Technical Difficulties?

No! Just stupidity~ I haven't been posting all the great pictures/events I've been taking lately, because I couldn't find the cord that connects my camera to my computer... I found it today... IN MY LAPTOP BAG!!! Go figure~ where it was supposed to be... (but I know I looked there first)... Anyway, I'm back in business!

My Book Resolution

Okay, so last year, I made a New Year's resolution to read at least one book a month. And, for the most part, I did. But I realized at the end of the year that I didn't keep track of the books that I read, so I had no "proof". Not that anyone cares except me... But, if a friend of mine read a book that she really enjoyed, I would want to know. On the other hand, if a friend read a book that she didn't like, I'd want to know as well (I might not want to waste my valuable reading time :) ) I have re-signed for the same resolution this year, with the addition of now posting my books to the blog (and probably to Facebook :) )...

Last month, in addition to Marley and Me, which I already posted about, I read an amazing book called Escape. It was written by Carolyn Jessop. She was one of Merril Jessop's wives. Merril Jessop is now one of the "elders" at the FLDS polygamist ranch that is not far from here. The book tells her amazing story of her life while part of the sect, and her escape from the FLDS. I went to a book signing she attended at a bookstore here in town, and she seemed like one of those just awesom people that you want to be friends with- and that was before I read her book.

Last night, I finished reading The Boy in the Striped Pajamas... It is an beautiful fiction story about a naive young boy whose father is a Nazi Commandant. They move to a house near Auschwitz (although the name of the camp is never mentioned in the book) so that the father can be closer to his work. The young boy befriends a Jewish boy on the "other side of the fence". Neither one of them can comprehend the other's way of life. Even though it is fiction, this story is such a good teaching tool, and introduction to the Holocaust. I cannot wait for it to come out on DVD (The movie did not make it to San Angelo).

On to my next book...

It's Jacob's World, we're just living in it...

Jacob has always been an early riser. I'm blaming his Daddy for that. ;) For the past several months, we have gotten him trained to come snuggle with us (and get another 1-2 hours of sleep) in the mornings. Yesterday, I was at the computer in our bedroom, and Jacob was playing one of his imaginery games.

All was going well, until I heard him say, "Good job." I have learned that when Jacob says "Good job", it's usually not good. That usually means that Jacob has fixed something (Bob-the Builder/Handy Manny style) that didn't need to be fixed.

I asked Jacob, "What did you fix?" His answer: "The alarm clock".
Me: How did you fix it? Jacob: I turned the lights off. (i.e., he unplugged it.)
Me: Jacob! Now the radio won't work, and we have no clock to tell us what time it is.
Jacob: That's good.
Me: Jacob! Why did you do that? How does turning the lights off fix the alarm clock?
Jacob: Now it won't wake us up in the morning.

How do you argue with that logic?

A Matthew-ism

Very often, Matthew says something, which, in his innocence, just makes us laugh. Today, he was looking at coupons in the phone book, and noticed that many of them required the purchase of fountain drinks. The conversation went like this:

Matthew: "Mom, what's a fountain drink?"

Me: "Well, a long time ago, drinks used to come from what was called a soda fountain. It dispensed all kinds of drinks... Cokes, Root Beer, Sprite. So a fountain drink is anything that comes from a fountain."

Matthew: "So, now, that would be, like, Water?"

I guess my explanation wasn't quite as good as I thought it was!

Back to Our Busy Lives!

Ok.. So I know that I intended to be blogging at least weekly. But when it comes to reality, that is HARD! Weekends, which I planned to use to catch up on this thing, have been becoming busy again... I always forget how crazy the second half of the year gets.

Basketball started up for the boys last month, and games started two weeks ago. That means in addition to two practices each during the week, we have one game on Friday night (Jacob's) and one on Saturday afternoon (Matthew). I have been so looking forward to Jacob playing "pee-wee" basketball- they are always so cute, running up and down the court with their arms in the air. But what I didn't factor in to this season was Jacob's personality. We have had to yell across the court to tell him to "Stop dancing!", "Leave your shorts alone!", "Get on the other side of the line!", and many others. And there's only been two games! Luckily/Sadly, there are just 4 more (depending on how you look at it). I think he is finally "getting it", that the object of the game is to get the ball from the other team. He actually tried to steal a ball at the last game, but he had such a cute look on his face, the other team member just dribbled away from him. (It was almost a "please, can I have the ball?" expression). Anyway, we know from experience that as hard as this first year is, in a year or two he will be infinitely better. Thank goodness!

Matthew, on the other hand, is having a great basketball season. Like Megan, he is mainly a defense player. I don't think he's missed a rebound yet this year, and really seems to be understanding the plays. His team has won both games easily.

Matthew also just decided on a Boy Scout troop to join last night. In February is the Cub Scouts' "Blue and Gold" ceremony, where he will officially move up to Boy Scouts. Unlike Girl Scouts, the Boys have an option of which troop to move into. He is excited about his decision.

Today, Matthew is starting his trumpet lessons! He will be playing trumpet in band next year, but really wanted to get a head start on it.

Megan is still on the Middle School Swim Team. She seems to be really good. I think she is the 2nd fastest in her group.

This past weekend, Megan was a part of the All-Region Honors Band. She was second-chair oboe. They practiced for three hours Friday night, then all day Saturday. Then, they had a concert Saturday night. It was great! The band sounded really good, and they had a great experience. The conductor was the retired conductor from the University here in San Angelo. I think he was having as much fun as the kids.

I have been taking lots of pictures, which I promise to post here soon...

The New Monopoly

Matthew got the Monopoly Here & Now: World Edition for his birthday. I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to play it with him. I remember the Monopoly marathons we played while I was growing up~the game that would never end. But this version is SO much better. First, it's more interesting- The spaces are all cities from around the world; the "Chance" and "Community Chest" cards are based on real-world events, such as, "You profit 2Million from a fashion show in Hong Kong." Then, underneath each card entry, there is a fact about that specific event, or something having to do with the country it takes place in. Very Cool!!!
The most fun change is that instead of money, each player is given a debit card; every transaction takes place with the "banking unit" in the game. No more patiently waiting for young children to s-l-o-w-l-y count each transaction. The best part about the cards is that if you decide to stop playing and play later, the dollar amounts get stored on the cards! No more keeping the money straight, keeping the game out, etc.
Yet, the game has all the parts that make it Monopoly. Still a GO TO JAIL space. Still collect $$ for passing GO (now it's $2Million!) Same basic premise, just updated. Highly recommended.

1st book of the year~ Marley & Me

I just finished reading the book, "Marley & Me." I cheated and saw the movie first, which is usually a huge mistake. But not this time. The movie, while definitely based on the book, was very different. And even after reading the book, I had a hard time deciding which I liked best. The biggest advantage of the book is getting to read John Grogan's writing. He is a phenomenal writer, able to put his reader in the middle of his life. My recommendation: Read the Book AND See the Movie... Not necessarily in that order.

Our Anniversary Tradition

Yesterday was our 5th anniversary! Every year on our anniversary, we have had a limo pick us up to take us on the Christmas Light Tour along the River. This year was no different, except that we had the limo come after the ASU boys' basketball game! (John announces the games. He was going to have someone else announce the game, but I said I'd like to go!) The lights were beautiful, as always. We had a wonderful time together.

The Boys make breakfast

Today is our 5th anniversary! All week, Matthew has been saying that he wanted to make John and me an Anniversary breakfast. So this morning, John, Matthew, and Jacob went to the store to get the ingredients they would need. No recipe, just bought on a whim. They bought frozen hashbrowns, red potatoes, mushrooms, eggs, breakfast sausage and velveeta cheese. We had to explain to Matthew that there was a certain order to cook everything in, since the sausage and potatoes would take longer to cook than the eggs. They had so much fun doing it! We added some Julio's seasoning to it at the end, and it was delicious!!!

Family Pic

This past Thursday was Jacob's school performance... It was so adorable! Afterward, we were taking pictures of Jacob w/ the poinsettias, and the music teacher, Mrs. Ochoa, offered to take a picture of all of us. So sweet! (even though were weren't dressed to have our pictures taken :) ) Too bad I didn't realize that all we could see is Jake's head~ Oh well... His little head looks cute over the poinsettias.

How cute is SHE???

Megan got her hair cut this week~ She got about 6 inches cut off! I think she looks adorable... and of course, SO much older :)

We're Trying!

As often as possible, I try to have make "Shabbat Dinner" Friday nights, complete with candles and challah. Last Friday night, we turned off the lights and took this picture. With everyone's schedules, it's not always possible, but it sure is special when we can!

Boy Scout Camp

Okay, so I am waaaay behind on updating this thing. But, well, to say the least, it has been a busy couple of months. And, like the economy, I fear it's going to get worse before it gets better (except mine are all *happy* events!) This month alone, in the next two weeks, actually, we have: Our Anniversary, Hanukka, Christmas, and Matthew's birthday. Nope, never a dull moment in December ~ even more so than normal ;)

Below are pictures from Boy Scout Family Camp in October. ~The VERY NEXT WEEKEND after Girl Scout camp. We had so much fun! It was a little sad, as this is Matthew's last Family Camp, since he moves up to Boy Scouts next year. (Family Camp is for Cub Scouts.) An added bonus to this weekend was that Meme came with us! She was trying to find a weekend to come spend with the kids, and this particular weekend just seemed to work well. She had a great time. No, really she did! And we had a blast with her.

We made a yummy breakfast on Saturday~ Pancakes, Turkey Bacon, and Eggs! We used Kelli Sudduth's (Matthew's teacher) new grill! Pancakes taste so much better when they are cooked outside!

One of the skills that the kids work on at Family Camp is Archery. M & M have gotten pretty good! i.e., they don't have to go running past the targets to collect their arrows! A couple of them even make it close to the bullseye!

The Boys (and Megan) clowning around before getting on the paddleboats. Aren't they sweet? (actually, they are :))

The Mud Pit. Need I say more?
(Except that John brought Jacob later in the afternoon, so that he could play for a little while, then camp with us that night.)

BS Pack 374. Someone donated the flags to each den at this campout.

Matthew is standing under the Bear flag (even though he's a Webelos).They got more organized at the flag ceremony!

Me, Magan, Meme (yes Meme!) and Kelli on the paddleboat

The Webelos cooked dinner for for us on the last night of camp (mmmm... mango-stuffed tilapia)

Both mornings, because it was so stinkin' cold, we woke up to a beauiful mist on the river. I took the one above; Matthew took the one below. (He is quite the little photographer.)

Girl Scout Trip

Megan and her tent-mate and good friend, Jondalynn, poking their heads out of their tents. They were in the same kindergarten class, and have been in the same Girl Scout troop for three years. They usually hang out together at Boy Scout Family Camp, too!

So I have officially survived my first camping trip of the year, and the first of TWO this month! Our Girl Scout troop and our sister troop took a trip to the Lubbock Corn Maze, at the suggestion of one of my Girl Scouts. It was FABULOUS!! The girls (and the leaders) had so much fun!

We went through the corn maze, which was a-maze-ing, ;)

then took a hay ride to the pumpkin patch.

There, the girls each picked a little pumpkin.

They also shot corn husks out of a corn cannon,

and rode in a tractor-pulled cow train!

All 10 girls from both troops outside the Texas Tech Art Museum. This was the first time some of them had been to an art museum, and the first trip to a planetarium for many of them!

Then, we went to the Texas Tech Art Museum, which was just- in a word- great~ Anthony Quinn's Art Collection was on display there. It included works of art that he collected throughout his life, as well of his own pieces of art. We also went to the Museum's Planetarium, which was unexpectedly more interesting than I thought it would be (I didn't get the nap I usually get to take in planetariums :) ).

Never Met a Stranger

We have finally decided to change over our phone service, so it is the same as our cable company. The Suddenlink man rang our doorbell, and Jacob ran to answer it (with me running behind him). He opened the door, saw the truck, and said, "Oh, our email is working fine. Thank you!" When I explained to Jacob that now Suddenlink will be our phone company too, he finally stepped aside to let Ray in.
Jacob being Jacob, he spent most of the time Ray was here asking questions, telling him about HIS tools, and basically making a new friend. By the time Ray was leaving, he and Jacob were keeping up a good conversation. Not sure how this come about, but as I followed them outside, I saw him handing Jacob his hat, then reaching in to the truck for his "backup" hat.
I ran inside to grab my camera, so I wouldn't miss this adorable moment. After I took the picture, Jacob gave Ray the hat back, and said, "Thanks for sharing." Too Stinkin' CUTE!!!

What a FUN day!

Oh MY GOSH! We had so much fun yesterday! But, we are SO exhausted! Megan was in the Canoe Flag Ceremony PLUS three races. I was in two sponsor races- one for San Angelo Family Magazine with Megan (we came in 4th place), and one with one of my Girl Scouts' moms, Christine for Gandy Ink (Christine works for them). We came in 3rd place in that one! I am just glad that none of the races that Megan or I were in ended with us in the river! (Several canoes tipped yesterday.)

We had the Girl Scouts Family FunFest in the morning before the Canoe Races, for which I was the Chairperson. It was so much work, but I think the people that came had lots of fun.

It is Sunday morning, and I am exhausted, but please with the day yesterday. Hope to get back in a canoe soon!

Back in the canoes!

This morning was practice-time for the girls in the flag ceremony for the canoe race. Since John had to take Matthew to a football practice {Ami cringing}, I got the short straw and had to take Jacob to the canoe practice. Because of his sweet perseverance, Ms. Becky told him that if he behaved and let her train the girls, she would let him get in the canoes. That was all it took~ He was perfect for the rest of the morning.

The girls looked great practicing for the flag ceremony. It is going to be beautiful! (I'll make sure to take pictures and post them here.)

Christine (my canoe partner) and I got to practice for a while too. As much as I hate to admit it, I really do enjoy being out on the water. (I think I'm becoming more "out-doorsy" than I'd like to admit!

Matthew is a Safety Patrol!

Okay, so I am no longer the worst mom ever! Matthew signed up to be a Safety Patrol at the end of last year, but wasn't chosen because of recurring tardies!!! , His grades were great, his behavior perfect, attendance fine, just more than a few late mornings. Now, I am not going to say Matthew is completely innocent in the tardy situation, but more than anything, it was because I couldn't find my keys (or my phone, or Jacob's shoes, or my shoes) in the morning. But, I have turned over a new leaf! If you believe that, well, you don't know me very well... But I asked the Safety Patrol teacher to please consider him if a space opens up. I said that if a space opens up in an afternoon slot, even better, since I have no problems getting to the school a few minutes later in the afternoon! Anyway, yesterday, a space opened up~ It seems one of the safety patrols didn't want to do it anymore. Matthew could not have been more excited!
He had to be at school by 7:25 this morning! But here's the very cool thing about that: He left with John and Megan! John dropped off Megan at 7:10, then Matthew by 7:20! I think I might like this early-morning thing!

Way to go Megan!!!

Last April, Megan told me she wanted to try out for the middle school swim team. I can't remember why now, but we were not able to make it to the tryouts.

Two days ago, a friend of mine told me that her daughter just tried out for swim team... So I called the coach, and he let Megan try out today.

She had to swim 50 meters in 50 seconds to make the team... While she was trying out, the coach told me that the reason they like to have the kids try out in April is so if they don't make the team, they can have time to practice and try out again.

She did it in 45 seconds! She was very excited. The coach said, "not bad without practice." Now, she gets to swim every morning for 1st period... PLUS an extra hour before school! so much for school starting at 8:20; she has to be at the high school (across town) by 7:20 a.m.! No rest for the weary!

Fun in Florida

Last weekend, I went to Florida for a friend's wedding. It was the first time in years (ever?) that I had been to Florida without kids, and without a more serious purpose. It was so nice to catch up with relatives~I stayed with my Aunt Lynn & Uncle Gerry in Boynton Beach. While there,I got to know their friends, Phil & Barbara. Phil and my uncle have been friends since they were little boys in Brooklyn. It was so cute watching them interact with each other, telling stories and just "being boys". They told hysterical stories of their youth. I have heard most of them before from my mom, but these were told from the boys' perspective...



I also got to spend some time with my Great-aunt Rose and Great-uncle Fred. It was fun to see them. They are getting older, but overall, doing well. My aunt has the same cute sense of humor that she has always had. She is legally blind (from macular degeneration), but she still tells great stories, and has the same great smile that I remember when I think of her. It was wonderful to see her and Uncle Freddy. I went back to see them a second time, and we went out for breakfast to one a diner near them.

I got to spend some time shopping at Sawgrass Mills! This is a h-u-g-e outlet mall. When it was built, it was the largest in the country. Not sure if it still it, but it is pretty big! I was there for almost 2 hours and only saw a very small part of it. I didn't find a dress to wear to the wedding, my purpose for going there, but I did find gifts to give to the Peace Ambassadors for our holiday party! I can't say what they are yet, in case they read this, but I am SO excited!

Probably the best part of the trip was reconnecting with friends and family. I also got to see Ellie Riskin for (about 45 minutes). We were such good friends when I lived in FL, but have not seen each other for a long time. She was just as sweet as ever, and has the most adorable house!

I also got to meet Larry's (brother of the bride) Emilie for the first time, in person! We have talked at length on the phone for years, but never actually met. The only bad thing? My camera battery died before I could get a pic of her and Larry! We all had so much fun at the rehearsal dinner party- It was a bbq on the beach!

Lauren & Steve- the Bride & Groom!

At the wedding, I sat with Larry & Emilie, Jan & Aley, and Larry's cousins, Rachel and Ben. What a great table! Rachel and Ben are going to be my newest "Facebook" friends.

After the wedding I stayed at Jan & Aley's house. It was so nice getting to know their son, Michael. He is a great kid (19!) with a fun sense of humor, and a phenomenal nusic career ahead of him. Even though I had just seen Jan last month, it was nice to see her while I was stress-free! It was so much fun to see Aley~ while at dinner, he showed me how to do "Torah-gami"- folding a dollar-bill into a Torah! M & M are amazed, and cannot wait to learn how to do it! I hadn't seen him in at least 10 years! We need to make sure that doesn't happen again!