Pump

This is a BIG thing for us. Lincoln has finally learned to "pump" himself on the swing all by himself. I'm not sure at what age this usually happens but we have been teaching him for like 2 years now. It totally changes things now. A BIG break for mommy and daddy. AND I love that while he is swinging he is getting exercise, not just relaxing while mommy or daddy have to push for an hour.... AND he is so excited and proud of himself. He loves to just go out back or out front, jump on the swing and just start swinging. And he can get himself as high as he can possibly go. I look out the window and just see this "perma grin" (as Jen describes it), he is having so much fun.

Lincoln has also had an interest in planting: Ron and him developed a whole eco system for our summer garden. He was hard at work for the whole day on that, and he is taking such good care of his seeds. He also asked for us to put up a bird feeder for the Blue Jays we have, so he is constantly checking on that. He likes to catch Lizards (yuck), dig holes in the dirt, transport the mulch, rake, talk through the back fence at neighbors, climb the trees, pick weeds, pick flowers, both boys JUST LOVE our backyard. They also play with our kitty out back. She has discovered a little place to lay on the top of shed that is shaded. There she can watch us all play and she is safe from Miss Lucky...

Lincoln has always loved the outdoors. I guess he gets this from his mommy and daddy who both grew up playing outdoors...

Torn

Today the boys and I (and Miss Lucky) had to take shelter in our guest bath tub. A tornado was heading right towards us, and the Flower Mound Sirens were going off. The public alarm system (luckily the boys were watching Curious George on PBS) came on and was stating "if you live in Flower Mound take immediate shelter in your safe room"..... Anyway, we were safe. The tornado went through FM, doing just a little damage and then moved north of us. Hope all of our dallas area friends were unaffected, I know some roofs flew off. I think that this is the 4th time since we lived here in 2 years that we have heard those tornado sirens. Scary.

It was so sweet though, Lincoln was in the bathtub saying prayers to Jesus to keep the tornado away from us. Lawson thought it was fun that all 3 of us were sitting in the tub...

Sales Update and Other Random Info

Follow-up on the Popcorn Stand (previous post). Lincoln was up $1.00 by selling 5 cent popcorn. Then some of the neighbor kids started bringing out things to sell, too. One girl brought out marshmallow and was selling them for 25 cents each. Of course, Lincoln had to buy some of those, and he also bought a child's golf club for 35 cents from one of the boys.... So, after they all sold and bought from one another, Lincoln came home with a whopping 36 cents (and a golf club...)

Lincoln is at his first T ball game today. Lawson and I stayed back because it is very cold and muddy. We have been cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.....

Last night I babysat the neighbor boys, so the parents could go out on a date... They played over here, then when it was bedtime I took them over there to put them to bed... Lincoln came with me. Lincoln fell asleep on the couch, and I actually got to SIT ON THE COUCH AND READ MY BOOK FOR 1.5 HOURS!!!! I needed that. In exchange, we will get to go on a Date Night, too.... It's great to have ADULT babysitting, and it is FREE babysitting.... Works out great...

Lawson has learned to manipulate the mouse on the computer. Once they discover how to move that arrow, and click: they are set. Soooo, he is taking after his brother by wanting to spend lots and lots of time on the computer (he is 2 yrs and 2 mo and he is surfing the Internet...). It has created a whole norther problem, fighting over computer time!! Even though we have 2 comp, they are only allowed on the one in the study. Soooo, I've had to utilize the timer....Sorry, Lincoln, your brother is growing up!! Sometimes it's great, bc they find something that they can both play at the same time.

Ron and I fell off the wagon this morning. He brought us home Starbucks. I found out how to get a BUNCH of Spring Cleaning done.... Give up caffeine for a month, then drink a Starbucks!! Ron and I were zooming through the house ALL morning doing this massive Spring Cleaning on our coffee high. Hello Coffee, We are Back!!

Hello to AUNT DEBBIE who reads our blog from Colorado (my moms sister). Hope you and the BOYS are doing well.

Popcorn

Lincoln is outside right now running a popcorn stand. This was his OWN idea. He is selling small bags of popcorn for 5 cents. So far, he has 50 cents!! He's yelling at everyone who walks by, POPCORN FIVE CENTS....

From Lincoln, age 4yrs

Hi Everyone,
I love you and I really miss you. If anyone checks this, you can call us if you can. You can call us right now.

I didn't take a nap today, so I am happy. Isn't that good I didn't take a nap? My mom said if I didn't take a nap then I have to go to bed early when Lawson does. Isn't that crazy? My mom is so crazy, I don't know why she is so crazy...

I can't wait to go to our vacation. Don't call us when we are on vacation. Not when we are flying on the airplane. You will never know. Are you being good? This letter is for everyone.

My favorite color in the whole wide world is Blue. Do you know that color? Blue, Blue, Blue, like the sky.

Love Lincoln

Calendar, April

Here is an idea of what Lincoln does while he is at preschool. This is his April Calendar:

Turn Off Your Lights This Saturday Night, We Will...

Swiped this from your Blog Tiffany. Love it, we are going to do it....

Are you feeling especially Earth-friendly these days?
Has spring put a bounce in your step and awakened your appreciation for spending time outdoors?
How about those pretty parks you like to spend your weekends at, pushing your kiddos in swings?
Well, take some time this weekend to participate in a global movement to protect those wonderful parks, rivers and lakes we all love to play in.
This Saturday turn off your lights, reduce the amount of energy you use and use your actions to say "I love you Earth and want my children and grandchildren to have the opportunity to enjoy you too.
"World switches on to Earth Hour switch-off:California cities asked to switch off lights Australia's Biggest City Plans To Shut off Lights in Global Warming Gesture Growing List Of Cities Switching To LED Holiday Tree Lights Major World Cities Team Up to Fight Global Warming

Just a Rundown on our Live's. Warning, you may become bored....

Lincoln had his first Tball practice tonight, and will have his first game of the Spring Season this Saturday. Looking forward to it. He is on the same team, The Rangers, with most of the same players and the same coach.

I have to say that we are PROUD of Lawson. At 2 years and 2 months he is OFFICIALLY POTTY TRAINED!! (except for sleeping... the next step...) The M&M's really helped seal the deal!!

Lawson's obsessions right now are Blue's Clue's and Trains. Not Thomas the Train, but real trains...

In LESS than 2 weeks, the boys and I will be on the Florida BEACH!! I can't put into words right now how excited I am. ADDED BONUS: Grandma Joan (the boys great grandmother, Nanny's mom) is flying from NY to Florida during the same time, so we can all see each other. The boys are going to be so spoiled with TWO Grandmothers for TWO weeks!!

I found out just a day late, but Flower Mound had an Easter Bone Hunt. It was at a park and they hid bones for the dogs to go find. That would have been a Blast, Lucky would of had so much fun, you see she is a Social Butterfly.... She loves all the neighbor dogs, she gets visitors, and she knows all the neighbors... Next year we will make it...

I also found out that there are TWENTY AOII alumna right here in Flower Mound. I know who 4 of them are.... There are 13 in Keller where Cara lives and 20 in Lewisville where Debbi lives!! http://aoii.net/Documents/Denton%20County%20Fall%202006%20Newsletter.pdf

I have sold TONS of things on ebay this month. Extra spending money for our Florida vacation!!

I haven't had to buy a loaf of bread in 3 months. My goal was to have enough homemade bread. I have to say, I've made some pretty funny looking loaves, and have thrown a bunch out.... I'm still in bread making training...

Still no coffee. But I can tell that this isn't going to last long.

It's going to be NINETY degree's here tomorrow. We have our AC on right now...

I'm doing some "PR" and "referral program" to attempt to get the boys free summer classes. I get FIFTY dollars off for EACH person I refer (and they get $20.00 off). You know how I am, trying to save money and all.

Remember all those responsible financial changes we made recently (ie... no house cleaner, no Lifetime Gym membership, etc.....) Well... I'm proud to say that by doing this Ron paid off BOTH CARS!!! Having 2 paid off cars, and no payments is great!! And I LOVE my suburban!!

Ron is still jogging at night. We are both currently reading a book...

Lincoln will have an egg hunt tomorrow at preschool. We just stuffed his eggs, and it was ideal timing bc we got the candy for 75% off at Tom Thumb! Yup, he is excelling at preschool: He's a smartie. He is enrolled next year for Pre-K at our church. He will go twice a week still. I'm not ready to hand him over for 5 days a week quite yet!!

Overall, life is GREAT. The boys are AMAZING. I'm living my Dream Life.... Thanks Ron.

Cute Idea

Ran across this picture... Loved the cute idea. Too late now, our rings wouldn't fit on thier toes now....

New Name

If you haven't noticed, we are now FM4

Long story, had to change name....

Our blog was coming up in a bunch of random Flower Mound searches.

I'll tell you all about it, sometime

Easter Past

Swiped this one from Jen's blog. This is me (top left in pink) and my 3 sibs, sometime around

1977 or so, can't you tell.

We have great Easter memories... I totally remember those baskets Mom... I remember always getting Pez, chocolate bunny, cadbery eggs, and always something from AVON. And yes, the jelly bean hunt.

NY Family

Swiped these from Reaah's Blog. This is a picture from Easter of some of our New York family. Reaah and Joaana are Rons sisters, and these are Joanna's sons, Steven and Tristan. (Ron and my nephew's, the boys cousins.... Tristan and Lincoln are only 2 months apart. They haven't been able to meet yet, but they talk a couple of times a week by cell phone....) And yes, that is "little" Steven: not so little anymore. Thanks for posting these great pictures guys!!

Reaah and Steven, I loved this picture...

Lincoln's Recipes

Lincoln's school is putting together a "Mommy and Me" cookbook. With real recipes from the Mommies and some recipes from the kids, at least what they think is in their favorite foods...

Panda Bear Taco’s
By Lincoln

First you wash your hands, but sometimes I forget. Second, you put in the meat, then the cheese, then the salad or maybe some beans. Then you roll it up and then you eat it all up, yum. I love these tacos. Bye, I’m done. The End.


Brownie’s
By Lincoln
I don’t really know how to make these, but when you are done you can put some chocolate on top.
I think this is what you put in them:
Dough
Sugar
Then use the Mixer
Cheese
Carrots (is there Mom??)
Celery
Maybe some Beans

Easter Fun

1. The boys looked for the hard boiled eggs and candy the Easter Bunny hid. Then they found the baskets....

2. Ron made us french toast for b-fast.

3. Easter service at 9:30, amazing. Didn't make the sunrise service, it was toooo cold and early.

4. Me and the neighbor mom had an egg hunt for the 4 boys. We decided on "non candy" items in the plastic eggs so they discovered stickers, quarters, raisins, fruit stamps, etc... I also hid cascarones confetti eggs so they had fun smashing those...

5. Naptime for us all.

6. In the oven is our Easter meal which includes a Honeybaked Ham.

7. We had a Happy Easter!!

THE EGG HUNT WITH THE NEIGHBOR BOYS!!!!!

Happy Easter

We wish you a very Blessed Easter.

To ALL of you readers out there, from The Flower Mound Four.

For those of you asking for some info:

35th Annual Easter Sunrise Service On The Mound
Submitted by John Thomas on March 17, 2008 - 5:47pm.
Charity/Non-Profit
35 years ago, the first Easter Sunrise service was held on the Flower Mound.The Easter Service became a yearly tradition that has been carried on by the Summit Club, the Women of Flower Mound, & the Mound Foundation, three of Flower Mounds civic organizations.
This year the 35th Annual Easter Sunrise Service will be Sunday March 23 starting at 07:00am. (Sunrise is at 07:28am. This is later than normal because of the change in Daylight Savings time. Also have a nearly full moon setting at 0807am.)On behalf of the Summit Club, the Women of Flower Mound, and the Mound Foundation, we want to invite everyone to the Service. The Mound is located near the intersection of FM3040 & FM2499. Parking will be in the Tom Thumb parking lot.Because of the nature of native prairie grasslands, comfortable clothing is recommended over your Sunday best.
This year, the youth group of the Valley Creek Church is presenting the service. The Summit Club invites youth groups each year to provide the program.
A short service will be presented ending with a dramatic sunrise.
TheMound is an 11+acre native prairie grassland that rises above the surrounding area. It makes a dramatic backdrop for the Service.Over 300 species of native flowers have been identified on The Mound.
Light refreshments and coffee are being provided by local merchants, and will be available after the services.

Egg Ordeal

We painted our Easter Eggs tonight. The boys did them ALL by themselves. It was a hoot...

We left them out for the Easter Bunny to hide.

We also left him some carrots and water for a snack...

waterballoons

We had a water balloon fight today.... I planned on taking more pictures, but I kept getting slammed with the balloons and I didn't want the camera to get wet....

The Brisket

Here's the brisket Matthew and Ron prepared. They even made homemade bbq sauce. Matthew did the whole smoking, which took the whole day. I made some corn on the cob and sweet potatoes, and we had a delicious meal. Ron and Matthew want to sign up for a dinner on the family trip and smoke a couple of briskets....

The Lake

Thursday morning we took Matthew down to the lake, one of our favorite hangouts. We live so close to the lake (2miles) we try to get down there as much as possible. The boys favorite thing to do is throw rocks into the water. They could do this for hours (ask matthew)

Here are the boys throwing rocks, and the only pictures of Matthew he let me take during his week visit (thats bc he didn't know I took them...)

Here the boys are digging to find the burried treasure (they never found it..)
Miss Lucky had her 1st trip to the lake. She LOVED it. I've never seen a dog run around with so much excitement. Fortunately she never jumped (all the way) in. She just ran and ran and ran, but she was so well behaved she stayed right with us. Her leash was stolen in our car robbery... and I haven't gotten a chance to get another, but she did great...

Leapsters

The boys sure do love their Leapsters. I'm definitely bringing these on the plane...

Matthew...

OK, Jen and Lauren have been so good at posting what they are doing this week. I have to say Matthew and Lauren have exact opposite personalities... Matthew is just as happy just hanging out at home.... He is so laid back... So, no High School Musical on Ice or Manicures for us. And Sue, I know you will be checking in on the blog, so here are some things we have done.
(PS... We have spared Matthew thus far with picture taking, but we will get him sooooon)

Monday: Matthew was picked up a 1pm. Ron took the day off work to welcome Matthew in town. After getting lost (again) at the airport we arrived home for Matthew to settle in. Ron, Matthew, and Lincoln went on a bike ride, and the boys kept Matthew busy outside playing football, etc... Matthew bonded with Miss Lucky, and she now follows him everywhere and even sleeps in his bed..... That night we had homemade bread, lasagna, and salad for dinner: apple crisp for dessert. Matthew brought his X box, so him and Lincoln were busy playing games... Matthew watched his favorite Monday night movies... Then Ron went on his evening jog: tried to talk Matthew into jogging, but Matthew chose to ride the bike next to him....

Tuesday: Matthew came along with us for Lawson's dental appointment: we have a fun dentist office (stadium seating movies, free coffee lounge, massaging chairs.....I love taking them to the dentist). Then we went to CiCi's for pizza and Matthew stuffed himself. The boys all played some video games. On Tuesday we had Flooding, so we spent the rest of the afternoon dry inside and I think we all took naps.... Then we went out to dinner at Anemia's: one of our fave local Mexican Restaurants. We like that they prepare your guacamole tableside.... Ron and Matthew went out and bought some remote control cars to play with and have Miss Lucky chase... Then we watched some movies....

Wednesday: Matthew and I took the boys to see the Dr Sueus Movie: Horton Hears a Who. Lincoln LOVED it, we even went to Barnes and Nobles to buy him the book.;..... Lawson however we found out is not ready for the movie theatre.... I got a refund for the 2 of our tickets, and he had more fun running around the lobby... Then we had lunch at McD's, and home for some more naps and x-box.... Evening plans today include dinner at home, out for dessert, and who knows what else will come up. (Matthew and Ron are going to smoke a whole brisket tomorrow, so I know they are going to work on marinating that tonight)

REAAH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO REAAH (aka Ray Ray or Ya Ya). She turns the big 3-0...... We LOVE you.... Your Present is in the mail, but won't be there in time (sorry....)... ENJOY your big day. And Welcome to the 30 Club!!

(BTW>>> Grandma Joan, sorry about missing your bday on the 5th... your card and pres is in the mail as well... ENJOY and we will SEE YOU next month....)

Happy Day

Happy Saint Patty's day to all you Irish out there. I guess this is one holiday that we don't really celebrate. None of us are even wearing green...

Matthew is HERE!! Hope he has a good time. We have kept him busy thus far and he has only been here 3 hours. He says that he really misses Lauren, his sister....

It's Spring Break, so there are a bunch of rowdy teenagers with nothing better to do. Last night, several of our neighborhood cars were broken into. Including ours. Rons GPS system was stolen. They also stole Lucky's leash (??)

Lincoln and 2 of the neighbor boys were out front ALL morning developing plans to get the "bad guys". They all were dressed in their Power Rangers outfits and masks. They had knumchucks (sp) and swords (pretend, provided by the neighbors of course...). Well the older boy even had a notebook to write the plan in. They are meeting at 8pm outside tonight. They are going to hide in the back of the pickup truck and wait for them... lol... I feel SAFE now...

BTW I think we are going to fire our teenage neighbor babysitter....

THE Flower Mound

Per a request, here is a picture of the Historic Flower Mound. Nothing too exciting. Just a BIG grassy hill with flowers with a fence around it, right in the middle of Flower Mound. We could walk here. Here is some historic info on The Flower Mound:

The Flower Mound

There are almost as many legends, interpretations, and stories, often contradictory, concerning The Mound as there are bluebonnets in Texas. There are very few unchallenged facts about The Mound. The Town of Flower Mound derived its name from it, it rises 650 feet above sea level, and it stands 50 feet above the surrounding countryside. Texas' eminent historian, the late A.C. Greene, believed the hill received its name in the 1840s because of an unusual amount of wild flowers that grew on it. This area was part of the great American Black Land Prairie that ran from Canada to the Rio Grande and from the Rockies to the Mississippi. Only 1,000 acres remain of the original 20 million known as the Tall Grass Prairie. Because early pioneer settlers used The Mound as a haymeadow and never plowed, the wild flowers were conspicuously abundant in wet springs. However, wildflowers and native prairie grasses flourish throughout the year. The non-profit Mound Foundation has identified more than 175 species of wild flowers, a hand full of which are included on this Web site. The Mound is now referred to as The Flower Mound.

Other Interesting Info I found on the city website:

Demographics

Census 2000 Population: 50,702
Estimated population in July 2004: 62,209
Census 2000 Median resident age: 33.3 years
Census 2000 Median household income: $95,416

Racial diversity in Flower Mound:
White Non-Hispanic 86.9%
Hispanic 5.6%
Black 2.9%
Other race 1.8%
Two or more races 1.6%
Asian Indian 1.1%
American Indian 0.9%
Chinese 0.6%

Is it the award-winning parks and trails system? Is it the actively involved citizenry? Is it the outstanding school system, the reasonable cost of living, the close proximity to the DFW International Airport, the easy access to the Dallas-Forth Worth Metroplex, or the beautiful shores of Lake Grapevine? Money Magazine named Flower Mound the best small town in Texas, while Business Week rated the Town a top 25 best affordable suburb in the South. Asking ten different people why they like to call Flower Mound home will most likely produce ten different answers, and all would be correct.


"It has a small town feel where the people and businesses are friendly, and it has all the conveniences of a larger metropolitan area"
- Chad Hennings, Former Dallas Cowboy

FLOWER MOUND AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

• BusinessWeek Magazine rated Flower Mound a top 25 best affordable suburb in the South as part of its "America's Best Affordable Suburbs in the U.S. by Region. "BusinessWeek Magazine - May 2007
• Flower Mound ranked fifth in the Cities Ranked and Rated list of best places for families with children.
  Cities Ranked and Rated - 2nd Edition 2006
  
• D Magazine ranked Flower Mound the 8th best suburb in North Texas.
  D Magazine 2006
  
• Flower Mound ranked 5th in the “Best Places to Raise Your Family/Top 100 Affordable Communities in the US” published by Frommer’s.
  Frommer's "Best Places to Raise Your Family" - 1st Edition 2006
  
• BusinessWeek.com listed Flower Mound as one of the Top 25 Best Affordable United States Suburbs and number one for the Dallas area.
  BusinessWeek.com - November 2006
  
• Money magazine named Flower Mound the best small town [under 100,000] in Texas and the second best in the West.
  Money - December 2003

Outdoor Fun

Outdoor fun was had by all tonight, as we played and Ron grilled out steaks. After dinner, the neighbors came over to roast marshmallows with us, and brought Lucky's friend over to play too. She is a black lab named Oreo, and her and Lucky have been having playdates too. In fact, some days we have "doggie playgroup" in our front yard and 4-5 other neighborhood dogs come over and they all play... Pretty funny...

Nephew, Matthew flies in tomorrow, looking forward to a Fun Filled Spring Break....

Egg Hunt

We went the the Flower Mound Easter Egg Hunt today.

It was so sunny, the boys and I all got sunburned.

The boys did great, and hunted lot's of candy... They had a blast...There was also a bounce house/slide, games, playground, Mr and Mrs Easter Bunny...

Here is a picture of the boys checking out their candy stash...

Had a babysitter for dinner, and Ron and I ate at Uncle Julio's...

We enjoy having dates every once in awhile.

We can always tell when we need one...

Puppies

Awwwwww. Daddy can we have one of these???

Bubby's Friend

We had lot's of fun this afternoon having Lincoln's friend Taylor over. We even went to Baskin Robbins.... They played out back on the swingset, they got to "build" their own taco's, played played played in the boys rooms....

When her Daddy picked her up, us four (five with Lucky) had just enough sunlight to go on a quick bike ride: love the daylight savings...

Lost

Confession: I have NEVER watched an episode of American Idol.

But, I'm hooked on LOST.

Friends, Coffee, Ball, and More

Last night was Lincoln's AWANA parent's night, so Mommy and Daddy and little brother got to attend....and watch him in action

Lincoln's Spring T-Ball season starts next week. Looking forward to six weeks of outdoor fun.... I think he is going to do really well this time since he knows what is happening now...

Yesterday afternoon, the boys were out front playing in the water with the neighbor boys... Pretty cute, and I was looking around thinking... just a few days ago they were all out there running around having snowball fights, and now they are in there swim trunks spraying water at each other (it was 80)

Today when I pick up Linc from school, I will also pick up his buddy Taylor to come over for a playdate... She gets to stay up 8pm, we are looking forward to it... She is such a GOOD girl... cute, cute, cute...

Lawson has gone from calling Lincoln Bubba to Bubs and now it's Bubby. It sounds so cute... I even catch myself calling Lincoln Bubby...

Flip Flop Friday tomorrow... I will have a household of FOUR boys for 2 hrs, then have none for 2 hours... I plan to run errands...

Flower Mound Easter Egg hunt this weekend for the kids. Appearance by the Easter Bunny. I LOVE these activities Flower Mound puts on for the kids..... And I got their new personalized Easter Baskets in the mail today, just in time to use them....

And finally, yes I haven't drunk Coffee in TWELVE long days. And my mom sent me a bunch of these "coffee art" pictures, which are totally cute but now I'm like really really wanting some Java....

Sunrise

Our church is doing a Sunrise Easter Service (7:27am), at the historic FLOWER MOUND. I'm talking about the real outdoor flower mound. I am so excited, because I have never been to a sunrise service and I've been wanting to do something on the flower mound.

The Pastor of our church also started a daily blog, on my blog roll on the left... So, I'm going to try to keep up with his readings...

Phone

For those of you that I could only find time to call when I driving, here's the scoop. Flower Mound just passed that cell phone while driving ban. There is a sign out right by our house. And, knowing me, I will be the one to get a ticket. Remember I am the one who recently got a no seatbelt ticket. Soooo, I'll have to figure out when else I can call you.... I called Nanny tonight, while I was at home and I think it was around SIX times I had to say... Gotta go, call later.... Basically hang up... Lawson broke glass, then the boys were fighting in the tub, etc... It's just not easy to talk on the phone with a 2 and 4 yr old....
So, maybe just email me or text me... I'll call you in a couple of years....

Play Clay

We made this play clay today. It's easy and lot's and lot's of fun for the kids. We liked it better than play-doh.... For all you mommies out there, try it and let me know how you like it!!

PLAY CLAY:

With a little bit of elbow grease and some basic kitchen ingredients, you can create homemade play dough that will last much longer than store-bought versions. It also feels much silkier and doesn't crumble when exposed to air for a while. Making this play dough requires some adult elbow grease, but the results are really worth it!

What you'll need:
2 cups flour
1 cup table salt
2 cups water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 teaspoons cream of tartar (found in the spice aisle)
Food coloring Vanilla or peppermint extract (for a nice smell)

What you'll do: Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. The mixture will start to thicken and become difficult to stir. When it starts to form into a sticky ball, remove and place on counter. Knead for one minute. Cool completely.
Although kids need only their hands to have fun with this clay, look in your utensil drawer for some safe tools that they can use, such as cookie cutters, a rolling pin, a butter knife, plastic forks and spoons. A drinking straw can be used to poke holes.
When kids are done playing, store the clay in an airtight container.

Four Years...

While we were getting Easter pictures, we also got Lincoln's Four Year Old Shot....

He is such a big boy, and may I add a GOOD boy. He is sooooo sweet....

Bristol

This is my neice Bristol in her flower girl dress for this weekend. HI BRISTOL!!!! Ron is her proud Godfather..

Happy Easter

OK here is a sneak peak at the boy's Easter picture...

I'm so bad at keeping these a surprise until they are sent out in the mail...

Anyway, there is a beautiful Easter background here, but I chose to crop and make a close up... So it can be more of a year round pic...

I wouldn't want a pic on my wall with Easter bunnies, etc, in January: that's how I am...

Anyway, I think this is the first prof pic I have had where they are both smiling, sitting next to each other, not wrestling around,etc... I liked it.... It's from Picture Innovations.

Snowman Kissing Bandit

Last night, during the Flower Mound March Blizzard, Ron and Lincoln went out to some nearby hills to go sledding. The took a real surf board we had in the attic, what fun.... Here is a Lawson sized snowman he got to help Daddy build last night, and today as all the snow was melting: we caught the kissing bandit kissing his snowman.... It was a sunny day today. The boys got their Easter pics done (will send out soon....., cute...) , and Lincoln his 4 yr old pic. Then they got to go run around the playarea at McD's since they did well. Tonight and tomorrow is my Church women's retreat... We get new carpeting in our Master tomorrow (we were very disappointed in the last one...). Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend where ever you are...

Yup, there is snow in FM and lots of it. Lawson got to play in it and Lincoln got to make a snow angel, that he forgot to do the other night...

Ready or Not Here Comes the Snow

5 inches!!
Lincoln is at preschool right now, and I'm sure the whole class is besides themselves seeing these heavy sheets of snow falling out the window.... This time Lawson will be able to play in it too, when he is up from his nap....
4th day: no coffee. sure sounds good right about now in this snow.... Guess I'll fix a cup of hot cocoa...
Pray for Ron, and all the other Dallas hubbies which will be traveling home from work in the height of all this winter storm.... Rush hour is predicted to pretty scary this afternoon. Ron already travels ONE HOUR to get home from the plant in Garland, yuck..... I'll make sure I have some home made bread coming out of the oven when he gets here, he likes that....

Heavy snow is moving in from the west and parts of the Metroplex could receive 5 inches of snow by early Friday.

More Snow???

Today: Windy with rain showers early then precipitation changing to a mix of rain and snow by the afternoon. Thunder possible. High 41F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph.

Tonight: Snow this evening will give way to lingering snow showers late. Some sleet may mix in. Low 32F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph. 1 to 2 inches of snow expected.

Tomorrow: On and off snow showers early. Peeks of sunshine later. Cold. High 42F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 30%.

Helpers

Thank You to Jen, Sue, and Tiffany for responding to my doggie questions. It helped me out tremendously. Tiffany is my brother's wife's sister... Got that? So, she is kind of like a sister in law too in a distant way. She is also a blogger, and always leaves me GREAT comments.... Thanks Tiffany. AND she is getting married this Saturday, CONGRATULATIONS!!! AND you know my cute niece Bristol?? She is going to be the flower girl!!!

Matthew

My 17 year old nephew will be here for a week during his Spring Break.

LOOKING FORWARD to you being here, Matthew!!

Snow Followup

So the day after our big snowfall, it was 70 degree's out. The snowman was still there, but everyone was running around in shorts. Lawson was already in bed when we had our snow party: it was about 9:30pm they were out making the snowmen. So Lawson got to wake up to seeing the snowmen and thought that was pretty cool. He really wanted to kiss the snowman for somereason...