5th Grade Awards Assembly

On Tuesday we had the honor of attending Kaylee's 5th grade Awards Assembly and seeing her be recognized for all her accomplishments this year. 

 Kaylee received an Academic Excellence Award for having a 95 or above average in all subjects this year, another certificate for A Honor Roll, and two UIL certificates for placing in first place and second place at the competition this year. Needless to say we are very proud of Kaylee for all of her academic accomplishments.

 However, I am most proud of the tender heart she has for others, the respect she has for her teachers, the love she has for the Lord, and the joy she brings us daily. Kaylee adored her teachers this year and I know the feeling was mutual because they told me so several times. It makes me so proud to see the young lady that she is turning into. I know that the Lord has great things planned for her and I am so honored that He chose us to be her parents. Way to go Kaylee! We love you and are so proud of all you have accomplished.

 Kaylee and Reid

 Kaylee & Anna

Kaylee & Maddie

2nd Grade Awards Assembly

Yesterday was the 2nd grade Awards Assembly! Campbell was so excited because she is my daughter who loves all the attention being on her which is hilarious to me. I love that girl!

 She got A Honor Roll, Academic Excellence for having a 95+ average for the year in all subjects, and perfect attendance. I could not be any more proud of her grades as well as her character. She is a great friend to others and a super helper for her teacher. A few months ago her teacher told me Campbell is always wiling to help those who do not understand or need a little help in class. She called her a "little Momma" and said it is a joy to have her in class each day. That to me is priceless. I love watching her personality develop and seeing the heart she has for her friends and God. We feel so blessed to be her parents. Way to go Campbell!

 So proud!

 Ella and Campbell

 Campbell &  Daddy

Me & my baby girl

5th Grade Music Program

Well it is that time of year again, time for the music program. This year the title was Dateline:Rock and Roll "The Hits of the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, and 2000." The children sang a lot of songs with hand movements to go with them but for some reason the one that has been in my head ever since is "Rhythm Nation." I have no idea why but if you see me around town and wonder what I am thinking that is probably it.  

 Kaylee is so focused she cannot even crack a smile. I suppose that her focus worked because she did not miss a beat.

 Time for her speaking part.

 Anna & Kaylee

Us with our sweet girl

I am so proud of Kaylee and cannot believe that 5th grade is almost over.

Gymnastics Performance 2013

Last Friday was Campbell's end of the year gymnastics performance. She has been looking forward to this night and was so excited to show off her skills. I have to say that I was really impressed with how far she has come since September.

 Look at that backbend!

 Performing her round off.

 A little swinging on the uneven bars before her dismount.

Perfect performance with her shining medal!

I am so proud of Campbell and the way that she has stuck with gymnastics this year and given it her all.  I think she was pretty proud of herself too judging by the look on her face.

Family time with some Express Softball

A few weekends ago Cary's sisters made the trip from Oklahoma with three of the five cousins to see Kaylee play softball. We were so excited to have them here and they picked a great weekend because Kaylee had two games to play. Express ended up with a 1-1 record for the weekend. I am always so happy to see Kaylee doing something she loves so much. After the games we enjoyed having a cookout before they made their way to Austin to visit more family. Thanks again for making the trip, it meant more than you know.

 Landrea, Chiara, Cane, Colt, Chenna, and Kaylee

Our family, glad we got one picture together in this season.

Fort Chadbourne Field Trip

This year the 2nd grade field trip was to Fort Chadbourne in Bronte, TX. Fort Chadbourne shows how frontier life was in the mid 19th century with artifacts, re-enactmants, and a lot of history. The first weekend in May people come to show different ways of life from that time. It was so interesting to see their talents and knowledge from that time frame.

 Campbell and her sweet friend Ella on the hayride.

 One of the many longhorns.

 A small herd of buffalo were also present.

 Rylee, Campbell and Ella

 The girls in one of the tents listening to how they use to start a fire with flint.

 One of the sweet ladies showing how to knit and crochet.

 Campbell petting one of the many horses ridden by the soldiers who were present.

 The soldiers getting ready to light the cannon.

 The firing of the cannon. They fired four at the same time. It was amazing to see the precision required to do this.

 The girls learning the process of washing clothes. It will definitely make you appreciate a washer and dryer.

My sweet girl playing in some of the fort ruins.

We had such a fun time together and we did not even make it to everything that they had there. Our family may have to make a trip there next year to take it all in together. Luckily for us the temperature was just right so we were not burning up so that made the day even more enjoyable. I am so thankful for days like today when I can go on field trips with my sweet girl.

Dara Maclean and Casting Crowns Acoustic Concert

Well we finally took the girls to their first concert. They were both so excited to be there! We could not have picked a better concert. Dad Maclean and Casting Crowns delivered an amazing acoustic show. The talent in the room was incredible and the praise to the Lord was something that I will never forget. 

 Miss Dara Maclean singing some of her hits "Suitcases" and "Free".

 Casting Crowns

This Christian group is so talented and in touch with the Lord. They told stories about how they came to be together, where the name came from, some background behind the songs, and other personal stories. You really felt like they were your friends and you were just having some praise time together. The most interesting thing to me was that several of the members of Casting Crowns are in ministry positions at their own church Sunday through Wednesday so they only have concerts Thursday - Saturday. Each Saturday night at the close of their concert they get on planes to travel home to be present at their churches to minister on Sunday morning. They believe that is their first calling. Amazing! What a wonderful group of God led people! If you ever have a chance to catch a concert, especially the acoustic one, don't walk- run to get tickets. They sang some of my favorites; "If We are the Body", "East to West", "Delivered", and "Praise You in this Storm" just to name a few.

At the end of the night we all left the auditorium with hearts filled with praise and gratitude. This was the perfect first concert for the girls. Thank you Dara Maclean and Casting Crowns for sharing your gifts with us.

Express 2013

Well, over the past month softball has been in full swing for Kaylee. This is by far her favorite time of year because softball is her favorite sport. Once again, Cary is one of her coaches and this year they have moved to the select team category so the competition is more challenging which is good. I believe they are the only team playing that is not a year round select team. We have only played a few games but so far we are holding our own with a record of 2-2. All the girls on the team are super sweet and seem to really love the game.

 Kaylee is playing in the position of catcher this year and she loves it. Our girl likes to be where all the action is when she plays. By the second game of the season she was calling pitches for the pitcher without Cary even realizing she could do that. She told him she could tell where the girls batting were swinging and standing so she knew which pitch would strike her out. What?? That is so over my non-sports brain. Needless to say, she is having a great season so far.

Here is our all star making a great catch. I love to watch her doing something that she loves so much. Thank you Lord for the joy that Kaylee gets out of softball and time with her friends. 

Happy Easter 2013

Well, once again another holiday snuck up on us. As usual, Cary was in the middle of tax season so my parents graciously came to our house to celebrate the festivities with us. We had a wonderful time together filled with church, an Easter Egg hunt, shopping, a date night with friends, and a home cooked lunch for Easter. I am so thankful for our Savior and the gift of family.

 Campbell, Papa, Kaylee, & Nana

 Our silly girls!

 Our family

The girls after their Easter Egg hunt. They wanted to just hunt eggs at home this year. I think they have figured out that way they get more candy and do not have to fight anyone except each other. At the end of the day we were all thankful for our time together.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Well friends this is what 39 looks like...wasn't I just 25?? My sweet husband got me Maroon 5 tickets as a surprise gift for my birthday and let's just say I was extremely excited!

The day finally arrived for the concert and I was so glad to have some time away with my honey, especially during tax season when he is so busy. We went for a great meal at the Menacing Moth and then it was concert time. Let's just say it had been a while since this girl had been at a concert and there was a lot of interesting people watching to do before the show started. I also decided I need to get some sequins in my wardrobe before the next concert. Wow! I was however very relieved that we were not the oldest members of the crowd by far.

Me and my sweet husband

 Maroon 5 takes the stage

 Hello Mr. Levine!!

The concert was amazing!! If you ever have the opportunity to go don't walk...run to the concert. They played all of my favorite songs and I sang along like a teenager. It was fantastic! Even Cary enjoyed the show and was impressed which is saying a lot since he did not know many of the songs. I think he is a fan now though;-) You could tell that the concert was all about the music and not a side show of bells and whistles. Maroon 5 definitely loves what they do and it was evident by their energy and the smiles on their faces throughout the show. As they sang their last song I found myself a little sad that the night had gone by so fast. I really wanted to follow them to their next stop and watch all over again. Alas, reality called and we made our way back home with the sounds of Maroon 5 playing in the car and our memories of a great evening with each other. Thank you Maroon 5, we (I) cannot wait to see you again. (Like maybe in September)

 Unfortunately for Cary, I think he is going to be seeing a lot of me wearing this shirt. In my defense it is made out of the most comfortable material ever. Thank you again to my sweet husband for one of the best gifts ever!!