Daybook: My Crazy Life

I started this post on Sunday. 

It is now Friday.


What an appropriate title.

:P


I'm listening to~

Little Dude babbling. He says "ba ba ba". Exciting, isn't it? Yes, I'm hopeless when it comes to this kid.


I am wearing...

JEANS. Glorious, LONG JEANS. And a flowy LONG sleeved top. High of 86 today, folks.
FALL IS HERE. (ya'll will have to excuse me, I live in Texas)


I am so grateful for...

Misunderstanding.  Thinking that something is the case when it's not. I think too much. Period.


I'm pondering....

The life of the heart. How to make it grow, how to preserve and protect while it grows. How to take chances that don't wound too much. Sometimes the wounding speeds up the growth, sometimes its detrimental. This goes for all ages, and all stages. It's a tricky balance.


I am reading...

Innocent Blood for book club. Not sure if I will be able to finish. Not because of time, but because of my sensitive soul. :)  In Conversation with God, The Bronze Bow, and It's So You. There's a line up for ya.

:P


I am thinking...

Of soccer and friendships. Of school and friendships. Of life and friendships. Friendships are a very good thing.


I am creating...

New bedrooms. Still ongoing. Everyone is in their proper places, now we just need to tweak it. More storage in one room, utilize what we've got in another... New curtains for all. I have lists for each room and will buy as needed. I hope we will be completely finished by Christmas. If not, sooner?


To live the liturgy...

We need more prayer in this house. In order to do that, I need to be more organized. Homework finished before soccer practices, so that after we can gather for our rosary before showers and bed. I know we can do this. I just need to make it a priority.


Towards a real education...

I loved loved loved this post. You see, I've always been a reluctant homeschooler. I read all the stuff and bought into all the ideals and convinced myself that it was the only way to go, and then threw myself into it and constantly felt like I was totally failing at it. So I would re-double my efforts and still feel like I was a failure. So, we put 3 kids in school this year. 
I'm not convinced it's the ideal choice. In fact, the only thing I'm convinced of is that there really is no ideal choice. We are not in some heavenly utopia here. But we know our kids, and the ones in school need to be there. It's better than them being here all day.
There, I said it.
For them, at this time in their lives, it's better that they are not at home all day. We may change our minds, and I sure do miss them, but for now, this is their real education.
:)
(See? I think too much)


Towards rhythm and beauty...

Ugh. I have two lives now. Homeschooler and drive-the-kids-to-school, schooler. My house reflects the chaos I feel. Poor DH. I have got to figure this out.


I am hoping and praying...

For a beautiful beautiful gal who is so close to my heart. She has been going through a rough time for so very long. God needs to do something, and fast. Praying that His will for her life be made known and all the pieces fall into place quickly. And that we all have peace and joy in the process.


I am learning...

That I need to let go a lot more often and with more grace and trust than I am used to. There is very little I can control. From my own kids to other people's opinion of me and my children... or my house, car, clothing... it's so trivial, and yet to some, it is so essential. I need to step away from that kind of thinking.


Around the house...

The laundry beast is out of control. All the uniforms for school, P.E. and soccer is just killing me. Yesterday was "free dress" day (thank the Lord... and also? Thank the Lord for uniforms all the other days! Yikes on the fashionista front!) I was able to get the uniform situation under control. Most days I feel like I'm flying by the seat of my pants... or, pj's, as it were.
:P


From the kitchen...

No idea. Lol. We'll be making banana muffins for sure. Dinner will be meatless, but that's all I know. I stink at the no meat dinner ideas. And my family hates tuna. :(


On my iPod...

Haven't listened in ages. Really.
But I am looking forward to this. Because I am a rabid fan. Still.


One of my favorite things...

Hot coffee on a brisk fall morning. It has been way too long...


A few plans for the week...

Weekend soccer games, Homecoming week for the school kids (lots of fun events planned=lots of mommy work... but it's all fun) more bedroom work.. organizing and de-cluttering so we can make it all more functional!


A picture thought...

Gratuitous Little Dude photo...


:)

My New Kitchen "Help"

:)

Daybook: Road Trip Prep

This Friday begins the Nuttiest of all Nutty Family Road Trips. Little Dude and I will board an airplane and fly off to spend the weekend with my sister and her lovely family in Utah.  DH will load up the rest of the kids and our belongings and drive. 
For days... 


We'll meet in Montana.


And although I am sure Montana is a beautiful vacation destination... our final stop is Vancouver. Birthplace of DH and home to most of his family. Family that we haven't seen for over 3 years.


And so it begins.

:P




Outside my window~

Scorching sun and fresh-cut grass. Temps in the 100's this week.  We're leaving none too soon.


I am listening to~

The "big" girls eat breakfast.  In between bites, they are chatting with Little Dude.  He is munching on a bagel.


I am wearing~

White capris, long raspberry-colored tank.  White flip-flop crocs.  Hair in a messy bun. 


I am so grateful for~

Long naps for Little Dude.


I am pondering~

Every woman needs a tribe. Hang on to those you select for your tribe because you will need them as you age. And they will need you. As we move closer to the "golden years" we begin to realize that the gold part isn't so shiny. Middle age is tough, between caring for adult children and aging parents.  If we have a tribe that's seen our kids recover from chicken pox, graduate from high school, and even get married, they'll be with us by the time we need to research options for a parent we adore and who has dementia, too. They- the two or three who have loved us forever- will buoy us through those difficult middle years.

I know I'm not *quite* middle age yet.... but I'll turn 40 in less than a year from now.  And I'm realizing this truth so very acutely these days.  I need to hold my dear friends close.... both far and near.  I am blessed by them, by knowing them, and them truly *knowing* me.  I am so blessed.

I am reading~

The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers.  :)


I am thinking~

That being charitable is much better than being right.
Always.
In every single circumstance.
Justice should never trump love.

(And since publishing I have had *ample* opportunities to put this into practice. lordhavemercy)


I am creating~

A absolutely foolproof  packing system.  Complete with overnight bags and carry-ons. I will NOT fail these hurdles!  (laughing uproariously)


On my iPod~

Erm. Action Man has an iTouch. He earned the money to buy it.  Saved his little heart out.
I disabled a TON of things on it. Youtube was the first to go. (what a great Grinchy trick...) We are chatting and regulating like nobody's business. And he has been so good about it.


Towards a real education~

Researching all things Canadian.  Specifically, the customs/border patrol stuff. We're pretty sure Little Dude doesn't need a passport since we are driving through the border. I even called the automaton lady who assured me.
(sigh)
Here's hoping!



Towards rhythm and beauty~

My new decorating scheme? Suitcases! In all shapes and sizes. Looks lovely on any floor. Plus, it has the added benefit of being movable, like up and down the staircases a billion times... just because. (ask Little Boo) and?  You can pick up and leave at a moments notice!

(plus, it contains certain trouble makers quite nicely.)

:P


To live the liturgy~

Confession. I am clearly losing my mind.


I am hoping and praying~

For safe travel.  By plane and car. For calm tempers and tranquil weather.  For happy kids and peaceful parents. And most of all... for a healthy no-sickness 3 weeks!!


In the garden~

No veggies anymore.  Just trying to keep the grass green and the begonias alive. So hot and dry. Hot and dry. Hot and dry....


Around the house~

Piles of clothes... all clean, waiting to be packed up. Lists and lists.  Ugh.


From the kitchen~

Just eating up what we have.  Pork chops and spaghetti, anyone?


One of my favorite things~

Snuggles in the morning. Nursing Little Dude in bed flanked by the two little girls.  All sleepiness. :)


A few plans for the week~

Seriously? :P



A picture thought I am sharing~

Cutie-pie crocs and chunky legs.  Love. it.

:)

With Love, From Little Boo

My non-Facebook friends have completely missed out on recent Little Boo-isms of late.

And for that, I apologize.

Here, for your viewing pleasure, are the Mother's Day and Father's Day cards she crafted for Andrew and I:

Mother's Day:

(click to enlarge)


And Father's Day:

(The resemblance is striking, no?)



:)

Daybook: Updating

I'm not going to apologize for the silence. I've learned in the past that silence can be golden. Especially internet silence.  Especially when you can revisit your original reasons for blogging and re-prioritize a bit. But most especially for a reason like this one:

Little Dude has been keeping me busy, of course.  But more on him throughout the course of this Daybook.....


Outside my window~
Sun.  Blue skies and sun.  We went to the park today, and I got 2 hours of in-your-face sun time.  It felt glorious, and even Little Dude's cheeks are a tad bit pink.

I am listening to~
My girls play nintendo and my boys play poker with a friend.  The hours of outside fun this morning has made them content to sit and relax this afternoon.  It's Spring Break. We all feel content.

I am wearing~
My comfy (and very well-loved) jeans, t-shirt and crocs.  Hair in a messy bun.  I've promised myself that I will actually style my hair tomorrow.  I think.  :P

I am so grateful for~
Friends who organize park outings.  I never would have gone, never would have organized it... just would have feebly attempted laundry or writing while refereeing fights and putting off endless requests for playdates.  It was a lovely, refreshing change.

I'm pondering~
Schedules.  More on that in a bit.

I'm reading~
The Roots of Obama's Rage by Dinesh D'Souza.  My pick for bookclub next week.Very interesting.

I am thinking~
That Little Dude needs to get in some semblance of a groove any day now.  He is the king of the castle, and I never can plan anything!  Lol.


I am creating~
A new Nut House normal.  Our sports schedule this season requires that we be away from home at dinnertime 4 out of the 5 weeknights. So, we'll be eating dinner at 4:30 on those nights.  DH and I have it coordinated so we know who needs to be where, and when.  On the nights he works late, I'll be flying solo, but it's doable.  Texting one evening with a long-distance kindred spirit while waiting at Sports Fan's practice, I decided.... no complaining.  We chose this. 3 kids on 4 teams. 2 girls in dance. It's crazy, but we homeschool after all.  We are together all day, every day.  We can eat earlier.  We can regroup after practice and showers and pray the rosary.  If there is any time in our lives this can work, it's now.

On my iPod~
Nothing new, except maybe more old radio shows for Action Man.  Tales of the Texas Rangers, anyone?

Towards a real education~
Oh dear. 'Tis that discerning time of year again.  We've always said that we take homeschooling one year at s time.  We mean that literally.  Oy, this time of year is always hard.  :)

Towards rhythm and beauty~
Trying out the new schedule this week.  Still recuperating from my solo weekend... still grateful for energetic sisters who swoop in and whisk children off to games in the freezing windy conditions.  Still trying to re-vamp chore charts....  Still a work in progress.

To live the liturgy~
Lent snuck up on me this year, I admit.  I found our good deeds jar, got some dried beans, chatted with the kids about our sacrifices and hauled them off to mass on Wednesday.  But more needs to be done.  The boys had a friend over yesterday who told them that he was giving up TV for Lent.  The boys' jaw hit the floor as Action Man said, "Dude, that's hard!"  And the friend looked at them and said, "Yeah.  Isn't that the point?"

I am hoping and praying~
For our schooling decisions, and for many many other intentions that have come to my attention this week.  So much heartbreak and sadness out there.  Keeps my worries in perspective.

In the garden~
Tomato plants go in this weekend.  My red pansies out front look glorious... and looks like spring is here for good!

Around the house~
Chaos.  We emptied out the girls' rooms thinking that we would be hosting our friends from Wisconsin for the week.  They got the flu, however, and turned around before they even got to us.  Very sad. And the toys are everywhere.  This weekend will necessitate a huge clean up.

From the kitchen~
Lenten meals, coupled with soccer practice means quesadillas on the go.  :P  The kids have homeschool gym class at a park this afternoon, minutes away from Sports Fan's practice. So tempting to pack a picnic and stay... we'll see.

One of my favorite things~
Little Dude's ears.

:P

MIA

That's me.  The completely uncommitted blogger.  Not that anyone's noticed, of course.  Oh, wait.  Lil Sis said something to me the other day about getting tired of opening my blog and seeing "Gemma These Days" all the time...  and I did get a lovely Facebook note from this wonderful gal.  (We met through blogging and she knows my younger sisters...hence the FB friendship)  So nice to know that someone misses me!

LOL

It's been a whirlwind of a time over here, folks.  I don't blame anyone for not noticing... in fact, I hardly have time to notice myself.  And judging by the way I look these days, it's high time someone took notice.  Good heavens.

;P

Ok, so on to updates.

My biggest excuse for my lack of communication these days I can blame completely on the smallest member of the Nut House... Little Dude.  Just as he was starting to pull out of his unsleepy-neediness, he went and contracted RSV.  And then, just for kicks, decided to wake up Valentine's Day morning unable to breathe very well.  Nothing says I love you like a frantic trip to the ER with the man you pledged to spend the rest of your life with and sohelpmeifwegetintoanaccidentIwillkillyou... love and cherish forever.
Yes, it was scary.  No, Little Dude did not require any interventions once we got there, thank goodness.  By the time we saw the ER doc, he was smiling and cooing up a storm.  But DH and I?  We acquired a ton of gray hair.  And I don't think my complexion has returned to normal yet.

So, Little Dude and I have been getting to know the wonders of nasal spray, aspirators, and nebulizers.  3 months old seems a little young for this knowledge in my humble opinion, but with this blasted weather and the pollen count skyrocketing, it's necessary... Besides, I'm not up for any more romantic ER trips any time soon.

:P

On a completely different note... I've been gainfully re-employed to spin my tiny tales of fiction for a state testing website.  It's so much fun, but also pretty stressful, to try to make happy tales at the 11th grade level under 525 words and ask questions regarding hyperbole and theme.  No sarcasm allowed, no religion either.  So I'll have to use the blog as therapy.  (Who doesn't, I'd like to know?)


Little Boo started her insane soccer schedule this week.  3 evenings of practice, games on Sundays, soon to be Saturday's too.  I'm happy to report that she is like a brick wall on defense and totally made her mark at her very first game.  Since playing club soccer is much more competitive, I fully expected her to sit out at least part of the game, but no... her new coaches are just as appreciative of her skill at this level.  And I am hopelessly proud.  I couldn't go to her first game, so I shared my feeling of being tortured by texting DH every other second asking how she was doing.

ACTUAL TEXT:
Me: Is she still on?  And playing well?
DH: Yes and yes
Me: You are a plethora of information. Maybe you could do a play by play for me?
DH: Be still woman.  It's so sunny I can barely see my phone.

Aren't you glad you're not married to me?

So, we are plugging away over here.  Little Dude is on the mend.  My foray into the world of fiction has been a nice distraction, and I am unabashedly living vicariously through my 8 year old.  :)

What have y'all been up to?
:)

Telling

We've had to implement a new rule at the Nut House these days. 


#11.  No fighting over the baby.



:P

Not The Brightest Apple....

Mama (yelling):  Ok, everybody... time to get our school work finished!  Up and at 'em!  Let's go!
(I wander off to check my e-mail... and notice that I am being gmail "chatted" by my own son.)

SPORTS FAN!!!!  Get down here!
(he comes waltzing downstairs....)

Why are you on the computer??  Didn't you hear what I said?

Sports Fan(incredulously):  How did you know??


:P

Fatherly Advice: Good Sportsmanship Edition

Sports Fan plays goalie for his 12 and under soccer team.  Since he just turned 11, he's not exactly the largest kid on the team.  Yet, he shows a spunkiness in goal that can only be admired....


(during a break in quarters)  
DH(dear husband): Sports Fan, remember that goal you saved?  The one where the kid slide-tackled you just as you got the ball?

SF: Yeah!  That was cool, huh?

DH:  Definitely!  But that was kind of a dirty play on his part.

SF: Oh.... (eyes lighting up) So, should I have punched him or something?

DH: No!  No, no.  But.... if when you're getting up with the ball... and your elbow happens to dig into his ribs there? ....  I'm pretty sure that would be an accident.



:P

Lights, Camera.... *fizzle*

When I was in High School, I was in an acting troupe.  Our "Youth Group" would travel around upstate NY and put on plays for other youth groups.  My first play was a bit of a disaster.... there were no tryouts, and I was cast in some measly role that just did NOT display my awesome talent. Or, so I thought at the oh-so-experienced age of 13.

;P

At my high school, I acted in the musicals, and my junior year was given one of the lead! roles!  So very exciting.  I was the Queen in Roger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella.  

My time in the limelight was short-lived, however, as I attended a college that did not, as yet, have an acting troupe.  (They do now, of course...)

Enter life-after college.  After exhausting all of my resources trying to look for a job in Canada... yeah, they didn't take too kindly to the illegal-immigrant status I was sporting.... I signed up with a talent agency and did one. little. nothing. photo shoot for a bank.  Yay.  I spent the next year tutoring ESL and making good money.  So much for life in the fast lane.

And then.  When Little Love turned 5 last year, I realized that, perhaps, I could try it once more.  Figuring that I had learned a few things about the lingo of the business, I responded to a few innocuous craigslist ads, and found myself with a couple of appointments.  After chatting on the phone and threatening to walk out of the shoot if it was anything other than what I was hearing... (I am so compliant that way) I showed up to the first studio with Lil Sis in tow. (She's an awesome bodyguard)  I met the director, did some yoga poses, got paid, and left.  Easy Peasy.

Since that first foray, I've done a hair spot and an evening of "extra" work on the new cable show "The Good Guys" starring Colin Hanks.  (Yes, I saw him... no, I didn't talk to him... although it was totally cool to watch a take of a shooting car chase being filmed in downtown Dallas!)  My part?  I walked past a store.  Tons of talent needed there, let me tell you.

:P

And then.  I found out I was pregnant.  Nausea and fatigue are simply not conducive to happy-smiley camera work.  Lol.  And so, my amazing career as a part-time "extra" for commercials or print or any acting whatsoever is on hold. Indefinitely. 

Here's how it ended:

(phone ringing) The Call: Meegan? (yes, that's how they pronounced my name) This is Louie. (I kid you not!  Isn't that hilarious???) How are you looking for a commercial audition this weekend?

Me: (thoroughly snickering) Well, I'm looking about 6 months pregnant.

*crickets*

Me: Yeah.  Maybe get back to me in about a year.

Louie:  Oh, right!  Hey, congratulations!


I can hear the delete button being pushed on my profile....

And you know what?  I am totally ok with that.  Totally.

:)

Exchange

As Little Boo and Little Dear were vociferously getting ready for our garage sale next week....


Little Boo (indignantly plunking down three pairs of shoes):  We're selling these, these, these...  and Little Dear!



:P

You Wish You Were Me

Because we are doing something AWESOME this holiday weekend!

We plan to celebrate the 4th in true Nut-House style...

betcha can't guess.

Gotcha!  Yes, he really is supposed to be tearing out our master bathroom floor.
In fact, he thinks it's fun!
Right, Action Man?

Our shower.  With drills.  Very artistic.

What?  Doesn't everyone keep their toilet in the jetted tub...

... and the tank on the floor of their bedroom?
On a tarp?
With old towels?

See?
You do wish you were me.

Told-ja so.

Happy 4th Y'all!!

:P

Parenting An *Almost* Teenager

I'd like to make myself believe... that planet earth turns slowly.

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake

When I'm asleep...

...'cause everything is never as it seems....*

Action Man will be 13 in November of this year.  A few years ago, when contemplating the up and coming dreaded teen years, I vowed that I would not expect my boy to become a horrifying force of confusion and angst in our happy homeschooling home.  Surely, I thought to myself, there were ways and methods to guarantee that he, and I, and everyone in the home, would make the transition smoothly... with nary a ripple in the fabric of our days.

HA.

Much to my surprise... Action Man has decided that he WILL be growing up... rapidly and with many ripples.  Tidal waves, actually.

And this shift will take place overnight.

Suddenly, Sports Fan has found that his constant companion is moody and distant.  He needs "time to himself" because he is "growing up"  (these explanations provided by Sports Fan include an over-emphasis of the quotation marks, along with vigorous eye-rolling)

My own response has been varied.  While the storms rage and the frustrations mount, I have oscillated between understanding and indignation.  I understand that Action Man needs his space, that Sports Fan is developing an uncanny ability to push. just. the. right. buttons... and that Little Boo has upped the ante of annoyance to beyond bearable.

However.

I also point out that we are still a family unit.  That we still must get along sohelpme.... And that this is our path to heaven.  Together.  Like it or not. And respect? goes a long long way, my son.

I'm learning a few things, too.  Things that I have observed from other parents... parents I trust and respect, especially my parents, in remembering my own tulmultuous teenage years and how well they handled everything I threw at them. And I threw a lot at them.

1. Teenagers still need guidance.  They need to be "checked on."  Both my boys are starting the whole "lying" thing again.  But it's more subtle now.  Not as easy to "catch."  It's a pain to run upstairs and see if they really *did* clean their room, but I do it.  Make them wait downstairs, poised on their bikes, ready to take off with their friends... and haul their butts back up if, in fact, the vacuuming has not been finished like they said it was.  They need to know that there will be consequences for these fibs.  And a little guilt every now and then doesn't hurt.  Just a little, mind you, or else it loses it's effect.

2.  Teenagers need to be respected. They need a listening ear.  As the little ones multiply and clamor for attention, it becomes almost impossible to provide the setting for those all-important conversations about hockey, or clothes, or friendships, or music. Many golden opportunities can be overlooked in the midst of a hectic day.  Action Man almost always comes back downstairs after the "good-nights" have been said.  He parks himself on the couch and chats it up with us.  DH is much more tolerant of this time.  I try to grin, but groan inwardly... and sometimes not so inwardly.  Something I need to work on.

3.  Teenagers need privileges.  Action Man got an mp3 player for his 12th birthday.  He has an e-mail account.  He is allowed to cross the "big" street on his bike and go visit his friends.  We grant him leeway with watching "extra" shows on Netflix... (ok, so it's Liberty's Kids... who can say no to that?!?) 
He may not seem that much older than his 10 year old brother, but at this stage, the difference between them is a chasm.  And they both feel it.  Sports Fan may not like it, but his turn is coming.  The key is to preserve that relationship as best as we can until he catches up. 

4.  We need to enjoy what our teenagers enjoy without attaching moral importance to every single solitary thing.  I know I will ruffle some feathers here. But there are some hills not worth dying on.
Action Man has the advantage of having a hip, cool Auntie who lives with us and makes him awesome cd's of the music he enjoys.  So, we have heard Miley Cyrus, and Justin Bieber and who knows what else... ad nauseam in our living room during clean up... and other random times.  Do I like this music?  Not really. Are these kids people I want my kids to idolize? Um... no.  But we do not have posters up nor do we watch tv shows where they are featured.  We simply enjoy their talent.  Together.
Oh, and we mimic their hairstyle.  Erm... that would be Justin Bieber's, not Miley's.  :P
And yes, it drives me crazy that Action Man's hair hangs in his face and curls around his ears and generally looks like he just rolled out of bed... but I know that it's temporary.  He has already made some noise about it getting too hot... not a coincidence that I am allowing this as we approach 100+ temps... I can be a pretty smart mama, you know.

;)

It's a tightrope walk, this balance between being there and letting go.

Between guiding and trusting. 

But there is a lot to enjoy and marvel at along the way. Because, if nothing else, teenagers are notorious for their wide open eyes and big plans.  They are on the verge of taking on the world.

I'd like to make myself believe... that planet earth turns slowly.

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake

When I'm asleep...

Because my dreams are bursting at the seams.*

:)


*Lyrics brought to you by one of Action Man's favorite bands... Owl City. And this Mama must admit they're growing on her, too. :)

Little-Soccer-Boo

Because I didn't have enough craziness in my life, I let myself be talked into going to an ALL DAY tournament two days after our massive road trip home from California.


Here's how it all went down:

Little Boo has started playing soccer on a great team in a local all-girls' league.  Her coach was a bit of a stickler at first, causing DH and I to wonder what exactly we had gotten ourselves into. They practiced twice a week for an hour and a half... they had to arrive at games 30min before... we had to pay fees exactly on this date at this time.... the uniform cost a pretty penny...  All this for an under 7 team!

I was a bit apprehensive.  This guy and this team seemed a bit... intense... for our family.

Then came the first game.

Little Boo, in her super-cute and sassy pink uniform, headed out to the field to play defense.  I was highly skeptical, but bit my tongue.  And I was in for quite a surprise.

Of all of my soccer-playing children, Little Boo was good.

Not only could she steal the ball from the fast moving forwards and kick it back down the field, but she also seemed to intuitively know and understand where she needed to be at all times. I was so used to eating my own fist when it came to watching the kids play, (what with me feeling helpless as my soccer-clueless children gallivanted all over the field, always in the wrong position, always misjudging the play... I had a heart-attack at every game....I was quite the sideshow for my friends :P ) that I didn't quite know what to do with myself when it came to Little Boo's games. 

I could... sit back?  Enjoy? Simply cheer her on?

What a concept!
:)

During our vacation on the west coast, Little Boo kept bringing up this tournament.  It was an all day affair, the Saturday after we returned. It was over an hour away, and the girls would be expected to play 4 games total.  DH and I said NO. WAY.  But Little Boo was determined.  We'd be enjoying our hamburgers at In-n-Out, and she would ask about the tournament.  We'd be playing in the sand at the beach, and the tournament would be on her mind.  We'd be waiting in line at Disneyland, for heaven's sakes, and she would ask if she could play in the tournament with her team.

And so, at our hotel in Gallup, NM I got an e-mail from her coach.  He had a few last-minute cancellations for the tournament, and could really use Little Boo, he said.  After discussing it with DH the next day, somewhere between Albuquerque, NM and Amarillo, TX, I texted the coach  and said that she could play.  A few phone calls back and forth... and we were set.

Little Boo was ecstatic.

And the rest?

Is a picture-post...

She took most of the goal kicks...

She did a great job of shielding the ball from the other team....

She had awesome positioning on corner-kicks...

She had a great time with her teammates....

And she came out a winner...

Of course.

:)

Recuperating

Is this thing on????
:P

What a whirlwind trip.

Yes, we are home. Have been for quite a few days.

And boy, what a crazy few days it has been!

Our time in California was wonderful. Really and truly, a beautiful vacation.

A picture perfect shot, no?
:)

Even though the water was quite frigid!!

Of course, Little Boo was the first to fall in.  When asked what happened she responded...
Kinda weird.  The water pulls the sand out from under your feet!

And she huffed away indignantly.
How dare that ocean.  Really, how rude.
:P

We went to a beautiful graduation at my breath-taking Alma Mater.

That's my godson Sports Fan is holding... quite the cutie!

After graduation we crashed at the beach house and entertained approximately 80 billion people.

No, not really.  But with our group it sure felt like it!
:P
So, we did a lot of this...

And this...

(my other cutie-pie nephew!)

And we enjoyed smelling these...

And we painted these...

I call these Beach Toes.
:)

After we tired of the beach (or, actually, had to leave our seaside paradise) we headed here:

Where we spent almost 12 hours riding awesome rides and seeing fun shows and just soaking in all that we could for our last day of vacation.

In between, we stayed with friends from college, and had a blast catching up on 7 years' worth of events and experiences (we graduated almost 15 years ago... but had seen them a few times since) and noting at every turn that our philosophies of life were in agreement.... while the kids ran around and played non-stop.
It's just so awesome to touch base.

Our ride home was long.  Laboriously long.

But, we made it.  And we have a huge book of memories to go along with our adventure.  Eventually, I'll get it all together, but for now it's here and elsewhere on the computer. 

But most especially, in the re-tellings of my kiddos. 

Which makes it all totally worth it.

:)

Daybook: Road Trip Edition

We are heading out to the wilds of a Nutty Family Road Trip in a few days. Wednesday morning we will gather our bags and pillows, our toys and food, along with a hearty dose of courage, and embark on a 2 day trip to the California Coast.

In short, we are insane. (PLEASE pray for us!)

:P

I Am Listening To...

DH vacuuming out the car.  Nothing says "I Love you" like a clean car for a long road trip.



I Am So Grateful For...

Feeling "normal."  I can eat again, and coffee is back on the menu.  Granted, it must be diluted with ice and tons of cream and sugar, but it's there.  I am so happy.


I Am Pondering...

This: I tell you honestly what I’m reading or wearing or cooking or whatever. I don’t edit myself much, mostly because my daybook is where I gather my own thoughts. I sometimes pretty much forget you’re reading. But you are. And so are other people. Some of them write to tell me they disapprove of what I’m reading or wearing or cooking (or cleaning even). It is my challenge to learn to listen to those criticisms without having them rock my world.

It constantly amazes me how people have so much time to notice the perceived speck in another's eye, yet not the gigantic plank in their own. The exacting smallness of their hearts must truly be a burden to them.  I just wish they would keep that burden to themselves and not subject other's to the shriveled state of their souls.  It is not beautiful, it does not bring joy, nor does it speak charitable instruction. 


I Am Reading...

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.  I'm hosting bookclub tomorrow evening!  Egg rolls and strawberry pie are on the menu.  Wanna come?


I Am Thinking...

About our trip.  I'm so excited to get there and spend time with my family on the beach.  I am so not excited to spend two days in the car to get there.  Luckily, I'll be too busy the next few days to worry much.


I Am Creating...

Lists.  Many lists.  DH doesn't understand it.  "Just throw some clothes in a suitcase and off we go!"  Right.  And no one will have any underwear and all the chargers will be left at home.
:P


I Am Wearing...

Low-slung jeans (what am I going to do when I outgrow them??) and a t-shirt, white flip-flops and my curly hair back in a pony tail.  Not exactly Sunday attire, but I'll be working over a pot of hot oil today. 


Towards a Real Education...

New plans for next year are on the horizon.  I know, what else is new?  Hush.  If you are a homeschooling mom, you are just as excited as I am!


Towards Rhythm and Beauty...

Slowly, we are reclaiming the house.  Some spaces will have to wait until after our trip.  It's the way it has to be.  And it's ok.  Really.



I'm Hoping and Praying...

For a safe trip.  Sorry, but I'm a bit worried.  I always do before we embark on these adventures.



In The Garden...

Tomatoes!  Lots of them sprouting out everywhere.  The yellow flowers give way to brown and then a glorious small green bud of fruit.  The fragrance of the plants is heavenly.


Around The House...

Laundry.  Tons of it.  For the next two days, I'll be working the machines.  The kids were told that on Tuesday they wear "dorky" clothes... aka NON-California trip clothes.  No last minute loads Tues night!


From The Kitchen...

Egg rolls for dinner tonight.  I always make a ton when I make them.  The amount of work involved is only compensated by the quantity produced.  Besides, it's been ages since we've had them.  And no, I do not mind cooking on Mother's Day.
:)


One Of My Favorite Things...

Lake trips.
We took our first of the season on Wednesday.  Sunny, high of 93.  The kids had a great time in the water.
One of the many many perks of homeschooling.
:)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...

Soccer practice, Scouts, and packing. Tomorrow is a party for our homeschool co-op, and a play by the 3-5 graders.  Bookclub as well.  We'll be full speed ahead until we pile in the car at 5am Wed morning.
Then we can sit.
For 22 hours.
:P


A Few Picture Thoughts I Am Sharing...

Our girlie Tea Party last weekend.

It was such a lovely day!

:)

Self Criticism

Little Boo while writing in her Nature Journal today:  My handwriting is soooo stupid!  My " t " hangs below the line, my " h " hangs below the line, and my " e's " butt sticks out!


All these years of homeschooling, and I was never made aware of the anatomy of an "e". 

Fascinating.

:P

Math, Little Boo Style

While doing her Math U See this morning...

Little Boo:  Mo-o-o-m!  This is so hard!  I'm counting on my fingers and my toes...

And I can only get up to 14!!


:P

Hiatus

The reason is.... (how apropos!) over here.

:P