the Bean

We got a pink polka dotted beam delivered by Grandma Susie, Roe calls it a "bean", it has become a pretty permanant piece in our living room.

Spring program & preschool carnival

Monroe's preschool program was last night and I got two pictures, one which is fuzzy. When Xander had his program 2 years ago, I videotaped the whole thing and took several pics. Curious what I will capture when its Jude's turn. The program was super cute of course and the kids enjoyed way too much sugar after. I don't think Roe left the cake walk.

Say no to crack

with these fun belts from sass & frass. Cindy and I headed to Salina for a womens show, it was a blast, I love this lady. Her business partner was out of town, so I got to fill in. They have the cutest belts, headbands, purses, aprons, jewelry that are perfect teacher/mothers day gifts. At the rate we have been going I will have to buy Xander's teacher several, save for another post...

Monroe and I sporting our new headbands.

Rocking ranch field trip

Monroe has been looking forward to riding "Big Jim" all year.


She bonded with this 2 week old puppy and spent most of the morning with her until she pooped on her hand, down her shirt, jeans and boot.

All you need is love

Mason escorts Liz to junior prom (More pics on miller mania)


Loved the girls dress choices, Monroe approved as well, long, flowy, and colorful.

The kids and I went to the mall for the promenade Saturday night, so fun to watch these kiddos all dressed up. I hear there is a second chance prom next weekend if there is someone who didn't get to go first time around, we may have to go next week too to see what the fashion trend is.

Look what just popped up!

After 5 months of being toothless, Xander is getting a front tooth!

Popsicle playdate

The Easter Bunny brought the kids these homemade popsicle holders and I think we have used them 25 times already, they were also a great bribe for these dancers to practice a few times. Sidenote: Monroe really has clothes she just prefers to wear this gymnastics suit everyday.

Stand in

2 week countdown to Monroe's dance recital. There is a lot of holding hands so Xander is such a sport and helped her out during practice, he definitely needs to work on his skip.

Golly Gecko and Cockroach Country

Mrs.Hinkle sent me this picture of Monroe in preschool with Rawlings the gecko sitting on her head, I love that my ballerina isn't really so much of a girly girl. She informs us the best pet to have, doesn't smell and only eats once every 2 weeks, the Ponds could handle this one.

We visited the bug museum for the K-state openhouse, the kids enjoyed cockroach races and ate chocolate covered crickets, they thought they tasted a little crunchy.

Tess & Jude wanting to take a dip in the fountain

the three amigos AKA cricket eaters.

Pictures & Poker?

We had dance pictures this morning so I had Monroe take off her costume when we got home and I went for a jog. When I came home, this is what I found at the table. Thankful it was I spy and not strip poker.

Nature Center

I joined Xander on his class field trip to the Nature center. Learned a little myself about amphibians and reptiles, impressive what you can take in when you leave two little distractions home with Grandma.

Black & White Pizza

So I have probably already given you this recipe, but here it goes again, you want to try some amazingness for cheap? K, thanks to the Zeka's we have had this 4 x in the last two weeks, cause it is SOOO GOOD!
Pizza crust (Gail, I know you make your own) I use the tandoori flat bread, YUM!
Bertolli alfredo sauce
Black beans
Jalapenos- leave em off for the kids
Chicken if you'd like
Cover with white chz
*We grilled ours, you can put them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes,
You will become addicted too!

Maren & Me

God I LOVE this girl. We have been friends since 6th grade, were Amanda Pandas together, experienced our first airplane ride together to Bela's gymnastics camp in Texas, were in Washington dance together, diving together, we have laughed and cried together SO much, mostly laughing that leads to crying. Maren is the friend that I may not see for 3 years, but when we do see each other it is completely the same and we still have so much to talk about, even though we are at totally different places. I love you Maren, prayers for a great transition from Mexico to the UK!

A hunting we will go...

typically it is one kid that won't participate in the photo op, but as shown above they were all three high on sugar and in their own world, I just wanted one nice posed picture, nope, not so much.



Jude is at the cutest age for egg hunts. He would light up and shout everytime he found one and opened one, I was completely entertained by this routine.

Mustang roundup

little class with a lot of sass coming this fall

lots of exploring going on in the kindergarten room, Xander loved showing his sister the cool stuff from his old room.

Latest infatuation

Im hoping that Gymnastics will be a positive outlet for Monroe's independence, firey drive and determination. She has so got some Aunt Tia in her.

Cookie Pops

We made our own little rendition of Bakerella's cupcake pops with some toppings and popsicle sticks we had leftover from birthdays. The cookie truffle recipe called for baked cookies, crunched up and mixed with cream cheese. The consistency freaked me out a bit, so I couldn't enjoy the finished product. The kids loved them though.

Morning Ritual

taking in a little SUPER WHY before Xander goes to school.

Tat and Hawked

I was asking Trav what he would think if Monroe came home with a tattoo like the chic that got voted off idol, (that covered her whole arm). He said, "It wouldn't change who she is". I beg to differ.