It's Because I'm the Mom

Little No More

2012-01-07T09:55:00.001-08:00

Little Girl is not so little anymore. Today is her ninth birthday. She is such an angel and can be such a devil. She keeps me on my toes and keeps me laughing! Happy birthday E!

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Dangers of Dance

2011-09-09T18:05:00.001-07:00

Big girl started dance team last week. She was so excited to see all her friends.

Last night at class while practicing some leaps she landed with a thud. Her foot was hurt. She iced it a few minutes and tried to rejoin class. It was soon apparent she wouldn't be leaping anymore that day.

When she was still swollen and complaining this morning I decided to bring her in to the doctor.

Off to x-ray! Had fun driving (and crashing into things in her new wheels.

Long story short...dance career is on hold. 5th metatarsal fracture.

Temporary splint. Going to orthopedist next week to see if it needs to be braced or casted.

Only Big Girl can giggle her way through treatment for a broken foot!

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Blue Ribbon Fair!

2011-08-11T12:36:00.001-07:00

Big girl did great at fair. 4 blue ribbon photographs. 1 was champion of her division and 2 were selected to go to state fair.

3 blue ribbons for sewing and 1 selected for state fair.

1 blue ribbon for table setting.Harry Potter theme,of course!

And 1 blue ribbon for Iron Chef- Battle Frozen Blueberries!

Exhausting but we are very proud of her.

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My daughter's Obsession

2011-07-28T20:18:00.001-07:00

It's time to get ready for fair! Both girls are in 4-H and entering items into the fair. No farm animals, though!

Little girl is a cloverbud and as such, can only display her work and not really compete. She took photography this year. When it cane time to decide what pictures she wanted to take to fair she chose...what else? Star Wars Legos!

Here is one of the pics... Too cute,right? I think it will be a hit.

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Off to Camp!

2011-07-24T21:03:00.001-07:00

Big girl is off to camp today. So cute with her backpack that weighs as much as she does!

Unfortunately it's about 25 degrees cooler at camp than at home.

She looks a little chilly.

I am missing her already and little girl will start day camp tomorrow.

Whatever will I do with my days?
I hope I don't get too bored!

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Blueberry Season!

2011-07-23T18:47:00.001-07:00

The girls and I visited our local blueberry u-pick today. We always have fun picking and the season is short. Little girls bucket always weighs a little light but luckily they don't weigh the kids before and after picking.

I LOVE the price...$5.00 for 4.5 lbs!

Went home and made a pie right away for my big girl since she's going to be gone a WHOLE WEEK for camp!!!

-

Beautiful! If only I ate blueberries!

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SWAGGER WAGON

2011-07-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

Thought this was a hilarious video...kinda makes me wish I still had a mini-van....

POTTER!

2011-05-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting around to posting some pictures of Big Girl and My trip to Orlando!

Our first look at Hogsmeade

Fish and Chips and Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks!

The butterbeer was delicious! All the food and drinks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are authentic to the books...no diet coke here.

The town of Hogsmeade.

Big Girl was chosen by Olivander at the wand shop. She got to be part of the magic when her wand "chose her".

Got to see the Hogwart's Express and meet the conductor.

Hogwarts! Just as I imagined it.

Hermione's gown for the Yule Ball.

Big Girl rode the Dragon's Challenge 4 times. I waited in baby swap...I'm not crazy! Or I'm a big wuss. Can't decide which.

Entrance to Dragon's Challenge. We were Team Potter, of course.

This is another view of Hogwarts...statues of Warthogs? There is a great ride/tour inside. A little scary but I managed...I might have closed my eyes a little bit.

This is the Boar's Head Pub. I had a Boar's Head ale. Not a beer fan and this was pretty strong stuff. Had to get the cool souvenir mug, though.

Oh, yeah! We did some other stuff at Universal.
We pretty much had the Universal park to ourselves since everyone was over at Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure...Donkey was HILARIOUS!!

We loved Jurassic Park. Made it look like a separate theme park like we'd stepped into the movie. Very fun.

Universal has really come a long way with their shows. Very fun and realistic.

But then it was time to hurry on back to Harry Potter...That is why we flew across the entire country! Had a great time. Highly recommend if you are a fan of Harry Potter. Next time, though we would stay at Disney World and take a shuttle over there for a day. A day is plenty of time if you go in the off-season.

Really appreciate Hubby for sending us and staying with Little Girl (who is not a fan of Harry or flying or hotels or leaving the house...)
The only thing he was jealous of is the butterbeer so he found me a recipe online. It was ALMOST as good as the real thing.

Recipe for Butterbeer:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/333367/harry_potter_top_10_butterbeer_recipes.html

Happy No-Braces Day!

2011-04-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Little Girl got her braces off! I was more excited than her, I think...No more brushing and flossing between 7 million braces twice a day!!!YEA!!!

Before:

After:
(Gotta Love those freckles!)

First Item on the Agenda ?

BUBBLE GUM!!!!

Dance, Dance, Dance

2011-03-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

The girls had another dance recital. This time I took them to get their hair done at the salon...so cute. They were outstanding, as usual. These are their hip hop outfits...don't know what happend to their jazz pics but those were also pretty cute.

Super Stars!

Spelling Bee

2011-02-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

Big Girl was in the homeschool spelling bee in our town. This is the first year she was old enough and was very excited. She didn't study that much and I knew she would be up against kids much older so I wasn't sure how far she would get. She was up against 9 other kids from 5th to 8th grade. She beat out all the younger kids until it was her and two 8th graders standing...they went several rounds before Big Girl made a mistake on ACQUAINTANCE (did I spell that right?) She actually knew how to spell it but forgot a letter...Bummer. Still, she got third place her first time out and spelled a bunch of words that I got wrong as I spelled along with her. What a smarty-pants!

She'll get 'em next year!

Tug-O-War

2011-02-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

Big Girl got to play with the lions at homeschool zoo school! Amazing how strong this guy is. Took Big Girl and 5 or 6 adults to come close to being a fair battle.

Junk-Salin'

2011-01-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

Me and the girls went Junk-Salin' Saturday. I don't call it Garage-Saling because...well, that's obvious. Ever optomistic, several Saturdays a year the girls get their loose change in their little purses and head out to find that elusive bargain. More often than not we head home dejected with nothing more than a wasted morning. Sometimes the girls are determined to bring home SOMETHING and so spend their hard-earned allowance or tooth-fairy money on a dollar-store trinket or some disgusting slobbered-upon stuffed animal --BLECH! These items usually get placed in a pile for OUR future garage sale pretty quickly.

However, this was OUR DAY.

Emily found a much-longed for pillow pal for 3 bucks. I had previously refused to buy a pillow pal for 30 bucks.

Sarah got a great deal on an IPOD alarm clock. 5 bucks! She even bargained and got them to come down from $10...that's my girl!

I got my best deal on a hand-made chest. The girls are planning to redecorate their play-room into a gaming/media room and this will be made into a toy chest/bench for that room. I am planning on making a cushion for when they need extra seating. 5 bucks people! We also found some cute girl clothes for Emily, a purse from Macy's with the tags still on and a couple of other things. Success was OURS!

Guess we'll keep on Junkin'!

New Towels and A Great Deal

2011-01-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have been wanting a good set of towels since I got married eleven years ago. I have purchased many a towel over the years which I had high hopes for. Towels that looked oh, so lovely in the store. Plush, vibrant color, surely THIS towel will not let me down...Only to be disappointed soon after. I don't know how many times I have put a new towel into the washing machine, a beautiful, soft towel, and later pull out a faded, un-raveling mess. I get out my scissors and start giving my new towels a trim...Boo Hoo!

Then after returning a few things to Land's End who's return policy is "GUARANTEED. PERIOD." I got to thinking...buy me some towels and if they are crappy towels...RETURN...GUARANTEED...!

So, ever looking for me a great deal since these towels are not cheap, I cashed in some of my credit card miles for a gift card and put some towels in my virtual shopping cart. But...I went over my gift card amount...bummer. So, I figured there must be a way to google me some free shipping or something. Found me a code for free shipping and bought me a set of $200 towels for $19.00!!!! Can't wait to get them and see if they hold up.

I am so inspired by my saving, I'll have to take my coupons to the Safeway, later. Did anyone see the TLC show "Extreme Couponing"? It was awesome!

Christmas Ready

2010-12-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

Well, we are all ready for Christmas around here. I was lucky enought this year that the girls did not have big lists made out. They both wanted new daybeds. DONE! And they wanted new clothes. Big girl grows out of her clothes every other week anyway. I'll probably have to return the clothes the day after Christmas since I bought them a couple of weeks ago and she's probably already grown out of them.

There are NO toys under the tree this year! The girls have decided they are too big for toys. There are a couple of video games, though.

We are having a quiet dinner and present-opening on Christmas Eve this year as Daddy is working on Christmas Day. The first time since we have had kids. They are dissapointed but what can you do?

I am excited to be done with Christmas but now what to do for Little Girl's Jan. birthday?

End of An Era

2010-12-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted for a while because we have been having a few issues around here. We have had to make a few changes.
Little girl has been going through some emotional problems. For the past several months she has had some anxiety and anger issues. The tantrums and fits usually, but not always occur at night. We can't take trips anymore. We had to return from a trip to Washington in the middle of the night because she was screaming and throwing a fit (she is seven). We even had to leave in a rush from her grandparent's house on Thanksgiving day (BEFORE DESSERT!) Her dad and I have tried everything in the book to try to help her and to fix this problem including various forms of punishments and positive reinforcements. Unfortunately, her problems have just seemed to escalate over time.

Thanksgiving week at her Nana's house was the worst episode yet, resulting in my taking her to see her doctor on Friday. Her doctor, usually conservative, had a few suggestions and also implied that we might know more about whether she had a simple behavior problem or something more serious if we could compare her home vs. school behavior.

Home-schooling has been going very well. She does her schoolwork quickly and easily and is well above grade level in all her subjects. But despite her doing very well academically, her dad and I have discussed several times in the past putting her into school for the social aspect and for the energy-burning aspect simply because of her behavior issues. (And, let's be honest, to give me a break from her).

So after much heart-breaking deliberation, we decided to put her in school for a while. We are hoping she will be active and engaged for a larger part of her day and if nothing else, be too tired to throw fits at night. I enrolled her on Wednesday before I could change my mind ( I changed my mind Wednesday night) and she started on Thursday.

I sobbed the entire day. I sobbed in front of the secretary. I sobbed in front of the cafeteria lady, I sobbed in front of the teacher. Big girl thought I was nuts. I think she enjoyed the peace and quiet.

So far, so good. She loved her first day of school. She liked her teacher and made some friends. She went to bed with NO issues last night...the first time in a very long time. I don't know if this is going to be a solution or not but we are hoping and we are certainly hoping to return her to homeschool someday.

How Do You Socialize Your Children?

2010-11-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Boy, have I had THIS conversation before!

Halloween Cuties

2010-11-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

Halloween was a big success around here. Big girl was a greek goddess...we could never pin down which one...She is a big fan of the Percy Jackson books. We figure she's a cross between Athena and Aphrodite. I made the costume...bet you didn't know I was soooo talented.

Little girl was Hanna Montana.

Hanna must not be popular this year. I didn't see another one out there. I did not make this one but I did make the belt and found the matching gloves at Claires. The wig was a huge pain!

The girls were lucky their Daddy got off work early to take them...he has a lot more patience and goes as long as they want to. They walked for hours until people started turning out their lights!

I had a great time handing out candy. Handfuls for the babies and little cuties, one candy for stinkin' teenagers who are too old to be scamming for candy (One of my pet peeves). Anyway, everyone had a good time. Love the holidays!

My New Love

2010-11-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

Finally found a new car! It's a Mercedes SUV. It's awesome...Very gadgety. I do love the gadgets! Here's a pic. It has leather seats, which I don't care for but these leather seats are not so bad...we'll see in the summer, though. The kids love it, too...lots of outlets for their electronics. I love the automatic lights and wipers. I can learn to live without the electronic sliding doors...I've become one of those people who park a mile away from the store so little girl doesn't bang into someone else's car (and okay, so no one bangs into me).

Death of a Honda

2010-10-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

We have recently experienced a loss in the family. It was not altogether unexpected. She was getting on in years. The loss still hurts, though. She will be sorely missed. Poor, poor Honda!

Whyyyyy!!!!?????

I am car-less. A pedestrian. Hitching rides from strangers. Poor, poor me!

I am car-searching but so far nothing speaks to me as Honda did when I first laid eyes upon her. Oh, the new-car smell, the Navigation system, the DVD player, not to mention the electric sliding doors...BOTH SIDES!!!... sniff, sniff....

I guess I am just not ready to move on...the pain is too fresh!

Cinderella!

2010-10-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

The big Cinderella ballet was Sunday. I wasn't able to take any pictures or video of the actual ballet but I got some pics of the rehearsal. Forgive the quality of the pictures...it was very dark and I was pretty far away.

Big Girl is in the middle. She played a forest sprite.

The performance was great. The girls were fantastic. I was very proud

A Star is Born!

2010-09-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

Big Girl did it! She was cast as a Sprite in the Ballet Company production of Cinderella. I knew she was a shoe-in!

She was thrilled, of course. We are very proud. This will be her 3rd time dancing with the company. She was a mouse in the Nutcracker when she was seven, an angel in the Nutcracker last year and now she will be a sprite. (Her dad teases her that she'll be dressed as a can of soda).

The ballet will be the middle of October. I will try to get some pictures to post if I can get away with it.

Backs, Break-Ins and Ballet

2010-09-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Big Girl had a visit to Shriner's hospital on Thursday. This was to be a regular check of her spine and we suspected a new brace would have to be made as she had grown so much it no longer fit well.

After a looonnnggg wait we finally saw the doctor. I can never figure out why it takes 2 hours to see the doctor when he only comes in the room for 2 minutes!

The great news is her spine is completely straight for now and she gets to take a 6 month break from her brace. She'll have to go back for x-rays in 6 months and may have to go back to bracing if her spine curves again.

She was ecstatic but she and dad were mad at me for giving the brace to the doctor to recycle...they had big plans for a bonfire. (You see why I was so anxious to leave it in Portland).

We had a celebration dinner at Joe's Crab Shack...a pretty fun place to eat. We went to our hotel looking forward to a trip to the coast the next day. Our plans were quickly changed when we got a call from our alarm company.

We came home to find our basement had been broken into. Luckily, the alarm scared them off and nothing was taken. There was no damage. Very scary, though.

We are now proud owners of a handgun and lessons are in my near future. I'm sure I'll be a natural. I was pretty good at duck hunt on my playstation back in the day.

Today Big Girl is auditioning for a part in the Ballet Company's production of Cinderella. Hopefully, later today we will have some more good news!

Orthodontia--The Sequel

2010-09-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

Before

After

Oh, the joy of flossing a 7-year-old with braces!

Only 12 months to go!

First Day of School!

2010-09-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

We had our first day of School on Thursday. The kids were excited to get started with some of their new curriculum. (Homeschool mom says hopefully).

They probably wouldn't have minded a few more days of vacation.

But first, the photo shoot.

Dance started this week too. Girls were VERY excited about that. They have decided to take a hiatus from karate this year...good thing, too since they are taking a total of 6 dance classes between them. Mom needs to be home to clean and cook once in a while.

Snickers wants in on the act.

He's not a great model...hard to shoot a moving target!

Here's to a great year!

The Well-Educated Mind...A Journey

2010-08-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in my previous blog that our homeschool loosely follows Susan Wise-Baur's book The Well-Trained Mind.

She has also written a book for adults who wish to improve their minds and read challenging classic literature. I purchased The Well-Educated Mind some time ago and fully intended to work my way through all the novels, autobiographies and poetry. There is a recommended list of books and directions on how to read them... I got stuck on this one:

Unfortunately, this is the first book...So, I am challenging myself to read this book and blog about it. I will be forced to complete it or be shamed in public.

Here is a short list of some of the first books in The Well-Educated Mind:

Don Quixote
Pilgrim's Progress
Gulliver's Travels
Pride and Prejudice
Oliver Twist
Jane Eyre
The Scarlett Letter

Ms. Wise-Bauer recommends reading the novels first before moving on to other genres. Anyone want to take the challenge with me?

Join the Well-Educated Mind Book Club!

Home School Review

2010-08-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

It's that time again...Back to School. It means something a little different for me and the girls than for most families. Most moms are buying back to school clothes and school supplies and getting ready for a bit of freedom...

Well, our school clothes consist mostly of PJ's and our school supply list is quite a bit longer than most.

This year's curriculum consists of:

Little Girl

Math-U-See Beta
Singapore Math 2A and 2B
Growing With Grammar 3
Institute for Excellence in Writing
History Odyssey
Singapore Science Early Bird
Trail Guide to World Geography
Spelling Power
Rosetta Stone Spanish
Art-Meet the Masters

Big Girl

Math-U-See Zeta
Singapore Math 5A and 5B
Singapore Science 5A and 5B
Trail Guide to World Geography
History Odyssey
Rosetta Stone Spanish
Institute for Excellence in Writing
IEW Grammar Fix-Its
Art-Meet the Masters
Life of Fred-Fractions

My new favorite book is Life of Fred Fractions...I'm not sure you could call it a full-year curriculum. More of a supplement. It is a humerous, fun look at math with quick assignments. It reads like a story book. Big Girl has really been enjoying it and did 3 chapters in one day. I highly recommend for ALL students. It begins at Fractions for about 4th or 5th grade and goes up to higher math. Some of the books have a Home Companion for extra practice. http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/FredGauss/index2.html

I am also really looking forward to History Odyssey. We are covering Early Modern Times. We will be doing lots of projects and using quality literature of the era.

We loosely follow the classical model of homeschooling. I follow the advice of Susan Wise-Bauer of the Well-Trained-Mind. I use a lot of her recommendations with a few adapations of my own.

Looking forward to another great year!

Camp Cleawox-Part Two

2010-07-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

This week I dropped my oldest child off at camp for the first time. The first time she has ever stayed with someone who is not family. The first time I won't be able to at least call her. The first time!

She looks broken up, distraught,despairing!

We arrive at camp. Me: Are you nervous? Her: No. Me: Wanna go home? Her: NO!

Big girl gets loaded up with her gear...6 days is a long time!

I sense her fear is building.

After some tearful good-byes...

Sarah tried to put on a brave face and ran off to play. Uhhh...honey? Did you forget to say good-bye to Mommy? Ummm...I'm leaving now, sweetie?

Blueberry Season!

2010-07-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

Summer time is blueberry time in our town. At least once or twice in the summer we load up our buckets and head to the berry farm. We pick from the rows and rows of blueberries until it gets too hot or our buckets get too heavy...The girls usually get more in their bellies than in the buckets.

This time we did pretty good... 10 pounds of berries in about an hour. Cost??? Twelve Dollars!!!

Steve didn't want me do make jam or pie at first because the berries are so good fresh. After a few days, though he gave in and admitted 10 pounds was too much even for the girls and him (I don't eat blueberries).

I made scrumptious smoothies and my first (2) blueberry pie(s). They didn't turn out as pretty as I had hoped they would but I heard they were delicious. Some even said it was the best pie they'd ever had!

Camp Cleawox

2010-07-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

The girls and I headed out to the beautiful Oregon Coast for Girl Scout Camp this past weekend. We spent 2 nights out in the out-of-doors, sleeping in open-air cabins, canooing, and camp-firing. This was Little Girl's first time and she had a blast. Big Girl had a great time catching up with camp friends.

We were up at dawn for sunrise painting.

I was actually convinced to go canooing,after the fiasco 2 years ago when Big Girl and I were unceremoniously dumped into the lake 5 seconds after leaving the dock...earning me my camp nickname "Splash".

It rained on night 2 leading to an indoor campfire by the fireplace...I wasn't too broken up about that...No bugs, nice warm lodge...hot coffeepot...my kind of campfire!

I have to admit...I kind of had a great time, too. But the best part of all. Getting home for a long, hot shower!

Fruits of My Labor

2010-06-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

Last year when we did our landscaping we planted an orchard ( 2 cherry trees, 2 pear trees and 2 apple trees constitute an orchard, don't they?). Well, after many months of watering, feeding and bug-fighting....

A Bumper Crop!

They were delicious, too...All 12 of them. Don't worry, I shared.

We have teeny-tiny apples, too. They are not ready yet and I'm not sure they are going to be any good this year but they have potential.

I'm feeling like a regular farm-girl! Bring on the cows for milkin' and the pigs for sloppin' !

Dance Night

2010-05-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

The big recital was Saturday. Emily was adorable in her jazz/ballet routine. Without prejudice she was the star of the show dancing to "Let Your Heart Sing" by Katherine McPhee.

Sarah was later on in the evening performance. She did a sassy version of "He Could be the One" by Hannah Montana.

Next Sarah did her coolest moves dancing hip-hop style to "Ima Bee" by the Black-eyed Peas.

Both girls were without a doubt the prettiest girls and the best in the shows. As you can see I am completely unbiased.There is some debate in the house as to from whom they got their dance talent. Daddy thinks he passed down his dance skills. He bases this on a two-minute waltz at our wedding. I think it must come from farther up the family tree. Their cuteness, though...that one is obvious!

My Mother's Day Sweets

2010-05-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

My honey was working on Mother's Day so I wasn't really expecting a whole lot on Sunday. I expected business as usual but my little sweeties surprised me.

I was trying to sleep in but around seven a.m. I started hearing my door opening and closing every few minutes with accompanying whispers in the hall. "Is she awake?" "No, I think she's still asleep."

I finally gave up and hollered to the girls that I was up. In they bounced wearing aprons. One held a breakfast menu (with 5 types of cereal) and the other held an order pad and pencil. For some reason, coffee was not on the menu so I had to request a special order from the chef.

I propped myself up with some pillows, turned on the news and awaited my gourmet breakfast in bed.

Much, much later, room service arrived and served my delicious frozen pancakes (no syrup), banana and coffee. It was wonderful. My lovely waitresses asked if there would be anything else and left me alone to enjoy my meal.

Soon after, room service arrived to remove the tray and bring my morning paper (I could really get used to this).

After reading the paper and having a second cup of coffee (and still having not put a foot down on the floor) I discovered a chick-flick marathon on ABC Family. I snuggled back down into my covers and relived one or two old favorites.

I decided around eleven to check on the kitchen staff. They seemed happily busy with their own pursuits so I decided to exercise a bit. While exercising I started watching chick-flick number three and didn't make it into the shower until after it was over.

My waitresses arrived with the lunch "manue". The choices were peanut and butter and jelly sandwich or bagel with cream cheese with water or milk to drink.

I enjoyed a solitary lunch in my room and then decided it was time to rejoin the rest of the world.

The house was actually in pretty good order with minimal mess in the kitchen. I was really impressed with the help. They work cheap, too.

Later, we met Daddy for dinner in town. The pampering continued at home as Daddy got the girls ready for bed and tucked them in as I watched recorded episodes of Dancing With The Stars.

This was my very, very, best Mother's Day ever! I hope all of you were as lucky as me yesterday.

Happy belated Mother's Day!

My Pioneer Woman Adventure

2010-04-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

Shelly and I set out on our Pioneer road trip much as the original pioneers did: with a quick trip to the Love's on I-5 for gas, snacks and diet Pepsi.

After 3 hours we arrived at our destination. There was no line out the door so we figured we were early enough to get a good spot to meet Ree.

Then we saw this!

We did manage to find a good spot to stand for the next 2 hours. Ree got lost in traffic and was a bit late. She arrived a bit flustered and came in the wrong entrance. The person who was to meet her at the entrance couldn't get to her and she ended up trying to talk into the mike stand. She handled it in her usual self-depreciating way and got a good laugh from the crowd.

She took questions from the audience and even sang a bit of Ethel Merman. The exciting news was that she is in talks with Hollywood-types to make a movie of "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels" and that Reese Witherspoon has expressed interest in playing Ree!

A few hours later.....Our numbers were finally called and we got to meet Ree. "I'm from Oklahoma, too!" I babbled excitedly. I'm sure she was thrilled.

Actually, she was quite kind. She had a short conversation with everyone who came up to her and smiled and laughed the entire time. I'm sure we are best friends now and I'll be invited to the lodge very soon. I mean...look what she wrote in my book!

A Pioneer Road Trip

2010-04-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

Today my friend Shelley and I are headed on a road trip to Portland to meet The Pioneer Woman at a book signing. I can't wait! I hope to get some good pictures and maybe even see Marlboro Man!

I'll keep you posted!

If you don't know The Pioneer Woman here is her web address:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Puerto Vallerta Zip Lining

2010-04-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

Well, we are back from our Mexico trip. The first port we docked in was Puerto Vallerta where my honey and my big girl went zip-lining in the jungle canopy.

They had a blast. They zip lined from platform to platform, rapelled down, crossed narrow rope bridges and climbed gigantic ladders.

Not exactly my cup of tea.

I'll stick with shopping.

We Don't Call Her Pretzel-Girl For Nuthin'

2010-03-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

Milestones...

2010-03-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

...are pretty cool when you Finally turn ten and Dad says you can AT LAST get your ears peirced.

But then the big day is here and uncertainty starts to set in a bit.

Mom! I thought you said it wouldn't hurt! (That's not exactly true. I said "I didn't THINK it would hurt much."

"I'm thinking the one-earringed pirate look is going to be in this year."

"Okay, it was worth it. I love you Mommy" Aaahhh, Mommy/Daughter moments like this make it all worth it. (Mostly).

Scoliosis- An Update

2010-02-28T21:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have been concerned or have an interest in Big Girl's scoliosis, she went for a check-up at Shriner's on Friday. She has been wearing her night brace faithfully for 12 hours every day and her curve has decreased from 20% to just over 10%. Yea! Great news for her.

Being a worrier I had web-md'd myself into a frenzy over possible full-time bracing or back surgery. How did we parents ever figure out what horrible diseases and ailments are lurking out there ready to pounce on our innocent babies before web-md?

She has to continue using her brace 12 hours a day but doesn't have to go back to Shriner's for 6 months!

The doctor was very proud of her and said it was all her doing...she is such a good patient and a good girl.

For her special reward we took her to Benihana's and to OMSI to see a real T-Rex skelaton. We also took a tour of a real US Navy Sub...that was very interesting.

It was a cold and rainy trip to Portland but it was a beautiful weekend for us!

New Hair-Do Before and After

2010-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is me a few weeks ago helping a boy in my 4-H club make a gingerbread house. Not a great picture but the only one I could find to demonstrate how icky my hair was getting.

I needed a new do. I have been wearing layers for the last couple of years but I'm not usually a fan of layers because of the upkeep. I decided to go back to one length and got a bob to start the process of growing my hair back out. I asked to have my hair lightened but my trusted hairdresser didn't recommend too much lightening and the result was a short bob with lighter highlights and some bangs.

I wish it were longer and I don't think I'll keep the highlights because I don't like to spend hours in the salon every few weeks. I like having bangs again, too. I may get more bangs and go back to my regular dark brown color.

What do you think? And yes, I know I'm in need of some sun. I live in Oregon, what do you expect?

Silent Night

2010-01-22T18:14:00.001-08:00

This commercial is so unfair to those of us who consider their womb's closed for business. Bad Pampers!

Family Thanksgiving

2009-12-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

The girls and Steve and I went to OKC for Thanksgiving. It was the girls' first time to OKC and the first time meeting a large group of O'Dell's. They handled it pretty well. Sarah, Emily and Cassidy made friends pretty quickly.

My girls got to be a part of the annual "Spoons up" ritual.
All the girl cousins together in one spot.

Debbie, Chris, Dad (looking mighty handsome) and Agnella. Such beautiful smiles.

Emily and Sarah got Kenny figured out pretty quick. "Let me Go, you Goof!"

"TAKE THAT! KI-YA!"

I think Santa was feeling a little claustrophobic when the girls had a shopping day.

We got to help trim the tree at Dad's house. The girls had a blast. Agnella let them put things wherever they wanted. (I think Grandma enjoyed spoiling the girls for a few days.)

We had a wonderful time, it was over too soon and we can't wait to go back.

Happy Holidays!

Best Fried Chicken in the USA

2009-12-15T10:05:00.000-08:00

I went to Oklahoma City to visit my family for Thanksgiving. I find it only fitting that my first post about my trip be devoted to Eischen's Bar. My great-grandmother has passed away so I can safely say Eischen's makes the best fried chicken in the country, dare I say world?

Eischen's is in Okarchee, Oklahoma. A good 30 minute drive from the city. Well worth the trip as evidenced by the huge crowds and long waits for a table. The menu is simple. Waiters appear and ask not "What can I get you?" but(insert southern drawl here) "How many chicken's ya want?"

Appetizers are served.

Your side dish is next. (Vegetables are very important for a healthy body).

And the main course!

This made a believer of my kids and even my husband who strongly dislikes chicken and fried foods. After I dismembered the chicken so it didn't resemble poultry he said, and I quote, "I have to admit it's good chicken." which I'll interpret as "Eischen's, the best fried chicken in the USA."

Dancing with the STARS???

2009-11-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

The girls and I had a full-on Girls Night Out.

We are huge fans of Dancing with the Stars around here (Well, most of us). Some of us even shed tears when our favorite is voted off. So when I heard that a dance production including stars of my favorite show was coming to town I rushed to get in line.

The show was called Champions of the Dance. It was in the big city. At night. Late.

We decided to get a hotel. So the girls and I went to town early and did some shoppin' and some eatin' and checked in at the hotel for a little nap.

We got all dressed up and headed to the theater.

The show was great even if I was unable to locate any "Stars". I believe that one female dancer spent one season (probably voted off early) on the show. We had great seats and Little One entertained the audience with an impromtu cha-cha-cha during the intermission.

It was one of those moments when I wish I had my camera ready.

School Room Organization

2009-10-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

This year our school room became a living organism that moved, ate and reproduced at an alarming rate. With Little Girl starting first grade we were bulging at the seams.

Books, art projects, science experiments were in, under and on top of every surface. It was time to do something.

Tah-Dah!

No, we did not build these ourselves...are you kidding? But I can highly reccommend Roelke Corporation in Jacksonville, Oregon. They made the trip to middle-of-nowheresville. Figured out what I wanted before I even knew, built it off-site and had it installed a few weeks later in just a couple of hours... I could not be happier.
My children now get up early, happily skip down and say "Can we start school NOW?" Not really, but a mom can dream, can't she?

Off to the Races!

2009-10-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

We live in a small town. We don't live in a small town on the outskirts of a big town like Yukon is to OKC. We live in a small town where the nearest big town is an hour and a half up the highway. Our town is growing, though. We got us a Petco a year or so ago. When I say it was headline news in our paper for weeks, I am not kidding.

I read the paper every day. Not for news, although I do skim the news. No, I look for stuff to take the kids to. Whenever ANYTHING for kids is happening, we are SO there.

So when I read that our great PETCO was having -GASP!--Wait for it!---HAMSTER RACES!--We immediately began preparing. We happen to have two tiny dwarf hamsters named Bolt (sounds fast, doesn't he) and Daphne (after the Scooby-Doo Daphne, of course). The hamsters were a consolation prize to my children who were dying for a parakeet. I cannot abide by birds in the house. I think they are cute and sound pretty but I cannot vacuum up bird seeds fifty times a day.

Here is Big Girl with "Bolt" (who really knows, they are exactly the same) in the practice run.

Emily with "Daphne" warming up.

"Bolt" didn't quite live up to his name (but then again...)

"Daphne"("Bolt"?...) took third place! "Daphne" brought home some chew toys and treats for her stunning win. Believe me she was up against some stiff competition...Some of those other hamsters were bigger than Daphne's ball!

The girls had a blast ...who said there was nothing for kids to do in this town?

First Day of School-Belated

2009-10-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

The girls were very excited to begin the new school year. Big girl entered 5th grade. Little one entered 1st grade.

This was them fresh-faced and smiling on the first day.

The excitement soon wore off-as it usually does. We are one month in now and still right on schedule. Even with Daddy having lots of days off and multiple trips to the hospital in Portland. The girls are doing great even though they don't bound down the stairs bright and early anymore.

Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

Brace Free...Or Not

2009-10-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

As I previously posted, Big girl got her braces off in July. She was an amazing patient. Never complained and always did what she was supposed to do. She was young to get braces, too. Just about 8. When Big girl was 7 she was diagnosed with scoliosis. This came as a big surprise to all of us and because she was very young for the onset of scoliosis we spent the next two years monitoring the progress of the curve with multiple x-rays, MRI's and many, many trips to Portland to visit the spine specialist at the Shriner's hospital (A great organization to support, if you can). On this last visit, the doctor felt her curve had progressed to the point when bracing was needed.

She was x-rayed (again) and measured by the "Brace Guy". This was done with amazing speed and efficiency, I couldn't believe it. Definitely not a government-run operation.

Two weeks later and yet another trip to Portland and Big Girl is the owner of a shiny new back brace (they let her pick out the design).Notice the smile. This kid is amazing. After a few brief tears when she heard about the bracing, Big Girl has had an incredibly positive attitude. Never complains and in fact reminds me to put it on at night.

She only has to wear it for 12 hours a day so we put it on at night after she has a shower and take it off in the morning. Hopefully, this will prevent her spine from curving further and prevent her from having a full-time brace or surgery in the future.

I am so proud of my girl. I don't know what I did to deserve her.

Niagara Canada, EH?

2009-08-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

My darling husband and I had the opportunity to get away for a few days. As one of us (I'm not telling which one) had been a raving lunatic for 2 or three weeks... or months... or years...(one loses all track of time in the padded room), we decided to get far, far away. As far as possible without leaving the country. But then we actually did leave the country, but just barely, and it didn't really feel like we were leaving the country because we drove into Canada and they didn't even stamp our passports! I mean really! I LIVE to get stamps in that thing. I even took it to Mexico when it wasn't a requirement and begged them to stamp it for me. Anyway, back to the story. We flew into Buffalo, NY from Oregon and then got a cab to Ontario, Canada, home of Niagara Falls! We got in after dark so although we could hear the falls, we didn't get to see them until the following morning when we woke up, opened the curtains and were met with this spectacular display.

VIEW FROM HOTEL WINDOW OF CANADIAN HORSESHOE FALLS
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The first thing we did was take a walk along the falls and head into the heart of the tourist district.

RAINBOW INTO FALLS

We rode on the Maid of the Mist first. This is the famous boat that takes people right to the base of both falls. This is the American Falls. Very respectable falls but slightly less impressive than the Canadian Horseshoe fall. Also the American side is less developed tourist-wise. Which is why we decided to go Canadian.

AMERICAN FALLS

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It was pretty hard to get a picture of the Horsehoe Falls from the boat since we (and the camera) were getting soaked. The mist hides some of the falls but you get the picture. I don't have exact numbers but the falls are VERY HIGH. (I don't speak Metric, anyway).
HORSESHOE FALLS FROM THE MAID OF THE MIST

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We also went on down the river to view the rapids. These are very fast rapids, they are some dangerous category (5 maybe?) They told us on the tour to be careful not to fall in because we we could die....uh, really? I think I could'a figured that one out myself even if I am a stupid American!

DANGEROUS RAPIDS-DO NOT GO SWIMMING!

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This is a picture of the American (left) and Canadian (right) Falls bridged by a rainbow. I think this makes me look like a brilliant photographer, patiently waiting all day for just the right light and conditions to take the most perfect photo. Okay, maybe not but it is pretty, though.

Bungee Bear

2009-08-10T18:57:00.001-07:00

Daddy took the girls to Girl Scout camp last weekend. They stayed in tents, swam in the lake, made pine derby racecars (in deference to the dads, I'm sure). They all said they had a great time. The girls slept in a tent on their own. The dads were left to wonder what their little girls were up to all alone in the wilderness without parental supervision...

We discovered this on the camera when they got home:

Home at Last

2009-07-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

I am just back from spending 8 days at my in-laws house. It was over 100 degrees every day. I had my 9 year old nephew as well. I hurt my foot and was on percocet and using a cane. i had to use the electric cart at the grocery store (actually, that part was fun). I had dinner at the elks with the over 70 set. My dog threw up twice and ants invaded his food bowl My daughter threw up twice. My kindle ran out of power and I forgot the charger.

Big girl and I did have a great time Saturday night. We had a wonderful dinner and saw Henry the VIII at the Shakespeare Festival. But I am very, very glad to be home at last.

Free at Last!

2009-07-17T20:17:00.001-07:00

Big Girl Got her braces off! She was extremely excited and invited us all to a Milky Way and Bubblegum Party. A good time was had by all.

Miguel the Monkey

2009-07-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

The girls were in a summer camp play yesterday. The play was called Miguel the Monkey and the Cunning Lion. Big Girl played Flamingo #1. Little Girl played Miguel's Little Sister Monkey.

The play was adorable. The costumes were awesome and the kids all did a great job. There were some serious thespians in the group!

New School Books!

2009-06-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we got 2 huge boxes full of our new home school curriculum. Most parents of home schoolers are taking a huge sigh of relief that they have a break for a couple of months.

Not me. I plan waaayyyy ahead. I love, love, love books. Books of all kinds. I would love to own a brand new set of encyclopedia even though the information would be outdated as soon as I open the box and all the info is free on the internet.

I really love fresh new textbooks. On the first day of school I always hoped I would be one of the first ones called up to the teacher's desk to pick up my new book. I knew the sooner I was called, the better my chances of getting a newer, fresher book. One with little to no wear and tear or writing. Even better than that...a brand new book...MY name the FIRST on the this book belongs to: page!

Maybe when people ask me why we home school I should just tell the truth..."I'm in it for the books!"

Go for the Gold

2009-06-09T13:56:00.001-07:00

With one thing and another, I haven't been able to post lately. More on that later. On Memorial weekend we all hopped into the minivan and headed to the metropolis of Garberville, California for the Region 1 Tang So Do annual tournament. Big Girl was competing as a 6th Gup or green belt in the 9 and 10 year old division. Little Girl was to compete as a Little Dragon.

Last year Big Girl competed 3 days after getting 8 stitches in her knee. She did not win a medal although she came close. We were really hoping she would place this year to make up some for that disappointment.

Little Girl competed first. She was adorable, yet intimidating. She did an amazing job on her form and won her sparring match.

In her division, everyone wins a gold medal but she surely earned it...next year she will be in the Gup division like her sister so watch out!

Next up was Big Girl. Dad and I had our fingers crossed she would place in forms. She had worked very hard on her form and we thought she'd have a pretty good shot at it.

She tied for 3rd... They both had to do their form again... They tied for 3rd again...

Dad and I were biting our nails. Head judges were called in. The 3 judges made a call. It was 2 to 1 for the other kid. Boo Hoo!

Next up was sparring. She won her first match. It was hard to follow but she had 2 more matches and we thought she was doing well. When the announcements for awards came we held our breath and...

Gold Baby!

Aren't they sweet?....I mean scary! Scary, of course!

Dadsense by Anita Renfroe

2009-05-22T23:19:00.005-07:00

Anita Renfroe | William Tell Momisms | Official Version

2009-05-22T23:19:00.001-07:00

Hiking Adventure

2009-05-18T11:32:00.001-07:00

Being the adventurous, outdoors-y family that we are. We embarked on a rugged 3-Day hike into the deep, dark, dangerous forest this weekend. We left with only the clothes on our backs. We planned to survive off the land. Hunting for berries and small animals we would eat raw like Survivorman Les Stroud.http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/survivorman/survivorman.html Ignore what looks like man-made steps into the forest. It is only an illusion...one of nature's mysteries.

Note the fear on the children's faces. Though they are seasoned explorers there is always a chance someone might not make it.

On the third day, morale is low due to hunger and weakness.

Fresh water at last!

We reach the end of our adventure. The tallest falls in the entire world! (Or within an hour's drive of our house.)

Finally, starved,dehydrated and exhausted,we emerged from the forest to find sustenence and rest in the way of prime rib and wine at my favorite restaurant.

Bet you didn't know we had it in us!

Field Trip (Or Why I Love Homeschooling)

2009-04-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

The other day I didn't feel like home schooling. I decided to take a field trip. Luckily, I didn't have to work too hard to come up with an idea. We have a fabulous drive through animal park about 10 minutes from our house.

We used to be able to drive right on in with these guys. Their habitat was recently re-modeled so that they are behind fences...wonder what happened?

This guy was stubbornly refusing to move aside for us to drive by.

We've been there a million times but we are always in awe of what we see there. There is always something new.

Today it was a baby emu!

Gotta love home school!

Surprise!

2009-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday was my dad's 65th birthday party. It was a surprise party.

Sadly, I was unable to make the trip. I was thinking of him, though. I am sure there was a lot of laughing, joking and food. Here he is looking genuinely surprised. I hear he didn't suspect a thing.

Here is my dad with my beautiful Aunt Nancy. Oh, Dad's pretty handsome,too.

This is my Dad with my hilarious cousin Kenny and my two wonderfully sweet and funny cousins Kelly and Kathy. (Please don't tell Kenny I think he's funny it'll go to his head and no one needs that.)

This is my family. My very pretty sister Debbie and her equally pretty mother Agnella, Dad and my handsome brother Chris.

It looks as if everyone had a great time and Dad really deserved a special day. He is one special guy and I'm not just saying that because he reads my blog. I love you, Dad. Happy birthday!

New Back Yard

2009-04-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

We finally got our landscaping done! Hooray! Around these parts good landscapers are hard to come by and you need to be related to one or be married to the mob or the mayor to get one to even THINK about coming to your house for an estimate, much less actually show up and do the work. But finally after much, much,much patience (sort of), it is done and I am much pleased with the work. Because we are on a slope, there isn't much grass but there is a lot of plants and trees. 2 apple, 2 pear and 2 cherry trees among them. It may be a while before they produce fruit but I can wait. Now all I need is a little bistro table for my top deck so I can sit in the morning sipping my coffee and enjoying my view!

What 2 Grand and 300 Hours Will Get You

2009-04-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

A proud parent moment.

Priceless!

Menu Plan Monday ~ April 6th

2009-04-06T10:39:00.001-07:00

Menu Plan Monday ~ April 6th

Posted using ShareThis

Home School Science Fair

2009-04-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I put on the First Annual Home School Science Fair. There were six participants from the ages of six to nine. There was a broad variety of subjects and all the kids did a great job. We learned goldfish don't care what kind of surroundings they live in.

We learned about the skeleton.

We learned that male and female sense of smell differs.

We learned all about Pill bugs or Rolly-Polys as I call them.
We learned that dogs have the most germy mouths, not humans!
We learned that Debbie Meyers green bags really work.There were 2 winners in the six and seven year old category.

And luckily, there were 4 winners in the eight to nine- year -old category with a tie for third place. No, I did not plan it that way, I wasn't even judging.

We had two great judges who took their job very seriously and chose the winners well, I think.

Thanks Janel and Shelley!

Congratulations to all the girls. You did a great job. Can't wait for the 2nd annual Home School Science Fair!

Spring Cleaning-It's a Good Thing

2009-03-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

This is my children's playroom. Not much playing going on in here. I decided to take this Spring Break and do some heavy spring labor...slave labor. Come here, Girls....I have something for you. 2 cardboard boxes and a filthy room.

But mom! We LOVE all these toys! We can't get rid of ANY of them!

Oh...A garage sale, you say? Money...you say? Money for more toys?

Do I know how to motivate or what?

Wanna come to a garage sale?

Hawaii! Part II

2009-03-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

The kids loved the beach...we were there every chance we got. There was a great area where the water was only a couple of feet deep but the waves could still come in and out. The girls could safely boogie board and swim without me constantly telling them to come closer to the shore. I got a chance to work on my tan...hah!

Sarah was brave enough to try poi at the Polynesian Culture Center.

She was not a fan!

Everyone caught fish in the pond...except me. I tried for a really, really long time, too.

Dum Dum! give me some Gum Gum!

If you don't know what I'm talking about, watch A Night at the Museum...a must see!

We went on a tour of the Iolani Palace. It was beautiful. Definitely worth the ride on the city bus to get there but don't ask Sarah that question...she was not a fan of the city bus. I think she still has nightmares.

We took a circle island tour and this was one of the scenic stops near the north shore. Note that it is overcast and we look cold. That is because it was cold. Or we thought it was until we got back home and it was snowing.

This was another beautiful spot. Great for snorkling near the north shore.

YUMMMM! Last stop was the Dole Pineapple Fields. One of our favorite places.

Heading to the airport...in a limo! Everyone was sad to be going home. We had a great time. I was secretly glad to be headed home. Until I heard there was snow. The 3 hour drive at 11 pm wasn't much fun, either. The best part was getting into a tempurpedic mattress that had been chilled to 50 degrees and was solid rock!

Now the only question is "Where to next?"

Hawaii!

2009-03-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

This is the first of probably many installments of Hawaii Pics. I took no less than 200 pictures and videos.

This was my first picture...the view from our room. The penthouse, no less! The walls had floor to ceiling windows with views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Heaven!

Our first stop was shopping, of course. The International market where bargains could be had on Plumeria jewelry, pearls in the shell, flip flops and everything in between.

Our first sunset. Unfortunately, persistent cloud cover prevented me from getting any great sunset shots but we liked the view just the same.

We took a boat out to the Atlantis Submarine. The water was so blue!

The views from the boat were unbeatable.

Here is an unobstructed view of Diamond Head.

Sea Turtle!

More pictures to follow. The weather was great. A little cloudy and windy at times but still warm! Much better than Oregon!

We ate a lot! I love the fresh seafood in Hawaii...can't be beat.

Book Club Pick- The Kite Runner

2009-03-04T11:34:00.001-08:00

February's pick for book club was The Kite Runner. I didn't know much about the book but I guess I was judging it by it's cover because I had decided I wasn't going to like it. I put off starting the book until my vacation. I read a couple of other books, took my time. I read the first few chapters, got to an emotionally heartwrenching part and put down the book and told my husband that I refused to finish it no matter what my book club thought! So There!

Then I couldn't sleep that night wondering whatever happened to Hassan and Amir.

The Kite Runner follows the story of Amir, the privileged son of a wealthy businessman in Kabul, and Hassan, the son of Amir's father's servant. As children in the relatively stable Afghanistan of the early 1970s, the boys are inseparable. They spend idyllic days running kites and telling stories of mystical places and powerful warriors until an unspeakable event changes the nature of their relationship forever, and eventually cements their bond in ways neither boy could have ever predicted. Even after Amir and his father flee to America, Amir remains haunted by his cowardly actions and disloyalty. In part, it is these demons and the sometimes impossible quest for forgiveness that bring him back to his war-torn native land after it comes under Taliban rule.

The book was impossible to put down. The characters, though flawed were completely fascinating. I was surprised when I later found out that the story was not a memoir but a work of fiction.

I learned a lot about Afghanistan and it's people and culture which left me wanting more.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Even someone like me who was sure this book would not be my cup of tea.

I plan to begin Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns soon.

Our next book club pick is The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks.

Check Out April Showers!

2009-02-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

I love this blog. I read it every day. Today's blog was hilarious. I had to share.

http://aprildphillips.blogspot.com/2009/02/april-dancing.html

Amazon Introduces the Kindle 2

2009-02-09T09:10:00.001-08:00

I knew it! The Kindle 2 is coming out in a few weeks. I knew they would put out a better one after the kinks were worked out.I don't care though, I love my Kindle. The only changes they have made that I care about is the quicker page turning and it is lighter.

I don't want an audio book so that new feature doesn't woo me. I think they should have backlit the screen, though. That's the only thing I find difficult about my Kindle.

They did not increase the price!

I still HIGHLY recommend this item....If you are not a big reader, you will become one!

I warn you ,though...your spouse will be jealous of the other love in your life!

Another Good Book Made Into a Movie- 1st Giveaway!

2009-02-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

Our book club read this book a couple of months ago. I picked it for our group and I loved it. Now they are making it into a movie. I know what I said before about Marley and Me but I can't wait to see it. The actors they chose look perfect to play the parts of Clare and Henry. (Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana)

It's a romantic drama about a Chicago librarian with a gene that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and the complications it creates for his marriage. Lots of twists and turns and you need to pay attention!

I can't wait to see the book come to life but I still think the book should be read first. Therefore, I am having a giveaway! The odds are slim of winning this book because I have thousands of loyal readers!

Post a comment about your favorite book that was turned into a movie or your favorite movie that came from a book to win. Open until Thursday, Feb 12 at 8pm Pacific time.

Good Luck!

Ahhhh! The Sweet Smell of Success

2009-02-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

I made another attempt to make Whole Wheat White Bread in my bread machine using King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour....Success!

I would normally post a picture of the delicious, light, yummy bread but I cut into it right away and before I knew it...

"I Am Not An Animal"

2009-01-27T18:17:00.000-08:00

That was my first thought as I took this out of my bread machine. Apparently, you cannot use wheat flour with a white bread recipe, even if it is King Arthur's White Whole Wheat Flour.

I think the name is a bit misleading.

None of the wise females in the house would entertain the thought of eating this deformed beast.

My hunny did try to eat it as part of his "Nothing goes to waste"philosophy on life.

Even he, did not succeed.

Date for the Movies

2009-01-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei-YE7hpyyU

My hunny and I had a rare trip to the movies on Sunday. I had planned on having a real, live babysitter come to the house, going to an actual restaurant without asking for 2 kids menus and seeing a movie inappropriate for children.

But, plans changed and we went to visit the in-laws over the holiday weekend. I was REALLY looking forward to seeing Marley and Me, though. So, I basically told my Mother-in-Law that she was taking my 2 plus my nephew to see Hotel for Dogs while hunny and I went next door for Marley and Me.

The book was great. It was funny, sad, entertaining and made you really care for the people in the story and the dog. You totally GOT why this family would keep and love such an incorrigible dog.

The movie, not as much. Hunny, who did not read the book said he enjoyed the movie (although I think it had more to do with Jennifer Anniston skinny-dipping) but he did not understand why anyone would keep a dog like that.

I was dissapointed that the movie did not go deep enough into John and Jen's emotions and relationship with the dog.There were a lot of ups and downs in their lives not explored. There was too much of John Grogan's disappointment with work and his relationship with his shallow best friend(neither of which was much of a story line in the book).

The movie is probably a good one for someone who hasn't read the book. Lots of cute puppies and it is funny at times.

My advice, though...skip the movie and read the book.

Another good read by John Grogan...The Longest Trip Home.

Hunny and I did have a good time at the movie. We went out for dinner as planned but had to ask for 3 kids menus! Oh, well. Maybe next time.

Welcome to My Circus

2009-01-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

My darling ones have some unusual talents. I don't know how they discovered their talents but I like to trot them out like circus acts for the amusement of myself and others. They love it. Both girls love being the center of attention so don't feel too bad for them.

Daughter number two has marching eyebrows.

And This...

This just defies explaination.

I just have to know if you have ever seen anything like it.

Shorts in January

2009-01-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

I have a problem...it's not a terrible problem but one that has been weighing heavily on me.

Number one child has grown 22 inches since last summer and will be a small version of Daisy Duke on our vacation next month if I can't find summer clothes now.

Where does one find girl's size 10-12 shorts and tops in Oregon in January?
It's a trick question---The answer is "nowhere." I've wasted one tank of gas and countless hours on this mission impossible.

Oh, well. She can wear a bathing suit and hula skirt all week, can't she?

Now about sandals....

Bear Lovin'

2009-01-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

Today is my baby's 6th birthday.

We had the big birthday party yesterday. We drove an hour away to the nearest big mall and Build-a-Bear workshop followed by lunch and more at Chuck-e-Cheese's. Yes, most kids would be happy with Build-a-Bear workshop OR Chuck-e-Cheese's but not my over-achiever. She needed both. She tried to throw in a trip to Jungle Jump but I did draw the line there.

Emily insisted as this was Daddy's first trip ever to Build-a-Bear workshop that he absolutely MUST build a bear of his very own. Ever a trooper, he agreed. This is the bear he chose.

He said it reminded him of him-- a little old gray man. I did think the hair looked vaguely familiar.

Being the good Daddy he is, stuck through the dancing, the spinning around, kissing the heart to be stuffed into the bear. He dutifully took his bear to the grooming station and proceed to pick out an outfit for him.

The time had come to name the bear and Daddy chose the name "Man Bear" just to show that his bear was macho even if he did come to life after a dance and chant with a group of under 8 girls.

Then Emily chose a wedding dress for her bear and announced that she was going to marry Man Bear in a ceremony later that night.

Here is the wedding photo.

Pictured are from left to right: The best man, Man Bear, Preacher Pinky, Bride Lianna, the bridesmaid and the Flower girl Skyler.

I love my honey for loving his girls enough to take part in bear weddings and I love having girls who love having bear weddings.

My Gym Pet Peeves

2009-01-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

I Love the Gym. I don't love thinking about going, actually getting up out of my chair,getting dressed and driving to the gym, but once I'm there I LOVE my gym.

I feel like I am at a spa. My girls happily dance off to the child care area where there are games, movies, music and a constantly updated array of coloring pages. More often than not I am greeted with an "AWWWW, ALREADY?" when I return. I know they are safe and having fun which makes my time away from them all the more sweet.

I casually retreat to the locker room where I retrieve my IPOD with 10 songs by people I don't know. The songs were chosen for the speed of the tempo. Just enough to keep my feet moving at a good clip on the elliptical trainer. Often I grab my Amazon Kindle. Easily my most favorite thing that is not a person. Oprah agrees with me.
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081024_tows_kindle

I stash my bag in the cherry wood locker, lock with the key provided and head upstairs to the co-ed cardio room. This brings me to

Pet Peeve #1. New Year's Resolutions. My gym has elliptical trainers, stair steppers, treadmills and bikes galore. Usually I have my choice of 10-20 machines. Of course I have my favorites and head towards them. I have a routine. I like my routine. I am borderline Obsessive Compulsive. January really messes with my order...Where did all these people come from? Why are you in MY gym? Get off of MY machine! The co-ed cardio room is packed in January. I am sure I am no stranger to this irritation but I feel I must vent. So I wait my turn as the smell of fresh-baked cookies wafts up from the cafe...what kind of cruelty is it to bake cookies at the gym cafe?

I love my gym locker room. It is my favorite part of going to the gym. I get to shower in a private shower, as long as I want...no one is yelling at me through the glass that she is hungry or needs her bottom wiped. No one is whining about the unfairness of having to deal with an older(younger)sister for 10 minutes alone. No dogs licking the outside of the shower door....you get the drift. Then I get to blow dry my hair, put make-up on and get dressed-ALONE! Heaven.

Enter

Pet Peeve #2 Locker Room Nudity. Not mine, other women's. I just don't get it. Sure, walking from the shower to locker tightly wrapped in a towel or 2 is fine. Milliseconds of nudity required to drop towel and put on undies, okay. But really? Hair drying, makeup applying, walking back and forth greeting people and having drawn out conversations while completely buck naked? Sometimes I couldn't tell you if my own mother was in that locker room I spend so much time with my eyes directed to the floor.

Naturally Pet Peeve #2 has a direct relationship to Pet Peeve #1 and if I am patient and good I will have my quiet,lovely day spa back soon.

New Year's Eve Partying

2009-01-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

Well, we did it! We stayed up until midnight and then some. The kids were fine, mind you. I was falling asleep in my s'mores.

We followed the kids plan... had our delicious meal of hot dogs and beans, watched Wall-E (that was pretty cute), played Scrabble-Sarah is a mean Scrabble player...she gave me a run for my money. Enjoyed a fireworks show from the new hot tub( a Christmas gift to ourselves) and toasted in the new year with s'mores and sparkling grape juice...I am not sure if the nausea I am feeling this morning is from the lack of sleep, strange mixture of food or both.

The kids were up until 2:30 a.m., they say. I was well into REM sleep by then. Here's what they looked like at 9:00 a.m.

The big girl woke up at 9:30. We didn't see the little one until 11:30. Here's how the new year looks to them.

Should be a fun day.

Happy New Year's!

New Blog, New Year

2008-12-31T17:17:00.000-08:00

Today is New Year's Eve. Supposedly a chance for a new start. New beginnings. New resolutions. But I'm the Mom. So my day tomorrow will probably be the same as today, yesterday, the day before that and so on and so on. I actually never really know what the day will bring being a stay-at-home (I wish!), homeschooling karate mom of 2 girls. But I do have a new blog. I am very new to this. I only found out what a blog is recently when I was introduced to the Pioneerwoman.com by my aunt and cousin from Oklahoma. I was instantly addicted. Looking to her to brighten each day with her humor and irony.

Tonight we party like it's 2008! My girls and I (ages 8 and 5) are going to party hardy. We prepared ourselves for staying up until midnight by having a 2 hour nap. Soon we begin the feast! Hot dogs, pork-n-beans and s'mores. I did not pick the menu. Santa brought a ton of videos so we will try to watch a few and then we'll (hopefully) bring in the new year with hats, party blowers, poppers and sparkling grape juice. Dad will try to make it as well but he is working tomorrow so maybe not.

I'd like to say my partying has had to be toned down because I'm the Mom. But alas, the truth is that if I wasn't working the night shift I have always been tucked snug in my bed by midnight on New Year's Eve. I've never been a partier in general and especially on New Year's Eve. I'm much happier at home with a few of my favorite things. A good book, a hot cup of coffee and the people I love.

This will be a great New Year's Eve party.