Course Work for the Artist in Training

Students find inspiration from MFAH works and learn from time-honored tradition

For centuries, art academies required students to copy the work of the Old Masters. From drawings and prints, students learned to create lines, master shading and contour figures. From paintings they learned composition and how to develop visual narrative.

Kingwood Park High School Art Teacher Kara Czepiel has revived this time-honored tradition with her Advanced Placement (AP) art students to introduce them to the many approaches to the creative process and to spur them to ponder the source of their ideas. As part of their program, students have the freedom to work within a concentration of their choice with most choosing to draw, paint, collage and photograph with the use of Photoshop for their concentration.

The rigorous curriculum requires a piece of quality artwork due every week to the College Board for their AP credit.

Their work is on view now through Sunday, June 27, 2010 as a Kinder Foundation Education Center exhibition New Masters on Old Masters through the MFAH Education Center.

The 16 pieces in this exhibition reflect both Czepiel’s students’ command of the technical skills of art-making and their discovery of the infinitely nuanced process of conceptual thinking: the invisible choices artists make before pronouncing their work “finished.”

“Teachers focus on skill-building, but the thought process about why a student is inspired to make a work of art often becomes lost,” said Czepiel. “So, I decided to make my students into visual interpreters, by instructing them to find a work from the museum’s collection, then to create their own version of the work. As the students became intellectually curious about the pieces and dug deeper into the artists’ lives, the concepts of interpretation and creativity began to take root.”

Until the next nap time...

Valentine's Day with Kids at Home

This year, Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday, which means that parents need to prepare themselves for holiday activities. What ideas do you have for spending February 14 with the kids at home? Please post your ideas using the Comments feature. Everyone who adds a comment to this blog post will be entered into a drawing for a Barnes & Noble gift card. Let's generate some fun ideas for kids and parents alike.

Until the next nap time...

Good News Abounds

So last night was my first real outing since my knee surgery a week & a half ago. Little K & her classmates sang 3 verses of "Jesus Loves Me" at the conclusion of the 5 pm mass. (I didn't know there was more than 1 verse.) Then our principal announced that St. Rose School will open 6th grade starting this fall with 7th & 8th grades opening the subsequent years. The congregation erupted into applause! Trent hugged me in excitement & my eyes swelled with tears. We have worked & prayed long & hard to make this happen. God is good.

Next, this morning, I bathed all by myself. Zero help from my hubby for the first time in ~ 2 weeks! My 4-year-old daughter & I now have something else in common: bathing without supervision! (Come on. That's funny!)

I'm also celebrating that we finished the 10th & final shot today. Trent's been giving me one shot a day in the stomach to prevent blood clots. (Don't they make a pill for that?) Little K said she was sad they were over because she really enjoys seeing other people gets shots! I'm either raising masochist or a doctor! Little K said she didn't want to be either of those when she grows up. She wants to be an artist.

My next doctor appointment is Tuesday, when the rehab begins. Wish me luck

activities for kids; fun kids activities; Houston, family, children, educational activities

Restaurant Review for Families

We recently tried the new Ranchero King Buffet on 5900 North Freeway (south of Gallery Furniture) and were pleasantly surprised. The interior was decorated much nicer than competing buffets. The lack of platic seating was impressive. The hunters lodge theme was a good change. I couldn't believe how many buffet stations they had either. You can only see three in this photo, but they also have a taqueria station and salad bar. Fresh food is brought out every 30 minutes so you avoid the food dried out by heat lamps that's common at other buffets.

I was hesitant to try fish from a buffet but the manager highly recommended it. I tried the cilantro salmon and was pleased. The corn bread was also delicious. The assortment of vegetable options and meat options was super. I think this would be a great place to take families so everyone gets their favorite. The pricing is competitive with other buffets in town, or so I'm told by my husband

Kids will especially like the dessert bar (see photo at left), that has everything from soft-serve ice cream and cookies to cinnamon-sugar churros. With no extra charge, try a few to pick a new after-meal favorite.

Until the next nap time...

Surgery Update & the Lessons Before Me

Sorry about my delay in blogging. I've been a bit "under the weather" after the "day surgery" last Thursday. Here is the gist of it:

When my doctor got inside my knee, he saw that my knee joint is small & the replacement ligament was longer than needed. So instead of putting 4 small incisions in my knee, he put 2 small, 1 medium and 1 long one. He had to move further down my leg, put the large incision there, put in the screw into my tibia, attach the ligament and then wrap the extra ligament around the screw so it would be the right length. Disgusting, right?

Any ways, the additional work and cutting made the pain more than even the doctor expected. In order to continue the pain meds, I had to stay in the hospital longer and the recovery will be extended. Instead of one week on 2 crutches, I’ll have 6 weeks on 2 crutches. That doesn’t take into account rehab for 10-12 months, starting next week. Ugh.

My recovery is slow but steady. I have not yet made it upstairs to our bedroom but instead sleep and work from a sleeper sofa downstairs. Bathing is interesting to say the least since I can't get soap in the incisions and climbing into the shower is difficult when you can't bend or straighten your knee more than 5 degrees on your own.

All this complaining to the side, I continue which lesson(s) come with this situation.

• Is the reminder that my husband Trent is loyal and caring beyond belief? Did I need that reminder?
• Is it that I'm fortunate to have friends and family (from my 4-year-old daughter to neighbors, parents & fellow volunteers) who are willing to help even when this independent soul wants to do it all on my own? I have even reconnected to old friends lost long ago by connecting with them on FaceBook during my sleeper-sofa stay.
• Maybe it's that crying doesn't improve a situation, but it just feels better sometimes.
• Looking ahead to rehab, I wonder if my lesson will be tied to the difficult rehab, rehab, rehab that lies ahead. I'm a really hard worker but won't be surprised to find another lesson there.
• Patience? I thought I learned that one already. Did I mention I have a 4-year-old daughter? I also seem to recall that my recovery from child birth was no walk in the park but patience played a big part.

Yes, I think I'll probably have a few rounds with all these tests and I wonder why. I'll get back to you on that. :-)
As my PaPa recommended, I've canceled almost every commitment that isn't absolutely necessary. It feels odd to slow down this much. I'm used to having days filled with meetings, commitments, carpool, calls and more. Maybe that's my lesson. Or maybe it's to enjoy the quiet times I have with my family. Little K enjoys snuggle time with me each morning before school and in the evenings before bed time. We do nothing but cuddle and watch a little TV. As a mother, I'm wondering how I let that precious time slip away from me BS -- that's "before surgery" and yes, the acronym is intentional!
I've found myself even asking my husband to cuddle with me on this old sleeper-sofa. We watch the 10 pm news, hold hands and then he heads upstairs to bed. With my leg in my constant motion machine, I head off to sleep with warm thoughts of family.
Until the next nap time...

Two Free Giveaways (Time Sensitive)

Thanks to Sandra for sharing these great giveaways.

First is the Barbie give away. Just visit http://barbiepinkticketparty.com/?npn=true, fill out a few fields with your contact information and you win either a Barbie doll or Barbie furniture. It's that simple.

The second offer is two free passes to Studio Movie grill. They are good through 1/31/2010. Visit http://smgwidget.com/part_signup/fbads.php?utm_campaign=20100110_facebook_display_&utm_medium=display&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=moms&utm_term= and fill in the fields.

Until the next nap time...

Parenting on One Leg

So my New Year started out with a bang. I learned this week that I did indeed tear my ACL and meniscus in my left knee, requiring surgery next Thursday. Darn. The real complication is in parenting when you're walking on a crutch and planning for little mobility right after surgery. If I thought it was hard to keep up with our 4-year-old before, I need to brace myself.

Little K thinks it's so fun to race her Mommy down the stairs. Guess who wins? Luckily, Little K then turns to tell me that I'm also a winner. Too funny. Little does she know, I'm already planning for enough rehab that I'll be able to out-run her in a few months. That's when my best tickling comes in.

Trent has picked up many of my regular chores like getting our daughter dressed in the morning and often fixing breakfast since it takes me longer to hobble around, getting my own self dressed. The slow down has been a bit frustrating for me but I'm trying to stay positive. I really believe that makes a difference in recovery, not to mention it's an easier outlook. (Yes, I'm already looking toward recovery.) Still, I'm learning how to depend on others, which has been challenging for this independent soul.

This morning, we attended the Heights Chamber of Commerce breakfast and listened to Steven P. Lufburrow of Goodwill Industries of Houston. He shared the story of Goodwill's ups, downs and returning ups to the business crowd, which all appreciated. The big gusto came when Steve shared the tale of Goodwill's receptionist, who has no arms. She answers phone calls with her feet and writes notes with a large pen that stretches from her foot to her shoulder. This woman can even drive and fish. (You should have heard the fishing story!) The point was: If this receptionist can tackle her work every day with a positive attitude, what can I do? Without the impediments that she faces daily, I should look around every day and be grateful... and I am.

A special thanks to Terry Jeanes for her "healing hug" and to Glenda Clerc for her cheerful words this morning. And, of course, much thanks to my husband, who regularly reminds me that "we can do this... together." I am so grateful.

Until the next nap time...

We are on our way back from Breckenridge & what a great adventure it was! Little K took private ski lessons with Nico for 3 days. While she knows how to turn, she prefers to barrel down the mountain, shouting "Weee!" She takes after her father's adventurous spirit in skiing.

I on the other hand use a more cautious approach, which does not explain why I'm returning with a blown-out left knee. The doc in Breck said I have a torn ACL, MCL & meniscus. Ouch! So it seems our 2010 will begin with physical therapy, orthoscopic surgery & 3-6 months of rehab. I plan on it being a ploy to get my family to pick up everything off the floor. Hee. Hee.

Here's to an awesome 2010, no matter how you've started it. Until the next nap time...


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Ski Patrol

Our family will reconvene in Breckenridge tomorrow for our annual pilgrimmage. We can't wait. Just finished packing. Hope to post videos of Little K's progress in skiing and maybe photos of the fireworks reflecting on the snow.

Happy New Year to all! Until the next nap time...

Discovering Christmas Morning

So, Little K made it until 7:45 am to maneuver downstairs and discover Santa's delivery. (Amazing since she was too scared to make the annual visit to chat with him at the store or mall.) Little K also stopped by the nativity scene in our dining room and found Baby Jesus had "been born" this morning. Yes, someone else was wide awake even before us today!

Within 10 minutes, Little K shouted: "This is the best Christmas ever!" How precious. We are so blessed to have family and friends to celebrate this joyous holiday.

Merry Christmas to all. Until the next nap time...

Christmas Photos 2009

Here are a few photos from our December 2009 adventures, including Little K's Christmas concert at school, a trip to the movies and visit with Alvin & the chipmunks and viewing of "The Nutcracker" ballet in Galveston with Popi and Grand.

Merry Christmas to all! Until the next nap time...

Family Activities in Galveston in December & January 2009

Check out Santa on The Strand, which has been scheduled on Saturday, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 1 to 4 pm. The Nesquik Bunny will also make an appearance courtesy of Chuck Sanchelli of Nestle Toll House Cafe.

Don't forget that the Galveston Municipal Police Association's annual Galveston Christmas Parade is scheduled to travel through downtown Galveston on Saturday, Dec. 12 beginning at 4 pm. The lineup will start at 3 pm. at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place. If you are interested in participating, contact John Bertolino at 409-765-3775 (day) or 409-682-0374 (evening). The entry fee is one canned good per person.

On Jan. 9 and 10, Galveston Historical Foundation will mark the 147th anniversary of the most important military event in Galveston's history: the Civil War Battle of Galveston, which took place in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 1863. Camps representing the forces of the North and the South will be established on The Strand (Gray) and on Postoffice Street (Blue) by the 19th-Century Living History Association, Inc. and the First Texas Brigade. A reenactment of the historic battle will take place each afternoon.

Other special events include Civil War walking tours, as well as Civil War themed cemetery tours, Harbor Tours and driving tours, highlighting the city's antebellum architecture and locations along the waterfront used as forts during the war. The Tremont House is planning to offer a special package as part of this weekend. For older kids, these are great ways to bring history lessons to life.

For adults, ArtWalk is scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the team in Galveston at 409-763-5806.

Until the next nap time...

5 Tips to Develop Positive Kids

I receive Jon Gordon's weekly e-Newsletter. It's a great way to kick off the week with a positive attitude, which is (let's face it) not the easiest thing to do. Jon's email today was tailored to raising positive kids so I thought I'd share it here.

"As someone who studies and teaches leadership and who is also a parent of two children, ages 11 and 9, I often notice the similarities between leadership and parenting. I guess that’s why I hear from a lot of people who tell me that they not only gave my books to their colleagues and clients but also to their family and children as well. There is no better feeling in the world than hearing from a 9 year old or a teenager that has read Training Camp or The Shark and The Goldfish and has benefited from it. This inspired me to write a recent article for a parenting magazine and I wanted to share it with you as well.


5 Tips to Develop Positive Kids
I have a confession. Despite the fact that I work to develop positive leaders, schools and teams, I’m not naturally a positive person. The research says it’s not my fault. Turns out some people are born with a more positive disposition while others are born with more of a negative disposition. But there is hope. The latest research in neuroscience and positive psychology demonstrates that we can mold our brains and ourselves to be more positive, which is great news for me and my children.

For the past eight years I’ve researched and practiced countless strategies to enhance positivity. I’ve worked really hard at becoming more positive which I guess is why I’ve become such a good teacher. I’ve seen the fruits of these efforts in my life and in the people I’ve taught—most importantly my own children. I’ve seen how simple strategies and daily rituals can make a tremendous impact on their mindset, belief system and outlook on life.

I believe that positive kids become positive adults and as parents we can play a significant role in shaping our children’s perspective and mindset. In this spirit I want to share with you several tips to develop positive kids.

1. Success of the Day - Each night before bed, at dinner or while taking an after dinner walk ask your children their success of the day. The success could be a great conversation, an accomplishment at school, something they are proud of, a situation where they helped someone, etc. The important thing is to help them focus on accomplishments instead of failures. When we help our children expect success, look for success, and celebrate success they find more success and gain more confidence. Of course they need to learn from their mistakes and failures, but let’s help them to not dwell on them.

2. Bedtime Prayer - A ritual such as this provides your children with a foundation of peace, security, and confidence that gives them the strength to take on the daily challenges of being a child.

3. Implement the No Complaining Rule - It’s a simple rule that says you’re not allowed to complain unless you identify one or two possible solutions to your complaint. This empowers children to become a driver of their bus instead of being a passenger griping on the bus. They also learn to use complaints as a catalyst for positive change and positive action. Visit http://www.nocomplainingrule.com/

4. Teach them the Positive Shark Formula, E + P = 0 - This is from my latest book, The Shark and The Goldfish, which is a story about a nice and positive shark who teaches Gordy the goldfish how to overcome his fear of change and find food. After all, Goldfish wait to be fed. Sharks go find food. The formula reveals that we can’t control the (E ) Events in our life. But we can control our (P) Positive Response to these events and our response determines the (O) outcome. This formula helps children develop a strong locus of control which is a perspective that through their beliefs and actions they have an influence on their life. They come to believe that they are not a victim of circumstance but rather a hero in their own inspirational tale and that they can turn their challenges into opportunities and transform bad events into good outcomes. This helps them stay optimistic and believe that their best days are ahead of them, not behind them.

5. Feel Blessed instead of Stressed - As parents we need to realize that children, like adults, deal with a lot of stress...and stress is the enemy of positivity. Well, the great news is that when you are feeling blessed you can’t be stressed. The research says we can’t be stressed and thankful at the same time. Thus, a simple ritual is to help your children identify 3 things they are thankful for each day. You can create a gratitude journal together or you can encourage them to write these blessings on their blog, diary or simply talk about them at dinner. And anytime they are feeling stressed you can encourage them to recall something they are thankful for.I encourage you to think of your child’s mind like a garden. Each day you want to help them weed their negative thoughts and plant positive thoughts. One day of weeding and planting won’t do much. However if you practice these strategies each day, over a week, a month, a year, a lifetime, the garden grows more healthy and vibrant. Nurture your child. Take time to coach them and nourish them with lots of love and positive energy and you shall see the fruits of your efforts.

Stay Positive,
- Jon"

For more tips like these for you and your kids, visit http://www.jongordon.com/. Until the next nap time...

Review of Lola's Restaurant in the Houston Heights

Several times, I drove by Lola's on 11th Street and Yale, and was intrigued by the big sign that hangs above its door. Today, we ventured in. First, Little K and her father remarked at the front door, that is fashioned from an old telephone booth.

"Can you get the phone please?" Trent asked his four-year-old daughter, who has never seen a phone booth. The door handle was an old-fashioned phone. Cute.

I had read on another blog that you need to first order your food at the diner's register. No problem. We approached the counter with really cool wood finish below, read the menus and placed our orders. We then picked a booth beside a window and waited a short time for our food to be delivered to our table. The eclectic place was clean, light and bright. Interestingly, it supposedly was once an old car dealership so I enjoyed taking a few minutes to entertain my imagination.

Little K was delighted with her plate full of 2 big pancakes and 2 pieces of bacon. The taste test passed, too. I really enjoyed my vege omelette, although the accompanying breakfast potatoes, sausage and wheat toast were way to bland. I've had better at my house. My husband ordered a ham and cheddar cheese omelette, specifically asking for the cook to leave off the parmesan cheese. When delivered, the parmesan cheese was included. Trent said it was an interesting kick to the omelette but not what he wanted. Still, I noticed he cleaned his plate, which also included bacon, hash and toast.

Overall, for $36, we felt like the food should have been better. It was average for kid-friendliness ad the food is served quickly and they have a small kids menu, but no kids activities. We agreed we'd be willing to try it again, especially since rumor has it that Lola's has the best chicken fried steak in the Houston Heights. Hmm...

Until the next nap time...

New Wonderwild in Review

I've received a lot of questions about Wonderwild, which opened earlier this month. On Nov. 1, we stopped by to inquire.

Being new, the facility was very clean. Wonderwild had one of the inflatable bounce houses with the slide that competing venues have. However, it also has a Jumpoline that is safer than traditional trampolines. Little K loved bouncing around on it.

They also have an area marked off for the very youngest players with soft-sided toys and climbing structures. It's in the same room as the inflatable and Jumpoline, making it easier for a parent to watch an older child and toddler in relatively the same area.

The staff person prided herself on how safe all the features were. I'd agree. It did seem very safe. Although my husband pointed out one concern. The indoor train is powered by youngsters' arms. (At lower left, Little K is pedaling with her arms.) Trent's concern is that kids could easily get a finger or toe pinched in the train track, especially as kids exit the Jumpoline and explore the train. Hopefully, the staff will put up a fence of some sort to prevent this.

One thing I really like about Wonderwild is the incorporation of art in the fun atmosphere. Not only will Wonderwild offer art classes in 2010, they also decorated the facility with colorful art pieces. I also like the fact that they offer healthy food choices from Zoe's Kitchen so your kids can enjoy themselves without overindulging in greasy pizza.

Hour of Operation:

M-F 9 am- 7 pm, $10 for walkers, $8 for pre-walkers. They are open EVERY day in November except Thanksgiving Day (11/26) for open play. So if your child's school is already out for Thanksgiving, this is a fun thing to explore and it's not weather dependent. Alternatively, you can purchase an annual membership for $675 but I think few people will be able to afford that price tag for something that would supplement school and other extracurricular activities. Maybe I'm wrong?

More Opportunities for Fun:

PLAY OR SHOP DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING. Come PLAY at Wonderwild on Friday, November 27, to work off the turkey and pumpkin pie. Bring your whole family & have fun together.

Or take advantage of the Drop and SHOP program on Friday, Nov. 27. From 9:30 am-12:30 pm, they’ll watch your kids and make sure they have a great time while you get a head
start on holiday shopping! Activities include an art project, groove to some music, and of course,

play in the play area. Walkers only. Child must be potty-trained. Must bring own lunch.
$25 per child. Members are free. You must pre-register by Nov. 25 by calling 832-863-3275 or email wonderwhy@gowonderwild.com.

FREE BREAKFAST AND PHOTO WITH SANTA
Come meet Santa on Saturday, December 19, from 8-10 am, in your holiday best for some light
bites and a photo session with a real bearded Santa Claus! Wonderwild will give you a FREE 4x6 photo to remember the occasion. Photo packages will be available for purchase as well.
Space is limited. You must pre-register by December 16 for the event by calling 832-863-3275. FREE for adults, kids, infants--yes, you read it correctly, it’s FREE!!

NEW YEAR'S EVE IN LONDON
Get ready for Thursday, December 31, from 4:30-6:30 pm to countdown the New Year --London style! At 6 pm in Houston, it is midnight in London, so get ready to rock n' roll the night

away to some live music. Wonderwild will have complimentary food and drinks, plus other fun

activities. This is a great way for families to celebrate, play and bring in the New Year together!

Space is limited. $15 per child. Members are free. You must purchase tickets in advance by calling 832-863-3275 or email wonderwhy@gowonderwild.com.

Maybe we'll see you there. Until the next nap time...

Fall is in the Air in Houston Area

After an eventful Grandparents Day in Houston, we headed to the ranch. I love it there this time of year. Not only is the weather a bit cooler, but the leaves on the trees actually change color in Navasota. Plus, we get to take hay rides.

Today, after lunch, PaPa had to run errands so we went to the local tractor shop. I know, glamourous. But Little K enjoyed playing on the "kids digger" just like they have at Dewberry Farm. When my dad saw her "digging a lake", he smiled and said he'd have to take Little K on a real back-hoe like he used to take me and my sister when we were little. Fond memories.

On our way out, we stopped for a quick photo shoot at the entrance, thus the photo at left. It was cleverly decorated for Thanksgiving, which happens to be one of my favorite holidays. Not only is my birthday around Thanksgiving, but it also seems to be the forgotten holiday and I always pull for the under dog. The stores seem to go directly from Halloween to Christmas. Do you not remember how the United States got started? Enough of my soap box.

This evening, we went for a ride in the ranch buggy/ATV. I insisted on riding in the back with the cool kids, while my parents drove up front. It was cute to see Little K and her cousin Claire bundled up. I tucked them in with a blanket because it was cool and, frankly, my sister promised to release stories better left untold if her daughter came home sick from too much cold outside wind. I obliged willingly.

As Dad drove, our 8-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback dog ran diligently beside the ATV. The only problem was that we didn't want him to run that close. There was literally about 2 inches between him and the ATV. I worried that one of his legs would get run over. Apparently, my parenting "worry" skills also applies to the dog. Nice. As my dad tried to drive faster and lose the dog, I leaned out of the back, pushing the dog away and used my best dog commands to make him move away from the vehicle. No luck. Finally, we stopped so I could lift the 73-pound dog into the back of the vehicle with the cool kids. At last, he was cool, too, and enjoyed the ride. Why the kids smiled and laughed the whole time EXCEPT when my mom took this picture, I don't know. Oh well.

Tomorrow, we'll return to Houston but this has been a fun, relaxing weekend despite the rain. I have especially enjoyed spending time with my niece. The 1-year-old has been a good reminder of what it's like to have a toddler under foot. (An observation, not a wish for a second child..) She's has retaught me that, although she doesn't yet have many verbal skills, she understands most of what I say. It's also been good for Little K because she's forced to share everything... something an only child doesn't experience much. Interestingly, Little K has not asked for a younger sibling all weekend. My work is done. Hee. Hee.

In advance, Happy Thanksgiving to all. Until the next nap time...

Running Late from Work

So I literally ran into the auditorium, trying to make it to my daughter's Grandparents Day/Thanksgiving Day celebration. Since I was running late from my work conference call and PreK always goes first as the youngest students, I missed her singing. Ugh. I feel horrible. My husband greeted me at the door and saw the frantic look on my face.

"Just say you thought the 'Gobble, Gobble' part was the best," he said.

My dad then walked up and offered me his seat up front. I sat by my mom and my in-laws, who dutifully watched the remaining grades do their presentations. At least Little K's grandparents were front & center. At least it wasn't Parents Day. But oh, how I wish I could have seen her. The personal one-act show that she did for me later was adorable but I hate to miss those little moments. Luckily, Little K hasn't asked me if I saw her because I don't want to lie, nor do I want her to know that her working mother didn't make it in time. I'm good at beating myself up over these things. Oh well. Better luck next time.

Until the next nap time...

Balancing Work and Family

Have you ever been torn between work commitments and family? I'm on a work conference call but need to go to my daughter's 10 am Thankgiving production. The call is important in that we're planning for next year and even talking about giving back to a local charity. Still, my child is my top priority. Hmmm... this will be interesting to step off this call. Ugh.

Until the next nap time...

Faces in the Crowd: Helping Parents Create Memories

Yeah! I'm so excited. Reporter Flori Meeks wrote the article "Faces in the Crowd: Helping Parents Create Memories". The article reviews my book 100+ Activities for Houston Kids with input from recent purchasers. I hope you'll check it out at http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/heights/news/6724686.html.

Emma Turns the Corner, Little K Preps for Grandparents

Good news! Emma gets to go home from the hospital. We are all thrilled and thankful for your prayers. Please continue to pray for her as radiation treatments will begin to prevent the tumor from returning again.

Little K has been preparing for Grandparents Day, which is celebrated on Nov. 20 at our school. Apparently, she'll carry up the gifts at the 8:15 am mass and later sing a song with her classmates. Then, we get to play hookie by going to eat with Little K's two grandmothers and two grandfathers. How lucky we are! It's too bad her great-grandparents couldn't join us but they'll be in our thoughts.

Any suggestions on special gifts for the Grandparents? I'd like to give them a small token in remembrance of the day.

Until the next nap time...