Fondue on the Menu (Texas Style)

About 4 years ago when we were first stationed in Germany, we began to collect fondue pots at the local flea markets. This ensued a passion for fondue and a venue for getting all of our friends together. We usually have 10-12 pot going, wear our favorite '70's attire, and stuff ourselves silly.

Pictured above is several of our good friends from Rockwall plus my cute brother David and sis-in-law Kabree who were visiting from Amarillo. I"m feeling another party coming on.....

Wanna try my Pesto Swiss Cheese recipe? It was featured on Sisters Cafe'. I promise it won't disappoint. Check it out here.

Cowgirl Marnie

Kaden's first grade class has been learning about Texas. I thought it would be fun for "Cowgirl Marnie" to dust off the 'ole cowboy boots and ride on in to Miss May Vernon to read some cowboy books to his class. Putting on the appropriate duds took me back to my short-lived cowgirl days in Jr. High School (Don't ask.....my school went through a cowboy phase....everyone was doing it. I do still occasionally enjoy country music though.)

My favorite cowboy

Mrs. Barnard's First Grade Class

Time Out for Women

Grown-ups sometimes need a "time out" too. My time out was a breath of fresh air, inspiring and invigorating, and made me want to be a better woman, mother, leader, and friend. Plus, I was able to spend some quality girl time with some of my very favorite people! Did I mention we were kids and husbands free for three days?! This is the closest thing I will ever get to a "Girls Gone Wild" weekend for sure.

To celebrate her birthday this year, Lisa invited us to attend the Time Out for Women conference held in San Antonio. Some of my favorite LDS authors spoke such as Sheri Dew and Chieko Okazaki. Author of best selling books Christmas Jars and Wednesdays Letters Jason Wright also spoke. I was delighted to hear Emily Watts share her hilarious views on motherhood and to realize that I am not the only mother who sometimes feels overwhelmed with the responsibility of raising a family.

The theme of the conference was A Joyful Life. I truely have so much joy in my life! I need to consously take the time to remember this. The joy in preparing one meal that the ENTIRE family will eat. The joy in sleeping through the night without being awakened for potty help or a bottle. The joy in finding a closer parking spot. The joy in having chubby arms wrapped around my neck and slobbery kisses cover my face. The joy in making it to church on time. The joy in finding an amazing deal whether it is a treadmill or a package of toilet paper. Who doesn't like to save money? The joy in reading and teaching my children the Gospel and about the love that our Savior has for them.

The scriptures tell us that "man is that he might have joy...". Our Father in Heaven loves us so much and truely wants us to have joy and to be happy. Here is my challenge to you dear reader: have a truely JOYFUL day today and bask in even the smallest of pleasures.

The girls after a fabulous Tex Mex lunch on the River Walk

Happy Birthday Lisa Babe! Do you know how much we love you?

A big thanks to the dads who made this weekend happen! Thank you for allowing us to have a much needed girl's trip. Kevin especially was such a trooper. He played the part of "soccer mom" perfectly while I was gone. I even heard that he made it to ballet class with all of the appropriate accessories. Good job honey!

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

Isn't my hubby a hottie?!

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage