It's been a long time . . .

I kept thinking I'd make it back here, but just didn't. It all started with this little "scare" about where all my blog was being linked to. I think i got that issue fixed, but by that point, life had taken me on to other things.

Halloween came and went . . . Allison was a horse (again) and Alaina was the giraffe I sewed early in October. Ian . . .he was too cool for school! That kid wanted no part of trick or treating. We celebrated by setting up both our vehicles at the church's trunk or treat. I carved way too many pumpkins, Andy pulled the talking pumpkin act (pumpkin in the trunk, he was in the back seat and he talked to the kids through the karoake machine). I remember my dad doing that when we were little . .. except it was the front porch, not the trunk of the car.


We finished the soccer season . . . 3 last games, 3 team parties, and 3 sign-ups for the spring season. {sigh . . . another busy season}

We celebrated Veteran's Day at the kids' school. They always show work at showing the kids how important our Veterans are. Ian and Allison were fortunate enough to have both their grandfathers there. How could they resist? Ian called them up and sang the Marine Corps Hymn to Gary (Andy's dad) and the Anchors Aweigh to my dad. We swear we didn't put him up to that! Gary flew in for about 16 hours so that he could be there.



We adopted 2 kittens . . .we've named them Maverick (the guys named him after the Dallas Mavericks) and Fog (we girls named him that . . . .you know, Sandburg's The fog comes on little cat feet). We think Fog must be partly Siamese . . . look at the shape of that face!



Ian and Andy went to Pine Cove . . .where our fifth grade kids go for "outdoor education". They had a great time, and Andy says he's fighting me for the Gunn parent spot come Allison's turn.



Thanksgiving . . .thanksgiving was tame. We celebrated at my sister's house and had an enjoyable day.

Since then . . .the days have been busy . . . .Christmas is here, school parties have been planned and worked on, presents bought, and pictures have been taken. We think this one is funny . . .so typical of Alaina.

Testing

Checking something out . . . .

Remember October 2006

Doing a photo a day (plus journaling about what's gone on that day) .. . or trying to remember to! Some days, I get tons, some days I hit 8-9 pm and realize I haven't done anything! EEK

You can find the photos/journaling here.

I'm still transferring notes to blog and adding pictures, so I look behind!

Awesome

Alaina,

Tonight, we celebrated your 5th birthday with the 5 of us, plus Mimi, Dad-Dad, both the "new" Uncle Chris and the "old" Uncle Chris, Aunt Brooke, Aunt "Laney" and Isabel. You were thrilled to be the center of attention . . .as you always are. We got a giggle out of the fact that you wanted to celebrate your birthday at IHOP! tehehe . . . I know that some kids pick out McDonalds, Burger King, etc, but we've always "trained" you 3 to like the "good" restaurants for birthday meals. I guess that IHOP fits the bill . .they seat you, take your order, bring you food, and then you tip them. You had a ball.

When you started opening gifts, you labelled the iPod shuffle as "awesome!" A little giggle went around the table. Then you opened up Bitty Baby clothes, a movie, a iPod gift card. . . and they were all "Awesome!" too. We got such a laugh out of that word coming out of your mouth. Just not something you think of hearing from a 5 year old. As odd as it is to hear from you, it is the perfect way to describe the past year.

You are so awesome in . . .

. . . the way you giggle when someone even wiggles their fingers like they're going to tickle you.

. . . the way you jump into a pool without a worry (not always so awesome for Mom!)

. . .all the hugs and kisses you give me.

. . .all the little performances you do. It's no surprise to see you dancing down an aisle, or (as Aunt Brooke and Mimi discovered on a recent shopping trip with you) singing "We're all in this together" at the top of your lungs while shopping at Target.

. . .the way you love learning. Man, this homeschooling thing SOOOOO wouldn't work without you cracking the whip!

. . . the way you view hand-me-downs as "new". Doesn't bother you that they're "Allison's clothes" (you love her so much, you wish you could wear ALL her clothes). I know the day will come that you'll no longer see things this way, but I love that you take something most kids don't want and find joy in them.

. . . the way you paint your "abstract" art, then give it a name like "The Long Room".

. . . the way you go after that soccer ball and do what it takes to get it down to the goal.

. . . the way you "get it" when I have one of those headache days and you lay gently down with me.

. . . the way you cuddle with me every morning.

. . . the way you jump and bounce and move around . . .even after a full soccer game, or over 2 hours of dance class. That energy is AMAZING!

. . . the way you love your big brother and sister. You annoy them at times. . . you follow them around, order whatever food they order, and beg to be noticed, but your love for them is so genuine.

. . . the way you know what you like. . . whether it's giraffes (most definitely love 'em!), yellow (love it!),Backyardigans (love!), Miss Spider (hate), Dora (hate), milk (hate it), pasta (love), go tarts (love), OJ (love, love, love!), avocadoes (hate!), spinach (love!). . .

. . . the way you interact with friends.

. . . your love for life.

Last year, you told me you were Ready for Action. And action is what you gave us! We didn't always ENJOY the action, but we sure had a lot of it! You have stretched me as a mother in a way different from Ian and Allison. You've caused me to look at things in a different way. No longer do I misunderstand the mother that just can't seem to "control" her child (okay, maybe not completely on that one . . .I did wonder today why this woman let her 3 year old run off at the movie theater while she just mosey-ed along). No longer do I have the misconception that the things that work with Ian and Allison will work with you. No longer do I wonder how you'll get along with others (will you push their buttons like you push Ian and Allison's buttons?)

I looked down at you tonight, and was amazed at how much you've grown, how much you've changed, how much you've accomplished. And I can see how far we've traveled to get here. I can shut my eyes and can still see the newborn you were 5 years ago. . . and the teeny, tiny 1 year old you were. And then those feelings come back. Those feelings of worry, of pain, being scared. . . that something was so wrong with you. I'd not worried about your weight until the doctors started worrying and running every test on you. Thank goodness they correctly diagnosed you . . .as a kid with so much energy and action, that you just worked all those calories off! I can shut my eyes and be taken back to just one year ago . . . when we sat at Olive Garden with the same people we sat with tonight and you laughed and clapped with glee whenever you opened a gift.

In a way, I'm sad . . .so very sad. I will never again have a 4 year old. Even though you're pushing your agenda of having a little sister (you'll teach her EVERYTHING!) or a little brother (you'll teach him how to stand and walk, then Ian will have to take over!), in reality, this will never be. And so I'm sad. . . sad that the 4's are over for you. But I have to keep in mind that 5 is going to be such a terrific year for you. You'll learn so much, you'll tie your own shoes (well, hopefully!), you'll write your first sentence and do some "serious" math. You will start kindergarten (boo-hoo . . .don't even want to go there at this point!), make new friends, become a Daisy Scout, and maybe even lose a tooth.

And through it all, I plan to take each day with you and tuck it away in my heart. . . to be remembered when you are no longer 5.

Alaina, I love you. I pray for you. I desire all that is good and healthy and happy in your life. My birthday wish for you is that you live every day to the fullest. That you make this such a terrific year and do so many terrific things that you can't help but remember it when you're older.


Alaina, my baby, I love you.

Check One Off the To Do List

Giraffe costume done. Well, except I need to take the hood over to my sister's and have her make some nostrils on the nose with her embroidery machine.

Blue Ribbons, Birthdays, and Blogs

So . . . been another long time, huh? I've just gotten so busy that I've not found much time to blog! (that's where the blog comes in). Will be good if I hit once a week for awhile.

Blue Ribbons . . . .we were notified a little over a week ago that our elementary school was one of the 250 schools nationwide with the designation as a 2006 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School. Yeah us! We're proud of our school for many reasons, and this shows that we've got good reason to be proud! We'll be celebrating through the year. . .will be interesting to see how we do so! The kids have already worn blue to school twice.

Birthdays . . . .one of the reasons I haven't been around. Alaina's party is this upcoming Saturday. We're doing another birthday carnival. Means jump houses, carnival games, popcorn and snow cones. Also means that it's time to get Alaina's costume going. She wants to be a giraffe. I have SIX days to make said giraffe costume, and for the first time . . . .I'll be sewing in a zipper. EEK! Wish me luck!

I made her party invites. . . . last year I used a picture of her in a Snow White costume, then she was Cinderella for her party. This year .. . well, I didn't have a chance to take some costume picture, so I used this one for her invite (her tap costume from this year):

One Happy Gal

I got an email today letting me know I won this for leaving a comment on Making Memories "give us your top 5 for a Christmas Wish List" post on their blog. Those who know me, know I love 2 scrapbooking companies in particular . . .Making Memories and Bazzill. I was thrilled to win this little tool. I'd seen it at Terri's Store and was itching to buy it! So THANKS! Making Memories.

Another little link for you . . .Andy's brother (OOPS . . .had to edit this as I first told you that Andy had a small part! Andy's never had any part of any TV show) had a small part in the TV show "Dark Justice" many years ago. . . . he played Dennis on this episode (I *think* this link will get you there). Signed onto AOL today and there was a link to a blip about Eric's time as a bad boy motorcycle dude. You see "Dennis" in the first scene after the opening credits.

A Few Things I've Learned . . .

(1) I'm officially old. At least in ACU's eyes. I'm old enough that they hit me up for money for scholarships and to go to $250 per plate dinners. And I'm apparently so old that they wouldn't hire me to be a Dorm Mom . . .or as they're called today "Resident Director" . . .they're so young, you can't call them "Mom". Who knows . .. this change may partially be due to such hijinks as certain roommates sneaking back into the dorm mom's window instead of ours (right next to the dorm mom) after curfew one night. Tehehe . .. she snuck in and snuck right back out again. At any rate, from the latest ACU Today, best I can figure I have at least 8 years on all the "RD"s they highlighted.

(2) Preteens with whistles isn't usually a good thing. FSA figures the best place to train the new referees is with the new little soccer players. I'm surprised we got 3 consecutive plays out of the girls during Alaina's team. You would've thought they were playing in the World Cup for all the rule following that little ref wanted the girls to do! Confused those girls right out of their minds. Not sure which was worse, that ref, or the other prepubescent ref we had a week earlier. . . who didn't seem to think he had the authority to do anything!

(3) Regardless . .. it probably isn't a good thing to pull on a soccer jersey . . .either the opponent's or your own teammate's. . . just so you can get the ball! tehehe

(4) Don't just assume that when you email a teacher with the title "A question about (my student's) grade" and sign it with your own last name that the teacher will be able to figure out exactly what child you're referring to. I'm assuming this is the cause of some wierd email responses I've been getting! tehehe . . talk about giving a mom a heart attack!

and (5) Sleep's overrated!

Going to leave you now with a picture of what Alaina does every time they score a goal:


Hoping to share something soon that has NOTHING to do with soccer! Wish me luck!

soccer

So, soccer season has started . .. and in the first 8 days, we have NINE games! The girls each play their second game tonight . . .Ian's second game was Monday night. Well, half of it was. It started lightning about 20 minutes into the game, and by halftime, the storm sensors had gone off. Ended up with a downpour, so it was called. Hate that they didn't just record the score as it stood at that point. . .there was no way we were going to win that one! The other team was a year older, and at halftime, the score was 3-0, and we'd gotten no where near a goal!

Ian's team's uniforms aren't in yet, so they're wearing plain green t-shirts with numbers until the uniforms arrive. The coach says they'll just be the "bad news dragons" until then.


Allison's team . . .they had ONE pre-season practice . . .and unfortunately, it looked like it. Allison tried hard. . .ran the whole time, kicked the ball a few. . . not bad for her first try.


Alaina . . .well, we've always said Alaina was going to be our athlete! She scored 4 goals during her first game. Andy's the coach . . .and after each goal, she'd run by him and give him first. I wish I'd gotten a shot of her first score .. . nothing like the reaction the first time they score. Love the tongue shot here, even though the photo is a bit over exposed (haven't messed with any of these in PSE yet).

2,996

For those who lost their lives 5 years ago . . .

There has been a massive blog initiative. Each of those who died are paid tribute here. Hoping this link works . . . I had to work hard to find one that hadn't crashed.

9/11

Before I start this post, I want to take a moment to ask you to read this article Woman Killed and keep this family and situation in your prayers. This is a church that isn't too far from us. It's in an area that i know we're bound to know people at, as the church we previously went to closed and it's members spread to churches all in that area.
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September 11, 2001 is the fourth date in history that I can say "I remember where I was when . . . "

I was 8 months pregnant with Alaina. It was a Tuesday morning and I was headed to the preschool I ran in nearby Garland. I was listening to the radio and they were interviewing some pop star (heck if I know who . .. some chick). They didn't stop the interview to announce the first plane, as everyone thought it was a horrible accident. By the time the second plane hit, they knew it wasn't. We kept the TVs off that day, as I didn't want any children to possibly see any of the footage. I can't tell you how much footage I saw after getting home that day . . .far into the night, the next day, and for several days after that. I watched the tributes, the people searching hospitals, etc for loved ones, etc. I have watched very little TV news in the last 5 years. I was very numb. . . actually did very little crying, which was unusual for me. Now, 5 years later, I see some show, some article, some news story, and I cry. . . a delayed mourning, I guess.

I remember that for several days, there were no planes. The skies were so quiet, so peaceful. I couldn't name a time that I hadn't seen planes in the air for that long of a period. Certainly not in the recent past.

People were concerned . . . concerned about gas and money. I went out to make a bank deposit during lunch and the lines at the pump were LONG. And everyone was worried about how much money they should pull out to get through this. I thought "I can so see how the depression started . . . "

Alaina was born 1 month and 1 day later. I remember worrying about what her world would be like, what kind of safety she (and her sibs) would have in their life.

The other "I remember where I was when . . . ." moments:

March 30, 1981 -- I was 10 years old. I was on the playground during recess. . . obviously not feeling social that day as I was sitting in one of several huge concrete pipes that we had on the playground (Not sure why they put those there as playground equipment!) reading The Westing Game. The herded us back inside and that's where we learned of Ronald Reagan's shooting. At that point, I already knew that JFK had been shot in Dallas, and that there had been a stigma attached to Dallas because of it. I also remembered seeing George Bush Sr. at a rally the previous summer in Dallas with my Girl Scout Troup. And I remember that we still had a girl scout meeting on March 30th after school. It involved some kind of craft (can't remember what) and planning an upcoming camping trip.

January 28, 1986 -- I was newly 15, and a freshman in high school. While sitting in Geometry class, the principal announced over the loud speaker that Challenger had exploded shortly after take off. My teacher (still remember her name Mrs. Harrison) said "Oh, that's said" and went back to teaching us proofs. This was the 2nd time she'd shown she didn't know how to deal with bad news in as many months. The month before, another freshman at our school died in a car accident. As honors students, we all knew each other well . . . and Mrs. Harrison knew that. She didn't say a word about the tragedy.

The rest of the day was spent going from one class to the next, then crowding around TVs and watching the unfolding coverage.

February 1, 2003 -- On this Saturday morning, Andy and I were still in bed when we felt the house slightly shake. The playroom was under our bedroom, and we assumed it was one of the kids who'd been sitting in a rocking chair we had down there and had hit the wall (tehehe . . .this was a common occurance). I went downstairs to see who was up and was surprised to find that all the kids were still asleep. Of course, we later discovered this occurred the same time as the Columbia explosion, and that little "quakes" (for lack of a better word) were felt in our area. Columbia actually broke up over our area, then ended up landing near where my sister lived 4 hours away.

It gets worse before it gets better . . . .

(first an update on previous post) . . .

I signed up to be Ian's room mom, but the lady in charge of the whole shebang tried to get me to do Allison's class. I stood my ground and said I needed to at least be available to go to Ian's parties before the one that's the last day of school (as everyone "has" -- how do they enforce that? -- to work that one.). So now, I'm not a room mom for the year . . .YIPPEE! Of course, I do feel bad as Allie's teacher is a 1st year teacher and I hate that she's gotta feel no one wants to do it. See, I could so guilt myself into this!

And . .. .got the soccer schedules, and there are only 2 weekends I have to ask for help from my family. One's the weekend Andy will be out of town . . .all 3 kids' games start between 9:15 and 10! and then I need a "just in case" adult for picture day as the kids' games are not super spread apart.

*********************************************

Okay, now for the real post.

My downstairs is a MESS! More than the usual "there's a load of laundry on the couch, the kids can't put away a dish to save their lives, I spent the night scrapbooking" kind of mess. The kids have too much stuff . . . the girls are paring down their toys, etc in order to have new comforters/paint/etc according to their specifications. Well, that got me started on a cleaning spree. I have an under the stair closet that was full of junk. I pulled all that out. The closet looks GREAT! Everything in it's place, etc. . .but the rest of the downstairs? I'm still wading though all that stuff.

I get hooked on those cleaning shows . . .not sure why. #1, none of them come to Texas, and #2, if they did, I so wouldn't have my house (and it's innards) on display so that there would be photographic proof of how much stuff I haven't parted with! But lately, I've found the Style network . . .and Niecy Nash. Ohhhhhh, they help those people get the clutter out, "guide" (or bribe) them to make tough choices on what stays and goes, throw a yard sale, then these lovely rooms appear! I'd love the beautiful rooms, that would be nice . . .but what I'd love even more would be to have those people that deal with the mess . . . throw the stuff out, tag it for the yard sale, call the charity truck. I could SOOOOOO live with that!

Speaking of Niecy, oh my goodness . . .too much late night watching of Clean House can cause you to pick up Niecy's mannerisms and sayings. ROFL . . . I bribed Ian into going to see a movie he didn't want to see (Invincible), told him that was "a whole other show" about something that had nothing to do with TV (ROFL . . .he said "Mom, were we talking about a show?"), and I had to keep from saying "uh-hmmm" in the way she does!

So, here's me . . . off to go and clean up all this mess I've made . . .then I gotta figure out how to get the garage to the dump, because I ALWAYS do this the day after trash pickup when it's going to be delayed the next week because of a holiday!

So, have I mentioned I'm nuts?

I've made some decisions lately that make me question my sanity:

- Signed all 3 kids up for soccer! EEK . . .that means before the season starts, I'm likely to have 7 practices a week to get kids to. And once the season starts . .. I'll have 3 games some Saturdays, at 2 or more different locations.

- On top of that, I suggested to Andy that he should be the coach for Alaina's team . . .so now we have to figure out how to make everyone happy with the practice schedule/uniform colors/etc. I don't know . . .I know that the little girls are fond of pink and purple . . . but for uniforms? Guess I'm too "uniform traditional" for that.

- The girls are at dance from 4-7:15 on Wednesdays . . . .They don't actually dance 3+ hours each, but they have one class on either end that doesn't match up with the other sister. You'd think I'd enjoy that time . . . but I about went insane after sitting there 2 hours last week.

- I signed up to be Ian's room mom. He's in the last year of elementary school . . .where everything is overdone and ultra-celebrated. Their last day of school party is actually an entire day!

- I'm homeschooling Alaina. Which makes all of the above stated items even more difficult.

So . . . I'm going a little on the nutty side, aren't I?

(see below for 1st day of school pictures of all 3)

1st day of school

All the kids went back to school on Monday. After meet the teacher last Friday night . . .well, Alaina didn't meet her teacher because she says she's known her since she was a little bitty baby. tehehe

The kids seemed to be fine with who they got. . . pleased with who was in class with them.

Monday morning . . .man, it was early! We'd spent the last several weeks sleeping in until 9! Getting up at 7 was hard.

A few first day of school pictures:

Ian (starting the 5th grade . .. the kid goes to middle school next year! WAAAAHHHHH!)



Allison (now starting second! Can't believe this much time has passed.)



Alaina (we had "pajama day" for the first day of school . .. she's using a Shamu lunch box she got at Sea World as her "lunch box" on days when she thinks she needs one . .. you can see how much stuff it actually holds! And then a shot of her headed to get the kids at the end of their first day.)

Updating again

My last set of updating was interrupted by some issue with blogspot (I couldn't get my post to go through) and a trip to Arkansas to visit family. I took the kids and we did a Wednesday-Sunday trip to spend time with my mom's family.

On the way back, I noticed something I see everytime and get a kick out of. Right around Greenville, there's a school called Bland Elementary School. I get the giggles everytime I go by . . .and now I know, there's a whole bland district! Just makes you wonder if their cafeteria food is any different from ours . . . tehehe . . .and how's the teaching? I'm sure it's a wonderful little district, the elementary school was exemplary this year .. . but the name just gets the mind racing.

Okay, doing the retroactive posting again, and adding other summer activities in.

Can't believe it . . . .school starts a week from today.

Shots of Dancing Allie

Just a few of the pictures I took of Allison. I got tired of paying a million bucks (so it seems) for a 5x7, 4 3x5s and some wallets! So I've started taking my own. Hoping in the future, I can use something more than bedsheets for backgrounds!

Jazz:




Ballet . . . she was so not in the mood for pictures this day. I had a hard time getting a lot to choose from:



Tap . . . Good grief, this child may wear this cowboy hat until she's 107!

And some of Alaina . . .

Alaina was so thrilled to get to take 2 separate classes this year. .. partly (I think) because it meant more costumes.




This one . . .not the greatest portrait, but love the expression . . .it's so Alaina.



She went through her tap routine so I could get some full length pictures . . .



This is the face I get on a regular basis . . .I get it whenever she she's irritated, thinks I'm teasing her, or I don't give her something she wants. Doesn't she just look sweet? @@



This maribou trim reminds me of those wraps they used to give girls for graduation photos. Wonder if many have a photo that looks like this? tehehe

WAAAYYYYY Behind

It's summer . . .I haven't posted in a long time! We've birthday partied, overnight camped, farm camp, swim lessons (twice), gone to the neighborhood pool, cheer camp . . .and more!

I'm going to post a series of posts about the last months. Mostly pictures.

Before that . . .can I just say, I had to laugh when I got the letter from my alma mater today asking for $55 for a curriculum lab chair on up to $1700 for a conference table. And I wanna know what kind of instructor desks they're putting in that they're asking $1250 for each one! That's nothing like the desk I had at the college I taught at, I'll tell you that much!

So, you think you can dance?

I could make this a post about my love of Benji on SYTYCD. . . but, well, I'm using it to show you some dance recital rehearsal pictures. Don't want to take away anything from Benji (GO BENJI!), but well . . . these little dancers can dance!

Note to readers . . . .don't think you can video and still photograph at the same time! It doesn't work out well.

I always have problems figuring out the right timing for the picture taking. Thinking I'm getting someone to come along next year to help me get the girls ready! Oh, and teach Allie to put on her own tights . . .that alone would help a lot!

Alaina's 2 dances . . . tap and ballet (never thought I'd be listening to little orphan Annie singing "tomorrow" again . . was just glad we had this beautiful gold and cream costume instead of red dresses and wigs!)



Allie had 3 dances . . . the jazz pictures turned out horrible. . . I didn't get a clear one of her in that one (thus that note about videoing and photographing at the same time!) She did a tap routine to "hello Texas" . . .and loved the "cowgirl" costume that went with it. This isn't the clearest picture . .. is hard getting action shots in the lighting they use.The next one is her ballet. . . she is the one in the back row. . . wasn't at a good angle to get shots of just her. .. but look at that form!

Sisters . . .

I took my own dance pictures this year. Wasn't going to pay for those cheesy 1/2 second "smile" photos from the dance studio photographer. They're definitely not in it for the shots that look good! So I get a couple of group shots (Alaina got 2 group shots this year as it was her first year to take ballet and tap as seperate classes, and Allie got 1 photo . . .don't remember which one, we haven't seen the pictures yet) each year, then take photos at home in the garage. Here are a few of the girls together.

The too often seen closed mouth smirk . . .


Doesn't Allie look like the most bored child you've ever seen?



I like this one. . .you can see the hint of a smile on Allie's face. . .maybe this isn't so bad . . .and Alaina's listening intently.



Allison actually looks slightly pleased . . .momentarily .. .



And then my favorite. . . doesn't this just make a statement about sisterhood? (I love the "backwards" cupping of Alaina's hand in both these last 2 shots)

We interrupt this blog for . . .

a mindless wondering from Heather's brain.

So, in the last few weeks, I've just totally dug "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield. Not sure where I heard it. . . I wanted to download this random song about "pages of your life still to be written" at the same time I was looking for some specific Christian songs I'd heard on the radio. Now, not sure if it's ever been on the Christian radio or not . .. . but that was my subtext. I finally figured out what the song was and who sang it when I came across some concert on some channel with Nick Lashay. They were going to commercial break and had this chick singing "the song". Then the song showed up on So You Think You Can Dance. Downloaded the song while I still remembered what it was.

Tonight, the girls were watching a movie. . . Ice Princess . . and at the end of it . . . you got it . . .Unwritten! ROFL I just started to giggle at that. Some song I'd paid no attention to a year (and more) ago, I'd spent several weeks trying to find out what it was . . .then I found out I had it in my house already!

Another downloading side note. . . some of you may remember this post where I mentioned the Backyardigans. They've done it again. Another CD full of music from the show! That got downloaded last week, along with a couple of Eddie Coker CDs. Checking out his schedule.. . and I can see we'll be joining my niece for a showing this fall. We love this guy . . .he makes me say "I am the happy one!" as we all do the "Woo-woo Dance" (yes, our kids actually do this at school . . we know all of Eddie's choreography!). There's 3 of his CDs on iTunes. And, apparently, you can find him on Chuck E. Cheese screens all over the country.

Okay . . .end of the mindless wonderings of Heather!

In 90 Days . . .

For the last several weeks, I have been reading this Bible. It amazes me to think that all I have to do is read 12 pages a night and I'd be done in 88 days (it gives you 2 "freebie" days)! For several years, I have wanted to read the Bible in a year, and those one year bibles just don't do it for me! I don't like the way they're organized , or the commentary, or something.

This is the Bible . .. every single word of it, in order and with none of the "extras".

I finish Deuteronomy tomorrow.

A Year Has Gone by . . .

(** will add pictures soon**)

Allie,

In a blink of an eye, we said hello to six, and now we've said goodbye. I can't believe another year with you has passed. So many things have come and gone. I'd totally forgotten that just a year ago, you were asking for pocketfuls of kisses! I do remember the swimming relunctance . . .who could forget that? Ms. P was pleasantly surprised when she saw how well you were taking to the water during your lessons last week. She said "It's like she's a whole different kid." And in a lot of ways, I guess you are.

You've lost 5 teeth since your last birthday (Losing your first one the day before your 6th birthday).
You've read Junie B., Kit books, Little House, and many more . . . all on your own. You grasped the reading thing and you haven't let go.
You've become a HUGE horse fan (you were into them somewhat a year ago, but one summer project later and you're MAD about them!).
You learned (as we all did) about Horseshoe Crabs (because you chose to do them as they had the word "horse" in their name! And, by the way, I've told Ms. P that if Alaina is in looping, I want something easy . . . a dolphin or a seahorse or a clownfish!)
You've danced in your third recital .. . adding Jazz to ballet and tap.
You made some little girl friends (you had almost all boy friends in K).
You became a brownie, and have earned more patches than I would've ever imagined.
You've worked hard on your handwriting.
You learned "everything I needed to learn to go to 2nd grade".
You spoke about your hero, for a second year, at a school assembly.
You've gotten so much better at the room cleaning thing.
You ASK to do chores (I know this won't last long!).
Your temper fits have become less frequent.
You've laughed.
You've cried.
You've started to stand up for yourself.

You still want to help when I don't feel well . . .and you tell me "I wish there was no such thing as headaches!" Now, everytime I have one, you ask when I'm going to get braces! tehehe
You're still as sweet and loving and tender as you've always been. Characteristics I hope never change.

You're fiesty, and yet you so want to please. And in some ways you are so hesitant and unsure. And I wonder. . .wonder how to help you, how to guide you, and yes, I even wonder sometimes if I can mold you. I want to help you be this confident girl who understands how wonderful and smart and talented she is. I try to figure out how to boost you in that area and help you still remain that sweet, loving, tender girl you are.

I remember those last days of pregnancy with you . . .how miserable I was, how hot, and uncomfortable I was. Then those first few days of life for you. You were sweet and tender then too. I loved just holding you. . . and I loved that you wanted to be held. And that you still want to be held. I strive to hold all these things in my heart. . . all that you've done, all that you've been, and look forward to all that you are yet to be.

Allison, my sunshine, I love you. I love being your mom, I love watching you grow. And I loved saying hello to seven.

Loves and hugs and kisses,

Mommy

I Think I've Recooperated!

I stayed up until . . .I don't know . .. about 3am. The girls were all up before 8am. You'd think 5 hours would be enough, but I slept on the couch!

Clarification, in case anyone thinks I'm totally insane. There were 6 girls all night, 13 girls total for the "bath junkie" part of the party. We have, in the past, had 11 boys all night. Andy thought the girls would be louder, but discovered boys really are louder.

Poor Allison . . .still takes her like 6 blows to get the candles out! The cake was done by my friend Erin . . .she's got a cake business going. Excuse the picture . . .I didn't do any cropping!



I didn't get any pictures of the bath junkie part of the party. Was too busy being crafty with the girls.

Andy was in charge of flip flops. We had to hot glue the marabou to the flip flops, so all the girls could do with that one was pick out the pair they wanted and the color of marabou they wanted.

I did lip gloss. We used this kit from oriental trading. I tried to let the girls scoop out the base ingredient (vaseline, basically) . .. . that was a disaster. I ended up letting them scoop the glitter and stir it.

I found several recipes online for various things. Recipes follow:

Body Glitter

Get a small container (I used those little glad lock containers. . . the tiny ones). Fill it up 3/4 of the way with aloe vera gel. Stir in coloring (I used those colorants they sell for making soaps). I was surprised how little you had to put in to override the green of the gel. Well, except for making yellow . . .yellow was not easy! Stir in glitter. You've got the body glitter. The girls loved that one.

Bubble Bath

1/2 cup baby shampoo or mild dishwashing soap (tried the lavendar shampoo . . .sooooooo didn't work! I ended up using ivory)
1/4 c water
1/2-1 tsp glycerin
6-10 drops fragrance (again use the essential oils for soap making)
coloring

Put everything in some kind of mixing bowl and stir. Then pour it into a bottle (I used those little travel bottles you can get at Target).

The girls loved doing that . . .and those 4 things took up about an hour's worth of time. We had stations, so the girls would find a spot at a station they hadn't done yet.

Had pizza/cake/opened presents. Then did water balloons . . .had them chase Andy and get him, then get each other.

After that, they came in and we started High School Musical. All the girls sang along with it .. . even the ones that had never seen it before (we played the sing-along version). By the end of it, we were down to just the 6 girls . . .they watched Catch that Kid. By the time that was over, it was midnight and I insisted on lights out. Of course, there was a lot of giggling after the lights went out!

So, all in all . . .. great party. And I have no idea what I'll do next year to live up to that one!

Here's a picture of Allie and my neice. She's 10 months younger than Allie and 15 months older than Alaina. {sigh} I'm scared of the teenage years!

Today

Today . . . .

-- I bought more horse stuff than I ever would've imagined (Allie's party is Friday)
-- I bought 4 bottles of aloe vera gel and 4 bottles of purple baby shampoo (anyone know, can you get clear aloe vera gel?) . . .sure hoping these beauty "recipes" work for the girls.
-- I spent an hour doing little girls' hair
-- Ian told me a story about Levi Strauss and when he made his first pair of jeans (back in in 1850). I mentioned that's where Dad Dad (my dad) worked for many years. He replied "Hmmm, I bet he wasn't working there back then. He was probably JUST a child!" ROFL . . .he started to laugh when I mentioned that would make Dad Dad 156 years old!
-- I took approximately 350 pictures .. . and liked maybe a 10th of them!
-- We had the fur trim vs. beaded look debate (fur trim won. . . not so much our favorite look, but all those beads with 7 year olds!?!?!? Why was I thinking that would be a good thing?).
-- I made it out of Michaels without buying a scrapbooking product (We were there for above mentioned beauty recipe supplies)
-- I've started another headache . . .ARGH . . .
--I've got a growing list of girls for this Friday night shin-dig . . .we're up to a total of 13!
--I'm now breathing a sigh of relief that the day is over!

So, now that you're 10 . . .

I posted my first blog post exactly one year ago . . . on the occasion of Ian's 9th birthday.

Ian . . . happy 10th birthday! I love you.

Ian,

This past year, you were in the 4th grade. You took 3 TAKS tests for the first time (a breeze for you), you actually roller skated during PE (even though you wanted me to sign that "he doesn't have to participate" note), you made all "A"s for the whole year (one of only 3 kids in your class that did so), and Dad and I think you had your first teacher crush (we never questioned . . .but by your actions/talk, we figured you just might really like Mrs. R . . . a good choice for a crush!). So, now that you're 10, you are about to start your last year of elementary school. You will go on a multi-day class trip with your grade. You will be a Big Fish in a huge pond. You'll change teachers according to subject for the first time. Ian, continue that quest for knowledge that you have. Remember what education can do for you and never settle for second best. Love the learning. . .even if it's not the most fun thing to learn about. Savor the knowledge that you know more than you did yesterday, and will know even more tomorrow.

This past year was a year of questions. You began to have some of those tough questions that Mom and Dad can't give you a good enough answer on. We said "I don't know" and "all we know is. . ." a lot this year. You wanted to know what Heaven would be like, what it would look like. You questioned about death. You questioned your own beliefs, and learned it was okay to have questions and doubts. You learned the difference between believing in God (with his many evidences of existence) and believing in Santa, the big bunny and that little fairy with a bag full of teeth. We'd worried about the day you'd find out about Santa. .. afraid that some kid would give you real proof that Santa "wasn't real". You embraced the the knowledge that Santa "just didn't make logical sense" and were thrilled to be let in on the secret. So, now that you're 10, I hope that you will continue the quest. The quest to be let in on the big secrets of this life. That you will continue to seek, question, and study about God and His word. That you will strive to be a better you. You're well on your way. You have got to be one of the few boys your age who's reading the Bible cover to cover.

This past year, you attended soccer camps, farm day camps, VBS. You learned about hard work, about having fun, and being a good sportsman. So, now that you're 10, you're headed to your first overnight camp. I hope you learn so much about God, I hope you (continue to) learn and enjoy the benefits of having friends who believe as you do, and not just base your friendships on similar likes (although you and your friends need to have things you like to do together).

This past year, you played 2 seasons of soccer, again. You played offense, you placed defense, and thank goodness! you never played goalie (such a stressful time for Mom when you do that!). You once again felt the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. You began to feel the desire to do well as an individual player. You expressed an interest in playing high school ball, you wanted to watch soccer on TV. So, now that you're 10, I hope you will take that desire and build on it. To spend the time and commitment to help you reach your goal. To work hard, and not give up if things don't go your way. To strive towards your own betterment in whatever you do. To be proud of your hard work, your progress, and your growth, regardless of the final score of the game.

This past year, you "toughened up". You were not as sensitive to things as you'd been in previous years. You began to understand that everything that happens isn't a horrible thing, and that some things are worth crying about, and somethings aren't worth wasting your time with. So, now that you're 10, I hope you'll begin to carry those experiences into the future and build on them. That you know that in life, some things are disappointing, but not life altering. That disappointment will come, and part of the getting through it is not just healing, but how you work through to healing and what you've learned in the process. With all my heart, I wish I could keep you from any of the taunting that I know is in almost all kids' lives. I wish I could hold onto you, soothe your hurt feelings, put that protective bubble around you so that no one would be able to hurt you. But realistically, now that you're 10, I have to let go . . .just a little. . . so that you can learn about disappointments and hurts. So that you can learn that you can survive through them. So that you can learn from them. Because, one day, Mom won't be able to protect you from everything, actually one day, I'll be able to protect you from very little. And when that day comes, I want you to know how to deal with disappointments and hurts, how to process that and to move forward from that point. I want you to be a strong man, and I know that means I have to let you experience sadness and make some mistakes now. . . while you're in this controlled environment.

This past year, you grew. You went through 3 different jean sizes, grew bigger feet, grew your hair long (then had it cut again), grew vegetables at the farm, grew even more in your heart. So, now that you're 10, I know most of these things won't change. You'll keep on growing physically, who knows how you'll decide to grow your hair next, and you're headed to the farm again. I wish for you that you continue to grow in your heart. To continue to be sincere and caring and concerned. To continue to try not to hurt others, and to apologize when you do.

Ian, this past year, you were 9. You did the things 9 year old boys do. You forgot homework, you rough housed with friends, you were curious, you loved to play, and you loved to laugh. So, now that you're 10 . . . I hope you'll do all the things you did last year (except perhaps we can leave the forgetting homework off that list!), and enjoy that time you have . . .just being 10. Relish those recess days, the days of not so much homework. Reach for those silly times, those times when you can just laugh. Don't grow up too quickly. You've grown past those single digit years, and are now beginning on the path towards adulthood.

Ian, this past year, you told me you never wanted to act like a teenager. That you were not going to roll your eyes, get mad at what I told you to do, hate spending time with me. And while now that you're 10, most of that probably (hopefully) won't change. But I know,that over these next couple of years, you'll begin to act like all teenagers act. You'll want your independence, to make choices without Mom and Dad having imput. You'll be mad when we set curfews, when we tell you "no" about doing things "everyone else" is doing. You won't get all of life's luxuries that some kids are already getting, and that will make you mad as well. And when all that happens, I hope that you will remember how much I loved you, how wonderful I thought you were, how blessed I felt to have you in my life, how honored I was to be your mother in those early years of your life . .. and when you were 9. . . .and when you were 10 . . . .and I hope you'll see that those things won't change as you grow.

I love you always Ian,

Mom

**********

Just a little Ian story . . . my brother teased him Sunday that he could go buy sheets with all the Target gift cards he'd gotten. Chris said he knew that's what my sister gave her gift card to go towards. I asked him this morning what he was going to get with the gift cards. He replied he didn't know, so I had to ask . . . "How about buying some sheets?" He acted insulted I'd even suggest that and said no. I reminded him that Uncle Chris suggested that a couple days ago. His response: "Sometimes you shouldn't listen to Uncle Chris' advice!" Tehehe . . .point well made Ian!

You're Invited . . .

Okay, so you're not really invited . . . .unless you're going to come and help me!

I sent out 19 of these things this morning for a total of 21 girls (2 sets of sisters). For a slumber party (was that thud you fainting or your jaw hitting the floor?).

For 3 years, Allie's waited for a slumber party. Back when Ian had his first one at age 7, we told her that would have to be the magic age. What was I thinking?????

Summer birthdays. . . it's so hard. You can never tell how many people will actually come. One year we went out 25 invites for Ian's party . . .and 8 kids showed up. Great size . . .next year, we invited the same set of kids (basically) and SEVENTEEN of them came! EEK.

So, we're doing pizza, cake, crafty stuff (we're going to make girly stuff like body glitter and lipgloss and such . . .and fuzzy flip flops) . . . and here's hoping I don't have to fit 22 girls into my family room! We might turn the sleepover into a camp out.

In other party news . . .Ian's parties have gotten smaller. He's got a good friend who has a really smart mom. They get parties for birthdays 1-5, then just have a friend or 2 celebrate until they hit the 10th birthday, then another big party, then just a couple big parties through their teenage years. I decided to incorporate this after Ian's birthday last year (when I learned of such wonderful things). Ian's got 3 friends coming to GattiTown with us, then whoever can, will spend the night here.

Then next Friday is Allie's shindig, then I'll be done until October . . .when the 2nd annual birthday carnival is supposed to happen (she loved it so much last year, she's asking for it again!).

Have You Wiki'ed Today?

So, I came across an entry in Wikipedia last night that was about the high school I graduated from. Just somehow didn't occur to me that there would be a time when Plano Senior High was an entry in an online encyclopedia (thanks to the elementary teacher that made that a bonus word! . . . .one lesson I've never forgotten).

I learned a lot of things about the school system I spent 13 years in. Learned the superintendent I had all throughout my school years was the one that put the high school system into place in Plano. I learned the whole history of Plano Senior . . . way back to 1891. And who knew that Plano had an opera house in the early 1900's? I also learned that they added a 6th building to the campus 4 years ago . . .and indoor workout facility. Hmmmm . . . .

And I learned that at least 3 professional athletes, 2 actors ( went through HS and senior HS with one), 1 reality TV "star", 1 astronaut, and the first doctor to attend to JFK (and then attended to Oswald) and is now a professor emeritus at the medical school where my sister got her PA degree. Surely out of all the people who've ever graduated from PSHS, there are more that have become famous in some way . . . so, of course that led me to a google search . . .I remembered a guy coming to visit my theater class that had just made a movie. . . .he now plays some character on General Hospital. Then there's another girl that played a character on the Wishbone PBS series . . . then there's the guy that apparently played the Gold Ranger in the Power Rangers, who has gone on to do a lot of appearances on various TV shows. . . a gal that spent 3 years on Life Goes On . .. . a guy that is now on House . . . and I'm sure the list has gone on.

On a sadder note, one of our alumni was a casualty in Somalia during the conflict that was later depicted in Blackhawk Down. His widow was a gal that graduated at the same time as I did . . .we were on the same drill team in 9th and 10th grade. I remember as a newlywed seeing her and her inlaws on a TV newshow as I sat watching in my married housing apartment at college.

I looked for classmates on various classmate finder sites. . .looks like there aren't many people looking for PSHS grads from 1989!

Now that I've taken a trip back to senior year, I'm going to have to dig up photos!

Busy Summer

** You can click on any of the pictures below to see them larger.

Going to try this post again . . . I had it all typed up and all pictures inserted and blogspot picked the moment I tried to post it to break down!

We hit the ground running from the time school was out. We left that night for San Antonio for a long Memorial Day weekend with Andy's family. We hit the zoo, the treehouse at the Witte, and Sea World. Of course, I took a million pictures there . . .not sure why. How many photos does one person need of some whale?


I love this one . . . shows a wonderful relationship between trainer and whale . .. and how amazing it must be to do this:



Once we got back, Ian had full day soccer camp. The girls Libby Lu'ed with Allie's Brownie Troop, went to a birthday party for one of Alaina's friends, had dress rehearsal and then 2 recitals. Whew!

Libby Lu:






Alaina doing tap:


Alaina's ballet (to Annie's Tomorrow)


Allison's tap:


Allison's ballet (I was sitting in the wrong place to get good pictures!)


Allison's jazz . . .the only non-blurry picture I got of this one.


This week is a 2 hour day camp for the girls. Our kids have been to this camp since they started it .. . and love it. It's at a farm, and they love going and feeding the animals, planting a garden, churning butter, etc.