Team "Joint" Effort

Today, Matt competed in a triatholon relay. We were so proud of all of the training he put into today's events. And his efforts, along with those of his teammates, sure paid off. They came in 3rd among all the male relay teams! Go, Daddy! And Go, Team Joint Effort!

Here's Matt and two of his three biggest fans before the race (that began at 7:15 a.m. in a yucky lake in 60 degree weather!)

Waiting and watching for Daddy's exit out of the water.

Having fun playing around after the big race!

And, here's the rest of the team. They're trying to figure out how they finished in this picture (It took a bit of time before they posted the results. There were multiple races staggered throughout their race, so there were always people in different categories crossing the finish line.)

And here they are again after taking third place! The guys are looking forward to racing again next year!

Going for the gold!

Today was Field Day at Kathryn and Walker's school. Look at all the "olympians" parading out to the field.

Kathryn in action!

The big slide. Definitely a favorite!

Popsicles...an even bigger favorite!

Bounce, bounce, bounce....A sight every parent loves to see--toddlers completely wearing themselves out!

And finally...a picnic! All Walker wanted to do was drink!

We are so thankful the weather held out for today's events. Last year's field day was rained out, and this morning it looked a bit "iffy." But, fortunately, Mr. Sun broke through right in time for all of the games to begin! And the kids had a blast!

A Great Day!

Mommy's love tank was most certainly filled up this weekend! We actually had a house showing last night which required an impromptu three hour long family outing. For this quality time girl, I was in heaven!

An hour at Target, another hour for dinner at Chik Fil A and a bit more time spent riding around town! Hey, I was with my three favorite people, so I wasn't complaining!

Today proved just as enjoyable! Matt had to go into work this morning, so me and the kids had some extra time lounging around, eating breakfast, and watching cartoons! Just what I was hoping for!

We made "cini minis" for breakfast. They are yummy, so easy and an absolute favorite of my kiddos. I found the recipe here (my most favorite place for great ideas and fun reading), and also spotted it in one of my favorite cookbooks.

And look what Kathryn and Walker brought home from church! The perfect present! Of course, they don't really understand that it's for me. I basically had to pry them out of their hands for the picture!


And my sweet hubby bought this for me! I admit, I'm addicted. It literally only took me seeing one show, and I was hooked. Unfortunately, that first show was this season (number 7). Now, I only have six seasons to catch up on:)

This was the best picture I could get at lunch. My sweet trio took me to Jim 'N Nicks for Mother's Day lunch. I love their cheese biscuits and pig in the garden salad, but the best part was the lemon pie I brought home for dessert:) Unfortunately, getting the kids to sit still and eat is challenge enough without requiring photographs!

Too top it all off, Uncle Brad and Aunt Mak sent me a CD with tons of American Idol songs from this season. Thank you! I love it!!

As a side note, I've been reading Taking Care of the Me in Mommy by Lisa Whelchel this week, and it is an easy and very enjoyable read. I definitely recommend it to all of you mommies this Mother's Day!

It's that time of year again...

for FUN in the SUN! Oh, to be a kid again!

And don't you just love the Lightning McQueen and Princess swimsuits (and matching sunglasses). Very classy:)

In a perfect world, Kathryn might have one of these adorable swimsuits (one piece preferably) and Walker would have a pair of these. But those days may be over!

Because if it were a perfect world, Mommy would be wearing one of these numbers. But, for all practical purposes, what's really on my list is this swimsuit! Either way, I can always use one of these numbers for the best part of any swimwear ensemble (especially post kids)--the cover up!!

Cinco de Mayo!

Here are two of my new favorite food finds...

So, you could imagine my delight when I found a recipe in which I could use them both! Well, I did improvise a little, but here goes...

Campbell's Easy Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup salsa

2 tsp. chili powder

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

1/2 cup shredded cheese

6 flour tortillas

Stir the soup, sour cream, chili powder and salsa in a medium bowl.

Stir 1 cup salsa mixture, chicken and cheese in large bowl.

Divide chicken mixture among the tortillas. Roll up the tortillas and place seam side down in a greased baking dish.

Pour the remaining salsa mixture over tortillas. Cover the baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Or Lauren's version...

Instead of the salsa, I used 1/2 cup Salsa Verde and 1/2 Black Bean & Corn Salsa (from WalMart). I also omitted the chili powder (because I didn't have any!!), and sprinkled a little cumin, garlic salt and pepper on the chopped chicken before adding it to the mixture.

And instead of the tortillas, I used the light flatout bread. After baking for 40 minutes, I took the foil off the dish and added approximately another 1/2 cup of cheese to the top and let it bake an additional 10 minutes.

I thought they were delicious. Granted, I will eat just about anything that resembles Mexican food! But I was pleasantly surprised!

If I hadn't gobbled them all up, I would have taken picture. You'll just have to try them for yourselves!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Twinkle, Twinkle My Little Stars

Here's Walker before the big performance, just chillin' out!

Some more chillin' right before going on stage...


And, guess what? Walker and Kathryn were fabulous! Here's Sissy singing "Mr. Sun, Mr. Sun."

Walker was "shining" too!

And look at the wheels on that bus! Boy, are they going around and around!!

Once the two year olds finished, the parents were allowed to walk up to the stage for some pictures. So, Kathryn decided to pose for everyone. Gotta love it:)

Here's Walker making sure his sister doesn't get all the attention!

As we were putting the kiddos in their car after their fabulous performance, I asked Kathryn what she wanted to eat. She replied, "A quesadilla!"

She didn't have to twist her mother's arm! Off to the Mexican restaurant we went. Ask and ye shall receive!




And just to let them know how proud we were of all of their hard work, a quick stop by Sonic on the way home! Vanilla cups for the kids and a Snickers blast for Mommy. If you haven't had a Snickers blast yet, go get it! They are worth it!

The Wheels on the Bus

Today, Walker and Kathryn had practice for their play tomorrow night. I really hadn't given much thought to how they would respond to being on stage, but boy did we get a show!

Kathryn sat on stage the entire time with her finger in her mouth, while Walker Buzz went to town singing "Mr. Sun, Mr. Sun", "I'm a Little Teapot", and "Wheels on the Bus." (The pictures aren't that great b/c I had to take them at a distance. Looks like we are going to have to get there early to get some good seats as this was taken from about the fifth row back!). They are located bottom center of the photos. See Walker's "wheels" in the second picture;)


Kathryn and schoolmate Spice decided to tip toe through the azaleas afterwards. Can you believe they actually "posed" for a picture?

Then it was off to the park to play and to picnic! Kathryn's favorite past time--playing in the sand. Thankfully, Mommy remembered the sand toys for this trip!

And the picnic part!

I can't wait to see how well they "perform" tomorrow night. I know we are in for a treat!