Luke's Very First Rangers Game, ever!!

On Sunday, September 27, Luke attended his very first

Rangers Game, compliments of

the Ballpark and the Snowball Express.

Luke catching a ride on the Daddy Express.

Luke attentively watching the game. After the third inning, he said, "That was fun!! I ready to go home now."

Snowball Express recieved 100 tickets and opened the event up to friends and family of fallen soldiers. Braelyn brought her 2 besties, Julianne and Braiden. Braiden and Brae have been good friends since kindergarten.Julianne has been a bestes buddy since 1st grade. These 3 get along remakably well! Loooove it!

Los Terificos Tres looking big and independent sitting all by themselves. As you can see, Jason and I were sitting VERY far away.

Because it was FAN APPRECIATION DAY

our section won salsa bowls. It pays to be a family of four. We got a complete set.Yay!

Mr. and Mrs. Scarborough von Cheesydorx

This may have been cuter had I not cut poor Julianne off!

He even won the dot race!

We all had a great time!

Luke really enjoyed his first baseball game!

Brae's Public Speaking Debut in Dallas

On Thursday, September 24, my daughter made me the proudest mommy in the whole world!

First, a recap.

December 18, 2006, I received news that Braelyn's Daddy, my ex and friend, was killed in Taji, Iraq. He was commander of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and had gone on a special mission. When he couldn't see ahead of him, he decided to stop and go back. Unfortunately, where he stopped, was at the foot of an 18 ft. cliff. The Bradley came crashing to the ground after flipping upside down into 4 feet of water. Ultimately, Brian drowned as a result of being trapped. Braelyn was only 7 years old and in the 2nd grade when this occurred, exactly 1 week before Christmas. Her Daddy was her world. They had their own special words for things, they had traditions, and above all, they were a perfect pair.

One year later, Jocelyn, Brian's widow, learned of an organization called, The Snowball Express. Snowball gets the support of many corporations, the main one being American Airlines. Together, these companies and organizations work together to send children and their surviving parent or guardian on an all expense paid trip. The families get a chance to meet other widows and children who are experiencing the same things. Brae has gone to Disneyland 2 times with her step-mom and this incredible group.

This year, Brae and I went to the Colonial in Ft. Worth where we met the coordinator of this program, Micheal Hogg. Micheal Hogg, Braelyn, and I have been friends ever since. Mike called and let me know that at a press conference in Dallas, they were to announce that the city would be hosting Snowball this year. There, Brae got the opportunity to speak on behalf of all children of fallen soldiers, about what Snowball Express means to her. She did an AMAZING job! I am so proud.

Braelyn practicing in the bathroom mirror, before speaking to a room full of executives, Mayor of Dallas,Tom Leppert, and several others who make The Snowball Express possible. A few celebs were there too.

My sweet girl and I in front of the gorgeous view in the Flag Room at Dallas City Hall.

Braelyn meets the Coordinator of Taps.

It was exciting for Brae to get to speak to different news cameras. Unfortunately, the same day we were at downtown Dallas, a terrorist decided he was going to bomb a building downtown, bumping the coverage the Snowball Express deserved. Figures. But at least the FBI was on it and there was no terrorist attack while we were there. SCARY.

Prior to meeting Brian, Brae's daddy, I dated a boy name Tom. Ironically, his Mom handles the Hotel end of Snowball Express. 10 years later, we come back full circle. God puts people in our lives and we don't know why, BUT here we are. Both totally SHOCKED, but glad to meet again under these happy circumstances. Julie and I got to catch up on a stroll through Dallas. I will share more about that shortly.

Also in attendance was Aaron Norris, who is a filmmaker. Aaron Norris lost his brother in Vietnam and flew home with his brother's remains, bringing him home for his burial. I admire him and wonder if I would be able to do the same.Yes, he is also Chuck Norris' brother. During Braelyn's speech she mentioned that not far from City Hall, she and her Daddy used to go rock hopping and that he used to put her on all the Longhorns. He would sit her up top and like a little monkey, she would hang upside down. So after the speech Brae led Julie and I through downtown to the very spot where they used to play together.

After the press event, Braelyn, Julie (Tom's mom) and I went for a literal stroll down Memory Lane. It takes a lot of trust being led by a 10 year old through the streets of downtown and through a cemetery, but like her Daddy, she knew where she was going.

So Brae pranced down the trail like a free little pony warning Julie and I to watch out for rats. "RATS?!!" we exclaimed. "Just kidding." she assured us. Brae said, "Mom, don't freak out. I know what I am doing. I turned the corner to find Brae "rock hopping" cross a water fall. i couldn't tell her not to because she was already almost to the other side. So , I let her and she made it back dry.It was funny, because in my mind, I thought, "BRIAN! You let her do what?!!" She was like 3 and 4 when they started going there.Yes. She was also 3 when she started hopping across the waterfall too! No wonder, I never knew about this.

Brae catches a ride on a stampeding longhorn.What a special memory. I am so excited we will get to spend so much time in Dallas during Snowball. I think Brian would be pleased.

At the end of this very memorable day, Brae and I celebrated in Southlake with some Starbuck's and girl time. It was a great way to end a special day!

Dragon Date Night

For those of you who follow me on Facebook, it is no secret that I am a fan of Hayes Carll.

For those who are not Facebook Frequent Flyers...I am undeniaby, shamelessly obsessed with this man's music. I was first introduced to the soundtrack of my life about 3 years ago when I heard, Down the Road Tonight. Hayes' voice is seasoned, like a man who has seen a lot, been through it all, and lived to tell about it. With its Rockabilly appeal and references to my other favorite state Arkansas, I was hooked.
I have happily been a groupie ever since!

Did I mention he is a ridiculously nice performer? He is very entertaining!

and cute. Did I type that? Wait. What? I don't know how that got there. Weird.

Jason and I lived a little and headed to 8.0 in Ft. Worth's Sundance Square to hear Hayes at the summer concert music series, Wednesday.

It was such a great night for sitting on the patio and listening to live Texas Country music.

Here the drummer, Kenny, and bass guitarist John Michael, prep for the show.

I met Kenny's brother, Wayne backstage at Billy Bob's and visited with him some at this show.

John Michael used to play for Jack Ingram. He was a member of the Beat Up Ford Band.

This is Ricky Ray Jackson. He and John Michael also have a side project they do together. A band called the Happen-Ins. They currently play in Austin at The Scoot. Once they get an album done, they plan to scoot on over to DFDub. Ricky Ray also plays the steel guitar.
This is Scott Davis. Scott, from what I have been able to piece together, travels abroad with Hayes. He also has a side project with Kenny and Ricky Ray. They play locally, every other Sunday at The Moon in Ft. Worth. This band does covers of old country songs. I would love to check them out except they play at 10:30 on Sunday nights. I would probably lose my Mom of the Year Award if I went to that show. On a school night?! I requested a matinee show....

John Michael is mentioned 3 times, because he is my favorite to watch on stage. He is soooo laid back. I am pretty sure he was born in the wrong era. He is the real deal; a hippy if there ever was one.

I looove this pic. My flash was off and I was pretty sure there was something wrong with my camera, but I kept snapping. I am pleased. I wonder if it would print just like this. I was excited because Hayes played the song, Chickens. We hadn't heard him play it live. He wrote this one with Ray Wylie Hubbard.This was our third time seeing him perform live, since May. We plan to hear him in October at Dan's Silverleaf and then at Billy Bob's again in January. yay!

Farnham Femme Fun and Feast

Luke and I had a great morning Friday, enjoying time with girlfriends. Ever wonder what the world looks like from a 3 year old's perspective? Luke snapped this pic of Tracy, Janey, and Heather.

Every month or so during the school year, my "peeps" and I gather for some girl time at our friend, Janey's. It's a much welcomed change to the everyday of motherhood, work, home-schooling, PTA Mom-ing , and housework that fills our everyday. Janey makes it her business to feed us til we're stuffed. All of us bring over a tasty treat of some sort.Pot stickers and Ambrosia Fruit Salad are usually a staple brought by Laura. Heather is known for her salsa and sheet cake. Tonya wowed us with her fresh canned green beans and Tracy is our drink girl. This leaves me. I appparently am the wild card. I tend to bring the item that most are afraid to try and sometimes don't. I decided this time should be no different.


I introduced my sweet friends to sweet bread. In spanish it is called pan de dulce. I personally love it and HIGHLY recommend you try it at least 1 time. I brought the standards. Empanadas de manzana y calabaza, maranos, and conchas.Empanadas are like fried pies by their shape and filling but are baked. Empanadas de Manzana are filled with an apple pie filling. Empanadas de Calabaza are filled with sweetened pumpkin filling.Conchas are also called Turtle Shells. Concha, meaning shell, for the non-spanish speakers, are bread like pastries that are semi-sweet.The Maranos or pig shaped cookies are cookies made with molasses. I threatened that if everyone didn't try some my days of bringing anything were over.I'm just a little spoiled. It went over well. I didn't see anybody spit into their napkin, so that was good.

In our group we have 4 October birthdays.Last year Janey got us all crowns.This year, she splurged. We all are now the proud owners of bjillion carat diamond rings. She pulled an Oprah and used our rings as napkin holders. She couldn't fool us!

After Janey's delish chicken and rice meal and the infamous force fed cultural experience, we all threw in our dollar for a fun and fiercely competitive game of Keeno.For those unfamiliar, Keeno is a bingo type game where instead of numbers, you are looking for the suit called. We all bring a gift in a brown paper sack, stapled shut. It was so much fun. I had a good card, but nowhere near as good as Tonya and Heather. I won 1 time. Tonya won 100 times and Heather won 130 times. Not really but may as well have. They were on FIRE!

Heather or Heifer as Lukey-Luke calls her, won this cute little Monster Candy Jar.

Me, trying to rub some good luck off the BIG WINNERS!

Finally, afte much praying, wishing, positive thinking, and CURSING (just kiddin'), Tracy called KEENO!

Alas, Janey had Keeno 2 times. The moral of this story is

ya gotta keep your head in the game,

Luke LOVES going to Janey's house. He gets to play with his cars, eat candy, is adored by some of the sweetest most kind hearted women, and watch his favorite movies.

I love girl time. I always leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Dimestore Dragon, A Balloon Wish, and a Rooster

met my mom for breakfast Friday at a favorite taqueria of ours.after breakfast we went next door to a mercado where we found Mexican Bingo.In looking at the card I thought a rooster (altogether now, El Gallo) might be a forgiving first attempt.

i am all about free-hand cutting, mostly because I can not draw worth a lick. As you can see, my rooster looks a bit like a child's thanksgiving turkey.

this is my finished product. Its a little cartoonish.I enjoyed playing around with the different textures and colors.


Feeling inspired, Luke and I went to our neighborhood thrift store to see what was new there. I found this 1970's beauty and for giggles tried it on.



I loved the color and the material.

I look like I am trying to woo Big Bird.

Luke this pic.

Luke and I have a few little traditions. If he can behave the whole time we are in the store, he gets a balloon. And when we leave the store he makes a wish. Today, he wished for chocolate.

After he makes a wish. he lets the baloon go, so it will come true.

Going, Going,

GONE !

Have a great day all!

I Wanna Be Megan Coyle

Look closely. See that? That is the incredible artwork of Megan Coyle. Megan Coyle is a collage artist, who uses strips of paper from magazines to create these highly detailed art pieces. I have always been a big fan of collage art and remember thinking once how cool it would be to try this. Well dream no more. I want to give this a whirl. I plan to start off very easy, with basic shapes to create simple pictures. I am thinking a little bird might be a good place to jump off or maybe even an owl. I can't wait to get started.

Look up

www.mcoyle.com

for more info on this talented artist.

She is also on facebook and from time to time posts pics of works in progress.

Summer Lovin' Chapter 1: King Family Reunion

Our summer kicked off with our annual family reunion in Mexia, Texas.Here, the women in the family pose for a "photographic momento" of our time together.Hip, Hip, HOOORAY!On the far left is my Aunt Patty. She is a gifted artist and retired physical therapist. She is who I think I will look like when I get older.Crazy family resemblance. Weird how genetics work, eh?Next to he ris my cousin Ann. She is a mommy I admire. She never loses her patience with her sweet girls and is so focused as a mom.You can tell she puts her all into it. Then you have my surrogate mom, my Aunt Jerra. She is one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. She loves me and has always given me her undivided time and attention.I don't know the girl in the cowboy hat. But next to her, is my cousin Cassie who never ceases to amaze me. She is a very driven gal, whom I lovingly refer to as Dallas Barbie.Julie is my cousin /sister. She is the closest thing to a sister I have ever had. I wish I had her eye for detail. She can also bake circles around you. Holy Smokes, she is Martha Stewart, but cuter and without the whole jail thing.The sweet baby in Cassie's arms is Hadlee. Hadlee is Julie and her husband Chad's baby girl. This was her first family reunion and we loved getting to snuggle with and love on her. She is a really good baby. I have never heard the girl cry! Julie is holding, Ella. Ella belongs to Derick and VAl. Let's just say the girl can hold her own. She is quite possibly the prettiest tough girl I have ever seen.

The first time we visited the reunion facility, the ladies in my family made a little road trip out of it. It was so funny because the first thing we noticed was the cemetery centered smack dab in the middle of the park.Here is one grave stone in the cemetery that really stood out.It reads:

BORN
In Eastern New York
Jan. 24, 1819
DIED
In Texas by Mexican Violence
for gold.
Oct. 1854

The only thing I can say is that we Mexicans do LIKE gold.

Here, I am hammin' with my Big Bad Wolf cupcake. We enjoyed this new activity Ann and Aunt Patty came up with. It was a blast decorating cupcakes. We had everything you can think of! Icing, Candy Sprinkles. Food coloring, gels, marshmallows, you name it!!

Here are part of our creations. This is definitely an activity worth repeating.
~Because everything is funner with CUPCAKES~

oooooohhhhh, and the best part is, I am in charge next year.

DUN, DUN, DUN!

Mommy Dragon and the Thilly Thnake

Me and and my Lukey-Luke had fun with play-doh this morning.

He made me laugh when he needed help rolling out the dough,

saying, "My hands aren't big enough." I love that Sweet Punkin' Boy!!

I was excited that he payed attention to detail.

He added sripes and requested I give the thnake a mouf.