No Comment

Earlier this week Mae and Caleb returned to school and we are beginning to see the effects of the budget issues that California has had in regard to education. Some class sizes are larger, less teachers, assistants and staff to go around, and little or no bus routes (to mention a few). So far the only thing that has effected our family is the loss of the bus route that we took advantage of last year.

Last year Mae was able to take the bus to and from school, and it was great! It was a very nice convenience but not necessary by any means. But with the education budget cuts, our schools and districts had to find ways of saving programs and cutting costs. Our district has saved well over a million dollars by cutting way back on bus services, and our little school lost just about all the routes that served it, including Mae's. Since this luxury was just that for us, a luxury, it was not a hard thing to accept and I think it was a wise move on the district to cut the routes. Hopefully this has saved other things like art programs and more importantly, teachers jobs.

As school began the other day, and as I waited for the kids to come out of their classes, I was approached by a reporter asking if I had used the bus system last year. I said I did, and she asked if she could interview me. Ah, well, I'd rather not (not my best of hair days, you understand) but I most graciously showed her where there were other parents were, not too far off, who may be of service to her. Before leaving she asked if I would consent if she didn't find anyone. I said yes (hoping I'd be gone before she could come back). And darn if those kids didn't come out soon enough! The reporter nabbed me before I was two feet from leaving. Bummer.

I did the little interview and answered her questions regarding the loss of the bus routes. I knew she wouldn't use my segment though. I was honest in the relevance of the buses to me, 'a nice convenience'. She proceeded to ask how the cost of gas has effected my family. Again, I was honest in my response which was 'not that bad since we don't drive around that much'. I can be so eloquent when needed, yes?.

So, no, I was not surprised when we watched the news and did not see my little interview. Caleb and Isabel made it though (a little blip of them playing in the shrubs). The mom who did make the cut talked about how far she lived from the school and how much she would love to have the routes back. Ahem, she lives maybe a mile from school. I can't feel bad about her loss for it is no worse than mine. Being a stay at home mom I feel that it falls into my job description to take my kids to and from school, and I can't quite get myself to complain about it. Besides, it gives me the opportunity to chat it up with other moms in the course of my day. And us stay at home moms know how important a little adult conversation is to ones day. However, the main issue still remains, the budget cuts that are effecting our schools. And I'd much rather take a hit with bus routes than quality of teaching and other important programs for our students.

But there you have it. The world was deprived of my brilliant mind and eloquent speech. Alas, I resign myself to remain among the masses as a undiscovered jewel of wit and wisdom, the perfect package.

Back To School

Tuesday was the first day of school for Mae and Caleb and they were both excited. They have been looking forward to it for weeks now. Mae has the same teacher that she had last year but has her for 2nd grade, and Caleb has the same kindergarten teacher that Mae had two years ago. I was pleased to hear that bit of news as I like this teacher very much. Anyway, with this news everyone was wrapped up with anticipation for this new school year. In fact, Caleb was up at 5:45 that morning and Ryan found him sitting on the couch all dressed, with shoes on and was hugging his backpack. Here is the little conversation that followed:

Ryan: Hey Buddy, school is in two hours.

Caleb: I just want to be ready.

That just melted my heart when I heard that. He'd been looking forward to this day for months and months now. It was no wonder he was up before the sun!

Mae was excited too. Moving up a grade is always cause for excitement, you know. As I walked her down the hall to her class (after dropping Caleb off at his class), she told me that she was glad to be back at school. That makes me happy to hear. I wonder how long she'll feel that way about school? Do I have a few more years at least before the dreaded school attitude begins?

Here's a photo essay of their journey to school;

the kindergartner and 2nd grader

in the truck, on our way!

walking to the school, getting closer!

first in line and eager to begin his elementary career

Mae and a class buddy

Then there's me. Excited to start another school year and watch my kids grow and learn. Excited about spending some one on one time with Isabel. Excited to go to the grocery store with just one kid. Who knew that was something I'd ever look forward to!

Faux-Pita

foh-pee-tah

noun

1) artificial or imitation pita bread; fake flat bread that does not have a 'pocket' when sliced in half

2) what is served to friends with yummy chicken salad when real pita bread was mistakenly passed over at the store for something that looked like pita bread.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

For Mae and Caleb, school starts today! At this point they are very excited about going, and so am I! Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and this has been a great summer....but it's time to start school and get back into the routine of things. In fact, I'm a bit giddy over it! Caleb will start kindergarten and Mae the 2nd grade. This means I'll have the first half of the day with just Isabel. Who knew going grocery shopping with just one child would give me such excitement?!

This little commercial sums up how I'm feeling as my kids head out for their first day back.

Why-ning

Often I have silly, sometimes rhetorical, questions that plague my mind. Here are a few:

Why...

...is it that any time I find something at a store (clothes, shoes, etc) that the item is, most of the time, out stock of the size that I need? It doesn't matter if I'm looking for a shirt for Caleb in size 4t, they're gone! The annoying thing is that all the other sizes (one size smaller or larger) are always fully stocked. Then the following year, if I'm looking for a 5t, then it doesn't fail that they are out of it, again. It's a conspiracy I tell ya!

...does a clean kitchen give me such joy?

...do I feel the need to always tell people where I got something and how much I spent on it when either a) they compliment the item. or b) I get a great deal on something....it never fails, I just can't not tell them!

...are the kids so precious when they sleep?

...do I get emails notifying me that I've won big money in the UK lottery? I don't, and never have, played in any lottery. (maybe I should start?)

...is it that I can not bring myself to throw away a set of crummy kitchen towels I bought a few months ago? They are crappy, I tell ya, but I just can't make myself throw them away. I think about it every time I either pull one out of the drawer to use (because it is the last clean one) or when I fold it after it's been washed. Oh! I actually know the answer to this one....I'm cheap and can't stand the thought of wasting a few dollars.

...does Costco not give out samples from their bakery?

...did I just receive two issues of Field & Stream magazine? I am not a outdoorsy person. I haven't picked up a fishing pole in probably twenty years and I've never hunted a single creature on God's green earth. So why am I now the owner of the latest issues of Field & Stream? Is this a practical joke??? (anyone want me to forward them 'The Accuracy Issue' or the 'Big Bucks Now'?)

Olympic Question - Answered

A couple days ago I posed a few questions I had about what I've been seeing on the Olympics. One of them was that I have seen many videographers with blue tunics with the word BOB on them. I wondered who Bob was and why there were so many Bobs about. Well, I just received an email from a friend that has so graciously answered this strange phenomenon for me. Here is what she said;

BOB = Beijing Olympic Broadcast
We heard it mentioned during last night's coverage!

So there you have it! It's China's media coverage.

Dreams

Along with the rest of the world, my kids have been watching the Olympics. I think this is the first time that they are really understanding what it is and able to enjoy the sports and events. It's gets them thinking about being a part of it one day. Here's a conversation that occurred the other day between Caleb and his daddy.

Caleb: Dad, when I'm a teenager do I have to ask to be in the Olympics?

Ryan: Do you mean in the Olympics or go to the Olympics?

Caleb: In the Olympics.

Ryan: First you have to find a sport that your good at, then maybe you can be in the Olympics.

Caleb: I'm good at swimming.

Ryan: Well, you have to be really good.

Caleb: You've seen me swim, I'm good!

How incredible it would be to one day watch my son compete in the Olympics! I'm saving this little conversation just in case it happens, then I can look back and smile even bigger!

Pathetic

pa·thet·ic

–adjective

the cause for being unable to go through a Pilates class and not be sore the next day.

Olympic Questions

I've been watching the Olympics with the rest of the world these past few days and I've noticed a couple things that I can't quite find an answer for. Maybe my loyal readers (all two of you) can help shed some light?? Here goes....

* Why do the women's beach volleyball players wear skimpy bikinis while the men's team have full-length shorts with sleeveless shirts? Seriously, why is that??! (oh, and I'm not all that interested in watching the ladies 'readjust' their bikini bottoms after every jump or dive. ewe.)

* Has anyone noticed the guys with the video cameras, the ones taping the events, that wear the blue tunics with Chinese characters written on them along with the word 'Bob'? Does 'Bob' mean something once translated, or do all the videograophers happen to have that name? (or some odd communist standard that all males with the name Bob must be trained in the art of video taking?) Strange.

Snippets

I'm stumped. There is either not much going on right now OR my mind is just going blank. Either way, I just can't come up with anything of interest to post about. There have been a few things here or there but nothing that could constitute a full post. So here are a few snippets of things going on to keep you up to speed (because you must be really bored to want to read it).

* I have a confession. I've been a bit preoccupied with Facebook. I joined a couple weeks ago and am having fun reconnecting with people! When asked the question as to why I had not yet joined my answer was this 'I don't need another time-suck on the computer', blogging is enough. Apparently I was wrong.

* I made homemade ice cream last weekend. Yes, I've made it many times before, but this time was different. This time I had a new recipe that did not require me to cook the mixture and cool it for a while before freezing it. The result? Perfection! (thanks Carrie for passing on the recipe!!!)

* I've made a new friend! I met her and her family at a social gathering this past weekend with our couples bible study group. The amazing part is that I actually invited her and her kids over this Wednesday. This is out of my comfort zone, but I couldn't help myself. But maybe the more amazing thing is that she accepted my invitation!

* The kids start school next week. I don't know who is more excited. Me or them?

* I got a new swim suit recently and LOVE it! I mixed and matched a pair of board shorts with a longer tankini top. I love the modesty of the shorts as well as the length of the tankini (no longer do I have to be concerned with the tankini rising to show my lack of flat abs! oh, they're there, just concealed with, let's say, some 'layers').

* Potty training Isabel is going ok. I've been better recently with being more consistent with asking and taking her potty. I think she'll be ready by the time she starts preschool next month. Once MaeLeb start school, I think I'll have even more time and less distraction with getting her school-ready. Seriously though.....who is training whom?

Insomnia

Way back in December, when we were gone for Christmas, we came home and began listening to our phone messages. Among them was an unknown caller who identified themselves as living in New York and having the same phone number. The caller suggested we call and chat.

Um, no, we didn't return the call.

A few weeks ago they called back. It was after 10:00 pm and the phone rang. We have caller id and it said 'blocked'. My parents have a 'blocked' number, and we were also preparing to leave on our camping trip and I thought it could be either my parents calling (with an emergency, 'cause who calls at that late hour?) or maybe it was a friend calling about our impending trip. So I answered it.

Me: Hello?

Caller: (imagine a strong New York accent) Are you from California?

Me: (starting to remember this caller leaving a message months earlier and thinking maybe it was them) Um, yah.

Caller: Can I sing a song for you? (again with the thick accent)

Me: (matter of factly) No. (it's late, I'm tired and not interested!)

Caller: (as if my response doesn't matter, starts singing) Caaaaa-li-for-niaaaaa..

Me: ( I hang up)

I know, how rude am I? Here my phone number twin is suffering in New York and can't sleep (it was past 1:00 am over there) and I go and hang up! But maybe that's all the person needed to get to sleep.

They never called back.

Does Whatever A Spider Can

The other day I was relaxing on the couch while watching a design show, and Caleb was sitting on my lap. He was being very quiet and started playing with my hands. Soon I heard him singing a little song as he played with my fingers. I thought 'how sweet!'. I couldn't quite make out the words he was singing, but still I thought I was having a sweet moment with him as I listened to him sing. Then I heard what he was singing. Caleb was quietly singing the Spider Man song as he maneuvered my fingers into the position to release spider webs.

Not sure if that was the sweet moment I thought I was having. Guess I'll take what I can get these days!

YouTube Tuesday - Dorcs

I'm not a big fan of Crocs. However, I must admit to buying the kids some knock-offs at Target (I call them Sham-rocs). On the kids, they are cute especially Isabel. But I dare say that I do not forsee myself ever donning a pair. I'm sure they are comfortable, but I do not consider them to be very attractive. I think I'll just stick with my nifty new summer shoes for around the town and use my cheap-o flips flops for the beach and pool.

But here's a video just for fun!

Does She Know Me Or What?

This conversation occurred the other day while driving around:

Mae: Look! There's Wal-Mart!

Me: Um, yah? (we don't shop there very often so I was a little surprised at this reaction)

Mae: They have Hannah Montana stuff there, and it's cheap!

Me: And you like cheap stuff??

Mae: No, but you do.

*sigh* Yah, my seven year old daughter has me pegged. Wouldn't you say?

It's Her Prerogative

It seems that Mae gets the idea about once a year to get her hair cut. Then, she decides to not get it cut again so it will grow out and be nice and long. She's done this for the last few years. I consider her to be embracing her female-ness. Isn't that what we girls do?

This year is no exception. Last summer, right before school started Mae decided to get her hair cut in a bob style. She had never had it cut that short before and I had my reservations. It turned out so cute, I shouldn't have been so concerned. Then all year she said she didn't want it cut again and that she wanted it to be long enough to reach her bum. Well, she's female and changed her mind. This time she wanted bangs and for the length to be short-short. Again, I had my reservations about something, this time it was about the bangs. But I let her do it anyway.

Today I took Mae to get her hair cut. Here's the before and after:



What do you think? Cute, right?!

Aside from getting the necessary school supplies, I think she's ready for school!

**note: she was going to get her ears pierced too but chickened out. maybe next time!

Water

It is essential for good summer fun. For instance, it's great when coupled with a fountain.

It also comes in handy for swimming or blowing bubbles.

The beach is an excellent source of water as well (shovel and pail optional).

The backyard variety is fun too.

So grab a friend and jump on in!

But don't forget a towel!

So Thankful

I'm back. The kids and I survived each other while driving back from our trip to Modesto (the one that almost didn't happen). Praise the Lord it did happen!!! That's all I have to say.

Well, ok, I'll elaborate a little more, just so the record will show how great God really is! Is there no other reason greater than that anyway?! Nope.

Ok. So I had decided last week to absolutely not go to Modesto this summer. Of course that just opens the door to a complete change of mind. So late Friday night I decided to go to good ol' Mo-town the next morning. I did this knowing full well that I would need to depend a lot on the Lord to get me through. A lot! In fact, He would be the only force able to keep 'the ugly person' from coming out during the journey North and back. (the ugly person, you ask? well, the ugly person comes from the ugly place, remember?). And the trip up went really well. The kids were great (and even napped, gasp!) But I wasn't surprised because it is the return trip that is always the more difficult travel day.

After enjoying a few days with family, it was time to return home. I did this with much prayer and trepidation. I fear the appearance of the ugly person just as much as the kids. And it didn't look good as we pulled out of the driveway and toward the main road when one of the kids let it be known that their water bottles for the trip had been left on the counter. The ugly person was out and lashing in moments! I quickly drove around the block, ran inside (seething), and tossed the retched water bottles in the car.

Not good. Oh, so not good. I was ugly and I felt ugly. As I drove to the freeway I began to unwind from ugliness and was repentant, and as I prayed I asked and hoped that it would be the last time that The Ugly Person would makes her appearance. Thankfully, she pretty much stayed away. Again, I give all credit to the Lord for His moment by moment strength and wisdom as I chose my words and reactions carefully. If I had a penny for every prayer and supplication I made that day, well, I'd be so stinkin' rich!

So by the grace of God, the kids and I reached home and the ugly person was rarely seen or heard from again!

And they all lived happily ever after

The End

**to those who prayed, I am so thankful! please know how grateful I am for your prayers on our behalf. may crowns of glory be lavished upon you on the day of glory!!!!

I Lied

I changed my mind. I'm taking the kids to Modesto today. My mind, as it would seem, is not impervious to various thoughts and whims of fancy. So, the kids and I will pack our bags (now that all the camping laundry is done and put away, of course!) and head out once again to the land of grandmas and cousins.

Why?

Because I'm crazy. That's why.

Ok, ok. The real reason is because Tuesday is my dad's birthday and I really want to be with the family when they gather to celebrate. That alone trumps all reasons of insanity, yes? Yes.

But to tackle the inevitable monster of ugliness I will arm myself with much prayer as the kids and I head into the wild blue yonder that is the I-5 and 99 through central California. Yes indeed, by the grace of God go I.

*please feel free to join me on my quest through central California. Prayer is the only way the kids and I will survive. So if you are a prayer warrior then now is the time to arm yourselves and join me in battle!

The Ugly Place

I've decided not to take the kids to Modesto this summer. It's such a difficult trip to take with myself being the only adult with three kids. The trip is just too long and I tend to go to the ugly place when there is no accountability to keep me in check.

The ugly place, you ask?

Yes, the ugly place. The time and place when traveling alone with three kids becomes too much for all involved. The time when the kids are tired and reach the threshold of togetherness but the road still looms ahead for too many more hours. The place that mama goes to when the kids reach that threshold and turns into an ugly monster and begins to spew forth words of meanness and daggers shoot from her eyes.

That ugly place.

This is why I will not be taking the kids to the land of grandmas and cousins. The kids (and I) don't need me to go to the ugly place. So, we will just hang out here in good ol' So Cal the week before school starts. The pool is just around the corner, so maybe we'll just grab the new torpedoes and a friend or two and spend the rest of summer break there. That's much better than the ugly place any day!

Thursday Thirteen

Things I am thankful for today;

1. My son cleaned his room last night before going to bed. I had mentioned to him as I was tucking him in that he would need to clean his room today, and he took it upon himself to put things away when I left his room but before he went to sleep. He did this all in the dark (because it's lights off at bedtime!) and is so proud of himself and happy to let me know. Thanks Bud for cleaning your room!

2. Living in Southern California. There really isn't much room to complain where we live. The weather is great and the beach isnt' too far off!

3. Sandals.

4. Dishwashers. I love that I haven't had to wash the dishes since we moved here. And guess what is running right now?!

5. Friends, old and new. The Lord has blessed me with friendships that have survived our being apart, as well as new ones in new places.

6. Boogie Boards. We bought the MaeLeb boogie boards the other day and took them to the beach to try them out. What fun!!! (although I think I need to get at least one more so Mama won't have to share!)

7. My bed. There's nothing like a camping trip to make me love my bed all over again!

8. Cable T.V. I am enjoying so many shows right now all because we got cable last year. My favorite right now.....So You Think You Can Dance (dance, dance, dance). Runner ups.....Design Star, Next Food Network Star, and The Mole. The ones I'm embarrassed to admit to watching....Wipe Out, I Survived A Japanese Game Show.

9. DVR. This little feature in our cable box allows me to record and watch shows (and fast forward through commercials!) when I would normally have to miss them. I love you DVR!

10. Craigslist. I love being able to sell things that we no longer need. The best part is making money off our crap unneeded items. The latest item sold was the dishes I had to replace. Money made: ten bucks! After my sales, I put aside my money until I have need for something. Lately I have bought desks for MaeLeb, more drinking glasses, and boogie boards. I love having this little bit of extra cash for things like that!

11. My Monday night bible study. It's great to continue to meet with a friend or two and talk about the things we learned in our study. I always go home refreshed and ready to live another day for the Lord.

12. Summer break. Although it has it's moments of impatience while waiting for school to resume, I am thankful for the lazy days of summer. It's great to not have things to rush off to.

13. Swimming lessons. Mae and Caleb dide great with their lessons this year and both are doing so well in the pool. Mae started out the season being tentative in the water, while Caleb was still in floaties. Now Mae is confident and is even venturing into the 'deep end'. Caleb is also making strides as he is now floatie-free! He is a little cautious but still has his element of fearlessness. I am thankful that they were able to start the summer off with swim lessons, now they are using their skills throughout the summer and enjoying the pool even more.

Back to Reality

We're home. We survived our camping trip and are now about to engage in the daily routine that is our life. I have a certain song that comes to mind each time I come home and return to 'normal' life. If you grew up in the 80's you may recall the song. The first few lines of the song are what is most appropriate and what runs through my mind as I re-enter normal life.

So all you children of the 80's, sing with me now....



More of camping and pictures to come later.

On The Road Again

Tomorrow we will pack ourselves up and hit the road for a camping trip. The best part is that we will be meeting up with some old friends and pick up an annual camping trip that has been put on hold for many years due to our being too far away. I'm beyond excited to spend a few days with these great friends! I anticipate staying up way too late as we talk long into the night as we try to catch up as much as we can in the limited time that we have. I also look forward to seeing all our kids (9 in all!) playing together and getting to know each other once again. In a way, I feel like this is like a family reunion.

For now I am just trying to get things done and ready before we load up and leave tomorrow morning. But I had a few minutes to spare to devote to a little post, and of course I found an appropriate video (or song) that will be the theme for tomorrow.



I already have the song running through my mind, and it'll most likely stay there as we head down the road. At least until the first toy is hurled from the back seat and hits me in the head! Aside from the inevitable squabbles that will occur behind me as we're on the road, it is going to be a great trip and I can't wait!!!

The Big '3'!

Isabel, how did you get from this



to this so quickly?



Seriously, that was waaaaaay too fast. Can we slow down this whole growing up thing? This mama is having a hard time keeping up!

Happy birthday my sweet Isabel!!!!

Duh! -or- Not Very Smart -or- Whoops, I Did It Again

Genius and brilliant are not words that accurately describe me.

Not today.

Maybe when this sunburn fades and peels away.

Maybe then. But not today.

The kids and I took my parents to the beach this afternoon. You'd think that after my last beach outing (or the day after that) that I'd have learned to apply a little sunscreen knowing that even though I already have a nice tan that it isn't enough to protect myself from the sun. You'd think. But if you're me, well, some things take a little bit longer to sink in.

Twelve Years Ago Today

Today Ryan and I celebrate 12 years of marriage! Twelve years? Seriously, really? Oh yes!

The video is one of the songs we had sung on that day. It always make me think of our wedding. So it is perfect as we celebrate another year and our continued life together.

As a side note, I have to add that as I searched YouTube for an appropriate video for this post, I remembered this song and as I began to play the first video I found of the song, Ryan heard it and said 'hey you should use that one, we had that at our wedding!'. I give him props for remember such a detail. Way to go Ryan!!!



Happy Anniversary my love! You rock!!!

My Reality

Ever have one of those days where you feel like your living your own reality show? Today I feel like I'm on Survivor.

And it's down to the final four. The team? Well, there's me

Then there are the other three (also known as 'The Others', but that's a whole other show)

Don't let the sweet little faces fool you. They can be brutal when it serves their purpose. I fear that the alliances out there are about to vote me off. But they can't! Why? Because I'm the one who makes their food!

But then the tide of the game takes a turn. Just as I am about to outwit my opponents, wham! I'm sabotaged. But by whom? One of 'the others' is helpful, another is compliant and the other is suspiciously absent.

Maybe I'm not on Survivor......maybe one of 'the others' is The Mole?

Pro-nun-skee-a-tion

Caleb still has some residual babish type words. Mostly, it just a matter of how he pronounces certain letter or sounds. For example, Caleb will use an f sound in lieu of th. Take the word think, for example, in this case it sounds more like fink. I don't mind that he does this, in a way it's still cute. Caleb will grow up soon enough so I am holding onto these sweet little words as long as I can.

However, the other night, Ryan decided to help Caleb with his pronunciation of the word think. Here is how it all went down:

Ryan: (enunciating and drawing out the th sound while he says the word slowly) Thhhhhhh-ink. Now you try.

Caleb: Thhhhhhh-ink.

Ryan: Good! Now, thhhink. (as he said it a little faster)

Caleb: Thhh-ink.

Ryan: Good job! Now, think. (said quicker or at a more normal speed of talking)

Caleb: (tries to say it faster but it doesn't come out) I fink I'll just say fink.

All this talk of pronunciation makes me think of Popeye and the way he spoke in the movie back in 1980. I love the way Robin Williams portrayed Popeye with all his mucked up speech! So in the spirit of pro-nun-skee-a-tion I leave you with this clip of Popeye....I Yam What I Yam! Enjoy~

I Remember.....

Back before we had kids, when we lived in Portland, and I was working at a property management company in a very small accounting department. Most times there were only two of us, but on some days there were three or four. The owners wife occasionally worked in the office next to ours when she upgraded the computer systems and fixed bugs here and there. Julie was not a stodgy owner's wife, but rather laid back and fun. In fact she was often the source of much conversation and slacking off when she was around. She would tell us stories of when her girls were young (they were tweenage at the time) or on special days she told us of when she and The Boss were dating (hee hee hee!).

When I announced that I was pregnant (with Mae), Julie was so excited for me and began to reminisce of days gone by. She told many personal stories of pregnancy and babies and little kids. On one such occasion of her brief appearance at the office, she told us how she and her friends would call each other at night when the kids were down and set up a rendezvous at Rite-Aid. They would meet at the store and enjoy walking the isles while finding fun little things on the shelves and giggle and chat. I didn't get it. I mean, come on, how exciting is Rite-Aid?! But now, years and three kids later, I understand. What a great way to get out of the house, with no kids, and see friends! And finding little tid bits from the shelves would be fun too!

Anyone up for a late night rendezvous? Say CVS, at 8:30? But not tonight, So You Think You Can Dance is on.

Dishwasher Issues

I have a question for all you dishwasher people out there. Or maybe I should rephrase that...a question for those of you who have a dishwasher and use it and may know anything about them. That's better!

Before I get into my question, I think I should relay my dishwasher story (my story of woe). Lately, after the dishwasher is finished it's load, a few dishes/glasses/utensils have some soapy, sorta gunky spots on them along with some filmy residue.

So here's my question; is it my dishwasher or the detergent?

I'm inclined to think it's the dishwasher, but I'm not sure. The bottle of dishwasher gel stuff is not new, in fact it's getting low so I need to get a new one. Since the dishwashing detergent isn't new and this is a new occurrence, I'm inclined to blame the washer itself. The funny part (funny as in odd, not ha ha funny) is that just few things get icky after the wash and not the whole load.

So there you have it. My dish washing dilemma. What say you? What do you think the problem is? Help!

Six More Weeks!!!

Can I survive it? Will the kids live to see the start of school? At this point I'm not sure if Caleb will ever experience kindergarten or beyond. The outcome doesn't look good.

I remember, as a kid, looking forward to summer vacation. But now that I'm a stay at home mom, a part of me really dreads it. And now I am left counting the days until school resumes. Six weeks.

Actually, once this weekend hits then the rest of summer should skate by little easier. My parents will be in town as well as my brother and his family. We have a few things planned and that will help a lot. After that, then we will go camping. When we get home then we have about a week or so before VBS. After VBS I am thinking about making a trek to Modesto for a week. Then the following week school begins!

So if I can just make it to this weekend then I think we can survive. Maybe. We'll see.

I Heart 'Craig'

I love Craigslist. I just love it! I love being able to get rid of things and make a few extra bucks. The emails may be one of my favorite parts of listing things with 'Craig'. I post my item then wait for the suckers people to bite and send inquiry emails. I get giddy just thinking about it! My other favorite part is when I make a profit off an item. I did that last year when I bought, then sold, a desk. hee hee hee Look at me!....I'm getting giddy all over again!

Tuesday was another one of those days. Remember when I mentioned that Isabel is no longer using a stroller? Well, I tried to sell our jogging stroller at our garage sale last weekend but there were no takers. So I listed it with Craig. And the first person to respond came to look at it and bought it. We bought it back in Michigan for seven bucks at a neighbors yard sale. And I sold it for twenty!!!

Now, Ryan thinks I ripped the lady off. Me, on the other hand, I say she made an informed choice. It's not like I made her buy it, or that I forced her to put it in her van and give me a twenty dollar bill. Nuh huh, nothing like that.

My listing had details of what it had, what it didn't do, as well as pictures. It's not my fault that she didn't read the listing that the stroller didn't fold up. It's not my fault that the she didn't like the little rust spots on the wheels or the stain on the material (I did point out that the material easily comes off with the handy little velcro straps and can be washed). But she kept asking for a lower price, and I kept insisting that I would not accept it. I had only listed it that afternoon and she was the first 'looker', so I didn't feel I had anything to loose. She even went as far as to walk toward her van while asking one more time for the lower price. And yet I was unmoved. The lady walked to her van and opened the passenger door and figured out a way to put the stroller inside. Then she paid me and left. See? Informed decision!

Now I look around the house for more unused items to add to my list of things to hand over to Mr. Craig. I love you Craigslist!!!

Random Acts of Kid-ness

I was tagged by Amanda for a meme. And as I haven't done a meme in a while, I thought this one was easy and wouldn't take much brain power to make it work. Also, I've hit a wall when it comes to things to blog about. So, here's a list of seven random things about my kids:

1. Mae was a thumb sucker up until last year. We gently tried to get her to stop, but it took the dentist telling her, and showing her pictures, of the damage that thumb sucking can do to get her to stop. (why does it sometimes take someone other than mom or dad to get kids to do, or not do, something?)

2. Isabel is a thumb sucker too. But she only sucks her left one, never the right.

3. Caleb got scratched by Isabel yesterday, poor guy! She scratched him on his face and left a Locke-like wound (think of the gash John Locke had after the plane crash). Of course it doesn't show up too well on camera, but yesterday you could really see the scratch on his forehead above his eye. Anyway, Isabel is no girly girl. She can hold her own, that's for sure! Oh, and Caleb, well, he's sort of a sensitive guy.


4. Isabel can, and often does, do the taco tongue. When in the truck the other day, she says 'Wook mommy! Wook!' I turn around and there she is sticking her taco tongue at me!

5. Caleb confessed to me yesterday that he was thinking about bad things. Bad things like kicking and hitting, because he thinks those things are fun. (he's five and I'm still not used to having a boy! what's up with that?!)

6. Mae is just like her mother, she's a pack rat. I sold her desk last weekend at our garage sale so I could get her a smaller one to fit the room better. Now that she has a 'new' desk with smaller drawers, she is having a hard time fitting all her stuff inside. And throwing things away is not an option. *sigh* (note: I no longer consider myself a pack rat. moving six times in ten years had a way of bringing out the purge in me!)

7. Mae and Caleb are different in their approach to things that they don't understand. Mae will ask incessant questions until she gets it. Caleb, on the other hand, will think about it until he thinks he's figured it out, then he will explain it to you in what we call a proposal. His proposals aren't always correct, but you can tell that he's thought it out. Here's an example....'airplanes have wings so people can walk on them'. See, he's thought it through, but unless he's thinking of a wing walker on a bi-plane, then, well, I don't think they were intended to be walked on.

There! That wasn't so bad. Thanks Amanda for the tag and reason (or the idea) for a post! Now what shall I post about tomorrow??.....

June Movie Review

Wow, we watched eight movies last month! Considering that we only watched four the month before, I'd say that's quite a feet! Although I know why....our regular tv shows are on break (but here's the odd part, aside from Lost I can't remember what the shows were!). Anyway, here are the movies we watched last month:

1. Much Ado About Nothing - This was the 1993 version with Emma Thompson and (her then husband) Kenneth Branagh, oh and let's not forget (Mr. Wonderful!) Denzel Washington! Anyway, I've always enjoyed this version of Shakespeare's play. It's one of his humorous plays and is fun to watch (once you get into the groove of listening to old English speech). Of course I recommend it!

2. Twelfth Night - Another Shakespeare play. The synopsis on Blockbuster Online said it was a humorous play, but we didn't quite get the humor. The main plot line is about mistaken identity, about brother and sister twins that are separated during a storm while at sea. As I said, the humor escaped us. It was more strange than funny. Let's just say, I don't find humor in a woman thinking she's attracted to what she thinks is a man but really is a woman disguised as a man. Ewe. Overall the movie was ok.

3. A Midsummer Night's Dream - Yep, another Shakespearean play. But the trend ends here. We have seen this on an actual stage and I read it back in my high school drama class. It was entertaining in it's strange way of storytelling. What else can I say? It's Shakespeare with big-name actors!

4. In America - This one caught me by surprise and Ryan and I both liked it. It's about a family of four that immigrates to America from Ireland and end up in New York. They struggle to find housing and jobs as the couple raise their two girls. The family meet colorful characters in the building they live in and people they work with. I enjoyed the character developement and storyline. I would recommend this one. (although I did have to glance away from the screen for one scene - so you've been warned, if you choose to see it).

5. On Golden Pond - A classic! I had never seen it but always heard it was good. Didn't it win awards the year it came out? I'm sure it did, it was good. I always enjoy a film that developes its characters so you feel like you know them. I enjoyed watching Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda. Their characters were like watching a real couple bicker! But the movie isn't so much about thier relationship as the one they have with thier daughter who purposely stays away as much as possible. So the daughter shows up with her boyfriend and his son. Let's just say that Fonda's character makes it difficult for anyone to get along with. Well, I'll just leave it there, you go see the rest to find out what happens (if you haven't already seen it).

6. The Count of Monte Cristo - Ahhhh....good movie! I've seen the older version with Richard Chamberlin but thought I'd give a more updated version a try. I'm glad I did. This one had James Caviezal as the main character, and I think I like him. It's about a man who is betrayed and locked in an island prison never to be seen or heard from again. This happens right before he is to be married to his love. How tragic! After a few years in prison, a tunneling would-be escapee takes a wrong turn and ends up in Caviezals cell. They join efforts to tunnel out as the other man educates him (sword fighting, reading, reasoning and just plain makes him smart). Meanwhile, unbeknownst to him, his fiancee marries his best friend! The plot thickens after his narrow escape. After that....well, you'll just have to rent the movie to find out!

7. Everything Is Illuminated - We saw this movie back in October of 2006, remember? It was one of those movies where we picked up a couple humorous lines and repeat them to each other to make the other laugh. We felt it was time to see it again. It did not disappoint.

8. Definitely, Maybe - **Caution, spoiler ahead** I thought this would be a lighthearted romantic comedy. No harm in that, right? By industry standards that is what this movie was, and although it did have humour and romance, in the end I fail to see any of it. Basically, the movie is about a father (who is recently divorced) telling his daughter about how he and his now ex-wife (the daughter's mother) met, fell in love, got married. He decides to tweak the story a bit and changes the names of three ladies he dated as well as a few details so that his daughter would not know who her mother was in the story. He makes it a mystery for her and she has to figure out who she was/is. After he is finished with the story and doesn't tell her which of the three ladies he married, the daughter figures it out. Just when you think that maybe the retelling of the story will soften his heart to his ex, he walks away from his daughter and his ex (a custody drop off of the child situation). Later, the daughter decides that her dad really loved another woman all along, so she helps him seek her out and mend the broken relationship and all is happy. The whole time I'm thinking/hoping that the movie resolves itself with a restoration of the marriage. It doesn't. And they say that the daughter is happy about this. This is so far from reality. I don't know what child would ever be happy in a situation like that! Divorce is destructive and hurtful to everyone in the family, especially children! In reality the daughter would be angry with her father for loving another woman, let alone having a possible step-mother in the future. It's wrong and a load of crap! Ok, I'll just stop with that, because I could go on and on. Do I recommend this? Um, no.

On that happy note, this is the conclusion of our June movies. Hopefully July will be a more uplifting month. Stay tuned!

YouTube Tuesday - Robo Kids

This last Halloween, my brother made the costumes for his two boys. They were robots and my brother did an awesome job with the costumes! Steven also enjoys his video camera and likes to tweak the videos into something even more fun. Here, take a look at his latest project, Robo-Kids:



I'm not sure, but I think Steven may have had more fun than the boys!

You Know When.....

...you're watching too many reality game shows when your dreams have you in the final two contestants in a singing competition (the other?...you're husband!), and then another in which you are miffed at another contestant for sabotaging your food after you've already plated it for the next round of judging.

Good, Bad, and Saving On Gas

Today I received a call I was waiting for.......Caleb will be in full-day kindergarten next year!

The school district that we are in made the decision to start moving the kindergarten classes to full-day class. The elementary schools have two years to make it a part of their system, so that means that some schools won't be ready in time for next years classes to be full-day.

I heard the 'rumor' of full-day classes a couple of weeks before school let out and it had my hopes high! Although I see this in two ways. The good and the not so good. Here's the good:

* I can be a part of the Tuesday morning ladies bible study at church (since the release time for half-day kinder interfere with bible study times).

* I can attend other mom events at church (again, the release time issue)

* Think of the gas I'll save by knocking out a drop off/pick up at school!

Then there's the not so good:

* This district seems to push the students hard and expect more than they should (in my opinion)

* Less time with my boy.

Overall I'm sure it's a good move. But still! This means no slow move in to school days. He'll be a full fledged school going boy. *sigh* I'll focus on the positive and help Caleb when he needs it. And for now I'll just say......Thank you School District for moving kindergarten to full-day....you'll be saving me tons in gas!

Well-Done

I am done. As in well-done. As in I've baked too long in the sun over the past two days.

Today the kids and I spent the day at the park with friends like we usually do on Thursdays. However, today was a bit different. This time we met at a different park, and this one didn't have a whole lot of shade.

I didn't really think about the lack of shade until several hours after I got home. Now I'm seeing a whole new shade of red and it hurts to scrunch my nose. Ouch!

Tomorrow I think I'll stick around indoors and enjoy the sun in a more indirect sort of way.

Don't Forget the Sunscreen

Dear Friend,

When you think you are tan enough to not require much sunscreen, think again. If there isn't enough sunscreen coverage you can still get burned. Trust me on this one.

Your friend,
Red Hot Mama

Doh!

While at Costco the other day, Ryan found an alternative to the Starbucks Mocha Frappachinos. It's a can of a coffee drink mix (with chocolate chips!). Basically Ryan uses it for making iced coffee (the yummy girly kind!). All he does is put a scoop or two in the blender along with milk and some ice cubes then blend away! Next comes the best part.....he serves me some. *big grin*

Sunday was a very hot day over here so Ryan made a batch to alleviate the uncomfortableness of the heat. After giving me a small portion, he put the rest in the fridge for later. Later, as I was putting the water pitcher away, I knocked over the iced coffee yumminess and it spilled all over the kitchen floor!!!

I was devastated and torn between crying in the misery of losing it all or throwing myself on the floor to lick it up!

After the shock had worn off, I dutifully cleaned up my miserable mess. I did, however, sip the leftovers that landed in the lid and what was still in the bottom of the blender (that's where all the chocolaty bits are anyway!).

I console myself with the fact that I now I have a clean kitchen floor. (but in all honesty I'd rather have a nice tall glass of iced coffee girlyness)

A Spectators Sport

This evening we sat down and watched a little of the women's gymnastics Olympic trials. There were quite a few conversations about what the girls were doing as well as explaining what exactly the Olympics are. Caleb had his own observations about what we were watching....

Caleb: That's not very hard. I can do that.

Mae: No you can't, let me see you try!

*don't you just love sibling rivalry?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

*this was my favorite of the night

Caleb: I like her. I think she's beautiful.

Me: (after I'm done inwardly laughing) Why do you think she's beautiful?

Caleb: 'Cause she's got sparkles.

Too. Hot.

Man, it's just stinkin' hot here. I think it got to 105 today! All I can say is, I'm melting!

We tried to beat the heat by going to the beach today, but I forgot the sunscreen so we only stayed for an hour (and Ryan still got a burn!, boy do I feel bad now!). Later, after resting on the couch for a bit and watching a little of the Olympic trials for mens gymnastics, MaeLeb and I went to the pool for about 2 hours. I think we will all sleep well tonight. It may have been a record going-to-sleep for those ones tonight!

I tried to find a great 'I'm melting' clip from The Wizard of Oz on YouTube to describe how miserably hot it is here. But there wasn't one to be found (well, not good enough for my blogging standards anyway, whatever that means!). So I'll just leave you with this......in your minds eye, recall the scene with Dorothy and her friends in the Wicked Witch of the West's castle and she has just thrown the bucket of water on the witch. Then the camera follows the Ms. West as she descends into the floor saying....I'm melting, I'm melting, I'm melting....

That. My friends, is how I feel in this yucky, terrible, no-good heat.

But I thank the Lord for allowing man to invent air conditioning!

The Short Film

Today I took the kids to the free movies. It didn't go so well and I'm bummed. I thought this would be a great way to get us all out of the house this summer. Guess I'll have to scratch it off the list and try again next year. I didn't really expect it to work out, but I was hoping against hope that it would. Isabel is why it didn't work.

In anticipation of being crowded out of the theater, I got ourselves there a good 20 minutes early. We even got seats in the front of the second/back section (which means that Isabel could stand up and walk around without getting in people's way and yet keeping her contained). However, being there that early may have been my downfall. Once the movie started Isabel only lasted another 20 minutes or so.

Isabel started out sitting in her own seat and was content to stay put while eating a free sucker that came in a little baggie from the theater (along with a tattoo and a hand held ball/hoop game thingy). After the sucker was eaten, and lips were blue with evidence, she then sat in my lap while a pre-movie cartoon played for a few minutes. Our neighbors to the left didn't last but five minutes once the movie started, so after they were gone that gave Isabel free access to the isle. Of course she took full advantage of it and started to climb up and down the stairs. I got her and brought her back. Then she played with the seats (because they are so much fun to pull down and climb into. actually, I was surprised that she didn't get sandwhiched and get stuck!) By that point she told me she was 'all done' and headed back out of the row and toward the door.

Mae was not happy that we had to leave, but I did try to prepare them that it was a possibility. In the event that this would happen, I had brought our Blockbuster-online movies with us so I could run by the video store for a free swap on the way home. So that's what we did and were able to get the movie we had started to watch (Doogal). Add in a little microwave popcorn and called it good.

Now why is it that Isabel could sit still at home and watch the movie? Maybe it was the popcorn.

Agony

Many a time have I wanted to break out into to song while in the midst of a toddler meltdown or when chasing one down in the store, or goading the child with words such as 'would you just hurry up!' while trying to make it up to the cashier so we can get on with our day.

What song would I break out into, you ask?

This one, but I don't get much farther than 'agony!'

Father's Day 2008

Yesterday was Father's Day, and although we didn't do anything spectacular, I think Ryan enjoyed his day.

I began preparations the night before by making him some homemade cinnamon rolls for the next morning (and I think this was my best batch to date, if I do say so myself!). After the delish breakfast was inhaled, it was off to church. Later, when we got the kids from their Sunday school classes, they each had a craft of some sort to give their dad. This was my favorite, made by Miss Izz herself;



Isn't it cute?! It's a cut-out tie attached with yarn. Ryan put it on but Isabel wanted to hold it. She did make it after all.

After lunch Ryan took a nice nap as his slow cooking pork was on the grill. (his choice to 'cook' on Father's Day, not that I complained!) Then it was time to go to the pool! I took the video camera so I could get some footage of the air that the kids get when daddy launches them in the water. But the batteries were dead. *sigh* I tried. It would have been great, trust me.

The bbq pork sandwiches were awesome and Ryan was quite pleased with himself. The kids and I got him a bbq tool/grill set that came in a nifty case, but due to poor planning on my part (and not knowing ahead of time that his bbq was going to be a 'slow cooker' and therefore starting in the early afternoon) he did not get the new set in time to use it. Next time for sure, and he's quite excited about it too!

Later, after dinner, it was time to go to Coldstone for a little after dinner treat. Ice cream is one of Ryan's favorite foods. If it were up to him, ice cream would be in it's own food group! So suffice it to say, Ryan ended his day in one sweet way!

Ryan tells me that it was the best he's had. I am relieved...but I think he said that last year!

Unlikely Places

I had a dental appointment this morning. It was to be a routine cleaning, no 'procedures' or anything that would require Novocaine. However, it matters not what the reason for the visit or what will occur while I lay prone in 'the chair', I just don't care for dental visits. And today was no exception.

Like I said, today's visit was just a cleaning, but I've been having sensitivity in one tooth and it caused me concern (concern for future 'procedures' and the use of Novocaine). Leading up to my appointments I am always in much prayer for the best of dental reports and easement of fears.

This morning I prayed. I prayed a lot. And surprisingly I was not stressed and my tummy was not in knots as I sat in 'the chair'. The hygienist was kind and gentle, and she even gave me a glowing report on the state of my oral health.

As I received praise for the health and state of my teeth and gums I was turning it right around and praising the Lord for such reports! I am thankful for His protection of my teeth (as I am convinced that I am not worthy of such a report of good health in regards to my teeth and such). This morning, as I prepared to go my appointment, I had planned to distract myself with praying for other people, but I found myself offering up more praises than supplications.

Who knew that praise could be found in a dental chair!!!

And So It Begins....

Summer that is. Today was Caleb's last day of preschool and I'm a little sad. It's a combination of his growing up and his no longer being in preschool as he starts Kindergarten in just a couple months, coupled with knowing that summer is here and the kids are all out of school.

So I'm just a bit sad today.

Summer, for me, is officially here. I've got several things lined up and thought out to keep us all busy and in each other's good graces. Here's what we've got going on:

* I bought a daily devotional for the kids and I to use every morning. It is my hope that this will help feed their desire to know the Lord more as well as give us all a good focus and start each day.

* starting next week Mae and Caleb (affectionately known as MaeLeb) have swim lessons starting next week for the next two weeks.

* a camping trip with friends has been set for mid July, and our family will be extending the trip for just ourselves by a few extra days.

* MaeLeb are also signed up for our church's VBS for the first week of August.

* Other things we can do each week are swim at the neighborhood pool, go to the library, then we can also go to the gym (good thing the kids love going!) oh! and I just saw this morning on another friends blog that Regal Cinemas offer free movies twice a week for kids, so we are so doing that! (thanks Becca for the tip!)

What plans do you have to keep the kids (and yourself) entertained this summer? I'd love to squeeze in some other activities here and there! (hint hint with the ideas!) *big grin*

Overheard....

The kids were busy putting away the clean dishes as I walked into the room. And this was what I heard.

Mae: I want to be like Mommy. I want to be skinny.

Caleb: I want to be like Daddy. I want to be white and nerdy.

A New Fair Lady?

I just read this little article that stated that there may be a new My Fair Lady movie in the works. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Especially since Keira Knightly is slated to play Eliza Doolittle (Knightly played Elizabeth Bennett in the newest version of Pride and Prejudice and I wasn't impressed with that remake either).

I take that back. I do know how I feel about it.......terrible! I don't see how it can be improved upon. Truly, why would anyone think that a re-make could be better.

It should be touched. That's all there is to it!

What say you?

Chores Are Expensive

Remember the other week when I bought new dishes? Remember the reason why I had to buy them? Well, Caleb is at it again!

I am now down one less drinking glass, and I didn't have a whole lot to begin with.

I'm tellin' ya, good help is hard to find. And in the mean time it's costing me in wages and replacement purchases!

I think I see in a trip to the Crate & Barrel outlet store in my near future.

I Growed Up!

One of our recent trips to Costco gave us a nice supply of Starbucks Mocha Frappuccinos. In the past I have frowned upon them as Ryan drank them all. I have never been one that adores Starbucks, or coffee in general (unless it's coffee cake, but that doesn't usually contain coffee). The only time I ever really liked (or drank) coffee was when we lived in Michigan. On a too-cold winter Sunday morning, in our Sunday school class, Ryan would make a girled-up cup of coffee and I'd drink it, but really it was only to get warm.

But the other day I grabbed one of these little yummies out of the fridge and tried it. I had a little then decided it needed a tad more milk. Then I downed the whole thing!

Guess this means I'm a real adult* now. I drink coffee!

However, I think I'll stick with my non-coffee vanilla frappaccinos when ordering anything at Starbucks. There's still a part of me that says 'ewe, coffee'!

*if the word 'adult' is said slowly, it sounds more like 'a dolt'

Another Phase

We've slowly been phasing out of baby stuff. Last summer I sold off most of the baby clothes, furniture, and toys. And over this past year I have been trying to get myself out of the habit of using the umbrella stroller or shopping carts for Isabel. I still don't like having her roam (or run) free when we are in a store. I'm trying to get used to that, but when it comes to Costco she is still cart-bound. Aside from that, I think it's been a good month since we've pulled out the umbrella stroller for anything.

However, when it comes to the walks we take around our neighborhood, we still bust out the jogging stroller for The Bel. I kept thinking that we'd be done with the jogger this fall. Well, the time has come.

The other night Isabel did not want to go in the stroller, and Ryan, being more patient than I, decided to let her walk. I was surprised on how well she did! We didn't have to hold or carry her too often and she was quite content to run ahead or lag behind. I'm thinking that our stroller days are done. *deep, sad, sigh*

As it is nice to be phasing out of the stroller, I am still a little sad that we won't be needing it anymore. Just one more reminder that she isn't a baby anymore.

But doesn't she look happy to be stroller-free?

So Very Much Excited!!!

Last night a friend and I met at Starbucks and began our summer bible study and I feel like a little kid with the excitement over it. My friend emailed me the bible study lessons we had to choose from and as I looked at them I just wanted to do them all! How could we choose just a few to go over these few months of summer? My mind began racing with ideas.....if we do this one and that one, then maybe I can do this one on my own! I couldn't take it anymore, I printed out the first lesson then promptly went to work on the first day, then found myself going beyond into the second day. I've never quite felt this way about a bible study before. I'm not sure why though.

So last night, my friend and I began working out the plan for our summer study. We haven't quite began our actual study so we spent the rest of our time talking about our lives, the things we've done, the things we struggle with in daily life, and the things we want to grow in. I look forward to being able to encourage and challenge each other, as well as having a routine and having someone holding me accountable.

Again, I'm not sure why this all excites me the way it does. It's not like I haven't done a bible study before. Maybe it's the meeting with another believer with the sole purpose to talk about what we are learning in The Word? Or maybe it's the opportunity to be encouraged in my walk with the Lord and the chance to be the same for another? It could be that I look forward to getting out of the house, away from kids, and having an adult conversation. But I think it's probably a little bit everything!

Whatever the reason, I am excited and ever so thankful for this opportunity. For years I've wanted to do a summer bible study with a small group of ladies, and this year is it! I can't wait for next Monday night! I'm so excited!

**if you live in the area, feel free to join us!

Worth A Thousand Words, Or Maybe Just A Smoothie

Saturday I took Mae and Caleb to the library and got them signed up for library cards (thank you Mr. Benjamin Franklin!). They were quite excited about having their very own cards. My plan is to use them a lot this summer to help pass the time for us all.

While we were there, I checked out some of the things they've got going on this summer. In addition to a reading program that gives them a neat little package of goodies once they've read ten books, I also noticed they have a photo contest. Basically, the kids are to take their own pictures of insects or bugs (ewe!). First place prize gets a $10 gift card for a bookstore and the Honorable Mention receives a book bag from the library. So, we have been taking the camera with us when we go on our regular walks, in hopes of finding a bug to capture on the camera. So far Mae has taken a picture of some kind of beetle.



And Caleb took this one of a swarm of bees making a hive on the eave of a house.



Neither pictures are the greatest, but I don't think it is fair to do any editing on them since they are to be done solely by the kids. However, I am saving their pictures on the computer, and when the time comes then we can see which are the best and submit those ones. But I think Caleb is waiting to spy a 'praynis manis' for his picture! (his words, not mine. but how stinkin' cute is that?....'praynis manis', I love it!)

Not a bad little summer project for the kids. I think it would be so much fun for them if they were to win. If not, well, then maybe Mama will have to take them to Jamba Juice for their own little prize.

May's Movie Review

I feel like our recent movie watching has dwindled over the past couple months. Last month we watched a total of four. Haven't we watch more than that in a typical month?? I also think that with the summer programs that are now starting up, that we won't be watching as many movies with our Blockbuster Online account. Between 'So You Think You Can Dance' and 'The Mole' that's three week nights right there! And Ryan is usually fried come Friday night and is not up for watching a full length movie. I guess that leaves us with two to three nights a week for movies. Oh well, that's the beauty of our Blockbuster account, we keep the movie(s) until we are ready to watch them, then return them later.

Anyway, here is what we saw last month:

Kite Runner - I had heard good things about this movie and was not disappointed. The story is fictional but has the feel of one that was true. It has it's deep/disturbing issues but overall it was a great movie. It's one of those that after it's over, you sit back in silence and just think about what you just saw. I enjoyed watching the main character develop as it followed a young boy in the beginning of the film then picks up his life later as a man in his 30's. I don't think I can do a good job of reviewing this movie.....I just don't feel like going over all the intricacies of this film. I do recommend it, however it is not for the faint of heart as it is a more deeply emotional movie set in the modern times of Afghanistan.

Persuasion - Ahhhh, I just love Jane Austen movies, and I think this one if my favorite (with P&P and Sense & Sensibility at a very close second!). It had been a while since I had seen it so I felt it was time to see it again. It is a must-see for anyone who loves Jane's books and made-into-movie films. What more can I say.....Captain Wentworth is a great example of a woman's hero for love! I'm swooning even as I write this.

Little Women - I grew up watching the Katherine Hepburn version of this movie, and when the newer version (with Wynonna Rider) came out in the mid 90's I didn't think much of it. How does one compare Hepburn to Rider? You can't, it's simply not possible. But it's been ages since I've seen the older version, so I thought I could now watch the newer one and enjoy it. And I did! Hepburn was no longer clear in my mind and I was able to watch Rider portray Jo without really seeing Rider. Does that make sense? Alas, I enjoyed the movie and ever so glad to see it again (it doesn't hurt that Christian Bale is in it either!).

Cloverfield - Ok, this was a strange one. The basic premise is that an alien is on the rampage through the streets of New York with people running away as craziness ensues. Not an original concept in the film industry. However, the difference was in the perspective of the storytelling or view of the audience. The entire movie was shot through what seems like a persons video camera. You can hear the person holding the camera and talking with his comrades, as well as the comrades talking to the camera/cameraman. It is complete with shaky camera handling. At first I wasn't thrilled with the concept, but it grew on me and was able to watch the movie without a whole lot of distraction from the film making. Overall it was a creative and entertaining movie. I would recommend it IF you aren't afraid of a thriller/mystery sci-fi movie. I hear they are trying to do a sequel, although Ryan and I are not sure how they will be able to pull it off (if you've seen the movie you'll know what I mean).

**Our queue is dwindling. Suggestions are most welcome! (hint hint)