Spring Break!

The perfect song ~ our family is jetting away to find the yellow.

Happy Spring Break!

Happy Easter! 

Camp Life

I got it to work ~ getting the photos off my phone that were sent from our awesome 5th Grade teacher this week regarding Camp Life. I can tell by my son's eyes in some of these pictures the magnitude of him having the time of his life. What a great experience!! The bus pulls into the school driveway at 2:00p today, we will not be late in getting our parking spot for his arrival home. Yay!!

Tingle Toes

As soon as school was out today, my girl and I zipped over to our fave Spa in town for a deluxe pedicure in preparation for our sunny Spring Break destination. Holding up our yoga pant legs and jumping puddles to get in and out of the car, we enjoyed the warmth of the pedicure.

My girl went for the Hot Pink with floral design, and I went for Red (versus my trade mark of jewel-toned pink ... I am so wild. Ha! I know it was not that much of a stretch, but I didn't want to regret my choice).

As we were waiting for our toes to dry completely before venturing back to the downpour, I was flipping through a cheesy magazine and noticed articles on nail polish. According to this article, Orange and Hot Pink are the color choices for Vacations. I always knew my girl was on top of style! (red was for a glitzy night on the town).

Last night the three of us watched The Help. We got a late start on the movie, and I didn't know it was so long; I tried to disregard the time clock ticking by on a school night. The movie was heartbreaking, deep, sparks of humor, fantastic. I am so glad that we had the chance to watch it when little brother was not home.

Speaking of, we have been receiving excellent text message photos from his teacher, however, I am not sure how to transfer the photos off my phone. I am thankful for all the snapshots of him, and especially happy that she is not including any text. I want to hear all the stories from him, but to see snippets of his smile makes me feel really good. No doubt he is having a grand time.

My toes and legs are still tingling with the fresh feeling of Mint. Mmmmm - I heart pedicures!

CAMP!!!

The sun was out, but there was a definite crisp cold to the air at 7:30a when we arrived at school. The evening and the morning went smooth and my son was ready to move forward to get to Camp. I was too. It felt good to send him off, and I have proof from a sweet friend and my girl that no tears were shed. Whew.

The kids are assigned into groups by gender once they get to Camp, but they have already been told that classmates will not be grouped together. The four elementary schools are mashed together to form groups, with a guarantee that at least one peer from your school, but not classroom, will be in your group. This adds another layer of jitters for the kids.  I snapped a quick photo of one of my son's buddy who had class last year, and again this year, together. Knowing they won't be in the same group, they opted to be bus buddies instead. It is a good fit ~ they will have fun.

My dear friend is the Guest Teacher for my son's class whenever his teacher is absent. Since the teacher is up at Camp all week, my friend was in charge of the class on Monday and Tuesday. However, she didn't have to come to the bus loading zone this morning - in fact she was scheduled today to Guest Teach for a different classroom. She didn't have to stand out in the cold and help answer questions from parents and students. She didn't have to be there at all, other staff members were there and could have taken charge of my son's class.

But she was there and it was perfect. The kids hugged her and swarmed her with questions. The authority figure for the group as they have a great relationship with her. It was so fun to have her part of the memory of my son leaving to his first camp experience. It was great to just have my friend there.

The bonus that we learned before the kids left was that my son's classmate/friend's Grandpa was the Motor Coach Driver. How very cool!! So, I knew already that the class, and my son, were going to be in great hands to and from camp. Again, just that added security (even though I have never met this man) helped all the parents, and students.

The camp staff include the 5th grade teachers in the district, the head nurse for our district (who just happens to work at our school), counselors, and just a handful of extra staff from the schools. The camp counselors are junior or seniors from the high school who have applied for the opportunity to go, were interviewed with references, and have attended training ~ not to mention fellow campers if they attended the district in 5th grade. The counselors wear red sweatshirts. These young men stayed as a group as they embarked last onto the bus of crazy 5th Grade Excitement ~ good luck!!

The kids had a beautiful bus and were so excited to ride in such luxury. The two buses pulled out right on schedule at 8am. They had over a two hour bus ride with a short boat ride to get to their location, but they made it as I just received this photo from my son's teacher. He looks cold; his cheeks are red. I am hoping he will speak up if he needs to take a break to add more layers ... but in reality his teacher just responded that he had just been running (yes, I asked if he was cold. Always a Mom ...).

After the buses left, my girl got to school on time and I headed out to ZUMBA with my friend. It was the perfect distraction this morning. Nothing like getting your blood pumping in a loud environment to release the energy that was inside. When my girl left for Camp, I remember my husband took me on an insanely long bike ride through trails and neighborhoods. It was awesome. When my friend invited me for this morning, I knew it was perfect timing and jumped at her offer.

Parting words by my son before we left the house ~ "Don't have too much fun while I'm gone, Mom!" Not to worry, Son, our vacuum is calling, the dust bunnies are waiting, and the bathrooms will be shinning top to bottom by the time this afternoon is over. I will keep myself busy and not have too much fun.

But I know you will ~ and that is exactly the way it should be!!

Butterfly

The bags are due the day prior to camp. The big utility truck travels to the four elementary schools to load up the luggage and haul it to camp two hours away. They dump the luggage out on the grass field bright and early tomorrow before the campers arrive. First assignment for the students will be to find their bag, their group, and their bunks.

We live in rain country so each bag, sleeping bag, and pillow must be tightly secured in a heavy duty bag. It is a real statement when they warn you that the luggage will be sitting outside prior to their arrival. The school is prepared for those that don't take "the rules" seriously, and have reams of garbage bags on hand to secure the luggage that is lacking a waterproof'd barrier before it's tossed into the truck.

My girl two years ago the day her luggage was taken to school, and the next day when she left for camp:

This morning my son took his luggage to school:

Same teacher means same hallway. Same teacher means her request of the same Guest Teacher that is handling the class the first two days of this week (our teacher is one of the few who attends Camp the entire week).  The Guest Teacher is also my dear friend, so it was fun walking down the hall before school opened to see her sweet face and cheerful attitude getting the excited and nervous kids to this stage of anticipation. Just like she did two years ago with my girl.

There is something calming to a Mom when you see other kids having the same common anxiety about this stage of the school year as your child. Yes, they are all very excited. But there is just this aura of uncertainty and teamwork that wafts through the halls of black bags piled on top of one another. Teamwork in making sure items are properly labeled, getting bags for those who forgot, helping muscles getting the items down the long hallway.

So great to know that kids that may be more hard to handle on a normal day (thankfully our 5th grade does not have major issues - at least not that I'm aware of - just personality differences really), actually pull together when they are all in the same position ~ first time ever to 5th Grade Camp. Comradery happens and that is settling to see.

4-H Club will take a huge portion of our evening after school tonight, and then it is off to bed and "trying to sleep" before my sweeeeeet son heads off to Camp early tomorrow morning.

Was that a butterfly ... ?

Luggage + Laundry

I have laundry and luggage in just about every room around here.

I have rotated through every hamper in our closets, and going on round three for my son. Because he doesn't have enough clothes to be packed and ready for two separate vacations, and have clothes remaining in his closet to get him by until Camp/Vacation, I am washing small loads as he literally takes them off every night.

The kids get Camp Sweatshirts a week before they leave. Tradition has it that the kids wear said sweatshirts every day before they leave. And they wear them throughout the entire Camp Session. And the week of school upon return (which is after Spring Break).

His sweatshirt and jeans that he wore today, are in the wash and will be ready to wear again tomorrow. And then tomorrow he will take them off and be washed again to be ready to wear on Wednesday when he boards the bus for C-A-M-P.

Then, my laundry room will remain quiet.

It is exciting around here, but busy.

I am officially on Piano Vacation as my last student went home at 8pm. I know it is only a week-off, but it still feels good to close out the piano room and keep my mind set on pure relaxation in a few more days.

Luggage + Laundry jumps up the house environment to an exciting level.

SPRING BALL

Finally, the sun came out and stayed for the entire day today. It was fantastic!

While the kids enjoyed some outside time, I busied myself on the inside with lots of laundry as I packed my son for his 5th grade camp that happens this week. He leaves bright and early on Wednesday to return on Friday, just fourteen hours prior to our family leaving for our Spring Break get-away. This means that my son has to be packed for Camp, and a week's vacation, prior to Monday when his camp bag is due at the school.

But I was able to join the outside world later in the day when our family went to the ballpark to cheer on my daughter's friend (she always corrects me and says, boyfriend. It's true, but I just can't say that as easily as she can.).

We have always been a baseball family, so to get us to support a friend on the diamond is an easy sell for us to accept the invite. His team did well; won the first game, ended the second game in a tie, tournament play will continue tomorrow.  This kid is fast no matter his position or what he's doing. He can run fast, pitch fast, hit the ball with power, and has an accurate throw. Talented. I can see why he is on a select team.

Hooray for Spring Ball - and the weather cooperated!

Parental Comments about the boyfriend? She has good taste ~ there's been no reason not to give him a thumbs up. 

Again - all is well

My son went out to hang with the neighborhood crowd yesterday, while I was typing my blog post actually, and came in about ten minutes later not looking the way he did when he left the house. He looked wiped out and was complaining of stomach pain again.

The rest of the night, including through dinner, he was not the same cheerful boy that he was just two hours prior. By ten thirty we had my fabulous sister-in-law who lives two miles from us at our doorstep to care for our girl, while my hubby, my son, and myself trekked to the children's hospital in our state. Our doc had called in our arrival so we were expected in the ER.

We started our drive home with our son at 2:00am - no needles, no blood draws, and a paper copy of his stomach xray in hand. My son was exhausted, but happy ... it was not appendix related. Happy Dance at two in the morning!

My girl was sound asleep in her bed, her aunt had exchanged places with my mother-in-law who was curled up under a sleeping bag on our family room couch. She was thrilled to wake up to see our son giving her a Thank You hug for coming over, before he jetted up to his room.

With three hours of sleep in our head, my hubby chatted with his mom while I drove my girl to school and swung by the local coffee house to bring home breakfast for the three of us. We chatted for a few hours until it was time for my mother-in-law to head to work, and my son woke just in time to see his Grandma again at ten o'clock.

My daughter was happy that my son was "fine" first, and then second she shared how fun it was to hang with her Aunt one-on-one in her jammies in the dark of our family room while they waited for Grandma to arrive. She said, "It was like a girl's party"!! I could see that - both of the kiddo's Aunts are really hip and cool like that. My girl went to bed late, but it was worth it - cozy and mind-occupied until she was sleepy enough to no longer worry.

I think the stress of not knowing can tear up the emotions and add unnecessary drama that can wipe out a family. I am so glad that we decided to stop the internal debates of "Should we go, should we wait", and "How bad is bad enough", and "What's your pain on a scale of 1-10", and "How do you feel now?", and "What does it feel like now", and "Are you in pain", and "Should we go, should we wait", and  ... broken record.

To have answers, to know, is half the mental battle that is great when it is answered and finished! The air has lifted to happy around here, my son has stayed upbeat and like himself all day, the sun was shinning bright to add the lift to our tired day ... Praise God!

So happy again that all is well.

Son - I don't know "the why" of all your medical mysteries, but your insight to your own health has always been key and I hope you embrace your gut (no pun intended) as you continue to grow into an adult. Never be scared of the unknown. Good healthcare is so important, and your bravery, teamwork with doctors, and faith are a great combo. So happy for you that you didn't see one needle - Yay! 
Love you!

Thank Goodness ~ Nothing

If there is going to be a curious health concern in our family, then it is most likely associated with my son. He entered this world in ease with a scheduled labor and delivery c-section style, but since that moment forward he's had more than an average amount of "Huh" moments related to his health. Nothing is "normal" when he gets sick. Thankfully, in the end, all of his health concerns turn up negative, and we are through it and a healthy life returns.

Yesterday started with the same, "Huh" pondering as we sent ourselves packing to the doc. Perhaps it was just coming off of last month's intensity of our niece having her ruptured appendix removed with such a long hospital stay that had us on heightened awareness, but when our son was doubled over in pain when he woke, and it stayed, we did not ignore.

Long story short, the doc confirmed that in fact the location of the pain would warrant a concern of the appendix. My son, the boy that he is, put a permanent marker dot on the specific location of his pain before we left the house. I, embarrassed, joked with the doc about the black spot ~ but the doc in fact appreciated the brilliance of my son and gave him a thumbs up! Okay, then ... Way to go, Son!!

Because the pain had subsided by the time we got to the doctor, she could still provide insight because of his marking the exact pain at the exact moments earlier in the morning. She gave us symptoms to continue to watch for for the next 48 hours, and the "what to do's"; of course the final solution being coming back if her office was open, or to the hospital if they were closed.

He had a few more bouts of pain, but nothing substantial or lasting to warrant a call or return. He was my shadow today doing a few errands to see if he could keep pace with life and not get into any discomfort. He was tired with a headache and sore throat, otherwise his aches have not been an issue.

By afternoon today ... yes, he will be returning tomorrow. Always a good sign when he is acting like himself; talking and being funny. Not the case the hours prior and all day yesterday.

Thank Goodness - it turned out to be Nothing!!

All Things Academics

Monday night was Middle School parent orientation for my son, and while we know about the school through our daughter, it was still nice to attend in support of our son. The Principal is new to the school as of this school year, and it was nice to hear him speak in this setting. We like him. We think he is producing the right climate and balance of academics and social for our students. Thumbs up!

Tuesday night was Junior High parent orientation for our daughter. Readers not familiar with our district may think this is a typo, that if we have a Middle School, I must mean the next step would be High School. But our district is unique in our neck of the woods in the way we split the grades.

Our four Elementary Schools have Kdg - 5th, two Middles School house just 6th - 7th grades, one Junior High has 8th - 9th graders, and our one High School is 10th - 12th. This grouping works well as the 6/7 graders are more in line with maturity, then a combo of 6/8 graders; and so on. This does not mean, however, that our schools are short in number by only have two grades for those middle years. Rather, the Junior High my daughter will enroll in will have approximately 1,200 students ... for two grades.

But that really is no different in numbers of the elementary school that both my kiddos attended that housed 1,000 students. Thankfully, she will be ready for the mass of kids.

Last night's orientation for the incoming 8th grade parents was well done. Each counselor spoke and I liked what they had to say and how prepared they were. The Principal also spoke, however, I felt that perhaps his expertise will really be in the structure of the student body and the following of order. The academic ins and outs he leaned on the counselors to handle. I'm okay with that - so long as he really is focused on the discipline of the school. We'll see ...

Tonight we will officially enroll our growing teen into 8th grade when we bust open the online computer system.  Next September will be an adjustment month as both kids go to "new schools" and learn their new learning and social environment.

I think they will do just fine ~ this Momma will need to just do a lot of Yoga and deep breathing to create a stress free aura when we are together. Not getting worried if their backpack increases by ten pounds per week as lockers are no longer used, and many core classes count toward High School credit/graduation, and they share the names of new friends who I know nothing about.

I could go on ...

but for now ...

All Things Academic.

Milestone Birthday Bash!

Last night was so much fun! We celebrated in the big city in honor of my mom's milestone birthday. It was also the birthday celebration of my two nieces (my mom's granddaughters); one who turned 12 the first week of March, and one who will be 14 at the end of this month. The celebration started at an Irish Pub.

A live band played to rally up the crowd of dancers and eaters in the Pub Style Restaurant. We tried diligently to get the four kiddos out in the dance mix, but we had no takers. They happily sat at our table enjoying the crowd of happiness celebrating the Irish on St. Patrick's Day.

The food was delish - my girl and I split the Corn Beef and Cabbage. It was melt in your mouth good. And a pair of Bagpipers came to entertain the party goers while the band was on a break. I love bagpipes - such a unique sound.

We moved onward for gift giving at a Cafe around the corner where it was quiet enough to enjoy conversation. The kids were rallied up at this point.

Before we left the Pub, an employee/manager came by our table multiple times showering our kiddos with unique gifts of green necklace beads and Guinness Shirts. Ha! In the spirit of the evening and for fun, the girls went into the bathroom to change into their new free stuff. The rest of us didn't really think too much of it until we were walking from the Pub to the Cafe.

Two twenty-something-girls had passed our four walking slightly ahead of us and while the girls passed us I heard one shockingly say, "Were they really wearing Guinnes shirts?!" and the other replied with disgust, "Yes they were!".

Spontaneous Pose

Oops, perhaps poor taste, but the kids didn't mean anything from it other than they got Free Shirts and that rarely happens! And it was just in fun. The kids had a good laugh the rest of the night and continued their spirit of fun.

I love hanging out with our families. I like how we always pick up where we left off, how the kids can make an event out of everything, and how all ten of us are never at a loss for words. It was so neat that my mom's milestone Birthday happened on a Saturday so that we all could enjoy the festivities of St. Patrick's Day together to celebrate the three March birthday girls!!

Starting to get their Irish Jig On ...

A birthday bash we will never forget.

Happy St. Patrick's Day Birthday, Mom!!!

Mom,

I don't think we have ever celebrated your birthday with snow falling outside our windows. A Leprechaun's way of creating mischief to your already jumbled up year. Or as my hubby said, "Nothing better than a white March 17th St. Paddy's Day Birthday!"  All we can do is laugh, right?

We are looking forward to celebrating one of the milestone birthdays with you and the family tonight. I am very grateful that our family is so tight ~ a priority that you and dad have always given to us by always being there for each of us since day one. You two are the least selfish people in this world. It makes being together such a celebration.

I know the past four and a half months have been perhaps one of biggest hurdles for you in a very long time. But I want to share that you have handled it all with grace and spunk. You are amazing. You have conquered the long wait, and now it is your time to shine through the hard work you've already started to get back to where you were pre-November. You got this, Mom!!

Tonight we will do a jig in celebration of YOU. The most beautiful, fun, creative, good humored, genuine, happy, and loving mom and friend that I have the pleasure of doing life with - I Love You so very much!!

Cheers to a great year, Mom!!

Happy Birthday!! 
xoxo

Shopping for warm

Today was a scheduled no school day in our district, so the kids and I ventured off to the shopping spots to get clothes and bathing suits for our upcoming, longing for, warm temps during our Spring Break vacation.

My son and I did shopping last Sunday, and today he joined us because dad had to work and there was no other option for my son. But it all turned out well - he and I hung out by the girl's clothing racks while we waited for my girl to try on all the assortment of clothes. 

My son was timing her, which was just kept between the two of us. I am embarrassed to say how long the event took. It was a loooong time and my son deserves a medal for The Best Brother With So Much Patience. My girl knew that she had to step out of her dressing room to show me anything that she wanted to put in the purchase pile (ya' know how some of those shorts can get real short too quickly - and that wasn't happenin').

I was the runner that returned the unwanted clothes and fetched different sizes, taking breaks with my waiting son. Hearing his brotherly commentary was funny - all in good nature - we were all having a fun time by the dressing room. 

More shopping, different stores, my girl came home with a nice selection of clothing to kick off Spring. She also purchased some items from gift money that she had been saving for that perfect thing. Very cute stuff!

Now - we are ready for warm temps during Spring Break! Yea!

Middle School Registration

This cutie is growing up and will be off to Middle School (6th grade) in September. Today he came home with his registration packet. For 6th graders, they get the choice of all year band, all year choir, and exploratory electives which is a quarter each of art, drama, choir, and computers.

My son did before-school choir as a 4th grader and determined it was not a good fit. Sixth grade choir is out.

My son has done drama through our Church's summer drama camp program, and he is an Assistant Director of his current school play (to be performed next week). He enjoys drama as a hobby, but not enough to stick with it for a quarter and earn a grade. Drama is out.

Art ... eh, does not excite him. Art is out.

Computers - he is interested in this (although I think he already knows enough and would be bored at the level they would teach in class), but he does not want to do the other three electives that go with this course (art, drama, music). Therefore, computers are out.

That leaves ... Band.

I am trying to keep my cool and not do the happy dance in front of him. This piano-teacher-momma is excited that he will be learning to read music, and play an instrument. We have tried multiple times to get him to learn the piano to no avail. My daughter humored me for a year of piano lessons when she was younger. My son lasted two weeks.

The registration form asks to insert the instrument the student would like to play, although I know from other students who have gone through the program that the student can change up to a couple weeks into class. But so far I am very happy, very, very happy with his instrument choice: TRUMPET!!

I love the trumpet.

But playing it cool.

Hoping that my son will love the trumpet too.

My littlest is growing up ... Middle School Registration!!! Pinch-me.

Pacific to the Atlantic

I-heart-the-ocean. 

It is where we honeymoon'd and where we've been on vacation pre and post children. I love the vast horizon the best. The depth and massiveness of the waves and water. The secrets that the water holds deep beneath what we can see. The mystery of boats that are spotted "way out there". The noise of the wind and water swirling together. The sunset - indescribable.

The Pacific Ocean in our state is very cold, and therefore the sport of the ocean is not used to the extent of the states that produce the warmer temps and warmer water. While it would be fun to live close to the water sports, there is something relaxing to having few, if any, bodies bouncing in the waves. It just seems very soothing, relaxing, a place to let your mind wander. 

I-totally-heart-the-ocean!!

We have not been to the Pacific since these photos were taken in 2008. Our kiddos were soon to be turning 10 and 8. It is a fact that we need to go more often. 

In a few short weeks we will vacation on the Atlantic Ocean. It will be the trip that completes our family touching the four walls of the United States. We've crossed the boarder to Canada, we've touched the Pacific Ocean, we've been to the Gulf of Mexico, and soon we will be on the East touching the waters of the Atlantic. 

We can hardly wait. Rumor has it that our friends in the Mid-West and East Coast are enjoying warm temps while we are freezing our bums with snow, sleet, and rain. I am praying that the weather stays warm where we are headed. We want the warmth and sunshine!

Pacific to the Atlantic - WooHoo!

Photo Tuesday

Date Taken: March 13, 2012
Response: Sigh
Wants: Daffodils and Sunshine

8th Grade Registration

My girl jumped in the car for the ride home from school with paperwork in hand to register for her 8th Grade Classes for next year! I like to see my girl excited and appropriately nervous for this next adventure.

Unfortunately, there are too many "fun classes" and only the option for one elective per Semester (which only makes 2 for the entire year). Sigh. The art of picking and choosing.

While the buzz is to take the first opportunity for a Foreign Language (Spanish) offered as a two year class starting in 8th grade, and counts toward High School Credit, my girl is going against the trend. Never mind the fact that most kids are signing up for Spanish, and not every student will be assigned the class, my girl is just jumping ship completely and going with her gut regardless if she was guaranteed a spot or not in Spanish.

Having just come off of the Ballet Decision not too many weeks ago - I can see why my girl is leaning the way she is leaning. She wants to be carefree and fun, not always book-smart and academic. She has already been taking a High School credited Math class all year as a 7th grader (and getting amazing results), I am kinda liking her thinking of "Why do I have to do everything so fast paced?" You don't, Honey.

So - she is opting for a Semester of Drama (completely up her alley), and then a Semester of Skills For Life. As she puts it ... "Seriously, Mom, we both know that I am in desperate need of that class."  I love her humor. And she's right ... the general course description states management skills of food and nutrition, housing, clothing and finance.

My girl can only cook blue box Mac and Cheese, oatmeal, and an egg. Finance consists of her piggy bank, and clothing - well, she has that one covered at least. Learn to balance self, work, and school through leadership activities and projects designed to make learning relevant. I am sure "back in the day" this class was called Home Ec. It'll be good for her.

Electing those "fun" classes into her schedule will help balance out the social and academic pressure/stress/learning transition to the Jr High ~ where two Middle Schools combine to make an 8th grade class of at minimum 400 students. Not to mention adding some down time into her full academic core classes. She will have four years of High School to get in her Foreign Language credit - and more choices of different languages.

I've learned this year that she is wise on so many areas in choices - I am sure this will be another wise choice made by her.

My baby girl is growing up to 8th Grade!

Shopping with my son

My son is not a shopper. Like most boys he would rather find other use of his time. Shopping to him consists of going online to his favorite store, adding selections to the Shopping Cart, and waiting for my final approval and payment. That is how we have purchased all of his clothes for the last three years. Totally serious.

I am not complaining.

Today warranted an in-store shopping experience because we are under a deadline. The first deadline is that he needs a green shirt for St. Patrick's Day this Saturday (more on that later), and he was also in need of a couple of spring items for our upcoming Spring Break Trip (eeek- can not wait!).

So my son and I headed off together this afternoon leaving the CCI Dog, my girl, and hubby behind. It was just the two of us.

Simple date, but so great. He is my easy going kiddo that is just straight to the point when it comes to knowing what he likes. There is no waffling when it comes to style with him. We came out of his favorite store with a wide selection under budget thanks to a great sale and an extra $10 off discount.

Our chatter was light hearted and fun - we played a verbal game in the car and talked about random things while shopping. He is just the definition of a great time.

We came home to see his buddy walking down our driveway. My son was excited that he got home "in time" to do his favorite thing - hanging out. As I slowed for the garage door to open, he jumped out of the car for a couple hours of hang time before the snow, sleet, rain, and wind kicked in. Crazy-March!

My son had asked that every Sunday he make his famous double batch hand-made pizza dough for pizza's. I can't pass up that offer and his delicious recipe. Our house smells amazing. What a great way to end a weekend and kick off the week!

Shopping with my son is few and far between - but when it does happen - it is awesome!

4-H Presentation

Part of our volunteer role as a CCI Puppy Raiser for our Region is that kids 18 and younger who are Puppy Raising can join the 4-H Club. The Trainer/Leaders of 4-H are the same ones who teach the CCI Classes to any Puppy Raiser, so the 4-H Club is just an extension of our requirement of a Puppy Raiser. One dog, multiple ways to have fun while they are in our care.

The 4-H Club is a diverse mix of kids and their CCI dogs. Some are Puppy Raisers like my son, and others are Handlers with a variety of special needs who have their own Service or Skilled Companion Dog. They are mentors to each other in a variety of ways. It is one of the best things about being a Puppy Raiser!

We are learning as we go about all the requirements of 4-H. So far it has been a fun journey learning in this fashion; I will admit that I am one that thrives on all the information at once. I like to be prepared well ahead of time. Our club has a philosophy of "learn by doing" (my twist on it - they have never come out and said that) and it is making me think out of my box, and so far so good. It is a nice change of pace.

Today the 4H kiddos had to present "something" (any topic) to a judge to be scored. With limited info about the ins and outs of this day, my son chose his topic and showed up ready to present. He doubled up on a project by presenting his 5th Grade Science Fair submission; one assignment with dual purpose - great!

His project was on the effects of different salts in an oatmeal cookie recipe. You can read all about it here.

When we arrived he was given the score sheet and in he went to meet the judge. He learned after the fact that the judge was the director of the presentation program for our county and rumor has it she is a stickler. My son came out of the presentation room to the lobby of his 4-H club members with a Blue Ribbon and a score of 22 (three off from a green ribbon).

I saw the color Blue and thought - WOW! He did fantastic! You hear about Blue Ribbons for Fair as being the top dog (no pun intended). And the color still qualifies as excellent for presentations too, but there is an additional color of Green that the presenters all wanted to get.

The Trainers/Leaders of our club gathered around our son for a pep talk - he had the choice of going back in to present with a different judge in the room in the hopes of upping his scores to the Green Ribbon, or he could stop and go home. Two Green Ribbons would mean that he would qualify to Present at the County Level in May.

My son chatted it over like a good strategist, reviewing the comments to make the necessary changes, and said, "Okay, I'll do it!" So he went back in and was assigned two judges this time, and came out with a Green Ribbon with a 31.5 score out of 32! Whoa!

Wanting that second Green Ribbon to qualify, my son was on a roll and wanted to go back again to present to the last judge. Waiting his turn took a bit, but he finally presented and came out with another Green Ribbon with a score of 30. This time he had run out of cookies for the judges to taste test - so getting a 30 score with out his Attention Grabber (cookies) to start his presentation was excellent!

I am not sure if he will or will not go to the County Level in May. He was just happy that today he succeeded in a big way and that means a lot to him. I am happy that he didn't really know what to expect or how this all worked, and he kept pushing himself to make changes and do better. He had the choice to go home at anytime, and he didn't quit until he was no longer eligible to keep going. Yay-Son!!

Haddie came along for the ride as the whole family did to support and see what this was all about. It was fun to have her hang out in the lobby with our girl, and the other team members and their dogs. We have a great club. I am very thankful that we decided this volunteer role for our family.

My favorite compliment to my son on his written evaluation from the County Director of Public Presentations for 4-H was: Nice job! You are a natural speaker!


I am glad to see that she recognized one of my son's gifts. Smile ...

Spies Like Us

Remember doing this as a kid? Spying in on the neighbors, seeing how to manipulate the next move to get noticed, and then eventually invited over to play?

Circa 2009 - Spy age 8

The kids on our block have grown up with each other since the neighborhood was born nine years ago. We have had babies born on our block who are now part of the mix of hanging out. We have had people graduate and move out of state to go to college. We have had new kids move into houses that didn't have kids prior. We have had kids move away to be replaced with new kids.

The sun is shinning today. The kids were smothering the sidewalks and yards after school. I love the mix of sunshine and loud kids. It just spells old time Americana in a world that does not always feel like old time Americana. I am so happy we live on a street where kids can be kids. Where there are no bullies among them. Sure, they may have disagreements, but in the end the kids work it out and continue playing.

And I hope "spying" will continue into my grandchildren's generation - there is something magical and innocent. Human nature to want to belong, but not wanting to barge in, and having a chance to check out the scene to see if it is worth the wait.

I think my little spy was pretty darn cute!!

Even though he was not invited over that day - for it was our neighbor girl's girlie birthday party (smile).