Thursday, March 26, 2015
Flocked
The youth at our church are doing a fundraiser for a mission trip this summer. We got flocked! These friendly pink flamingos showed up during the night and were a fun surprise when we were heading to school. The fundraiser part of it? We can pay to have them removed, pay a little more to make sure they fly to someone else's year (our choice), or pay even more to make sure they don't return. The kids loved it and we were all sad to see them go.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Spring Break at Camp Gramma & Granddad
Allen was still in the never-ending (or seems that way) turn around, and the kids and I made plans to go to my parents' for spring break. Some of the days were rainy, but we managed to not go too crazy. Maddie used the inside time to catch up on some of the write-ups for some of her almost-finished AHG badges. She worked with Gramma to write up her Needle Arts and Creative Crafts badges that she began at Thanksgiving. She worked with Granddad on the last few requirements of Pet Care and Nature & Wildlife, then she convinced him to help her do the Geology badge.
Tuesday was one of the rainy days and we all headed to the roller rink. Maddie and Will had been roller skating a few years ago with Gramma and Granddad, but the younger boys hadn't been. All four needed to learn (or re-learn) how to move on eight-wheels. It was a great way to get some of our excess energy out, but a few had to get through a lot of frustration before they were comfortable skating. The three boys decided to use some allowance money to do a round of laser-tag, too. All three LOVED it!
Wednesday Dad and I took the kids to Inner Space Caverns near Austin. The kids enjoyed seeing a cave for the first time. I went thinking that we would stay dry even if it was raining, but since it takes a few days for the rain to get through the limestone ceiling of the cave, it was raining INside the cave.
After spelunking and a quick lunch, we headed west to Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge just to see what was there. We stopped at the visitor center and the kids' arms were flooded with book and posters and flyers and all sorts of information about conservation (not of paper, though) and the wildlife in that area. We explored a nearly trail and birdwatching area, then we drove a few miles to one of the trailheads and took about a two-mile hike. The hike was beautiful to most of my senses: I enjoyed hearing the wind through the trees, the sounds of birds chittering, the scent of the rich cedar, the sight of the budding trees and wildflowers, and the feel of the warm breeze... but OH MY did the kids whine and gripe about "how much longer?" and "I am SO tired!". That sort of spoiled a lot of the beauty, but I would love to return sometime with happy hikers. There were some interesting rocks that, upon inspection, showed signs of being chipped into tools. Granddad and I tag-teamed some of the lessons about different rocks and erosion, and, with the cave tour, all the kids would've finished learning what was needed for the Geology merit badge. We got back to Waco in time to meet Gramma for pizza for dinner and the kids all slept well that night.
Thursdays was a slower-paced day and I was able to get a few last-minute groceries before Maddie and I went camping Friday through Sunday. We were the only ones from our troop who went to Belton (about an hour from my parents' home) for a regional American Heritage Girls Camporee. We went not knowing what to expect, but we had a wonderful time meeting new friends, learning new things, and getting into enough trouble to make our trip an adventure Maddie will likely remember for quite awhile.
Going into our camp, we had to drive through the camp, and our vehicle was one of the lucky many that got stuck in the mud. I had lots of help getting out of the mud, but, after I parked to unload, I decided to leave the car where it was for the weekend. On Saturday, I got the little backpacking stove out to cook water for our oatmeal and coffee. The fuel valve does not operate on the righty-tighty rule, and when I picked it up to see why it wasn't letting fuel out, the fuel poured onto the wooden picnic table where I set it up. Since the fuel was taking awhile to evaporate, I moved the stove to the other end of the table and got it going. Within a second, all the fuel vapors lit, turning the table into a torch. I calmly watched it burn. Several people watched me and wondered what I was doing -- they were confused because I didn't panic at all, but my face looked like I did all of that on purpose. When the flames didn't go out as quickly as I hoped, I threw half the pot of water on it and gave up for the morning... feeling a bit ridiculous. BUT, that is the part Maddie tells EVERYONE about when they ask about her campout. For the record, I did light the stove for dinner without the extra sparks, and there was no sign on the table that there was a fire earlier. Maddie was glad to boast, "Since Mama and I can set up a tent, cook our own meals, AND have fun, we can go ANYwhere now!" She really had a good time meeting new friends (especially a girl named Jordan) and doing all the crafty activities with them. In the end, she earned a few more badges, too!
Meanwhile, the boys were learning a lot from Granddad. They made slingshots and they went to trap gophers... just because that's what Granddad likes to do. Granddad made some traps he wanted to try out, so they set the traps, then found a gopher and got a lesson on how those critters have adapted to their territory.
My brother's family arrived at my parents' Saturday night, but we all got to meet my sweet new niece Josephine who was born in February.
Just for fun, I had to include a photo of all the cousins except for the newest little one. I wonder how many years of this kind of photo we will get when we say, "Everyone look at me and smile!" (but Mom took this one). We were glad to get back home to see Daddy for a short time, but he soon headed back to the refinery for more really long hours. We will all be so glad when turn-around is over, but for now we are all going back to "regular" life: school, scouts, Bible study, meetings, and more.
Tuesday was one of the rainy days and we all headed to the roller rink. Maddie and Will had been roller skating a few years ago with Gramma and Granddad, but the younger boys hadn't been. All four needed to learn (or re-learn) how to move on eight-wheels. It was a great way to get some of our excess energy out, but a few had to get through a lot of frustration before they were comfortable skating. The three boys decided to use some allowance money to do a round of laser-tag, too. All three LOVED it!
After spelunking and a quick lunch, we headed west to Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge just to see what was there. We stopped at the visitor center and the kids' arms were flooded with book and posters and flyers and all sorts of information about conservation (not of paper, though) and the wildlife in that area. We explored a nearly trail and birdwatching area, then we drove a few miles to one of the trailheads and took about a two-mile hike. The hike was beautiful to most of my senses: I enjoyed hearing the wind through the trees, the sounds of birds chittering, the scent of the rich cedar, the sight of the budding trees and wildflowers, and the feel of the warm breeze... but OH MY did the kids whine and gripe about "how much longer?" and "I am SO tired!". That sort of spoiled a lot of the beauty, but I would love to return sometime with happy hikers. There were some interesting rocks that, upon inspection, showed signs of being chipped into tools. Granddad and I tag-teamed some of the lessons about different rocks and erosion, and, with the cave tour, all the kids would've finished learning what was needed for the Geology merit badge. We got back to Waco in time to meet Gramma for pizza for dinner and the kids all slept well that night.
Thursdays was a slower-paced day and I was able to get a few last-minute groceries before Maddie and I went camping Friday through Sunday. We were the only ones from our troop who went to Belton (about an hour from my parents' home) for a regional American Heritage Girls Camporee. We went not knowing what to expect, but we had a wonderful time meeting new friends, learning new things, and getting into enough trouble to make our trip an adventure Maddie will likely remember for quite awhile.
Going into our camp, we had to drive through the camp, and our vehicle was one of the lucky many that got stuck in the mud. I had lots of help getting out of the mud, but, after I parked to unload, I decided to leave the car where it was for the weekend. On Saturday, I got the little backpacking stove out to cook water for our oatmeal and coffee. The fuel valve does not operate on the righty-tighty rule, and when I picked it up to see why it wasn't letting fuel out, the fuel poured onto the wooden picnic table where I set it up. Since the fuel was taking awhile to evaporate, I moved the stove to the other end of the table and got it going. Within a second, all the fuel vapors lit, turning the table into a torch. I calmly watched it burn. Several people watched me and wondered what I was doing -- they were confused because I didn't panic at all, but my face looked like I did all of that on purpose. When the flames didn't go out as quickly as I hoped, I threw half the pot of water on it and gave up for the morning... feeling a bit ridiculous. BUT, that is the part Maddie tells EVERYONE about when they ask about her campout. For the record, I did light the stove for dinner without the extra sparks, and there was no sign on the table that there was a fire earlier. Maddie was glad to boast, "Since Mama and I can set up a tent, cook our own meals, AND have fun, we can go ANYwhere now!" She really had a good time meeting new friends (especially a girl named Jordan) and doing all the crafty activities with them. In the end, she earned a few more badges, too!
Just for fun, I had to include a photo of all the cousins except for the newest little one. I wonder how many years of this kind of photo we will get when we say, "Everyone look at me and smile!" (but Mom took this one). We were glad to get back home to see Daddy for a short time, but he soon headed back to the refinery for more really long hours. We will all be so glad when turn-around is over, but for now we are all going back to "regular" life: school, scouts, Bible study, meetings, and more.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Happy [early] Birthday, Daddy!
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Photos and Finishing February
On Saturday, February 14th, the kids and I went out for breakfast and to run a few errands to keep the house quiet.
Friday, February 20th, was Sock Hop day at Ben's and Maddie's school. We borrowed a fifties skirt from a friend, so Maddie was ready to go. We slicked Ben's hair back, but by the time I picked him up, it looked like he had been through a tornado and it was everywhere.
Winter weather hit East Texas on Monday, the 23rd. Jon and Will started school at 8:00am, so I took them to school, then headed back to get groceries with Ben and Maddie who didn't start school until 10:00am. I dropped them off at 9:40 just as a friend was calling to tell me roads in Tyler were getting bad and that I might consider picking up the boys soon since they were about to take attendance. As I pulled out of the school parking lot, she called back to say that the boys' school was calling it a day at 10:00am. I headed north to get the boys and there was a clear line of where the roads changed conditions. I picked them up and the kids of a friend who lives not too far from the school. On the way out of their neighborhood, I got stuck on a hill and had to back down, turn around, and find another way because the roads were already icy. I found a mostly downhill path home, but it took almost an hour to get home... a very stressful hour! I decided I didn't want to do this again later, so I headed straight back to Maddie's and Ben's school to check them out early. As I was going up the hill of the school, I got stuck for a short time, but then got the call that their school was sending kids home at noon. In the end, I checked them out about 20 minutes early, but so did LOTS of people. We ended up calling off scouts for the night, and planned on camping out at home. Not long into the evening, the schools called to tell us there would be a two hour delay for Tuesday, so the kids were getting excited. I spent the afternoon decompressing and cuddling Ramses. He kept his paw on my arm most of the time... I always thought he did that to pet me like I pet him.
Allen headed into work early and took a suitcase and sleeping bag in case he ended up stuck at work due to bad roads. Imagine our joy when he called to say he was heading home and would be there for dinner! The refinery called off the night work due to the weather conditions and all six of us were happy about that. He picked up dinner and dessert on the way home and we had an unplanned birthday party. Dinner was full of laughter (and a bit too much silliness) and we were all in great moods.
My birthday was a little bit blue since we didn't see Allen at all that day. Since the kids' schools all had delayed starts, Will and Jon had to stay until 2:30 (usually I pick them up at 12:15). I ended up helping a friend whose sitter couldn't come due to weather. I stayed with two little toddler angels for an hour, then I met Ema for a sweet birthday lunch. Allen had a conference call for the short time he was home and awake, so I was a bit sad. The weather was getting bad again, and school ended up cancelled for Wednesday.
Just a little bit of snow ended up in our yard, but it was enough for the kids to play in for awhile. Then they ended up cold and sopping wet and realized it wasn't fun anymore.
The snow melted off by late afternoon. We enjoyed a lazy day reading or playing Legos by the fire, and I even swaddled Ramses so he could enjoy it -- snuggling in front of the fire is one of his favorite things to do. I did something "crazy" (for me): everytime the kids asked if they could have hot cocoa, I said, "yes!"
Sadly, Ramses took his last breaths after Allen left for work that night, but just before the kids went to bed. Though I knew it was coming, I still had such a broken heart. As I sobbed, the kids called Allen and asked him to come home. We buried our Sweet Gray Thursday after school. Losing two long-loved kitties in two weeks has been really hard on our hearts, but I am glad they will be together wherever it is that pets go when they leave this world.... but still... it hurts... a lot.
Saturday, Maddie and I attended a Mother and Daughter Tea Party with our AHG troop. We intentionally chose dresses that would look pretty together in a picture... then never ended up with a picture. We had a really nice time, though!
And now we are heading into March! We really miss Allen being part of our family activities. He has been working for five weeks straight with just one night off each two weeks (two nights in the last 5 weeks). We have done our best to adjust -- bumping up dinner to about 4:45pm so we could all eat together, Allen and I going on dates those two nights off, the kids and I trying to stay busy away from the house on weekend. But... we are ALL weary. Allen is exhausted with his really long hours and the rest of us miss him and aren't sleeping the same as when he is home. Hopefully, we will be back to our normal life soon.
Friday, February 20th, was Sock Hop day at Ben's and Maddie's school. We borrowed a fifties skirt from a friend, so Maddie was ready to go. We slicked Ben's hair back, but by the time I picked him up, it looked like he had been through a tornado and it was everywhere.
My birthday was a little bit blue since we didn't see Allen at all that day. Since the kids' schools all had delayed starts, Will and Jon had to stay until 2:30 (usually I pick them up at 12:15). I ended up helping a friend whose sitter couldn't come due to weather. I stayed with two little toddler angels for an hour, then I met Ema for a sweet birthday lunch. Allen had a conference call for the short time he was home and awake, so I was a bit sad. The weather was getting bad again, and school ended up cancelled for Wednesday.
Just a little bit of snow ended up in our yard, but it was enough for the kids to play in for awhile. Then they ended up cold and sopping wet and realized it wasn't fun anymore.
The snow melted off by late afternoon. We enjoyed a lazy day reading or playing Legos by the fire, and I even swaddled Ramses so he could enjoy it -- snuggling in front of the fire is one of his favorite things to do. I did something "crazy" (for me): everytime the kids asked if they could have hot cocoa, I said, "yes!"
Sadly, Ramses took his last breaths after Allen left for work that night, but just before the kids went to bed. Though I knew it was coming, I still had such a broken heart. As I sobbed, the kids called Allen and asked him to come home. We buried our Sweet Gray Thursday after school. Losing two long-loved kitties in two weeks has been really hard on our hearts, but I am glad they will be together wherever it is that pets go when they leave this world.... but still... it hurts... a lot.
And now we are heading into March! We really miss Allen being part of our family activities. He has been working for five weeks straight with just one night off each two weeks (two nights in the last 5 weeks). We have done our best to adjust -- bumping up dinner to about 4:45pm so we could all eat together, Allen and I going on dates those two nights off, the kids and I trying to stay busy away from the house on weekend. But... we are ALL weary. Allen is exhausted with his really long hours and the rest of us miss him and aren't sleeping the same as when he is home. Hopefully, we will be back to our normal life soon.
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