Sunday, June 15, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Date Night #11
We're still plugging away on our 25 dates for the year and just had #11...right on track! We've done the gamut of things from simple dinner and a movie (21) to seeing Bruce Springsteen in concert. This time, we went to an Astros game with Heather and Brent.
Brent has season tickets and they invited us to go along. The game was against the Milwaukee Brewers, but unfortunately the Astros lost. We still had a great time though!
Brent has season tickets and they invited us to go along. The game was against the Milwaukee Brewers, but unfortunately the Astros lost. We still had a great time though!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Little Gym
This past year Jensen started taking a combination dance/gymnastics class at a new place that opened near our house called The Little Gym. I thought it would be perfect...give her a chance to try dance (which I thought she'd really like) combined with gymnastics. After spending about $70 on ballet shoes, tap shoes and a cute bag to carry them all in (at Payless mind you; how you spend $70 at Payless I don't know), Jensen declared that she didn't like the dance part. When I asked her why she said that it "took too long". "But it's only 30 minutes," I said. After a couple of weeks of her crying before the dance part I finally figured out that all she really wanted to do was the gymnastics part so, of course, the dance part was too long. I relented and let her switch to a class that was just gymnastics. She had her last class last Friday and got her first medal. If anyone is in need of barely used, size 11, ballet or tap shoes please let me know.
She actually got a medal for these moves:
She actually got a medal for these moves:
Monday, June 09, 2008
Weekend Update
Our weekends this time of year tend to revolve around swim meets and this week was no exception. We had our last home meet of the season which means I am now done with my volunteer duty. My job this year (and last) was to prepare the condiments (lettuce, tomatoes, onions) for our concession stand and to slice and bag watermelon to sell. It's an awesome job because I can do it in the air conditioned comfort of my home the day before the meet and be done with it. This last week was easier than usual due to the salmonella scare...no tomatoes to chop.
Jackson and Jordan have done pretty well swimming this year and have steadily improved their times since the season started. This year, they both moved up to a new age group. The age cut off is the end of May and since both their birthdays are in May they are among the youngest kids in their groups. Next year should be a better year for them competition-wise. They're still having fun though which is the whole point.
This year is our swim team's 20th anniversary and our coaches put on a show for the kids the morning of the meet last weekend. Even though the team started in 1988, their attire seems to be from '68 or at the very latest '78. But since I don't think any of them were actually alive in 1988 I'll cut them some slack. I think they would have looked just as great in leg warmers and oversized t-shirts knotted at the side and sliding off one shoulder. Too bad they didn't ask me for wardrobe advice. I have to say, though, that our coaches always go out of their way to make the whole swim team experience fun for the kids. And none of our kids know the difference between 60's attire and 80's attire anyway. It's all just old to them.
Every year I feel so grateful for our neighborhood swim team. I never had anything like that when I was growing up out in the country. It provides exercise, structure, teamwork, friendships, entertainment and so much more to summer days that could otherwise just waste away. Go Gators!
Jackson and Jordan have done pretty well swimming this year and have steadily improved their times since the season started. This year, they both moved up to a new age group. The age cut off is the end of May and since both their birthdays are in May they are among the youngest kids in their groups. Next year should be a better year for them competition-wise. They're still having fun though which is the whole point.
This year is our swim team's 20th anniversary and our coaches put on a show for the kids the morning of the meet last weekend. Even though the team started in 1988, their attire seems to be from '68 or at the very latest '78. But since I don't think any of them were actually alive in 1988 I'll cut them some slack. I think they would have looked just as great in leg warmers and oversized t-shirts knotted at the side and sliding off one shoulder. Too bad they didn't ask me for wardrobe advice. I have to say, though, that our coaches always go out of their way to make the whole swim team experience fun for the kids. And none of our kids know the difference between 60's attire and 80's attire anyway. It's all just old to them.
Every year I feel so grateful for our neighborhood swim team. I never had anything like that when I was growing up out in the country. It provides exercise, structure, teamwork, friendships, entertainment and so much more to summer days that could otherwise just waste away. Go Gators!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Happy Summer
Holy cow! Three months (nearly) since I've posted here. I'm a little mad at myself for that but I guess it goes to show that life is busy and full around here. Today is the first day of summer vacation and I pledge to post a little something every day (nearly) for the summer. I pledge to keep my camera handy and take a photo a day. I did this in December leading up to Christmas and I loved the little nuggets of everyday life that were recorded here. Let's catch up a little and then move on.
A quick weekend trip to Dallas during spring break to visit our friends the Allen's and go to the Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park/hotel
Easter brunch at the Spindletop restaurant
Another baseball season come and gone
We caught lizards and raised butterflies
Went on field trips
Peformed in the district-wide 5th grade honors choir
Went on dates
Went to Disney World--WOW!!
Started another swim season
Had birthdays...this is Jordan riding in the front seat of the car which she was allowed to do once she turned 11. If you look closely you'll see a cell phone in her hand. This was her main birthday present. It has changed her life a little but my life a lot.
Preformed in the 5th grade musical as an Andrew Sister singing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Graduated pre-school
Advanced from cub scout bear to webelos
Graduated 5th grade...on to middle school!
School's out for summer...
Happy summer y'all!
A quick weekend trip to Dallas during spring break to visit our friends the Allen's and go to the Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park/hotel
Easter brunch at the Spindletop restaurant
Another baseball season come and gone
We caught lizards and raised butterflies
Went on field trips
Peformed in the district-wide 5th grade honors choir
Went on dates
Went to Disney World--WOW!!
Started another swim season
Had birthdays...this is Jordan riding in the front seat of the car which she was allowed to do once she turned 11. If you look closely you'll see a cell phone in her hand. This was her main birthday present. It has changed her life a little but my life a lot.
Preformed in the 5th grade musical as an Andrew Sister singing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Graduated pre-school
Advanced from cub scout bear to webelos
Graduated 5th grade...on to middle school!
School's out for summer...
Happy summer y'all!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Rat Terrier vs. Rat
As my dear, sweet friend Heather pointed out, it's March and i guess I haven't posted in a while so here's one for everyone to enjoy.
This past Sunday morning while I was getting dressed, Jensen ran into the bathroom and yelled, "Mom, Bella is fighting with a rat!" I said, "No, it must be something else" but went to look out the window anyway. That tail is unmistakable. It was definitely a rat. And Bella had it cornered in the shrubbery. After a few minutes of her going after the rat, she grabbed it and actually flung it into our pool! The rat was still alive at this point and furiously paddling around my pool. Bleeding into it by the way. I didn't know what to do so called Jim who wasn't home at the time. He, wisely, told me to "call someone." By the time I got off the phone with him, the rat had clearly expired. Still bleeding into my pool though. I called my lovely neighbor, Richard, who I knew had experience fishing rats out of pools (it's actually a pretty common occurance in our little corner of paradise). He came down the street with his pool skimmer and fished it out for me, bagged it up, and hauled it to the dumpster. Thanks, Richard!
Rat Terrier 1
Rat 0
This past Sunday morning while I was getting dressed, Jensen ran into the bathroom and yelled, "Mom, Bella is fighting with a rat!" I said, "No, it must be something else" but went to look out the window anyway. That tail is unmistakable. It was definitely a rat. And Bella had it cornered in the shrubbery. After a few minutes of her going after the rat, she grabbed it and actually flung it into our pool! The rat was still alive at this point and furiously paddling around my pool. Bleeding into it by the way. I didn't know what to do so called Jim who wasn't home at the time. He, wisely, told me to "call someone." By the time I got off the phone with him, the rat had clearly expired. Still bleeding into my pool though. I called my lovely neighbor, Richard, who I knew had experience fishing rats out of pools (it's actually a pretty common occurance in our little corner of paradise). He came down the street with his pool skimmer and fished it out for me, bagged it up, and hauled it to the dumpster. Thanks, Richard!
Rat Terrier 1
Rat 0
Saturday, February 23, 2008
My American Girls
As part of Jensen's 5th birthday celebration, the girls and I planned a pilgrimmage to the new American Girl store in Dallas. I have a friend from Colorado who lives there now and we've talked since she moved there about getting together since she's so close now, but we never had. This was the time!
Jordan, Jensen and I along with 3 dolls left Kingwood on a Friday afternoon for the 5 hour drive to Kim's house north of Dallas. We got there safe and sound and had a nice evening just hanging out and the kids getting acquainted. They have a daughter, Megan, who is just 2 days younger than Jordan. They were best friends when we lived in Colorado. They really didn't remember each other, but re-connected just like that! They got along great and have already planned to spend their next birthdays doing something together.
On Saturday, all the girls headed to the Galleria Mall where the American Girl store is. We spent about an hour and a half looking at all the dolls and doll stuff and picking out things for Jensen to spend her birthday money on.
We were able to get a reservation for lunch in the little restaurant where they have seats and menus for the dolls!
After lunch, Jensen made her final selections (and didn't have a meltdown like some other girls in the store when she found out she couldn't buy everything that she wanted...I was proud of her because that place is very overwhelming and difficult to get out of without spending an absolute fortune).
Saturday night we had a great dinner back at the Allens. The kids made s'mores on the fire pit in the backyard and got in the hot tub. Us adults had a relaxing evening just talking and catching up.
Sunday when it was time to leave, neither girl wanted to go...I was dragging them back to Kingwood kicking and screaming. That's the sign of a good trip!
Jordan, Jensen and I along with 3 dolls left Kingwood on a Friday afternoon for the 5 hour drive to Kim's house north of Dallas. We got there safe and sound and had a nice evening just hanging out and the kids getting acquainted. They have a daughter, Megan, who is just 2 days younger than Jordan. They were best friends when we lived in Colorado. They really didn't remember each other, but re-connected just like that! They got along great and have already planned to spend their next birthdays doing something together.
On Saturday, all the girls headed to the Galleria Mall where the American Girl store is. We spent about an hour and a half looking at all the dolls and doll stuff and picking out things for Jensen to spend her birthday money on.
We were able to get a reservation for lunch in the little restaurant where they have seats and menus for the dolls!
After lunch, Jensen made her final selections (and didn't have a meltdown like some other girls in the store when she found out she couldn't buy everything that she wanted...I was proud of her because that place is very overwhelming and difficult to get out of without spending an absolute fortune).
Saturday night we had a great dinner back at the Allens. The kids made s'mores on the fire pit in the backyard and got in the hot tub. Us adults had a relaxing evening just talking and catching up.
Sunday when it was time to leave, neither girl wanted to go...I was dragging them back to Kingwood kicking and screaming. That's the sign of a good trip!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
25 Dates
Most of you who read this blog already know the story, but I'll recount it here for posterity. Jim's New Year's resolution for this year was for us to go on 25 dates (it started out at 30, but quickly went down to 25). I'm not sure why he made this resolution (although I have my theories) but I decided to take it as a very nice gesture and to just go with it.
It's mid February and we've been on four dates so far. I thought it'd be fun to document them in pictures and here on my blog. I missed getting a photo of the first one. It was Jan. 3rd while we were in Michigan. We went out for a bite to eat and to see a movie (Juno).
Our next date was back here in Houston on Jan. 26th. Jim had wanted to go see the broadway musical, The Jersey Boys, but I rolled my eyes at that. Instead he got tickets for us to see Love, Janis, a musical about Janis Joplin. We really should have seen The Jersey Boys. Live and learn. He already told me that if we were going to get 25 dates in I would have to stop being so picky about what we did.
Date number 3 was actually with another couple. We had a long discussion about whether it counted as a date if we were with other people. I was definitely voting for it counting. Jim relented once he realized that if we didn't count evenings out with other people we would never get the 25 dates accomplished. And our monthly babysitting tab would equal our mortgage payment. We ended up with one criteria for a date. We have to actually leave our neighborhood.
Date number 4 was Feb. 15th to celebrate Valentine's Day. We went to dinner at the Melting Pot. This was my pick but didn't end up to be one of our favorites. You'd think I'd realize this by now, but I don't actually enjoy going out to dinner and cooking my own food. It's sort of the same concept with salad bars. I really don't want to get up and go make my own salad when I'm out for dinner. I know this about myself, yet I insisted we go to a fondue place where we have to prepare all of our own food. One of these days I'll learn to listen to Jim. One of these days...
It's mid February and we've been on four dates so far. I thought it'd be fun to document them in pictures and here on my blog. I missed getting a photo of the first one. It was Jan. 3rd while we were in Michigan. We went out for a bite to eat and to see a movie (Juno).
Our next date was back here in Houston on Jan. 26th. Jim had wanted to go see the broadway musical, The Jersey Boys, but I rolled my eyes at that. Instead he got tickets for us to see Love, Janis, a musical about Janis Joplin. We really should have seen The Jersey Boys. Live and learn. He already told me that if we were going to get 25 dates in I would have to stop being so picky about what we did.
Date number 3 was actually with another couple. We had a long discussion about whether it counted as a date if we were with other people. I was definitely voting for it counting. Jim relented once he realized that if we didn't count evenings out with other people we would never get the 25 dates accomplished. And our monthly babysitting tab would equal our mortgage payment. We ended up with one criteria for a date. We have to actually leave our neighborhood.
Date number 4 was Feb. 15th to celebrate Valentine's Day. We went to dinner at the Melting Pot. This was my pick but didn't end up to be one of our favorites. You'd think I'd realize this by now, but I don't actually enjoy going out to dinner and cooking my own food. It's sort of the same concept with salad bars. I really don't want to get up and go make my own salad when I'm out for dinner. I know this about myself, yet I insisted we go to a fondue place where we have to prepare all of our own food. One of these days I'll learn to listen to Jim. One of these days...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!
50 store bought valentine's (for Jordan and Jackson's class mates), 18 homemade valentines (for Jensen's classmates), 7 homemade teacher gifts (for all the kids' teachers) filled with pretzel hugs, chocolate hearts, and starbucks gift cards = one happy valentine's day.
Topped off with class parties, little gifts, and dinner together, it was a LOVE-ly day!
Topped off with class parties, little gifts, and dinner together, it was a LOVE-ly day!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Middle School Already?
How did that happen? I can so clearly remember Jordan's first day of 3 year old preschool when we moved here to Kingwood. Can she really be headed to Middle School already? I better embrace it because it's coming whether I want it to or not.
Last week, we had parent orientation night at Riverwood Middle School. I have to say that I was extremely impressed with everything about the place. The band, the orchestra and the choir each did two songs and the orchestra, in particular, was really good. At the orientation, the principal told us that the orchestra director was named "Best String Educator" in the Houston area which is pretty impressive. Jordan has decided that she wants to take orchestra as her elective and to give the violin a try. She's even asked to start taking violin lessons this summer...how do you say no to that?
As for the classes, we're in a bit of a dilemma. We have the choice of taking the 4 major courses either "on level" or "honors." I'm sure she'll qualify for honors for all 4 but I've heard some parents say that the homework level is pretty crazy...4 hours per night...for a 6th grader! She's already said she definitely wants to take honors math and science and I think she should take honors reading/language arts. That leaves social studies as perhaps an on level class. I'm worried she won't have time for any sports (gymnastics or otherwise) if she takes all 4 honors classes. I guess we'll see. We still have a little time to decide. Any way you look at it, it's pretty exciting...especially for her. I'm nervous, but excited for her at the same time. It's really a great school and she's going to have the opportunity to explore a lot of different things before she gets to high school. And if she stays on the honors track she'll even have a few high school classes out of the way before she even gets there.
I just keep wondering...where did the time go?
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Another January Highlight
One of our big events in January, other than Jensen's birthday, is the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. Jim and Jackson worked hard on Jackson's car.
It turned out great and was a big style improvement over last year. Last year was their first year and they really didn't know what they were doing. Plus we were living in the apartment and they had to sit on the balcony for work space and had virtually no tools to work with.
This year however, they researched cars on the internet, downloaded plans for the car Jackson picked out, used fancy tools to cut the shape out of a block of wood, weren't used to the tools and had to go buy another block of wood, finally got it all sanded, weighted, painted and varnished and ready for the big race. The main goal was for the car to stay on the track since last year's did not. They succeeded and the car came in about 6th place out of 12 in the Bear dens. Jim and Jackson both studied the cars that did well in the race so I'm sure next year there will be big design improvements. I can't wait!
2008 Model Year
2007 Model Year
It turned out great and was a big style improvement over last year. Last year was their first year and they really didn't know what they were doing. Plus we were living in the apartment and they had to sit on the balcony for work space and had virtually no tools to work with.
This year however, they researched cars on the internet, downloaded plans for the car Jackson picked out, used fancy tools to cut the shape out of a block of wood, weren't used to the tools and had to go buy another block of wood, finally got it all sanded, weighted, painted and varnished and ready for the big race. The main goal was for the car to stay on the track since last year's did not. They succeeded and the car came in about 6th place out of 12 in the Bear dens. Jim and Jackson both studied the cars that did well in the race so I'm sure next year there will be big design improvements. I can't wait!
2008 Model Year
2007 Model Year
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