Stepping and Parading Last Weekend

This past weekend was a busy one but so much fun.

On Saturday morning, our family participated in the Steps for Students Run that raised money for our school, St. Rose of Lima, as well as other Catholic schools in the Galveston-Houston archdiocese. Thanks to each of our family members and friends who supported us in this important endeavor. It's an exciting way to exercise as a family and community, while fundraising. (PHOTO: Little K and her Daddy running toward the finish line in February 2009.)

St. Rose School raised $42,000 and was awarded for the most spirit of all Catholic schools (at all levels) in the archdiocese. Wait to go, Cardinals!

Then we made the trip to Galveston for Mardi Gras with Trent's parents, sister and friends. Little K was thrilled when a member of the Momus Krewe threw her a Scoobie Doo doll from the balcony. It cracks me up to hear Little K shout: "Throw me something, Mister!" Ahh.

While it rained a bit Saturday afternoon, the floats on Saturday night were great and I truly enjoyed seeing so much happiness return to the island.

With the Tremont Hotel still suffering from Hurricane Ike, the traditional party was moved to the Hotel Galvez on the Seawall and the hotel's decor inside & out was inspiring. The Momus Parade came revelling down the Seawall with plenty of stops for the crowd in front of the Hotel Galvez. Of course, the parade would be amiss without participation from the Philadelphia Mummers. Their costumes were glorious but we missed their typical dance & jeer routine. (PHOTO: Mummers display full colors of the Mardi Gras rainbow in Galveston.) After the parade, we returned inside the hotel for dinner and chatting. We returned to my in-laws' home around 9:30 pm to learn Little K had been fast asleep under the careful supervision of Miss Margot.

Sunday, we went to the Seawall, where we met cousin Becca and Uncle Owen as well as a few friends. We watched the Pet Parade at 1 pm, followed by the Children's Parade. While the float participants were fewer this year and the pets were more mainstream, it was certainly fun for all. Be sure to mark it on your calendar for 2010. Who knows? Maybe the iguanas will return. Once again, I'm thrilled to report that Mardi Gras in Galveston really is a family affair.

Speaking of which... A special Mardi Gras THANK YOU to my in-laws Steve & Mary Ann, who were again gracious hosts to the festivities.

With Lent starting today, we'll pipe down a little but continue to share plenty of thoughts and encouragements here.

Until the next nap time...

Happy Mardi Gras!

Momentarily, we're heading to my aunt's house for a Mardi Gras supper. With much of our family from New Orleans, we love the good food, good drink and good company. Tomorrow, we will be running/walking the Steps for Students 5K to raise money for my daughter's school. Equally important, it boosts morale.

Then, we're off to Galveston for Mardi Gras with my inlaws. Who knew you could have that much fun? Pray that the weather remains nice. The weather reports are predicting rain this weekend but the island could use a good Mardi Gras. Sunday is the Kids Parade, followed by the Pet Parade. We can't wait.

Happy Mardi Gras! Until the next nap time...

Kid-Friendly Mardi Gras

Yes, Galveston will have the Pet Parade and Children's Parade this Sunday afternoon on Seawall Blvd. I drove to Galveston on Monday afternoon so my Grammy & PaPa Don could see the island post-Hurricane Ike and I was pleased to see that progress really is being made. In fact, the beach along Seawall Blvd. looked cleaner than I ever remember it. Hope you'll enjoy these kid-friendly parades on Sunday. Cross your fingers for good weather.

10th Annual Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Mardi Gras Parade (also known as the Pet Parade) - 1 pm, line-up begins at noon. Bringing out the best in people and their pets, this parade begins at 27th and Seawall and proceeds west to 45th. Pets of all sizes, shapes, and species are welcome (costumes optional). Pre-parade costume contest, with the winners making up the Royal Court. Last year we had approximately 200 animals and hope to top that number. This parade benefits the daily operations of the Galveston Island Humane Society. $15 advance registration and $20 day of parade. Info and registration: Cynthia McEldowney at 409-744-0102 or cynthiamce@aol.com.

Mardi Gras Children’s Parade - 2 pm, Firefighters Local 571 hosts a parade dedicated to the families and children of Galveston. The 2009 parade celebrates “A Salute to Comic Book Heroes”, with costumed kids and decorated floats. Parade begins at 27th Street and Seawall, and proceeds to 47th Street to the Academy parking lot. Pre-registration for parade participation is required. Info: Charles Olsen at 409-789-1265 or http://www.childrensparade.org/.

More info is also available online at http://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/festivities/calendar.html. These two parades really are good, clean fun for families.

Until the next nap time...

What Do Your Kids Think of Friday the 13th?

I love Friday the 13th. It started years ago when I went to my (paternal)Grandmother's house after school on Friday the 13th. When she asked how my day was, I rattled through a laundry list of bad things that had happened all because it was Friday the 13th.

My Grandmother surprised me when she refuted the bad luck, although she's always been super superstitious. She said Friday the 13th did not bring bad luck. In fact, it brought GOOD luck. How did she know? My Grandmother was born on Friday, Nov. 13, 1913.

This past Friday was Friday the 13th so I took Little K to the dentist. She was nervous but loved the prizes she got from Dr. Rhea's office. Then, we met my mom, my sister, my niece and my maternal grandparents. It's wonderful to have four generations together. It was also quite a show at Le Peep restaurant on I-10. Little K teased her great PaPaDon and then turned to tickle her cousin Claire. I returned Little K to nursery school around 10:30 that morning so she could participate in the Valentine Day festivities. When I picked her up that afternoon, she claimed that she indeed had a great day.

Today, my favorite numbers are 5 and 13, and now you know why I like at least one of them. It's amazing what one small conversation with my Grandmother could translate into when I had my own daughter. I seem to find good things in each Friday the 13th, no matter what gruesome flick is playing at the local movie theater. Get ready. March also touts a Friday the 13th. It's another opportunity to find great things in your life and your child's.

Until the next nap time...

Do Red Heads Have More Fun?

My husband would say "YES" but he's not the only one.

The students at St. Rose School reached their goal of reading 60,000 minutes in January 2009. The result? Besides good readers, Principal Cathy Stephen dyed her hair red to thank the St. Rose Cardinals. “I thought it’d be fun to do a play on words,” Mrs. Stephen said. She asked her students daily if they had read stories the night before with their parents. The students responded enthusiastically that their principal should start looking for some red hair dye. Yes, you really can have fun and encourage learning.

Pictured in the attached photos are left to right:
Rosie Vega
Mrs. Stephen
Sophie Rodarte
Aiden Sowers

Open Houses:
Friday, February 27th 12 noon
Thursday, March 12th, 6 pm – 7:30
Now registering students for Fall 2009, Pre K 4 – Grade 5

Quick Trip to Williams Tower Water Wall

So it's Super Bowl Sunday and I always struggle to do family-oriented stuff this weekend because the football game really is geared to adults. So, after church this morning, we ate lunch at Jax Grill on Shepherd near I-10 and then drove to the Williams Tower Water Wall (formerly Transco Tower). Little K was so excited about playing there but I promised Daddy we'd only take a few minutes. Little K and her stuffed dog "Race Dog" ran in the field and at least one of them squeeled in delight. At the end of the run was the enormous water fountain and more delighted oozed from my daughter's body. Her eyes grew to the size of donuts.

We both loved the crashing noise of all the water. Look up to see the gray clouds above with a bit of blue sky peaking out. We could feel the cool mist sprinkling our bodies and we were pleased that we could at least make a quick visit. A few photos later, we raced back to Daddy who sat in the car. We continue to giggle on our return ride home. Next time, we agreed we'd pack a snack and blanket to enjoy a picnic and spend more time there.

Until the next nap time...