Student of the Week

Our sweet Kelly Grace (aka Smiley) was chosen last Friday as Student of the Week. A new teacher took over her class a few weeks ago and implemented just last week a behavior chart - something similar to what you would see in Kindergarten. She has a series of faces ranging from a frowning face to one showing a mouth full of teeth. Each student has a clothes pin with their name. Kelly was the only student who stayed on Excellent (a smiley face showing a mouth full of teeth) every day last week. Her teacher chose her as the Student of the Week at the end of the day on Friday and awarded her a box of star bursts. Kelly and Steve found out together - when Steve picked her up from school. I hear she walked out of school grinning from ear to ear. She called me from the truck to share her good news! Kelly... you bring so much joy to so many people!

Bluebonnets Galore

The bluebonnets here are absolutely beautiful!! Every now and then you'll have a few Indian paintbrushes mixed in, but for the most part it's mostly bluebonnets. While Hailey hung out with Steve on Sunday, I took Brooke and Kelly for some pictures in the flowers. They turned out okay, the sun was a little bright so we have squint eyes, but I hope to get some more one evening after school. You forget how pretty the wild flowers are until you have the opportunity to see again. You can actually buy bluebonnets to plant at our local Wal-Mart. If interested, you may take a look at your Wal-Mart.

Fishing and the Riding Lawn Mower

For the first time ever we are proud owners of a riding lawn mower. Steve and the kids worked in the yard this weekend. It was definitely time for a mow and a weed eat. Hailey mowed while Steve took care of the weed eating; Kelly and Brooke watered the newly planted shrubs. After the yard was mowed, the riding lawn mower continued to be entertainment for Hailey. She jumped on several times throughout the weekend just for a ride. Not only did she ride around our yard, but she cut through the pasture and rode around Paw Paw and Maw Maw's yard too.

Last week was spring break and Hailey had so much fun fishing with her Daddy and her cousins. Everyday they fished somewhere new. Day after day, she never seemed bored doing the same thing again. I feel so blessed my girls have the opportunity to experience some things that were not available to them in the city. These are very simple things, but things that truly bring them joy! I must say, life in a small town is much more relaxed and a little less stressful!

Get Well Soon!

Pops and Mae Mae have both been under the weather. Pops had gall bladder surgery about two weeks ago and from what I can tell seems to be recovering well. We're so thankful the surgery is behind him and he's on his way to recovery. Mae Mae is down with what seems to be upper respiratory sickness and has not felt well for several days now. Get well Mae Mae! Brooke told me this weekend how much she misses both of you and wants to make a trip to Arlington soon for a visit. We'll get something planned soon because WE ALL MISS YOU!

Hailey Meets McKenna

Last Friday I got an email from a cousin of mine, Shay, from the area that I have not kept in touch with for many many years. She heard we were back in town and wanted to extend an invitation to Hailey to attend a birthday party for her daughter McKenna, who is also in 5th Grade. I wasn't sure how Hailey would respond since she didn't know Shay, McKenna or any of the other girls going. I was pleasantly surprised when Hailey said she wanted to go. Hailey has no fear and does not lack self confidence... what a great thing for an 11 year old. Shay picked Hailey up on Saturday morning around 10AM and off they went to Houston for an ice skating birthday party. Before Hailey made it home, she was already calling to ask if McKenna could come over after the party and spend the night. The two girls spent all day Saturday and part or Sunday together. They hit it off and acted like they have known each other forever! Thanks Shay... family means the world to us!

Triples

Brooke, Kelly and I went to get our hair cut this past Saturday. In the waiting area there was a picture of three little girls that looked to be around 12-18 months. They did not look alike, but it was obvious they were siblings. Brooke got all excited when she saw the picture and said "Mom - look at the triples"! It sounded so cute I couldn't correct her. I just giggled and agreed.

I LOVE mckmama

I LOVE mckmama... and I don't even know her! What an amazing woman! I read her blog on a regular basis and it's obvious she does not sweat the small stuff, she lives life to the fullest and she enjoys every single moment with her children. If you don't follow her blog, I encourage you to do so at www.mycharmingkids.net. I'm convinced you will love her too!