The Weary World Rejoices

Last year I saw an indoor sign and immediately knew I wanted it for an outdoor Christmas sign.  Because I saw it too late last year it didn't happen, but this year it did!

I am so thankful for a husband who willingly takes on all my projects with love.

He may not always be happy about it and my projects usually take a few days as well as have adjustments to work through, BUT he keeps on keeping on with the task at hand.  That's love.

I've had the picture on my phone for a year as a constant reminder to not miss the chance this year.  So right after Thanksgiving we got started.

Supplies:
BIG piece of wood
Bright red paint
Metallic silver paint.

That's it!  After a coat of Kilz we then added two coats of the red. Next Brant free handed the wording with the metallic silver.  DONE!

I am so happy with the way it came out!  Next he attached "legs" in order to stake it in the ground.

Then we added a spotlight for night time viewing to share it with the world.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth. 

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 

Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, 

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. 

Fall on your knees, 

Oh, hear the angel voices

O night divine, 

O night when Christ was born

O night divine, 

O night, O night divine, 

The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, 

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. 

Fall on your knees, 

Oh, hear the angel voices

O night divine, 

O night when Christ was born

O night divine, 

O night, O night divine, 

O holy night

Road Trip to Austin-Part 3 The Texas Capitol

The first night we were in Austin and the rain had slacked off a bit we headed to the Capitol.

At night?  Brant had been there at night and assured me we could go.  I still didn't believe him...until we arrived.  

It was open for business!  And it was amazing!

I am pretty sure going at night made a big difference for me.  Not that seeing it during the day would have been any less amazing, BUT at night it was all lit up and glowing.  It was quiet and a little eerie.

The boys were in awe of how big it was and ran and roamed through it all.  If you are ever in Austin save going to the Capitol at night.  No crowds and it was just more fun being in that BIG place alone...guards were there Mom.

Enjoy the pictures.

I ♥ Texas!!

Road Trip to Austin-Part 2 Mural Art

After we checked in the hotel Friday and unloaded we were once again in the car to go sight seeing.  Then we sat in rush hour traffic for an HOUR!  Finally we gave up and stopped to eat.  After eating supper the rain had briefly stopped so we quickly made our way to a big mural I had been longing to see.  The "Greetings from Austin" mural is located on the northwest corner of Annie and South First street.  A very popular place for taking photos.  I just wish it could have been during the day for better lighting.  BUT for a rainy night these did not come out too bad.

The next pictures are just random murals on the way to Austin and back home.  

Come back Friday for Part 3 to see The Texas State Capitol.   

Road Trip to Austin-Part 1 Blue Bell Creamery

We just got home from a quick road trip to Austin yesterday.  It rained the entire way to Austin on Friday.  And pretty much the entire time we were there with just a few very brief breaks.  And then yesterday morning as we were leaving the sun was out and it was beautiful!  Oh well.  Although it rained we did manage to have FUN!  And checked off a few things we've been wanting to do/see in Austin...and along the way to Austin.

Our first stop on Friday was touring the Blue Bell Creamery.  The Blue Bell Creamery is in Brenham, Texas about an hour away from Austin.

They were so excited to get in and get that FREE ice cream that comes with the tour! But we had to wait for the next tour.  While waiting we enjoyed seeing how much Blue Bell has changed over the years.  Throughout the lobby you can see the history of Blue Bell.  

Too bad it was raining!  They could have seen this amazing delivery truck up close.

First ice cream truck restored. 

I had no idea Blue Bell has been around so long!

The tour was equally interesting to see where and how they make all that tasty ice cream.  No cameras were allowed during the tour so I have nothing to show of that.  But who really cares!  Right?

The boys were ready for ICE CREAM!!

And we had 32 flavors to choose from.  HOW can you pick just one?!  Well you don't.  After you have your free ice cream you can go back and get one scoop for a dollar.  I passed, but all three guys went back for more.

First up..........
Our picks:
Me-Coffee Toffee Crunch (if you like coffee flavor you must find this!!)
Brant-Homemade Vanilla
Matthew and Ryan-Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Next....
Brant-Chocolate Covered Cherries
Ryan-Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough...again! (not pictured)
Matthew-Krazy Cookie Dough (the yellow)

I may not have ordered a second, but I did try Brant's.  And let me tell you what, hands down Chocolate Covered Cherries is by far one of the best.  Now if we can just find it in the store.  

What we found interesting is that the consistency of the ice cream there is much creamer.  We all are guessing that maybe it does not go through the blast freezing cycle that all their ice creams go through when shipping out to venders.

Whatever the reason it was AMAZING!!!

Slipping and Sliding!

They pitched in money they had saved and found exactly what they wanted.  A mega slip and slide!!

And then it rained.  They were totally bummed out.

And then there was a break in the rain so they got it all set up and away they went...slipping and sliding.

There is just nothing like a slip and slide.  Enjoy the pictures.

Tin Can Wind Sock

Can you believe Memorial Day Weekend is just days away?!  We are super excited for an extra day with Brant and it makes it that much closer to us taking a break from school!!!  For us it also means grilling or firing up the smoker.  Brant will be busy with the meat while me and the boys are busy making homemade ice cream.  But let's not forget the decorating!


I made these last year for July 4th, but they are also perfect for Memorial Day as well.  So I just had to share this craft again.  But first make Black Bean and Corn Salsa .  Making this salsa will give you the tin cans you will need for the craft.  Besides you'll have a snack while you are doing this easy peasy, sorta kid-friendly craft. 

So let's get started.

You can use any type or size of can for this.  And customize it to your liking.  Which BTW I think these would also be FUN with a summer theme.  I'm dreaming of a bright blue can with a rainbow of ribbon on my porch in the very near future! 

So here is what you will need.

Supplies:
-tin cans
-spray paint (I choose white so my stickers would show up better)
-ribbon or material (I had all this in my stash so I didn't bother buying new)
-stickers (unless you can free hand really nice stars)
-hot glue gun
-crafty children are optional

**NOTE**
Make sure if your children are helping with this craft you have filed down any sharp edges inside the cans. 

After washing and drying cans I thought I would let the boys try spray painting.  DISASTER to say the least.  Brant can attest to that with the over spray covering his shop.  I took over at this point.

The boys helped by adding stickers all over the cans.  I used a small screw driver and hammer to make holes in the top for the hanger.  Thread string through the holes and tie off the string inside to hold the tie.  Next I glued ribbon and yarn inside the cans with a hot glue gun......NO burned fingers this time!

And there you have it Tin Can Wind Socks.

            How does your family celebrate Memorial Day? 

I hope you enjoy your weekend.  Make sure to get outside and have some FUN!!

~Inspiration for wind socks HERE

Cookie Pizza

This is the easiest birthday treat ever!  I'll let you know right from the start it is not homemade.  There is nothing about it that is homemade!  But in my opinion that is perfectly alright for birthdays if it is what the birthday boys want.

We've been making it for years.  Many times for parties and play dates, but never for their birthday.  ALL children love it.  Its basically a big sugar cookie with candy and marshmallows.  You could easily change it up to suit your child's favorite chocolate candy.  And BTW, BIG kids love it too!

I see you back there!  Photo bomb by the birthday boys.

Cookie Pizza
1 tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough
flour for rolling ball of dough
MM chocolate candies
Snickers Bars chopped (I used the King size...its actually two bars in one pack)
1/3-1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350.  On a lightly floured surface, knead the cookie dough into a ball.  Transfer the ball to the cookie/pizza pan and roll into a 10-inch circle, flouring the rolling pin as needed.  Bake at 350 for for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and top with candies and mini marshmallows.  Return to oven for 7 more minutes to soften candy.  To serve cut into wedges or squares.  

Tips and hints:
*I think more Snickers would be better.
*When cut into a pizza wedge this is over the top sweet, kick you in the gut good!  Next time I will cut in squares.
*Easter idea---Pastel MMs and the PB eggs! 

Enjoy! 

Basketball-First Game

Last Saturday the boys had their first game of Upward Basketball.  It was an amusing game to watch to say the least!  Although there are a few boys on their team that have obviously played before the majority are CLUELESS!  Everyone wants to get the ball, but after that they are not sure what to do with it.  Running with the ball is quite common among these 3rd-6th graders.   

Ready to PLAY!

Just like any big game the team members ran out through a tunnel (with fog of course) and were introduced.  This was SO COOL according to the boys.  All lights were off so I did not get a picture.  After the teams were on the court a prayer was in order before the game began.

The game started and it went fast.  The team is split up during five minute innings (is that what it is called in basketball too?) to allow each player a chance to play.  The boys played two or three times during a hour long game.  This picture below is after their first time on the court in a "real" game.  I think it pretty much tells it all.  Ryan is completely tuckered out (or in disbelief!) and Matthew is thinking it all over.  And check out the kid next to Ryan! 

There is LOTS to learn, but if nothing else they are having FUN!  And at this point that is all that matters anyway.  It will be an adventure to watch how (or if) they progress.