7 Quick Takes - 7

--- 1 ---

Today is 11-11-11. I LOVE it when the date does that!! Only one more year of that kind of fun for a loooooooooong time! Then I will go back to just loving the time being like that: 11:11!!!

--- 2 ---

Today we had our RV "winterized." That means they removed all the water and put in some antifreeze - among other things, I assume! We will leave our RV parked for quite a while as we live in the homes of family or hotels for the next (nearly) two months! WOW! With all that we have going on, we just can't pull our house along for the fun... and we anticipate some cold weather in Nebraska where it will be parked for this time!

--- 3 ---

What is quite strange about the process of leaving our home parked for such a long time... It is so easy to know what to bring along for the home hopping! We have fewer clothing items, we "play" with fewer things. So, we pack the several outfits we have, the toothbrushes, hairbrushes & clips, make-up (absoLUTely), and some coats and shoes! Simple!!! Not really much to debate over. All the other things in our "home" are necessities that are found in others' homes! (Well, except for the three million pounds of books that Bud will want to bring along!) I guess simplifying our home is simplifying decision making in the small things!

--- 4 ---

I am still working on my novel... although I have given myself a "pass." I doubt I will finish it by Nov 30, 2011. It is not a practical goal this year!! But, I find the story line to be interesting, so I will continue to find out what happens and write when I can. That also means that I *should* have enough time for this blog. But, you never know, there, either! I have picked up something else that is more conducive to picking up and putting down with children running amok!

--- 5 ---

Knitting. Yes, I decided to try ... AGAIN. This time, though, I was more successful! I chose a chunkier weight yarn, bigger needles and discovered that I could knit just fine. There was only one mistake and it was within the first 5 rows. My lovely knitting started out as ... nothing. It was just row after row after row of knit stitches. About 32 or so on each row. As I continued, I envisioned a hat. So, I tried some decreasing stitches, and then some more. Then I bound off the end, cinched up the end and sewed the seam shut. I made a puff ball and affixed it on top. Blossom is thrilled with her fun little winter hat!!!

--- 6 ---

Crochet still seems to be my arch-nemesis. Anyone want to instruct me in the ways of crochet?? I do iChat or Skype. I would like to learn!! But, I get easily frustrated. I am maybe not an ideal student!! Oh, and I like to make quick work of things... I only spent three days on that hat - and not full days, mind you. A few hours here or there! Oh, and I probably don't pay very well either. Like I said... not an ideal student!

--- 7 ---

Have you ever done a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to determine psychological preferences? I am an INFP. If you click on the link for "INFP" you can read and learn a little more about people like me! If you know your "letters" you can go HERE and find out more about people like you!! If you'd like... leave a comment sharing your type and I would love to learn more about YOU!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

A Day in the Life

Yes, I am still here! Notice: this post is heavy in verbiage and lacking in photos of any kind!

I thought that I would share how a day goes for us. Sometimes it is far more boring than this - in fact more often it is "boring" as we don't go out and about every day. Most weeks we go somewhere once or twice during the week.

Yesterday, we got up, had a quick breakfast and began the day...

• Bud read a chapter and did the problems in Life of Fred (math), read a section of "30 Days Has September:Cool Ways to Remember Stuff," a chapter of "The only Grammar Book You'll Ever Need," and read in one of the many Redwall books here. These are the things that we have decided are what he will do every day M-F to make a "school day" for himself. We often add some history reading that I pick out and he picks up! (For this, I have a syllabus of a study of history that focusses on reading good books from picture books for the younger set all the way up to high school level reading.) He reads everything that is laying around... a blessing, yes, but also a challenge! I have to make sure I don't leave any notes laying around for myself that I wouldn't want him to see: Christmas is coming!!
• Branch spent time reading in the American Girls Series story about Molly during World War II. We had some interesting conversations about war. She also has a Life of Fred book but prefers to work a lot at once instead of spreading out the chapters one per day, so I think that she may have already completed her book - well, certainly the whole week is done! She also worked on some things around the house that she had put off the night before, like tidying up her space, putting her clothes to the laundry, putting away clean clothes, etc. She writes lists and lists and lists - her handwriting is something that she likes to work on improving.
• Blossom prefers a math workbook instead of Life of Fred (well, she likes to listen to me read it, but doesn't like to write too much, and you write out the problem and answer with that text - so writing only answers in a workbook appeals). She also does a lot of play acts with the little 4ish inch size schliech/papo princesses and princes. So, she spent some time quietly in the morning with her own thoughts and conversations. I think she was laying on the floor looking through a book and trying to act out that with her little people. She was busy writing lists yesterday, too. Her handwriting is coming along and she cracked me up when she asked me to spell something and I started spelling a different word (a synonym, but not what she really asked for. She rolled her eyes and spelled it herself - correctly!!)
• Bump is working on gaining a career either as an NFL football player or as a Professional Bull Rider and works at his craft all day, every day!! So, how this plays out in our house yesterday morning. He had one of his 3 million footballs and put on his bigger brother's too big football helmet. Tucked the ball under his arm, tucked his chin and ran from one end of the RV to the other. Back and forth and back and forth. Then, he wanted a partner for catch... so, we all took a few turns catching or throwing the football to him (which strangely he has been able to catch for more than a year, now). Then he chose to work on tackling. So, he wanted us to carry the football and he works on wrapping up around your leg and pulling you down until you either truly fall - or at least get on the floor. This is all fine for a while, but I am getting old, so I quit catching the ball thinking that I ma brilliant, eh?? NOPE! He hollers tackle and will tackle anyone who is up and moving around. So, visitor beware!! It is fun, but trying at times when attempting to get things done!! For his cowboy practice, he gets out his cowboy hat, his very small plush rocking horse (which he pretends is a bull, most times, but will say it is a horse sometimes - fickle cowboy!) and some form of a rope, string, yarn, ribbon, broken girls' necklace, etc. He climbs on top of the horsey/bull and rocks a bit with one hand in the air and then rocks it hard back so he bucks off, or rolls it forward to buck off forward, or goes to the side - all are acceptable dismounting locations for my cowboy. After he has finished his work on the horse, he moves into being the bull. On all fours, the string or such wrapped around his chest and bucks and bucks kicking his feet high in the sky - sometimes ending up flipping himself over (very shocked expression on his face is priceless!) - but always spinning in his bucking. He is a funny boy!! And if you are concerned, he was counting along with the big kids yesterday - I think that he made it to 8!! There is also a possibility for a Nascar option... racing cars around the mat or on the floor is also a preferred activity... and he likes to stand up and get dizzy spinning in circles, so he'll fit right in driving round and round, but he is going to have to get higher than 8 in his counting before he considers this option too seriously!!

Just before lunch, we all herded out to the truck and piled in. We were off on an adventure! (The Treekids LOVE that word, so I can create excitement for something not terribly exciting if I need too - but, it can backfire if used too often. But yesterday was TRULY an adventure!) First stop: McDonald's drive-thru... yuck, I know. They had the option of eating when we got to our destination OR eating in the truck on the way and I had nothing at home to take along. They wanted all fun once arrived, so we ate a fast, consistent product on the way. Drove the 15-20 minutes to the south side of Lincoln, NE where we made our first appearance at "Lost in Fun" which is a HUGE indoor playground. There are 3 or 4 swing set/climbing/slide/fort type structures, several Little Tykes plastic structures, a smallish inflatable bounce house, a HUGE ball pit, a basketball room - on about a half-court with a small hoop as well, a room with a huge foam pit and ginormous foam building blocks of varying sizes and shapes, another room with two HUGE inflatable bounce houses - one with a twister game in the middle and basketball hoops on each end and the other with a huge climbing thing with a tunnel and a very tall slippery slide. There was also a laser game where you try to get to the three treasures and then to the stop button without being in the way of a laser in the "fastest time" - think bank robbery laser thing. Must act like a spy to go over, under wait for the moving lasers, etc. There were also various coin operated video type games to use - but we were so busy with everything else that we didn't opt for any arcade play. It was a fun and active 2.5 hours! (IT is a rather pricey adventure and I wish we could have stayed longer to take advantage of the cost - BUT I did have a coupon AND little kids - under 2 are free... and Parents ALWAYS play free!! FUN FUN FUN!)

Then we had an errand to run before our stop at the Pediatrician's office. Re-checked some ear infection for Blossom (all clear - woo hoo!!), well child checks for both boys. Stinky yucky vaccinations to catch up on for Bump. So, he fell asleep on the way home and after I got him plopped into bed, the bigger kids all helped me to clean out the truck. Since it could "technically" be considered our foyer, it does get plenty of live-in time! So, we worked at cleaning it up and I spoke with Pops' cousin about the tour we will be taking at their egg farm on Monday morning!

We had a quick put together supper of Sausage and Kraut with a lettuce salad. Cleaned up the kitchen, tidied the kids' bedroom, got ready for bed, said prayers, tucked in the three oldest with their books as they read for a while at night before falling asleep. (Bud reads until I insist the light is out, often at midnight, but sometimes later - earlier if we have something to get up early for. Branch reads for an hour or two depending on how tired she is and how interesting her book basket is. Blossom reads and looks at books for an hour or less and usually crashes quickly.) I put together a bedtime snack for Bump for him to eat while I watched the end (only saw 3 awards and 2 performances... drat!) of the CMA show while Pops worked on his computer, put Bump to bed and spent time chatting with Pops before we crashed in bed. Day over.

So, that is our Day, in a nutshell, yesterday! What was happening at your house!?!!

7 Quick Takes - 6

--- 1 ---

I took a creative writing class in college. I had a professor who had us turn in our "writing notebooks" three or four times during the semester. I was rather excited when I turned in my writing for the first go. I had written a fairly nice piece on some topic that I no longer recall. I was shocked and horrified to receive the writing back with a big red "C" on his notes page. I thought it was a decent story. And, I had a poem in the mix, too! I went and talked to him after class and he told me that I did not write enough. I asked how he knew how much I wrote. He told me that there were not enough pages in my notebook. I told him that I didn't turn in every rough draft. I didn't know that he wanted all of that. (I had typed on a computer. Reworked the paper and saved. Rework and save. Rework and save. Notebook due... Print! So, I only turned in what I had then, not all the writing changes before then.) He told me that he wanted much more writing. I asked what would be enough. He said that each notebook that I turn in should have 200 pages of writing. About ANYTHING. It could be journaling, letters to my mom (yes, I photocopied them before I sent them off, mom), phone messages for my roommate (yes, I took them back after she read them), anything that I wrote down, I taped or glued into my notebook. I asked if my papers that I did turn in were any good. HE did NOT know. He didn't read them. He flipped through to see how many pages I had written. Next two notebooks had far more than 200 pages of crap writing. I hated that class and I bellyached over it to anyone who would listen for THE. WHOLE. semester. Final grade was a B, I think.

--- 2 ---

Writing is on my mind... A LOT. Can you tell?!!?? I am having starts and stops with this novel writing thing. I don't love my plot, so I toss a twist in and change it up. But, that didn't really help. So, I am on path to change it up again, TONIGHT! But, I have to do these darn 7 things.

--- 3 ---

I rented Cars2 from the RedBox yesterday. The treekids really liked it. So did the mom. I had no idea what to expect and I enjoyed the story. Everyone is wondering what will happen in Cars3! As an aside, did you know that RedBox prices will be going up to $1.20 next month. Bummer. It was bound to happen... but, that twenty cents might brake the bank!

--- 4 ---

The last of the antibiotics is taken. We have finished the rounds. We will commence activity with the outside world tomorrow! Pops is taking Bump, Blossom and Branch to the Huskers vs. Northwestern game at Memorial Stadium - wooo hooo! Fun times! Bud and I ... plan to make an appearance at the library. We will possibly spend hours there!! I will write and he will read and read and read. He is SO excited!

--- 5 ---

I need to remember to take my camera out of the camera bag. That would prove to make for a few more photographs!! I must have my mind on other things...

--- 6 ---

We are loving the "cooler" weather. But, this means we also have to think about the possibility of freezing! We stay plenty warm, but the water hose and connections are certainly having to be thought about! BUT, while it IS quite cold... I will not complain - it is better than 119 degrees, thank you very much!

--- 7 ---

To those of you who come and read. To those of you who "jump in the leaves" and leave a comment. To those of you who "lurk." To those of you who click and read and wonder what kind of crazy life we lead. To those of you who stop by ever... THANKS! It's good to see you around! I love to hear from you and love to know who is on the other side of the screen!!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Posing for Photos

Yes, I have been working on my novel. Why do you ask!?!

I have to share this, though. My mom is planning a family picture for when we visit at Thanksgiving. She wants to do some not so traditional sit on a stool and for a tight little cluster kind of portraits. I get it. So, we set sail on google to see what people are diong that are more fun. In my hunt I have discovered a VERY fun book. This is worth the time to click over to Amazon to have a look. REALLY! I have been there for the past 40 minutes laughing and nearly losing control of bladder function. Seriously. If you are having a blue day, click... go and look.

OR if you'd prefer...

Yes. These books are available for purchase on amazon. They actually have a lovely website that you can submit some great pics yourself! Here is where I spent too much time today: Awkward Family Photos Website Have a good time and let me know some favorites - I don't want to spoil it too much for you!

Now, must make lunch and then write 1,666.6667 words for today!! Happy November!

Tricky Treaters

Thought I'd share some (not so great) photos of the costumes these crazy treekids used this year. Last Thursday, we took the treekids to Morrill Hall for "Fright at the Museum" and played games and looked at icky bugs and dissected animals. We dressed in costume quickly and had two dancers, a cowboy and a football player!

Another day, we had to pick up a few items at the mall and found kids trick or treating at the stores! We were not prepared to join in, but there was a face painting table and we stopped there and the kids "put on their costumes" there. I thought to take pictures when we got back to the truck before it was all washed off... lucky you!!

A Nebraska Football Player

A Scarred Monster

(who walked mostly with his arms outstretched and with a strange Frankenstein-like gait)

A Kitty Cat

A Tiara Wearing Princess

We appeared to have enough practice for the big day! But, all the treekids were snuffling and snotting and coughing and hacking and gagging and fevering. So, that afternoon we made a stop at the doctors' office. They are being treated with an antibiotic and the big decision had to be made for whether or not to go out for the evening of spooks. The recommendation was to have a good time, but wear masks to prevent spreading any germs. So, we had to hatch a plan or two!

The costumes changed some...

Bump was a cowboy - easy with a handkerchief to cover nose and mouth! Bud wanted to be a vampire bat. So, a cape and a mask covered with black fabric. We affixed a nose and several teeth (most fell off by the end... should have used hot glue!!). Blossom chose to dress in all white and add a dress. Her mask had a little yellow oval nose and whiskers. Her bowed headband had two white ears attached. A little bit of Hello Kitty went a long way for her!! Blossom dressed in all black. We added black fabric to the mask, and a pink nose and silver whiskers. I made little ears to bobby pin to her head and a long black sock tail. Rather simple costuming this year but functional for the purposes of keeping our germs to ourselves!!

7 Quick Takes - 5

--- 1 ---

Ever heard of "Life of Fred"?? This is a math textbook series that a wonderful retired math teacher wrote to answer those questions of "Why are we learning this?" and "Why do we have to know this stuff?" He wrote a story about Fred and each piece of mathematics first happens in Fred's life and he has to learn to use it because he needs it. Then the reader is encouraged to try. I ordered the first four texts in the elementary series, Apples, Butterflies, Cats and Dogs and I also ordered "Fractions" and "Decimals and Percents" the first books that are used after the elementary series. I believe that Dr. Stanley Schmidt is writing another group of four math books for the elementary level and I plan to add the to our collection. AND Calculus, Trig - higher level maths to the end of the collection. We are excited to learn all about math through Fred's life!!

--- 2 ---

I liked this picture of the four treekids, so I thought I would share. It was taken back in August at Jellystone Park.

--- 3 ---

Back in 2006, we lived in Tennessee and Geemah and Grampa came for a visit. We were contemplating various fun things to go and do. There was a fireworks display going on by the river. We contemplated going. BUT, we had other things to do, too. SO, I told Geemah to not tell the kids what the possible plans were or there would be disappointment if we chose other things! So, that was teh day that she coined "OOooo Aaaaaah Adventure" for what we were going to do for fun. The kids eventually turned it into an "Ooooo Aaaaah 'Venture" and it has stuck. Any time we head out to do something fun, someone says we are going on an Ooooo Aaaaaah 'Venture! Well, imagine our surprise when we were headed one day to Science Museum of Oklahoma and at the stoplight saw this sign!!

We were definitely heading in the right direction!!

--- 4 ---

In San Antonio in early October, we got convinced by 4 kids that we should ride a night time carriage.

It was fun. We learned some interesting stuff about San Antonio on our travels around town.

--- 5 ---

I just liked this photo in Oklahoma.

If I recall correctly, it was taken in Perry, Oklahoma.

--- 6 ---

Someone in our house LOVES football!

I think he loves it more than Pops loves football!!

Even when stripping down for a bath... still has to have his beloved football! Yes, he even sleeps with this little yellow Subway football! Security blanket?? No thanks... football, please!

--- 7 ---

I am planning to write throughout November for NaNoWriMo. What's that, you ask?? It is National Novel Writing Month!! Apparently the idea is to write write write. It may not be a GREAT novel, but it will be a novel non-the-less. Here's my one hang up. Plot. I don't really have one. The guy who started NaNoWriMo wrote a book, "No Plot, No Problem!" I am really concerned about that and will be hunting for that book! I kind of have an idea... but need some additional ideas anyway! Would you drop an idea into the comments - I'll let you know if I use your idea, AND if when I make millions from the book deal, I will give you a cut for your idea. Thanks!! But, this is a notice that I will busily be writing for that ... and maybe NOT for this blog so much!!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Sleep Comes Easy

Feeling a LOT like this...

Things about half way done, but too tired to finish.

Wanted to Buy: Time, Energy, Youth for 30-something

Sleuthing

I sort of crack up when I load the pictures on a camera into iPhoto on my computer. Every once in a while I find a SURPRISE!!! Well, it was just my luck... it was surprise time!

Someone had been playing with money. This person may or may not have take the photos. There is only one of the treekids who would actually HAVE in her possession this many coins - and know where to find them! So, we'll take this as clue number one. Branch is the only one who would have this many coins, well, and be able to find them!

BUT, the photographer actually took many pictures of these stacks of coins. This behavior is not necessarily indicative of Branch's personality.

AH!!! Another CLUE! "The Lighthouse Mermaid" and Disney Princesses... only one person I can think of who would photograph those pretty ditties!

And I am RIGHT! Blossom... taking pictures and including herself - just to leave her true mark. There were MANY photographs... all worth a good chuckle. I can tell that she was also very close to the mirror, as well... she has to get right in there and touch it all up - even better if she recently used some lotion!! Wooo Hooo! So glad that she wanted to clean that off when I handed ehr the bottle of cleaner and a rag!! Always a treat to see what is on the camera...

Intentions

Before we left Oklahoma, I found some pictures that I snapped along our journey from Oklahoma to Kansas back in August. I thought it was fun, and I intended to share that with you once we got settled...

BUT - last night on our journey from Kansas into Nebraska we got the opportunity to see something quite amazing - and we would have all missed it if it weren't for our night sky loving Bud.

We were almost to the Nebraska border when Bud said, "Hey, mom! What are those lights over there? LOOK!" So, I looked and saw the light glow of a distant town. I tried to get him to buy in to my comment. It was a NO GO. "NO!!!" he complained. "LOOK! Up there!! I think it is the Aurora Borealis!!!! You know, the Northern Lights!"

You would not believe the excitement oozing form this kid! So, I got on the walkie talkie up to Pops and said, "Bud thinks he sees some lights." Pops responded "Yea, there's a car up ahead and he can probably see the headlights."

Oh, the groans from the back seat!! "Tell dad it is the Northern Lights!!" Okey dokey... "Pops, he says it is the Northern Lights." Pops responded, "Where?" Bud did some figuring and said, "Uh, at 2 o'clock!!!"

We all saw it... and Pops hit the breaks and pulled the truck and trailer to the side of the road and turned off his lights. We were in DARK DARK DARKland Kansas and up in the sky, all the treekids stood on the side of the road with Pops and watched our own free light show! (I stayed in the car and hit the hazards whenever a car/semi was approaching!) We have never seen anything like that at all! Pops had seem some green northern lights a long time ago... but this RED changing swirls in the sky as we were just about to hit the Nebraska border?? TOO COOL!!!

I only had a little point and shoot camera on me, so this photo probably would have been better if I had my nice dSLR - but, it is what it is and for us... a GREAT memory!!

GO BIG RED!

Comment Love

So, I am curious... I wonder what the general consensus is about leaving comments and responding to comments.

When I go blog-hopping, I log in and comment with my email address attached to my account where I can, or leave all the appropriate info where I can't just log in. I have often received emails back from the blog owner either responding to my comment or question or just thanking me for stopping by.

SO, when someone comments and they have a blog that I can find by clicking on their name, I often go visit the commenter and often thank them for stopping by... in a comment on one of their posts. If they have an email attached to their account/comment, I might send an email with a response. And some bloggers leave a response in their own comments for each commenter.

I wonder what to do!! I love having comments, but I don't know the best way to respond! What do you think??

7 Quick Takes - 4

--- 1 ---

On Sunday afternoon we will be leaving Stillwater, OK. We will be making a quick stop in eastern Kansas. At the end of August, we were at a Jellystone Park outside of Kansas City. The treekids all had so much fun playing and doing activities and hanging out with Yogi Bear. If some other possibilities don't pan out, we'll be considering visiting Yogi again, if they have room!!

Let's just say that Bump was a little LOT afraid of this character just like he is around any of these ginormous cartoon characters!! Who dreamt up putting people in big costumes for children? All of my kids have been terrified by them. Sheesh... and all in the name of FUN!!!

--- 2 ---

The tree kids saw this bug, a katydid, on the wheel of our trailer! They were so excited and wanted a picture to share this "leaf bug" with the world.

--- 3 ---

We are potty training. Did you notice in yesterday's photos of Bump? He really likes his "Buzz & Woo Underoos"! He is rockin' the potty end of things. Other numbers are better left... uh, not so much in the potty chair, still. He gets so excited about making a deposit and we get all excited and clap and give high fives. But, when he NEEDS to go he doesn't want to sit there for his other number. I have tried bribes - chocolate, and the irony is not lost on me, but it isn't working. Any ideas? I think that once he does it a couple times, he will see how easy that is... or that is my hope!! Oh, well... we're getting there - someday!

--- 4 ---

This past summer when we were in St. Louis, I thought it would be fun to try to hunt down the house that my family lived in when I was about Bud's age. So, after some googlemaps and mapquest help, I found my way to a neighborhood that looked SO different than I remembered it. When we lived there it was a new neighborhood with a dinky trees in front yards. AMAZING what about 25 years will do for a tree!!

So, "Hi, old house! You were a fun place to live where we had to hit our TV with a wooden spoon to turn it on; the wooden spoon rested on top of the TV as if it were a bowl of potpourri! You were a fun place to learn about a vacuum seal forming between pan and pan lid and the pork chops left between. Ah, and a place to see first hand what happens to a mother when she doesn't get her normal routine of caffeinated coffee (yikes, do not deprive a caffeine addicted mother... ever!).

--- 5 ---

The other thing learned at that old house: the meaning of "NO SOLICITORS." I was selling fruitcake for a school fundraiser. I was trolling the neighborhood for fruitcake purchasers. My very shy self knocked on EVERY door up and down our street and the street behind us. While I was waiting for someone to answer my knock, I saw the sign and sounded it out carefully so that I could ask my mom about the word when I got home. The lady of the house smiled at me and told me that she did not need a fruitcake this year. She was very kind, thankfully! I had to go find that house! It, too, grew itself a great big tree! (And the "No Solicitors" sign is still on the storm door!)

--- 6 ---

When we were in San Antonio earlier this month, we visited The Basilica of the National Shrine of The Little Flower. It was October 1st and they were having quite a celebration! We met two lovely ladies who took our picture and walked with us to the church hall while we waited for our taxi to pick us up. Right as we were about to leave a Mariachi band entered the hall and the kids were super excited and then, crushed to have to leave. Although, riding in a taxi was a BIG treat that they thought was so cool!

I couldn't get over how elaborate their alter was! All the details... beautiful.

--- 7 ---

When in San Anotnio, we Remembered the Alamo and went for a visit. We also visited the IMAX and watched a movie about The Battle at the Alamo. WOW! I recommend seeing that! That was very informative and the treekids liked the HUGE screen - up close and in the middle! Bump even watched the whole time (with a bag of popcorn to keep his hands a little busy) and loved seeing the horses on the screen.

That's all for me... for more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Kids in the Digital Age

I walked away from my perch with my "big" camera to take pictures of Blossom riding her bike on Monday. When I stepped away, someone picked up the little Flip Video Camera
that we have and when I turned to see, he smiled "cheese" at me!

As I walked closer, he did a little tap dance thing (that told me he was NOT ready to give up the little treasure, yet!) and smiled an impish grin...

I sat in a squat to be closer to his level for a picture and he showed me a bit of monkey see, monkey do!

I laughed a little watching our Bump... what a treat he is! He of course had no idea that he was so funny over this.

And went after me with his camera again! But, it strangely was not making any pictures on his screen. Hmmm soon enough he will find all the appropriate buttons to get it up and working.

But, for now, he'll just be my sweet little baby who is growing up WAY TOO QUICKLY!

Neigh he he he

We had a great time when my mom and dad were here! I was able to get a few videos and thought this was great fun. I would share a video of Geemah with the treekids, but she kept putting her hand in front of the camera. She was all "done up" and everything. Rats!! Maybe next time she will smile and kiss one of those grandbabies of hers instead!! :)

Finding her Balance

Being 6 really IS so much fun!! Blossom has been wanting to ride without training wheels for several months, now. She has tried and tried, but is very afraid of falling and getting hurt. She does NOT do blood on scraped up knees or elbows, so... fear was winning. Sunday afternoon, she said she really wished she could ride her bike and the training wheels just kept slipping and when you depend on them, if they slip you just go down! So, I took them off! I lowered the seat as low as it would go and told her to just get around by pushing her feet on the ground for a while. (Yes, I did try holding on to the back of the seat and running a bit, but she pedals so darn fast that I can't keep up! So, scoot she did!) The pedals were getting in the way, so I unscrewed them from the connection. So, she scooted around and loved it. Monday morning, with new resolve, she and Branch reattached the pedals. Blossom got on and could make her way and stay up right for about 2 or 3 go rounds of her feet. But, with some serious cheerleading, she realized that she really was riding, but putting her feet down when she got scared! So... she grit her teeth and away she went... serpentine style at first!

And then... the inevitable. A big spill.

I was worried a little about how she would react...

Her determination was so strong that she did the exactly best thing to do... If you fall off, get back on and try again!!

It was rough, all those starts and stops...

But, it wasn't long before she REALLY got it and kept going!!

Of course, once that happened... she was off and riding all over the RV park and having the greatest time. Achievement!!

And now she rides like the wind... and it has only been 18 hours since her feet went around without the training wheels!!!

The Garden in The Desert

The Oklahoma State University Botanical Garden is divided into many different gardens to wander through and explore. There is a Sensory Garden, a Fairy Forest, a zen/Asian Garden, a chicken coup moat (weird sounding... but that is what one of the volunteers called it... will have to go back to get more photos to explain!!), some other ones and this one... a desert.

As soon as we saw the wonderful plant life in this desert garden, I knew that I had to slow down and stretch myself and find the beauty in the succulents. My friend, Michelle, who I met in a playgroup when our now 10 year olds were barely 2, has a succulent grower/collector in her home. In fact, it is that little boy that I keep in my mind as a toddler (until that rouse was befuddled this past spring when we got together again and I saw his all grown up 10 year old boy self. But, I digress.) who is the master of succulents in their home - lots and lots of varieties. Not just one or two plants, mind you. They are lovingly cared for and arranged throughout the house.

So, when I see various cacti now, I have to stop and observe. I feel like I have to get a little closer and see it better, nearer the end of my nose. So, I did!! Here is what I saw in the garden in the desert. I hope that Michelle's li'l big guy likes what I found!!

Funny how this one has thorns that sort of look soft... but it IS deceiving!! (Trust me.)

This one has these spikey bits, but they are not so very sharp.

This looked like a GINORMOUS variety of the cactus leaves that you can purchase in the produce department at the grocery market.

It was fun to look just a little bit longer at something I might have otherwise glazed over. Tipping my hat to the succulent grower in Lincoln, NE!!