Spring Break

I love spring! Isn't it amazing that God not only created a beautiful world for us, but he also gave us the seasons? I think that fall is my favorite in October, but then winter comes and I love the cold and Christmas, then the glory of spring arrives and Easter, and finally summer. God could have made Earth to have all the same weather every day. But in His wisdom, he gave us the seasons. And what a wonderful season spring is. Did I mention that I love spring?

We had a delightful spring break with visitors from Dallas! My parents and my two nieces came to visit. We visited a garden, went to a park, went to HEB for my Dad, ate at Cattle Company and Case Ole, and my parents helped me start a garden, install a clothes line, and my Mom brought me an outdoor fountain.

Everyone needed a Snuggie for the cold mornings.

Beaumont Botanical Gardens

Camryn, I think I might still have maybe a quarter of an inch on you. You aren't taller than me yet! :)

My new clothes line and fountain- they make me happy!

Everyone pitched in to help me start a garden. My Dad built the base for it, and my Mom provided the expertise for the planting.

The kids planted everything.

The completed garden, with tomatoes, green peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, and zinnias. I am so, so excited about this garden!

Can you see it in the back of the yard?

Thanks Mom, Dad, Camryn, and Kaylin for a wonderful spring break! And for the garden!!

Big News Times 3

1. For the past six months Luke has been asking to join TaeKwonDo. We told him he had to wait until he was six. He has attended two lessons and is super excited.

2. Last Saturday at the Regional TaeKwonDo Tournament Caleb won two trophies for 3rd place in forms and 3rd place in sparring.

3. And lastly, Caleb got a much needed haircut this week.

Coming soon: a new garden and new room.

Luke's Birthday

I don't know how it is possible, but last week Luke turned six. We celebrated with a party at Colorado Canyon with his friends.

Here is a little known fact about Luke, he is really good at Putt Putt. In fact almost every time he plays he gets a hole-in-one or at least several almost hole-in-ones.

The beautiful weather just added to the specialness of the day.

Luke's dinosaur cake.

Go Luke!

Luke is such a sweet, kind boy who is thoughtful and loving. I love his hugs and kisses!

Happy Birthday Luke!

Cannelloni Then and Now

Our March celebrations continue. Tuesday we celebrated our 14 wedding anniversary! Yes, 14 years. I can't imagine my life without Aaron and the boys. I am still so very happy that I married Aaron! Since we married when I was 19, in a way Aaron and I have grown up together. I would not have had it any other way!

Anniversary Dinner Menu:

Cannelloni (My Dad's famous recipe)

Salad

Breadsticks

After dinner entertainment:

Payday with the family.

Anniversary Dessert:

Red Velvet Cheesecake (Recipe Here)

Cannelloni is a labor intensive meal, that takes time to create. While assembling this dish I thought about the history of this dish. I remember when I was about six, my Dad surprising my Mom with dinner for their anniversary and he had made this. Maybe it was the first time he cooked it. I also remember for my 16 birthday I wanted to have a nice dinner with some of my friends. Dad cooked all afternoon and the menu was Cannelloni, salad, and breadsticks.

Me and my Dad, circa 1992, preparing the birthday dinner.

A few things:
1. I remember my friends oohing and aahing over the food.
2. Don't you love my brother Tim at the end of the table?
3. Thanks Dad for sharing your recipe with me.
4. Thanks Mom for taking these pictures.

Caleb's Birthday Part 2

Birthday Phone Calls

Birthday Chair

Birthday Presents

Birthday Cake

More Birthday Presents

Birthday Go Karts

Birthday Phazer Zone

Birthday Boats

Birthday Fun

Birthday Over.

Caleb's Birthday Part 1

Caleb is 10 today! Happy Birthday Caleb! Caleb is a smart, kind, sweet, loving, and adventurous boy. I'm so blessed to be his Mom.

His birthday breakfast consisted of cinnamon rolls with a candle, and Luke and I singing to him. A few birthday surprises are in store for Caleb today. When Aaron gets home from work we will have pizza (Caleb's choice) and presents!

Part of Caleb's birthday is getting his own room. The boys have always shared a room, but now that Aaron is not working from home we have an empty office begging for use. Both boys are excited to have their own room. Caleb will be moving into the office. But first we have been emptying the room as this room also became our catch all room.

Just a few more things to be moved out.

Our next decision is paint color. I had Caleb pick all the colors he was interested in.

Here are his selections:

I am thinking of doing one wall with a dark color and the other walls with a neutral.
Like this:

Or this:

I'm hoping to have Caleb's room done by next Friday. I'll keep you posted.