Last night we headed out to a place called Beaumont Ranch. You may remember from an earlier post I talked about Katie's field trip there. On Friday nights they have a live band and an all you can eat buffet with fried catfish and mexican food. I had to go back and try it out. We gathered up some adventurous friends and loaded up in the car and headed back to Grandview Texas to see if the place was any good. It's about a 30 minute drive and you kind of feel like you are driving nowhere until you turn onto the grounds of a beautiful ranch. The food and dance hall are kind of nestled in the back so you have to have an idea of where you are going or you would think you are in the wrong place. We got there about 7:30 starving to death. Everyone had saved up their appetite for this occasion. The buffet was very good. They served friend catfish, hushpuppies, french fries, and okra. The Mexican food part served fajita meat, rice, queso, green sauce and various other items. The food was actually very good. I was surprised how good it was. After we stuffed ourselves the kids went to jump in the bounce house or try their luck with the mechanical bull. Jesse, Katie, Sydney, and Amy all took a turn being thrown from the bull. Also, the band that was playing did a very nice job. I was thrilled when Jesse took me to the dancefloor for a dance. He doesn't like to dance so this is a great act of love and charity when he dances with me.
We had a very fun night hanging out with friends, eating good food, listening to good music. I will definitely be back in February when they start their buffet back up. We lucked out and went the last night they will be serving food for the next 2 months. Here's a link to the place if anyone wants more information. http://www.beaumontranch.com/facilities/barns/lone.html
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
7 Years and Counting
We finally were able to celebrate our 7th anniversary this past weekend. We decided to take a trip to Tyler and stay in a B&B. Jesse made reservations at a beautiful place called the Woldert-Spence Bed and Breakfast. It was a nice place run by a very sweet couple. It was so fun to get away for the night. While in Tyler we had lunch with Sam and Annette. Sam is one of Jesse's closest friends from his youth. They met us up for lunch and we had a great time catching up. They seem to be doing well. That night we went to dinner at a place called Villa Montez. The food was wonderful. The restaurant is in a beautiful, huge old house set on a hill. One of the prettiest restaurants I've ever been to. In the morning we were served a fabulous breakfast by our hosts. We sat in the dining room with other tenants of the B&B and had fun meeting others while eating together. I love the B&B experience because it's such a personal setting. The owners call you by name and love to talk with you. The other tenants are placed in a situation where we talk like familiars even though it's the only time you've seen each other and probably will ever see each other. It's unique and I really enjoy them. These are just a few of the pictures of the grounds and the house. I hope we can return soon.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Beaumont Ranch
Katie's school took a field trip to Beaumont Ranch today. This place was fabulous. She had a wonderful time doing all sorts of fun things. Here are a few pictures of the various activities they participated in. 
Sack races
3-legged race with Mikinlee
Tug-o-war
She learned to rope!
Sack races
3-legged race with Mikinlee
Tug-o-war
She learned to rope!
50's Day
At Katie and Jack's school they had 50's day. They all got to dress in 1950's clothes. I thought Katie looked pretty authentic. 
Katie reading with a friend in the floor.
Katie reading with a friend in the floor.
Halloween
This year the kids were a black cat, one of the Voluturi, and Vladimir Todd. Only one of the three was not a character in a book. I think that's pretty awesome.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Trunk or Treat
Last night we had our trunk or treat/chili cook-off at church. As the activities chairperson, I am in charge of organizing this event each year with the help of some very kind ladies on the committee. This year we had an incredible turn out. I didn't recognize at least half of the faces there. Lots of people who haven't been to church for a while and friends and neighbors of the members of our congregation.
Here's what we did:
Burleson has a tradition of doing Chili Cook-offs each year around this time so we combine it with the Trunk or Treat. It was perfect chili weather yesterday. We had about 13 entries and 6 more than willing Judges. The winner this year dethroned his dad as the reigning champion. He won and apron that he can show off at future events.
The other toppings, desserts, cornbreads, etc. were provided by the members of the church who came. We had a ton of food. It was great. We had hot cocoa and homemade rootbeer brewing in the cauldron. Everyone loves the rootbeer with dry ice.
After the judging everyone got to eat and sit at the table that were set up in the middle of the parking lot. The tables were filled. We set up enough tables for 80 people and not everyone was eating at this time because they were playing games and walking around so I know we had a pretty nice turnout judge from that. The tables were decorated with spider web table cloths and had little ghost or skull lanterns in the middle. There were spider rings down the center of the table.
The game booths were as follows:
Face painting which the young women did throughout the night.
Bobbing for donuts- there was a string tied between two poles. The donuts are tied to a string hanging down from the pole. Attached to the string is a powdered donut. The kids have to try and eat the hanging donut with hands behind their back. The donut is the prize.
Guess the Goop- a table was set up with boxes. Inside each box was a food item of some sort. The kids come along and stick their hands in the box. They try to guess what the items are. Spaghetti, jello, peeled grapes, to name a few. Ewwww.....
Bean Bag Toss- we had two boards, one a ghost and one a pumpkin. They had holes cut out and the kids through bean bags through the hole. They won prizes for making it in the holes.
Fishing Game- the YM painted an ocean scene on plywood. The kids would throw a fishing line with clothespin attached to the end over the wood. The person on the other side attaches the candy.
Pumpkin bowling- Bowling pins were made in Halloween theme. The kids roll a pumpkin to knock down the pins and win a prize.
Bounce house was set up for jumping throughout the night.
Trick or treat bag table- brown bags with handles and stickers were provided so the kids had somewhere to put all the candy they got throughout the night.
Cupcake walk- people donated lots of cupcakes for the cupcake walk. The kids would win a cupcake each time they landed on the number that was called.
There was a carved pumpkin contest. People were supposed to bring their carved pumpkins to be judged. We were the only family that did, but all three of the kids carved a pumpkin and Sydney won this year.
At the end of the night everyone went to their cars and set up the trunks. There was a contest for the best trunk. The Smiths and Hales both won a prize. The Smiths had a fog machine, spooky music and crazy decorations. It was a lot of fun seeing how everyone decorated their trunks. The kids went from car to car Trick or Treating.
When we got back half the tables were already cleaned up. What a great group of people who just take initiative and start cleaning up. We were completely done with everything by 9 pm.
I love being the activity chairperson. It is a lot of fun. I am sore all over and slept like I hadn't had sleep for years last night. But it was fun to see so many unfamiliar faces and watch the kids running around having fun. Can't wait till next year!
Here's what we did:
Burleson has a tradition of doing Chili Cook-offs each year around this time so we combine it with the Trunk or Treat. It was perfect chili weather yesterday. We had about 13 entries and 6 more than willing Judges. The winner this year dethroned his dad as the reigning champion. He won and apron that he can show off at future events.
The other toppings, desserts, cornbreads, etc. were provided by the members of the church who came. We had a ton of food. It was great. We had hot cocoa and homemade rootbeer brewing in the cauldron. Everyone loves the rootbeer with dry ice.
After the judging everyone got to eat and sit at the table that were set up in the middle of the parking lot. The tables were filled. We set up enough tables for 80 people and not everyone was eating at this time because they were playing games and walking around so I know we had a pretty nice turnout judge from that. The tables were decorated with spider web table cloths and had little ghost or skull lanterns in the middle. There were spider rings down the center of the table.
The game booths were as follows:
Face painting which the young women did throughout the night.
Bobbing for donuts- there was a string tied between two poles. The donuts are tied to a string hanging down from the pole. Attached to the string is a powdered donut. The kids have to try and eat the hanging donut with hands behind their back. The donut is the prize.
Guess the Goop- a table was set up with boxes. Inside each box was a food item of some sort. The kids come along and stick their hands in the box. They try to guess what the items are. Spaghetti, jello, peeled grapes, to name a few. Ewwww.....
Bean Bag Toss- we had two boards, one a ghost and one a pumpkin. They had holes cut out and the kids through bean bags through the hole. They won prizes for making it in the holes.
Fishing Game- the YM painted an ocean scene on plywood. The kids would throw a fishing line with clothespin attached to the end over the wood. The person on the other side attaches the candy.
Pumpkin bowling- Bowling pins were made in Halloween theme. The kids roll a pumpkin to knock down the pins and win a prize.
Bounce house was set up for jumping throughout the night.
Trick or treat bag table- brown bags with handles and stickers were provided so the kids had somewhere to put all the candy they got throughout the night.
Cupcake walk- people donated lots of cupcakes for the cupcake walk. The kids would win a cupcake each time they landed on the number that was called.
There was a carved pumpkin contest. People were supposed to bring their carved pumpkins to be judged. We were the only family that did, but all three of the kids carved a pumpkin and Sydney won this year.
At the end of the night everyone went to their cars and set up the trunks. There was a contest for the best trunk. The Smiths and Hales both won a prize. The Smiths had a fog machine, spooky music and crazy decorations. It was a lot of fun seeing how everyone decorated their trunks. The kids went from car to car Trick or Treating.
When we got back half the tables were already cleaned up. What a great group of people who just take initiative and start cleaning up. We were completely done with everything by 9 pm.
I love being the activity chairperson. It is a lot of fun. I am sore all over and slept like I hadn't had sleep for years last night. But it was fun to see so many unfamiliar faces and watch the kids running around having fun. Can't wait till next year!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Why I love Jesse
Today is our 7th Anniversary. Unfortunately we have both been a little busy and it kind of got overlooked. In fact, the only reason I remembered was because at school one of my friends asked how long I've been married. While I was thinking about the answer it clicked. I called him and he too had pretty much forgotten. Oh well, at least we were on the same page. But I wouldn't want anyone to think our anniversary was forgotten out of boredom or complacency. Quite the opposite. I was thinking about how wonderful this man is today and that he really does make everyday special. No occasion necessary.
So why do I love Jesse?
1. He takes care of me and the kids. And not a little take care of but every need provided for. If I'm tired, he cooks. When the kids need help with homework, he helps. When someone wants to ride their bike every night for weeks straight, he sits outside and watches. Dishes need to be done, he does them. He just takes such good care of us all the time.
2. He's fun! We are never bored with each other, even doing nothing. I could be with him all day every day and be very content. More than content.
3. He hates furry domestic creatures- yet we have several. He is allergic to cats yet he allows our cat to live in the house. He has no use for dogs, but doesn't make us get rid of ours. And even better than that, he washes, feeds and cleans up after her.
4. He's brilliant. I love asking him questions about anything. He almost always knows the answer, especially if it's science related. I don't know how he remembers everything but he does.
5. When we go to family or friends homes, he always helps in the kitchen. He never acts like that's the woman's job. He doesn't run off to watch football or take a nap. He dives right in and helps. I LOVE that about him.
6. He is a great dad. I don't think I could ask for better.
7. He encourages me in all my pursuits whether he understands them or not. He never complains if I'm gone too much or come in too late. He just lets me have my time and never asks questions.
8. He will eat anything I prepare, no matter how adventurous. He's so fun to travel with and go out to dinner with because he always gets whatever is on the menu that he hasn't tried before.
These are just a few of the reasons I love this man. Happy 7th Anniversary!!!
So why do I love Jesse?
1. He takes care of me and the kids. And not a little take care of but every need provided for. If I'm tired, he cooks. When the kids need help with homework, he helps. When someone wants to ride their bike every night for weeks straight, he sits outside and watches. Dishes need to be done, he does them. He just takes such good care of us all the time.
2. He's fun! We are never bored with each other, even doing nothing. I could be with him all day every day and be very content. More than content.
3. He hates furry domestic creatures- yet we have several. He is allergic to cats yet he allows our cat to live in the house. He has no use for dogs, but doesn't make us get rid of ours. And even better than that, he washes, feeds and cleans up after her.
4. He's brilliant. I love asking him questions about anything. He almost always knows the answer, especially if it's science related. I don't know how he remembers everything but he does.
5. When we go to family or friends homes, he always helps in the kitchen. He never acts like that's the woman's job. He doesn't run off to watch football or take a nap. He dives right in and helps. I LOVE that about him.
6. He is a great dad. I don't think I could ask for better.
7. He encourages me in all my pursuits whether he understands them or not. He never complains if I'm gone too much or come in too late. He just lets me have my time and never asks questions.
8. He will eat anything I prepare, no matter how adventurous. He's so fun to travel with and go out to dinner with because he always gets whatever is on the menu that he hasn't tried before.
These are just a few of the reasons I love this man. Happy 7th Anniversary!!!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Dedicated to her boot-wearing Grandpas
Katie is finally riding her bike completely by herself. This is a very big deal for her and she practices every chance she gets. Today she ran and put on her shoes to go ride and this is what she came out in. Who says boots are just for riding horses? They sure worked well for her on that bike today. We thought the grandpas would appreciate this one.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Run for the Rings
Every year the Academy at Nola Dunn has a special event called Run for the Rings. They all wear a matching t-shirt and run around the track. Jesse went this year and came back with a ton of pictures since I had to miss this time. Katie did really her first year. This was Jack's last year to do Run for the Rings since he goes to Middle School next year. Oh, that's just too weird. 
The class walking to the school.
Jack with his friends.
The whole group starts together.
Jack running to the end.
Katie makes her way around the track.
The class walking to the school. 
Jack with his friends.
The whole group starts together.
Jack running to the end.
Katie makes her way around the track.
Sydney's Birthday
She only had a birthday one month ago and I'm just now getting to the pictures. What kind of mom am I???
Grandy and Grumpa had a quilt made for Sydney's bedroom. It's absolutely beautiful.
I made a cheesecake for her birthday per her request.
The Snuggie was a huge hit. Her friend Jenna gave her this gift that brought out a whole dance number with it. She and Jack love the infomercial that goes with the Snuggie and they know it by heart.
Grandy and Grumpa had a quilt made for Sydney's bedroom. It's absolutely beautiful.
I made a cheesecake for her birthday per her request. 
The Snuggie was a huge hit. Her friend Jenna gave her this gift that brought out a whole dance number with it. She and Jack love the infomercial that goes with the Snuggie and they know it by heart.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Update
What's going on with the Bells, you ask? We are starting to settle into the new school year finally. Katie has a consistent bedtime for the first time in her life and she has adjusted to the early mornings. She loves her class and is really doing well with her reading. She is very bothered that everyone around her is turning 6 before her, though. Funny girl. She also informed me the other day that she wants a Halloween themed birthday party this year. Her birthday is 5 days after Christmas and we celebrate it in June. I told her we'd see when it gets closer.
Jack is doing great with in his class. He loves his teacher this year. He's also gotten much better at his Tae Kwon Do after returning from a 2 year break. He's a quick study, especially when people are punching and kicking him.
Sydney informed me that she is incredibly bored in Language Arts. She's looking for some challenges in her life. Any ideas would be welcome. She reads and writes all the time. I don't know what more to tell her. Maybe I should enroll her in a creative writing class at the community college. I don't know how that works so if anyone has thoughts let me know.
Jesse came in the other day after a treacherous storm had just blown through and yelled for the kids to come quick. He grabbed a big five gallon bucket and took off with the kids to play in the rain. They brought home several perch and the cutest little red-eared slider. She is named Crystal. We decided not to name this turtle after family since Greg abandoned Bitsy (Katie's aunt and uncle). Greg just really set a bad example leaving Bitsy that way.
I am starting to feel more settled in school. The constant stress and overwhelming feelings are subsiding. I have learned so much in a short time and had some really great experiences. I know more and more each day that I love what I do. That is a good feeling. I am also making some great friends and feel lucky to be going through this with others who understand.
Today we made an exciting purchase. We finally bought the wood to lay floors. It is gorgeous and exactly what we've wanted. I don't know when it will get laid but at least it's in the house acclimating. Jesse is still working on the tile project he started a month ago. Been slow going with all the rain and various things we've had come up on the weekends. It seems that every weekend is just packed full of "stuff". Not enough hours in the day. I will post pictures when he finishes the tile and when we get the wood laid. It's going to be so different. By the time we finish we may never want to sell this house.
Life is Good!
Jack is doing great with in his class. He loves his teacher this year. He's also gotten much better at his Tae Kwon Do after returning from a 2 year break. He's a quick study, especially when people are punching and kicking him.
Sydney informed me that she is incredibly bored in Language Arts. She's looking for some challenges in her life. Any ideas would be welcome. She reads and writes all the time. I don't know what more to tell her. Maybe I should enroll her in a creative writing class at the community college. I don't know how that works so if anyone has thoughts let me know.
Jesse came in the other day after a treacherous storm had just blown through and yelled for the kids to come quick. He grabbed a big five gallon bucket and took off with the kids to play in the rain. They brought home several perch and the cutest little red-eared slider. She is named Crystal. We decided not to name this turtle after family since Greg abandoned Bitsy (Katie's aunt and uncle). Greg just really set a bad example leaving Bitsy that way.
I am starting to feel more settled in school. The constant stress and overwhelming feelings are subsiding. I have learned so much in a short time and had some really great experiences. I know more and more each day that I love what I do. That is a good feeling. I am also making some great friends and feel lucky to be going through this with others who understand.
Today we made an exciting purchase. We finally bought the wood to lay floors. It is gorgeous and exactly what we've wanted. I don't know when it will get laid but at least it's in the house acclimating. Jesse is still working on the tile project he started a month ago. Been slow going with all the rain and various things we've had come up on the weekends. It seems that every weekend is just packed full of "stuff". Not enough hours in the day. I will post pictures when he finishes the tile and when we get the wood laid. It's going to be so different. By the time we finish we may never want to sell this house.
Life is Good!
Friday, September 18, 2009
All growed up
Well, she made it to 14. It seems like yesterday I brought her home from the hospital and now she is just 5 years from leaving me. At least I have 5 and not 1 or none, I guess. I just can't believe that it's going by so fast. I don't have pictures from her being a baby because I don't have a scanner up and running. But I do have some pictures from a few years ago and looking at those helps me understand how much and fast she is changing.
Sydney last year on her 13th birthday. We went to IHOP before school for her birthday breakfast.
She is the pirate on the far left with the knife in her mouth.
Tea Party birthday when she turned 10 years old.
.JPG)
Sydney at the 4-H dance. I thought she was big then.
Sydney last year on her 13th birthday. We went to IHOP before school for her birthday breakfast.
She is the pirate on the far left with the knife in her mouth.
Tea Party birthday when she turned 10 years old..JPG)
Sydney at the 4-H dance. I thought she was big then.
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