Christmas Morning 2010

I think this is the last year TT will "believe" in Santa. He seemed like he wants to believe but he knows something fishing is going on because he went with D to buy *Paprika's gift.

The kid's wish list was short. TT wanted a big, nice, fast RC car and Paprika didn't know what she wanted. We decided a TV for Paprika's room was a good gift. No worries, she doesn't have cable- just a Wii and streaming Netflix.

I hope everyone's Christmas was magical and bright.

* I need a cute, fake name for my daughter for the blog. S doesn't work so well when I need to use it as a possessive (i.e S's gift.) I was thinking a spice for obvious reasons. I am open to suggestions.

Merry Christmas

Santa was very nice to me this year. First, I got a Cricut machine. Most of my Christmas presents to my friends were created from the fabulous cutting machine. I decorated and personalized notebooks and clipboards. S and I have spent many hours crafting and creating.

Secondly, Santa (Dennis) brought me a new Droid Incredible. It is awesome.

Ride the Ducks

One of the favorites from Branson was Ride the Ducks.

Once we were out on Table Rock Lake, each kid got to drive the Duck.

Next time, you are in Branson, get Captain Jessie and go on Ride the Ducks.

Branson 2010

We had a wonderful trip last week. We spent 6 days in Branson, Mo. at Still Waters Resort.

We traveled with another family, who has kids the same age as ours, which was a new experience for us. The 8 of us stayed in a large, two bedroom condo on Table Rock Lake.

The resort was quite nice with three pools (including one with a waterfall and another with a slide,) there were free kayaks and paddle boats on the lake, places to grill out, two nature trails, fishing on the docks, and jet ski and boat rentals a few feet from our door. Also, it's only 10 minutes from Silver Dollar City.

We had a great time at Ride the Ducks with Captain Jessie. The kids got to drive the duck on the lake. This activity was on the second day and the Ride the Ducks song was stuck in our heads for the rest of the trip; we would often break out into the chorus at random times.

The first day of Silver Dollar City we were rained out early in the afternoon but we returned the next day and someone from our group rode every ride at the park (except the GIANT Swing.) By far, the ride we rode the most was Fire in the Hole, it was the first ride on the first day and the last ride on the last day.

It was a wonderful vacation with good company and lots of laughs.

Meet Chuck Lee

This is the story of Chuck Lee, the parakeet.

Towards the end of the school year, the third graders went on a field trip to the Cosmosphere. We arrived back at school with about 20 minutes until the final bell. The students were allowed to play on the playground until the school day ended.

Soon, I heard some excitement near the jungle gym and walked over to find the kids surrounding a parakeet. I shooed the kids away and stood guard until the bell rang. Then, I placed a jacket over the parakeet and picked it up. One of the teachers gave me container and we took it to the pet store to buy a cage.

The "free" parakeet ended up costing us about $80 in supplies but it turned out to be worth it. TT named him Chuck Lee as in, Chuck Liddell (the UFC fighter) and Bruce Lee.

We clipped his wings and now he is part of the family. He happily sits on our shoulder while we use the computer or read. He likes to watch youtube videos of other birds singing and chirps along. TT taught him up and down to climb on things.

And he lived happily ever after.

Family Camp 2010

Remember, last year, our family went camping? Well we attended that same camp this year.

Unfortunately, the weather was much hotter this year. So hot that is quite miserable.

We still enjoyed archery, kayaking, crafts, and great food. But no camp fire this year, it was simply too hot to think about sitting around more heat.

Medieval Times

In Dallas, we had dinner at Medieval Times.

It was an adventure.

Crochet Corner

Yes, I have ventured to the "dark side." I think that crochet is fantastic for summer. Cotton yarn is light and cool.

I have completed a baby blanket, a couple of bags and the above scarf.

Graduation Party

Last weekend was my graduation party.

The theme was Root Beer and Mustaches.

Everyone was required to take a picture with me wearing a mustache.

Herb Garden

Usually I hate gardening. It's hot, hard work (I'm sure that's how other people feel about running.)

But this year, I have started an herb garden with the help of a good friend. She gifted me some herbs, last year, and most of them survived the winter. She has a very zen outlook on gardening - sometimes plants live and sometimes they die. Also, anything that dies she gives me more of.

My garden consists of two varieties of sage, oregano, lemon balm, lavender, thyme, pineapple mint, chocolate mint (found at a Whole Foods store in Dallas) and basil.

New Bike

Check out my new bike!! I found it at a garage sale for $15. I am using it when I have a few groceries to pick up at the market.

It had some rust, which we scraped off. The basket was a mess but the kids and I scraped off the old paint, took it apart, painted it and secured it back together.

I didn't know what a great deal I got until I saw a 2010 version of my bike at Bicycle Exchange. This bike cost $499.00 new.

More biking

Riding bikes with TT is always an adventure. He has a wonderful eye for detail and often stops to pick up "treasures" along the way. A few days ago, he found a small blue egg.

Last Days of School

This week there were only 3 days of school. Now, I am officially the mother of a 4th and 6th grader.

On Monday, the kids performed in their school musical, "The Granny Awards." S was Granny and TT was Jack (as in Jack and Jill.) I love that our school does a musical every year, it is one of the many things I value about our school.

Tuesday was the 5th grade graduation. I cried just a little bit.

NAGA Dallas

We spent the weekend in Dallas, Texas at a NAGA tournament. TT has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the last few months and we felt he was ready to test his skills. He fought a total of three times in two divisions. He came in third place in the gi competition for his weight. The medal is huge and shiny.
We are so proud of his hard work. He has the heart and intelligence of a warrior.

Graduation

River Fest

Oh, how I love my bike.

Saturday, I rode the 5.5 miles from my house to Panera for breakfast with my knitting friends. Then,Lanora and I headed out to the farmer's market. Douglas was closed for the River Run; it was so fun to ride down the middle of the street ringing our bicycle bells.

Tuesday, I rode over to the Garden Gala at Botanica. This is one of the River Festival events I look forward to every year. The gardens are beautiful and calming.