FLASHBACK: Ann Elise's End of Year Program

She had such sweet friends. We will miss them at our new school.


Ann Elise's preschool organized an End of the Year Program. The preschoolers put on a little program and then the parents visited their room. The three year old classes sang a few songs from the stage. Her favorite song to sing was "R-E-D, Red". When we got to her classroom she had decorated a flowerpot with her fingerprints along with several other crafts. We thought she did such a great job!

Look at her getting into the song:

Growth Chart

Growing up, my mom had a wall in our laundry room that held marks of our heights over the years. As the years passed it gathered names not only from the three siblings, but from numerous friends and family. It was such fun to see the way we grew from year to year and also compare ourselves with one another. There wasn't anything special to this growth chart. It wasn't planned, organized, or thought out. It was simply marks and marks of pencil lines, dates, and names.

As Kris and I were building our house and dreaming of the children we wished to have, I often thought about that growth chart in my mom's house and the special memories it held. I thought it would be special to have one of our own. A year or two passed, Wes was born, and before long he was standing on his own. I remembered the growth chart idea and got busy. I chose a space in our laundry room and started outlining a "yardstick" on the wall, painted it in with some leftover paint, and began our own tradition. Now, our kids look forward to their birthdays and leaving their mark!

I also mark my nephews heights when they come to visit. My sister made the comment that she would like to have one of her own. As we talked about her own, we decided that a movable one would be best for her (they have moved several times and were currently building another house). I got to searching online and found several cute, pre-made charts. But then I came across a blog post about how to make your own. My mind started turning and before long my sister and I had a plan for creating her own growth chart.



**Note: These pictures were taken in my red dining room. My sister's laundry room is brown.

Supplies:
two 1'X 2' canvas art boards
coordinating scrapbook paper (we went with colors from her laundry room)
little bit of paint
ric rac
buttons
stickers
staple gun
modge podge
hot glue gun
tape measure
sharpie

Staple the two canvas boards together to create one long board. Paint the sides of the canvas. Modge podge the scrapbook paper onto the canvas. Hot glue ric rac and buttons. Measure out the canvas and apply stickers accordingly. Hang at correct height. Start filling in your measurements with a sharpie.

A few weeks ago I was in town and took it to her. I think it looks really good in her new laundry room. Now my nephews have their own place to leave their mark!

FLASHBACK: Wes' Kindergarten Graduation

We celebrated Wes' graduation from Kindergarten with a ceremony at a local church. The kindergarten teachers did a great job organizing and planning the event. They sang several songs, recited some of the things they had learned, and each child was given a speaking part. Wes' part was reciting the phonetic rule for "ou": "ow, oh, oo, uh...OU had a big bike wreck". We were so proud. He did such a good job. He spoke clearly and loudly!

A big smile before we left the house:

Receiving his diploma from the Principal:

Showing his excitment over his diploma (Ha Ha):

Posing with his kindergarten teacher. We had a terrific year! I do not have enough nice things to say about her. She certainly set the bar high for Wes' future teachers!

The Last Sin Eater

Maybe you remember me writing about how much I enjoy reading. This summer I was able to pick back up my passion and found myself thoroughly enjoying the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury. I am still not finished with either series...but cannot wait for things to slow back down a little so I can get some more of the wizard world and the Baxter family!

One of my most beloved authors is Francine Rivers. I have yet to read a book written by her that does not grip my soul. She has a profound way of writing fiction in a deep, meaningful way that causes one to delve seriously into their walk with the Lord and how they feel about relevant subjects.

Over the summer I was looking through Netflix and updating our queue. I came across The Last Sin Eater and added it to our list.

I have read the book (same title) by Francine Rivers and of course thoroughly enjoyed it. I was looking forward to seeing the film. Well, last week it arrived in our mailbox and Kris and I were able to watch it. It was really good! I love being able to "see" books I have read. However, I always find my imagination to be much better :)

FLASHBACK: Bankston Hays' Battle of the Worlds

Back in April I found Bankston Hays playing in the driveway. He was definitely portraying his "boy" skills! He had all a boy needs...a mound of dirt, his big brother's conatiner of Star Wars men and Knights, and a serious battle plan.

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

BooMama is hosting a recipe party over on her blog. She wants us to share our favorite dip recipes. And being the appetizer kind of gal that I am, I knew I could contribute! My only problem was choosing a favorite :)

There aren't many appetizers I wouldn't choose over real food on any given day. And this dip is no different! I first tasted this recipe years ago at a Sunday School party and have since made it on numerous occasions. I love that it is served warm and is super cheesy. That rates as delicious on my scale!

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

8 oz bag Parmesan/Mozzarella Cheese (grated)
1 cup Mayonnaise (Hellman's tastes best with this recipe)
1 can (14 oz) Artichoke Hearts (drained and chopped)
1 pkg (10 oz) Frozen Chopped Spinach (thawed and drained)
3 cloves Garilc

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together half of cheese, mayonnaise, artichoke hearts, spinach and garlic. Spoon into a 9 inch pie plate (recipe can be doubled to fill a 9x13 casserole dish). Top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly brown.

I have served this dip with tortilla chips or toasted french bread rounds and both were delicious. I honestly can't imagine anything on earth making this delicacy taste bad! With football season here, maybe this dip will find its way to your tailgating table. Hopefully you'll agree with me...YUM-O!

Ann Elise is back to ballet!

After taking a year off from ballet and taking gymnastics, Ann Elise is back to ballet!

She has been to ballet twice and is LOVING it! It is a really neat setting. They hold their classes in the aerobics room at church. The classes are taught by a lady that owned her own studio for 25 years.

I think this picture is adorable. Her teacher is very sweet and Ann Elise really likes her. I love that her teacher is dressed like and carries herself like a ballerina. I think it makes the experience more special and has all the little girls feeling like they really are little ballerinas!

Ann Elise is also excited because she is learning to tap dance!

FLASHBACK: Spring Baseball

Nothing around our house quite speaks of Spring than a brand new baseball jersey, a new pair of cleats, and random singing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"!

This Spring was Wes' third season of baseball. He made some good plays and had some great hits. I am just a yellin' when he hits the ball hard and starts running around those bases!

Check out that swing!

Going...Going...

It's outta here!!!

Sliding into base takes a close second to getting a good hit. He was so excited after his first slide of the year! We had been to opening ceremonies and his brand spanking new, WHITE pants had gotten red dirt on the leg. We had some time to go home and rest before his game and team pictures. I decided to wash his uniform to get it ready. When it was time to get ready he said, "Mom, did my pants get clean?" To which I replied, "Not really." To which he replied, "YES!" (As he is pumping his fist)

It was a special season because Kris was able to coach his team. And if you know Kris, you know that there is nothing he'd rather do more than pitch and catch with Wes! I believe he will have NO trouble getting his oldest son (or his youngest, for that matter) out on the field to practice or play!! (Wes is on third base in this picture)


Most games you would find Wes playing first or third base. But, boy is it hard to get him away from his first love - catching! I think he loves the position because of the action and the gear :)


We owe his love of catching all to this guy. Wes' all time favorite player, former Southern Miss catcher, Kevin Coker. He even wears his number: 20!


Wes loves to play sports. He is always up for a game. He'll play soccer, tennis, hockey, football - you name it. He is there! And it all started when he was very young...

March 2004 - 17 months old

May 2004 - 19 months old: Minute Maid Park, Astros vs. Cubs

May 2006 - 3 1/2 years old: NCAA Regional Baseball Tournament, Tuscaloosa

Up for a little catch up?

Since the end of April I have been a horrible blogger. Actually, let's scratch that. I have not been a horrible blogger - I have not been a blogger! As school was winding down with end of the year parties and graduations and summer starting, I realized I could just not do it all. Blogging was put to the side. We had lots of fun during the time since my hiatus started. So, I was thinking about playing a little catch up. I am wondering if blogging about some of those fun times would help me get back into the swing of blogging, and catch you all up on our goings on. How does that sound? Check back to see how our summer ended up!


I just could not do a post about "catching" up without posting a picture of our sweet little catcher! YES! He does love baseball as much as his Daddy and his big brother...maybe even more!!!

Sweet Doll started Pre-K

Last week Ann Elise started Pre-K.




Look at our big girl! It is hard to believe this time next year she will be going to school with Wes and we will be dropping her off at Kindergarten! This year her first day was significant because she started at a new school and started going five mornings a week (instead of three). I know this year is going to be very valuable and am looking forward to hearing about all her new experiences!

We have a first grader!

Yesterday we sent our first born to school as a first grader.

The day was full of exciting new things. For one - a DESK! IN kindergarten they sat at tables in chairs.

We are super pleased with his teacher and are looking forward to the new friendships to be made.

A fellow blogger, Tales From The Crib, has been giving herself the award "Mama Wins" occasionally. In her own words she describes this award as " to honor the little things we as moms do that get little, if any, recognition. these are the kinds of things that i find myself doing (occasionally) that make me say to myself, 'i should get an award for this.'" Every time she awards this she has chosen something specific i.e. carrying on adult conversations while little children running around the house crazily, relaxed the "little-or-no sugar" rules to truly enjoy the Easter holiday, bravely forge ahead with their motherly duties no matter what kind of health problems they are dealing with. (I took/paraphrased those from examples from her previous "Mama Wins" blog posts - you can click on her name above to go to her blog).

This morning when I read her "Mama Wins" post it resonated with me. She gave herself the award for "today's award goes to you mamas out there who let your kids wear what they want to wear, when they want to wear it, even if you believe it brings shame to you and your name". As I have written about on occasion, this is something I tend to struggle with. It just so happens that yesterday, I overcame this issue for one outing :) Mondays are very busy for us. After a morning of errands and taking Bankston Hays to Mommy and Me we pick up Ann Elise from Preschool and take her to gymnastics. She has to change into her leotard in the van. Once we are back home she runs up to her room and picks out something from her "play clothes". Today, that selection consisted of an old "princess on a horse" T-shirt with several red dirt stains, a non-matching pair of coral colored knit shorts, neon striped Hello Kitty socks, and pink tennis shoes with rainbow colored glitter. Awesome!! The great thing about this? I not only let her out of the house, I let her go to the Library. Yes! Once Wes got home from school, the four of us loaded up and went to the Library - Wes in his uniform, Bankston Hays in a sweet appliqued shortall, and my very own Punky Brewster! I only wish I had taken a picture. It would have made a great addition to this post!

My kind of day

Today was just right. Ever have those kind of days? It started off with ALL of us getting to sleep in a little later than usual. We did not have a set plan for today other than "do what needs to be done". We headed outside and before we knew it all kinds of things were accomplished!
-yard work completed
-storage room cleaned out and re-organized
-teak patio furniture sanded
-old flower pots emptied and stored
-kitchen cleaned
-den picked up

And we still had energy for the fun stuff!
-Kris and Wes through the baseball
-Bankston Hays enjoyed singing
-Ann Elise made mud pies
-all three kids worked together to make a mud fort for the Star Wars and medieval knights figurines
-good bit of bike, scooter, and 4-wheeler riding

You know it is a good day when:
-your children do not ask if they can watch TV
-your children do not ask for a snack
-your baby is so sweaty, dirty, and sand-encrusted that you have to bathe him before naptime
-ate a deeelicious supper of grilled pork chops, homemade macaroni and cheese, black eyed peas, and cornbread
-got to eat outside on a clean patio because the weather was perfect (and kept your kitchen clean!)
-the kids are bathed and ready for devotion before 8 pm

Wanna try the deeelicious pork chops we grilled tonight?? We have used this marinade recipe twice and it's a keeper!


Grilled Pork Chops Marinade
1/2 cup Water
1/3 cup Soy Sauce
3 T Lemon Pepper Seasoning
2 cloves Garlic
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil

Mix all ingredients and pour over pork chops. Allow to marinate at least two hours. Grill for 15 minutes.

The week for questions...

Gotta another question for you out there...what is your favorite vacuum cleaner?

Looks like The Five Dubs might be getting close to purchasing a new vacuum cleaner - and considering we have never done so - we'd like your input!

Are you brand loyal? Hoover, Dyson, Eureka, etc.
Are you a baggie or a bagless?
Are you a retractable cord or do-it-yourself cord?

Any and all advice, experience, opinions are welcome!

Blog world question

When someone comments on your blog or asks you a question in your comment section, what is the appropriate way to respond? Do you comment on your own blog, hoping they return to that same post to read your response? Do you go to their blog and post your answer in the comments of their last blog post? Do you e-mail them, Facebook them, etc? I'd like to hear what you think!

So, how did those Easter iron-ons wash?!?!

It has taken me about a week to get back to normal after my sinus surgery. But, we are moving and grooving, now! A few of you commented that you'd like to know how my new found iron-on appliques washed and wore. To that my answer would be...as well as I expected! :)

The fine seamstress who created these little cuties made perfect note that if these were to be worn and washed over and over, it would serve them best to be stitched on after ironing. She even suggested the kinds of stitches to use. I chose not to stitch ours for several reasons:
A) I can not sew - my mother in law has refurbished her sewing machine and passed it down to me so, I would LOVE to learn
B) I was ironing them on the night before the Easter events I ordered them for
C) I knew they were only to be worn once or twice

In my experience - after the first wash they pulled up in one or two spots and were easily ironed back down, after the second wash a tad bit of fraying and more pulling up along 1/3 of the perimeter and again ironed back easily, after the third wash the results were about the same.

This would not keep me from choosing another pattern. I still think they are adorable and inexpensive. I could get matching t-shirts for the whole Carter brood (5 little ones) - they would fit everyone, everyone would match, at a total cost of $40 - potentially less than one outfit from a store!

Outfit Solution for a Hoppy Easter Egg Hunt

It is no secret that I love to dress my children in cute smocked or appliqued clothes. I love even more for them to match or coordinate! Holidays are some of the most fun times to match their clothes. But, in buying matching outfits for three - especially outfits they may only get to wear once or twice - I must spend more money than I want or need. With Easter approaching I started planning their outfits and wanted to find something cute Ann Elise and Bankston Hays could wear for her Easter Egg Hunt at Preschool.

A few months ago I introduced you to my new found friend, Etsy? She stepped up and helped me solve my matching/coordinating holiday clothes for Easter! I found this seller that makes charming iron-on appliques. As I browsed her site I found the most precious designs in adorable fabrics. I was tempted to buy one of everything. But, the more I debated, I settled on just ordering Easter theme appliques for now. I figured I would see how they worked first and then buy more. :) As I waited for them to arrive I went on the hunt for solid color T-shirts and ended up finding several at Wal-Mart online (site-to-store, which is a FABULOUS service) and a few at Target. Once the appliques and instructions arrived, I went to work transferring the designs:

The pieces to the bunny applique:

Plain blue T-shirt from Target:

First step - ironing on the body of the bunny applique:

Second step - ironing on the egg part of the applique:

Third and final step - sewing the button eyes on the applique:

How cute is that?!?

Can't forget baby brother! He's wearing the carrot to match!

It's getting crazy around here!

Our little Bankston Hays is coming to life! HA! He has really been letting us know just how keen his awareness is. A few examples:
1) He loves to watch us play Hide-N-Seek. He squeals and claps as soon as the counting begins.
2) Every time the alarm on our door chimes to say the door has opened he makes a bee line for it - he is thinking "the door is open - I can get outside!"
3) At Mommy and Me he sits in my lap and enjoys the singing and motions until it is time for the "Balls", "Dinosaurs", and "Snack". He immediately jumps up, squeals, starts saying "dall" and "di-oh-sor", and goes to help Mrs. Madelene pull them out. He also promptly gets his carpet square and sits down on it waiting for his snack.
4) He knows which of his clothes have dinosaurs on them and points to them and tells you so.
5) Loves, loves, loves him some baseball! He has been found digging in the outside toy bin, pulling out a big baseball glove, putting it on correctly and walking around throwing and chasing after a baseball. He also does a pretty good job of hitting off a tee.
6) When at Wes' baseball practice he will pitch a fit because he cannot be ON THE FIELD. It is not good enough to be near it - he must be on it! After all, Wes and Daddy are getting to play!
7) Over Spring Break Bankston Hays came out of my nephews' room with a play camera up to his face, eyes closed (taking a picture)

Cooking Tip/Newest Favorite Recipe

I really enjoy cooking and I want our family to have sit down meals together. Soon after Bankston Hays was born I realized that was becoming more and more of an undertaking. Finding the time to shop, prepare, and cook and the effort to clean-up was becoming less and less. I solved it by "cooking double". Whenever I am going to cook a casserole, I try to double it. Then I freeze the extra casserole for later. This helps keep a supply of good meals to pull out on those most common "busy days". If it is a recipe the kids will not eat (yes, I was one of those mothers that said my children would eat whatever I put in front of them - they don't), instead of doubling it, I just split it. I try to keep 8x8 throw away pans available and I'll split the casserole into two of them - freezing the second for later. This has been a very easy adjustment and has made meal time easier. It is also nice for when a friend has a baby or other need - you have a meal ready to go!

I wanted to share my newest favorite recipe! My mother-in-law actually found this recipe on the Food Network website. She made it first and I loved it. I have made it a few times since and tweaked it a little to our liking (well, mine and Kris' liking - the kids don't eat it). It is a keeper! I am also including the recipe for the rolls I serve with it. Super Duper easy! I call them BSU rolls because they used to make them and serve them at the Missions Banquet.

Chicken and Wild Rice and Green Bean Casserole

4 Skinless Chicken Breasts (boiled and cubed)
2 cans Green Beans (I used French Style Green Beans)
1/4 jar Roasted Red Peppers (diced)
1 cup Mayonnaise
1 box Zatarain's Wild and Long Grain Rice (made according to directions)
2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
pinch of salt

Bake at 375 degrees until bubbly and browned.


Easy BSU Rolls

2 cups Bisquick
1 cup Sour Cream
1 stick Butter

Melt butter in microwave. Add Bisquick and Sour Cream. Spoon into muffin tin. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned.

Holiday Books

A few years ago I started a collection of Holiday/Seasonal Books. I decided it was a great way to teach the kids about certain holidays our country/faith acknowledges. I keep these books stored with my decorations for the corresponding holiday/season and pull them out when that time of year comes around. The kids look forward to "what books come next" and learning about these traditions and celebrations.

When we ventured into the world of Preschool, I was re-introduced to Scholastic Book Clubs. We started receiving order forms every month or so and I quickly came to realize they offered some great books at great prices! I have bought some really neat books for every imaginable holiday. Some of these books are educational, while some are fun and silly. They offer books about Thanksgiving, Easter, even Groundhog's Day for $3 or so. We have lots of fun reading these and learning together!

This week I am sending in an order for an "I Spy" or "Where's Waldo" type of book. These are lots of fun to keep in the car. The kids enjoy trying to find things while we are in traffic, waiting on siblings, or even on long trips!

Cowboy Day

Most of your know or have heard me talk about Wes and his LOVE of dressing up. Around the age of 18 months he received his first pair of rain boots as a gift from my mom. They were the cutest little things! They were red and covered in Dalmatians. They graced his big baby feet everywhere...to water "his" flower garden, to stomp in rain puddles, to romp through the mud, and to run errands (while wearing the sweetest of smocked shortalls).

Some days it was even hard to get them off his feet for naptime!

Before long our first born was all about some role play. I believe his first "costume" was derived from Kris' Lasik goggles and a long sleeve T-shirt- turned cape.

As the idea of dressing up for Halloween became imprinted on his mind and he started seeing costumes for purchase, his world view was expanded. Soon we had Spiderman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Fireman, Policeman, Dragon, Construction Worker, and Cowboy costumes hanging from his dress-up peg hooks. Later he acquired Darth Vader, a larger size Spiderman, Incredible Hulk, Storm Trooper and Race Car Driver costumes. (Most of these were gifts or purchased on clearance - $5 or less - after Halloween) And, to this day he is still a fan of dressing up. Some days, he morphs through several characters!

Last week his afternoon unit at school was on Cowboys. The teacher sent home a note announcing they would have Cowboy Day at the end of the week and to feel free to dress up. Wes immediately began scheming his costume plans. You see, he has outgrown a number of the pieces of his (actually my brother's) cowboy costume. The main piece to re-create on his agenda: the belt buckle! He homemade his own belt buckle and proudly left for school on Cowboy Day feeling ready to take on any bad guy of the Wild West!

Note the cardstock pistol. Kris drew that for him to carry since they were not allowed to carry "real" guns!

Resurrection Eggs

Our family routine every night is to all get on the couch after bath time and have our devotion. We have several kid's devotionals from which we choose. However, tonight is a special night because we start the Resurrection Eggs! We will be opening one egg and reading its corresponding devotional for the next 12 nights leading up to the night before Easter. I look forward to opening the last egg...it is empty! Praise the Lord! He is risen!

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Spring Break, LITERALLY!

Not just a week, but 5 weeks! Sorry about that. I just kind of hit a point where the blog seemed like a chore and I felt nothing around here was very interesting to write about. I am trying to get back at it!

Now about Spring Break...check out this post to learn a little about Kris' Spring Break. After we saw him off, we headed to my hometown for a few days. We had a great visit with my family, got to see my brother and sister-in-law, and do a couple of things that needed to be done (like Bankston Hays' pottery hand and footprints)! I also got to sneak in a trip to the Flea Market. It almost never works out that it is in town the same weekend I am, so that was a treat! I can usually find pretty good deals on smocked clothes, hairbows, kids' books, and homemade FUDGE (we can't forget that!). After a few days of fun stuff, we kicked it up a notch! My sister and her boys, my mom, and I all headed to New Orleans. We spent the day visiting the Zoo. It could not have been a more beautiful day! Highs in the mid 70's with abundant sunshine and a nice breeze! We did it all - flamingos, elephants, gorillas, the carousel, and the new Dinosaur exhibit! It was a great day.

But our fun had just begun! We said bye to my mom (she was going to spend the night with her brother and his family) and my sister and I started our adventure. Holly and I had booked a room at a hotel downtown. So, we loaded up and headed that way. We picked up some pizzas and then checked into our hotel. I am sure we were a sight! Two women, 5 kids (ages 1-6), a stroller, a double stroller, an air mattress, a pack-n-play, duffle bags for everyone, and cardboard pizza boxes all walking through a parking garage to the hotel lobby! Once we got our room key and settled in, we ate our supper and put on our swimsuits! Indoor pool - we're there! The pool was a blast. The kids could not have had more fun getting to swim around! There was no doubt they would pass out once we got back to the room. With the darkness of the room, everyone slept until 8:40 am when Kris called to check-in! That got the ball rolling. We got everyone bathed and dressed and everything packed up. We were ready to start our second day in the Big Easy. All of us and our garb successfully get out of our room and to the elevators. Once the tiny elevator doors open, Wes and Ann Elise step inside. (Let me remind you we have two strollers, 7 duffle bags, 5 children, two adults, an air mattress, and a pack-n-play to load in a super tiny elevator) As we were trying to steer the double stroller in first, the doors start to close. With my two oldest inside! Up they go. Terrifying!!! To say.the.least. Holly was crying and I was praying. Thankfully, before we had had time to think through the scenario, the elevator was back on our floor and we could hear Wes saying "I hope they're here!". God answered my prayers by returning them to us unharmed and provided a very nice, German lady that helped steer the children back to the right floor. With that event behind us and a renewed sense of security with my children, we checked out and started walking. We took the Riverwalk to Cafe Du Monde and enjoyed some beignets. Holly craves them regulary and her boys had never tried them so it was special!

Then we made our way back down to the Aquarium. We got to see lots of great sea animals. I think our favorite exhibits this time were the penguins and the sea otters! Ann Elise is our bravest when it comes to creatures! She touched a baby shark and a stingray. After the Aquarium we decided to call it a day and head back to our house. When we got home the kids enjoyed playing outside while Holly and I sat back and watched. We woke up super excited because Kris would be home around lunch! We could not wait to have him home!!!