Memorial Day, Sunriver, and the flu

We took advantage of the holiday weekend to visit central Oregon--in hopes of warmer, drier weather.  It was a little warmer, and a little drier, but not what we had hoped.  However, we still enjoyed our stay in Sunriver.  We found a slammin' deal on a beautiful house for rent.  It was really cozy, big enough for our entire family, and complete with bikes, a ping pong table, a hot tub, and free passes to the local waterpark.

One of the fun things about Sunriver is the plethora of bike paths that lead to all parts of the area.  The kids and I explored the area and took a trip to the waterpark and playground to check it out.  It was really nice to bike around and be in a safe place without worry of cars and traffic.

Mariah and I took a horse trail ride.  The weather was beautiful and the trails peaceful and scenic.  We saw a red-tailed hawk and three deer along the trail.  They barely gave us a blink as we passed by.  Mariah was itching to move along the trail faster, but unfortunately, the tour we selected was a "walk-only" ride.  Mariah figured out that if she lagged behind the trail guide enough, it gave her enough room to trot a bit to "catch up."  Tricky girl.

We spent a day at the water park, although I have no pictures to prove it.  The weather was barely warm enough to splash around.  Once the kids got out of the water, though, they froze.  But they loved the water slides and the lazy river.  I love how water entertains them for hours and hours.  

One evening we invited our cousins, Nicky and Shaun and their family, to join us for dinner.  We spent some time with Nicky getting our family pictures taken (she's a photographer) and then we enjoyed each other's company as our kids played together.  It was great to catch up and spend time together.

Unfortunately, during our stay Dallin got sick and then proceeded to pass it around to Mariah, then me, then Jason.  So, we spent a big chunk of time recuperating on the comfy couches in the house.  It was a little disappointing being sick while on vacation, but what could we do about it?  We were still able to do lots of fun things--we'll just have to go back to do the rest!

Our first science fair

We experienced our first science fair this school year--yes, I'm still alive.  Actually, Jason did most of the work with Dallin and Grant's projects, for which I owe him a month's worth of favors and treats because I would've curled up into a ball of tears, sobs, and thumb-sucking had I been left to do it on my own.  Science + Shannon = Unhappiness.

Dallin's project was an experiment in electricity.  "The Battle of the Batteries:  David vs. Goliath" showed how the physical size of a battery does not determine its ability to light a bulb, but the actual voltage contained within the battery is the determining factor.  He showed how the smaller 9-volt battery (David) made the bulb glow brighter than the larger 6-volt battery (Goliath).  Dallin's teacher had nothing but wonderful, positive things to say about Dallin's project and his presentation.  She remarked that he obviously understood his experiment and that he had presented it to the class superbly.  She gave him an A+ on his oral report, which we were all very excited about!

Grant's experiment, dubbed "The Pullinator", was a solution to a common problem in Grant's life.  When he gets into bed for the night, pulls on his covers, and gets comfortable, he realizes he has forgotten to turn off the bedroom light and must get out of his cozy bed to do so.  Can't we all relate?  Grant developed a system using pulleys, screws, and levers to rig two strings next to his bed that he pulls in order to turn the light on or off.  Genius!

Thankfully, for my sanity, Kyle and Karina's science projects were completed in their classrooms with their teacher's assistance.  Kyle learned about the life cycle of a frog and also did an observation of the growth of a seed.

Karina learned about the life cycle of a butterfly.  They had caterpillars in their classroom, fed them, watched them form a chrysalis, and finally break out as butterflies.  I love this kindergarten unit and so do the kids.  It's exciting to see the miracle of life!

Overall, I'm grateful for the Science Fair experience for my kids.  I saw each of them grow and learn during the process and I'm happy they were able to do it.  I remember participating in science fairs when I was an elementary student, and I really enjoyed it.  Now, as a parent, I understand the sacrifices and work my parents undertook to insure my success as a young student.  Thanks, Mom and Dad!

This boy turned 11

Dallin and his four rowdy friends, along with his four siblings, celebrated his 11th birthday today.  We did our best to wear them out with trampoline jumping and playing at the park.  I think they had a good time.  I certainly enjoyed their boyishness.

Dallin chose to have doughnuts from Joe's Donuts, a favorite doughnut shop in our area, instead of a traditional birthday cake.  I was happy to oblige, since that made my job pretty easy.  

It's amazing to see Dallin grow and mature.  I'm so proud to call him my son.  He makes good choices, gives great hugs and back rubs, and makes me laugh with his sense of humor.  I'm glad to call him mine!  Happy birthday, Dub!

Kitty Chronicles: Snowflake mania

This winter we had a bit of snow--Kitty went crazy over it.  

Just like the water drops on our bathtub walls, he chased down the snowflakes until he couldn't handle it anymore.  It turned out to be quite an adventure for him!

Unfortunately, I didn't get good pictures of him because he was so spastic.

But, let it be known that Twig considers snowflakes to be quite entertaining!

Need help?

I found it!  The solution to any and all of my problems!

Need help?

Need someone to unload the groceries from your car?

Need someone to scrub your walls to remove kid fingerprints, food, mud?

Need a chauffeur?

Need someone to pay your bills for you?

Need help removing the slugs from your garden?

Need a new roof?

Need to find the cheapest plane ticket to Luxembourg?
Need counseling?  Mental help?

Need a referee for your kids?

Need to rid your crawlspace of rodents?

Need a car washed?

Yup.  I need all of those things.  Maybe this person can help....

Gifts from my mother

Sometimes it takes thirty-some years to realize 

your mom has become (and has always been) one of your best friends.

Lately, I've reflected a lot on the special relationship I enjoy between me and my mom.

Since the day I was born, my mother has given me gifts.

Gifts of love and service.
Gifts of happiness and joy.
Gifts of kindness, charity, and sacrifice.
I'm certain I have taken more from her than she has received in return,

and I am profoundly grateful for the things she has taught me throughout the years.

My mom gave me the gift of Confidence.
She has been my constant cheerleader.
Always telling me I can do what I didn't suppose I could--
instilling in me a deep sense of self-worth and certainty.

My mom gave me the gift of Service.
Every day my mom gave service to our family--through difficult times, through happy times,
through sad times, through it all.  She was always there, serving her family.
For years I watched my mom serve others also--bringing a meal to someone sick,
caring for elderly friends who needed help, running errands for those who couldn't,
reaching out to those who need a lift from life's burdens.
Her example of service to others can hardly be matched and I find myself imitating her example as I feel the need to reach out to others as well.

My mom gave me the gift of Forgiveness.
Life is not easy.  It is not perfect.  Nor do others act perfectly.
In this, my mother has always been an example of forgiving others who have done wrong.
The forgiveness may not come easily.  It may not come quickly.  But she always does forgive.
What an example to me!
Seeing her become a better person for her forgiving ways has helped me see that I can also
overcome hurts and trials and offenses and be free from those burdens.
And when in my selfishness I may offend her, I know she will forgive me of my misgivings and mistakes.
What a comfort it is to know that my mother will always love me, in spite of my shortcomings.

My mom gave me the gift of a Positive Attitude.
Through life's twists and turns, my mom consistently chooses to see the good.
A positive attitude doesn't necessarily come naturally to her, but I have seen her work through painful and difficult situations and come out on the other end with a positive attitude.
I have witnessed her actively seek to find the good and gain something positive from her experiences.
To me, this is a testament of her mental willpower and faith, which I admire greatly.

My mom gave me the gift of Work.
My mother is not one to shirk from her duties.
Hard work is not a deterrent to her.
If something needs to be done, she'll roll up her sleeves and do it.
She is amongst the first to volunteer when help is needed.
She is the last to leave a gathering--cleaning up and making sure everything is back in its place.
I have been taught the value of work and that working hard
builds good character.

My mom gave me the gift of Faith.
She raised me to be faithful and hopeful in all things--
to trust in God and build a foundation in Christ.
She taught me to nurture my faith through obedience and love.
Her example of faith has given me strength in times of trial,
for which I am profoundly grateful.

All of these gifts are precious and priceless.
They have shaped me into the woman I am today,
and they continue to influence me as I develop and mold them further into my character.
I will forever be indebted to my mom,
and I will always honor her for the legacy of gifts she has shared.

Goose me! -- A poem

The geese took over,

It must be spring. 

Time to take flight,

Stretch their wings.

Onward!  They honk

As they press forward each day.

In our city pond they rest,

Taking time to play.

By tomorrow they'll be gone,

Heading northward again.

Forming V's overhead,

To reach their journey's end.

How's that for a poem? 

Yeah, I know.

I'm not the greatest poet,

but I couldn't think of a fun way to comment on these pictures.

Enjoy!

Kitty Chronicles: Water drop chaser

What is more exciting than a mouse?

Water drops, of course!

Every morning after our showers, Twig comes in to play.  

He watches and chases the water for quite a while as he licks the tub and gets a drink at the same time. 

I never knew something so simple could be so entertaining.

Must. Get. Those. Vicious. Water. Drops.

Must. Not. Let. Them. Escape.

Wall sits

What does your family do when boredom sets in?

We do wall sits.

You know, wall sits.

Where you "sit" on an invisible chair against the wall
until your thighs burn such that you can't stand it anymore
 and you have to cave to the pressure.

It's really fun!  You should try it.

Portraits

I've had fun getting some pics of the kids for my hallway picture frames-thought you might enjoy seeing my beautiful brood.