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...

New Resource: Paper Protocol Blog Gives Great Tips

While waiting for a client to call me back today, I started looking at blogs and searching on topics that I'm interested in. I found this cool blog called Paper Protocol that has good tips on paper, invitations, stationery, etc. (Check out the cute princess invites.) I have a BS in journalism and write for a living so it's a natural extension. Paper Protocol is cool because it talks about trends and the blogger's favorite paper goods. Plus, it has good Houston recommendations. It's off to a great start. I'll be back for sure. Now if only there was a blog on how to run a business, raise a family and stay sane!

Until the next nap time....

Where to Go When You Have No Power

With no power at our house, we continue the wait for power from my parents' home. At least they have a generator. We've spent more time than I care to admit in front of the TV, watching "The Jungle Book". However, we've ventured out for a few fun trips.

PaPa treated all of us to ice cream the other night after dinner. What a welcome treat that cold dessert was. My butter-pecan ice cream brought back memories of my Grandfather taking us out for ice cream after dinner at the cafeteria years ago. Butter-pecan was Grandfather's favorite flavor.

On Sunday, after checking out our own house and trying to nap there in the afternoon heat, we gave up. With no circulation, it was not worth the attempt. Our house was built in the 1930s and the windows have been nailed and painted shut. There's NO circulation. Trent, Little K and I ventured to Memorial City Mall for a ride on the carousel. For $1 per ride, it's one of the simplest ways to please a child and stay cool. I love all the colors and lights.

If you have any fun ways to stay cool while CenterPoint (& others) restore power in Houston, add your comments to this blog for others to see and try. Thanks!

Until the next nap time...

Recovering After Hurricane Ike

Well, Hurricane Ike proved to be "the storm" that was predicted. We evacuated to my parents' home in Houston because they had boarded up and didn't have as many tall, old trees as we did in central Houston. It proved to be a wise decision.

When people ask me tomorrow why I still don't have electricity at my house, I think I'll just show them these photos. Apparently, our zip code (77018) was one of the hardest hit areas in Houston according to CenterPoint Energy.

The storm that hit Houston early Saturday, Sept. 13, brought 100+ mph winds, flooding and tornados. Our next-door neighbors' property was hit by a tornado (Tree Toppers - they're called). It "shared" my neighbors' trees by landing them in our yard and pool. How nice to share.

When we went to our house late on Saturday to check things out, I absolutely could not believe my eyes. We're blessed, really, because our house was not damaged, minus the laundry room taking on some water since it's the lowest point on our property. (That's what you get when you live in an old house, right?) At least a tree didn't fall on our house like it did my Grandmother's house down the street.

I couldn't even take photos of my Grandmother's house. Two trees that once held together a swing -- that my father swung on decades ago, followed by me years later -- lay on the ground. Another tree from the neighbor's yard landed on Grandmother's kitchen, bedroom and upstairs game room. The roof is now tarped. Another tree that carefully bordered the driveway toppled over, stretching across the street and reaching into another neighbor's yard. (How many times did my Grandfather warn my Grandmother not to back out of the driveway and hit that tree?)My dad had to get a Loader to push the tree across the street and into my Grandmother's yard so that traffic could get through. Thank God my Grandmother was not home when the trees came tumbling. That would have been so frightening. I'll try to get the photos that my husband took of all this to give some perspective. It certainly made me recognize the power and seriousness of these storms.
Still, I've been amazed and encouraged at how neighbors and friends have come together. People who have lived across the street since I was a child opened their doors to watch my property when I evacuated. Others brought dinner to my next-door neighbor. Even the constables in our neighborhood brought the older neighbors bags of ice. The community spirit through it all has been a good reminder to me about how our neighborhoods could be... should be. Kids play ball in the street and ride bikes as many adults clean up the branches and debris. Everyone stays close to home. Even after local restaurants gain generator power, many people just felt more comfortable being at home with family and friends that have taken refuge.
I think about the Hurricane Katrina evacuees and remind myself that I'm so lucky that I have a home and neighborhood to return to. I just hope that this camaraderie, this sincere care for people beyond my doorstep will continue.
As Judge Ed Emmett said in one of the press conferences, this storm can bring out the very best in people. Bring out the best.
Until the next nap time...

Preparing for Hurricane Ike

So after a nice -- albeit rainy -- vacation in Puerto Rico for our 10th wedding anniversary, we're back in Houston preparing for Hurricane Ike. I'll continue posting whenever I can. My husband is bound and determined that we'll be leaving our house. I want to stay as long as the electricity (let me clarify -- Air Conditioning) is running. Little K knows a big storm is coming but doesn't understand the gravity of a category 3 or 4 hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast. We've decided to only explain the basics and try to have some fun with our daughter since no one in Houston is working on Friday.

I'm off to the pharmacy for allergy meds and then to pick up Little K from nursery school. "Take a Hike, Ike" is our new mantra. Who knew I should have included a generator on my Christmas wish list last year? Ugh.

Until the next nap time...

Mama Mia! Tasty Italian Food

Last night, we went to dinner at Raia's Italian Market on Washington. It's been open for only one month but runs like it was born there decades ago. The Italian kitchen setting threw Little K for a loop.

"Whose house is this?" she kept asking.

She enjoyed her spaghetti while Trent chowed on the New Orleans pasta filled with seafood. I tried the red bell peppers stuffed with crab, shrimp and cheese. Ahh. It was heavenly. So heavenly, in fact, that I had no room for dessert. Little K tried chocolate gelato, which she devoured as evidenced in the photo here. Trent licked his lips at the cheese cake. In five minutes flat, the desserts were gone.

I was hoping that this family was related to my old softball buddy Angela Raia from Memorial Ashford Little League many moons ago. But no such luck. Darn.

I highly recommend Raia's for its family-friendly atmosphere and delicious Italian cuisine.

4500 Washington Ave. Suite 200

(just west of Molina's and Joy Yoga on the north side of Washington)

713-861-1042

Party, Party, Party!

Last Sunday, I took Little K to a long-time friend's birthday party. Well, let me restate that. The moms are long-time friends. We got to know each other in 1980 when I was in first grade. Any ways, Little K & I went to the party at the Pink Pokka Dot Room on 19th Street in the Heights. Girls can have dress up princess parties here or in this case a "Fancy Nancy" party with guest visitor Hannah Montana. The guests first picked out their attire from a rack of fancy dresses. In typical fashion, Little K chose the gold sparkles seen in the photo here. Next up, the staff gave Little K quite a hair do. (I may find my next hair stylist there.) Then, the make-up came to adorn my 3-year-old's face, followed by nail polish -- purple (her choice, not mine but whatever).

The guests then sang "Happy Birthday" to the honoree and enjoyed tea and cupcakes. (Little K passed on the cake as usual). After that, the shop owner read to "Fancy Nancy" books to the guests, which made me giggle.
Next, the room changed into a dance party and my sweet Little K turned into a disco momma! A pretend Hannah Montana began singing and dancing on a makeshift stage and my little one got her groove on. It was hillarious. Who knew Little K could move like that when moments before she didn't even know who Hannah Montana was?! This party was a blast... for us all!
Olive Ann, 237 W. 19th. 713-802-2021.
Until the next nap time...

Get Dolled Up!

Here's a pretty way to beat the rain weather with your little girl.

Family NightPrincess Night
This is a special night! You can take some great pictures of your kids with Cinderella! Also, Sweet & Sassy will have everything from a Pink Limo to Glitter Make-Up! Plus: Dress like a Princess and get a FREE 4-pack Kid's Meal. Jingles the Clown Jingles is always SPECIAL! Hope to see you there.

Until the next nap time...

Translation Please

Kids say the funniest things, especially mine. Once again, Little K undressed this morning only to get her night shirt stuck. She pulls her head through but not her arms. She thinks it's funny and dresses around singing "Pack pack. Pack pack." She's trying to say "Backpack. Backpack," like Dora the Explorer. When I explained the logic at 6 am, she thought I was crazy. Oh well.

Last night, while she ate a Bullet Poscicle, she told me that she had to hurry up and eat it or it would "get milk-ed." She meant to say "melted" but don't try to convince her otherwise.

This weekend is jam-packed with 2 kids' b-day parties and one for my husband. Have fun with your families.

Until the next nap time...

Who's Been Peaking at My Book?

The Bunny Bungalow blog includes local happenings for all ages, but focuses mostly in the Heights. If you look at the blogger's entry from August 4, you'll see my book signing at Heights Antiques on Yale tied to the White Linen Nights event. Who's that stylish chic in the hat? My tennis friend Jennifer, who brought her hubby and two sons to the book signing. Too fun! Hope to see you all around town.

Until the next nap time...

Do the Right Thing

While at a business networking breakfast yesterday, a woman shared a notecard that a vendor gave her. Instead of just the company's contact information, this notecard also included the following:

1. Do the right thing

2. Do more than is expected

3. If it's wrong make it right

4. Make time for people

5. Improve someone's life

6. Make a difference

7. Do it now

While this certainly applies to business, the simplicity offers great concepts for parents trying to lead children toward morals and values. Hope this inspires you & your family to do good.

Until the next nap time...

Do You See What I See?

Life is all about perspective. On Monday, Little K was getting ready for nursery school. She reminded me that we're not supposed to bring toys into the classroom. "Its the rule," she said. Then, an interesting conversation unfolded.

As she put on her sunglasses, Little K told me that a boy at school wears his "white glasses in the classroom" so she was going to wear hers. White glasses? I thought. Soon, I realized that indeed one little boy has reading glasses. By "white glasses", Little K meant that the glass was clear. When I explained that he needed those glasses to see like Mommy wears reading glasses when I work on the computer, Little K quickly told me that she just could not see a thing without her sunglasses. Right.

It never ceases to amaze me what she can come up with. Luckily, her perspective almost always brings a smile to my face. Until the next nap time...

Cookies, cookies, cookies

Since nursery school was canceled today due to the storms and we couldn't drive anywhere, Little K & I made cookies, cookies, cookies. It started out simple enough with sugar cookies. We used Trent's Aunt Denny's recipe. While super tasty, the recipe doesn't make much. Of course, we taste tested so much of the dough, that we could have been the culprit.

Since my mom always makes oatmeal raisin cookies when it rains but Grand is not feeling well today, we decided to make our own. I tried this recipe from Quaker Oats. Unfortunately, I started off the mixing by adding twice as much butter as the recipe called for so we had to double everything. No problem. We'll share the cookies. Well, Little K went down for her nap and I kept baking the batch. I think I have over 100 cookies now. I'm plating them for family and neighbors, thankfully.

The cutest part was when I handed Little K the beater so she could eat some of the dough. As I used to explain to my own mom, she replied: "But it doesn't have enough on it to eat, Mommy." I smiled and handed her a spoonful of dough. All calories aside, it's been a fun day.

Until the next nap time...

Free Movies

If you think it's safe to get out of the house this morning, here's something fun for you & the kiddos despite the rain.

This movie theater is playing free movies for kids at 10 am.

Marq*E Stadium 23 & IMAX
7600 Katy FreewayHouston ,TX 77024713-263-7843
08/05/2008-08/06/2008

Doogal (G)
Are We There Yet? (PG)

Until the next nap time...

Fun-Filled Day

We had a Mommy & Little K Day on Friday. I can't believe how much I enjoyed it.

First up: a trip to the dentist. It was Little K's first dentist appointment so she was a bit hesitant. The hygenist Miss Lynnda was super about explaining everything and even letting Little K sit upright in the chair. Of course, the treat bag full of toys was helpful, too. I had not prepared myself for my daughter's intrigue. After her cleaning, it was my turn, making it a challenge to supervise a 3 year old while getting my own teeth cleaned. Little K found the tools amazing. After Miss Lynnda skirted the window with the water tool, Little K was investigating everything. Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of Miss Lynnda AND Little K cleaning my teeth, drowning me in water & flossing my teeth. That photo would have been priceless.

Tip for next time: bring a toy that will keep Little K engaged for awhile.

After that we went to breakfast at Le Peep with Grand, my mom. It was yummy and great for kids.

We went home and did our artwork. I bought finger paints with little sponges for designing, plus some butcher paper to lay on the driveway. Together, we created two banners that now hang on the fence by our driveway. Little K loved painting her hands & feet so she could do handprints & footprints on the paper . She sang with glee and I realized how much I had missed just hanging out with her.

After school & weekend activities just aren't enough for me. it filled my heart to spend that quality one on one time with her. I realized how BUSY I've become over the last year and how much I've missed with my daughter. Not to be too hard on myself, we do a lot of stuff together after school & on weekends. But I was carefully reminded on Friday that this time passes too quickly. I'm determined to make more of these moments.

Until the next nap time...

Testing for Peanut Allergy... Again

Today, I picked up Little K from nursery school and headed to Quest Diagnostics. She had to have blood drawn so that we could run the annual tests to determine if her gradation of peanut allergy has remained the same, gotten worse or gotten better. We're hoping for the latter.

I've struggled on how to handle this because having blood drawn is not fun for anyone, much less a 3 year old. I simply told her this morning that we would get tested again for peanut allergy and then get a treat. We talked a little more about it off & on but I knew it wasn't really sinking in. I didn't mention needles or shots. Is this the best way to handle this?

I remember as a child realizing that we were heading to Dr. Gardner's office when I recognized the creepy trees. My mom later explained that I would freak out at the thought of a shot so she chose not to mention it in advance. If I point-blank asked her about it, then she'd disclose the matter. I want to choose another path in explaining medical trips to my daughter but I'm still figuring it all out.

When Little K saw the medical equipment, she panicked. She was sitting on my lap. I was instructed to hold both arms still so the tech could insert the needle. Lovely. In a minute, we were done but crocodile tears streamed from Little K's eyes. Afterward I bought her a popsicle (which she didn't like) and then a snowcone (which she loved -- more on that later).

Thank goodness this is only done once a year. Until the next nap time...

Jenni's Noodle House Rocks

I had forgotten how much I like Jenni's Noodle House. Although the "new" location on Shepherd has been open almost a year, we just visited it this Saturday. This location is much safer than the old downtown location. We highly recommended Jenni's for Asian flair with a twist. It's super casual and easy with kids. (You'll notice Little K wearing her Disney Princess costume.)

When we arrive, the manager welcomes us warmly and asks if my daughter wants noodles or rice, showing her photos of the kids plates. Why don't other restaurants show the kids what the food looks like? It's so much easier for kids to pick that way. Little K's lunch is prepared and delivered quickly. Ahhh. The adults peruse the menu while tunes of Johnny Cash float through the air. Funny, huh?

The food is fast and delicious. Our little one loves the “Slippery Noodles” and even tries the chop sticks. But the staff is her real favorite. The manager engaged our daughter warmly and rewarded her for eating all her lunch with a Jenni’s Noodle House temporary tattoo. He even helped her apply the tattoo in the restaurant. Upon our departure, he was rewarded with a big hug and a high five from my daughter. This is truly one of the most kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Physical location: 3111 South Shepherd Dr. at West Alabama; 713-523-7600
http://www.noodlesrule.com/
Hours: M-Sat 11 am-10pm
Kid Friendliness: A
Food Quality A
Price: $$

Until the next nap time...

Is TeleTubbies to Childish for a 3 Year Old?

My husband does NOT like the TeleTubbies on PBS. I can't really blame him. They don't really talk so it goes against me telling Little K to "use her words." Still, Little K makes up interesting excuses to watch the show sometimes.

This morning, I put on another show but Little K quickly squawked, saying she wanted to watch TeleTubbies because Curious George followed that show. When my husband returned to the room, he tried to convince her (as he always does) that TeleTubbies is too baby-ish for her. Little K quickly corrected him today.

"No, I want to watch TubbyTubbies," she replied. It's hard not to laugh.

Trent followed me out of the room only to point out the independent nature of our 3 year old.

"Didn't someone pray for that?" he questioned.

Yes, I did pray for an independent child. I just hope she sticks with it when she gets to middle & high school. For now, TeleTubbies can keep on playing.

Until the next nap time...

Welcome Baby Claire

Well, she's just so cute.

At left, there's a photo of my mom "Grand", my daughter "Little K" and the newest addition to our extended family Claire.

I have to admit it seems like ages ago that my own daughter was this small. Technically, I never saw Little K this small. While Little K weighed 9 pounds 1.4 ounces, Claire weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces at birth... but that's besides the point.

It's truly amazing to think of everything that must go right in order for a person to be born. Seeing a newborn reminds me of what a miracle life really is.


I can't wait to begin spoiling Claire, although I'm watching my own daughter to make sure she gets plenty of positive attention, too. (Any tips from my blog readers out there?) While Claire is Little K's cousin, not sister, I'm wondering if Little K will become jealous of the youngest family member. So far, Little K just studied Claire contently and enjoyed helping the baby with her pacifier.

Mom Colyn and Dad Victor are doing great. They'll actually stay at the hospital until Thursday but since they're at Memorial Hermann Northwest, they're super close either way. Oh how much fun. Plus, my cousin Jon and wife Lisa are expecting twins this fall so our family is growing again.

Until the next nap time...

Baby Watch 2008 Continues

When you are pregnant and you go past your due date, it's a big deal... literally and figuratively. I went one day over my due date with Little K and was out of my mind. I just couldn't wait to meet my daughter.

My sister's baby was due last Friday... yes, that's 3 extra days as of today. Colyn went to the doc today and schedule an appointment to be induced this upcoming Friday, July 25. Apparently, her insurance requires her to wait an entire week after her due date before inducing. Do they have any idea how excited I am to meet this little girl? Colyn continues to wait, of course, as does her husband Victor. Come on, Friday!

Closer to home, Little K was adorable last night. She spent the entire weekend with my parents Grand & PaPa so she was extra snuggly last night. Trent & I let her stay up late since we hadn't seen her all weekend. We went swimming after dinner, then headed up for bedtime stories. Little K and I cuddled in her big girl bed, while Daddy read us stories. (Knuffle Bunny is hillarious.) When it was time for Trent & I to leave, Little K begged for me to sleep in her bed with her. I explained that I have my own bed.

Then, she turned to Trent and asked: "Please can Mommy sleep with me tonight?"

Funny, really. I promised to lay with her for 5 minutes but we both had to close our eyes. I awoke an HOUR later. Little K was still awake but resting nicely. I kissed her good night, promising to paint artwork with her after school on Monday.

When I went downstairs to tell my husband that I fell asleep in Little K's room, he simply responded with a smile: "I figured."

I have to admit: I loved the cuddling. There's just nothing like being snuggle bunnies with your little ones.

Until the next nap time...