Capital Art

Dolphins and Coconuts

2011-07-27T07:01:00.005-05:00

I painted this mural for a cute little girl that wanted an ocean in her room. We added a dolphin and because her frogs are named Coconut and Palm tree, there had to be a palm tree with a coconut in there as well.

We decided to wrap the palm tree around onto the pink wall. I think that wrapping the tree around the corner turned out well.

Puppy, Dog and Kitten

2011-07-25T22:04:00.008-05:00

This cute little kitten came into our lives, very unannounced. Welcomed, none the less. Even Suki, our big lab, is learning to deal with this cute little thing.

Suki is slowly letting the puppy invade her space as well.
I mean, who can resist this? This is Sam, Sam-a-lamma-ding-dong, Sam the man, A-ram-Sam-Sam, Sam-I'm-tired-of-seeing-your-poop-on-the-carpet Sam.

Sam and kitty are often playing. Don't feel sorry for the kitten, he will come out from the recesses of our house and attack Sam randomly. Sam is very willing to play along. No puppies or kittens were harmed during the making of this picture.

This is the place to be on a hot afternoon.

The Baby is 6!

2011-06-21T18:12:00.005-05:00

The baby is six! THE BABY IS SIX!!! My baby is six....

Purple Soccer

2011-05-21T09:43:00.002-05:00

That's my girl!

The Big 10!

2011-05-02T10:39:00.003-05:00

For the Sake of Noise - Paradise City

2011-03-28T17:14:00.005-05:00

Yep, it was time for them to show their stuff.

Here is Noah on bass

Morgan on Guitar

Jonah on Guitar

Unfortunately, I couldn't get myself in a position to get Cameron on vocals and drums. You will, however, see him in the video.

May they never ever, ever find a whistle.

SXSW 2011

2011-03-17T20:15:00.006-05:00

It's St Patrick's Day and we celebrated by listening to some good music! Had a few Dublin Dr. Peppers....

Pretty sure the bands were playing just for these nine kiddos. Not really but it sure seemed that way.

Yes, I made them get down right after I took five pictures.

The kiddos sat right up in the front. This band, American City, rocked it!

We also loved Hungry Kids of Hungary.

We saw The Butts yesterday. Hilarious and worth every second since their songs were about 20 seconds long each.
They actually pointed Freya out in the front of the crowd and sang this just for her.

Orchestra

2011-03-04T08:24:00.003-06:00

The boy told me that he will not be in the orchestra next year because he is bored out of his mind. Even though he is in the beginning orchestra class yet competing with the intermediate orchestra.

So, I feel the need to get as much of his orchestra career documented as possible.

He is getting ready to play in these pictures (the only double bass in the orchestra).

Here is one of the songs they played.

100 Felt Hearts

2011-02-01T13:30:00.005-06:00

I had to get someone early from school today because she wasn't feeling well. She seems fine to me now.

In an effort to avoid public TV for a bit, we spent a couple of hours cutting out 100 felt hearts for the 100th day of school.

After cutting them out, we sewed them all together to create a garland. This will serve two purposes, 100 items for the 100th day of school and decor for the Valentine's Day party!

Here is another version of a heart garland at Made By Rae.

What to do with 15 kids

2011-01-17T17:13:00.005-06:00

Well, really only 7 kids.

Take kids to playground.

Overload tire swing.

Find a seven-person cow.

Take ice cream break.

Dip toes in water.

Repeat as necessary.

Baked Sweet Potato Slices

2011-01-16T16:09:00.009-06:00

This is an easy snack that the kids love. Plus, they're a healthy alternative to processed foods.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

-Start by slicing your sweet potatos into 1/2" rounds. Leave the peel on as this gives it a lovely texture.

-Place the slices in one layer on baking sheets that have been coated with cooking spray.

-Brushy with a light drizzle of olive oil.

-Sprinkle with pepper, salt and garlic powder.

-Bake for 30 minutes or until slightly crisp, flipping each slice after 15 minutes.

Serve warm to ravenous children.

Visit The Grocery Cart Challenge for more recipes.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-01-15T20:57:00.013-06:00

Here we are again, another week. Last week went well with the exception of the butternut squash lasagna. That is just a bad idea all together. This week, my husband is starting a "biggest loser" contest. The dinners will be low cal from now on. The breakfasts and lunches are planned for the kids.

Most of these recipes are great but I do change some of the ingredients to make them healthier. For example you can substitute whole wheat flour for white flour, brown rice for white rice, skip the butter, add more veggies, use yogurt instead of sour cream etc.

Breakfast:
Breakfast Tacos - I love this article on Breakfast Tacos from Homesick Texan.

Bagels with cream cheese

Eggs in a nest

Green smoothies

Lunch:

Tortilla wrap w/mini carrots and hummus and strawberries

Mini Pizzas on WW English muffins w/strawberries and popcorn - Huge win with this last week!

Chicken Muffins w/apples and popcorn

Egg Muffin Sandwich w/yogurt and cantelope

Dinner:

Garlic Salmon w/broccoli

Quinoa and black beans

Lentils and Spinach

Black Bean Tacos

Shrimp Kebabs
photo courtesy of Shape.com

Bake for snacks and lunch boxes:

Sweet Potato slices - not sure why, but the kiddos love to snack on these.

Lemon Poppy Seed Scones - Haven't tried these yet but I think the kids will like them.

Popcorn -Pop a huge batch, then stick in small containers to be used in lunches.

For more Menu Plan ideas check out :

Thanksgiving Visit

2011-01-14T10:25:00.001-06:00

Better late than never.

Thanking You Now

2011-01-13T10:00:00.004-06:00

Menu Plan Monday

2011-01-10T08:53:00.010-06:00

Each week I make a menu plan. It resides on the side of my fridge and is difficult to find the recipes each night. In an attempt to keep the recipes in one place, I've decided to start making menu plan posts each Monday.

Hope this will give you some ideas as well!

Breakfast:
Pancakes

Bagels with cream cheese

Whole wheat toast with egg

Cereal/Green smoothies

Amish baked oatmeal

Lunch:

Tortilla wrap w/mini carrots and hummus and mini orange

Mini pizzas on WW English muffins w/grapes

Chicken tenders with honey mustard w/apples

Egg Muffin Sandwich w/yogurt and mini orange

Dinner:

Tikki Masala w/broccoli

Butternut lasagna
Picture courtesy of Tasty Kitchen.

Baked potato soup

Red Beans and Rice

Tofu Lo Mein

To Bake for snacks and lunch boxes:

Granola bars (These are so easy and delicious! I use brown rice rice crispies)

Banana muffins (Another crowd pleaser. Sub WW flour for white and vegan butter for regular butter.)

For more Menu Plan ideas check out

To a New Year!

2011-01-06T08:43:00.006-06:00

Here is our New Year evening. Not a ton going on but it was fun.

New nails for the New Year!

The smallest one put up a good fight but didn't get to see the ball drop.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T19:20:00.007-06:00

At the Rockettes before they told us to put the camera away. Oops.

Easy Bakin' it.

Airzooka on pillow pet.

Such Happiness

2010-12-15T08:24:00.002-06:00

I couldn't resist posting this picture. It's one happy girl at her end-of-season soccer party. I'm not sure if she's happy the season is over or if she's happy to be with her teammates.

Holy Half Shell!

2010-12-13T22:48:00.003-06:00

There must be an R in the month because...Oysters!

My husband doesn't bring home the bacon, he brings home the oysters.

Tooth...Lost!

2010-11-10T19:50:00.005-06:00

That's right, it's lost. Well not really, it's just out of its socket.

It was a fun filled 20 minutes while the tooth was manuvered this way and that. Finally, I just pulled it out because that baby was not going to stay in there overnight.

We were going to put it in this handy dandy tooth fairy pillow.

However, after discussing many options, we have decided on the tooth fairy jar.

If you haven't tried, it please do!

Can't wait for the tooth fairy visit. Someone is very concerned she will have a hard time getting into the house. We may need to leave a window open!

2010-11-10T19:50:00.001-06:00

Busy Bear

2010-10-15T14:43:00.005-05:00

This is the bear that has been with us for the past few days. Busy bear is to attend all our happenings while we document them.
I do have to say, we're going to have to invent things to do so we have something to write about!

Tomorrow we will play tennis, go on a nature walk and bake some muffins.

The band had their name on the window!

2010-08-17T20:29:00.002-05:00

It's the little things....

Letter Boxing

2010-08-15T10:39:00.005-05:00

If you haven't letter boxed, go do it now.

It's a bit like geocoaching but more fun for little kids. Basically, you print out clues that lead you to a hidden box. Each box has a journal and a stamp. You also carry a stamp and journal. You stamp the box's journal with your stamp and stamp your journal with the box's stamp. It's interesting to read the box's journal to see how many other people have found the box before you.

Eventually your journal becomes full with unique stamps as most are hand carved.

Some of the clues will take you on a bit of a hike. It also introduces you to new places around town that you many not otherwise visit.

Atlas Quest is a nice website because you can easily track the boxes you have found. There are many great features on the website that make it easy to find boxes.

There is also Letterboxing North America that is an ok site. It's just hard to keep track of what you've completed.

These boxes are all over the place which makes it easy to find one on just about every outing.

We're planning on planting our own box this summer. The kids are looking forward to writing the clues and carving their own stamp!

Embroidery

2010-08-14T19:48:00.007-05:00

The girls each did a little embroidery project over the summer.

I really wasn't sure if the little one would be able to do the stitching but she loved it. She would just sit there and work on it for the longest time.

These are their own drawings that I transfered onto the fabric. I got the idea from Skip to My Lou.

The big girl even sewed her pillow together.

St Louis 2010

2010-07-15T11:30:00.005-05:00

Lots of fun on our trip to St Louis. Here are a few pictures. Lots more to share in the next few days!

The Baby is Five

2010-06-24T10:53:00.005-05:00

This year, we decided to take it easy on the birthdays. We just had a couple friends and their kids over for swimming and cake.

We also played Dance Dance. Such a fun game. If you haven't played, I highly recommend!

The cake was a choice made by the birthday girl. I was surprised to find out that Ariel lives in the Gulf. If you look close, you can see oil in the waters of the cake. Very impressed that the cake bakers are able to work current events into their cake making.

Frogs

2010-06-22T19:42:00.006-05:00

Summer bugs and frogs. Or are they toads?

I've been listening to the kiddos laugh and squeel about the toads for the past hour. Honestly, it's been a long time since I've heard my son's high-pitched innocuous jubilations of delight.

Utter abandoment for all things cool and a too long reigned in release of excitement.

I would have gone out there to take pictures of him so excited but that surely would have ruined the delighted yelps of summer.

Summer. That's what it's for.

3rd Grade Water Party

2010-06-02T08:13:00.004-05:00

What could be better than a water party on the last day of school?

Even Little Bit was allowed to participate.

Ice, Ice Baby....

Run Girl, Run!

My kids' school really knows how to do the final day.

5th Grade Graduate

2010-06-02T08:03:00.004-05:00

Here Jonah is receiving his diploma and the Presidential Acedemic Award. This is the owner of the Round Rock Express.

Here he is receiving his Math Medal.

He's off to Middle School. Can't hardly believe it.

We have a Graduate!

2010-05-27T07:11:00.006-05:00

She is not proud of herself at all.

The theme was Red, White and Blue, which she reminded me of this morning. That third child is so on top of things.

They sang "Deep in the Heart of Texas" for us and it was so darn cute.

I had no idea there were so many verses. I only remember the first one from Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. Can't believe my kids are becoming Texans. I am sure my Oregonian and Washingtonian parents are not happy about this development at all.

Also not only do the kids pledge allegiance to the flag of the USA they also pledge allegiance to the Texas flag. Every morning. I really don't remember pledging allegiance to the Oregon flag.

Here is the pledge:

Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.

There you have it, preschool graduation of a Texan child.

Texas Meadows

2010-05-26T13:03:00.004-05:00

The wildflowers in Texas are absolutely beautiful. Little Bit had fun exploring the end of the wildflower season.

Express Game

2010-05-04T16:58:00.003-05:00

The 5th graders got to go watch an Express game today.

Freya and I had fun tagging along.

SOAR!

2010-04-25T17:32:00.004-05:00

The big girl SOARed today!

She was so surprised to hear her name called.
The Personal Best Award was given to her.

Here is what the teacher had to say about her:

"This student is always showing her best! She has really worked hard to improve her writing. In math, she is taking her time and showing work on all her problems. She is also a fabulous reader and ALWAYS actively participates in class discussions. I am so proud of her!"

Easter 2010

2010-04-12T20:52:00.004-05:00

This year the Easter Bunny came big time. He hid eggs outside for the fist time. Because the Easter Bunny hid the eggs outside, it rained. Pretty sure that's the basis of Murphy's law.

Also, he went a little crazy and sent 4 baskets instead of 3. I think Grandma Birdie had something to do with that 4th one.

She Really Will Sleep Anywhere

2010-04-11T20:36:00.004-05:00

When you're tired....

Plant Nursery

2010-04-01T13:11:00.003-05:00

We went to the nursery today to pick up some flowers and herbs. Freya had a hay-day picking out flowers for her fairy area.

The turtle really is a huge draw.

The sign to the right of her says, "unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy."

Felt Easter Eggs

2010-03-24T19:46:00.011-05:00

I had so much fun making these felt hearts for Valentines, I thought I would make some eggs for Easter.

The hearts stayed up way too long because I loved to look at them.

This is an easy and fast craft.

Cut out your egg shape from two pieces of felt. If you would like ric-rac or ribbon as the stripes, glue down first, making sure they area bit longer than the egg for ease of sewing. Cut an extra length of ribbon for the hanger. Once the ribbon has tried, sew around your egg (sandwich the hanger of ribbon between the two pieces of felt and sew in while sewing around edges). Leave about an inch open to stuff with filling. You can cut off the extra ribbon at this time.

Have your child lightly stuff with filling. You can call this fine motor skill work or sweat shop labor. Whatever the PC term is at the moment. While your child is stuffing, work on sewing your next egg.

Once they are all filled, finish sewing the opening closed.

You can finish embellishing with hot glue and any little items you wish. I chose some fun roses, sequins and bows.

Hang on door knobs, pictures or anywhere you need a little holiday spirit!

I can see making these for many different holidays, shamrocks, ornaments, pumpkins etc.

Self Portraits

2010-03-23T20:54:00.002-05:00

As I was taking photos off our film card, I ran into these.

I have no idea what is on her mind.

Tea Party

2010-03-21T20:47:00.004-05:00

Saturday, I left to pick up the boy from soccer camp. When I got back, this is what I stumbled into. Clearly the girls talked Daddy into a tea party.

I'm very grateful for Raita obliging the girls and extremely thankful he let me take the photos.

SXSW '10

2010-03-20T08:57:00.004-05:00

For the third year in a row, we took the kids down to listen to some music.

The boys are not shy about finding a good viewing spot.

Freya loves to sit in front and enjoy the music.

Didn't get any pics from the cupcakes but here are pics from last year. They are highly recommended if you're in the area.

Snow! In Texas!

2010-02-23T08:43:00.002-06:00

That's right, big beautiful snow flakes!

To Infinity!

2010-02-01T19:22:00.004-06:00

We had a few friends over the other day. The girls decided to build the legos as high as they could.

Raita helped once they couldn't reach any higher.

It finally did touch the ceiling. They girls thought it was so cool!

Happy 11th Birthday!

2010-01-30T17:43:00.009-06:00

Yep, my oldest is 11! He was actually 11 almost a month ago, we had the party late. I tried to make it a surprise party but you all know how hard it is to keep something a secret from a child.

If you're wondering how I made this monster pastry you can see the recipe at Zaar. I love the Zaar.

If you want to wear out a bunch of kids, let them climb for an hour.

Almost to the top!

Climbing

In a Band with Friends

2010-01-07T07:50:00.002-06:00

Yeah, this isn't perfect but it sure is cute!

Breakfast Tacos

2010-01-06T12:06:00.002-06:00

Yes Sir! That there is gonna make me a whole lot of Breakfast Tacos.

To see the full recipe go to Full Bellies, Happy Kids.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-04T19:12:00.007-06:00

We had a lazy family day with lots of fun, movies and food. Oh we painted the master bath too but that wasn't fun.

The best was watching the older kiddos enjoy the youngest squeals of excitement with each opened present. She would exclaim, "ooohhh! Just what I always wanted!" Very entertaining.

Santa left some press-on nails:

The afternoon held the movies for us. I was amazed at how empty the town was. Not even McDonalds was open.

After Avatar and The Princess and the Frog, we headed home and made the best French Onion Soup. So good I can't even remember what else we had.

Baby needs more diapers after the Christmas feast:

Grammy sent this Princess ensemble

Suki got a Present!

2009-12-23T07:09:00.004-06:00

Grandpa Steve sent the kids and animals presents. Even the kitties. Suki found her gift and started opening it.

She carried it around half opened for about 15 minutes. I have no idea what she is thinking when she does cute things like this.

Finally, a bone!

Piano Recital

2009-12-22T08:11:00.006-06:00

She is taking piano and getting much better. She gets a bit nervous in-front of a crowd.

Here she is playing Deck the Halls for all of you to enjoy.

Santa

2009-12-21T16:28:00.004-06:00

How long is this line anyway?

Are we there yet?

We're next!

SANTA!

Sisters, sisters

2009-12-11T10:09:00.000-06:00

There were never such devoted sisters.....

Lending a Helping Hand

2009-12-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

Jonah is on the Student Council this year so he does a little extra around the school.

Here he is helping out with refreshments during a school event.

It's all Fun and Games

2009-12-09T13:04:00.004-06:00

While my mom and Drew were visiting we played a few games. Thanks to Freya for taking most of these pictures.

In case you're wondering, playing Apples to Apples is much more fun with a glass of wine.

The Best Potato Leek Soup

2009-12-08T17:52:00.006-06:00

I love serving soup. Then I get to yell, "Soup's on!"

This is seriously the best. This soup could be eaten in any fine restaurant. Add the appropriate ingredients even if it sounds wrong.

Ingredients:

Olive Oil
One half a tube of breakfast sausage (like Jimmy Dean)
one half a tube of spicy sausage
5-6 small to medium baking potatoes peeled and diced
3 large leeks cut in half length wise then rinsed and sliced thin
1 large diced onion diced
Enough chicken broth to cover (about 6-8 cups)
3 bay leaves
1/2 cup Heavy cream (or any type milk to reduce calories)
Vanilla
Balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Pour 3 TBS of Olive Oil in a large heavy soup pot.
Brown the sausage. Add your sliced leeks and onion and cook for 5 minutes while stiring. Add bay leaves and your potatoes and enough broth to cover.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat and cook until potatoes are fork tender.

Add cream, and a dash (about a table spoon of each) of vanilla and vinegar. Just do it, you can thank me later.

Salt and pepper to taste.

If you would rather omit the sausage, please add a dash of Tabasco at the end. You need a little spice to even out the sweet.

You can either remove bay leaves or state before serving with a very British enthusiastic voice, "if you get a bay leaf in your bowl, you have good luck for a week!"

Christmas Photo

2009-11-30T07:07:00.005-06:00

I'm a poor photographer with little patience so typically the pictures are monstrous even when the subjects are perfect.

Trying to get a decent picture is not easy especially when the kids are in a bad mood. Or a good mood. Or a silly mood. Really any mood they are in hampers any effort I put into trying to get one decent picture.

The dog doesn't help matters, although she probably behaved the best.

Deciding to exclude the cats from this joyous occasion was a wise decision.

Even the dog was blinking in this one.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T17:51:00.004-06:00

And 10 year Wedding Anniversary!

Suki waiting to enjoy her dinner.

Blue Soccer

2009-11-25T08:01:00.009-06:00

Here are a few pictures of Jonah playing soccer.

They wear blue pregame then change into their jerseys for the games.

Here is a pregame shot.

Here is one of Jonah doing some kind of move.

He typically plays right wing.

The pressure is on, you better make a move!

Outdoor season is over for now. They start indoor next week. Can't wait as indoor is so much more exciting. It's faster, they get to take more shots and really anyone can win. Most parents go ballistic, me being one of them.

Field Trip

2009-11-20T07:55:00.003-06:00

The other day we went on a field trip to learn about the history of our lovely city.

There were wagons, Indians and a big Round Rock!

This is why people don't like watching Freya play at the park

Jonah the weather man

2009-11-09T19:55:00.001-06:00

He is so darn cute.

Afternoon Hike

2009-11-05T16:55:00.008-06:00

Our family relishes a good hike in nature.

As much as we loved the huge trees, mountains and water falls in Oregon, Texas can be really pretty.

If you look, you will find pockets of beauty.

Mermaid Islands

2009-11-04T16:40:00.001-06:00

I read about this great Mermaid Island made of play dough.

It looked like such a great idea after about four batches of play dough were made, the girls had a blast.

They decided to make their own Islands instead of one huge one. Such fun!

Jonah Soccer 09

2009-11-03T16:32:00.004-06:00

Just a few shots taken from my chair on the side lines.

Haunted House. Boo!

2009-10-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Freya wanted to make a haunted house. So I got some ideas from this website on how to construct ghosts and pumpkins from egg cartons and we ran with it.

We started by cutting holes for windows and a door.
Then we painted the boxes black and made them look spooky by doing a little dry brush with white.

Cut paper to fit the inside, put a few pieces on the inside of the windows and doors then decorate with your egg carton creations.

The girls made witches and pasted them to the outside of the houses. There are lots of ghosts hangin' around inside and out. And if you look into a window, you may see some eyes staring back at you or maybe the Great Pumpkin.

There is even a tombstone made from tin foil.

Jonah got into it and turned some bottle caps into pumpkins and mummies. Very clever.

Hedgehogs, Pumpkins and Turkeys, Oh My!

2009-10-17T09:59:00.014-05:00

We finished the salt dough creations last night.

The turkeys look a bit white because they aren't completely dry in the pic but you get the idea.

I think they turned out rather well considering it was a spur-of-the-moment craft.

Jonah made this super cute hedgehog.

He is saving his money (well not really as there is always a book he HAS to have and thankfully can't seem to save the $150) for a hedgehog. He has hedgehog on the brain.

For the pumpkins, we used glitter Mod Podge. While I like the look of it, it is expensive and would have been just as easy to add glitter to regular Mod Podge. If you notice, Freya's are green. She really wanted to mix the colors and couldn't stop painting when they were orange.

I recommend just covering the counter with butcher paper or newspaper. Put the paint on the paper and use that as your pallet. This makes for an easy clean-up and lets them easily mix colors as needed.

Into the oven you go

2009-10-16T11:40:00.007-05:00

The middle child is sick but feeling up to crafting after her drug cocktail.

So we're making salt dough crafts. The dough is very easy to make and you probably have everything you need on hand!

This recipe will make lots of little crafts and have enough for play-dough play after.

Salt Dough Recipe
(That Artist Woman)
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water

Mix ingredients in bowl until combined.

Turn out on floured surface and kneed until dough consistency. I have read that you may need to add more flour but didn't need to.

Make your shapes, bake on a cookie sheet at 250 for 2.5 to 3 hours. Cool over night then paint! Mod podge for a shiny finish.

My eyes have been opened up to the many possibilities. I am thinking that ghosts with pumpkin lanterns will be the next craft.

We made these pumpkins and these turkeys. It will be a long wait until they are cooked and cooled but once they are, we will paint and I'll post those pics then

Building Blocks

2009-10-12T14:25:00.005-05:00

Jonah and Freya are usually playing together or knocking heads against each other. They are so similar it is eerie.

In the spirit of their preschool, Jonah asked for the camera. So I handed it over. This was all done by the two of them.

They started with houses of cards.

Then they moved on to dominoes.

It is amazing to me how a 10 year old and a 4 year old can get together so well sometimes.

Other times, not so much...

I'm Your Ice Cream Man

2009-10-11T21:14:00.003-05:00

so stop me when I'm passin' by.

Fair Food

2009-10-09T08:15:00.004-05:00

During my dad's visit we splurged on lots of food we don't normally eat.

When the girls asked for cotton candy and they got it, they were in heaven!

Not even close...

2009-10-03T19:11:00.005-05:00

to the hairiest man.

I thought my dad was hairy but these guys had him won by a mile. "A" for effort though.

Shaving Cream Fun

2009-10-01T14:30:00.004-05:00

If you're looking for a cheap good time, go buy a can of shaving cream.

We made some fun marbled paper today:

We also made fun puffy moons a while back, that was fun. Just shaving cream, white glue, a little paint and you have puffy paint.

It's also fun to just rub your hands in and get messy. Some people do this in the tub for good reason.

Fat Dog

2009-09-24T11:53:00.005-05:00

This is your dog on three and a half pounds of raw pork.

I left her in the house with a package of FROZEN pork chops in the sink.

It was completely gone in less than an hour.

That was last night, she is fine now and was begging to be fed this morning.

What is it with my dog and her lack of self control?

It's not love

2009-09-22T19:23:00.005-05:00

but I don't hate it either.

My dad is going to add a shelf under the super high shelf so I can actually reach the laundry soap.

I picked this color on a whim. Just knew I wanted something bright and chose it from the millions of swatches.

While very sick to my stomach during the painting, the color has grown on me. I may even like it by tomorrow.
I am thinking of painting a catchy phrase on the wall. Maybe something like, "laundry sucks."

What do you think?

Ummm Soup

2009-09-18T12:20:00.001-05:00

My kids love soup. They will put spoon after spoonful into their mouths until their bellies are swollen.

Here is my secret weapon, the blender.

Yep, whatever soup you are making, put about 3/4ths of it into the blender before serving, then pop back into the pot. Assuming of course there are not any noodles, rice or meat in there. This little trick seems to make the soup a much more kid friendly consistency.

I love the fact that the kids have no idea that they are eating super-healthy-good-for-you food, that I can get rid of huge quantities of vegetables and that most soups are pretty effortless.

If you're interested, we had Cauliflower soup today and Monday the kids scarfed down some eggplant and tomato soup.

Organized Craft

2009-09-16T17:03:00.004-05:00

My friend Geni came over one day and put together an IKEA shelf for me. I could have done it but hey she offered, she says she LIKES to put IKEA crapola together. I had tons of organizing to do so I called her on it. She came over and put the darn thing together and even screwed it into the closet wall for me. I seriously owe her a few drinks or 10.

Anyway, that gave me tons of time to organize the many craft items that the kids and I have.

And now when they want to do fun things like these cool Count Down sticks to keep track of how many days until Grandpa Steve gets here, it isn't a problem.

Everything is labeled so they can't tell me it isn't to be found. And it is super easy to figure out where it belongs. Pom-poms are here, glue is here, glitter is there, coloring books are here. Little by little, this will be every closet in my house. That is if Geni is still available.

Freya's first day of school

2009-08-26T17:15:00.004-05:00

She picked out the outfit herself. She was still wearing the sparkly shades atop her head when I picked her up. She slept for an hour an a half after. She doesn't nap. She said they got to go into the "big gym" and play with rackets.

The teacher had doughnut holes for their breakfast when the arrived. I won't go into that right now, just know that she loves her teacher and had a fab first day.

First Day of School

2009-08-25T12:12:00.007-05:00

Jonah and Chloe actually seemed happy to get out of bed at 6:30 this morning to get ready for school. Was it something I said? Probably.

Well, they don't look very enthused in this picture, but that is their way of being funny. Mocking me for taking their pictures on the first day of school. Ahhh, I have taught them well, my work here is done.

Chloe did not want me to take her picture at her desk, so her all-knowing teacher, suggested she take the picture with her. What do you know? perfect smile from Chloe.

After dropping off the big kids at school, Freya and I took Suki on a run. Freya's usual morning stint in the jog stroller is getting more and more difficult, she is getting heavy!

Then we ran a few more errands and ended up at Friar Tuck's Pantry. If you live in Round Rock and haven't been here, please check it out. Super great tea, fun English lunch and they have a toy area! They were so sweet and gave Freya a mini cup for her raspberry tea. She was such a doll, putting cream and sugar in there and then mixing it all up.

This is Freya grooving to the music they had playing here. She called it, "fancy music."

Night Swimming

2009-08-19T12:03:00.003-05:00

British Soccer Camp

2009-08-03T18:10:00.005-05:00

My kids go to the uber-spendy and totally worth it British Soccer camp every year.

Not only is it well worth the bucks but they absorb innumerable skills from these imported soccer players.

The kids lavish in the soccer fever that these Britts emanate.

It is great fun and the kids always leave with that soccer fever/love...

Olive Fingers

2009-08-03T18:05:00.002-05:00

To all my aunts, grandmas and my mom who never gave me that fifth olive. Here is what could have been....

City Museum Part two

2009-07-15T18:08:00.003-05:00

Thank you City Museum for seeing my post. We love you! Here are a few more pictures from the wonderful day we spent last week.

Raita with is mom and Harvey

Freya traversing the pool of water
I know this picture could have come out super cute but this is what I got...
Sorry but being the claustrophobic and acrophobic person that I am, I tend to stay on the ground and out of tight places. But I can take pictures!
Jonah in a tight place that you won't find me in
Freya finding her way down a tight place
Looking up from the cavers. Not sure what these use to be but they sure are magnificent to look at!
The ball pit is a riot, they are big rubber balls, not those little plastic ones found in your local Fast Food place.

Great iron work that I actually climbed up!

St Louis City Museum

2009-07-14T15:28:00.007-05:00

This is probably our favorite place to go when we visit St Louis.

Such an artistically fun place to spend the day.

When people ask us what the museum is, I find it hard to describe. There are tunnels, 7 story slides, caverns, giant whales, sculptures to climb in and on, a skateboardless park. Things pop out at you from nowhere and lead to somewhere. A school bus and airplane appear to hang off the building but are completely safe to climb in. It is basically the epitome of the most elaborate playground taken from a Dr Seuss book that is roaming around a child's mind put into reality with recycled steel, wood and the help of very talented adults.

Freya in a tunnel just bellow a ceiling with Grandma Norika following. You just never know where the tunnels will lead you.
Hall of mirrors

Giant....Hamster wheel?

Skateboardless park, even Raita had to try his hand at it.

There are a few artificats from the City which is where I guess the name comes from

Giant SlideIn this picture are Chloe in the thin white slide, Freya on the big white slide and Jonah running amok.

Jonah in a giant birdcage? Too bad he found his way out....
Raita and Freya walking on water:
Way more pictures to come in round two....

Fishing in St Louis

2009-07-14T15:06:00.004-05:00

One of the best parts of our trip was hanging out at the lake with all the kids. They swam, they went in boats, they fished. It was really great.

Here are a few pictures of ours kids and their cousins during a fishing excursion.

If you look closely you will see a rare sight, whether it be in nature or captivity; big brother helping younger sister. Amazing!

Chloe putting a worm on
Cousin Michael wormin' up

Chloe reeling in the big catch of the day

Cousin Marissa showing off her catch
Freya loves her some worms
Lisa and Marissa fishing from the canoe
I love this picture of Jonah

To Raita

2009-06-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

We miss you! We'll see you tomorrow!

Camping in Central Oregon

2009-06-21T16:51:00.006-05:00

My dad drove us to central Oregon to visit with family.

We stayed at a camp site with my Aunt and Uncle while a few of my cousins, Grandmother and other Uncle came to visit.

I have many great memories playing with my cousins. This made it extremely sentimental to watch my kids play with my cousin's children.

My aunt and her youngest grandchild.

Freya and Macy playing around the lake.

Grandma and her three kids along with my three kids.
Grandpa Steve
Freya and Macy, only about a month apart.
A lizard Jonah made a home for.
My uncle and a couple of his sons around the campfire.

Chloe playing with the youngest

Freya and Chloe being little mothers to the baby.
Freya playing with two of her cousins.

Children's Museum Oregon Style

2009-06-13T19:37:00.001-05:00

This is the CM that my kids grew up with. We met some of our friends and Uncle Brian and had some fun.

Milestone

2009-06-13T15:57:00.002-05:00

Chloe got her ears pierced. It was so cute, I wish I had the picture of her face when she first saw them. She was so happy and she just kept saying, "I can't believe I got my ears pierced!"

Oregon Zoo

2009-06-10T15:02:00.005-05:00

The first day of our Oregon trip, the kids and I headed over to the Zoo. This is such a great zoo, you don't really appreciate it when you live here. The kids had been away for such a long time that they kept commenting on how awesome the zoo was!

It was overcast and drizzling but what a reprieve from the 100 degree weather in Austin.. I was happy to be out in the cool wet weather enjoying my kids' delight in the animals.

We went extra early right when it opened at 8:00. Many of the animals were pacing waiting for their food. We saw many get their morning meals. The otters were so cute and man are they smart, doing more tricks than Suki!

And the bird show is always a must. I swear one of the birds buzzed me so close that it's wing tip grazed my hair.

Freya's Birthday Party!

2009-06-10T11:53:00.004-05:00

We will be gone during her actual birthday and she really wanted to have a party here with her friends. So we had a bit of an early party with our Austin friends.

There was swimming, eating, karaoke, pink cake, eating, pink cocktails, pink Italian sodas. It was perfection even though I do say so myself! I love the aftermath of the cake eating.

Freya was so happy and we're still recovering from the soda/cake high.

Mom and Kid Camping Trip III

2009-06-09T11:42:00.002-05:00

Why is it that most of the pictures of our camping trip are in the water? Well, I guess because there isn't much else to do and it was in the 90's.

Freya was spending some time with these dragonflies. So cute.

I think this last picture is right after a group of kids rescued Freya. She had floated downstream a bit. I wasn't worried too much, she was on a tube, but still...

Mom and Kid Camping Trip II

2009-06-08T11:31:00.003-05:00

There is a huge rock in the middle of the river that the boys loved sitting on. I guess because it was slightly dangerous and they were away from us.

They are at that age where they so want to be independent but I am not sure that the mom's are ready for that. Well, I'm not, I worry. They had their own tent to share, went out exploring on their own quite a bit and had some freedom from the women folk.

This last picture is one that Jonah took of his friends when they were walking by themselves. I did end up with some other random pictures that the boys took. Things like; urinals, toilets, random butts, I'll save those for when Jonah has his first date.

Mom and Kid Camping Trip I

2009-06-07T11:19:00.004-05:00

This is the second year we have had a mid-week camping trip. We plan it this way so the camp sights are a bit less crowded and also it is just the moms. Not that dad's aren't welcome, it's just nice to get some time with the ladies.

This river is so picturesque, the kids have fun, the mom's get to relax a bit. And the dogs really enjoy themselves.

I have so many great pictures this may be a three part post.

Pub Mix

2009-06-03T14:28:00.001-05:00

I am sure you have at one point, bought the pub mix. That large bag of pretzels, mini toasts, rice crackers, sesame sticks etc.

It seems like there is always something that everyone fights over and then something that is always left cause they all hate it. For us, it's pretzels. There were so many picked over pretzels left that Jonah decided to see what he could do with them.

He and Raita had a contest to see who could build the tallest tower and there was even an attempt at Stonehenge.

One trilithon from Stonehenge:

Photos courtesy of Jonah.

Texas Flowers

2009-06-02T13:59:00.007-05:00

This year the flowers are beautiful in my yard. When I planted the flowers, I tried to keep them as native as possible. Mainly because I hate to water everything all the time.

The purple bush is called Purple Sage. Some people refer to it as Texas Sage but I really think that is just the Texan's who refer to it as such. This is the most vibrant I have ever seen these flowers. So full of blumes, it's almost glaringly purple. And they smell like bubble gum!

The yellow bush is by far my favorite all along. It is called Yellow Bells.

We all know Black Eyed Susan, who new she was a Texan Native?

The sunflowers have finally opened up. They're always looking over the fence though.

Field Day, Survivor Style

2009-05-28T07:57:00.005-05:00

My kids go to such a great school. The PE department put on this field day last week. They did such a great job, the kids had tons of fun and the parents even got into some of the events.

The key to the success of this field day was; team work oriented challenges, a couple were water events, snacks and loud music. Sounds like a good time to me.

Yoga

2009-05-26T14:24:00.003-05:00

The other day, the girls were taught to do a few yoga poses. It was the cutest thing ever.

What's for lunch?

2009-05-25T09:18:00.002-05:00

Depends on how well behaved your kids are.

Time Out Lunch

Potty Talk

2009-05-18T17:43:00.007-05:00

So, I was in the rest room at the grocery store, waiting for Freya to get done.

A mom comes in and sits her 3 year old down in the stall next to us. Her daughter proceeds to go poop. Her mom looks at her with furrowed brows (I know this because we are both standing out side of the stalls looking into our respective daughter's stalls) and says, "Are you pooping? We don't usually poop in public potties, Honey."

That got me to thinking about the "potty rules" we all use or don't use. Is this something else I need to teach my kids? Are there really unwritten rules we must follow when using a public restroom? I know there are a few I follow, how about you?

Here are a few that you may want to pass on to your toilet-in-training tots:

1. Always leave an empty stall between stalls-in-use if at all possible. Those thin partitions are not enough privacy.

2. Don't talk to your friend while using the toilet. Unless you can do two, that's 2 things, at once. If you must talk don't expect a reply, not everyone likes to talk while on the pot.

3. Check to see if you have paper before you unzip and sit. Chances are the stall next to you is empty and if it's not, you may not get a reply. See rules 1 and 2 above.

4. Squat, squat, squat.

5. Use your foot to flush, everyone else does.

6. Do not poop.

7. If you must poop, wait until someone else flushes.

8. If you can't wait until someone else flushes, flush your toilet at the precise moment when needed. It takes timing and practice but you can do it. A loud cough can work well in times of dire need.

9. Finish zipping and tucking in the stall. The only exception to this rule is if there is a line of more than 3 people. If there is a line, come out while pulling up, every other lady out there will thank you.

10. Finally, the most important rule, just make sure it gets into the toilet. That is all that really matters. Sheesh.

Swim, Bike, Run, it's a lot of fun!

2009-05-17T20:45:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago, Jonah competed in his first Triathlon.

The kids got real race bibs, had their numbers written in permanent marker on their legs and arms, wore swim caps. Oh and parents could not help during the transitions. It was the real deal!

It was so cute to see all these kids having a blast but also being so serious. They started the race off by sliding down a huge twisty slide, swimming in a warm pool, then did their bike and run segments.

Jonah was so pumped up after the race that he said, "next time, I am going to save my money for a road bike and train real hard!"

He definitely wants to do it again.

Barton Springs

2009-05-14T14:24:00.000-05:00

Sunday we headed over to Barton Springs.

We love to swim here, it's really big (over an eight of a mile long) has fish and plants to look at and a relaxing atmosphere. The pool is spring fed so it is pretty chilly, about 68 degrees. Once you commit and get in, it's not so bad.

I love to go swimming there, such a great long swim uninterrupted by the turning that you have to do in regular pools.

Soccer Saturday

2009-05-13T14:11:00.006-05:00

The weekends are usually spent watching someone play soccer or waiting for a game to start. But we have so much fun watching and playing it's one of our favorite past times.

Here is Jonah getting pushed around, it's serious business......he has a really strong kick and definitely enjoys playing offense.

And Chloe has become such a great defender this season. She is really good at keeping the ball out of the goal!

The games are always ended with a long parent tunnel. I think this is probably why half the girls play. TUNNEL!