Coincidence?
September 15, 2008
Coincidence?
Saturday, as rain from Ike fell all day, we decided to make a yummy carrot cake from scratch. The recipe promised it to be the most moist carrot cake ever--yeah, so moist the center would not get done. JRR decided to remedy the situation by scooping out the middle, which of course had to be iced. The results:
Coincidence?
Coincidence?
September 9, 2008
Hero, From Concentrate
This past weekend, JRR made a music mix CD to "inspire" little L on the way to his soccer game. Many giggles and belly laughs were to be had as the selected songs were revealed, such as "Barracuda", "Eye of the Tiger", and "I Won't Back Down". At the dinner table last night, H sang one of the songs quietly to herself: "He's a juice box hero, got stars in his eyes. . . ."
To our family members who love to have a good laugh with and at the expense of other family members (is there anything more fun?!!)--we have not teased her about this. She is in that very sensitive stage of life, so I must have my fun with this story through blogging only! She'll appreciate it someday.
To our family members who love to have a good laugh with and at the expense of other family members (is there anything more fun?!!)--we have not teased her about this. She is in that very sensitive stage of life, so I must have my fun with this story through blogging only! She'll appreciate it someday.
August 11, 2008
The Scientist
Little L is our resident scientist. His passion is astronomy, and so far his goal in life is to build the first manned craft to Mars. He loves to get books from the library on astronomy and science experiments. Tonight he plans to stay up past 2 a.m. (if the sky clears), to see the meteor shower, Perseids, which is supposedly the most famous of meteor showers. He has been studying his constellation charts and reading up on the history of this meteor shower. To see his excitement, you’d think it was Christmas Eve!
The other day, as little L was digging around in our collection of science experiment books, Big L told him about an experiment he did in fourth grade:
The goal is to see how many pennies you can put in a completely full glass of water without breaking the surface tension, thus causing the water to spill over.
It is quite fascinating to watch the water level rise above the top of glass without the water spilling over.
Anxiously adding one more:
The tension was finally broken and water spilled after the 70th penny:
It is so fun to watch little L's enthusiasm. Before the experiment was over, this enthusiasm had drawn the whole family to watch the exciting conclusion.
Oh, we think his second goal in life is to be the next dog whisperer:
Jazz told him to stick with his first goal.
The other day, as little L was digging around in our collection of science experiment books, Big L told him about an experiment he did in fourth grade:
The goal is to see how many pennies you can put in a completely full glass of water without breaking the surface tension, thus causing the water to spill over.
It is quite fascinating to watch the water level rise above the top of glass without the water spilling over.
Anxiously adding one more:
The tension was finally broken and water spilled after the 70th penny:
It is so fun to watch little L's enthusiasm. Before the experiment was over, this enthusiasm had drawn the whole family to watch the exciting conclusion.
Oh, we think his second goal in life is to be the next dog whisperer:
Jazz told him to stick with his first goal.
July 16, 2008
Pay No Attention
Early yesterday morning as we prepared to spend an entire day at the children's hospital for H's annual round of tests, H was surprised that her dad was going with us.
H: “Why are you going with us? It’s usually just Mom and me.”
JRR: “Well, I’m going, too, this time.”
H: “Ok, but I’m not paying any attention to you.”
And this from a daddy's girl. What a nut! Well, I can report that the "not paying any attention" was forgotten before we left the driveway!
To report on the day of tests (a CT brain scan, abdominal sonogram, lab work, and a doctor's visit), all went well. We've had a slight increase in seizures lately as she has been growing so rapidly, so we'll have a slight increase of medicine. There is also a minor dental issue that is not serious in any way, but we'll be consulting a dentist. Other than that, the tests confirmed there have been no changes (this is a good thing).
We left our home at 8:00 yesterday morning and did not return until 5:00, so it was a very tiring day. H did very well for each appointment until we went for the lab work. As this has always been a terrifying thing for her, she had been giving herself pep talks for several days before. It was the last stop of the day, so she was already exhausted. The technician (Sheila), whom we've seen a couple of times already and think she is great, had to call for someone to help hold H still. JRR and I decided it best for us to leave the room, as we totally trusted Sheila to handle it. Turns out they were able to draw the blood without holding her. However, when the test was done, H looked at Sheila, with a tear-stained face and voice still shaky from crying, and said "I want to do what you do when I grow up and see what it feels like to poke somebody else." Sheila burst out laughing and said, "Yeah, and I bet you'd like it to be me sitting in that chair." The staff at the hospital is so great. Though it was no fun having all those tests in one day, it sure beats having to schedule 3 different appointments on 3 different days, then waiting a week or more to hear back for the results! If all goes well, no more tests until next year!
H: “Why are you going with us? It’s usually just Mom and me.”
JRR: “Well, I’m going, too, this time.”
H: “Ok, but I’m not paying any attention to you.”
And this from a daddy's girl. What a nut! Well, I can report that the "not paying any attention" was forgotten before we left the driveway!
To report on the day of tests (a CT brain scan, abdominal sonogram, lab work, and a doctor's visit), all went well. We've had a slight increase in seizures lately as she has been growing so rapidly, so we'll have a slight increase of medicine. There is also a minor dental issue that is not serious in any way, but we'll be consulting a dentist. Other than that, the tests confirmed there have been no changes (this is a good thing).
We left our home at 8:00 yesterday morning and did not return until 5:00, so it was a very tiring day. H did very well for each appointment until we went for the lab work. As this has always been a terrifying thing for her, she had been giving herself pep talks for several days before. It was the last stop of the day, so she was already exhausted. The technician (Sheila), whom we've seen a couple of times already and think she is great, had to call for someone to help hold H still. JRR and I decided it best for us to leave the room, as we totally trusted Sheila to handle it. Turns out they were able to draw the blood without holding her. However, when the test was done, H looked at Sheila, with a tear-stained face and voice still shaky from crying, and said "I want to do what you do when I grow up and see what it feels like to poke somebody else." Sheila burst out laughing and said, "Yeah, and I bet you'd like it to be me sitting in that chair." The staff at the hospital is so great. Though it was no fun having all those tests in one day, it sure beats having to schedule 3 different appointments on 3 different days, then waiting a week or more to hear back for the results! If all goes well, no more tests until next year!
June 26, 2008
City Slickers
We went to visit JRR’s sister (Aunt J) and her family this past weekend in a small TX farming town. Knowing how “citified” we are, Aunt J feared we would suffer extreme boredom (which she should never have feared; we always enjoy visiting with them!). So, she called on some friends to arrange some “field trips” for my city home schoolers. Well, Uncle J and Aunt J have friends who are most gracious and hospitable. They went above and beyond and made an already fantastic trip an absolutely unforgettable one!
On our field trip day we had 3 stops. First was the local airport, where our first host, R.C., introduced us to the occupation of crop dusting. He and D.B. took time to show us the crop dusting plane, explain various facets of the business, and answer our many questions. Then, to our delight, R.C. treated each of us to a ride in a 1947 Aeronca Chief, which is a two seat, hand prop plane. Here is D.B. starting the plane:
Here are big L and little L with their cousins and hosts:
This wasn't H's cup of tea, so she didn't join us on this trip.
Next, it was on to cut wheat! Our second host, K.S., thrilled the boys with a ride on a combine and a chance "driving". As on our first stop, our host shared wonderful information and patiently answered all of our questions. H decided to join us this time, but only because the third stop involved feeding 1 month old calves. She agreed to a picture in front of the combine, but was not interested in getting in.
All the boys were thrilled to steer the combine, but Big L was especially excited because K.S. let him actually cut some wheat.
Our final host, Mrs. S. (K.S.'s mother), made H's day with the bottle feeding of calves. This is what H held out for all day.
It was a wonderful day. I am grateful for the opportunity for my children to experience life outside the city. Without these great people and their professions, we could not be the "city slickers" that we are!
Thank you Aunt J for all your planning. Thank you R.C., D.B., K.S., and Mrs. S. for your kindness and generosity.
On our field trip day we had 3 stops. First was the local airport, where our first host, R.C., introduced us to the occupation of crop dusting. He and D.B. took time to show us the crop dusting plane, explain various facets of the business, and answer our many questions. Then, to our delight, R.C. treated each of us to a ride in a 1947 Aeronca Chief, which is a two seat, hand prop plane. Here is D.B. starting the plane:
Here are big L and little L with their cousins and hosts:
This wasn't H's cup of tea, so she didn't join us on this trip.
Next, it was on to cut wheat! Our second host, K.S., thrilled the boys with a ride on a combine and a chance "driving". As on our first stop, our host shared wonderful information and patiently answered all of our questions. H decided to join us this time, but only because the third stop involved feeding 1 month old calves. She agreed to a picture in front of the combine, but was not interested in getting in.
All the boys were thrilled to steer the combine, but Big L was especially excited because K.S. let him actually cut some wheat.
Our final host, Mrs. S. (K.S.'s mother), made H's day with the bottle feeding of calves. This is what H held out for all day.
It was a wonderful day. I am grateful for the opportunity for my children to experience life outside the city. Without these great people and their professions, we could not be the "city slickers" that we are!
Thank you Aunt J for all your planning. Thank you R.C., D.B., K.S., and Mrs. S. for your kindness and generosity.
June 21, 2008
Fishing Trip
Grandpa, the boys and I went to Port Aransas on a fishing trip. Here's the highlight reel:
This clip is also available for download here.
This clip is also available for download here.
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