giddy up!

Giddy up!  In our neck of the woods, this week was all about Texas and cowgirls.

Our big girl had her first speaking part, on stage, in front of an large audience during her class play.  Although she was nervous and asked to be absent on the day of the play, we were delighted to see her confront her fears and perform without a hitch.  She did great along with all her classmates.  It was such a treat for the parents to see how much our first graders have grown!

Meanwhile, over in PreK, we were all set to attend the annual Cowboy Breakfast at preschool but our plans were derailed by a pesky cold that kept our middle one home for the day.  She donned her cowgirl apparel for a few minutes this morning before she asked to get back in bed to rest.  Poor kid.  I guess sausage, gravy, grits and biscuits might need to make an appearance on our weekend breakfast menu.

Snow?

via B E Nelson Design

If it is going to be cold and icy, why can't we have something more like this winter wonderland?

We are desperate for some REAL winter weather to play in before the season ends.

old man winter

Old man winter is back!

We had a hairy drive home yesterday from the northern part of our state.  We spent the weekend at a lodge of sorts and hadn't anticipated the early arrival of wintry weather.  When we left at noon, the sleet was pelting us with sharp icy crystals that then stuck to the roads, making for an icy mess of a ride home.

Despite the swift arrival of an arctic front, the kids had a grand time at an indoor water-park and hotel. 

 What could be more fun in the middle of winter than strapping on a swimsuit and playing in the water with your siblings and cousins all day?  It was a fun little weekend getaway with family.

These little campers were captivated by bunk-beds in our room and the woodsy theme of the place.  A second TV in their little hideaway was the perfect touch.

Breakfast in the top bunk with your sister while watching cartoons was probably the best treat.  

This fairly new wave of hotel chains that have lots of activities for children and families within the confines of their property is pretty neat.  They won me over with a good cup of joe and a large fireplace overlooking the water-park madness.

cars

Ever since this kid could push a car around on her knees and make a "vroom" sound, she has loved playing with matchbox cars.  She particularly likes the cars with personalities and eyes that have become popular in the past few years.  Lining them up according to family, color, size or personality has always been a fun accomplishment.  I hadn't seen a line-up for a while but was delighted when I turned the corner into the kitchen to find them spread across the counter-top and my 4-year-old beaming with joy.  It seems some things never change.  In this case, I hope her fascination with this little toy continues long into the future.

beneath the oak trees

There is something about watching the sun set through the ancient limbs of an old oak tree that loosens all the tenseness in my shoulders.  The warm honey-colored rays shed a pleasing golden glow over the terrain.  Imperfections, flaws and chaos are temporarily forgotten as simple tranquil warmth delights the senses.

Ah yes, an evening beneath the oak trees, alone with my thoughts, was the perfect nourishment for my soul. 

Texas Caviar: a couple different methods

Today we made Texas Caviar, as it is called in my family.  It requires very little effort and is a healthy dip, taco topper or appetizer.  I have made it a few different ways but most prefer this kind with fresh lime juice and cilantro.  It is a great snack to have around too.

Texas Caviar:

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can corn, drained 

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped (any color pepper is fine)

4 limes, juiced

handful of cilantro, chopped

sea salt

Mix the above ingredients in a bowl.  

You can add more or less lime juice and cilantro to suit your taste--we like lots!

Another variation of this recipe just uses the beans, corn, onion and bell pepper and Wish Bone Italian salad dressing in place of the lime and cilantro.  Either way, it is good and it won't stay around too long!

kick, run, dribble

 We all set our alarm clocks to get up early on Saturday morning -- something unheard of in our house on a Saturday.  We rushed to the soccer fields and watch her first scrimmage.  She kicked the ball, ran and attempted a dribble.  Hopefully those skills will come with more team practice this season.  She was delighted to be playing with all her little friends on the street.  Having 3 daddys (including her own) from the street coaching was a bonus too.  Thankfully, she didn't notice that Momma had purchased the wrong kind of socks to put over shin guards.  That is the beauty of being 4.  We were all so proud of our first little soccer player and look forward to her first season!