Halloween Preview

Can you guess what she wants to be for Halloween?

Hint: It's not a ballerina...

Ballerina in the making

No...not me--though I was in ballet for a while a LONG time ago. I actually have very fond memories of it. I know a friend of my mother's helped with the bow that was sewn on the shoulder. I could go on and on about my adventures of ballet. Like I said, I remember it very well...I loved it.

Me as a ballerina, 1986

While up in the attic today rotating toys, I ran across this old ballet costume of mine. Of course, Robyn saw it and snatched it up. She spent much of her Sunday afternoon in it dancing all over the house!

I think I found her halloween costume....just need some ballet shoes (I'm sure I can dig some old ones up at grandma's house).

Step one.

Remove the old, ugly, unforgiving wallpaper...

Zero fun, sir.

Reality Check

Most people set their new year's resolutions at the first of the year. In our family, it seems that we set new goals at the beginning of the school year because let's face it...in the summer you're too busy having so much fun with hectic schedules, vacations and eating whenever or wherever. Did I mention the "vacation" part? You're either more or less active than you normally are when it's not Summer break. I think I'm finally over Summer vacation.

We're about a month into school and I have to say: Oh. My. Goodness. We're trying so hard to change some really bad habits around here and find solutions for some--challenges--that we've been faced with. And we wanted to add some new habits. Good habits. Heaven knows we don't need any new bad habits.

1. Physical activity. Notice I didn't say exercise. Use that word in a sentence and everyone starts to murmur...yep, even me. I thought I could initiate this as a mom (go on family bike rides, take a walk, etc). Apparently, those activities aren't "cool" enough. Our ideas of physical activity don't match. So, I introduced The President's Challenge to help us out.

My kids love to track and tally everything and get rewarded in the end. So, this program works for them. I love it when Aidan says to me, "But mom we have to go because I need 30 more minutes of physical activity!" I especially like how this program includes "housework" as one of their approved physical activities. So, I don't feel like I have to get out there and run a marathon everyday. Now I look at my kids (and my hubby) and watch their endurance level go through the roof! They have way more points than me while I'm "dying" over here trying to keep up with them.

Also, for the first time EVER we've let the kids (and us parents) pick at least one physical activity to be involved in outside of school/home. This was a HUGE decision for me because many of these programs take us away from home way too much. And the last thing I want is a crazy schedule just to get us to and from. But, we did find some programs that were a healthy balance for us.

2. Emergency Preparedness. We're still working on making this more family oriented. I go through phases of really focusing on this. We can make it through a hurricane. But, with the current drought situation Hunter asked me "Mom, if we had no water coming into the house would we be okay?" I panicked for a moment. So, I inventoried our water storage for the first time ever and realized we were WAY short of what we should have. Course, that led me to inventory everything. I found out one thing: we have PLENTY of peanut butter! This is definitely a work in progress...

3. Meals. This one kind of goes with #1. For a while there I was making some yummy, healthy meals every night. I thought I was in heaven. Then I realized we had a problem: I was the only one eating them and it was exhausting work for me! It was clear I needed to re evaluate this goal. You can't just change your family's eating habits overnight. Not that ours were bad--but we could be better. I'm trying better to let the children have more input on what we eat and I'm learning how to "sneak" the good stuff in. I've added A LOT of new recipes to my meal planning to get us out of the rut of eating the same things too often. I'm buying ingredients that I've never bought before (ex. liquid smoke?)! One thing I've started doing is finding those things that my family loves that's store bought and trying to make it from scratch at home. Yeah, it's a bit more work but it ALWAYS tastes better!

4. Ready for an upgrade. If I post it here for the whole world to see maybe it will actually become a reality. This home has been great for us and I feel ridiculous saying this (especially when you think about how small homes used to be with more people in them) but we're ready to move to a bigger home. Not to mention, Jaren's job (that he started back in March) requires a much longer commute than before. So, we'd like to live closer to his work. But, can't move unless we sell the home we're in. Obviously, this requires LOTS of preparation and it's just not happening fast enough for us. On the top of our list: backyard landscaping, replacement of floors and repairing some walls that I decided to start ripping the wallpaper from. Again--long sigh. I will have to face this idea that I probably can't accomplish these tasks on my own. Anyone up for helping? The thought of having to hire professionals...

We pray that maybe there's someone out there who wants our home just the way it is!

But, like the title of this blog: Reality Check!!

Favorite Places, Part 2

From the cold, windy Oregon coast to the dry deserts of Utah...

I know I visited here as a child--6th grade as I recall. Right now, the Visitor's Center for Dinosaur National Monument is closed for renovations until October. I was in the mood for some hiking, so it was fine that there was no Visitor's Center to see all the dinosaur bones along the side of a hill.

We took a bus ride up into the Dinosaur National Monument Area and took the "Fossil Discovery" hike. Not sure how long the hike was--only that there wasn't a single bit of shade. What do you expect when you're hiking in East Utah?

Right off the bat, Hunter took off to be right up front with the Ranger asking all sorts of questions and being very attentive.

I started behind (way behind) and hiked alongside Robyn who was moving at a comfortable, let's-touch-every-rock, kind of pace.

She was a good, little hiker.

The Ranger would constantly ask Robyn questions to which she always enthusiastically replied "YEAH!" (See picture below--you can see the ranger's feet in the upper left corner of the photo) Even though she had no clue...

While the Discovery Trail was an adventure, my favorite part of the day was when we ventured off the beaten path (literally) and drove into the canyon. For a moment there we thought we were lost as we followed the map given to us by the ranger. But, we eventually came to a place called Josie's Cabin.

An oasis in the middle of the desert. Lots of shade trees and picnic tables--perfect for a picnic lunch.

Learning the story of Josie Bassett Morris is quite intriguing! You could take some short hikes into Box Canyon if you wanted while relaxing here and wandering around this old homestead complete with a four room cabin, a chicken coop (pictured), a cellar and livestock (okay, there aren't any livestock here anymore).

So, if you're venturing through this part of Utah I recommend picnicking at Josie's Cabin--a bit off the beaten path but you won't regret it. If you appreciate the desert, the drive is quite scenic.

New Favorite Places

My definition of a successful vacation is getting to go places and do things you've never done before. So, here's to new favorite places!

First up: Hobbit Trail and Beach, Yachats, OR

The best way to see this AWESOME, postcard-worthy photo of the Hobbit Trail trailhead is to view it as big as you can!

And to think the ocean is just on the other side of these characteristic trees.

This 1/2 mile trail was recommended to us by my wonderful mother-in-law. She knows how much I love these types of short hikes that my children will do.

This trail is somewhat of a secret. It took me three tries to find it. Aidan was so sure he'd have a miserable time when I said we'd be going on a hike. He quickly changed his mind...

Why do they call it the Hobbit Trail? This is why.

The whole hike engulfs you in a forest full of huge, twisted trees. And, as you get closer to the beach, you literally go through what Hunter and Robyn call "Tree Tunnels". You have to duck to get through them while you go deeper and deeper into the dug out trail. You'll find these little tunnels all along the beach.

Yep--we felt like a hobbit. It was vegetation right out of a fairy tale! And you come out the other end to be greeted by a rather inviting, secluded beach! Have I said it enough?!

Breathtaking!

This beach doesn't boast big climbing rock (so typical of the Oregon Coast) but greets you with a sandy beach complete with an awesome sandhill.

There's shallow tiny, freshwater streams everywhere running into the ocean. That provided endless entertainment for Robyn.

So, if you ever find yourself driving Highway 101 in Oregon, make sure you stop and hike The Hobbit Trail.

Off the grid....Yep that's where we are!

Home again

So after Twilight Camp, we quickly took off for some R&R up at the Lake Livingston Lodge with LOTS of family. Including some that we hadn't spent time with in a few years. So, that was much needed!

Anyway, haven't forgotten my list from Twilight Camp though! We had a rather eventful year this year! So, here goes:

1. Fire ants are not our friends!!

2. Toads, however, are!

3. Snow cones fill up down time beautifully.

4. We love the rain...just not flooding our Me-Toos room.

5. List 100 ways that you can use butcher paper.

6. There's nothing better then getting our Jr. Volunteer soaked...everyday (thanks for being such a trooper Anne--we loved having you!)

7. It's so much easier to haul toys and supplies with a van (how did I do it in year's passed).

8. Nothing better than HUGE puddles!

9. Believe it or not, preschoolers CAN walk in a straight line--especially when threatened by fire ants (see #1).

10. CARS still isn't the favorite. Toys Story 3 wins this year...hands down!

Thanks to another successful year at Twilight Camp!

Here We Come...

This afternoon will be our first day of Cub Scout Twilight Camp of 2011. Being a Native Texan and all, I'm excited about the theme (even though we really don't utilize it in Me-Toos).

We're ready to tackle it and have a blast!!

It's Aidan's last year (can't believe he'll turn 11 this year and age out of Cub Scouts). It's Hunter's 4th year (2nd year as a Cub Scout). Because he started Cubs as a Tiger in a traditional Pack and then transferred to the LDS Pack last fall he gets to attend Twilight Camp as a Wolf two years in a row (don't think he even notices). It's my 4th year as the Me-Toos Director (and maybe my last???)...and Jaren's 2nd year heading up Sports. They are playing flag football--can't have a Texas theme without football!

It'll be a long, exhausting but fun week! We will literally drop come Thursday night!

I love caves.

Part of our trip to San Antonio was spent visiting Natural Bridge Caverns. Even if I had to force the rest of my family, we were going to these caves. I love caves. Even if it is overrun by lots of crowds. My experience with them doesn't go very deep: Mt. Timpanogos, Carlsbad, Craters of the Moon and Wind Caves (think Mt. Rushmore)--my mother had to jog her memory as to which caves I would have visited growing up. I toured those as a child and therefore can't remember them very well. So, I have a long way to go to actually have any real experience with them. But, we have to start somewhere...

Natural Bridge Caverns lays about 30 minutes north of San Antonio--possibly the most popular cave in Texas because of it's location. Gets its name from the rock formation that collapsed LONG ago only leaving a "natural bridge" structure at the top of the cave just above the opening.

We stayed simple and took the "family" tour (aka The Discovery Tour). Robyn did a wonderful job walking the whole 3/4 mile and not touching any of the cave walls or structures.

She was mesmerized by the pools and "cave kisses" (name given to dripping water that falls on your face). Because of our slow pace--her pointing out everything and me trying to take decent pictures (it's very hard to take good pictures inside a cave when you're constantly having to move with the tour)--we always ended up at the back of the group.

Hunter was always right up front with our tour guide keeping pace with her and asking all sorts of questions...no surprise.

Of the caves in Texas, I can now cross this one off my list. Yes, I aspire to visit every cave in Texas (at least all the show caves on the map). Then, I want to visit all the caves in the United States that I can. I'm no spelunker but caves fascinate me!


Now, if I can just figure out how to photograph in caves...that will take some experience. Guess I better get some more! Just when I was really starting to figure it out, the tour ended...

Harry's Wondrous World

Yes, more Aidan. He's been my busy kid! He really blossomed in 4th grade.

He finished up the school year with his performance in my annual piano recital that took place yesterday.




Gotta say though, I take absolutely no credit for this performance! Aidan just plays for the fun of it now.

To all my other students: Congrats on your perfect performances last night!


Thanks for an awesome year!

Tall Timbers

In our elementary school 4th graders are introduced to the recorder in their music class. As a musician, I love the idea. And, it gave Aidan a real opportunity to explore other musical options besides singing and piano. I cannot tell you how much he has absolutely loved playing. His piano skills have greatly improved since he took on this challenge. I even got my own recorder so I could play with him (since then Robyn and Hunter also have their own recorder).

4th grade Tall Timbers Recorder Group (Aidan is on the far left, red shirt)

This is just a sampling of what they played. They also played some pieces along with the rest of the 4th grade class with percussion instruments and singing. It was a great, eclectic program! (There's a bit of Robyn in here too--she'd be the little girl going in and out of the video)

I can't begin to explain how they "move up the ranks" in the "Recorder World". Only that the highest level of performance is a black belt (shown by a piece of string tied to the bottom of the recorder). Those performing at this level immediately become part of the Tall Timbers and got to perform separately here at the 4th grade program. He's gearing up to play with the Towering Timbers next year...a group that performs for various events throughout the year. Aidan's very excited for that!

I'm learning that Aidan is my instrumentalist. He doesn't care for the singing put he'll whip out a song on the piano or the recorder any day. He's already wondering what instrument he wants to play come Middle School.

Bathroom Woes

I was going to paint the bathroom today. The fact that I'm to the point where I can paint it is quite the accomplishment for me.

We knew when we bought this home four years ago that we'd have to do some work in this bathroom (I will spare you the photos). Firstly, it had no exhaust fan. Which contributed to the mildew buildup--yuck. Secondly, the vinyl flooring was coming up around the toilet. Just imagine two boys using that toilet. Another yuck. Both issues create this fantastic, pungent smell of--well, yuck! And, there are other issues in the bathroom (ie broken shower rod), but these two are the most obvious. I hate going in there and even worse--I hate allowing guests to use it.

Here we are, four years later and I'm happy to report that we did put an exhaust fan in back in February. We had to punch a new hole in the ceiling for it and we haven't gotten around to fixing up the old hole. While that has helped with the moisture we still had to clean up mildew that was already there. Not a job I was looking forward to. I was expecting it to be a miserable tasks of scrubbing and scrubbing in a bathroom of bleach fumes.

Turns out, the chore was quite the opposite! It took me less than hour to scrub...more like just wipe the mildew from the walls and ceilings and--with the newly installed exhaust fan--the fumes weren't too bad. I don't think I even broke a sweat!

We bought the paint Saturday and painted a little section. Due to the unusual, weird textured in there (different from the rest of the house) it'll take at least three coats.

So, like I said, I was going to paint today. While I'm excited that I finally can--I think I just want to hang with Robyn today.

Met It's End

I knew it. I knew it would come down. After Ike-force winds mutilated it I was sure it would only take one more excellent gust of wind before it literally came crashing down.

First this in Aug. 2008

Then this a month later


Now just a few moments ago:


So long big, ugly, rotten tree.

Anyone want to come help remove it from my driveway? How about removing it all together? Thankfully the young pine tree I just planted last Fall wasn't damaged. And, it barely missed my van. Then, I panicked and recalled that a piano student has just left my driveway not five minutes before this happened. Wow--timing is everything.

Fort Extravaganza

May 11, 2011. This day was met with RAIN! And, may I say that it rained for a good, long while. For those of you not from the area...we really needed it. Our Pack and other members of our congregation were out in it mulching the church grounds. Quite a sight to watch all the boys at work not caring about the rain.

But, this was not the grand highlight of our day for the family. The Fort Extravaganza was! (Given that wonderful name by our MC of the evening). While this ceremony was originally just a ceremony for me, due to schedule conflicts and a busy Summer coming up I knew the boys wouldn't be present at a Pack Meeting for several months. So, we opted to celebrate all of our accomplishments at this ceremony.

Hunter earned his Wolf Rank and several Arrow Points. Aidan received his Webelos Rank and all the awards that go with that.
I completed my Wood Badge Ticket requirements and therefore was awarded my Wood Badge beads, Neckerchief and Woggle. Basically, I graduated from the course after 15 long months of working on my ticket!
To avoid writing all about the significance of each tradition in Wood Badge you can read about them here. I, for one, find it quite interesting and am very privileged to be among this elite group of people in the scouting world.
(me with my Troop Guide and SR-1023 Course Director)

Yes, I know I'm short...must you keep reminding me...

Now I can join the ranks of my other family members who are not only former Wood Badge graduates but also members of the Buffalo Patrol. Yep--we all have a thing for the Buffalo...
Thanks for the gift to start my own Buffalo collection


The ceremony ended with the blowing of the Kudu Horn! Hunter commented that he must have meant to say "Fog Horn".


Us Scouters will admit that we are a little weird but we have so much fun!

Course, we had to top off the night with this cake sporting my Course SR-1023 logo, our Buffalo Totem (center) and our various Patrol yells...oh, and I realized this morning that those are little Buffalo tracks all over the cake! My sister did a great job portraying Wood Badge for me. It's great having a sister like her (that's putting it very mildly)!

It was a momentous and memorable occasion for me and I'm very grateful for those friends and family who gave up their late evening to attend, participate and support me and my family.

To my other Buffalo Patrol members: Get movin' and finish those tickets!

Guardian Protection Services

We all get those phone calls from non-profit organizations, credit card companies, car dealerships and my new favorite: home security systems.

For the most part I politely cut them off at the beginning to avoid their LONG explanation of why they are calling and assure me that they're not selling anything. But, for some reason I was quite impressed by the most recent phonecall from Guardian Protection Services. Granted, that afternoon was slow for me (okay, it was really slow). The guy on the other end couldn't have been more than 25 and he sounded very nervous but enthusiastic (kind of like when you're giving a talk at church). I heard lots of 'ums' and repetitive features of this fantastic security system. Nevertheless, I let him continue. For the first time ever I was smiling and genuinely entertained by this stranger who interrupted my lazy afternoon. I could tell He hasn't done this for very long...the least I could do was let him practice. Cutting him off too soon would never allow him to practice the whole spill. I just had to be nice this time. Overall, he did a pretty good job at keeping my attention. He gave me such a break from all those other, more annoying, 'you-talk-so-fast-I-can't-even-understand-you' callers. Not that I opted for the free, in-home demonstration given by one of their highly qualified techinicians that could be in my area on Monday!

Kudos to James at Guardian Protection Services! I hope I never hear from you again -

Mother Nature Rambles

I've spent my morning watching nature in my backyard. For some reasons it's quite entertaining today! After watering, birds flock in to grab the worms and hang out at the bird feeders.
The Gardenia bush is in full bloom (a month earlier than last year)
and Aidan's wildflowers are going crazy (still can't identify them yet).
Then there are my first Black Swallowtail caterpillars on my dill. Yes, I planted dill for the caterpillars...not really to harvest.
I watch as a feisty Blue Jay comes down and plucks one off the plant and flies away. I feel torn: I love seeing Mr. Blue Jay and the caterpillars--but the bird will always prevail. So, I have to let go of my ridiculous sadness for losing a caterpillar and be joyful that I've supplied a natural food for the birds as well. I'm sure they'll be back for more. They better or I'll run out of dill for the little crawlers.

Just gets me more excited as I wait for the day-lilies to bloom and for the Hummingbirds to return...still waiting for their favorite flowers to start blooming (any day now). Last but not least, waiting for the Monarch caterpillars to come back to the milkweed.

I didn't plant a vegetable garden for me this year. I just wanted to plant for Mother Nature.

Maybe you think I'm weird--but I find it entertaining to watch it all. I will sometimes drop everything to just sit and observe.

Beach Blues

We tried to spend the afternoon at the beach. But with a sickly toddler, too much wind, LOTS of people and high tide (which meant no sand castle building) we didn't stay as long as we had hoped.

The waves were fun!

And the little tide pool was perfect for Robyn.

(Aidan's the little person in the background)

We'll come back another day!

Going sleeveless?

This is the first year I actually contemplated buying Robyn's Easter dress (instead of making it). Honestly, she's in desperate need of Spring/Summer dresses for the first time in her life. She has finally grown out of all the ones given to her or that I made. I fully intended on going out this week and purchasing a few sundresses and nice church dresses.

Oh. My. Goodness. What a frustrating adventure! I've lost count of how many stores I've been through and I have one question for all those clothing manufacturers:

What happened to the sleeves??!!

Please! Bring back the sleeves. When did going sleeveless become so popular with little girls? I must have missed that fashion trend :\

The day has finally come...

Aidan was complaining the other day because he was so bored and had nothing to do. I sarcastically suggested, "Hey, wanna try mowing the lawn?" I did not expect him to jump up and actually go for it with a smile.


He went around the yard a few times just pushing it before actually mowing it. We had to make sure he had the strength to push it. That he does! Yes, his method is still not the most efficient but he gets the job done. And , the pride he felt when he was done...absolutely priceless! You can just imagine my excitement that I get to finally share this chore with him.


He can't wait to do it again!
(Now Hunter's complaining that I won't let him mow the lawn yet.)

In Your Face

Jaren was our MC for the night at our Church Pie Party. All his hard work and this is the thanks he gets!?




Let's not upstage Aidan who entered in the Children's Pie Eating Contest.
He won this round! He raced against two adults at the end for the grand prize (mind you, Aidan didn't have a whole pie--just a quarter). He did finish 2nd though! And when we got home he says to me, "Mmmm, I'm still hungry." Typical Aidan....


Have I ever seen so much pie in one place?! Don't recall Robyn actually eating any pie. She just ate the whipped topping off the tops of the pieces and I got what was left over (yum, yum).

Go Fetch

Our daily walks to the mailbox always include this happy canine.



At least she's not chasing the mailman.

Not quite all the way to China...

Name that Tune

Yes, it's riddled with mistakes....nothing close to perfection. So why am I video taping Aidan's practice session? Maybe it's the absence of formal piano lessons (though it was quite successful for the few months that he had them). Maybe it's the self motivation. Maybe it's the fact that he's been happily at it for about an hour now. Aidan found this piece of sheet music on the internet tonight, printed it out and went to work on page 1 of a 5-page piece of music all without me knowing. So, I started to take notice. How far he has gotten in just one hour.

This excerpt is (almost) the whole first page:
(Robyn started screaming during the last line of it, so I cut that part)



I clearly have underestimated his talent and potential in the music department. I knew he could play, but I've seen this music and I had no idea he could plunk out some of the notes and chords written here. He's even using the pedal! I hope he sticks with it because this piece of music is one of our favorites...just never thought I'd see Aidan tackle it NOW. Hopefully one day I'll get to post the whole song!

Can anyone name the song he is practicing?

I Think We Can

We genuinely do like to camp. We've done it numerous times but never by ourselves. We've always gone with other friends or family. And, in Southeast Texas you just don't camp in the Summer. You're forced to go during the school year--which can be tricky. But, we were able to get out during Spring Break this year!

We headed up to Rusk, TX...about a 2 1/2 hr. drive. Home to the Texas State Railroad.
Father and son immediately went to work getting the tent set up. This is only the 2nd time in six years for this practically new tent to emerge from the garage. At least I didn't have to do it.
Aidan also picked the meals while camping. We only used pie irons and our dutch oven. It did take three very charred pie irons pizzas before we got the timing right. Once we figured that out they were delicious. So, we also made hobo sandwiches and toast using them! The dutch oven cooked our breakfast casserole in the morning! Again--delicious! Of course, we had s'mores for treat. Try the strawberry flavored and chocolate swirl marshmallows...they're not that bad!
Jaren and I opted for Hobo sandwiches instead of s'mores. Mmm, yummy!
Hunter and Robyn enjoyed taking strolls around the campground...with the occasional Texas State Railroad Train passing through!

We took a longer ride on the train this year! Our trip was 4 1/2 hours round trip.

I always love taking pictures of Aidan in solitude (ie without Hunter nearby). I think he actually does love nature (even though he'll rarely admit it).The train took us to Palestine, TX where we had lunch and watched a very comical scene involving thieves, renegades and the Lone Ranger coming to save the day (I would have been more impressed had Silver been there too)!


The train ride back to our campsite in Rusk resulted in lots of this:
Hunter pretty much sat here the whole ride, only to fall asleep there...

Since the train sports a steam engine, occasionally rainbows would pop up alongside us.
Just love the tracks!
Robyn refused to go to sleep and when she finally did she was without pjs. She woke up in the middle of the night crying (because she was cold??). Robyn was the last one to rise later that morning. But, she did LOVE the tent!
Can you tell how filthy she is? Somehow she managed to "paint" herself with tree sap...

If you know Aidan, you know that he collects smashed (pressed) pennies. He brought home two truly smashed pennies from this trip.