Real Change

I went to see Caedmon's Call in concert this evening, and they were really amazing. If you do not know who they are or know their music, you should definitely check them out here. You will not regret it. I'm telling you about this concert, not to promote them to you, but to tell you about something one of the band members said tonight that really struck me. He was talking about election season being upon us, and how it is a great thing to really get as much information as we can and to try and make an informed decision about who the next President should be. But then he said this: (I'm paraphrasing) 

Our world is not going to completely change just because we have the "right" person in the White House. Think about it. How much is our community going to be directly impacted and really, truly changed by who is elected into The White House? But what can bring about change is if everyone that is here tonight will go home, stand at their front door and look out at the 5-6 houses within the perimeter of their front door, and make it their mission to find out about the people living in those houses...to find out who they really are and get to know what their needs are. Then try and find a way to help them in the areas in which they are "needy." That will bring about change 100 times more impactful to our society than the person who is elected in November.

I have to say, I think he's right. When was the last time a person elected into office directly changed your daily life and the community around you? I am by no means saying that it doesn't matter who gets elected or that we shouldn't go out and vote for who we think will be the best leader of our country. What I am saying is that I think for me and for many of those around me, getting to know my neighbors and really trying to make a difference in the lives of those around me, will actually make a bigger direct change in my community than who will be taking over The White House. I write this tonight, because I think he really has a valid point. How much do we really know the people in our community? Do we know what our neighbors are going through and if there were something we could do to help them? If we want to see real change in our country, we have got to get out of our houses, out of our "comfort zones" and get involved. We have the opportunity to impact lives around us every day by how we live our lives and by choosing to make a difference in people's lives. What are we going to do with that opportunity?

ah Ah AHH CHOO!

It's that time of year again...time for the allergies to flair up and everywhere you go people are sneezing and coughing. It's also the time of year that Bluebonnets bloom in Texas. At this time of year, I am usually taking other people's portraits in the Bluebonnets, so I may never get around to doing my own children. However a few days ago, it was a great overcast day (the perfect light for outdoor pictures) and we had nothing to do, so I dressed the girls in whatever I could find that was coordinating ($2.99 shirts from Target!) and threw them in the car. I, of course, bribed them with a trip to Chick Fil A after the photos if they cooperated for me. They actually did! Anything for Chick Fil A, right? Here are the best photos from our little session.

Mexico!

We were lucky enough to go on our second annual trip to Puerto Penasco, Mexico for Spring Break this year. Marty's family has been going there for years, and we have been able to tag along the past two years. We had a blast, and the girls were in hog heaven in their giant sandbox! We flew to Phoenix and met up with Marty's family. Then we all drove down to Puerto Penasco. It's about a 4 1/2 hour drive. We took two RV's, and we had spots right on the beach. We stepped out of the steps and were in the sand. It was a perfect, laid back, do nothing type of get away. Here are some pictures from the trip.

2 down...18 more to go

MacKenzie lost her second tooth this morning. It didn't actually fall out. She had me pull it. She came up to me right after she woke up and said, "Mom, look." Her bottom tooth was hanging out over her lip! It was so funny. So we pulled it out, since it was only hanging by a thread. She doesn't get freaked out by it at all, which is so surprising to me considering everything else in her life is VERY dramatic. 

It is really a small thing for these teeth to be falling out, and I know it's just a normal part of growing up...but that's exactly it..."growing up." It's killing me! I am not ready for her to be losing teeth, and going to Kindergarten, and wearing makeup, and going to Homecoming, and driving, and leaving! Ok, ok so I took it a little far. But seriously, my baby girl, MacKenzie, slow down! In all seriousness Mackenzie is turning into such a delightful little girl. She is always observing every detail around her and usually has some pretty amazing insight into all that is going on. She is so much fun. When she is not around the silence is very apparent. She cares deeply about others, and is always sporting a huge smile. So, now it will be a toothless smile! 

When Life Gives You Lemons...

Life did give us lemons, but not in the way you may think. We had huge, fragrant, fresh lemons from Nana's Lemon Trees. On our way down to Mexico for Spring Break we got to spend a few days at Nana's house in Phoenix. They have the most amazing fruit trees with the best fruit you have ever tasted. While we were there, the girls decided to make their first ever lemonade stand. Nana's house backs up to a golf course, and there are golfers coming right past her back patio all day long. So, we thought it would be the perfect setting for a lemonade stand. First, the girls picked their own lemons straight from the tree outside Nana's house. Then we squeezed out all of the juice into our pitcher. We added some sugar and water and voila...the BEST lemonade we have ever tasted! The girls made a sign for their stand, and we set up a table and chair for them. They had a blast. The golfers got the biggest kick out of them sitting there, and they made a whopping $4.50! Thanks Nana for letting us take over your kitchen and turn it into a lemonade factory.

Picking Lemons

 

Making Lemonade

The Official Lemonade Stand

Our First Customer...Nana!

The Golfers Loved Us

Houston Livestock Show

We took the girls to The Houston Livestock Show on Sunday. We had SUCH a great time. We got there in the morning and started off looking at all of the animals inside. The girls each rode a Pony. We rode rides and played games at the carnival. We were there for almost 5 hours! Here are some highlights from the day:

The Clown Barrel

Obstacle Course

The "Mega Slide"

*Notice the difference in the facial expressions of Reagan & MacKenzie while sliding!

Reagan's Facial Expression

MacKenzie's Facial Expression...too funny!

Carnival Games

Cotton Candy...YUM!

Pony Rides

John Deere

Baby Pigs born the day before we were there!

Petting the Goats

Pig Races...HILARIOUS!

Soccer Time!

MacKenzie had her first soccer game this morning. She scored one goal for the team, and the game ended in a 3 - 3 tie. Here are some of the highlights: