Ranch Hand

We all got some much needed rest at our family ranch this weekend. Saturday was a bit windy & chilly, but the sky was cloudless so it was hard to resist being outside. While Little K played with my mom and sister, Trent & I shot skeet. It was my first time but a highlight of my weekend.

Little K found lots of cool rocks and looked for critters. What a ranch hand she is! After playing on the playground and cruising around in the golf cart, we went to Martha's Bloomers to find a blackberry tree. As you can see, Little K discovered a beautiful butterfly (decoration) and we picked up 2 thornless blackberry trees and 2 tomato plants. We love our trips to Martha's Bloomers for their wonderful garden ideas.

When our Houston ground soaks up all this rain, our family is going to plant these in a sunny spot in our back yard. I think Little K will really enjoy watching the plants grow. PaPa Don will be proud that we're at last trying again to grow a garden. (In 2004, the local squirrels ate my tomato plant while I was in Australia. It looked like my husband took the weed-wacker to it, but he promises it was the squirrels. I'm hoping that our vast array of outside kitties will prevent the squirrels from snacking on our plants.) We'll keep you posted.

Until the next nap time...

Watching the Rain

Explaining the loud booms of a thunderstorm isn't easy. As a child, I wasn't scared of thunderstorms. In the midst of a thunderstorm, my mom would sit down with me on the covered area by our front door. We'd watch the rain and talk about the clouds. While it was educational, I remember the time as being special -- snuggling with Mom and watching the rain drops.

With all the rain yesterday, I recreated this memory with Little K. As you'll see in the picture, we opened up our front door and watched the rain drops. Little K was delighted to catch a few drops on her hand. We shared her Life cereal for a snack and snuggled. When the thunder would boom, we simply replied: "We hear you clouds." Then, we talked about how the rain provides a drink to all the grass & flowers. It was fun.

Next up: tent making. My dad used to make tents for me out of all the blankets in the house. I can't imagine why my mom put up with it but it was fun. Little K and I created a smaller version of the tent with just one blanket yesterday. It doesn't look like much in this photo but it was so cool to climb inside our tent and peak outside at the trees. When my husband came home from work, Little K and I hid in the tent. Finally, Trent found us... our giggles gave us away. Imagination at its finest.
Until the next nap time...

MRI Update

Yes, I will return your phone call. Thank you for your thoughts & prayers.

Okay, I had the MRI done this morning. I was fine until I realized that I'd also have an IV for the "with contrast" MRI, meaning they inject dye into my body to make the contrast. So.... I had the "without contrast MRI" first, which lasted 30 minutes. Luckily, I'm honing my visualization skills by imagining I'm on a nice beach in Mexico rather than in this tomb-like MRI. That loud noise? It's just the waiter shaking my margarita. (smile)

After 30 minutes, the machine rolled me out. The technician hooked me up to the IV to get the dye in. The scary part -- besides the whole needle issue -- was that he asked if I'd ever had this done before. Uh, no. "Okay," he said. "The dye is going to work its way through your body through all your capillaries. If anything hurts, let me know." Wow. That's comforting. Really.

After the needle being jerked around in my arm, I didn't feel anything. The machine pulled me back into the tomb & the "with contrast MRI" took another 10 minutes. I think I fell asleep at some point, so obviously it was not a big deal.

Unfortunately, the technician wouldn't let me see the scans and said I'd hear from my doctor next week. The process? A radiologist reviews the scans and makes a report, which is then turned over to my doctor. So much for seeing what's in my head. This exercise is just to make sure there are no tumors or anything growing in my brain. I've been so stressed out lately so I know all this is due to stress but it's better to be safe than sorry. I'll update you when I hear the news. Please cross your fingers & say at least a prayer. Thanks.

Until the next nap time...

Managing Stress Amongst the To Do List & Twizzlers

So my daughter loves Twizzlers. For those of you who know me well, it's no surprise. In high school, my friend Jenny and I used to power through a family pack of Twizzlers at the blink of an eye. Yesterday, Little K got one Twizzler for going to the bathroom on the big girl potty. I asked her if I could have one small bite as I helped her get into her PJs. She grew quiet. While I had my head down, focusing on getting her feet into the PJ pants, Little K quickly shoved the whole Twizzler into her mouth. I looked up when I heard giggling. A red licorice mouth was before me, grinning. So much for sharing.

Tomorrow I'm having an MRI to make sure there's not a tumor in my head. Don't worry. There's not. After a meltdown a few weeks ago, I went to my doctor. The docs are sure it's stress-induced but want to cross off the other physical potentials before just dealing with the stress! HA! If only it was that easy. Any ways, I'm not looking forward to the hour-long MRI but I am looking forward to getting out of there & moving on to a simpler lifestyle. I've been reading this book called Breathe: Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life and have been floored at how the people in the book have experienced stress loads and symptoms just like mine. It's so interesting how I just happened to start reading this book now, even though I've had it for 1.5 year. Hmmmm....

More updates tomorrow. I told my friend Amy S. that I'l crack up if the doctors marvel at my pea-sized brain tomorrow. HA!

Until the next nap time...

The Yee Haw Party

Today is Go Texan Day at Little K's nursery school, which meant the two oldest classes were invited to visit the "big kid school" (aka St. Rose Elementary in the Heights) to watch the big kids western dance. As you can tell from the photo, Little K LOVED it. Clapping, singing and saying "Yee Haw!" was right up her alley & her friends'.

It's hard to see the background of this photo but you might be able to make out the fifth graders country dancing. It was too fun, although Little K began to cry when I couldn't stay through lunch and nap time. I hope we can take her back to the Houston Livestock Show in March. It was great last year.

Until the next nap time...

Making the Most of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo with Kids

Looking for tips on how to navigate the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo? Check out these links on my blog for plenty of suggestions. Enjoy! It's a wonderful event for children.

SORRY I didn't include these links in my newsletter this morning.

10 Tips for Navigating the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
http://kidsactivityqueen.blogspot.com/2007_03_02_archive.html

Fun in the Rodeo
http://kidsactivityqueen.blogspot.com/2007_03_14_archive.html

Until the next nap time...

Flower Girl Flying High

I just went through my photos & found pics of Little K at my sister's wedding. I was a tad worried about Little K's ability to make it through the ceremony as the flower girl but it ended up fine. Unfortunately, I discovered that Little K REALLY needed a snack half way through the ceremony & I didn't bring one. Otherwise, it went off without a hitch. Here's a photo of Little K doing her "spins" in the bridal suite before the church ceremony. Too fun! I still can't believe this photo is of my almost 3 year old. How time flies!
Until the next nap time...

Get Moving

Here are some snapshots of the "running, walking, skipping & jumping party" that we went to this weekend. Technically, it was the Family 1K, raising money for Catholic schools in the Galveston-Houston archdiocese. We thought it was a lot of fun.

Until the next nap time...

Weekend Update

So we opted out of the 5k this weekend for the Family 1K and it was an absolute blast. I'll post photos this afternoon. I couldn't believe how much Little K ran. It was so cute to see her run like that... That little body was moving.

After the "big run", we decided Little K needed some new tennis shoes so we visited Stride Rite. My Grammy says that while the shoes are more expensive, they last longer and are better for kids' feet. We got two pairs of shoes for Little K, although she's insisting on only wearing one pair now.

Our next stop was Barnes & Noble to pick up a copy of Everyone Poops. No, I'm not kidding. I was embarrassed to take the book to the counter so I just pretended like my husband made me do it. Little K loves the book but I'm not sure it's having any effect on her doing "#2" on the potty. Is it wrong for me to pray for her to be potty trained? She's so close ... and then she'll have an accident. Little K is also worried about being in trouble with her teacher because apparently her teacher tells her "no, no, we don't go potty in our big girl pants." Little K then thinks she's in trouble. I'm looking for the light at the end of the tunnel.

Until the next nap time...

Preparing for First 5K with a Preschooler

We're preparing for Saturday morning's "Steps 4 Students" 5K as we raise money for St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in the Heights. Little K and I discussed it this morning. Since I didn't think she'd understand what a 5K is, I told her that it's a running/walking/skipping/jumping party for St. Rose School (aka: the big kid school). I'm excited to say that St. Rose School has raised more than $20k so far for this event -- 100 percent of which goes directly to this school. St. Rose is also the top money raiser for this event out of all the schools in the Galveston-Houston archdiocese. Way to go! Wish us luck. A 5k (3 miles) is a long haul for an "almost 3" year old, especially with Mommy & Daddy in tow! HA!

Until the next nap time...

There's A Stranger in My House

Yesterday, I came home for lunch but still had my mind on my work. I ran into the kitchen, put my work bag down and started pulling together some lunch. Suddenly, I heard a man's voice in my house but his voice was a bit garbled. I knew my husband was not home so I was struck still with fear. Although I stood one step from a drawer full of knives, I was paralyzed and couldn't figure out how to get to a knife to protect myself.

"Garble, garble," he said again.

What in the world is he saying, I thought with my brain racing.

"M is for Map," my daughter's talking puzzle said again from the living room sofa.

M is for MADDENING, I thought as my fear subsided. Little K had started her talking alphabet puzzle that morning, hadn't finished it before leaving for school so Mr. Puzzle continued to talk. He spoke every 10 seconds until I put all 26 alphabet pieces correctly in place. And I thought I knew my alphabet! Lyrics from country singer Ronnie Milsap's song "There's A Stranger in My House" have comically run through my head ever since.

Until the next nap time...

Adjusting to School Again

My poor Little K. She just didn't want to go to school today. As we left the house, she cried because she'd forgotten her Moose from PaPa Don. I wouldn't let her go back into the house to get Moose since the door was already locked. I didn't want to set any precedents. She was upset throughout the short trip to the school & then took 15 minutes to release my leg and sit down for (some more) breakfast. Luckily, her friend Clare showed up and the world was at peace.

I ran out the door, trying to make it to a client downtown before 8 am. After 8, the parking increases from $9 daily to $20 daily. I pulled into the garage at 8:09 am. Dang it. At least the weather is beautiful.

One funny thing: the other night, Little K sang THESE words to "London Bridge is Falling Down":

Dun dun bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down.
Dun dun bridge is falling down,
My BARE lady.

I cracked up.

I'm hoping to pick Little K up from school by 4 pm daily now so that we can spend more time together. I think it makes her happier and it usually works wonders on me, too. Wish me luck.

Until the next nap time...

Valentine Week Wrap Up

I hope everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day. It was one of my favorites with a no stress meal at home with Trent & Little K. Ahh.

Last night, we opened a few gifts, including one that Little K made at school. A paper heart with plenty of colors and cut-outs with a photo of my little girl in the center... with a frown. It about broke my heart. The photo was taken last Monday (I think) & my typically bubbly daughter just wouldn't smile for the photo. When I asked her why she was sad in the photo, she simply said "because". This is when my mothering instincts kicks into high gear. Last week, I had a very stressful week and, while this week has been better, I've admittedly been coming out of the fog, so to speak. While Little K loves school, I think I can sense when she needs me more. When Mommy is stressed, it affects the entire household. (Sorry.) Could my stressed-out manner negatively impact my daughter? You bet.

This morning, Little K awoke at 5:15 am. We ate breakfast together, watch a bit of TV and then read an Elmo book together. After brushing our teeth together, we drove to school & I hung out there a bit. I promised to pick Little K up early today so we could spend time together. She clung to Mommy. Well, to be honest, I'm getting my hair highlighted at 1 pm and my sister's wedding rehearsal starts at 5 pm so I better pick Little K up around 3:30 pm. I'm hoping that some snuggle time today and throughout the weekend, combined with a more upbeat Mommy will turn Little K's frown upside down. Any suggestions from my friends & readers?

Trent was quick to point out that Little K certainly could have had a tough moment or maybe just didn't want to stop playing long enough to take her photo. I don't buy that though. Here's hoping today is a good turning point.

I will say a good thing happened yesterday & this morning. Little K's Great Grandfather mailed her a mini moose stuffed animal for Valentine's Day & it's been a big hit. "Moose E. Moose" (named after a character on the Noggin Network) slept with Little K last night & was the show & tell hit at nursery school today. He's now patiently sitting in my car, waiting for us to pick up Little K from school this afternoon. Yeah. This fuzzy guy really made Little K smile.

Until the next nap time...

Hershey's Kisses for Valentine's Day

There are about 20 calories in one Hershey's chocolate kiss without nuts. The fact that I just scarfed down at least 10 kisses made me laugh. After lunch, I think I'll grab another kiss and just not weigh myself tomorrow morning.

Happy Valentine's Day! Until the next nap time...

Forever Friends

Sometimes our indoor cat TJ is a real pain. Like when he cries at 5 am because he's hungry. Like when he scratches on my love seat, tearing it to shreds.

But sometimes, he's such a sweet cuddly friend. I especially appreciate how he lets Little K snuggle with him. Lately, he's been jumping into her bed more & more. It's too cute. They are forever friends.

Until the next nap time...

Full Time Mom, Full Time Wife, Full Time Worker, Part Time Me?

Well, to be honest, it was a really tough week... last week, that is. This week will definitely be better. I found myself in a HUGE funk. After a meltdown, my parents suggested that Little K spend the weekend with them so that Trent & I could melt off some stress. Friday night, we went to the Houston Symphony's love-themed performance (courtesy of my parents) and relaxed a bit. Afterward, Trent asked "Where to now?" Completely out of character, I said: "Home. I'm exhausted." So home we went.

Saturday, I got double doses of much-needed sunshine doing a bit of pruning in our backyard and swinging in my hammock under the blooming magnolia tree. We caught the movie "27 Dresses" and loved it! Then, we grabbed some Mexican food at a local favorite and made it home in time for the news and "Saturday Night Live."

Another good night's sleep and I'm feeling better... more relaxed, I guess but things still seem to be moving faster than I am. I'm going to try to make a bit more time for me and cut back a bit at work and volunteering. Hopefully, that'll work.

In the midst of it all, Trent forwarded to me a really interesting article on raising children without nagging or whining. Check out "Praise A Child Right, and You'll Get Results." I think I'll check out the book and see how the suggestions work in practice.

Until the next nap time...

Fat & Happy on Fat Tuesday!

We had a great time this past weekend at Galveston Mardi Gras. I was a bit worried about more raucous crowds than usual. In the past, there's been a $20 fee per person to get onto the Strand, but this year there was no entry fee at all. Fortunately, the day time provided a festive atmosphere for all. Little K especially liked dangling Mardi Gras beads for the second story of a building and then tossing them to her "friends" on the streets below. Boy, can this kid tease!

Monday proved to be a lot of fun for Little K at nursery school. Since her primary teacher is an LSU grad, Mardi Gras was in full swing. Each child picked out two necklaces and made a Mardi Gras mask. At some point during the day, Little K's class visited the other class rooms to shake their beads and shout "Happy Mardi Gras!" Too fun.

This morning, Little K was not about to head to school without a photo of her adorned mask. Let the good times roll! We now have so many Mardi Gras beads that I'm stepping all over them. I think I'll take some to our Mardi Gras party tonight at the church. It'll be relatively tame but celebratory. Happy Fat Tuesday to all!

Until the next nap time...

Fun, Healthy Food

Who knew healthy food could be so fun? And easy to put together! Little K made this nutritious creation two nights ago. It includes a whole wheat tortilla, cream cheese, and lots of veggies. Too fun! I'll include more fun ideas for healthy eating in the February newsletter... coming out tomorrow.

Until the next nap time...

Dance Party

"I can't believe it's Sunday already," I said this morning as my husband woke me for church. The last 2 weeks have just flown by.

After church, we returned home for lunch and cookie baking. This week is Catholic Schools Week so our cookies are treats for the teachers and staff at St. Riose Elementary School in the Heights. Well, the cookies that my husband hasn't already eaten. As fast as I lay them on the plate, he eats them.

While we waited for the cookies to bake, Little K and I enjoyed another "Dance Party." I turned the TV to the '70s music channel and we hit the dance floor (a.k.a. the living room). Little K quickly invited all her stuffed animals to join us & Trent snapped a photo of this finer moment.

Until the next nap time...

Kid-Friendly Mardi Gras 2008

Looking for something fun to do next weekend with the kids? Dress in purple, green &/or yellow. It's Mardi Gras time in Galveston and YES, there is a great parade for your family. The Children's Parade is sponsored by the Galveston Firefighters and is good, clean fun. Starting at 2 pm, your family will see an array of characters, clowns and (of course) fire fighters in this celebration. The float participants toss stuffed animals, plastic cups, beads and candy to children cheering them on. Last year, Little K loved it. Happy Mardi Gras!

Until the next nap time...