Going Places...

Today is Pops' birth-a-day... Happy birth-a-day to Pops!!

We are out camping in celebration of the thirty-something birthday he is having! I'll be back on the computer hopefully by the middle of the week! Until then, it is smoke signals for us... no cell service or wi-fi!!

Disconnecting from society, connecting to the world!

Finally!

After planning and canceling and planning and canceling, we are FINALLY on the coast for some fun! It has been quite a long time since we have been to Brookings with the kids to romp in the sand and do some tide-pooling! So, that is what we are up to. Nothing earth shattering, but fun - none-the-less! We did remember to have our shovels and pails to dig and build. The ocean is cold. The wind is brisk. None of that matters... the ocean is FUN!!

Digging and tossing aside the sand is irresistible!

Sisters making a plan for their joint princess castles...

Making castles take too long for Blossom. Besides, there are no princess dolls here to play in the castles. Hmmm... burn off excess energy - jump, run, holler and laugh. She does a GREAT job of all of that (and her noise is drown out by the waves crashing on the shore!)

Branch works diligently to create her castle and moat. She is distraught to think that the tide will come in and wash it all away. She is not consoled in the knowledge that she can build again tomorrow...

Bump loves the ocean. The sounds, the sights, and I assume the scent and taste as he sticks his tongue out a LOT! (I suppose that his third little tooth busting through his gums has nothing at all to do with the tongue, eh?) Pops loves coming to the ocean, too. But, he isn't feeling for new teeth in his gums. He's just enjoying watching the treekids love the surf, like I am - through the lens of the camera.

Ah, the WHOLE gang is here, this weekend! Bark has joined us. I hope that a little sea air will do her old body some good!

As the sun sets over the jetty... I hope for GREAT weather on the Southern Oregon coast tomorrow!!

Proof is in the Puddin' People!

So, here's the pictures that you thought I should have had on Saturday. They are "moving pictures" - isn't that spectacular! I couldn't get pictures very well on Saturday. We "WooHoo'd" and clapped and carried on so much with our excitement that it scared him and he wouldn't move toward the previous enticements. So, I didn't know when to have the camera ready as he was too unpredictable that day. This is no longer the case. He is moving and going CONSTANTLY, now... Enjoy!!!!

My Daybook, Entry #41

FOR TODAY
Tuesday, August 24, 2010...

Outside my window... Sunshine & 80s

I am thinking... change is good. Decluttering the home is good. Getting rid of unused or unneeded things is GOOD. But, I am laughing that Bud told me that this was supposed to be done in the SPRING - especially when I recruited him to go through the clothes he isn't wearing because they are too small!

I am thankful for... electrical outlet covers!!

From the learning rooms... I am working on devising an incentive plan of some sort that rewards things getting completed without having to be told what/when to do it! I NEEEEEEED to do something for this!!

From the kitchen... my "big meal" plans

Tues: was hoping to do some kind of special kids' movie and a meal (Pops is out tonight) - it might be grilled cheese or quesadillas?!?

Wed: Beef... stroganoff??

Thurs: away at the coast.

Fri: away at the coast.

Sat: away at the coast???

Sun: Salmon

Mon: Pops' Birthday cake!! (and something he wants for "real food")

I am wearing... A khaki sporty skort with a green knit top

I am creating... uncluttered spaces/cabinets/closets

I am going... to the post office after a while... and maybe taking the kids for ice cream after our movie and a meal - we'll see how it goes!

I am reading... AlphaPhonics (with Blossom)

I am hoping... that the reading bug hits Blossom upside the head soon. She can do it but is at the point where each word is still a struggle.

I am hearing... complaining about learning to read from Blossom.

Around the house... how does a nice and neat very tidy home go to shambles in one afternoon??

One of my favorite things... fresh produce - yum!

A few plans for the rest of the week... school, library, coast, camping??

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Sometimes the kids don't want to clean up because they love their creation so much... SO, I took a picture of the block tower creation so it would be remembered! What do you to to help with all the kid creations?!?!!

To read more daybooks or to join in the fun, head over to Peggy's.

Lock 'em up!

ALL small toys, coins, papers, electrical cords, bobbers, music cds, and the like must be contained and put up high (and quite possibly locked up away from all children's hands!).

Mobility discovered.

First wobbly knee crawling began.

Scooting about continues, but Bump found both reverse and first gear on his hands and knees!

Watch out world... Here he comes!! (Just in time to turn 9 months old!)

Drat.

Well, our plans to head to the coast were postponed to next weekend for Pops' crazy schedule. So, yesterday we had a "normal" day of school and fun. Today, I got out my whip to crack (now, don't really fully believe that - whips are for... uh, crackin' at a bovine or equine animal, I suppose... not MY children!) and get this house in ORDER! We spent the first half of the morning devising a plan and eating breakfast. The second half was in teams... Team Kid took the loft, hallway and stairs (I am unsure of the situation going on in their bedrooms and bathroom, but it was sort of ok & not on the verge of ruin when they went to bed last night). Team Mom with assistance from Pops and Bump took on the kitchen, dining area, living room and laundry room.

Before I went to bed last night, I decided this was going to be the plan for today, so I got started on the living room with a bit of help from Pops and started today in the right direction! YIPPPEEE! After I got Bump down for a nap (this was how he assisted, REALLY! it was a nice loooong nap!), I hit the kitchen and am happy to say I knocked it out of the park! So, we ate some lunch... and then Branch went back to finish the upstairs while my two big turkeys completed the following...

An x-ray photo...

A thermal photo image (it is HOT outside!)...

A Warhol Pop Photo Image...

"Squeeze" Images (how close you are to the camera dictates the level of "squeeze")...

"Twirl" Image...

Just like these two crazies to be all twirled together in their goofy-ness!

Back to the cleaning... sweeping, moping and I think that they will wipe down all the dining chairs and stools - that NEEDS to be done, pronto! Kind of not the most fun option to replace going to the coast, but it'll work for now!

My Daybook, Entry #40

FOR TODAY
Wednesday, August 18, 2010...

Outside my window... Sunshine & 80 degrees - gorgeous!!

I am thinking... about calm. We are busy busy busy these days running and going it seems all the time! Just as soon as I get back to this blog, we take off again and instead of blogging, I hang with the fam doing fun things! So, pardon me as I come and go in the next several weeks as we wind down summer! We still have lots planned clear through the mid to end of September! I am also thinking about "blog posts" - this is my 40th daybook entry and my 401st blog post entry! HOLY MOLEY - that is a lot of blathering I have been doing!

I am thankful for... Gerber Graduates Puffs - Sweet Potato flavor. These are Bump's faaaaaaaaavorite little morsel! Sometimes he uses his pincer grasp to pick them up and bring them to his lips. That is fun to watch!!

From the learning rooms... We have been working diligently at a "plan." The kids all have their own planners/calendars and are learning about getting things done in a timely manner. I need to learn this trick, too, in regards to this blog! Kindergarten is going more smoothly, now, that the plan is laid out and Blossom can check off things as she completes them! Bud and Branch are chugging along just fine (so long as I keep on them - YES, they are NORMAL children!)

From the kitchen... my "big meal" plans

Tues: we had spaghetti last night

Wed: I have lean ground beef thawed... wondering what I'll do with it!

Thurs: away at the coast?

Fri: away at the coast?

Sat: away at the coast?

Sun: Salmon

Mon: Beef Brisket

I am wearing... PURPLE - solid shorts & striped v-neck t-shirt

I am creating... I finished mini quilt block #2 for the quilt project Geemah and I are working on.

I am going... just a weeeeeee bit crazy with all of our going going going!!

I am reading... a local magazine - very short and hardly any time commitment involved!

I am hoping... that we can get our dog's thyroid problem under control quickly. She is looking and acting pretty bad. She had blood tests run last week and Pops' assessment is correct. She is hypothyroid - lethargic, gaining weight, skin problems, etc...

I am hearing... Bud and Branch playing some make-believe upstairs and Blossom is telling stories to Bump. Bark is snoring softly. The A/C is running, the clock is ticking... currently all things are calm.

Around the house... a de-clutter process of major proportions is about to begin. WATCH OUT!!

One of my favorite things... Gray, Black, White, Brown - "neutrals". I feel really silly in this purple, today!

A few plans for the rest of the week... school work, de-clutter house, possible trip to the Southern Oregon coast...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Bummed that we missed the day for entering exhibits to our county fair - the kids and I all had things to enter into Open Class and we missed the entry. Rats! Maybe next year... These are from the recent county fair - at the midway!

To read more daybooks or to join in the fun, head over to Peggy's.

Meeska Mooska Mickey Mouse!

I had an opportunity to sew while my mom and dad were here visiting. (Read: Geemah kept ahold of Bump and Grandpa washed cars with the girls, while Bud read a book!) So, I finally finished this project that I set out to make for our little niece who turned three at the end of July.

She LOVEs Disney's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (a girl after my own heart... "mickah mouse" was one of my favorites as a little kid) and she got a play kitchen for Christmas. So, I decided that a theme apron was in order for her birthday!

It is made with a red with white polka dot cotton top layer and a bottom white on white polka dot cotton layer with an eyelet ruffle trim. Between the two layers, I added some nylon netting to make the skirting poof out a bit! The waist band has a long strip that goes all the way around and uses hook and loop tabs to attach at the front (where she can do it all by herself!) behind the decorative buttons.

I am loving the Minnie Mouse pocket and the Mickey Mouse button trim at the waist. I hope that she loves her new apron!!

To round out the birthday gift, we also sent a few Mickey Mouse Clubhouse books... one is a birthday one, another one about kitchen something, one about a muffin mystery and one about camping out. I think that all but the birthday book sport a recipe to try in the real kitchen, too! Woo Hoo!! I love it when an idea comes together well (AND I find several books at closeout prices)!! Hope the little darling had a great birthday even if I did miss it by a week or two! Whoops!

My Daybook, Entry #39

FOR TODAY
Tuesday, August 10, 2010...

Outside my window... Overcast and 54 @ 8 AM!

I am thinking... How fun it was to write the date all day yesterday... 8-9-10!!! I told Bud that was the date. I don't think he believed me. If he did, then he thought I was crazy. I think I will just go with him not believing me. I am also thinking about how "old" my kids are getting so fast! Bud will be 9 next month. Branch has a friend who visits her grandma next door to us about every other day. She likes to play with this little friend who she was on a baseball team with. This little friend has another friend who lives around "here" somewhere and is 11. She is 11 - and wears mascara, eye liner, eye shadow, blush (with beautiful skin and no "need" for makeup) and has a lip ring - ring-style, not a stud - in her bottom lip. Today she was over for a bit coloring Hello Kitty pictures with the girls in her purple skinny jeans. Is 11 the new 23?!? YIKES... I want my babies to be babies for FOREVER!!

I am thankful for... homeschooling and for the most part... influencing who my kids' friends are even if I can't choose the neighborhood playmates!!

From the learning rooms... Learning to be a Kindergartener is tough for Blossom. She would like to go with the buffet approach to schooling. Please tell me what the options are on the buffet table and I will choose what I would like to try today... OH! and just make all the options good. It has been a daily challenge. She does like to say that she is IN kindergarten. She just doesn't want to do what that implies she is doing!

From the kitchen... my "big meal" plans

Tues: chicken

Wed: On the grill... beef something or other - I need to check in the freezer!

Thurs: AWAY?

Fri: AWAY?

Sat: AWAY?

Sun: AWAY?

Mon: Salmon if Pops is home to grill it!

I am wearing... back to all of my gray clothes, today!

I am creating... Well, my sewing machine has been quiet for several days since I finished our niece's gift (I'll show a picture or two of that maybe tomorrow!), but I am working on a quilting project with my mom using some weird-fangled thangles. Each month we pay a buck to her little quilt shop and in return, they give us a couple strips of fabric and instructions to create two mini-blocks. Once we have created for a year... we will have 24 mini-blocks with which we can finish the quilt or we can make a couple of smaller projects. The fabric is supposed to be sort of "vintagey" - we'll see! I haven't seen it and am just along for the ride with my mom!! Should be fun and an opportunity to make something small each month!

I am going... to have to baby-proof everything VERY soon. Someone small is getting more and more mobile. Right now we watch him scoot about, sit and spin, roll around and move in reverse. He can get up on his hands and knees with his belly off the floor, but then he just rocks back and forth! He doesn't go too far very quickly, yet... soon, very very soon.

I am reading... nothing very stand-outish.

I am hoping... to get my kitchen ALL cleaned up today! I also would like to do a big closet clean out again. Pops threatened to send the kids away for a day so that we can bring them back to a sterile environment with the hopes of it staying clean since all the JUNK would be gone!

I am hearing... Bump blowing raspberries, the clock is tick-tocking, the big kids are quietly starting their day.

Around the house... See what I am hoping above!

One of my favorite things... the last time I wrote a daybook entry I said "a turtle split" and thought that I would convince Bud to try one with me. No dice. However, my girl, Branch, stepped up to the proverbial plate and tried it with me and LOVED it. So, this week a favorite thing is enjoying the same stuff with Branch. I love it when that happens. I just hope that she doesn't think that she will wear make-up like me (or that little playmate - who appeared to wear more make-up than I do) when she is eleven!

A few plans for the rest of the week... school work, teach the kids something in the kitchen, possible trip to eastern/central Oregon...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

While Geemah & Grandpa were just at our house...

Bump "got" Grandpa good... AGAIN!

I think that Grandpa makes Bump vomit. And he doesn't look to happy with the situation...

He is mostly finished with burp cloths and such and rarely spits up anymore. But, he sits with Grandpa and makes sure to release some of his latest meal just for good times sake!

It's a good thing that Grandpa can laugh about all the yuck!

To read more daybooks or to join in the fun, head over to Peggy's.

More fun on the coast... sort of.

So, you have to GO to the coast to enjoy this fun... but, you quickly leave the coast and head inland!!

We went to Gold Beach to play at the edge of the surf and to take a ride on Jerry's Rogue Jets. A fantastic tourist fun thing to do - a jet boat ride up the Rogue River!! This just might be my all time favorite touristy thing to do. In fact, Pops & I have gone on a jet boat tour all three summers that we have lived in Oregon!

We decided to go on the morning run for the 80+ mile trip which takes ya past the town of Agness for a few passes of the rapids. A boat that leaves at 8:15 or so, means you have to get the baby up and ready to go earlier than his normal sleeping in kind of self is used to. It wasn't long before those droopy eyes were closed as the boat rocked and glided its way upstream!

It is a good thing that this little "sprite" was sitting by Grandpa who had to hang onto her as we got into warmer weather inland! She was reaching her arm out the side of the boat trying to get a bit of spray to cool off... and just to get wet, I suspect!

The fog was thick close to the coast, and it made for a COOL morning! We saw plenty of wildlife, though - cold or not! Crane, Blue Heron, osprey, numerous ducks, loons, and other smaller birds that I cannot even begin to recall all of their names.

Not to be left out... the strange looking turkey vultures! Strange creatures they seem.

Very exciting to see many bald eagles this trip! This one is givin' the "what for" to an osprey who was in his territory. The osprey had a fish in its talons, and Mr. Eagle, here, saw to it that flying through his territory cost him his breakfast...

Mr. Eagle flew at Mr. Osprey (my picture of THAT was not very good - I was so shocked it was happening and that there was not a government official standing guard over the bullying that was going on, here... I'm sure it will happen before too long, don't worry!! {side note: I do not condone childhood or adult bullying, I just think that more parents should teach their children manners instead of asking teachers/school administrators to do a parent's job. But, I digress, and I will step off of my soap box now, thank you very much.}) and somehow caused Mr. Osprey to drop his fish, which Mr. Eagle promptly picked up (notice fish in talons) and flew off with!

Whew. Wiping the sweat of my brow. Let's just enjoy this young adolescent bald eagle for a moment! I like how you can tell how old the younger eagles are by their coloring. Full disclosure: If I would have been rafting down the river by myself (which is NEVER going to happen, but let's just say I was) I would have never guessed that this was a bald eagle! Where is the tell tale white feathered head!?!! Well, not until it is several years old will a bald eagle have that beautiful white head contrasting with its dark body!

He was done being the object of the paparazzi and flew off to find some privacy!

We had a great time spinning around, getting a bit wet, eating great fried chicken for lunch in Agness and in general being together to try something fun and see some awesome beauty of our country! If you have the opportunity to get to Gold Beach, OR and have some time to spend on a jet boat... you will not be disappointed!

Family Pics

We had to get some pictures taken of us all as a group... so, here is what we got before the sun faded completely and the beach fire was our only light!

Picture Heavy

So, my folks have left and are nearly home by now... after they left they were headed to Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. They stopped, stayed, explored, sat on the balcony at the Old Faithful Inn and watched Old Faithful and even saw Beehive Geyser among many other mind blowing sights! But, while they were still here We went to the coast and had a great time.

We stayed in Gold Beach and took this little path out to the shore... this stroller is great for paved areas... not so much in the sand or narrow beach pathways of any sort, actually!

Not hot roddin' too well even on the beach! Those front wheels just cause a bit of trouble. Grandpa kept telling us we needed one of those fancy three wheeled jogging strollers. Yea, right... but, where will we put the kids in the car if we cart one of those monsters around!?!!

Bud LOVES the beach and tempting the waves...

... the waves always win. His shoes were SOAKED!

Bump enjoyed his first trip to the ocean and watched the water come in and go out over and over!

Grandpa encourages Bump's hopes for a monster stroller...

and Geemah tells him, "Anything for you Baby Bump... Anything!" Those silly grandparents... good thing they like the big kids well enough to not get one of those monstrosities for the back of our vehicle!

Branch dug herself a pit and crawled on in.

Silly girls... sliding down sand hills.

Me and my girls...

After a couple hours of fun on this beach, we went down the road a bit for a great bite to eat. OH MY... I ate the most scrumptious scallops. De-lish!! Anyway, after supper, we headed back to the beach for a campfire, singing and s'mores.

I really have to keep an eye on this little Blossom... she kept disappearing in the dark to find another sand hill to slide down. Once I got out the marshmallows she stayed MUCH MUCH closer to the fire!

Such a fun time on the coast. We need to go again and again!!