Chef Steve

Cilantro Chicken

Steve and I were trying to decide what to have for dinner one night and I mentioned to him that I saw this good looking chicken recipe that I thought he would like on Miner Moments. And sure enough, he went to work and made it for us that night. He says it is now on the rotation list. I love it when he cooks. He puts much more thought and time into preparing his meals. Another night he grilled up some chicken and sausage along with some fresh green beans from our garden and roasted some potatoes with some fresh rosemary from our garden.

See, much more time and thought into his meals.

2009 Triathlon #1

Kiwanis Kids is affiliated with USATriathlon and every summer they have a Triathlon series for kids, usually held at different YMCA's or schools.

#62 Matthew Cannon Spendlove

(swim 50M, bike 1 mile and run 1/4 mile)

#64 Ethan Paul Spendlove

(swim 100M, bike 2 mile and run 1/2 mile)

This is Matthew's first race. These are the 7&8 year old boys getting ready to hop in the water.

Matthew lead the swim and did a great job in transition. Check out his little concentrating tongue. He had a little trouble with the gears on his bike, so he was peddling much faster than he should have been. But still did so well. Matthew on the Winner's Podium with his 2nd Place Trophy

Matthew almost worked too hard to finish this race in the top. He could barely breath as he practically walked across the finish line. I had his puffer right there, but had no idea I would have to use it. Matthew runs 50 miles a day, it feels like. I think all the excitement he had to do this race played a big part in it.

The proud parents waiting for #64 to take his place.
The boy's cutest little #1 fans!


Ethan in heat 2 waiting for his turn. He is 4th from the right.

Ethan speeding through transition.

And off he goes!

Ethan likes the biking.

Matthew & Rachel cheering Ethan to the finish line where he booked it in double time.

Just wanted to post this picture to show how tall some of the boys were that Ethan competed against. He is in the 11 & 12 year old group because he will be 11 by December 31 of this year. So he was probably the youngest one and is standing 4th from the left with his cap on.

Matthew:2nd Place, 9:14 time, 12 boys

Ethan: 7th Place, 13.29 time, 23 boys

Matthew looking pretty cool.
He would look really tough, without the blue Gatorade mustache.
It was a fun day for all of us. We are proud of the boys for making such a great effort. We know it was a great accomplishment to finish. Now Rachel said she wants try it next.

Twister & Big Brother

Lauren was so happy to have Ethan home and Ethan was such a good sport to play Twister with her.

End of Year Girls Scout Party

This has been a great experience for Rachel to be a part of this girl scout troop. She has made some great friends and had lots of fun. They had a nice party at the pool with pizza and shakes. Jennifer, one of the leaders & my next door neighbor, sewed on all the girls patches on their sashes that they have earned throughout the year for them and presented it to them at the party along with the awards they earned for selling cookies. Rachel was one of the top sellers, thanks to Ms. Jennifer for taking her out to sell, sell, sell. We also appreciated her other leaders, Amy Tyre and her mom, who the girls called Grandma Peach. Great Great Great experience in Girl Scouts. San Jacinto Girl Scout Troop 17628

2nd Grade Award Ceremonies

Mathew & Rachel's Moment to shine. Steve went to Matthew's class to watch him receive his awards and I went to Rachel's class to watch her. It is always fun trying to be at more than one place at a time, thank goodness for pictures. They both did a great job this year and we have seen so much improvement, it has been wonderful to watch them succeed.

Matthew received "A-B" Honor Roll, Citizenship (excellent conduct), Certificate of completing the Healthy Program, Accelerated Reader Award, Rockin Rhino Effort Award and Outstanding performance in "I Need A Vacation". Thank you Ms. Shoebroek for a great year.


Rachel received "A-B" Honor Roll, Excellence in Music Award, Certificate of Appreciation (Safari Guide), Outstanding Art Award, Certificate of Completing the Healthy Program, Rockin Rhino Effort Award, Outstanding performance in "I Need A Vacation", Accelerated Reader Award and Citizenship Award (Outstanding Behavior). Thank you Ms. Leander for a great year.

Again, the patient little sister. Luckily this time there was food. I was asked to be a homeroom mom this year. I appreciate every homeroom mom, it is much more work than you think. (Like providing food for this awards ceremony, plus....) But I do appreciate the opportunity I had to get to know Ms. Leander this year from being her homeroom mom. She has been my all time favorite teacher so far. Maybe it comes with experience, but she has been the most understanding, forgiving, considerate, kind, loving and sincere teacher so far. All the teachers we've had so far have been great, but Ms. Leander was above great. And I am so grateful Rachel had her this year.

Not sure what kind of pose this is, but you go girl!

Ethan's Elementary Graduation

Class of 2009 consisted of about 250 5th graders. And yes, they all walked, after everyone was recognized for ALL the awards earned throughout the year. It was a nice ceremony and we are very proud of Ethan and his hard work. He is excited to be done with Elementary School. However, I am not quite sure I am looking forward to or at all ready for Junior High. My little boy is entering the next big step in his life, Junior High. Yikes!!!


Ethan received a few awards - Participation in Student Council, Citizenship (all S's all year), "a-B" Honor Roll, Rockin Rhino Effort Award, Accelerated Reader Award, Texas Bluebonnet Reader Award, Participation in Rockin Rhino Choir, Physical Education Ward (Top boy in Class -Push Up Test 32) and Service Award for Safety Patrol.


The one we are most proud of is his President's Education Award, which was awarded to those who excelled on the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills)test. He also received a gold pin.This is what the letter said that came with it.

THE WHITE HOUSE

Washington

February 27, 2009

I am delighted to join your family, friends, and community in congratulating you on receiving the President's Education Award. By earning this honor, you have shown a deep personal commitment to educational excellence and I commend you for your hard work.

Nothing is more important to our Nation's long-term success than education our future leaders. Your commitment to learning will help you meet the educational and professional demands in your future and will help lead American to a better day.

I am confident that you will build on this achievement as you strive for even higher goals in the future. I wish you all the best for continued success in the years ahead.

Signed,
Barack Obama

Ethan & Ms. Mateer

Little Sister having to sit through another ceremony. She has been a trooper/great support!

School Spring Parties

Matthew & Rachel had a Sailing into 2nd grade party, which was their token 2nd party of the year. It was a little hot, but the kids were kept entertained the whole time. Lots of fun activities. I helped out with the craft that each class had 3 minutes to do. Fun Times!!!

Ethan's grade did a few relays and then had free time and ate the cake that I made. I made 5 "Sailing into 6th Grade" cakes. Ethan even stood in line to get the exact piece that he wanted.

School's almost out!

Welcome to Summer

I saw this cute idea on TipJunkie. And it was one thing I had time to do to make the last day of school special.

(I did also make their all time favorite muffins (chocolate flax muffins)for breakfast)It was fun to have Lauren help me color the sign and she couldn't wait for the kids to come home. We had the HSM "What Time is It" song blaring super duper loud as they each came home. I think they were excited to be done with school.
Welcome to Summer !



Their all time favorite muffins are not only delicious but healthy too, just a little time consuming. I didn't have a picture but found this one here and this is the recipe from my friend Cathy.

Chocolate Flax seed Muffins

1 ½ cup whole wheat flour
¾ cup flax meal
¾ cups oats in blender
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon

1 ½ cups grate carrots (3 med)
2 cups grated apples (about 1 lg or 2 sm)
½ cup raisins (optional)
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
¾ cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1-2 cups chocolate chips

Combine dry ingredients and mix with a wire whisk.
Add grated carrots and apples; mix well.
Add remaining ingredients and mix.
Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes.
Makes 2 dozen muffins.

Note: You can grind flax seeds and oats in a blender.