Spring Break Days Three and Four

Day Three

Day three was filled with more rain.  We had a lazy morning at home.  Conner woke up feeling better, so he made plans to help our youth pastor at the church.  We went by and picked up a friend, and then we met Chad for lunch.  We tried out a Mexican food restaurant that my assistant principal had told me about.  When we walked in, I was greeted to, "Mrs. Womack?"  One of my former students from when I taught at a private school was the hostess.  It was good to see her!
After lunch, Conner and his friend headed to church with Chad, and Caitlyn and I went to search for an Easter dress.  Before my mom passed, she would shop for and buy Caitlyn's dress with us.  This week it has been three years since we lost her, and it isn't any easier.  Caitlyn found six different dresses to try on, but she settled on this cute denim dress.

 

After lunch and shopping, we headed home, and Caitlyn had a friend over to play for the afternoon.  I spent some time reading my Kingsbury book, and then we went to church.

Day Four

We had big plans of taking the train to Fort Worth and spending the day their with our friends the Evans.  Unfortunately, we had another day full of rain, so we had to find something to do inside.  We decided on Medieval Times.

 

However, Conner woke up feeling bad again, so a trip to the doctor was on the agenda first.  Thankfully, he did not have the flu or even strep.  It was a sinus infection, so we got him some meds, and he spent the day resting.  I feel so bad for him because he has not gotten to do anything fun.  Since we had already purchased tickets, Caitlyn asked a friend to join us in Conner's place.  

It was such a fun time, and the food was good as well.  The fact that we had to eat everything with our hands was different, but we did it!  We cheered for the green knight.

It was a great time with best friends!  Caitlyn ended up spending the night with her friend.  Chad, Conner, and I enjoyed a quiet night at home, and I finished my book!

I can't believe we only have one more day of Spring Break!

Spring Break Days One and Two

It's Spring Break!  Woo hoo!  Unfortunately, rain is forecasted all week long and has forced us to change some plans.  That's OK though because we are grateful for the break!

Day One

Chad took Monday off to spend with us.  Conner had an orthodontist appointment, so we decided to make the best of it.  Chad and the kids graciously let me indulge in my favorite lunch at Cafe Max!  It was delicious.  
While Conner was at his appointment, Chad, Caitlyn, and I hit up Half-Price Books.  I was looking for a few books to read over break.  I ended up with a Karen Kingsbury book.  I am also trying out a different author, Rachel Hauck.  Chad found a book by Eric Metaxas that looks interesting, and Caitlyn found a coloring book to enjoy.  
Once home, the kids asked if some friends could come over.  They had fun playing Scene-It, making music videos, and spending time at the park once it stopped raining.  I am so grateful for sweet friends for the kids to spend time with.
 Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from the day.

Day Two

 The kids and I had high hopes of heading to the Austin area to watch my niece play softball Tuesday night and spending the night.  Unfortunately, we were in the middle of a rain storm, and although it was supposed to slow down for the afternoon, more was promised that evening.  Between having to drive in rain and the risk of the game being cancelled, we decided it would be best to postpone our trip.  Conner had woken up feeling miserable, so it was probably for the best anyway.  He spent most of the day in bed.  Caitlyn had a friend over, and they enjoyed some DIY projects and time at the park.  Since our plans were spoiled, we decided a fun evening out was in order.  We took Caitlyn and her friend to Magic Time Machine!
We sat at the Easter table.

The ceiling

Mario was our waiter.

The girls had fun tracking down autographs from the different characters-Poison Ivy, Mad Hatter, Luigi, Belle.  They also enjoyed some magic tricks and balloon animals.  It was a nice evening out!

Brave

I never have been a very brave person or a risk taker.  I approach challenges with caution, wanting to be confidant before tackling them head on, afraid of failure and the feelings it brings.  Last summer, we went to a swimming hole in Wimberly, Texas.  There is a rock there that people jump off into the cool water.  I decided that I could do it, no problem.  It wasn't until I was at the top and looking down that I started having doubts.  What in the world was I doing?  What if I slipped on the rock and fell (which was very likely considering how clumsy I am)?  What if I didn't jump out far enough and hit a portion of the rock?  As these thoughts consumed me and I told Chad I didn't know if I could do it, two college age girls started cheering me on, speaking words of encouragement.  It was at this moment that I had to decide that I wasn't going to let fear rob me of the fun I could have, and I did it!

Conner and Caitlyn don't seem to have this problem.  Not only did they make the jump with ease, but they did it multiple times!

Conner and Caitlyn at Jacob's Well

 I am constantly amazed by their bravery in tasks.  Most recently, Conner has taken on pole vault in track.  He didn't make it past the first round in his first track meet, but the fact that he is willing to try something so challenging is awesome!
Caitlyn decided to try out for junior high cheerleader.  She went in knowing that all but a couple of girls participated in competitive cheer or cheer classes while she wasn't even sure what a herkie was.  During the week of tryouts, she worked hard, had fun, and had the best attitude.  She ended up not making it, but I was so proud of her for trying.
I am so thankful that they both are willing to try new things and not let the fear of failure hold them back.  I have spent much of my life allowing fear to control me, and there are many times I have to claim 2 Timothy 1:7.

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Weekend Wrap-Up

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We had a jam packed weekend and are not ready for Monday to come so quickly, but one more week, and we will be on Spring Break!

Friday, Caitlyn had a read-a-thon at school, and Conner had play practice until 7:00.  Chad and I decided to see a late afternoon movie.  

 

 It was a good movie with a great message, but there were two scenes that were not necessary and make it so it isn't a good choice for kids.  It's really a shame.  Afterwards, we got Conner, ate dinner and went to get Caitlyn.  Once home, both kids were anxious to watch Fuller House.  

Saturday morning, Conner had to be at school early to leave for his UIL one-act play competition.  He was gone all day long.  Although his school did not place, he had a lot of fun.

Chad had a men's breakfast, and then we had a funeral that we helped with.  A friend from church's brother died in a motorcycle accident.  My heart goes out to this family.
Caitlyn had a late afternoon softball practice.  We enjoyed an evening at home and struggled to stay up until 10 to get Conner.  We are so old!

Sunday we had a great day at church as we examined the importance of compassion.  Sunday afternoon, my side of the family came over for an early birthday celebration for my dad.

I made fruit kabobs, my brother brought cream cheese with raspberry jelly and crackers, and my sister brought a cake and cupcakes.  It was so good to be with family and spend time with my dad!

The kids enjoyed some time together at the park and pond.

We are thankful for a full weekend with family and friends!

Friday Favorites

 

It's Friday!  Thank you, Lord!  It has been a very busy week.  Here are some faves...

Time With Family 

Last weekend we celebrated our nephew's first birthday.  It was at the rec center, and Caitlyn couldn't resist the climbing wall.  We are looking forward to getting together with my family this weekend while my dad is in town. 

Church 

Last Sunday, Chad had the opportunity to baptize two friends at church.  I just love seeing people baptized.  It's such a beautiful picture of a changed life.  

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."  2 Corinthians 5:17

  Our kids have been studying the Love Chapter during the month of February on Wednesday nights.  We decided we would show some love to our local firemen.  We made up goody bags for each one, delivered them, and prayed with the firemen.  They were so welcoming and kind to the kids.

Being Organized

There is something about getting things put on a calendar that just makes me feel better.  Conner and Caitlyn have a lot coming up in the next few weeks, so I put it all on my phone.  Conner has UIL One-Act Play this weekend, and Caitlyn has a Readathon.  

We are all counting down the days to Spring Break!

   I'm linking up with Erika today.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Life Lately

It has been a busy couple of weeks. so here's what we have been up to.

Cailtyn is back at it with softball.  She loves batting!

I had a coupon for a free pizza from Grimaldi's for my birthday, so Chad and I enjoyed dinner out.  The trees at the mall were all lit up and so pretty, and the pizza was delicious!

Our assistant principal blessed us with these adorable, yummy cookies.  She bakes and decorates them herself!

We hosted the junior high girls for D-Now last weekend.  It was so much fun!  Part of Saturday was spent collecting cans and participating in a scavenger hunt.  I am proud to say that we were victorious!  Not that I'm competitive or anything....
Because we won, we were treated to late night pizza!

This was what was left of it.

The kids were off for President's Day, but I had a professional development day.  I decided to treat them to Chick-fil-a during my lunch break, and I enjoyed a salad from there as well.

It was such a pretty day that I decided to eat my lunch out on the back porch and catch up on some reading.

This is such a good book!  Conner is a little offended that I am reading it, but I have found it to be very insightful.

Conner has been staying late for play practice at school, so Caitlyn and I killed some time at the car wash after school.

Our weather has been so crazy lately.  It's the middle of February, but it feels like spring!  Chip and I got a nice run/walk in a couple of days this week.

And finally, Caitlyn was invited to a concert last minute Friday (Hillsong!  So jealous!), so Chad and I took advantage of a gift card to Outback I received for my birthday.  We just love the Bloomin' Onion, but it is so big for just the two of us.  We were happy to find that they have a smaller version called Bloomin' Petals that is just as good.

It's been a busy day today, and we are looking forward to gathering with our church family tomorrow.  It will be another busy week, but we are thankful for each day the Lord gives us.

This is life lately!

Valentine Fun

I know that some people think Valentine's Day is a worthless holiday, but I think celebrating LOVE is a great idea!  Here are some ways we celebrate Valentine's Day around our house.

*$5 Gifts-Chad and I don't do the traditional dinner out, flowers and candy.  We each have a $5 budget to spend on each other which forces us to get creative, and it's so much fun!

 

This was a gift that Chad gave me that had 52 date ideas in it.  Some were simple things we could do at home and some were more extravagant.  We have done scavenger hunts of love notes, playlists of favorite songs, and picture collages just to name a few.  I'm working on this year's gift and can't wait to give it to him!

*Simple Kids' Gifts-We keep things simple for the kids as well.  Last year we did a QR scavenger hunt, and each spot, they had a small gift.  We are going to do something similar this year with mechanical pencils (Conner and Caitlyn love those things) and their favorite Girl Scout cookies (Tagalongs for Caitlyn and Samoas for Conner).

*Special Meal at Home- I like to pull out our china on Valentine's Day for dinner.  We light candles and have a "fancy" meal.  By fancy, I mean a heart shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's!

 

 We also enjoy some brownies for dessert.

We keep things simple, but we try to make it special as we celebrate the day of love!