Mother's Day

Today was a really nice Mother's Day. Even though Bill worked, he was working at home, and he and the kids really tried to make me feel special. After sleeping in, I was greeted with homemade cards and Avery made me a to-die-for pecan pie. And my Mother's Day gift will be photo prints -- I just need to find the time to select which ones I want!

In the afternoon, the kids and I went to my grandmother's house to spend some time with her and my mom. I feel so lucky to have such wonderful, inspiring women in my life -- family and friends -- as mothering role models. I find that to be one of the biggest benefits of homeschooling. My children have the benefit of time to really get to know and be loved so many other fantastic mamas. Thanks to all of you. I hope you all had a terrific Mother's Day!

Book release party

On Tuesday, we went to Bookpeople downtown for the world release of Percy Jackson #4: The Battle of the Labrynth. Avery, Rhys, and their friends have been excited about the release for months!


Bookpeople really outdid themselves. They started the festivities with prophesies from the Oracle at Delphi.



They trained for battle:


They met a centaur who gladly joined in with the kids making the symbol of the "Labrynth". (One of the other moms suggested using this particular symbol of the labrynth -- we moms have to get their fun somehow!) Unfortunately, marketers for the book were filming everywhere, and they seemed to take special enjoyment in the new hand symbol for the book.


Then the kids made an honor guard that stretched all the way across the parking lot for author Rick Riordan to walk through.



Then they got to hear an exerpt from the book and waited in a long line to get the author's autograph. The girls settled down on the curb with their books while waiting in line.


Rick Riordan was so kind and generous with his time. Even with the hundreds of kids waiting to get their books signed, he took the time to answer questions and sign multiple items. Besides getting our copy of the book signed, all three kids got their t-shirts autographed.

Our little visitor

Last week, Griffin, Bill and I were playing at the park, and we heard frantic meowing. Suckers that we are, we went in search of the cry and discovered a sweet little black kitten that was living underneath the historical house at the park. Now, nobody lives in this house, so I'm not sure what the little guy had been eating -- apparently not much because he sure was hungry! We took him home, fed him, and took him to the vet to get him de-wormed, de-flea'd, and checked out. After getting a clean bill of health, we brought him back home. He's such a sweet kitty; it's obvious that he's been around people, but nobody seems to be looking for the little guy. So now we're looking to place him in a new home, as four cats is about two too many for our house!

Meanwhile, little "Temp" (as we lovingly call him) seems to be enjoying exploring our house, and he is clearly not afraid of heights. (Be sure to look closely at the architectural cut-outs over our kitchen door in the picture.)

PSIA State Meet

Yesterday was the state PSIA academic meet. Avery and I went to Fort Worth on Friday, spent the night in a hotel, then spent the day at TCU for the meet. Avery ended up winning 2nd place in Ready Writing and 4th place in Spelling. We're very proud of her hard work!