Summertime blues

Every year at about this time, as summer days drag on and on, I start to get a bit restless and, dare I say, grouchy? It's funny how I begin the summer giddy with anticipation of all the swimming we'll do, popsicles we'll eat, and just how much free time we'll have to relax at home. But, now I'm over it. I'm tired of sunscreen, burning hot seat belts, mosquitoes, dying grass, and sweating on the two house walk to the mailbox. I'm ready to resume our normal schedule and I'm ready for the weather to cool down enough to allow me to send my kids outside to play without them returning in 30 seconds because "it's too ho-ot to play outside!" Unfortunately, we're still a long way from respite from the triple digit temperatures and crisp fall days seem almost unreachable.

Being stuck inside has never agreed with me, and I'll admit I've fallen into a bit of a funk. I realized today after a "discussion" with Avery about the need for gratitude, that I need to try to focus on the good of today, rather than dwelling on the negative and wishing our lives away. So, I'm going to work on remembering the good things about summer and life right now, and hopefully my posts over the next few weeks will reflect that.

In that spirit, I'd like to list five things I'm grateful for today:

1. The armful of puppies that I have in my lap right now. We're dogsitting Jet, mom's Labradoodle puppy, in addition to our own little Oliver. Really, who could be in a funk with an armload of squirmy, furry babies like these?

2. I'm grateful that I got to go today to a job that makes me feel like I'm making a difference.

3. I'm grateful for the silly nonsensical stage that Griffin is in right now and the crazy things he tells me. For example, today he said, "I had my half birthday on platform nine and three quarters, but I turned three on March twenty thirty."

4. I'm very much enjoying the philosophical phase that Rhys is in. Although his questions sometimes make me squirm, it's amazing to see how he's developing and just so curious. He seems to be a neverending fountain of curiousity about God, the universe, and, of course, Santa Claus.

5. I'm grateful that my daughter and I were able to have the "discussion" that reminded me that I, too, need to remember to be thankful. I'm also grateful that she's generally very gracious and appreciative, which is why today's Incident garnered such a reaction from me.

6. I'm grateful that I actually remembered to return our latest Netflix movie, so that we have a new disk of The Closer to watch. Seriously, who could be grouchy with plans to snuggle up with their wonderful husband, a couple of cuddly puppies, and a cat or two, and watch commercial-free television? It doesn't get better than that!

Pupdate (Ha!)

Things are going great on the puppy front! He has now been officially named Oliver, and he is such a calm, easy-going puppy. (Yes, I know he's still essentially a newborn. Shhh!) He seems to be a housetraining genius, and is easily redirected from chewing things he's not supposed to. Mostly, he's just a sweet, cuddly ball of fluff!

Future track star?

Today we took Jasper for a we-still-love-you-even-if-the-puppy-is-the-cutest-thing-ever outing to the new dog park today. He thoroughly enjoyed himself for about twenty minutes, running, playing, and chasing the other dogs. After that, he abandoned all his new friends and found a tiny sliver of shade behind a chair, flopped himself down on his side, and tried to recover from all of the excitement.

While Griffin and I kept Jasper company (and watched to make sure that he didn't suffer from a doggie coronary), Avery and Rhys wandered the park and introduced themselves to lots of dogs. After Jasper had recovered enough to get back on four legs, we went to check up on the kiddos. It turns out that Avery was busy challenging herself by hurdling the dog agility jumps. Another dog owner came up to me and told me that she thought Avery might have a future in track. I think she might be right! Avery was hurdling over jumps that were chest high. Wow. Now I guess I need to see if I can locate a homeschool-friendly track program!

Diving

Avery has been taking diving through UT once a week for the past month. She has really enjoyed it and seems to have a knack for it. I'm sure those years of gymnastics didn't hurt!



After diving this week we continued our annual tour of local snow cone sellers. This time, we tried Molly's, which shares a parking lot with P. Terry's. Yum!

New puppy!

We just got a new puppy yesterday! He's a Labradoodle -- his mom was a standard poodle and his dad was a black lab. He's only six weeks old and is so sweet and cuddly and has THE BEST puppy breath. We're all in love already. :-)

A boy named Pookie

Even when Griffin was a tiny baby, he had quite a strong personality. We started calling him Pookie (being ironic, since he is the opposite of everything the nickname conjures). Well, it stuck. And now he thinks of himself as Pookie. Just today, I heard him saying to Bill, "Let's play a game. It will be two people. You and a boy named Pookie. Okay?"

I can see it now. Pookie L., Attorney at Law. It has a certain ring to it, don't ya think?

Library volunteer

Reposted from Avery's blog:

On Friday, I went to volunteer at a church library not far away. After picking up a friend, we set off on our bikes to the library. There, I found out exactly how they bind books for safety, number them, sort their titles, etc. I had a lot of fun, actually. And the person who helped me and my friend let us bring home one of the books each they were going to get rid of*, and also supplied us with chocolate chip cookies and lemonade halfway through. (Mmm... chocolate... my favorite!) After a little while, (what seemed like 30 minutes) I checked the clock and was appalled to find we had been going for two hours! After about another 30 minutes of work, the library was about done. Thanking the helping person a million times, me and my friend left the library and rode home. Fun!

*The book I took home from the library was called "Roman Art and Architecture" by Mortimer Wheeler. It's really interesting already, and I've barely read two pages.

British Soccer

Rhys spent last week learning soccer from the pros at British soccer camp. The coaches were young men from England and Ireland, and my anglophilic children were in high heaven. I think Avery had just as much fun as Rhys did, even though she was just sitting on the sidelines. Griffin thought he was every bit as much a participant as Rhys, and he wore Rhys's old cleats and dribbled the ball back and forth on the sidelines the whole time.

Rhys got some good instruction, but mostly had a fabulous time. The coaches came up with all sorts of ways to keep the kids entertained. Friday was "Friday Fun Day" and the kids came with painted hair and/or faces. Rhys had green hair for the occasion. But every day, they got to play lots of games. (That's him in orange.)


We all got to hear hilarious, but borderline-inappropriate, stories.


Meanwhile, Bill and Griffin had time to practice their "punching".


Rhys bonded with Coach Ed.


And all the parents got involved with the games on Friday. Bill was chosen to be the Big Fat Scottish guy ("get in my bellll-ay") during the Austin Powers game.

Fiesta Texas

Yesterday, my sister and I took Avery and Rhys to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The kids had earned free tickets through a reading program several months ago, and have been dying to use them. It was a nice, overcast day that seemed to keep the masses at bay. We were very surprised at how empty the park was; we didn't have to wait more than ten minutes on any ride! Rhys wasn't such a fan of the bigger rides, but Avery was quite the daredevil. It took a while to work up the courage, but by the end, she was riding the big, looping roller coasters with Linah. She even dragged me on a couple, but I think with age comes sanity....

Tennis Camp

Whew! Tennis camp is officially over. The kids had a fabulous week, but mama is glad to not make the daily drive over to Great Hills. It really was a great experience, and the kids are excited to keep playing. Even Griffin has been getting in on the action, and very much enjoys "tennising".

Summer fun!

No, we didn't fall off the face of the earth, we've just been busy enjoying SUMMER! In the past three days alone, we've logged over 8 hours of pool time. We've been enjoying Mamar and Doc's pool as much as we can, as well as taking a tour of the public pools in the greater Austin area. Rhys is such a fish this year and would be thrilled if he never had to leave the water. He's made amazing progress, and it's so nice to be down to just one non-swimmer again!

I have lots to update, but this week we're very busy with Avery and Rhys's tennis camp. They're loving it, despite the heat. They come off the court every day beat red and dripping with sweat, but still pronounce it "AWESOME!" Tennis seems to come quite easily to Rhys, and Avery is a hard worker like always. In fact, after the first day, the coach said to me, "Wow. Avery is...ummm...intense. And Rhys is a natural and as cool as a cucumber!" Yep, that pretty much sums them up!

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!

Feel the burn!

Avery and I have just started doing the Couch to 5K running program, with plans to run a 5K sometime this summer. This is in attempt for me to get some much needed vigorous exercise and to try to stimulate Avery, who appears to have the highest physical needs of any child ever. Anyway, I admit that I was really worried that I'd drop dead during my first running attempt, since the last time I ran was...oh, about ten years and three kids ago. I was very proud of myself that I made it through the first workout without passing out, doubling over, or vomiting. Go me! However, it was hard to be too self-congratulatory when I realized (over the sound of my panting) that Avery had not stopped jabbering away during the entire workout. And as we ran our last segment, she showed me how high she could jump in the air and how she could run by kicking her feet high in the air. I was proud of myself just for being able to keep moving my feet, and she wasn't even winded!

Is it too late to make Griffin my running partner?

Whew!

This has been one crazy week, and I, for one, am exhausted! Starting with Monday's trek to the country to frolick in the fields, we have been on-the-go all week. Our activies this week included: taking Griffin for his 3 year well check (he's healthy, but thanks to some vaccinations, is now convinced that our beloved Dr. Bayer is "baaaaaaad"), picking strawberries at Sweetberry Farm in Marble Falls, exploring the dinosaur tracks in Leander, experimenting with water balloons at science co-op, visiting and sewing with Auntie Linah, attending writing class, swimming twice, and going to soccer practice. The week wound down today with Avery taking a field trip with three other friends to a flower shop, where she learned first-hand about what it takes to run a small business. Meanwhile, Rhys, Griffin, and I visited with friends at Central Market and ate lunch downtown. As if that wasn't enough, I decided that I just had to stop at Craft-o-Rama (since it was on the way home -- you know, in the opposite direction), and then we stopped at a local radio station to pick up a gift card that I won on the radio this week. Whew. Now all that's left for the week is tomorrow's soccer game and my work. I believe Sunday will be spent lounging in our pj's all day. I think we've earned it!

(Oh, and you can rest assured that there will be many pictures from this week's excitement forthcoming....)

Wildflowers

On Monday, our book club group went to rehearse their Midsummer Night's Dream performance in Coupland at a friend's ranch, where we were treated to their spectacular display of wildflowers. The kids played, rehearsed, and even danced, while the grownups soaked up the gorgeous views.

(Photos courtesy of Courtney, who, unlike me, never fails to remember her camera!)

Oh, the injustice

Today when we arrived at swimming, Avery and her friend Maya presented Courtney and me with sealed envelopes. Apparently the girls were feeling a bit abused and chose to write persuasive essays to convince Courtney and me that they are, in fact, subjects of a horrible injustice. Maya's essay is here, and I'll copy Avery's below:

Getting Fun Drinks While We Swim-- Persuasive Essay

This essay was written partly because I want to please you guys with an essay, but also partly because it is difficult for me and Maya to watch our brothers slurping down star bucks or cherry slushes in our faces, while we ache and feel WORN OUT from our last swimming practices.

Even though we very much appreciate you letting us do swimming and our past drinks, we wish this could either stop or this would only happen about four times a month; once a week, I think, is fair.

I think that it is great there is that half-price hour and a perfect opportunity for you to get a drink, we don't like it when every time we arrive to a red-mouthed “hello!” and a “sorry, we don't have any drink left... but you can maybe get one next time!” from our brothers and a vague “hi guys... in a minute we'll go.” “Did you get us a drink? Are our brothers fooling us?”
“No, sorry. We went early...” hmmm. We really don't like that- and please don't laugh at us, or beat us up!!! We don't like working hard and being “POWWWW”ed by our mothers. Really, does anyone like that?

This essay is short because I am forgetful. This part you can laugh at. I resisted and forgot to do the essay until the last moment. But I still have several more points to make before I... XXXX go do schoolwork. Point one: If everything is half price, I bet it is about 1.50, so could you please spare a dollar for us? We'd only equal about two dollars total- [“I mean, I like to think I'm worth more than a dollar...” Direct Quote from Maya Landers-- Woodland School Times]. Point two: I think you have been generous in letting us do expensive swim team and sometimes getting us drinks, but we could even have just a quarter of our brother's drinks. We don't need one of our own. Our brothers can slurp down three quarters and still have one quarter to spare for us, and then that would be it, you wouldn't have anything involved. Thus, I think you can spare something. My third and last point to remind you from earlier on in this essay is that you can perhaps just go once a week. Even though sometimes you already do this, and that's great, maybe a bit more often.

Now you guys are allowed to spank us red, pinch us 'till we cry, chase us, or bust yourself laughing. We're not trying to sound bossy, like a parent, or mean, we just want to make a fair point*. *Notice I didn't say “for once”. I do think you let us often have a larger point than most children do, and I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE IT. SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for listening,
Your Daughter,
Avery, and her friend, Maya.
Our Appreciation.

Dinosaur Valley

Last weekend we went with our homeschooling group for the annual camping trip. This year, about 20 families made the trip to Glen Rose, Texas to camp at Dinosaur Valley State Park. It was a beautiful park with heavily wooded campsites, a river that drew the kids like a magnet, and, of course, dinosaur tracks.

As soon as we arrived, as the adults started setting up tents, the kids started begging for a grown up to come down so they could swim. They had a blast in the river, despite the frigid water.



Griffin had help from another dad, who was smart enough to bring water-friendly shoes!



After the kids were worn out, dried off, and the campsites prepared, we started a fire for roasting hot dogs and s'mores. Yummmmmm!!



Once everyone was full, the kids felt rejuvinated enough to run around again for a couple of more hours -- this time with glow sticks. Eventually, we wrangled all the kids into the tents and settled in for the night. Unfortunately, it was a long and c-o-l-d night. It dipped down into the 30s. Brrrrrr. Our Texas camping gear couldn't keep up with it and I have to admit it was quite unpleasant. Or maybe miserable would be a better word.

After warming up at the campfire with hot coffee (thanks Marilee and Gary!), things were much improved. Most of the group headed to Fossil Rim Wildlife Park, but we decided to hang out and explore more. Two other families also stayed, so we took turns going on hikes sans children. The men went first, then the women escaped for a long, blissful hike. When we returned, we discovered that the men had spent their time with the kids building a chute in the river for the kids to go down, much like the ones at Schlitterbahn. They got very into this project, and did an amazing job.



We spent the rest of the afternoon in and out of the water, and spent the evening with hot dogs and s'mores again in front of the fire. And, after endless games of Mafia and glow stick playing, the kids went to bed and the grown ups stayed up way too late swapping stories at the campfire. The second night was infinitely better, since it was so much warmer. In the morning, after playing a bit more, we packed up camp. We stopped in the town of Glen Rose to eat with friends before making the trip back to Austin. All in all, a lovely weekend!





You can find the complete set of pictures here.