Prince David celebrates the advent of his eleventh year

In addition to it being David's birthday it's also day two of Red Ribbon Week.

Today is retro day.

He told me last night before bed that he wanted to dress up.

I'm not my mom, I can't pull something fabulous out of thin air-

so this was the best I could do, a greaser circa 1950.

I can't beleive 11 years have passed.

He's such a great kid.

He's also very very funny. You have to listen close because it's sometimes quite subtle.

He's got a great sense of humor.

Here are a few of his favorite things

His mama- (LOL)

Pokemon

Video games

Cartoons

Missing school

His grandparents (really should be number one spot)

Another thing he has shown an interest in is "bulking up" and he's been bugging us to get him a weight set. I didn't want to go all nutso and buy him a brand new set to rust away- so I went to craigslist and with the help of Rob's parents-

He got his wish.

A "new" weight set.

Without the grandparents truck and muscle , Robert and I would still be trying to fit it in the mini van.

Clearly he's thrilled. Soon he will be building brawn and dawn and "pumping it up"- we'll call him Arnold soon enough.

He had a great birthday, he got an "early" birthday present from Grandma and Grandpa Mullens a couple of weeks ago. (Scribblenauts for DS- sweet)
My mom and dad were with him this weekend and so he got another early gift (fossile fighters for ds- apparently it's AWESOME)

And then last night Grandma showed up with Action Replay a device that lets you get cheat codes for various games. He's been bugging me for months to get him that- I refused but that's what grandparents are for, to get things that parents dont' want to get.

He's having a great day so far and it's only going to get better-

"I Only got Five Bucks!"

Appalachian Alice

Alice lost one of her big front teeth last week.

She has been wiggling and wiggling and wiggling it for quite some time now.

If finally came out.

When she bit David.

There was blood everywhere.

Apparently David was Trash Talking the Girl Scouts.

So Alice bit him and out came her tooth.

The next morning she awoke screaming.

I thought she was excited over her bounty.

But she was dissapointed.

Apparently a crisp five dollar bill isn't the going rate for a large tooth.

Rocket Science

This is my fabulous husband, with a masters degree in Political Science.

And a PHD in keeping his wife happy.

One day we were watching an episode of this old house that was showing cool science project type things to do with kids. They showed a watter bottle rocket launcher- I looked at Mr. Robert (as they say here in Texas)

and said, "PLEASE!!!"

and of course he complied.

He made a couple of different launchers and found that the plans on

http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/

were pretty good but he tweaked them

First off he made it much shorter and therefore easier for the kids to do.
He also didnt' mess with the "trigger" it didn't really do that good of a job, and the bottles shot off without the need of a trigger- it just needed enough air pressure.

The Webelos were very impressed and declared,

"this is the best den meeting EVER!!!"

I am so glad he caters to my every whim!

And although he didn't complete A&M with a degree in aerospace engineering as was his plan when he entered- he was still able to make the rocket launch above the trees.

So attaboy, mr. Political Scientist!

Lo Hicimos

Lately my days are filled with the soothing repetitious songs for toddlers.

Go ahead join with me.

" I love you, you love me"

"they call him Kipper, Kipper the dog"

"Sunny Days chasing the Clouds away"

But the one I've been singing the most comes from our neighbor to the south

Dora.

If you've had a child in the last 7 years, you know how to say We did it in Spanish,

Lo Hicimos!

I found myself singing that yesterday when Joely copied her friend Keegan

and did her own seat belt.

She's not even three yet! Big Girl

Of course it means that it now takes 15 minutes to get the car going instead of 1 minute, because she HAS to do it on her own. Any attempt to help will result in a open gash to your face, courtesy of her talon like finger nails-
SWEET GIRL-

Nursery

LO HICIMOS!!

Yes, finally a full 22 months after she was eligible for nursery she agreed to go.

Of course it took the gentle persuasion of a sucker from dear friend Megan Love but she stayed and the tears dried up.

I'd really never given it much of an effort, to be honest.

But I would never have thought about a sucker-

Megan maybe a generation younger, but she's a genius.

It really wasn't that big of a deal, she'd wander about the primary room (jr. Sunday school in mormon speak) or sit by the pedals of the piano and eat goldfish color etc. Often times she'd accompany her brothers to their class- ADORABLE- yes I know- I'm positive the teachers thought her adorable too!

Or even easier, she'd rest at home with her Daddy and have some much needed alone time with her BFF-

But now that I'm teaching the adult Sunday School class, she really can't be roaming the room, I have to concentrate way too much to have her being adorable and messing up my train of thought- cuz once that train leaves the station, I need to make sure I'm on it!

And staying hom with Dad, not really an option anymore because that would make her miss out on "going" anywhere.

So Yeah Megan for the brilliant bribe!

Thank you Joely for acquiescing to your fate of nursery if only for the next three months when it primary begins for you!

And last but certainly not least-

she began to say

"kintin"

and well that just broke my heart.

Hearing her call him "hen" was adorable, very toddleresque,

But Kintin- well that's too grown up.
She Started on Monday and if she forgets she'll say Hen, and then correct herself.

I'm not ready for her to be "all growed up."

And yes I thought all of you that said,

"Where does the time go?"

"they grow up so quick"

"cherish these times"

were a little whacked in the head- You were all right, they do grow up too quick and our time with them becomes more and more fleeting.

So here's to hugging your toddler and little bit tighter today and singing all the fun songs and those older kids, go take them out of school after the attendence is counted!

Repulsed, yet drawn...

Yo Gabba Gabba

This is the newest creation to melt toddlers minds.

You may remember Barney, Teletubbies or any other reincarnation of stupid shows.

They all serve the same purpose, entrance and possibly brain wash children all while driving their parents completly insane.

In Joely's world it is all Yo Gabba Gabba.

I just rented from Netflix a DVD that lasts 98 minutes, and that's still not long enough.

The Good thing, we no longer are just confined to the main tv with the DVR and Noggin, we can now hear Yo Gabba Gabba anywhere.

Here is the sick sick sick part.
Jack Black.
He's in the DVD and he loves to Dancey Dance, he's a little ascared of DJ Lance Rock.

I heard him last night while I was cleaning the kitchen and I thought I guess they found some tool who sounds like Jack Black, but it wasn't any tool, it was Jack Black himself.

I mean why Jack? Why, for the love of all that is holy, would Jack Black come on and sing about being friends with these freaks.

Maybe he needed the community service, if so it would have been for a drug conviction.

He sings goodbye to all of them.

I don't think I will ever be able to watch Shallow Hal again.

Good bye Good bye Good Bye Good Bye

"You're Doing it Wrong!"

Thursday, while waiting in the car-pool line at Barret Primary School, my battery died.

I couldn't help but remember...

"Mr. Mom"

Remember when he was dropping off the kids and they kept yelling,

"You're doing it wrong"

All those people having to drive around me- The humiliation- And I couldn't find my hazard lights!

I thought I was so smart to wait forever with my car off with the windows rolled down and the breeze from the myriad cars racing passed us.

But I forgot that my lights were on, there was a light in the back on (and who knows how long it had been left on) and the key was in the ignition.

It was 104 degrees.

Fortunately April Clinger was ahead of me in line.

I sent out the distress call and she came to my aid.

She picked up the kids and then came back to jump the car.

We both called our husbands.

Robert said, "red is negative, black is positive, start with negative to ground it."

Matt (her husband) said the opposite.

Apparently it doesn't matter, you just need to make sure whatever color you put on the negative in one car you do it to the other car- and the same goes with positive.

Mr. York, the principle came out to "save the day"-

We got the car going and what would have had me in tears had me giggling-

Thanks April!

I had my camera in the purse, but thought it innapropriate to keep the traffic at bay for any longer than necessary-

Orange Drink? What were you thinking Tropicana?

David is a picky eater/drinker. And he really hates to eat in the morning. I can really only guarantee he'll "drink" his breakfast which is orange juice, (so I make sure to get the calcium fortified with Viatamin D) occasionally he'll eat something if I cook Bacon.

So this morning I baked biscuits, fried some bacon and began pouring his Orange juice.

What I got instead was FREAKISHLY ODD ORANGE DRINK!

It's caled Trop 50.

It looks like all the other Tropciana's on the market. But it tastes something fierce, and not fierce in a good project runway way-

I couldn't believe my eyes, when as I was pouring it said,

"1/2 the sugar of orange juice"

I was like "uh no way did I get an orange beverage or drink"

In this house is 100 per cent fruit Juice all the way.

Ironically, Robert and I watched a Dave Chapelle clip called Grape Drink (for mature audiences) just last Saturday night, it's on you tube.
We laughed and laughed, and now Tropicana is laughing all the way to the bank.

The price was a dollar less than the other brands, even the "store brand" so I thought

"woo hoo, I'm almost stealing this orange juice"

David said he thought it tasted "horrible." He was right, imagine diet tang, but thicker.

EWWW

So it's Day three of School

Alice (first grade) loves it, but Mrs. Loggins doesn't want her talking during school. What's up with that?

Quentin explained that she should be listening and learning and not talking.
You can imagine how well Miss Oil took advice from Mr. Water.

Nice.

Quentin (fourth grade) LOVES his teachers. They are creative and funny and he has some good friends in his class. His teachers and classmates have always been great. (well maybe not his first grade teacher- but she was going through a lot of personal problems)

He's very blessed, I'd say he lives a charmed life.

And Poor David (5th grade)

We have a rule about no video games during the week but David used his persuasion skills to allow us to let him get up early and then if he has time while he's waiting for his ride, he can play his DS. The deal is he has to get himself up, so he gets up with his alarm clock- Good Boy!

Well my post with my aprehension towards his teachers was dead on. His first day was horrible. The Homeroom teacher didn't give him back his school supplies, so his second teacher, language arts, gave him a strike for being unprepared. When he tried to tell her that the teacher had not given him his school supplies, she told him that was just an excuse.

I called the school the second day and he was moved immediatly.

He came home much happier.

I said, "why was today better?"

And he said, "Apparently you demanded I be moved."

"yeah, I did I told them you were a darling charming little boy and you deserved a highly qualified and CERTIFIED Math teacher and a language arts teacher that would engage your creativity."

"Whatever you said, fine, because things went a lot better" and then he went on and on about how cool his new science teacher was and how he could see one of his Best friends JT Whiffen now and they have PE Together etc. etc. etc.

And with that I was pleased for being the advocate for my child!

So a word to all Don't mess with SweetmamaK's little cubs, cuz she's one grouchy mama bear!

Oh and lets not forget Joely

She's sleeping late and watching cartoons. Yesterday she had breakfast in bed. It's good to be the only child. She does ask where everyone is when she gets up but she's not brooding over them.

I lay awake

I can't sleep- I'm afraid I'll miss the alarm. All week I've been thinking, I know I'm forgetting something, I know I'm forgetting something. But I couldn't remember. We had a busy week. It was meet the teacher on two nights, Quentin had football practice a couple of nights (thank heavens for a storm or it would have been a bunch of nights) and we had a Primary Activity this morning and we were informed on Wednesday that Quentin's opening game would be Saturday also. But I couldn't remember what I was forgetting. Do I havet snacks for Saturday (no) I kept thinking it was the Primary Activity- But really I had nothing to do with it, but show up, Myriam the Saint had planned everything out to a science my contribution was to play the piano (check) and bring the prizes, (ordered form oriental trading and the box was in the van, check) and do the gathering activity (coloring page in the car, crayons and markers in my piano bag- check) UIUH WHAT WAS I MISSING?????

After a fun filled morning at the church ( a fun music carnival) I realized what it was, when I saw the Bishop- Oh yeah, I need to prepare my Sunday School lesson. This is my first week to teach the adults. I prepared the lesson this afternoon and did more reading and more reading and now i'm nervous I'll sleep through church.

So now that its after one am, I am more likely to sleep late, if I ever get to sleep. I have two alarms set.....

pps For those of you keeping score, Quentin's team kicked butt and took names. (they won 43-13) Quentin tackled many a player and sacked the Quaterback two times in a row. He was doing some serious peacocking, when he causes a fumble and revocers it for a touchdown, we may never be able to live with him!

He'll be going to the pro bowl soon enough!

We Celebrated at Chuys. (but really that goes without saying)

waxing nostalgic about the firstborn...

This week the kids were able to meet the teachers and find 0ut what friends they'd be with etc. The first visit was for David- who is going to fifth grade- his teacher was not impressive at all and I had to will myself to not cry. Couple that with David losing all animation and acting as if he had no longer a will to live. I tried to keep it together and find fun things to say, but honestly the teacher acted as if her being there was a huge problem. Her room wasn't even decorated, in fact it was void of any life. How on earth can he expect to learn fifth grade math from her? She didn't even have a class list posted, so we don't know if he has any friends in his class. I was so greatful for an awesome science lab, after viewing it and the live bugs, skulls and skins, he perked up a little bit. I came home and wimpered a little bit and then called my mother in law to see if I could home school him- LOL- He'll do fine, he's a trooper, it's just soo much harder on me when he's the one suffering or experiencing a first.

For instance, when he went to Kindergarten, I walked him in and he sat down right in the middle of the class and started talking, the class previously was silent, then they all started talking. I walked away feeling that I had taught this boy enough and that he would do fine. I didn't shed a tear. Later that week he found out there would be pizza for lunch, so I went in to pay on his lunch account and that's when I lost it. I couldn't imagine him holding his tray or opening his milk. And the ladies in the lunchroom looked at me like I WAS A LUNATIC- and they muttered in spanish (we were in Laredo) and I thought, he'll never make it. I called Robert at work in hysterics and he reminded me that David shares my DNA he'll be ok-

He did fine, and he quickly learned to open his own milk and he never spilled a tray.

When we moved at Christmas time back to the US- I was worried to sick, will he be able to adjust how will he do??? etc. etc. He made friends quickly and his teacher quickly loved him and subsequently every teacher adores teaching him, even if he has a hard time paying attention- they tell me the same thing over and over - he's so sweet and he's so smart, he never acts up etc. etc.

Now he's off to the Fifth grade/ Sixth grade intermediate campus and I need to remember, that he didn't just get by all the other times, he did extremly well. Even though he steadfastly refused to meet his "switch" teachers (his science and language arts teachers) he'll find his class on Monday with his pencil sharpened and ready to go and he'll be fine. His friends may all be in different classes, but he makes friends easily.

He may be counting down the days until Thanksgiving Break, but he'll be fine.

I guess the real question is, "will I be fine?"

Taking a Break...

On Saturday Robert and I were getting the kids ready for a party we were going to. Our friend Alex had graduated from college and got a job all in the same week-so Saturday was a big celebration. Joely was excited all day, she just wanted "to go." But at some point she just gave into her body and crashed on the floor, after making some beautiful body art. We are still searching for the marker.

I was led to ponder, why don't we listen to our body like we did when we were two? If we are so tired that we could just fall asleep anywhere, why don't we catch a few zzzz's? I think in this fast paced day and age, we don't take enough meaningful breaks.

Joely didn't care that she might miss out on her favorite activity, going anywhere, she just knew she had her blanket and a desire to take a nap.

Are we really missing out when we spread ourselves too thin?

"chilling" at Bovay

Here is our Motley Crue

The boys and I had a fun filled three days at Bovay Scout Ranch in "Deep" central Texas. We slept in Tents and were fed cafeteria style. The boys were able to Canoe, do sling shots, pellet guns, archery, swim, make and light off rockets and search for all kinds of creeping creatures. They also rode their bikes all over the place.

There was even a "rodeo" one night. The rodeo had silly games and dancing. We did the cupid shuffle and the cotton eyed joe! David even danced a slow dance with Galadriel. She was the sweetheart of the rodeo!

We camped with two other families from our pack, John Lasseigne and his son Ian and Ricky Koester and his son Travis.

We also had an honorary member of our pack- My good friend Galadriel Hutchings and her son Dylan. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that David found out that Glad (that's what we call her) wasn't really his aunt and Dylan wasn't really his cousin. We've been friends since the boys were two. It was great to spend time with her and with the boys without any other distractions.

In our campground there were two other packs, one pack wasn't real friendly. The other pack was a dad and his son and they were a lot of fun. They blended right in with our little group and we spent a lot of time laughing and goofing off.

My favorite part was letting the boys roam free with flashlights at night and not needing to worry about them.

Here are a few pictures

Waiting in the line for food. We learned real quick that you can show up late and not have to wait in line. The only problem, you may not get the good dessert.

Mining for Gold Nuggets. This was fun, they went in a cave and got to mine. Hard Hats were required.

A rare shot of David consuming mass quanities. David was not a fan of the food choices, so one night we went into "town" Navasota Texas and picked up Dominos for the crew. Dominoes pizza never tasted so good. We had plenty left over for the kids to eat at lunch the next day, too. Playing Pirates on the lake.

I think the boys were trying to board each other's canoe. Quentin rode with Ian and his Dad and Galad had Dylan and David. I was in charge of photography. They kept the groups small as they went from place to place, so they had plenty of opportunities for fun. At the canoes they were able to paddle around the whole hour. Good Times.

Quentin got a little seasick. But he recovered in time to shoot some pellet guns.

We had a great time and I look forward to the next great scouting adventure. I wax a little nostalgic because David will be going to big Scout Camp next year- one that doesn't need parental supervision.... wah wah wah!

Alice and Joely were in the safe hands of Robert. They had a good time with their Daddy all to themselves. We sure missed them though.

One final shot of the camping fun.

Here is David and Dylan, doing David's favorite thing, Climbing. There was also a BMX Track a good time was definatly had by all!

Oh and if you think camping in texas in July is insane, you are right. However we were blessed with cooler weather, especially at night and best of all, no mosquitos buzzing around.

Meet the Texans

On July 21st Quentin got to meet the Texans. I entered he and David in a contest sponsored by Reliant Energy to benefit the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The contest was for Reliant to pay for Summer Camp (115.00) and the "consolation" prize was a training day with the Houston Texans. Quentin and his dad had a great time touring the facilities and running some plays with a handful of players and some of the coaches. Sadly Gary Kubiak (an aggie) wasn't there and neither was Mario Williams or Andre Johnson. He did meet Nick Ferguson, Mike Brisiel and Frank Okam and some coaches. Robert, ever the optimist, wondered if these players were mandated by a judge to do community service. The Texan Cheerleaders were there also, but Quentin didn't get their autographs. He did get his hat signed by some of the people there. He was flying high when he came home. His only regret was that he had to miss his first practice with his junior league football team. It was a good thing that Mario Williams wasn't there, or Quentin wouldn't have been able to stand at his locker.

"They even have their own cafeteria"
Sadly the "dinner" Robert and Quentin got was a brown bag from a sub shop, but still it's cool to see that the Texans get to eat.

Just practicing at the training field. Glory lasts forever Quentin, Glory lasts Forever.

Apparently, besides getting paid millions of dollars to play football, you can even get paid to swim. Quentin was very impressed with the aquatic center!

This is the weight room, the media is NEVER allowed in here. I put this picture in to show that some of the scouts wore their uniforms (insert laugh here) Robert wouldn't even wear his pack T-shirt. I don't think it occured to Quentin to wear anything other than his Texans T-shirt.

Quentin now has 5 practices (two and a half hours each practice) under his belt. He's well on his way to becoming a first class lineman. He plans on being a member of the wrking Crew at Texas A&M and then he'll buy his mama a new house when he plays for the Texans. Of course after his mission.

Most of Quentin's teammates have been playing full on tackle since first grade, some since kindergarten. I don't know exactly how to react when he gets his bell rung in practice or when I feel their is unnecessary roughness. I TRY to keep silent and just cheer him on and ignore my inner demon that wants to go hit the kid who hit my kid and well hope and pray I never become a football mom and bejewel myself with t-shirts that say "quentin's mom" etc.

BUT I KNOW IT WILL COME TO THAT!!!! QUENTIN ALREADY SAYS, MOM NEVER DO THAT!

His coaches seem nice enough, I havn't heard them yell and they do give encouragment. Quentin was afraid to miss his Thursday night practice last week when we went to my mom's, he made me get it cleared from his coach. I'm glad that he's showing dedication. His coach gave the OK and laughed when I told him Quentin was afraid he'd get traded.

When things get tough we remind him of the mantra, "Glory lasts Forever"

Having fun with Steff, Molly and Jacob

Do you have an old friend that maybe you hardly ever see or talk to,but when you do it's like no time has passed at all? That's how it is with Steff. I met her 11 years ago this summer. I was the nursing unit secretary at Spring Branch Medical Center and she was the cute doe eyed new graduate nurse. I immediatly dismissed her because she was beautiful, blonde and a had a rock on her finger that Liz Taylor would wear. I assumed she was a moron! I was wrong. She was incredibly smart and super funny. We hit it off real quick. She even invited us over for dinner, and Robert was sooo irritated, he hates to go out with" friends" he doesn't know. But after a few minutes with Pete her super cool husband, even Robert had fun. Pete and Steff are great and fun people! Since then we've both had kids and moved a few times, but they stay in the Katy Area because they have their own business, Equisite floors and rugs of Katy

It is always a joy to see Steff and catch up. Her kids are the ages of Quentin and Alice and they are a load of fun also. Last Monday we all got togethe at their house and played in the pool and ate pizza- It was a day that was awesome for everyone

Isn't the pool awesome? By the end of the day, even Alice was making the leap into the pool from the Rock Wall.

Thanks Steff Jacob and Molly!

This is DQ Country

Here we are celebrating family night-minus one- since Quentin is in Austin.

We originally were going to get snow cones, but they close at 7:00 so DQ was put on order.

We had a lot to celebrate-

Quentin was chosen to particpate in a Texans Field Training Night at Reliant Stadium.

He gets to go next Tuesday with Robert.

He'll do drills and run plays with Texans and Coaches.
Take pictures with Cheerleaders (he said "Dad'll like that")
and eat dinner there-

It was a cub scout contest- He's so lucky!

We miss him, but he's in good hands, he's going out to eat, seeing movies, swimming, staying up late and sleeping in-

David's glasses broke and his back up glasses are MIA- so he's going without them for a few days- he says he looks like a girl- silly boy!

We are still waiting to hear from Uncle Bo....

Going for Glory

We finally gave in and let Quentin play football. He had tryouts on Saturday. For the low price of 160.00 he'll get fun and a uniform- we still supply helmet, pads, practice gear etc. Oh and also a fundraiser- anyone want to buy some tupperware or braided bread, let me know! I'll be sure to ask the youth football league to account for expenses. He's real pumped up and did well at tryouts, he made every catch and was spot on with a good spiral on his passes. He needs to work on his dashing, but other than that he did real well- Here are some pictures-

Uncle Bo-if you are reading, we are still waiting to go swimming!

Oh and David UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES wanted signed up- so dont' feel bad for him!

Joely was cute but very HOT- the tryouts were at one (who was the scheduling genius???)

Robert went and met mom and dad in Brenham after the tryouts and got Alice and David and dropped off Quentin. Originally Joely was going to go, but Robert and I chickened out, we just couldn't let the baby be gone a whole week!

So..Quentin is spending a week at my mom and dad's house living the good life all by himself. I'm sure as a member of a four child home, it's good to be an only child now and again. Thanks mom and dad for taking the kiddos!

If mama's cryin'-them's good onions!

This time Quentin and I made Onion Rings and BBQ baked Chicken wings-

So you cut the onions the desired thickness and let them soak in buttermilk for at least 5 minutes.

That is not alfredo sauce, it's just buttermilk-

Then you cover them with a mixture of 2 cups corn meal, 2 cups flour , generous ammount of kosher salt, pepper and o'course TONY's

We love Tony's Blends. They are all good, but we stick with the original. After they are good and coated, drop them in hot grease (I had it just above medium on the stove) and cook for about two minutes until golden brown. Quentin helped with all of it.

The Chicken Wings were baked in Stubbs BBQ Sauce, you can use whatever you like, the trick is to bake the wings until nearly done, then add the BBQ sauce and then Broil for 5-10 minutes to get them crispy-licious.

They were messy and good. In fact too messy to take pictures- our fingers were super dirty!

Definatly finger lickin' good.

YUMM-O

With the other kids gone this week, Quentin has really been pumped about doin' some serious cookin. When we came home on Sunday he got out his cookbooks and planned a menu for the week. Last night he made Rachel Ray's "Steak Night, Table for four" from her 2-4-6-8 cookbook.

It was delish- to quote ms. ray.

The steaks were seasoned with Kosher Salt, and ground Pepper. Then Quentin rubbed fresh Rosemary on them. After having dad Grill them (fire-bad) they were served with Fresh Arugula and Tomatoes on top- the Arugula and Tomoatoes were dressed in EVOO (you know Rachel) and lemon juice and seasoned with some red pepper flakes.

It was a great combo to dig into the juicy meaty goodness and also have a sweetish refreshing fresh from the garden taste.

The sides were baked asparagus and roasted potatoes.

He made the batter for Molten Lava Cakes, but we were so very very stuffed, he's going to make the cakes tonight to enjoy after our Roasted Chicken and baked Mac n Cheese.

It's fun to spend time with him in the Kitchen and he's got a real knack for it. He's like his dad!

Who by the way made me this on Sunday Night.

We had traveled so far and wide to get back home on Sunday that nobody wanted to leave, we figured we'd do a clean the fridge night.

He grilled some yummy sausage for sausage sandwiches, but for me he sauteeed some roma tomatoes and bell peppers from our garden with some onions in (of course) EVOO and then added the Feta Cheese at the end.

It was a great treat!

Thanks Roberto!

Spending the Fourth with My Fam

This year we broke from tradition and went to See mom and dad in Austin, well actually Round Rock, but most people have heard of Austin and only some people have heard of Round Rock, plus when I got married they still lived in Austin. But I digress. The picture shown above is on the way to Austin (round rock) we left as soon as I got off work on Saturday morning and decided against doing breakfast, so instead the children ate the breakfast of champions, individual chip bags! YEAH Robert and Kareena, parents of the year.

This is David, "just outside La Grange" (queue ZZ TOP music) at a scenic overlook. We had to stop and let Truffles use the bathroom. There were a gazillion Texas Sized Grasshoppers and David had to catch as many as time would allow. Mean Mom that I am would not allow him to take any in the car. Joely revolted at about Bastrop Texas and wished that was where Grandma and Grandpa lived- she weeped, wailed and gnashed her teeth the rest of the way (about an hour) until we got to our destination.

As soon as we got to mom and dad's -it's about 200 miles- we ate pizzas before quickly and I mean LICKETY SPLIT jumping in their shangri-la pool

Robert said, "Hey who is that bald guy?"

Against her will Truffles got to "swim"

Here is mom "swimming" please note she NEVER lets her hair get wet. I have pictures of me as a kid at Indian Springs Pool outside of American Falls ID- her hair is never wet- for that matter, her sisters and mother all swam without getting their hair wet- It must be in their pioneer DNA.

Here I am hangin' in Heff's Grotto- and little Joely safe in her life jacket

Swimming is Miss E- Mom and Dads little Doberman Pinscher- she's a sweet dog but she's under the impression she's the size of a rat terrier-when in fact she out weighs mom and can stand taller than her. She loves to be thrown in the pool. Truffles looks on in amazement.

The only thing better than Grandma's pool is her never ending supply of ice cream treats. They help keep you cool while drying off ! Thanks Grandma.

As a kid, I don't recall going to many fireworks displays (one in 1979 when I was a special guest thanks to my award winning American Legion Essay-another post) but mostly we stayed home because nothing could compare with what my dad the original pyrotechnic man could put on. I remember going to the indian reservations to get the good stuff. The shows were AWESOME- this year was no exception. Uncle Brian and Dad had it all, except no Roman Candles or bottle Rockets- due to the burn band and winds.

He had a ton that went way up high in the sky, they just dont' photograph well. And of course Sparklers! After working in the ER I've never let the kids play with sparklers, but Grandma had them, they actually look a lot safer than I remember and nobody got burned. I'm sure sparklers will be requested from now on. David was real interested in the fire- I'm sure one day he'll take Uncle Brian's spot and do the lighting.

We had a great time and when we came home we only had 1/2 the amount of kids with us- another bonus! David and Alice are staying this week and Joely and Quentin will stay next week. Divide and Conquer.

Say yyyyes to vvvvv VBS

Vacation Bible school

Central Baptist Church

Baytown Texas

"It all comes back to Jesus"

June 22-25 2009

Robert's parents work at Vacation Bible School every year. Robert's dad (holding Joely) we call him Bobby, teaches about the missions of the church and Robert's mom (standing by Robert) we call her Sue, teaches the first and second graders.

It's a fun filled morning, bible lessons, (this year all about Peter) theme related activities (this year about the Down Under) snacks, games and songs.

One of the songs is the title of the blog.

There are three things I love about VBS at Central Baptist Church

1. The kids are gone for at least 4 hours a day for 5 days (usually more since Grandma and Grandpa are good about taking them out to lunch)

2. The kids get to spend a whole week with their Grandparents.

3. The kids get to hear about their Dad when he was little.

Most of the workers at VBS have known Robert his whole life, some of the helpers have known his parents most of their lives too. Robert's Aunt Elaine (actually elaine is rob's grandmother's aunt) was there helping to serve snacks and livening things up

Here is Quentin with Aunt Elaine.

On thursday night it is family night and so we go and listen to their songs, pick up their crafts and eat cookies. Robert's grandma joined us there.

Here is Maw Maw Jo Jo-

Her real name is Annie mae Elizabeth Johnson, but with all the grandmas the kids have, David and Quentin christened her maw maw Jo JO because of her parrot named Jo Jo. I need to get some pics of Jo Jo.

When we lived in East Texas, the kids attended multiple Vacation Bible Schools, you could easily rid yourself of children for the entire month of June, all for free! The kids loved hanging out with their school friends and playing games. I stayed one time at Calvary Baptist Church to see if they needed any help, and they didn't. These VBS's are well oiled machines and they are so well organized. The odd thing, they have no idea how many kids will come, but they never run out of supplies. Truly a loaves and fishes thing.

We can't wait for next year at Central, when the theme is Saddle Ridge Mountain