Meeting Our New Twin Cousins & Painting for a Table

Last night, our family made a short drive to my cousin Jon's house. Just over a week ago, Jon & wife Lisa were thrilled with the birth of twin boys, "B&B" we'll call them. I was amazed at how little they really are, weighing in just over 6 pounds each. Their faces were smooth, perhaps because their Mommy had a C-section but who knows. The best was watching Little K interact with them. She was quite curious and wanted to know if she could play with their toys.

"It won't be long before they have tons of toys for you to play with," Aunt Lisa told my three-year-old. True. Time goes by so fast.

This morning, our MOPS group went to Young at Art to paint pottery. Although I wish I hadn't been rushed to make an 11:30 am conference call, it was fun to paint next to my girl. We each painted a tile for the table I swear I'll update before the end of the year. (There. Now I've set the deadline publicly. Hold me accountable, please!) Years ago, my mom gave me this cool sewing machine table that I really like. It just needs to have the top redone. We've been working on decorative tiles for about a year now so we should almost have enough. It's a great project to do with a child since they can create their own masterpieces and you can put them to good use. I'll have to keep you posted.

Until the next nap time...

Your ID Please?

Earlier today, I went to the grocery store and purchased some adult beverages for this weekend. When the checkout lady asked for my ID, I laughed... out loud. We quickly began talking about how funny it is that at some point you want someone to ask for ID.

It is funny. It was not that long ago that I wanted to look older and be older. Now, I'm caught between just wanting to look my age and wanting to look younger. What an odd evolution we go through.

I just hope my daughter will enjoy her youth. I don't want her to be older. I like her just how she is and want her to remember a childhood filled with happiness.

Until the next nap time...

Pumpkin Patch

When I think of fall, pumpkins always come to my mind. That's why we headed to Dewberry Farm three years ago to pick out a pumpkin from an actual pumpkin patch. Ever since, we've made Dewberry Farm an annual favorite.

They've added quite a bit of activities since last year, from a new fort to climb to the people-size gerbil running wheels that will give the adults a real workout. We should have allowed more time but we only had about two hours. We arrived around 7 pm since we wanted to see the 350 jackolanterns carved with themes from the NFL to Disney and Hollywood. Tip: Bring a flashlight so you can better navigate the half-mile jackolantern tour and be ready for a long line. Bring plenty of cash since the admission price does not include everything within the farm.

All in all, we really loved the trip again. This year, Little K said her favorite was the swing. It's an old horse walker that has bags of sand (or something similar) hanging from them. Kids can grab hold of the sand bags and whirl around the circle. (See Little K at left.) Just hang on tight. I loved the hayride but I do love cuddling. Hope you and your families can make time for this special treat.

Until the next nap time...

Fall Fun Abounds

Every October, I find there's so much going on, that it's hard to choose. Here are some of our favorite autumn outings.

First, Art Mix Learning will be hosting its 3rd Annual Halloween Party on Friday, October 24th, from 4-6pm. This is a free event for the whole family, so dress in costume and enjoy the fun!

(Beginning October 18th, Art Mix Pop-In Studios will be open on Saturdays from 10 am -5 pm. YES!)

The St. John Vianney Parish Bazaar is an annual treat for us & will be held this Sunday, 12 from 11 am - 7 pm. You do not need to be a member of this west Houston church to have a blast. There are loads of kids' activities and rides. Delicious food and drinks are available from BBQ to Italian & Mexican food. It's a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.

Oct. 18 from 11 am - 5 pm, head to the St. Rose of Lima Fall Festival. Enjoy pizza, BBQ sandwiches & carnival fare. A silent auction with sports memorabilia, trips and more will peak adults’ interests. Festival games and lots of other fun fall activities for the young & young at heart promise a day full of fun.A Trick-or-Treat Pass for the games is available for $15 in advance or $20 at the event. Please call the school office at 713-691-0104to buy the Trick-or-Treat pass in advance. Halloween costumes are encouraged. All community members welcome. Come see me at the Preschool Treasure Dig. I'd love to visit with you.

The ArBOOretum 2008 will also be held on Saturday, October 18 from noon - 5 pm. Join the critters for an exceptional event with live owls, petting zoo, pony rides and trick or treating along a forest trail. New this year are live snakes with "Clint the Snake Man" and a hayride. Admission for Nonmembers, age 3 and up, is $15 per person. Activities including: Live snakes (11 a.m. - 1:30 pm), Live owls (2 - 5 pm), Trick or treat trail, Hay rides, Face painting, Pumpkin decorating, Petting zoo, Pony rides, Kid's Zip line, Cake Walk and Costume Parade at 2 pm and 4 pm. Refreshments available for purchase.Follow signs to satellite parking; shuttles available. No dogs allowed day of event.

It’s Fall Carnival time at Condit Elementary School! The annual carnival will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 1– 4 pm at 7000 S. Third Street in Bellaire. Take a spooky walk through the Fun House or race around in the Silly String Shoot-out. Other fun games will include a pie eating contest, karaoke, and wall climbing. Also, don’t forget to get your face painted, grab confetti eggs, take a cake walk, and go fishing. There’s a variety of activities for every age, plus delicious food sponsored by Escalante’s Mexican Restaurant. Come join the fun and support Condit! There is no entrance fee, you can buy tickets for the different activities at the carnival, everyone is welcome!

Until the next nap time...