Daddy/Daughter Date

Last night, Christian took Bailey on a Daddy/Daughter Date. They went to the Kingwood / Humble High School Varsity basket ball game. Bailey wore her KHS t-shirt and was so excited when she left. Christian took her down to meet and talk with the cheerleaders. The game went into double overtime (what a first game to go to) and Kingwood lost. On the way home, they stopped by Baskin Robbins for an ice cream cone.

Batman & Cat Girl

The duo of Batman and Cat Girl has been seen around the Barger’s residence lately. I’m thinking we are going to do a Batman themed birthday for Jack. How fun would that be?

Wordless Wednesday

JB....Superstar! Part 2

Earlier this month, I posted JB....Superstar! It included four pictures and the email from Ms. Kirchner, telling about the author, Jan Peck, and her visit the kid’s elementary school. Well, I contacted Ms. Peck to say thank you and here is her email responding back.

Dear Ms. Barger,
Thank YOU for writing. It gave me great happiness to see that Bailey and Jack were in the play, Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea. I remember them because Bailey put her arm around Jack and announced that he was her brother. They were both excellent! I didn't realize that Jack was autistic--he was an incredible actor!
Again thanks for taking the time to write. I loved seeing and reading your blog.
Best wishes and golden fishes,
Jan Peck

Here is the book, Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea, the kids acted out. It is really cute! Worth checking out ;~)

Scrabble Tile Pendants

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and I am going to give these adorable Scrabble Tile Pendants to all the kid’s teachers. I found the directions how do make these off of Make and Takes. They weren’t too hard to make. Can’t wait to pass them out!

Flash Card Rings

I have a love hate relationship with flash cards. Love the educational aspect, but hate that they are everywhere. Tonya at Currently Crafting posted the instruction for these flash card rings. Basically, you punch holes in your flash cads and use a couple of book rings to keep them together. A simple, but effective method for keeping them organized. So, it is time to take your flash cards out of hiding!

It's A Date

Yesterday, our family went on a date to Zio's Italian Kitchen. I call it a date, because, other than special occasions, we rarely go out to eat. Mostly, because we had two little kids that couldn't sit still long enough to eat a meal. The kids are growing up and eating out has become a more enjoyable experience for everyone. This trip out was for no special reason. Just a little family time. How fun!

JB....superstar!

The following is an email that I got from Jack's inclusion teacher yesterday. I would have loved to see this. If she sends pictures, I will post them.
Hi Mrs. B,
I just wanted to let you know that we had an author (Jan Peck) visit today in the cafeteria. She called for volunteers to come on stage and act out parts of one of her books. Your baby raised his hand and went up on stage to play the part of a swordfish. Big sister was called on stage as well. They stood side by side and she introduced him as her brother (she is SOOO good with him!) He sang, danced, clapped, and said his part like a pro! He was the star of the show. Everyone cheered and clapped for him. He was so proud of himself. He sat like a little gentleman for the rest of the program...and it was an hour long! I am going to try to send you some pictures of it.
Have a great day,
Melissa Kirchner
Pre-K
Hidden Hollow Elem.

Cute Conversation Hearts Magnets

I made these Valentine’s Day Magnets for my preschool class and, of course, I had to do some for my own kids. They turned out so sweet. I just took the Necco ® Sweetheart individual boxes, cut the cover off, taped a picture behind the open heart window, wrote the date on the back and added a magnet. I can’t wait to give them out to all my mom’s!

Bailey's Blue Ribbon

Tonight, we went to the Humble Civic Center for the 2009 Humble Student Show for the Houston Livestock School Arts Show to see Bailey’s Rodeo Art Work on display. Her longhorn picture won a blue ribbon! YEAH BAILEY!!

Brownie Truffles

Make room for dessert. These Brownie Truffles were super easy and disappeared before I could take a picture of full platter of them. These five are all that is left. I made them for Jennifer’s baby shower, hence the blue and white.
Brownie Truffles
1 box (21.3 oz) dark choc. Brownie mix with choc. Syrup pouch (Betty Crocker ®)
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup (Karo ®)
Coating, such as sweet flaked coconut, nonpareils, nut topping and/or colored sprinkles.

In a large bowl, stir together dry brownie mix, chocolate syrup from pouch, the water and corn syrup until well mixed. Pour each desired coating into separate plates. Scoop up 1 tablespoon of the brownie mixture; using slightly wet hands, shape mixture into a smooth ball. Roll ball into desired coating to cover entire ball. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Repeat to make 28 truffles, rinsing has when mixture becomes too sticky to roll. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Serve chilled or at room temp.

Note: To store the truffles, layer between waxed paper in an airtight container. Store for 3 to 4 days at room temp, 1 week in the frig, or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Q and U

Tonight, Christian and Jack were reading Disney Little Einstein’s Animal Alphabet . You can tilt the book to see a letter of the alphabet morph into a beautiful full-color photo of an animal. When they get to the letter “Q”, Jack tells Christian “Q and U stick together like glue.” You have to love it when the teacher’s words come out verbatim.

Jennifer's Surprise Shower

Last night, I hosted Mom’s Night Out, as well as, a SURPRISE Baby Shower for my friend, Jennifer. She is due to have a little boy on March 1st. She was surprised!! We had manicotti, chicken Alfredo, salad, bread, amaretto slushies and lots of cake and sweets. I had lots of help and it made it a wonderful event!

Bailey's Kwanzaa Picture

Yesterday, at the library, Bailey tells me “I need this book about Christmas around the world because I am going to draw this girl on the back.” The book was My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz.

Here is the back of the book.

Here is Bailey's Picture. What a great job!!

Planet Heroes Theme Song

For Christmas, Jack got a Planet Heroes DVD sampler from one of the teachers at school. It has fast become his new favorite show. Here he is dancing and singing the intro. I love his flash dance move in the middle...Go Jackie Boy!!

Skippyjon Jones

Skippyjon Jones by Judith Schachner is my new favorite bedtime book. This book has been out since 2003, but it is new to us and the kids just love it. Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese kitten with an over active imagination. While in a time-out in his room, he imagines he is a Chihuahua in a Zorro kind of way ("My name is Skippito Friskito./I fear not a single bandito"). This book is full of rhymes and a very easy read. Too cute not to check out!

Super Heroes

Here are Mr. Incredible & Wonder Woman

fighting crime in our backyard.

Wonder Woman stops to pose for a picture...how pretty!
Mr. Incredible showing his pearly whites!

Gotta love that mask!

Look at me go....

Here is a short clip of Jack riding his bike. I missed him saying "look at me", but it's still cute!

January 2005-2008

Here are the last four years of the January "Picture of the Month"

Picture of the Month - Jan 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR! As we start 2009, I thought it would be nice to look back at all of the happening of 2008. The slide show to the left is now “A Year In Pictures! The Barger’s 2008”…