Golf Camp

There is a public golf course less that two miles from our house. The course is having a golf camp this week for kids Audrey's age. It's four mornings, two hours a morning, not that expensive. Lee asked Audrey if she was interested. Of course, she's intersted.

To prepare her for the week, Lee took her to the driving range Saturday and Sunday this weekend. She's hooked. She likes her driver the best. In her words, "It's the best because I get to do a full swing, use a tee, and it's shiny and red." I'm pretty sure this is how Tiger selects his clubs.

This all seemed like innocent fun until she returned this morning from camp. One of the instructors told her that her clubs are too short. (Sidenote: They were purchased for Benton's birthday, but held back in the midst of gift overload.) And, all the other kids have bags for their clubs, and golf gloves and cool hats.

So tonight, we went shopping and spent exactly DOUBLE the cost of the camp on a new set of clubs with a matching bag, new glove and cool pink hat. Benton now is the sole owner of the original short clubs (without a bag!) and new green golf hat from the pro shop.

Truth be told, I don't think there is a price her daddy would not have paid for this. He's pretty proud...and aware that he will never have a quiet afternoon alone at the golf course again!

Memorial Day

Audrey is quite comfortable with life and death. (Maybe all six year olds are, she's my first.) One evening a few months ago, the TV was on Animal Planet. The show was in the African plains and showed a tiger run down some rabbit and bite down on it. I immediately asked Lee to turn the channel.

Audrey turns to me, shrugs, and says, "Mom, that's its prey."

Well, glad we have that settled.

Yesterday, my family got together for the holiday weekend. Part of the day included my mom and my uncle decorating gravesites for my grandparents and other relatives. Audrey was fascinated to tag along.

She came home full of information about all of the interesting names she saw. She is named for my grandmother, so it was exciting to find her middle name on the "big rock". There were other great stories about relatives and then one random headstone with the last name, "Tinkle." Lots of jokes for the rest of the evening on that one. Her burning questions after the trip, "How big is Elvis' rock? And when can I go to Memphis and see it?"

Sunday afternoon -- after church, lunch, rest, crafts, etc. -- we were both having a snack at the table. Audrey pipes up, "Mom, I guess you have to be careful when you fall in love."

In my mind, "Oh my goodness, she has been listening! She knows how important it is to find some kind, Christian young man to start a family with, and one her mother approves of!! I AM a good mother after all."

But out loud I respond, "Why is that?"

Audrey, "Tinkle."

Picture Perfect

Audrey's dance recital was this past weekend. I think I've just now recovered enough to talk about it. There is no experience like being the "helping mom" for a 4.5 hour dress rehearsal in the morning and and 4 hour recital that evening! Here is the little ballerina backstage.


Here is her class with their student teacher. I could watch her dance all day; she's fantastic!

I was wondering if Audrey would want to take dance lessons again next year. On the way home from the dress rehearsal, she said, "I just can't wait!"

Me, "For the performance tonight?"

"No, to find out what my costume will be next year!"

I guess she's in!

Three

This sweet baby is three. Not three days, three weeks or three months, but THREE YEARS OLD.












How did this happen?

Please time, slow down just a little.

I love you, buddy! Mom

That Boy is All Mine!

Daddy: Benton, I love you.
Benton: Thank you, Daddy.
Mommy: Benton, I love you.
Benton: I love you too, Mommy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Audrey's class performed a Thanksgiving play on Tuesday. Benton loved it! When Audrey's group said their lines, he beat the fire out of my shoulder saying, "There's Audrey!" over and over.

Here she is with two of her fellow Indians.

Here's her big fan...at home. He wouldn't stand still for a picture while we visited her school.

We took the kids to a basketball game last night. They got to see some friends and three of their second cousins. It was a ton of fun!

I have a lovely plate in my kitchen that says "Peace & Plenty". A nice Thanksgiving day wish.

Chocolatey Christmas Goodness

Antique Mommy is hosting a blog carnival to showcase handmade/homemade Christmas gifts. I'm not the least bit creative or crafty, so I have made fudge for my neighbors for years. I usually get lots of compliments on it (which may say more about my cooking/baking than the quality of the fudge!).

However, one year after I delivered the fudge to my neighbors, I received a call from the children in one house. They asked if I had more fudge. When I said yes, they came for a second batch. Out of curiosity I asked what happened to the first batch. Their housekeeper had come that day and eaten the entire thing! No one in the family got a piece! So, at least we know the empty calories are good energy for vacuuming.

I use the recipe right off the jar of Kraft marshmallow creme. I do have a few tips though.

1. Use a candy thermometer on your saucepan and heat the butter, evaporated milk and sugar to EXACTLY 234 degrees.
2. Stir constantly, it scorches easily.
3. Use real vanilla, no imitation.
4. I also use 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, because I keep these on hand and they melt easily.
5. I put the fudge in a glass pan that is 8 1/2 by 11.

My biggest tip is to make the fudge and deliver it EARLY in December. I usually make it the weekend after Thanksgiving. I think that giving it early means your friends will be able to enjoy it before the onslaught of Christmas parties and excesses. Also, fudge lasts a long time and freezes well.

I cut the fudge into 1 inch cubes and wrap in wax paper using Scotch tape to seal it. I also use cut wax paper between the layers of pieces (see pic below). Then I deliver it in a cute tin from the Dollar Store. Make sure to save a few pieces for your house too!

Here is the recipe (copied right from the jar):

Heat in a saucepan to 234 degrees, stirring constantly:

3/4 c. butter

3 cups sugar

5 oz. evaporated milk

Remove from heat and add:

2 cups of chocolate chips

1 jar of marshmallow creme

Stir well and finish with:

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup of chopped nuts, if desired

My little nutcracker...

Check out more ideas at Antique Mommy.

http://antiquemommy.com/2008/11/24/homemade-handmade-holiday-carnival/