Fish Tales and More

We love fish tales!

Last Thursday, we met some friends at the Fish Gallery, located near Kirby & Hwy 59. Each Thursday in the summer, the Fish Gallery has storytime starting at 3:30 (till 4:30). We heard two cute stories about fish and an octopus as they were read aloud to us. It was amazing to listen to the stories while gorgeous fish swam in the huge aquarium behind the reader. What a backdrop! The Fish Gallery also made it nice by providing free juice and water for visitors. Kids were invited to sit on the floor while parents sat in chairs. There was quite a big group for an event that just began.

Next, George showed us how he feeds the fish and explained what the different fish like to eat... from red worms to live crawfish. It was really a sight to see. Then we toured the aquariums, where we saw Nemo (a huge hit!), eels, several types of starfish and much, much more. Kids could even touch some of the animals, although Little K & her friend Grace screamed at the suggestion and promptly hid behind me. Oh well. After attending 5 times, your child gets a "special gift".

The Fish Gallery at 4527 Lomitas, Houston, TX

713-523-FISH

http://www.thefishgallery.com/

Until the next nap time...

Chill Out in Brenham, TX

I love summer. The hot, humid weather seems to force even my work schedule to slow down a bit. Who wouldn't love that?

This weekend we took a drive to Brenham, TX. to check out a few spots that were recommended in a recent issue of Texas Monthly. We had actually been to Earnie's Restaurant before but enjoyed every bite. There was great shopping for young & old. I picked up two shirts and a wreath. How is it that we were celebrating Father's Day and I took off with the stash? Any ways, the town had just finished its Sesquicentennial Parade so everyone was in a jolly mood.

Interestingly, my husband had never made the trip to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham so that was a must. My aunt mentioned a water park nearby so we voyaged that way to check it all out.

The Blue Bell Aquatic Center competes with many of the Houston-area water parks with its great offerings. Check out the ice cream-themed water sprinklers and slides! Amazingly, this place is half the price of Houston water parks:

$3 Monday - Friday 11 am - 8 pm

$3 Saturday 10 am - 7 pm

$2 Sunday 1-7 pm

What a splash!

After driving by, taking photos & wishing we had brought our swim suits, we decided we needed a cold treat from the Blue Bell Creamery. Since the tours are only available weekdays, we just browsed the shop and enjoyed the tasty chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Yummy!

Brenham proves to be a relaxed town full of family-oriented offerings. Hope you can make the trip.

Until the next nap time...

San Antonio for Kids

Last weekend, we visited San Antonio. In truth, we were celebrating my father-in-law being awarded the top tax attorney in Texas by the ABA. Since the award ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regencey Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, we made it a family-filled weekend. For once, I have to say, we really seemed to hit things right.

Little K met her Great Grandma Helen for the first time ever. GG Helen flew in from Chicago. What a treat it was to see those two interact! I loved it when Little K pretended to take photos with the disposable camera and asked everyone to say "Hot Mama" while they posed individually for the shot. GG Helen didn't miss a beat. She was quite the "Hot Mama"!

I can't say enough about the hotel either. Super Kid Friendly! The Hyatt really makes it a treat for the entire family from the on-site playground and tether ball set up to the indoor face painting and evening ice cream parlor. The lazy river allows families to float around the campus in inner tubes. Even Little K thought it was a cool way to relax. Every day, families can treat themselves to a delicious breakfast buffet where children age 5 and under eat free. There's no skimping here. It's yummy. Saturday evening the hotel offered a family dinner buffet of Mexican food and festive decor in the courtyard. Don't forget the pony rides, too. The staff was incredibly helpful. Trent & I shared a room with Little K and still enjoyed the spacious room.

Saturday morning, we drove maybe 5 minutes to Sea World for a 2-hour stay that amazed even the biggest critic. Once she got over the initial shock of large animals jumping into air from the pool, Little K really got excited about Shamu's performance. I liked the fact that it was so close to the hotel so we didn't have to travel far after our hot trip through the water amusement park. Refreshing at the Hyatt was easy to do over lunch. I'd love to visit this hotel again.

After our celebrations concluded on Sunday, Trent, Little K & I headed to the Alamo. At left, Trent, Little K & stuffed-animal Dyno pose for a pic in front of the famous Alamo. The crowd was not too much either. Next, we headed to the River Walk and found the entry to the River Boats. Little K was especially interested in this, and yes, Dyno even traveled onboard the boat. Trent later told me that, while he initially hates doing city tours, he really liked the history that was shared on this one. Sometimes, you've just got to do it. I'm convinced that staying at the Hyatt for most of the weekend and then taking a short trip to the Alamo and River Walk is the way to go. I wouldn't change a thing next .... summer?

Until the next nap time...

June 14: KBR Kids Day

KBR Kids Day along Buffalo Bayou: Sat., June 14, '08
Here's something fun to do with your family this weekend!Buffalo Bayou Partnership will be hosting its second annual KBR Kids Day along Buffalo Bayou. Join us for a FREE day of adventure and bayou-rific activitiesKBR Kids Day on Buffalo Bayou. Saturday, June 14, 2008 10am-2pm at Downtown’s Sabine Promenade (Sabine Street between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway) Click here for a map and directions

Family fun festivities include:

• hands-on activities with over 20 Houston non-profit organization partners
• Up close with birds and bugs on the bayou
• bayou boat rides and kayak demos
• wildflower plantings
• bat games and fishing lessons
• bayou scavenger hunt
• live music, park performers, balloon artists and much more!

Special appearances:
10-11 am - Skateboarding demonstration with PUSH skaters at the Lee and Joe Jamail Skate Park and Houston Texans TORO mascot
11 am-noon - break dancing performancesnoon-1pm - Houston Rockets Power Dancers
1-2 pm - Houston Rockets CLUTCH mascot
Parking available at City Lot H and C(Memorial Drive between Sabine Street and Houston Avenue)
Until the next nap time...

Bellaire Aquatic Center is a Splash

If you haven't checked out the new Bellaire Town Square Family Aquatic Center, you're missing a great way to cool off with the kids. An you don't have to live in Bellaire to enjoy this water park.

I especially like that Bellaire has provided a family-friendly place for kids of all ages. My friend Jenny took her daughter (who turns 2 in September) here last weekend & had a blast. My nephews (ages 7 & 10) think this place rocks!

The Aquatic Center is located at 7001 Fifth Street, across from the Bellaire Recreation Center and is open 10:30 am – 8:30 pm Monday – Saturday and 1-8 pm Sunday. http://www.bellaire100.com/

Fish Gallery Starts School

Little K loves fish and, of course, the Little Mermaid so I'm excited about this fun treat.

Starting tomorrow, the Fish Gallery will have storytime every Thursday starting at 3:30 (till 4:30). This will continue throughout the summer. The activities are for kids of all ages and includes a touch tank, scavenger hunts and music. After attending 5 times, your child gets a "special gift". Check it out.

The Fish Gallery
4527 Lomitas , Houston, Texas (Kirby/59)
713-523-FISH
http://www.thefishgallery.com/

Until the next nap time...

Great Resources for Parents

I'm slowly pulling things back together after an insanely wonderful weekend in San Antonio. I'll post details later. However, I now have several tidbits related to kids and parents that I want to share.

With summer and swimming upon us, water safety is of utmost importance. Our friend Amy shared this story as a good reminder. Thanks, Amy.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=5001282&page=1

Juli sent me this link to a short article on Oprah.com about balancing work & life as a mom. I can be a bit defiant or so I'm told so it's no wonder I like this article. Here's a great quote from the article: "Being forced to seek balance within ourselves, we can make our unsteady, stumbling days feel less and less like disaster and more and more like a joyful dance -- the dance of a wildly, wonderfully, perfectly unbalanced life."
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=5001282&page=1

Finally, Andrea submitted this link about a new way to share photos & updates with your family & friends. Check it out.
http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/06/05/totspot-finally-an-activity-stream-for-your-baby/

Until the next nap time...

The Story of the Tomato

This spring we decided that our family would start a small garden. Great PaPa Don has an amazing garden in Ohio. It's been so much fun over the years that we tried one ourselves. Remembering to water the darn plants in the Texas heat remains a challenge. However, yesterday, we reaped the "first fruits of our labor" so to speak.

The blackberry plant finally turned one of its red berries to a rich black. Little K was quick to snatch it up. Before I knew it, the sole blackberry was gone. "Yummy!," Little K said.
The tomato plants are at last turning their taut green jewels into luscious red. Here, my husband Trent & our daughter Little K pull two of the reds for a pre-dinner snack. Now here's where the comedy enters.
Little K & I took the tomatoes inside to wash them. My daughter was so eager that she kept putting the fruit up to her mouth. Before a bite mark in the red flesh appeared, I grabbed it. At the same time, I'm thinking What's a little dirt? It's not that big of a deal if the tomato isn't washed. Unless of course, there's a caterpillar crawling on it. YUCK!

I showed Little K the caterpillar & cleverly explained that that's why we wash our food before eating it. The caterpillar wanted some food, too, but now he's been washed away. Little K looked at me with unconvinced eyes. My husband & I promised there were no more caterpillars.
I carefully sliced the beautiful, home-grown tomato. We sprinkle pepper on it and start eating them. Suddently, Little K stares right in the middle of her slice and drops the tomato in alarm.
"There's a DOG in there!" she exclaimed.
"There's a what in your tomato?" I ask half amused.
"A dog. There's a dog in the tomato," she said assuredly.
My husband & I peer into the tomato, only to find the fruit's innards -- tasty & as Mother Nature intended. We howled in laughter while Little K quickly moved on. There was no convincing her that a DOG could NOT fit into her tomato slice. Oh well.
Until the next nap time...

Library Offers Summer Fun for Kids

Library story times, movies and other free events offer a great way to keep kids’ brains engaged throughout the summer. For instance, many of our libraries invite toddlers and preschoolers to story time with bubbles, finger puppets and parachute play. Others host Family Nights with music and activities.

I remember as a child, a neighborhood mom loading all the kids on my street into her car and dropping us off at Kendall Branch Library. One time we watched a Pippi Longstockings movie. Afterward, the librarian showed us where to find books on that same character. A second mother picked us up from the library and took us to eat lunch. The next week, other moms took a turn. The neighborhood kids loved it.

Check out what's going on at your neighborhood library at www.houstonlibrary.org/branches.

Until the next nap time...

"Jellyman Kelly" by James Taylor

So we finally downloaded the words to our silly, family song. It's "Jellyman Kelly" by James Taylor. According to http://www.songfacts.com/, here's some background on this song.

"This song was written by James Taylor in the living room of his home in 1979. The music was inspired by a poem that was written by James' then five-year-old daughter, Sarah Maria Taylor, the artist Better known as Sally Taylor.

As James sat down in the living room of his house with his guitar, In walked little Sally Taylor, with a poem she'd written while in school one day. The teacher had asked students to write poems about their favorite cartoon characters. Sally decided to write a poem about a cheerful, bouncy little clownlike character, whose name was Jellyman Kelly. Jellyman Kelly is a sunny, funny, bouncy little man, whose most favorite thing in the world is the one and only, Jelly! His partner is Jenny Mulhenny, the daughter of a fireman, whose favorite thing to do is boil hot water.

When she was finished writing, Sally came home and sat down on the sofa with James, and read her poem to him. After she was finished reciting her poem, James exclaimed, "Sally Taylor! That's a very interesting poem! We ought to put those words to music!" Within a half an hour, James composed a cheerful, bouncy little guitar melody for the song that would become one of his biggest hits."

Again, it's a silly roadtrip song. Here it goes.

Here's a story about Jelly Man Kelly
He loves jelly the most
ah but most of all
Jelly Man Kelly loves jelly on toast

Here's the part about Jenny Mahenny
She's the fireman's daughter
ah but most of all
Jenny Mahenny loves to boil hot water

So Jenny put the kettle on
Jelly Man Kelly can he come home Jenny can he come
So Jenny put the kettle on
Jelly Man Kelly can he come home Jenny can he come

OOOH! Can he come home Jenny
Can he can come home Jenny
Can he come?

OOOH! Can he come home Jenny
Can he can come home Jenny
Can he come.

Lalalada doo doo doo doo
Papayodalehoodo fo faamyaka yaka yaka yakahuh uh nooooh

Can he come home Jenny
Can he can come home Jenny
Can he come?

OOOH! Can he come home Jenny
Can he can come home Jenny
Can he come.

Here's a story about Jelly Man Kelly
He sure loves jelly
And maybe someday
You and me friend we can have tea with him

One more time...
OOOH! Can he come home Jenny
Can he can come home Jenny
Can he come?

OOOH! Can he come home Jenny
Can he can come home Jenny
Can he come?"

Hope your family finds a tune that makes you laugh as much as this one does our family. Until the next nap time...

KBR Kids Day along Buffalo Bayou: Sat., June 14, '08

Here's something fun to do with your family this weekend!

Buffalo Bayou Partnership will be hosting its second annual KBR Kids Day along Buffalo Bayou. Join us for a FREE day of adventure and bayou-rific activitiesKBR Kids Day on Buffalo Bayou.

Saturday, June 14, 2008
10am-2pm at Downtown’s Sabine Promenade (Sabine Street between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway) Click here for a map and directions

Family fun festivities include:

• hands-on activities with over 20 Houston non-profit organization partners
• Up close with birds and bugs on the bayou
• bayou boat rides and kayak demos
• wildflower plantings
• bat games and fishing lessons
• bayou scavenger hunt
• live music, park performers, balloon artists and much more!

Special appearances:
10-11am - Skateboarding demonstration with PUSH skaters at the Lee and Joe Jamail Skate Park and Houston Texans TORO mascot
11am-noon - break dancing performancesnoon-1pm - Houston Rockets Power Dancers
1-2 pm - Houston Rockets CLUTCH mascot
Parking available at City Lot H and C(Memorial Drive between Sabine Street and Houston Avenue)

Discovery Green Park: Refreshing

Yesterday afternoon, Little K & I went to Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston. While I do suggest you check out the Web site at http://www.discoverygreen.com/, let me tell you that the description of the Gateway Fountain does not do it justice.

Little K & I first walked around the pond & watched the remote control boat floating along. We spoke with one of the police officers & headed to the playground. I was intrigued by the yellow music equipment. You can also climb on it. Little K preferred the bridge, slide and (kind of) trampoline. I also like that the floor of the playground is that rubberized material so if kids fall, their tumble is at least cushioned. Unfortunately, there were no swings at the playground, which made me sad.

So, we ventured to the Gateway Fountain. Here's the description from the official Web site: "This fountain offers a visual gateway to the park for visitors approaching from McKinney Street and is an extension of the playground area. Two systems of jets create a myriad of water activity atop a gently sloping granite surface, with 14-foot high arcing jets serving as landmarks and smaller jets cycling on and off to invite park visitors for a closer look or some fun in the spray. "

Now let me tell you how it really is. These AMAZING water jets start off at a low level -- almost teasing you to come closer. Of course, we did. Then, they slowly get larger & larger until suddenly you're soaked in water & surrounded by dancing jets of water so you might as well enjoy it. Then, suddenly, the water dissipates. Then, on one side of the patio, fountains leap up to 14 feet and splatter to the ground. Kids ADORE this. With Houston as hot as it is (already!), I think this is the best thing to do in town for FREE.

Parents & grandparents can also sit on the side to watch the kiddos play in the water. Patio tables & chairs are available but Little K needed me to join her. A cafe is also nearby so you can get refreshments.

The downer? I took AWESOME photos of our adventure but my husband accidentally hit "reformat" on my camera & deleted the pics. AHHH! "Oh well," I said. "Now we have to go back this weekend WITH DADDY." He smiled & agreed.

Check back for new photos from Discovery Green Park. Until the next nap time...

Celebrate the Re-Opening of the Downtown Library

So the downtown library is re-opening this weekend and will celebrate with Houston families on Saturday & Sunday. The celebrations are free. Here are a few things that I think will be of particular interest to kids:

• I think both music groups (at noon and 2 pm on Saturday) will be really fun for young kids.
• There will also be a gadget petting zoo so the kids can play with digital cameras, printers, MP3 players, etc. Kylie loves that stuff. For a free event, it sounds fun.
• On Sunday at 1:30 pm, author Rosemary Wells will be there to chat with kids. She's the author of the book and corresponding TV show "Max & Ruby" on Noggin. That's usually pretty cool.

THE HOUSTON PUBLIC CENTRAL LIBRARY IS FINALLY RE-OPENING THIS WEEKEND WITH A TWO-DAY EXTRAVAGANZA. The Houston community is invited to join Director of Libraries Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson, Mayor Bill White, Council Member James Rodriguez, and other City officials for the opening ceremony Saturday, May 31 at 10am, followed by a free celebration throughout the weekend. There will be something for everyone to enjoy including music, crafts, food, multicultural dance performances, library tours, technology test-drives and author appearances. The first 1,000 people through the Library's doors receive a commemorative book bag. Scheduled events are 10am-6pm Saturday, May 31, and 1-5pm Sunday, June 1.

The Central Library is located in downtown Houston at 500 McKinney. The weekend of entertainment includes a festival on the Library's Plaza with music by Trout Fishing in America, Jose Luis Orozco, Grupo Kache, and more. There will also be 20 booths of family entertainment, Ringling Bros. clowns, appearances and book signings by visiting authors including Rosemary Wells, David Wiesner, Anita Bunkley, Bill Crider, Ellen Hopkins, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Bapsi Sidhwa, and Katherine Center. Multicultural dance performances take place throughout each day, and the gadget petting zoo will be a crowd favorite.

And this year, the Houston Public Library is turning their annual "Summer Reading Program" into a fun family affair. Everyone is invited to participate in the program running June 1 through August 1, including kids, teens, and adults. To register go online or visit one of Houston's 38 neighborhood and HPL Express library locations.

For more information, call 832.393.1313 or log onto http://www.houstonlibrary.org/.

Until the next nap time...

Countdown to Summer

It's almost here. I'm so excited about swimming, grilling out, running through the sprinkler and the long lazy days of summer. You'd think I was a student getting out of school for the summer. Still, I always look forward to Memorial Day weekend as the kickoff to a great summer season. What are your plans for the summer?

Many plan road trips and the Salch family is no different, although I'm a bit sour about the price of gas. One thing we started was a family song for car rides. Our song is by James Taylor and is called something like "Jelly Man." None of us knows all the words. I have to still look up the words online. However, we shout and throw our heads and hands about the car like a spastic octopus. You can't hold back the laughter. What's your family song?

Until the next nap time...

Kids Say the Darndest Things

We had a fun but busy weekend again but I want to share two funny things related to young kids. First, Friday night, we had a few friends over to grill out. Little K was thrilled that her Aunt Juji (it's just a love name, don't worry!) was coming over. Whenever my sister/Juji comes over, Little K moves her collar aside to look for a mole that Juji has on her collar bone. Little K has done this ever since she could talk. Then, my sister explains that it's a mole, kind of like a freckle and the two move on in the conversation. Any ways, Friday night, this same scenario played out except Little K asked my sister if that was chocolate. I don't know if Little K thought Juji had dropped chocolate ice cream on herself or what, but it was hillarious. Who would of thought?

Saturday, we visited some family friends in Richmond, TX. My friend Kris, the dad, explained that his almost-4-year-old daughter went to school last week and the teacher asked what her favorite restaurant was. To everyone's surprise, she replied candidly "Hooters." Wow! That's a wholesome conversation. Her mom assured us that she would clarify that they had not ever been to Hooter's before. Kids say the darndest things.

Until the next nap time...

Professional Photographer in the Making?

Little K's newest fascination is taking photos with my digital camera. (Thus, this photo of moi. Talk about a close-up shot.) At first, I was hesitant and didn't want her to waste the film.

Wait. What film? If the photo stinks, I'll just delete it.

Now, I struggle with the fact that I don't want Little K to drop the camera and break it. Mind you, I've already dropped it on a playground and scratch the screen.

Fine. Let's just be careful and she can use it.

So now Little K is practicing her photo craft and thinks it's such a treat. Aha! Here's a reward that cost me nothing and won't rot out her teeth. Maybe this is a good idea after all.

Until the next nap time...

Mother's Day Weekend

Yesterday, Trent & Little K treated me to the beginning of a great Mother's Day weekend. After breakfast, we visited the new Starbucks on 43rd Street near our house. It was welcoming, clean and family-friendly. We later went shopping for Mommy and ate a cowboy lunch at Hickory Hollow Restaurant.

Next up was the Art Car Parade. We especially liked the dog car, the City of Houston mobile -- disguised as a huge caution cone & the waving flag vehicle. It was a fantastic way to spend an hour.

Saturday, we went to Denis' Seafood at Memorial City and had a great time together. Wishing you all a very Happy Mother's Day.

Until the next nap time...

Let the Good Times Roll

Is my family jinxed?

On Wednesday, I slipped and fell down 14 of the 16 wood floor stairs... on my tailbone. I went to the doctor yesterday and was told that they don't think I broke my tailbone but have probably torn the ligaments around it. The doctor massaged my tailbone (no, I'm not even kidding. It was SO embarassing.) and told me to keep ice on it. It will hopefully feel better by next week. Ugh.

This morning, Little K was so excited to get into the school that she ran right into the open car door. After she finally calmed down, I saw she has a big scratch and a shiner under her left eye. Poor thing.

Then, this afternoon, my husband called to tell me that he was heading to the ER. He was connecting a trailer to the back of his truck and something moved and his middle finger got stuck in between the hitch and the ball. Several shots & 5 stiches later, Trent has this huge cast on his middle finger that looks like he's flicking everyone off! Somehow in the madness, Trent took time to photograph the gaping hole in his finger. He encouraged me to post the photo but since I gagged when I saw them, I figured the pics were too graphic for my family-oriented blog. Believe me, it was disgusting.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that my sister Colyn was robbed last Monday night. Then, Colyn, who's 7.5 months pregnant, got hit by an SUV while she was walking in a crosswalk in downtown Houston. She was thrown 15 feet from the SUV. Amazingly, both mom and child are okay. I haven't a clue how that worked except by the grace of God. For real.

Now that we have all this bad luck out of the way, we only have good things left. I'll toast to that. Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. I'm heading to pick up Little K now. Our celebrations may now begin.

Until the next nap time...

Stargaze for Mother's Day Weekend

Here's a fun way to kick off Mother's Day weekend.

Friday, May 9 6-9pm: Nights on Blue Bayou: Stargazing Downtown’s Sabine Promenade (click here for directions)Free Family FunJoin Buffalo Bayou Partnership for an evening under the stars at downtown’s waterfront park, the Sabine Promenade. Stargazing will be the theme for this event, second year in a row, as the night unfolds and the dramatic trail lights appear.

• Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Discovery Dome planetarium
• Boat rides
• Night Hikes
• Live Jazz and Reggae music with Free Radicals
• 6:30pm Break Dancing with Youth Advocates
• Storytelling
• Astrology reading
• Screen printing star art
• Park performers and balloon artist

Bring a picnic or purchase food and drinks on site. Blankets and lawnchairs, canoes or kayaks are encouraged for optimal stargazing. For more information, log onto http://www.buffalobayou.org/ or call 713.752.0314.
Until the next nap time...

Trip to Denver

We had a wonderful weekend in Denver last weekend. We even toured the Denver Broncos training facility. See the photo of my husband Trent & Little K in front of John Lynch's locker. Little K mostly enjoyed running on the indoor track field with her friend Connor.

The weather in Denver was absolutely gorgeous. I was really impressed, too, by the Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch. It included an indoor pool with a lazy river, obstacle course, water playground and hot tub. Absolutely impressive and rewarding for families there. I wish the YMCA would do something like that here.
Of course, the real reason for our trip was for Collyn's baptism and it went off without a hitch. Well, Little K and Connor provided some entertainment while we tried to focus on the ceremony.
It was also great to catch up with our friends Amy & Baxter. Ten years ago, I would not have imagined that our conversations would have changed (do I dare say "evolved") as they have. From child development to books and baby products, I think we covered it all. Thanks for a fabulous trip.
Until the next nap time...

Preparing for Bed Time

The other night, my husband was over at my sister's house, while I helped Little K get ready for bed. We both took baths and then I helped Little K climb into her PJs. Next, we went into my bedroom so I could get PJs on too.

"Mommy, nobody wants to see your big-girl panties," Little K announced.

As I struggled to get my nightgown over my head, I replied with a terse tone: "I'm putting my night gown on."

"But nobody wants to see your big-girl panties," she repeated with a disappointing look in her eyes.

I've now been chastised and embarassed by my 3-year-old. It wasn't until later that night when I found the humor in the whole thing. Oh well.

Until the next nap time...

Last Thursday night, Trent & Little K has special Daddy time while I went to "A Celebration of Reading," benefiting the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and the Barbara Bush Texas Fund. When I offered to help my mom set up for this event, she misunderstood my intentions and got me a ticket to the event. Cool, right? Well, I'd rather stay home in the evenings to spend time with my daughter and husband but I went any ways.

It was amazing. We gathered in the Hobby Center and were seated. Former President George W. H. Bush and Barbara Bush welcomed everyone and introduced the first author, who would read a 10-minute excerpt from his book. Low & behold, in walked Former President Bill Clinton. Wow! He read from his book "Giving" and then announced that some members of the audience would receive a complimentary copy of his book (including moi). All politics aside, this was pretty impressive.

We then heard from a woman who said she had graduated from college without knowing how to read by faking it and cheating. She struggled to find work and said it was especially difficult to find the right products at the grocery because she couldn't read the labels on meat. Finally, she went to the Reading Commission and began to learn to read. Programs like the ones being sponsored at "A Celebration of Reading" helped this woman learn to read. Her goal: to read a book to her second grader's class. She was on her way.

Next we heard 10-15 minute readings from the following:

• Jim Nantz: journalist for CBS Sports and author of Always By My Side
• Immaculee Ilibagiza: survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and author of Left to Tell
• Amy Grant - contemporary Christian artist and author of Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far
• Jill Conner Browne - author of the Sweet Potato Queens series

This is a photo of the stage, including a custom made book case that was designed and underwritten by the interior design firm where my mom works. The stage set was then donated to Ronald McDonald House Houston to help youngsters nurture their love for reading. Super cool.
I don't think anyone in the audience left the event without feeling inspired. Just in case we needed a boost, a light dinner and discussion followed.
Now I have a long list of books to read and plenty of inspiration to do good for others. Reading 20 minutes per day with my daughter is my first step.
Until the next nap time...

Kazdin Method Works

Yesterday, I finished reading the book The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child with No Pills, No Therapy, No Contest of Wills. The last phrase "no contest of wills" especially caught my attention and my husband's since he recommended the book to me. (No, he has not read the book yet.) I think this book is one that I'll refer to throughout Little K's childhood & teen years. I really like how it's broken into age-related chapters so I could turn to the preschool chapter and get the answers I need. In 10 years, I'll refer to the preteen chapter. (Wow, that's weird to think about.)

Any ways, we are now using the point chart, reward system & positive opposites that Kazdin describes and Little K is making remarkable progress. Yeah! She's excited about getting dressed in the morning "like a Big Girl" (1 star), some times she's willing to have a "Big Girl Tubby" (another star) and she's doing great with "Big Girl Bed Time" (another star). After so many stars, she gets to choose a treat like reaching into a grab bag or choosing a game for us to play together. Kazdin walks you through the pitfalls and makes it practical. Here's my online review of the book. I'm actually glad my husband put this on my "To Read" list.

Until the next nap time...

Mother's Day is 2.5 Weeks Away

Yep, our special day is just a few weeks away & I've really been thinking about it. I'm very lucky in that my mom and my 2 grandmothers are still living. We also are blessed to have my mother-in-law Mary Ann and my husband's paternal grandmother in Illinois. Oh, and don't forget my aunt, who is also my Godmother, who lives one neighborhood north from me. Little K actually has 2 Godmothers. Whew! What a list. How will we spend time with all of these special ladies on Mother's Day?

Well, we won't. Despite some pressure that's been thrown my way, I told Trent this morning that I'd really like to celebrate Mother's Day at home with my immediate family. Maybe I can get my nails done that weekend and we can hang out by the pool with absolutely no agenda. The Salch trio could go to a nice dinner on Saturday night and just enjoy not being in a hurry. At some point, I'll head to my Grandmother's place around the corner to visit with her, too. Maybe I can take my own Mom to lunch on that Friday. I am just putting on the brakes because I don't want to be running all over town or all over my neighborhood trying to please all the special moms in our lives. (Note: it's interesting that most of these people are on MY side of the family. I think that says something about me as a people pleaser.) So here's the plan:

Grandma in Illinois: card
Mother-in-Law Mary Ann: gift & card
My Mom: card (I still want to find the right gift.)
My Grandmother: card and flowers
My Grammy in Ohio: card
My Godmother around the corner: gift & card
Little K's Godmothers: gifts

It's quite a list, don't you think? Hopefully, they'll understand that this Mommy needs some slow-down time. What do you WANT to do for Mother's Day?

Until the next nap time...

Life's a Beach

We really had a relaxing time in Galveston last weekend. The beach has very few people. The sun was warm but the breeze just right. I was so surprised when we walked on the beach at 5 pm on Friday and found amazing shells. I found a whole Sand Dollar, not a broken one. Little K and I even found what I think it an old hermit crab shell that's completely in tact. It was as if someone had decorated Pirates Beach with gorgeous shells just before we took our stroll. I think this is one of my favorite times of year to visit Galveston.

Saturday for lunch, we ate at Waterman's on the west end of the island. We sat outside so we could watch the boats pull up in the bay. The seafood was fantastic as usual. For dinner on Saturday night, we joined my in-laws at Guido's for an unbelievable meal. (Thank you, Cici & Popi!) My snapper with shrimp was scrumptuous. Little K mostly enjoyed eating her Popi's shrimp!

Sunday found us just lying around, soaking up some rays. Even our cat TJ found a spot on the patio to relax. If you can sneak in a trip to Galveston before summer is upon us, I encourage you to do so. I may even see you there.

Until the next nap time...

Markers Are for Paper

Here's the photo from Friday when I discovered that Little K had taken it upon herself to decorate her skin. She was not happy about me entering her nap room made art studio. Luckily, Little K did not decorate her aunt's bedding or walls. And we finally got all the marker off her skin, except her belly button. Every time I tried to wash it, Little K skirmed & giggled. Oh well. Little K is now very good at saying "Markers are for paper." I'll post more photos from our Galveston weekend soon.

Until the next nap time...

What Your Child's Doing Instead of Napping

I was busy working at my desk when Little K began to cry. She was supposed to be in the mist of a restful nap. I went it to the bedroom where Little K was supposed to be sleeping, and discovered...

Since we're spending the day in Galveston, Little K was "invited" to nap in her aunt's room. I didn't realize that Little K had markers and a coloring book in there. What I did learn is that the theory of coloring in a coloring book versus.. say... your face and arms hasn't sunk in yet. The craziest part about it was that I immediately covered my mouth because I didn't want Little K to see me cracking up.

"I'm going to walk out of the room for a minute because Mommy is pretty upset," I told her. As I entered the family room, I pinched my nose so I could laugh silently. I grabbed my camera. I just couldn't resist. Without commenting, I snapped two photos for proof later on. Then I calmly explained that we color in coloring books, not on skin and not during nap time.

I'll post one of the HILLARIOUS photos later. Thank goodness Little K does not have to go to school tomorrow. There's now more meaning to my sign off.

Until the next nap time...

Being A Present Parent

Today, I have to watch several Oprah episodes that I had recorded in an effort to get caught up to speed on Oprah's interest for a client. I think it's interesting how so many of her shows hit upon slowing down to "be present" and finding peace with yourself.

One Mom said that she had several adopted children who had lost their biological mother. Almost to make up for their loss, she tried to be the ultimate, the perfect mom. I do this all the time. Finally, this mom said she experienced a powerful awakening. "As a mom, I'm not perfect, but I am present." By present, she meant that she was emotionally, spiritually and yes even physically connected to her children. This was pretty moving to me, too, because I'm learning to let go of striving for this perfect mom (perfect entrepreneur, perfect...) image. This woman's comments gave me something to replace that struggle with. Instead, I can just be happy about being fully present with Little K and my husband. That's doable.

Another Oprah show featured Maria Shriver with some surprising confessions about her struggle to identify herself as Maria Shriver -- not a Kennedy or Arnold's wife or the first lady of California or even the journalist. (Maria was asked to leave the network when Arnold became Governor to avoid an appearance of inobjectivity.) Any ways, here's a quote from Maria that I thought was empowering:

"I was raised in a family that equated self-worth with personal achievement. Achievement brought not just acceptance but power, recognition and love. I'd been taught that if you weren't doing, if you weren't serving, if you weren't accomplishing BIG, then you really weren't being. You weren't even seen.

"I've learned that being seen actually for who you are, not for what you do is probably the greatest gift anybody can give you and you can give as a parent to your child and to your friends." -- Maria Shriver

I love it! Hope that gets your thoughts moving. Until the next nap time...

Playing Hookie

This morning, Little K just did not want to go to nursery school so... she didn't.

We ran an errand together and then met our MOPS group at Young at Art for paint your own pottery. At first, we attempted a salad plate with a princess drawn in the middle. I thought that would make a great "You Are Special" plate. One of my friends told me about that type of plate, which can be used on birthdays and holidays or just days when kids need a little boost of attention. Soon, Little K didn't like the fact that Mommy was painting most of it & asked for her own plate. Fair is fair. Little K's plate includes a handprint with pink and yellow designs. We can pick the plates up next week so I'll post a photo of our masterpieces.

Last night while putting Little K to sleep for the night, we said our prayers and Little K caressed my face, imitating how I prepare her for a good night's sleep. How sweet, right? Then she softly played with my hair, making small ponytails on either side of my head. Harmless, right? Then she shouted "LONGHORNS!" Hillarious! My sister-in-law should be proud. I cracked up.

Until the next nap time...

Trip to Hermann Park Train

On Saturday, Trent & I took Little K to the new train at Hermann Park. We had beautiful weather and loved the train ride. The new seats will actually fit two adults and a child so it was a good family activity. The train route currently doesn't have any stops (except at the entrance) but I believe future plans include stops at the local playground. I figure it's great entertainment for only $2.50 per person. The train runs from 10 am - 6 pm weekdays and until 6:30 pm weekends. My only concern was the parking. We ended up spending more time trying to find a parking spot than we did enjoying the park. Note to self: head to Hermann Park early.

Over the weekend, I also came across this "Kids Speak 101" article in a newsletter from the Rockwell Team in Ohio. "A fourth grade teacher likes to collect well-known sayings. She gave the first half of the saying to her students and they came up with the rest:

• 'The grass is always greener... when you leave the sprinkler on.
• A rolling stone... plays the guitar.
• The grass is always greener ... when you remember to water it.
• A bird in the hand is... a real mess.
• You have nothing to fear but... homework.
• A penny saved is... nothing in the real world.
• The squeaky wheel gets... annoying.
• Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and ... someone yells "Shut up!"
• A journey of a thousand miles begins with .. a blister.'"

Until the next nap time...

Our Father

I don't think Little K can say the "Our Father" prayer but after watching this clip, I'm tempted to ask her. I should probably rephrase that. Perhaps I can start working with Little K on this prayer. Check out the clip.

Until the next nap time...

Grandparents' Perogative: High Heels

My mom used to get mad at me when I'd wear her high heels as a kid. That's why I find it so funny to catch her wearing my daughter's Crocs.

Little K insisted on prancing around in my mom's high heels the other day. Did my mom even gripe? No way. Grandparents play by a different set of rules, I'm told. That's interesting because my mom used to tell me that I couldn't play in her heels because I'd break my ankle. Perhaps Little K is more talented than me. That wouldn't surprise me either. I say, wear whatever shoes make you feel GREAT.

Until the next nap time...

Tales from the Diaper Bag Diaries

Well for you new moms or moms starting over with another child, here's a great resource for you. The Diaper Bag Diaries: A Mom's Guide to the Web is a cool Web site started by a Houston mom. It includes hip maternity clothes, great books to read -- sorted by various topics -- her favorite finds from window markers to pacifiers for twins, and much more. I'm looking forward to downloading some of the kid-friendly music she highlights and making our own collection. Hope you enjoy this new Web site as much as I do.

Until the next nap time...

Bluebonnets in Bloom

We had a great weekend filled with birthday parties and R&R. Kangaroo Kids proved to be a good choice. The inflatables were new and clean. The employees were quite helpful. Some of the guests noticed a strange odor at the end of the party. (I seriously thought someone needed a new diaper.) My husband said he thinks a sewer pipe broke. Any ways, I'm sure that will be corrected so check out Kangaroo Kids off Hwy 290 and Tidwell, behind the Party City, for free play or a party of your own.

After school today, Little K and I checked out the bluebonnets. There is a great field full of the Texas state flower. Just head to Loop 610 north and exit TC Jester East. You can park in the Boy Scouts parking lot and just walk across to the bluebonnets. It's beautiful. Spring is here. Yeah!

Until the next nap time...

Hannah Montana's Impression

What's your impression of Hannah Montana? A better question is: what's your child's impression of Hannah Montana? My thoughts?

I just read an interesting article on the marketing behind Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus. The You Tube clip of Miley and her friend Mandy was like a flashback to middle school. Jumping on beds, dancing, singing and hugging your girlfriends. The friendships are genuine and straight-forward. It's a great reminder to adults that true friendships don't have to be complicated. While the You Tube clip is a bit long for my tastes, it was a good peak into the lives of tweens. Like the article's author, I appreciate the fact that Hannah & Miley are not rebellious, negative characters. Despite her success, Hannah/Miley has remained a good, positive role model for young girls. THANK YOU. Of special note is the fact that this You Tube clip is of Miley recent trip to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Cool, huh?

I still haven't gotten over the irreverent attitude of the kids on "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" that plays on the Disney channel. Good grief. It's a bunch of rich kids who boss around the adults and haven't a clue about how to earn a dollar. Luckily, my daughter didn't instantly like the show, so I've found other things to do when that (albeit popular) show is on. The actors in this show may be good, wholesome people. I don't know. I just wish they'd play stronger characters. Take a tip from Miley Cyrus.

Now I've got to buckle my seat belt and prepare for the ride. (smile) Whether or not I like the girlie screams and dance moves of Miley Cyrus, Little K will like enjoy them. At least Miley is a role model whom I can live with.

Until the next nap time...

Busy Month of March

For some reason, the spring is always a busy time of year. March is just flown by. From friends' birthday parties to Rodeo to ranch trips and Easter, we've had a busy month. I flipped through some of my photos from March and was surprised at how much we've done. (I think this photo of my mom and Little K decorating Easter eggs is pretty cute.) And hey, we still have one more weekend in March to do a bit more.

I spoke to a girlfriend this morning who was cracking up because her first grader decided to shave half of her eyebrow off. Apparently, once she started shaving her brow, she went into shock because my friend found her razor mysteriously on the bathroom floor. Her daughter didn't mention anything but her "new look" was quite apparent. The dad didn't find it so humorous and is worried that her eyebrow won't grow back. I think it's hillarious... with someone else's kid. Oh the things we have to look forward to.

Until the next nap time...

Farmers' Market Kids' Day

BAYOU CITY FARMERS' MARKET KIDS' MARKET DAY
WHAT: Urban Harvest's Bayou City Farmers' Market will hold its third annual Kids' Market Day on Saturday, March 29, 2008. Kids' Market Day offers children of all ages the opportunity to see where their food really comes from. Kids participating in school gardening programs will bring their produce to sell at the farmers' market. Vendors will bring animals and equipment from their farms to show kids what farming is really like. Kid-friendly activities will include seed planting, face painting, and egg dyeing using natural colors. Live music and a cooking demonstration will also be featured.

The Bayou City Farmers' Market is a project of Urban Harvest. URBAN HARVEST is a nonprofit organization that helps build communities from the ground up by promoting sustainable land use and horticultural practices to grow food and reduce hunger. Its farmers' market project helps educate the public about the benefits of eating local produce in season and provides the local agricultural community with a direct outlet for their products.

For more information, visit our website http://www.urbanharvest.org/. The Bayou City Farmers' Market provides a venue for over thirty local vendors to sell their products directly to the public. The offerings include vegetables, fruits, pastured eggs, goats' milk cheeses, grass-fed beef and lamb, honey and beeswax products, fair trade organic coffee, prepared foods and baked goods, healthy snacks, fresh flowers, fresh herbs, pastured chicken, and more.

WHEN: Saturday, March 29, 2008, 8 am to noon

Japan Festival in Houston: April 5-6

This annual event in Hermann Park's beautiful Japanese Garden draws more than 20,000 people. The Japan Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Japan with two stages showcasing music, traditional and folk dance and martial arts, as well as demonstrations of ebana flower arrangement, tea ceremony, origami and bonsai.

Revel in the rich cultural heritage of Japan by celebrating all things Japanese at the 15th Annual Houston Japan Festival. Once a year, Houstonians enjoy this spectacular event at Hermann Park that transforms the Japanese Garden and surrounding area into an authentic Japanese village. The Japan Festival commemorates the rich legacy of Japan with a mixture of food, crafts and entertainment - including Japanese art, music, dance, technology and martial arts.

Two of Japan's premiere music traditions will be featured -- the spiritually healing music of Taisho-Koto and Tsugaru Shamisen, a genre of folk music that derives its name from the quaint three-stringed redwood lute that gives it a unique sound. Three accomplished shamisen players will perform Tsugaru Shamisen. The Taisho-Koto concerts will feature Wakanakai, a noted group from Houston's sister city of Chiba, Japan. The theme of this year's Festival is Japan: The Past, Present and Future.

Admission is free.
Saturday, April 5 through Sunday, April 6 10 am - 6 pm
Japanese Garden in Hermann Park at 6201 A Golf Course Drive> Houston, TX 77030
Fannin St. & Sunset Blvd. (nearest intersection)
Easy access from the Metro stop "HermannPark/RiceU"
Phone: 713.963.0121
URL: <http://www.jashouston.org/>

Slow Dance

As some of you know, I've been going through a series of tests to figure out what's wrong with me. That's about as simple as I can put it. MRIs, vision tests and a future EKG are showing nothing physical, which is fantastic. The difficult part is dealing with what's wrong: my outlook on things. As a type A perfectionist, it's tough to be a working mom. Everything is just not going to be perfect so I'm pushing myself to learn to let go a bit and enjoy life. You're likely thinking Boy, tough life. Enjoy life more? The truth is: I've grown up thinking that the more productive I am, the better I am as a person. The more achievements & the more tasks I check off my to do list, the better off.

What a rude awakening I've had! I suppose I shouldn't say "rude" because, while challenging, it's refreshing. I share these thoughts because most moms I talk to say they don't make time for themselves and that's also been a part of my problem. But here's a thought: there's a reason why during a change in cabin pressure on an airplane, you're instructed to first put the oxygen mask on yourself, and then your child. If you don't take care of yourself first, you'll have nothing left to give your loved ones. If you hurry through life checking off your To Do list, you might not see the blessings right in front of you.

I just finished an amazing book called The 4-Hour Work Week and wanted to share the following poem found on page 284 called "Slow Dance":

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?

When you ask: How are you?
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done,
do you lie in bed

With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die

Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower.

Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Hope this poem has inspired you, too. Enjoy your day. Until the next nap time...

Kangaroo Kids on the Review List

We had a wonderful Easter break & hope you all did, too. This weekend we'll be checking out Kangaroo Kids, an inflatable party room like Pump It Up. We've visited it about a month ago when it first opened and liked it. this time, we're going to give its entertainment offerings a try. I'll post a review next week.

If you are curious about any new venues for kids, please email me to let me know which place you're curious about. Thanks.

Until the next nap time...

Fun Kids Activities in Central Houston

Here are some fun ideas of things to do with kids in Houston for FREE. These tips came from the West University MOPS group. Thank you for sharing your ideas!

"The Cookie Jar Bakery on Westheimer. Here is their website www.thecookiejarbakery.com/. Sadly, they have cut back on their hours and are no longer open on Sundays. This placed saved me during the summer months when it was too hot to do anything outside. They had a story time and then did an art project and decorated one cookie for free. They also had themed classes for $10 or $15. One was dinosaurs, another trains and back to school. Sophia really loved it and this place was very kid friendly. It had a train table and a children's table and chalk to keep the children entertained while you had your coffee. I just called and they said they no longer have the classes but if you have a small group of children they still do cookie decorating. You will just need to call ahead of time.

"Another free and fun activity that has not gone away is the Kroger here on Westpark and Buffalo Speedway. At any time you can get a free balloon in the floral dept. and a free cookie for your child at the bakery but on Saturdays from 3-5 there is a guy who comes in and plays music - right inside of the store next to the Starbucks - Sophia and I dance/watch and my husband shops. On Sundays - at the same time (I think, you might have to call and check to make sure) there is a clown who does balloon animals and face painting. All for free, although they do accept tips. It is not always the same clown so if you are thinking of hiring a clown for a birthday party this is a good way to see them work.

"Last free indoor activity I know of is the piano man at Nordstroms. Free balloon in the shoe department on the third floor and free music on the first floor next to the woman's shoe department. If he sees you have a child he will start playing children's music and you can stay as long as you like."

Thanks again for these great tips, especially during Spring Break and as summer approaches. I hope everyone has a family-filled, restful Easter holiday. Many blessings to you & yours.

Until the next nap time...

Easter Prep

Yesterday afternoon, we went to Northwest Mall for our annual photo with the Easter Bunny. No lines at all, but the least expensive photo package was $20 for four photos. At least that then enabled me to take photos with my own camera. Ta da!

Last night, we made Easter cookies (yep, that's on my diet!) and had a ball. We're really looking forward to the Easter break.

Enjoy your Easter holiday. We are all lucky indeed. Until the next nap time...

Animal Lover

I'm a sucker for animals.

How is it that a cat that I've known for less than 24 hours can get me to sob? Well, I took the kitty to CAP (Citizens for Animal Protection) this afternoon. The kitty was so sick that they suggested putting her to sleep. At about 3 months old, the kitten had a severe upper respiratory problem that caused her face to swell so that she could barely see. She also had mange and some other weird things going on. She hadn't eaten anything. If you read my earlier blog entry about this cat, you may be thinking Gosh, this does not sound like the same cat. Well, I'm such an animal lover that I just saw this sweet kitty and wanted it all to be okay. Instead, I'll go pick up Little K from school soon and then we're going to play outside with all 5 of our kitties... and be thankful that they are healthy.

Until the next nap time...

PS - I can't stress enough the importance of getting your cats spayed or neutered. Even if they're not your cats, you can get them fixed at SNAP on Durham (near I10) for little investment and as soon as they're healed, release the cats outdoors. You can take this small step to correct the problem of cats being neglected and over-populating. Okay. Off my soap box now.

Kitten Needs Loving Home

Last night, my husband found this cute kitten in the street. Apparently, the house across the street went through a landscaping makeover and turned up a kitten. Trent picked up the cat to move it out of the street, but then the cat followed my husband everywhere. The cat sat on our front porch crying so we gave it some water and cat food. Since we already have 5 cats, we can't keep this one. (My cousin Jon calls me "Cat Woman.") Unfortunately, I think it might be sick so we need a good home for him/her soon.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADOPT THIS CAT, please email me.

Until the next nap time...

Learning About Livestock

We had a great time at the Livestock Show on Saturday. Little K says her favorite was the pony ride and playing with her cousin Brent. I liked the pigs with their big snouts. Amazingly, Little K did not take a nap so she was exhausted by 6 pm.

Until the next nap time...

Test Results Normal

YEAH! I just (finally!) heard back from the doctor's office. The MRI results were normal. No strange things growing in that brain of mind. As I expected/hoped, I've just been overly stressed... but now I can just work on relaxing a bit, prioritizing commitments & enjoying life. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers.

Can you hear my sigh of relief? AHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Until the next nap time...

I'm Irish. How About You?

Fortunately, I'm Irish. Unfortunately, St. Patrick's Day falls on a Monday this year. Bummer. Oh well. I'm sad to say that the St. Patrick's Day Parade has been publicized little this year & I'm not sure why. I've checked the City of Houston's event site numerous times to finding out when this celebration will be. At least now the St. Pat's Parade is listed but there is no link to more detailed information.

Since the holiday falls on Monday, the parade will be held on Saturday (not Monday as listed in the Houston Kids Calendar -- sorry. The City didn't help any on this!) It starts at noon at Minute Maid Park and wraps up around 3 pm. If you're Irish or if you are tired of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (dare I say it!), darn your greens and head out for a good time.

Here's the route: Start on Texas at Hamilton, procceds west on Texas, turns south on Caroline, west on Mc Kinney, north on San Jacinto to end at Prairie.

Until the next nap time...

Is Spring Here to Stay?

I just received a copy of my article on fun things to do with kids this spring... including Spring Break. The article ran in the March 2008 issue of The Buzz magazine. Be sure to check it out so you know loads of spring activities.

Also, I'd like to extend a warm thank you to the MOPS group at Second Baptist (main campus) for welcoming me to its meeting last night. My book 100+ Activities for Houston Kids & I received such a warm welcome that I ran out of books at the event last night. Wow! I just finished delivering the additional orders this afternoon & hope everyone finds the information helpful for their families. With sunny weather like today, it's hard to imagine that just yesterday it was stormy. Perhaps spring is here to stay.

Until the next nap time...

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...