It's true. We really went. Any Aggie Catholic you talk to will almost always refer to Aggieland as the Holyland. Brilliant, isn't it? Texas 4-H hosts its week-long state competition at Texas A&M every June and about 4,000 teenagers descend upon campus. It's a beautiful sight. Loud, but awesome. For many of the competitions you have to qualify, meaning you had to win a county and district competition to earn your right to compete. Others are invitational, meaning anyone can ...

Remember when I did seven quick takes? I loved those, but life just hasn't afforded me that kind of time lately. Back that up. It has afforded me time, I've just been choosing to do other things with it. I do feel like there's a bit of catching up to do, however, and summer sure seems like the right time to do it. First things first. PRAISE JESUS FOR SUMMER. I used to be the mom that sort of dreaded ...

I hate to keep bringing up Dos Equis, buuuuut packing for summer camp. That'll do it. BUT. It's not as bad as you think. My pain, your gain. Here's the nine best tips I have. Cheers. 1: Color Code For reals. Color code it all. Since I pack four kids for camp (I know!) the Sharpie is your friend. Or, in my case the green, blue, pink and purple ones are my BFFs. The camp staff is so kind to send ...

I was all prepared to be sarcastically funny about how we are coming in hot - real hot - to summertime at Team Whitaker. I wasn't sure I was going to make it through four class parties in less than 45 minutes yesterday. Amazingly, I did. But it was what happened after all that crazy that rocked me deep. Important disclaimer here. I love, adore and respect all my kids' class room moms. They are flat out amazing. But it ...

Soccer is life. Or, at least my 11yo thinks so. She asked for a World Cup soccer birthday party a few months ago. Between the Team USA logo and the proximity of her birthday to the Memorial Day weekend - red, white and blue, it was. Let's chat details. The Food Isn't it always about the food? People come to parties for two things - fun and great food. I try to deliver on both, heavy on the fun. There ...

Anna-Laura has been begging, B-E-G-G-I-N-G, to get her ears pierced for about a year. I kept telling her, "When you're 10!" She turned ten, 12 months ago. I am oh-so-prompt on my delivery of such promises. It was time to finally relent come spring break. I was feeling pretty good about myself and my timing. Anna-Laura tends to be a little trepidatious when it comes to new things and experiences. But, after walking her through what would happen, having her ...