Summer Doldrums?

It's almost July, and I am still waiting for it.  Waiting for the time I look at our days and realize that the routine is so... routine, that I feel like I'm in some sort of cruel Chinese Water Torturing chamber.

Not. Happening.

Our days have been so busy and varied that I fear I will never just plop down and organize the home school room closet just for something to do.

(guess who we went to see play?)

Y'all know that we spend most of our summer days here in the south... inside.  I know, it sounds horrific.  But when the temps climb, the only sound outside is the hum of the air conditioners and cicadas.  Unless you've been blessed with a pool, the neighborhoods are eerily silent.

(Little Boo's fashion show)

We pack it off to the pool about every other day.  Little Dude reacts to this trek by fussing and falling asleep once we get there.  He... endures the pool.  No enjoyment whatsoever. 

I think he got stuck with the wrong family.

:P

Since school ended waaayyyy back in May, we've been recuperating.  At least, I've been.  Homeschooling and writing and teaching made my life insane and I just wanted to kick back for awhile.  Each week, though, brought one thing after another.. all fun, mind you.... but lordy, busy! Besides the fact that my kids still need to eat and have clean clothing.  It seems that life hasn't slowed down much at all.

(Auntie Lil Sis babysits... and does make-overs!)

I'm thinking that this is the new normal.  That this is why it all goes by so quickly.  6 kids under one roof, the oldest a teenager.  Holding my breath, and suddenly he'll be driving... whisking himself and friends and siblings hither and yon.  Poof.  It will be so soon. I really thought that the pattern of our summer days would be slower at least for a few more years.  But with summer soccer practice and camps and water park swim days and sleepovers and more camps and math and impending treks across the western U.S. and Canada.... not to mention DH's crazy work schedule (he's headed to Germany, for heaven's sake... not saying when)

It's been a bit insane.

(Yes, we saw him twice)   :)

As a result, I will have to impose the summer doldrums on myself.  In between trips to the pool and soccer camp, I will pretend to be bored. I will toss aside the books I haven't 've read a million times, and sit with my feet up.  I will call that friend I haven't heard from in ages, I will wipe some door frames and do some extra baking. 

Just so I can believe that it is truly summer.


:)

So Much To Say...

Words swirl around my head.  Posts composed in the twilight.  So much to share, no time to sit at keyboard and plunk.

I approach this morning with trepidation.  A long night translates into a quiet morning.  All are still asleep.  Yes, even the littlest.

The littlest who takes up the biggest part of me.
The one all flock to when rising.
He, who inspires humor and the most ridiculous serenades.

He consumes me.  I am so honored.
:)

Little Dude is growing so quickly. 
I find myself less torn these days....
You know, torn between wanting him to stay little and wanting him to grow and explore.

I used to be so torn.  With Little Love, especially. 
How to know God's plan?  Will we have another? Can we just freeze this moment? For one more second?

But now...
Now that my boys are set to head off to school in the fall... I am so. excited. for them.  Truly.  I have no regrets and really am peaceful that this is what God wants for them, right now.  I can't wait for them to go.  Not because I don't want them around, but because I know this is where they need to be.

My Little Dear is so interested in dance and theater right now... and will be starting piano.  So excited for her to find her niche!  So excited that she got to go see a wonderful production of "As You Like It" last night with her drama class. She was glowing when she got home.  

Now that Little Boo is a super star soccer player (ok, not really) I know that she is ready to take on the extra practices and games... indeed, she's been telling me this for quite awhile now.  Hoofing it to practice in 100 degree temps is not MY idea of a good time.  Ask Little Boo, however....  :)

That leaves my littlest, Little Love.  She will always be my baby.  But I am still so excited that she is growing up.  She went to Camp Jesus all. week. with her sisters.  Came home red-cheeked and full of stories every day.  Up and at-em the next morning... and off she went. The house is quieter.  The rooms less messy. :P  But that big smile when I see her in the afternoon and the joy at being with her friends is just awesome.

I know that as my kids reach different milestones, I will always look back at when they were "little" and smile.

But I can see how the joy of watching them grow... of encouraging them to grow into the people God wants them to be, will more than make up for the longings of those days gone by.

Well... almost.
:)

Daybook: Anticipation

This week promises to be a busy one.  We have a birthday to celebrate today, some much anticipated out of town guests coming in tomorrow, our bathroom remodel is in the "detailed" work stages, our home school plans need to take shape quickly, as does the house, if we hope to make a trip to Colorado before the summer is gone.... not much time left over for pondering... or blogging, for that matter.

;)


Outside my Window...

Searing, scorching sun.  I'm not one to complain, even though we have had triple digit temps for well over a week!  I love the warmth on my skin... as long as I am immersed in water.  Which is most definitely where we'll be this afternoon if I can get my laundry list of things accomplished by lunch time.



I am Listening to....

A very eager 11 yr old waiting (patiently?) for his siblings and Dad to wake up so he can open his presents.  We do birthday presents in the morning before Dad heads off to work.  Then it's the birthday child's choice for dinner and dessert.  Should be a fun day.



I am Wearing...

Addidas sports skort, white tank, black croc sandals.  None of it maternity.... some of the maternity tops I've looked at have been simply too large, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll be needing them. 
Very. Soon.
;P


I am so Grateful for...

~Our tub!  It's been a month since I've been able to indulge in my nightly luxury.  DH cleaned it thoroughly yesterday so I could reinstate this ritual.  Boy... it felt great! (shall I show you how lovely it looks?  Sorry... the perfectionist in me wants to wait until the whole room is finished....)
~The internet.  The finding and connecting of like-minds is a wonderful thing.... making those connections IRL possible.  Very very good.



I am Pondering...

Charity in all circumstances.  Even when, and especially when, it may be true ignorance on the part of the other that necessitates that you be charitable.  Mass at our parish yesterday has spawned these thoughts.  And the sight of Our Lord in the form of a consecrated host under the sneaker of the teenager in front of me. (unbeknownst to the teenager..) Even though I acted quickly, it still pains me today.



I am Reading...

The Ministry of Motherhood, Severe Mercy (2nd go-round) and In Conversation with God. 
HELP!  I have book club tonight, where we pick for the year. Any suggestions or recommendations? 


I am Thinking...

Way. Too. Much.


 I am Creating...

An organized home.  Before we attempt one last trip to see my parents, there is a list of things I need to accomplish.  I would warn that blogging will be scarce these next few weeks, but who am I kidding.  Scarce and blogging have been synonymous around here for awhile.  That's ok!  I'm connecting where I need to connect, and accomplishing what needs to get accomplished.



On my iPod...

Looking at these, and getting excited.
In the meantime, Action Man has absconded the iPod and has discovered the wonderful world of old time radio shows like The Shadow and such.  Also, the inglorious music of Green Day.  Hmmmm.  Time for him to get himself a new mp3 player?


Towards a Real Education...

We are ditching the state-funded curriculum this year and joining our local, wonderful home school co-op.  The parent orientation meeting was last week.  The kids will be doing some amazing work together.  I am so very excited!


Towards Rhythm and Beauty...

De-clutter, organize, and clean.  De-clutter, organize, and clean.  De-clutter, organize, and clean. That's my mantra this week.


I am Hoping and Praying...

For Lil Sis.  Lots of excitement on the horizon. God has been doing some amazing things this past week.  It really defies all human explanation.  And is so inspiring for this sometimes-world-weary Mama.


Around the House...

That whole de-clutter and organize thing.  Plus a few projects to boost the look of the place, esp the home school room.  Master bathroom will be finished in a few weeks.  To say I am tired of having a shop vac and other various tools strewn throughout my bedroom would be an understatement.  I can't wait to have it all completed!! (And neither can DH, poor man.  He's been working like crazy, and just needs a break!)


From the Kitchen...

Birthday cake and tortilla soup for dinner for Sports Fan.  Never mind that it will be 105 today.  :P



One of my Favorite Things...

11 year old boys who still love Playmobil.



A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week...

Birthday dinner, book club, out of town dinner guests, and lots of house projects.
Perfect for these dog days of summer!


:)

What Made Me Smile Last Night...

... when I checked on the kids before heading to bed....

Little Love... rejecting the pillow, and opting to snuggle up to her humongous stuffed animal dog.

:)

Daybook: The Return of the Sun

After two weeks of clouds and rain and a generally unsettled weather pattern, we finally have sun.  With one day being a high of 86 this past week, it's been a strange July.  


Outside My Window...

Clouds and sun, battling for possession of the sky.  I have confidence that by the end of it, the sun will prevail.  Maybe it is wishful thinking on my part, since it has been far too long since my tired face has felt it's penetrating rays.


I Am Listening To...

Three of my children play Sequence.  All of them can play, and they take turns graciously (erm... sometimes).  But what I love is that even the littlest can play with some competitiveness.  Simply match the card in your hand to the one on the board... and try to get 5 in a row. We've pulled the plug on unlimited tv and computer games... so the board games are starting to emerge from the playroom closet.


I Am Wearing...

Maternity jean shorts, a v-neck top and brown crocs.  My hair is pulled back into a messy bun.  I was hoping to spend the day poolside, but the dishwasher repairman is due between 12-4.  :P
However, being without a dishwasher for a week makes me grateful that today is the day!


I Am So Grateful For...

My husband, who has been slaving away in our master bathroom this weekend.  It's been a messy demolition process, but that part is finally finished.  And we are getting really excited as we begin the tiling and painting.


I'm Pondering...

These two quotes...

When you go global and give your life away, you will see the world differently.  You will understand why cul-de-sacs can't contain God. You will see God as you've never seen Him before-- wonderfully ginormous.  That is a right idea of God. ~True Religion

It should be possible to say of each one of us at the end or our lives, as it was said of Jesus, He went about doing good.  We have to do good within our own families, among our colleagues at work, and among our friends, and even those people we just chance to come across. As disciples of Christ we have to be sowers of fraternity whatever occasions and circumstances life brings with it. ~In Conversation With God

And I hope to expand my thoughts in a later post.  We'll see if my brain is up to the task.
:)


I Am Reading...

True Religion, In Conversation With God, and will soon start Theopohilus.  Heavy stuff.  Very thought-provoking and soul searching.


I Am Thinking...

About perception, and writing.  And sharing.  About friendships and mercy.  Lots of conversations.. internal and with friends... have fueled these thoughts.  Plenty to ponder, and no clear answers.  At least, no pat "one size fits all" answer. God has a different call, a different path for each of us to trod.  I am no huge force on the internet, and I am truly grateful for that.  But I do love the written word... and will continue to bumble along in this space as best as I can, for this is the equivalent of our family "scrapbook"... a keepsake for me and my children. To remember, laugh and reminisce.


I Am Creating...

Beauty in our master bathroom.  Painting this week, while DH does the tiling.  I am off in a moment to get more paintbrushes and round up the troops.  We will wait for the dishwasher dude while painting cabinet doors and bathroom walls and window ledges. 


On My Ipod...

Lots of Weepies... including their new single.  And our new BNL album is uploaded and being played ad nauseam... in preparation for our next night out.  Yes, concert #2 is on the horizon.
:)

 
Towards a Real Education...

Still in summer mode, but getting ready for fall.  We continue our math drills, handwriting and word problems.  My task is to get up to speed on the fall co-op plans.  Exciting stuff!


Towards Rhythm and Beauty...

This bathroom re-do is taking up all of our time, but we're still managing laundry and chores... somehow.  Buckling down on the kids is a pain, but I'm hoping (and praying!) that better habits are taking shape.


To Live the Liturgy...

Confession this week, and mass at least one extra time.  Baby steps, baby steps.


I Am Hoping and Praying...

For a renewed sense of urgency in prayer.  My kids are growing up so quickly, and there have been a few situations arise that I haven't handled well.  A constant flow of inspiration from the Holy Spirit would be very helpful these days.


In the Garden...

The tomatoes are done.  We got a good two or three dozen out of our plants, and have eaten them all up.  I am officially addicted to fresh tomatoes on a chicken salad sandwich for lunch.  Unfortunately, the store bought ones aren't cutting the mustard (or mayo... in this case).


Around the House...

Laundry today.  And cleaning for a mid-summer bbq on Sunday.  Good food and good friends are a much-needed respite from the summer doldrums!


From the Kitchen...

No plans yet today.  The peach pie is gone, and we are full force into ice cream-mode for dessert these days.  Maybe Little Dear can whip up a batch of cookies this afternoon.


One of my Favorite Things...

Little Love's freckles.
:)


A Few Plans for the rest of the Week...

Cleaning and painting.  Soccer on Saturday, including an MLS game Sat night with Lil Sis and my girls.  It's our version of a "girlie night."
;P

This Just In...

My Mom's insanely good Peaches and Cream Pie recipe over at The Nutty Family Kitchen.

Enjoy!!


:)

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

What We've Been Up To...

It's summer in the south! And you know what that means...

Time for marshmallows, hot cocoa and popcorn...

You think we are kidding... we are not. Coming inside dripping wet to frigid A/C requires blankets and hot cocoa.



Campouts...

The only kind we Texans can manage in the heat of the summer.



Trips to the local watering hole...

Because we cannot be outside otherwise.



Board games...

Because Mom and Dad have put the kibosch on unlimited media.


And super cool eBay finds...

A long overdue purchase for Action Man. His buddy was over when they came... and far from being embarrassed, Action Man proudly showed them off.
The buddy's response?
Aw... LUCKY!

:P


How's your summer vacation going?



:)

Daybook: It's Summertime!

School ended Friday.  The kids are super-relieved to be on vacation.  The irony is, since camp starts this week, we are getting up earlier than we ever do during the school year.  And... surprise, surprise... the kids are not complaining a bit.
:P


Outside my window...

The sun is searing through the little smidgen of clouds that have dared to appear in the sky.  The past 3 days we've seen temps hovering near the century mark, with Saturday being the first official triple digit day.  Hellllooooo summer!


I am thinking...

About summer schedules. I'm glad for a bit of leeway in our learning program, to have the chance to do some fun learning after an entire school year of a canned curriculum.  I just hope I can follow through with all of my ideas!




I am thankful for...

Feeling normal.  Having energy.  A healthy baby.  This little one does plenty of flutter kicks to reassure the Mama that all is well.  I'm always grateful for them.




From the learning rooms...

We are in the process of a massive de-cluttering mission.   The closet has been organized, and now we need to pack up the books.  I'll need to replenish our craft shelf for the summer (for the kids... not me! lol) and start implementing our summer learning schedule.  Just some math facts, one big word problem, some handwriting, and lots of reading.  My thought is that after applying rigor to their minds, they will be more than happy to exercise their imaginations with a bit of peaceful play.



From the kitchen...

Dinner menus, and lots of events to plan/cook for.  Specifically, Little Boo's First Communion on Sat evening! 
 

I am wearing...

Black maternity skirt, tie-dyed black/white tank top, white flip flops.  The hair is curly.


I am creating...

Plans for this week.  In my head only, though.  Bad idea.  :P



I am reading...

 The Hidden Garden for bookclub.  A large book, but a fast read. 




I am hoping...

That I can use my time wisely this week.  That I can be disciplined but still joyful.




I am hearing...

Silence.  Little Love is snacking on grapes and Action Man just woke up.  The 3 others are having a ball at camp.






Around the house...

Cleaning cleaning cleaning.  We are hosting a bbq for the families of the First Communicants on Sunday.  I'm trying not to let my inner perfectionist take over, but I do want things to be clean at least. 


One of my favorite things...

Rainy summer mornings.  
:)



A few plans for the rest of the week:

Lots of time with Little Love.  A few projects, lots of cleaning, and a simple living room re-do.  It's amazing what a different rug can do to a color palette. 





Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Tulips are my favorite flower by far.  The more untamed the better.  I love how they splay out without a care as to proper decorum or neatness.  Instead of staying huddled together en masse, they shoot out their beauty for all the world to see~

:)

Wordy Wednesday

So, it's been awhile, eh?

This morning when I woke up I thought about how this week was just... dragging! But then realized with a start that June was already gone.

And what have we done?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

And it's been glorious.

:)

Well, I guess I should qualify our laziness. I mean, we haven't been sitting around on our duffs all day.

Here is a list of our accomplishments to date...

~We watched the entire LOTR trilogy yet again, but this time with Action Man. He earned the right to stay up and watch it, and we exercised the right to fast forward a few unsavory parts. It is PG-13 and Action Man is only 11, after all. He knows his own limits and actually requested that a few scenes be skipped through. Although now he claims he is old enough to watch the Mines of Moria and the Balrog of Morgoth. We'll see.

~We stayed up way too late. The kids are not hitting the sack until 9:30pm on a good night. Thus, we are sleeping in until 8am at the earliest. Wearing pj's until lunch has become the norm. It is lovely, I'll admit, but I'm thinking we need a little more discipline for the remainder of the summer.

~We've spent every day swimming. In order to be outside here in the summer, there must be at least 3 feet of water within 10 feet of you. Vigorous water fights occur on the days when a visit to the pool is not feasible. I personally cannot stand to be inside on a sunny day. I've said it before, A/C 24-7 wilts the soul, and I start to feel clammy after a day or two of being holed up inside. We are vacationing here for most of the summer, until we whisk ourselves away to the Rockies in August. So we are in this for the long haul.

~We've read lots and lots of books. Nothing as a family yet, I'm sorry to say. But that will come as the kids tire of their other indoor games. Action Man has joined a book club. They have read Adam of the Road and will read Lost in the Barrens and then Hatchet for this next one. For myself, I am thoroughly enjoying this delightful series. Although I need to get serious and grab this book from the library for my own book club in a few weeks.

~The girls took part in an informal "art camp" put on by the daughter of a dear friend. They loved it. My boys will help to host a "survival camp" in a few weeks. I think fishing and fire building, tent-raising and plant identification are on the schedule. Another family is hosting a sports camp. I'm glad my friends are so creative. It's good wholesome fun with families I trust. Doesn't get much better than that!

~We've partied. A lot. Baby showers, ladies' nights, chess nights for the boys, book clubs, and a whopping good time with pretty much everyone I know to celebrate the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul and the end of the Pauline year. The 4th of July will be spent with our oldest friends here, and plans for a baby shower at our home next Sunday for a newer friend are in the works. I'm very social, can you tell? DH is so tolerant. :)

~I've kept up with you all... barely. It's been fun to just sit back, read, laugh, cry and pray. What a fantastic bunch of writers and lovely ladies you all are. I appreciate your talent and friendship!

:)

The Taming of the 'Do

You come to me, all pouty-faced.
Your curls are all askew.
A brush is dangling in the mess
of summer's sticky dew.

The straight smooth hair of older sis
has captured all of your thoughts.
You beg me with your eyes of blue
to tame your curly locks.

Reluctantly I plug it in
and expectantly you wait.
This magical black instrument
will change your curly fate.








As Mama works methodically,
your legs bounce up and down.
It's hard to be so patient
in your change to princess from clown.

And when she is done, to the mirror you run
anxious to see the effect.
Alas for the Mama when she examines her work,
if even one stray curl is left.

Texas in summer is hot and cruel
especially for one so small.
To have a head filled with lustrous curls
just isn't fair at all.


:)

It's "Summer" in North Texas...

... and we've already had the "keep certain doors closed at all times due to the wacky positioning of our A/C units and thermostats... because we really want to have some money to travel this summer, don't we?" conversation.

{sigh}

Sometimes this 5 months of summer thing wears me down.

:)

End of the School Year Insanity

Everyone has this. No one escapes it.

Yes, even home schoolers. It's May, and there are eighty-zillion projects to wind up, four trillion assignments to go, (well, it feels like it anyway!) and one burnt out Mama who would rather sit outside and read while her kids play "Hulk- SMASH" with the outdoor playhouse.

Truly, this is me today.

Action Man has his make-up state test tomorrow morning, and diagnostic testing in the afternoon... All of the kids have end-of-the-year testing this week, glorious novel reading for Literature (I love those units) and I have tons and tons of prep work for Little Dear's First Communion Saturday and humongous party on Sunday.

Then, when school ends June 2nd... I have to literally pack up the school room and ship the books back before packing my kids off to camp for the week.

I think I need a Margarita.

:)

I love the fact that summer is almost here. I love the slower pace, the sleepy mornings, the trips to the lake and the pool, the gatherings with friends. I love the trips north, the different landscapes, the varied schedules, the late nights of bonfires and s'mores.

I love summer.

It's the getting there, the pushing through these last two weeks that just might send me over the edge.

:)

Au Revoir, Summer

A cold front is blasting it's way into Texas today. It's something we all look forward to, having endured triple-digit heat for more days than we care to remember. And when the highs dip down into the 80's, we rejoice... for a time. Until those 80 temperatures get a little old. It is October, we say, shaking our heads. We need some cooler weather already!

And when it arrives, with wind and thunder and cold rain, we break out the sweaters and long sleeve shirts, the sweats and jeans, and we feel renewed and invigorated.

Last night, in the damp heat on the eve of this cold front, I lay drowsily on my daughter's bed, reading her a bedtime story. The story long finished, the fans whirred around me, and I closed my eyes. Suddenly I was whisked back in time to the humid NY summers of long ago.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was born on Long Island. The winters there are bitterly cold and the summer heat is thick and oppressive. We would flock to the beaches and spend entire days near the shore, basking in the sun and the wind, sand burning our feet, swimming against the salty ocean waves.

At night, we would lay in bed, the fans on high, shaking the bedroom floors, as the sweet night air wafted in through the open windows. You could almost feel the humidity give way to the dewy night air, as you lay without blankets or sheets, your sunburned face turned toward the cool breeze.

I remember in particular how hot it would be in the upstairs of my grandparent's house in Levittown. Even though we lived close by, we would still sometimes spend the night after a family get together with my many aunts and uncles and cousins. I would lay on the bedsheets, listening to the laughter and ribbing of my relatives, while the noisy floor fan ushered in the cooler night air. I fell asleep to the sweet smell of summer and the secure feeling of being surrounded by a loving family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Knowing that this cold front was slowly making it's way south today, I lay still yesterday evening reflecting on these memories, basking in the warmth of the southerly wind and the smell of the sweet summer flowers.

BTW... I love laying on any one of my children's beds and looking at life from their perspective. This is what they will remember, I think. This is their childhood. How different it is from mine. Yet, how very much the same. And what a responsibility I have as a parent, the key role in the formation of these memories they will carry for the rest of their lives.

Good-bye summer. It's been a good one. Filled with many memories, and through it all, the shaping of 5 little childhoods. With many opportunities for love and laughter, learning and growing, and much joy above all.

May our Fall and Winter be just as warm and memorable, with the love of family and friends. And much much joy above all.

:)

Well, Clearly...

Surveying the chaos in the girls' bedroom, complete with two little naked bodies jumping about with glee....

Me: Little's Love and Boo, I asked you to get your pj's on and brush your teeth. What are you thinking?!?

Little Boo:(crossing her arms) Mo-om! We are always thinking about Braums.


:)

Guess Where We Went Yesterday?

Sparkling sunshine

Reflected and refracted.

Rosy cheeks

Flushed in triumph.

Hands held high

Grasping the prize.

Shimmering waves

Glistening bodies.

Laughter and Splashing...

The only noticeable dirt lies at the bottom of the tub.

:)

Dear Back Yard Neighbors...

It's hot.

Unbelievably hot. Like, waaayyyy over any human being's normal range of comfort.

On the days we dare to venture outside, my children and I come in from our back yard dripping with sweat. Even the simple act of sweeping the patio puts us out of commission for the rest of the day.

As I peel off my sweaty clothes and look out of my upstairs bedroom window, I see an oasis.

A beautiful, crystal clear ocean of blue.

Your inground pool.

We have lived here for 6 months. The heat has been unbearable for 2 of those months. Not once have I ever seen anyone using your pool. The sun beats down mercilessly, your pool beckons invitingly, and y'all are indoors.

I believe it is your duty to get the most out of such a lovely investment. I dare say it's sinful not to. I even think it would serve the pool itself to have it used on a daily basis.

And one more thing...

I know a family with 5 adorable, voracious swimmers that could help you out with that.

:)

Gas-Saving Tip #1

Have one of your children come down with a really high fever the day before you are supposed to meet all of your friends at a really awesome water park.

Look out into your garage and realize that it is Thursday, and your car hasn't moved from it's parking spot since Monday... and likely won't be moving for the rest of the week.

That's a savings of at least $40!

Of course, balance that against the amount of G&T's necessary to keep this Mama sane during this bout of extreme cabin fever...

and....

well...

maybe you'll come out even.

:)

Dog Days

It's summertime in Texas, and you know what that means!

We're getting out the board games.

I've written before how backwards our seasons seem to be. Every year, it's still a bit of a shock to feel true 100 degree heat beating through the car windows, wilting my very soul.

We're re-discovering the joys (?!) of Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, Uno, and Hi-Ho-Cherry-O. We're remembering that there's nothing like a rousing card game of Speed. The "Homeschool Room" has become the playroom for the summer. Clay, paint, scissors, glue and marker projects abound. Gerbil mazes litter the floor, accompanied by many costumes and even a rock band drum set made of pots , pans and an orange Home Depot bucket.

Netflix has never been used so voraciously.

We have become hermits.

And yet, I still need to feel the sun on my face. Yes, even the 100 degree sun. And so we spend a lot of time in water. The pool, the water parks, the lake, the bath tub and the shower. Water has never felt so necessary as it does these days.

To all of my Northern friends, enjoy your summer. Revel in your backyard bbq's, baseball games and picnics. Glory in your bike rides and rollerblading escapades. Us southerners will just sit in our A/C boxes and live vicariously through your pictures and fun times as you plan events that are not even on our radar for at least 3 more months.

And we will wait for our chance at summer.

It's called Autumn.

:)

Guess Where We Went Today?

And the lovely Mamas who came with....

















Girly time...
















Boys and dirt/sand. Must. Dig.

















Little Love...





















Lunch-a-ble Little Boo...















But the question remains.....

Was it worth it?





















HMMMMM.....
















:)