Must Have Chocolate!

I am a chocoholic.  I must have some chocolate everyday, if not, I get real grumpy!  I will eat chocolate in any form or fashion, but a good brownie is supreme.  After trying recipe after recipe, I found one the other day I think is top notch!  I made this batch below with Valentine's on my mind and served with vanilla ice cream.

A Fish Called Rodeo

Brandon took the boys to the midway at the rodeo grounds yesterday.  Ryan won a goldfish and named him Rodeo.  This is not our first goldfish, in fact, we have had many fish.  Unfortunately, we are not good fish keepers.  Ryan named his very first fish Philip and every fish since then has carried the same name until now.  So Rodeo, maybe it's all in a name!

My Mutton Buster!

Ryan did his best bustin' last night at the Rodeo!  We were so proud and I hope Ryan never forgets it!

We arrived around 6:15 to the contestant entrance to get suited for a vest and helmet (it was a hockey helmet).  Then, we had lots of concession stand food and got in our seats in anticipation of the rodeo.

My favorite part of the rodeo is the singing of the National Anthem and when all six flags over Texas come out on horseback. 

 Ryan looked the part of a real cowboy!  One stop shopping at Cavendar's Boot City made it real easy. 

 This picture I love, I can smell the coliseum!

Here we are right before getting all strapped up and last minute instructions.  There were 10 kids participating ranging in age from 4 to 7.  No surprise, Ryan was the tallest.

 And the furry fellows are all ready too!

For participating, Ryan received a belt buckle, a bandana, a certificate for a pair of Justin Boots, and a big ol' trophy!

 Mama's don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys, is all I can think!

Waterburger

It sure is nice to have friends with ranches!  We spent Saturday night and Sunday with the Moore's at their ranch west of Fort Worth.  The boys enjoyed the entire scene!

And driving back home Sunday, we stopped at Whataburger for dinner.  As we pulled in David said, "why does it say Whataburger?  Isn't it Waterburger?"

90th Birthday for Grandmother Jones

We celebrated the 90th birthday of Grandmother Jones this Saturday in Waco.  The boys enjoyed (as always) playing with their cousins and shooting the biggest now known to man nerf gun.

Ready or Not

As Adam approaches his second birthday, I feel the pressure to start really "teaching" him.  I am so focused on first grade math and kindergarten sight words, I forget Adam needs to know his colors, shapes and numbers.  So, trying to be more deliberate, I am working on counting with Adam.  It began by me saying one and he repeated one.  We did the same with two, three and worked our way up.  And when we got to nine, instead of repeating, he said, "Here I come!"

Sunday Snow

 It was basically a dreary day yesterday but for the snowfall around lunch.  It melted the moment it hit the ground which made for three sad boys. 

By the end of the day with all of us cooped inside, I thought I was going to lose my patience.  And I did.  But, while making dinner, my spirits were restored hearing Adam sing, "hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog!"

It's a brand new day what you wait'n for!

Back to It

Yesterday, was really the first day back to the grindstone after all the Christmas hoopla.  I enjoyed the morning with Adam and his little buddy, Brody.  Since they both have older brothers, they know how to play hard and have fun!   

 I was feeling like a great mom until Adam asked for milk and I had to tell him we were out.  That sent him into a tailspin that lasted a good long while.  However, he recovered and enjoyed a hearty lunch.  I love the manners of these boys, they were trying really hard.  By the way, my garage is my new favorite room.  We cleaned it out and painted it top to bottom and it's fabulous!

Mutton Bustin'

It's official, Ryan is going to be in the Fort Worth Rodeo!  He will be mutton bustin' on January 18th.  It all started last year when he attended the rodeo with Brandon and watched mutton bustin' for the first time.  He told Brandon he wanted to have a try at it.  Well, his sweet Daddy delivered.  It was a long shot, but Brandon applied and received noticed Monday that Ryan got in.

Unfortunately, we do not own any sheep to practice on, but we do have a strong Daddy!

 David and Adam wanted a turn too. 

So, we did a little research and the main strategy can be summed up easily, hold on tight and don't let go! 

The Rose Ball

Congratulations TCU for winning the 2011 Rose Ball (as David calls it)!

After winning the game and offensive MVP of the game Andy Dalton, quarterback for TCU, quoted 1 Peter 5:6

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time

It's Really Sparkling Cider

Happy 1-1-11!  Kuddos to Brandon and me, we actually stayed awake to welcome the new year.  The boys look forward to New Years Eve because we all toast the new year with champagne (it's really sparkling cider).  The boys get giddy with delight with the clank of the glass as we cheers.  It's a little tradition that makes them feel so big.  Unfortunately, Adam went to bed early and missed the fun.

Here's wishing you a blessed new year!