Hitting The Range

I've picked up a new hobby. Well, I guess one night on a driving range doesn't make a hobby, but that's the plan.

I now have my own set of golf clubs!


After trying them out by hitting balls down the street one night, Daniel and I made a date night of it at a nearby driving range. It was great! 


Of course, I'm used to hitting balls in this fashion...


But, I'm getting the hang of this new-to-me sport. And, it's awesome to be able to share something outdoors with Daniel. This is definitely going to be a great date-night past time.

May Madness Part IV: AWANAs Awards

If you spend any time with me during the week, you know that Wednesday is a helacious day for our family, schedule-wise. There are just too many irons in the fire on one day. But, one thing on our schedule is very much worth the racing around. We love AWANAs. Abigail has learned so much scripture and true Bible knowledge in the past two years that I wouldn't trade my tired body at the end of Wednesdays for anything.

This year, she was in her first year of Sparks, which is for kindergarten through second grade.  She completed the yearly book as well as an additional bonus book at the end of the year. By the time she completes the Sparks program (in two more years), she will have memorized 107 verses. Suffice it to say, she is definitely spending her time in the right place on Wednesday nights. I can't think of anything better to occupy her time than committing the word of God to memory.

I am truly proud of what she accomplished this past school year in AWANAs!

May Madness Part IV: Kindergarten Graduation

Abigail's kindergarten graduation was presented immediately following the musical presentation of "Arf". Again, this was a big deal that makes me wonder what we're setting ourselves up for when a real graduation comes around. But, it was cute to see them in full dress of cap, gown and tassle.







Although it was a quick trip, I was thankful both events were combined into one night and Gran & Grandad were able to attend everything.



Aunt Kelly (and Uncle Taylor) even made the trip up from San Antonio to witness this historic (ha!) time.

May Madness Part III: Abigail's Musical Program

After a weekend spent sewing a dalmatian costume (non-traditional, mind you, I went for cuteness over actual canine representation), I was anxious to see the kindergarten class' presentation of "Arf". It turned out pretty cute, and Abigail, of course was absolutely brilliant. Ha!

I wish I had some decent photos to share, but I haven't talked myself into being one of the parents who shoves her way in front of everyone and gets in the way of all the other photographers, just to get a closeup of her baby. Alas, I have these crummy shots (and not even one full-length shot of the crafty pillowcase dress and pantaloons I made from dalmatian spotted fabric!).









She didn't have but one or two speaking lines in the musical, but she was featured with a group of girls in one of the songs. Enjoy!

May Madness Part II: Abigail's End of Year Rodeo

Abigail's school has a kindergarten tradition of hosting a rodeo for the kids as the end of year party. Let me tell you what... They aren't messing around. I (and the kids, in my opinion) would have been pleased as punch with pizza and free play for a few hours. But, these moms and teachers in charge are serious about the party planning. This shin-dig was no small deal. (I can't imagine what we're getting ourselves into by the time it's real graduation time if this is what we're into for just kindergarten graduation!)

My cowgirl was dressed for the event, for sure! Doesn't even rodeo girl show up in silver glitter boots?!


The event began with an introduction of each child as they paraded their stick horses to a round of applause from the parents.



Abigail's stick horse, named Oolah (short for Oo-la-la) was made from a jeans pants leg and adorned with a feather boa mane and all the pink accessories we could think of.




Daniel and I then took over a group from Abigail's class and ushered them through the rest of the day.



The next few hours were followed by endless games of waterguns, jewelry making, sack races, hay digging and a plethora of other silly games the kids enjoyed.















We all enjoyed a picnic lunch to wrap things up.



Aside from being a hot, sweaty mess, the kids had a blast. And, the parents were relieved to return to work for the afternoon!

May Madness: Cooper's End of School

May was certainly a month of madness for us. Parties, programs and more parties took up most of our time. Cooper's class was first up for presentations at the Pre-K graduation. No, no, no, he didn't graduate. His class was just a part of the program.


The last song they performed is one of Cooper's favorite sing-alongs. Of course, it's about food! Ha!


The day before the program, they celebrated the end of the school year with a Hawaiian themed day of fun. Cooper enjoyed the beach hat and "sunglasses" he sported all day, even at program practice.


We didn't go to the trouble of roasting a pig in the ground, but they did enjoy some ham and pineapple pizza. I know, I know, silk flower leis and non-traditional luau food... I should know better, but they don't!


For Cooper, the best part of all of the fun was his BFF Luke. They have been buddies all year and Cooper will certainly miss him in the fall when Luke moves up to the four-year-old class.


Cooper's consolation prize for being red-shirted and hanging out in the three-year-old class again will be staying with his favorite teacher, Mrs. Monica. Until then, I'm enjoying having Cooper all to myself this summer.

Red, White and (a) New (Blog Post)

I can't even begin to think of how I'm going to catch you up with all the goings-on around here. Man, my head is spinning just thinking about how much I have to share with you.

For starters, we're still celebrating the Fourth of July around here, so I'm going to share a patriotic snack. (Just ignore the fact that the kids and I actually made this for Memorial Day, as well as the fact that the Fourth was yesterday, and we'll all pretend that I'm finally getting my blogging act together.)

Since Daniel was working for Memorial Day, the kids and I baked up some cookies to deliver to him in celebration. We thought it just didn't seem right that an actual veteran was sitting at work while we enjoyed the holiday. The cookies probably didn't make up for the 12 hour shift he had that day, but I'm sure it didn't hurt.

It was a bit unseasonal to buy patriotic sprinkles, so we mixed up our own from a few bottles of clear, read and blue. And, the best part about these cookies was the surprise in the "sprinkles" - Pop Rocks!


Food coloring in the dough helped increase the patriotic theme, and sandwiching the cookies together with homemade cream cheese icing helped increase the yummy theme.


Some patriotic outfits and dimples completed the cuteness theme.


(We snagged this recipe from CakeSpy.)