Peanut Butter Crispy Bars

Brent and Nick are headed to Lake Texoma this weekend to do some camping. I know they are going to have a great time....and they are going to have an even BETTER time because I am sending them with a lot of homebaked goodies!

Brent is a HUGE peanut butter fan, so what better to make then Peanut Butter Crispy Bars. I baked them this morning and they are cooling now so I can cut them into bars.

These bars were super easy to make. Haven't tasted them YET, but let me tell you - this house smelt soooo good because of those bars!

Here's the recipe

Peanut Butter Crispy Bars
-1 tube (16.5 oz) refrigerated peanut butter cookie dough
-4 cups miniature marshmallows
-2 cups (12 oz) semisweet choc chips
-1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
-1/4 cup butter, cubed
-2 cups rice cereal (Rice Krispy's are what I used)
-1/2 cup salted peanuts

Press the cookie dough into an ungreased 13x9 baking pan. Bake at 350 for 10-14 minutes or until the center is set.

Sprinkle with marshmallows; bake an addition 4-5 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed. Let cool for 5 minutes



In med saucepan, combine choc chips, peanut butter and butter. Cook and stir until smooth



Remove from heat and stir in rice cereal and peanuts



Drop by spoonfuls over the top of the marshmallows. GENTLY spread. Cool, then cut into bars.



Like I mentioned above, they are currently cooling in the fridge before I can cut them into bars. They are going to be delicious!
Now onto my next baking project for the boys!

Outdoor Learning Center

Ashlan had another fun Field Trip yesterday. This time it was to the Outdoor Learning Center, which is a center specifically for PISD students. All the Kindergarteners got to spend half their school day there learning about different animals which included snakes, rodents, alligators, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, birds, insects, etc... It was like one huge pet store!!
Then after learning about and viewing the animals, the kids took a guided trail walk and learned about plants, trees, insect habitats, and much more. It was such a fun day!!

The instructor letting the kids touch a box turtle.

Looking through magnifying glasses at various insects and plants

Some of Ashlan's friends on their hike

Stopping to smell the different plants


Such a fun day! I can't wait for Ashlan to go again next year - and I'm certainly signing up to chaperone again!

Field Day

Ashlan had her first Field Day at school! We were uncertain as to how the weather was going to cooperate...but in the end, the nasty weather held off till the late afternoon and nothing was cancelled! The kids participated in 31 outdoor games, including several water related games! It was such a blast to see all the kids having so much fun, smiling and laughing!

Hitting some baseballs!

Ashlan, her sweet friend Braelyn, and their 5th grade leader, Ali

Water Limbo

Wet Sponge Toss

Jumping Jack Race (you race down to the cone, and do 10 jumping jacks while water is poured on you)




Sweet Friends drenching in water!

Mother's Day

What a special Mother's Day I had! I am soooo blessed to have such an amazing husband, two beautiful stepchildren, and my sweet Ashlan. I was showered with cards, homemade gifts from the kids, gifts from Brent, a fancy brunch, and lots of hugs and kisses
It all started with Ashlan's school projects for me....
According to Ashlan, I am caring, loving, cuddly, cool, nice, and pretty......

I'll cherish her precious small handprint...along with a sweet poem



And some special artwork from Ashlan with "I love you" written at the top

My four blessings!!!!

Ashlan's 6th Birthday

Ashlan is now 6! Wow! I can not believe it! Her birthday all started with a special birthday celebration with her friends in her classroom at school!
Ashlan got to bring cupcakes for all her classmates!


Then she passed out treat bags to her friends

And when she got home from school, there were several surprises waiting for her!

Ashlan had fun opening up presents! (she just wanted her family at her party....she has yet to decide whether she wants a big birthday party with her friends)


I was actually sick with strep throat, but Brent was able to take Ashlan to the store the night before her birthday to let her pick out a cake! This is what they came home with!

Making her special 6th birthday wish!


I still can't believe Ashlan Reese has been in our arms for 6 years!!! Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!