Mason's Art

The art work Mason created, that won a blue ribbon from Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, was displayed tonight at the Art and Appetizers event. There were a total of 4 second graders from all 3 elementary schools represented. Most of the artwork at tonight's event was for sale in a silent or live auction. The elementary artwork was not up for auction, but was displayed for all to see. When we walked in I felt way under dressed. People were decked out! There was a ton of appetizers and drinks (beer and wine included!). The place was packed! We only stayed a few minutes because it was so crowded and they were about to start the live auction. However, we were really proud to see Mason's art work displayed along with art work with a starting bid of $2,000! I told Mason to keep up the great work, one day he can support us!

Inked

See what happens when the kids go to Granna's to play?! I have to say though, that is a pretty impressive tattoo! Lucky wanted to get a closer look!

3D project

We spent part of spring break working on a 3D project for Mason. Usually he doesn't have many opinions when it comes to school projects. He just wants to get them done. This one, however, really interested him. The day his teacher announced the project he came home telling me what scene he wanted to create. His teacher had been collecting different shaped objects that the students were welcomed to use on their project. One day he brought home several items and explained what he wanted them to be in his scene. For example, the eclipse gum container was going to be the trash can at his campsite. Andy and I would try to throw ideas out there, but he was very adamant about what he wanted and how it would be designed. It was really neat watching his mind race. I loved that he was interested in something that had to do with school! I know the reason he liked it though, he loves to be artistic! So here is his finished 3D campsite.

The tent was made out of floral foam. Andy carved the top block into a triangle. The base of the table is styrofoam that Mason painted brown. The top of the table is popsicle sticks. The clear white circles on top of the table are plates (tops of water bottles). The stools at the table are made out of wine bottle cork (see my wine habit pays off!). The lantern (between the table and the tent) is made a cork painted gray with gold glitter glue to represent light. The handle is a paperclip. The tree stump is an actual piece of wood from our burning pile. The fishing pole (leaning against the tent) is a coffee stirrer with bracelet string through it. We glued a bead to the end of the pole to look like the reel. The campfire (that idea came from Kristi- thank you!!) is tootsie rolls and marshmallows. Then there is the trash can behind the table. We bought material at Walmart to cover the styrofoam. So there you have it. Pretty fun project, after it was all said and done!

Rodeo- Alan Jackson

The last Friday of spring break we got last minute tickets to Alan Jackson. Since he is retiring we thought it would be neat to see him live one last time. He said he has played at the Houston Rodeo for 19 years. Pretty neat! We were a little more refreshed this time around. The concert wasn't as loud either so the boys enjoyed it much more.

The highlight of Alex's night- ice cream!

Mason got his cotton candy! He was a happy camper (even though he doesn't exactly look like it here!).

An afternoon walk

The boys and I decided to take Scotty for a walk around the block. Shelby thinks she is a dog too! She has never left our property (since I started feeding her last September) so she was a little scared to follow us at first. But she got up the nerve and then followed Scotty everywhere he went! It was so cute!

A boy and his dog!

Rodeo- Lady A

The first Friday of spring break we went to Houston for the rodeo and Lady A concert. The boys were very excited! They were going to stay in a hotel! They were going to see their first real rodeo! They were going to attend their first live concert! We had incredible seats! Andy bought the tickets from a girl on his team. She has had season tickets for over 20 years. We were row F in the first section. We spoiled the boys already! Andy and I have never had seats this close.  

A very tired Alex and Mommy! It had been a long two weeks leading up to this day. For me particularly, it was hard to go back down Main St. in Houston.

Mason's thinking, "This is fun, but it sure is LOUD!"

Look at them plugging up their ears! Too cute!

Alex couldn't take it anymore. I don't know how he was able to sleep through the rest of the concert, but he did. He even missed his favorite song by them, "Need You Now". He said he could hear it in his sleep!

The next day we went back to the rodeo to look at the exhibits and check out the farmer's market, etc. We didn't get many pictures because it was ridiciously crowded. Note to self: Do not attend the rodeo or livestock show on the weekend!

Scotty and Shelby

Shelby thinks she is an indoor dog like Scotty. Scotty knows she is supposed to be an outdoor cat, preferably one that lives at a different house!

Skating

We bought Mason some inline skates for his birthday. Since then he has been a skating fanatic!! He is getting pretty good! He asks to go to the skating rink every Saturday and Sunday. It's not "if" we can go, it's "when we go". I am glad he has such an interest in it. It's great exercise, it's fun, it's cheap, and it's close! AND, we could have his birthday party there next year if he still has an interest in it!

Alex is a good sport about skating, but he doesn't have it down just yet. He would much rather bring a dollar from his piggy bank and play the games in the game room. He wins tickets from the games and buys prizes with them. He loves that way more than skating right now! But, I have so say, when he does decide to skate he doesn't want ANY help!

Noble's 3rd Birthday Party

I can't believe Noble turned three this year. I feel so lucky to be able to watch him grow. Mason and Alex love being a big brother to Noble.
Mason and Andy were playing catch at the party. Mason really enjoys throwing the football around, and he's pretty good at it too! Now if only we can get him to play an organized sport, ANY organized sport!

Alex would prefer to just take a picture with the football! Cutie boy!

Noble's birthday party was at the park and the boys had a great time playing!

Mason loves playing with and taking care of Noble.

Sweet boy! He had a pirate party this year. His talented Mama made that shirt! Isn't it awesome?!

I LOVE this picture of Mason! It's my new favorite!

Handsome boys

Right before one of the hardest days in my life. But I want to remember how handsome they looked. I know my dad is so proud of these three.

 

Cheers!

We only see my cousins (the ones from MS) at weddings and the occasional once every 4 years visit. Therefore, we made the most out of our time. We decided to play cards, which turned into 5 hour game of Presidents and well you know... It may seem inappropriate from the outside, but in our own way we were celebrating my dad's life. There were many toasts to my dad that night. My dad loved a good time, especially when that time involved family, cards, and some gentleman jack! I'm going to refrain from posting detailed captions! :)

My cousin Cole and my brother's friend Lando (who was the...well you know...at this point of the game)!

I don't think he was too happy with his role in the game!

The happy couple! Why do I always have my chin that high in the air?!

Ha!! How quickly you can go from President to...the...well you know!

I love this picture! Even if it does involve alcohol!

Andy decided to lose the brown bag and design a new hat for the....well you know!

 It was funny, let me tell you!

My cousin Kellye