Dandy Lande Ditties

December Roundup

2011-12-31T21:00:00.001-06:00

Hanukkah, birthdays, Utah, Christmas, etc., etc. It's hard to think that anything else could have happened in a single month, but lots more did:

Meaghan went on a field trip to the Farias School, with which her school has the buddy system. The kids have written to each other, chatted via the Internet, and then finally got to meet.

Camron had his class Holiday party, which included doing a craft, treats, playing games, more treats, doing a book exchange, and then, yup, treats. All the kids loved it - and why wouldn't they? And what parent wouldn't be super excited about picking up their sugar-infused child at the end of the day? Just look at those sweet faces.

Camron took his Tae Kwon Do belt test, working to go from yellow to orange (white-yellow-orange). Despite a uniform debacle, he did great and received his orange belt!

Both kids started basketball with the YMCA. Though both on different teams due to age, both are the Nuggets. Meaghan is like a Mexican jumping bean - a great defender and a great shot. If only she'd go after the ball a bit more. Camron, when he's not concerned with the buzzer - fingers in ears and all as he runs up and down the court - is an expert dribbler and shooter, and goes right after the ball. It's going to be an exciting season!

And though we were a bit under the weather the end of December, we had family here from Kansas City and the kids got to play with their cousin. Besides, swapping germs is part of a kid's routine, right? It's all about building the immunity system - when it's my kids who are sick, anyway, hehe.

And that finishes out December. And the year. And now it's time for a little retrospect and resolutions, because while 2011 was a great year, I think 2012 can be even greater.

Time marches on...

2011-12-30T20:00:00.001-06:00

I might have gotten older last month. I try not to think about it because at this point aging hurts. And the last thing one wants to do is admit to the age that her face is looking. I miss the days of getting carded. Long gone are those days. Looo-ooong gone.

But let's just say I did age another year. And let's also say that to celebrate I ate three cupcakes...THREE! (But it was yellow cake with chocolate frosting. And sprinkles! My fave!) And for the further sake of a possible birthday argument, we could also say that I inhaled too many chocolate peanut clusters to count. But hey, it might have been my birthday and I'll eat what I want to...almost guilt-free. Because if you're gonna have a birthday, have it big.

Me as viewed by my child through the lens of his father's phone.

P.S. Photos taken by children are better at my age. The pictures are blurry and it's harder to see the fine lines and wrinkles that are slowly starting to appear on my delicate face. Okay, fine; I may have some major creases and have for awhile. But they're still harder to see in blurry pictures. I hope.

Christmas in Utah

2011-12-28T15:00:00.001-06:00

I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am that I get to go home in the summer and winter to visit my family, friends, and to see my home state in all its beauty. Sadly, I didn't get to experience a snowfall like I'd wanted to, but it was still great to be home.

The kids and I had 10 days in Utah (Craig joined us on day 5). To do what? As much as we could!

BYU Basketball Game.
I love college sports and I'm so bummed we haven't done this in the past because we had a ball - and I'm slowly converting the kids to my alma mater. Meaghan even told me that she thinks if BYU and Alabama played against each other, her daddy would cheer for BYU. Oh, the naivety. But I love it! I didn't get pictures, but I did get some videos. Rah, rah, rah!

Also, it looks like Camron will be either a coach or commentator when he's older. He's got lots to say...to the players. He's also got a little to learn about fouls and such.

Camron Lost a Tooth.
And he's looking so grown up. And acting so grown up. Does that come with losing teeth? If so, I'll cement any remaining baby teeth.

Brighton Skiing.
I tried skiing once 20+ years ago under not-so-good circumstances. I didn't like it. But since my spouse wants us to be a skiing family, we put the kids in ski school and Craig gave it his best shot to teach me. Good news is I didn't do too bad and wouldn't mind trying it again. Bad news is Meaghan hated it, I got sick, and then I got grumpy and vowed never again. Good news is Camron LOVED it. L-O-V-E-D it. Guess we'll have to wait and see what our skiing future holds.

Christmas Eve.
A day of cooking, eating out, movies, and tracking Santa. Oh, and opening pajamas. The excitement builds...

Christmas Day.
A day of toys, more toys, candy, more candy, family, more family, and a Christmas feast. Is it no wonder it's a child's favorite holiday?

Opening presents

Dad pretending to pull Camron's other tooth with his thing-a-ma-jig.

Playing pocket bowling.

Helping Grandpa unload his stocking.

Favorite gift. And cheapest.
Lesson learned.

Tubing.
An annual favorite the day after Christmas.

This boy loves an adventure.

Camron pulling the tube alongside his dad.
He can do it himself now, ya know.

Easy ride up the mountain.

One child wants to do it on his own, the other wants to be waited on.
That doesn't sound like either of my children...

Meaghan hanging with her cousins at the lodge.

Family Christmas.
When as many of us Haackes who area able to get together to celebrate and exchange gifts. We always miss those who aren't there.

So what didn't you see? Me getting older - literally. My annual Culley family reunion - loved seeing so many of my own cousins and aunts and uncles. Laser tag - where kids and adults who act like kids have a great time. Down time - because it's necessary.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T23:59:00.002-06:00

Oh, the intentions of a Christmas post on Christmas Day. Oops. There's nothing like sending out Holiday cards to your family and friends telling them that for the latest and greatest family news and updates to follow along on the blog, and then not, well, blog. But I had the best of intentions. So, Merry Christmas - only 12 days later and into the next year.

But if it were Christmas and I was on the ball, I would have posted the words to the song "Little Drummer Boy" (minus the pa-rum-pum-pum-pums), because this year it was my theme song as to what this giving holiday is all about.

Come, they told me, a newborn King to see.
Our finest gifts we bring to lay before the King.

So to honor Him, when we come.

Little Baby, I am a poor boy, too.
I have no gift to bring that's fit to give the King.
Shall I play for you on my drum?

Mary nodded. The ox and lamb kept time.
I played my drum for Him. I played my best for Him.
Then He smiled at me; me and my drum.

Happy Hanukkah

2011-12-21T20:34:00.047-06:00

Amidst this crazy Holiday Season, it's time yet again to pause for, well, another crazy holiday. Eight crazy nights of it. Since Hanukkah falls during the Christmas holiday this year, we decided to celebrate early to keep the two separate and to avoid the even bigger frenzy of gifts and the me, me, me and mine, mine, mine that comes with getting so many gift at one time. And that's just the adults. (Badum-dum!)

So we lit the candles and celebrated last week. I love that Hanukkah is the "holiday of lights" and that it falls at the same time when so many lights are up. Quite ironic, I think. And convenient for me since we celebrate everything at our house.

Lighting the first candle.

Happy Hanukkah, y'all!

Greene Family Camp

2011-12-18T06:58:00.031-06:00

Last weekend we participated in a family getaway with a bunch of other families at a summer camp that tries to lure in new kids in by inviting them and their families to spend a weekend there. They're smart; we're impressed.

Let me tell you, this camp wasn't anything like the camp I went to... where I learned to tie knots, start fires, cook over a campfire, and sleep minus heat (other than my own body heat)...and go days without showering cuz there was none. Here we're talking tennis courts, arcade game room, basketball court, rope course, zip line, canoeing, swimming (in a pool, minus the leeches)...and these are just the things I can think of off the top of my head. Oh, and showers - with hot water.

Despite suffering a broken bed the first night (mine), a complete lack of chocolate and TV (I'm spoiled), we had a great time and found some favorites things:

1) Non-prepped meals. As in I didn't have to prep them. Yay!
2) The basketball court.
3) The zip line - even in the cold, even in the dark.
4) The campfire, which included songs. I really liked that.
5) S'mores. If only I'd known there was a hidden stash of chocolate the whole time.

Things we didn't like: the rope course. Meaghan was the first to go and about 20 feet up realized she had no desire to go any further...up or down. Camron saw that and walked away. Back to the basketball court we went.

Exploring the grounds.
And of course picking up feathers, rocks, and anything that may or may not sparkle.

This kid kept track of every basket. And announced each one.
He make around 128 points - here he's announcing 90-something.

Focused on making her shots.

Upward and onward.
At least for the moment.

Stuck and not happy about it.

Getting some consoling from her dad.

Camron donned in the zip line gear.

Meghan zipping.
Mom safely below freaking out.

Camron zipping.
Mom still safely below and still freaking out.

Making candles. And we had fun doing it!
My camp: make fire. New camp: make candles. Huh.

And now I must note that my boy is continuing his quest to grow up. He spent a night in the boys' cabin with his friend. I thought maybe there would be a knock on my door in the middle of the night with a boy ready to come back to his mom...but alas, there was none. He liked sleeping in the boys' cabin with all the boys and the camp counselor. Looks like I was the only one who wasn't ready for that.

Standing in front of the boys' cabin.

It also must be noted that Meaghan was at her most gleeful self when she was hangin' with the big girls, who were gossiping about this and giggling about that. She was in heaven...not that you can tell or anything.

Gettin' the story.

There's a camp for parents, too... right? With lots of chocolate, I hope.

Huh

2011-12-17T14:17:00.000-06:00

This is how my son's schoolwork comes home to me every day. Or, well, at least the days he chooses to bring it home.

Then, every once in a great while, I'll get an entire backpack stuffed to the brim with a whole stash of school papers that look like this...all because his teacher has asked him to clean out his tornado (ie, desk). Those papers are pretty twisted.

My Boy

2011-12-03T14:26:00.000-06:00

I sat looking across the table today at Camron as we ate lunch. Oh boy; my boy isn't so little anymore. As I sat there missing my baby and toddler, I also admired him: so good; so smart; so handsome. Then I wondered if getting older would erode away some of the things I love so much about Camron. Will he still hold my hand? Will he still give me hugs and kisses when I take him to school? Will he still put his arm around me when I sit next to him or snuggle with him at night?

Then a few minutes ago I got my first ever email from Camron. This is what it said, verbatim:

"Mommy guss what i love you!you are THE CUTEST MOM IN THE WORLD!
from, Camron to, Juli"

I love that kid. Not baby; not toddler; not little boy. He's officially a kid. And he's mine.

Of course the second email he sent told me that he heard me burp and "I excused you for burping." Again, verbatim.

And while we're on the subject of Camron, at school they made pictures/lists of what gifts they want for the holidays. Ohhhhhh boy.

So glad he has such low expectations. Guess this is part of the getting older, eh? Also thinking I should take out stock in Apple, especially if every kid's list looks like this.

Well at least I still have my little girl. Who just turned 5 and thinks she's a teenager. She's with her dad at a birthday party at the Downtown Aquarium today. As per the pictures I'm receiving, she is having a great time. Here are a couple.

Dear Time. Please slow down. I don't need longer days (in fact, you could throw in a few longer nights for me), but my kids are growing up too fast. Just give me a few extra months per year - that's all I'm asking. Well, for now, anyway.

November Synopsis

2011-11-30T20:50:00.000-06:00

Once again, we have a few leftovers from this past month. In the name of all that is cuteness, they must be posted:

Camron's PE class did a rollerskating unit. There's nothin' like a bunch of wild 1st-graders skating around a bunch of overly-cautious other 1st-graders. I won't tell you which category Camron fit in, but I will tell you that he was warning everyone around him with a swag of his finger to keep their distance.

Craig attended his annual industry roast, a fundraiser for YDC, a local non-profit after-school education center for under-privileged children. He worked hard at helping organize it, corralling attendees, and then enjoyed the fruits of his labor, which included a roast by his buddy Jeff Ross.

It was Meaghan's turn to bring the Shabbat box home from school, which contained all the equipment necessary to have a nice family Shabbat dinner...except the food. Darnnit. That aside, we had a very nice evening.

Meaghan attended a princess tea party...which was totally her cup of tea. She got all dolled up, from dress-up, to nails done, to make-up. A little girl's paradise.

Camron had his first big school project, which consisted of creating a Native American abode and writing a report about the Native Americans in the region he selected (Southwestern). He had an absolute ball putting his display of pueblos together and learning about how its inhabitants lived. Now don't think Camron could create a display without Meaghan creating one of her own...

All this amongst all that was our month of November. December... here we come!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T20:38:00.000-06:00

So much to be thankful for, so sad there's only one day a year that celebrates thankfulness.

In a Thankful nutshell, I am grateful for...

T- Thanksgiving. The one holiday that isn't over-commercialized. Yet.
H- Haacke's. I love 'em all.
A- All that I have... and then some.
N- Nuts, like those in Sweets chocolate peanut clusters. Boy do I love those things.
K- Kindness. It is so uplifting to be on the receiving end of kindness and compassion.
F- Food and full bellies. I am really thankful for good food and how good it tastes.
U- United States of America. I enjoy my freedoms and appreciate those who protect them.
L- Lande's...especially my own.

We had a great time in Utah. As always, home and family are key for me.

Enjoying our beautiful and delish Thanksgiving meal.

Making the traditional Thanksgiving candy turkey.
We tried something a little different...but still fun and still tasty.

Enjoyed a few activities, besides eating and also more eating.
Craig and Camron did the rope course.

While Camron did the ropes, Meaghan opted for the play area with her cousins.

I shall write a letter to my local congressman to ask for additional National holidays that celebrate gratitude, and that also provide time off from work/school and consist of lots of yummy foods. Feel free to join in the petition.

Some Entertaining Video

2011-11-22T18:10:00.000-06:00

I know, I know... birthday interview video to come. But until then, here's Meaghan entertaining you with her new princess microphone. This gift was a hit!

Camron is more of a stand-up comic. Or stand-up educator.

Birthday Celebrations

2011-11-22T17:08:00.005-06:00

So, rumor has it there was a birthday and a birthday party for someone at our house. Sometimes rumors are true. As long as I'm spreading them, right?

Birthdays are a big deal around here. Getting older ain't easy, so it must be celebrated when another year is reached. Keep in mind that this pertains to the birthdays of anyone 29 and younger. Once you hit 30, birthdays are dreaded and ignored. Take note.

Meaghan's birthday party consisted of a glow-in-the-dark party at a bouncy house. Close your eyes, if you will, to set the stage, and imagine 24 kids running around in the dark, going from jumpy house to jumpy house, wearing their glow-necklaces, darting in between the laser lights, listening to loud pop music, and squealing at the top of their lungs. Pretty cool if you're a kid. The adults, who were feeling their age (or maybe that was just me), meandered from place to place looking for and bumping into other adults and trying to hold a conversation.

The birthday day and birthday party were a success. Here are those days in pictures and captions (but sorry, my camera works in the dark just about as well as my eyes do, so no glow-in-the-dark pictures):

Daddy with Meaghan at her class celebration on her birthday.

Meaghan's class being silly. Shocking for this age, I know.
Though if you look closely, you'll see someone is much too refined for such shenanigans.

But not too refined to be overly excited for cake. Who wouldn't be?!?

Making birthday wishes.

Opening birthday presents.

She liked her brother's gift. A lot.
Glad she's a grateful child. Well, most of the time, anyway.

Camron got in on the gift action.

A princess castle with all the bells and whistles.
Someone...er...someones really liked it. It had gadgets.

This was the best gift for mom. I love this girl.

All prepped for her glow-in-the-dark party.
And she glowed!

The REAL cake, complete with princesses and castle -
as per her wish for the perfect birthday cake.

Getting the scoop from a friend.
Serious stuff, I tell ya.

Time for snacks and cake. AKA: sugar high.

Still shocked and awed by her gifts.
It never gets old.

She did not waste any time enjoying her gifts.
Her many gifts. Her many awesome gifts.

She wasn't the only one who enjoyed her gifts.
We got to enjoy the entertainment.

Happy Birthday, Meaghan. You're 5!

2011-11-18T05:00:00.002-06:00

My Dear Beautiful Meaghan,

Five years ago you came into this world and brightened your family's lives and the lives of those around you...more than you could ever realize. You are my energetic, passionate bundle of love, smiles, kisses, hugs, and my artist of rainbows, flowers, and hearts.

I love how excited you get, whether it's over our special movie nights, a treat, a shopping trip, or the fact that you're having a birthday and turning 5. Your excitement is contagious. You have intense passion.

I love how you tell me everything...well, everything that is important to you, anyway. I love knowing who said what at school; who picked his/her nose; who pushed who; and who wore what. And I love that you can't keep a secret (it just eats you up), and you don't like secrets being kept from you (that eats you up even more).

I love you for the questions you ask... never stop asking them:
- Why did God make pirates if they're bad?
- Why did God create mosquitoes?
- Why does God let us get old?
- Did God make rocks... light bulbs... TVs... ?
- Are you older than 120? (Well, maybe you could stop asking that one)

I love how serious you are when you tell me things like: "If you don't be nice, I'm gonna call your mom and tell her." Or when you say anything that ends with "Duh," though I pretend I'm annoyed and scold you.

I love how when you don't tell the truth your eyes suddenly roll up to the corners and you purse your lips together to suppress a smile.

I love listening to you pretend, or talking to yourself in the mirror, or rambling on in a language you've made up that you call Spanish.

You love pink, dolls, princesses, headbands, jewelry, clothes, shoes...anything that is girlie and costs money. You love your friends and your family.

You love music - anything with a beat. And you've got the dance moves to go along with it. I love listening to you sing, especially the lyrics you've come up with on your own. And I love how when we're dancing together you stop and say, "Mom, watch this move." Or you compliment me on a move I make. I treasure that, cuz I know it won't be long before those same dance moves embarrass you.

You are smart. Nothing gets by you and you can do anything you put your mind to. You know what to do and say to make a case for yourself.

You collect feathers, rocks, sparkles, and inadvertently sand and dirt from everything you pick up off the ground. And I find it ironic that you get so grossed out over someone having touched their mouth or having a scratch anywhere on their body, yet you pick up rotten acorns, dirty feathers, and would happily pick up gum or candy off the ground and plop it in your mouth if I didn't threaten you with the possibility of every disease out there.

I love that you still hold my hand, want my hugs and kisses, and demand your mommy. It's not always convenient, but it's always secretly appreciated.

As I sat looking at you last night while you were sleeping, first I realized that you are an amazing miracle. Then I realized that not much will change for me come the next day, but a lot will have changed for you. Birthdays have milestone implications for you, and you've just reached one. Five. You're leaving behind everything you would consider baby-ish. And then there's kindergarten. More lost teeth. And you are officially a kid (so stop acting like you're a teenager already, wouldja?).

So my birthday girl, I hope all your birthday wishes come true. I hope you continue to grow and stay healthy, enjoying life and what it has to offer. We wish for you all a mother, father, and brother can wish for their daughter/sister. We love you.

Nutcracker Market 2011

2011-11-15T18:00:00.000-06:00

This time of year brings about all sorts of events. And so many of them involve shopping and spending money. What fun! (This coming from a girl who doesn't enjoy shopping or spending money. But there are always exceptions, right?)

There are so many good sales this time of year, the kids need new winter clothes and shoes, as do I, we've got some major holidays coming up, and then there's the Nutcracker Market.

Oh, the Nutcracker Market. It just brings out the money-spender in me. Shopping for and spending money on things I would normally never buy. Flashy shirts, flashy jewelry, decorations, and chocolate-covered everything. Ok, fine. I spend money on chocolate-covered anything no matter the time of year or event.

You know who really does like spending money? Meaghan. She was my partner-in-crime again this year. Maybe she brings out the money-spender in me - it's quite possible. Shopping is her favorite sport and spending money is her favorite hobby. She can give you a valid reason for everything she wants to buy. She can give a valid "to-buy" reason for everything I want. And she's very convincing.

This is our third year, and I must say...I am really liking this little tradition.

Busy shopping and making decisions.

Taking a break to eat chocolate-covered popcorn...
sprinkled with M&Ms. There's no such thing as too much chocolate.

Once shopping is done we do some people-watching.
Quite entertaining, even for a 4-year-old.

Then of course you have to take silly pictures.

The credit card statement will be ugly this year...but the experience was beautiful.

BTW, this should for sure be my spouse's favorite post when he reads the money part - which is the entire post, I guess. We just won't tell him how much money.

October Summary

2011-11-08T20:17:00.000-06:00

A few other things happened in October that got waylaid by more obvious events. But pictures were taken and I can't waste some good pictures (even if I didn't take them). So here are just a few other things from October:

Meaghan went on her first class field trip. Rode a bus and everything. Since chaperon spots were limited, Mom went to workout where she didn't have to think about how her baby girl is growing up. They went to Main Street Theater and had a ball.

With her teachers and some classmates.

Meaghan also had field day at her school. This was comprised of kids PreK-4 and older going outside to play games (dodge ball and some sort of potato sack race) and sweating to death in a sort of mad, chaotic fashion. The day ended with popsicles, cuz there's no better way to hand off worn-out children to their parents than topped off with sugar.

I finally got to go to a college football game...and it was even that of my alma mater. BYU played TCU in Dallas and Craig and I drove up to JerryWorld and watched the game. Well, I watched the game; Craig watched my phone as it continually updated the 7th game of the World Series. (He was a true sport about it.) The night didn't end with a BYU win, but it was still fun to cheer on my team and I got to enjoy the atmosphere of college football.

Also some picture-less items:

We captured (that term is used loosely here) the carcass of a butterfly. It is our pet. Again, note the "carcass" part - the butterfly was expired before it found its way into our "butterfly garden". Easiest pet I've ever had, though I'm a little mortified that it's been two weeks and it's still sitting here next to me as I work.

The tooth fairy is going for broke. Meaghan has another loose tooth and Camron has four (two more wiggly than others). I figure the Halloween candy should decay what's left of their roots and the tooth fairy will be paying out within the month.

I went on a ghost tour here in Houston. I actually took lots of pictures but didn't get anything worthwhile. I didn't see or experience any ghosts. I did, however, have a lot of fun with the ladies I went with. And...wait for it...I did encounter some blood-sucking entities! It just so happens they were mosquitoes and they sucked a lot of my blood. So unless ghosts are inhabiting the bodies of those nasty varmints, there was no paranormal activity. Bummer. I love that stuff.

We did the Monster Mash!

2011-11-02T14:00:00.001-05:00

Things got a little spooky at our house last month. Guess that's normal, since it was the month of ghouls, goblins, and ghosts! Halloween is quickly becoming a family favorite, as there's a certain someone at my house who enjoys getting into costume as much as his children, and then dragging his spouse into it... and then there's another certain someone who enjoys candy, and candy, and also candy. But don't look at me to name names, I'm mum on the subject.

Because I've learned that I still have lots to learn, here are some Halloween things I gleaned this year:

- My kids enjoy handing out candy as much as they like taking it in. Maybe we should do more handing out and less hoarding.

- Mosquitoes are vicious and when hungry enough, completely ignore repellent-laden clothes and skin and drink your blood anyway. And apparently they can bite through anything - denim, costumes and, yes, even underwear.

- All the importance and love of candy goes right out the window for Meaghan if she gets nail polish. One of the best handouts ever...if you're a mom who allows your daughter to paint her nails, that is. Yeah, I do.

- If a rule is being broken, Camron will shout it from the mountain tops. Of course I already knew this about Camron, but I didn't think he'd bust the rule-breaker while breaking the same rule himself. (No running!)

- If you're 21 and older, I find it to be a little creepy if you're trick-or-treating. Dig some change out of the couch cushions and go buy yourself a bag of candy.

- Almond Joy and Mounds are still the most disgusting candy bars ever. Even my kids don't like them. Hopefully they make good compost.

A few (and by a few I mean a ton) of pictures:

Thanks to Rosa and the two goblins, even our house got into the spirit of things.

"Disco Stu" was super proud of his costume.

In the Horn Halloween costume parade.

Darth Vader... lookin' cool!

Alice in Wonderland... and her smile

Cuz it goes to show you how hard it is to get two
kids to look at the camera, at the same time, and smile.

Golden. Or at least as golden as it's gonna get.

With friends

Handing out candy with friends.

Of course, look who has her hand in the candy bowl.

Because one costume is never enough!

Fall Carnival

2011-10-26T09:25:00.003-05:00

This past weekend was Camron's school's fall carnival. Because there aren't enough activities this time of year, let's throw a carnival in there. I hope it was as successful for the school as it was for my kids.

Camron's favorite thing: Bowling the cans over. And he did it so well. He also enjoyed mini-golf - can you say hole in one! There's a golf legend in our midst.

Meaghan's favorite thing: Picking out a prize. She spent more time with her nose in the prize box than she did playing any of the games. It was a carefully-considered choice every time.

Most shocking part for me: Prizes ranged from everything like candy, to vampire teeth, to candy, to tattoos, to candy, to other knick-knacks. What kind of prize did my kids pick every time? Not the candy! Let's just say I have several sets of vampire teeth and tattoos. I couldn't even persuade them to get me a Tootsie Roll...not even just one. Whose kids are these? Where was my candy-infatuated daughter when I needed her?

Busy, I guess, doin' a little of this...

My golf pros.

What's a carnival without pink and green hair?

Playing his favorite game. Over and over and over again.

Searching for the magical fish.
And notice who's got her hand in the prize bowl... searching... searching... searching...

One set of what seems like 100 sets.

Still searching in yet another prize box.

Silly String corner.

"The" slide.

Someone's got a new look to her grill.

2011-10-24T16:03:00.000-05:00

It seems like I was just blogging about a 1st lost tooth not too long ago. Could it be... oh... yes; but it was for my 6-year-old, not my 4-year-old.

Not to be kept back by something like age, Meaghan - who has always thought herself as able to do everything the same as her brother - has lost her first tooth. Even though she's 18 months younger, exactly six months after her brother lost his first tooth, she has lost hers. //sigh// So much for enjoying my baby.

Actually, I've been in denial about her tooth for the past three weeks. It couldn't possibly be loose, right? If I just ignored it, it would go away. You see, ever since Camron lost his first tooth in April, she's been talking about it and wiggling away. And while I discouraged it, I mostly dismissed it. Blame it on the second-child syndrome.

So when she woke up three weeks ago stating she had tooth pain, I brushed it off as I had the other times. When she insisted, I poked her tooth (that's the official medical term and procedure, I'm sure), and sure enough, it moved. I was so freaked out that I didn't even tell her. I had to call the family dentist first to make sure it didn't warrant an office visit. Apparently though not as common, it's still in the normal range for kids to lose their teeth that early. Call it common, but I think my daughter has been willing her tooth loose since April. (The girl is strong-willed.)

So after three weeks of sheer elation and wiggling by a 4-year-old, we are proud to announce the loss of Meaghan's first tooth, yesterday evening, when hanging by a thread her mother pulled it. Much to her astonishment and mine (cuz face it, the whole thing is kinda gross). At least I got to be there for it this time, since Camron lost his at school.

The toothless smile:

Though it looks like she's a deer caught in the headlights,
this is actually her wide-as-she-can-grin, super excited face.

A better view.

The blessed tooth.

The note as transcribed by her mother,
but signed and hearted by Meaghan.

Like Camron, Meaghan had requests of the Tooth Fairy that did not fall within a Tooth Fairy's job description. She wanted a Barbie, which she failed to mention in her note, thankfully. She was pleased with her 5 bucks and has told me she's going to use it to buy an iPod - not a Barbie, interestingly enough. So anyone willing to sell their "super cute pink iPod" for $5, please contact me.

More Than Words

2011-10-23T13:30:00.005-05:00

Sometimes no words are needed, except the words to say no words are needed. :)

Camron wrote this for me at school.
We will be having pancakes every weekend for the rest of our lives.

Meaghan hides under her bed when she gets busted.
I think it's safe to assume that this day's meltdown was due to exhaustion.

Airshow!

2011-10-22T11:41:00.000-05:00

Fall activities are underway. Woot! Woot! And the Wings Over Houston air show is always a fall favorite. Always. Well, for me and Craig anyway. And it was for the kids, as long as they were sitting in the car watching from afar. Once we got onto the grounds and those fighter jets fired up their engines, the gruesome twosome sat with ear plugs in, earphones on, and still had their hands clamped over their ears on top of that. Next year we may save ourselves some cash and watch the show from the parking lot.

Watching the show...with such excitement and enthusiasm.

Some pictures say it all.

Just cuz I find them to be so cute.

This whale of a plane is always a spectacle to take in.
And I love that it's named "Guppy".

They loved this plane because it flies into hurricanes.
And if you remember anything about Camron this past
summer, remember his hurricane obsession.

Love that Camron has his ears plugged in every picture.

It's gonna get better as time goes on, right? Fingers won't always be in ears, right? It won't always be about what snacks I brought, right? Well, it's always about the snacks - who am I kidding?!

Well whether from the parking lot or in front-row seats, I'm already looking forward to next year's show, and whatever progress we make with it.

Here's video of the kids during happier air-show times - on the drive in.

Ah, Fall, Finally!

2011-10-10T20:47:00.000-05:00

Well finally... finally we're experiencing some true fall weather - Houston style. This means the temperatures are bearable. Instead of 100+, temperatures have dipped into the low 90's, and even the upper 80's more recently. So instead of sweating one's entire body weight, you sweat only half. Ah, life is good!

To celebrate the beautiful weather, last weekend we went on a bike ride/slash walk. (Interpretation: When child gets tired of riding, mom gets to push the bike back while said child walks and collects all sorts of mutilated acorns, bug-infested pinecones, matted feathers, and abandoned snail shells - to name a few - and puts them in your pockets.)

But I was able to capture the essence of the day - such sweetness and beauty so fleeting:

And then my sugar-and-spice said, "Mom, take my picture!" And I got this, and lots of it (she played the role of model and photo shoot director):

And then when I requested pictures of my puppy-dog-tail, I got a roll of the eyes and this:

And finally he relented and I got this:

Yay fall!

Shanah Tova 5772

2011-09-28T21:13:00.001-05:00

L'Shanah Tova! May this Jewish New Year be full of an abundance of sweet things. And if you're not Jewish, celebrate anyway, cuz who couldn't do with another party? Besides, Rosh Hashanah is just fun to say.

Rosh Hashanah got me thinking about this year, 2011, and how it's been rather blase for me. So I did a little soul searching. Could it be because this year I failed to make resolutions? Is my lack of written-down goals, big and small, coming back to bite me? Well I'm not taking any chances; I'd like the reminder of 2011 to be peaceful and prosperous. Thus, I shall take advantage of the Jewish New Year and make a few goals:

Goal 1: Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into my diet. There was a time when I was held accountable to my friends for what I ate every day. Since that has stopped, so have the fruits and veggies - to a large degree, anyway. Let's hope putting them on this list gets them back on my grocery list.

Goal 2: Along with that first one, go back to taking a daily multi-vitamin. I'm not sure why I stopped, but it hasn't been easy to get back into the habit. I sure wish they'd just shove those things into something yummy like donuts or cookies. Then I'd have no problem getting my daily values.

Goal 3: Do 5-10 minutes of daily breathing and stretching. I need a good clearing of the mind and easing of the muscles... aka, some get-in-touch-with-me-ness. It's gonna be finding the serenity to do it, and I fear that may mean getting up even earlier... which is why one of my goals won't be "sleep in", though some day.

Goal 4: Read more. I have enjoyed my iPad - which I got, in part, for the purpose of reading electronic books. However, since receiving it (and then supplementing it with my smartphone), rather than reading in my spare moments I've been playing games. No wonder my mind is mush.

Goal 5: Review my goals. Cuz if you don't review them, how do you remember them? By tomorrow afternoon I won't even remember what I had for lunch today (a yummy glazed donut - thus Goal 1 and Goal 2), let alone multiple resolutions.

Goal 6: Remember what life is about and enjoy it. I have lots to enjoy, including two beautiful children and a super duper husband (you know he's good, cuz he got the "duper" with the "super"). The rest of the extended family ain't too bad, either. Plus I have wonderful friends. Speaking of which, I also need to re-prioritize my dear out-of-state friends and family. I will do better to reply to emails more swiftly, even if it means with just a few words rather than a rambling paragraph or two. (I know it's hard to believe, but sometimes I ramble.) I'll be better with phone calls, too. And I'll even initiate some of those emails and phone calls.

So, let's start there and see what it brings me. And come 2012, I'll be making some resolutions...even if they're similar or exact to the ones listed above. Cuz maybe there is a little somethin' to making goals and writing them down, even if they seem obvious.

La Shonah Tova to you, and may your 5772 be peaceful and prosperous.

Ah, Autumn

2011-09-24T10:55:00.000-05:00

How much do I love this time of year?! It's fall! Autumn! College football season! A bevy of activities! And in other parts of the world where I don't live, it's getting cooler and the leaves are changing colors. This is truly my favorite time of year... because:

Pumpkin. Pumpkin cookies. Pumpkin bread. Pumpkin pie. Pumpkin spice shakes. Pumpkin everything! Yum!

The store shelves will be filled with candy from now through April. Again...yum!

With school comes birthday parties, birthday parties pretty much every weekend, and at birthday parties they serve cake. And I love cake! You guessed it... yum!

While the temperatures here are still in the upper 90's, feeling like 110+, there is hope for cooler temperatures, and hope shall keep me alive.

College football! Any college football! Just give me a good game, a Diet Coke, a little somethin' to snack on, and a spot on the couch. I'll be set the entire day. Well, that was in a previous life, now with kids I get to watch 12 hours worth of DVRed football in three hours. But I'll take it. Can anyone say Michigan vs Notre Dame?! Eh, eh?

The onset of activities just around the corner. Rosh Hashanah kicks it off next week, and then every weekend will be booked with something fun until school is out. My kids and I have the holidays meticulously mapped out from next week to Christmas.

Good TV. Again, all of it DVRed, but good TV nonetheless.

And once falls hits, I know within the next few months I'll get to see my family and hopefully some snow, if only for a few days. And the added bonus? Sweets peanut clusters. YUM!

Now there are some downfalls to this time of year, like even though I have to wake up my kids on school days and beg and nag them to get going, on Saturdays and Sundays they're up at 6AM, in my bed, and asking every five minutes if they can watch TV yet. There's also the lack of sleep, not just from being woken up on the weekends, but by an alarm clock every weekday morning at 6AM. But it's a good tradeoff.

And now, a few random photos.

Some pictures need no explanation... cuz there is no explanation

I get this annoyed look a lot.
But it's still a cute mug.

Someone enjoys those Lowes and Home Depot
kid workshops.

88 Lines About 44...

2011-09-19T17:35:00.000-05:00

This is why, at least in the past, I have posted all the time - the little weekly happenings pile up. And then your blogging mo-jo goes away. And then you have no mo-jo and a list of things to blog. Oy! What's a girl to do?

The girl makes all the little things short and sweet. Here's the last month or so in a jiffy:

We've had more heat. I can practically see the heat radiating in this picture. Add to that no rain. Major draught situation down here with wildfires everywhere.

A getaway to the beach with friends. It's amazing how even though it's 100+ degrees in Houston, 45 minutes to the south it's 10 degrees cooler with a great breeze. Who cares about the brown Gulf water with that combo?

With the start of school comes the onslaught of birthday parties - one of my children's greatest joys! And you can see why when there's a petting zoo involved.

Survival of the first week of school. Adjusting to it exhausts some of us more than others. Those who don't nap but should tuck in and adorn those of us who shouldn't nap but do.

Rollerskating. Who knew they still had skating rinks - with disco balls? And actual roller skates? Who knew I could still skate? Who knew it would take so much energy to teach the children? Who knew Meaghan would be more interested in making a fashion statement? Me.

Labor Day! ...and the weekend leading up to it. Celebrated working too much by not doing much.

Geocaching! Saw that someone did this and I looked into it. Camron got all excited and had asked and asked to do it. So finally we did it Labor Day weekend. In short, Geocaching is a glorified treasure hunt done with a GPS system to find a "treasure" hidden by a complete stranger. Sounds perfectly sane to do in a city of 4+ million, eh? I risked my life following that GPS system, walking back into some deep, dark areas where I expected to trip over a body at any time. Not having any luck, we gave up after three tries and started hiding things for the kids to find. They didn't know any better. Of course not having planned this, they found such treasures as a tube of sunscreen and some of their own trinkets left in the car. Here you see Camron showing us the way and Meaghan in her, well, excitement?

Get ready for lots of pictures of beasts (that includes the children):

Love that she looks like a deer caught in the headlights...
and she's standing with a deer! Brilliant!

Labor Day weekend included a tour of the Bayou Wildlife Park. Think safari without sharp teeth. Unless you count the donkey that got Meaghan's finger. Oops.

Also, a wonderful dinner with wonderful friends. Some four-legged.

And finally, the past month culminated in a kid-free weekend in Austin, TX, for me and the Mr. Here's to hoping that's all it took to get back my blogging mo-jo: some sleep, some calm, and a little scenery. And maybe lots of carbs, chocolate, and Diet Coke.

1st Child's 1st Day

2011-08-22T18:18:00.000-05:00

Someone could hardly sleep last night in anticipation of today - my boy's first day of first grade! And that someone was me. Ay! With the level of anxiety I was at, you'd a thought it was my first day of school. Why so anxious? I don't know. New school building, new class, new teacher... still feeling unorganized amidst my over-organization. But we pulled it all together and my first grader had a great first day of school. (I won't mention that with the new school everything was completely chaos regarding drop-off and pick-up... other than someday I will re-read this and I remember and then appreciate that we survived it.)

So I thought dropping off Meaghan on her first day was hard, but today rivaled any other drop-off in years past. My baby boy amongst a sea of 750 students and scores of their parents... one person more confused than the next - including the teachers. It was a toughie. But when I saw that other parents we're leaving their children with a kiss and reassuring hug, I felt it necessary to do the same. And so with my sage words of advice and a kiss on the cheek (cuz c'mon, Mom, I'm amongst my peers here), I left him to his day.

Though I might have stalked him as he walked to class with all the other 1st graders, and then peered in a few times while he sat so diligently at his desk, and then leave only after I felt it was obvious I was, well, stalking.

Here's to a wonderful year for a wonderful boy!

Repurposing

2011-08-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

In one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple, there is a section entitled: "New Uses for Old Things". For instance, you can use a Lifesaver to hold a birthday candle in place; spaghetti can be used as a candle lighter (I need to try this!); and you can repurpose an empty tissue box to hold plastic bags. I enjoy these helpful tidbits and employ some of them.

But I'm not the only one in my house who has found new uses for old things:

Meaghan has turned our treadmill into her display shelf. (Of course my husband is just happy someone is using the treadmill...even if it is as a sort of trophy case.) And don't worry, my girl still has purses and bags and backpacks and nooks and crannies filled with stuff, too. The girl has taken over. She's a hoot in more ways than one.

What? You haven't heard? Yes, every princess needs pink swim goggles to wear to bed.

1st Day of School...for the 2nd child, anyway.

2011-08-17T14:22:00.000-05:00

Strike a pose!

You wait for it, you count down to it, and you prepare for it. The first day of school. Why? Because you're tired of your children's cantankerous behavior toward each other after being cooped up together all summer - especially the last three weeks. Because you're tired of hearing the same words coming out of your mouth, like: "Don't touch each other," and "Please don't breathe on him/her" and "Knock it off," and "Stop copying your brother's/sister's words," and "If you do that one more time...". And because it's what you do come fall... and I love fall. (Which after our 15th day of 100+ temperatures seems to be nowhere in sight.)

So why, then, was it so hard for me to leave Meaghan in that classroom and walk out the door? Is it because it's her last year of preschool? Or maybe because it's my last year of preschool? She was fine...had her friends, her new clothes, her new shoes. All she needed was for her parents to get out. So when we got the nod from the teacher, we left...me dragging my feet a little while I turned around a few last times. //sigh//

And so her first day of her last year of preschool commenced. Success!

By the way, that pose in the first picture? All her. I said, "Let me take your picture," and that's what she gave me. And more...

Our Obsessions

2011-08-06T21:13:00.000-05:00

There has been some major obsessing at my house. Is summer making us OCD? Well maybe, cuz I've heard about, looked up information on, and answered more questions regarding hurricanes in the last three weeks than I'd like to recall. And that was just one child's obsession... the other has an obsession all her own.

What is the deal with hurricanes? How are they even a topic with so few that have totally fizzled before making landfall...hundreds of miles away from us? It all started with the signs all over the freeways and a boy who can read. "Hurricane season is here. Be prepared." Thus ensued the, "What's a hurricane? Is it coming here? How are they made? Why does God make hurricanes?" And so the National Hurricane Center of NOAA.org has become my best friend as Camron and I have plotted the storms and watched them develop. We've Googled, we've YouTubed, and we've read in Encyclopedias. This has resulted in tropical storm updates from an enthusiastic child. Sometimes at 6:30AM, sometimes when using the restroom, and all the time at a fevered pitch. Though one should note that telling your children about Hurricane Ike hitting Galveston is not a good idea when a planned trip to Galveston is happening within the next few days. Nor is it a good idea to let them watch any of Shark Week. We live, we learn.

So while Camron obsesses over hurricanes, Meaghan continues her obsession with glasses. While she is short on the questions, she is long on the begging and dramatic effects. One day I came this close to buying her a pair just to make it all stop. I can't tell you how many times she has made her eyes all squinty and then bumped into things, or told me she can't see me or her own feet. And the best is when she walks around with her arms held out to keep her from walking into things. She's even told me she wouldn't be able to remember her name until she gets the glasses she so desperately needs. Not even threatening her with puffs of air in the eye or eye drops has deterred her. I had to lie and tell her shots might be involved. While this lie stopped her from asking for her own pair of glasses, it didn't stop her from asking for mine.

And me? I'm obsessing with fall. Cooler weather. College football. Some of my favorite holidays and activities. I'm in no rush for school to start, as I've enjoyed sleeping a little later, but I can hardly stand the wait and it's only August. And so the obsessing will continue. Cuz if ya can't beat 'em, ya may as well join 'em.

Crossfit Me

2011-08-03T23:04:00.000-05:00

Last month marked my two-year anniversary of Crossfit. Yeee-up, I've stuck with it. I've stuck with the weight, the pain, the sweat, the running and the running and the running, and the growth. Sounds like something only cult members would freely adhere to four times a week - and some do think it cultish. But it's just the way I stay in shape so I can freely eat that monstrous chocolate chip cookie when I get home... or the donut, or the candy, or... well, yeah.

To say that I enjoy Crossfit...well...doesn't quite fit. I'm still extremely nervous before every workout, and during workout there's nothing more that I want to do than stop and walk away, and after the workout I'm knocking on death's door, and even 15 minutes after a workout I'm still near death. But I do enjoy that I handle Crossfit - cuz it's not meant to get easier...but it does get better. (Never a truer statement, Amy.)

How do you know if you can handle it? Well, you know you can handle Crossfit if...

- You don't mind a chafed bum. Don't bother asking and I won't bother showing. Just know it hurts, especially when you shower.

- Getting a blister on top of another blister is bliss to you. I didn't even know this was possible, but...ta-da!

- You think the dents, dings, and scars in your shins make your legs look all the more attractive in shorts and skirts.

- Feeling like you're gonna puke is the norm. Or pass out. Or die.

- You don't mind dirty knees, cuz no matter how hard you scrub (even with a foot file), the dirt is permanent.

- You're not too embarrassed to cry when you hear words like: burpee, bear crawl, overhead squat, and tire push, along with names like Fran, Helen, and Curtis P.

- Road rash is no big deal. At least as long as you have peroxide in your medicine cabinet.

- You can afford an addiction to expensive workout clothes. But they're so comfortable. And the pants make my rear look good.

- You don't mind being humbled on a consistent basis. Because just as soon as you think you've conquered, the next workout kicks you hard.

I posted a little something on the CFH site today, but it's worth me repeating here because it's true. And I quote mostly: "Crossfit has helped me realize that miracles still happen: 1) I don't puke; 2) I don't pass out; and 3) I don't die. Three miracles...albeit minor...yet all quite miraculous." But then I was reminded of the fourth and most important miracle: I am strong! Who knew?

Overhead Squat

Tire Flip

The rare...and much-needed...break.

My Family

2011-07-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know you'll agree with me when I say... this is a good lookin' bunch of people!

All the cousins with Grandma and Grandpa

Cheese!

You'll see these two together... a lot!

Always on the lookout for water eddies

Because it was just too cute to pass up

Bestest cousins

The accessorizer posing with the tomboy
(and a beautiful tomboy at that!)

My guys

With my beautiful niece

Beauties, every one

The two youngest cousins

Precious

With all my siblings

Just the sisters

All cousin girls

Always think' about somethin'

Looking at the falls of Idaho Falls

Who was most ready for this picture to be taken? Hmmmm?

Aw. Love is nice.

True beauty

Juli's Vacation Videos

2011-07-21T08:01:00.001-05:00

While not as entertaining as those of my son, I still find these videos fun. Of course, they are videos of my vacation with my family at my discretion. So... it's all about me. With that said...

Camron's Vacation Videos

2011-07-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned, Camron had a heck uv a time walking around making little videos while in Utah and Idaho. I learned a lot about him from this. I also learned a little about other people whom he unknowingly taped.

He did everything from the weather, to critiquing food, and even made several videos of one of his favorite cousins. I only posted one, but it's the best one. Bet you'll never guess which one it is. Also, most are about 10 seconds long, with some venturing into 15-20 seconds; so while there are many, they take few.

Now with 50+ videos made, I'm not posting all of them - especially the incriminating ones. But here are some of my favorites. Introducing the observations and commentary of Camron:

Home again, home again - jiggity jig.

2011-07-20T14:04:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, home. Houston? Sure, if by "ahhh" you mean, "Aaaaaagh, the heat!" Utah? Yes, if by home you mean the place you're from and that you long to return to... if only for a short while. Don't worry, come winter when it's beautiful in Houston and freezing in Utah, it's the other way around (except for the family part). Don't judge me.

Every time I go home, I learn a little something about myself, my kids, and life:

It is not a good idea to watch several episodes of Air Disasters leading up to a trip that requires you to get on an airplane. While you may find the show's content interesting, it's not worth watching to then freak out over every bump - and there were lots. As relaxed as I tried to be, those squeaked out "whees" weren't fooling anyone.

Other than being full of germs galore, and nasty smells and unsavory sanitation - oh, and poop and pee - a porta-potty is a playhouse of fun for a 6-year-old.

Red cream soda can make a serene boy a wild maniac. Who knew?

Going into a room and forgetting why you're there happens to everyone, right? Yes, except for the part where your teen nephew tells you you're having a senior moment, and you pause, and then whimper a little, because even though this scenario does happen to everyone, that "senior" part is a lot closer to the truth than you'd like it to be.

All pacts of "I won't get you if you don't get me" are off once you step inside the water bumper boats.

My son is Mr. Hollywood. He made over 50 videos while on vacation. Some of them swoon from the ground to the sky (can you say motion sickness?), in some he talks about how hilarious he is (I guess there's nothin' wrong with tootin' your own horn), there are even other people in a few (I was in front of the camera for once instead of behind it), and he's even got a P-13 one where he shows you his bum (hey, it's clothed!). These videos deserve a post all their own in the future.

Every day was filled with a little something:

Trafalga... rides, more rides, putt-putt, a rock wall, water bumper boats, water slides, and even laser tag:

BYU... a little visit to my alma mater and the dinosaur museum there. Rah, rah, rah!

Colonial Days... because you can't truly enjoy your freedoms until you understand the sacrifices made to get them.

Idaho... where we finally got to be with ALL our Haacke family. Good, good times that don't happen often enough.

The 4th of July... my favorite... with a flag-raising ceremony, parade, and fireworks! (Why yes, those are jackets we're wearing. The weather was that awesome!)

And speaking of family, we got our family photo taken - all 25 of us. I got some great shots, too, and because I love so many of them so much (and I'm totally not biased), they're gonna need their own posting. But here's a little sneak peak with all the cousins:

Minor league baseball...where some of us slept, some of us watched TV (yeah, I know), some of us cheered, and some of us finally woke up and then ran the bases.

A day in Jackson Hole amidst the Tetons... where we did a little shopping, rode the alpine slide, and some of us did a little map-reading.

Soccer, because you never realized how talented your nephew was until you saw him play in a tournament. Of course while you watched, your daughter turned her white leggings into anything but and your son discovered red cream soda and the hyperactivity that ensued... and then there was that whole porta-potty incident.

A little backyard fun... because summer in Utah is spent outdoors.

We had a great time with my family. It was great to see my kids enjoy so much of what I enjoyed growing up - especially the family part. Never a dull moment. And now it's all a distant memory. But not too distant. I ain't that senior... not yet!

Ali

2011-07-19T17:53:00.000-05:00

Even after 22 years... and amid arthritis, low blood pressure, the inability to do the things he loved, and other ailments that come with being over 100 years old (in cat years)... Ali still had a strong heart when he left us the end of June. The other half of the duo, Ali and Frazier, he has joined his brother in cat heaven where I'm sure they are snuggled up next to each other, expecting the world to revolve around them, and are busy complaining about the other two cats and the kids they were forced to share their domain with toward the end of their lives.

Ali was a great cat and loved by us all. Maybe sometimes loved and adored a little too much for his liking.

And after that kind of lovin' and playin', he always came back for more. His heart wasn't only strong, it must've been big. Ali will be missed.

Once a household of four cats (Craig and I each had two when we married), time has whittled us down to one, Buster. And not even he has escaped the aging process at 16. Just before Ali passed away, Buster was diagnosed with diabetes. You know, at one point in my life I wanted to be a nurse, but decided giving shots was just too much (apparently job criteria calls for giving shots without fainting at the sight of a needle). Now I must say, I'm pretty smooth with those insulin shots. Apparently I've grown up a lot in my 181 years... and yes, those would be cat years.

My Man

2011-06-21T18:13:00.000-05:00

Poor Craig. There's nothin' for him all year long and then... BAM! June. Everything falls within a few days of each other in June.

June 19, 2011 - Happy Father's Day to the only man who could be the awesome father he is to our children. Patient, kind, loving, active - he's all of those things with our children. We love you and are so appreciative of all that you do for us. Meaghan is especially grateful for how you bring us money, and Camron for giving him lots of reasons to roll his eyes. Well, why not just ask them: What makes daddy a great daddy?

- Camron: "He was just born that way. And he fixes eggs."

- Meaghan: "He's nice to us. He draws really good... like horses that even have ears. He farts and he burps."

'Nough said there.

June 19th every year - Happy Anniversary to the only man I could truly still love even after managing to forget another anniversary (two in seven years). You work hard and play hard and you have a million things on your plate, so I really do get it. Plus, you're just so cute when someone texts you to remind you it's your anniversary, and then that look of disbelief comes over your face. How could I not love that? Plus, you're also really hot and you buy me nice things. Thanks!

June 21st every year - Happy Birthday! One little Craig duck went out to play, over the hill and far away. When the other ducks said, "Quack, quack, quack," the little Craig duck couldn't hurry back... because once you're over the hill, there's no going back! Welcome to "old age", sweetie. You're gonna love it (like an old person loves prunes). I've already been over here awhile (as you've so happily reminded me), so I warmed up a spot right next to me just for you. Let me give you a proper howdy by showing you some of the ropes. First, your eyesight is gonna get worse. Your joints will hurt more. And words and phrases like "What?" "Huh?" and "Where did I put that thing?"will become major components of your vocabulary. I won't even bother to go into how you're gonna look like a deer caught in the headlights when someone asks you when you're anniversary is and you don't... oh wait. Ooooh. Things don't look too good for you, my friend. hehe

So to end this love note, Happy Father's Day, Happy Anniversary, and Happy Birthday to my sweetie. Thanks for seven years of no dull moments, lots of love, and lots of you!

It's time to paaaaaartay!

2011-06-13T19:14:00.000-05:00

Camron turned 6 on May 19th. Camron had his birthday party on June 11th. There is no correlation between these dates.

Rather, there is just an exhausted mother who could only do so much in May. And even June has almost proved too much... so we're happy it actually all came together when it finally did. And it came together in a wonderful way.

Camron loves space. Galaxies. Planets. Astrology. The solar system. Did I mention space? So how excited was I when I found out that Houston's Museum of Natural Science puts on astronomy parties? I was thrilled. We pulled off an all-space themed birthday party, from the movie on black holes, to the goodie bags of Milkways, Starbursts, and other space items. And the cake... the cake! Maybe procrastination isn't such a bad thing if it means you can pull everything together when it counts.

Coloring the solar system.

With a sweet friend.

And Meaghan with one of her sweet friends.

In line to see "Black Holes" in the planetarium.

With the cake.
(See his shirt? Did I do good, or what?!)

THE cake!
And boy, was that frosting ever blue.
(I won't go into the gritty details of just how blue it was.)

Family picture!
(Personal note: This just goes to prove that I don't always post the most flattering pictures of myself.)

Singing "Happy Birthday"...
and at least someone was super excited about it.

Just how blue was that frosting? Pretty doggone blue.

The sugar must've just reached his system.

Listening to the presentation on animals.

With his Grandpa Richard

The salamander... which he (and most) refused to touch.

Gettin' a little love from his sister.

Opening his presents... with his sister's help, of course.

Happy birthday, once again, to my boy.

I will say this, my kids' birthday parties are bitter sweet for me. It's hard when your family lives far away and you imagine how much the cousins would've enjoyed each other. Plus, all the help you would get throwing a party. But then you're so thankful for your family of friends and all the help, support, and love they provide. And I'll tell ya, I've got some pretty amazing friends. I'm sure Hallmark or some other retail company has already declared it, but I think there should be a Happy Friends Day to celebrate all that friends are.

Well look at that; I just looked it up and there is an International Friendship Day the first Sunday in August. I'll be remembering that one.

I'm so thankful that I am surrounded by great friends - whether at birthday parties, sweatin' it out at the box, lunching it, or enjoying a girls' night out.

Last Day of Kindergarten

2011-06-03T22:58:00.000-05:00

I could swear that I just dropped Camron off for his first day of kindergarten. But there I was today picking him up on his last day. Wow, the time did fly. Now it's the last day of school and we're on the verge of all that is summer.

We've had a wonderful first year of "real" school. Look at me... saying "we" like I'm the one sitting at his desk. Well, I may not be sitting at his desk, but I tell ya, with such an awesome teacher and cute classmates, it was hard not to feel like a part of that class. In fact, I wasn't even Mrs. Lande, I was "Camron's Mom". And Meaghan? She may have been in PreK-3, but she was every bit a part of Camron's class as any other girl. She was right in the mix of things with female classmates first thing in the mornings oohing and aahing over the latest fashion, princess backpacks, and Justin Bieber (even though she was like, "Justin who?"). I loved everything about this year.

Now it's time to move on. I have a hard time with change, and I think Camron does, too. For the past month he has been high on the hog about advancing to 1st grade. However, this past week upon realizing he has to leave behind his beloved teacher and familiar surroundings, he was all about staying in kindergarten. I have a feeling he'll be excited for next year... when it gets here. I'm in no hurry for August. I will be sleeping in every morning until 7:00 or 7:30. I am SO looking forward to that extra sleep. The kids will remember to sleep in, right?

And now to the end... which started with a class party on Tuesday: playing and a picnic at the park, and bowling!

That is one handsome kindergartner...
soon to be 1st grader!

Showing his sister the ropes...
and being so protective of her.

Time to eat!

Pro Bowler

The week... the entire year... culminated today with final good-byes. The kids put on a little presentation for their teacher and collected their hugs.

Such a different boy than the one sitting in that
same chair more than 9 months ago.

With his teacher.
I'm not sure who loves her more... me or Camron!

With his good buddy.

Good-bye school.

We've all grown a lot this year - especially me. Or... maybe Camron. Let's just say it was a learning experience for us both. A very positive learning experience.

Good riddance, May

2011-06-01T20:48:00.000-05:00

The best thing about May 2011 is that it's over. Good riddance. Now May is usually a joyful month for me... like Mother's Day and the birth of my son. But this year May has brought sadness and loss... all sorrowful, some tragic. Add to that the chaotic nature of end-of-year volunteering and projects you're in over your head on... I just wasn't ready for all that May had to bring.

But I've focused so much on the negative this month, that I've forgotten there have been bright spots. For instance:

First, let me hit upon the ones I've already blogged on, because they are noteworthy:

1) There is that whole CrossFit Women's Challenge I did... and survived! Still looking back on that in awe of myself for having done it... period.

2) My boy's birthday and subsequent cuteness

3) My daughter's last day of PreK-3. Bittersweet

4) Memorial Day weekend

And now those quick-fleeting joyous moments that didn't quite make it to the blogosphere:

1) Meaghan is just plain funny. Besides pulling a Clarice, she insisted on reading in bed the other night (basically retelling the story in her own words). This is how we found her about 90 seconds later.

And she held it just like that for a good hour and a half.

Camron's last t-ball game. Technically, it was the last day of April, but it never got posted. Yay Camron!

Meaghan's school carnival. While this was actually a small source of stress for me as a room parent, it was a lot of fun for the kids.

Meow. For no reason other than it was so cute.

Family.

June is shaping up to be a little tough, too, but I think May has prepared me for it. And I am looking forward to seeing more family the end of this month. Plus, I know a certain hunk who is celebrating the big 4-0 in June.

So hello, June. Glad you're here. Just go easy on me.

Memories on Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T21:59:00.002-05:00

We had a very busy and very fun-filled weekend with Craig's brother and nephew. Apparently it is possible to pack everything into three days. Just note that you'll be exhausted when it is all said and done.

And now, things I learned this Memorial Day weekend:

1. There is no oil anywhere to be found at the Oil Ranch. Apparently some dude with the initials O.I.L. has a ranch. But apparently in Texas, all that matters is the "oil" part. Sounds about right.

2. To pacify those who insist on the existence of black gold at the Oil Ranch, there is a fake oil pump. Nice touch.

3. The Oil Ranch is just a place out in the middle of nowhere where kids can go on a hayride, shoot paint guns, swim, jump in a bouncy house, play putt-putt, ride a train, pet animals, play in a barn, feed cows (who then thank you by goring you in the belly, poor Camron), and get bitten in private parts by over-sized freak bugs (poor Meaghan).

4. Despite reports, exhausted, worn-out children do not fall asleep on the car ride home. Yet over-tired adults struggle to keep it together from the first 5 minutes to the last.

5. No matter how early you get to the beach on Memorial Day weekend, it's not early enough and you will have a hard time finding parking.

6. As soon as you pack-mule all your stuff to your spot on the beach... a good 1/4 mile away from where you parked... several parking spaces will open up right next to your beach spot.

7. No matter how much sunscreen you bathe in, you will still get a severe sunburn. Even when reapplied. (Theory: sunscreen is a farce.)

8. It was not as fun as anticipated to show off my CrossFit body once belly was burned to a crisp. Next time I'm opting for the boring old rash guard.

9. There will forever be grains of sand found throughout all crevices in all parts of our bodies. Some more than others.

10. When everyone is sunburned, except for the palest member of the family (still trying to figure out how Craig escaped it), spending the next day out in the sun is not feasible and so a suitable indoor activity will be found.

BONUS: The only thing that hurts worse than the worst sunburn I've ever had (in all my 40+ years), is a burn on the finger from cooking. Reason #97 why I should order in every night.

Things we did this Memorial Day weekend in pictures.

Token oil pump

Petting pregnant Bessy.
Some more picture-assistive than others.

Meaghan insisted on getting a picture with the mule.
See him there, way in the background?
Does anyone else see the irony here?

Not my favorite activity, but everyone else loved it.

Train ride, anyone?

Pre-lobster-red sunburns. Still pasty white.

Two hams

Sand, sun... and more sand and sun

Finally, second day, exhaustion limit reached.

Such a wonderful weekend in a beautiful country with people I love is brought to me by all the service men and women who died providing me with my freedoms. I'm forever grateful.

Last Day of PreK-3

2011-05-27T10:19:00.000-05:00

Today is Meaghan's last day of school. Next year she'll be in PreK-4, and then //gasp// kindergarten. But I won't even go there because it is still a ways out. So rather than looking ahead, I shall focus on what a spectacular year Meaghan has had. She's made new friends, kept old friendships, pushed herself to do things she couldn't do before, persisted in learning, and has blossomed into an independent little thing. Was it a perfect year? No. But what's school without a little drama and social stumbling blocks? That's part of the education. For me, the mom, too.

So good-bye Prek-3. You were a wonderful year with wonderful, loving, nurturing teachers. We shall miss you over the summer.

I loved, loved Meaghan's class picture. Look at all those cute kids. Even the mischievous ones - and there are some mischievous ones.

Her class had their end-of-year party on Wednesday and I got to nab a few pictures here and there.

Performing "Going on a Bear Hunt"

Let's eat!

Nothin' like a little more sugar with friends
after pizza, grapes, and cookies

With classmates

With the parents

The freedom of being 4!

Well, hello Clarice.

2011-05-20T13:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday someone was either 1) bored, or 2) looking for some attention while Camron and I worked on his jellyfish report, or 3) looking for some attention since the birthday boy had been lavished with it all day. Either way, I burst out laughing when I saw her, which then made it hard for disciplining (she finished off the boxes of princess/Hello Kitty Bandaids!).

Doesn't she look like Hannibal Lecter? And I won't even mention all the places I found those Bandaids on her.

Suffice it to say, she paid the price when it came time to pull them off. Of course, so did I.

The Day of the Birthday

2011-05-19T22:06:00.000-05:00

Before I forget and move on to the much-anticipated birthday activities and interview, in yesterday's post I somehow deleted one of my favorite things about Camron, and that is how he always says "No thank you". Such nice manners, I know. However, he thinks that by including the "thank you" part, it justifies the "no" and absolves him from all requests. For example, "Camron, please make your bed." To which he'll reply, "No thank you". Or Camron, you need to eat your vegetables... with a "No thank you". It's hard to lay down the law with such sweet refusals.

Anyhow, on to my boy's birthday. Today just happened to be Splash Day at Camron's school (no field day since they're building the new school in the field) and I got to grab a few pictures, including some of his class birthday celebration. What better way to spend your special day than having fun with friends!

With some classroom buddies

Slip slidin' away

Ms. Clary's kindergarten class

King for a day.

And making a final birthday wish at home tonight... except for when we celebrate once again at his birthday party in June. I love me some cake... but it's been a lot of cake.

The action shot.

P.S. The birthday interview is gonna have to be a YouTube thing. The boy was a-yappin'! Click here.

Someone is a year older...

2011-05-19T04:30:00.001-05:00

Dear Camron,

Today you are turning 6. It is a bittersweet day. On one hand, I don't want my beautiful, compassionate, happy and healthy boy growing up. On the other hand, you bring so much joy to our lives and watching you grow up is a pleasure. Maybe just don't grow up so fast.

I've been teasing you the past few days about taking away May 19th... just skipping the entire day altogether every year so that you never get older. I have you convinced that I'd like to keep you small forever. But the truth is, I have loved watching you grow up... to see that spark in your eyes, to see you make those connections, to hear the logic that comes out of your mouth, to watch you overcome fears and setbacks. So I guess what I'm saying is, I don't mind you growing up, as long as you'll always continue to give me kisses, snuggle up next to me on the couch, come to me for comfort and love, let me wipe away your tears, let me tuck you in at night, hold my hand, skip with me, tell me you love me, and giggle with me over every silly thing.

The past year has been a year of firsts and milestones...

Read... and read and read and read
Start kindergarten
Become more talkative
First karate belt
Shower all by yourself
Swing without help
First lost tooth

And some familiar territory... like you still love trains and space, and how you're content to quietly read and learn. You are a sponge.

I love that you're coming into your own, that you still reach for my hand when we walk together, that you amaze me every single day... and I even love that I'm always having to dig "bug eggs" (seeds) and rocks out of your pockets before I do laundry and dump piles of sand out of your shoes. It wouldn't be a productive day without some sand, rocks, and seeds.

And I love how you view yourself:

You had to come up with a noun at school, and your chose yourself. Along with a diagram of Camron, you described yourself as "medium" and "fun", and said: "I love myself! It is not fun when you are not born." I couldn't have said it better. And I love that you used an exclamation mark! I hope you are always this self aware of what a wonderful person you are and know that you're loved by many.

I love you, my Camron. I hope you have a wonderful 6th birthday.

We celebrated Camron's birthday two days early so his dad could participate, which means I already have birthday pics for posting!

One for the Record

2011-05-09T20:18:00.000-05:00

So how did you spend your Mother's Day weekend? Relaxing? Getting pampered? Not I! Not I.

I did a little of this:

30# backward medicine ball toss

And a lot of this:

50# sandbag get-ups

Hung with some awesome people while doing it:

A fellow CFH comrade (who placed 2nd... yay!)

And survived - with mere road rash and bruises.

Remember when I did the Barbells for Boobs back in October? I was so proud for stepping outside of my comfort zone. Well I topped that this weekend by doing an actual scaled competition hosted by my crossfit (CFH). Was I a bundle of nerves from the moment I considered doing it? Oh yeah. Did I finish first? No, but then that was not the expectation. I did finish, and not last, which equals a huge success for me!

Here's what we did:

Workout #1
6 ground to shoulder sandbags 50#
65# tire drag
10 elevated push-ups
65# tire pull
X3 rounds

Workout #2
In six minutes...
backward medicine ball toss to the line 30#
as many 50# sandbag get-ups as you can in the time left

Workout #3
As much as you can in five minutes...
6 sumo high pulls 35#
1 push press 50# (total)
6 sumo high pulls 35#
2 push press 50#
...etc.

The top five went on to compete in a brutal... BRUTAL final workout. (I've never been so happy to be mediocre.) And if you think what I did sounds hard, you should've seen what the standard division had to do. Whew!

Now I'm not one for excuses, but I'd like to note that this was my first competition and there were a bunch of overly-energetic 20-something-year-olds bouncing all over the place. There were also a number of women my age, and I was proud to be amongst them all - even those young'uns.

Will I be competing all the time? Likely not, but maybe every now and then for the experience... and to remind myself I'm strong.

There's nothing like spending the day with some awesome people, including very supportive husband and children. And it was a great lesson for my kids that it's not about coming in first... it's about competing and having fun. Though even after explaining that - over and over - they still asked if I came in first. At that point it was easier to just shrug.

Maybe next year's Mother's Day I'll opt for the spa, but this year... this one goes down in the history books. I am woman, hear me roar!

Competitors, scaled and standard

Competitors and judges/volunteers

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

Growing up, Mother's Day at our house rarely went off without a hitch. I remember me and my siblings spending a few of these special occasions in our respective rooms, where we were sent due to squabbling. I remember my mom telling us - every stinkin' year - that all she wanted for Mother's Day was for us to get along. I remember my dad sitting us all down and begging, in desperation, to please stop whining, arguing with our mom and each other, and to help out.

Looking back, I wonder if my mom has any fond memories of Mother's Day, or just us fighting and the frustration she felt in constantly disciplining us on her special day... the one day out of the year that was to celebrate, well, having had us (ain't that ironic?). Personally, I think the best part of her day was probably when we were sent to our rooms, at which point she truly enjoyed her day in real peace and quiet.

Ah, Mother's Day.

And now, today, I think she's getting the last laugh. While I have received the priceless gifts made at school (a decorated flower pot and hand-print hot pad), along with the sweet hugs and kisses of my children, I can safely bet that throughout the day I will also get ignored, yelled at, attitude, thrown a dirty look or two, crossed arms, stomped foot, and tears. I will be used as a human tissue, break up squabbles, clean up messes, and become frustrated when I have to tell my children something for the umpteenth dozen time. And through it all, I will 1) remember I chose to have these children, 2) remember this is what parenthood is all about - and I signed up for it, 3) remember how sweet these children are when they're not squabbling, and 4) hope that I will one day get the last laugh, too.

Mom, I am sorry for the squabbles and the times I swore off Mother's Day... and the times I swore on Mother's Day. I'm sorry I didn't appreciate all that you did for us, and hopefully I recognize and appreciate all that you currently do - though I'm sure I don't as I should.

And my beautiful children, I'm sorry that I'm not as patient as I should be, nor as understanding... especially when I'm telling you something for the umpteenth dozen time. I love you and feel so blessed to have you in my life - to be your mom.

I think that I will look back on Mother's Day and remember that I was loved, cuz while it may not manifest itself on the day that celebrates motherhood, I sense it the other 364 days of the year.

And now, pictures of my beautiful children on our annual Texas wild flower pilgrimage... which almost didn't happen. We're in a severe drought down here, and the flowers were around long enough to bloom and then shrivel up. So though the fields are not as colorful, the kids are as colorful as always. And yeah, I went a little overboard with the pictures, but I just love them all.

We loth a tooth at our houth!

2011-04-28T22:18:00.000-05:00

So, what, it's been about two weeks since we announced that Camron had two loose teeth? Well today I'm announcing that after much wiggling and much dreading of possible pain and blood, one of those teeth has been lost! And I missed it!

Every night for the past week, I've been checking to see if a tooth was loose enough for me to pull, as I didn't want to miss the moment - and what's more, I wanted to record the event. I tried last Saturday, but the tooth wasn't quite ready (well, I thought it was, but it would've taken a little yank and Camron was cringing and Meaghan was freaking out that there would be blood spewing and Camron would be wailing in pain, so I didn't). Then the past couple of days it was ready, but Craig wasn't home in the evenings to be co-witness or run the camera. So tonight was the night... except the tooth fell out at school today.

When I arrived to pick Camron up, he was BEAMING, pointing to his mouth, and wearing his tooth in a tooth holder around his neck. From what I can gleam (okay, so the kid told me the story over and over and over again so this is basically word for word), he was sitting on the carpet during story time when he gave the tooth a little wiggle and it fell into his mouth. He fished it out, raised his hand to tell the teacher, and she put it in the tooth holder for him. And then... the part Camron has REALLY been waiting for since their dental unit... she recorded his name on the "Lost Teeth" list. And according to Camron, when she did so, everyone said, "Yay!" And if they didn't for reals, at least they did in his head.

So there I sat on the crowded sidewalk outside his classroom, looking at that empty space in his mouth where my baby's baby tooth used to be. And, yeah, I blinked back a few tears. I missed it. I missed the momentous occasion. I missed the shock and wonder and that first toothless grin. But I think it happened the way Camron wanted it to - all on its own with no pain or blood... and where everyone who is celebrating the same momentous occasions could see it happen and celebrate with him. Besides, one down... and, like, what, 19 to go? Something like that...

Dad giving the new "window" a thorough check.

As if that smile wasn't already cute enough...

And a little view of the new tooth coming in.

Viola! The tooth!

And so after telling/showing every possible person about his tooth, my boy wrote a letter to the Tooth Fairy tonight. Not the letter I was expecting, but a letter:

"Dear Tooth Fairy. Can you please make me a good dream, not bad?
P.S. This is my 1st tooth I lost."

I'm not sure what Camron understands about the Tooth Fairy, or who told him what, but I hope she brings my boy sweet dreams, too. And I hope she gives him a nice chunk of change, though probably not the $200 he thought she might leave him.

So on to the day's other "firsts". Now, Meaghan contends she also lost a tooth today when she fell down and it just, you know, popped right out. Uh-huh. In fact, by the time she went to bed, she'd lost three teeth. (I think someone wants the tooth fairy to come to her, as well.) Now while no real teeth were lost, today was her first real audible finger snap... something she's been practicing for the past week (because she got the whistling thing down the week before). Weird thing is, she came home today with blisters on her finger and thumb. Can one get blisters from practicing snapping? I don't know... but it's a little weird.

And guess which finger had the blister?

Betcha never would've guessed that one, eh? So congratulations to you, too, my Meaghan. You are both growing up much too fast.

Hoppy Easter!

2011-04-24T20:44:00.000-05:00

It's been a lovely day at our house. Not necessarily a traditional Easter, but our Easter, nonetheless.

The kids woke up at 6:45am ready to hunt for eggs (thank you, Easter Bunny!), but at our wait-til-8am insistence became couch potatoes while we slept. However, when the time came, moving them from that couch wasn't easy. The only thing that got them moving was the lure of candy... and lots of it.

In search of the elusive Easter eggs!

Look at that loot! Yum!

Going through their baskets... egg by egg... searching for the money.
At least they have their priorities straight - I would've gone straight for the chocolate.

So that was our Easter egg hunt. It culminated with a favorite breakfast of "big pancakes" and then the celebratory piece of candy or two. And then the celebratory sugar high and bouncing off the walls.

Now each year after church we usually take a nice walk through the neighborhood. This is when the weather is ideal: not cold, and not yet too hot. And in the process I snap a few traditional Easter pictures. But not so this year; things went a little differently.

First, it took some sincere convincing to even get the kids outside, and the only thing we could lure them with (besides TV and candy) was water. And that started a water fight... which wasn't so much a water fight as it was Daddy soaks Mommy, Mommy trips and falls while running away, Mommy lays there wondering if anything is broken. Thankfully the kids were on my side (even when I, er, accidentally soaked them a time or two) and they focused on getting their dad.

We did end up taking our traditional walk, it's just that we walked like a family of wet ducks.

Did our day end there? Not quite. Apparently mud pies were on the menu.

Ever heard of the saying "stirring the pot"? Literally in action here.

Yes, I've already raided their Easter baskets (thankfully they don't yet track everything down to the jelly bean). Yes, after lots of pretreating, those dirt stains came out (lots of pretreating). And yes, despite all the sugar they've eaten, they are in bed - hopefully asleep.

Happy Easter, everyone!

Another Yellow Belt

2011-04-22T22:04:00.000-05:00

It wasn't enough to have one yellow belter in our house, we needed another and we got one. Yay to Meaghan, who took her belt test last Friday and was awarded her Yellow Belt on Wednesday!

So you'd better watch out when you come to my house, you just might get hi-yawed!

P.S. No one is more disappointed than me, but I forgot my nice camera when she received her yellow belt. I did have my phone camera, though obviously I'm still lacking the skill to use it. I included the pictures anyway, as bad as they are, cuz they're what I got.

The test:

Ready! Kick! Switch!
(But in a language I don't understand)

Joon-bee!

Definitely Sheut (at ease)

Reading her "Thank You" letter...
with a little bit of help.

And now... announcing Miss Meaghan and her yellow belt!

Receiving her certificate

Bouncing over to me - all official like.

1st Night Seder

2011-04-18T22:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Pesach, y'all! (Though that probably sounds a little silly since I'm not Jewish nor Texan.)

Another Passover Seder to go down in the books. I cleaned, I cooked, I ate, I overdid it on matzo (I'll be feeling that one later), and I think my kitchen is mostly clean again. Whew!

This year's was pretty good - and I'm not just sayin' that because of this Christian's awesome Jewish dishes (hehe), but because the kids were a hoot. They've been catching on to the meaning of recent holidays - but not necessarily the true meaning. For instance, rather than being excited to hear about the freeing of the Israelites, they were bored to tears (other than when it was time for the plague puppets). Instead, it was all about finding the afikomen. And from the onset of dinner, from the soup to the entree, they asked and asked and asked if it was time. What's so exciting about a brick of matzo? That it's hidden, and when it's found the finder gets a prize (and his/her accomplice, too - at least in this house).

But as with every year, you learn something for the next year... something you'll repeat, do differently, or something you won't do at all. Here's what I learned this year:

- More fruit is needed to help things, well, pass.

- Less food is needed. Too many leftovers, not enough fridge space.

- Precutting veggies and setting up the day before is brilliant.

- Getting the kids excited about their "prizes" before we've even started dinner is not so brilliant.

- Kids go from hating everything you serve to loving it when their "prizes" are threatened.

- Decadent chocolate brownies are not a good idea for kids already overly hyper, and I'm talking producing high-pitched squeals for absolutely no reason at 5-second intervals!

- Sending the kids outside post dinner for a walk around the block does nothing to squelch their abundance of energy.

- The "prizes" you worry about the kids not liking are the ones they love, as opposed to last year's, which I thought they'd love and they didn't. Moral: not a lot of thought needs to go into this.

And since no pictures were taken of this year's little shindig, a sneak peek at our annual wild flower outing this past weekend will have to do.

All I want for Christmas...

2011-04-12T20:46:00.000-05:00

Well I'll be.

I was so excited to report some news... news about me. Like, wow, it's about time I entered the age of technology. The age of smart phones with data plans and lots of features... so much information at my fingertips! Because today I got the iPhone 4 through Verizon (see ya AT&T!) and I'm in love. And I'm so hip! (Though, is anyone really hip if he/she must clarify that he/she is hip? Whatever... I'm SO hip!)

But my news has been trumped. Tonight while flossing and upon inspection of Camron's complaint of tooth pain, it was discovered that he has not one... but TWO LOOSE TEETH. I may as well have told him he won the jackpot lottery, because he was thrilled! He's been waiting for this day since his friend lost her teeth, and especially since his kindergarten class dental unit a couple of months ago. He asked me almost every day during that unit if his teeth were loose. And I checked every day - but there was no movement whatsoever. Now I think my boy shall be celebrating his 6th birthday next month with a big gap in his lower mouth.

Now news of the teeth spread fast, and a certain four-year-old burst into tears because, and I quote, "It's not fair that he has two loose teeth and I don't have any!" And boy, did the tears flow. Of course she's not the only one who felt like crying. I've been holding on to those baby teeth of his with all my might because they are the last remnants of "baby" from my baby boy. While showing him his teeth in the mirror, I couldn't help but think he'd aged from a toddler to a young boy in the span of 5 minutes.

So needless to say, the kid is excited. I don't know that Camron shall sleep tonight, or anytime soon. He's called his grandparents, Rosa, and was making of list of others to call when I insisted it was time for bed. I have a feeling that tomorrow... and several days thereafter... that everyone within shouting distance will know of his news.

So, no, this post isn't really about me and the steps I've taken to grow up and join the 21st Century. But I guess I can show off my good news (because, alas, what about me, Me, ME?!) with a picture and video of my boy - both made using my new phone. And probably anyone within shouting distance will know of my good news, too, hehe.

So the camera work was a little off and shaky... oh well! I'm digitally hip, baby!

On the streets of Philadelphia.

2011-04-10T22:34:00.000-05:00

What does an old married couple do when they get the luxury of two responsible adults to care for the children? They take off! They cry tears of real gratitude! They run and don't look back! And they go to a friend's wedding in Philadelphia... and maybe stay an extra day or two for some relaxation. Well, that's what we did, anyway. So grateful to my parents for coming into town and making last weekend possible for us.

I've been trying to figure out how to sum up our Philly trip (my first real visit to the city), and I'm not quite sure the best way. It doesn't help when, after five minutes of getting off the plane, my spouse turns to naive me and says, "Beware, Philly is the rudest city I've ever been to." and then the cab driver proves the point... but then almost every other person you meet proves him wrong. In his defense, Craig did have a poor experience the last time he was there - 15 years ago.

But I loved my time there. And I think the best way to tell it is to break it down to what I loved and what I didn't (just a few):

Loved the food. Especially the Famous 4th Street Delicatessen with the huge servings and yummy chocolate chip cookies.

Loved the architecture. If you go, spend some time walking and looking up.

Didn't love that I thought I was going to die for a good 10 seconds by the hands of a rather colorful fella Craig pointed out while walking down the street. Apparently Philadephians are attune to those around them and don't appreciate being called out - even if it was just to me. Trust me, dude, we went back to where we came from upon your, er, friendly advice.

Loved Town Hall. Caught a glimpse of this on a cab ride and then walked through it the next day to fully appreciate it.

Loved the history of the place. Yes, I'm a nerd. So yes, I spent a lot of time at visiting the Liberty Bell, Constitution Center, Independence Hall, etc.

Being the nerd I am... I loved that I captured orbs of light in my pictures of Independence Hall. I totally believe in ghosts - don't mock me.

Loved the cold weather - even the rain. It's starting to get too warm at home and I enjoyed wearing warm clothes and a coat.

Loved that I slept in. Every. Single. Morning.

Loved the Phillies baseball game - they played our Astros while we were in town, making it that much more fun to attend.

Didn't love that the Phillies beat up on our team.

Didn't love that my spouse vocally cheered for the Astros amid a sea of Phillies fans. Have you met those fans? They're diehards, and I didn't want to die hard.

Didn't love any of the pretzels I ate, even though the city is suppose to be famous for them.

Pictures? Why yes!

Forget the fact that I look, well, not my best - that's the Liberty Bell!

Me at Congress Hall. The eagle has landed.

Craig at the Phillies game... where he made me sneak down to get close
to the field for this picture and the rest of the game - and I almost died
from anxiety because of it.

These pics are of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Do you see my orbs? Oooooooooooh... eerie! hehe

He is the Champion, my friend...

2011-04-05T20:41:00.000-05:00

There are so many things I should be posting about, but I'm taking a break from those things to make an announcement:

Camron, my adorable 5-1/2-year-old boy - won his father's office NCAA brackets challenge.

Not taking first place out of 5 or 10 people; no. He took first place out of 51 other people, 49 of them adults (Meaghan had a bracket, too, and placed 40th - still not last like her mother so often does). And, I might add, this kid picked his own bracket. I read the choices to him, he made the selection. Sometimes he asked questions, other times he gave it no thought and blurted out a team.

Additionally, I must note, even with all those upsets that occurred the first day of play, Camron picked the first 8 games correctly. Eight out of 10 for that day - putting him in a strong first place. And he was pleased. That boy sat in front of the TV and cheered for his picks like his life depended on it. When baskets were made in his favor, he did laps around the couches; and he let out load groans when the other team scored. Of course the next day he didn't do as well, and his pristine picks paper that he'd carefully been carrying around that day was found all crumpled up on the floor. Oh well. He'd had a nice run.

But thanks to all the further upsets, and thanks to people... people like me... for picking Kansas and Duke and Ohio St. to win it all, Camron found his was back to #1. Woohoo!

As his father has already announced, he's available - for the right price - for trips to Vegas. As his new agent, you can call me to schedule. And as his agent I shall also get a nice cut of his winnings... I insist.

And now, for even better news: I DID NOT come in last place. Shocker, I know. In fact, I came in a modest 6th. I'm a little bummed about missing out on the toilet bowl prize, but at least my spouse can walk around his office with his head held high.

The better to see you with...

2011-03-29T23:15:00.000-05:00

So remember the bra phase and the high heels phase? Well we've moved on to a new one:

Glasses.

I can't tell you how many times a day Meaghan approaches me... squinting her eyes almost closed... and tells me she can't see and she needs glasses. I always tell her if she'd quit squinting her eyes closed she'd see a lot better. But alas, according to her, that isn't the cause nor the cure. She "needs" glasses, and mine will just have to do. Of course I refuse to give her mine - this is a battle worth fighting - for so many reasons (like I'd like the lenses to remain intact). But the girl is persistent, and she found my reading glasses.

When she put them on her eyes almost bugged out. But she told me, "Even though it's hard for me to see with these glasses on, I should still wear them so I can see." She quickly followed that up with, "Do I look good in these glasses?" The vanity... the pain... all in the name of fashion.

Kemah

2011-03-27T23:40:00.000-05:00

Brenham was fun, in the way a relaxing day is fun. Except I forgot to mention that we ended our day with a trip to the outlet mall, at which point Mom and Dad and Camron were more than exhausted, but Meaghan was ready to shop and buy everything in sight. That part wasn't as relaxing. It is impossible to argue with a child who sincerely thinks she must have everything that is "beautiful". And I've learned that we agree on very few things she deems "beautiful". And not that I don't want her to have things that she finds beautiful, but she found everything beautiful at Saks, and the things I finally agreed were beautiful there just happened to sum up to the same amount as a mortgage payment. We. Are. In. Trouble.

We finally agreed on a dress she fell in love with at the Gap, and which she was sure to wear the next day... when we went to the boardwalk in Kemah.

I thought everyone Spring Breaking it would be packing up and leaving for home and we'd have the place to ourselves. So we slept in - which was nice - and got there at noon. What wasn't so nice was the overly crowded boardwalk. Apparently every other person on this planet had the same plan as we did, and the place was a zoo. Thankfully the weather was perfect with a p-e-r-f-e-c-t, and standing in the lines wasn't too bad.

What did we do while there? Not everything, but we had fun on the train, the Boardwalk Tower, taking in the sites, and mostly loving the Boardwalk Beast - a fun, fast Scarab-type boat that takes you out into the ocean for some speed and waves. Love, loved, loved it. Wasn't so sure the kids would love it. Meaghan told us over and over again while boarding that she didn't want to get wet. We assured he we'd sit where she wouldn't, but we lied.

I would've paid $100 to get a video of my kids on that ride. The minute that first wet wave hit Meaghan, her mouth dropped open in shock - and it was frozen in that expression for a good 10 seconds. She didn't know what to think. And we waited... and waited... for what was to follow. Screams? Cries? Whines? Anger? No. What we got was hard, solid laughter. And then screams of pure delight and laughter with each additional drenching. Camron, too. Best money spent in a long time.

Our time on the boardwalk:

Ready for a train ride!

On the Beast! They're not looking so sure.

But they smile cute when requested!

Totally skulked this - but just couldn't pay the $18 for it.

Though trepidatious about the ride, still managed to look glam.

Just hangin' out on the boardwalk.

Sometimes if you want proof you were there - without the word
"proof" plastered over your face - you get it yourself.

We train-watched for a long time.

And others collected rocks for me to find in all sorts of nooks and crannies.

Brenham Bound

2011-03-21T22:37:00.000-05:00

This last week was our Spring Break, and it started off with a bang! Well, actually, more like a bleeeeeeh - right in the middle of taekwondo. There's nothin' like being in the middle of a good book when you hear the undeniable sound of puke hitting the mat, and then groaning because you don't want your kids catching whatever it is, and then looking up to see the puke came from your kid. And so should you ever wonder, it takes approximately 4 1/2 hours from the time one accidentally crawls through puke to oneself puking.

And also, you can add pink eye the next day to that "bang", too.

Poor Camron, who has had a great track record this year for staying well. But never fear, he got well in time for the end of the week; and Brenham is a great place to go on a day trip if you live in Houston, so that's where we went. It's also a great place to spend the night and enjoy peace and quiet, see the stars, hear the crickets, and see lightening bugs - unless you live with someone who's adverse to that whole serene middle-of-nowhere living. I shan't mention any names.

What's in Brenham besides beautiful countryside? Blue Bell ice cream. If you're not familiar with the Blue Bell Creamery, no worries, you've at least got to be familiar with ice cream, which Blue Bell makes, and well... so I'm told. I wouldn't really know cuz I'm not an ice cream eater. And I realized on this creamery tour that the reason I'm not an ice cream eater is because after 30 seconds of eating ice cream, my tongue freezes. So no matter how good that ice cream is, I can't taste it with frozen taste buds. Thus, I'd much rather spend those calories on something I can really sink my teeth into and taste for the full chew.

Sorry; got a little sidetracked there.

Back to Brenham, where we enjoyed the Blue Bell factory tour, along with a dish of ice cream, and Fireman's Park, which boasts an antique carousel from the late 1800's/early 1900's. It also boasts elevated railroad tracks about 100 feet from the playground (don't worry, it's safer than it sounds), and my kids were in heaven watching the trains go by.

We had a great time, and I got some great pictures (sorry, no photographs allowed at the factory). I may have gotten a little camera happy. This is what you get when you tell your kids to "say cheese", and also when you don't bother, in which case the pictures usually come out better - or at least more natural looking. But those attempts at "cheese" are sometimes just entertaining.

Videos from Carnival

2011-03-21T18:44:00.000-05:00

For the sake of my family, I've uploaded videos from our time at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Also posted are videos of the kids playing with the guitar Camron chose as his carnival toy. Can you tell what Meaghan is singing? With Camron we had to be tricky to tape him (he didn't want it recorded), so we had to leave the camera running. I think he was coming up with some original material.

P.S. I'm having posting issues, so the videos might be all over the place.

Ok. I tried and tried to upload the video of Camron, but apparently 80MB is just a bit too much for my blog site. So instead, here's the video we got when he first started. As you can see, he was very hesitant to do anything in front of anyone.

Oops... plus one more photo of my boy (Meaghan declined) - it's all done with smoke and mirrors: