We are coming to the end of the last week of summer. Tomorrow is Meet the Teacher and school starts Monday. Ready or not, here it comes!
We have had the best week!
Monday, we went to a friend's birthday party at Lights Off Golf.
Tuesday, had lunch with friends after some PTA work, played with another friend all afternoon, then saw the new Cats & Dogs with yet another friend.
Wednesday, we went to the waterpark with friends and had so much fun.
Thursday, Braden played with a friend during my PTA Presidents' meeting and then we went to the amusement park for the night. So glad Braden tried some new rides, but I will feel it tomorrow!
Friday, we plan to swim a couple hours with friends before going to Meet the Teacher!
Woohoo! Busy but fun week! Can't say we let our summer slip away!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Trips in the Works
We have two trips coming up, which makes the fact that school starts in two weeks much easier to deal with!
Monday, Braden and I are going to Carlsbad with a friend and her daughter. I asked Braden if he would like to go again this summer and he said if we could stop at Alien Zone he was all in! We are going to the canverns, Alien Zone in Roswell, and the Living Desert and Zoo. Sounds like fun and it's out of Amarillo!
We are also planning a trip to Ruidoso for Labor Day weekend. My parents are coming with us on this trip. We are going bet on some horse races, visit the casino, and stir up some other fun while we are there. Best of all....Derik and I get to see The Black Crowes again! So excited! Can't wait for Labor Day!
Monday, Braden and I are going to Carlsbad with a friend and her daughter. I asked Braden if he would like to go again this summer and he said if we could stop at Alien Zone he was all in! We are going to the canverns, Alien Zone in Roswell, and the Living Desert and Zoo. Sounds like fun and it's out of Amarillo!
We are also planning a trip to Ruidoso for Labor Day weekend. My parents are coming with us on this trip. We are going bet on some horse races, visit the casino, and stir up some other fun while we are there. Best of all....Derik and I get to see The Black Crowes again! So excited! Can't wait for Labor Day!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
August Already
Considering I've held two PTA meetings, attending the TX PTA SLS in Austin, unloaded box after box of prepackaged school supplies, and exchanged too many emails and text messages to count regarding school t-shirts and volunteer shifts at regristration....IT MUST BE AUGUST!
I am wondering where my summer went as the beginning of the school year draws closer by the minute! We have only three more weeks to swim, travel, stay up late, and sleep til noon!
We have another trip planned to Carlsbad Caverns, this time with my friend and her daughter that is Braden's age. We also plan to swim, ride bikes, play mini golf, and maybe even squeeze in another trip (with Derik) before the beginning of school!
We MUST enjoy every day of summer left!
I am wondering where my summer went as the beginning of the school year draws closer by the minute! We have only three more weeks to swim, travel, stay up late, and sleep til noon!
We have another trip planned to Carlsbad Caverns, this time with my friend and her daughter that is Braden's age. We also plan to swim, ride bikes, play mini golf, and maybe even squeeze in another trip (with Derik) before the beginning of school!
We MUST enjoy every day of summer left!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The Boys are Back in Town
Their town, that is. Derik took his boys back home today. Sad face, as Dustin would say.
The six weeks they were here flew by! I know we kept busy and had fun, but I didn't think it would go by quite so quickly. Seth was ready to go, ready to be running free in the woods, fishing and hunting with the bow Derik bought him. Dustin has a trip to Austin next week with the Lonestar Leadership Academy. He is excited about the trip, but would have loved to stay here longer too. Hope he has a blast and takes lots of pictures! He was a little disappointed that they have a no cell phone rule, but he'll be too busy to worry about texting and Facebook anyway.
Braden and I have to get back on track with reading, math, and all that preparing for 3rd grade. I can't believe we are already gearing up for school. I met with the new principal today to discuss the upcoming year's plans for our PTA. The TX PTA Summer Seminar is this weekend in Austin. (Woohoo! Free trip!) Next week is school supply delivery, then registration, and we're off! Bye bye summer!
Sad face! =(
The six weeks they were here flew by! I know we kept busy and had fun, but I didn't think it would go by quite so quickly. Seth was ready to go, ready to be running free in the woods, fishing and hunting with the bow Derik bought him. Dustin has a trip to Austin next week with the Lonestar Leadership Academy. He is excited about the trip, but would have loved to stay here longer too. Hope he has a blast and takes lots of pictures! He was a little disappointed that they have a no cell phone rule, but he'll be too busy to worry about texting and Facebook anyway.
Braden and I have to get back on track with reading, math, and all that preparing for 3rd grade. I can't believe we are already gearing up for school. I met with the new principal today to discuss the upcoming year's plans for our PTA. The TX PTA Summer Seminar is this weekend in Austin. (Woohoo! Free trip!) Next week is school supply delivery, then registration, and we're off! Bye bye summer!
Sad face! =(
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Truth from the Blogosphere
This is from a blog I follow... Rocks In My Dryer
If You Give a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy a Cookie
If you give a thirteen-year-old boy a cookie,
he's probably going to ask for some soda.
But as you are a mom who is feeling the pressure to make Positive Nutritional Choices,
you will urge him to drink milk instead.
He will shrug, and you will pour a giant glass of milk--whole milk--
and you will reflect that if you drank that much whole milk you would have hips as wide as Tennessee.
He will finish the milk and and wipe his mouth with his shirt,
and you will not complain, because this is better than the milk moustache he normally wears.
He will set down the cup and ask if you've seen his cell phone, and you will tell him you turned it off,
because why-oh-why must he and his friends text each other Chuck Norris jokes all day?
He will shrug, and then he will think of Chuck Norris, and this will remind him of the movies,
which will remind him of popcorn, and he'll ask if you can fix him some.
And you say sure, because you're thinking that popcorn is
a much cheaper snack than the bacon he normally asks for.
He will jerk his head around because he somehow heard you think the word "bacon",
and you will tell him "no, you're having popcorn, remember?"
He will take the popcorn to the living room, and you will remind him there is no longer any eating allowed in the living room because you stayed up late picking brownie crumbs out of the carpet after the last youth group party at your house.
And his eyes will shine and he will say, "Brownie?" and you will say, "NO."
So he will eat his popcorn instead (in the kitchen, like a good boy).
And all the salt will make him crave another glass of (whole) milk.
But he's polished off the third gallon of (whole) milk this week, and he must therefore hike all the way out to the garage to the nasty old back-up fridge.
As he walks out to the garage, you will notice that you can see the bones in his hips, and you will sadly remember that your pants get tight if you even think about cheesecake, and you will know that good metabolism is wasted on those young enough to think that Big Macs are gourmet.
He will return from the garage with the milk, but with all that physical exertion, chances are he's going to want a cookie and a brownie and some bacon to go with it.
Ha! She cracks me up! Check her out... http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/
If You Give a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy a Cookie
If you give a thirteen-year-old boy a cookie,
he's probably going to ask for some soda.
But as you are a mom who is feeling the pressure to make Positive Nutritional Choices,
you will urge him to drink milk instead.
He will shrug, and you will pour a giant glass of milk--whole milk--
and you will reflect that if you drank that much whole milk you would have hips as wide as Tennessee.
He will finish the milk and and wipe his mouth with his shirt,
and you will not complain, because this is better than the milk moustache he normally wears.
He will set down the cup and ask if you've seen his cell phone, and you will tell him you turned it off,
because why-oh-why must he and his friends text each other Chuck Norris jokes all day?
He will shrug, and then he will think of Chuck Norris, and this will remind him of the movies,
which will remind him of popcorn, and he'll ask if you can fix him some.
And you say sure, because you're thinking that popcorn is
a much cheaper snack than the bacon he normally asks for.
He will jerk his head around because he somehow heard you think the word "bacon",
and you will tell him "no, you're having popcorn, remember?"
He will take the popcorn to the living room, and you will remind him there is no longer any eating allowed in the living room because you stayed up late picking brownie crumbs out of the carpet after the last youth group party at your house.
And his eyes will shine and he will say, "Brownie?" and you will say, "NO."
So he will eat his popcorn instead (in the kitchen, like a good boy).
And all the salt will make him crave another glass of (whole) milk.
But he's polished off the third gallon of (whole) milk this week, and he must therefore hike all the way out to the garage to the nasty old back-up fridge.
As he walks out to the garage, you will notice that you can see the bones in his hips, and you will sadly remember that your pants get tight if you even think about cheesecake, and you will know that good metabolism is wasted on those young enough to think that Big Macs are gourmet.
He will return from the garage with the milk, but with all that physical exertion, chances are he's going to want a cookie and a brownie and some bacon to go with it.
Ha! She cracks me up! Check her out... http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/
Friday, July 16, 2010
Dilla Dude
We caught an Amarillo Dilla's game this week, before the mosquitoes attacked. (Several friends went later in the week and ended up running away around the 7th inning stretch due to the swarms of blood suckers!) The game was enjoyable, even though the Dillas lost.
All the audience games and races they do are fun to watch. They boys were telling me about a time they came with Derik and got to race the mascots around the bases. I think Dustin was 6 and Seth was 4 that year. Apparently they asked Derik to do the Sumo wrestle but he declined.
All the audience games and races they do are fun to watch. They boys were telling me about a time they came with Derik and got to race the mascots around the bases. I think Dustin was 6 and Seth was 4 that year. Apparently they asked Derik to do the Sumo wrestle but he declined.
Now the boys are 'too cool' to be seen racing mascots or even taking a picture with them. Braden did chase down the Dilla Dude and Maverick the Cowboy for a picture though!
Yes...I know my child looks like a street urchin. He needs a hair cut desperately. However, now that he has a certain style he's going for, we have to go see my stylist who I trust to achieve the look he wants. This requires an appointment, which I keep forgetting to make. We'll get there, eventually!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Attack of the Giant Mosquitos
All the rain we have had lately (including a record breaking 7.25 inches in 24 hours that flooded the airport and several parts of town) has allowed the mosquito population to grow to mammoth proportions. They are huge and there are tens of the thousands of them in my yard alone.
I have gone in to detail about my hatred fort this horrible creation that I think the world would survive without. Someone needs to come up with a spray that doesn't just repel them but kills them on contact. I would like to eradicate the entire mosquito population. That would make me happy and greatly improve my ability to enjoy the outdoors!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Fun @ Angel Fire
The boys had fun with the eurobungie, which was Braden's favorite. Dustin and Seth both made it to the top of the rock wall. Braden enjoyed trying, but decided he needed longer legs.
We also enjoyed the paddleboats. An hour was a little long, but gave everyone a chance to paddle or just float. Braden enjoyed "talking" to the geese that were all around us.
Cimarron Canyon Hiking
The river was very cold and we got to see people fly flishing down the river. Dustin, Seth, & I scaled the mountainside up to some rocks but it was a little too steep for Braden. We also saw a bear not far from here while driving. It was a small brown bear that hung around the road long enough for all the boys to see it, but not long enough for slow parents to get a picture!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Fireworks in the Mountains
We hung out near the Eaglenest Lake waiting for fireworks on the 4th. They were beautiful with the lake & mountain backdrop. Unfortunately, we have weird pics of us waiting instead of the scenery & fireworks!
A random moment in the camper. Don't they look thrilled!
New Mexico Camping
Sunday, July 4th, we drove to Angel Fire, NM with my parents. They invited us to join them in their camper for a couple days out of their week long vacation. We enjoyed fireworks over Eaglenest Lake, eurobungie and rock wall climbing at Angel Fire Resort, and paddleboating in Monte Verde Lake. We also hiked around Cimarron Canyon, visiting the same spot and trails we used when I was Braden's age. We all had a good time and enjoyed the beautiful scenery! Pictures to come!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Thursday Five
Here is this week's 5 that have made me happy, giddy, joyful, excited, and appreciative!
1. We all really enjoyed the family (Derik's fam) coming to visit this past weekend. I enjoyed getting spend some time with Laken, my almost 17 year old niece who I see very very little of. We all enjoyed playing games together. Please note the girls beat the guys at Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader and Sequence. (These were tournaments, not just one game!) Go girls!!
2. I've spent time this week preparing for the next school year in PTA. We have a great group of parents that are all enthusiastic about being involved. I have high hopes of increasing the volunteerism and making a real difference for the students at our school. I am switching jobs, from Treasurer to President. As of today, I am done being the Treasurer. I still have to go through the audit and do the tax stuff in the fall, but I am down right giddy about not being solely responsibly for the PTA books anymore!
3. I am reading a memoir, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (which I borrowed from my niece Laken). It is an incredible story. This girl, the children in this family, suffered an unimaginable upbringing. Just makes me feel ridiculously blessed to have the lifestyle, husband, parents, and creature comforts that I have! Excellent book! Check it out!
4. This weekend is 4th of July! Saturday, after backing out of a garage sale with other families that I had previously agreed to, we will be enjoying a patriotic parade and visiting my grandmother. Sunday, we will be heading to New Mexico with my mom & Bill for a couple of days. Camping in their RV in the mountains. Hopefully Derik will forgo the tents due to being in bear country. Don't think I would get much sleep!
5. Tomorrow is my father-in-law's birthday. He passed away last year on Father's Day. I am greatly appreciative of the 9 years I knew this sweet man. The last several years, he and I became closer and had a unique bond. We all miss him dearly and will be thinking of him tomorrow and always.
My father-in-law, Rick, having fun with the kids.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Fun Random Questions
1. Have you ever snooped around someone's house?
I am sure I have, but it would have been as a teenager or something. I can remember snooping through my dad & step mom's room when they weren't around.
2. Can guys and girls be friends?
They can, but it's really hard. I've had guy friends in the past, but it seemed like eventually there were at least minimal "crush" feelings going one direction or the other. My husband would say no, definitely not. And honestly, I am glad he doesn't have any women friends. =)
3. Can you curl your tongue?
Not sure what that means. I can curl both sides up to where it almost looks like a double heart from the front. Does that count?
4. Have you ever stolen anything?
Yes. I am ashamed. When I was 10, we took a 2 week family vacation. Not a lot of money for souvenirs, the desire to savor every stop on the trip, and the negative influence of my then 13 year old brother.
5. Would you rather talk on the phone or text?
Depends on the person and the subject. I love having those talks about all that girly stuff that your husband doesn't want to hear when he gets home. There is only about three people I have long phone conversations with though. Some people I text in order to avoid a long conversation about nothing. Sometimes its just easier to text if what you have to say might not make the recipient very happy. I love texting!
6. 4th of July plans?
Watching a small town parade with the boys and then visiting their fair on the square. Stopping by to see my grandmother and picking fresh cherries off her tree. Then the five of us will be heading to the mountains of New Mexico with my mom and step-dad for a couple days. More camping, but bear country requires a camper. No tents for me!
7. What do you do to relax?
A hot bath and good book. Just don't start to doze off and drench your chick lit!
8. Do you sit back and watch or set off your own fireworks?
When I was a kid and we lived outside the city limits, we always popped our own firecrackers! Once with my cousin we had a roman candle fight with some kids in the park. Nothing like a flaming ball of fire coming towards your head to get your blood pumping! There was also the time the bottle rocket tipped over and shot straight at the house! That was funny! I had never seen my aunt move so fast! She cussed my step-dad for ten minutes!
Now we follow the letter of the law and keep our kids from blowing their hands off! (When they are with us! Seth did have a New Year's Day incident with fireworks but he wasn't in our care at the time.) We watch the city's fireworks show from a distance and might sneak some sparklers into the backyard.
I am sure I have, but it would have been as a teenager or something. I can remember snooping through my dad & step mom's room when they weren't around.
2. Can guys and girls be friends?
They can, but it's really hard. I've had guy friends in the past, but it seemed like eventually there were at least minimal "crush" feelings going one direction or the other. My husband would say no, definitely not. And honestly, I am glad he doesn't have any women friends. =)
3. Can you curl your tongue?
Not sure what that means. I can curl both sides up to where it almost looks like a double heart from the front. Does that count?
4. Have you ever stolen anything?
Yes. I am ashamed. When I was 10, we took a 2 week family vacation. Not a lot of money for souvenirs, the desire to savor every stop on the trip, and the negative influence of my then 13 year old brother.
5. Would you rather talk on the phone or text?
Depends on the person and the subject. I love having those talks about all that girly stuff that your husband doesn't want to hear when he gets home. There is only about three people I have long phone conversations with though. Some people I text in order to avoid a long conversation about nothing. Sometimes its just easier to text if what you have to say might not make the recipient very happy. I love texting!
6. 4th of July plans?
Watching a small town parade with the boys and then visiting their fair on the square. Stopping by to see my grandmother and picking fresh cherries off her tree. Then the five of us will be heading to the mountains of New Mexico with my mom and step-dad for a couple days. More camping, but bear country requires a camper. No tents for me!
7. What do you do to relax?
A hot bath and good book. Just don't start to doze off and drench your chick lit!
8. Do you sit back and watch or set off your own fireworks?
When I was a kid and we lived outside the city limits, we always popped our own firecrackers! Once with my cousin we had a roman candle fight with some kids in the park. Nothing like a flaming ball of fire coming towards your head to get your blood pumping! There was also the time the bottle rocket tipped over and shot straight at the house! That was funny! I had never seen my aunt move so fast! She cussed my step-dad for ten minutes!
Now we follow the letter of the law and keep our kids from blowing their hands off! (When they are with us! Seth did have a New Year's Day incident with fireworks but he wasn't in our care at the time.) We watch the city's fireworks show from a distance and might sneak some sparklers into the backyard.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday Meal Plan
We had 11 people in our house this weekend. Derik's mother, brother, sister-in-law, 16 niece, 13 nephew, and 18 month old nephew came to visit. We had a great time and some great food!
Which leads to me to.... No meal plan this week!
It is either whatever I get around to making or fend for yourselves. Considering I've slept very little in the past three days, tonight is fend for yourselves. I am sure they will eat hot dogs or frozen pizza.
I'll post some pics of our Carleton Family Weekend soon!
Which leads to me to.... No meal plan this week!
It is either whatever I get around to making or fend for yourselves. Considering I've slept very little in the past three days, tonight is fend for yourselves. I am sure they will eat hot dogs or frozen pizza.
I'll post some pics of our Carleton Family Weekend soon!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
12 Hours In The Canyon
Derik decided he wanted to go camping in Palo Duro Canyon for Father's Day. I grumbled a little because our past tent camping experiences were not "all that". When he offered to take the kids alone and leave me to my own devices for the night, I should have thought for a second before letting that guilty mom thing force me to say "NO! Of course I'll go with my family!"
If I hadn't gone alone, I wouldn't be able to provide you the wonderful account of our 12 hours in the Canyon! (It was technically 15 hours, but that doesn't have the same ring to it!)
1 Setting up camp is guys' work. I strategically take the dog to find areas to do her business. Yes, we took the dog. Not my idea but it did keep from doing any work.
2 Hiking somewhere new. We took the trails that I discovered on Braden's field trip. Chloe led the way and we hiked about an hour. Poor thing was the definition of 'dog tired' when we got back to the truck. She literally collapsed in the bed of the truck and didn't move for 15 minutes. Hiking trails in the heat is hard a fat girl! (I'm talking about the dog here, NOT ME!)
3 Back to the campsite. Derik started a fire and got ready to cook hot dogs for the kids. Not really my idea of dinner, but again I did zero work on this trip. He packed the food and gear!
4 Dinner done. Derik took the kids hiking in the camp vicinity while Chloe and I relax. I am sure the guys enjoyed their hike, but I soaked up the quiet time. I watched the hawks circling above my head. I noticed two, then four, then ten, at final count there were sixteen huge hawks (maybe falcons, I'm not a bird person) circling above me. When the guys came walking back up, I told them if I don't get up and move soon these birds and going to think I look like their dinner.
5 Toasted marshmallows. Not such a big hit this time. Braden prefers his just right out of the bag and ate a handful. Seth toasted two and put them between two chocolate chip cookies. Dustin passed altogether. Not sure what was up with them not wanting to pig out, but at least no one made themselves sick by overeating. (Seth is notorious for this, particularly when camping!)
6 Ghost stories at dusk. Braden couldn't wait for the sun to go down so they could tell scary stories. They each took turns telling stories that were far more silly than scary. Derik told a few jokes. I didn't have any scary stories, but we spent plenty of time recounting funny stories from my childhood, all of which included my brother tricking me to believe horrible things. (He once told me that my parents gave my dog away to someone who went on vacation and the dog starved to death in the backyard! Totally untrue but I believed him and was mad at my mom for almost a year!)
7 Quiet time. Midnight or a little later, we made the boys get in their tent. They didn't fall asleep for 2 hours or more. Derik and I watched the fire and just talked. It was nice to have "adult conversation". The kids have been staying up til all hours of the morning and we haven't had anytime to just sit and talk. I enjoyed this two hours of the camping trip. A lot.
8 Tent arrangements. Dustin, the oldest, decides there is not enough room for him to sleep in the tent with Seth and Braden, which meant that Braden ended up in our tent. About 3 AM, we put the fire out and went in our tent, each barely clinging to a piece of sleeping bag laid open under the three of us. I had Braden's tiny kid sleeping bag around my legs because I cannot sleep without covers. (Again, Derik packed which means each kid had a sleeping bag and we had one to share. Nothing to put under, no padding. We only had pillows because I mentioned not wanting to lay my head on a rock before we left the house.)
9 Raccoons!! We weren't in the tent 10 minutes when we began hearing twigs breaking and things moving around the campsite. We both bolted up and shined our flashlights out to see what type of night critters were checking out our stuff. We saw the biggest raccoons that ever existed! These things were not hurting for a meal. They were bigger than my dog. (See previous post, she's not small.) They were crawling around, looking in the trash bag, climbed up on the picnic table and checked out a half full Dr Pepper can. Eventually they sauntered off under the truck. We laid back down, but continued to hear movement for the next hour.
10 No sleep. I couldn't fall asleep. Derik, who is perpetually hot, left the rain fly off our tent, which is completely made of mesh other than the bottom and two feet on each side. Feeling completely exposed, with creatures of the night prowling around, and everyone asleep, I laid there for more than hour looking at stars and listening for anything larger than a raccoon to come around. When I finally did fall asleep, I had a dream that I sat up to find a bear staring in the front of our tent. (I know, there are no bears in the Panhandle of Texas.) I woke up due to the bear dream and sleep evaded me the rest of the night.
11 Sunrise. It was pretty. I was the only one awake. Still awake. Watched the sky change colors over the sides of the canyon. Soon after I heard the boys arguing about getting out of the tent. Obviously Seth wanted out and Dustin wasn't moving. I woke Derik up, which woke Braden up.
12 Pack up & go home. Seth and Braden were complaining they were cold so Derik let them get in the truck with the heater on. It was at least 75. Not cold, even to me who is always cold. I conveniently took Chloe for a walk while Derik and Dustin tore down and packed up all the stuff. Chloe and I saw a woodpecker, a wild turkey, and a dead snake on the road. By the time we got back to camp, there was no camp and we were ready to leave.
It was a quick trip, but we all had plenty of dirt and bug bites to remember it by!
Pictures coming soon!
If I hadn't gone alone, I wouldn't be able to provide you the wonderful account of our 12 hours in the Canyon! (It was technically 15 hours, but that doesn't have the same ring to it!)
1 Setting up camp is guys' work. I strategically take the dog to find areas to do her business. Yes, we took the dog. Not my idea but it did keep from doing any work.
2 Hiking somewhere new. We took the trails that I discovered on Braden's field trip. Chloe led the way and we hiked about an hour. Poor thing was the definition of 'dog tired' when we got back to the truck. She literally collapsed in the bed of the truck and didn't move for 15 minutes. Hiking trails in the heat is hard a fat girl! (I'm talking about the dog here, NOT ME!)
3 Back to the campsite. Derik started a fire and got ready to cook hot dogs for the kids. Not really my idea of dinner, but again I did zero work on this trip. He packed the food and gear!
4 Dinner done. Derik took the kids hiking in the camp vicinity while Chloe and I relax. I am sure the guys enjoyed their hike, but I soaked up the quiet time. I watched the hawks circling above my head. I noticed two, then four, then ten, at final count there were sixteen huge hawks (maybe falcons, I'm not a bird person) circling above me. When the guys came walking back up, I told them if I don't get up and move soon these birds and going to think I look like their dinner.
5 Toasted marshmallows. Not such a big hit this time. Braden prefers his just right out of the bag and ate a handful. Seth toasted two and put them between two chocolate chip cookies. Dustin passed altogether. Not sure what was up with them not wanting to pig out, but at least no one made themselves sick by overeating. (Seth is notorious for this, particularly when camping!)
6 Ghost stories at dusk. Braden couldn't wait for the sun to go down so they could tell scary stories. They each took turns telling stories that were far more silly than scary. Derik told a few jokes. I didn't have any scary stories, but we spent plenty of time recounting funny stories from my childhood, all of which included my brother tricking me to believe horrible things. (He once told me that my parents gave my dog away to someone who went on vacation and the dog starved to death in the backyard! Totally untrue but I believed him and was mad at my mom for almost a year!)
7 Quiet time. Midnight or a little later, we made the boys get in their tent. They didn't fall asleep for 2 hours or more. Derik and I watched the fire and just talked. It was nice to have "adult conversation". The kids have been staying up til all hours of the morning and we haven't had anytime to just sit and talk. I enjoyed this two hours of the camping trip. A lot.
8 Tent arrangements. Dustin, the oldest, decides there is not enough room for him to sleep in the tent with Seth and Braden, which meant that Braden ended up in our tent. About 3 AM, we put the fire out and went in our tent, each barely clinging to a piece of sleeping bag laid open under the three of us. I had Braden's tiny kid sleeping bag around my legs because I cannot sleep without covers. (Again, Derik packed which means each kid had a sleeping bag and we had one to share. Nothing to put under, no padding. We only had pillows because I mentioned not wanting to lay my head on a rock before we left the house.)
9 Raccoons!! We weren't in the tent 10 minutes when we began hearing twigs breaking and things moving around the campsite. We both bolted up and shined our flashlights out to see what type of night critters were checking out our stuff. We saw the biggest raccoons that ever existed! These things were not hurting for a meal. They were bigger than my dog. (See previous post, she's not small.) They were crawling around, looking in the trash bag, climbed up on the picnic table and checked out a half full Dr Pepper can. Eventually they sauntered off under the truck. We laid back down, but continued to hear movement for the next hour.
10 No sleep. I couldn't fall asleep. Derik, who is perpetually hot, left the rain fly off our tent, which is completely made of mesh other than the bottom and two feet on each side. Feeling completely exposed, with creatures of the night prowling around, and everyone asleep, I laid there for more than hour looking at stars and listening for anything larger than a raccoon to come around. When I finally did fall asleep, I had a dream that I sat up to find a bear staring in the front of our tent. (I know, there are no bears in the Panhandle of Texas.) I woke up due to the bear dream and sleep evaded me the rest of the night.
11 Sunrise. It was pretty. I was the only one awake. Still awake. Watched the sky change colors over the sides of the canyon. Soon after I heard the boys arguing about getting out of the tent. Obviously Seth wanted out and Dustin wasn't moving. I woke Derik up, which woke Braden up.
12 Pack up & go home. Seth and Braden were complaining they were cold so Derik let them get in the truck with the heater on. It was at least 75. Not cold, even to me who is always cold. I conveniently took Chloe for a walk while Derik and Dustin tore down and packed up all the stuff. Chloe and I saw a woodpecker, a wild turkey, and a dead snake on the road. By the time we got back to camp, there was no camp and we were ready to leave.
It was a quick trip, but we all had plenty of dirt and bug bites to remember it by!
Pictures coming soon!
Monday Meal Plan
Even though I'd rather not cook all summer, 3 nights this week is not bad!
Monday - PTA Meeting at Ruby Tequila's so the boys will fend for themselves!
Tuesday - Pasta & Meatballs
Wednesday - Build Your Own Taco/Burrito
Thursday - Shredded Chicken Nachos
Friday thru Sunday - We have 6 Carleton's coming for the weekend! I don't know how to plan or cook for 11 people so we are going to wing it!
Monday - PTA Meeting at Ruby Tequila's so the boys will fend for themselves!
Tuesday - Pasta & Meatballs
Wednesday - Build Your Own Taco/Burrito
Thursday - Shredded Chicken Nachos
Friday thru Sunday - We have 6 Carleton's coming for the weekend! I don't know how to plan or cook for 11 people so we are going to wing it!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Friday Flash Backs
I totally stole the Flash Back Friday trend from my friend Jen, from Rank & File Wifey (see my blog list).
Facebook has put me in contact with people from all stages of my life, including my friend Jessica. Jessica and I attended the same elementary but were not friends in those years. If I remember right, there was a falling out over a boy in 4th or 5th grade. I remember he was a twin, but I don't recall if it was Derik or Erik that we both had a crush on. At any rate, Jess & I didn't become BFFs until 8th or 9th grade. We partied a lot together. Yes...We partied a lot in the 9th grade. She had a older sister and a mom that wasn't home a lot at night which afforded us more freedom that we deserved. Jessica and her sister were the ones that introduced me to my first serious boyfriend & first love. Consequently, with a serious boyfriend, I wasn't a very good friend and our friendship fizzled. She was a great friend and we had a lot of good times together, many that I will never ever forgot.
She posted these pics on FB, which brought back some memories of our good times and my bad hair! Thanks, Jess! And thanks FB for putting me back in touch with so many good friends!
This was shortly after I got such a horrible haircut that I skipped school for 3 days!
Mandy in a dress! This was rare in those days!
No clue what pose I was attempting! I was really skinny though!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Love My Chloe
I have puppy fever and my brother has a litter of rat terrier/weenie dog pups that are adorable. My dilemma is regard to Chloe and training. Is it fair to Chloe, who is a pretty happy only dog, to bring a puppy in? While she would enjoy a playmate, she is getting older and might be more annoyed than enthusiastic. Also, will I ever be able to train a puppy to be as well behaved as Chloe? I don't think I could love a dog with bad habits and not sure if I have the patience to train one.
We adopted Chloe from the Amarillo SPCA. She came already housebroken, knew how to sit and stay, and didn't require much training. We taught her a few tricks. She knows how to "put 'em up" when you point your hand like a gun at her and we taught her to roll over with a hand command. She is just such a good dog.
I am afraid to disrupt the harmonious dog & people balance that exists in our home with a puppy. But....
The puppy fever won't go away!
Thursday Five
For those of you not familiar with Thursday Five it's a chance to reflect on five things that made you "Happy, Joyful, Excited, Jubilant and Grateful"! Here is mine:
Happy - I can hear all three of our boys playing the Xbox together in the other room. They are laughing, squeeling, screaming, and just having an all around good time. I am happy they are finally to the age where they can enjoy each other and have shared interests without the immature fighting (most of the time).
Joyful - It is summer! No schedules or school days! Need I say more!
Excited - All the great summer movies are coming out! We are going to the drive in this week to see Karate Kid and Prince of Persia! Free tickets to a double feature drive in where we can bring our on snacks!
Jubilant - Seth and Braden decided on their own they wanted to go to VBS (Vacation Bible School) this week at church. Despite the temptation to stay home for video game time with Dad, they chose to have fun with other kids their age while praising God and hopefully growing spiritually!
Grateful - Being a stay-at-home mom is the biggest blessing I could ever dream of asking for! Today I drove by Braden's old daycare around dinner time and saw mom's and dad's picking up their kids. I just reminded me that my little boy used to spend 8 to 10 hours a day with someone other than his mom. I have been a full time mom since summer 2006. If I could go back and start when he was born, I definitely would! I cherish everyday I have to be at home with my boys!
So it's your turn now-- What has made you "Happy, Joyful, Excited, Jubilant and Grateful"? Hop on over to http://www.mannland5.com/ and get started :)
Happy Thursday everyone!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Viewing Venus
Derik and all three boys spent the last half hour standing in the driveway with a telescope checking out Venus. They all have a fascination with stars and planets. While I think it is noteworthy, it is certainly not worth additional mosquito bites to my body.
I need to do some research on why mosquitoes bite certain people more than others. Braden and I are like mosquito magnets. Those blood suckers seek us out of a crowd. I've proven this time and time again. Standing in a group of people, Braden and I will have several bites each while everyone else is left untouched.
While on the subject, I appreciate almost every one of God's creations. Spiders, even though I hate them and scream like a little girl almost every time I see one, have a purpose in helping to reduce insect population. Skunks, though their stench makes me want to vomit, are at least furry and cute. Mosquitoes, on the other, have no redeeming qualities. They bite you, leaving a red welt that itches, which causes you to scratch it, making it become a sore which takes weeks to heal. They spread West Nile and even worse Malaria, which kills 180 children every 90 minutes in Africa (Per a tweet from Alyssa Milano. Don't question my sources.) Mosquitoes are useless and should be hunted down and brought to extinction.
Anyhow, my aversion to mosquitoes kept me indoors this evening. Catching a glimpse of Venus simply wasn't worth getting bitten or spraying myself with the noxious bug spray.
The upside of my guys viewing Venus tonight, I have 30 or so minutes to myself. Yes, I'm loving the silence.
The downside... They left he back door open and let all the blood sucking mosquitoes in my house!
I need to do some research on why mosquitoes bite certain people more than others. Braden and I are like mosquito magnets. Those blood suckers seek us out of a crowd. I've proven this time and time again. Standing in a group of people, Braden and I will have several bites each while everyone else is left untouched.
While on the subject, I appreciate almost every one of God's creations. Spiders, even though I hate them and scream like a little girl almost every time I see one, have a purpose in helping to reduce insect population. Skunks, though their stench makes me want to vomit, are at least furry and cute. Mosquitoes, on the other, have no redeeming qualities. They bite you, leaving a red welt that itches, which causes you to scratch it, making it become a sore which takes weeks to heal. They spread West Nile and even worse Malaria, which kills 180 children every 90 minutes in Africa (Per a tweet from Alyssa Milano. Don't question my sources.) Mosquitoes are useless and should be hunted down and brought to extinction.
Anyhow, my aversion to mosquitoes kept me indoors this evening. Catching a glimpse of Venus simply wasn't worth getting bitten or spraying myself with the noxious bug spray.
The upside of my guys viewing Venus tonight, I have 30 or so minutes to myself. Yes, I'm loving the silence.
The downside... They left he back door open and let all the blood sucking mosquitoes in my house!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Monday Meal Plan
It seems the evenings go more smoothly during the week if I plan out what meals I will be cooking. I am really not into cooking right now, given the summer heat and long afternoons at the pool. However, I have a hardworking husband that is hungry for a hot meal after a long day at work. So cook I must!
Monday: Mexican Bowtie Festival
Tuesday: Grilled Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Wednesday: Homestyle Chicken and Corn
Thursday: Fair Food @ Wonderland
Friday: Italian Pasta & Beef Bake
Saturday: Breakfast for Dinner
Sunday: Cookout Burgers & Hot Dogs
Monday: Mexican Bowtie Festival
Tuesday: Grilled Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Wednesday: Homestyle Chicken and Corn
Thursday: Fair Food @ Wonderland
Friday: Italian Pasta & Beef Bake
Saturday: Breakfast for Dinner
Sunday: Cookout Burgers & Hot Dogs
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Found By The Happy Housewife
Loved this post (even though I never, no not even once, watched Lost) from The Happy Housewife's blog, which is on my blog list (bottom right).
Found ~ By Mrs. Happy Housewifeon May 24, 2010 10:18 AM
There is Good and Evil.
The path we have chosen is evidenced by how we treat our fellow man.
There is always a chance for redemption.
Science does not exist without faith.
Love is powerful.
We all die...and death is only a doorway along the path our souls travel.
These are the truths I found in the six years of "Lost" and, though I disagree with the show's belief in a limbo-land betwixt death and the Great Hereafter, I can understand that worldview.
There is, however, one misstep in the Lost theology that is too great to ignore, one truth that renders all others useless: it is only through Christ that we may be found.
He is our chance for redemption. He is the path that we must choose.
Many these days tend to shy away from the "Him or nothing" belief; it seems so black and white and lacking of mercy. But He is the mercy and faith in Him and His death in our stead is the one and only way to ever pass on from this world into Paradise.
Love is powerful and the greatest love of all is God's.
We may be lost, but God knows right where we are and he can lead us Home.
http://mrshappyhousewife.com/2010/05/found.html
Found ~ By Mrs. Happy Housewifeon May 24, 2010 10:18 AM
There is Good and Evil.
The path we have chosen is evidenced by how we treat our fellow man.
There is always a chance for redemption.
Science does not exist without faith.
Love is powerful.
We all die...and death is only a doorway along the path our souls travel.
These are the truths I found in the six years of "Lost" and, though I disagree with the show's belief in a limbo-land betwixt death and the Great Hereafter, I can understand that worldview.
There is, however, one misstep in the Lost theology that is too great to ignore, one truth that renders all others useless: it is only through Christ that we may be found.
He is our chance for redemption. He is the path that we must choose.
Many these days tend to shy away from the "Him or nothing" belief; it seems so black and white and lacking of mercy. But He is the mercy and faith in Him and His death in our stead is the one and only way to ever pass on from this world into Paradise.
Love is powerful and the greatest love of all is God's.
We may be lost, but God knows right where we are and he can lead us Home.
http://mrshappyhousewife.com/2010/05/found.html
How Different Things Would Be
Today, my cousin Jeremy left for a year long deployment to Afghanistan. He left behind his pregnant wife, Amy, and his two year old son, Aiden. My heart hurts for them both knowing the loneliness they will experience, the worry that will be a part of their daily thoughts, and all the special moments they will miss out on as a family.
Deployment is a part of Army life. I have many friends that are military spouses and go through the struggles that are a part of every military family's life. When I hear about their deployed husbands or moves across country, I immediately think about how different my life would be had Derik chosen to stay in the Army.
I was pregnant with Braden when Derik's ETS date came along. Between his two young boys living in Houston and our son coming soon, we decided the military life was not right for our marriage and family. It take a strong marriage to make is through the various challenges that being in the military. I have much respect and gratitude to those families serving our country, sacrificing so much within their own family for the greater good.
Derik got out of the Army about a month before September 11th, 2001. Everyone we knew was deployed within a year. I often wonder if our marriage would have survived the stress of separation and parenting alone. If we made it, would we have had another child? Our decision to stop after Braden had much to do with our crazy work schedules here in Amarillo. Had he stayed in, we definitely would not be in Amarillo. We have friends in Germany, Alaska, and Hawaii. Where the Army would have sent our family?
It's amazing how that one decision, to leave the Army life behind, changes your entire future.While I wonder what might have been, I am so very thankful to be where we are and have the life that we have here. God has blessed us tremendously and we love our lives!
To all of those who are serving or love someone who is serving our country, thank you! Thank you for your sacrifice! Matt, Josh, & Jeremy....You are in my prayers!
Deployment is a part of Army life. I have many friends that are military spouses and go through the struggles that are a part of every military family's life. When I hear about their deployed husbands or moves across country, I immediately think about how different my life would be had Derik chosen to stay in the Army.
I was pregnant with Braden when Derik's ETS date came along. Between his two young boys living in Houston and our son coming soon, we decided the military life was not right for our marriage and family. It take a strong marriage to make is through the various challenges that being in the military. I have much respect and gratitude to those families serving our country, sacrificing so much within their own family for the greater good.
Derik got out of the Army about a month before September 11th, 2001. Everyone we knew was deployed within a year. I often wonder if our marriage would have survived the stress of separation and parenting alone. If we made it, would we have had another child? Our decision to stop after Braden had much to do with our crazy work schedules here in Amarillo. Had he stayed in, we definitely would not be in Amarillo. We have friends in Germany, Alaska, and Hawaii. Where the Army would have sent our family?
It's amazing how that one decision, to leave the Army life behind, changes your entire future.While I wonder what might have been, I am so very thankful to be where we are and have the life that we have here. God has blessed us tremendously and we love our lives!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Finally....We Have Proof!
Proof that our kids are not of this world! They were totally at home with the aliens!
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