aggiecowboy

New Santa Gertrudis school wows visitors

2010-06-17T11:08:00.000-05:00

New Santa Gertrudis school wows visitors

Mom's on the hunt!

2009-12-27T20:36:00.000-06:00

Santa in his Helicopter coming to School

2009-12-19T11:17:00.001-06:00

Santa came to our school in King Ranch Style!!!!!!

Homemade Board Game

2009-11-17T20:23:00.002-06:00

Lauren's homework tonight included needing to create her own game board. Thanks goodness for the good ole internet. I googled create your own game board and found this amazing site with power point templates! It was so wonderful I wanted to share the information for anyone else that might have this same "homework"!

http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/gameboard.htm

Once her team comes up with the game, I will do my best to upload so everyone can enjoy!

County Food Show

2009-10-06T13:18:00.005-05:00

This weekend the kids entered the 4-H Foodshow. They did a wonderful job!

Laynie Pre 4-H member made Dirt Pudding with sugar free pudding mixes and sugar free oreos!

From Co foodshow 2009

Lauren made Grandpa Jesse's Caldo recipe in the Junior Main Dish division! Don't you just love her pot! Thanks for the idea Liz.

From Co foodshow 2009

Thomas made Grilled Flank Steak Argentine Style. Last year in Social Studies he studied Argentina. The sauce is Chimichurri made with Red Wine Vinegar and Oregano. Very Yummy!!!!

From Co foodshow 2009

Here is a link to random pictures from the Foodshow.

AIM dancing at Art Walk 2009

2009-10-05T16:24:00.003-05:00

The girls, Laynie and Bailey started ballet and tap in August. Their teacher's name is Sarah. We had a short recital during Art Walk this past Saturday. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

From Art walk dance recital 100309

Little Cowgirls in tights!

Art Walk 2009 Tinikler's

2009-10-05T15:03:00.001-05:00

Tinikling the national dance of the Philippines.

Cross Country

2009-09-05T16:15:00.000-05:00

From Thomas

The T-Man is exhausted after his 2 mile run at West Guth park in Corpus Christi. He came in 29th!!! One of his team members placed 114 so there were quite a few 7th grade boys running! We are so proud of you T

From Thomas

Photo Shoot by Tiff

2009-08-04T13:46:00.000-05:00

Bailey turns 5!

2009-07-13T15:02:00.000-05:00

Happy 5th Birthday Bailey!

We have been blessed to have a new family near and dear!

We Love you Bailey! and can't wait to meet Kayden!

Keith, All in a days work!

2009-07-13T14:53:00.000-05:00

The smile that only a child could capture! Keith - a wonderful husband, father and my best friend!

This picture was taken during our last safety meeting at the feedlot. The girls were in charge of the camera and I am so glad they took this one.

How to Plant an Avocado Tree - wikiHow

2009-06-02T21:05:00.000-05:00

How to Plant an Avocado Tree - wikiHow

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T10:30:00.000-05:00

Laynie Lee Bowman
Lauren Elizabeth Bowman

My Easter Blessings

Fashion Show 2009

2009-03-28T19:24:00.000-05:00

Science Fair Projects 2009

2009-02-23T21:21:00.002-06:00

I thought it would be neat to test the bags in different homes in different states, too!

Tiff in California has already agreed- her kit is in the mail!!!

Thank you for agreeing to help me with my science fair project. This year I am testing the Debbie Meyer Green bags. They claim to keep fruits and vegetables fresher longer. I have included 2 green bags and 2 storage bags along with a data sheet to record your observations. We will have a control group that will be placed on the counter without a bag, a green bag group, and a clear storage bag group. Label and place fruit in each group. Initially observe the fruit for brown spots, firmness and mold. Record the data under Day 0. On day 2 reexamine the fruit in each group and record the data. Repeat for days 4, 6, 8 and 10. Once you have collected the data please email the information back to me at tbowman@inbox.com. If you are able to take pictures I would enjoy seeing your results! If you have any questions please contact me.

I have chosen bananas and cantaloupe for my experiment! I’ll keep you posted with my results too!

Thanks,
Lauren Bowman

Valentines Day 2009

2009-02-12T20:30:00.003-06:00

Valentines Day 2007

2009-02-11T13:26:00.005-06:00

Reviewing my old cards to remember the years! Working on the new ones! T thinks he's too big for a picture card to handout this year.

Boys Lovin' Life

2009-02-07T19:57:00.007-06:00

This is my first attempt at editing and sharing a video. I hope you enjoy!

The calf's name is Betty! Sticking with the "b" names.

Enjoy!!!!

The Ropers

2009-02-07T16:11:00.003-06:00

Thomas' friend AJ has invited him to compete on a Youth ranch rodeo team. I believe they will rope a goat, pig and calf. This is new so I am not sure on the particulars just yet. But he is EXCITED! We have recruited another friend and today they are practicing. So I will attempt to add some video soon. Grandpa purchased a longhorn heifer who is now named Betty. She is not sure where she is and if she likes it! They boys are having fun. Great to watch boys running around, getting dirty and laughing.

100th Day of School

2009-02-06T08:00:00.001-06:00

Our wonderful teacher!

Today was the 100th day of school! The PreK and Kinder classes were to bring 100 items and show them to the entire school during morning program. I had picked up pink and white marshmellows on a buy this get this free coupon. Laynie was so excited. She wanted to open them, but I insisted we wait until Friday. During the night I had this fear, what if there are not 100 marshmellows!!! So early Friday morning I began to count them. Sure enough there were only 93 and noone had eaten any. What now? I new that honest Abe wouldn't take 93 marshmellows! I quickly found 100 new paper clips, strung 5 strands of 20 and tied cute ribbons to make a dashing necklace! Whew!

She was adorable!!!! I 'll upload a picture once I get one from the teacher who had her camera! For the afternoon "party" they had cupcakes, popped balloons and celebrated. The funniest was the school Principal saying 100 days down and 70 to go, not that anyone is counting!! Haha

Thanks for the pictures Alex!

Christmas Gift Reviews! (Electronics)

2009-01-10T13:09:00.003-06:00

This year I really tried not to overwhelm everyone with gifts! Here are a couple of the things the kids received and how we like them!

Digiblue Microscope QX5 is a great addition. This Microscope can capture and record images and video on most PC computers. Experiment with the microscope and the PC, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Its hours of learning and fun! The kids use it at school (Laynie can get it working!) and love it! Cost around $90.00.

The Wii I have been putting off purchasing another game but this has proven to be great. Everyone (young and old) are enjoying! Keith and Thomas have spent hours on Mario Kart, the girls like baseball, bowling and Disney's Sing It. Our cousins have Dance Revolution and this had a great aunt who often complains of pain dancing! It is a must have!!!

Thomas wanted Star Wars the Force Unleashed for his PSP. He plays it on our commute to/from school. He hasn't asked for a new game, so I think he gives it a thumbs up! Thomas also received Oregon Scientific Helmet Cam that we haven't tried as of today! The camera is water proof up to 9ft so we are waiting for a warm day to try it in the pool! Will send reviews and pics when we try it.

Laynie received her personal DS (she always ends up with hand me down electronics) and the game Imagine Teacher. I think she prefers her sister's game "Cooking Mama" to the new game.
Laynie also received the Disney MixStick (MP3 player) that I have loaded with songs and seems very durable! Important for a 6 year old. I didn't purchase a wall charger so I have to plug it into my pc (usb charger) to charge. It has a SD expansion slot. I really like it especially for the price. The older kids have Sony Walkman's that work well.

Lauren received Disney Flix Digital Video Camera of her own. She has enjoyed documenting our lives. We have not uploaded the videos for her to edit, but this is on our list of things to do. Look forward to her movie premier in 2009!

I hope some of the information will help the next time your looking for a gift. I try to read as many reviews as possible before purchasing, but sometimes knowing that a friend has enjoyed the product speaks much louder!

Does anyone have Rock Band or Guitar Hero? What's the difference? Which one is better?????

New year - New Buck!

2009-01-09T13:27:00.003-06:00

Tagging - not sure if I'll do this correctly!

2009-01-09T11:47:00.004-06:00

So a friend Alexandra tagged me by inviting me to share a picture.
Here are the instructions she gave me!

1. Go to your photo folders and open the 4th folder.

2. Choose the 4th photo.

3. Explain the photo.

4. Tag 4 other people!

This picture was taken 2-26-07 of a Mexican steer with a deformed mouth. Keith watched this steer daily and on this day took the family out to take a picture of him. He sees interesting creatures! We sent this picture to a friend of ours working for a feed company to use to advertise their "feed limiting program". Without the lower lip he has a hard time keeping feed in his mouth. The steer grew and surved his purpose in life!!!

Oops! I forgot to tag someone - Tiff, Jessica, & Becky

T's Buck

2008-12-27T17:30:00.001-06:00

The boys have been hunting!

The winds blew so hard yesterday that hunting was out of the picture, so bright and early this morning my boys were out in the stand. Thomas will admit to shutting his eyes a little before daylight!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T17:59:00.000-06:00

Christmas at the Bowman's

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T15:20:00.002-06:00

Not sure how Christmas eve is at your house, but we attend a vigil mass and leave milk and cookies out for Santa. This year everyone was so busy, we bought oreos for Santa!!! Laynie said they should be by the fireplace, Dad said to leave the milk in the fridge to keep it cold. Lauren wrote handy notes with directions for Santa.

Believe it or not, when we got back from church the cookies were gone, the milk was gone and the glass was next to the cookies!

The kids couldn't wait to open gifts! Dad was busy cooking tenderloin steaks on the grill, Uncle Jason helpded with the veggies and finally it was time for gifts!

George Texas is my favorite singer!
T has called him that since he was a little boy!

The girls love to sing, so they both received Taylor Swift CD's.
This time I'm making a backup Cd so the original doesn't get scratched!

This shirt came from Mrs. Johnson who has helped me in the house
long before kids, so she and her husband have watched them grow.
Her husband nicknamed Laynie "Angel" and Lauren "Princess".
Every year they manage to find shirts for both girls!
Thank you for your many gifts!

The Ambassadors at our school have a winter gift shop for the kids to
find treasures under $20.00 many around $1.00 - $5.00. Lauren took her
own $ and bought gifts. This is a "best grandpa pen" for Grandpa Jesse to carry in his pocket.

Keith received the "World's Greatest Dad" cap from Lauren too!!!!

Uncle Jason is always looking for new things to cook
so he received the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook!

mom was taking pictures, but I promise I was there!

The 23rd of December

2008-12-23T19:48:00.002-06:00

As family traditions go, mine has been spending the 23rd of December with my mom's side of the family. Santa's helper usually makes a surprise visit and the cousins enjoy playing together, putting on plays and of course opening gifts. The adults enjoy fellowship, good food and watching the growing family. This year most of the cousins are out of state - Utah, California, Missouri or had spouses on call- so the Bowman's were the kids for the evening. Since I wasn't up to decorating/cleaning/cooking/then cleaning again- I suggested that we meet at a restaurant in town. Everyone agreed it was a must that someone bring desert. We were blessed with Red Velvet Cake by Maryanne. It's the best if you like Red Velvet!

The great aunts and uncles showered the kids with gifts!

As soon as we got home, the race was on! The kids loved there new cars.

Thanks for the many gifts! The girls have craft boxes to work with while Thomas received a tool boxes with tools that mom needs!!!

Tis the season

2008-12-23T17:05:00.000-06:00

Thomas' class decided to collect items for CPS's Rainbow room rather than exchanging gifts.

The Ambasador's (like Student Council) collected Toys For Tots and canned goods. One morning they gathered at HEB at 5:45 in the morning for a split second viewing on the local tv station.

Hannah's Party!

2008-12-19T20:12:00.001-06:00

A good friend said, " if turning 7 has grand parties like this what will 16 bring?" I am begining to worry myself. Hannah's Rockin' 7 Birthday party was soooooo much fun! Hair was colored, sparkled and styled! Makeup applied and the tattoos were everywhere! The karaoke machine was busy with girls singing their hearts out. Watch out Hannah Montanna!

I hope this washes out!

Thanks for inviting us!

Rockin 50's Christmas Program

2008-12-18T21:00:00.000-06:00

The girls enjoyed singing at their program. Thomas was relieved that his grade didn't participate! This mean my baby is getting to big for programs?

Sorry the photo is a little fuzzy. Not sure if it was the lighting or me!

Lauren wore my mom's letter sweater!

Laynie is rocking to "Do you want to Rock at the North Pole?"

If only you saw her before leaving the house! Not a happy girl. Thank you Corrie for reapplying our makeup!

Trying to get an authentic smile!

My Arm

2008-11-23T16:45:00.000-06:00

During the County Fair I was leading T's calf Blew and he went one way and I the other straight into a pipe. Knowing immediately that it was broken, I laid on my back and asked my brother to call the ambulance. Never had a broken bone before - but hey when you do it like I did you KNOW! It was my right humerus and my main concern was getting my Aggie ring off before the fingers began to swell. So the gals in the barn started looking through show supplies to lubricate my fingers. It took sometime but the ring came off.

I called Keith who was in Premont with Laynie getting feed. His response, your kidding! No! The kids were really good until they moved me on a stretcher. Lauren was really upset. I tied calming her but Thank Goodness Uncle Jason was around to keep things in order.

Next was my first ambulance ride. Wow those things need better suspension. Thank you Kim for riding with me. Xrays at the hospital confirm 3 breaks so off to the next hospital we go. I needed an orthopedic surgeon to fix this mess! I ended up with a plate and 7 screws. Bad news is my radial nerve was damaged so now I have a limp wrist!!

What the heck is that? Well it's called a radial splint. The rubber bands hold up my wrist and allow me to use my fingers somewhat. I gets lots of crazy looks and have learned to not gawk at others!!!! The prognosis is TIME! A nerve regenerates 1mm a day and there are lots of millimeters from my break to my thumb! I'm getting good at onehanding the keyboard. Doing hair was never my forte and even harder with one hand.

There is a lesson to be learned --- I'm still working on that one!

SILVER!

2008-10-31T17:37:00.000-05:00

This is Lauren's first year to show and her calf's name is Silver. He came from Bar A and looks great! We brought him to our family Easter gathering before heading home.

Silver has been a great companion for Blew. The bawl for on another when seperate. This year we bought a port-a-cooler and placed in an old dairy barn to keep the boys cool. If you led Blew, Silver would follow and vice verse.

Great job Lauen! Yes his slobber is great for your skin!!!

Lauren's first progress show was very successful. She and Silver won their class and Reserve Grand Charlois! Yeah

Blew!!!

2008-10-24T17:11:00.000-05:00

Thomas purchased his steer calf and like all of his other animals he wanted the name to begin with the letter "B". The calf is black and white so he named him Blew. Not Blue the color, but for Blew past the competition!!!! We just didn't know he'd blow past mom and she'd end up in the hospital.

The days have been long washing, leading, chasing, feeding, clipping and hauling! It's all worth it when the family enjoys the activity together! Family Time is the most important. However you do get stepped on, kicked, very mad and sometimes hurt.

Thursday morning of the fair was a brisk morning and mom went to untie Blew and head outside to feed and water. Well he made a sharp turn and when I let go my momentum landed me in a pipe breaking me right humerus. Uncle Jason and the kids went to get Blew and check on me and I knew immediately it was broken. The story ends great as Thomas and Blew won GRAND CHAMPION. I am so proud of my boys!!!

Way to go T!

Happy 6th Birthday Laynie!

2008-10-24T16:49:00.000-05:00

Born on the 24th of October means you will have a County Fair themed party every year!!!

Thanks to Cactus 4-H, Barbie Wymore and everyone who helped make this moment special. So you might ask Where's Mom? Well she's at the hospital recovering from surgery! Check out the story on Blew!!

Back to school on Monday and the school sang Happy Birthday too!

Last but not least Mom had great plans for a 50's Soda shop party and made Paw print poodle skirts and rhinestone initial shirts for all the girls in her class! Well Thank you Class for making the ice cream classroom party a success!

County Food Show

2008-10-04T13:50:00.000-05:00

We did it! All three kids entered the county Food Show. We practiced our recipes, learned the food pyramid, found what nutrients were in our dish and how they helped our body and last but not least were interviewed by judges. They did a wonderful job. Thomas made Beef Lasagna, Lauren made a family recipe of Green Beans Italiano, while Laynie made Fruit Kabobs. If you are interested in recipes we would be glad to share. Wish them luck! Both Thomas and Lauren advanced to District!! Laynie is in Pre4-H and they compete only at County.

More from our trip to Aggieland

2008-09-27T17:34:00.000-05:00

Aggies vs Army

Grandpa David was kind enough to accompany mom and the kids to a Fightin Texas Aggie Football Game this fall. Don't you love the shirts! Future Classes of '19/'21/'25.

We did win this game - 21/17

Gig'em Ags

Future Aggies - Woop!

2008-09-27T11:24:00.000-05:00

BTHO Army! Sept. 27th Kyle Field. Thanks Grandpa David for joining us. We also attended a TAMU Meats Juding Reunion Dinner.

In honor of the men and women in armed forces, Kyle Field was covered with the largest American flag we have ever seen. The Aggie Singing Cadets performed as well.

Invention Convention

2008-09-17T19:00:00.000-05:00

Originally scheduled for Sept. 10th, however due to Hurricane Ike school was cancelled and the convention rescheduled for Sept. 17th. Good ole Ike!

The 5th and 6th graders at our school welcomed us to their "Invention Convention." Thomas' partner was Ruben. The two invented a double sided clothes pin. They made them in two different sizes and as you can see their teacher has used them to display papers in her room. Some of the other inventions are noted as well. Adam and Matthew converted a koozie to a pen holder/water bottle holder so you could write/drink while Grace and Sierra invented the "i bike" abling you to ride and listen to your ipod! Great job inventors!

We had refreshments (that was Laynie's favorite part) and then we made our long journey home.

Lauren's First Communion

2008-09-12T15:29:00.000-05:00

Lauren's first communion was Wednesday September 10th, 2008 at St. Theresa's. As a baby Lauren was baptised August 21, 1999 a day before Hurricane Brett and we are 3 days away from Hurricane Ike.

4-H Banquet 08

2008-08-14T20:47:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for interviews! Don't we look nice.

Thomas lead the 4-H motto, pledge and prayer! Receiving our 1 year pins.

Our first 4-H banquet - and I hope many more to come. Both Keith and I were active in 4-H. After we'd been married, one day at my in-laws I was browsing through photo albums and found a picture of the day Keith received the 4-H Gold Star and I saw my mom and dad in the picture. Yep, we received the Gold Star award from different counties the same year and stood a couple of people away from each other. So we've waited until this year to start the kids. Thomas showed his steer and Lauren made items for the Home economics division. She had two division winners! I know this is the beginning of a really big adventure for the Bowman family.

1st day of School 08

2008-07-29T20:14:00.000-05:00

Jun 29th - our first day of school. Thomas is a 6th grader, Lauren a 4th grader and Laynie is in Kinder. Our school goes year round so starting during the summer is a little hard, but the 2 weeks we have off every 9 weeks is GREAT! Laynie is the most anxious. She will have the same teachers as last year. After her first day of Kinder - she announced that this would be her last year of school. She didn't need to go on to first grade, she will help her daddy! I hope Mrs. Gonzalez teachers her everything she needs to know. Thomas is taking Pre Algebra (7th grade math) in the 6th grade. He is very excited. Lauren is glad to be in a new room and she will be changing teachers. Her homeroom teacher, Mrs. Hester has many pets in her room. Lauren was chosen to be the janitor in homeroom. Anyone who knows her, knows this is the perfect job for Lauren. She is very organized! Next year we should be moving into a brand new school. WOW!

Frio Record Book Trip

2008-07-20T20:27:00.000-05:00

This year Lauren and Thomas both entered 4-H record books. Anyone who has entered or helped with one knows the amount of work that goes into one by who else than Mom or Dad. It is a great way to keep track of your many accomplishments throughout your youth that comes in very handy for resumes/scholarships/etc. Anyway, the kids were not very enthused about helping until they went on the Frio Record Book Trip. I know that next year they will be typing and making sure Mom doesn't wait until the last minute so they can go on next years trip! Thanks Barbie for keeping them safe. Mom actually had to accompany them (so Laynie could go!). I was able to get the cabin next door to the 4-H group (how lucky) and Keith's sister Kristin came along with Samantha, Sarah and Caleb. We had a great time. It wasn't much fun walking the river with 4 kids. Kristin and I came up with many shirt logos that would have sold for lots of $$$$. The most fun was spent watching others and the kids jumping off the rope swings. We made snowcones (raspas) and had great fun cooking and being together. I hope we can all do it again next year!

Auction raising funds for Driscoll's Childrens Hospital

2008-07-15T21:05:00.000-05:00

This year we participated in the Cattleman's Roundup raising money for Driscoll's Childrens hospital. Thomas make Grandma Dorothy's sourdough bread (yummy), Laynie helped with Brownies and we made Carmel Corn for Lauren (she was spending time with Grandma Dorothy). Each child that donated items was asked to go into the auction ring and "sell" their baked good. Thomas did a great job, looking really nice in his cowboy hat! Laynie on the other hand was a little nervous. I sat in the audience to capture photos. As you can see from the pics, Laynie was not about to smile, but when she did she sold cookies for over $200.00. It was fun and for a great cause.

A game with Nolan Ryan 08

2008-07-15T18:43:00.000-05:00

We feed cattle that can qualify for Nolan Ryan's Beef product that is sold in Super S stores and Krogers. As a perk we were invited to a Corpus Christi Hooks Game with Nolan Ryan. The kids were able to purchase items at the gift shop and have him sign them. I think the adults ended up more excited than the kids! This year Keith's dad, David, and Dorothy were able to join us. David, an avid baseball fan, has his very own signed ball by Nolan Ryan. The Hooks stadium is very kid friendly and we had a great time.

07-08 School Awards Assembly

2008-05-31T20:43:00.000-05:00

Laynie receiving her certificate!

Thomas receiving his awards. Lauren is in the brown polkadot waiting her turn.

The end of the first year at our new school. I think we all get an A+ for a job well done. Laynie will soon be in Kinder, Lauren a 4th grader and Thomas a 6th grader. Way to go guys! Mom loves you!!!

2008-05-19T15:59:00.000-05:00

The swimming pool - Summer 2008. We decided to put in an underground playroom. Two Christmas' ago it was the trampoline. The kids loved it and it wore them out so everyone was ready for bed. Now it's swimming! It works as a reward system also. If you clean your room -you can swim! We began on May 19th and started filling on June 19th, Lauren's bday. The kids loved watching it fill up and couldn't wait to get in - so they did. We decided to put a salt generator in to cut down on Chlorine because the girls blond hair turns green. It has been maintenance free for the most part. The first evening Keith and I decided to use the heater for the hot tub a fire started in the heater - it was replaced and now all is well. Yes we needed the heater because the prevailing southwest wind (there were white caps in the pool) makes you cold.

Pigs for the County Fair

2008-05-12T16:26:00.000-05:00

After experiencing his first County fair with his steer, Butch, Thomas decided he would like to try pigs as well. Mom wasn't so sure but Dad said "Why Not?" So we did. Here we are picking our first two gilts for this year. We haven't named them, but Laynie said the white blue butt is her pink pig that she will show. Lauren just doesn't want to feed them. She took the bucket in one day and had a ride! They are a little messy but an easy project so far.

The Family

2007-09-15T09:37:00.000-05:00

Thomas, Lauren and Laynie are the highlights of our life! We are a family of Aggies and Cowboys. Daily life includes someone wearing maroon and cattle. This is a bottle calf named Berry. She is Lauren's (in red) first calf. Laynie (in pink) is trying her hardest to lead Berry. This is a favorite shot of mine. Many times Lauren is scared and little Laynie comes in to show her how it's done! Thomas is the experience calf shower in the family. His calf Butch was a great learning experience for the entire family. We had many days of being drug around the pen until Butch decided we were the ones to give him feed!