It's summer so that means my kids have POPSICLES on the brain. Well, not only in summer, but summer makes the thoughts of cool, refreshing snacks explode. We don't have an ice-cream man that drives around and sends them into a frenzy running home for money like I did a million years ago when I was a kid. We just have an occasional Mexican guy pushing a cart with a bell when we are a baseball. (don't shoot me and tell me it's a stereotype; it's NOT; it's a true statement)

So I went in search of some popsicle molds just to try to add to the fun of it all (and maybe save some $$ in the process). I love William Sonoma stuff but can't bring myself to pay through the nose (+ shipping) for these cool molds.

I mean REALLY! They are cool and all that but not THAT cool........close to $25, yikes.

Then I came across theses nifty little ones at CVS in the bargin bin for $2! They've tried orange juice, apple juice, strawberry lemonade, and Coca-cola pops so far. Strawberry lemonade is the definite favorite. Maybe we'll try to make some limeade ones. And if I'm feeling really zany I might even buy some Kool-aid mix for them.

Not exactly the cool firecracker (red-white-blue) ones that I used to get from the ice cream truck, but definitely better than the frozen-Kool-aid-in-a-cup-and-flip-over-method my Mom used.

So life continues to throw curveballs our way. I wish I played baseball because maybe I could knock one out of the park by now.

The latest info. is that we aren't moving. At least not immediately. Sigh. The job offer didn't pan out and the story is just too long to explain. Collin will continue on the hamster wheel that is SoCal for now.

Maggie's ears are better but she is still coughing for hours nightly. I'm not a good Mom when it comes to this. I JUST WANT HER TO STOP but it's not that easy. It's just another notch in the stress rope, ya know. And Ian and Amanda are coughing now too; not as bad and it seems like an allergy-thing. I simply don't have the energy to attend another doctor appt. for them to tell me 'it's allergies'.

Fourth of July was filled with good food and friends up at the Faris' house. Eight kids that all get along great. A nap in the hammock for me was a nice bonus.

And the day after -- the topper is that I am living in summer cast-land again.......we dealt with it all last summer with Amanda's arm. Now Sean is sporting a thigh-high cast on his left leg! He loved it for about 10minutes; now he's over it. Thank goodness we have been swimming a ton and hit the beach twice last week b/c now the world has stopped for him. The doc. thinks his knee (osteo condritis desecans) has an 80% chance of healing well on it's own IF he stays off of it. We opted for the cast for four to six weeks because it forces him to stay off of it. I'm not thrilled but I know it is the best for him. We'll still go to the pool but he'll spend his time watching, tossing sink sticks, reading and playing cards with me.

Guess I'm forced to organize, clean, and unpack without the distraction of the beach calling my name.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that...........


I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with Target. I love that I can get a few key groceries like milk, bananas, butter, and bread; a birthday gift; a large Rubbermaid organizer bin; a bathing suit for Mag; a razor for Collin and a few other items in one place. I HATE that my bill was $159. Really? How does that happen?

Last night we had turkey burgers and fresh strawberries for dinner. YUM! And good for us too. Now, we are having frito pie casserole. YUM! And channeling my inner-redneck too.
Maggie has a double ear infection. Guess all the recent swimming did her in. Hoping the abx work quickly and stop her cough so she can sleep again I can sleep again.

So You Think You Can Dance is amazing me once again this season. If you aren't watching, you are missing out. Our whole family watches (shhhhh, Collin won't admit it). And we also watched Lonesome Dove over the weekend. Such a great classic!

and finally.....the pictures I've been meaning to send. It's a little montage I call ....A Taste of Spring 2011...goes back to Sean's bday/Ian's bday/Easter at the Andera's/Maggie's bday/moving and beyond. Enjoy!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So I'm still out here in blog land but don't have much exciting to report. It's officially summer......which means we spent lots of hours at the pool. And eating popsicles. Well, not me, but the kids do.

We are still in limbo with life. Are we staying in SoCal and are we moving out of state? No real news on that front. Still waiting on the official job offer for Collin. Another reason I'm not unpacking anymore either. Why unpack if I have to repack in a short period of time. YET how is it that I have more bags for Goodwill. Last week I dropped off three bags and I have another one full. I am going through Ian's clothes b/c we have no room and I'm organizing some that I want to keep that are too big (from Sean and our buddy, Cade). Apparently we have lots of random stuff and ever since my friend Audrey lost everything in a house fire I am realizing more and more that it's just stuff mostly; therefore, I am flinging.

Maggie and Amanda are currently in Oliver. Last week Collin took the boys and some baseball team friends camping up near Mammoth. Lots of fishing, learning to shoot, and dirt! I'm still working on the laundry from that. This weekend brings more theater and dance recital for Maggie (Amanda's class isn't doing recital, lame!). Next week, Amanda and Sean start a summer school reading program. Somewhere in there is dentist appts. and doctor appts. for Sean's knee and Amanda's next MRI.

Whoever said summer was relaxing was wrong; well, except for the sleeping in part.

Yes, we moved. We moved from 2900sqft to 1500sqft; with four kids, a dog, and a cat. I'm still not unpacked because I don't want to. I hate the chaos around me but can't bring myself to add one more thing to my plate. Between work, finishing up school assignments with the kids, running everyone to activities, and the regular demands of life, I simply haven't to energy to lessen the chaos with unpacking.

So there is the lovely mood I'm in. Thus the reason for no posts.

Back to your regularly scheduled program.

Spring Break - Day Two:
Donuts for Breakfast!
Packing focus is the boys' room and upstairs bathroom. Girls are working in their rooms (if you want to call it that). Maggie came into the boys' room and said "wow, it's empty in here!" I wanted to respond with "Yes, that's because we are working and you are a distracted and sitting on your butt." BUT I didn't and simply said.......'well, yes we are moving in a week my dear.'
I'm having a hard time understanding how I packed the move when we moved in here 6-1/2yrs. ago. Ian was a 6mo. old! I guess he slept a lot more. So frustrating that they are older but not necessarily more helpful. That's likely my own doing --- need to work on that.

Side note: yesterday wasn't ALL work and no play. We ventured out to the local trampoline place called SkyHigh. Holy cow --- wall-to-wall trampoline madness, launches into the foam pit, trampoline dodgeball. Super fun!

Off to order some new checks and situate the utilities............

Yes.....it's really happening. We are officially moving. Back to our old neighborhood,  it's only about a mile and a WHOLE different ballgame of packing since we aren't going across the country (yet!). It's a good thing; I try to keep telling myself that but the thought of moving in nine days just makes me want to barf as I look around at the chaos. We held a huge garage sale (the picture doesn't even capture all of it) and we were able to get rid of some things. Since then I've hauled two van loads to Goodwill also. We are moving from 2900sqft down to 1500sqft. It will be cozy (don't laugh; just let me pretend!) and I'm thrilled about removing the chore of vacuuming stairs from my list! I'm not sure how the girls will do with sharing a room, but we'll get it figured out eventually.

This week is Spring Break for us. Right now that means them arguing over the television and the SceneIt Disney game and I am online pretending that the house will pack itself. I'm hoping to make an adventure up to the Ronald Reagan library to aid Sean in a school project; catch the Disney movie African Cats; and maybe hit the beach if it's warm enough. Oh.....and the girls are auditioning for Oliver. (I want to but I know my limitations; just say No to another commitment). Did you notice that packing isn't at the top of my list? Someone send fairies; I just want to take a nap.

(he is crashed out for real; I did catch him before he slid off completely)

Really? It's been over a month since I updated my blog? How'd that happen. Oh yeah, it's called life and responsibilities..........four kids (and a dog & a cat), a job, house on the market, variety show to plan, chores & errands, and now the computer is in the boys' room...........that's means very little extented computer time for me. HOWEVER, my heart is breaking tonight and I want ya'll out there in cyber-land to know about this amazing little girl Maddie James.
Her story simply touches my heart, WAY TOO CLOSE to home. You see, she has a brain tumor; Amanda even has the same doctors. But Maddie's tumor is inoperable and fatal. She is only given months to live. I am counting my blessings and hugging my kids extra tight (with a super-squeeze for Amanda!) and trying to spread the word. Let's help Maddie's wish come true.

She loves the ocean and even chose Hawaii for her Make-A-Wish trip. Her parents are trying to raise funds for the Dana Point Ocean Institute's new learning center. Maddie wants to 'help them build it!' and that is where you come in. With a donation, we can all help her dream come true. I'm sure any amount will be graciously accepted....$10--that's a couple of fast foods meals; $25--that a few cups of Starbucks....what can you cut out for a few days in order to help this precious little girl. She only has a few days left to enjoy the simple pleasures that we take for granted. You can go to http://www.maddiejamesfoundation.org/ for more information.

I pray for peace for this family. They are living in a place that I thought I might be (for a few days while we waited for pathology results); a place that no parent should ever have to be. I am so sad and hope that we can all make Maddie's dream a reality.

Despite all the parenting books out on the market, there TRULY isn't a parenting manual out there. So much of parenting is about using what works; using common sense; and then hoping for the best. Just like every child is different and unique, parenting is much the same. What works for one child (removal of priveledges) simply doesn't work for another. And even better yet, what a parent deems as appropriate changes over time as well. My mother-in-law has said many times "oh how the mighty crumble" when edicts have been made by parents and they simply change their mind and/or change a rule completely. Many of these rules are set by people BEFORE they even have children......'my children will never be allowed to ________' and my child would never behave that way. Yes, sit on the mighty throne and set all the rules you like because when you actually become a parent you too will crumble.

However, there are certain things I had said before having kids that I have stuck too. For example - 1) I never put fruit punch, soda, or anything of the like in a baby bottle. Eeew, why? Yes, they were allowed the pleasure of a McDonald's orange soda, but they had to do it through a straw. 2) Bedtime has always been important. I love sleep so it was pretty important that my kids get a routine and good sleeping habits. Did that mean I co-slept? Yep    Did that mean we've had bedtime battles occasionally? Yep  Did that mean they are still good sleepers? Yep    and 3) I would not be a short order cook and make multiple meals-in-one to keep everyone happy (and picky).  The kids have evolved over time about expanding what they eat, but I never did play the 'I want this' game for dinner. Does that mean we've never had a appetizer buffet for dinner? Nope  Does that mean I'm a food Nazi? Nope Do I let them help me meal plan? Of course Do I let them eat cereal for dinner? YES; but only when I can have Corn Pops and Apple Jacks right along with them!!!

Like tonight, I'm sick. Collin is working. So by the time, I got kids shuffled to activities and helped with homework I was beyond done. Body Aches. Exhausted. So it was a cereal night. Who wants a germy Mom cooking them food anyway???? It's not like I packed them a Mountain Dew and Oreos for lunch. (Yes, a child at the school I work ate REALLY HAD a Mtn. Dew and Oreos for lunch.....6th grader.....true story!)

That right there is one thing I can add to my WILL NEVER HAPPEN list...............number 4) I will never pack my children a Mtn. Dew and Oreos for lunch.

Now excuse me while I doze off to Nyquil land when my children are still awake. What was that rule about bedtime again?

I've mentioned before what an amazing person my friend Nicole is. Well, I wanted to give her a little shout-out again because she just celebrated a VERY SPECIAL birthday. (We'll just leave it at that; I'll be nice and not mention any specific numbers because I'm still older than she is.)

She likes to do these little list things on HER blog when birthdays come up in her family and she even stated a few things that she loves about her life in celebration of her own day. I thought I would make a little list of my own to wish her a happy birthday and tell the world what makes her awesome:

1) She was literally my right hand when I lived at the hospital with Amanda.
2) She can bake and she shares all the goodies with me & my family.
3) She remembers the little things that make people unique and special.
4) She is insanely talented with both dancing and singing.
5) She is an amazing mother -- gentle, patient, creative, and loving!
6) She is a master of movie quotes.
7) She loves to laugh. (with me and at me!)
8) last, BUT NOT LEAST, she is a zany sports fan too!

Happy Birthday to Nicole --- Me and all-o'-ya'll-Halls love you very much!

Want a hit for dinner???? Try this---
Tortilla-crusted tilapia (from Costco; my family eats the WHOLE box)--13min. in oven at 425*; wild-rice blend (from Henry's) boil for about 35-40 until done [while you prep the salsa]; MAKE THIS PINEAPPLE SALSA! (I leave out the chili peppers & I used dried parsley instead of cilantro b/c that's what I had on hand).

Let's put it this way...........I'm lucky I have a little bit of rice and some salsa as leftovers for lunch. Happy bellies all around! Although I can't say FULL bellies b/c Sean is already scrounging for some else to eat; he's almost 11 and is a bottomless pit. Heaven help me!

A little glimpse of life, with pictures, woot!..........Last weekend, Collin went on a boys' weekend hunting trip with his friend Dale. He has guns that he had gotten recently from one of his co-workers. So in combination with him prepping for the trip, shopping for camo gear, and going to the shooting range to set the scope (or whatever you call it), the kids have been very interested in what he's doing. Meaning, guns.
I am NOT a gun person. Never have been. But with a husband who grew up hunting and target shooting, who am I to say that we can't have them when they are stored safely. We've had guns in the house forever. We have a gun safe for the guns and the ammunition (if we even have any) is in a separate locked container in a separate location. The kids didn't even know about them until a couple of years ago.

So, with all the trip prep, the kids have had a couple of lessons in gun safety recently. Lots of talk and hands-on about making sure it's unloaded; how you hold it; etc. I observe and never do the hands-on part. ....shudder... It's really interesting to see how interested the boys are; they just are. The girls pay attention but haven't wanted to 'get into' it like the boys. I'm sure it's because it's a 'be-like-Dad' thing but I find it intriguing.

He went on his merry way to freeze his butt off while I stayed home and held down the fort. Regular routine of life and such = work, errands, kid's activities, cleaning, sick-kid care and cooking. Made a nice batch of barbecued shredded pork that the kids adore; chicken stir-fry that was divine; some swiss steak that the kids would likely choose to never eat again. ...shrug....you can't win 'em all!

Collin had lots of COLD quiet time and didn't kill Bambi (thank goodness!) and managed to make the baggage check-in lady at the airport laugh. Imagine the lady's surprise, when she opened his gun case and found Camelia red beans and Community coffee surrounding his guns. Only in New Orleans! He (and all his tasty goodies)  made it home safely with Sean mostly recovered from his flu. Now another one is down for the count, poor little Ian............

Off to catch up on laundry with hopes that little dude with nap.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!! 2011; damn, time flies. I'm gettin' old and all that..........
I hate being an absent blogger. I don't mean to be; I have tons of random posts running through my brain but I never get around to putting channeling my thoughts to the computer.

The kids and I had a nice time in Phoenix, AZ for a few days. We visited my friend Sandee and her kids; went on a hike (and got snowed on; haha, my SoCal kids thought it was ash at first!); and just chilled out (literally; it was freezing!). School is back in session and I'm still on my bandwagon of cooking and healthy eating (for the most part). I have shared some yummy tidbits on my Facebook and folks have asked for recipes so I'll try to occasionally create a post for it to share with you all.

First up, Jambalaya -- I must apologize because my quantities aren't exact and it's sorta an eye-ball/consistency thing too; apparently my mother-in-law has taught me well.

Ingredients: one pound of cooked chicken breast (I boiled one bnls/skls. and kept the broth)
                  one pound of smoked sausage (1/4" slices, browned in skillet)
                  one pound of shrimp (I used frozen, pre-cooked [I hope this doesn't make my Louisiana friends   and family dis-own me!])
                  1/4 of an onion (diced)
                  two stalks of celery (diced)
                  some fresh parsley (chopped)
                  two cloves of garlic (minced)
                  bit of olive oil (or better yet, bacon drippings!)
                  14-15oz. can of petite diced tomatoes (all, do not drain)
                  six cups of liquid (water, chicken broth, etc.)
                  1-1/2 cups of uncooked rice
                  seasonings: dash of tabasco, couple of shakes of Tony Chac. cajun seasoning, bit of fresh ground  pepper, sprinkle of salt, shake of cayenne pepper (ya get what I'm sayin')

Procedure:  In a large Dutch oven, saute the onion/celery/parsley/garlic in the olive oil. While that is going, cut and brown the sausage; boil the chicken; etc. Once the saute of onion is done, add the can of tomatoes, and four cups of liquid. Remove chicken once cooked and cut up into small pieces; pour pieces & broth into Dutch oven; remove sausage once browned and dab off the excess grease, pour sausage slices into Ductch oven. Add shrimp and seasonings. Simmer for 15 minutes or so. After the flavors blend, add the uncooked rice and two cups of water. Simmer 30-40 minutes until rice is cooked. (Stir regularly; keep an eye on the water content b/c the rice will absorb it during cooking; recipe should be be too dry nor too soupy). Voila!! Serve with french bread. So delish :)

I hope that made sense. It really is super easy and SO GOOD. Comfort food. Let me know what you think. Tonight I'm making potato/corn chowder with salad (and rolls; no roll for me though: I'd rather fill up on soup!) I'll let you know how it goes.

So Christmas has officially come and gone. I have pictures, not uploaded just yet, but I'll share soon. We've had a nice time playing games, figuring out all the techy-type gifts and eating fabulous food with delicious snacks BUT
I call this time the post-Christmas fall out. It's just a blah time for me. Ya know, kinda like laundry day after coming home from vacation; the vacation was great but settling back down is a bit of a buzz-kill. I guess it's the lack of insanity with all the hustle, bustle, excitement and the preparations/shopping/wrapping/etc. being done. It's the constant trash pick-up of packaging tidbits; small parts to games; and then the if-I-have-to-sweep-one-more-pine-needle craziness. Although I am looking forward to jumping onto the organization bandwagon and decluttering clothes & toys (again!), I can't wait to get the tree down! Tomorrow (Monday) I am going to work with the kids and get their bedrooms done so we can get the tree down during the Saints game. Does that make me a Scrooge? I just want a sense of peace and when my house is clean and mostly clutter-free I am at peace.

Maybe I should have asked for a cleaning fairy for Christmas???

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas; a Southern California Christmas --- beautiful clear skies about 65*, just perfect. Yesterday I was a wrapping fool and I managed to wrap w/o anyone sneaking in for a peek. Still have a few left but nothing that is overwhelming. I just wanted to share some pictures of the what it looks like around here........

 This is only 1/2 the house but it's a sample of the insanely tall tree that Collin decorates. You can't see the other tree; part of the yard; walkway. The rain has put a damper on him finishing the lights; makes for a grumpy Mr. Griswold.

 Grandma Hall's gifts; the kids can hardly keep their hands off even though I told them it was OK to eat the candy canes.

 The stockings are hung..........

 The cookies are made.............

 A Christmas with Scrooge has come to an end (our school 'family of friends' minus Skylar)

 but there remains more cookies to be made-- Chex Muddy Buddies; Chex Chili/Garlic Mix; and FUDGE!!! Ooooops, almost forgot to make the five cups/ambrosia salad for tomorrow. And coke-jello salad.

We'll head to church for Christmas Eve service; have some yummy homemade carnitas for dinner today and spend the evening playing games and watching 'It's A Wonderful Life'; tomorrow is the main event. Collin's prime rib, yorkshire pudding, garlic mashed potatoes, and more....

The only thing missing is extended family and SNOW.

BUT, in the words of Tiny Tim,

GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!

Merry Christmas to you all

Can you feel the hustle bustle of the city???? Yes, It's Christmas Time (not yet, let's get through Thanksgiving) in Londontown again!!!!

Thanksgiving time means so many things these days. It's truly a hustle and bustle like no other. Maggie and I have Scrooge rehearsals, Sean/Amanda/Ian are playing basketball,  and OF COURSE the turkey is in the fridge thawing while I shop for the ingredients to my favorite meal. We are cooking and my friend Sandee will be joining us since her kids will be with their Dad.

It also means SHOPPING for me. In the past I have prided myself on being finished with Christmas shopping BY Thanksgiving; not giving in to the sales and tempting holiday releases. Times have changed with me working and our finances being stretched. So, besides grabbing a stocking stuffer here and there I haven't really gotten much accomplished. I'm going to make a good effort to peruse the sale papers and make a shopping list, but the thought of getting up at oh-dark-thirty and fighting people who are hyped up on Starbucks isn't exciting. I am a happy shopper who understands that parking will suck, lines will be long, and product is limited SO MERRY CHRISTMAS PEOPLE; be nice and is losing the spirit of Christmas worth a few dollars, I think not.

For Collin, it means his annual transformation into Clark Griswold. He started thinking about lights and strategies for electric cords weeks ago. He even trimmed the tree out front b/c he wanted to make sure the lights would show up nicely. The majestic pine-type tree that he has procariously decorated from our rooftop for years has grown at least 6 ft. this year so I'm not sure how he is going to do it. (at least I don't WANT to know how) I mentioned NOT decorating it this year and he took it as a challenge. Silly, man. Yes, we have insurance. The notes we get from people saying 'you made our Christmas' and 'thank you for bringing some sparkle to our holidays' makes it all worth it. I'll update when it's complete so if you live near by you can drive by and enjoy his masterpiece.

In the meantime, I'm going to practice my lines and make a couple of things for tomorrow. Sandee will make her famous deviled eggs; Collin will do 'most' of the cooking. I'll make cranberry sauce and a pecan pie later today. What is your must-have favorite on Thanksgiving?

However, even with the hustle and bustle, I will NEVER forget where we were last Thanksgiving. I will NEVER forget to be thankful for health; the miracle of medicine; and the many blessings that God has given our family.

And I thought I was doing so well with getting back onto the bloggin' train near the end of September. Then I blinked. And now it's almost mid-November.

Let's see --- Amanda celebrated her 9th birthday; I celebrated a birthday; we had our 15th anniversary; we had Halloween; we did school book reports; we had Scrooge auditions; we had football and we are transitioning to basketball. Our house came off the market. And, I got something called A JOB! And Jerry Brown is governor again (I wish I was kidding about the last part.)

And my world has been rocked.

Yes, I know, women have been working mothers for years. Well, I HAVEN'T. I have been unemployed for 12 years. I was Queen of my Household Kingdom or whatever crap you want to call it. I was just starting to hit a good routine with volunteering, grocery shopping, meal planning, homework help, and all that comes with keeping the house going/ being a wife and mother. And it all came tumbling down.

I LOVE MY JOB. It's the best of the school world w/o the added stress. I get to work with the kids; help the teachers and get paid :) BUT I have quickly figured out that going to sleep 'early' is mandatory to get up at 6:30am. (bye, bye TV time....already deleted Private Practice from the cue; will likely give up on another show soon). Errands and house cleaning take up the bulk of my time when I'm not doing all my other responsiblities. Egads; it's a crazy shuffle. I am SO grateful that I am able to work around my kids' school schedule but we are all adjusting.

So that's where I've been. Online time is RARE, but I do have Facebook on my new Blackberry so I try to read a little here and there when I'm in the carpool pick-up line or find myself with a few minutes at a sports practice.

Already thinking about the yummy food plans for Thanksgiving while I think of quick-and-easy breakfast for my kids on school days; while I think about the healthy snacks I need to bring for grab-and-go at work; while I about what's for dinner the rest of the week; while I think that I should probably make my kids some lunch.  Multi-tasking at it's finest.

I'll send pictures soon, but that requires more time so don't hold your breath.

Question: What is a hot commodity?
Answer: An umbrella in the Hall household (one that isn't broken)

See, in SoCal, umbrellas aren't really used very much. Well - they are if you count their use for sword-fights, battles in the hose and fort building while they play Survivor. Finding one that WORKS properly when it is actually needed is nearly impossible.

Now that means I have to set foot into Target. GAH.......I'm hoping they have a little display right up front b/c my budget does not permit browsing.

So, it's the first day of October.

• Thought I could like of something profound or at least entertaining, but I got nothing. Nothing but strange, red blood shot eyes......they don't hurt, I got good sleep the last few nights, not painful, only slightly itchy. Things that make ya go hmmmmmmmmmm.
• Worked Volunteered in the library for a few hours today. I think that puts me at 10hrs. in there for the week. I find myself wanting to read lots of random kids' chapter books now; I might even try the Kingdom Keepers series.
• Ian is about to lose one of his top middle teeth. Catch-22 for me -- PLEASE lose the tooth b/c it is so gross; please don't lose the tooth b/c it is all big teeth and growing too fast from here on out.
• Amanda's birthday is quickly approaching. She is difficult to shop for.....she IS Punky Brewster. Ugh.
• Sean survived his history test; hopefully he'll have the grade soon.
• Maggie isn't thrilled that after back-to-school night I now have met her teachers and I know how to retrieve assignments and grades. That girl. Ay-yi-yi. (shocker (not!): her music teacher thinks she's going great.)
• We are having the strangest weather...........it was 110 over the weekend; has cooled into the 80s and daily there are random thunderstorms in the area; YET, it hasn't rained at my house. Loving that fact that I actually have to check the weather.

Oh lookie, I just created a blog post, albeit boring. Maybe I need to give you my opinion of Survivor this year. Maybe not.

Let's call this post Fifth Grade, Third Time Around
I remember very little about fifth grade. I remember I had Mrs. Kleppner. I remember that I did my first social studies/fair project on the Pyramids at Giza and the horrible time my Dad had cutting the triangles so they would fit together properly. I remember fifth grade was hard; reading comprehension issues made every subject a challenge from word problems in math to class speed reading with a little machine thingie on the board. I always failed those reading this/answer questions sections b/c I could NEVER keep up much less comprehend what was going on. Somehow I managed b/c my Mom wasn't one to help me with school work. If my brother couldn't help me with math, I was screwed. (THANK YOU Dale for being a good brother!)

The state standards are getting pushed into younger age brackets; they are doing some pre-algebra stuff as far as I'm concerned. Here in CA, 5th grade is hard too. Maggie made it through 5th grade well enough. And here we go again - Sean is in 5th grade. His teacher is awesome and a guru about organization and responsibility. Sean gets the pre-algebra stuff and seems to 'get' math overall. (thank goodness!) BUT (you knew there was a but!) he struggles with reading comprehension as I once did. So I'm delving into US History once again. I'm learning that I certainly didn't truly learn a lot OR I've forgotten a ton (I'll wager a little of both, but I did remember the capital of Kansas!). Sean has his first history chapter test tomorrow. We've been going over his study guides, re-reading the chapter and reviewing vocabulary. He is allowed a notes page so I'm typing it for him. There is such a fine line between feeling like I'm doing too much and letting him handle it on his own. I'm just not one of those sink-or-swim kind of Moms I guess. (I had one of those.) He can sit in the pool and tread water forever but he can't learn to butterfly if he isn't helped along. kwim? I absolutely WILL NOT do the work for my children (book reports, dioramas, science fair projects, etc.) but I feel like it's my job to guide them and help them along. He has studied and written out his notes page but I offered to type it for him so he will have it more clearly written. He told me how he wants it laid-out and how to outline stuff. All I'm doing is typing it b/c he has sports commitments.

So tell me, is typing it for him wrong? It's a notes paper. It's not a state project that he has worked on for six weeks and was expected to type himself. He has studied; he has written notes. I sat with him and went over the chapter/sections to make sure he got the BIG PICTURE. ( he tends to have a hard time analyzing stuff)

Am I fretting over this because my Mom didn't do a thing for me academically? (especially as I struggled to even tread water sometimes) She didn't go to parent teacher conferences, ferpetesake.

I am untying some apron strings with Maggie now in middle school. I'm letting her spread her wings (even if they need to be clipped a little). I want my kids to be confident learners so I will continue to guide them academically.

Just for today, I will be grateful that we have groceries and healthy food to eat; many people go hungry.

Just for today, I will be grateful that I have an education and can help my kids with their homework; no matter how tedious it may be.

Just for today, I will be thankful for my home (that is STILL on the market); some people have no shelter.

Just for today, I will be appreciate my four healthy children; just one year ago, one was VERY UN-HEALTHY.

Just for today, I will enjoy the Monday Night Football game, even though the Saints aren't in it (and they lost yesterday).

Just for today, I will SAVOR and appreciate the fact that I have AIR-CONDITIONING; many folks don't have a/c and today is simply miserable w/o it.

I have a clever football post, but since Blogger is not letting me add the photos once again. I'll wait until I can add them.

For now, I'll post about Maggie. You don't hear about her much so I thought I would share a little about what she's been up to. two words = MIDDLE SCHOOL! She started 7th grade on Sept. 2nd; she walks to school with friends; I have yet to be at the school once (and we are starting week three). It's a whole new time of adjustment for all of us. Not knowing who her teachers are and what she is 'really' doing during the day is weird. I'm at the elementary school so much that I know who is where at any given time; now, she is just out there in some mysterious land called MIDDLE SCHOOL. I'm anxious for back-to-school night so I can meet her teachers/ put a face with a name/ learn about their expectations/ and find out where her locker is. (b/c it's ALL ABOUT THE LOCKER, ya know)

She has re-connected with many friends that she has had from different activities that she didn't attend elementary school with. She has switched from trumpet to french horn in music; and loves it. She just finished participating in Oklahoma at our local community theater. Overall, she is learning to appreciate sleeping in (that's MY girl!), probably watches too much tv, and loves junk food. (sounds pretty typical, huh?) We butt heads a lot but that's probably b/c she is such a carbon copy of me.

And now I would like to formally apologize to my Mother...........Mom, if I was half as difficult as Maggie is to shop with, please accept my apology. Store choices, style choices, color choices, fabric choices, texture choices, $$$ choices - it's enough to make your head spin. And don't forget the game of  'it's too tight; it itches; it feels weird' when Mom suggests something that the daughter hates. I'm so sorry for being a pain.

I think Maggie forgets that I was once 12-1/2 too! Little did I know that I was walking away with a piece of my Mom's heart when I walked off to the bus stop each day.

You know your house is on the market (and you have a showing) if:
1) you can clean for five hours and you still can find little things to nit-pick and never be DONE!

2) you put apples on the table as a decoration when you ALWAYS keep them in the fridge b/c I hate room temp. apples.

3) you consider clearing the kitchen counter a success by dumping the mail and school papers into a plastic grocery bag and stashing it into the pantry (for sorting during Monday night football).

4) you think 'mopping' the kitchen floor with a hot, soapy dishtowel is perfectly acceptable.

and THE BEST ONE YET:

5) you stash the CLEAN dry laundry waiting to be folded INTO THE EMPTY WASHING MACHINE b/c it's out of sight :)

Sssshhhhhhhh.........did you hear that? ....................it's the sound of QUIET. Beautiful, soft silence. No television, no radio, no washer, no dryer, and no bickering children. It's sorta weird, yet peaceful.

School started last Thursday, but today was the first real day with no one getting out early or having to be there for late start. I didn't speak to one person today (I'm not counting Collin on the phone) until I went out to get a key made for Maggie. I'm not really a hobbit or anti-social, but I've really tried to step back on volunteering and the opportunities I have said 'yes' to haven't started yet. Just trying to manage the household; run errands; meal plan; and be less frazzled for the kids in the afternoon.....I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts. I even walked to the dog! I know all of our days won't be like this when assignments and projects hit into high gear.

For now, I'm off to make dinner and pretend I have perfect clothes & hair like June Cleaver. I'm probably more on the level of Debra from Everybody Loves Raymond though. (disclaimer: my mother-in-law is awesome and has actually taught me how to cook!)

There is one thing you should know about me by now; I'm a BIG football fan. Have been for years, but with my boys in the game now too I love it even more. Today was our big day -- certification and the Pep Rally. We do it all: logo stickers, tattoos, hair paint, clothing; I had face paint but ran out of time. Here is Amanda = Super Fan in the stands, ready to cheer on her brothers.

Sean is on Clinic Gold this year -- he's #12 and apparently too cool to give me a real smile. I still got his dimples.

And Ian with his super cool head coach/ aka Dad.

After meeting the teams, the 8th graders saluting their parents, watching the cheerleaders, and listening to Derrick Mayes briefly talk, we watched a short Kenny Chesney video linked with his song, The Boys of Fall. It is excellent (and it's bonus that Sean Payton is in it!)

Saturday's might be filled with blue and gold lightning bolts. BUT make no mistake, Sunday's are all about black and gold and fleur-de-lis -- WHO DAT!

So ----
in case you were wondering:
1) yes, we are moving. The house is on the market. Where we will end up is unknown at this point? For today I am focusing on maintaining the house and just enjoying the rest of the summer.

2) Amanda's MRI is Monday (8/23) with doctor follow-up in the afternoon. THANKS to everyone who has been so supportive over this time.

3) Football is in full swing. It's all football all the time with some travel baseball and Oklahoma theatre stuff thrown in.

4) The Pacific Ocean was 59* yesterday. Cramp-your-feet kind of cold! But the beach was still awesome. Even better that Sean packed the food/drink bag and all the beach stuff while I finished getting the house ready for showing. Planning more beach time next week b/c that's how we roll.

5) Book suggestion --- Five Little Monkeys Go Shopping --- great little math problem solving book while still being about that silly monkey family. Fun read aloud.

6) Another trip to Goodwill today -- that's five in about two weeks. I feel ten pounds lighter. Why is my butt still big?

My darling girlie.......Miss Amanda has come so far. Her independent, fiesty spirit has gotten her through so much over the last year. This time last year she was having lots of headaches and I thought it was because she needed glasses, so I scheduled an eye exam. Oh, how wrong I was. Still don't forgive myself for waiting.

I recently made her a scrapbook detailing her journey. She doesn't remember some of it; it's really interesting to hear her perspective on some things (especially since she couldn't talk for a while). This season on So You Think You Can Dance there was a dance that was choreographed that represented the choreographer's journey with his mother's illness..........it moves me everytime I watch. My heart just melts b/c it brings me back to Amanda's bedside; watching her struggle; and the two-steps-forward-one-step-back that recovery brings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm6MidMyFe8

Soak in the amazing dance that it is and then go hug your loved ones.

Another brain dump.....it's all I have energy for........

we are moving. Don't know when or where to, but it's in the near future. Made another Goodwill drop off today. Collin put sod in the front and painted a lot this weekend. I added a lot of flowers here and there along with decluttering.

Had a productive weekend with beach time on Friday and Monday. Can't complain about the beach. Newport had a SUPER low tide while we were there and we wound up with a little lagoon and sandbar. It was surreal.

Maggie's room is done including the closet, dresser, and desk. Moving will be easy, keeping it neat is the hard part for Mag. Working on the boys room currently. Why don't I feel like I'm accomplishing much.

First Oklahoma dress rehearsal tonight. Need to get ribbon for a sash.

Amanda's MRI is scheduled for 8/23 with doctor follow-up the same day.

No news on the job front for me.

What should I make for dinner? Needs to be re-heating friendly b/c the boys need to eat after football and we'll be at theatre.

Hate living in limbo, but Balboa bars make me happy.

Random brain dump --
Maggie is cooking breakfast and dinner this week. She conquered pancakes this morning. Tonight is chicken alfredo and steamed green beans. She has a menu; we need to grocery shop. I'm hoping she learns cooking skills and a new appreciation for making dinner and keeping every happy about the meal in front of them.

Need to schedule Amanda's MRI.

De-clutter 2010 continues.

The kids are watching videos from when they were babies. Things they are learning --- Sean talked funny and loved his pacifier; Amanda cried a lot; visiting Ohio is always fun whether winter or summer; seeing the cousins in the clothes that came to us as hand-me-downs is weird; we miss Grandpa Hall :*(

School starts in a month; I don't know if I can afford to feed these children for that long b/c they eat CONSTANTLY if we are home.

Need to hit Target for school supplies sale. And socks. And underwear.

I need to take advantage of that free bowling thing I signed up for.

Need to call the district about my job search.

And

Must be football season......

END of the road.......our journey comes to a close --

On Tuesday, we hit the movies with the Caludas. Toy Story 3 --- go see it. Entertaining, funny, and touching all wrapped in one. Then we headed to Bud's Broiler; YUMMY FOOD once again. (although my kids didn't really like it, the heathens) If you ever get a chance to visit one, get a #4 with sauce :)

We returned to my brother's house and I got ready for an evening out with friends from high school. We went to a place called Corks n' Canvas where you paint while you enjoy appetizers and wine. Yes, I said paint. Me. The non-artistic one. It was a blast!!!!! Such good company and fun to catch up with old friends. My painting turned out pretty good. I think Collin & Ron need to add this service to the wine bar on Sunday afternoons.

Then, it was our last day....sob! I retrieved Sean from the Caludas even though he wants them to adopt him. Then we hit the Black & Gold Store.....or should I say, SAINTS FAN HEAVEN. THANK YOU Grandma Hall for the vacation money which helped off-set the cost of their goodies. It's a good thing we live so far away from this store (I know they have a web-site, but I'm not telling that info. to the kids). Then we headed to my Mom's for some Popeyes and a little family time before heading to the airport. We spent some time playing outside together and enjoying some watermelon.

Then, cue homesickness. We headed to the airport. Landed smoothly at LAX. And immediately felt the rat race of SoCal. The weather is the happy ending.

(pictures updated on facebook)

Day Five & Six--
A quiet morning (if you want to call it that with eight kids in the house) at my brother's house. We attended a b-day party with them and the kids had fun. After enjoying another afternoon thunderstorm we made our way across the Causeway to the Northshore......Mandeville to be exact. And then it was adventures in BOY-LAND. Boys everywhere -- Kathlynn's four, my two, and lots of assorted neighbors. How does the old saying go? "It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt"......well, that someone would be Ian. He took a baseball bat to the head; scared the bejeeebers out of us, but he was just fine. With a nasty mark on his forehead. My homesick meter went up a few notches when I got to see the AMAZING homes in the area and the neighborhoods with tons of kids, no fences, and pick-up games galore. Just how it should be. Add in some sweat and a few bugs. Popeyes for dinner was the icing on the cake.

Sunday was more of the same but even better. Woke up to the kids sharing some Beatles RockBand. Add in some home cookin'--BLTs for lunch and Joe's awesome grilled burgers for dinner. Loads of soccer for the boys; Sean was even so busy he skipped dinner. Yes, skipped dinner. Maggie savored every moment at the piano that she could; we REALLY need to get her lessons; she is such a natural. After dinner we took the kids for a quick dip in the pool and then shared watermelon by moonlight.

Can you say perfect summer days! (except for Ian's sore head)

(side note: Sean has asked to move to New Orleans; he said he didn't even mind the humidity!)

Day Four - Part Deaux --

So we arrived at my brother's Sat. evening. My Mom was there and she was able to enjoy seeing all eight grandkids together for the first time. A little crazy, but mostly just plain fun. We got take out from R&O's; heaven on wrapped in white paper, I tell ya........R&O's special = roast beef, ham and swiss, DRESSED, lot's o' gravy. I was just a tad happy. It wasn't ALL about the food, but it was certainly a highlight.

Seeing the cousins together and spending time as a family was really nice. My brother and sister-in-law are so welcoming. That's not easy when you are adding four kids to their four -- kids ages 12, 10, 8, 7, 6, 3, 2. So taking a picture was a little crazy.

See, the pictures on facebook b/c blogger is still being a PAIN.

Where was I? Oh, yeah -- Day FOUR, Part One

Cajun country continued -- we headed to Vermillionville near Lafayette, LA. It is a cultural center celebrating southern Louisiana history. It has quiant little buildings showing us what life was like many years ago from the kitchen to the schoolhouse to the church and more. (For all you CA folk, it's like doing a field trip about the gold rush.) We meandered the grounds and mid-way through a spectacular thunderstrom blew in. It was fantastic; complete with pouring rain ("it's raining side-ways") and loud, booming thunder. The kids didn't care. The water was warm and perfect to run in; jump in puddles; and try to catch a raindrop or two. My kids sampled fresh figs right off the tree and we were treated to an old-fashioned Cajun Jam on the way out. Lots of toe tappin' and hand clappin'; we absolutely loved it. Completely soaked, we headed to lunch at Prejean's (pronounced Pray-zhon) for the BEST LUNCH EVER. Sean tasted fried frog's legs and fried alligator; loved it! I had crawfish etoufee and a crawfish pie; holy cow, SO GOOD!

On the road again, Saturday afternoon we bid a fond farewell to the Poynot family and headed back to Metairie to visit my brother and his family. More cousin time. Day Four, part two to come soon.

(sorry Blogger isn't letting me add, yet again, GRRRR!) Check the Facebook album for pics ;)

Aaaahhhhh, SUMMER
What does it mean to you?
For me,
it's days at the beach and never-ending beach towel laundry.
it's beautiful summer fruit ESPECIALLY watermelon.
it's thinking about everything I eat b/c I have to fit into a bathing suit.
it's sleeping in and lazy mornings except for the much anticipated week of VBS.
it's finally de-cluttering random baskets, papers, mail, and such......even though it means passing the Disney videos to the Goodwill box.
it's washing cars in the evening so we can cool off and have water fights.
it's having a crazy expensive electric bill and a constantly running a/c.
it's Angels baseball, the Tour de France, and Irvine Chargers football (eight more days 'til it starts)!

What does summer mean to you...........

I think this cat is looking at me (but I only wear crocs for yard work) It's been a STUPID day ---well if you want to call it that. It's just that awful first day back from vacation. I don't have mounds of laundry; it's just the slap-in-the-face of reality in general. House needed to be cleaned; kids arguing over the Wii; I'm incredibly homesick for NOLA; Ian broke my painting frame; and then the container of freshly-made sweet tea decided to unload in my fridge and fill the door shelves and every other nook and crannie. Like I said a stooooopid day.

I'll get back to more daily pics. of our trip soon, but seeing the photos will likely just make me more homesick. So for now, I'm going to bed and hoping for a less stupid day tomorrow.

Day THREE -- Bayou Babes!
We arrived in Broussard Thursday evening so on Friday we had tons of time to just visit and FINALLY (as Mia says) be there at the Poynots' home. And what a fun time. Amanda and Mia are attached at the hip; we think they have the same brain b/c if Mia says 'hot cocoa' then Amanda must have 'hot cocoa'. etc., etc. It's really fantastic to see their bond --- they are pen pals and just adore each other.
Then there is TEAM TROUBLE aka Sean and Matthew. Both 10 yrs. old, goof balls, and sports fantatics. Sean was beyond thrilled to be introduced to air soft guns. They are basically so funny together b/c they are what you imagine to be 'typical little boys'....laughing, playing, and wrestling every minute. (and they eat a lot too!)

Here is my AMAZING, beautiful, talented and loving friend Kelda. She gave Maggie another quick lesson in knitting; now Maggie is really rolling on a scarf (or something) and she can even make basic corrections. Kelda's home-schooling store is incredible; she cooks & bakes from scratch; and she has the patience of a saint. I want to be her when I grow up.

Our fish fry was the PERFECT dinner before our evening swamp tour. Right in Breaux Bridge (pronounced bro-bridge for all you non-Cajun folk) we took off for an evening on the water --- tupelo and cypress trees, spanish moss, egrets, ibis, frogs and even a few gators. The sights and sounds of sunset in the swamp was breathtaking. I was so happy that my kids got to experience something that is so different from the SoCal way of life.

Sean had quite the keen eye and spied this 2yr. old gator that had just caught a fish next to our boat. Our guide did a little fake bait thing to get him moving; boy was it fast!

Then our guide scrambled over and grabbed this little thing out of nowhere. He said he 'saw the weeds moving' ......huh? OK, thanks ---the kids got to touch this one year old. And then we released it to the safety of its home.

We dodged a thunderstorm, but the thunder and lighting was quite spectacular. And we didn't melt, but it sure felt like we were going to.

Day Two -- It's COUSIN time!!!!!!
Did I mention it's HOT.....like sweat dripping down the back of your legs while you are sitting in the shade. Oh, sorry, too much information. I'll move on to the pictures.
the three girl cousins (on my side of the family).....absolutely precious bonding through City Park

this is Dominic, my brother's 7yr. old.......trying not to melt as we waited for the train.

the eight Moore cousins (ages 12,10,8,7,6,6,3,2)...the first time they have all been together. It was really cool to just watch them smoosh together and go with it; Maggie is wondering if we can fit 3yr. old Daphne into her backpack to take her home.

Beautiful City Park---lots of green trees, spanish moss, and a little breeze (well, from the train ride at least). We pretty much closed down the amusement park at 3pm but not without grabbing sno-balls first! Maggie's first cherry sno-ball.......she is already asking for a root beer one next.

We headed to Cajun Country aka Broussard; where the Poynots live. Kelda is my long lost Southern sister. I am so glad we made this trek. And so are the kids. Amanda and Mia are attached at the hip; the boys are in heaven.

Day Three photos to come soon.

THE BIG EASY - Day One

Well, typing this post would be Easier if my E wasn't sticking -- grrrr!

The kids and I are off on a vacation to visit family and friends in Southern Louisiana. It's humid, hot and sticky but nothing a little a/c can't resolve. We were busy with the Children's Museum (including an impromptu tour of the surrounding streets/Superdome/Tulane Med. center b/c I got lost!)

A walk around the Jackson Square/Moonwalk/Cafe Du Monde

and listening to the steam Calliope from the Natchez.

A great day topped off with fried crab claws, a warm bath and our friends' air-conditioned house.

I've really never really been an avid reader. When I was a kid, ready for pleasure was not something I would ever choose to do. My brother read a ton and I just never understood WHY he would enjoy it. Fast forward the college and reading for pleasure never happened b/c I was constantly reading for school and holy cow did that make my brain hurt. Then I discovered children's literature.....it was magical. I loved that class and I had a whole new appreciation for where stories could take you - Dear Mr. Henshaw and Bridge to Terabithia opened my world. And Charlotte's Web! Good stuff.

So, I thought I would try to expand my closed mind and READ for pleasure. I read a few true crime books and a couple from Iris Johansen. Not a bad start, but not really hooked. Then I had kids. I absolutely wanted them to learn to love books. We read a lot --- The Big Red Barn and Barnyard Dance are burned into my memory banks. We visited the library often and participated in storytimes, etc. It was just that having four different reading levels had made reading a chore again. I have always read to the kids but it really tapered off b/c I was burnt out, bedtime routine got SUPER LONG, and how many times can you really read Hop on Pop (same story, different kid)? Yet still made library trips b/c I wanted them to love books. We listen to books on CD when we travel, even. (you MUST listen to the Hank the Cowdog series, so funny and clever!)

Fast forward to school age.........and I feel defeated. All my elementary school struggles came raring back with having to READ for homework and read BECAUSE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO. Add in book reports.........boom, all the fun got sucked out. AND my kids feel the same way. They all love to be read to, but to read for pleasure or to get through an assignment is pure torture.

So, I made a conscious decision about a year ago, I need to set the example by reading for pleasure MYSELF. Bah, but who has the time??? I found the James Patterson 1,2,3,4 Women's murder club series at a garage sale---I snagged all four for a $1 total. I buzzed through the first three and then was introduced to the Twilight series. I read Twilight in a week, HUH, me??? I finished that series, read a few assorted chick lit. books, a true crime book, and now I'm back into the Women's Murder Club series. I started book 4 in February and now I'm up to book 8 -- how'd that happen??? AND I stopped and read The Time Traveler's Wife and Suzanne's Diary for Nicolas (while I was waiting for book 7 at the library).

I think my plan is working. The kids were stunned when I picked up book 8 this week. "Wow, Mom that was fast. What's happening in this one?" We all have been reading daily. I've been told that more practice will help with their reading struggles. I'm trying. Currently, Maggie is reading Dream Factory; Sean is reading Babe Ruth & the Baseball Curse; Amanda is reading Night of the Ninjas (Magic TreeHouse series); and Ian's two books from today were The Gardener by Sarah Stewart and Hot-Air Henry by Mary Calhoun. I read with Sean and Amanda so I can review comprehension with them. Ian is working on Dick and Jane stuff, too. BUT I am still working to find reading time for myself. I have become the creepy, book lady --- I carry my book in my purse all the time. I read during breaks at theatre, waiting for doctor appts., baseball practice, and occasionally when I have a few minutes and I'm not too sleepy.

Still waiting for the day when my kids become readers-for-pleasure. I can only keep trying. It only took me 40 years.

Where have I been? Well, I know where I haven't been -- exercising, but something had to be dropped from the schedule for a bit. A busy week and now we are heading into a busy summer, but it's all good. It started with dance recital for the girls on 6/17. Then on Sunday, Sean and his friends on the Blue Angels won the USSSA State Championship in baseball. It was spectacular to watch and even better that there snack bar has a/c and beer :) (Hey, I waited until after the game to cool off; give me some credit!) He's moving on to 5th grade; he's getting to big for my comfort zone.

Maggie had a busy week of 6th grade activities and then she had her promotion-to-middle-school ceremony on Wednesday. I was calm, settled, and happy UNTIL her amazing teacher got up to say a few words before giving the certificates. She began by singing to them; yes, singing to them. Ms. Hager is so talented and sang to them & with them often. You guessed it --- I lost it. Music is so important to me and to see how it connected her to her students was inspiring. What a great teacher; I'm thrilled that she 'got' Maggie and brought out the best in her.

So in seven months ---Amanda was able to get back onto the dance and theatre stage (currently in Wizard of Oz) and finish her school year strong by passing another speed/math quiz. She is going to do a reading clinic for a bit this summer and we have lots of library trips planned. She is going on to 3rd grade. She continues to amaze us.

and Ian.................he is officially a 1st grader.........sniff! He loves life and is pretty much up for anything. Especially if it involves water like swimming or the beach, but he'll settle for water guns or the sprinkler too. A true California boy!

We've only had a few 'real' summer days since they got out on last Wed. Just mostly hung out; swam a bit; did some errands. AND everyone is still alive. Even the fleas that are currently making me crazy.

(I've been saving this for days with hopes that blogger would let me add more pictures, but it won't. Grrrr!)

Stay tuned -- I might not be so chipper next time I post.

PERSPECTIVE........
I truly try to be a glass 'half-ful' kind of gal, the key word being try! It's not always easy and there some days when I'm done - I say I'm done - and the glass isn't just empty, it doesn't even have any lingering drops of water at the bottom.

We are finishing up school with tests and projects; heading into dress rehearsals for Wizard of Oz; prepping for dance recital next week; practicing for baseball and next week's tournament; going on field trips; and most importantly, GETTING READY FOR SUMMER! From my perspective, the kids are growing rapidly and next (school) year brings a new chapter to my life with having a middle-schooler and all of the other three in full-time. But for now, I'm reflecting on what this year has brought to our family......

Maggie --- she has grown so much (even though she's still short, lol!) and has taken her role as big sister to a new level. Her bond with Ian is incredible and she has really understood the severity of Amanda's hospital ordeal. She even spoke yesterday at an assembly promoting the KidsWhoCare club; and about how they came and sang Christmas carols to us and brought a card quilts and toys for Amanda in the hospital. She is still a fiesty 12yr. old, but I see such amazing things in her. She is ready to grab middle school by the horns (literally, too b/c she is switching from trumpet to french horn next year).

Sean -- he's my dude; he makes me laugh and gives me headaches all at the same time. He has worked hard on lots of things this year from reading to math and beyond. His writing has improved and he has started to discover that math is pretty cool. His true passion is sports (and not school), he works hard at whatever job he is given; including being deligent about taking the trash out b/c he has also discovered the beauty of an allowance. At 10yrs. old, he's as strong as an ox and he wears his heart on his sleeve.

Amanda -- my little miracle; a fighter; and independent soul. To say she is amazing just puts it so simply. It hit me yesterday! As I was curling her hair and putting makeup on her face for dance recital pictures, my heart lept. We've done this same routine for years with dance and theatre, but this year it's different. She has fought SO HARD to be where she is now. She is dancing on the stage (and getting ready to perform in theatre) when seven months ago she couldn't sit up unassisted; she couldn't talk; she couldn't eat. It takes my breath away. She got a 100% on her math quiz last week; it was combo add & subtract..........she is upset b/c most of the kids in her class are doing multiplication quizzes. Perspective, girlie ---one step at a time, my sweet one. She is spunky and stubborn and I love her to pieces.

And Ian -- he's the little dude. Kindergarten is bittersweet; they go in as little five year olds and come out as big thinking six year olds who have reading skills and new teeth! He has loved every minute of school from his friends to his teacher to big buddies (with Maggie). There is lots of talk about what first grade will bring and my heart melts a little. From my perspective, he will always be my baby; from his perspective, he's BIG but he loves being the baby. When I see him crash on the couch for a nap from the exhaustion of play/swim/life, it is a reminder of how much he is still growing and how so very soon he'll only nap when he's sick or old enough to be a teen-ager (ack!).

I'm writing this so on the days when my glass is empty (along with my wallet) I can get reach deep and change my perspective. To see, that I have a lot to be thankful for. To have a glass thats FULL or at least half-ful, especially if it contains a margarita.

Winning the war, one battle at a time........

well, that isn't the best way to think about food and kids, but you can understand where I'm coming from as a parent. I know, I know. Pick you battles. Food was never a battle I was fighting; I have always gone with the montra 'it's my job to feed you healthy food, it's your job to eat it' OR in simpler terms 'fine - don't eat. You don't get anything else.' They both work.

I have never made seperate meals for my kids. If we were eating something new or 'unusual', I always made sure that there was SOMETHING they would eat. Yes, that means they sometimes had fruit for dinner and nothing else. They have all survived; no one has starved. YET. I'm still trying lots of new recipes.

It seems that offering lots of things through the years is slowly paying off. Take the evolution of red beans and rice ---- it started out as red beans (in a small bowl so it didn't touch the other items on the plate), plain white rice, sausage bites on the side, carrot sticks, and a roll. And you can guess what got eaten. But I kept at it. No self-respecting Southern girl would have children who don't eat red beans and rice!!!!!!! I'm SO HAPPY to say that last night every single one of my kids ate red beans and rice together in a bowl (Sean even ventured into adding Tabasco). Now, they did only each eat ONE BITE of the creamed spinach and no one died......I'll keep working on that one. See, it's an evolution.

I'm learning to be happy and NOT complain about what my kids eat. Today for lunch Ian ate one leftover bbq chicken leg, some carrot sticks/cucumber slices/red bell pepper slices, strawberries and a cup of peach yogurt. Unless you think I'm being smug, I'm only happy he eats like this because it has to cancel out all the candy running through his veins.

For the record, I don't consider myself a Food Nazi. The kids usually eat ice cream after school every day. Home-made sweet tea is probably their favorite drink; and drinking milk means adding Nesquik. And you don't want to know about fast food/pizza/baseball snack bar junk. However, the big picture involves lots of home-cooking, new recipes, and an introduction to sno-balls in New Orleans this summer.