CAIDEN'S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND: CANEY LAKE/ULM FOOTBALL TAILGATE AND GAME

This was absolutely one of the best weekends we have ever had! Jerry and I and the kids had a blast! This is something that we will have to do again! Jerry and I have decided that we will do a state park at least once every 3 months. This little weekend get-a-way brought our family so much closer. We feel so united as a family. Every one of these kids had a blast, and are still talking about!
The girls felt right at home, and they camped out just like the boys!




We picked up ALL the kids from school, and then we packed up. Oh my, the car was so loaded down! When going camping, there are so MANY things to have to pack!! There are clothes, pillows,blankets, medicine, I ALWAYS pack up a First Aid kit. When in the woods, you have to be prepared for anything. Bug spray, sting bites, AND YES, poison ivy, which I am glad to say that no one came in contact with! Of course, I had Caiden's asthma meds on hand, ALWAYS. We must not forget the food, we had food in every compartment of the car. We also packed all sorts of board games, and playing cards. Oh, we can't forget the birthday cake, Which was snug between the arm rest of Jerry and I! We had the car so packed down that Each kid had something beside them or underneath their feet! We even had bread and hamburger buns on the dashboard! We wanted to make sure we had EVERYTHING needed for an exciting weekend!
The ride there was great, the kids were so excited, and talked about what they were going to do first!
We finally arrived at Jimmie Davis State Park, AKA, Caney Lake. The first thing the kids did was run down the the fishing dock. They were wanting to check everything out! And you can guess you did the unpacking.....mom and dad, of course! We finally got everything in the cabin, which took about 6 trips! I then started to make things seem like home, I put things in the fridge, set up chairs, put sheets on the bed, put the kids suitcases in the "bunk bed" room. There is just a warm feeling about being in a little cabin with all sorts of fun things planned, and just making it our little get-a-way home for the weekend!
It was so fun to see the kids running down the little trail, and heading to the dock. They just stood there, looking and the beautiful water.
They found a little duck decoy sitting on the pier, and they threw it out in the water, and they watched it bobble in the water!



Jerry and I were just standing there with smiles on our faces, we love to see kids happy...and they were happy. Jerry was so looking forward to this trip. He has been working so hard, and he was just as excited as they were, he deserved some time with us and some time to relax!
After they played some on the pier, they decided that they were ready to start picking up limbs and sticks for our bond fire. This is what I was looking forward to!! Roasting weenies and marshmallows, I was just like a little kid myself! I LOVE sitting around a BIG campfire,with my family,it is just something about nature, I love camping! I grew up in a hunting family, and as a kid, I loved to go to various hunting camps, sitting around that bond fire, and getting up very very early to go hunting!


Our Cabin





The boys scoped out the area, and gathered up all sorts of sticks of various sizes.
Jerry also told them to collect pine straw too, for it burns quickly, and our fire would have a much better start with this!
The girls helped out to, and I think we actually gathered more sticks and limbs than the boys...well, it was a close race anyway!
After that, I went inside to prepare my Spiral Ham, We had ham sandwiches for lunch Saturday. I love to cook, and I truly believe the best tasting food is food that is cook for several hours, letting every little bit of juice set on it and simmer. I cooked the ham on the very low settings for 7 hours, and I must say, the ham was delicious!! The kids all love it and wanted more!

The kids then decided that they wanted to play cards. We had regular playing cards, and UNO, which they LOVED!
It was so cute watching Jerry be the dealer and teaching the kids new card games! Jerry is such a great dad! He is always interacting with our children and he is so involved in every aspect of their lives. Caiden and Bailee are so blessed to have him!
When Jerry and I were planning this trip, we were trying to come up with different things we could do, and I decided it would be fun to use little candy packets as their "money". The kids all loved that, and even ate a few pieces of their "money" during the game!
O f course, Caiden was trying to hide all of his winnings, He had just won a big hand, and he was showing that NO ONE was getting any pieces!

After a few games of cards, Jerry decided it was time to fire up the grill!
The kids stayed outside, and walked around exploring every inch of the woods
They even gave Jerry some pointers on how to cook, They were telling him how they like the hamburgers cooked!
They played a little football too! Even the girls!

Then we all walked down to the pier to set the sunset.
It was so beautiful, it really was! The kids were all amazed at how the reflection of the sun on the water had changed.
We just stood there and watched this beautiful change!

Caiden even decided to help his dad cook, Jerry was more than happy to let him flip the burgers! It was great and heart warming to see them two talking and joking around. I love my boys!

After a few games of football and relaxation time, the burgers done and it was time to eat!
The kids took thier plates and parked in front of the tv. There was so much to do outdoors, and they did only watch tv while eating and getting ready for bed!

Then it was time for Caiden's Birthday party! We sang "Happy Birthday" and got ready for some cake!
He was just happy to have us all together as a family..plus Bo!
He picked out a Yankee's cake, for he has had just about every sports cake imaginable!He had a Saints cake last year and wanted something different. He was a lot of fun having a birthday party in a cabin in the woods. Something different, something to always remember.
He got to cut his own cake, and he got the first piece of cake that he wanted.

He was so happy that he got to cut his 1st birthday cake!
Oh yes, YUM, checking on the ham, it was coming along nicely. The kids asked me what that great smell was!
The time had come.... I had been wanting for this all day....Bond fire time!! Caiden got the weenies ready and the marshmallows! While shopping for groceries, I found the coolest marshmallows. They were vanilla and chocolate. I grabbed a couple of bags and they turned out to be soo good. They were for sure good when melted!
The kids got so excited when Jerry lit the bond fire. They were jumping up and down and they already had thier sticks ready to put into the bond fire. They were ready for a good time of roasting weenies and just sitting around a good old campfire and telling stories!
I was just as excited as they were. Jerry enjoyed it too!

Emily and Megan were having a blast feeding each other!



Caiden and I decided to chill out and talk about how much fun we were having!

After the bond fire, we all decided to go back to the pier and look at the stars. This was a time to relax and take in nature, the kids really liked looking at the stars. They kept aruging which star was the brightest and biggest.

After looking at the stars, we played a few more games and then let the kids have time by themselves and Jerry and I got some time alone. It is always good for mom and dad to spend time alone. This builds healthy relationships for stronger families. We are Caiden and Bailee's role models, they look up to us and they mimic what they see. If they see that Mom and Dad have a good solid relationship, then they too can learn from us and build healthy adult realtionships with others.
After time with each other, it was bed time, for we had a big day planned for tomorrow, and we wanted everyone to be well rested! I got up the next morning, cooked everyone bacon, eggs, and sausage, so the kids could be well fueled for the activities.
Jerry and I had a Savenger Hunt planned out for the morning. It was the Girls vs Boys and they each teamed up and went to special places to discuss stratergy and so fourth. Each list was different. They had to find different things.

Jerry was to go with the boys and I was to go with the girls!
We had 2 digital cameras, and they had to take pictures of different things
The Savenger Hunt Lists

These are some of the things the girls had to take pictures of.

These are what the boys had to take pictures of


After several minutes of running around crazy, walking a lot trying to get everything on the list, the girls and I finally returned to the cabin to meet up with the boys to see and compare what they got. Come to find out, they had been waiting on us for awhile, which I thought was crazy, for there were alot of things on that list, and it required alot of walking and thinking! They cheated a little bit, boys will be boys! We compared pictures and came to the conclusion that it was a tie!The deal was that the loser had to take a pie in the face! So, Jerry and I decided that EVERYONE would get a chance to throw a pie at whomever they choose! The kids were loving this idea! Brotherly and Sisterly love was about to be shown!!

Megan and Emily were so funny! They enjoyed rubbing pies into each other faces!

And My Bailee Grace got her brother real real good!

Caiden got to push a pie into Jerry's face and he loved every minute of it!
Then it was my turn, Jerry really made sure that he got me good!! It was a blast, and the pies consisted of whipped cream and chocolate sauce. So it was kinda like a treat to have it smeared all in your face!

The kids had so much fun with this, we smelled of whipped cream and chocolate, but it was a great smell. Our hair was soo sticky, but we didn't mind, we were camping for heavens sake, this was what it was all about!!



This was truly the best part about our trip!

After the Throw-A-Pie-In-Your-Face, we all took turns taking a shower. The girls could still smell the great smell of whipped cream after washing thier hair! The kids decided to play some more card games, waiting on the Ham sandwhiches that I was preparing!


I finally got everthing ready and they all piled up in the kitchen for lunch! Since this was Caiden's Birthday weekend, He got to call the shots. We had the cabin booked for 2 nights, but he decided that he wanted to go tailgating and watch the ULM football game. He said that he wanted to be around Pappaw cooking and playing football in the groove. So we packed up and waved good bye to our wonderful weekend of nature! We had so much fun! I even told all the kids that if they made Honor Roll next 6 weeks, I would take them back! They promised me that they would try thier best, for they wanted to come back!
Thank you Caney Lake, we had such a great time and we will be returning soon! Caiden so much enjoyed his 1st Birthday weekend!

Jerry doesn't get to home come much, being that this is prime Hurricane season, but he so looks forward to ULM Taligating and the game! Caiden does too! I knew that he would probably not be able to attend many ULM games, and I wanted him to get to go to at least one.
I also wanted him to be able to spend time with his parents. For his family has always tailgated and supported the ULM Warhawks. So, Jerry,Caiden, and Bailee left Saturday afternoon for the tailgate and game. Bo sooned joined them and they had a blast!
They got to hang out with Pappaw and MiMi , and see a pig being roasted!

Caiden and Bo got to play football and hang out.

They got to watch the Ulm game. I am so glad that we had such a wonderful weekend. There is nothing like spending time with your family. Caiden had such a great time and he got to go camping and he got to do one of his favortite things, play and watch football! Caiden and Bo, and Jerry are so excited about next weekend, for we will travel to New Orleans to watch the New Orleans Saints play! Who dat, who dat say gonna beat them them Saints, who dat???!!

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY CAIDEN MAX ELLERMAN!

Caiden Max Ellerman

October 2, 1997
I cannot believe that 11 years have come and gone. It seems like only yesterday I was holding my first born child in my arms!Caiden will and always will be a blessing to Jerry and I. God had a special plan for Caiden, and Jerry and I are so ever grateful to the Lord for giving us a gift, and this gift has forever changed our lives. There were so many nights that I prayed for a child. Trying for 5 long years, I had almost giving up in despair. Wanting a child so much, and not knowing how to deal with the disappoint of trying and not succeeding, I was ready to give up, BUT, after I prayed to God, in your time, your time, I will wait. And when I gave it to the Lord, in turn, He finally blessed us with Caiden! Being a parent was all I ever wanted to be! Thank you God for my Caiden!

Today was a most fabulous day! Caiden did not go to school today. We have always allowed our children to miss school on their Birthday. Jerry and I feel that their Birthday is a day that should be spent with family. This is very important to us especially since Jerry is gone most of the time working. This is a family tradition of ours. And we will keep doing this, now whether Caiden and Bailee want to do this with their own family is up to them, but for now, this will be the way it is!!
Caiden woke up this morning with a serenade of "Happy Birthday" with the wonderful(YEA RIGHT) singing voices of Jerry, Bailee and me! He was happy to hear it, but he said"Ok you guys, I need something to drink first!" Then we all sat at the dinner table with his gifts. We wanted him to open them while Bailee was there, for Bailee unfortunately had to go to school. But she understood, for when her birthday comes, the roles are reversed, and she understands. With Caiden becoming older, we are allowing him to have a say so in his choices of Birthday parties. Caiden is at a hard age right now. He is in between of having kiddie birthdays and of having something different. I with me being of creative mind, I am always thinking of different themes and different things to try and do. So, this year, we gave him this to think about. We told him that he could have the same thing as always, a party with friends at a local place, OR, he could have a special weekend with a friend, what ever and where ever he wanted to go, and it would be a big deal with one special friend. So, he decided against a usual birthday party, and chose this. Jerry told Caiden that he could take one friend, and go to the Super dome to see the New Orleans Saints play! OK, if you were an 11 year old boy, and had the chance to see a Pro football team play, which would you choose?? Not a hard decision to make. How many 11 year old boys get chance to see that?? Not many I know of!! You can have a birthday party at home anytime, BUT it is a once in a lifetime thing to see a game like this!! In the SUPER DOME!!
So, this is what Caiden decided to do! We have been planning this for weeks, and Jerry told Caiden that there was a chance that we might not get the tickets. For the Saints games have been sold out for the last year and a half! This was going to be a challenge, but Jerry promised Caiden that he would try real hard!! Caiden decided to invite his best friend Bo. Bo and Caiden are forever trading baseball and football cards. They are 2 peas in a pod! So, patiently Caiden has been waiting and waiting, and Bo too! That is all they have been talking about for weeks. Jerry put in some vacation time for Caiden's birthday. He has done this ALWAYS since he started working for State Farm. He always puts in time for Caiden's and Bailee's birthday! Jerry called Tuesday night and told me that he got the tickets!! YES!! I was pumped up ! He got 5 tickets, four for our family, and one for Bo.
But, He told me not to tell Caiden, he wanted it to be a surprise! He talk to Caiden like he does every night, and told him that he was sorry, he tried real hard to get the tickets, and he just couldn't get them. Caiden was devastated, and I felt bad, but Jerry wanted him to not be expecting it, so it would be such a big surprise. I called to call Leslie, Bo's mother to let her know what was going on , so Bo would not give his hopes up either. She understood, and played the game out!
So, Wednesday night, Jerry and I decided to hide the tickets in a book that Caiden has been wanting! He has read this series of books called "The Wimpy Kid" and a new book had just came out and he wanted the book so bad. Caiden's school had their annual Book Fair last week, and when I ate lunch with them Friday, I snuck down to the library and got the book for him!

So, this morning when he opened his presents, he saw the new book, and was soo excited that he had gotten the book! We told him to look through the book, AND he found the tickets!! The look on the kids face was soo touching!! Those little dipoles in his checks got so BIG!! he was jumping up and down! He said, "Daddy, you told me that you couldn't get them, But you did, like you always say, you always promise , you always come through!"
So, Of course, he called Bo to let him know that we got the tickets and we would be going! Bo was pumped up and was excited about going!
I fixed Caiden his favorite breakfast, Bacon and Eggs, and we started getting ready for his special day!
First thing, Jerry and Caiden went to the local Barber shop and got a haircut. After that , we went out favorite Bakery shop, Zoey's and picked out a cake for our special trip this weekend, The Saints game is next weekend, but we had a special weekend planned for this weekend too!! Wow, 2 weekends of fun!
After we picked his cake out, we then went to his Kay Kay's (my mother) house to get his gift. We also got to his my niece, Isabel, who we haven't seen in awhile! She was so excited to see him. Caiden even took time to read her a couple of books, and it was so sweet to watch the sitting on the couch reading. Caiden LOVES to read! Kay Kay gave him money, which was so great for Caiden knew already what he wanted to buy with his birthday money... A Saints Jersey!! So, we then headed to Bastrop, to eat lunch at Granny's Home Cooking Restaurant. When then went to a sports shop to look at Saint's Jerseys. Caiden found one, and was really excited about getting it. What was really cool was that the money that Kay Kay gave him was the exact amount of the Jersey! Thanks Kay Kay, Caiden loves you so much!

We then went to the mall to Jaimie's Field Of Dreams. This is a speciality shop of sports memorphila. This place was soo cool. They had baseball and football cards. Signed Jersey's and Footballs, and many many more things! Caiden was in heaven!
He bought a LSU card, and The owner gave him a Saint's card free since it was his Birthday!
Caiden and Jerry were like 2 little kids in a candy store. It was so precious to see them like this!
I was impressed with this place also, for they had soo much LSU stuff and I was going crazy!
I wanted to get things, BUT this was Caiden's day, not mine! LOL

After we left there, with many football memorphilla, we headed to the school to pick up Bailee Grace.
We got home relaxed, did their homework, and studied for tests.
Even though it was Caiden's Birthday, we need to keep up with our normal routine, and our study schedule!
We then got ready for Caiden's Supper , and he picked Pea King, his favorite restaurant.
We had a great supper, and we were ready to come home

Caiden thanked Jerry and I for a Great Birthday!
He is so excited about this weekend, for we have planned a trip to Caney Lake. Caiden has invited Bo to spend this weekend with us. Bailee has invited Bo's twin sister's to join us!
So will have this weekend at Caney Lake, spending 2 nights in a great cabin, playing games, camping out, weenie roasts, and bonfires, with smores and who knows whatever else we decide!
Then, Caiden, Bailee, and I, along with Bo, will travel to New Orleans next weekend for the BIG game of the Saints vs Oakland Raiders.
Caiden is soo excited about the next 2 weekends! We ended his birthday with coming home from a great supper, and coming home and finding a Birthday Card from his best friend Bo! We are ready for this weekend and the next weekend to come! Happy Birthday Caiden Max Ellerman, Your family loves you so much! You have brought so much joy into our lives just with your presence!

ANOTHER VICTORY FOR LSU TIGERS

We had a great night Saturday watching the undefeated LSU Tigers!
I cooked up a little meal for Caiden, Bailee and Me!
We had so much fun watching the game!
The Tigers pulled a win with Mississippi, The score being 34 to 24.
Some of Caiden's friends joined us for the game!

Way to go Tigers!