The "Coolness" Factor of the RV

     Grandparents are here and they have brought the beloved RV,  also called Grammie and Grandpa's driveway house, or as Elijah used to love, "the potty bus."  For the past 4 or 5 years that they have owned the RV and brought it down to Texas, I have been amazed by the number of people who have stopped to ask about it, to get a tour, or find out where they can buy one.  It's such a hit.  Especially with the kids.  They want nothing more than to spend the night out there and will beg for it daily. Can you tell that my kids haven't been camping too much? At least not without an a/c cabin with flushable toilets.  So spoiled. Their favorite thing to do in the RV:  play hide and seek.  Not sure how that works out, but Grammie seems to make it fun for them in the small space.  But truly, it has everything you need, and can carry all of us comfortably.  

    So, here's to the Rialta, (and our Nebraska family) and all the fun and laughter they've brought,  including some Home Owner's Association notices - picky, picky. Apparently not everyone thinks a large vehicle parked in the driveway is as cool as we think it is.

Trampoline Sprinkler

    

     Here over at the Ward house, our backyard is littered with kid stuff so it leaves little room for pretty scenery.  But, we try.  So, this past weekend we made our annual stop at Joseph's Nursery and bought flowers.  Instead of trying different types and heights of flowers which often goes awry, we went with all the same husker red and white peonies.  We then added potted and hanging plants, and then dove into the garden.  It does look a lot nicer, but please realize that this took ALL DAY and while our kids loved picking out their own personal flowers, by the time it came around to actually putting them in the ground, they were done.  

     So, grand idea!  Make a water sprinkler trampoline.  It did the trick. They jumped, got wet and we had plenty of time to beautify.  For anyone who is unfortunate enough not to have a pool in their backyard and the neighborhood pool opens for only 2 1/2 months a year (really?), I say bring on the sprinkler.  And not a cute, made-for-kids elephant sprinkler, but a real, purposeful grass sprinkler.  Be traditional and use the ground, or try the new-fangled trampoline way.  And this may not be a new way, but it's new to us (thank you Kersten family for the idea).  You remember what it was like as a kid -- the surprise of the water, the rush of cold, the silly jumping.  Yeah, It's still the same. 

#1 Reason to plant spring flowers: The Hibiscus, I love it!

"May the Odds be Ever in your Favor."

   Yes, I was one of the bajillion people who read the book, The Hunger Games and the sequels, and dashed out to see the movie this past weekend.  And I loved it.  It's another YA book full of great characterization, action, dialogue, and just good story-telling.  And I recommend it the way I did the Harry Potter franchise, another YA series I will admit to falling in love with.  Now, I didn't get bit by the Twilight series so judge my likes and dislikes on that.
    For the 10% of America who didn't catch the Games fever, explaining the book's premise to them is a bit difficult.  I've tried but it comes across as barbaric.  It doesn't sound like a promising setting, nor is the plot very uplifting.  It's a futuristic dystopian world, think The Giver (Lois Lowry), Anthem (Ayn Rand), or Brave New World (Aldous Huxley).  And in this future world called Panem, things are very bleak. At least they are bleak for Districts 2 thru 12 who mostly live in poverty, while the Capitol, District 1 - has all the crazy, outlandish color and wonder comparable to the Land of Oz; you remember, the horse of a different color.  When districts 2-12 tried to join forces and fight against the leaders many years ago, they failed.  As a punishment, and to remind everyone who's boss, now each year a boy and girl from each district must be chosen (comparable to the short story, "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson) as a tribute to come to the Capitol and fight to the death in a man-made wilderness with the Capitol puppeteers creating true reality show havoc on the teenagers in order to make it more exciting for the viewers.  It's quite reminiscent of Jim Carrey in The Truman Show without the sunny "Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!"
     That's pretty much the gist of the set-up.  What brings this story to life is the character Katniss, amazing hunter with a bow-and-arrow, do-gooder and mostly mother to little 12-year-old sister Prim.  Though Prim's name is only in the lottery once,  she is chosen as tribute in her first year.  Of course, Katniss, being the heroine, volunteers herself to go in and the story rolls from there.  Bring in two cute boys - one, the boy next door ready to escape the district; another, the son of a baker, strong but awkward, who has always had a crush on Katniss, a drunk mentor, an obliviously dense, ridiculously dressed guide, an understanding make-up and costume artist, and an angry sense that nothing is within your control, and you have The Hunger Games.
     Now, as I watched, a few things either bothered or just plain blew me away so I wanted to jot those down.  There may be a spoiler alert - but since you're read this far, I'm betting you've already read the book.  And if you haven't --- join the rest of us, and as they say in Panem, "May the odds be ever in your favor."

#1 -- This is miniscule, but it's enough to make me mention it to everyone I've talked to about the movie so far.  Why, if the villagers live in such poverty, are their teeth so brightening white and absolutely straight.  Come on Hollywood, throw in some gray cavities, or at least a couple of crooked teeth.
#2 - Capitol-created dogs jumping out of woods nearly made me jump out of my seat.
#3 -  Rue is perfect for the part. Dropped a little tear for her.
#4 - I don't remember Gale being so handsome.  I may have to change my Peeta-love.
#5 - Lenny Kravitz is Cinna -- really?  I had no idea.  He looks soo good, and I was a big fan of his dread-locks. I'm so glad Cinna will be back in the next sequel.
#6 - Who remembers if Seneca Crane is back in book 2?  The berries?
#7 - I know there is violence in the book and that's hard to take, but I'm glad that the movie depended on sounds more than actually showing the violence. I know that the author, Suzanne Collins, mentioned in an interview that her dad was in the military her whole life.  He often spoke to her of the tragedy and hopelessness of war and the things he witnessed.  I believe she was sending a message.
#8 -  Finally, can't believe we have to wait for over a year for Catching Fire!  It just gives me more time to convince others to read it. 

Okay, one more thing.  If you are interested, Concordia Publishing House had a downloadable Bible study on The Hunger Games for $5, written by Mark Sengele.  (thanks Kendra for that info)

Mini-Tri Girls

Pre-Race Pic

  
  Congrats to the girls on our first ever MINI-TRI! Never heard of a mini?  I hadn't either.  But it sounded a lot easier - 400 meter swim, 5 mile bike, and 1 mile run. The distances may have been a lot smaller than other triathalons, but for this gal, it certainly didn't feel like it. Just getting out of the pool was hard work.  Despite not enough training, little communication in exactly WHAT we were going to be doing, and a very small turn-out, we all had a good time. (I can't speak for my sore legs though. Going down stairs is killing me today).  Not sure if I'm up for another any time soon.  We'll see.
    
        And thank you, thank you to the hubbies and kids for coming out and cheering us on.  Truly, with you there, you doubled the number of people in attendance. Love you all.
        

Post-Race Pic in our cool shirts

S W I M

B I K E

R U N

                                          

THE CHEERING SECTION, minus Tamyra

Cinderella's Green Shoe

    Did you know that there are over 700 variants of Cinderella, also called The Glass Slipper?  One can even be traced back to 9th century China.  Apparently every culture can relate to mean step-parents, abuse, wishing on stars, love at first sight, and magic shoes. While my girls know only the singing mice, Disney version, I'm glad that in the second grade, they will get to learn a few more.  And that's where the Green LSA baseball cleat comes into play.
     Since Elijah's class is reading different versions of the fairy tale, his assignment was to choose any shoe to dress up, any way he wants.  So - he chose the cleat, the green paint, the glitter and the stars, and I found puff balls and baseballs.  He wanted to write Pioneers, but settled for LSA.  He went to work and this is the final product.  The first night we painted, he had little interest.  He actually let Lydia finish the first coat, which she LOVED.   He is not my arts and crafts guy.  But, after reminding him over and over that it's due on Friday,  he got to work and had fun with the glue gun.  And though I held my tongue about what I would do differently :-), I think it turned out great.
       I would love to see the new version of Cinderella who wore cleats to the ball, all dressed in green.  
      Hmm, maybe that's my new story?

"Mom, I"m bored!"

 
   Last night, our church offered a 1 night Bible Study session on a book entitled, Scream-Free Parenting by Hal Runkel.  I knew I should be there, since my kids have already agreed that I don't always take the high road of being a soft-spoken mom. I don't really have the total gist of what the book is all about, though I'm interested, but the speaker seemed to focus on being responsible "to" our children and not responsible "for." Interesting difference, right? Well, I showed up late and had to leave early, so don't put a lot of stock in what I heard.  But, I had to share this little nugget of "why didn't I think of that" parenting.  In the theory of keeping our children responsible for themselves, she mentions that parents sometimes get in the way of that.  And me being as controlling as I am, I saw myself in her descriptions.  So, if you're like me and your child whines:  "Mom, what can I do?  I'm bored, "  Scream-free parenting says not to do it the Jen way which is to list the following:  "Well, you can play with your cars which you haven't done in forever; you can read a book; you can go jump on the trampoline; you can write a story; you can, you can, you can . . . . " Instead, and I love this, say:  "So what are YOU going to do about that?"
     Simple, right?  I love it --- in theory.  Maybe my years of listing "fun" things to do will come back to them as I hold my tongue and wait for creativity to spark.  And if nothing else, I do pray that I become a little less of a screamer. 

 Fathers (& Mothers), do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart.  -      
                                                                                                                         Colossians 3:21

      Just a quick one today.  I've got another great kid novel to pass along, or maybe you've already read it.  It's certainly not new but if you're new to kids' lit, then this is one you need to read. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is a novel I read several years ago for a class, and when I saw it in a Scholastic pamphlet, I had to buy it.  I read it to Elijah over several nights and we just finished it.  It's still as good as I remembered.  I'm always amazed at what will get Elijah's approval as a good read.  If he's not liking it -- we stop.  I was a bit disappointed when he didn't want to hear any more of The Wizard of Oz. Too weird and difficult, I think.  But, I keep pushing classics while Kenny is working in all the Lion, Witch and Wardrobe books.  I don't know how long he'll let us read to him at night, but I'll take it as long as I can.
    I compare Edward Tulane to the sweetness of The Velveteen Rabbit. Edward is an arrogant china rabbit, without any love in his china heart, who journeys from a child, to an elderly couple, to a hobo, to a scarecrow, to a sick girl and along the way, finds his heart.  It's sweet, tear-worthy, and really a great read-aloud.  This site will give much more depth than me.  Just wanted to pass it along.
    And if you know of any great ones, please share.
    Happy Reading!

"Ma'am, do you drive a mini-van?"

... is what I heard as I came up for breath after swimming a few laps this morning at the Pearland natatorium.  And while I am grateful the young buck of maybe 19 years went and closed my open door as it sat in the pouring rain, the whole scenario caused me to selfishly spend the next 20 laps agonizing about my age. A simple question and yet, it caused such a stir.
    First of all, I swim because it's the only thing that relieves my messed up joints and muscles - hmm, didn't feel that way 20 years ago.  Age, maybe? Second of all, the "ma'am" - yes, it was very polite, but I would have taken, "Hey, miss".   Third of all, the mini-van.  I got over the whole uncool factor when we bought it, and I'm realistic enough to understand that a mini-van is the most practical choice when towing 3 kids + friends on a regular basis.  But there are days when I wish I still zipped around in my little blue truck that didn't have a real back seat. And finally, do you see the open door?  Really? It happens all the time at our house. Neighbors will stop by and tell us our car door was left open, way too often, and it's always some child's fault.  But today, that was all me.  I was all alone and totally not distracted.  No kid, no phone, no drink in hand.  Forgetful. Hmm, age, maybe?
    And while I love that age brings experience ( to tout all the grandparents out there), it certainly doesn't help the "cool" factor.  And you know me - I gotta be cool. :-)

A Saint Paddy's tooth

      Elijah's lost his 8th tooth on Friday night, right before bedtime -- no big deal, right?  Same song, eighth verse. Well, it kinda was. He had only been wiggling it a day, it seems, while his little sister had been working weeks and weeks on #1 wiggly tooth, and dramatically so.  It hurt to eat apples.  It hurt to eat a corn dog. It hurt to touch it.  So, not to be outdone, the following day, St. Patrick's Day -- Lydia wiggles that little tooth out while eating salad.  No joke.  After the mini celebration and tooth-taking pictures, I realized I now have not just one, but two big kids, as if losing a tooth was a rite of passage.  For Lydia it is.  And since her mean mom won't let her get her ears pierced yet, it's the most important one until that day comes.
     So, now the poor tooth fairy is working double time.  And it brings up a lot of questions from me. Where does she put all those teeth that are sitting in marked ziploc bags?  How does she keep them separated? How does she know how much to give kid #2 so it's the same amount as kid #1?  Does she have to write a letter every time a kid loses a tooth or just the first time?  All very, very important questions.

"I'm fine doing this EVERY OTHER year" - Kenny Ward

There's an episode of "How I Met Your Mother" when Ted Moseby is discussing with a coat check girl at a club all the things in life that are supposed to be "fun" but really, when it comes down to it, are a lot of work.  Their examples include:  loud clubs,  New Years Eve parties, parades and so on.  I want to add to that list - the Houston Rodeo Carnival.  I'm all about doing adventurous things even when kids are tired and cranky, because eventually they get over the crank, smile, and have a good time.  And we DID have a really good time. Each kid got to ride a few rides, watch a magician, go through the Kids Fun Farm(twice), have sugary snacks, and see baby animals. And on paper, we did great.  And for them, it was probably wonderful.  But as the parents, we made some major mistakes.  

#1 - Lanie doesn't like to walk (bring a stroller)
#2 - it's hot in March (don't come at noon)
#3 - it's crowded during spring break (come at another time)
#4 - it's easy to get lost from one another (make sure cell phone is charged)
#5 - log rides look easy, but can be scary (don't take Lydia on any ride involving heights and falling)

By the time we were leaving (7 hours later), the weather had cooled off and it really was pleasant. It would have been nice to have escaped into the actual rodeo to watch the bucking broncos, the mutton busters, and the Wells Fargo race, and to explain to the kids that THIS is what the rodeo is all about, or "the radio" as Lanie kept calling it. But, there is a limit to fun and our time was up so we headed to our Reed Road bus and discussed our favorite part of spring break all the way home.

And because our spring break was jam packed with fun and friends, the Carnival didn't make anyone's top 2 list.  Nevertheless, it got top billing during Lanie's prayer last night as she thanked God for the wonderful day and for the fun time at "the Radio. "  And we all laughed and forgot that we waited in ridiculous lines in the heat, got lost from each other, spent too much money, rushed to a few stinky porta-potties, and didn't win a huge stuffed Scooby-doo. Well, I'm actually glad we didn't win the huge Scooby-Doo (but don't tell Elijah that).

Lydia - after the log ride

Elijah - after the  log ride

 This spring break has worn me out on picture-taking.  I was totally lazy at the carnival.  This was my only posed picture. And we were about to leave the park, after 7 hours (have I already mentioned that?) - still smiles, despite the tiredness.

Strawberry Pickin'

        It seems that this spring break, we keep going places that require the traditional seasonal picture.  Yesterday was no different.  For the past 3 years, we have met our friends, the Grooms at Frobergs farm and picked fresh strawberries.  I was shocked when we drove up to see a line of cars waiting to get into the parking lot of the farm.  Apparently, everyone in a 20 mile radius of Alvin, Texas had the same idea.  But, after a 30 min. wait, we got in and the kids had the best time sloshing through mud to find strawberries that weren't too yellow, too little, or too yucky.  When it was all said and done, we did have a few of all these, but when a 3, 5 and 8-year-old are making the "best strawberry" decisions, you kind of have to let that go. I will admit though, that I did tire of hearing:  "Mom, is this one good?  Mom, is this one good?  Mom, look at this one.  Is this one good?"  After awhile, you just say:  "Great choice."

      And of course since you're at a farm, and there was such excitement in the air, I had to overbuy on produce and fruits.  Being at Froberg's always bewitches me a bit.  I'll never learn my lesson.  Along with the jillion strawberries I have to clean and cut, I have cantelope, grapes, bananas, corn, cucumbers and anything else I could carry.  I always have the expectation that we'll feast on this healthy food the same night.  But, plans change.  Friends come over, it's too late to cook and what do we have:  pizza and wings.  There's always the next day to eat healthy. 
     But . . . since I'm writing this post late and "the next day" already occurred, my Froberg's food wasn't on the menu either.  Instead, try carnival food.  But that's another post.

Here are some favorite pictures from the day.    

Too muddy

Too yellow

Too little, Too squishy

Just Right!

So proud

Sno-cones for lunch

We rebels ignore the "No Climbing on Tree" sign - all in the name of tradition.

                                                

"There's somethin' 'bout the southland in the springtime."

    
      On our drive home from Austin, we had to stop for wildflower pictures.  It really is our civic duty as Texans to do a highway stop, as unsafe as it sounds, and drag our kids up a hill for a MUST HAVE picture.  I should have known.  In past years, these pictures have never been easy to get.  This year was no different.
   First of all, check out the attire.  After letting the kids pack themselves for the trip, we were left with only a few choices for the drive home, none of which screamed cute bluebonnet poses. i.e. Elijah's "Save the Planet, with Baseball" t-shirt.  But, we carried on.
       When the girls fell asleep, minutes before we stopped, I knew this was going to be bad news.  Girl #1, woke up, no problem, happy to oblige us and take pictures in her sweatpants and unkempt hair.  Girl #2, not so easy.  After crying, refusing to get out of my arms and then screaming that she had to go to the bathroom, we (embarrassingly) took her on the side of the road, very close to bluebonnets.  We're very fancy.  We're hoping that's not a crime.

    Tears were gone, but complaining was not.  See biggest fire ants ever.  With every step through wildflowers came resistance as the scratchy grass and mounds of ants brought "hold me" cries. Again, we persevered and many pictures were taken.


I love that I got this determined shot of Elijah running after a butterfly.


It reminded me of our first wildflower experience. I had to search, but I found it. Elijah, age 3, high-stepping away from the camera. Five years ago. He wanted nothing to do with sitting still.

And look at Lydia, not even a year old.  Already showing off her coy, shy look. We were novices in the bluebonnet fields, and you can tell with the pre-planned matching, dressy blue outfits.  How much time can change priorities.  

That was then...
     2007
                       This is 3 years later.          
                                2010



  And this is now . . .

I love these pictures, no matter how hard they are to get.  It's a little glimpse of Texas beauty, and as the Indigo Girls say, "There's somethin' 'bout the southland in the springtime."  It's true.  There's just something about it.













    

"... I want to go where it's warm."

     Another part of the Austin Spring Break trip involved renting a boat and cruising around Lake Travis.  Oh My - I haven't actually been to Lake Travis before, but I was amazed by how low the water line was.  We walked a rocky decline just to get to the floating boat dock.  The drought of the past two years has definitely changed the landscape.  Despite the low waters, it was a beautiful place and the weather was nearly perfect.  Warm in the sun with the wind off the waves and cool in the shade.  We're not a boating family, but not for lack of want.  I love water and the idea of being on a boat: sunning, boat drinks, swimming, you know, everything Jimmy Buffett has taught me. But we've never owned one and have rarely had the opportunity to be on one.  It was a treat for all of us.  Truly.  Until after an hour goes by, the snacks have been eaten, and at least 1 child HAS to go to the bathroom. 
     Nevertheless, while my perfect boat setting may not involve lots of little life jackets, it certainly made the trip more new and adventurous as I saw the excursion through their eyes - anxiously waiting to see a dolphin or a shark or a fish.  (and yes, we explained that two out of the three aren't found in a lake.) Or just waiting to go fast and get wet. 

 

  The Crew

     

And then there was seven

1 kid

2 kids 

3 kids 

4 kids

                            
                             
Count em' - SEVEN kids. Do you know what it's like to go places with friends when between the two of you, you have 7 kids?  Suddenly restaurants have to push tables together, or get their party room ready.  You have to take 2 vans to go anywhere, and like this week, rent 2 cabins, not one, like the old days.  We met the Hergenraders at a rv resort near Lake Travis and stuffed 4 adults, 7 kids and 1 dog into two little cottages and let the kids run wild, well as wild as we could without them getting hit by golf carts driven by gray-haired, full-timers on their way to the course. 

5 kids 

6 kids

      Do you know how hard it is to get 7 kids to look at a camera, let alone stand still, long enough for a picture?  I tried.  That's why I'm showcasing my work as each kid entered the viewfinder one-by-one, totally unplanned.  Unfortunately, kid 7 didn't get the message about the run through.  So, before we left, I coerced: "sit still, just one more time, just ONE more picture." Done. And spring break 2012 is in the books.

& that makes 7 - Elisabeth, Lanie, Sam, Elijah, Catie, Nate & Lydia