14 in a flash!

So I've started off slow in the blogging department for 2014; life just gets in the way. And even though I might think a topic/event might be fun to blog about, the kids wouldn't think it was nice of me to be 'over-sharing' to the world about them so my posts may be limited to food and randomness. They share plenty on their own social media but there is a line that I need to respect. With that being said, I will blog about Sean and his birthday.

Happy 14th Birthday .... the days fly by.....just yesterday he looked like this, right?

Some things never change -- he has always loved the beach, sports, and being on-the-go. He has always been up for adventure and will give it everything he has (including extreme fingerpainting).

 

Last year, I posted about the things that I love about him. He is still all of those things and more but now he is about 5'9" and 135lbs and talking about high school schedules, weight training, etc.

 

After a dinner of chicken wings and chocolate cake, this evening we are taking him and five other teenage boys to Speed Zone for go-cart and other adrenaline filled things. Sounds like the perfect evening for him .....food, friends, and adrenaline.

 

I hope it brings him as much happiness as he gives me. Happy Birthday Toot! Stay awesome.

 

Good-bye 2013!

2013 has been quite the whirlwind for us overall. I thought I would take some time and make a video montage of our year. I am happy to report that I accomplished TWO of my New Year's resolutions from January.....I did take a photo a day (sometimes capturing the mundane things like dirty dishes but I did it) AND I managed to blog more than I have in almost four years. I will admit to shedding a few tears while I created, edited, rearranged, and added pics to this year in review. Tears of joy shed that remind me how blessed we are with great friends and family whether near or far. Tears of happiness for fond memories traveling many, many miles (and blocking out the random meltdowns after many, many hours of road-tripping).
Our Year in Review (via One True Media)

Looking forward to more travel and memory making in 2014.....hoping to add Mardi Gras and Virginia to our lists along with visiting family in Georgia and an extended CA visit (maybe) in the summer. My new camera is ready for lots of use; I hope to share more our craziness with you in 2014.

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas

And feel like Christmas too!!! Welcome ice storm whatever-your-name-is ---the Texas version of frozen tundra I suppose. The layer of ice has crushed the outdoor decorating possibilities of Clark Griswold Collin. However, it has brought the kids' dreams alive with a cancelled day of school this past Friday and the possibility of one more day off tomorrow. They have enjoyed many hours of ice play complete with using corrugated boxes, Rubbermaid storage lids, cookie sheets, and pool floats for sledding devices. Oh to be young again -- I risk life and limb just trying to get to the trash can without falling.

 

I have a new appreciation for the importance of a MUD ROOM and desperately wish I had one at this point. My front entry looks like the entire neighborhood dumped their gear before attempting to thaw with hot chocolate and Christmas shows.

We have been productive - the Christmas tree is up! (I think it needs ribbon garland though)

and I ordered the Christmas cards today (and I count this blog post as productive too!)

 

Other words or phrases that describe our last few days --- fireplace, donuts, pajamas, ice, treacherous (and successful) shopping with Collin, blankets, Christmas movies, ice, street skating/sliding, wet gloves, Christmas carols on the piano, ice, ice, ice.

 

I still need to get the fall decorations put away but I need some of them to thaw first.

So for today I will enjoy our Thanksgiving dinner that we are making today so we can enjoy some leftovers this week. And I will cheer on the Saints in front of our cozy fireplace but I suppose I should shower and change my pajamas first.

 

 

Food for thought

It's no secret that I think about food a lot --- I like to cook; I meal plan; I pack my kids lunches daily; I pack a snack cooler for my husband; I try to bring snacks if I have a drive between work locations so I don't get tempted by fastfood; I love coupons; I LIKE TO EAT; I have a sweet tooth.

 

But, the other day, I was eating some sautéed eggplant with dinner and my brain immediately jumped into MEMORY mode. You know the kind of memory I'm talking about. The one that comes from deep within your soul and brings you back to another place in time. I started talking about how sautéed eggplant brings me back to my Granny Frances's house in Big Spring, TX; I only visited there during my childhood but I can remember her kitchen and her sautéed eggplant; and how I loved it so much. I guess I will carry a little piece of my Granny with me always.

 

And what is even more bizarre is the food memories that are BAD!!! Here are a few of mine:

1) spaghetti O's -- NOOO....didn't really ever like them but ate some; woke up puking in my sleep; to this day I can't even stand the smell of them. shudder.

2) watermelon -- I'm sure it was a super fun 4th of July. I remember running all over the neighborhood and eating loads of watermelon and Fruit Stripe gum. I swallowed all of the gum. When my body revolved that night and I woke up sick, I was ruined for life. To this day, I am a 'watermelon snob.' If it is remotely mealy and not sweet, I won't touch it. I always make my kids taste it before I will try it.

3) Orange Soda -- four traditional glucose preganancy tests were bad enough but then I had a 3hr. glucose test. UGH. Only on a rare occasion would I have wanted an orange soda; now I will never drink one ever again. Monster-type drinks are in this category too. I tried a sip once at the beach and I almost threw up right there.

4) and maybe the grossiest of all --- BAD milk. Too many bad milk cartons from random school lunches over the years I guess. I will sniff any and all milk before I attempt a sip. Scarred for life by milk.

 

Let's switch bad to the GOOD stuff before I ruin my/your day:

1) Roman Meal bread - my Grandma Parks always had it in her little house. And I was always intrigued by the orange bag and begged for a piece of her special bread. Simply delicious.

2) And popcorn balls -- this memory is close to 40yrs. old but I can remember my Grandma and Grandpa (he died when I was 4)  making popcorn balls in their kitchen. How incredibly sweet and delicious they were. And then someone in our neighbor gave homemade ones out on Halloween - the smell wafted for hours on end while they made batch after batch. Kettle corn ain't got nothing on my grandparents :)

3) coconut custard pie --another Texas specialty by my Aunt Mac -- Christmas meant Aunt Mac's pies! And chocolate silk and lemon meringue and pecan. Oh my sweet tooth. A special Christmas memory that seemed so routine at the time but means so much now.

4) Toast with butter and grape jelly --Camp Abbey summer camp. Not necessarily warm either. So yummy (out of the stainless steel bins) especially since some of the food was strange (like powdered milk).

5) Ice Cream Man - Drumstick was the ONLY choice on the rare occasion that my Mom let us get it.

and

6) Cherries and Creole Tomatoes - not eaten together but when purchased from the road-side stand in Raceland, LA they were heaven on earth.

 

I'm hoping that my children are already developing some random good food memories. Maybe corn casserole on Thanksgiving; Dad's bbq'd ribs and the smell of the smoker; and maybe even Mom's chicken salad on the beach (let's hope that's not a bad memory because of any random sand that got mixed in). And Coney Island hot dogs when we visit Mansfield, OH when visiting Grandma Hall.

 

Now that I'm hungry for creole tomatoes I guess I'll venture out to see if I can find some.

 

 

 

 

Because it's really all about FOOD, isn't it!

MEAL PLAN ALERT: It's that time again.....sharing the plan :)
I'm thinking I should get a new crockpot since I am planning to use it this month....

Sept 15: bbq brisket, corn-on-cob, beans
9/16: brisket soft tacos (leftovers), corn&black bean mix, tortilla chips (Sean-football game)
9/17: lasagna, baked eggplant, garlic bread (PTA mtg.)
9/18: chicken pot pies, fruit
9/19: grilled fish, risotto, peas
9/20: chicken enchiladas, Mexican rice
9/21: hamburgers, baked fries, melon
9/22: London broil, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans
9/23: red beans & rice with sausage, rice, salad
9/24: crockpot roast (carrots, potato, turnip), crusty rolls (Sean-football game)
9/25: stuffed chicken breast (spinach & cheese), Stove Top stuffing, asparagus
9/26: breakfast for dinner (pancakes, bacon, eggs)
9/27: spaghetti w/meatsauce, salad (FHS game)
9/28: smoked pork roast, parsley red potatoes, sautéed squash
9/29: shrimp, potato salad, sautéed spinach
9/30: chicken stir-fry, fried rice
Oct. 1: white beans & ham (freezer), rice, salad (Sean-football game)
10/2: baked potato bar (chili, cheese, broccoli, chives, sour cream), fruit
10/3: tilapia piccata, green beans, ranch red potatoes
10/4: Boboli (pepp., sausage, cheese, green peppers, olives)  (FHS game)
10/5: bbq chicken, baked sweet potato, coleslaw
10/6: chili, cornbread, sautéed greens
10/7: Babe's.....out for Amanda's birthday!!!
10/8: ham steaks, mac n' cheese, peas (Sean - football game)
10/9: tuna melts, fruit salad
10/10: pork chops, perogies, sautéed sugar snap peas
10/11: sloppy joes, salad (FHS game)
10/12: fried catfish, mac n' cheese, soybeans  (did I really plan mac n' cheese twice in one week???   guess I will double batch from Tuesday)
10/13: crawfish etoufee, stmd. broccoli & cauliflower
10/14: meatloaf, stmd. carrots, couscous
10/15: shake n' bake pork chops, stmd. broccoli, wild rice blend
10/16: baked ziti w/Italian sausage, salad (Sean - football game)
10/17: NOT cooking ---- my birthday :)
10/18: tacos/quesadillas, refried beans (FHS game)
10/19: calzones, salad

Now if the weather would cool off, I would be thrilled to add some yummy soups and assorted fall dishes. But still waiting for below 75 for that.

Happy Eating :) ..... off to Sean's first game as an 8th grader....

Back to School.....so poetic

'Twas the first day of school
And Mom was up early
there are lunches to make
and kids growling, surly

First up is Sean
Football is calling
his carpool arrives
and his gear he is hauling


Then comes Ian
with smiles and a cool shirt
breakfast is done
and he's quite alert

Amanda is yawning,
6th grade is dawning,
she's ready to roll as quick as a flash
and off to the bus with a short little dash


Maggie's last to roll out the door
now she's off to be a sophomore
Band, theater, and ASL to do
a busy year for her and the FHS raccoon crew


There are chores to be done
in this little house
And Mom is happy
because it's quiet as a mouse.

Happy 2013-14 school year everyone!!!!

Adjustments

Life is all about making adjustments. Adjusting to new schedules; adjusting to new routines; adjusting to new jobs; adjusting to parenthood; adjusting to parenting toddlers; adjusting to parenting teens. You understand my point - there is always a transition going on.

And this week is one of the biggest adjustments for our family......adjusting the kids back to a decent bedtime schedule preparing for school. Summer is dwindling. Reality is setting in. SCHOOL STARTS MONDAY! Much to their chagrin, the kids don't like that a reasonable bedtime needs to become a reality. I keep promising that they will appreciate it next week but they don't believe me.

Collin is adjusting to coaching in a new place that isn't very welcoming if you haven't 'coached in TX before'. Adjusting to not helping with Sean's team because he now plays through school. Adjusting to new coworkers and new roads to be traveled (made easier by the GPS).

Me -- I'm adjusting to cooking around the crazy football and band rehearsal schedules. Adjusting to having one child in elementary school. Adjusting to the reality of four kids, multiple activities, and a schedule of chaos. BUT looking forward to the routine that school brings. (and hopefully adjusting my grocery bill down now that they aren't home eating non-stop) Adjusting to working retail (while I like my job(s), I REALLY miss working as an IA)

And the kids are still adjusting to the newness of the move overall. They were only in school for seven weeks last year after we moved. This school year will be the big transition (especially for Amanda with moving up to middle school).

And last, but not least, we are all looking forward to adjusting the DVR to record some new shows this fall. Sons of Anarchy starts soon :)

What is a big adjustment for you and your family?

Calm before the storm

The storm, for our family, represents FOOTBALL season! And it's not a bad storm like Hurricane Katrina. It's like a storm on dry farmlands after a drought; it's exciting, refreshing, and often leaves you with the feeling that 'this won't last long/ it will be gone too soon.' Football season can't come soon enough.

Next week Ian starts practice and Sean picks up his gear. They have been doing small drills in the backyard daily trying to adjust to the heat. Maggie's 'football season' has begun since she is in her 2nd week of band camp. She is working hard and looking forward to being a part of the high school football experience. (We hear it's serious business here in TX)

And, it's not just football within our family, it's SAINTS football and LSU football and fantasy football.

At least four days a week, we will be focused on football - Sean during the week/ Friday Night Lights with Maggie/ Saturday is Ian and LSU/ Sunday is NFL Sunday Ticket! So I think we qualify as a football family. (Amanda gets to be a super fan with me; hoping to teach her a few skills with the camera if she doesn't find some team siblings to hang with)

The madness of school starts on the 25th combined with football. I think that will kick it up a notch to pure chaos but for today we will savor our Blue Bell icecream (we are on our 9th day in a row over 100*), daily trips to the pool, and the slow pace that summer brings.

However, Saints preseason starts tonight so maybe I'll break out the black & gold a little early!

Another month/ another meal plan

July has been a wash so far with meal planning because we were on the go so much. However, now we are home for the long haul. People ask me all the time - how do you have time? why bother? So I will try to respond without sounding holier-than-though. Nothing is perfect but this system works pretty well for us.

1) How do I have time? --It really doesn't take much time at all. I only have to think about what to make for dinner 12 times a year. Isn't that surreal. It is a huge relief to pull out what needs to be thawed the day before and just have it in the fridge ready to go. No more daily hustle of trying to figure out dinner and ending up with pizza or fast food. Yesterday when we were just chilling I pulled out the folder of old menus; drew out a calendar on paper; and started asking 'dinner request?'. Usually I get several answers from each family member and then I start filling in the blanks from old menus. I try not to repeat things within the same month so when someone complains "spaghetti again?" I can respond with "we really on have it 12 times a year so hush :)"

2) Meal planning helps us stay on budget.  We spend a lot of money on food. Let me say that again, we spend A LOT of money on food but I shop sales, use coupons, and buy in bulk when it makes sense. For example, I bulk flax seed meal, brown sugar, nuts, couscous, etc. from the bulk bins at Sprouts. I buy smaller amounts than pre-packaged and it stays fresher because it all goes in a sealed container at home. I am also only buying what I'm going to use so there isn't a question about how long something has been hiding in the pantry because there isn't much extra in there. Of course, it has the essential snack, school lunch, extra items from a Costco run, but the core for cooking gets used. There is no random filling of the grocery cart; I buy what I need steering away from pre-packaged stuff. (here are some other specifics from an old post)

3) Meal planning reduces the amount of fast food we eat and keeps dining out to a minimum. If there is a plan, I/we have no excuse. Fast food and eating out are insanely expensive and terrible for you. Recently I have been noticing how SALTY food tastes when we eat 'convenience' foods. All of the traveling recently just reiterated how much I love when we have a meal plan and that I am helping my family stay healthy.

4) Meal planning is teaching my kids that eating a variety of foods is good for you. I would have never dreamed they would like mashed cauliflower, sautéed yellow squash, or polenta. They have come a LONG way and after years of exposing them to variety they will eat what I cook. They don't like sautéed spinach but I serve them a tablespoon full and still expect them to try it; they never know when their taste buds will change. I'm hoping one day they will thank me, but I'm not holding my breath.

So that brings me to the current plan --- end of July until August 17; I included my random notes about ingredients and meat so I can see what I have in the freezer or leftover.
22nd - baked chicken, stmd. broccoli, fruit salad
23rd - manicotti (ricotta, spinach, prosciutto, parm), salad
24th - tacos (ground turkey), black beans
25th - chicken pot pie (using leftover chicken from 22nd), melon & berries
26th - swiss steak (top round) with onion & bell pepp, mashed potato
27th - grilled red snapper, mashed cauliflower, asparagus
28th - parm.-lemon mahi mahi, sautéed grn beans, garlic mashed potatoes
29th - baked ziti with Italian sausage, sautéed eggplant
30th - chicken cordon bleu, creamy polenta, salad
31st - meatloaf (beef/turkey), green peas, baked mac n' cheese
Aug. 1 - chicken stir-fry, homemade fried rice
2nd - chicken quesadillas, refried beans
3rd - grilled fish (check sales), baked sweet potato, sautéed spinach
4th  - spaghetti with turkey meatballs, salad
5th - tuna melts, fruit salad
6th - chicken enchiladas, Mexican rice
7th - Boboli (make our own pizza), ceasar salad
8th - sausage sandwiches, sautéed yellow squash, cantaloupe
9th - chef salad, fruit
10th - rib-eye steak (freezer), Ranch red potatoes, creamed corn
11th - bbq pork butt (freezer), stmd. carrots & brocc., watermelon
12th  - red beans & rice, French bread, salad
13th - carnitas tacos (leftover from 11th), corn salsa
14th - tuna patties, wwht pasta salad, fruit
15th - sloppy joes, salad
16th - crusted tilapia, risotto, green beans
17th - hot dogs, fruit salad 

Some days are healthier than others; but overall I'm good with it. Home cooking is still better than most anything I can buy. I say 'most anything' because homemade French fries still don't hold a candle to McDonald's fries.

Off to prep the chicken for the oven............Happy Eating!

All good things must come to an end

Our Ohio vacation is nearing it's end....a visit to Grandma's house always involves lots of time visiting with family, fishing, swimming, and go-cart riding.

And for the past 15yrs, it includes a trek up to Cedar Point if it happens to be a summer visit. We have seen the childrens' area evolve from Berenstein Bear country to Camp Snoopy over the years. And this trip has proven to be bittersweet. I think this is the last time that we will need to visit Camp Snoopy

 

because Ian is the caboose on the family train. While the old coal train is mostly my speed, the kids are all venturing on to bigger (and scarier) things.  Although Ian and I did bail on the GateKeeper at the last minute Even though I didn't make my 9yr old ride the insanely intimidating GateKeeper, he did ride the Raptor. He may have panicked on the way up the click-clacking-climb-of-death, but he admitted that he loved it. I told him that if he paid attention, I did my fair share of screaming and that the Raptor is my LIMIT. There was no GateKeeper,  Millenium Force, Gemini, Wicked Twister, Maverick or the like going to happen for me. He was very happy about that and was pleased to spend his time in Camp Snoopy while adding the Iron Dragon to his risk taking ventures. The 'big' kids are independent, brave, and coaster crazy. Maggie was highly disappointed by the fact that the Dragster broke down. Where have my babies gone? The time flew faster than a speeding coaster.


Yesterday, I ventured over to the Ohio State Reformatory with my sister-in-law and two oldest nieces. It was built in 1886. It looks like a majestic castle.

It is also the sight of where several movies and music videos have been filmed. Specifically, one of my all time favorites - Shawshank Redemption. The Reformatory itself was amazing; yet creepy. To think that 1,000s of prisoners, guards, wardens (and their families) lived here was unbelievable.

The temperature was hot and it was very icky, sticky in there. Contrast that to the bitter cold winters and this place must have been wicked. The ceilings are brick and the walls are THICK.

The 7x9 cells (for two people) were TINY. It is said that many parts of the place are haunted and I can tell you when I wandered away from the family to grab this picture, you better believe I quickly walked ran back to the area where the family was. It's the Shawshank safe!!! So cool.

But THIS gave me goosebumps.....

I know......it's a movie prop. And they had Andy's escape tunnel too. But in this setting with the REAL jail all around, it was awesome. We had a really nice time and it was topped off by a grown-up dinner at Olive Garden. Sarah and Ann head to college soon; Sarah- a junior at College of Wooster who will soon be doing a semester in Russia! and Ann - a freshman at Dartmouth. Gone are their years at Camp Snoopy too.

 

Today we made our traditional visit to Downtown Mansfield for a ride on the historic carousel and a meal at Coney Island Diner.

They may get older, more independent and sillier but I'm hoping that there are some things they will never outgrow. Good times with family never come to an end.

 

If you can't bet 'em, join 'em :)

Aaaaahhhhh, vacation in Ohio. It's really green.

And it's unusually cool too. Slight breeze and not much humidity. This year the farmer's field is soybeans and not corn so we have a really good view of the deer that come out to graze daily.

 

I've been fishing in the neighbor's pond with the boys and caught a bass :)

They are liking the fireflies too. Now, they are anxiously waiting for the grass to dry out some more so they can enjoy Grandma's go-cart without destroying the grass.

 

We went to a rib fest (small town rib fest but nevertheless delicious) and tonight we are probably going to hit the drive-in. Because there isn't much to do in small town Ohio. Except relax. And be on your computers.....

Sarah is working on her internship writing; Annie is wondering where her tranquilty went and where all these crazy cousins appeared from; and Kim is exploring all of the options for the most cost efficient way to get us to Cedar Point.

 

Really? I have to get in the car for an hour ride to a crowded amusement park in the heart of summer. Yes, I do - because we can't wait to hear "enjoy your ride at Cedar Point, America's Roller Coast" one more time. I can't promise that I'll attempt the Dragster

but I might be brave enough for the GateKeeper.

Keyword: might......don't count on it.

 

Maybe I need to go with what Sean says all the time, YOLO! Or, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

 

On the road again......

How is it possible that I haven't blogged yet in July? Well, I've been busy. Busier than usual. You know, summer busy that involves juggling kid schedules/ working your part-time job/ and keeping them from getting too booooorrrreeeed. We had friends visit near the end of June and then shortly thereafter we hit the road to New Orleans. We spent the 4th of July weekend with tons of friends (and some family visiting too). If someone had told me last 4th of July that I would be spending 2013's celebration in a campground in Covington, LA with my best friend and her family I would have told you that the notion was impossible. I'm learning nothing is impossible. We shared lots of laughter; enjoyed plenty of food; cooled off in the waters of a Bouga Falaya tributary; and loved every minute. Golf cart ride anyone?

Now that Maggie is finishing off her summer testing, we are heading toward family in Mansfield, Ohio. Yep, another road trip. Just me, four kids and the dog.....oil change, check; tire pressure, check; wash and detail, check; full gas tank, check. There is more laughter to share; food to enjoy; and cool waters of Grandma's pool -- along with cousins to hang with; a pond to fish in; and go-cart rides. So while affording a trip to Hawaii or the like is impossible at this point (much to the kids dismay), vacations and memory-making are possible.

Praying for safe travels as we add three more states to the ones we have navigated --- adding Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. First Stop - Jackson, TN here we come

TX Camping -the New Braunfels edition

Or maybe I should call it 'the camping trip that almost wasn't.'

 Last Friday, we packed up the trusty Suburban and headed south five hours to New Braunfels. First stop Mountain Breeze Campground....."um, no -we don't have a reservation; the guy on the phone told us "first come, first served." And you don't take dogs???? There is a dog on your LOGO!" Oh crap. Things got tense as we discovered that dogs aren't allowed as a general rule. (GAH.....we have no problem boarding him or getting a dog sitter had we known.) So we decided that we would check every single area as we drove back toward town with a hotel stay as a last resort.

Rocky Beach had a spot! (time noted: 6pm) They made it clear that about 1000 people would be loading into the river steps from our spot but we were low on options so we simply said yes. Employees strolled by and saw the dog and the first thing we unloaded and tied up was Fritz. We didn't hide him. We unloaded everything in the HOT buggy camping spot and started assembling tents. THEN, the lady comes over and says "oh, you have a dog? we don't allow dogs. You have to leave; we will give you a refund." Did you feel the earth stop spinning????????? Collin had to turn around and decompress before he went postal; I stood there frozen with the tent poles; the kids were SILENT; somewhere an explosion happened because somehow we handled it calmly and simply started tossing things back in the Suburban as Collin started tying gear back onto the luggage rack. What a blessing in disguise.

Two miles down we stopped at a Mom&Pop campground that had a dog sitting out on the grass. So we were hopeful. Collin went in to ask about sites available and quickly came out to converse with a guy on the porch. I could read the man's lips...."let me see him." He wanted to meet Fritz. Before he even got to pet him, the guy saw Fritz's sweet face and how anxious Fritz was to give him some luvin' and he said "come on in." We set up camp 50yds. from the general store, Koozies bar with bands each night, beach volleyball, and horseshoes. We were able to rent our toobs (spelled correctly) from them and they shuttled us up to the drop off. The friendly couple had just bought it a year ago; re-did the camp sites and upgraded the grounds. They were the nicest people and the staff was super friendly too. So, by 8:30pm, we were set to chill. At a site that was a lot cooler and LESS buggy than Rocky Beach. With fireflies = awesome.

We did away with cell phones and time. Who knew what time it was? We enjoyed hot dogs, smores, eggs, sausage, toast, burgers, and more smores. ('the evolution of the toasting marshmallows' post coming soon). We went through a jar of peanut butter in less than 24hrs. And it was all good. Warm, but good. As rustic as I get - insert porta-potties and no showers. Immaculate porta-potties with sanitizer so it wasn't terrible. And at least we had the river for tubing; it's sorta like a shower, right? Brushing your teeth using a cup of water, no problem.

Tubing was fine. The water was cold yet refreshing and I managed to carry my camera double-bagged in a Ziploc and grocery bag so I was able to get some nice pictures. The scenery was beautiful. I got stuck on rocks a bunch and the crowd was younger than we had hoped (smoking, bad language, ridiculous music) but we took it in stride and had fun.

Amanda's quote of the weekend was "I need band-aids, aloe, and OFF." And that about sums it up. Camping in Texas does involve wearing OFF but I won't complain because anytime I wake myself up snoring in a hammock it is a good day!

Ol' River Hideaway will see us again :)

(.....will post pics soon......having issues with uploading from the camera/ desktop is in the shop)

Sure, why not?

For several years, we joined a large group of friends and headed to Santa Barbara to El Capitan Canyon for Father's Day camping. I called it 'Beverly Hills' camping because you could choose between a cabin (with a kitchenette and private bathroom) or a safari tent. Both came with maid service. Not kidding. If you left and went to the beach or out hiking, they would come while you were out and make your bed, sweep the floor, and tidy up. They also had spa services; they would even come to your tent/cabin for the message. It was a great introduction to camping as a family because the area is beautiful and being with a large group the kids were easily entertained. We haven't done that since 2009.

We have done real tent camping up in Bass Lake, CA and we did an RV trek to the Kern River a couple of years ago. So, Collin expressed some interest in camping/tubing this weekend. It sounded good but we never made any plans one way or another. Until last night at 8:30pm; as in, 12 hours ago. The kids are baffled. Really? Camping? Tubing? On a river? TOMORROW?

Tomorrow is now today and the mad dash is on. I've got the lists rolling and am heading out to the grocery store in a few to get the essentials (ya know, graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate!) and to gas up the trusty Suburban. We hope to hit the road before noon with Fritz in tow because he is always up for an adventure that involves chasing the kids and water.

We plan to go tubing on the Guadalupe River

and have some chill time.

 

Armed with sunscreen, OFF, and Citronella candles we'll see what camping in South Texas is all about. Sometimes you just have to say 'sure, why not?'.

 

Sharing a day; it's all good (mostly)

Happy Birthday to the girl who made me a Mom 15 years ago......

My Maggie.....with beautiful blonde hair and striking blue eyes (and cute clothes from H&M, not A&F), she came into this world with a strong voice that she still uses to this day. I'm proud of her talents in singing, dance, drama, and band. She is a performing arts 'nerd' (her words) and pretty much a mini-me (she's way better than I ever was). She loves learning to cook too.

She is my guinea pig at this Mom gig. Poor soul. She challenges me a lot (especially when she challenged me to this piggy back shot)

but overall she is a great kid who makes friends easily, is trustworthy, and knows what modesty means. She is most happy when listening to show tunes and eating carbs (my kind o' gal). I love her to pieces even when she thinks I don't. (If you are reading this Mag, get off your phone and clean your room for 15 min. :))

 

This Mother's Day reminds me of the blessings I do have in my children:

Amanda is fiercely independent, nurturing, and a hard worker. She has a soft heart for babies and animals. (now if she had such a soft heart with her siblings) She said she wants to be a nurse or physical therapist for kids in rehab "like she had." She makes me proud.

and these two turkeys boys bring me such joy and anxiety all wrapped into one. For those interested, yes - Sean is really that much taller than me now and Ian is doing his best to keep up (note the on-the-toes pose). Someone once told me that 'boys adore their Daddy, but hold their Mom's heart' (or something like that). It is absolutely true. I love my girls but these boys melt my heart like no other. And geez, can they smell like no other.

And this little guy, I love him too. He and Ian happily greeted me with coffee in bed so I can't complain.

These flowers are sprucing up my kitchen nicely. So I'm not gonna complain about those either.

 

But, you will hear me complaining loudly if I have to clean up the dinner dishes like I did the breakfast ones. (give me credit, I lasted five hours and when they didn't get touched I got a tad witchy.) 

 

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms I know....you make a difference everyday even if it doesn't seem like it! I hope everyone has time to reflect on the blessing(s) in their lives and has a few moments of peace. Because, let's be real, the laundry that isn't getting done today will still be staring at us tomorrow.

 

Monday musings #3

Another Monday is quickly upon us and I feel the need to blog. Things are rolling along at a swift pace and before I know it the kids will be out for summer and asking the dreaded "what are we doing today?" So on this May 6th, here's a little brain dump...

• Spring is here in full bloom and we've got the Zyrtec to prove it.
• Ian had his football evals last Saturday morning; they had about 750 kids total on the day for the program. And they have more registration this Sat. THAT is a big football program.  (and it only goes up to 6th grade)
• Maggie turns 15 on Sunday. We are debating over who gets to rule the day since it's Mother's Day.....I say 'I get the day b/c I brought you in to this world!'/ she says 'but I'll only turn 15 once!'
• She starts with orthodontia on May16th....happy belated birthday to her, muhahaha.
• We took a road trip this weekend down to Seabrook to attend a crawfish boil held annually by one of Collin's college buddies. Crawfish, cocktails, lots of laughter, and fresh seafood to take home from Galveston Bay. Simple goodness; thank you for the hospitality Adams Family :)
• The family dipped their feet in the warm waters of Galveston Bay. I think the first comment was 'this is sooooo much warmer than the Pacific.' Fritz was running around like a crazy fool so he loved the water too.
• I filled my car up for $41.75 today. I paid $2.76 per gallon with my Kroger discount. Sweet.
• I exercised today. Yes, you should mark it on your calendar right along with me.
• I am doing a 5K in two weeks. Let's hope I don't embarrass myself.
• Dinner tonight is broccoli beef and fried rice (scratch) with orange chicken (frozen Costco) and fresh pineapple. Tomorrow is gumbo (shrimp, chicken, saus.) with rice. Help - I haven't meal planned for May completely. I did buy fresh basil and parsley plants today, though.
• still doing Flylady; I love having my house clean. Yes - I know we haven't been here a month and I'm not totally unpacked, but my family can make a huge mess in a short amount of time. It was very refreshing to be able to hit the road quickly and come home to a relatively clean house. And the laundry is a lot less annoying since I'm doing small manageable tasks. (and the kids are actually keeping their dishes out of the sink and putting them in the dishwasher, woot.) Small victories.
• I did get a quick fix on my camera lens at a local camera shop (they literally called the guy the lens chiropractor and the lens cracked when he 'fixed' the tweek; it works so I'll call it good for now)
• Things to do....DMV remains on the list; add schedule a doctor's appt for a physical for me; find the hardware for the boys' bunk beds; get the old fridge and gas dryer put on Craigslist.

And to end on a sappy note, go hug your loved ones. Last week I lost a high school friend to a random freak accident (that happened while her loved ones watched in horror and could do nothing). In the blink of an eye she lost her life. RIP dear Paula.  It has been a serious reminder to me that even with all the busy stuff going on (as noted in my brain dump above) I always have time to stop and tell my kids and my husband 'I love you' before they walk out the door.

New blog address/ relocation ramblings, episode 5

I figured it only appropriate to adjust my blog address to reflect our location. So, now it is www.hall6intx.blogspot.com I hope the handful of people who read here can still find me.

SO how is Texas?
I would answer with so far/so good.
Here's a picture of the house from when we first arrived.

and here is a view from the backyard

this was from the first time Ian and Fritz were out there running around.

We really love the view. Tons of birds, squirrels, rabbits, turtles, ducks, an occasional crane, and geese sometimes.

 

Overall, it is really nice. Our neighborhood is located in a nice community and Amanda and Ian are able to walk to and from school. Sean and Maggie take the bus from a stop three houses down. (Can I say the mornings are quite pleasant with different wake times and out-the-door times. Maggie has about 35min on her own with no one to argue with about the bathroom. Small victories.) There is tons of shopping close by so I feel like I'm still in Irvine yet don't know where I'm going most of the time. The kids seem to be adjusting and making friends. Ah, friends. I miss them so much. (especially this little chicklet, Miss Gracie - this is how she said 'good-bye' to each of us/ with nose kisses and forehead rubs)

 I am pretty much the lone ranger. Fritz keeps me company as I unpack and ramble about cleaning. I am pretty sure the friendly folks here think I'm crazy because I'll talk to anyone.....gotta have some adult conversation. The weather changes enough that it always makes for nice conversation, ya know.
I keep telling myself to 'give it time' but I'm not known for my patience.

One of the reasons we moved was to be closer to family. And we already took advantage of that opportunity. Our roadtrip to NOLA this weekend was swift but fun. The kids got to hang out (literally) with my Mom and the cousins for a few. Add in some great food, SNOBALLS, and some time with the Caluda family and I would call it a success.

Collin and I made it to the Theta Xi 50th Anniver. Formal. We got to dress up like grown-ups and hang with some old friends. We even went to The Bulldog (same location/new name), a bar we used to go to in college. So, it was even more fun for me because I had friends :)

So as Ian would say 'life is good!'

(except for the barf that Fritz just blessed me with, thanks pal)

In the blink of an eye......

Ian turned NINE! It doesn't seem possible. In celebration of his birthday, this post is all about him - nine things I love about Ian.

1)He is our family caboose and he is an easy-going little guy. He was due on the 14th; I thought he might be a St.Patrick's Day baby, but he came on the 19th. Nevertheless, I call him our good luck charm.

2) He's always up for anything. Since he could walk, he wanted to do anything his siblings could.

3) He is a dirt magnet. The laundry is messy but I love that he lives life to the fullest.

4) He is friendly and loves being with his friends.

5) He is a monkey. He can climb most anything and he makes me cringe at the same time. But, I love that he isn't afraid to conquer a challenge. (hence, the nickname George after Curious George)

6) I love the bond that he and Maggie share. He loves Sean and Amanda but Maggie is a cut above and he has always adored her.

7) He loves the outdoors......the beach, camping, skiing, sports.....especially when he can make a water mohawk.

8) He loves seafood (Mama's boy!) and would eat crab or shrimp everyday if our budget allowed.

9) He has piercing blue eyes and a smile that is contagious.

10) He makes me laugh everyday. And some days he makes me crazy, too - but he tolerates my photo ops, my insistence on eating his vegetables, and my nick-names. Rarely, do I call him Ian. It's mostly George or Dane and he still wants to cuddle me so I think it's ok with him.

That was 10 instead of 9, but we'll say that's one extra for 'good luck' instead of the extra birthday spank, right?

He melts might heart especially when he says things like "today is the best day because I got to spend it with you" when we went to Disney. Now, if I could just make him stay this way forever.