happy and sad

these two things don't really have anything to do with each other... they've just both been on my mind

Last friday, Bethany and I went to dinner with my mom and her friend Susan. As we were leaving, there was a young lady pushing a young man in a wheelchair up to the door. At second glance, we noticed the man's leg was elevated and he was missing a foot, and whatever had caused the loss had recently happened because it was freshly bandaged. It was also pretty obvious this young man was a soldier because of his haircut. Mom and I both had to keep from gasping, then smiled as we walked past him out the door. Susan, however, went straight up to him and thanked him and asked what had happened. I felt like a dope - how come I've never thought of that before? I always tell my kids not to stare (as I was probably told), but I've never thought about walking up to someone and just saying "thank you" or "what happened?". Susan has a military background, so it probably was a natural repsonse to her, and I admire her for that. Next time, I hope I act differently. THANK YOU to all those who have made sacrifices for our country.


On a more selfish note (especially after that story), I did something the other day that I hadn't done in years. Katie was at school, Anna was at preschool, and Bethany was at a friend's house for the morning. I had been running errands and my last stop was Wal-Mart. There's a fairly new strip center in front of the store, and within that shopping area, there is a Massage Heights clinic. On a whim, I drove up and saw the sign in the window that read "$39.99 introductory offer". As I'm talking to myself (do it,don't do it, do it, don't do it), I realized that I wouldn't have another opportunity like this for awhile. I popped my head in and asked if they took walk-ins... she answered yes.
It was a wonderful, much needed one hour retreat that I'm ever grateful for. I especially appreciate my husband not sounding to taken back about the expense. I deemed it an early Mother's Day gift.
I highly recommend all you other moms go do something like this, especially if you haven't in a while (or maybe never). If you're husband questions it, you can blame it on me!
YEAH for moms!

JW Ranch & blessing

Shayne took the girls to Brady last weekend to see his grandfather and spend some time at his parent's ranch. They did some fishing, exploring (Anna drew the map), and ended the day roasting hot dogs over a small campfire. Shayne loves the solitude and peaceful feeling one gets from communing with nature. We consider ourselves fortunate to have a place like this to escape too!

BLESSING: We were supposed to camp at the ranch in the trailer last weekend, but thanks to a rainy forecast, opted not to take the trailer. Some severe storms blew through the area over the weekend - there was a Severe Thunderstorm Warning AND a Tornado Warning. Also, because of the terrain, if we had been there with the truck and travel trailer, we probably would not have been able to get out (through the mud). We were sad to miss the campout, but grateful for the decision that was made. AMEN!

Branch Ranch & blessing

One of the couples at our church hosted a family picnic at their ranch a few weekends ago. It was a fun time for all. The girls enjoyed the slide and swings, Bethany decided she'd like to drive a tractor when she grows up, there were yummy brownies to follow our hamburgers and hot dogs, and we even got to go on a hayride (although, I failed to get a picture of that).

Katie also performed with the kid's chorus, and Anna joined her on stage afterwards for some karaoke.


BLESSING: I've been getting allergy shots for about a year now and have seen a tremendous improvement in my quality of life. The hayride, cows, and grass would have previously sent me in a downward tailspin. I had NO problems - not even a bug bite - AMEN!

Viva Fiesta!

I'm ashamed to admit that I've lived in San Antonio for almost 7 years and I've yet to participate in any Fiesta activities. It's a tradition here - basically a reason to party for 10 days. What I have learned, I've learned from Katie, and what she's learned, she learned at school. She's been lucky to personally see Fiesta royalty twice now. When she was in Kinder, El Rey Feo visited her school, and this week King Antonio came to her school.

I happened to be passing by when I noticed a procession with police escorts. My first thought was why would there be a funeral procession driving past the school? It took me about 2 seconds to realize wait a minute, I think that's El Rey Feo. I decided to turn around and investigate the situation. I pulled around the back of the school and saw the caravan parked and unloading. Thinking I wouldn't get to see much, I continued around the back drive of the school. I was so excited when I realized that all the kids (1,000+) we're seated on the back lawn. I was able to watch and listen to the entire cermony.

(As of this morning, I've learned that King Antonio and El Rey Feo are not the same person. I'm catching on!)

sk8s

I can't believe all my girls are old enough to be on skates!!! Katie has roller blades, Anna has good old-fashioned roller skates, and Bethany has the trainers that fit on over her shoes. So much fun!

Camp La Jita

Another fun weekend campout with the Girl Scouts. This time we were in cabins, and we were with our Service Unit (about 80+ girls). The theme for the weekend was "Around the World", so the girls learned about the cultures of many different countries. We learned lots of new songs, tried some new foods, and got very little sleep.

anniversary

There's always a reason to celebrate, right?

Today is the one year anniversary of my Mom's car accident. She was driving home from work on a 2-lane road when the guy in the big red pick-up truck swerved into her lane and hit her head on. The worst of her injuries was a compound fracture at her ankle. It could have been worse... they said she's lucky to be alive, and we thank God for that! We thank all those who prayed for her recovery, and I thank my friends who helped with my kids so I could be with her. She's had 12 months of adjustment, including some major changes in home, job, and relationships, but we're very glad she's here with us now (literally, here in SA).

And that's why we choose to celebrate this anniversary. What would we do without Nana?!?

we took them to the zoo...

...but the zoo didn't want them!

Anna's class has been learning one or two letters a week all year, and last week, they got to Z. So, Monday morning we headed to the zoo for a class field trip. It's was fun to see all the animals with our friends.

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

chop chop!

Anna decided she'd had enough of long hair and all the hassles that come with it - tangles, pig/pony-tails, static, mom not brushing gently enough, etc. We went to a grown up salon, looked at some pictures in a magazine, and there it went!

BEFORE:



AFTER:



Of course, it looked it perfect the day we came home, but I failed to get a picture then. Everyone is much happier now, as "grooming" time has been significantly simplified!

p.s. if you live in San Antonio, GLOW offers children's haircuts for only $10!

more grown-up things...

My friend Stacey replied to one of my recent posts and said I need to find more grown-up things to be excited about. Well, how's this-

We had plans (after a stressful week) to go out to dinner on Friday night as a family, then Mom & I were going to do our own thing for a little while. Coincidentally, I received a belated birthday check in the mail from my Aunt Judy & Uncle Mark (thank you!!). Perfect opportunity for shopping!!! I've never been a big Steinmart shopper, but Mom wanted to go, so off we went. I found the cutest purse for 30% off and a pair off funky sandals for 80% off. I think my total was about $35.

Then we went next door to Starbucks for some beverages. I love their White Berry Blossom Tea with honey and milk - I convinced my mom to try one too, and of course we had to have a little dessert - carrot cake (not too guilty). I also bought Shayne their Vintage Country CD. Mom and I had a nice time, and I know Shayne loved the time he had at home with the girls.

Stacey - is this more age appropriate? :)

dinosaurs!

Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose was the destination of choice for our Spring Break trip this year. We invited my dad to join us because it had been awhile since the kids had seen him, and it was not too far for him to drive. The weather was great, but because of the recent rains, we were unable to view all of the dinosaur tracks. BUT, because the park HAD gotten so much rain, the burn bans were lifted and we were able to have a real campfire! They had some cool dinosaur "statues" that have a neat story behind them, and the tracks we were looking for were all throughout the riverbed area. In addition to the camping experience (which we're getting quite good at), we had fun hiking and exploring. It was educational too, but shhh, don't tell the kids.

here's Shayne trying to feed the T-Rex:
(Bethany didn't think it was too funny)
the one and only track we found:
the cool twisted tree at our campsite:
(Bethany didn't think it was funny either)

what did Bethany enjoy?


p.s. backtracking a bit, did I tell you about the rattlesnake Anna met at Pedernales??? fortunately, we all jumped quick enough, and he just wanted to get away!

NKOTB...

Only if you're a dork (like me) will you know what that means.

My mom came to the top of the stairs this morning and said why are you screaming?

I said "thenewkidsontheblockareonthetodayshowandthey'regetting
backtogetherandthey'redoingaconcertinmay!"


Confession: yes, I owned several of their albums on cassette, including the Christmas one, and yes, I had several posters hanging on my walls, and yes, I saw them in concert.

here they are back in 1986:

here they are in 2008:

They turned out pretty well, didn't they?

Anyone else want to make a confession?

sisters for sale

Last night was the Talent Show at Katie's school. After much preparation, costume design, stage decoration, and practice, practice, practice, we were ready for the show. Katie was a little nervous, Anna was a little nervous, and Bethany was just along for the fun!

back stage at the dress rehearsal:

on stage at the the morning assembly:

and finally, the performnce:


For Sale
by Shel Silverstein
One sister for sale!
One sister for sale!
One crying and spying young sister for sale!
I’m really not kidding,
So who’ll start the bidding?
Do I hear the dollar?
A nickel?
A penny?
Oh, isn’t there, isn’t there, isn’t there any
One kid that will buy this old sister for sale,
This crying and spying young sister for sale?

Katie recited this poem last year at our church family retreat. When she decided to audition for the school talent show, we thought this would be perfect (and original), and the music teachers agreed! The last thing she said as we were leaving was "I wish it wasn't over". I wonder what she'll come up with for next year...

THANKS TO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS WHO CAME TO WATCH THE SHOW IN PERSON!!!