ArtFields, Jr.

We were super excited to find out that Caroline's photograph was chosen for ArtFields, Jr.  We were even more excited when they called me earlier this week to inform me that Caroline won an award.  They didn't tell us what the award was for but wanted us to try our best to be there.  So we did.  Caroline didn't think anything about it because we were already planning to go.  Granny and Mr. Archie met us there. It was our first year so I was really overwhelmed at where to begin.  I think we will definitely be more prepared for next time.  

The amount of talent on display was unreal!  To think that we were looking at 12-18 year olds work was unbelievable.  We spent the most of our time in the Jrs. section and loved it.  It was especially fun to see several of Caroline's classmates there as well.

Caroline's 5K teacher Mrs. Baker stopped in to congratulate Caroline on her accomplish of being an artist on display at ArtFields, Jr.  You know what they say...everything you need to know you learned in Kindergarten!  Thank you Mrs. Baker for the wonderful foundation!

Our girl won a merit award for her division!!  WOW!!!!!

The color explosion award!!  This also lead to a wardrobe change before the meet and greet later in the afternoon!

Thanks Granny and Mr. Archie for coming!

Back for the meet and greet with the artist before bringing the artwork home. 

 

Farm Field Trip

 Sometimes unexpected circumstances equal the greatest blessings!  One of my teachers, whose class was scheudled for a field trip today, was unable to make it due to a family illness.  I offered the sub the choice between staying in the office for me or going on the trip.  She wanted to stay at the office which meant I got to go.  I had an absolute blast!  It was SO much fun!!  I loved enjoying the kids, watching their excited and truly seeing life through the eyes of a 4 year old!  So I guess if directing and teaching don't work, I can always become a farm hand!

Emma and Peyton play ball!

 With Caroline and Maggie playing soccer this spring, it really limited our chances to see Emma and Peyton play.  However, tonight both were playing about 45 minutes from us.  Unfortunately both games began at 6:00 which meant I had to split my time between the two fields.  However, I love watching softball/baseball and especially love when we get to watch our nieces and nephews play.  

Massive Cookies

 

This afternoon came home from school and wanted a little snack.  Of course she couldn't find anything in the house that she wanted...so she pulled out Google and researched a recipe until she found one that we had all the ingredients for.  She told me it was a massive cookie for one.  She didn't tell me that it was the size of a cake pan! :-)  Thankfully she shared a small piece with me before retreating to her favorite place-her room!

The Final Soccer Game of the Season

These girls did it!!  They won their final game 12-0.  They finished the season undefeated with a 10-0 record.  It has been an amazing season!  So fun to watch!  These girls have played well together and really bonded as friends.  Another reason why I love team sports.  So excited that Aunt Tomi Jean and Uncle Greg got to watch the final game and the team celebration afterwards.

Caroline and her soccer friends stayed behind to watch the boys game.  Maggie and I went to Zaxby's to have dinner with Aunt Tomi Jean and Uncle Greg.  Caroline sent me a text and asked if I could bring her and McCall a milkshake from CookOut.  I told her I would but it would be about 30 minutes and I needed their orders.  She said that was fine and sent me orders for 6 milkshakes. :-)  She met me at the front of the stadium and they were super thankful.  It was fun to be the fun mom for once.  (My sister in law calls me the fun sponge!! :-))  Mags and I had enough time to come home, quickly take a bath, get dressed and head back out the door to get Caroline and her friends.  I know these are busy days but they are also the days I live for!!  

 

Maggie's Tooth

 As you may remember, although it's been a while, Maggie finds a new kind of determination when she discovers she has a loose tooth.  At breakfast, she told Andy and I that she had a loose tooth.  Within minutes, literally, she walked into the den and it was gone!  She was so excited!!!  She can't wait for the tooth fairy to arrive tonight!

A great way to finish Spring Break!

We spent the first half of the week doing things around the house while Andy worked.  When he got off work on Wednesday afternoon, we were waiting on him...camper stocked with our favorite foods, sheets on the bed, clothes tucked away for the trip.  We had minimal set up once we got there thanks to the extra time at home to prepare the food, clothes, bedding, etc.  We were super excited to have a pull thru site with full water and sewer hook ups.  :-)  Last week we hit our 3 year anniversary of camping life.  We've learned a lot in those 3 years.  We've always enjoyed camping at 'resort' type camping.  While we absolutely LOVED our time at Lakewood, we miss the space of state parks.  We felt awfully close to our neighbors.  At night, instead of hearing the ocean like we did at Edisto State Park, we heard our poor neighbor who must be sick in some way who coughed all night while sitting outside watching tv.  So I guess you can't have tons of space AND waterparks, pools and putt putt. 

We made the very most of our time there.  We started the trip Wednesday evening with family trivia.  I sadly must admit that I am indeed the weakest link...I gave the wrong information on 2 questions that my family thought wasn't 100% correct but went with my answer anyway...next time I will follow Mags lead and entertain myself while Andy and Caroline lead us!! :-)

We spent a ton of time at the pool/water park.  Maggie was the bravest of us all!  She lived in the water.  She told us it was only cold the first time you get in.  She had a point...I believe that once you got in, your body became numb to the water temps.  The outside temps were great...not sure how we will handle the 90 degree days of summer...

Charissa and Catherine came to visit us on Thursday.  Caroline and Catherine took Maggie to the water park while Charissa and I got to catch up on the beach.  It was lovely.  They topped off their visit with us with a trip to the ice cream shop. Maggie said "Uncle Greg says it's ok to have ice cream anytime, especially before dinner!"    

Friday was spent at the water park.  Once we were sunkissed, we headed to play putt putt, paddle boats and canoes.  Each time we lost a person...Andy left after putt putt.  Caroline left after paddle boats.  That left Maggie and I for the canoe.  Maggie wasn't 100% sure of herself but she tried it.  I loved it!  It was SO peaceful and calm.  Next time I might just take it out by myself!

The last day is always the saddest day of any camping trip...especially this one because we don't have anything booked until October.  With the way our summer schedule looks, there isn't a good time for a trip.  We hate to book Andy and Caroline's annual birthday trip because of possible swim meets.  Anyway, I was torn...I wanted to see the sunrise but I also wanted to sleep in.  I didn't set an alarm.  As I said my nightly prayers, I said "Lord if it's meant for me to see the sunrise, wake me up."  (Side note, all of spring break I have slept at least until 7:30 and as late as 8:30.)  Well this morning I woke up at 6:22...sunrise was scheduled for 6:35.  I didn't want to get up but I remembered my prayer and decided the Lord wanted me up.  So thankful I did!  It was absolutely gorgeous!!  I stayed long after the sunrise to enjoy my book with the sights and sounds of the ocean.  Such a gift!

 I don't take for granted the gift it is for us to enjoy our camper!  Yes, the girls argued...sometimes I think they would rather disagree than take their next bite of food.  But there were sweet moments.  Like when Caroline rode the water slides with Maggie vs. tanning.  Or when Caroline surprised Maggie with a notebook and magnet that she wanted from the store.  Or when Maggie said "I love my sissy, she really is the best!"  We've made a lot of memories in the Jay Flight over the last three years...I look forward to many more!!

Breakfast with Jill

 Jill and I met this morning for our second annual birthday breakfast.  We started it last year and loved it.  We decided to continue this year.  Our birthdays are a little over a month apart. Trying to find an evening to celebrate is almost impossible.  Breakfast appears to be a great way to get together, while our family is still chilling and before the afternoons get packed with craziness!  So thankful for this friend and her friendship!  We've been through a LOT together!  And to think it all started when I was her intern before student teaching...

Help! I'm stuck!

 Last night while the girls were playing outside, I heard Maggie scream help!  We went to the door to find her toe wound tightly into the soccer net.  She was indeed stuck.  Only Maggie...Thankfully Daddy came to her rescue and all ended well!

Happy Easter

This was our best attempt at grabbing a family Easter picture today.  We had lunch with Tomi Jean and family.  Then we visited Ms. Susan at rehab.  She is doing so well!  Getting stronger every day.  We came home to hide eggs.  Caroline wasn't thrilled but she played along for fun with Maggie.  Maggie loved every minute.  After the lunch, we made egg salad to enjoy this week!  SO thankful for a savior who died for my SINS...thankful he rose again!  What a gift!!

 

Happy 72nd birthday Momma

It's not often that we get to celebrate special events on the actual day.  However, this year it worked out perfectly for us to celebrate momma on her actual 72nd birthday.  She requested Chicken perlu and strawberry pie.  Claire told the girls to bring their suits, the pool was ready!  Maggie and Mary Claire jumped in, no questions.  Caroline took quite a lot of 'talking' into.  Three things will always happen when we are together!  We are gonna eat well, laugh a lot and the cousins will find some way to entertain themselves!!!  Dinner was delicious!  The time together was priceless.  Always thankful when our family is able to get together! 

 

Church Egg Hunt

Today we held our first Easter Egg hunt at our new location.  The weather looked terrible yesterday but gave us about an hour for the hunt.  We woke up this morning with a clear forecast.  As we were setting up, the rain began to drop...just a little at first.  As we neared the 10 AM hour, the rain got harder.  We were so grateful for our cabin where we were able to pile in while it poured.  The Lord graciously gave us about a 30 minute window where the kids were able to hunt eggs and play an egg relay game.  Everyone had a great time!  SO thankful for this time with our church family and the beautiful property the Lord have given us to enjoy!!