Texan Mommy of Three

Snow

2009-12-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

The snowfall last night was a bit too 'wet' for sledding, so the girls posed for me.

Field Trips

2009-10-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

Our school district has provided each of the girls with a fantastic field trip this week.

On Monday, J visited Greenwood Furnace State Park and worked on science and social studies. For science, they learned to test the pH of liquids. They used this knowledge to test the water of the stream in the area. They also identified the macro-invertebrates from the stream. They used both pieces of information to judge the quality of the stream. Turns out the stream is quite healthy! For social studies, they helped with the archaeological excavation of the area. The site had 90 buildings during the mid-19th century. Although few are standing today, the school district and park authority are studying the ruins to get a better understanding of life in the area during that time. The kids learned how to chart findings and how context shapes understanding. Fabulous!

On Wednesday, S visited Reptiland. Although I didn't accompany them (this is a stock photo from this summer), she reported that it was "the best field trip ever". Her favorite part was the bus ride on the charter bus complete with movies AND toilet. She got to pet an alligator and see butterflies up close.

Today, G headed out to Way Fruit Farm. Founded in 1875, this lovely fruit farm boasts 30 varieties of apples. The Jonagold was created by a member of the family! Mr. and Mrs. Way (the 5th generation) helped give the tour. We learned about how they pick, wash, and sort the apples. We got to stand inside the cooler that keeps the apples fresh. At the end of the tour, each child got to fill a bag with fresh apples and take home a small container of fresh cider. Yum!

Why I've Been AWOL

2009-09-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

We have moved to Pennsylvania. Hubby is serving a wonderful parish alongside an amazing senior priest. The area has great schools and four seasons. We're falling in love.

Me Improved

2009-05-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I received my MS from the University of North Texas.

My Girls

2009-04-18T17:46:00.001-07:00

Palm Sunday 2009

2009-04-13T05:33:00.000-07:00

What a glorious feast of the Entry of Our Lord into Jerusalem!

The children sang:

By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy passion, Thou didst confirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children with the palms of victory, we cry out to Thee, O Vanquisher of Death. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!

The weekend also included a Pysanky egg class. The girls had a fun learning this Ukranian egg decorating technique.

Us 1996

2009-01-06T20:11:00.000-08:00

October 1991

2009-01-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

Were we really that young?

Pensacola last June

2009-01-04T19:03:00.000-08:00

Need beads?

Christ is Born!

2008-12-25T19:04:00.000-08:00

Glorify Him!

Joy to the World?

2008-12-21T06:46:00.000-08:00

If I hear the Barney version that includes BBQ and flushing down the potty one more time, I'll have three girls for sale . . . cheap.

Whee

2008-12-20T05:09:00.001-08:00

Leaf fun at Maw and Pawpa's house.

Crazy Cousins

2008-12-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

Hill rolling with our crazy cousins.

Sleep Study, Part 2

2008-12-16T17:59:00.001-08:00

S went for her follow-up sleep study last night. Her first study indicated she had sleep apnea.

This summer the doctors removed her tonsils and adnoids.

We are anxiously awaiting the results.

Christmas Gift of a Lifetime

2008-12-15T07:34:00.000-08:00

J was invited by Baby SD to attend this with him.

Yep, a private Christmas party with a concert by Miley Cyrus.

Baby SD's dad is the lawyer's PR guy here in Houston.

Wow.

An Afternoon at The Nutcracker

2008-12-12T03:57:00.003-08:00

Eight junior girl scouts all dressed up enjoying the show.

The Cutest Wiseman

2008-12-11T16:57:00.001-08:00

The red head on the right!

What Is That White Stuff?

2008-12-10T18:49:00.000-08:00

Snow.

South Texas.

Wow.

More Saint Nicholas Fun

2008-12-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

Saint Nicholas made a special visit to our church school last week. He told the story of his life and handed out gold coins to the children. Our church YiaYia made all the children scarves. What a merry bunch!

Happy St. Nicholas Day

2008-12-06T06:54:00.000-08:00

Progress

2008-11-29T12:46:00.000-08:00

We may get a car in yet!

Turkey Girls

2008-11-25T07:48:00.000-08:00

G's best friend had her mom make her and G matching Thanksgiving skirts for their feast at school today.

How do you spell adorable?

Weekly Poetry Work

2008-11-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

Each week, S must practice reading an assigned poem.

We had lots of laughs with this one entitled Turkey Dinner.

Turkey dinner, turkey dinner,
Gather round, gather round.
Who will get the drumstick,
Yummy, yummy drumstick,
All sit down, all sit down.

Cornbread muffins, chestnut stuffing,
Pudding pie, one foot high,
All of us were thinner, 'til we came to dinner,
Me, oh, my, me, oh, my!

May He Lead Us Well

2008-11-13T04:51:00.001-08:00

The Orthodox Church in America has elected a caring shepherd to lead us.

Axios! Axios! Axios!

God grant you many years, Your Beatitude Jonah.

Baby SD

2008-11-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

Baby SD is still cute. Just sayin'.

Boo with the Cousins

2008-11-03T08:23:00.001-08:00

We were in Dallas for Halloween. The girls had a blast with their cousins!

Trick or Treat

2008-11-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

One 'evil' princess (her words, not mine).
One Aggie cheerleader.
One 50's chick.

When You Need to Paint Your Stairs

2008-10-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

It's good to be married to an engineer.

Warning

2008-10-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

Do not drop the dog house on your foot when cleaning after a hurricane.

Half of your foot will turn red.

Your girls will chastise you for wearing crocs to church.

It will hurt.

Favorite Article

2008-10-06T14:47:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the best entries from an article in the September 19, 2008 issue of the Houston Chronicle.

Fumbling in the dark we've learned:
*Two-year-old canned beets taste better than you think.
*Garage doors aren't magic.
*Spaghetti-Os and canned tuna don't mix well.
*You can't train yourself not to flip on light switches when entering a room.
*Lukewarm is the new cold.
*It's easier to ignore a dirty floor when you can't see it.
*Hair can dry without a blowdryer, but it may not look the way you planned.
*You run out of things to barbecue after Day 2.
*A three-hour line for gasoline is an explosion waiting to happen.
*That neighbor who knows how to use a chainsaw is your new best friend.
*Coffee is possible without Starbucks.
*Manicures are a sign of civilization.
*It seems spooky that the electric toothbrush still works.

And on the 14th Day

2008-09-26T20:42:00.001-07:00

There was light.

A Few Hurricane Lessons

2008-09-23T18:52:00.001-07:00

**Remove all Blockbuster DVD rentals from your player before the power goes out.

**Owning an electric chainsaw makes you a wuss.

**While staying at a friend's house, your four year old will clog the toilet with too much toilet paper.

**Five pounds is a reasonable amount of weight to gain, right?

**A neighborhood full of rotten food trash from hot refrigerators is stinky.

**Text messaging is awesome.

When You Have No Power

2008-09-16T07:23:00.001-07:00

Head to Maw and Pawpa's and convince Maw to take you to see the Texas Rangers.

Still Waiting

2008-09-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

Waiting

2008-09-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Let Pre-Kindergarten Begin

2008-09-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

And They're Off

2008-08-25T09:11:00.001-07:00

J to fourth grade and S to first.

Chinese Calendar

2008-08-11T11:19:00.001-07:00

The girls have been fascinated with China because of the Olympics.

Recently we have looked up which year we were born in according to the Chinese calendar.

I am a dog, J is a rabbit, S is horse, and G is a monkey.

When G heard this, she began to wail. And wail. And wail. She was only consoled after we told her Daddy was also a monkey.

She then stomped her foot and told us she would only be a monkey if she could be a GIRL monkey.

Build a Bear Fun

2008-08-10T13:24:00.001-07:00

G chose two friends to take to the mall to Build a Bear for her birthday. They had a ball

She is 4

2008-08-09T05:39:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday G!

When I Am 94

2008-08-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

I want to live on my own, drive myself to church, and mow my own grass.

My grandmother is truly amazing!

The Ice Cream Eating Winner

2008-08-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

No hands and no feet allowed.

Uncle A rocks!

More Kansas Parks

2008-08-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

Kansas Parks

2008-08-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

The girls had a fabulous time at several of the Kansas parks we visited. Uncle A was sad that they had taken down several of the play structures (especially the rope swing) from our youth. They were admittedly unsafe back then, but they sure were fun.

Kansas Trip

2008-08-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

The girls and I made a trip to visit my 94 year-old grandmother this weekend in Kansas. My brother, sister-in-law, and Baby SD rode with us. We had a marvelous time.

I'll try to post pics from the trip each day this week.

It's Great to Be Nine

2008-07-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Click here for J's birthday song shot with her new Flip Video.

He's Still a Keeper

2008-07-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

We attended the baptism of Baby SD last weekend. The girls are still in love with this little guy.

Gotta Love the Library

2008-07-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Our public library puts on some AWESOME shows during the summer. Today, Clint 'the Snake Man' came for a visit.

The girls loved the snakes, especially this Albino Burmese python. His name was Hurricane Jack because he is a Katrina refugee.

Too cool.

Sleep Study

2008-06-30T16:57:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but I don't see how S got any sleep at all!

Whee!

2008-06-26T05:55:00.001-07:00

Way Back Wednesday

2008-06-25T09:53:00.001-07:00

August 2004

My sister and I are being scrapbooking fools. It has been so fun seeing all the pictures from when my girls were smaller.

Enjoy.

14 Years

2008-06-18T05:53:00.001-07:00

I am totally in love with this guy.

Happy Anniversary.

Happy Shak

2008-06-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

Hubby said I needed to post this pic.

He especially liked the sign about bras and panties being optional.

Happy Birthday S!

2008-06-14T08:24:00.001-07:00

You entered this world in a whirlwind and haven't slowed down since. You bring joy to each day with your endless energy.

Happy birthday, my loveable S!

Wacky Wednesday

2008-06-12T07:10:00.001-07:00

Faster Mommy, faster!

S didn't feel 50mph was enough.

J and Daddy had gone riding by themselves on Sunday, but today the whole family went. G had fun, too, but didn't like it when Mommy and S sprayed her on our takeoff.

What'd Ya Catch Today?

2008-06-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

Cool crab S!

Hey, Mom, can you put that one back in the water?

Yep, we caught a jellyfish in a bucket.

His cousin later got me good, but the girls thought he was super cool to watch.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

2008-06-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

What are you looking at girls?

Oh, some fish in a bucket.

How'd you get those fish?

Oh.

Start Spreadin' the News

2008-06-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

The kindergarten program was super!

The kids sang lots of songs and shared their favorite memories of the past year. Here's a snippet of my favorite song to the tune of "New York, New York":

Start spreadin' the news
We're leavin' today
We're gonna be a part of it
First grade, first grade

In Case You Wondered

2008-05-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

Baby SD is still adorable!

He even came to take me to Chuy's for my birthday.

Braggin' Mom

2008-05-24T12:44:00.001-07:00

J is loving swim team.

Today she was awesome in her freestyle heat. She improved her time another 3 seconds (for a total of 12 seconds off her try-out time).

She was seeded at number 35 but placed 19.

Way to go, J. Mommy is so proud.

J's Piano Recital

2008-05-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

J played Surprise! at her piano recital Friday night.

Girls Only

2008-05-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

G attended her first pajama party tonight. No boys allowed.

The girls didn't spend the night, but they spent the evening getting pampered.

She was so excited about her hairstyle.

Perks of Motherhood

2008-05-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Muffins with Mom at the preschool with G.

What a Cutie!

2008-05-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

A new nephew born today! I'm gonna call him Baby SD on my blog (until he's old enough to tell me he's not a baby anymore).

My brother and his wife are first time parents. Pray for them. And drink a Cinco de Mayo beer in their honor.

The girls are super excited, although they wanted a girl cousin since they only have one girl cousin now and four stinky boy cousins. :)

J, the Swimmer

2008-04-19T14:31:00.001-07:00

J made the neighborhood swim team today.

The water was frigid during the two days of rookie camp, but she persevered.

She qualified with 2.5 seconds to spare.

G, You're Too Young

2008-04-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Gettin' Ready for Pascha

2008-04-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

The girls recently decided they actually like boiled eggs. (Even J, the Picky Princess, our younger version of Mikey.) Today, they really wanted to try dyeing eggs, so away we went. Here are the artists with their creations.

A Worthy Goal?

2008-04-05T12:53:00.001-07:00

While running errands today, G said, "I want to be a guinea pig when I get big."

Is there a university for that or should we explore the various technical schools?

No Foolin'

2008-04-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

Right now it is 84 degrees here with a heat index of 97.

Gotta love South Texas!

Snowcones Anyone?

2008-03-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

Notice the coats needed last weekend at the Literacy Carnival.

Today it is 90 degrees. Shorts for all!

I Love Clifford

2008-03-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday we attended a Literacy Fair hosted by our area Junior League.

Clifford was a big hit with G!

Love, Hug & Groom

2008-03-08T18:37:00.000-08:00

We are blessed to live within a half hour from one of the Girl Scout horse camps. The Girl Scouts care for 45 horses there.

Today, S's troop got to participate in Love, Hug & Groom.

They had a blast!

Now you know where some of that cookie money goes. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T14:11:00.001-08:00

Peek a Boo

2008-02-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

We see you!

The children at our parish are so fun-loving. Throw them all together after Liturgy and you have serious fun!

100th Day of School

2008-02-06T12:29:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was the 100th day of school. The kindergarten students dressed up like they were 100 years old and paraded around the halls. It was cute. They played games involving the number 100 and even had 100 pieces of snack.

J was sad that the third graders NEVER get to do anything fun. TAKS pratice is all we do. Yeah right, J.

G's preschool classes is covering the letter P this week. They got to make pancakes in their classroom on a griddle. She told me they had pancakes with syrup, bacon, and sour apples.

The girls love school and are all doing well. I can't believe how big they are getting.

Officially Daisy

2008-02-05T11:08:00.001-08:00

S had her first Daisy ceremony last week. They received their Daisy pins, the middle of the flower for their tunic (for knowing the Girl Scout Promise), and the blue petal for learning about being honest and fair. She is pictured here with her leaders.

The expression is totally her.

My Girls....Different Blog

2008-01-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

Click here.

Check out the January 9th post for a pic of my girls at a slumber party.

We had fun, too, Matushka.

Sisters

2008-01-07T17:47:00.000-08:00

A Possible Career

2008-01-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

The museum where we saw the lizards has a Kid Zone in the basement. It has lots of interactive exhibits the kids can explore.

J's favorite is the weather forecast station. She loves to read the teleprompter and pretend she's a weatherwoman. Since she has been dubbed Motor Mouth 'round here, she may have a future in broadcasting.

Problem is, she reads faster than the teleprompter prompts. Just yesterday her teacher tested her fluency at 224 wpm. It might have been more but she finished the given story in the minute. The goal for the end of third grade is 110wpm.

Jeez.

I'll Spare You the After Pics

2008-01-04T17:10:00.001-08:00

Let's just say the makeup the girls received from Meemaw and Papa C was a BIG hit.

Wanna a Hug?

2008-01-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

And yes, she is adorable, even when covered in green frosting.

Many, many years, my sweet G!

Lizard New Year

2008-01-02T14:12:00.001-08:00

We took the girls to the natural science museum on New Year's Eve.

They loved the special snakes and lizard exhibit.

Christ is Born!

2007-12-25T16:05:00.001-08:00

Glorify Him!

Wishing each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas.

Until Yesterday

2007-12-24T10:32:00.001-08:00

We only had four stockings.

I took the hint when hubby hung up his blue sock.

He now has a nice little Aggie stocking.

Picture Day

2007-12-23T18:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I made an appointment to have our family picture taken at a local studio. They run a nice special during Christmas and I love having a family photo on my mantle.

I explained to the girls that we were going to get dressed up in our Christmas clothes.

G was the first up the stairs and the first dressed.

Uh....no, G. That's not what I had in mind.

Pencils

2007-12-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

We recently found an Panasonic electric pencil sharpener at a thrift store for $2. We've had a school-type manual sharpener for quite a while, but the girls have trouble using it. It's been great that J and S have been able to get sharp pencils by themselves now.

G, however, has trouble. She puts the pencils in to engage the motor but not quite far enough to get them sharp. When you holler at her to knock it off, she says, 'Mom, it's not pokiepine'.

I have no idea where she got that.

The Ones Not Eaten

2007-12-20T13:01:00.001-08:00

Yet.

School Vacation Starts Today

2007-12-20T05:32:00.000-08:00

J was up at 7:26am.

At 7:28am, she asked, "What can we do?"

Lord, give me strength.

Yes, She is Wearing Capris

2007-12-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

J enjoyed her party, too!

Mom, Knock Off the Pictures

2007-12-19T13:53:00.001-08:00

I'm trying to eat!

G had so much fun at both her sisters' Christmas parties at school today.

In S's class she got to make (and then eat) a Christmas tree.

So fun!

Fashionista

2007-12-14T12:35:00.000-08:00

Don'tcha just love S's hair today? You should have seen the denim skirt with gray/white striped leggings. It is so her!

In case you're curious, she is busy working on her Kwanza placemat during her Holidays Around the World party today.

Little Rudolph

2007-12-11T16:35:00.000-08:00

G sang in her preschool's Christmas program today.

Her class performed 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer'. It was adorable!

They also sang 'Away in a Manger', 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas', and 'Happy Birthday' to Jesus.

Priceless.

Did Someone Say Cookies?

2007-12-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Feast Day of Saint Nicholas

2007-12-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

The girls had a great day celebrating Saint Nicholas.

He even paid a visit to church to visit with the kids about his life.

To learn more about Saint Nicholas' amazing life, check out the Saint Nicholas Center website.

Christmas List Test

2007-11-29T08:02:00.000-08:00

This is the first entry on S's Christmas list for this year.

She was so proud that she sounded it out herself.

I know what it says, do you?

Our Favorite Guy

2007-11-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday, Beloved!

5 am

2007-11-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy.

I was at Walmart in Oklahoma City at 5am, Target when it opened at 6am and then on to Kohls.

Deals were AWESOME!

Feast

2007-11-19T17:24:00.000-08:00

The kindergarten classes had their Thanksgiving feasts on Friday.

A good time was had by all!

Third Grade Program

2007-11-16T11:26:00.000-08:00

Last Friday (I know...I'm behind), the third graders presented a Veteran's Day program.

It was fabulous!

During October, each third grader wrote about what America means to them. Each teacher picked two student's compositions to be included in the program.

J was honored to be chosen and did a wonderful job reciting it aloud.

Interspersed with the compositions were patriotic songs.

The program ended with a slide presentation honoring all the veterans in our children's lives. Many of the veterans were at the program, too.

It brought me to tears. You all would have been so proud of J and all her friends.

Here is J's composition:

FREEDOM

F is for freedom that we can say what we wish.
R is for rights that we have.
E is for equality that makes us equal.
E is for electing our president so we can have a good leader.
D is for democracy our nation was founded on.
O is for the opportunities we have.
M is for the mighty soldiers that serve our country.

I love America!

50th Day of School

2007-11-07T10:41:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was the 50th day of school. The kindergarten classes dressed in clothes from the 1950s. J wanted to dress up, too.

S's teacher won the hula hoop contest.

The day ended with a kindergarten sock hop complete with homemade milkshakes.