Nothing like getting me back into the blog swing of things like a good giveaway! Two good friends of mine, have started a Podcast recently. Prior to this post, I have never listened to a podcast and really had no idea what it was...yes, I am behind the times a bit. :)
Anyway, Dawn and Kim at MusingMommies.com have offered an amazing giveaway! A SIGNED cookbook from one of my MOST favorite bloggers, THE Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond!
To keep this short and sweet...I LOVED the podcast! It was very cool to listen to. Kim recorded some live audio from the PW's signing (that I MISSED!!!) and I felt like I was there for a minute! :)
Please check out the Musing Mommies site and the podcasts. It's very cool!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Eyes Wide Open
How desperately I want to fall into sweet slumberland and wish my worries away!!
I finally decided to get up and do something productive. I may not (edited to read, "Will Not"!) produce an interesting post, but it's a post. And that's a start.
Today was a good day. Did some laundry, a little housework. Played CandyLand and Connect Four. Ate leftovers.
Did not bathe dog or clear off back porch or weed the garden.
Did not even look at the sale ads and that is one thing that is haunting me now. I need to know what I can round up with my minuscule budget this week. I need to know what I can score for next to nothing to add to my stockpile of consumables. And yes, I know I am obsessing over the small things to avoid the big things....
I am calculating how best to go about rounding up supplies for a making a couple of cute Halloween decorations.
Making mental notes that I need to...
change the job list for my class
rearrange the seating chart
create a behavior chart system for my class
email parents on conference times
execute the BOY testing in class this week
call the Pumpkin Patch w/field trip questions
find the blog on how to "Boo" and prepare
research possible parks for Ally's bday
look for toy dinosaurs in the workroom and
make die cut letters for the words "Boo" and "Eek"
come up with an entertaining rendition of the story of David and Jonathan for the enjoyment of 3 dozen four year olds
mail a pkg. to sister
make a list of Cmas ideas that are floating around
take a return to Kohl's
take a return to Walmart
take an exchange to Hobby Lobby
charge camera and take pics of more Craigslist stuff, then post
tell M&D that Ally's book fair is this week (oops!)
send $3 for Emma's class shirt
pick up several bottles of hand sanitizer and halloween-y stickers and ribbon to decorate
find old games from leftover garage sale things and send to school w/Emma
Let me just do everyone a favor and stop here. With each item I add to my list, I think of 3 more... SO... let's try again. Let's stop, chill out, and try to sleep. :)
Please sleep, come to me... or I will get none of these things done, and only encourage this nasty cycle.
In hopes!
~J
I finally decided to get up and do something productive. I may not (edited to read, "Will Not"!) produce an interesting post, but it's a post. And that's a start.
Today was a good day. Did some laundry, a little housework. Played CandyLand and Connect Four. Ate leftovers.
Did not bathe dog or clear off back porch or weed the garden.
Did not even look at the sale ads and that is one thing that is haunting me now. I need to know what I can round up with my minuscule budget this week. I need to know what I can score for next to nothing to add to my stockpile of consumables. And yes, I know I am obsessing over the small things to avoid the big things....
I am calculating how best to go about rounding up supplies for a making a couple of cute Halloween decorations.
Making mental notes that I need to...
change the job list for my class
rearrange the seating chart
create a behavior chart system for my class
email parents on conference times
execute the BOY testing in class this week
call the Pumpkin Patch w/field trip questions
find the blog on how to "Boo" and prepare
research possible parks for Ally's bday
look for toy dinosaurs in the workroom and
make die cut letters for the words "Boo" and "Eek"
come up with an entertaining rendition of the story of David and Jonathan for the enjoyment of 3 dozen four year olds
mail a pkg. to sister
make a list of Cmas ideas that are floating around
take a return to Kohl's
take a return to Walmart
take an exchange to Hobby Lobby
charge camera and take pics of more Craigslist stuff, then post
tell M&D that Ally's book fair is this week (oops!)
send $3 for Emma's class shirt
pick up several bottles of hand sanitizer and halloween-y stickers and ribbon to decorate
find old games from leftover garage sale things and send to school w/Emma
Let me just do everyone a favor and stop here. With each item I add to my list, I think of 3 more... SO... let's try again. Let's stop, chill out, and try to sleep. :)
Please sleep, come to me... or I will get none of these things done, and only encourage this nasty cycle.
In hopes!
~J
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Ignore This
:)
I am only posting about this to increase my chance of winning "it". I actually need it and have been shopping around since mine bit the dust (haha...no pun intended!).
mommysnacks is giving away a Swiffer WetJet! And I want it.
So there.
I am only posting about this to increase my chance of winning "it". I actually need it and have been shopping around since mine bit the dust (haha...no pun intended!).
mommysnacks is giving away a Swiffer WetJet! And I want it.
So there.
Monday, September 7, 2009
FB Status Sillies
Usually if I post something on FB I try to include it here in more detail, but it has been brought to my attention that I have missed a couple... (thank you, Gmom!)
So, I'm just going to copy and paste some status lines to make sure it's on here.
I'll title this one, "Oh, Ally." :)
(june, 2009)
I Wonder how to react when the 4 yr. old calmly walks in from the other room and says, "I'm just going to my room now, because I did not do a good job." ....sigh....
(edited to add-she had been adding to her "concoction" of graham crackers, fruit punch, and marshmallow after I told her to leave it alone...and THEN spilled some when she tried to put it in the freezer!)
And this one, "Oh, Ruth."
(aug. 7, 2009)
I lined up Ally's 5 baby dolls and chose one (just ONE!) to go in the garage sale, and I hear "Not THAT one!! That's the one I always play with!!". I turn around and give "the look" (the "are you kidding me" look") to ..... Ally? No. Emma? No.... Who?... My Mother-in-Law!!! LOL
"Oh, Jenni." (what? I can't break the rhythm now!)
(aug. 9, 2009)
I agreed to let the girls make a couple of rounds on the bikes right before we left for church today...I was out there in my wedge heels and pretty white dress trying to keep Ally going while Emma cruised. I'm sure I was the talk of the neighborhood over coffee!
And lastly, "Smarty Pants!"
(aug. 31, 2009)
I tried this morning to explain to Ally that we were "going to school", but we are not "starting school" this week....so I picked her up from the nursery today (there's about 10 teacher kids between the staff, so for work days ...they have daycare) and the first thing out of her mouth, "We didn't learn ANYthing!!" Ha!
So, I'm just going to copy and paste some status lines to make sure it's on here.
I'll title this one, "Oh, Ally." :)
(june, 2009)
I Wonder how to react when the 4 yr. old calmly walks in from the other room and says, "I'm just going to my room now, because I did not do a good job." ....sigh....
(edited to add-she had been adding to her "concoction" of graham crackers, fruit punch, and marshmallow after I told her to leave it alone...and THEN spilled some when she tried to put it in the freezer!)
And this one, "Oh, Ruth."
(aug. 7, 2009)
I lined up Ally's 5 baby dolls and chose one (just ONE!) to go in the garage sale, and I hear "Not THAT one!! That's the one I always play with!!". I turn around and give "the look" (the "are you kidding me" look") to ..... Ally? No. Emma? No.... Who?... My Mother-in-Law!!! LOL
"Oh, Jenni." (what? I can't break the rhythm now!)
(aug. 9, 2009)
I agreed to let the girls make a couple of rounds on the bikes right before we left for church today...I was out there in my wedge heels and pretty white dress trying to keep Ally going while Emma cruised. I'm sure I was the talk of the neighborhood over coffee!
And lastly, "Smarty Pants!"
(aug. 31, 2009)
I tried this morning to explain to Ally that we were "going to school", but we are not "starting school" this week....so I picked her up from the nursery today (there's about 10 teacher kids between the staff, so for work days ...they have daycare) and the first thing out of her mouth, "We didn't learn ANYthing!!" Ha!
Friday, September 4, 2009
She is going to kill me, but....
I have to blog this!
Here is Emma's first "real" graded paper:
She brought it home with a couple others (one math page w/an 86%), and asked me, "what does that mean, Mama? Is that a B?"
I wish I had a picture of her face when I told her it (the above) was a "C"! Wooaaah...she was NOT happy! We had the big talk about 2nd grade being very different than 1st, and that she has plenty of time to make up for this grade. And not to worry about it, but just be more careful next time, take her time (notice 4 of the 6 mistakes are on the last 4 sentences), it's not a big deal....BUT, I ended with, "I better not see a "C" on your report card!!" Ha!
I'm kidding really-I was the one trying to cheer her up. I don't think I have to worry about tough love when it comes to grades. She really was upset all on her own!
Here is Emma's first "real" graded paper:
She brought it home with a couple others (one math page w/an 86%), and asked me, "what does that mean, Mama? Is that a B?"
I wish I had a picture of her face when I told her it (the above) was a "C"! Wooaaah...she was NOT happy! We had the big talk about 2nd grade being very different than 1st, and that she has plenty of time to make up for this grade. And not to worry about it, but just be more careful next time, take her time (notice 4 of the 6 mistakes are on the last 4 sentences), it's not a big deal....BUT, I ended with, "I better not see a "C" on your report card!!" Ha!
I'm kidding really-I was the one trying to cheer her up. I don't think I have to worry about tough love when it comes to grades. She really was upset all on her own!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
SuperStar
I was standing at the corner today waiting for Emma to get off the bus and cross over to me. I saw an older boy (maybe 4th grade?) come down the stairs of the bus and just as he was beginning to cross the street he slung his bag up on his shoulder and somehow dumped all of the contents out.
One by one, each child behind him carefully made their way around him, ignoring his clear struggle to get everything at least back in his arms.
Emma stepped off the bus and started to come straight across to me when she saw the boy out of the corner of her eye. She immediately stopped in her tracks and went over to help him! AND when she realized that he still couldn't get situated with all of his folders and spirals in his hands she very simply told him she would carry them across the street. They both finally made it over to the curb and then he was able to get everything back in his bag. He thanked her and she said, "you're welcome", and we were on our way.
I told her how proud I was of her and that most kids wouldn't (and didn't) have stopped to help. I love that there never was an option for her. She is SUCH a sweet kid.
I love her. :)
One by one, each child behind him carefully made their way around him, ignoring his clear struggle to get everything at least back in his arms.
Emma stepped off the bus and started to come straight across to me when she saw the boy out of the corner of her eye. She immediately stopped in her tracks and went over to help him! AND when she realized that he still couldn't get situated with all of his folders and spirals in his hands she very simply told him she would carry them across the street. They both finally made it over to the curb and then he was able to get everything back in his bag. He thanked her and she said, "you're welcome", and we were on our way.
I told her how proud I was of her and that most kids wouldn't (and didn't) have stopped to help. I love that there never was an option for her. She is SUCH a sweet kid.
I love her. :)
Monday, August 31, 2009
My Girl
This girl most definitely didn't fall far from my tree... :)
She had some reading testing in school today. They had to read several passages and then the teacher would count how many words they read in a certain amount of time. Testing for fluency, I think.
Emma said after the first passage, her teacher told her she was only "supposed to" read 44 words. I guess that is the "right" number for the early 2nd grade level. Emma read 125. :o)
Then she tells me, "and everytime I would finish a story, my teacher would say, 'Holy Smokes, girl!'"
LOL!
She had some reading testing in school today. They had to read several passages and then the teacher would count how many words they read in a certain amount of time. Testing for fluency, I think.
Emma said after the first passage, her teacher told her she was only "supposed to" read 44 words. I guess that is the "right" number for the early 2nd grade level. Emma read 125. :o)
Then she tells me, "and everytime I would finish a story, my teacher would say, 'Holy Smokes, girl!'"
LOL!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Technically,
summer is not over.
At least not in my book.
I don't know how many times I thought about this list over the break, but never posted it. We made pretty good headway last year, considering how late it was when I put this together, and we covered quite a bit of ground this year without even trying.
I will put the things we did in bold. And we'll keep plugging at the rest. :)
The Keas Kid's Summer To Do List!
1. Build a sand castle
2. Have a picnic
3. Run in the sprinklers
4. Body paint (kind of like finger paint gone wild!)
5. Plant flowers
6. Hike to the dinosaur tracks
7. Lay in the grass and find shapes in the clouds
8. Make smores by campfire
9. Make a nature box
10. Make an ice treasure
11. Make homemade ice cream
12. and homemade Popsicles!
13. Go to the Zoo
14. Blow BIG bubbles!
15. Play hide and seek at night with flashlights
16. Make a treasure map and hunt for treasure
17. Play hopscotch
18. Go to an amusement/water park
19. Go camping!
20. Paint the fence
21. Have a snow day
22. Jump on the tramp w/sprinkler under!
23. Visit the Children's Art Park
24. Attend free movies!
25. Make a fort and sleep in it!
26. Make our own stepping stone
27. Go to the Botanical Gardens
28. Ride the Zilker Zephyr
29. See a play or musical
30. Fly a kite
31. Take a listening walk
At least not in my book.
I don't know how many times I thought about this list over the break, but never posted it. We made pretty good headway last year, considering how late it was when I put this together, and we covered quite a bit of ground this year without even trying.
I will put the things we did in bold. And we'll keep plugging at the rest. :)
The Keas Kid's Summer To Do List!
1. Build a sand castle
2. Have a picnic
3. Run in the sprinklers
4. Body paint (kind of like finger paint gone wild!)
5. Plant flowers
6. Hike to the dinosaur tracks
7. Lay in the grass and find shapes in the clouds
8. Make smores by campfire
9. Make a nature box
10. Make an ice treasure
11. Make homemade ice cream
12. and homemade Popsicles!
13. Go to the Zoo
14. Blow BIG bubbles!
15. Play hide and seek at night with flashlights
16. Make a treasure map and hunt for treasure
17. Play hopscotch
18. Go to an amusement/water park
19. Go camping!
20. Paint the fence
21. Have a snow day
22. Jump on the tramp w/sprinkler under!
23. Visit the Children's Art Park
24. Attend free movies!
25. Make a fort and sleep in it!
26. Make our own stepping stone
27. Go to the Botanical Gardens
28. Ride the Zilker Zephyr
29. See a play or musical
30. Fly a kite
31. Take a listening walk
Emma's First Week
This week has been relatively smooth. Besides the dragging of the bodies out of the bed.... (and I'm NOT talking about Emma-she has been SO good with the early mornings!) we have had a pretty good week.
Emma seems to like 2nd grade. The first day she said she likes Second grade because she gets to do "projects", and then showed me a colored, cut and pasted watermelon. ;) Hopefully next week they will get into the curriculum and she will stay interested.
Emma did get a "color change" one day b/c she did not listen when the teacher told the class there would be no more bathroom breaks. Emma left for a bathroom break and had to change her color when she got back. Her teacher told me that she worked very hard and was able to move up before the end of the day. Emma said as we were walking to the car that she was very worried that she would not be able to move back up. I am so glad she cares, and she tries really hard to please.
By day 4 she told me that she was having trouble w/some boys at recess that wouldn't let her play with them. Some of that story is in another post.
From what I gather, I think it may be a situation of "we would let you play with us but you're a giiirrll..." kind of thing. I am glad she doesn't care about that but hope she doesn't get hurt by the kids that do. She handled it VERY well and came home happy the next day.
So far, so good, I guess. I just hate her being gone for so long for so many days. There are so many minutes, shaping her little life, that I cannot witness! I saw a piece of a special on "helicopter moms". Is that me? I really don't think so.
But I do desperately want to watch my children grow! I want to be a part of a lot of things, but I think I really do give room when room is needed. I very much want to have a hand in their education and benchmark experiences. I want to show them that there may be more than one door that leads to the same place, and that sometimes it's ok (more than ok, it's often more exciting!) to take the door that's down the hall and around the corner, instead of the one right in front of you. I want to see them make messes and mistakes on the way.
Sigh, it's just the same old sob story, I'm afraid. I just can't come to terms with this.
Okay-snapping out of it. I hope we have an awesome year and that Emma has the opportunity to make discoveries, learn life lessons, and build many memories.
All on her own. :)
Our Big Girl!
Emma seems to like 2nd grade. The first day she said she likes Second grade because she gets to do "projects", and then showed me a colored, cut and pasted watermelon. ;) Hopefully next week they will get into the curriculum and she will stay interested.
Emma did get a "color change" one day b/c she did not listen when the teacher told the class there would be no more bathroom breaks. Emma left for a bathroom break and had to change her color when she got back. Her teacher told me that she worked very hard and was able to move up before the end of the day. Emma said as we were walking to the car that she was very worried that she would not be able to move back up. I am so glad she cares, and she tries really hard to please.
By day 4 she told me that she was having trouble w/some boys at recess that wouldn't let her play with them. Some of that story is in another post.
From what I gather, I think it may be a situation of "we would let you play with us but you're a giiirrll..." kind of thing. I am glad she doesn't care about that but hope she doesn't get hurt by the kids that do. She handled it VERY well and came home happy the next day.
So far, so good, I guess. I just hate her being gone for so long for so many days. There are so many minutes, shaping her little life, that I cannot witness! I saw a piece of a special on "helicopter moms". Is that me? I really don't think so.
But I do desperately want to watch my children grow! I want to be a part of a lot of things, but I think I really do give room when room is needed. I very much want to have a hand in their education and benchmark experiences. I want to show them that there may be more than one door that leads to the same place, and that sometimes it's ok (more than ok, it's often more exciting!) to take the door that's down the hall and around the corner, instead of the one right in front of you. I want to see them make messes and mistakes on the way.
Sigh, it's just the same old sob story, I'm afraid. I just can't come to terms with this.
Okay-snapping out of it. I hope we have an awesome year and that Emma has the opportunity to make discoveries, learn life lessons, and build many memories.
All on her own. :)
Our Big Girl!
I won't make a habit of this...
...but I HAVE to share my deals from today!
CVS
1 Revlon mascara - $8.99
1 Revlon lipstick - $7.99
4 Kraft Mac&Cheese - 4/$4
1 Xtra laundry det. - $1.99
1 Energizer 8 pk. AA - $8.49
1 Energizer 8 pk. AAA - $8.49
2 Reese's PB cup - $.50 ea.
Total OOP after coupons and ECBs: Under $4.00!
What??
CVS
1 Revlon mascara - $8.99
1 Revlon lipstick - $7.99
4 Kraft Mac&Cheese - 4/$4
1 Xtra laundry det. - $1.99
1 Energizer 8 pk. AA - $8.49
1 Energizer 8 pk. AAA - $8.49
2 Reese's PB cup - $.50 ea.
Total OOP after coupons and ECBs: Under $4.00!
What??
Friday, August 28, 2009
Table Talk
**I almost left the dinner table to record this next piece while it was fresh in my mind.**
Emma was telling us something about her day (ok - (this is not a part of my blog story, but I feel bad skipping it and only recording the humor part...to follow) Emma was telling me that she took my advice and told the 2 boys (who were in her class and QUEST group last year but are in a different class this year) from recess who kept telling her that she could not play with them, that she likes to play what they are playing, and that it might be more fun with more people - and it worked! I told her I was VERY proud of her, gave her a high five, and she continued w/more details...) and while she was talking she accidentally let out a pretty big belch.
You should have seen the look on her face-pure horror! Here is exactly (as best as I can) what she said:
"Pardon Me! I am SO sorry! I did NOT mean to do that! I had no idea I was going to do THAT! I can't tell you HOW sorry I am! Excuse me, that was an ACCIDENT! My Goodness!"
...aaaannd she may have gone on, but I interrupted, told her it was ok, and thanked her for apologizing.
Next comes about a 2 second pause, then.....
a big ole belly laugh from a certain not-so-poised (and apparently impressed) 4 yr. old, then............
says Ally, "I wish I could do THAT!"
A quick pic from after dinner-Ally was holding a chip she had eaten into the shape of a castle, but I cut it off. Sorry Ally!
Emma was telling us something about her day (ok - (this is not a part of my blog story, but I feel bad skipping it and only recording the humor part...to follow) Emma was telling me that she took my advice and told the 2 boys (who were in her class and QUEST group last year but are in a different class this year) from recess who kept telling her that she could not play with them, that she likes to play what they are playing, and that it might be more fun with more people - and it worked! I told her I was VERY proud of her, gave her a high five, and she continued w/more details...) and while she was talking she accidentally let out a pretty big belch.
You should have seen the look on her face-pure horror! Here is exactly (as best as I can) what she said:
"Pardon Me! I am SO sorry! I did NOT mean to do that! I had no idea I was going to do THAT! I can't tell you HOW sorry I am! Excuse me, that was an ACCIDENT! My Goodness!"
...aaaannd she may have gone on, but I interrupted, told her it was ok, and thanked her for apologizing.
Next comes about a 2 second pause, then.....
a big ole belly laugh from a certain not-so-poised (and apparently impressed) 4 yr. old, then............
says Ally, "I wish I could do THAT!"
A quick pic from after dinner-Ally was holding a chip she had eaten into the shape of a castle, but I cut it off. Sorry Ally!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Lovin' My Frugal Life
I started to be funny and put some asterisks or pound signs after the F and let you balk in horror at my post title but thought that would be a bit much.... So I'll just lead with it. Ha!
I have had fun this week with the first of my "coupon trips". I'm going to make this quick, because as my sisters and mother know by now I can go on and on and on about my proud purchases. :)
Target:
Dove deodorant
Travel size Hungry Hippos game
8 pkg. ind. Reese's PB cups.
Total before coupons (and tax): just under $10 (my fellow couponers-please forgive me. I know you are shaking your heads at my flippant, less-than-precise accounts. I will do better...)
Total after coupons (and WITH tax): $1.77
Woah! I told my mom it was so strange-I felt like I was stealing! This was my very first super-coupon transaction. It is so strange!
CVS:
1st transaction: 2 Speed Stick deodorants for Men.
Total before coupons and tax: $6.98
Total paid after coupons and 1 ECB: $1.00
AND I EARNED 2 ECBs!
2nd transaction:
1 Schick Quatro razor/trimmer for women.
Total before coupon and tax: $11.49 (this is an AWESOME razor that I would never usually get!)
Total after coupon and tax and the 2 ECBs from above: $3.24
AND I EARNED 2 more ECBs!
3rd transaction: 1 Aveeno body wash, 2 Aveeno hair care, 1 Aveeno lotion.
Total before coupons and tax: $30.96 (again, GOOD stuff that I would never otherwise buy!)
Total after coupons and the 2 ECBs from above: $16.94
Now, I know this one still sounds high-but I did it anyway because I earned TEN ECBs on it! So know, I have ten dollars to spend at CVS w/o any out of pocket. So basically, I was only $6.94 out on this. AND it would have been $4 lower but since I'm just starting on coupons my stash is low and I didn't have one for each Aveeno item. I only had two.
So what was my total out of pocket? OOP? $21.18 (Grr..should have been under $16...!) for over $50 worth of stuff!
AND I have ten bucks going back in!
Pretty good for a beginner. Like I said, it'll get better as I go. I'm pretty psyched for now-and I challenge all of you to give it a shot-just try it once, it's absolutely addictive!
oh-I also got a rain check for a razor for Jason. Same deal as above. Yay!
I have had fun this week with the first of my "coupon trips". I'm going to make this quick, because as my sisters and mother know by now I can go on and on and on about my proud purchases. :)
Target:
Dove deodorant
Travel size Hungry Hippos game
8 pkg. ind. Reese's PB cups.
Total before coupons (and tax): just under $10 (my fellow couponers-please forgive me. I know you are shaking your heads at my flippant, less-than-precise accounts. I will do better...)
Total after coupons (and WITH tax): $1.77
Woah! I told my mom it was so strange-I felt like I was stealing! This was my very first super-coupon transaction. It is so strange!
CVS:
1st transaction: 2 Speed Stick deodorants for Men.
Total before coupons and tax: $6.98
Total paid after coupons and 1 ECB: $1.00
AND I EARNED 2 ECBs!
2nd transaction:
1 Schick Quatro razor/trimmer for women.
Total before coupon and tax: $11.49 (this is an AWESOME razor that I would never usually get!)
Total after coupon and tax and the 2 ECBs from above: $3.24
AND I EARNED 2 more ECBs!
3rd transaction: 1 Aveeno body wash, 2 Aveeno hair care, 1 Aveeno lotion.
Total before coupons and tax: $30.96 (again, GOOD stuff that I would never otherwise buy!)
Total after coupons and the 2 ECBs from above: $16.94
Now, I know this one still sounds high-but I did it anyway because I earned TEN ECBs on it! So know, I have ten dollars to spend at CVS w/o any out of pocket. So basically, I was only $6.94 out on this. AND it would have been $4 lower but since I'm just starting on coupons my stash is low and I didn't have one for each Aveeno item. I only had two.
So what was my total out of pocket? OOP? $21.18 (Grr..should have been under $16...!) for over $50 worth of stuff!
AND I have ten bucks going back in!
Pretty good for a beginner. Like I said, it'll get better as I go. I'm pretty psyched for now-and I challenge all of you to give it a shot-just try it once, it's absolutely addictive!
oh-I also got a rain check for a razor for Jason. Same deal as above. Yay!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday
Thought I'd just run down a typical summer's day and document sort of a "day in the life". Not the best, most exciting day-but they're not all, are they? :)
(warning-this may be an especially boring post. Just throwing it in for memory's sake)
***Sry-have to interupt this. I just called to Ally, "Ally, I hope you're not jumping on your bed...". She replies, "I am!" She is seriously so proud of herself.
Anyway, I woke up to Ally about 3/4 of an inch away from my face, saying, "Get up, Mama! It's nine o'clock!" LOL. I don't think it was 9:00...but I can't say for sure. :)
Emma was on the computer right away (very much enjoying our new (to us) computer! Thank you Aunt M and Uncle S!). I gave Ally her morning shake then made some oatmeal. Put on a load of laundry and jumped in the shower while the girls ate.
Out of the shower-Emma had finished her oatmeal, Ally's full bowl was still at the table....I warmed it up then called her back and sat w/her until she finished...
We had plans to go to the pool w/some friends so the girls got in their suits and I packed the small cooler w/watermelon and water bottles. Got to the pool a little early (VERY unusual!) so we did sunscreen in the parking lot before going in.
We had SO much fun at the pool-as always. We have very much enjoyed our pool time this summer. Me just as much as the girls. It has been a hot, hot summer, so there's not much better than spending a few hours splashing around in some cool water!
We stayed right at 3 hours. That seems to be the magic number for us. Had one snack break and reapplied sunscreen then jumped back in. Emma is all about swimming. She LOVES to be in the water. She floats, jumps, dives, does her "tricks"-the dolphin flip, the mermaid, the spin, the long jump, to name a few. :) Ally wants to jump to me, she loves to swim too-and today wanted to practice her back float/swim a bunch. She's getting good!
Hit the Sonic dollar menu on the way home to get something in our bellies and did a little looking up of recipes and made a quick menu and grocery list. We hit HEB about 6:30 and did pretty good-a quick trip, small total, but got the fixings for at least 4 good meals.
(Chicken tacos, meatloaf (a double batch, I'm going to try and freeze half this time), Chicken Stirfry and Taco Soup, plus spaghetti stuff if we need it, and various sides-my green beans, salad stuff, potatoes, etc.)
edited to add-while we were at the grocery store, I realized Emma had a pretty bad sunburn. It bothered me, because I feel like I failed...I'm the one responsible for her tender skin, and this was her first burn.
Got home before 7:30, made the girls "Ants on a Log". Emma's request-Ally's w/o the ants. :) Got them in the tub and all cleaned up, hair brushed and braided, and got to work applying aloe to Emma's burn. We had just been giving an aloe vera plant and I cut into it and smeared the healing aloe all over her back, shoulders and face. Her little shoulders are pretty bad. Makes me sad to see it. :(
Emma read Ally about 5 books before bed, then read a chapter or so on her own before lights out.
Ally is in a habit now of looking at books after lights out. I haven't said anything and I don't know if she knows that I know she's doing it. Follow that? She'll flip through several books by the light from the hall and I'll always find her passed out w/a couple in her bed or on the floor right beside.
Guess I'll stop here.. I turned on the tube and waited for Jason to get home. He brought me a taco-thank you! We watched some of Dave and chatted a bit then he crashed. I checked FB then followed not much later.
(warning-this may be an especially boring post. Just throwing it in for memory's sake)
***Sry-have to interupt this. I just called to Ally, "Ally, I hope you're not jumping on your bed...". She replies, "I am!" She is seriously so proud of herself.
Anyway, I woke up to Ally about 3/4 of an inch away from my face, saying, "Get up, Mama! It's nine o'clock!" LOL. I don't think it was 9:00...but I can't say for sure. :)
Emma was on the computer right away (very much enjoying our new (to us) computer! Thank you Aunt M and Uncle S!). I gave Ally her morning shake then made some oatmeal. Put on a load of laundry and jumped in the shower while the girls ate.
Out of the shower-Emma had finished her oatmeal, Ally's full bowl was still at the table....I warmed it up then called her back and sat w/her until she finished...
We had plans to go to the pool w/some friends so the girls got in their suits and I packed the small cooler w/watermelon and water bottles. Got to the pool a little early (VERY unusual!) so we did sunscreen in the parking lot before going in.
We had SO much fun at the pool-as always. We have very much enjoyed our pool time this summer. Me just as much as the girls. It has been a hot, hot summer, so there's not much better than spending a few hours splashing around in some cool water!
We stayed right at 3 hours. That seems to be the magic number for us. Had one snack break and reapplied sunscreen then jumped back in. Emma is all about swimming. She LOVES to be in the water. She floats, jumps, dives, does her "tricks"-the dolphin flip, the mermaid, the spin, the long jump, to name a few. :) Ally wants to jump to me, she loves to swim too-and today wanted to practice her back float/swim a bunch. She's getting good!
Hit the Sonic dollar menu on the way home to get something in our bellies and did a little looking up of recipes and made a quick menu and grocery list. We hit HEB about 6:30 and did pretty good-a quick trip, small total, but got the fixings for at least 4 good meals.
(Chicken tacos, meatloaf (a double batch, I'm going to try and freeze half this time), Chicken Stirfry and Taco Soup, plus spaghetti stuff if we need it, and various sides-my green beans, salad stuff, potatoes, etc.)
edited to add-while we were at the grocery store, I realized Emma had a pretty bad sunburn. It bothered me, because I feel like I failed...I'm the one responsible for her tender skin, and this was her first burn.
Got home before 7:30, made the girls "Ants on a Log". Emma's request-Ally's w/o the ants. :) Got them in the tub and all cleaned up, hair brushed and braided, and got to work applying aloe to Emma's burn. We had just been giving an aloe vera plant and I cut into it and smeared the healing aloe all over her back, shoulders and face. Her little shoulders are pretty bad. Makes me sad to see it. :(
Emma read Ally about 5 books before bed, then read a chapter or so on her own before lights out.
Ally is in a habit now of looking at books after lights out. I haven't said anything and I don't know if she knows that I know she's doing it. Follow that? She'll flip through several books by the light from the hall and I'll always find her passed out w/a couple in her bed or on the floor right beside.
Guess I'll stop here.. I turned on the tube and waited for Jason to get home. He brought me a taco-thank you! We watched some of Dave and chatted a bit then he crashed. I checked FB then followed not much later.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
COP
heh. :) My title is a little homage to my hours of coupon/sale/frugal shopping research I have done the past few days. I have come to understand and differentiate between the plethora of acronyms (are they acronyms? someone help me here. I don't have the energy to look it up) to include OOP/ECB/SS/RP/RR...and many many more!
Just now I came up with my own.
COP
(Change of Plans)
A regular, if not daily, part of our lives here in the Keashold.
I've spent hours this morning researching the sale ads, the best coupon deals, etc. and had my afternoon all mapped out with several stops for specific items here and there. We also had library time scheduled and other random errands like the bank and movie store.
And all before the 3 o'clock dentist appt.
I had Ally's hair brushed and braided and was working on Emma's. Ally not yet dressed, hopped up on the couch and was teasing me with "I'm laying on the clo-othes!". I decided not to fight that battle and that my freshly washed load of towels, sheets and pillow cases from our week of company would survive.
As I finished Emma's hair I glanced over to see this:
And so was born the COP plan. Or whatever. :)
I will now fill the next hour and a half with much needed household chores, so time not wasted. But this means we have to do our previously scheduled errands AFTER the dentist appts., which completely messes up my evening plans....SEE why I usually don't even bother to plan in the first place?!
Just now I came up with my own.
COP
(Change of Plans)
A regular, if not daily, part of our lives here in the Keashold.
I've spent hours this morning researching the sale ads, the best coupon deals, etc. and had my afternoon all mapped out with several stops for specific items here and there. We also had library time scheduled and other random errands like the bank and movie store.
And all before the 3 o'clock dentist appt.
I had Ally's hair brushed and braided and was working on Emma's. Ally not yet dressed, hopped up on the couch and was teasing me with "I'm laying on the clo-othes!". I decided not to fight that battle and that my freshly washed load of towels, sheets and pillow cases from our week of company would survive.
As I finished Emma's hair I glanced over to see this:
And so was born the COP plan. Or whatever. :)
I will now fill the next hour and a half with much needed household chores, so time not wasted. But this means we have to do our previously scheduled errands AFTER the dentist appts., which completely messes up my evening plans....SEE why I usually don't even bother to plan in the first place?!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Smiles
I made a memory last night. Let the big girl ride her bike by the light of the moon, to show her Daddy her new skills on her TWO WHEELER! (it is no longer a bike-always a two wheeler!) She had mastered the two wheels while he was gone for the weekend and he had yet to make it home in time for her to show off.
So last night, I texted Jason to see if he was close, and at 9:15 pm, quietly called Emma out of her bed to put some shoes on and get her bike ready. She was so proud! Even in the dark I could see her smile beaming-spreading from ear to ear. :) A very special moment. :)
So last night, I texted Jason to see if he was close, and at 9:15 pm, quietly called Emma out of her bed to put some shoes on and get her bike ready. She was so proud! Even in the dark I could see her smile beaming-spreading from ear to ear. :) A very special moment. :)
Friday, July 31, 2009
What's it Worth to You?
Sweet Emma.
She has been very excited and very eager to clear out her room for the garage sale. She started the other day in her "toy drawer". This is basically a "junk drawer". The place for Happy Meal toys, bouncy balls, forgotten party favors, and the occasional water gun.
Emma was extremely proud after she sorted through her drawer and presented me with a bag of oh, half a dozen or so trinkety toys. She had also taken the time to compile a price list.
Oh dear.
Here's how it went: (and this was after we had a discussion AND I gave the recommendation of about a dime apiece...)
Sonic race car (kid's meal prize): $2.00
whistle (the kind that comes in a set of 12 for birthday party goody bags): $1.00
key chain (more of the above): $.50
bouncy ball: $.50
toy gun: $2.00
Kung Fu Panda (Happy Meal prize): $2.00
She also told me she thinks we should price her vanity set at $90.00.
The plan is for her to man her own area the morning of the sale. This is going to be interesting.
;)
She has been very excited and very eager to clear out her room for the garage sale. She started the other day in her "toy drawer". This is basically a "junk drawer". The place for Happy Meal toys, bouncy balls, forgotten party favors, and the occasional water gun.
Emma was extremely proud after she sorted through her drawer and presented me with a bag of oh, half a dozen or so trinkety toys. She had also taken the time to compile a price list.
Oh dear.
Here's how it went: (and this was after we had a discussion AND I gave the recommendation of about a dime apiece...)
Sonic race car (kid's meal prize): $2.00
whistle (the kind that comes in a set of 12 for birthday party goody bags): $1.00
key chain (more of the above): $.50
bouncy ball: $.50
toy gun: $2.00
Kung Fu Panda (Happy Meal prize): $2.00
She also told me she thinks we should price her vanity set at $90.00.
The plan is for her to man her own area the morning of the sale. This is going to be interesting.
;)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Popcorn and a Prize
As I watch the girls snacking contendedly while watching "Bug's Life", I have to make a note, hoping our simple little game stays in their sweet heads as they grow.
I started giving "popcorn with a prize". Just on a whim one day. Must have had something at the end of a box or bag and tossed it on top of their bowl of popcorn.
And so it began. :)
Now it is so funny that they squeal and shout "YES!" when I announce I'll bring them their popcorn and a prize. I think it's mostly the surprise. The "prize" is nothing big. A few mini marshmallows, M&Ms, gummi bears, and today yogurt covered pretzels. Something very simple but just the little "extra" that brings delight.
It makes me smile that they find such excitement in something so small. "Thank you thank you thank you Mama!" I love that they don't expect anything big and that they appreciate something so small.
Obviously this is about more than a few marshmallows in a bowl of popcorn. :)
I started giving "popcorn with a prize". Just on a whim one day. Must have had something at the end of a box or bag and tossed it on top of their bowl of popcorn.
And so it began. :)
Now it is so funny that they squeal and shout "YES!" when I announce I'll bring them their popcorn and a prize. I think it's mostly the surprise. The "prize" is nothing big. A few mini marshmallows, M&Ms, gummi bears, and today yogurt covered pretzels. Something very simple but just the little "extra" that brings delight.
It makes me smile that they find such excitement in something so small. "Thank you thank you thank you Mama!" I love that they don't expect anything big and that they appreciate something so small.
Obviously this is about more than a few marshmallows in a bowl of popcorn. :)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Goodness
We are currently playing the "how long can we survive without going to the grocery store" game. :) Tonight for dinner we had turkey smoked sausage, ranch style beans, zuccini chips (sliced rounds of zucc. topped w/mozz cheese and broiled) and kiwi. I know-it sounds yummy, doesn't it.
Well, there wasn't anything on the plate that I was absolutely sure that Ally would eat. She's iffy on the sausage-she wasn't a fan of the zucc the last time I did it like this, she has never tried beans, and hasn't been happy about eating kiwi lately.
She ate everything! And happily! I make the HUGE mistake of saying, "Ally, I never thought we'd see the day that you would finally be a good eater!"
And then it began...from EMMA! The whining, the moaning, the crying!! Over the zuccini! This is the girl that ate a raw squash straight from the garden and told me, "Garden fresh is good, Mama!" I told her she had to eat 3 slices. O.M.Goodness!! The drama!
Finally I left the room, knowing that my patience was thinning. And she followed. I just had to tell her to leave. And I started to question my approach. Do I make her eat this? It would be one thing if I knew she didn't like it, but she's eaten it before!
So I tried that approach-
"Emma, you have eaten zuccini before. What is the big deal? It's THREE little slices! You could have been done by now!"
And through the tears, she tells me...."I just like it un-cooked!"
You have got to be kidding me. I had one zucc left on the counter. I sliced up a few pieces. She ate it. No whines. No problem.
So next time I'll skip the olive oil, the sprinkling of salt and pepper, the careful arrangement of mozzerela cheese....and just serve it raw. ;)
Well, there wasn't anything on the plate that I was absolutely sure that Ally would eat. She's iffy on the sausage-she wasn't a fan of the zucc the last time I did it like this, she has never tried beans, and hasn't been happy about eating kiwi lately.
She ate everything! And happily! I make the HUGE mistake of saying, "Ally, I never thought we'd see the day that you would finally be a good eater!"
And then it began...from EMMA! The whining, the moaning, the crying!! Over the zuccini! This is the girl that ate a raw squash straight from the garden and told me, "Garden fresh is good, Mama!" I told her she had to eat 3 slices. O.M.Goodness!! The drama!
Finally I left the room, knowing that my patience was thinning. And she followed. I just had to tell her to leave. And I started to question my approach. Do I make her eat this? It would be one thing if I knew she didn't like it, but she's eaten it before!
So I tried that approach-
"Emma, you have eaten zuccini before. What is the big deal? It's THREE little slices! You could have been done by now!"
And through the tears, she tells me...."I just like it un-cooked!"
You have got to be kidding me. I had one zucc left on the counter. I sliced up a few pieces. She ate it. No whines. No problem.
So next time I'll skip the olive oil, the sprinkling of salt and pepper, the careful arrangement of mozzerela cheese....and just serve it raw. ;)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Simple Life
I am overwhelmed with all the catching up I have to do! To get the ball rolling, just a quick post about the NOW...
As many of you know, we had an EXTREMELY busy week last week with our vacation at Nana and Pops house. We were go go going constantly!
Since we have been home we have not had a playdate, a swim day, nothing. Today we are getting ready for the free movie. Other than a string of errands yesterday, this will be our first time out of the house! I have not even checked the mail. Zip.
(this did result in an extra yummy chicken spaghetti dinner last night. I didn't have the usual ingredients for the sauce, so I grabbed some bell pepper, a squash, a handful of green beans, and cherry tomatoes from my garden stash and chopped those up to throw in. Yum!)
So, we've been enjoying the Simple Life. Lots of coloring and design time for the girls. Emma made a mobile of 5 or so planets for cousin C. Just got a wild hair. Ally has been practicing her people skills (drawing them!). I have spent way too much time on Facebook and negleted the blog... op!
Ok-just a quick teaser-lots more to come! Including giant ostriches, life size dinosaurs, hair-nesting birds, manatees, a man in a mouse costume, 3-D fun, pool time, tractor rides, fireworks, slip-n-slides, Dinosaurs ALIVE!, a train ride....and....oh yes! the Hokey Pokey! ;)
Stay Tuned!
As many of you know, we had an EXTREMELY busy week last week with our vacation at Nana and Pops house. We were go go going constantly!
Since we have been home we have not had a playdate, a swim day, nothing. Today we are getting ready for the free movie. Other than a string of errands yesterday, this will be our first time out of the house! I have not even checked the mail. Zip.
(this did result in an extra yummy chicken spaghetti dinner last night. I didn't have the usual ingredients for the sauce, so I grabbed some bell pepper, a squash, a handful of green beans, and cherry tomatoes from my garden stash and chopped those up to throw in. Yum!)
So, we've been enjoying the Simple Life. Lots of coloring and design time for the girls. Emma made a mobile of 5 or so planets for cousin C. Just got a wild hair. Ally has been practicing her people skills (drawing them!). I have spent way too much time on Facebook and negleted the blog... op!
Ok-just a quick teaser-lots more to come! Including giant ostriches, life size dinosaurs, hair-nesting birds, manatees, a man in a mouse costume, 3-D fun, pool time, tractor rides, fireworks, slip-n-slides, Dinosaurs ALIVE!, a train ride....and....oh yes! the Hokey Pokey! ;)
Stay Tuned!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Symphonies and Sprinkler Play
Yesterday we went to the weekly Children's Day Art Park hosted by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Each week is a different band/act/group performing for the kids amidst bubbles machines, clowns, storytellers, magicians and mimes, lots of balloons, and 10 cent lemonade. There's even an instrument petting zoo-the kids can try out any of the brass instruments that are hung by rope under a covered porch area. (alcohol wipes provided!)
This week was the group "Beto Y Los Fairlanes". I have no idea what that means, Beto and the .... something, I guess. But I was surprised to see a group of middle aged white men on stage! lol!
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They were entertaining. One of them is a professor in music at UT. Maybe they all were?
Emma got some giggle time w/her bff.
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Ally was a clingy whiny mess (because she woke up waaaay too early and would not go back to sleep!!) until she got this:
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After the show we followed the lemonade trail down and around to the craft area. The girls waited in line for face painting then found some shade and some lemonade before heading home. There were other crafts and things to check out, but with this heat we were ready to go. Can't wait for next week! It's the Biscuit Brothers!
Face Painting:
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Three Little Kittens...
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Made in the shade.
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Well, as you may have gathered from my title, I intended to include a couple of sprinkler play pics in this post. Seems none of them turned out. I only snapped few, don't know what I did wrong. Anyway, just so you're not completely disappointed (I know you were SO looking forward to these!), here's one I managed to pull off.
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Even the dog got in on the action!
Oh-and today's free summer fun movie was Charlotte's Web! I didn't realize we'd never seen the new one-it was SO good!
This week was the group "Beto Y Los Fairlanes". I have no idea what that means, Beto and the .... something, I guess. But I was surprised to see a group of middle aged white men on stage! lol!
.jpg)
They were entertaining. One of them is a professor in music at UT. Maybe they all were?
Emma got some giggle time w/her bff.
.jpg)
Ally was a clingy whiny mess (because she woke up waaaay too early and would not go back to sleep!!) until she got this:
.jpg)
After the show we followed the lemonade trail down and around to the craft area. The girls waited in line for face painting then found some shade and some lemonade before heading home. There were other crafts and things to check out, but with this heat we were ready to go. Can't wait for next week! It's the Biscuit Brothers!
Face Painting:
.jpg)
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Three Little Kittens...
.jpg)
Made in the shade.
.jpg)
Well, as you may have gathered from my title, I intended to include a couple of sprinkler play pics in this post. Seems none of them turned out. I only snapped few, don't know what I did wrong. Anyway, just so you're not completely disappointed (I know you were SO looking forward to these!), here's one I managed to pull off.
.jpg)
Even the dog got in on the action!
Oh-and today's free summer fun movie was Charlotte's Web! I didn't realize we'd never seen the new one-it was SO good!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Pool Time
More fun in the sun today. Another 3+ hours. I see LOTS of pool time this summer. I can't keep the girls out of the water! Today was another new pool. It only went to 3 feet, which was nice. Lots of sprinkler/sprayers, a little bitty slide, and wading area. But, what did the girls want to do the most??
Practice their swim lessons!
We went to the 3 foot area and I took turns letting each of the practice their "lessons". Emma mastered hers quickly (the back float), and now I need to call and see what her next station is before lessons on Friday.
Ally is still unsure about letting her feet off the bottom. She is supposed to do a "starfish float". Yes, in our day this was called the "dead man's float". :) Ally will put her arms out and put her face in the water, but unless I lift her she won't bring her feet off the bottom. Just not used to that yet. BUT, she never. stopped. trying!
She would come up gasping, almost panicked looking, and half a second later, say, "let me try that again!". I think she'll get it with her teacher by Friday.
I even got to SIT OUT AND WATCH for awhile. What?? It was very strange. This was a very small pool with lifeguards everywhere, and I could see the girls at any point in the pool, so when we were about 20 min. from leaving I decided to sit out and dry off before I called the girls out. They had so much fun! We didn't have any friends along today so they were left to play with each other, and it was neat for me to sit back and watch instead of being in the middle of it. We'll have to hit this pool again just for that reason. I think all of the other pool in the area would be too big for this. Not any deeper, just too much space between them and me. This one was just right.
Anyway, just a quick post while we have a movie on-I need to do dishes and laundry... Fun!
Practice their swim lessons!
We went to the 3 foot area and I took turns letting each of the practice their "lessons". Emma mastered hers quickly (the back float), and now I need to call and see what her next station is before lessons on Friday.
Ally is still unsure about letting her feet off the bottom. She is supposed to do a "starfish float". Yes, in our day this was called the "dead man's float". :) Ally will put her arms out and put her face in the water, but unless I lift her she won't bring her feet off the bottom. Just not used to that yet. BUT, she never. stopped. trying!
She would come up gasping, almost panicked looking, and half a second later, say, "let me try that again!". I think she'll get it with her teacher by Friday.
I even got to SIT OUT AND WATCH for awhile. What?? It was very strange. This was a very small pool with lifeguards everywhere, and I could see the girls at any point in the pool, so when we were about 20 min. from leaving I decided to sit out and dry off before I called the girls out. They had so much fun! We didn't have any friends along today so they were left to play with each other, and it was neat for me to sit back and watch instead of being in the middle of it. We'll have to hit this pool again just for that reason. I think all of the other pool in the area would be too big for this. Not any deeper, just too much space between them and me. This one was just right.
Anyway, just a quick post while we have a movie on-I need to do dishes and laundry... Fun!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Zucchini!
I'm being overrun by the stuff! We're getting at LEAST one per day from the garden. Today two. Right now I have 6 on my counter that I need to use.
So, I have tried my first batch of zucchini bread. Looks yummy. I'll let you know how it turns out!
But, what prompted this post is a funny "article" I found on allrecipes. First of all, let me say that apparently it is very common among gardeners of this veggie to have their hands full with them! I saw several comments as I read the reviews about people having more than they knew what do to with. This took me down memory lane a bit...
I remember our garden in Utah as a kid. I was probably about 12? I guess my parents decided to plant anything and everything they thought they could fit in? We had zucc, yellow squash, watermelon, carrots, pumpkin, canteloupe, onion, tomatoes, and who knows what else. I remember having to push leaves and vines aside with my foot before each step to make sure it was safe and clear of veggies!
My mom made zucchini bread, zucchini muffins, zucchini brownies, zucchini pancakes...and I remember her sending my sisters and I around to the neighbors delivering these things!
Anyway, here's the article that made me laugh. Enjoy!
So, I have tried my first batch of zucchini bread. Looks yummy. I'll let you know how it turns out!
But, what prompted this post is a funny "article" I found on allrecipes. First of all, let me say that apparently it is very common among gardeners of this veggie to have their hands full with them! I saw several comments as I read the reviews about people having more than they knew what do to with. This took me down memory lane a bit...
I remember our garden in Utah as a kid. I was probably about 12? I guess my parents decided to plant anything and everything they thought they could fit in? We had zucc, yellow squash, watermelon, carrots, pumpkin, canteloupe, onion, tomatoes, and who knows what else. I remember having to push leaves and vines aside with my foot before each step to make sure it was safe and clear of veggies!
My mom made zucchini bread, zucchini muffins, zucchini brownies, zucchini pancakes...and I remember her sending my sisters and I around to the neighbors delivering these things!
Anyway, here's the article that made me laugh. Enjoy!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Random (yes, I should be vaccuuming..) Thoughts.
**I love that the girls squeal and run to their rooms when I announce that I'm going to vacuum (hence, my title. hee!). This started years ago when Ally was genuinely scared of the vacuum cleaner. Not it's just habit. But they run to one bedroom or another, and stay in there playing for a good 30+ minutes before they realize I'm through! Funny, if I sent them to the bedrooms to play it would never last. This way they think it's their idea. :)
**I love our time in the kitchen. My table is NEVER clear-there is a constant mess of papers, markers, scissors, etc. If I'm stuck at the sink I get to witness their creations. I love the "stories" that come from Ally's drawings. One day she made a "juice machine". A huge web of lines, pipes, and who knows what else that somehow became a juice machine. She had it all planned out very well! Today we had the easels out and the girls were making chalk drawings. Ally drew a picture of me being chased by a wolf! The wolf bit my arm off...but don't worry-she fixed it with a band aid. (i'm laughing as I type this!)
Emma drew a picture of a "green" house-with a solar panel for energy. And labeled it "Environmental Saver Mama". Cute! Funny, she didn't know it, but while they were working I was washing dishes and took my dirty water out to the tree in the front yard. I made sure to tell afterwards that I had just re-used my dish water! She was very proud.
AND, all the while, we usually jam to BOB FM (from the huge antique stereo. Gmom-help me out, how old is it?). The only station in Austin where you can hear The Eagles, Vanilla Ice, and Avril Lavigne consecutively!
**Emma lost her 7th tooth today. I was watering the garden when it happened this morning. She didn't know I was out there and went roaming around the house looking for me, dribbling blood all over the place. Yuck!~
***The dog, now over 75 I think in dog years, still doesn't get that when I leave one room I'm usually coming right back. She still gets up and follows me, attempts to lay down and doesn't even get settled before I'm moving again, then she struggles (it's getting harder for her to get up) to get back up and follow me again. Sometimes if I tell her to stay she will, but I can tell she's very uneasy with that. She has always had some serious separation anxiety issues! As a younger dog, if we left her out back for too long, she would jump the fence (at the time a 4 foot chain link) and come sit on the front porch.
***I love my girls' love for music! Yesterday I overheard Emma singing along with the radio-just belting it out. It was priceless! made me wish I had a video camera that picked up sound....I digress.
And Ally has been making up songs lately. They all have the same sing song-y sort of rhythm, and the same choreography. :) Shakin' her little hips and her head, singing "I love you Ma-ma. Oh yes I do-o, yes I love you-oo!"
I could go on and on! I need to try and do this sort of post once a week or so just to catch little every day stuff.
Think it'll happen?? :)
**I love our time in the kitchen. My table is NEVER clear-there is a constant mess of papers, markers, scissors, etc. If I'm stuck at the sink I get to witness their creations. I love the "stories" that come from Ally's drawings. One day she made a "juice machine". A huge web of lines, pipes, and who knows what else that somehow became a juice machine. She had it all planned out very well! Today we had the easels out and the girls were making chalk drawings. Ally drew a picture of me being chased by a wolf! The wolf bit my arm off...but don't worry-she fixed it with a band aid. (i'm laughing as I type this!)
Emma drew a picture of a "green" house-with a solar panel for energy. And labeled it "Environmental Saver Mama". Cute! Funny, she didn't know it, but while they were working I was washing dishes and took my dirty water out to the tree in the front yard. I made sure to tell afterwards that I had just re-used my dish water! She was very proud.
AND, all the while, we usually jam to BOB FM (from the huge antique stereo. Gmom-help me out, how old is it?). The only station in Austin where you can hear The Eagles, Vanilla Ice, and Avril Lavigne consecutively!
**Emma lost her 7th tooth today. I was watering the garden when it happened this morning. She didn't know I was out there and went roaming around the house looking for me, dribbling blood all over the place. Yuck!~
***The dog, now over 75 I think in dog years, still doesn't get that when I leave one room I'm usually coming right back. She still gets up and follows me, attempts to lay down and doesn't even get settled before I'm moving again, then she struggles (it's getting harder for her to get up) to get back up and follow me again. Sometimes if I tell her to stay she will, but I can tell she's very uneasy with that. She has always had some serious separation anxiety issues! As a younger dog, if we left her out back for too long, she would jump the fence (at the time a 4 foot chain link) and come sit on the front porch.
***I love my girls' love for music! Yesterday I overheard Emma singing along with the radio-just belting it out. It was priceless! made me wish I had a video camera that picked up sound....I digress.
And Ally has been making up songs lately. They all have the same sing song-y sort of rhythm, and the same choreography. :) Shakin' her little hips and her head, singing "I love you Ma-ma. Oh yes I do-o, yes I love you-oo!"
I could go on and on! I need to try and do this sort of post once a week or so just to catch little every day stuff.
Think it'll happen?? :)
Refreshing
I guess after almost a week of lots of (delicious!) grilled meals....I am really needing some light, cool, crispy sort of food. Don't get me wrong, the meat was awesome! But, just kind of heavy. Make sense?
Last night the girls and I had salad for dinner. I wasn't sure how this would go over...esp. with Miss A...but she did great! Of course, she had to have her ranch dressing...and she didn't eat all of it, but she ate a lot!
I had our salads piled with spinach leaf lettuce and purple leaf (or red leaf?) lettuce, then diced up tons of good stuff to mix in. From the garden we had zuccini, yellow squash, tomatoes and bell pepper. Then I added diced apples and pears, cucumber, chopped up a few deviled eggs, grated some cheese... and had red onion in mine. oh my goodness, I was in heaven! Neither girl liked the zuccini or squash. It's not great raw, but I tried. Next time I'll saute it just a bit to add some flavor.
We finished off with some yummy corn on the cob and a slice of cool lime pie. Delish!
Today we're just finishing a lunch of string cheese, cherries, baby carrots, tangerine and kiwi. Ahhh...so refreshing! And so colorful! I love colorful meals.
OK. here's the good stuff. Enough of my boring menu ramble. :)
The pie I made took about 3 minutes to put together (actually the girls did it all, after I got the yolk ready), and 20 min. to cook. It is really good! Got the recipe from Jason's mom.
3 ingredients:
1 graham cracker pie crust
3 egg yolks (yolks only!)
1 can of Eagle Brand milk (I actually used store brand, this is just what I've always called this milk-the sweetened condensed milk.)
1/2 C. of lime juice
Mix with a whisk. You don't even need to beat it. Poor into pie crust and bake @ 350 for 20 min. Let cool and top with Cool Whip. Yum!
Last night the girls and I had salad for dinner. I wasn't sure how this would go over...esp. with Miss A...but she did great! Of course, she had to have her ranch dressing...and she didn't eat all of it, but she ate a lot!
I had our salads piled with spinach leaf lettuce and purple leaf (or red leaf?) lettuce, then diced up tons of good stuff to mix in. From the garden we had zuccini, yellow squash, tomatoes and bell pepper. Then I added diced apples and pears, cucumber, chopped up a few deviled eggs, grated some cheese... and had red onion in mine. oh my goodness, I was in heaven! Neither girl liked the zuccini or squash. It's not great raw, but I tried. Next time I'll saute it just a bit to add some flavor.
We finished off with some yummy corn on the cob and a slice of cool lime pie. Delish!
Today we're just finishing a lunch of string cheese, cherries, baby carrots, tangerine and kiwi. Ahhh...so refreshing! And so colorful! I love colorful meals.
OK. here's the good stuff. Enough of my boring menu ramble. :)
The pie I made took about 3 minutes to put together (actually the girls did it all, after I got the yolk ready), and 20 min. to cook. It is really good! Got the recipe from Jason's mom.
3 ingredients:
1 graham cracker pie crust
3 egg yolks (yolks only!)
1 can of Eagle Brand milk (I actually used store brand, this is just what I've always called this milk-the sweetened condensed milk.)
1/2 C. of lime juice
Mix with a whisk. You don't even need to beat it. Poor into pie crust and bake @ 350 for 20 min. Let cool and top with Cool Whip. Yum!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Nitro Intro
Today was our first lesson at Nitro Swim School. Both girls LOVED it! Ally was first, and she jumped out of the pool and made her way over to me-she was shivering and shaking and I thought she was mumbling something about having to go potty or wanting her towel. Nope! She wanted to "go again"! She had a BLAST!
She passed the first station in less than 15 minutes. She had to put her whole face under water for at least 5 seconds. That's a long time! At first she would just dip in really quickly and pop her head out sort of panicked. But she kept going and going and eventually got it! She was on to the next station which is the "starfish" float. I think this is arms straight out to the sides and legs out? I think. I know she had her arms out. I saw her floating with a noodle once, and I saw them trying to float on their back. I'll have to find out more so we can practice before next week.
Emma did awesome as well! She also ended on station 2, but it's different in her class. She has to be comfortable with floating on her back. I think they have to master doing a streamline (arms straight up behind ears and hands together at the top) swim halfway across the (short side) pool, then flip over to a back float. She tries to curl up and stand up insinctively instead of relaxing on her back. Just a little practice and she'll have it!
Both girls were ALL SMILES the WHOLE TIME! Ally, apparently does not ever stand still on land or in water. She was bouncing non stop. Both only had one other kid in their group. The other girl in Emma's group was also named Emma-this was a highlight for them!
A few pics I got. I tried to stay across the pool, so they're dark and maybe blurry, but still sweet!
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She passed the first station in less than 15 minutes. She had to put her whole face under water for at least 5 seconds. That's a long time! At first she would just dip in really quickly and pop her head out sort of panicked. But she kept going and going and eventually got it! She was on to the next station which is the "starfish" float. I think this is arms straight out to the sides and legs out? I think. I know she had her arms out. I saw her floating with a noodle once, and I saw them trying to float on their back. I'll have to find out more so we can practice before next week.
Emma did awesome as well! She also ended on station 2, but it's different in her class. She has to be comfortable with floating on her back. I think they have to master doing a streamline (arms straight up behind ears and hands together at the top) swim halfway across the (short side) pool, then flip over to a back float. She tries to curl up and stand up insinctively instead of relaxing on her back. Just a little practice and she'll have it!
Both girls were ALL SMILES the WHOLE TIME! Ally, apparently does not ever stand still on land or in water. She was bouncing non stop. Both only had one other kid in their group. The other girl in Emma's group was also named Emma-this was a highlight for them!
A few pics I got. I tried to stay across the pool, so they're dark and maybe blurry, but still sweet!
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Sum-Sum-Summertime!
We have hit the ground running this week! Seems crazy it's only the 2nd official day of summer break.
Yesterday we went to a super cool pool. We stayed for over 3 hours and only took one little 15 minute break! The girls would have stayed hours longer...and me too-I had so much fun! But, being the only grown-up among us, I had to make the responsible decision. Bummer being the mom sometimes. lol!
This place had a little lazy river, a wading area with two small slides, a small open area with sprayers or buckets, and a side spot with two bigger slides. The big slide and the lazy river were the hit for sure. I bet we were up and down the slide 50 times! Just one-Emma is tall enough for both big slides but would only go on the straight one because I could go with her. Ally is not tall enough for either but could go on the straight one IF I went with her. My little one is for SURE the adventurer/dare devil of the pair. Emma is very timid and anxious and takes the safer route. I'm so glad I could go with her on the straight slide, because she loved it-but still wouldn't go on her own, even after we did it over and over. Ally on the other hand-it was all I could do to get her to wait for me to sit down before she took off!
Both girls loved the lazy river. Emma would go round and round, swim/floating through. Before I remembered I had a ring floatie for Ally, I would carry her (against her will-she kept telling me to "let go"!) and she would watch Emma over my shoulder, cracking up the whole time at Emma bobbing up and down. I couldn't see what Emma was doing, but whatever it was made Ally laugh the whole way. It was cute.
Here are the few pics I got. Had a friend snap some from the slides. The ending one of Emma and me didn't come out, but just as well-she was panicked because we went under quite a bit. :)
Oh-and notice the different "hold" I have on each girl on the slide. I barely have ahold of Ally's shirt, and I only got away with that because she didn't know I was holding on. Emma's practically in a bear hug! But, we didn't do that again because I told her I think that's why we went under so much when we landed.
Anyway-tons of fun. We'll definitely go back!
Waiting patiently.
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And, our outing today was the first free movie for the summer! We saw "Everyone's Hero". We saw it last year, but was so cute, we didn't mind seeing it again. We actually ran into several friends there. Looking forward to many more!
Yesterday we went to a super cool pool. We stayed for over 3 hours and only took one little 15 minute break! The girls would have stayed hours longer...and me too-I had so much fun! But, being the only grown-up among us, I had to make the responsible decision. Bummer being the mom sometimes. lol!
This place had a little lazy river, a wading area with two small slides, a small open area with sprayers or buckets, and a side spot with two bigger slides. The big slide and the lazy river were the hit for sure. I bet we were up and down the slide 50 times! Just one-Emma is tall enough for both big slides but would only go on the straight one because I could go with her. Ally is not tall enough for either but could go on the straight one IF I went with her. My little one is for SURE the adventurer/dare devil of the pair. Emma is very timid and anxious and takes the safer route. I'm so glad I could go with her on the straight slide, because she loved it-but still wouldn't go on her own, even after we did it over and over. Ally on the other hand-it was all I could do to get her to wait for me to sit down before she took off!
Both girls loved the lazy river. Emma would go round and round, swim/floating through. Before I remembered I had a ring floatie for Ally, I would carry her (against her will-she kept telling me to "let go"!) and she would watch Emma over my shoulder, cracking up the whole time at Emma bobbing up and down. I couldn't see what Emma was doing, but whatever it was made Ally laugh the whole way. It was cute.
Here are the few pics I got. Had a friend snap some from the slides. The ending one of Emma and me didn't come out, but just as well-she was panicked because we went under quite a bit. :)
Oh-and notice the different "hold" I have on each girl on the slide. I barely have ahold of Ally's shirt, and I only got away with that because she didn't know I was holding on. Emma's practically in a bear hug! But, we didn't do that again because I told her I think that's why we went under so much when we landed.
Anyway-tons of fun. We'll definitely go back!
Waiting patiently.
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And, our outing today was the first free movie for the summer! We saw "Everyone's Hero". We saw it last year, but was so cute, we didn't mind seeing it again. We actually ran into several friends there. Looking forward to many more!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
For the Small Screen
Today the girls and I took part in a commercial shoot for my good friend, Jamie. Last year, this friend invented a super cool Childproof Straw! The straw will NOT come out of any juice box, fast food cup...she has used them for almost a year with her kids in yogurt cups..anything that has a foil lid or a straw hole. They are AMAZING!
Today she was shooting a "commercial" for a couple of things. I know one reason is to have an audition reel for a new show coming up on TLC hosted by Kelly Ripa, all about mom inventors. Also, there is a major drink company, I think, interested in putting the straw into production and they need more info. I think. There have been so many developments over the last year that I can't keep up. Anyway, the girls were very excited to be a part of this! Emma can't wait to be "on TV". I was reeled in to recite one of the many testimonials that Jamie has received via email or her website from straws she has sold on her own.
Both girls did sort of a "school lunch" scene. Emma did one shot with putting a straw through a drinkable yogurt-easy, no mess, no fuss. Then she did another shot showing her struggling to get the foil lid off (you'd be amazed how hard this is!) and actually spilling the yogurt in the process. Emma was oh-so-dramatic with this shot and REALLY got the point across-throwing yogurt all over the ground and herself!
Ally did a scene showing her using one of the straws in a milk box and they wanted her to actually pick up the box by the straw to demonstrate that the straw really will not come out. This was EXTREMELY hard for Ally! Her whole life she's been told, "don't take the straw out!" and especially don't pick up the juice box by the straw! lol! She eventually got it and gave her winning smile at the very end. So cute!
Here are some shots of my shining stars in action!
So excited!
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Today she was shooting a "commercial" for a couple of things. I know one reason is to have an audition reel for a new show coming up on TLC hosted by Kelly Ripa, all about mom inventors. Also, there is a major drink company, I think, interested in putting the straw into production and they need more info. I think. There have been so many developments over the last year that I can't keep up. Anyway, the girls were very excited to be a part of this! Emma can't wait to be "on TV". I was reeled in to recite one of the many testimonials that Jamie has received via email or her website from straws she has sold on her own.
Both girls did sort of a "school lunch" scene. Emma did one shot with putting a straw through a drinkable yogurt-easy, no mess, no fuss. Then she did another shot showing her struggling to get the foil lid off (you'd be amazed how hard this is!) and actually spilling the yogurt in the process. Emma was oh-so-dramatic with this shot and REALLY got the point across-throwing yogurt all over the ground and herself!
Ally did a scene showing her using one of the straws in a milk box and they wanted her to actually pick up the box by the straw to demonstrate that the straw really will not come out. This was EXTREMELY hard for Ally! Her whole life she's been told, "don't take the straw out!" and especially don't pick up the juice box by the straw! lol! She eventually got it and gave her winning smile at the very end. So cute!
Here are some shots of my shining stars in action!
So excited!
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PAR-TAY!
SCHOOL'S OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Emma had her luau party on Friday for the last day of school. It was complete chaos. 20something loud, chanting, hula-hooping 7 yr. olds. Yikes!
It was fun, though. Emma was one of the winners for the hula hoop contest, she also won bingo, and gave a valiant effort at limbo.
Of course, on the day before the last day, I decided I wanted to make a stool for her teacher. I had been doing alot with Emma's class the last couple of weeks and on more than one occassion wished I had a stool at the front of the class!
So, we ran around Thursday and found a stool (not as easy as you would think) and found a paw print stamp to represent their mascot, the Lion. Emma had asked the all important "favorite color" question before we left so we got a few paints in just the right shades.
I thought I had some stencils left over from when I did my mom and dad's. I know I had a little heart, an apple...teacher-y stuff like that. Apparently not anymore. Must have tossed them.
So....this stool had lots of polkadots and stripes to fill in the gaps. Ha!
Emma's teacher LOVED it and called in other teachers to brag on it. (grins!)
Anyway-a fun day. And SO GLAD it's summer time! We already have pool playdate on Monday. yay!
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Emma had her luau party on Friday for the last day of school. It was complete chaos. 20something loud, chanting, hula-hooping 7 yr. olds. Yikes!
It was fun, though. Emma was one of the winners for the hula hoop contest, she also won bingo, and gave a valiant effort at limbo.
Of course, on the day before the last day, I decided I wanted to make a stool for her teacher. I had been doing alot with Emma's class the last couple of weeks and on more than one occassion wished I had a stool at the front of the class!
So, we ran around Thursday and found a stool (not as easy as you would think) and found a paw print stamp to represent their mascot, the Lion. Emma had asked the all important "favorite color" question before we left so we got a few paints in just the right shades.
I thought I had some stencils left over from when I did my mom and dad's. I know I had a little heart, an apple...teacher-y stuff like that. Apparently not anymore. Must have tossed them.
So....this stool had lots of polkadots and stripes to fill in the gaps. Ha!
Emma's teacher LOVED it and called in other teachers to brag on it. (grins!)
Anyway-a fun day. And SO GLAD it's summer time! We already have pool playdate on Monday. yay!
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Saturday, May 9, 2009
I'm so Bad
I just overheard the girls planning some Mother's Day surprise, and I totally eavesdropped! :) Hey, it involved chocolate ice cream with crushed up Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Yummo!
Seriously, who needs diamonds??
Emma has been making and hiding things all day. She got very upset and cried when I found a card on the front table. I gave her a quick pep talk about leaving things out in plain sight....and told her I didn't really see anything-which I didn't.
This evening she has Ally in on the action too. They've been scheming for an hour. And Emma has made several calls to Jason. I need to check with him...I think that she thinks that he is going to get her in the middle of the night and take her shopping. lol!
****omgoodness! As I'm typing this, the girls just brought me a water bottle mixed with one of those Crystal Light powder mixes, and Emma recited the following poem:
Rose are Red
Violets are Blue
I can't believe
I got a Mom like You!
Too sweet!
Seriously, who needs diamonds??
Emma has been making and hiding things all day. She got very upset and cried when I found a card on the front table. I gave her a quick pep talk about leaving things out in plain sight....and told her I didn't really see anything-which I didn't.
This evening she has Ally in on the action too. They've been scheming for an hour. And Emma has made several calls to Jason. I need to check with him...I think that she thinks that he is going to get her in the middle of the night and take her shopping. lol!
****omgoodness! As I'm typing this, the girls just brought me a water bottle mixed with one of those Crystal Light powder mixes, and Emma recited the following poem:
Rose are Red
Violets are Blue
I can't believe
I got a Mom like You!
Too sweet!
Monday, May 4, 2009
1st QUEST Presentation
Emma did SUCH a great job with her QUEST presentation a couple of weeks ago! Each student presented in front of their peers (there are 6 other 1st graders in QUEST with Emma) as sort of a trial run before the big fair.
Jason asked me later that night if Emma was nervous during her presentation.
My answer:
"Are you kidding? She had an overhead projector,a pointer, and an attentive audience. She was in heaven!" LOL!
She did really, really well. She covered all of the facts on her transparency and also added in tidbits of info and fun facts that were not included in the text or diagrams on the page. Her back was to the group for most of that part (arrrgh! the teach didn't point out until her critique at the end that Emma could have #1, lowered the paper, and #2, stood beside the overhead and point the the things on the page from there so she could better address her audience) but she did turn and address the group regularly.
Emma called students to read the "Did You Know" facts from her interactive poster. She was so cute introducing it..."If you like, you may come up to look at my poster and find out what you may or may not know about dolphins!" :)
She also had bookmarks that she made to pass out that included more info about dolphins and a dolphin that she drew at the bottom with an arrow that said, "color me!"
And the piece de resistance...the much awaited, the much anticipated....3D Product!
Nana had so smartly suggested that Emma make a paper mache dolphin. How fun, right!? :)
Well, our third attempt ended up turning out great.
The first attempt turned out like this:
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I cannot even begin to explain the reaction when that thing sunk in....we were literally putting the very last piece on and were ready to let it dry. Emma had been holding it for 40 minutes or more while I slapped on the gooey stuff. I smoothed out the last piece and it sunk.
We both just sat there in silence for a good beat of 5....then Emma said, "Do you have to start all over???"
Then she cried. Poor thing!
Anyway, after attempt #2 we figured out that this has to be an indoor project. The balloon can't handle the heat and sinks after awhile.
Jason was a dolphin making pro by the third attempt. He made the form each time and the girls and I would add the paper mache. Even Grammy had a hand in it on the final day because we were running out of time!
All in all, it was a lot of fun and Emma learned SO much. She loved researching. She brought home lots of books about dolphins, she would show me pages of written out notes that she had done during class, and even did some Google time at home. This class is really good for her.
The big fair is next week, and we'll be adding some finishing touches before then. She wants to find a recording of dolphin sounds, and make a costume of some sort....she has in mind a wet suit complete with flippers.
We may have to compromise. :)
Here are a few pics of her presentation. Emma's teacher from last year came to see her and snapped pics while I filmed -another aggravation-my ancient camera didn't get any sound! :(
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Jason asked me later that night if Emma was nervous during her presentation.
My answer:
"Are you kidding? She had an overhead projector,a pointer, and an attentive audience. She was in heaven!" LOL!
She did really, really well. She covered all of the facts on her transparency and also added in tidbits of info and fun facts that were not included in the text or diagrams on the page. Her back was to the group for most of that part (arrrgh! the teach didn't point out until her critique at the end that Emma could have #1, lowered the paper, and #2, stood beside the overhead and point the the things on the page from there so she could better address her audience) but she did turn and address the group regularly.
Emma called students to read the "Did You Know" facts from her interactive poster. She was so cute introducing it..."If you like, you may come up to look at my poster and find out what you may or may not know about dolphins!" :)
She also had bookmarks that she made to pass out that included more info about dolphins and a dolphin that she drew at the bottom with an arrow that said, "color me!"
And the piece de resistance...the much awaited, the much anticipated....3D Product!
Nana had so smartly suggested that Emma make a paper mache dolphin. How fun, right!? :)
Well, our third attempt ended up turning out great.
The first attempt turned out like this:
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I cannot even begin to explain the reaction when that thing sunk in....we were literally putting the very last piece on and were ready to let it dry. Emma had been holding it for 40 minutes or more while I slapped on the gooey stuff. I smoothed out the last piece and it sunk.
We both just sat there in silence for a good beat of 5....then Emma said, "Do you have to start all over???"
Then she cried. Poor thing!
Anyway, after attempt #2 we figured out that this has to be an indoor project. The balloon can't handle the heat and sinks after awhile.
Jason was a dolphin making pro by the third attempt. He made the form each time and the girls and I would add the paper mache. Even Grammy had a hand in it on the final day because we were running out of time!
All in all, it was a lot of fun and Emma learned SO much. She loved researching. She brought home lots of books about dolphins, she would show me pages of written out notes that she had done during class, and even did some Google time at home. This class is really good for her.
The big fair is next week, and we'll be adding some finishing touches before then. She wants to find a recording of dolphin sounds, and make a costume of some sort....she has in mind a wet suit complete with flippers.
We may have to compromise. :)
Here are a few pics of her presentation. Emma's teacher from last year came to see her and snapped pics while I filmed -another aggravation-my ancient camera didn't get any sound! :(
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Precious
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Aren't they aDORable?!!?
Looks like the Cherry Tomatoes will be the first on the table this year! We also have little blooms and buds on both yellow and red bell pepper plants and some on the zucc. and yellow squash. Hooray! I LOVE tending to the garden and seeing some exciting results!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Acrostic
Funny the things you learn about yourself when your children start writing poetry...
Emma's latest poem, just for me, about me:
M athmatic
A rtistic
M isty
A lligator-lover
Stapled together with the Acrostic was a nice letter (spelling and punctuation intact):
Mama you are great becuse you care for ant bites and love us as well as care for us and you are vere swell with a keen eye for love I love you Mama! as much as a Dove.
Emma's latest poem, just for me, about me:
M athmatic
A rtistic
M isty
A lligator-lover
Stapled together with the Acrostic was a nice letter (spelling and punctuation intact):
Mama you are great becuse you care for ant bites and love us as well as care for us and you are vere swell with a keen eye for love I love you Mama! as much as a Dove.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Edits
I meant to add to my last post the other night, but I'll just put it here. A little funny from the end of my disaster day.
I realized as I was finishing up cooking dinner that I had managed to make:
breakfast tacos w/egg and sausage
bacon on the side
AND
biscuits and gravy
First of all, yes, I said "dinner". I love breakfast for dinner.
Secondly, I ate some of ALL, AND drank a FULL glass of milk. And I don't drink milk.
Can you say, comfort food?!!? Ha!
I realized as I was finishing up cooking dinner that I had managed to make:
breakfast tacos w/egg and sausage
bacon on the side
AND
biscuits and gravy
First of all, yes, I said "dinner". I love breakfast for dinner.
Secondly, I ate some of ALL, AND drank a FULL glass of milk. And I don't drink milk.
Can you say, comfort food?!!? Ha!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
When it Rains
I'm sure you know the rest.
Did I mention the RAIN???!! I'm NOT talking about the wet stuff falling from the sky, though we do have some of that lately. I like that.
I'm being metaphorical.
Right?
Sweet Ally and I were rear-ended on the way to work today. It was a VERY scary thing! Not much damage to our car (actually MIL's car-I have her car while Jason has my car while Jason's truck is in the shop), but MAN, did that hit pack a punch!
I was slowing down ready to make a right turn on a very well known intersection around here (let's just I'm now a new fan of taking 183A down to 1431), and seeing 2 cars coming my way at 60 mph I decide to wait and turn after they had passed.
The car behind me apparently did not anticipate this decision. Or just wasn't paying attention at all.
SMACK! It sounded like a gun went off in the car. And at first I didn't even know what happened. When I did realize what happened, I screamed. Loud. Hit something within reach I'm sure, then went FLYING out the door around to check on Ally. I don't know what happened to the cars that were coming towards me. Thankfully they were either gone or slowed and veered, because I did not even pause to look for traffic. And I was 2 lanes out in the intersection now.
I flew around the car and flung Ally's door open.
And there she was, calm as could be. Not even phased, not upset, worried, crying.
Nothing.
Just calm. It was weird.
She kept asking what was wrong with me.
The other guy came up behind us and asked if we were ok then jumped in my car to move it to the side of the road. He was thinking a little bit clearer than me. I was still standing in the middle of the 60 mph road, clutching my sweet baby girl and crying.
We exchanged info (** a funny note-we found out we live on the same street. I told him to avoid problems in the future why don't we just carpool. Ha!) and I was off to work. I broke down again on the way there and was crying when I pulled in. I felt almost silly. By looking at the little bit of damage on MIL's car, you'd think we got nothing but a small nudge. But I was so shaken up-physically shaking for a loooong time afterwards and again every time I recounted the story.
Someone asked if this was my first wreck. Without pausing, I answered, "The first one since I've had kids." It really takes on a whole different category, you know?
Anyway, one lingering headache and one sore neck and back and we'll be ok. Sweet Ally still fine and still tells me she was not scared. She's my hero! :)
Did I mention the RAIN???!! I'm NOT talking about the wet stuff falling from the sky, though we do have some of that lately. I like that.
I'm being metaphorical.
Right?
Sweet Ally and I were rear-ended on the way to work today. It was a VERY scary thing! Not much damage to our car (actually MIL's car-I have her car while Jason has my car while Jason's truck is in the shop), but MAN, did that hit pack a punch!
I was slowing down ready to make a right turn on a very well known intersection around here (let's just I'm now a new fan of taking 183A down to 1431), and seeing 2 cars coming my way at 60 mph I decide to wait and turn after they had passed.
The car behind me apparently did not anticipate this decision. Or just wasn't paying attention at all.
SMACK! It sounded like a gun went off in the car. And at first I didn't even know what happened. When I did realize what happened, I screamed. Loud. Hit something within reach I'm sure, then went FLYING out the door around to check on Ally. I don't know what happened to the cars that were coming towards me. Thankfully they were either gone or slowed and veered, because I did not even pause to look for traffic. And I was 2 lanes out in the intersection now.
I flew around the car and flung Ally's door open.
And there she was, calm as could be. Not even phased, not upset, worried, crying.
Nothing.
Just calm. It was weird.
She kept asking what was wrong with me.
The other guy came up behind us and asked if we were ok then jumped in my car to move it to the side of the road. He was thinking a little bit clearer than me. I was still standing in the middle of the 60 mph road, clutching my sweet baby girl and crying.
We exchanged info (** a funny note-we found out we live on the same street. I told him to avoid problems in the future why don't we just carpool. Ha!) and I was off to work. I broke down again on the way there and was crying when I pulled in. I felt almost silly. By looking at the little bit of damage on MIL's car, you'd think we got nothing but a small nudge. But I was so shaken up-physically shaking for a loooong time afterwards and again every time I recounted the story.
Someone asked if this was my first wreck. Without pausing, I answered, "The first one since I've had kids." It really takes on a whole different category, you know?
Anyway, one lingering headache and one sore neck and back and we'll be ok. Sweet Ally still fine and still tells me she was not scared. She's my hero! :)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tell me a Story
Just wanted to document Ally's latest craze. Well, by now she's moved on a bit. She's trying to draw more rather than write, but about a month ago if she had a free minute, you would find her at the table, markers in hand, writing "stories".
Sometimes they'd be stories, sometimes just lists of friend's names. She can spell many of them without asking now. And sometimes pictures for friends or family members.
She was so serious about it. Pure concentration, very intentional with shapes, colors and marks.
I joked to someone about this, but in all seriousness, she may have gone through an entire 500 pack of printer paper in about a month. lol!
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Sometimes they'd be stories, sometimes just lists of friend's names. She can spell many of them without asking now. And sometimes pictures for friends or family members.
She was so serious about it. Pure concentration, very intentional with shapes, colors and marks.
I joked to someone about this, but in all seriousness, she may have gone through an entire 500 pack of printer paper in about a month. lol!
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Take A Hike
This is one of our favorite things to do. We make it out here about, I don't know-quarterly I guess.
We went over Spring Break and I never posted. This is from a (practically) dry creek bed just up the road, that has a neat set of dino tracks. I first found out about it when I was taking an earth science class at ACC. My prof gave extra credit to anyone who checked it out.
Anyway, I love this because it's close, quick, easy, and always gives something new.
If Jason is with us, he always catches crawdads or tadpoles.
It's a neat little trek for the girls. They can hike and climb and explore, and all we need is a couple of cold water bottles.
My nature lovin' beauties:
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We went over Spring Break and I never posted. This is from a (practically) dry creek bed just up the road, that has a neat set of dino tracks. I first found out about it when I was taking an earth science class at ACC. My prof gave extra credit to anyone who checked it out.
Anyway, I love this because it's close, quick, easy, and always gives something new.
If Jason is with us, he always catches crawdads or tadpoles.
It's a neat little trek for the girls. They can hike and climb and explore, and all we need is a couple of cold water bottles.
My nature lovin' beauties:
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Sunshine and Rain
Sigh. Seems like Mother Nature is currently showing the story of my life. A quick tease of beautiful, shinyhappy kind of promises, quickly washed away by rain.
And not just rain, my friends, but storms.
High winds and hail.
Sigh.
Did I already say that? :(
I am always the ultimate, "chin up" "This too shall pass" kind of gal. But man, there's only so much, you know?
Today Jason's truck will be towed to the mechanic with promises of "very costly" repairs. Man. We'd suck it up and go to one vehicle for a couple of months, except for the fact that his truck is not just transportation. It gets him to the job, but it also hauls everything he needs to complete the job. A cab and a bed full of tools and supplies, usually backed with a trailer loaded with more.
It's his whole livelihood. And let me tell ya, lately it's not so lively in the hood.
Catch my drift??
I found myself searching the TEA website today to find out what all I need to do to update my certificate.
I go back and forth every single day on how much-is-too-much? kind of worries. Have I gone too far? Put the family in jeopardy just because I want to stay home with my girls? And then, "you can't buy this time! You cannot put a price on these precious years! My days are numbered, and I'm going to stick this out!"
I HATE to be so personal on here and I HATE to divulge so much.
But I need help. I NEED some prayers, some positive juju, SOMEthing to help me muster it up and get through this.
I love you guys! I know you're sending some well wishes my way. :)
And not just rain, my friends, but storms.
High winds and hail.
Sigh.
Did I already say that? :(
I am always the ultimate, "chin up" "This too shall pass" kind of gal. But man, there's only so much, you know?
Today Jason's truck will be towed to the mechanic with promises of "very costly" repairs. Man. We'd suck it up and go to one vehicle for a couple of months, except for the fact that his truck is not just transportation. It gets him to the job, but it also hauls everything he needs to complete the job. A cab and a bed full of tools and supplies, usually backed with a trailer loaded with more.
It's his whole livelihood. And let me tell ya, lately it's not so lively in the hood.
Catch my drift??
I found myself searching the TEA website today to find out what all I need to do to update my certificate.
I go back and forth every single day on how much-is-too-much? kind of worries. Have I gone too far? Put the family in jeopardy just because I want to stay home with my girls? And then, "you can't buy this time! You cannot put a price on these precious years! My days are numbered, and I'm going to stick this out!"
I HATE to be so personal on here and I HATE to divulge so much.
But I need help. I NEED some prayers, some positive juju, SOMEthing to help me muster it up and get through this.
I love you guys! I know you're sending some well wishes my way. :)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Make A Wish
I had just dropped my kids (my class-kids) off in music and walked into the workroom today when I heard Ally's teacher hollering (I know, it's hick-ish, but it's the best word!) at me from down the hall.
"Jennifer! Jennifer! Are you in here? Come here-you have to see this!"
I can't decide if it's an excited or a panicked holler, so I move pretty quickly to get to her room.
Then I see the beaming smile on her face. Whew!
She had helped the kids make a dandelion painting (is that the flower that you blow the little white whispies off and make a wish?) and was asking them all what their wish would be if they had a real dandelion.
I looked on the board and found Ally's name with her wish written out.
"I wish to be a princess."
Not bad, I think. Not original, but not bad. :)
Then I look directly below it and see her classmates wish.
**Now I have to give a little back story here.
One day, out of the blue, Ally and her classmate "J" became, well....attached. I don't even know how to describe this. I have to keep reminding myself that we're talking about 4 yr. olds here.
I know I've talked about the little guy before to some of you. He's the boy that is usually holding hands with Ally in line. Once I saw him walking beside her with his hand just barely on her back, like he was making sure she stayed close.
He's the boy (4 yr. old boy) that when Ally was attempting her first go at the "big slide", ran to the bottom and yelled, "I'll catch you, honey!"
I have heard (through Ally) that he wants her to come watch him play soccer. How sweet!
And he's the one that, every day, walks past the other 5 or 6 classmates, stepping over other's toes and wiggly legs, to go alllll the way down to the very last seat in the row for morning assembly, to the spot right next to Ally, where she is always waiting, with such a sweet little grin. And he smiles back and sits right down, usually not even saying anything at all.
I know! I know it sounds ridiculous-but it is the strangest thing! It is the sweetest relationship I have ever seen between two children. And they only see each other twice a week!
Anyway, back to my reason for posting. Quick recap. Ally wishes to be a princess...yadda yadda....
And little "J" wishes...
"to be Ally's prince."
I could cry!
"Jennifer! Jennifer! Are you in here? Come here-you have to see this!"
I can't decide if it's an excited or a panicked holler, so I move pretty quickly to get to her room.
Then I see the beaming smile on her face. Whew!
She had helped the kids make a dandelion painting (is that the flower that you blow the little white whispies off and make a wish?) and was asking them all what their wish would be if they had a real dandelion.
I looked on the board and found Ally's name with her wish written out.
"I wish to be a princess."
Not bad, I think. Not original, but not bad. :)
Then I look directly below it and see her classmates wish.
**Now I have to give a little back story here.
One day, out of the blue, Ally and her classmate "J" became, well....attached. I don't even know how to describe this. I have to keep reminding myself that we're talking about 4 yr. olds here.
I know I've talked about the little guy before to some of you. He's the boy that is usually holding hands with Ally in line. Once I saw him walking beside her with his hand just barely on her back, like he was making sure she stayed close.
He's the boy (4 yr. old boy) that when Ally was attempting her first go at the "big slide", ran to the bottom and yelled, "I'll catch you, honey!"
I have heard (through Ally) that he wants her to come watch him play soccer. How sweet!
And he's the one that, every day, walks past the other 5 or 6 classmates, stepping over other's toes and wiggly legs, to go alllll the way down to the very last seat in the row for morning assembly, to the spot right next to Ally, where she is always waiting, with such a sweet little grin. And he smiles back and sits right down, usually not even saying anything at all.
I know! I know it sounds ridiculous-but it is the strangest thing! It is the sweetest relationship I have ever seen between two children. And they only see each other twice a week!
Anyway, back to my reason for posting. Quick recap. Ally wishes to be a princess...yadda yadda....
And little "J" wishes...
"to be Ally's prince."
I could cry!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Feed Me
(is it obvious I'm trying to hammer out some catch-up posts??) :-)
The girls and I were EXTREMELY excited to start our garden. After missing our scheduled weekend for the bed assembly because Daddy had to work, we mustered up our collective girl power and decided to do it ourselves!
I had two very eager assistants.
This is how Ally helped,
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and then she off to play with Missy.
This is how Emma helped,
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and I couldn't have done it without her!
Before we knew it, we had one ready to fill raised garden box!
this is mostly true...after seeing the (small!) size of our finished product, we decided to rethink our original plan. we decided to forgo the 12 inch height and get double the space. so-we needed daddy to dig up the grass in the area we were going to use, so we were sort of stuck until he could help.
BUT everything's been in the ground now for several weeks and so far we have several tomato plants, a few squash and zuccini, some green beans and maybe sugar snap peas?, and yellow and red bell peppers. I have spinach seeds and.....something else that we're waiting for fall.
We're just watering and watching right now! Can't wait to harvest something!
The girls and I were EXTREMELY excited to start our garden. After missing our scheduled weekend for the bed assembly because Daddy had to work, we mustered up our collective girl power and decided to do it ourselves!
I had two very eager assistants.
This is how Ally helped,
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and then she off to play with Missy.
This is how Emma helped,
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and I couldn't have done it without her!
Before we knew it, we had one ready to fill raised garden box!
this is mostly true...after seeing the (small!) size of our finished product, we decided to rethink our original plan. we decided to forgo the 12 inch height and get double the space. so-we needed daddy to dig up the grass in the area we were going to use, so we were sort of stuck until he could help.
BUT everything's been in the ground now for several weeks and so far we have several tomato plants, a few squash and zuccini, some green beans and maybe sugar snap peas?, and yellow and red bell peppers. I have spinach seeds and.....something else that we're waiting for fall.
We're just watering and watching right now! Can't wait to harvest something!
What the Hail?
I know this is old news, but wanted to document the ridiculous hail storm that came through last month. The girls were not scared one bit. They loved it and had to be pulled from the doors and windows, eagerly waiting to play in the ice covered yard! This thing came out of nowhere and dropped a huge amount of hail and rain.
We had several little plantlings on the porch waiting to be put in the garden, and Emma sent Jason out to save them. She was crying, "Hurry, Daddy! Hurry! Get in!" Jason's mom was here and thought it was so sweet that Emma was worried about her Daddy.
Emma told me after hearing that, that she was "a little bit worried about Daddy, I guess, but mostly worried about the plants." lol!
Jason says he'll never forget-we were all anxiously watching the weather updates, and his mom said, "Son, I am so glad I'm over here". And not 2 minutes later, the sky fell! Her poor car was pretty beat up. She drove home later to RR, and found out that not one piece of hail fell at her place! So much for being better off over here! oops!
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**I found two little cups of hail in the freezer a week later. ha!
We had several little plantlings on the porch waiting to be put in the garden, and Emma sent Jason out to save them. She was crying, "Hurry, Daddy! Hurry! Get in!" Jason's mom was here and thought it was so sweet that Emma was worried about her Daddy.
Emma told me after hearing that, that she was "a little bit worried about Daddy, I guess, but mostly worried about the plants." lol!
Jason says he'll never forget-we were all anxiously watching the weather updates, and his mom said, "Son, I am so glad I'm over here". And not 2 minutes later, the sky fell! Her poor car was pretty beat up. She drove home later to RR, and found out that not one piece of hail fell at her place! So much for being better off over here! oops!
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**I found two little cups of hail in the freezer a week later. ha!
Bluebonnets
I better throw these on in case they're all I get this year. Definitely not ideal conditions for BB pics...a very small circle to sit in, and the whole area was littered with fire ant hills. The girls were afraid to move, as you can tell by the stiff postures!
We made another stop after this one that was much better, but it was too dark by then and my shots didn't turn out. Oh well. I planned on getting back out, but I think I've waited too long now. Seems like we're always chasing something!
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We made another stop after this one that was much better, but it was too dark by then and my shots didn't turn out. Oh well. I planned on getting back out, but I think I've waited too long now. Seems like we're always chasing something!
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