Turkey Time

Keenan was super excited to go on his first turkey hunt with his Dad and Uncle John. Keenan called to give me play-by-play details on how they got the turkey. Apparently, it was Joe's shot but his gun would not fire so John got the shot and the rest is history.

The last picture here was not the best. I could not figure out my camera settings for the poor lighting in our garage.

Lent and Easter

This past Christmas our church, St. Thomas More, gave the book below out free after Mass. Ever since Christmas I have been meaning to read the book. When looking back over the years I struggle to remember what I gave up for Lent each year. I can barely remember what I "gave up" last year. Most people ask, "what did you give up for Lent?" I always explain that it is not necessarily about giving something up but it can also be about taking something on or just adding something to your life. I decided during Lent instead of "giving something up" I was going to make time to read this book. Next time I try to remember what I did for Lent I will remember because this book was unforgettable. There were a lot of good take-aways from the book that I can transfer into so many areas of my work, family and religious life. Easter Sunday: Keenan hates to dress up and convincing him to get in khaki pants and a button up shirt is torture. He did manage to smile for the picture below but it wasn't without some bribery.

Keylee loved the Easter Bunny at brunch. She ate one waffle and spent the rest of the time looking for the Easter Bunny to come around the tables.

Kira tolerated the Easter Bunny and managed to smile for a picture but Keenan isn't pictured because he would rather not be bothered by the Easter Bunny at brunch while working on his third plate of food. Priorities.

Spring Break in SOUTH Texas

Spring Break road trip to south-south-south-south Texas.

We drove sixteen (16) hours one-way to visit my parents who winter in Alamo, Texas (Winter Texans). The road trip was easier than we anticipated with three kids. However, Keylee did ask when we started off on our trip if we were there yet when we were only in Junction City.

My parents had several days of activities planned which included everything from golf, swimming, dining at great restaurants, traveling to the Mexico/US border, kids driving golf carts, shopping at a great outlet mall, spending time at the beach to just relaxing with my Mom and Dad.

Grandma, Kira and Keylee

Umpa and Keenan

We were able walk through the Stations of the Cross at the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine. My parents' home is about one hour from South Padre. We traveled to South Padre for one day and we were able to go to the beach and take a boat ride for look for dolphins.

Keylee working on a sand castle

While looking for dolphins the boat pulled a net and when the net was pulled in the crew on the boat would show the fish and tell facts about the fish. We were on the water on a rather windy day with some high waves and I will just say the boat ride back in was a lot better than the boat ride out. Kira is standing at the back of the boat with the Queen Isabella Causeway Bridge in the background (longest bridge in Texas)

Keenan holding a starfish that was pulled up in the net

one of the many dolphins we were able to see

Pinterest Success

I have attempted several recipes from Pinterest. Although I have enjoyed the variety it has added to our dinner menu, most of the recipes I would give a 5/6 out of 10. However, I don't limit my Pinterest viewing to food/baking recipes only. When browsing Pinterest I saw a frame that I fell in love with. Below is my Pinterest success. I found the frame, had Jen Salmans order a picture she had taken of the kids in Sepia to go with the frame and decor in the room and bam...success.

We are going to miss her

Today was a hard day at our house. We said goodbye to Murphy a/k/a Murph-Murph. Joe and I got Murphy six months after we were married and she is 14 years old (15 yrs in June). We knew the day was coming as she had lost her vision and her back legs would often give out making it difficult for her to walk. It was very difficult to explain to the kids and they did not take it well. The picture below was taken just a few weeks ago. Lots of tears and sadness tonight.

Murphy 6/23/1997 - 3/8/2012

I "Love-Love" This

Kira has really started to make some great progress on the tennis court. She has been spending several hours a week on the court doing both drills and match-play. This summer she will start tournaments. When asked what her favorite sport is she has replied, "My favorite sport is soccer even though my Mom wants it to be tennis." Yes, I am still hoping I can convince her that her favorite sport is tennis. Ha.

School Program

Keenan had his 1st grade music program tonight. Keenan with his classmate and good buddy, Reece. Keenan told me that he and Reece are more than just friends they are like "brothers" because he can "read Reece's mind." I am pretty amazed what they are teaching in 1st grade these days. I never learned to read anyone's mind. Keenan had a special part in the program. He held the camel's head in a song about Allison's camel having 1o humps (kind of like the song 99 bottles of beer, or pop when we sing it at our house, on the wall). It was very cute and, as you can see below, the camel turns into a horse and Keenan was the man to make that happen.

Before the program started the music teacher kindly asked all parents to remove their child's artwork that was displayed behind the stage and take it home "it is yours" she so kindly emphasized. I tried to scan the art to see if I could determine which silhouette was Keenan. Nope, I couldn't figure out which one was him so I was anxious to see what artwork he pointed out to be his after the program. Well, looking at the silhouette he is holding below, I think you will understand why it was so difficult to pick his out. Yes, because it looks nothing like him and what happen to the back of his head?!?!? I understand why the music teacher wanted to get rid of the "artwork."

Even Reece looks confused about the silhouettes above.

One of these days, sooner rather than later, these two littles will be on stage doing their program. This is Reece's little brother, Davis, and Keylee's buddy. Look out Marlatt here comes (more) trouble.