael - is he still sick?
5. Rebecca
6. Charity
7. Sarah
8. Andrew
9. Casey
10. Mark H.
11. And many many more

Who's next?...

Happy Happenings

2008-02-12T18:16:00.002-05:00

My parents left for COSTA RICA on Friday afternoon. I, unfortunately (just kidding!), am stuck with my wonderful, peppy, blonde (don't count that against her) cousin Sarah. I did the same 2 years ago when my parents went some where else. I enjoyed it, so I asked for her again. We are enjoying ourselves as much as we can on this white week. Sarah managed to get home last night after the snowstorm. Tuesday she had to have Loren pick her up in his hefty four-wheel-drive pick-up. We folded oragami Friday night, painted our wooden shapes Sunday night, and have yet to become bored... ok, maybe not that last one. Well, this fun has come to an end. My parents came home from there vacation yesterday morning. O how tanned they are.
Thursday was valentines day... HAPPY VALENTINES!!! Not much happened.
Today is Dillon's 9th birthday. He's having some cousins over (he's got a big list to choose from). We're going bowling in Hull.
Happy Happenings!

Funny Jokes!

2008-02-06T19:19:00.001-05:00

Three blonde friends died together in a car wreck. They found themselves standing in front of the pearly gates with St. Peter. He told them that before they could enter heaven, they had to tell him what Easter was about.
The first blonde said, "Easter is a big holiday where we give thanks, have a big feast and eat turkey."
"Nooooo," said St. Peter. "You don't get in."
The second blonde said, "Easter is the holiday that we celebrate Jesus' being born of the virgin and give gifts to each other."
"Nooooo," said St. Peter. "You don't get in, either."
The third blonde said, "Well, I know what Easter is all about. Easter is a Christian holiday which coincides with the Jewish Passover. After Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples, He was betrayed by Judas and turned over to the Romans. They crucified Him on a cross. After He died, they buried him in a tomb and put a huge boulder in front of it."
"Very good!" said St. Peter.
The blonde continued. "Now, every year, the Jews roll the stone away and Jesus comes out. If He sees his shadow, we have 6 more weeks of basketball."

A Sunday school teacher asked her class, "What was Jesus' mother's name?"
One child answered, "Mary."
The teacher then asked, "Who knows what Jesus' father's name was?"
A little kid said, "Verge."
Confused, the teacher asked, "Where did you get that?"
The kid said, "Well, you know they are always talking about Verge n' Mary.

Also, in the newspaper today, it said that clowns were meating in a church in East London today. Just thought it was some funny news you might want to know.

THE GREAT LIVESTOCK LEGACY

2008-02-04T09:32:00.000-05:00

Great news! We have stumbled upon remnants of Mitch the Midget's journal. We believe you will be pleased to find many of Mitch's private thoughts and quests. Enjoy, midget marveller.

I was sleeping, dreaming of my admirable size and stature, when I hear a helpless mortal shouting, "MITCH, MITCH, O MARVELOUS MITCH!! WE ARE IN NEED OF YOUR HELP!!" I awoke to find that Eugene the Euphonious, my conducive neighbor, was trapped in the depths of the trechorous ditches of Iowa. He needed a midget's help immediately!
I sprang into action. There was no time to spare! Euphonious Eugene needed my help! I got dressed as quickly as I could, remembering that it was almost -1,000 degrees Farenhuit outside. In my heedless rush to help Eugene the Euphonious I impulsively grabbed my elevator shoes as to impress the dwarf ladies. There was no time for that now. There was disorder that had to be delt with.
Once outside my toasty home, I leaped (mind you this is a midget leaping, so I didn't leap very far) to Eugene the Euphonious who was on his knees, trembling in my presence. He pleaded for me to help him in his unnoble cause; He was stuck in the before-mentioned ditch outside the Midget Mansion, and there was to much weight on his truck for him to escape his fate. He needed innocent cattle taken off as to lift the weight of his doomed truck. I agreed to help.
We needed a plan of action, and fast. I, being of course the leader and therefore the plan-maker, came up with our brilliant plan. We would lead the exemplary beasts to the nearest gates, blocking every known path they would have to make getaway.
After securing the premesis, I and my followers started the migration of the bovine beasts. It was all going well and according to plan under my watchful eye, when a rare winged cow flew out from the truck. I had only read about this kind of thing happening in books. It was a beautiful sight, but I could not just admire this beautiful specimen, I had to capture it and make it grant me 2 1/2 wishes. This was a one in a three chance, so I had to take advantage of this. I flew to the animal using fairy dust. I had read about the dangerosity of this beast, so I used my special Kung Fu powers mixed with some Judo to take down the steer and capture it. I was very proud of myself. I, Mitch the Midget, had caught a flying cow! Now, what shall I use it's wishes it has been obliged to give me for?

HAPPY... ummmm... HAPPY FESTIVITIES!!!

2008-02-02T14:32:00.000-05:00

I was thinking, and many things are going on today. I made a list in no particular order...
1. Michael's Birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL! (How old?)
2. Groundhog's Day! HAPPY GROUNDHOG'S DAY EVERYONE! (Did he see his shadow?)
3. Candlemas Day! HAPPY CANDLEMAS DAY EVERYONE! (It's a catholic holiday)
4. And it's... a) National Patient Recognition Week b) Solo Diners Eat Out Weekend and c) Women's Heart Week

Also, last night my mom wanted to cut my bangs because she (and other needless to be named cousins *cough* Charity *coughy* Rebecca *cough*) thought that my bangs were much too long. She decided to cut them with a home scissors and a mirror. Wow, do I regret that! I decided then that I extremely disliked my new dew. The next morning we planned a haircut at Renae's in Sioux Center (not my usual haircutting place). Now I think they cut it too short. I guess it could be worse though.
The usual observant people (and maybe even some not so observant people) may have noticed that something is quite different about my blog. Is it a new color? Is everything bolded? Did it get a haircut? NO! I changed the language of my dates to Irish. For something new. Maybe we can all learn a little Irish from this unmitigated wonder.
HAPPY FESTIVITIES!!!!!!!

Hmmmmm... What Shall I Eat Today?

2008-02-01T19:22:00.000-05:00

WAITER!!! I would like to order now please...
I think I shall have a 12" plate filled to the brim with cheese balls with 99.9% tomatoey ketchup along with some extra-salty french fries made in Gettysburg Arizona at exactly 1264 Ft in altitude over a fire while an eskimo roasts his marshmallows the north side first... how else do you make french fries? Then I shall have ordered my beginning course containing the choicest meats including beef, broccolli, and a hair of lettuce cooked rightside up by an antibidextrous brazilian monk who never eats cheese except on every other Tuesday. Then I shall have my 2nd course which pertains mainly to the western half of afri-euro-asierican-austrantica. You know, that weird country with a ton of french fried fish, and not enough starch? Well, this course contains deep, fat fried fish with some positively pruned purple peas hand picked by handless Chinese widdows. Now for the main meal... the ICE CREAM!! This shall be scooped by foot from the tippy top of candy mountain by nearly-headless-nick's sister's daughter's only uncle after he has finished playing a very laborious game of tennis with the president of eurikasville. After he scoops this very exquisite ice cream, this highly esteemed person will come down candy mountain in such a way, bistandards will think he is a mountain goat challenging his panda-bear neighbor to a cook-off... as always. I would like chocolate dollops ordered from the French owned West,East, Upside-Down India Trade Company with tiny shavings of goose feathers built into their structure, just the way Prince Traitero of Made-upsville likes it. After all these scrumptious ingredients have arrived, an invisible servant, who was born in the middle of the Earth and raised by a flock of ants in Tisbekistania, will mix these delectable components in a bowl hand knitted by the King's wife's daughter's son's sister's mother's husband with two needles fabricated in the depths of the dreaded Fluffy Pink Unicorn Sea. After mixing these scrumptious ingredients together in the hand-knitted bowl while whistling to the tune of 'I Wish I Were an Oscar Meyer Weiner', the servant will trip over an internationaly feared banana peel. She will then notice a mysterious marking in the left side of the righty's right leg, right? It will be a sign from her long lost mother-in-law from the planet Nebulon. She must leave immediately. After her absenteeism, an everyday person shall take over her job. He will fry the idolized ice-cream over a burning fire alvin and the chipmunks accidentally started. Then he shall fly to the north or south pole (doesn't matter which) A.S.A.P. via a mongoose with a skin condition. He shall then freeze the melted ice-cream in a freezer at EXACTLY -23.7835 degrees Farenhuit. He would have just kept it outside to freeze, but it was -23.7836 degrees Farenhuit outside. That was much too cold. Now for the 4th meal accomodating mostly fruits vegetables and whatever tomatoes are. Bowls filled to the brink with lucious fruits, and plates buried knee-deep in greasy vegetables. Concluding my 4th meal I would like to acquire 17 antelope pancreas' containing diet 3% goat's milk inside the scaly skin of the charred pancreas. As my 5th meal begins I'd like to obtain some crackers... saltine please, I absolutely shudder at the sound of unsalted crackers! For the 6th and a 1/2 meal, I would think a Southwestern Korean malt, stirred not shaken, would fit along with some medium rare brussel sprouts. Concluding my 7 course meal, I would think a cherry on top of everything except the french fries made in Gettysburg Arizona at exactly 1263 Ft in altitude over a fire while an eskimo roasts his marshmallows the north side first. Oh, I mean the french fries made in Gettysburg Arizona at exactly 12 thousand and sixty FOUR Ft in altitude over a fire while an eskimo roasts his marshmallows the north side first. That will be all.

Oh! I'm sorry! I'm deaf in this ear! I didn't hear a WORD you just said. Can you please repeat that?
Oh, why of course! Well, as I was saying, I'd like a...

Happy Half Anniversary To Me!!

2008-01-30T21:32:00.000-05:00

I was looking through some of my old posts, and I noticed that I began posting on June 25. If you add 6 months to that, you get December 25... CHRISTMAS!!! I know it's a little late, but I thought I should mention it. It's pretty important. I also noticed that this means I've been posting (or trying to) for more than 7 MONTHS!!! I think I deserve a present for that.

Jokes

2008-01-30T21:10:00.001-05:00

I was on my blog and I noticed that Charity has quotes, and Janet has 100 'special' things about her, so I wanted to do something different. It didn't really work out, but I got a new site that has some PRETTY funny jokes. Sorry they're so long, but most of them are worth it. I'm sorry to say, but I voted for #1 and #5 because they make fun of people and for some reason that is always amusing to me. That's why I'm a sucker for blonde jokes.

Chapter -- 3

2008-01-26T09:20:00.000-05:00

Charity has decided not to blog on the next chapter of Mitch the Midget, so I have taken it upon myself to conclude the next chapter (sorry I used so many big words Charity, I hope you can read it).

Mitch skipped joyfully down the path, wishing as always he was just a few inches taller. He was daydreaming when all of a sudden, Janet the Jade Jewel of Jersey came to him in the middle of his daydream. She said to him, "Mitch, you must travel to the horrible Forbidden Land and capture Brenda the Brittle from Gregg the Goliath. After doing so, she will give you directions on your never-ending journey to get your stolen drumstick back. Good luck, Mitch the Midget!!!". And off she went as if nothing had happened.
This was serious, Mitch must go to the Forbidden land! Everyone knew that land was full of giants! How could a midget survive there? And to add to his fears, Gregg the Goliath's minions -- Hannah the Hawk, Heather the hostile, and Holly the Huntress -- were known for being fierce, unruly... and having names that started with H! Oooooo, the H's scared Mitch the most!
Trembling in his, now wet, size 0 pants, Mitch set off down the path of darkness towards the Forbidden Land, and Gregg the Goliath, Hannah the Hawk, Heather the Hostile, and Holly the Huntswomen.

NO SCHOOL!!!!

2008-01-21T21:23:00.000-05:00

We had no school today, and that makes me very happy. What I don't get though, is why they did it. I can understand making school 2 hours late, the roads were pretty bad. But y they canceled school i dont know. the roads were fine by 9. o well. Does everyone like my list of 51? pretty funny. also check out the words beneath my picture, and check out my weird question on my profile. i decided to change it. you'll learn some VERY important history.

Ouch...

2008-01-16T15:58:00.000-05:00

I got my first tooth pulled, and then I got another one pulled too. It wasn't very painful until a little bit ago when the novicane started to wear off. Ouch. About 2 hours ago I was really hungry, but my dad said I couldn't eat for another hour and a half. Now I can eat, but I don't want to because my mouth is full of pain. Hope I don't starve myself.

51 Ways to Annoy Someone

2008-01-13T21:09:00.001-05:00

I ran out of jokes for my blog, so I was looking around, and I found this place that gave 51 ways to annoy someone. They're pretty funny, so I suggest you read them. If you scroll down a bit, it should be on the right side of the screen underneath the section 'Other Bloggers I Know' Hope you find them hilarious, and please don't annoy me with them. Also, check out my picture, well, check out the writing beneath it. Pretty funny huh?

The Magnificent, Marvelous, Mad, Maddam Mim

2008-01-12T20:46:00.000-05:00

I love that name. I was watching that movie -- The Sword in the Stone -- I decided right then and there that I absolutely love the name -- THE MAGNIFICENT, MARVELOUS, MAD, MADDAM MIM -- it's very catchy. I also noticed that I hadn't blogged for more than a week! It's not that long though, compared to how long i've waited before.
Also, we got a new motherload, or motherboard, or something for our computer, and now its really REALLY fast. I'm so happy. Now, that's one less thing for Charity and Rebecca to tease me about ( that leaves them about 1,000 more reasons to tease me). Happy secend semester everbody!

it's been THAT long?!?!?!

2008-01-03T17:01:00.000-05:00

wow i havent blogged in a LONG time. sorry, i guess i've been.... busy. doing what, im not sure. so, hope you all had a wonderful christmas, and a happy new year. for some reason, i think 07 went really quick, yet it went extremely long. now school begins again, and i never look forward to the 2nd semester because, first of all, it starts out really cold, then we just had a break, and now our next break is easter... 3 MONTHS! and everyone (including the teachers) drag on waiting for the school year to end. but i guess it's not all bad, there's gotta be some good... nope, i'll tell ya when i think of something. Something else too, i LOVE mitch the midget. it's fun to hear people praise you, even when it sometimes isnt so nice. but i have some things on charity and becca, so i might strike with sweet revenge at a time when no one expects it. but brava to them, keep writing about my, i mean mitch the midget's, adventures.

Try as I might

2007-11-24T21:20:00.000-05:00

We had the Hooyer Thanksgiving today, and, I guess, it was... fun (there, I said it). I noticed my blog was very pictureless, so I planned to take many pictures and put them on my blog. So far, I haven't been able to put a slide show of my pictures on here yet, but i will keep trying.
One thing I'm not sure I'll be able to put on the slideshow, but maybe on a post, is a video of Jolie and Ethan dancing together. Instead of the 'man' guiding the 'woman', Jolie was taking over.. and also doing some wonderful lyrics. Hope you can see it all!

So what if it's a little early!

2007-11-22T17:35:00.000-05:00

Hey. I know it's a little early to be asking, but after mom read my last post (OVER MY SHOULDER!), she wanted to know what you all would like for christmas. Now, if your like me, who can't ever think of something i really want, then you don't have to write anything... it's as simle as that. But, if you really want something (something that your parents might not already get you)(and it's affordable), then we might get you it.
We'll see
Maybe
If we like you.
If your nice to us.
If you bribe us.
If you promise to love us forever and ever.
If you ....
well, you get the point.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2007-11-22T14:54:00.001-05:00

I'm at my uncle and aunt's (on my mom's side) house. We just got done eating. It was delicious! I can't wait til friday, when we get to ice skate with the family (if you didn't know this, i might be wrong. Mom got an e-mail from Dan). I also can't wait to see all you on saturday! c-ya then!

...

2007-11-14T16:07:00.001-05:00

I know i havent been posting for a while, so i decided i should try. Since i dont have anything to post about, i will stop so i dont bore you to death.

2007-10-18T17:28:00.000-05:00

It was just your ordinary day when all of a sudden...
No, I don't think that beginning will do, maybe...
Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, Far, FAR, away...
No, that won't do either... um, lets see... I GOT IT!
I was in my evil lair/ kitchen when my sidekick, Dr. Flabbylegs, came eating a peanut mayonaise and tuna sandwhich with terrible news. The news was that (cue torturous/ horribly dramatic music) "WE WERE OUT OF RED SUPER SOFT TOILET PAPER!". Well, this causes for all forces. "I must call for back up!" says Dr. Flabbylegs unexpectedly, "NO WAIT! DON'T BACK UP!" Unfortunetly, the blind/deaf/lame semi driver cannot hear him, speak to him, or move so he backs over my poor sidekick. How convenient, now I have no sidekick, so I will call for back up (just not out loud).
Fortunately I find a back-up sidekick in the nick (what is a 'nick' anyway?) of time. His name? That's on a need-to-know basis, and no, you do NOT need to know. Maybe if you're nice, I might tell you his name. Of course, this depends on how this whole ordeal ends up. For now, we sahll call him Agent 'X'. HEY! Are you lot getting me off subject?
Anyway, what were we doing this all for again? O yes, how could I forget! We were out of smelly socks. Well, in order to get supplies for this horrible dilema we must go to Kay-mart, or Wall-mart, or maybe even, dare I say it... no, I better not say it. Well, we went to Wal-mart and after buying thee CUTEST pink shoes, we went and found the perfect tools for the missing shoelaces, a plunger (it was Agent 'X's idea). Right after getting ourselves a moca from Starbucks, we went to our secret lair/living room. When we arrived, we had just remembered something...
We all have short-term memory loss.
Why am I writing this story?

Not Much to Do

2007-10-18T17:00:00.000-05:00

My Aunt Janet and unnamed others have been bugging me to post. "Not since Sep. 29!" they say, "You need to post!". I AM SICK OF IT. I'm kidding of course. I guess I'm just an off and on poster. I'll think of something interesting to post about later.

hiLARRYiously funny

2007-09-29T17:10:00.000-06:00

A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.
"House" for instance, is feminine: "la casa."
"Pencil," however, is masculine: "el lapiz."
A student asked, "What gender is 'computer'?"
Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether "computer" should be a masculine or a feminine noun.
Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.The men's group decided that "computer" should definitely be of the feminine gender ("la computadora"), because:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;

2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval;

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ("el computador"), because:

1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;

2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;

3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem;

4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won.

Please comment back if you think this is the funniest thing you've heard since the last time you've checked my blog.

FLABERGASTED!

2007-09-19T06:22:00.000-06:00

I'm waiting for Becka to come pick me up for school, and I was looking at my blog (oh, how great it is), and I decided that it's time to let the cat out of the bag.
Okay, what's really going on, is on the sub-titles of my picture (look to your right if this is my latest post) I've put on the the words, "If you can read this, comment the word 'flabergasted' onto my latest post.". Only 2 people have done this (Hannah, and Anonymous [nice name]). I'm very upset with all of you. Okay, I'm just kidding. Just wanted to see how ovservant some of you are!

I've just found out!

2007-09-17T17:52:00.001-06:00

I've recently been informed that some of my classmates read my blog (you tell one person, and suddenly everybody knows). Most were complaining that they could not comment on my posts. Well, this is now untrue. I just changed my blog so that anyone may comment. I'm always thinking of others.

Just a footnote:

2007-09-15T15:00:00.000-06:00

Although I'm sure most of you don't know him, Austin Renes is my neighbor and, I guess, he's my friend, I guess. I've recently added him to my list of blogging aquaintances. I'm not saying you have to visit him and be his best friend, I'm just merely pointing out that I've added him. Now I somewhat know how becka feels.

Newspaypa! gets ya newspaypa

2007-09-14T16:14:00.000-06:00

Since most of you don't look at Charity's blog because she is so boring (that's sarcasm, who am I kidding, everybody LOVES Charity), I will put what I wrote on her comments on to my post, because everyone loves me (that's NOT sarcasm). Also on Charity's blog is a latin saying that she wanted people to figure out. Well, here are mine...

1. Amor est vitae essentia.
2. Antiquis temporibus, nati tibi similes in rupibus ventosissimis exponebantur ad necem
3. In dentibus anticis frustrum magnum spiniciae habes
4. Lusus naturae
5. Ne auderis delere orbem rigidum meum!

Any guesses? Whoever guesses right first, wins.
P.S. Sorry if it's a little much, but I have nothing else to do.

PROOF!

2007-09-13T17:08:00.000-06:00

No, you're not dreaming, this is my Driver's Permit. I got it last week Wednesday, 9/5. After a couple of nerv-racking minutes caused by not knowing some of the answers, I decided to figure out how much I could miss. It turns out I could only miss 7 answers, or I would fail. I missed 6. Wow am I lucky.

By the way, I caught a picture of the dangerous duo of monkeys who are responsible for putting that perilous hole on Loren and Jolene's lawn. I was unable to capture them though. In fact, I'm lucky I got a good photo.

By the way...

2007-09-12T19:12:00.000-06:00

By the way, if you have not yet done so, please visit 'the Hooyer Family Tree'. This beautiful piece of fine art is conveniently located on http://www.ancestry.com/. Once there, you must type in a user name and password. This information is classified, but I guess I'll tell you. Username: hooyer Password: reyoohSarah (cousin Sarah) and I have been working on this for at least a year. Now we are going nation-wide with it. I'm sure you'll love it.
'Cause if you don't...

What I did today

2007-09-12T15:47:00.000-06:00

Although this story might bore some to a crisp, many of my more annoying cousins (hem, hem, Charity, hem, hem) have been bugging me to post. So here goes (for those of you who have a paranoia of bad grammar, I suggest not reading this next few sentences)...
I woke up (you can tell this is going to be exciting, can't you?). I had Cap'n Crunch Crunchberries limited edition Pirate Pete's Shapes. After nearly missing the bus to school, I sat by my friend/neighbor Austin Renes who just cut his hair into a mow hawk. Seeing that he is normally bald, it will only be for today, which, by the way, just happens to, incidentally, be Wednesday of homecoming, which, of course, means that all the children who are, incidentally, quite nice get to dress up, unfortunately, as their favorite, if not positively most bodacious, Disney and/or Dream works character which, sadly, I regret to inform you, this information slipped my mind, causing me to forgot to dress up as one of these Disney and/or Dream Works characters, but, I did have a plan, which was one of the best plans, to wear a Goofy hat, which is one of the most remarkable hats in this Universe, whichever one we are in as of this very second, but, as I have already informed you, I forgot to wear that most astounding piece of hatmenship ever to be worn on my most illustrious, red/golden mane, which, by the way, has been recently cut down to size, but, that is getting off the subject. After the bus ride I got off of the bus, and entered the most monotonous menagerie of maniacle madness (A.K.A., the school). After an eternity of soaking up knowledge like a dried up, thirsty sea sponge named Bob, whose existence coincided with the life of Spongebob, I left school with that knowledge seaping out of my pores and drenching any one who choose to walk beside myself. Sadly, about half of this wondrous knowledge spilled out onto the streets and now I cannot remember half of what I learned in school today. O, woe is me. After finally reaching my destination of grandmother's house, I cut an apple (not Granny Smith, but the luscious golden/red kind) and devoured it along with a couple scoops of creamy, gooey, peanut butter, not the brittle, crispy, crunchy, chunky kind, o no, that just would not satisfy my superior taste buds, which by the way, are certainly more refined then a commoner's taste buds, such as yours. I pity the poor (no literally, poor) pitiful peon (it's a word, look it up) who cannot appreciate such delicate peanut butter flavors, but rather must drudge through their day bludgeoning there tongues with baser flavors. O, woe is them. O, the horror. O well, too bad, going on...
Wait just a second, this is the most feared and unloved part of any story, the part where the hero must die, or must complain about how lousy the Internet service is in Iowa, whichever suits him. If you have not caught on, which will be most of you, this is the end.
No really, this is the end.
Leave.
Now.
WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I take it back, we have another story for your interest.
Here goes...
again...
never mind. I'll do it later.

Grandmother Dearest

2007-08-06T07:13:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure if everybody out there knows, but my grandma has been sick for the past three weeks. On Friday, July 20, mom went to Grandma's house for the weekend because grandma couldn't do much because of her sudden back pain. Mom brought her into the doctor's. Grandma was diagnose with Shingles.
So Grandma started taking pills against Shingles. The pills made her delirious, imagining things that weren't there. On Sunday morning, mom spooked grandma, and she had a seizure.
Mom called 911, but there is no hospital in Alcester. The closest hospital is 7 miles away. Mom immediately after calling runs out for help. Outside, there is grandma's neighbor, Viola walking to church. Viola (thank god) is a retired nurse and tells mom not to worry, and to get the guys that work next door to help her restrain grandma.
A little you should know about grandma Mary. She has been in Alcester almost all her life. One of her latest jobs was being a cook at the nearby school. She also helps out at the senior center, and at the manor for assisted living. So naturaly, Mary is loved by everyone and everybody that's ever met her. She is the perfect grandma.
After the ambulance rushes grandma to the hospital in Hawarden, they plan on bringing her to Avera McKennan by helicopter. The driver of the ambulance tells mom that it would cost her about 300$ just for that little drive, but luckily, most of the people in the ambulance knew and loved Mary, so they took her free of charge.
Mom speeds to Sioux Falls to find that she had beaten the helicopter there because they had to hook of grandma to a breathing machine before leaving. Once they arrive they put her in ICU. She does not look good.
Grandma has 8 children, 3 of which live in Texas. They had all been back for an All School Reunion. They had been home for about a week when they rushed back to grandma's aid. One of her daughter's had married the news/weather man, Doug Lund from Kelo land. Doug has his own blog connected to Kelo's sight. Doug was the outside world's connection to see how Mary was doing. After his first blog, he had an amazing amount of comments from lots of places around the U.S. Each one of them saying that they were praying for Mary.
Grandma was not getting better too soon, so doctors said that they were not putting a permanent deadline, but if she doesn't show signs of getting better, they might have to pull the plug in 2 days. Mom actually remembers grandma saying "Don't pull that plug too soon, you hear me?". Also, grandma reacts slowly to medicine, so we wanted to give her time. Eventually, Grandma got better over the 2 week span. By the end of July, she was up and walking.
On August 3, we brought grandma to her house and stayed there over the weekend taking care of her. Another one of her daughters will take care of her for another week after us, and another daughter will take care of her for about another week after that. Then, hopefully, grandma will be back to normal and she will be able to take care of herself. We'll be checking up on her every now and then, just to make sure though.

My new "job"

2007-08-06T07:04:00.001-06:00

Lately, I have been having to get up at 6:30 in the morning to help my dad do "chores". For those of you who don't know what chores are, here is and explanation. Chores are when we have to mix together different rations of food with the paloader into the mixer, or the Feeder Wagon. Then we drive the mixer either to the long building (I think that's self explanatory), Eugenes, or Fekases (farm between Eugene's and Loren and Jolene's). We then feed the right amount of feed to the bunks. One of these loads takes about 30 - 45 minutes. There are 4 - 5 loads in all. This is the cattle's breakfast. In the afternoon, we must do this all over again. That is the cattle's supper.
Dad plan's on paying me at the end of the summer. That is coming much too soon for me.

Harry Potter 7:

2007-07-30T10:42:00.000-06:00

We all knew that this day would come, but silently none of us wanted to be the one to write it.
If you have not yet read the book, I strongly suggest reading the book first, and then read my view of the subject.

My view (A.K.A. the right way to think):

The book starts off killing people, so you know what kind of stuffs gonna happen in the book, especially with it being the last book. I mean, neither can live while the other survives? one of ums gonna die.

I never expected harry to actually just be able to waltz off freely to go find horcruxes, so the incident at the wedding was no suprise.

I thought that the threesome group would have different places to stay though. but i'm not sure what i imagined.

i never really expected ron to leave just like that, but like Loren said, they were getting older and a lot more tempermental. i guess it's to be expected. the reason Dumbledore left Harry the sword was pretty obvious i think. why else give harry a sword in a world of magicians?

I still dont see how the group could get out of the ministry alive like that. for one, it wasn't a very well-thought-out plan. I didn't get the whole thing with the ministry really. before i saw the 5th movie, i had a whole different view on what the ministry of magic looked like, so when i imagined the whole thing in my head, it got confusing.

Godric's Hallow. i feel really stupid admitting this, but i never found the connection of Godric Gryffindor and Godric's Hallow. i would have been to scared to go to the grave when they did. I couldnt think of how Harry was gonna get out of the whole thing when hermione broke his wand. after all the wand had done in the beginning of the book and in the 4th book.

The Deathly Hallows. When I heard what the book was going to be called, I assumed that "Hallows" meants Halloween. It seemed to fit. I guess I was wrong. When it said that Voldemort was after the Elder Wand, I thought for sure he was going to go after all of the Hallows. If he would've gotten 'em, it could've turned bad. It also said that whomever owned all the Hallows could cheat death itself, and tecnically Harry had all the Hallows and he cheated death. The book puts together different mysteries pretty good.

Dumbledore said that Voldemort never had a friend and probably will never want one, he is very independent. Than why would Voldemort trust a part of his soul in the Lestrange's vault? o well.

The war of Pigpimples, i mean Hogwart, was to be expected. I also knew lots of good people had to die in a war. Many kids wrote to Rowling asking, no pleading her not to kill off there favorite charachters. Rowling replied "People die, and life goes on for the living." that opened new doors to what might happen in the book.

Dumbledore told Harry that one of the horcruxes might be a possesion of Ravenclaw's or Gryffindor's. Once I thought of the idea of Slytherin's heir trusting his soul in a possesion of Gryffindor's it was obvious that it had to be Ravenclaw's. how harry killed the tiara though, was very unexpected.

Snape. Snape Snape Snape Snape Snape. that was a shocker. after reading the 5th and 6th books over, i had theories of snape being on our side, but not for those reasons. i really think that dumbledore took advantage of snape over his love life. but i didn't feel sorry. who would (besides you charity)? it was also a shocker that dumbledore had most of these things planned. he came off looking really smart throughout the books, but this reaches a new level. and it was weird reading about dumbledores personal life never really thought about it much.

Harry? a Horcrux!? never much thought about it, but now it makes sense. that would take tons of courage just to walk up to Voldemort. let alone let him kill you. i would have lots of trouble keeping away thoughts of what would happen to everybody and everything.

the limbo that harry went into confused me alot. i had to read it over twice to get the main point out of it. so harry had a choice in the end to die and live (maybe that's the wrong word) with his parents and many people who he cared about, or to go back to that life that was painful, hurtful, scary, and dangerous. but he did. tough choice.

so harry comes back, and acts dead until the right moment. by the way, i was always attached to Neville. he was so funny and clumsy so i felt bad that he had to be in so much pain with the sorting hat on his head on fire.

then comes the "final battle". On an off-hand note, i think that it was really cool when mrs. weasley whooped bellatrixe's but. back to the final battle. i also had to think this one over. throughout the book harry keeps saying "i don't know why! what's that supposed to mean? why me?", but all of a sudden he's full of knowledge. when he said that it was Draco that had the elder wand, i got really confused and had to really think about it. but it makes sense, since draco de-wanded dumbledore and then his wand was the elder wand, then the wand "exepted" harry as the true owner or something like that. i really couldn't follow the wand explanations. i didn't try to hard though. i guess that just made voldemort scared, and harry got lucky and didn't have to use the killing curse. apparentley one of Voldemort's rebounded and got him good.

the epilogue. very cheesey. but i guess it was okay. not the best ending ever.

Death count:

i counted 13 somewhat main characters die (with the help of some other people):

1. Hedwig

2. Mad-eye Moody

3. Rufus Scrimgour (though i'm not sure if he counts)

4. Peter Pettigrew

5. Dobby:'(

6. Crabbe

7. Harry

8. Fred

9. Lupin

10. Tonks

11. Snape

12. Bellatrix Lestrange

13. Voldemort

please add on if there are more! sorry to make my views so long also. choose to comment or not. it's your choice.

We Lost Patches...AGAIN!:'( don't worry, we found him back

2007-07-28T16:53:00.000-06:00

Lost, Season II :

So, here goes Patches' amazing tail. Dad, after "supposedly" forgeting to put Patches back on the pick-up once already, brought Patches with him to the ethanol plant. When he arrived back home, he noticed that Patches was not on back of the pick-up. Not a good sign.

The search:

So, dad went out searching for what he says was "an hour". After deciding that since he was going to wake up early any way, why not catch up on some sleep.

Found at last:

In the morning, some guys from the ethanol plant called and said "We think we got your dog". Dad went over and got the whole story.

What really happened:

Patches jumped off the pick-up. After dad had left, Patches went looking for him. In the search, Patches went through a barb wire fence, and into a 250ft.x250ft whole with slanted sides meant for storing "manure". Patches came home smelling like the ethanol plant, so dad gave him 3 bathes. Unfortunately, he still smells like the plant. We think it smells really bad, but I would shudder to imagine what it would smell like for a dog.

Patches' amazing swimming skills, the watchful eyes of plant workers, and pure luck saved Patches life this time.What ways will we think of to get rid of Patches next? Keep tuning in to find out!

We Lost Patches!:'(

2007-07-12T11:55:00.001-06:00

We lost our gaurd dog, Patches, on Monday night, July 9th. My dad and I were on a farm outside Larchwood SD(for those of you who don't know where that is, it's 27 miles or 1/2 and hour away from here) checking on some of his cattle he was keeping there. Dad was in a conversation with the owner of the farm when I let Patches off of the pick-up thinking that dad would notice. So I went into the pick-up and read my book. Dad, however, did not notice this, and jumped into the pick-up and sped off to Rock Valley where we got some snow cones.

This is where we noticed that Patches was not on the back of the pickup. So we drove back to the farm and drove about a 5 mile radius of the farm. It was now around 9:30PM. Because of the oncoming darkness, we decided to give up and hope for the best tomorrow.

The next day we called about 5 of the surrounding area's police departments hoping that somebody would report them. It was that night around 8:30PM that we got a call from a person named Judy Morser saying that she had our dog. So my mother and I (dad was golfing) went to pick up Patches. When we got there, we learned that Patches had run a whole 11 miles over the last 24 hours. Boy, was he tired!

So that's Patches' amazing tail, I mean tale. - yes, that was a joke, you laugh now.

Vacation...sorta

2007-07-02T16:48:00.000-06:00

Frome June 29 to July 2 I was visiting my friend's lakehouse. While I was down there it sounds like I missed out on a lot of fun. I wished I were here for the partying. But while you were partying, I was skiing and tubing. Here are some pictures...

- Me and Jackie on "Balboa Betty" playing Boggle

- Me skiing, I know , I look proffesional don't I?

cute pets

2007-06-26T13:33:00.000-06:00

We have 11 kittens and 3 mothers on our farm. The kittens are from 2 to 3 months old. We have 5 black kittens, 4 calico kittens, 1 grey kitten,and 1 golden kitten. We still have not named most of them so please comment back with names. Here are only some of the many photos we have of them. Gracias!

- Sissie - mother of 3 - 2 calicos and 1 golden

- ? - mother of 4 - all black

- ? - mother of 4 - 2 calicos, 1 grey, 1 black

- Patches - gaurd dog

- Blue - Man's best friend

- ? - kitten - calico

- ? - kitten - black

- ? - twins - no way to tell them apart

- ? - black kitten

- Sophia - Sophie for short - calico kitten

- ? - Golden kitten

- ? - calico kitten

- ? - black kitten

- ? - calico kitten

- ? - grey kitten

Parents on Vacation without ME!

2007-06-26T12:09:00.000-06:00

I'm not too happy right now. My dad just gave me a magazine with the title "Costa Rica & Belize, Great Travel Locations!". So I asked him what it was for. He said that him and mom and some of their friends were looking at a place to travel next February.Now I feel really left out. I mean, who wouldn't want there beautiful child with them every second?

-Mitchell

First Post

2007-06-25T16:53:00.001-06:00

This is the real me...
Yes, I know, it's not the glamorous red-head you all think you know, but the dark side corrupts us all.