Have you met Skip?

Skip Bo.

He is the newest addiction around here.  We save money on booze these days, because we spend so much time playing Skip Bo, we don't want to do much else.

My mom started it.  She has loved this game for years.

She bought a set of the cards for my house and just after school was out, she taught my 6 year old to play.

We sat one day and played so long, we all had to find pillows to sit on because our behinds were sore from the kitchen chairs.  (cushions soon to be purchased!)

We even took this game on vacation with us and played on the plane.

It served as a great distraction the week we were all sick.

Hot tea and Skip Bo, a great combo.

please excuse the rice cake crumbs

If you need a new game, this is a fun one, but beware, it's like chocolate.  Or crack.  Or booze.

Take your pick.

It could even be the new weight loss plan, who knows.

Have fun!

Have you been playing any games this summer?

Yes, I guess I am a stage mom

Well, not exactly!  This past week my kids have been working hard to get ready for their big night of dancing for the season.  THE dance recital.

At last year's recital, my little petunia was two and a half and fussed the whole second half of the show saying, "Is it my turn now?  I want to dance on the big stage!"  So over the summer we worked on the potty training and signed her up. 

Well, now we know, the stage is her power button.  Once she walked on, she came alive!  It was so cute!

It seemed as if when she didn't know what came next, she made up her own moves and kept right on going!  I loved it.

That was the FIRST number!

posing in the hallway

I am so proud of her!  She did so well.

My big girl is a little pro at recitals now.  This is her third year.  She was fabulous.  She practiced all on her own at home and knew all the moves.  She decided that next year she doesn't want to do ballet and tap, she's going to try out jazz.  I think she will do wonderful!  (Umm, as any stage mom would, right?)

These are all during dress rehearsal.  That's the only time we can go up to the stage and take pictures. 

Each year during the 5-6 year old numbers, they choose one (ballet or tap) to be a "Daddy/Daughter" dance.  This year they chose tap and it was an event to remember!

Yes, that is...THE SPRINKLER!  The instructors have a great sense of humor!

Auntie Janine was here for the big performance!

Another year under our belts.  We are ready to go and frolic on some beaches and have a fun summer!  I am sure it won't be without some dressing up and dancing along the way!

Happy Birthday to my hunk of burning love

Happy Birthday my sweet, gorgeous husband!

Oh, how I love that man.  Sigh.

Tonight, by request, we will be enjoying sweet potato pancakes for dinner, followed by chess bars.

If you are interested, I will post the recipes!

Cheers!

If the house is a rockin'

Last weekend we attended a "back porch concert" at a local winery.  We were so excited to go because

the band playing was the same one that played at our wedding reception!

The weather wasn't too hot, we brought a picnic dinner and bought some wine to go along with it.

We had a lot of fun!

My little chickens had a ball.  They loved the grass, so soft on their little feet.

Towards the end of the night, the horns came down and played out front.  It was awesome.  I have a special love for horns since my dad was a musician.  He played the sax and trumpet.  He would have loved this band!

This is the band leader, Ezra Charles.  He has a son, 13, who plays the drums and one night a week they go together and play music at one of the hospitals in the Houston Medical Center.  (I can't remember if it's MD Anderson or TX Children's, but awesome either way!)

Check out this big tree!  The area behind the back porch was full of beautiful pecan trees.  It was a great night! 

The cutest things I ever made

I always have some deep reflection when a day like Mother's Day comes around. 

I feel as if motherhood is my calling.  I enjoy my children so much.  I look at them and so often think, I can't believe you are my child!  My children have completed my life.  They make me smile, laugh and sometimes cry.  I can see why my mom had so many kids.  They are a true joy.

So here's to motherhood.

Thanks to my sweet girls for allowing me to celebrate a Mother's Day!

 I am so truly blessed with such a great mother.  I thank the Lord above that He chose my mom for me.  She is so sweet and loving and has taught me countless things in my lifetime.  We have become great friends and share interests like sewing and cooking.  She is a great example of what a mom should be.  My mom gave birth to and raised 10 great kids.  I am so proud to call all of my brothers and sisters family.  They are great people and my sisters have been great examples of what a mother should be also.

Happy Mother's Day mom!!

Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful sisters!

Happy Mother's Day to you too!