Can I just make a final statement regarding the photo storage via Blogger? I am no web master, internet guru, or techi-person; by far I am the opposite. My computer knowledge seriously lands on typing fast, and maneuvering between my personal Picture Album organized on my hard drive (not even sure if that is the correct terminology), and the Browse Button to take that one photo magically to Blogger.
So when I was going on hour 35+ of my minimum 24 hour wait to add more photos, after purchasing more space for Blogger, I became not only disappointed, but the not-so-pretty-side of my character emerged. I was frustrated!
I started searching under the Troubleshooting guide on Picasa, Google, and Blogger. Which we all know is just a nice term to make you feel like you are working toward a fix, when in fact you are just in a web of circles of complaints by others with no help on a solution from the company itself.
I did learn, however, that Blogger photos are supported by Picasa. This is where, apparently, my photos are stored. When you run out of storage room, you must purchase more. Then you have to wait for the increased storage to be recognized by Blogger.
When I purchased the storage yesterday, I thought I just had to wait no longer than 24 hrs for the two accounts to recognize my upgrade in space. No, not true. As my witness by others in the same boat, dating back multiple days and weeks ago by fellow bloggers who still do not have access to storage after they have paid, I finally found a solution.
This small little statement buried under all the complaints was this, and it worked. It was listed under the Blogger side of Troubleshooting, not the Picasa Google side where I made my purchase and where it should have been stated:
log in at picasaweb and link your google and picasa accounts for the additional storage to work.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Lurkers
What better day than Halloween to encourage all the blog lurkers to come out of hiding. Please click FOLLOW on the right side of my blog and join the fun with the other 20 amazing people that already follow Elle J Thoughts. With my blog-stats, I already know how many read this daily, I just don't know who all of you are. Aren't ya tired of lurking? In the spirit of Halloween, Lurkers, just Follow, please?!
This is the first photo that includes all seven cousins at our annual Cousins Halloween Party. Circa 2000.
The story behind the photo is simply that this was a hard moment to capture. My newborn son was wobbly, and I was sitting just outside of sight to grab him should my cute Giraffe decide to up and leave the Cheetah at a moment's notice. Magenta from Blue's Clues (the pink costumed little one) had a horrible cold on top of her sister Madeline. Ariel was getting squished by Tigger, while their sibling Sebastian was being held by their momma on the opposite side of the couch, because at the time, this 2 year old was. not. going. to. have. anything. to. do. with. the. photo! Ahhh, memories.
Wishing you a Safe and Happy Halloween to all my faithful blog readers, and of course to the Lurkers too!!
This is the first photo that includes all seven cousins at our annual Cousins Halloween Party. Circa 2000.
The story behind the photo is simply that this was a hard moment to capture. My newborn son was wobbly, and I was sitting just outside of sight to grab him should my cute Giraffe decide to up and leave the Cheetah at a moment's notice. Magenta from Blue's Clues (the pink costumed little one) had a horrible cold on top of her sister Madeline. Ariel was getting squished by Tigger, while their sibling Sebastian was being held by their momma on the opposite side of the couch, because at the time, this 2 year old was. not. going. to. have. anything. to. do. with. the. photo! Ahhh, memories.
Wishing you a Safe and Happy Halloween to all my faithful blog readers, and of course to the Lurkers too!!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
BLAH!
Yesterday was BOO and today is BLAH!
So, we purchased the $5 photo storage for Blogger as indicated that we needed to in order to continue to post photos. But, apparently, it takes "awhile" to activate. I still do not have access and I have a bunch of photos to post of our Cousins Halloween Party. I don't like not being in control of my blog.
Our family has gone through the rounds of colds the last few weeks. It started with my daughter, moved to my son and husband who both received laryngitis as a result, and today I have felt a little off kilter. Of all the family members, I tend to get laryngitis during the winter months. While I don't necessarily get the bad sniffles and cough prior, I just get the laryngitis.
While I waited and waited to no avail for Blogger to get my storage up and running, I took a nap and hung out with the family. Perhaps it was meant to be - my plans shifted to rest and recoup. After going to bedvery late last night early this morning, my family was on the same page. A good day in that regard.
My daughter is rocking her math class. I am so happy for her. She "taught" me Chapter Two of the course this evening to help maintain her skills, so there is no crunch-time before the test. The math teacher works them hard Monday through Thursday with plenty of homework, and gives them a break Friday through Sunday. We take the weekend as an opportunity to study with review and teaching. So far, so good. I hope her habits stick, as I think it is a pretty good plan.
Crossing my fingers that Blogger will be nice to me tomorrow and will allow me to post my FUN pictures about the Cousin's Halloween Party last night.
BLAH!
So, we purchased the $5 photo storage for Blogger as indicated that we needed to in order to continue to post photos. But, apparently, it takes "awhile" to activate. I still do not have access and I have a bunch of photos to post of our Cousins Halloween Party. I don't like not being in control of my blog.
Our family has gone through the rounds of colds the last few weeks. It started with my daughter, moved to my son and husband who both received laryngitis as a result, and today I have felt a little off kilter. Of all the family members, I tend to get laryngitis during the winter months. While I don't necessarily get the bad sniffles and cough prior, I just get the laryngitis.
While I waited and waited to no avail for Blogger to get my storage up and running, I took a nap and hung out with the family. Perhaps it was meant to be - my plans shifted to rest and recoup. After going to bed
My daughter is rocking her math class. I am so happy for her. She "taught" me Chapter Two of the course this evening to help maintain her skills, so there is no crunch-time before the test. The math teacher works them hard Monday through Thursday with plenty of homework, and gives them a break Friday through Sunday. We take the weekend as an opportunity to study with review and teaching. So far, so good. I hope her habits stick, as I think it is a pretty good plan.
Crossing my fingers that Blogger will be nice to me tomorrow and will allow me to post my FUN pictures about the Cousin's Halloween Party last night.
BLAH!
Friday, October 29, 2010
BOO!!
Tonight is our Cousins Halloween Party at my parent's house. What started out as a group of young adults carving pumpkins years later turned into a newborn baby Halloween party, onto toddler kiddos dressed in their cute costumes, next to elementary youngsters dipping slowly into the haunted side of the holiday, and now to late elementary and early teens who gather to try to scare each other and laugh the night away.
Every year brings a new level of "haunted", but I think in all fairness the rest of their peers would not think the same. While the talk is big, the kids are all a little scared of being scared. Last year was perhaps the scariest - even the three girls chosen to plan the night admitted that they didn't think it would turn out as scary as it did. All in good fun, the seven cousins join in together being scared, acting scared, and having a great time.
For our family, the Annual Cousins Halloween Party is "Halloween" to us. This is the moment that we look forward to for the month, and the actual day of Halloween is more about collecting as much candy as possible in order to turn it into cash as a donation to our local Children's Hospital (more to follow about that).
Looking forward to being scared tonight - the two boy cousins planned tonight's festivities with the help of my parents. The boys are 10 years old; I wonder what we are in for.
BOO!!
Every year brings a new level of "haunted", but I think in all fairness the rest of their peers would not think the same. While the talk is big, the kids are all a little scared of being scared. Last year was perhaps the scariest - even the three girls chosen to plan the night admitted that they didn't think it would turn out as scary as it did. All in good fun, the seven cousins join in together being scared, acting scared, and having a great time.
For our family, the Annual Cousins Halloween Party is "Halloween" to us. This is the moment that we look forward to for the month, and the actual day of Halloween is more about collecting as much candy as possible in order to turn it into cash as a donation to our local Children's Hospital (more to follow about that).
Looking forward to being scared tonight - the two boy cousins planned tonight's festivities with the help of my parents. The boys are 10 years old; I wonder what we are in for.
BOO!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
God Box
Although I can't remember which baby shower this advice was shared, but I remember it was given from my mother as the group of women sat in a circle sharing "advice" to the soon-to-be-mother. She said to "Never stop praying for your children." I can't say as though I was surprised, but I will admit that it made me feel good that my mom kept my brother and I in her prayers every day. I was raised in a Christian home, we attended church regularly, and my parents were active members. But we did not openly pray, on a regular basis, as a family. To hear that she had always prayed for us was warming.
I started praying with my children the day I brought them home from the hospital. Every. single. day. Advice from my mom that I took hold and played out in my daily living. When the children were "old enough", the prayers became audible, and it is the one thing that my children request be the same ever.single.night. Individual prayer-time before bed.
Sometimes, they even forget that I said a prayer, and will stop me as I leave their room and say, "Wait! You didn't pray." Okay, so maybe on those nights they were distracted while I was praying out loud with them, and those moments they need to be more focused, but the point of them thinking that we skipped prayer and it caused them concern ... that is a good thing.
During prayer time my kiddos will give their requests - "Don't forget ___ and ____", and I'd insert, sometimes mid-sentence in prayer, as they are whispering for a second time about ___ and ___. Prayer time has become a standard in our house. As my children are getting older, more independent, more choices falling into their laps from outside sources, I find myself praying throughout my day. Like, while using the paper-cutter for an hour while volunteering in my son's classroom this morning. I felt the need to pray for my children and their schools; so I did in my head as I was set to task in cutting hundreds of bookmarks.
I received this link to Real Simple magazine via our church's Facebook page. I liked it and perhaps might start a journal, or God Box of my own. The simple premise, every prayer that this mother had about her children, or others important and close in her life, she would write a quick note to God on any slip of paper, and throw it into her God Box. Upon this mother's death, her children and spouse found not one, but ten God Box's filled throughout her life. As the notes came pouring out, they realized how much their mother loved them, cared for them, and prayed for them throughout their life struggles and celebrations. To read the entire 3 page article, click here.
Something about that just warms my heart. The God Box.
I started praying with my children the day I brought them home from the hospital. Every. single. day. Advice from my mom that I took hold and played out in my daily living. When the children were "old enough", the prayers became audible, and it is the one thing that my children request be the same ever.single.night. Individual prayer-time before bed.
Sometimes, they even forget that I said a prayer, and will stop me as I leave their room and say, "Wait! You didn't pray." Okay, so maybe on those nights they were distracted while I was praying out loud with them, and those moments they need to be more focused, but the point of them thinking that we skipped prayer and it caused them concern ... that is a good thing.
During prayer time my kiddos will give their requests - "Don't forget ___ and ____", and I'd insert, sometimes mid-sentence in prayer, as they are whispering for a second time about ___ and ___. Prayer time has become a standard in our house. As my children are getting older, more independent, more choices falling into their laps from outside sources, I find myself praying throughout my day. Like, while using the paper-cutter for an hour while volunteering in my son's classroom this morning. I felt the need to pray for my children and their schools; so I did in my head as I was set to task in cutting hundreds of bookmarks.
I received this link to Real Simple magazine via our church's Facebook page. I liked it and perhaps might start a journal, or God Box of my own. The simple premise, every prayer that this mother had about her children, or others important and close in her life, she would write a quick note to God on any slip of paper, and throw it into her God Box. Upon this mother's death, her children and spouse found not one, but ten God Box's filled throughout her life. As the notes came pouring out, they realized how much their mother loved them, cared for them, and prayed for them throughout their life struggles and celebrations. To read the entire 3 page article, click here.
Something about that just warms my heart. The God Box.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
7:00am on 10/28/10
Who knew that one would have to beat the clock in order to reserve a campsite nine months before arrival. For the last few days my dad has been trying to figure out how to secure the reservation for my parents and my family to attend a prime camping area next summer.
For the last two years we have found this great little getaway campground. Only two hours from our houses, it is a quick trip down, and a relaxing stay along the waters of a lake and two rivers. Views of our camping adventures are posted here and here, just to name a few of the many posts which chronicled our get-aways.
The first year we camped at this location we found that the even-numbered sites starting 16 through 24 were ideal locations. Each of those campsites backed up to the lake allowing quick access to your anchored boat, or in our case our fun motorized raft.We tried to reserve any of those locations last year, but were snuffed out. We obviously were rookies, and requested just months ahead, rather than nine months ahead.
This time around we were not going to be out-fooled. Learning more about the way it worked, or so we thought, my dad put on his calendar to check the online reservation system exactly nine months to the day of our arrival. Sold out. We obviously missed something in the instructions. We thought nine months to the day was sufficient.
We have learned after four days of trying different numbered campsites of our favorite even-numbered ones that backed up to the lake, that the reservation site opens promptly at 7am. And promptly at 7am there are people waiting to hit submit. The winner gets to reserve their campsite for as many days as they wish. So, for example, campsite 16 is reserved until July 28th. So, technically, tomorrow October 28th at 7am, one could make a new reservation.
We have been jumping from one campsite to the other as they become available for the last four days trying to secure anything along the water. Tomorrow we try again. But this time we have a bigger plan. My dad, my husband, and myself will each be logged onto our computers at 6:59am, with all the information plugged in to reserve our prime spot. As the website's clock (yes, there is one posted) ticks closer to 6:59:56 ... we each will be submitting and submitting and submitting until it magically clicks to 7:00am (just to ensure that our clocks match the website's clock). Think of it like a computer game where you have to keep hitting your enter button crazily to score a win.
CRAZY the hoops one has to jump through just to reserve a campsite. A campsite!!!! This isn't like we won the lottery and are going to a Caribbean Resort, people. This is a campsite with dirt, rocks, trees, and community showers. But the view, the relaxation, the family time, God's nature ... it will be so worth it!
Here's to 7:00am on 10/28/10! Hoping that one of us "wins".
Update: Well, we were beat. However, my husband fell into securing number 26, which is still lakeside, just with an obstructed view due to the trees which run between the campsite and the lake. A short trek on the trail and we'll be at the water - so we are going to keep it. And you bet when we arrive that I will be asking campers #16 through #24 what their secret was to securing their site. Was it truly fastest fingers that prevailed? Or is there another avenue that we were not aware of. To be continued ...
For the last two years we have found this great little getaway campground. Only two hours from our houses, it is a quick trip down, and a relaxing stay along the waters of a lake and two rivers. Views of our camping adventures are posted here and here, just to name a few of the many posts which chronicled our get-aways.
The first year we camped at this location we found that the even-numbered sites starting 16 through 24 were ideal locations. Each of those campsites backed up to the lake allowing quick access to your anchored boat, or in our case our fun motorized raft.We tried to reserve any of those locations last year, but were snuffed out. We obviously were rookies, and requested just months ahead, rather than nine months ahead.
This time around we were not going to be out-fooled. Learning more about the way it worked, or so we thought, my dad put on his calendar to check the online reservation system exactly nine months to the day of our arrival. Sold out. We obviously missed something in the instructions. We thought nine months to the day was sufficient.
We have learned after four days of trying different numbered campsites of our favorite even-numbered ones that backed up to the lake, that the reservation site opens promptly at 7am. And promptly at 7am there are people waiting to hit submit. The winner gets to reserve their campsite for as many days as they wish. So, for example, campsite 16 is reserved until July 28th. So, technically, tomorrow October 28th at 7am, one could make a new reservation.
We have been jumping from one campsite to the other as they become available for the last four days trying to secure anything along the water. Tomorrow we try again. But this time we have a bigger plan. My dad, my husband, and myself will each be logged onto our computers at 6:59am, with all the information plugged in to reserve our prime spot. As the website's clock (yes, there is one posted) ticks closer to 6:59:56 ... we each will be submitting and submitting and submitting until it magically clicks to 7:00am (just to ensure that our clocks match the website's clock). Think of it like a computer game where you have to keep hitting your enter button crazily to score a win.
CRAZY the hoops one has to jump through just to reserve a campsite. A campsite!!!! This isn't like we won the lottery and are going to a Caribbean Resort, people. This is a campsite with dirt, rocks, trees, and community showers. But the view, the relaxation, the family time, God's nature ... it will be so worth it!
Here's to 7:00am on 10/28/10! Hoping that one of us "wins".
Update: Well, we were beat. However, my husband fell into securing number 26, which is still lakeside, just with an obstructed view due to the trees which run between the campsite and the lake. A short trek on the trail and we'll be at the water - so we are going to keep it. And you bet when we arrive that I will be asking campers #16 through #24 what their secret was to securing their site. Was it truly fastest fingers that prevailed? Or is there another avenue that we were not aware of. To be continued ...
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
An Award
Have you seen my all-time-favorite movie - A Christmas Story with Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, and Darren McGavin? I laugh every time when the father gets an award, a fish net stocking woman's leg table lamp. He is so proud of that award that sits hideously in their front window for all the world to see; his wife completely embarrassed with the sexy legged award. He kept stating over and over that he had won an award!
My husband and I received an email from my daughter's middle school a couple weeks prior that said our daughter had won an award. The way in which the message was written just hit us both funny, and we thought of the award that our favorite movie's character received. Nowhere in the email did it say what the award was, why she was chosen, or how many others would be receiving an award. It was worded, however, personal with our daughter's name within the text and it specifically asked that we keep the award a surprise from our daughter.
We pulled into the middle school driveway about five minutes to spare to find the parking lot, driveway, and forest trimmed road leading to the school smothered with cars. Apparently, we were not the only parents coming to watch the unveiling of an award. The rain was thick and the puddles high as we meandered our way through the muck to the gym. Sitting way in the back of the middle school gym, we noticed our girl up front among the other 50 students receiving an award.
My daughter, along with six schoolmates, received a certificate award stating: Striving for Accuracy Award: Demonstrates Craftmanship in all of her assignments. One by one each student got to walk across the stage and fist-bump the Principal, Dean of Students, handful of teachers, and the Student Government Team. It was a fun recognition and welcome to her first two months at her new school. We are pleased that she continues her diligence and commitment to academics.
The fifty students recognized at today's assembly got photographed for the city newspaper too. Kinda neat, and much better than a sexy leg lamp! Happy for my girl and the award that she received.
My husband and I received an email from my daughter's middle school a couple weeks prior that said our daughter had won an award. The way in which the message was written just hit us both funny, and we thought of the award that our favorite movie's character received. Nowhere in the email did it say what the award was, why she was chosen, or how many others would be receiving an award. It was worded, however, personal with our daughter's name within the text and it specifically asked that we keep the award a surprise from our daughter.
We pulled into the middle school driveway about five minutes to spare to find the parking lot, driveway, and forest trimmed road leading to the school smothered with cars. Apparently, we were not the only parents coming to watch the unveiling of an award. The rain was thick and the puddles high as we meandered our way through the muck to the gym. Sitting way in the back of the middle school gym, we noticed our girl up front among the other 50 students receiving an award.
My daughter, along with six schoolmates, received a certificate award stating: Striving for Accuracy Award: Demonstrates Craftmanship in all of her assignments. One by one each student got to walk across the stage and fist-bump the Principal, Dean of Students, handful of teachers, and the Student Government Team. It was a fun recognition and welcome to her first two months at her new school. We are pleased that she continues her diligence and commitment to academics.
The fifty students recognized at today's assembly got photographed for the city newspaper too. Kinda neat, and much better than a sexy leg lamp! Happy for my girl and the award that she received.
Monday, October 25, 2010
I'm Back with Misc Thought
So I took last week for Myself and I will admit it was awesome. I took a daily shower, but I did not dress in my regularly scheduled clothing attire. I frequently pulled my hair back in a pony tail, slipped on my sweats and tennies, and chilled out. I got some projects accomplished that have been starring me down and I feel really good not having those nag at me in the back of my mind. I was able to clean the house and then just sit and enjoy reading, rather than rushing from one thing to the next. I would encourage everyone to find time for Self. It felt refreshing.
I remember the days when my children were little and all I wanted was just a night out with my friends. I was in a book club with my sister-in-laws and about five friends and we would meet once per month. I can honestly say that discussing the book took a backseat to discussing our lives. But it was perfect.
We all have children the same age, and at the time the wee ones were babies to toddler ages. We would find time to take a long shower and put ourselves together, toss our Mommy Wear into the hamper, and slip into something trendy and hip to venture out into the world of Womanhood-minus-kids-on-hips. Meeting at a restaurant we would often close down the place talking and laughing, knowing that the husbands were securely under control at home with the babies. It served a great purpose and my memories are fond of those times.
Those nights of needing to go out are no longer as strong. Now I am finding that I enjoy and need to be home with my family. My kids are growing so quickly, and between the homework and the activities for my children, and wanting one:on:one time to talk about their life, the pull for me to leave the nest for a break becomes weaker. Now I enjoy friendship time during the day when the kids are educating their minds with a bunch of information that I am thankful I have already "been there, done that." I will always need friends, and I am grateful when we can connect day or night.
I was at church yesterday and overheard two elderly women chatting behind me as I left the pew. They were holding onto each other as they exited their row and one was telling the other how she was happy the downpour of rain had stopped; otherwise she would not have ventured out that morning to Church. They were laughing and sharing their stories. Friends. My future some day, still clinging onto Girl Time in my 80's.
Stages in life are interesting. Seeing the ebb and flow from one stage to the next, embracing the change, and working with the path that is set ahead of you.
We all need friends to keep us going and to keep life interesting. We also need to take time for Self. To re-energize and make our selves ready to share again with all our friends. A short sabbatical can do wonders for the mind and soul. Try it. You just might like it, and schedule to do it again, and again.
I remember the days when my children were little and all I wanted was just a night out with my friends. I was in a book club with my sister-in-laws and about five friends and we would meet once per month. I can honestly say that discussing the book took a backseat to discussing our lives. But it was perfect.
We all have children the same age, and at the time the wee ones were babies to toddler ages. We would find time to take a long shower and put ourselves together, toss our Mommy Wear into the hamper, and slip into something trendy and hip to venture out into the world of Womanhood-minus-kids-on-hips. Meeting at a restaurant we would often close down the place talking and laughing, knowing that the husbands were securely under control at home with the babies. It served a great purpose and my memories are fond of those times.
Those nights of needing to go out are no longer as strong. Now I am finding that I enjoy and need to be home with my family. My kids are growing so quickly, and between the homework and the activities for my children, and wanting one:on:one time to talk about their life, the pull for me to leave the nest for a break becomes weaker. Now I enjoy friendship time during the day when the kids are educating their minds with a bunch of information that I am thankful I have already "been there, done that." I will always need friends, and I am grateful when we can connect day or night.
I was at church yesterday and overheard two elderly women chatting behind me as I left the pew. They were holding onto each other as they exited their row and one was telling the other how she was happy the downpour of rain had stopped; otherwise she would not have ventured out that morning to Church. They were laughing and sharing their stories. Friends. My future some day, still clinging onto Girl Time in my 80's.
Stages in life are interesting. Seeing the ebb and flow from one stage to the next, embracing the change, and working with the path that is set ahead of you.
We all need friends to keep us going and to keep life interesting. We also need to take time for Self. To re-energize and make our selves ready to share again with all our friends. A short sabbatical can do wonders for the mind and soul. Try it. You just might like it, and schedule to do it again, and again.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Less $5
Well, the time has come to pay-up Blogger. Sigh. The run was fun, but the free is no longer. Not sure if my fellow bloggers have run into this, or if it is us rare bunch of photo hounds that think a blog post is complete when a picture is attached. But yesterday as I was trying to upload multiple photos of each cabin and get my post looking the way I had visioned, I ran into an error message mid-upload. I had outrun my photo space.
Without my amazing technological husband in the house, I had to allow myself to believe the error code and skip the remaining photos. Upon coming home I shared with him my disbelief that I was out of photo space on my blog, and that I now had to pay for additional space to upload any future photo.
After checking into the error message and reading the text under Learn More, he shared with me that in fact I would have to pay the $5 per year to host any future photos on my blog. I know, $5 is doable, but I haven't sat through the probable pages of set up to pay and get it started.
So until then, I am taking this as a sign that my ME TIME that I mentioned last week will truly be this week. I will be taking a short blogging break, to collect my list of ME STUFF to complete, and will return $5 less in my pocket with more photos to share. Until then, happy quiet time.
Without my amazing technological husband in the house, I had to allow myself to believe the error code and skip the remaining photos. Upon coming home I shared with him my disbelief that I was out of photo space on my blog, and that I now had to pay for additional space to upload any future photo.
After checking into the error message and reading the text under Learn More, he shared with me that in fact I would have to pay the $5 per year to host any future photos on my blog. I know, $5 is doable, but I haven't sat through the probable pages of set up to pay and get it started.
So until then, I am taking this as a sign that my ME TIME that I mentioned last week will truly be this week. I will be taking a short blogging break, to collect my list of ME STUFF to complete, and will return $5 less in my pocket with more photos to share. Until then, happy quiet time.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Cabins of Yellowstone
I booked our Yellowstone vacation eight months before travel and I still did not receive all accomodations that I was expecting. We missed a stay at Old Faithful. For those wishing to travel by car and stay in a hotel, I offer this tip: book early and check out the cabins.
The cabins are part of the hotel landmark, you have access to house keeping and cafes. The only difference is that you are in stand alone rooms, versus connected to your neighbor via a hallway. While the cabins are small with no television or telephone, they do have running water, bathrooms (specific units, not all), and electricty. We were so pleased with the two cabins that we received, and would go back in a heartbeat.
Our first stop was at Mammoth Hot Springs. A cute cabin at the base of a hill-side meadow proved to be a great gathering spot for little Ground Hogs. The room was teeny, tiny but completely charming. The bathroom was just big enough to turn around in with a shower that was more cozy than a traditional hotel.
Our second stop was at Lake Yellowstone. A larger version of our first cabin, the bathroom was spacious considering and the floorplan allowed for more of ourjunk duffle bags and fishing equipment to be thrown stacked neatly throughout. It had a more cabin-feel to it with the woodwork and surrounding tree views. It was a lovely retreat to stretch out mid-day on the bed after our 4:30am wake up call every morning.
Our last stop was at a motel outside the park. Recommended for travelers that want the convenience of a small town ammenities to their Yellowstone wilderness. Alpine Motel felt like a cabin in that the rooms were small, with a private tiny bath, and the paneling to make it feel more rustic than a chain operated fancy hotel.
If you choose to camp through Yellowstone, I would suggest the Fishing Bridge location. It seemed to be busy, but it had the most fun-setting with a large enough grocery, cafe, and gas station with in walking distance from the campsites. Placed in a private-like setting I could see the attraction of camping in an RV at this location in Yellowstone. It is in the heart of the park which provides easy access to the different roadways looping through the wild.
Book your Yellowstone adventure early and you will have the perfect picking of your cabin or RV spot. Happy Trails!
The cabins are part of the hotel landmark, you have access to house keeping and cafes. The only difference is that you are in stand alone rooms, versus connected to your neighbor via a hallway. While the cabins are small with no television or telephone, they do have running water, bathrooms (specific units, not all), and electricty. We were so pleased with the two cabins that we received, and would go back in a heartbeat.
Our first stop was at Mammoth Hot Springs. A cute cabin at the base of a hill-side meadow proved to be a great gathering spot for little Ground Hogs. The room was teeny, tiny but completely charming. The bathroom was just big enough to turn around in with a shower that was more cozy than a traditional hotel.
Our second stop was at Lake Yellowstone. A larger version of our first cabin, the bathroom was spacious considering and the floorplan allowed for more of our
If you choose to camp through Yellowstone, I would suggest the Fishing Bridge location. It seemed to be busy, but it had the most fun-setting with a large enough grocery, cafe, and gas station with in walking distance from the campsites. Placed in a private-like setting I could see the attraction of camping in an RV at this location in Yellowstone. It is in the heart of the park which provides easy access to the different roadways looping through the wild.
Book your Yellowstone adventure early and you will have the perfect picking of your cabin or RV spot. Happy Trails!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Amazing people
If someone were to ask me what I would want to do in life if I had no children and no husband, I would have an answer ready. I add the qualifier "if no husband and children" because to accomplish my answer would take more time than an average working mom could handle. I would want to travel the world and interview people.
I am not necessarily talking about famous people. Just people. My world beats better when I learn about others. I am not one to open up freely and share my life story or my thoughts and ideas to just anyone, so it is ironic that I would want others to do that for me. But in that what if world that is exactly what I would want to do. If they would open up and share; I would be the one to listen.
Fascinated. What makes people the way they are, what is their history that got them to today, what are their hopes and dreams for tomorrow. I really feel that every person has a story to tell. I want to be the one to hear them all.
In some regards I get that through blogging; learning about others. Granted, it is one dimensional in that I can't ask all the questions swirling around my head after reading one's post, but at least I get a glimpse of who they are and what they are doing in life. Perhaps some would argue that I am naive to think that they are telling the truth, but I never look at it that way. It is their story - it would be no different than if I were in person hearing it for the first time. It is still intriguing.
And speaking of intriguing - there is a young woman that literally gave up e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g to follow her heart to Uganda. And when I mean she gave it all up, she literally did. She is living in her sister's basement, taking care of her nephew and niece while she preps and fundraises her way to Uganda. She took her first mission trip this past summer. Since then she has raised enough funds to open a school, sponsored many children to attend, created a source of healthy water for the village, and will be returning in weeks as the new Head Master of said school. Imagine. One day working in America, the next selling it all, the next moving to Uganda. Just like that.
She would be the kind of woman that I would want to sit down - in her new Ugandan house - over a cup of tea, and hear her entire life story. To have her start at the beginning and complete it to current day. I am fascinated. People fascinate me. All people fascinate me.
I have a husband and children. I could not take on a full time travel gig to interview all the people that I would wish - but blogging helps put small pieces together for me to settle my craving to know about our world of people. Sometimes it feels like my what if world is happening now.
*Note to self and fellow blog readers - it occurred to me through a verbal comment, that I did not mention how I would not change my current life for the what if scenario life mentioned above. I finished the post with out mentioning that, simply because I was talking about a hypothetical situation. I would be heartbroken not be married to my wonderful husband, being honored to mom my amazing children, and all that goes with my life as my real life is very fulfilling.
I am not necessarily talking about famous people. Just people. My world beats better when I learn about others. I am not one to open up freely and share my life story or my thoughts and ideas to just anyone, so it is ironic that I would want others to do that for me. But in that what if world that is exactly what I would want to do. If they would open up and share; I would be the one to listen.
Fascinated. What makes people the way they are, what is their history that got them to today, what are their hopes and dreams for tomorrow. I really feel that every person has a story to tell. I want to be the one to hear them all.
In some regards I get that through blogging; learning about others. Granted, it is one dimensional in that I can't ask all the questions swirling around my head after reading one's post, but at least I get a glimpse of who they are and what they are doing in life. Perhaps some would argue that I am naive to think that they are telling the truth, but I never look at it that way. It is their story - it would be no different than if I were in person hearing it for the first time. It is still intriguing.
And speaking of intriguing - there is a young woman that literally gave up e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g to follow her heart to Uganda. And when I mean she gave it all up, she literally did. She is living in her sister's basement, taking care of her nephew and niece while she preps and fundraises her way to Uganda. She took her first mission trip this past summer. Since then she has raised enough funds to open a school, sponsored many children to attend, created a source of healthy water for the village, and will be returning in weeks as the new Head Master of said school. Imagine. One day working in America, the next selling it all, the next moving to Uganda. Just like that.
She would be the kind of woman that I would want to sit down - in her new Ugandan house - over a cup of tea, and hear her entire life story. To have her start at the beginning and complete it to current day. I am fascinated. People fascinate me. All people fascinate me.
I have a husband and children. I could not take on a full time travel gig to interview all the people that I would wish - but blogging helps put small pieces together for me to settle my craving to know about our world of people. Sometimes it feels like my what if world is happening now.
*Note to self and fellow blog readers - it occurred to me through a verbal comment, that I did not mention how I would not change my current life for the what if scenario life mentioned above. I finished the post with out mentioning that, simply because I was talking about a hypothetical situation. I would be heartbroken not be married to my wonderful husband, being honored to mom my amazing children, and all that goes with my life as my real life is very fulfilling.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Pumpkins + Corn Maze + Sling Shot = Fall Fun!
Our annual trek to the pumpkin farm was a delight with the crisp fall air mixed with the fall sunbeams. The wafting of Carmel Corn was heavy as we walked through the corn maze. It made us all hungry and excited for the selection just outside the maze - roasted corn on a stick, Carmel apples, popcorn, hot dogs, hot cider, fresh hot donuts, the list was endless.
The pumpkin sling shot game is very challenging and always a must. While we have won in the past, our pumpkins this year were so close to hitting the target on the fly, but missed by inches. The crowd was literally in suspense after each shot and the Ooohs and Ahhhs were kinda fun. My husband did the slinging, but our son helped by squatting between my husband's arms and holding on. Surprisingly, it seemed to work with balance.
The theme of the corn maze was Alice In Wonderland this year. The last two years we have followed the map and it actually works. It demands a lot of concentration (which we gave the honor to my husband) but the flip side would be hours trapped in the 2 mile maze. He thought hard and got us around in less than 45 minutes. We were impressed and had a lot of fun tromping through the mud and muck.
Pumpkins. I love the orange color and the tradition of carving. I have only baked one pumpkin pie in my lifetime that came from a real pumpkin. It was my first Thanksgiving as a married woman. I switched back to pie baking from pumpkin in a can after that experience. It was a lot of work for a flavorless pie. But every time I see a real pumpkin, I think of that first Thanksgiving, and give myself a pat on the back and a smile.
Fall has arrived!
Fall has arrived!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Life ... as we know it
My life today consisted of taking my son to a well-child-checkup at the doctor, which just so happened to be scheduled for the day after he came out of school complaining about a sore throat and headache. Thankfully that was all it turned out to be - this morning the sore throat and headache had turned into the start of a cold.
We ventured into the big city together and he didn't make a peep until minute 35 when he asked how much longer. By the time we left the doc's to go home, he was talking a mile a minute. He had nerves about going, but insisted that he totally likes his doctor because "She's just really hip and talks like she knows boys." Where does he get this?
Not going to school today, he spent the day at home to chill out. It was so sunny today, that we enjoyed quiet time together in my room with the drapes and window open. Hanging out both playing hooky; him from academics and me from my household list. It was fantastic.
I picked up my daughter from her first Middle School Fall Extravaganza (aka: The Dance).It was for an hour and a half right after school, with no bus transportation to send the kids home. The long line of parental drivers caused my normal ten minute drive to turn into thirty. But it was so worth it. She was beaming when I picked her up. FirstExtravaganza Dance was a success. Yes! I was hoping it would this way for her.
Dropping her off at home with the pizza delivery number and coupon on my desk for hubby, I zoomed out for a Girls Night with two amazing women. They are so inspiring - the kind where you just want to soak up their thoughts. Every day women doing awesome things. My kinda people.
After a basket full of fries with about eight dipping sauces later - we ventured to the movie Life As We Know It. A total chick-flick that had us in tears a few times. One can look at this movie for face value Hollywood romance, or one could look at it much deeper with the calling of rescuing an Orphan given an unfortunate twist in life.
I saw the deeper level - words popped out that made me see it perhaps in this deeper light. It was one of those, "just had to be there moments" and perhaps even "just had to be there in my head moments" too. See, my two friends sitting next to me during this movie are currently in the adoption journey. From Ethiopia. My mind was inserting them into their new life. Chills, laughter, tears.
While my life today was about my son and daughter ... it was also about my friends. Cheering them on as they continue this grateful and blessed journey of Adoption. Life As We Know It ....
We ventured into the big city together and he didn't make a peep until minute 35 when he asked how much longer. By the time we left the doc's to go home, he was talking a mile a minute. He had nerves about going, but insisted that he totally likes his doctor because "She's just really hip and talks like she knows boys." Where does he get this?
Not going to school today, he spent the day at home to chill out. It was so sunny today, that we enjoyed quiet time together in my room with the drapes and window open. Hanging out both playing hooky; him from academics and me from my household list. It was fantastic.
I picked up my daughter from her first Middle School Fall Extravaganza (aka: The Dance).It was for an hour and a half right after school, with no bus transportation to send the kids home. The long line of parental drivers caused my normal ten minute drive to turn into thirty. But it was so worth it. She was beaming when I picked her up. First
Dropping her off at home with the pizza delivery number and coupon on my desk for hubby, I zoomed out for a Girls Night with two amazing women. They are so inspiring - the kind where you just want to soak up their thoughts. Every day women doing awesome things. My kinda people.
After a basket full of fries with about eight dipping sauces later - we ventured to the movie Life As We Know It. A total chick-flick that had us in tears a few times. One can look at this movie for face value Hollywood romance, or one could look at it much deeper with the calling of rescuing an Orphan given an unfortunate twist in life.
I saw the deeper level - words popped out that made me see it perhaps in this deeper light. It was one of those, "just had to be there moments" and perhaps even "just had to be there in my head moments" too. See, my two friends sitting next to me during this movie are currently in the adoption journey. From Ethiopia. My mind was inserting them into their new life. Chills, laughter, tears.
While my life today was about my son and daughter ... it was also about my friends. Cheering them on as they continue this grateful and blessed journey of Adoption. Life As We Know It ....
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Ballet 2010
This is the first year of two where my daughter will be wearing the Red Leo for ballet. Every two years the girls move up a level and the leo color changes. I remember when my girl started in Pink, and the Red girls looked so big. Pinch-me-moments seeing my girl in Red these days.
The neat thing about this studio is that the style of leo can be anything the student chooses. You can go to any dance shop or online and buy any leo - just so long as it is the correct color for your class placement.
I triple-love the style my girl picked out this past August prepping for this new class. Not only does it look great on her, but it is totally unique. My favorite part is the dropped shoulder look.
The teacher is new to us too. She has a European accent (not sure which specific country) that just fits ballet so perfectly. It is so much fun to listen to her. I caught today that she said, "nearly" compared to "almost" as most of us say. Miss S's back, shoulder, and arms are so defined with muscle - incredible! These pictures are not the best quality, as I did not use a flash on purpose, to show you the credit that she deserves. To have her muscle tone would be a dream.
My girl is in Red! Love it!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Arboretum
The fog lifted in time for my son's classroom to walk to our local Arboretum as part of their school study. I was pleased to join them and enjoyed documenting their walking field trip with my camera.
My son's teacher (above) did a fabulous job in instructing this outing. The kids each had a worksheet attached to their clip board to fill out specific questions about the different layers of the Forest (Canopy, Sub Floor, Forest Floor, and Understory). She incorporated the different senses (minus taste, of course) by having them observe certain elements, and describing in written form using Adjective, Adjective, Noun. But the main hit of the hour adventure was having kids adopt a tree!
Paired in twos or a small group, the kids chose a tree to adopt. Then they had to estimate the height of certain elements about the tree (circumference, size of branch, size of leaf or needle). Once they estimated they had to actually measure - by hand, and then with a tape measure. It was fantastic.
(Three Amigos)
My son and his buddy chose a tree with one big base of a root, and four smaller roots growing out to make essentially what looked like four trees. It was a unique tree and one they will be able to find again. They will repeat this walking tour during every season of the year - observing the changes of their tree, and getting a new worksheet each time to answer new specifics.
The kids were fantastic - the teacher is so in tune with her students - that it was a lovely day for a walk and picture taking for me! Love my son's classroom and our local Arboretum.
My son and his buddy chose a tree with one big base of a root, and four smaller roots growing out to make essentially what looked like four trees. It was a unique tree and one they will be able to find again. They will repeat this walking tour during every season of the year - observing the changes of their tree, and getting a new worksheet each time to answer new specifics.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Ten Bits
Swarming thoughts during a busy day call for a Ten Bit post.
*I am finding myself to be a social butterfly lately and I need to control my wings. While I enjoy social time, there is a downside to all the times I am out of the house during the hours of 9 and 4. While my home projects are getting done, they are not getting done to a quality that I would prefer. Nor am I finding me time to do projects that make me smile. I vowed October to be a heavy ME Project month - and well - it's already the 12th and I only made a very tiny dent on that project.
*I like Greek food. I had a lunch date with my college BFF today at a Greek Restaurant that we seem to gravitate toward when we gather for lunch. Hummus and warm pita's are my favorite appetizer, and today I had a yummy Feta Sandwich. Nice! Just do not count carbs.
*My daughter is nearing her first social dance in Middle School this Friday. While they do not go with a date (which wouldn't happen even if that was the school's idea), just the thought of the dance makes me want to close my eyes, huddle under the covers, and sleep until she is old enough ... like 33. Not really, but kinda. I don't want her to grow up too fast, regardless of the strong head on her shoulders and positive moral seeds in her pocket.
*A conversation between my friend and I got me thinking on the drive home about a particular incident that happened to me during my High School years. We were discussing kids going to over night camp, or friend's sleepovers. Adult perspectives are so different than kid perspectives. I didn't think twice about going across the state during a High School sanctioned Choir trip, staying with two friends in a complete strangers house as part of our "field trip." Really? Like, what were my parents thinking five hours away? The house we were paired with did not have a mom and dad. Just a dad and his teenage daughter. We had never met them, and back then, not so sure they did background checks on parent volunteers. Thankfully, that is where the story ends.
*My daughter's homework is a lot!!! Enough said.
*My dog is going Fall-crazy. There is something living in our back woods and I wish it would just hibernate already. She only barks when there is a mystery animal on the other side of the fence. Otherwise, she is a quiet beagle. Unfortunately, two nights ago we found that this little critter will not be hibernating. The mystery animal shown it's face. While my dog was kenneled up in our family room for bed, a black cat came onto our back porch and peaked in. Oops. Wrong house. So grateful Cora was sleeping, otherwise, that would have been a very long night, as I know she would not have left the idea alone that a cat had been on her territory.
Okay, so I only got to Six Bits - and now I am off and running again for our Tuesday routine. But before I do, I am going to the calendar to schedule that Me Time!!!
*I am finding myself to be a social butterfly lately and I need to control my wings. While I enjoy social time, there is a downside to all the times I am out of the house during the hours of 9 and 4. While my home projects are getting done, they are not getting done to a quality that I would prefer. Nor am I finding me time to do projects that make me smile. I vowed October to be a heavy ME Project month - and well - it's already the 12th and I only made a very tiny dent on that project.
*I like Greek food. I had a lunch date with my college BFF today at a Greek Restaurant that we seem to gravitate toward when we gather for lunch. Hummus and warm pita's are my favorite appetizer, and today I had a yummy Feta Sandwich. Nice! Just do not count carbs.
*My daughter is nearing her first social dance in Middle School this Friday. While they do not go with a date (which wouldn't happen even if that was the school's idea), just the thought of the dance makes me want to close my eyes, huddle under the covers, and sleep until she is old enough ... like 33. Not really, but kinda. I don't want her to grow up too fast, regardless of the strong head on her shoulders and positive moral seeds in her pocket.
*A conversation between my friend and I got me thinking on the drive home about a particular incident that happened to me during my High School years. We were discussing kids going to over night camp, or friend's sleepovers. Adult perspectives are so different than kid perspectives. I didn't think twice about going across the state during a High School sanctioned Choir trip, staying with two friends in a complete strangers house as part of our "field trip." Really? Like, what were my parents thinking five hours away? The house we were paired with did not have a mom and dad. Just a dad and his teenage daughter. We had never met them, and back then, not so sure they did background checks on parent volunteers. Thankfully, that is where the story ends.
*My daughter's homework is a lot!!! Enough said.
*My dog is going Fall-crazy. There is something living in our back woods and I wish it would just hibernate already. She only barks when there is a mystery animal on the other side of the fence. Otherwise, she is a quiet beagle. Unfortunately, two nights ago we found that this little critter will not be hibernating. The mystery animal shown it's face. While my dog was kenneled up in our family room for bed, a black cat came onto our back porch and peaked in. Oops. Wrong house. So grateful Cora was sleeping, otherwise, that would have been a very long night, as I know she would not have left the idea alone that a cat had been on her territory.
Okay, so I only got to Six Bits - and now I am off and running again for our Tuesday routine. But before I do, I am going to the calendar to schedule that Me Time!!!
Monday, October 11, 2010
My TOMS
Remember this post about Sole Hope and TOMS shoes? Well, my TOMS came in the mail. They didn't fit. I sent them back. Then they came in the mail again.
So worth the exchange for the right size because these are seriously some comfy shoes! I love them. The UPS man delivered them on Friday, literally as I was headed out the door to the Bowling Alley. I slipped them on and they were the perfect shoe for that day on my feet. I have been wearing them ever since.
I am not sure that I would trust them in the winter or the rain. But they are my new favorite shoe - and the weather has currently been nice enough. No doubt they will be welcomed back in the Spring.
Today I am sportin' my TOMS and my Wiphan. A great combo.
I am not sure that I would trust them in the winter or the rain. But they are my new favorite shoe - and the weather has currently been nice enough. No doubt they will be welcomed back in the Spring.
Today I am sportin' my TOMS and my Wiphan. A great combo.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Family Gathering
After church today my brother and his family, along with my parents, came over to our house to celebrate my son's birthday. It seems like my family's birthday's never end, but with the amount of relatives that live in close proximity, and then school friends on top of that, not to mention tossing in every one's family schedules of extra curricular activities, sometimes it really does take four separate gatherings to get it covered. 
My son always enjoys getting together with family and today was no exception. I am not really sure what the kids did upstairs or outside, but there was a lot of laughter wafting through the air so I know it was all-good.
I helped my son make his cupcakes for today's gathering. Notice how it stated that I helped him, not the other way around. He had the idea of making Golf Cupcakes and here is the final outcome. They were very moist and delicious, he did a great job.
A wonderful ending to the week of birthday, and a great kick off to the week ahead! Love You, #10!!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Scrub it like Cinderella
Ahhhh - I have new hair. It has been a long while with out a color refresher, and today was the day I got to sit in the chair and be pampered. The woman that performs her magic on all four of our heads is also my friend and neighbor. How convenient it is to just literally walk three houses down and enjoy her salon at the end of her hallway. Her kids are so adorable - one is my newest first grade piano student. She brought in her keyboard and played for me. It was relaxing; and fun.
Now, the rest of the day is crazy busy with cleaning the house, helping with homework, running an errand, giving our dog a bath, and did I mention cleaning the house? We got a gathering coming tomorrow after church. As my friend mentioned to me while she was using the flat iron on my freshly colored, dried head, "I'm making you pretty for your cleaning of the toilets today. I wish I had a tiara to give you." Me too!
Supposedly our mutual friend wears a tiara when she scrubs her bathrooms. I am sure it makes her husband and two boys look twice. But my friend is fun like that - anything to spice up humor is her game. Maybe I will run my errand first, and then swing by the dollar store for one of my own. But most likely not, I have so much to do!!!
Off to go Scrub It Like Cinderella ...
Now, the rest of the day is crazy busy with cleaning the house, helping with homework, running an errand, giving our dog a bath, and did I mention cleaning the house? We got a gathering coming tomorrow after church. As my friend mentioned to me while she was using the flat iron on my freshly colored, dried head, "I'm making you pretty for your cleaning of the toilets today. I wish I had a tiara to give you." Me too!
Supposedly our mutual friend wears a tiara when she scrubs her bathrooms. I am sure it makes her husband and two boys look twice. But my friend is fun like that - anything to spice up humor is her game. Maybe I will run my errand first, and then swing by the dollar store for one of my own. But most likely not, I have so much to do!!!
Off to go Scrub It Like Cinderella ...
Friday, October 8, 2010
Birthday Bowling Bash!
There was no school for our district today, so it worked perfectly for us to host my son's 10th Birthday party with his friends at the bowling alley. This was a blast!
The kids were amateurs at the same playing level, so they really cheered each other on and were within a few scores of one another. And yes, the gutters were up to keep the balls moving and pins knocking down.
This bowling alley is huge. Because it was in the middle of the afternoon on a traditional school day, and work day, the place was empty enough for us to do a walk-up reservation of the party alley room. They had fun disco lights moving at all times, the music was loud, and we got to select Cartoons to be added to the big screen television in each of our lanes. Super cool.
When the bowling was complete, we continued the party in the lounge area with gifts and cake. The boys were tired by then, but we made sure to pump them up with enough sugar to keep them going until their parents came to retrieve them.
(My daughter's BFF joined us too and they played on their own lane - lucky that their two brothers are good friends too).
I am very grateful that both of my children have selected wonderful friends to hang out with. A group of 9/10 year old boys could have been a handful, but they were so easy and a pleasure to have hang out together. I could just squeeze them all with a giant group hug - but that would totally be so uncool. So a big high five to my boy's friends. They are a great bunch!
My son was all smiles on the way home and can't stop talking about the fun he had with FRIENDS!
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