Washington D.C. part one

...Washington D.C. was such a great place for us to go. It had everything and more. We didn't get to see everything but we saw a lot--especially with two young boys. Here is a recap, Part 1.

Tuesday:

We arrived at Baltimore Airport around 11 am. We then took a train to Union Station in D.C. where we grabbed lunch at Johnny Rockets, a cute diner-type that served great hamburgers and milkshakes. The metro was next, taking us to our hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

Next, as funny as it may sound, we went to the mall. There was a mall just a block or two away from our hotel and Noah needed new shoes (how it got past me that his sandels were way too small for him I'll never know) so we found him some sandals and went to the CVS for drinks. Little did we know that we would be returning to that mall several more times that week.

That night, Noah started complaining of his tooth hurting. I gave him some tylenol and thought it would be better in the morning.

Uh, no. Poor guy was crying on and off all night because of his tooth. Not good.

Wednesday:

Seth knew we needed to find a dentist but we also had our White House Tour that morning around 8:30 am. So we basically bribed our child with a new Webkins if he could tough it out an hour or two. So, Noah did as well as he could have considering the circumstances. Half way through the tour, he had had it but he stuck it out.

The White House was interesting. My favorite thing was seeing the John F. Kennedy portrait. It was beautiful. Seth loved the history. I think he could have spent hours there, if it were allowed. Unfortunately, Rhett had to go to the bathroom, so the second half of the tour was sped up. :)

We found a cafe after the tour and had another breakfast while Seth called our insurance so he could find a dentist. After several tries, they found one at the mall close to the hotel! So back to the mall we went where the dentist found an infection in Noah's molar. The infection most likely started with the cavity that wasn't completely cleaned out before it was filled earlier this year. We were not happy with our own dentist, that is for sure. But Noah was a trooper and he and Rhett both got a Webkins for their troubles.

After eating ice cream for lunch (Noah's mouth was numb), we went to the Smithsonian area and went to the American History Museum.

a note: Daddy's shoulders and back was one way we got the boys to do all the things we wanted to do. The boys took turns on Seth's back when we knew we had to walk a long way. Sometimes, Noah would ride on my back and Rhett would ride on Seth's. We considered it just something we had to do to keep them from complaining too much. For the most part, they really did well when they had to walk. I don't know how Seth's back held up so well. :)

***

The front of the American History Museum: Rhett's favorite exhibit in the museum was about President Lincoln. He and Seth could have spent all afternoon in there. Noah was tired so he and I moved quickly through it so we could find a bench to sit. We also saw Kermit and the ruby red slippers, ect. but my favorite was the original Star Spangled Banner. It had recently been cleaned and put in a new exhibit where it was placed on a slight 10 degree angle as to not put any stress on it. No photography was allowed either. another note: I took more pictures of other things, but honestly, they weren't that great and you can go to the website and see everything, so I won't bother putting them here.

Two tired boys outside of the museum: ***

As if our day wasn't full enough, we decided to go look at the memorials on the mall that evening. We weren't disappointed.

This is a view of the Washington Monument when we started out.

This was the view when we finished, all lit up and beautiful.

A nice woman took our picture in front of the Washington Monument. Notice the left side of Noah's mouth is a little swollen.

One of my favorite pictures. Seth took this of the boys looking straight up at the monument.

***

The World War II Memorial was so beautiful and poignant. It was huge, with a fountain pool in the middle and plaques like the one above to tell the story of the war. I thought of my grandfathers when I saw a few older men who I imagined were in the war or who had friends in the war. I felt pride and sadness at the same time.

Rhett, kneeling to read a memento left by someone.
***
The closer we walked to the Lincoln Memorial, the more majestic it seemed to become. This is the reason I loved going at night. It was amazing. The boys walked the whole mall because they knew Lincoln was the goal. They were mesmerized by the sight of Lincoln.

When we got there, President Lincoln seemed so huge. And that is when Noah said, "Ok, can we go back to the hotel now?"

After walking another 15 minutes to the metro (mostly carrying the boys at this point) and another 10 minute ride to the hotel, our day ended and the excitement of the next on everyone's mind. Ok, it was just on my mind.

And that is where I am ending this for today. More for you tomorrow!

hello

...Today we got home from our vacation to Washington DC. It was wonderful! We saw many sites, walked many miles, ate too much expensive food and we even got to see my sister Krista and her family for a couple of days too! We packed in a lot for 8 days of vacation and now we are home and tired.

Noah, today on the plane: When I get home, I am going to kiss the ground.

I think he was ready to get home. We all were. That is a sign of a good vacation, right?

I'll post pictures and details soon, but my sis already has posted some pictures so go over to her blog to see them. They are so good!

not going to have to worry about this one

... Today, Rhett and Noah were playing the Wii when all of the sudden, Rhett ran in to where I was and said, "Mom. I was trying to say 'ships' but something else came out. I think you know what I mean. The bad word. I didn't mean to do it!! It was an accident, I promise."

***
Here are some pictures of my sons, pre-haircuts. Noah's hair is getting so blond! Now they have spiky short hair and they are loving it. And no, I can't get one picture where one of them isn't being extra silly.

After this shot, Rhett starts laughing. "I almost kissed you Noah! Ha! Ha!"

summer playlist on repeat

"There's nothing to do."

"What are we going to do next?"

"Can we play the Wii?"

"Can we watch TV?"

"I'm hungry."

"I'm bored."

"Do we have to go run errands?"

"Can we go play with ________?"

"Rhett, you're mean!"

"Noah, leave me alone!"

"Mom?!?"

"Aww!"

oh well

...National Pollinator Week is almost over and I am sad to say I really haven't done anything with the boys to help celebrate it. I have reasons though:

1. It is just too hot.

2. We were going to go to the blackberry farm but no blackberries yet. A freeze in April killed all the peaches, so no peach orchard either. Bummer.

3. The farmer's market is during the time they have swimming.

4. Did I mention how hot it is? I did? Well, it is hot enough for me to say it again.

5. The botanical garden is probably even hotter.

6. Our sprinkler system is on the fritz, so I have had to spend my mornings watering the lawn.

Do you really need more reasons?

Even the best laid plans...what is the end of that saying? I don't know...can't think...too hot...

Just in case you missed this:

...In response to my post yesterday:

Someday, historians will be able to tie the invention of t-ball to the start of the decline of western civilization. Baseball is a game of hitting a thrown ball, catching it, and throwing. Two or three years of glorified baby sitting and free snow cones does absolutely nothing as far as learning baseball. So don't worry about it. Just get ready for when try-outs and player drafts take place later when all the non players get culled and start taking flute lessons. -from my dad

Oh and he wrote this too:

not that there's anything wrong with playing the flute.


(Probably because 2 of his daughters played the flute. But honestly, I was not offended. It just made me laugh harder).

i interrupt National Pollinator Week

...for an important post. Or just one for things I would like to get off my chest.

1. Boys. I thought they were supposed to be drama-free. Not like girls. With the mean-spirited "friends", the leaving other kids out, the "I'm better than you are" haughtiness. My boys are the sweetest, friendliest, most loyal friends you could ask for. But unfortunatley, that means they are going to be the ones left out, whether intentional or not. They aren't part of the click because of some reason or another. I realized yesterday, I am going to have to start having more playdates. And I am one who doesn't usually do playdates. But I don't want my kids to feel the way they are feeling.

2. Baseball. Why, oh why, do the youth baseball organizations not have tryouts? Instead they allow teams to be put together by parents and the kids who aren't on a team are "leftovers" and sadly, most of them aren't experienced. Rhett, who has played for 4 years and knows the rules of the game pretty well, just hasn't had any luck with getting on a well-rounded team. I am sad for him because he feels he has to do all the work while playing the game and other teams are filled with star players and it isn't fair because they don't get any better playing teams that have kids that mostly are just now learning to bat. Have I ranted about this before? Sorry if I have, but it just really bothers me!

back to regular scheduled posts....

butterflies

...Today I am showing you pictures of my butterfly garden. I have seen a couple of butterflies here and there and hopefully, later in the summer there will be even more. I also hope it will look even better then.

Butterflies are considered pollinators, although they aren't as efficient as bees. Alas, there population is also declining because of pesticide use, diseases and changing land uses. The US Forest Service International Program is planning on doing something about this, if they haven't already. Parterning with 4-H, Future Farmers of America and Farms Bureaus, they want to restore milkweek and prairie plants around ditches, fields and roads. They are also helping communities in Mexico and helping the younger generation learn conservation practices for pollinators, such as the Monarch Butterfly.

There are all sorts of places that you could buy your own butterfly culture to start your own butterfly habitat, but I don't know if I agree with that. I think just by planting flowers that produce a lot of nectar and not using harmful pesticides will be a way to help, don't you? Butterflies have a way of finding the flowers they need. I also tell the neighbor kids not to catch the butterflies with their fingers (rubs off their magic dust!) and not to pick the flowers.

I plan on taking the boys to the botanical gardens this week and also the blackberry farm, but because of the heat, it may have to wait. (Rhett's heat rash=no fun outside)

Oh and I did find a site where I could buy milkweek seeds. Of course, I couldn't plant them until November, but that is okay. I also found a site where there is a picture of the common milkweed:

the honeybee

(image from National Geographic)

Today is the first day of National Pollinators Week. I promise I will post everyday this week about different pollinators. The first is, of course, the honeybee. The honeybee is the only insect that produces food eaten by humans. The females are the ones who do all the work. They lay the eggs and guides the behavior of the other bees (Queen) and they forage for food, take care of the hive and perform other social functions (workers). The males are called drones and their job is to mate with the queen. After that, they are expelled. Poor males. They don't even have a stinger!

Honey is considered one of the safest foods because most harmful bacteria cannot live in it for any length of time. Of course, if babies under 1 eat honey, it can be fatal. It takes 1000 bees to gather a pound of honey.

Because bees help fertilize many of our amazing foods, such as apples, almonds, blueberries and cherries, their direct value to U.S. agriculture is more than $14 billion dollars (and it could be even more). So it is no wonder why we should be doing everything we can to save these little critters.

Here is a great video on how wild bees can help managed hives and also help pollinate crops.

Here are some ways to help the honeybee:

You could become a beekeeper, but most of the people I know won't go for that. Honestly, neither will I. So, instead plant your garden with bee-friendly plants. Did you know that Willow trees provide bees with a good source of food? They do! You could also encourage local authorities to plant bee-friendly plants in public gardens or spaces.

Buy local honey. Not only will it help with your allergies, it also supports local beekeepers and most likely would be pure and raw. If you don't have access to local honey, I would say just make sure your honey is raw, not just pure. Raw means it is not heated in any way. Heating honey destroys all the good qualities.

Bees are mostly gentle and rarely attack. If you see a swarm, do not spray it with water! Instead call the authorities who probably know what to do. Also, bees do not like the smell of alcohol or the smell of "leather" clothing. They also see dark clothing as a threat. If you see a bee hovering around you, stay calm and don't run away flapping your arms! Just calmly back away, preferably into some shade. They'll soon lose interest.

Have a bee-u-tiful day.

to our Dads

Dear Dads,

Happy Father's Day! We are sorry we aren't in Friona to give you each a hug in person. We are also sorry you won't get a card from us and your gifts won't be arriving on time.

But instead of focusing on what you won't have (us, the card or a gift), let's focus on how lucky we are to have such great fathers in our lives.

My Dad:
The other day Seth said he wanted me to watch him change the oil in my car because he thought I said it would make my dad proud. All I could remember is my dad getting so angry that I couldn't even check the oil in my car (my big brown olds). I tried and tried to get the dipstick back in the place it belonged but just couldn't. Dad was none too happy to have to do it for me (and show me how for the millionth time). So, then I got mad. We stayed mad at each other for a couple of hours. (I promise, it gets better). Then, I remember him getting up, coming into the kitchen where I now was (making a giant cookie for something that doesn't concern us in this story) and asking if he could have a little. I said no. (Well, it was for someone else). But, then I said he could have some of the smaller cookie that I made from leftover batter. He smiled. I smiled. And all the anger melted away. (See, a happy ending). So the point to this story is even though he may be proud if I could change the oil, I don't think it matters (which is good because there is little chance that I will learn, sorry). What matters is that my dad loves me for who I am and is always there for me when I need him. There are times when, as a parent, it will be so difficult to have to show your child something over and over but you do it. Because you know you have to. And Dad, you'll be glad to know that I do know how to check the oil now. I still am better in the kitchen than I'll ever be in a garage but that has got to better anyway. I Love you Dad.

Seth's Dad:
I remember when Seth and I broke up for awhile (way back in high school). Seth's parents stood back and never said much about it. A few months later, we got back together. I was happy. Seth was happy. I didn't realize (until years later) that Seth's dad and mom were happy too. In fact, Seth said that his dad told him that if Seth were to ever let that girl go again, he would kick his butt. The point to this shorter story is that Seth's dad also loves me for who I am.

;)

Just kidding. I mean, I know he loves me and that story is true, but really the point is that Seth's dad let Seth make his own decisions and knew when he should step in and knew when he should stay by the sidelines. That has to be one of the toughest things as a parent. When do we bite our tongues? When do we say something? Sammy knew when to say something at the right time. We were back together and Seth knew it came from love. And luckily, there has been no butt-kicking because almost 11 years later, we are still together. :) We love you Sammy!

Have a wonderful Father's Day.

Love, Seth and Aimee

PS- Rhett and Noah say Happy Grandfather's Day!!

today

.. is spending a lot of time at the pool (so hot outside...need water...lots of sunscreen...and shade).

It is printing off coupons for prescriptions that cost too much to make sense. But coupons! Wow. I only wish I had found this out a year ago.

It is enjoying the ice cream that I made yesterday. No, we don't have a new ice cream freezer yet. We already have a small one (makes 1 quart, which really, isn't a lot). Seth wants a big one. However, I have been looking and thinking about ice cream freezers so much that I just had to get out our small one and make a batch. Yummy Chocolate Orange Mint. It was delicious last night and I am sure it will be equally yummy today. I have pictures that I will share later today or tomorrow.

It is catching up on laundry. Lots of laundry.

It is enjoying a break from sports.

It is letting the boys enjoy the wii.

It is figuring out what to do after the wii.

Have a great day.

i'm sleepless

...The past two days I have found that I don't want to go to bed. I am tired for sure, but something holds me back. I realized today why. The tree we planted in memory is a crape myrtle and I can't wait until it has flowers. They are a deep pink. I am feeling fine-- just having a little woolgathering moment or two.

I think I am going to take a nice warm shower and then try to go to sleep. I would skip the shower (since it is midnight) but I took the dogs for a walk and I smell like slobber, courtesy of Brinkley. He is a complete spaz when we walk but he has a lot of fun. I guess that is what matters. Scout is all business and makes sure I never keep up with her.

The boys had their first day of boredom. It was hot outside, none of their friends were around and I was busy (see other post frome earlier today). Rhett went to bed thinking life stinks. I told him it is all in the attitude of the person and tomorrow has to be better. But what I was thinking was, "You got to watch tv, play the wii and play with your toys all day! Why does life stink again?" Sigh. I feel old.

ice cream sounds great in this heat

...For Father's Day, Seth wants an ice cream freezer. I am very excited about this. Recently, I have found this recipe, which makes me want to get this book and I am definitely going to start reading his blog. (Don't you love when I send you to link after link? Just thought I would give you something fun to do).

Today though, I am going through my many, many magazine recipes and deciding what to keep and what to recycle. I love cooking new things and baking yummy desserts that I have never tried before, but how many recipes for hot molten lava cakes must I have to realize that I haven't made them yet and probably won't as long as I have a neighbor who can make them wonderfully. (I don't like competing). So, bye-bye. (All except one). And no more polenta recipes. I have tried to like it and tried hard to make it but, well, it just isn't happening my friends. See you later recipes for the cornmeal mush.

And I am going to just keep one recipe for meatloaf (the one we like best) because really, do I need to try 10 of them? No. Also, no more recipes for pasta. I have a wonderful cookbook (Giada DeLaurentes) that has all my favorites so I know I won't be trying anything else.

Do you see why I need to be going through all my recipes?

It is a good day to do this because it is hot outside. It is only going to get hotter but the rest of the week, we have to be outside for one thing or another. Today, we don't. So we won't.

Oh and I can't forget to tell you how the boys did on Saturday. Noah swam in his first swim meet. He only competed against one other child (The 6-year old division is very small) and he won 1st and 2nd in the breaststroke and freestyle, respectively. He was so excited! I was proud. He made it without stopping once and also put on some speed! Yay! He also played in his first t-ball game and did really well. He hit the ball hard and although he didn't see much action in the outfield, he stayed alert (meaning he did not play in the dirt!).

Rhett played in his first baseball game as well on Saturday (during the swim meat so he did not get to participate in that). He caught a fly ball and tagged a player out. He also hit a double! Seth was really proud of him.

Grandparents, I am just letting you know that I will be emailing you a schedule of games just in case you want to come watch. Who wouldn't want to watch in the near 100 degree heat and humidity? I don't know. ;)

I'll try not to stay away from the blog so long this time. Hopefully, I'll snap some pictures this week too.

Bye!

banana allergy and other things

...Last night, I was eating a banana and the top of my mouth started itching! This has happened before but only if I eat a banana, whole and by itself. So today, I looked it up and I guess because proteins in fruit are similar to proteins in pollen, many times one can get an allergic reaction when eating a specific fruit, especially during allergy season. Huh. Learned something new today!

Week one of summer just flew by. The boys are enjoying every moment: playing in the sandbox, swimming, staying up late, sleeping in, watching tv in the morning...everything a kid wants to do all year round but only get away with it in the summer.

I am enjoying it too. I am exhausted but it is good. I am getting many things checked off my list and I even have time leftover to do some fun things too. I think not watching tv at night has really made me more productive. Since there is nothing on, I do laundry or clean instead.

Hopefully, in a week or two I will show you pictures of my butterfly garden. The flowers are beginning to bloom. Still no butterflies, but it is early. We have seen many birds from a hummingbird to a cardinal in the backyard where our bird feeders are. Their sweet singing gets me out of bed in the morning.

Have a great day!

and so summer begins

...Happy Summer everyone! It rained last night (sorry, Friona folks if you did not get rain as well), so it is very cool this morning which means we are skipping Swim Team practice. The boys have it at 8:30 in the morning and yesterday they were almost blue! :) I know in about a month, we'll be wishing it was this cool.

We have been keeping busy and having fun. Today may not be too fun for the boys--it is errand day. Post office, grocery story, dry cleaners and maybe Ulta if I can squeeze it in. Have you ever tried to go to a beauty store with two boys. Well, it is exactly the same as when my mom went to the fabric store with her son (and I admit, I wasn't to happy to go either!). Rhett and Noah act like the whole store is cursed and if they go in, they'll turn into a girl or something.

I have already done my annual reading of Harry Potter. I read the last two books again last week. I want to make sure I am ready for the movie when it comes out in July. But after reading those books, I am always unsure of what to read next. Is there anything that will capture my attention like those did? Or make me care? So, I decided to read a classic, A Wrinkle in Time. I am embarrassed to admit that I have never read it before.

The boys are very picky on what they want to read. Noah only wants to read chapter books which is funny to me. He thinks he is such a big boy and picture books are just too short. Even though I think that he would love to read those. But who I am? Just his mom. Rhett only wants to read books about mythology right now. Percy Jackson is his Harry Potter. Nothing else is good enough. I want him to read Judy Blume and Beverly Clearly, but no. If it doesn't have the Sea of Monsters, then it doesn't interest him. :) (I am loving that they are both love reading!! It is so awesome!)

I guess I need to get ready for another day. Have a good one everyone!

last day of school

...Like Noah, Rhett has changed this year and learned so many things! Here is Rhett on the first day of school:

And here he is on the last:
I am wishing I fixed his hair this morning but I guess that is okay. Here is one where he is fake smiling. Something about 2nd grade changes kids' smiles into this wide grimace. I wonder if he is thinking, "Why do I have to stand here and take another picture? Why Mom why!!"

Rhett has gone through at least 3 different lengths of jeans and 3 pairs of tennis shoes. He wears out everything he wears and outgrows it so fast I can't keep up! He is also on his third pair of glasses since the first picture. He likes to grow his hair out, then gets sick of it and wants it short, but not too short! He thinks he is hilarious but so does his friends in class. He is also one of the nicest friends one could ever ask for. So genuine, so caring and so responsible. PE is his favorite class and he doesn't like to have math homework. Rhett loves to read and has been reading the Percy Jackson series that I have mentioned before on the blog. He is ready to read the last book of the series now and he loves the story so much! Rhett also loves his teacher and revealed to me last night how much he'll miss her. Aww. What a sweetie.

I don't know if I can think about him being a 3rd grader next year right now. I do know that I am going to just enjoy the summer with my two boys and just try to have the most fun we can have.

Noah's friends invited him to the zoo this morning, so we are going to go there before school and then we have end-of-year parties and then...it is over. I hope you have a great day and if it is your last day of school, then enjoy!

Noah, kindergarten graduate

...School is almost over and taking a page from my sister's blog, I am showing you a couple of pictures of Noah on his first day of school and then some of his almost last day of school.

On the first day of school, Noah was so apprehensive. I remember when he was walking in his classroom with his new friends, he turned around, spotted me and yelled, "I love you, Mom!" Every other parent "aahh-ed" while I held back tears.

This is Noah, age 5 in August of '08:


This is Noah, age 6, yesterday:

This year he has lost 5 teeth, learned how to read and is now reading chapter books!, painted like Monet and Degas, loves to keep his hair short and spiky, loves his DS and Wii and would play these all day if I let him, found a new best friend and a couple of girlfriends, still is so stubborn but doesn't lose his temper as fast as he used to, played soccer and is going to play t-ball, loves to find plants for the garden and call them his own, still is sweet and thankfully, still loves to snuggle. He is a charmer and he is my moody child. This summer we are going to work on learning to tie shoes (even though he doesn't have laces on his shoes) and buttoning his pants. Fine motor skills. :)

At the graduation, Noah tried so hard not to smile. He kept twisting his mouth to try to stop the smile from coming. I think he loves attention but tries not to show it, what do you think?

They sang a song and then was handed their diploma. That was pretty much it for the ceremony. We then had cookies and lemonade. Rhett missed some class to see his brother graduate, which I thought was sweet. He even missed his class's talent show, although if he knew that, I don't know if he would have gone to the graduation. I am glad he came though so Noah had some family out there in the audience. Unfortunately, Seth couldn't be there because he was out of town on business. So having Rhett there made me happy.

Noah and me:

Noah, congratulations! We are so proud of you and we love you very much.

It's coming

...National Pollinator Week is June 22-28, 2009. A while ago, I sent a letter to the governor of Oklahoma and asked him to declare "Oklahoma Pollinator Week." Well, a week ago, I received a letter and a proclamation that he did indeed do this. Now, I am not naive in thinking it was just because of my letter...I am sure their were many letters (or I hope) and he might have already been planning on doing this...but it still was exciting.

So far, there are 39 states celebrating this week as National Pollinator Week. My hope is that everyone does something that week to help "celebrate." The button on the left of my blog links back to a website that has suggestions and events in various states. Since none are planned in Oklahoma yet, I am going to have to come up with something on my own. I will fill you in when I have thought of something. I do know that I am going to make sure my kids are aware and I will be doing something everyday with them.

As it gets closer to June 22, I will try to post links to articles and ways to help. I am just trying to do my part.

On the same subject, my butterfly garden is ready for butterflies! The only thing lacking is a milkweed plant, which I am having trouble finding. But we have flowers of all kinds that bloom at different times in the summer. We have a waterhole filled with composted dirt and when butterflies start showing up, I will place a couple of very ripe bananas there as well. We have rocks that will be a perfect place for butterflies to sun themselves. We have already seen many bees on our flowering trees. Now if I could find a way to keep some of those neighbor kids to leave them alone, we will be all set. (One kid thinks catching bees is great fun. It just makes me mad and worried he'll get stung).

Have a great day!

a recap

...This past week was busy! Nana and Pop came to visit, Rhett was promoted, Noah had Ocean Day at school, most of us went to Friona to see cousins and celebrate a milestone and now it is the last week of school! Here are a couple of pictures:

Rhett is now a Bear Cub. Yay! He gets to wear a blue scarf instead of a yellow. It also means he has a whole new set of requirements to fulfill. :) Nana and Pop were there to witness the event and he came home so excited. I was not there because I had a Swim Team Meeting. The boys are joining the neighborhood swim team and I think that will be a lot of fun for them.

Friday, I went to school with Noah because they celebrated Ocean Day. It was basically a "get really wet" day but they had a lot of fun. One of the perks was that each kindergartener got to choose his/her own goldfish. Noah chose a silver one and his friend and neighbor chose an orange one. This is an important detail so remember it. Because our neighbors were going out of town for the next week, they asked if we could babysit their goldfish while they were gone. Sure, we said.

Then, the boys and I left town as well. Seth was left in charge to care for all of the fish that we now have. He called on Sunday afternoon with the news that one of the goldfish jumped ship. Literally, he jumped out of the aquarium. How does a small goldfish do that? I don't know. I asked which one. The orange one. Our neighbor's goldfish!!! Of course. He was already so upset to leave his fish in the first place and now it is gone. Good thing it had no markings. I'll be making a trip to the petstore later in the week to replace it. Although, we may have to tell them because the boys know and they will not be able to keep this a secret.

My grandparents celebrated their 65th Anniversary on May 15. My mom had cake and a little party for them this past Sunday. My sister Jana and her kids, my brother and his son and the boys and I were there to help eat the cake. It was great to see them. 65 years is amazing! In the picture with my grandparents is Nicolas, Noah, Rhett and Cameron. Nicolas' sister, Isabel was napping so that is why she is not in the picture. We all were slightly worried because Noah is sitting on Grandad's leg that has a brace on it. He has had 3 knee replacements and Noah tends to jump on laps. Thankfully, he was mostly careful.

This week will be busy as well, but I am happy it is the last week. Summer, here we come!

even the dogs are happy

...

7:10- Rhett runs into the room and yells at me. "Mom, it's time to get up!"
7:15- I start ironing the huge pile of shirts that have accumulated in 2-3 months time.
7:22- "Mom, you are going to have to take me to school. We are running late. It is already 7:22!" Rhett, the bus comes at 8:22. "Oohh. Never mind."
8:15- Taking a break from ironing, I put sunscreen on Rhett and make sure he has a water bottle. Today is Field Day!
9:10- Noah wakes up. I fix him breakfast and let him watch a little tv. After all, I am still ironing.
10:00- Noah's friend comes over.
10:30- Ironing finished! Whew. 3 hours later, I make myself promise never to wait that long again.
10:45- Get a shower.
11:30- Fix a lunch of chicken noodle soup (for Noah), hot dog (for friend), and salad for me. I am the only one who eats what I fixed. So, an hour later...
12:30- Nutra-Grain bars for a snack. Noah and friend get shoes on, sunscreen on and head toward the car.
12:45- We leave. Yes, it took 15 minutes for all of that to happen.
1:00- The kids are dropped off and my friend and I wait for a few minutes in the school parking lot because we both signed on to help for Field Day.
1:15-We find the PE teacher and she assigns us each a station. We wonder why there are no other parents around.
1:30-3:00- I continusly chase mini-basketballs and pass them back to children seated on scooters. I am sweaty, hot and no longer wondering why there are no other parents around. Duh.
3:10- We leave for home. I fix myself a bowl of cereal and turn on the computer.
3:26- Rhett calls from school. He doesn't want to ride the bus today. Could I pick him up?
3:28- Head back to the school. Find the boys, and slowly drive out of the car-packed parking lot.
3:35- Mom calls. Can't talk because we are off to get smoothies with a neighbor.
3:45- We hit Starbucks instead. We both need a shot of caffeine. Field Day was exhausting after all.
4:15- Rhett looks like he hasn't had a bath in days (popsicle at school and cinnamon roll at Starbucks and a trend of not wiping the face makes for one messy kid) so I lecture him on the importance of hygeine. We head for home.
4:30- The boys stay at my neighbor's house for a while. I finally get back to the computer. But the cereal I had to throw out.
5:00-Boys home. They play the Wii for a bit.
5:20- 2 other friends come over. We all play outside and have a great time.
6:00-Bye friends. Supper time already?
6:20- Tuna fish is ready!
6:48- Finally call my mom back.
7:05- Outside again. Play with the dogs and the boys, in that order.
8:00- Daddy's home to play with boys. I clean toilets.
8:30- Go for a walk with a friend. Love this time of day!
9:14- Boys finally in bed. Sit down to watch Dancing With the Stars.
10:26- Done. Talk to Seth for awhile. Do some laundry. Get a shower.
11:30- Sit down to blog about something. I figured I hadn't done a "day in the life" in awhile. I am glad I did this. It shows me that I can spend time with my kids and husband and friends and still get things done. I may not get to bed until midnight, but some days are like that I guess. The boys had a good day and so did I.

I'm going to bed now. bye!

2 poems (po ms)

...a haiku about my tv shows:

Juliet, then George
lives hangin in the balance
happy it's not real

a haiku about my week:

Boys read to me now
I sit and listen with pride
happy it is real


Quick note: Apparently, I have been saying the word "poem" wrong my whole life! I already told you Rhett's embarressment about it. I finally looked it up and even asked my husband and friend how to say it. Rhett is totally right. It is po-m, not poi m. Why has no one ever said anything before? I know I don't go around saying the word very often, but in 31 years no one has ever stopped and said, "What did you say?" I am not upset, just interested. Rhett is happy to know that I am practicing the correct way to say it. I can almost do it without it sounding like the word pom. Is this not the weirdest thing?

fragile or unlucky?

...Last night, the wind blew so hard, I thought trees were going to come through our windows. I guess it is a good thing there aren't that many trees close to our house. Today, however, I noticed an alarming site: a huge Bradford Pear tree was down in our neighborhood. How close it was to crashing into the house it lived by. Scary. Also, what is wrong with Bradford Pear trees? Why is it they are always the ones to come crashing down? I wonder because that is the kind of tree that is in my front yard. I don't want to look out one day and see it lying on the ground, broken and sad.

a mother's day list

...Yesterday was full of my favorite things:

1. Playing the Wii with the boys
2. Orange Chicken from Panda Express
3. A piece of Good Cake that Seth and Rhett whipped up yesterday evening
4. A list from Rhett

Top 10 Reasons Why I love My Mom

1. Because she reads me Garfield

2. Because she helps me eat big pills (last ear infection he had to take this giant pills that I had to break up into 4 tiny pieces. Drama for 10 days)

3. When she makes me laugh by giving me zerberts

4. Because she taught me how to tie my shoe (actually his pre-k teacher did that)

5. I love to hear my Mom sing at church

6. Because she finds time to play

7. I know my Mom cares because she says I love you every knight.

8. I know my Mom is smart because she went to college.

9. Because she works so hard at loving

10. Because she's the BEST MOM EVER!

5. A song from Noah

I have brought a song to say

Happy, Happy Mother's Day

No one's mother is so sweet.

Your kind ways just can't be beat.

Happy, happy Mother's Day

I love you in a big way!

6. Plants from Seth for the backyard

7. Movie night with my guys

8. The boys trying so hard to get along

9. Talking to our moms

I feel so lucky.

boys

...The other day Rhett told me that he needed deodorant because his underarms were so sweaty and sometimes smelly. So last night, I gave him some Irish Spring Deodorant Soap to use in the shower. Here is the conversation I overheard:

Rhett: Wow, this soap smells so good!

A few seconds later...
R: Now my underarms smell great!

A few minutes later...
R: Noah, did you know I am using deodorant soap? My underarms smell awesome!
Noah: Let me smell!

Ah, the life of a mom of boys.

Happy Odd Day!

...Today is 05/07/09. This makes it Odd Day, an event that happens only 6 times every hundred years when a date consists of three consecutive odd numbers. The first one in this century was 01/03/05. The next will be 07/09/11.

So you know I didn't make this up, here is a website all about Odd Day. There are even suggestions on how you can celebrate.

Have a great, er, odd day!

I say poem, you say poem ??

...We are here. We are doing well. My sweet boys already have given me their Mother's Day gift. They were pretty excited to give it to me. I think it is because they know I'll share. :)

May is here and it is so busy already! This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and we have been writing poems (according to Rhett, I pronounce the word poem wrong. He is so embarrassed. I really don't know why my pronunciation is any different than his but every time I say it, he immediately says it back to me the "right way." So I think I will start saying poetry instead.), I mean poetry, getting flowers and gift cards and today we need to make a card. The boys are happy to do it, especially Rhett who really loves his teacher. We still have soccer but when we'll finish is anyone's guess because of the rain. I have lots of meetings with PTA stuff and lots of birthday parties for the boys. I'll be glad when it is June. (And yes, I am aware I may have to eat my words later when it is the middle of summer!)

My sister-in-law, Melissa's birthday was Monday. Happy Birthday! Your card is coming I promise!

And Mother's Day is Sunday. Yay! Our mom's gifts may actually be on time this year. Or only a day late. That would be great! Ha!

Now I have to go clean house. And I am hoping the sun will actually come out today. That would be nice.

Have a great day!

drip drip drop little April showers and more!

...This morning I awoke to heavy rain and thunder. I love that here in Oklahoma, there really is such a thing as April Showers. The Texas Panhandle where I grew up never had that really. April Winds but no April Showers.

Anyway, let me tell you about my week.

Yesterday my son's glasses broke but were fixed easily. I bought 2 pair of shoes at a store that sells "good for feet" shoes but I am going to return them today. Buyer's remorse. I am having to talk to myself about this situation because I feel guilty about buying them and guilty about returning them. This is what I am telling myself:

"It is perfectly within my right to return these shoes. Who cares if they ask you why? It is none of their business. You are the one who spent the money. Don't feel bad for returning them. You are right."

:] (That is trying to be my sheepish grin. Can you tell?)

Moving on...

Rhett learned how to play marbles at Boy Scouts. Noah has been non-stop potty talking. And getting mad at everyone and everything. Fun times.

But here is something useful for you:

About a week ago, Noah came up to me and said:

"Mom, do you know that 3000 people in Africa die everyday because they don't have clean drinking water? But did you know that there are these straws that they can use that make germy water become clean? You put dirt in water, then drink it through the straw and it comes out clean!"

Then he walked away. I had no idea where he obtained that information but thought he had watched a commercial about it.

Fast forward to today. Rhett says, "Oh, Mom! It is Hat Day and I need to bring a dollar."

Why?

"Because it is our Earth Day project. The project is for these people in Africa who don't have clean drinking water. The dollar helps them buy straws so the drinking water can be clean."

Ah. It all makes sense. I don't know if this is the charity the school is sending the money to, but Straws for Life explains it better than my boys or I could.

Anything else?

Oh, Rhett finished his first "big" book. Aunt Jana gave him Book One of Percy Jackson and The Olympians in March and he completed it earlier this week. He was so excited and wanted Book Two right away. I am so amazed. That book had about 350 pages. I am going to have to show him the website. It looks really cool. Harry Potter cool.

One more thing:

Noah took his graduation pictures yesterday, complete with a collared shirt, tie and cap and gown. He will have a graduation ceremony on May 27, 2009. Aww.

I really can't believe he will be in 1st grade. Wasn't Rhett just there? Now Noah is reading, writing and graduating kindergarten. Just amazing.

Have a great day!

He's the Big Bad Wolf, Big Bad Wolf

...Fairy Tale Day is today for the 2nd Graders. Rhett is the wolf from The True Story of the Three Little Pigs so that is the reason for the prison garb. Aren't we lucky that he had that striped shirt? Yes, we are.

This picture isn't that great in quality but I wanted you to see the full costume. Notice the hairy ankles, the hairy hands, and the cup of sugar. If you haven't read this particular fairy tale (you should because it is very funny) then I'll tell you that the wolf is the narrator who is trying to overcome his "big, bad" image. It is most important that you know these two things: he needed a cup of sugar for a cake he was baking for his sick grandma and he had a bad cold. :)
The mask was actually very fun to make. I bought that furry yarn and glued the strands on a cat mask covered with brown felt. I glued bigger ears on the mask too. But my very clever husband helped me come up with the idea on how to make the nose and teeth. Paper towel roll and a plastic fork! The one thing I forgot to make was the tail but Rhett didn't seem to notice.

Rhett was most excited to wear this today. He even got up early and wore his mask through breakfast. :)

As for Rhett's health: his hands are healing very well and show little scars now, which Rhett loves. His fingers are still catching occasionally, but the doctor said it could be a month before that stops.

And for his stomach: I honestly think most of his stomach problems stems from stress. There may be some acid reflux but not enough to be taking medicine for sure. Some days he eats whatever and never complains. There are other days, mostly on weekends where he stays up late and eats way to much sugar, that he does say his stomach hurts but usually if I give him a ginger candy or a cup of apple juice, he is fine. When he is worried about something, his stomach hurts immediately. The good thing is that he is knows this.


And Knowing is half the battle. GI Joe!

:)

a note on Earth Day

...I want to let you know that Vanilla Honeybee Ice Cream is so yummy! Very light and fresh tasting. A every once in awhile treat because let's face it, HD ice cream is more expensive but once you taste it, you know why. I put the ice cream in a cone (no water used to wash dishes and no trash to throw away) and all the kids ate it up fast and we didn't mind that it was melting all over us because it was about 95 degrees yesterday.

The flowers are beautiful and everyone (neighbors included) had a great time planting them.

Tomorrow, I'll have pictures of Rhett as the Big Bad Wolf and also an update on how he is doing. I would do it now but then I would have to change the title of my post and I'm just not into thinking right now.

Bye!

Earth Day 2009

...Happy Earth Day!

I have some exciting news that totally relates to Earth Day. Next year, I am going to be the head of the Green Team Committee for the PTA at Rhett and Noah's school! I have ideas already swirling in my head and already at least 3 people have come up to me (during the meeting today) to tell me ideas and give support. Yay!

I think I mentioned awhile back how the school uses Styrofoam trays during lunch and how appalled I was. I didn't know how to go about bringing that up but now I have a committee to help me with that and with other ideas on how to help the school become more environmentally friendly. So excited.

So, what are you going to do for Earth Day? I think we are going to plant some flowers with the neighbors and then have Honeybee Vanilla ice cream from Häagen-Dazs® and celebrate the fact that we are helping fund research to help the honeybees. If I can't find the ice cream? I'll let you know what I do. But it will be great. And I'll use my reusable shopping bags no matter what.

Whatever you do for Earth Day, whether it is simple as not buying a plastic water bottle or turning off your lights or as big as planting a tree, I hope you feel good about it and enjoy the day. Hey, you can even buy a Louis Vuitton bag and know you are helping Mother Earth! What do you think Seth? :)

Some more Earth Day links:

Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
Earthday Network
The Green Effect

Have a wonderful, beautiful day.

missing: Noah's mom

...This morning, I told Noah to go get a bath and added, "While you are taking a bath, I am going to take a shower.

10 minutes later, I get out of the shower and hear my child wailing.

I run to the bathroom, thinking the worst. (I don't really know off-hand what that is, just that it would be bad).

He looks at me and says in his saddest voice, "Where were you?"

note to self: Always tell Noah things twice.

i've always craved attention

...how fun is this? I am finally on a billboard! I knew someday they would see that I am totally worthy. Ha! Ha! Actually, it is this very cool site: Photofunia.

You can upload any photo and do fun things like put yourself on a Vogue cover or become Mona Lisa. Just something fun to do on a lazy, rainy day like today.

...

...For the past week, I have been trying to write something, anything, on this little blog, but I must have writer's block because all I have come up with was a lame Happy Easter post. Seriously, it is bad. I think I have something to say, then I can't write it down. My fingers freeze. My brain goes blank.

I didn't think one could suffer writer's block for a blog. But I guess one can.

And at the risk of boring you with dentist and doctor's appointments that we went to today, I will stop writing this post too.

Maybe tomorrow I'll get my groove back.

Happy Easter

...Ok, I haven't been in a melancholy mood all week. I have just been busy doing other things. And I haven't felt like blogging. But I do want to say thank you for everyone's comments. You all are very sweet.

But I did want to say welcome to my cousin Michelle. She has joined the blogging world! I am so glad because I miss keeping up with her. We used to live in the same town for a short while and that was so nice. Anyway, I'll soon add her link to the side.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

See you Monday.

melancholy mood

...Sometimes I wish I were

a better mom; one who would spend more time with her kids and not get impatient

a better housekeeper; one who could finish laundry the same day she starts it

a better wife; one who would rub her husband's back before he has to ask

a better friend; one who would email or call when she thinks about them instead of letting days then weeks go by before she realizes that she never did email or call

In those times, I just have to give myself a break. And remember that I am doing the best I can.

Then I remind myself how lucky I am.

meeting Tedd Arnold

...Yesterday, Rhett and Noah attended Parts and More Parts author, Tedd Arnold. If you know those books (and also the Fly Guy books) then you know that you will recognize his "scribbled" illustrations in every book he has ever illustrated. They are fantastic and the way he does it makes it even more so!

The boys were so impressed that Mr. Arnold did not just sign the book, he drew them each a picture! (I was too.) It was such a cool experience and one that won't be forgotten.

no more fun

...The happiness of missing school has worn off. Rhett now feels pain in his fingers. He also has an ear infection. Double whammy.

We bought wind pants at Wal-mart so tomorrow at school he will be able to go to the restroom without help.

He couldn't help but pull back the bandages to sneak a peak of the stitches. They are so fascinating I guess.

That's my little update for today.

paging dr. Rhett

...The nurses loved him. He was such a trooper. As you can probably tell, the surgery went very well and he even got some souvenirs.And although tonight he is very tired (he was awake by 5 am!) he still didn't want to go to bed. Here's hoping he sleeps well tonight...

cool finds

Onion goggles. Love it. I had cutting onions because everytime, my eyes become a stinging, watery, mascara running mess. I have tried everything (burning a candle, sticking my head in the freezer, not breathing) to no avail. I know sticking an onion in the fridge will help that problem, but I do not plan that far ahead. Which is why I want these.
Drumstick pencils may have to be in my boys' easter baskets. Such a cool idea (for home, not for school--I love teachers and wouldn't do that to them!).

Chopstick kids. My kids love trying to eat with chopsticks but just can't get it yet. Aren't these so cute?

keep reading...there is a post below too!

blog then sleep

...Tonight, I cannot sleep. Too many thoughts about the week ahead. Rhett's trigger finger surgery on Tuesday, my friend's baby's memorial service on Saturday...a lot to take.

So, I'll blog.
First, here is a picture of the beautiful Oklahoma sky the day before the rain fell. The day before the rain was supposed to turn to snow and then we were going to get 3-8 inches of the white stuff by yesterday.
As you can see from this picture taken this afternoon, we didn't exactly get 3-8 inches. And what we did get (maybe, almost an inch) didn't stick around long. But I am not going to complain. It was gorgeous here today and Noah and I enjoyed the outdoors, swinging and jumping on the trampoline while Rhett and Seth went to Cub Scouts and Lowe's where they saw Rhett's first grade teacher (much to his surprise--teachers actually leave the school?), a dog and a lady with a monkey. Yes, a monkey. In Lowe's. They checked twice. The picture is of my shadow by the way, swinging with my scarf blowing in the wind.
Noah didn't want to take any shadow pictures, so he settled on making faces. Can you see his front teeth growing in? Big kid.
Because I haven't taken any pictures of me lately (shadow pictures do not count), here are a couple of me. I really like them. Which is a big thing for me to say.
It is almost April and I think I am going to set a goal this month to save money on groceries. Krista has inspired me. I have organized my dreaded coupon folder so I can find the ones I need easier and I won't be the lady with the envelope full of coupons at the check-out that everyone hates. I also read somewhere that you shouldn't bother buying canned or packaged food organically because processing pretty much takes away the benefits anyway.

I am also thinking of changing the colors of my blog again. You know, more spring-like colors. What do you think? What colors would you like to see here? I mean, you do come here to read and it should be something you like. Let me know.

Okay, it is past 1 am and I should try to go to sleep now. Have a wonderful day and I'll let you know how Rhett is on Tuesday. Wish him luck.

awaiting the snow

...Even though the plant thing is annoying, I do love snow. I think it gives everyone a chance to just--stop.

Stop living the hurried, frenzied, move from one thing to another without any breath kind of life and just breathe for a moment. Enjoy your family, enjoy the rest, enjoy the break from all that.

When it snows a lot, it makes me think of a white sheet of paper. A blank canvas just waiting to be painted on. Then slowly, it does: with little kids' footprints and the adults that follow them, with snow angels and snowmen with colorful scarves. with sled tracks and dog tracks (and what dogs do is even more evident--gosh, am I a mom of boys or what? I was thinking of writing what dogs do do...and I am still laughing about it!)

I wait every year for a snow storm like we are expecting and most years I am disappointed. This year I was expecting to be disappointed again but no, a late season (or is it early spring season) surprise. I just hope it won't melt too fast so we can enjoy it Saturday.

So, if you happen to live where it is snowing today or tomorrow, and hopefully do not have to drive in it or live in an RV (sorry Justin and Holly!), then enjoy the break!

two things, edited

...Noah isn't feeling well this morning. He is happy to just watch tv under the covers in the family room. Not that he is not ever happy just watching tv but this morning is different. He didn't even ask. He was laying on the couch, not moving, not asking to watch tv or play ds. I knew something was up. So we'll probably spend the day hanging out at home.

edited: Noah is feeling better. He actually wants to go to school. Woo hoo! I think he has a cold.

I am getting ready for a spring snow storm headed our way. I am unsure what plants in my butterfly garden to protect. And when should I cover them? It may rain this afternoon or tonight. Do I wait and do it in the rain before dark? Do I cover it in the morning, in the rain before it turns to snow? I have never covered plants before but since I was so excited to plant my flowers two weeks before I should have, I kind of have to now.

Live and learn.

again, edited: I just pulled out two of my saliva plants and put them in pots. Just for this weekend, they will be safe and sound indoors.

I don't know if any of this is even interesting to you, but these are things that have been on my mind today.

I hope my family and friends in the Texas Panhandle are safe and sound this weekend too. I know they are expected to get blizzard-like conditions. So, stay warm!

ugg, warm weather means no more boots

...The pro and con of owning a pair of Ugg boots.

Pro: They are so comfortable and wonderful that you will never want to wear another pair of shoes.again..ever.

Con: They are so comfortable and wonderful that you will never want to wear another pair of shoes again...ever.

The weather is slowly warming up which means that I probably cannot get by with wearing my boots anymore. (I still wear them around the house at night and anytime my feet are cold). The warm weather is nice, don't get me wrong. However, my feet are so used to the softness and non-squeezing fit of the Ugg boot that any other shoe I wear produces blisters and soreness. I have officially spoiled my feet. And now they are reacting violently.

Right now I am wearing a pair of Sketchers that I am sure last year would have been just fine. I probably would not have cared that they rub on the heels. Now I keep kicking them off so my feet have a break. Don't even ask me about a pair of mary janes/wedges that I have. I think they are darling, until I place them on my feet. Then I hate them because they feel like they are suffocating my toes.

Sigh.

Anyone else ready for flip flops?

update: So, it is going to snow on Friday. Which means I have a couple more cold weather days to wear my boots! Ha! Ha!

Dutch Oven Lasagna

...Last night I made lasagna in my cast-iron dutch oven and it turned out really well! I took pictures of my steps because I am trying to take more pictures and post them on my blog and also just in case you ever want to try it. A dutch oven is a heavy cooking pot that can be used on your stovetop or oven. That is why I love it. I can do all the cooking steps in one pot. Awesome.
I browned one part hamburger meat and one part mild italian sausage. Seth would have liked more sausage so maybe next time I'll do that. I drained the meat then set it aside while making the sauce. The sauce is so easy: Just chop one onion and one garlic, saute in 1/4 c olive oil, then add tomato paste (I used 1 1/2 T of the tube tomato paste) and 14 oz crushed tomatoes and 14 oz water. Add seasonings to taste (a little crushed red pepper, oregano, salt and pepper) and cook until thickened. That is it. After it was to the consistency that I wanted, I added half of the meat (to equal about 1 pound). I placed all of that in a separate bowl.
Then, I mixed together the filling. 15 oz of Ricotta cheese, 3 eggs, 3/4 c shredded cheese (I used Italian cheese blend), a few handfuls of chopped spinach and salt and pepper.

The layering came next. In the dutch oven, I spread 1/2 c. tomato sauce/meat mixture. Then I layered oven-ready lasagna noodles (you can see I had to break them apart to fit), the ricotta filling, the Italian blend cheese and also mozzarella and parmesan cheese and then more sauce. I did that 3 times.

Ready for the oven. 35o degrees for about 40 minutes.

And it is done! It is always good for it to rest awhile before digging in. That way it holds together better.

we have pictures

...Hi.

First I have to say that my sweet friends lost their littlest baby this past Thursday. I don't know how it feels to experience a loss like this but have to say they are the some of the strongest people I know. They have such faith and seem so at peace with Brady's passing.

It was also Spring Break last week and the boys and I headed to Albuquerque, NM with my parents to meet my sister Jana and Isabel. It was an extremely short trip with lots of driving, but it was very fun. And guess what? I have pictures!!!!

A view from the top of Sandia Peak. We took a tram on the day we were leaving and although it was nerve-racking for Rhett going up the mountain, he finally loosened up and enjoyed himself. Noah and Rhett loved playing in the little snow that was there. The views were beautiful.
Isabel and Noah and Rhett with Grandad. High Noon was the restaurant we ate in after going to the Science Museum. Rhett loved the name and even mentioned that there were lots of names of movies at this place: High Noon, Rio Bravo Burger, ect. Thanks to daddy for the Western movie influence.

Isa and Rhett acting like a blowfish at the Aquarium. It was a great little aquarium. Loved the atmosphere of it.

Another view of Sandia Peak. You can see why the ski area was closed.

Now I am going to attempt to make lasagna in my cast-iron dutch oven. Just experimenting. I'll let you know how it goes...

hello

...I am totally breaking my Lent promise not to be on the internet in the morning. My preacher says that we can do the things we gave up on Sundays (because they are mini-Easters) but I never get on the internet on Sunday morning anyway so I figure I am just using my free day of the week.

I feel like I haven't blogged in awhile. So here is a little update:

*I took some pictures of the boys! They are cute. I will upload them sometime. I am just on the wrong computer (I am full of excuses today)

*We had one last shot of winter this week. I had just planted some bulbs last weekend so I hope they survived. Surely. You know, I had great plans on making my backyard a beautiful wildflower/prairie/meadow. I even checked out some books at the library. I was so excited. Then I saw all the work. And I had to admit to myself that I can't even get my front flower bed to look nice. So I am putting that plan on the back burner for now and I am going to concentrate on making my front flower bed a butterfly garden. Wish me luck. This not-quite-green thumb needs it.

*Noah has started soccer and has his 2nd game tomorrow. That is if it is not too cold. He is funny. He will play so hard the first 2 minutes then he gets so tired! I told him he needs to run sprints at home. That went over well. Mr. I would rather play video games than do anything else is not exactly thrilled to be told to do something active.

*Books. I haven't talked about what I have been reading lately. Right now I am reading Revolutionary Road, The Trouble With Boys (more about that later), Guyland, and a bunch of natural stomach care books. Oh, can't forget the two how to grow your own wildflower garden books.

*My friends could still use your prayers if you have them. If you want to read updates look here.

*Spring Break is next week! If it is your break too, then I hope you do something fun. And relaxing. And if your kids are home too, then I am sorry. Ha Ha! Just kidding. Sort of.

newspapers--a thing of the past?

...Yesterday, I was cleaning and organizing Rhett's room (and even moved his furniture around--it looks really nice now) and I found a newspaper I had saved when the space shuttle Columbia broke up upon re-entry in 2003. First, I thought, "Wow. I am sure back then I had no idea I would become so interested in space and astronauts. Interesting that I kept this." Then I thought, "I guess there really is no reason to keep it though. If Rhett and Noah want to know about it they can look it up on the internet."

So I trashed it. I mean, I recycled it. :)

Has the internet made keeping things like newspapers, well, archaic? With Google, you can look up anything and I am sure that one little newspaper pales in comparision.

Honestly, I think the internet is making newspapers themselves archaic. (Sorry Dad.) You can get a whole wealth of information just from our home page. And our newspaper (that we get every Wednesday and Sunday) is getting smaller and smaller but also more expensive.

Maybe I should have saved that newspaper. Then when I am a grandmother, I could show my grandkids what I used to read. They will look at it in amazement, much like my sons looked when they saw a rotary phone or a cassette tape.

Just my thoughts for today...

a prayer request

edited to add: My friend has 3 babies, all of which are doing remarkably well! Yay!


...My friend, who is pregnant with triplets, is having her babies today. She is 30 weeks today. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers. This wasn't quite the plan so I hope, hope, hope everything is okay.

some things about Noah

...Friday night, Noah and I were listening to the radio in the car after dropping Rhett off at a birthday party. We heard on the show I was listening to that teachers in a state I don't remember, maybe Oregon, were suing higher-ups (the school admin or the state) because they had removed their vending machines in the teacher's lounge. Apparently, it is going to the state supreme court now. But that really is the important part of my story (hence the reason why I can't remember the details). The important part of my story is that the man telling the story (his name is Drew) was joking that he guessed everyone was afraid the teachers would drink their diet cokes in front of the kids and tease them or even worse! share their drinks with their students. End of story. Or so I thought.

Fast forward to yesterday morning. We were in the car driving to Rhett's chiropractor appointment and Noah turns to him and said, "Rhett, do you know teachers are making kids drink Diet Coke?"

Rhett says, "Oh yeah." (Because he always knows everything) He says, "Teachers drink diet coke. I know in my school's teacher's lounge they have all kinds of great stuff."

Noah says, "No, Rhett. They are making the kids drink it. Diet coke!"

I am laughing by now because I know what he is talking about and I decide to set him straight. I would hate for him to go to school thinking his teacher was going to force him to drink Diet Coke.

***
This morning, I am laying on the floor after moving some furniture around and Noah is laying beside me. (I have an improved family room now. If I ever pick my camera up again, I'll take a picture and post it). He asks, "Mom, do girls like really hairy guys?"

Of course they do. (Noah already has so much hair on his arms and legs. Crazy. So now you know why I said yes).

"Good. That is what Dad says too. I was afraid they would look at my arms and go 'Woah!'"

Noah, you are a very handsome fellow. Any girl would be lucky to have you.

"Aww, thanks mom."