I don't know if you remember way back in November the kids participated in the County 4-H Food Show. Emily won as a Clover Kid. They all win and don't go on to District. This is just for the younger ones to get the general idea of how to compete. However,Brandon won first place in the intermediate level, Bread and Cereal category for his fried rice. So, this last Saturday was the District Competition in Nacogdoches. Check in was at 9 AM. Which means we got up at 5 AM so he could make his dish and put it in a tote with the gel pack that keeps it warm and was on the road by 7 AM. Those who know me, KNOW nothing but sheer love could have me up at those hours! He was through being judged fairly early. Then we waited....waited...and waited. The awards ceremony was finally held around...I want to say 3 PM. It was all worth it though because he won a third place plaque and ribbon. He is very proud and ready to win first place next time.

The award winning series of Classical Kids recordings is brought to life on stage as actors join Per Brevig and the ETSO to present Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery. The story follows the young orphan Katarina, whose encounter with Antonio Vivaldi changes her life forever. The program features over 20 works of Vivaldi interwoven with the story. It's a concert your entire family will want to experience!



Emily and I didn't get to go to this one, but Brandon went with some family friends and really enjoyed it. I knew he would because he likes going to the Nutcracker each year and loves the Trans Siberian Orchestra.

Back by popular demand! In this musical based on the books by Barbara Park, Junie B. Jones readies for the first grade having just graduated kindergarten. Only new friends, a new teacher and new glasses can be very challenging. Even for the irrepressible Junie B! Follow her adventures as she writes everything down in her "top-secret personal beeswax" journal.

I took Emily to this. It was sooo cute. Very entertaining. It had a simple set but was really fast paced, funny, and had engaging actors and songs. There was not a dull moment. The kids just sat on the edge of their seats. It had them captured from the very beginning.

Every three ring circus has a dog act and our household is no exception.
Here is a count down of exactly why I've decided our little pack of pooches are completely nuts.


4. Brandon's Chihuahua/Jack Russel will stand in front of you jumping 2 feet into the air repeatedly until you give in and let him in your lap.

3. My old little Terrier has spent the last 9 or so years sleeping on my legs but these last two years has taken to growling at me if I dare to move and disturb his precious sleep.

2. My daughter's Chihuahua/Min Pin ran around the house the other day screaming and yelping hysterically. I was sure it was seriously injured and would have to be rushed in to have a leg set or something. When I finally caught it come to find out it had swallowed some of Emily's hair (that it likes to chew on) and it was distressed by the dingle berry that it had caused!!!!

And the number one reason my dogs are nuts.......


1. My husband's Boston/Boxer gets startled very easily and is a tad... say....jumpy. Occasionally if she gets frightened in the back yard she'll jump up on this 6 foot fence post. Unfortunately once she is perched up on that post with all 4 feet she can't or won't jump down. So, she sits there crying until my dh misses her and goes looking for her. Now when she doesn't come in when called he automatically goes there to see if she is on the post.

Christmas was pretty much all about well...obviously Christ...but present wise for the kids it was all about American Girls and Archery supplies.

Also, Emily got a puppy. Because Yes By Golly we needed another animal around here. Both the girl and the dog are extremely high strung. It's either a match made in heaven or a friendship bound for disaster.