tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66014593966625941812024-03-12T18:42:12.398-07:00Summer DazeSummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-4809041943151141032012-01-16T12:19:00.000-08:002012-01-16T12:32:29.003-08:00new years resolutions..So I made some new years resolutions this year. It's been going pretty good so far. My favorite challenge that I issued to myself was to make a treat just for the Mr. each week. So on Monday's Lil Bit and I drop the kids off at school, then we head to the grocery store for the weekly shopping, then we get home unpack and put our aprons on. I have also been making my own granola bars and muffins each week for the kids to have in their lunches as a side item or snack. These are fairly healthy, containing pumpkin, flax and dried fruit. The granola bars have been a huge hit, and not just because I generously drizzle them with melted chocolate chips. For just under $12, everyone in our family can have a granola bar a day (the Mr. takes two because some times he doesn't get to eat any lunch) They are just as tasty as cliff bars, and as I have packed them with seeds (but not nuts so they are school safe) whole grains, flax and oats I feel pretty good about feeding them to my kids. I chop them all up and put them in the fridge for the week.. Yum!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uatheW7ECqI/TxSIvWD29GI/AAAAAAAABhA/OQAULoKFKyY/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uatheW7ECqI/TxSIvWD29GI/AAAAAAAABhA/OQAULoKFKyY/s400/IMG_2703.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The Mr.'s treat each week is not healthy. It has been designed to sate his 8:00 craving for an entire bag of chips, or not-been-cooled muddie buddies, or entire pound of m&m's. This challenge has been great for me. So far I have enjoyed setting aside some time each week to do something specifically for him. Thus far I have done simple chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels, the first week, last week an oreo crust peanut butter chocolate pie.. and this week straight from pinterest...<br />
SLUTTY BROWNIES..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTomFWB-KN0/TgMI7tcq8PI/AAAAAAAABVE/1tPuwT_A7Y4/s640/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTomFWB-KN0/TgMI7tcq8PI/AAAAAAAABVE/1tPuwT_A7Y4/s320/0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.thelondoner.me/2011/06/slutty-brownies.html">http://www.thelondoner.me/2011/06/slutty-brownies.html</a><br />
Umm I just tried one , you know to sample.. DELISH, probably you are drooling just looking at them. <br />
In case you are wondering they are called slutty because they are so EASY, and everybody wants them.<br />
<br />
I just bought all the ingredients at ALDI (where I shop now because I am trying to get our budget under wraps before the big fall change*) I baked some for the family to enjoy in little individual silicone muffin cups (available at dollar store) (Costco eat your heart out) and then made 1/2 a pan for The Mr. to have all to himself. (you too can own a 1/2 brownie pan for $1 at the dollar store).<br />
<br />
So if you are not on pinterest yet.. I highly suggest checking it out, although it is something of Craft Porn and mildly addictive.. it has opened up a whole new world of ideas possibilities and deliciousness.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*big fall change.. for the first time in 7 years I will not be coaching a fall sport. While I look forward EAGERLY to all those free afternoons with the kids, I will be missing the paycheck that used to accompany that sacrifice. So we need to trim $601 from our monthly budget. Totally doable right?</span><br />
<br />
We'll see!Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-32940583687536234372012-01-11T15:47:00.000-08:002012-01-11T15:47:17.272-08:00some things i never said as a kidSo Miss H came home from school and told me this funny story..<br />
<br />
"I was sitting in class today and I was reading my Guardians of Gahoole The Journey book, and it was getting very interesting, and then I tapped the page but it didn't turn." Here she giggled a little bit and then finished, "I forgot I was reading a book not a Kindle! Isn't that the funniest thing, how can you forget you are not reading a kindle?"<br />
<br />
She is quite hilarious and her sense of humor is developing, but it got me thinking about all the things that have changed since I was kid.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-59735439121201059622012-01-10T16:32:00.000-08:002012-01-10T16:32:17.839-08:00ear rats grazy horseAfter Miss H gave us a detailed account of the life of Grazy Horse, a great Native American she learned about while watching the history channel. Cubby chimed in, "Umm I think you have too much ear rats, his name is CRAZY horse."<br />
I couldn't resist... "Umm I think you have serious troubles if you have Ear Rats.. the rest of us are just having ear WAX."<br />
<br />
he looked stunned.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-12326054855928102922012-01-04T18:06:00.000-08:002012-01-04T18:06:11.822-08:00a long jacket..So, no big whoop that I make things, and sew things and craft and mod podge. I am blessed with so many opportunities to be creative and have in my basement crafting lair a myriad of supplies and inspiration. What I lack really is not opportunity, but motivation (and funding). From time to time.. the PERFECT combination of time, inspiration, attention and gift cards all come together and viola....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-nZVpjQmLw/TwT_RNEmNsI/AAAAAAAABgg/d3NiGIZPFXA/s1600/IMG_2688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-nZVpjQmLw/TwT_RNEmNsI/AAAAAAAABgg/d3NiGIZPFXA/s320/IMG_2688.JPG" width="227" /></a></div><br />
but the very very best part (although this is possibly the most awesome thing I've sewn in a while, and is giving me just the little nudge I need to get started on Easter) was Miss H saying she loved it. "It is warm and perfect and I love it.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJzVTovFaM0/TwT_F34DjBI/AAAAAAAABgY/VEk9paTj-LE/s1600/IMG_2690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJzVTovFaM0/TwT_F34DjBI/AAAAAAAABgY/VEk9paTj-LE/s320/IMG_2690.JPG" width="246" /></a></div><br />
That was the best.<br />
Better than it coming out looking handmade, not homemade... better than completely lined with adorable black with fuschia flowers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
She loved it.<br />
Big time.<br />
<br />
and that has made all the difference..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KeRehExI_bE/TwT-8jqmRBI/AAAAAAAABgQ/ZvT-pB2uxEY/s1600/IMG_2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KeRehExI_bE/TwT-8jqmRBI/AAAAAAAABgQ/ZvT-pB2uxEY/s320/IMG_2689.JPG" width="186" /></a></div><br />
So obviously she needs some cute headbands or a scarf.. I'll just have to get right on that.<br />
but my mind is drifting now to Easter.. several years ago I made this.. for Miss H, and I did actually crown it "THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER MADE"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38_TGLdd-Sw/TwUCASWXqSI/AAAAAAAABgs/Jlhf1wHhOGI/s1600/dscn0815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38_TGLdd-Sw/TwUCASWXqSI/AAAAAAAABgs/Jlhf1wHhOGI/s320/dscn0815.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>It's "Penny" by Wendy Schoen in white linen with madeira applique in baby pink with hand embroidery on the bodice. Thes best part being of course this adorable cut out in the back..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiZ6A8y6bpc/TwUFJp8q0RI/AAAAAAAABg4/CvuavZaI8x8/s1600/dscn0802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiZ6A8y6bpc/TwUFJp8q0RI/AAAAAAAABg4/CvuavZaI8x8/s320/dscn0802.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> I am thinking of making it again for Miss H in her current size, and having Lil Bit wear the original. And with only needing to make one Easter dress, couldn't I whip out a few capelets like <a href="http://projectrunandplay.blogspot.com/2011/09/audrey-cape-tutorial.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+ProjectRunAndPlay+%2528Project+Run+and+Play%2529">these? </a> just saying.... I'm all sewing motivated now that I've been met with a little success and gratitude.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-11332014909574116052011-12-28T13:34:00.000-08:002011-12-28T13:34:47.775-08:00Christmas SlideShowSo I will (someday) catch you up on Miss H and Cubby's seventh birthday, and their triathalon, and Lil Bit's number three birthday and Thanksgiving, and Cubby's first gym meet as a team level gymnast... but for now... please enjoy Christmas!<br />
<br />
<table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d6a6b784d4463314e44593d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow" height="303" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d6a6b784d4463314e44593d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none;" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=smilebox&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" height="46" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none;" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center">Another <a href="http://www.smilebox.com/slideshows.html" target="_blank">free picture slideshow</a> by Smilebox</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-31987826621425902472011-09-26T07:46:00.000-07:002011-09-26T07:46:41.421-07:00a momentan amazing thing happened here.. Miss H has been working to finish up all her projects for the fair. She just had a few sewing things to work on since she completed her art work over the summer. She had a long list of things we had bought fabric for and anyhow..<br />
<br />
I was watching her work, giving advice when needed, and apparently sometimes when not needed.. she has grown up before my very eyes. As she was manipulating the fabric and pins under the presser foot I noticed even her fingers have stretched and lengthened so that they are <strike>nimble elegant</strike> mature. The sound of her quiet voice guiding herself through a proper pivot, and perfect backstitch was a comfort. She has become a wonderfully patient seamstress, her projects are beyond beautiful to me. It's not the stitch work, it's how much growth these new items represent. The handstitched binding on a quilt for kit, the serged seams on the cutest pair of tommy hilfiger eat your heart out sailor pants with adjustable waist, the double top-stitching on a denim skirt. She is a different child than last summer. Industrious, not busy.<br />
<br />
As she was stitching the last button on her skirt I couldn't help but to kiss the top of her head like when she was an infant. "How did we get here to this moment?" my heart whispered, she doesn't need me, but she wants me, she's independent but inclusive. She's creative but careful. I am in awe of her!<br />
<br />
Today as I was putting her hair into two quick braids for school she looked at me in the mirror and said, "you know.. I can do two ponies myself, but sometimes they come out crooked." I met her eyes in the glass and answered, "Well you probably just need more practice, I don't let you do your own hair very often, because I like spending time with you in the morning, and talking with you."<br />
<br />
you know what she said, " I know mom, I like it too." **<br />
<br />
What a blessing to be part of her journey... and I'm telling you if she doesn't come home with a purple ribbon from that fair I will make her one!<br />
<br />
<br />
**also this was certainly true today, and I have recorded it here because I would like to remember that she said that, and that we had this glorious quiet patient morning where we enjoyed one another, because sometimes, it's not like that at all... not to ruin the post, but just you know for full disclosure.<br />
<br />
Hannah's entries for the fair.. 2011Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-83055736563271622762011-09-21T10:26:00.000-07:002011-09-21T10:26:01.360-07:00It's raining...It's raining, God always sends the rain to cancel my sport practice just when I think I can do no more. I love that about Him.<br />
<br />
We have ended our honeymoon period with the new school, or so it seems. There has been a rash of "mysterious illness" amongst the school age children requiring each of them to take a "sick day". I'm terribly frustrated about that. WE LOVE SCHOOL, I keep telling them. We are RILEY'S we LOVE School, for goodness sake both your PARENTS TEACH SCHOOL!!! Your house has practically been a school for your whole life!!!<br />
<br />
Why oh why would you want to stay here and clean your room, read, write in journal and work in a workbook when you could be at a magical place called school?<br />
<br />
seriously? Why?Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-14056387422947134902011-09-03T17:21:00.000-07:002011-09-03T17:21:23.749-07:00First Day of SchoolWe have made a switch to a new school this year. Which is great, because all the school age kids get to go to the same school. Its less than great because I am left at home with Lil Bit and she is a TYRANT. I had completely <strike>underestimate</strike>d <strike>misunderstood </strike> romanticized the idea of being at home alone with my youngest child. And since she can use the potty by herself and get her own snack I had envisioned a bunch of time to complete my various mommy projects. Without the other three children to <strike>distract</strike> <strike>entertain</strike> run interference, Lil Bit has devoted all her attention to me. Suddenly she needs me to do EVERYTHING, I am now mommy, servant, praisegiver, playmate, and clean up crew. IT's EXHAUSTING! Also, our interests are not exactly aligned and she has alot of ideas about what we should be doing all the time. I would prefer coloring, arts/crafts, and reading. She seems to enjoy, making messes, being pushed on a swing and playing pirates. YIKES!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ottBHgJiCbY/TmLCnIxJ3sI/AAAAAAAABgA/3bQ2PRZdW4Y/s1600/IMG_0918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ottBHgJiCbY/TmLCnIxJ3sI/AAAAAAAABgA/3bQ2PRZdW4Y/s400/IMG_0918.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>I do get all the snuggles, so that is a plus.<br />
<br />
The decision about school remains to be proved positive or negative. They have lost funding for art and music so I have volunteered to come help, but I am terribly <strike>teary </strike> frustrated. I just picture them in there with their little friends all day with no music and art and I get sad. Like really sad. They have however been doing some interesting work, and they have had sharing, and also gotten to play with balls on the playground. So far they have not had any complaints. Except the day Miss H said she didn't need to go to go there anymore because of the Mrs. Wishy Washy incident. Apparently her teacher didn't let the children read, and then didn't even read the "Good" Mrs. Wishy Washy. I was terribly concerned when Hannah followed up my sympathies, with "If my stomach hurt would I still have to go?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3V3r7MC8IY/TmLDmKOu7PI/AAAAAAAABgI/sM94BM48WVs/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3V3r7MC8IY/TmLDmKOu7PI/AAAAAAAABgI/sM94BM48WVs/s320/IMG_0920.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Yikes!!<br />
<br />
I watched another little girl in the mornings all but the last two days of school, which is why I was so astonished to find Lil Bit unable to entertain herself. I have to say, nannying for a family in the morning might be exactly what I need, or this littlest one is going to have to head off to school.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHuOZt-HE-8/TmLDG2bPuQI/AAAAAAAABgE/7sWC9V05Mf4/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHuOZt-HE-8/TmLDG2bPuQI/AAAAAAAABgE/7sWC9V05Mf4/s320/IMG_0919.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
I'll tell you who I'm not worried about at all is Little Daddy! HE LOVES school, also he has so far been seriously awesome about getting ready and remembering his belongings. He doesn't always remember everything he did for the three hours and forty five minutes we're apart, but he shares a good summary of his activities each day.<br />
<br />
More on the kids triathalon.. soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-40906907702340262972011-09-02T07:42:00.000-07:002011-09-02T07:42:46.162-07:00a tricky questionIf a stay at home mom with four kids and a loving husband, works each afternoon and evenings as a field hockey coach, tuesday and thursday mornings as a preschool teacher, recurriculums the church nursery, volunteers to teach some music and art at the kids school, since they no longer have funding, wants to help a friend build lockers in her hall, cleans the upstairs on fridays and the downstairs on thursdays, and packs 15 lunches a week, which day does she do the laundry?<br />
<br />
EVERYDAY!!!<br />
<br />
I do laundry every stinking day and it is NEVER NEVER NEVER done. Also.. I miss working out.<br />
and sleeping.<br />
<br />
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-46651197802629527092011-09-01T07:26:00.000-07:002011-09-01T07:26:48.278-07:00frustratedjust found out from one of our new teachers that they lost their funding for music and art. WHAT?? How is that even an option? I will of course go in and help with some enrichment.. but people I am not a professional!! I sent my kids to school so that they could learn something they wouldn't learn at home. Seriously.. seriously regretting my choice. BIG TIME.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-79099796270356781812011-08-24T18:36:00.000-07:002011-08-24T18:37:23.604-07:00A letter to my ChildrenI am sad to say it's over guys, the summer and my days of being outnumbered all day! While the calendar has weeks more of glorious outdoor weather, the three of you bigger kids are all nestled in their beds patiently and or anxiously awaiting your first day at a new school. I doubt I will sleep at all tonight guys, because I am so nervous about whether we have made a good choice for all of you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WXHZsEksIE/TlWlsuLIWaI/AAAAAAAABf8/lGgGk_Kcntc/s1600/IMG_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3WXHZsEksIE/TlWlsuLIWaI/AAAAAAAABf8/lGgGk_Kcntc/s320/IMG_0908.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Little Daddy you are by far the most excited. (You have spent weeks deciding on the perfect backpack!) This being your first REAL school experience you have been counting down the days since we got your "you're in" letter from this school. You are an amazing young man, and I wasn't exagerrating when I told Mrs. Hastings that I think you are "ALL KINDS of AWESOME". You have always been a very flexible, easy going child, Little Daddy, and everyone loves to be your friend, because you have exactly the kind of tender heart that thinks of others first, and feels genuine sorrow when you've made a mistake. I am not worried about you and school at all, because I think you have made up your mind to LOVE it like awesome sauce. I will miss the way you become all mine when the big kids are away, I will miss your great ideas and creative play, and I will miss the way you are so careful and helpful with your younger sister all day, even when she is driving you BANANAS. I pray for you that when you are overwhelmed at school you will remember that you have an inner strength and a loving heart. I will try not to be the last mom in the carpool line. But your older brother and sister will tell you, sometimes I stink at pickup line.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsoHLxZ7SmQ/TlWkPcGHN_I/AAAAAAAABf0/x4oWoXSyNyI/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsoHLxZ7SmQ/TlWkPcGHN_I/AAAAAAAABf0/x4oWoXSyNyI/s320/IMG_0894.JPG" width="320" /></a>Miss H you have been trying to hide your excitement out of concern for Cubby and I love that about you. I know that you are made for school Miss H, you are your mother's daughter afterall and I have seen in you this summer a creativity and industriousness that is new. You are immensely capable Miss H, in a way that makes me feel so blessed to be your mom and to be part of your journey. Watching you unfold your imagination this summer has been amazing, and I don't think I will ever look at Harry Potter, the tooth fairy or Santa the same way again. I have learned about you this year that you are very attentive to expectation, and you strive for excellence, except when you are in a hurry. I'm so proud to have you as my daughter. I pray for you this year that you will enjoy your classmates and their gifts, that you will challenge yourself to grow into all the gifts God has given you and that you continue to nurture and love your brothers. You are a great strength to me Miss H and a wonderful helper. I will miss your giggle immensely, and I know Lil Bit will too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxSXD_zzyig/TlWlOWXvVeI/AAAAAAAABf4/b02DbnkT9jM/s1600/IMG_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxSXD_zzyig/TlWlOWXvVeI/AAAAAAAABf4/b02DbnkT9jM/s320/IMG_0905.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Cubby, you are my most exhuberant child. Never could I have imagined such a creative and sensitive person! You are anxious with this big change of schools Cubby, and you are the reason I agonized over making the switch. You are ART with all its nuances and subletelys, you are expressive, and sulky at times, you believe in magic, You are faithful Cubby, and you are fiercely loyal. I know you are worried about all the changes and new faces and I pray for you to remember that you are loved. I pray that you continue to have a magnetic personality and a great sympathy for others, and that you hone your creative and artistic gifts. I pray that you have the courage to embrace this great change as opportunity. You are "No Ordinary Boy" to me, or to anyone that has met you. I will miss not knowing what to expect from you next, and watching you flee from the hallway when you've switched the light off. I will miss your hilarious faces all day, and I sure hope Mrs. Best enjoys them!!<br />
<br />
Lil Bit..<br />
you are not even little anymore.. I don't know why I keep calling you that. Just tonight as I was packing up the lunches I said, "Hey save that last serving of smoothie and I'll feed it to the baby." You have grown up too fast for my taste! You are a little spicy. We are going to have such a fun time at home together I hope. I have never had just one kid at home so I suppose you'll have to tell me what to do. Good thing you have alot of practice in that area huh? I am thinking you will thrive with me all to yourself for a few hours, and possibly relax a little. I am looking forward to all your great snuggles, a million puzzles and your fabulous back rubs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Above all my little chicks, I love you like awesome sauce! I want you to love learning, and school and for the whole experience to leave you a little breathless with wonder and excitement, but also spurred to stretch into your fuller selves.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-73250746591823610522011-08-01T12:04:00.000-07:002011-08-01T12:04:50.661-07:00The Big DealioAll Righty...<br />
<br />
So if you have been reading this blog you will already be aware that I did allow the children to go to school this year. So both Cubby and Miss H trekked off to what I thought would be the best of <strike>my</strike> their options. I bristled a little bit when we were alerted to the no backpack rule after purchasing backpacks for the school year. But navigated the ever confusing car-rider pick up line anyhow. I kept signing the weekly packet and returning it, and listening to the kids recount their experiences.<br />
<br />
There was alot of fun happening at Kindergarten. There was dance twice a week, which sounded a lot like freeze dance and direction following. There was music, which consisted mainly of singing. In class there was something called "settle in" and math centers, which from teaching the investigations curriculum looks alot like playtime. There was art, twice a week, the products from which were mainly marker/crayon/pencil line drawings. After Christmas there was a Mondrian lesson, ASeurrat lesson, and a shading with pointilism lesson (I'm guessing was part of the Seurrat sessions). They watercolored some tulips for Mother's day. From their main teacher we took our turn with Brown Bear, and recorded his adventures. I waited for the "learning" the developmentally appropriate, the stretching of the children into more. But it did not come. I was told by the teacher that according to her assessments Cubby was a better reader than Miss H, (which is not accurate) and when I asked if during writing time they could be help accountable for more High frequency words with an additional list, or if she could write words they thought they would use during their writing that day in a bank for them the Mr. and I were told "Oh we don't really do that" When I asked Miss H, who LOVES to read why she wasn't bringing home books anymore she said that her teacher only had baby books in the classroom. When I asked the teacher if she kept a more challenging set of books somewhere she said it would be best if I just picked out books for Miss H because she didn't know what would be appropriate for her. What??! Certainly she's not the first kindergartener to read??! Don't worry, I didn't say that outloud.<br />
They had a spring program, and I will admit the only picture of a school performance I had were my own elementary experiences and the program I witnessed as a student teacher at a school across town.<br />
Cubby was crushed. The "Kindergarten" performance was actually a show to be preformed and choreographed by school of the arts dancers, and so the Kindergarteners were actually performing very little. Cubby spent more time "onstage" during our church's Christmas Eve family service, and.. I really wish they would have asked me to help with the costumes because they secured Miss H's headfeather to her head (along with the other 8 birds) with bright WHITE ONE INCH Elastic, and that was really distracting for me during the show. I MEAN REALLY distracting.<br />
Anywoo we trekked on. I'm going to gloss over the part where the teacher seemed to insinuate that Cubby was a racist, because he is a history buff and quite imaginative. Because my heart speeds up when I think about it.<br />
Both the kids really enjoyed having two "outside plays" everyday, although one one was supposed to be an organized game and it doesn't appear to have been so very often. (It's okay I just taught, jumprope, hopscotch, chinese jumprope, at home. Also the kindergartener's were not allowed to bring a ball to school, don't ask me why) They made some good friends.<br />
We attended a few parties, I liked many of the parents we met they were great. The class is diverse in every way imaginable and fun. I really liked the way the teacher interacted with the kids, you could tell that she was a genuine nurturer. The kids sensed this too and really took to her, it is a comfort to send your kids off to school and know that the person watching over them enjoys them.<br />
<br />
So the kids had a lot of fun. They learned very little. But they played some rhythm sticks in class, and wrote some funny journal entries (always in response to a prompt, and never a developed story) Also did I mention that the principal knows every student by name? I think that's pretty awesome. Last year she also taught a class because they needed to add a class to maintain class size, and she subs one day for each teacher in the building. All of that is awesome to me.<br />
<br />
So.. I had just resigned myself to start over in a new year with a new teacher and seize the experience so to speak, just make the most of whatever the year offered and continue to supplement what I thought they were not getting at school. (So this year we did alot of journaling, reading and TALKING about what we read and Math workbooks.. because in the words of Cubby they only let us count to ten (they did eventually go higher but it took a LONG time)<br />
<br />
When we got this call from another school saying they had spots for both Cubby and Miss H (and also a pre-k spot for Andrew) and my initial response was "Praise GOD!!" and then I wondered if it was the right choice. This school has art only once every two weeks. Music once a week (for 30 minutes) Enrichment is listed, and they go swimming part of the year at the local Y, but there's no drama, no first friday sings, no "performances" of any kind. Then I got all panicky.<br />
The Mr. says I am impossible.<br />
<br />
So I don't know which is right. Which IS right? Have I become someone who is willing to sacrifice fun in favor of time on task? Have I, who once had my surprise teaching evaluation when I had set aside a morning for my fifth graders to water color paint a response to one of our stories, become someone who is skeptical of the value of art? There is no gaurantee that this new school will give me teacher who will do the things I found so lacking in last years experience, and there is no guarantee that the creativity that is encouraged at their current school will be as treasured at the new school.<br />
<br />
I had always thought that the biggest impact in a students school experience was the teacher, but what of school culture? The current school has a "we're so glad you're here" vibe about it. This new school seems to be, "we can't wait to grow you!" but what if my kids would grow just fine because I am so completely unnerved about them possibly not doing quality work? am I forcing them to sacrifice comfort and fun and creativity because I think I know better than them?<br />
<br />
--Finally, did I mention that I loved school. I always loved school. I can recall nearly every teacher I had and usually a funny anecdote or memorable experience I had with them. I Loved my elementary school, and the distinct love I felt there, I even wanted Miss Gollub to adopt me. But my elementary experience had everything. Paint, sculpture, papier mache, throwing of pots, plays, performances, music, xylophones, recorders, soccer, flag football, swings, and when I told mrs. Brusin on the first day of Kindergarten that I didn't need to do this phonics workbook because I could already read, she handed me a first grade textbook.<br />
<br />
How do I accomplish this for my own kids. Who have been reading HArry Potter this week?Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-65788989548326144202011-07-18T19:24:00.000-07:002011-07-18T19:24:39.979-07:00SummerTime...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We served Lemondade in The Shade to our congregation after worship this week. This is what we looked like. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgqp63EbTg0/TiTiPxiTMdI/AAAAAAAABfk/1I5cXYkKslQ/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgqp63EbTg0/TiTiPxiTMdI/AAAAAAAABfk/1I5cXYkKslQ/s640/IMG_0227.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you think that someday my kids will be less than enthusiastic about color coordinating? Also.. you can't see it so well here.. but my skirt is really cute, I cut it down from a dress that didn't fit anymore because I've been exercising.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--e24az-RvjI/TiTmNACSCYI/AAAAAAAABfs/sX5jcWq29iU/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--e24az-RvjI/TiTmNACSCYI/AAAAAAAABfs/sX5jcWq29iU/s320/IMG_0236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">see.. cute huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk0rYiQWC1M/TiTntDPlYvI/AAAAAAAABfw/7W4jRwQ2RU0/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk0rYiQWC1M/TiTntDPlYvI/AAAAAAAABfw/7W4jRwQ2RU0/s320/IMG_0231.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The kids were in a really great spirit on Sunday and played remarkably well together all day. Cubby and Miss H were very helpful as we kept the 2/3 nursery. Here they are playing "What time is it Mr. Fox" and Lil Bit is playing the fox. Her favorite time is 8 o'clock.. whereas Little Daddy almost always says "Midnight!" He loves the hunt!<br />
<br />
We have been wrestling with a big decision and passing the summer away crafting and sewing and painting, and swimming. The Swim season is almost at a close, and I haven't snapped that many pool shots yet! Little Daddy is really working on his "free-style" it's a loose interpretation but it's coming, and Miss H and Cubby have really improved over last season. It is so amazing to me to watch them swim as actual stroke swimming is not something I have ever mastered, or been instructed in. One of the lifeguards at our pool has offered to teach me, and I fully intend to take him up on it, just as soon as Lil Bit is feeling better.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-62034477491779672752011-07-09T19:42:00.000-07:002011-07-10T19:43:10.967-07:00Summer Fun!!---It is summertime!! Which means Hours upon hours of togetherness around here! (Today we spent 6 hours pulling weeds) Maybe it was three.. but it felt like six. And you know that saying about many hands making light work.. some times.. many hands just means lots of work. The goodnews is that Miss H can work the pruners like a pro.. the bad news is THERE ARE STILL MORE WEEDS! AND TRIMMING AND CUTTING.. and also.. I can practically hear it growing out there right now!! <br />
Should we ever move (which I'm obviously hoping is never) I think I want a smaller yard. <br />
<br />
Some other things we have been up to.. <br />
<br />
Blueberry Picking.. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/5924004121_fa4ee5926f_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/5924004121_fa4ee5926f_m.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
(I also bought some local honey!) <br />
<br />
Hiking... we are totally becoming outdoorsy I am even thinking of camping MAYBE<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/5924024379_6b893a9eea_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/5924024379_6b893a9eea_m.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5924033525_1b2ea3acdc_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5924033525_1b2ea3acdc_m.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5924577200_3c42410fa1_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5924577200_3c42410fa1_m.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
also a nice man taught Cubby how to light a match and start a charcoal grill. Something he will need to know for his new outdoorsy self. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5924604528_7f86e6c525_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5924604528_7f86e6c525_m.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We had the 4th of July.. which I almost forgot to document.. IT WAS SO HOT!! I spent most of the day in the pool where I couldn't really take pictures because I value our camera. Here's the kids and the Mr. He's been working out... can you tell? He really does a lot of work on his Hot Abs. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5924631768_4d66a28560_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5924631768_4d66a28560_m.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Here the kids are all comparing their hauls on the Money Dive.. which is the HIGHLIGHT of their fourth. I was sad we had to leave before the greased watermelon dive because I do think that one is hilarious.. but not sad to miss someone passing out during the underwater swim.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5924643170_9600c1311d_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5924643170_9600c1311d_m.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The Mr. did not get a picture of me participating in the "biggest splash" which I was shocked to find I did not win. Miss H did win the best trick.. Cubby had an unfortunate choke in mid air and didn't win. Which is too bad.. he does a great front flip, and can do a great back flip, although you really have to bribe him to get him to show it off. <br />
<br />
<br />
There was a huge rainstorm... but it cleared up and we went to Lewisville to see the fire works. <br />
I got a little grumpy at this point, because we couldn't get to our friends because of traffic, and there was a tree in the way of 25% of the fireworks, and also.. I really think the best place to watch fireworks is down on the beach at the end of Huntington St (tower 9) in CALIFORNIA. I am sadly reminded of this everytime I try to watch fireworks somewhere else. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5924648502_1348f647a8_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5924648502_1348f647a8_m.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5924073801_39598cf41b_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5924073801_39598cf41b_m.jpg" /></a></div>Also.. we had Customer Appreciation day at Chick-Fil-A.. if you go bovine.. you dine FOR FREE.I told the kids to make their own costumes. They did great. I love Chick-Fil-A<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5924098209_a8fbb50e8e_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5924098209_a8fbb50e8e_m.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5924655724_5920bedc48_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5924655724_5920bedc48_m.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
My Former Athlete, and one of my favorite girls Sydney.. competed for the Youth Team USA and placed 8th. In France.. with her best jump of 4M. How awesome is she? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/cf/fullj.0e2355e6117d16849ca9fb5771e0d369/0e2355e6117d16849ca9fb5771e0d369-getty-118617894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/cf/fullj.0e2355e6117d16849ca9fb5771e0d369/0e2355e6117d16849ca9fb5771e0d369-getty-118617894.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br />
And.. tonight we watched Kung Fu Panda at BB&T ballpark.. I let the kids get their own candy and soda from the Dollar store. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5924106595_3f7c9578dd_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5924106595_3f7c9578dd_m.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5924682068_6fa28a3dc2_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5924682068_6fa28a3dc2_m.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5924124701_823e4a5c00_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5924124701_823e4a5c00_m.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
The MR. and I smooshed our heads together for a photo.. Cuz we're still awesome. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5924112683_bb49a05005_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5924112683_bb49a05005_m.jpg" /></a></div><br />
and on the way out.. THEY GAVE US ALL BATS!!! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5924695338_36a788ef52_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5924695338_36a788ef52_m.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5924623976_98490b9884_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5924623976_98490b9884_m.jpg" /></a></div>We've also been crafting and sewing and painting and we went to the theatre and we have a HUGE decision to make/finalize/discuss that I will tell you all about when I have my head around it.<br />
<br />
Also.. I am having some sort of problem with blogger which is that it will not upload my pictures quickly AT ALL and also is making me select them one at a time. This makes me cringe.. so these are all small and low res because I had to image copy them from flickr.. which is not ideal i don't think. I will work on this. soon.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-78999006696114304202011-06-30T19:59:00.000-07:002011-07-01T05:28:16.524-07:00Wedded BlissToday.. the Mr. and I celebrate TEN years of wedded bliss. It has been an awesome journey so far, lots of laughing, a little tears, some sickness an abundance of health, and a gaggle of children. We have struggled on some fronts and thrived in others and somehow we have found a balance... I love the man I married more today than ten years ago, differently, more completely and with a kind of gratitude I didn't know existed until I realized how flawed I am.<br />
<br />
He is a great partner, a witty friend and a great masseuse. He makes me laugh and think.. there is no one I would rather be consistently outnumbered with.<br />
<br />
Here is a little slide show.. of the 17,493 photos we have on the computer and the two shoe boxes of predigital photos we have.. there are 50 photos we are both in. So here is a little history of our wedded bliss through those select photos. I took the liberty of not scanning in the ones from college where we are dressed for "sketch" parties, or obviously intoxicated... because this is a family show.. and I will say that didn't leave much evidence from the first 4 years of our "romance". So you will just have to imagine how awesome looking we were at that point. My advice would be that our awesomeness would be the inverse of our visible exhaustion in the post baby stage.. as in the older we get the more awesome we were.. and all that jazz. Happy Anniversary MR.<br />
<br />
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d6a55314e7a517a4d54453d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d6a55314e7a517a4d54453d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=smilebox&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center">Customize a free slideshow design</td></tr>
</table>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-89273705636380275252011-06-23T19:18:00.000-07:002011-06-23T19:18:44.245-07:00We've been in the mountains..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've lived very near to the mountains FOREVER but we haven't spent any time there really. We took a trip with the Mr.'s Family for almost a week at a house on Sugar Mountain. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AWESOME!! It was so incredible.. even the day it poured rain as we rafted down the Watagua River. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcUtwieWE_o/TgPkSHdtJzI/AAAAAAAABeI/zibDZ_Yo2tc/s1600/IMG_9537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcUtwieWE_o/TgPkSHdtJzI/AAAAAAAABeI/zibDZ_Yo2tc/s320/IMG_9537.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The Mr. Got some new Sunglasses for father's day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhNeJng_3Ag/TgPk2BglNtI/AAAAAAAABeM/6Ql9zIYTIFc/s1600/IMG_9544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhNeJng_3Ag/TgPk2BglNtI/AAAAAAAABeM/6Ql9zIYTIFc/s320/IMG_9544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Have you met the newest addition yet?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RPzcqfP9kAA/TgPlZRpYRFI/AAAAAAAABeQ/FoP7epFnQ8Q/s1600/IMG_9553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RPzcqfP9kAA/TgPlZRpYRFI/AAAAAAAABeQ/FoP7epFnQ8Q/s320/IMG_9553.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> In the mountains.. on a walk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rdAFnh8d-s/TgPlyBL2L9I/AAAAAAAABeU/xmAKVBUYU44/s1600/IMG_9563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rdAFnh8d-s/TgPlyBL2L9I/AAAAAAAABeU/xmAKVBUYU44/s320/IMG_9563.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> looking for bears<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRb8tAhkz8Q/TgPmPTwuMcI/AAAAAAAABeY/PN6LlzUylNQ/s1600/IMG_9565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRb8tAhkz8Q/TgPmPTwuMcI/AAAAAAAABeY/PN6LlzUylNQ/s320/IMG_9565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> "Cheers" with Papa...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4nIWdI1ak4/TgPmvZgCLxI/AAAAAAAABec/9uFKxDztMLY/s1600/IMG_9566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4nIWdI1ak4/TgPmvZgCLxI/AAAAAAAABec/9uFKxDztMLY/s320/IMG_9566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> it's grape juice... in case you were worried. The kids and Mimi were quite concerned I was letting Lil Bit drink all my WINE.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVj05EkzQtY/TgPnZBeM47I/AAAAAAAABeg/gIs9DbD1jVo/s1600/IMG_9580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVj05EkzQtY/TgPnZBeM47I/AAAAAAAABeg/gIs9DbD1jVo/s320/IMG_9580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> free paddle boats (Which I would call Canoes) This was a nervewracking experience to be in the canoe with a bunch of wiggly kids and an expensive camera.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2BgpipJc_c/TgPn2XYibLI/AAAAAAAABek/4WK8EH546bs/s1600/IMG_9644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2BgpipJc_c/TgPn2XYibLI/AAAAAAAABek/4WK8EH546bs/s320/IMG_9644.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> cousins<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVD7w1PnhpU/TgPoVO_Z8WI/AAAAAAAABeo/0FzFVFT12GY/s1600/IMG_9648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XVD7w1PnhpU/TgPoVO_Z8WI/AAAAAAAABeo/0FzFVFT12GY/s320/IMG_9648.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> walking on the dock.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGnmzWXiYaM/TgPo_86RQCI/AAAAAAAABes/eZSJVUdW2FU/s1600/IMG_9663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGnmzWXiYaM/TgPo_86RQCI/AAAAAAAABes/eZSJVUdW2FU/s320/IMG_9663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpzWO4NFxuE/TgPpiyGWSAI/AAAAAAAABew/WTORc5x0IjM/s1600/IMG_9686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpzWO4NFxuE/TgPpiyGWSAI/AAAAAAAABew/WTORc5x0IjM/s320/IMG_9686.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> Hiking Linville Falls<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gpUWkjBASA/TgPqCwKnXLI/AAAAAAAABe0/xocZ3S_V1V8/s1600/IMG_9701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8gpUWkjBASA/TgPqCwKnXLI/AAAAAAAABe0/xocZ3S_V1V8/s320/IMG_9701.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da2dxTZHrz4/TgPqyLpciDI/AAAAAAAABe4/_SpSZaotlPg/s1600/IMG_9703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da2dxTZHrz4/TgPqyLpciDI/AAAAAAAABe4/_SpSZaotlPg/s320/IMG_9703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3-OVHlxj54/TgPrmz0wfJI/AAAAAAAABe8/BoHsUVDOr4w/s1600/IMG_9716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3-OVHlxj54/TgPrmz0wfJI/AAAAAAAABe8/BoHsUVDOr4w/s320/IMG_9716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zNpEloQ28c/TgPsQXTbHPI/AAAAAAAABfA/Z4Y36drHTgI/s1600/IMG_9738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zNpEloQ28c/TgPsQXTbHPI/AAAAAAAABfA/Z4Y36drHTgI/s320/IMG_9738.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> up up up to the top...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcEU67-5FCI/TgPsxfRrUiI/AAAAAAAABfE/aPWBQn6p5zg/s1600/IMG_9745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcEU67-5FCI/TgPsxfRrUiI/AAAAAAAABfE/aPWBQn6p5zg/s320/IMG_9745.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EzD-6SM1_vk/TgPtLYbVBtI/AAAAAAAABfI/m_kIQSORpT4/s1600/IMG_9815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EzD-6SM1_vk/TgPtLYbVBtI/AAAAAAAABfI/m_kIQSORpT4/s320/IMG_9815.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> reading on the deck...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qN7sIDDP6kk/TgPt-kE4AdI/AAAAAAAABfM/QpyX0ze3_XM/s1600/IMG_9820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qN7sIDDP6kk/TgPt-kE4AdI/AAAAAAAABfM/QpyX0ze3_XM/s320/IMG_9820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> smore's... (all the really good smore's pictures are on Mimi's camera, because I was handed the wrong one.. in all the smore's flurry I could hardly put it down and switch!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ivq_lllmgTQ/TgPufi4S5cI/AAAAAAAABfQ/W4NNcalHbL0/s1600/IMG_9831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ivq_lllmgTQ/TgPufi4S5cI/AAAAAAAABfQ/W4NNcalHbL0/s320/IMG_9831.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Gem mining (Have you done this ever?) you pretty much wash and sort rocks and it was very interesting for people of all ages.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHND7KFteYg/TgPu7ili3lI/AAAAAAAABfU/UtsyoYEtQTE/s1600/IMG_9834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHND7KFteYg/TgPu7ili3lI/AAAAAAAABfU/UtsyoYEtQTE/s320/IMG_9834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mv9jQElGOUQ/TgPvZklY0SI/AAAAAAAABfY/FatJ_aW-jLE/s1600/IMG_9839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mv9jQElGOUQ/TgPvZklY0SI/AAAAAAAABfY/FatJ_aW-jLE/s320/IMG_9839.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> see who is more interested here.. it's hard to telll..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ntQyfCK-2M/TgPvycgAUKI/AAAAAAAABfc/N0WHzGE2E0U/s1600/IMG_9856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ntQyfCK-2M/TgPvycgAUKI/AAAAAAAABfc/N0WHzGE2E0U/s320/IMG_9856.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> Little Daddy's Haul... now we need a rock tumbler.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-sXX_9QeCE/TgPwc9QzfCI/AAAAAAAABfg/JltAozye02Q/s1600/IMG_9859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-sXX_9QeCE/TgPwc9QzfCI/AAAAAAAABfg/JltAozye02Q/s320/IMG_9859.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>exploring a feldspar mine (not as interesting as a gold mine.. but you know.. still neat)<br />
<br />
There's even more.. this is just a teaser.. not to mention all the fun we didn't catch with the camera. Like Karaoke..Baby Jack tunneling through the coffee table... Mellow Mushroom..<br />
on the way out we hit the tanger outlets... and MAN oh MAn did we score at the gymboree!! I also made out like a bandit at LOFT. I love that place.<br />
<br />
Swim Meet Tomorrow! Miss H is still not asleep so I'm thinking it will be a disaster for her.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-78763264794428624802011-06-14T12:31:00.000-07:002011-06-14T16:33:52.149-07:00Hi Ho Cherry OI had a few firsts today. First.. we went Cherry picking. Awesome.. and then to Pilot Mountain for a picnic..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EFb4huz9Ano/TfevyuLk--I/AAAAAAAABdc/zNbSTF8tEmQ/s1600/IMG_9442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EFb4huz9Ano/TfevyuLk--I/AAAAAAAABdc/zNbSTF8tEmQ/s400/IMG_9442.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
We had a cherry tree in our yard when I lived in Northern California.. but it was nothing like these. Miss H said, when she shimmied up the first ladder... Hey this is just like Chutes and Ladders! and the first time her bucket slipped, Carrie callled out. Hey "It is Hi Ho Cherry-O!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx0oMNEWXxc/Tfezq9Bjv4I/AAAAAAAABd8/Oqoo26fFP9M/s1600/IMG_9502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nx0oMNEWXxc/Tfezq9Bjv4I/AAAAAAAABd8/Oqoo26fFP9M/s320/IMG_9502.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
I have never been so in awe. Cherries are always a highlight of the summer, but to see them dangling like little juicy rubies from a tree overhead is quite a sight, they must have been quite tantalizing we ended up picking 12 pounds worth!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B5LxrbvWs7g/TfewxM4khyI/AAAAAAAABdk/90kOGwYPVzA/s1600/IMG_9464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B5LxrbvWs7g/TfewxM4khyI/AAAAAAAABdk/90kOGwYPVzA/s320/IMG_9464.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
Little Daddy was quite the picker, and loved climbing the ladders! At one point as he was depositing black cherries by the handful he sang an original cherry song.. which I wish I could recall the words to. He is not generally a singer and he must have been inspired by the absolute beauty that surrounded us. Even Lil Bit shimmied pretty high, although her shorter arms left her picking a little slim.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWHnk7LRTZs/TfeyDv85TJI/AAAAAAAABds/4oQeuQNHGpk/s1600/IMG_9480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWHnk7LRTZs/TfeyDv85TJI/AAAAAAAABds/4oQeuQNHGpk/s320/IMG_9480.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
We also discoved a yellow wax cherry, that is the most divine thing I've tasted (although on the way home I bought some hickory smoked sharp cheddar from a farm stand on the state line that was pretty tasty too). They are a little bit tart with a sweet finish. A feast for the eyes and a delight on the tongue.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Dsww7qJWhQ/Tfe0Dj-fP6I/AAAAAAAABeA/MODpjcaxUt4/s1600/IMG_9504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Dsww7qJWhQ/Tfe0Dj-fP6I/AAAAAAAABeA/MODpjcaxUt4/s320/IMG_9504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9J9jc8NbRo/TfevTWorzhI/AAAAAAAABdY/x8hI3M7TaFk/s1600/IMG_9439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9J9jc8NbRo/TfevTWorzhI/AAAAAAAABdY/x8hI3M7TaFk/s320/IMG_9439.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>also at the farmstand I let the kids all pick some food for a picnic, The boys choses apples and the girls tomatoes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ5gYHkCSt0/TfeyfTHj9qI/AAAAAAAABdw/-7L_BmzxcMo/s1600/IMG_9488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ5gYHkCSt0/TfeyfTHj9qI/AAAAAAAABdw/-7L_BmzxcMo/s320/IMG_9488.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Rachel chose a pint of heirloom cherry size tomatoes, a wonderful array of pinks and reds and yellows. I can't tell you how they tasted because she gobbled them all up before we reached Pilot Mountain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsZuLFrehic/Tfe0tYXg9BI/AAAAAAAABeE/Wq38S3WihQw/s1600/IMG_9519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsZuLFrehic/Tfe0tYXg9BI/AAAAAAAABeE/Wq38S3WihQw/s320/IMG_9519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
What a blessing to have great friends with great ideas!<br />
and I think we might head back to Pilot Mountain for a little hiking.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9wF4TkBllU/TfewVeyqNII/AAAAAAAABdg/Y4O2NS0-Ljs/s1600/IMG_9454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9wF4TkBllU/TfewVeyqNII/AAAAAAAABdg/Y4O2NS0-Ljs/s320/IMG_9454.JPG" width="213" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWFG6P1R2xc/TfezPdRC59I/AAAAAAAABd4/LfYZfrIJwG0/s1600/IMG_9497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWFG6P1R2xc/TfezPdRC59I/AAAAAAAABd4/LfYZfrIJwG0/s320/IMG_9497.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-64245365897956920742011-06-13T17:19:00.000-07:002011-06-13T17:25:32.674-07:00big and little<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See this face.. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Vw1zs-IqOU/TfambGgKVpI/AAAAAAAABdQ/52mqgHuFj1s/s1600/IMG_9162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Vw1zs-IqOU/TfambGgKVpI/AAAAAAAABdQ/52mqgHuFj1s/s320/IMG_9162.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes.. I know you're thinking.. she's so adorable. She drove me BANANANANANNANAS today. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQu7NZQz4oQ/Tfal_hH4TBI/AAAAAAAABdM/u0z8VSnMeSI/s1600/IMG_9161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQu7NZQz4oQ/Tfal_hH4TBI/AAAAAAAABdM/u0z8VSnMeSI/s320/IMG_9161.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are having a little struggle around here, because she thinks she is big, but she is little. She wants to do all the things the big kids do.. ALLL OF THEM!! And when things don't turn out the way she wants </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SHE WHINES!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The problem is, that sometimes I forget she is little because she does do alot of things that big kids do. SO when she screamed at me the whole way down to the pool (yes, it is less than 400 m.. but with a kid screaming at you it can seem much longer) because she saw I brought the swim jacket which she thinks she doesn't like. I kept thinking in my head..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">WHY IS SHE ACTING LIKE SUCH A TWO YEAR OLD???? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh Yeah... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">because she's two. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then of course she loved the swim jacket and was saying, "look at me I can swim, Look Mommy I can float on my back. Look Mommy I can twirl." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and then she said... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can a do a backflip off the diving board?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and I said sure... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but when she climbed the ladder and saw how high it was.. she turned right back into a two year old. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kid needs more of this.. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiHIUrKev1w/Tfaor-ZHWhI/AAAAAAAABdU/iNi7VuUBoTw/s1600/IMG_9390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oiHIUrKev1w/Tfaor-ZHWhI/AAAAAAAABdU/iNi7VuUBoTw/s320/IMG_9390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She did sneak up to me after dessert and say "I say thank you to you for my oreo salad, mommy. Can you forgive me?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">not quite you're average two year old.. but definitely a keeper. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-16683190428731612832011-06-12T15:29:00.000-07:002011-06-12T15:29:39.559-07:00FAshion Show<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An exciting thing happened today... Miss H upcycled her first pair of jeans!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYaD4_DkgOE/TfUzejwgyBI/AAAAAAAABcw/p9Src1rzU-E/s1600/IMG_9374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYaD4_DkgOE/TfUzejwgyBI/AAAAAAAABcw/p9Src1rzU-E/s320/IMG_9374.JPG" width="213" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGxRXSVRtlg/TfUz_HC920I/AAAAAAAABc0/nmX9uj8CSH4/s1600/IMG_9378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AGxRXSVRtlg/TfUz_HC920I/AAAAAAAABc0/nmX9uj8CSH4/s320/IMG_9378.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYaD4_DkgOE/TfUzejwgyBI/AAAAAAAABcw/p9Src1rzU-E/s1600/IMG_9374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
I have made many shorts this way. There was something magical about her choosing to make them bermuda length, and stitching them up while in her underwear. You'll see she is using the "HELL-NA" Hello Kitty needs a tune-up. I'll have to get right on that, because the kids have projects lined up on the ironing board already.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KmGs9nJM3M/TfU0ppT0yEI/AAAAAAAABc4/wjJ2YSzIJgc/s1600/IMG_9381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KmGs9nJM3M/TfU0ppT0yEI/AAAAAAAABc4/wjJ2YSzIJgc/s320/IMG_9381.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take one of the Mr.'s Faded non SMOD compliant collared shirts.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BnbWhzRKtQ/TfU1OUFEyNI/AAAAAAAABc8/q3zNi6kwzls/s1600/IMG_9382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BnbWhzRKtQ/TfU1OUFEyNI/AAAAAAAABc8/q3zNi6kwzls/s320/IMG_9382.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add one industrious, creative, completely wonderful six year old.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMKSVBWZ5Kg/TfU2sqC7BXI/AAAAAAAABdI/zkdQb8hh3iY/s1600/IMG_9388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMKSVBWZ5Kg/TfU2sqC7BXI/AAAAAAAABdI/zkdQb8hh3iY/s400/IMG_9388.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get one, really cute, almost looks store-bought I can't believe she made it herself, swim coverup!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you see how cleverly she used the ribbing from the original sleeves. I had tried to get her to make bias tape in red with white polka dots and add some red polkadot pockets, but she wanted this simple/classic look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She's amazing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here as promised are some things that I have sewn for myself inthe last few months. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awYJHcq3Pvk/TfU1tlCw5lI/AAAAAAAABdA/ESJbvKOmuXw/s1600/IMG_9386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awYJHcq3Pvk/TfU1tlCw5lI/AAAAAAAABdA/ESJbvKOmuXw/s320/IMG_9386.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Channelling Donna Reed and Easter</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQpTQT1p2GY/TfU2QMwCc9I/AAAAAAAABdE/0fQm_4R7lc4/s1600/IMG_9387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQpTQT1p2GY/TfU2QMwCc9I/AAAAAAAABdE/0fQm_4R7lc4/s320/IMG_9387.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutesy Circle skirt and Jackie Oish Boucle Shift</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love them all, especially the skirt which didn't even take an hour. The Jackie Oish sheath is a boucle, and a testament to why you should always have a friend help you set your hem length. It's about 1 inch too short. Mimi has the same floral fabric to make some skirts for the girls, so I'm hoping she gets those finished soon, because we all know I love the coordinated family look. Maybe I can talk the boys into bow ties. </div>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-44715575218296618402011-06-12T09:33:00.000-07:002011-06-12T09:33:15.344-07:00sunday Sunday SUNDAY!This is how the boys came up to breakfast this morning.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4_UsdoXzdA/TfTiCHz6AoI/AAAAAAAABcc/ns5ni0x90-k/s1600/IMG_9360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4_UsdoXzdA/TfTiCHz6AoI/AAAAAAAABcc/ns5ni0x90-k/s400/IMG_9360.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I think they thought they were cool like Papa Mike...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RT4kdHk-dco/TfTigoqCiKI/AAAAAAAABcg/a0-7hcJa4x0/s1600/IMG_9364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RT4kdHk-dco/TfTigoqCiKI/AAAAAAAABcg/a0-7hcJa4x0/s320/IMG_9364.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD3XW2jxtYI/TfTi-5tWHzI/AAAAAAAABck/2Fq89f96vNk/s1600/IMG_9365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qD3XW2jxtYI/TfTi-5tWHzI/AAAAAAAABck/2Fq89f96vNk/s320/IMG_9365.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And look how cute they looked heading into church!! <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKfgFFa9jEM/TfTjeNYYQTI/AAAAAAAABco/sasRUZXczxs/s1600/IMG_9368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKfgFFa9jEM/TfTjeNYYQTI/AAAAAAAABco/sasRUZXczxs/s400/IMG_9368.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz4kTzwrvkE/TfTj1BkbvDI/AAAAAAAABcs/VSoWcHh7wnM/s1600/IMG_9371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz4kTzwrvkE/TfTj1BkbvDI/AAAAAAAABcs/VSoWcHh7wnM/s320/IMG_9371.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Thank you Mimi Viv for always sending such adorable things for my little gang. And seriously when you dress them all coordinated.. they are a little bit like a gang.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-53950966715876986112011-06-11T11:41:00.000-07:002011-06-11T11:41:16.764-07:00Today is my birthdayand if you saw how cute I looked in my new workout clothes this morning you would be so jealous! But you won't because i didn't get a picture before I worked out.. and so I will not be reenacting that one!<br />
and then if you saw how cute I looked in my new circle skirt and tanktop, with new birthday sunglasses you would be so jealous!<br />
and if you saw the humongous oreo salad giant cupcake brithday cake the mr. was whipping up for my birthday you would be even more jealous.<br />
<br />
Now if I can find a birthday babysitter, the Mr. said he would take me out and show me off.. well that's not exactly what he said.. but you know the Mr. he rarely talks like that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Any whoo.. hopefully I will actually get a picture taken but.. in the meantime. Here is our newest family portrait. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82TbsZixu5A/TfOzmee0gkI/AAAAAAAABcQ/_TcFxNXcL-A/s1600/IMG_1906TOUCHUP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82TbsZixu5A/TfOzmee0gkI/AAAAAAAABcQ/_TcFxNXcL-A/s640/IMG_1906TOUCHUP.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exKMcT-ckdw/TfOzu2phaWI/AAAAAAAABcU/_zzzhYFk_p8/s1600/IMG_1909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exKMcT-ckdw/TfOzu2phaWI/AAAAAAAABcU/_zzzhYFk_p8/s640/IMG_1909.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRYO84rJV-4/TfOz3460KDI/AAAAAAAABcY/paRluYfKIU8/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRYO84rJV-4/TfOz3460KDI/AAAAAAAABcY/paRluYfKIU8/s640/IMG_1914.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
So before you say anthing, we did get the boys haircuts, I think the day after this photo was taken.. if I post a pic of little daddy now you will be blown away, because he is practically shorn and it makes him look considerably older. Also, the photographer insisted on taking a picture of The Mr. and Mrs. even though we explained there was no way we would be purchasing it, I don't love it, but hey that's how it goes some times. <br />
<br />
Consequently, this is my "Channelling Donna Reed" dress that I made myself for church. I LOVE IT!! The bottom is a circle skirt with a few pleats. I have been sewing a few things for myself, (even though what I would really love is to buy everything at the Anne Taylor LOFT). Perhaps I will show you some pictures sometime.<br />
<br />
Anywoo I am having a fabulous day! I know you are so jealous.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-24061526169120969742011-06-09T13:27:00.000-07:002011-06-09T16:21:04.226-07:00laughter!Here are some funny things you might be interested in:<br />
<br />
Three nights ago when the kids were wrestling.. Miss H said,"stop your crushing me and hurting my back" to which Cubby replied as he was getting up "Sorry it's because of my sexy abs."<br />
<br />
I stifled a pretty big laugh, and brought the subject up at dinner.<br />
"So when you said it was because of your sexy abs, what did that mean? what are sexy abs?"<br />
"You know like hot abs"<br />
"No, I don't know. What are hot abs? Are they on fire? Do they need an ice pack?"<br />
"You know like when girls at the pool are trying to act all hot, and so they lean on the garbage can and their belly buttons are sticking out..."<br />
(here I tried for a stoney I have no idea what you mean"<br />
So Cubby Added..<br />
"It's when these teenager girls wear black dresses and high heels and they put blue stuff on their eyes.. and then they take their purses like this.. (and here is where his arts based education is really paying off because he got up out of his chair and stood with tilted hip and and shoulder and put on his pretend purse) ... and they walk like this.. (now you've all seen teenage girls trying to act hot with their sexy abs.. now picture cubby doing it)."<br />
"Oh" I said.. (inside I was a raucous giggle volcano) Why do they do that?<br />
"I don't know".. whew! at least he's not completely corrupted yet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
-----<br />
as we were driving down the road.. just lil bit and I she says out of no where..<br />
"mom, when those alligators come in my room you are going to have to get them and you can throw them out the window because I don't think alligators can climb on leaves of the tree out my windows. So that's what you hafta do. Okay? Got it?"<br />
here is where I made my big decision.. to just go with it,<br />
Okay.. I'll throw them out the window.<br />
<br />
---<br />
The Mr. was trying to convince the kids to go shopping to buy me a present. They were not that interested.<br />
Cubby: "WHat SHOPPING??!?!? I can't go shopping I'm too tired!!!!?! (notice the exclamation points, in this case those mean exceptionally whiny and perturbed) I was downstairs and I was yawning down there!!! AND I already got mom a present (here my dear husband innocently asks what and my ears prick up) TODAY at school I was singing for her and other things and she REALLy liked it. (it's true I did like it)<br />
Little Daddy: Well I'm going to give mom a hug, that's a great present and that is what she really wants.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-24793275490511797292011-05-22T18:25:00.000-07:002011-05-22T18:25:02.961-07:00Mother's Day---<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So this was one of the gifts that the kids brought home from school for Mother's day. Can you guess what I must have worn the Friday before Mother's day? I know so cute!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wONXBO_a_88/Tdmx9M430wI/AAAAAAAABcI/zVVVmSkJsns/s1600/IMG_9112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wONXBO_a_88/Tdmx9M430wI/AAAAAAAABcI/zVVVmSkJsns/s320/IMG_9112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So you may not be able to read the text.. but the highlights of their interview about me.. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>My mom looks pretties</b>t.. in a light blue dress (C) when we go to church (H)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>While I am at school my mom..</b> I don't know what she does on monday, on tuesday she shops, on wednesday and thursday she goes to bible study, on friday she goes out and looks for stuff (C) She does fun stuff with the little kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>My mom's eyes are </b>green (C) light blue(H) .. perplexed that my children are obviously blind I also asked this question of the younger kids brown (A) and Rachel said Gold hmm flatterer! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">According to C my favorite thing to do is sew and make hairbows, but my dear daughter is quite convinced my favorite thing to do is have a little rest. either of these could be correct. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apparently, Miss H is convinced that I am the best coach, while Cubby thinks I rule at sewing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pictures were great, and the interviews quite insightful. I had a great Mother's Day, especially the little rest and steak dinner. we also have the most adorable family of blue birds (made of pottery) nesting on the downstairs mantle in the family room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mother's Day does mean that summertime is right around the corner, so we are beginning to assemble our fair entries.. here are some of the projects the kids have completed already. I love filling our summer's with arts and crafts am excited with all the sewing projects the kids have lined up! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbihiZGMxWs/TdmwGSarUvI/AAAAAAAABb4/TV2RJFpprUk/s1600/IMG_9108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbihiZGMxWs/TdmwGSarUvI/AAAAAAAABb4/TV2RJFpprUk/s320/IMG_9108.JPG" width="272" /></a></div> Cubby- Deacon Deacon in oil<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGkAV_tNTuE/TdmvvfI7gSI/AAAAAAAABb0/MZ41L2Q8hK0/s1600/IMG_9107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGkAV_tNTuE/TdmvvfI7gSI/AAAAAAAABb0/MZ41L2Q8hK0/s320/IMG_9107.JPG" width="213" /></a></div> Miss H Sundress<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUjcTLsXomY/TdmwbKMNrkI/AAAAAAAABb8/5rV9kuWD-eg/s1600/IMG_9109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUjcTLsXomY/TdmwbKMNrkI/AAAAAAAABb8/5rV9kuWD-eg/s320/IMG_9109.JPG" width="267" /></a></div> Miss H- Aslan in oil<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHGb-YK2YOM/Tdmw5-rjn-I/AAAAAAAABcA/9WyVFmHBZjs/s1600/IMG_9110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHGb-YK2YOM/Tdmw5-rjn-I/AAAAAAAABcA/9WyVFmHBZjs/s320/IMG_9110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Miss H- Red eyed tree frog<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mp6_4JTmpZk/TdmygZF8CjI/AAAAAAAABcM/SB9WNvhilXo/s1600/IMG_9113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mp6_4JTmpZk/TdmygZF8CjI/AAAAAAAABcM/SB9WNvhilXo/s320/IMG_9113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Little Daddy-Alligator (painting on wood)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hB7uiqRpTM/TdmxZKUzTUI/AAAAAAAABcE/k4xckrPSchA/s1600/IMG_9111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hB7uiqRpTM/TdmxZKUzTUI/AAAAAAAABcE/k4xckrPSchA/s320/IMG_9111.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Miss H-Mixed media (marker and chalk pastel)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would really like to do some batik fabric painting but I am having trouble finding a book on it from the library, and I thought a pottery wheel would be fun.. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also.. the pool is open! I haven't brought my camera down there yet, and it is still that awkward week when the younger kids don't remember that they love swimming.. but.. finally! Summer is just around the corner. </div>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-62462920212578009332011-05-20T12:43:00.000-07:002011-05-20T12:43:24.229-07:00strawberry field<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lM6okR6M_L8/TdawEHSYL3I/AAAAAAAABbQ/6x1ww2qHv-s/s1600/IMG_9053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lM6okR6M_L8/TdawEHSYL3I/AAAAAAAABbQ/6x1ww2qHv-s/s320/IMG_9053.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfPagAOXICQ/TdawjynoN9I/AAAAAAAABbU/Xho4Bdu8z0w/s1600/IMG_9054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfPagAOXICQ/TdawjynoN9I/AAAAAAAABbU/Xho4Bdu8z0w/s400/IMG_9054.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>It's that time again! Strawberry picking! And although dear cubby was terribly disappointed I would be taking the younger kids while he was in school, I forged ahead any ways.. because sometimes I am not a super mom, sometimes I am an easy way mom. Although I did promise him we would go one time with everyone. Here's some pics.. you know.. cause it's all about the documentation.<br />
<br />
As usual my "helpers" were 100 percent helpful for approximately 12 minutes, and then they were only interested in eating berries. Which is okay, since it does make for good photos. Unfortunately, it also means that they don't contribute much to our gallon, oh well! at least they weren't complaining.<br />
and seriously.. can you even believe lil bit's hair??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhh2errWMYw/Tdaywd0hpRI/AAAAAAAABbo/LNo3sD-oi3Q/s1600/IMG_9075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhh2errWMYw/Tdaywd0hpRI/AAAAAAAABbo/LNo3sD-oi3Q/s640/IMG_9075.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iwa5V8WJo6M/TdazLDdD_uI/AAAAAAAABbs/sB8IC29MMVE/s1600/IMG_9077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iwa5V8WJo6M/TdazLDdD_uI/AAAAAAAABbs/sB8IC29MMVE/s400/IMG_9077.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WyXcn5qtbM/TdaxFFXb_0I/AAAAAAAABbY/ol_rRp-X6eo/s1600/IMG_9055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WyXcn5qtbM/TdaxFFXb_0I/AAAAAAAABbY/ol_rRp-X6eo/s320/IMG_9055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t71wekwz69k/TdaxsM2fUII/AAAAAAAABbc/P6VXtMS2HeU/s1600/IMG_9056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t71wekwz69k/TdaxsM2fUII/AAAAAAAABbc/P6VXtMS2HeU/s640/IMG_9056.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hvPt7oorWs/TdayHR78otI/AAAAAAAABbg/U4lXhBtvjz4/s1600/IMG_9068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hvPt7oorWs/TdayHR78otI/AAAAAAAABbg/U4lXhBtvjz4/s320/IMG_9068.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGqOMciiJOY/TdazouBPZfI/AAAAAAAABbw/ube9cSw5cZY/s1600/IMG_9082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGqOMciiJOY/TdazouBPZfI/AAAAAAAABbw/ube9cSw5cZY/s320/IMG_9082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LB9BwZMpB7Q/Tdayc6H0W8I/AAAAAAAABbk/pNqZ2ozLN5E/s1600/IMG_9070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LB9BwZMpB7Q/Tdayc6H0W8I/AAAAAAAABbk/pNqZ2ozLN5E/s320/IMG_9070.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601459396662594181.post-45824865153444964532011-05-17T05:58:00.000-07:002011-05-17T05:58:50.110-07:00The final stretchWhen I get a minute I will update you on where I have been all spring.. and how awesome it is to be a coach. But for your interim entertainment I give you this...<br />
<br />
Cubby and Miss H have now trooped off to Kindergarten 163 times... as a group we have accrued 9 tardies (three of them because of the stinking Thursday train I don't remember until the last minute, one when Mimi had to take the kids to school, and a few lost shoes/car keys/ why are we even going) I think our abscence total is 5 3 days off for a broken arm, 1 fever, 1 dentist appointment, and one day the sun didn't come out and I just couldn't hack it)<br />
<br />
Anywhoo... so subtracting our fails I think we have made it like 149 times. Well today.. ATTEMPT one hundred and SIXTY FOUR.. I was naively thinking things were rolling along nicely.. healthy lunches packed, kids dressed (except Rachel because sometimes she's a pain) and I am putting the perfect ponies into Miss H's new shorter hair (I chopped 8 inches off ) when what comes skipping down the hall but Cubby....<br />
<br />
IN HIS BATHING SUIT!!!<br />
<br />
What??<br />
<br />
Yes after successfully getting dressed and preparing to get into the car he elected instead, to return to his room and put on HIS BATHING SUIT!!<br />
<br />
Really? After 163 tries? Bathing suit?<br />
<br />
In his defense swim practice does start today at 5:45 did he not think 3 hours would be enough time to change?<br />
<br />
I did not handle this well people.. not my best moment.<br />
blessedly there are only 16 more days.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17648541558878208069noreply@blogger.com1