Nine Texans

MOM...BLOG MORE.

2011-09-29T20:59:00.002-06:00

If it has come to the point where I am hacking your account and blogging for you then something is wrong. BLOG MORE! PLEASE! Cause I have nothing more important to do then read about stuff that I see happen every day. Yeah.

-Tristan

Call Sign Funny

2011-08-06T18:25:00.003-06:00

Ian just got back from Aviation Challenge at Space Camp in Huntsville, AL. The kids pick call signs the first day. Ian was telling me about all the different ones in his group and I asked him what he picked.

"Asp..."
"What?! Your call sign was ASPIE!!??"
insert Ian rolling his eyes
"No, Mom. ASPEN"
"Why? Because you are tall, white and skinny?" I smiled.
"Exactly." Ian smiles.

That just cracked me up. First, because he thought of it and second, because he is ok with such self-deprecating humor.

{pretty,happy,funny,real} 4th of July edition

2011-07-07T09:36:00.005-06:00

We went to Randolph AFB to celebrate the 4th of July this year (sans Jack who was recovering from encampment and was sick). No fireworks (which equaled no crowds \o/) due to the dangerously dry conditions but lots of free activities for the littles. Lucy met Christopher at the door early Monday afternoon and let fly with something that sounded like: " We'regoingtothebouncycastleDaddy!!Thebouncycastle!Nowwe'regoingnowrightgoingtothebouncycastle
andI'mgoingtobounceandmeetmyfriendsatthebouncycastlerightDaddyrightnowwearegoingtothebouncy
castlenownownowrightnowrightrightright"

{pretty}

The perfect 4th of July dress. Yes, she had shorts on under it. Her mouth is open here, she is probably giving directions to her new friend there on the right. Lucy calls any child she meets, anywhere, her friend :D

{happy}

I joke around that about the time my babies wean they discover Daddy and my superstar status is reduced to just about zero. Max has reached that milestone. He LOVES his Daddy. He immediately goes to Christopher as soon as Chris gets home from work and woe to us all if Max isn't picked up right away. If it's up to Max, he'll follow Daddy around 24/7.
Below is the look I got when I said "Max, look at Mommy!" if that isn't the "What do you want, lady?" look, I don't know what is.

{funny}

The Marines were at the 4th celebration and giving away water bottles to kids who did pull-ups. Most of the kids tried and did well, with the exception of Katie..a jock she is not :D. As you can see Ben got it....

and Tristan did not :D

{real}

Tristan plays hard.....that is one sweaty kid.

and sleeps hard. He made it just inside the front door and collapsed on the nearest chair with all his loveys...3 Smiths and Blue Blankie.

CAP Summer Part 3

2011-07-06T11:49:00.002-06:00

Power Flight Academy and Encampment are done. Encampment was a big success for both boys. Ian graduated from ATS (Advanced Training School) and is now qualified to be an instructor at encampment. Jack's 68th Squadron did very well and finished encampment with quite a few awards over the three flights. Saturday Jack leaves for his third, and final, CAP activity of the summer. Cadet Officer School. COS is considered by many to be the most rewarding and valuable activity a cadet can take part in. About 110 cadets, the top 1% nationally, are accepted to attend each year, usually 2 per Wing (state) with the exception of Texas and a couple other large Wings who are allowed to send a few more. There will be 4 cadets from TX this year.

{pretty,happy,funny,real}

2011-06-30T15:00:00.008-06:00

I've been neglecting the blog again.
It is a quiet week around here as the boys are at Civil Air Patrol, Texas Wing Encampment. I'm looking forward to attending the Pass-in-Review on Saturday and hearing all about their week.

Ok on to {phfr}

Pretty.....I have to reach into the archives for this one:

{pretty}

Our street.

{happy}

A very sweet Max on his first birthday. got cake?

{funny}

Tristan has turned into my little optimist. Whenever he is denied something like ice cream or even a bath he gives you this face:

and cheerfully says, "Maybe tomorrow!"

{real}

Grace riding. Pardon the hokey music. It's better than listening to my mom and I talk about the weather and hearing the dogs playing.

Sometimes I think I am crazy to let Grace do what she does. She is a 100lbs soaking wet and 12 years old. Every other week she gets in close proximity to a very large animal that could throw her off if the horse wanted too. Grace saddles the horse, leads her to the ring, rides in the small and/or big ring under Scott's instruction and then takes the horse for a trail ride around a 10 acre perimeter by herself, out of sight for a good 10-15 minutes. Equine pursuits are inherently dangerous, even for experienced adults. So why do I let my precious girl do this? She loves it. It is her passion. She studies it, she works at it, and she is pretty good for a child her age who doesn't own a horse. We have to let our kids try, try things that are hard and sometimes they may get hurt. The important part is that they get back up and try again.

Flying High

2011-06-12T21:08:00.004-06:00

Jack had an amazing time at the TX Wing PFA. I am so thankful he was able to go and able to solo. Chris, Mom and I arrived a few minutes before the ceremony began, which was remarkable since we left 30 minutes late and had to drive 360 miles. Jack chose me to pin on his wings and I am so honored and happy that he did. Here is the video of Jack receiving his wings and his "official" call sign. Transcript below.

MC: In the name of the pilot
Audience: Keep the blue side up!
MC: In the name of the copilot
Audience: Keep the brown side down!
MC: In the name of the Cessna 172
Audience: Stay out of the Trees
MC: Air Force
Audience: HOORAH!
MC: Air Force
Audience: HOORAH!
MC: Air Force
Audience: HOORAH!
MC: From now on you will be known as.....RUDDER. Welcome to the brotherhood and sisterhood of aviators.
Audience: HOORAH!

Cue mom tears.

Some photos of the traditional post-solo CAP 'ceremony'. I am one who loves tradition and ritual, and I am enjoying watching my boys take part in these decades old CAP/AF traditions.
First the boys 'tails' are cut. In days past when instructor pilots (IP's) sat behind, instead of next to, their students the IP would pull on the shirttails of the student to signal them to go right, to left etc....after the solo the tails were no longer needed and it became the tradition to cut them off. After that is a dunking in water courtesy of the other students.

Jack and his IP, "Pappy"

This isn't Jack, but another cadet , I just loved this pic:

Solo

2011-06-09T12:09:00.002-06:00

My son just had his first solo flight!!
I am so excited and proud. 4 years of CAP, lots of work from Jack and lots of support from family,friends and fellow cadets and senior members....all working towards this goal...onwards and upwards!!

{pretty,happy,funny,real} First Holy Communion Edition

2011-05-26T11:19:00.005-06:00

Reaching back a few years ago for my {pretty} post. Grace on her FHC morning.

Ben's FHC. Jack was sitting at just the right angle. I, of course, was in the cry room with Tristan and Max. Christopher, sadly, was away on business so it was a one-parent morning.

{happy}
It may be FHC, it may be one of the most important days of a young Catholic's life, the entire parish may be taking pictures....but Ben is still 7 and is still Ben :D

{funny}

I'm sure they were discussing what they were discussing who they were offering their FHC's for, or finding the right place in the missal.....right?

{real}

{pretty,happy,funny,real}

2011-05-19T13:17:00.005-06:00

I would usually never put a picture of myself under the {pretty} heading but cutting off over 12 inches of hair just about requires a picture on the blog. So, me with short hair.

Maybe this pic should go under funny but Max making his fish lips face makes me { happy} 'cause it is just so darn cute.[sarcasm] If he was throwing up a peace sign it could be his Facebook profile pic.[/sarcasm] How did making fish lips become 'attractive' or cool anyway. And I get teased about my spiral perm from my misdirected youth? I know I looked like Ronald McDonald but at least I didn't look something you see at Sea World!
{funny} Jack gets a little excited at birthdays...even someone else's.... :D

{real} the off-key, loud, dissonant singing of "Happy Birthday" at our house. This is just our 'little family' plus my spare (Grace's bff who eats with us more than she doesn't :D )

Shout out to Catholic Icing

2011-05-18T14:39:00.004-06:00

In my sidebar you will see a link to a blog called Catholic Icing. Lacy is one of those women who can look at everyday objects and come up with amazing and creative ideas. (She should have been in Odyssey of the Mind). I mean, really.....who can sees a pool noodle and thinks, "Hey we can make a Monstrance out of that!!" Pool noodles have three uses around here....as floaties, as weapons and as dog chew toys.
She had a cute little project the other week for the letter W. He's got the whole world in His hands

Now along with not being very creative I am not a 'circle time,letter of the week' kinda homeschooling mom anymore but I still thought the craft was super cool so I worked it Nine Texans style which is "here kids, color these coffee filters and then look what happens when we sprinkle water on them!!" They love it-well my artsy ones did. The 12,10,7 and 5 year old would have gone through a pack of a 100 filters if I let them. I make myself feel better and call it a lesson in abstract art :D We hung them up in our kitchen.I know Martha Stewart would be cringing but my kitchen is pretty bright and 'tacky' already, what's a little more color :D

My curtains, yes, that is Texas themed toile.

Two of my crosses. The handpainted one on top even has momma's with babies in slings and the bottom one is dyed straw.

Two down, Three to go

2011-05-17T20:51:00.003-06:00

Birthdays that is. May-June is our birthday marathon beginning with Tristan on May 2 and ending with Max on June 11. Lucy, Chris and Katie are in the middle. Here is Tristan's big day. I love 3rd birthdays as it is the first birthday that they really understand what is happening and anticipate it and boy, oh boy did he understand what was coming.

You never open presents without siblings hovering....we have video of Katie 'helping' Jack on his 3rd birthday.

Any port in a storm..

2011-05-14T17:48:00.003-06:00

My little ones play musical beds. Where they start out at bedtime is frequently not where they are found in the morning. One night Lucy came to me because she had a nightmare. Soon after Max woke up and she left because she knows I can't have her next to me and nurse Max. This is what I found on the couch in the morning.
When Momma isn't available even a little brother can be comforting.

You'd think I was pregnant......

2011-04-29T08:25:00.003-06:00

and I am NOT. I'm just a puddle this morning.
Katie's full gallery is up at the photographer's website. I got through about 2 pictures before I got teary, with Nicole's choice of music in the background I think that was her goal. :) I think it is just hitting me that Katie is going to be 18 in a few weeks and not long after that she will.be.gone. With the exception of a couple of my children, I think most of them will fly around 18, whether it is to college, work or the military. I've got a few that I think will stay and keep their mom company a little longer. Thank goodness.
For the last 18 years I have brought a new baby home about every 2 years. I prepared for a new baby. I bought clothes, I got the house ready, I imagined this new little person coming into our family, I wondered about the changes he or she would bring, I prayed that he would be OK. I cried...sometimes from happiness, sometimes from fear, sometimes from sheer joy. Now I am doing it all in reverse. Planning what Katie will take away with her to school, rearranging the bedrooms to take advantage of the extra space, wondering what our day-day will be like without her, wondering what her days will be like without us. I still pray that she will be OK and I still cry and won't ever stop doing either. I'm going to be going through this about every 2 years for the next 20. My babies may grow up, they may go to school, they may go fly airplanes, they may ride horses through the Rockies...their mom will still be at home...praying for them and feeling the happiness, fear and sheer joy of being their mother and always loving them, even from afar.

{pretty,happy,funny,real}

2011-04-28T10:02:00.005-06:00

{pretty}

This is a little Tufted Titmouse (or Mexican Titmouse) that built her nest in the pipe that holds up our basketball net. Her chicks are quite noisy. I hope when they fledge they don't meet.....

Spooky, our outdoor cat. She is ours by default. When we moved in, before there were many houses, she was here. She is tame but is still a hunting cat and lives primarily in and around our garage, cars, front of the house. Someone (probably Grace) took this picture of Spooky underneath our van.

{happy}

ALL my children looking at the camera at the same time. It doesn't take much to make a mom happy, just 9 heads all pointed in the same direction.

{funny}

Grace during her individual 'photo shoot'. I took pictures of each of the children individually over a few days time. This was in the 'not printing out and sending to Grandma' file.

{real}

In a house with 9 children (all of whom have no sense of self-preservation) I deal with at least a minor injury just about every day. It is my reality.
Max is a pretty proficient walker but even the steadiest 10 month old is no match for a wet spot on a tile floor. Max took a header and tore his frenulum (the piece of skin that goes between your upper lip and gum). Lots and lots of blood. My poor baby. After a little cold rag and snuggling action he was fine and ate dinner just a little while later like nothing had happened. I went to clean up the bloody paper towels and clothes and saw his sad little bloody binky. Am I bad that I thought....that would make a good 'real' post for tomorrow???

Senior Pictures

2011-04-22T08:10:00.005-06:00

A few weeks ago the girls and I took a drive to Gruene (pronounced green) . I had purchased a Groupon for a session with a photographer many, many moons ago (it had actually expired but Nicole was gracious enough to honor it anyway) and chose to use it for Katie's senior pictures.

When I was in high school our senior portraits were slightly amped up versions of the school pictures we had been having taken for the last 12 years. Professional photographers were for weddings. I admit when I noticed, about 10 years ago, the trend was for seniors to have a professional sitting like a bride, I thought it was overkill. I've changed my mind.

I've been blessed over the last almost 18 years to have beautiful pictures of my children taken by my uncle, who was a professional photographer for many years. I have dozens of gorgeous shots of Katie growing up. Not one is a standard JC Penney portrait. Over the years Bruce has been able to capture moments that are "Katie" (or Jack, or Ian, or Grace etc....) expressions, stances, actions....frozen moments in time. I was wondering if a photographer who had never met Katie before, didn't know her at all would be able to capture what I was looking for. My beautiful daughter who is turning into a beautiful young woman. My Katie.
She did. Nicole did an amazing job. I can't wait to see all the pictures!

Nicole's Blog

I just love, love, love the first picture. Like Nicole, I am a sucker for black and white.

A little note: Along with being a talented photographer, Nicole is a military wife and mom. She is also expecting her second child, a little boy, next month. Her husband, Dane, is deployed in Afghanistan in a forward unit. To top it all off she is working for a VBAC. If y'all could send up a prayer for this amazing woman who, when most women in her situation are turning inwards and saying 'why me?', is able to look outwards and see so much beauty and capture it for us all.

{pretty,funny,happy, real}

2011-04-21T11:07:00.007-06:00

In keeping with the floral theme of this linky. Blooms on one of our oleanders. Hard to believe something so beautiful is so deadly.

Real. It isn't always fun being the baby. Sometimes you get left behind.

Happy. Mom decides to take Max out to join in the chaos playing under the hose. Sibs are happy to introduce him to a typical summer activity at our home.

Funny. A little too much cold water.

Max Walks!

2011-04-08T14:45:00.002-06:00

Pardon the mess in the background. I was cleaning off bookcases.

The resolution in the video is poor because I converted it to make it use a lot less bandwidth and easier to load.

University of Dallas it is!

2011-03-24T11:45:00.003-06:00

This coming August our family will load up the van and drive to Irving and say goodbye to our dear Katie. May she have 4 faith-filled, book-filled, fun-filled years at UD.
Congratulations sweetheart, you earned it!

16 Texans

2011-03-16T19:29:00.003-06:00

The Mom over at Shoved to Them came by today with her 6 Mom-lings as they are here in S. Texas on Spring Break. We also had a spare 11 year old, Cassidy, who is Grace's BFF and spending her spring break at our house. Of course, my nine Texans were here too. That makes two mommy bloggers and 16 children between the ages of 17 and 9 months. I think we had a good time. Lots of food, drinks and dirt were involved. Some cinnamon and a pony figured in to the day too.

About Japan

2011-03-14T09:18:00.003-06:00

My friend Sharon wrote about her time in Japan on her blog. It is a heartfelt 'real' post about her experiences. A very different image of Japan than one gets through books, movies and the news.

Sharon's Japan

Video editing

2011-03-03T10:29:00.000-06:00

By Jack:

Good try Tristan!

2011-02-05T09:29:00.004-06:00

Tristan loves coffee. He will drink from your coffee cup if you give him the opportunity and has been known to try and pour himself a cup from the carafe. He took his coffee consuming antics to a new high but 2 year old style :D

Christopher found the above when he opened the coffee-maker this morning. The formula scoop and a scoop of formula. T had the right kind of scoop, right place in the coffee maker, wrong tin :D

Snow in South Texas

2011-02-04T09:37:00.006-06:00

Now don't laugh. Our weather over the last 24 hours would barely be even noticed north of the Mason-Dixon but we aren't north of the Mason-Dixon. We are in south central TX where snow only accumulates about once every 5-10 years.

We were predicted to get 1-3" but instead got a layer of freezing rain/ice, then some sleet and then a dusting of snow. It doesn't look like much but was quite slick and Chris saw at least a dozen over-turned cars on his way in to work. Many of the highways in the area were closed this morning because of the ice. S. Texas road crews and drivers are not equipped to handle icy roads. All schools are closed, including the colleges and I bet when I talk to Chris in a while he will either be the only person at work or one of just a few. His boss already said she wasn't even going to try coming in until noon or so.

We will hit the high 30's today and SIXTY tomorrow, the snow and ice is already dripping off the roof. Some of the kids were up as early as 5AM to get out and get some playing time in the 'snow' and some of the older ones stayed up very late hoping to be able to watch it fall. I envision some really tired kids later today :D
None of them are dressed appropriately for the weather but no one got frostbitten :D

Ian and Jules

Who needs to button their coat? Not Tristan!
Grace sliding around on some ice.
Cold dog instead of the usual HOT DOG... :D

Emma and her itty bitty snowball
Ben didn't want to pose with his snowball, he wanted to throw it...at Emma

Jack soaked a shirt and threw it outside last night to see what would happen:

As requested by a certain someone...

2011-01-31T22:00:00.004-06:00

And he stands too...

2011-01-13T18:59:00.003-06:00

My very own Kewpie doll

2011-01-13T18:57:00.003-06:00

Anyone remember these?

I have my very own living Kewpie Doll!

We've had lots going on, more updates and pictures of the other kids forthcoming.

Max and Santa

2010-12-12T18:24:00.003-06:00

Santa came around this late afternoon. His sleigh pulled by Rudolph the Pick-Up and escorted by the fire engine.

Emma, Lucy, Ben, Tristan and Max all sat on Santa's lap. I need to go make enchiladas for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe but I *must* share these pictures of Max first! Believe it or not, we didn't know Santa was coming and Max just happened to be wearing this outfit and I pulled this hat out of the back of the closet this morning. I couldn't have planned it better:D

Happy Half-Birthday Max!!

2010-12-11T19:47:00.003-06:00

Hazards of a 4 year old sister...

2010-11-19T14:00:00.002-06:00

that is learning to read and write.

What a sweet baby boy, all ready for his nap....

but wait, look, there is something on his hand.

just in case anyone forgot his name, Lucy labeled him.

What a week looks like at our house...

2010-11-15T21:17:00.009-06:00

could also be titled, "How many miles Karen puts on the van every week."
People often wonder what homeschoolers 'do' all day. This is what our week looks like excepting book/study.

Sunday-Mass. The rest of the day we relax at home. I try take a nap and it is usually a fairly quiet day.

Monday-Emma has Odyssey of the Mind. In other years we have had anywhere from 1-4 children participating and sometimes I was a coach or co-coach. This year it is just Emma. PHEW! Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem solving competition and looks like this:

In this photo is a sheep, a radish, a farmer and some mice. Can you find them? Of course they are there "OM style"
This is a photo from the middle school team, OM 2009.

Tuesday- Katie goes to volunteer at the .Institute of Texan Cultures
and Jack and Ian have Civil Air Patrol.

Wednesday- Grace rides. She usually rides this horse, Tequila. Tequila is a quarter horse/thoroughbred cross. I like her, she has spunk. Grace likes her too. Mr. Scott? Thinks she is a pain in the neck :D to put it nicely. She has been riding for over three years and is getting pretty good. It is amazing what riding can do for a child's confidence.

Jack, Katie, Emma and Ben have taekwondo on Wednesday afternoons. I love our TKD school! Their teacher, Ginger, is a home schooling mom of 7 and black belt and grandma, although you would never think she was a grandma :D She is patient and firm and sets the bar high but works just as hard as the kids do to get them to that next goal. I am so appreciative of her influence on the children and the closeness of her home/school to our house! :D

Thursday-chess club for Jack and Ian. It is a community chess club run by a local lawyer. They play every week and go to tournaments every couple months.

Friday-Jack and Katie go to math tutoring downtown. We are very blessed to have good friend from CAP, Cindi, who is a math major at UTSA who tutors Katie and Jack in math for FREE. Grace has piano lessons with Ellie.

Classical Spotlight: EP Rachmaninoff from Classical Spotlight on Vimeo.

Saturday-sometimes Grace rides in the morning, sometimes we have a chess tournament, sometimes Chris needs to go set of rockets for CAP, sometimes we actually stay home and get caught up on housework and yardwork.

How many miles do I put on my van in a week? About 350

Look who has arrived!

2010-11-12T08:36:00.003-06:00

"Look who has arrived!!" Ben announced as he brought me Max this morning. Ben likes to check and see if Max is awake in the mornings. Max is about 16 lbs now and pretty sturdy. When Ben carries Max he kind of holds Max around the middle and Max tips to either one side or the other. It looks precarious (it isn't) but regardless of what awkward angle he is tipped at, Max has a huge smile on his face. Max is one super happy baby in the morning. I don't understand. We had the same amount of sleep approximately and I am not one super happy mommmy, I am barely awake mommmy and that is after 16 oz of coffee.

I am not one of those ultra-organized homeschooling moms, much to my mother's and husband's chagrin. I don't ring a bell at 6:30AM or wake my kids with the scent of freshly baked scones. My kids kind of trickle down the stairs between 7:30 and 9AM (or later) they stumble into the kitchen and get some breakfast, then get dressed, then on a good day we get going with school, we'll save what a bad day looks like for another time. Somewhere in there, with just about all of them, even the big boys, they stop. They stop and say "Good Morning!!" to Max and get a big gummy grin. The girls usually stop and play with him for a few minutes and squish his yummy cheeks and tickle him to get a belly laugh. I sometimes get a little melancholy watching Katie with him as I know/hope that at this time next year she'll be gone and won't have the same relationship with him that she has had with the other kids. Usually, I watch and appreciate the fact that they are all home and get to watch him grow and develop and love on him. They don't just see him a few hours or minutes a day here or there. I'm trying to adjust to the fact that our family is entering a new time in our lives. Our older children will start into adulthood and won't be around as often, either they'll be at school or have jobs. Even if they are living here, they won't *be* here. For the big kids and I, them missing out on the littlest ones growing up will be sad. Somehow I think *Queen Lucy's usual morning greeting, "I said, make me cereal, NOW!" will help soften the blow.

*Lucy has informed us "I am not a princess, I am the QUEEN."

Thanks for the responses

2010-11-11T09:56:00.006-06:00

While I have no intention of writing a novel for NaNoWriMo, although sometimes I dream of writing a novel about a midwife but that is neither here nor there, I will make an effort to write here more frequently. I have some 'deeper' posts planned, we'll see if I have the guts to publish them :D

We've been pretty busy, shocking, I know, that a homeschooling family with 9 children would be busy. Chris' Oct trip to Paris was canceled which ended up being providential as the radiator on the van blew up and he spent all day one Saturday replacing the radiator along with a serpentine belt and pulley. Jack and Katie worked at the local county Republican Party Headquarters cold-calling registered voters. They enjoyed it and it was a real eye-opener in many ways. We're working on school, and college apps for Katie and getting Jack ready for dual credit classes next Spring. Halloween came and went and we are now looking forward to Thanksgiving....I think. We had our first taekwondo tournament of the year and Katie, Jack and Emma competed. Lots of trophies and lots of fun, except the hard kick to the ribs Jack took during sparring but he got back up and finished the match.

I took 6 of the kids to the zoo while I was stuck downtown between a drop off and pick up. The SA Zoo is misery in the summer but an absolutely lovely place to walk around on a beautiful fall weekday.

Max is 5 months old today and I can't believe how time flies. He is rolling everywhere and frequently must be rescued from under tables or jammed up against the fireplace. He is getting up on all fours and I don't think crawling is more than 6-8 weeks away at best. No teeth \o/

See? No teeth, not even a hint of one. I love it!!

This is what Trick or Treating looks like in our 'hood. Trucks and tractors pulling trailers with hay bales and 5-20 kids on each.

Gorgeous picture of Max and Lucy that KATIE snapped.

Daddy and Tristan doing Tristan's absolute favorite thing in the whole world, riding in the trailer of the John Deere.

Grace, Emma, Ben, Lucy and Tristan on the lion statues at the San Antonio Zoo. Yes, it is permitted to climb on them. The ears of the statues are this lovely polished bronze from all the little hands holding on to them.

Katie and Jack. They are teenagers. 'Nuff said.

More Max....

My ridiculously photogenic neighbor, Martha, with Max on Halloween. That is the same clown outfit Katie wore 17 years ago.

Tristan two fisting lollipops in his soldier costume. He loved trick or treating. As he left houses he hollered back "Bye people!!!"

And I leave you with just a little MORE MAX!!

If I got back to blogging regularly...

2010-11-02T22:01:00.002-06:00

what would you, my three readers, like me to write about?

Corpus Christi Trip 2010

2010-10-04T19:59:00.007-06:00

I took some of the kids to Corpus for the weekend. We had a great time and I realized that staying on the Bay is much less stressful for me than staying in Port A/Mustang Island. No big waves, no undertow = easier to watch 5 kids in the water.

And one random picture of the kids playing in the rain a couple weeks ago.

Click for a full size version

I'm published....sort of

2010-09-15T13:31:00.005-06:00

I have a story in this book:Stories for a Homeschool Heart

To be honest though, while the story is mine and I did write it out, Theresa 'fluffed' it and edited it to the point where I have to say it was co-written.
I received my complimentary copy from the publisher today and read a little while at Fantastic Sam's with the girls. It is a lovely book. I look forward to reading more!

3 months old!!

2010-09-11T18:57:00.002-06:00

These last three months have FLOWN by. Amazing how the last three months of pregnancy draaaaagggg but the first three months of a new baby are gone in a blink of an eye.

I am just tickled to be three whole months old!

I haven't missed many meals.

My brother, Tristan,

shares his "Smith" with me.

I go outside and sit on the porch with Mommy when it isn't too hot.

I am a bit confused by one thing though. There is something soft and orange that always seems to follow me around.

Here I am with sister:

but look at who else is sitting with MY sister!

and then when I am cuddling with Mommy IT shows up again!

I mean REALLY!

Random photos

2010-09-06T09:05:00.003-06:00

Just another day in paradise...

2010-09-02T09:20:00.002-06:00

Christopher went in late today because he had to cook some beans for a cutting (sample tasting). As he was leaving with his beans he casually informs me that there is a dead gecko in the stove.

??

"I tried to stop him but he ran right under the coil and into the stove. He's probably cooked by now. You'll want to get him out before he starts to stink." then Chris slides out the back door as fast as he can and into the Beetle.

Being that I hate to touch dead animals, even little geckos, I got out the vacuum cleaner. I looked under the burner and as reported there was a crispy little gecko. I took apart the burner and vacuumed him up. What a way to start a day!

Max video

2010-08-26T12:38:00.002-06:00

Please excuse the goofy sounding woman. :D

When he wasn't looking.....

2010-08-15T20:30:00.003-06:00

Poor #9...how will he get any attention?

2010-08-11T10:22:00.006-06:00

It started with Lucy loving on Max while he was hanging out on the floor watching the ceiling fan go around. Note: why waste money on a baby gym when ceiling fans can keep a baby entertained for a little while.

Then Ben had to get in on the act....

Then Emma came on over....

This poor baby #9, everyone is always too busy to love on him.

Yes, the big boys hold him and play with him too but they aren't overly fond of having their pictures taken. I'll get 'em eventually :D

Max loves to stand. If he is fussy the one (usually) no fail way to make him stop is to stand him on your lap. This is the face he makes and then 'dances' like the Gopher from Caddy Shack.

And here are his K-Family blue eyes, that they all (must) have.

While Max is thoughtful and intense. He does have a lighter side :D

Please say a prayer....

2010-08-10T17:29:00.001-06:00

for the repose of the soul of our friend and neighbor, Michelle. And for peace and comfort for her husband, Andy and her children, Travis, Lexi and Haley. Michelle was a wonderful woman and she will be missed.

The pictures speak for themselves....

2010-07-30T12:28:00.002-06:00

Almost August

2010-07-30T12:16:00.003-06:00

The boys will be home in a few hours, hopefully the washing machine repairman will come and fix the washer before they get here. I don't relish the idea of stinky boy/man clothes sitting around until next week.
Lucy, Ben and Emma had swimming lessons this week and they all did very well. By the end of the week Lucy was no longer negotiating with Coach J. about where, how long and when she would put her face in the water. Ben went from being a non-swimmer to being able to swim(crawl) the length of the (small) pool. Emma was already an OK swimmer, but now she knows a few strokes and doesn't rely on swimming underwater so much.
I've been insanely busy this past month helping arrange a homeschool conference and getting us ready for next school year (and wrapping up last year). Ian is enrolled in a virtual academy and Katie will be taking some dual credit classes. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. It's absurd. Oh and I have a newborn!
I can't really complain about Max, he is really a very easy baby. He gets dragged hither and yon and just rolls with it. He is about 11.5 pounds and it shows, the boy has some serious chub!

I wish this picture wasn't blurry.

Max and my OB, the best OB in San Antonio!!

How the oldest in a big family checks her Facebook:

Funbus headed to NM and CO

2010-07-18T20:04:00.002-06:00

A thoughtful fellow....

2010-07-07T17:44:00.002-06:00

Max is a serious little man most of the time.....

but he can yuck it up with big brother.......

Scent of Heaven..

2010-06-28T09:07:00.005-06:00

Max was baptized yesterday and still smells of chrism. No better scent in the world, I say.
Our newest little Catholic:

World's Reaction to USA win...

2010-06-26T10:36:00.001-06:00

We aren't soccer fans but you can't help but get behind Team USA. We love the underdogs!!!!

Max and friends....

2010-06-26T10:19:00.003-06:00

We're home.....again.

2010-06-18T13:35:00.002-06:00

Max spent a lovely two days home until Monday night. In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, Max woke up to eat. He felt warm. I took his temp and it was 100.8. 100.4 is generally the 'go to the ER' limit on a neonate. I undressed him in hopes that he was just overheated. Despite my efforts I couldn't get his temp down enough. At 4AM I woke Christopher up to tell him I was headed to the Children's Hospital. I cried the whole way, I knew what a fever in a 4 day old meant. I arrived at MCH, walked up to triage, said "I have a 4 day old with a fever.", about 15 seconds later the triage nurse takes us in the back, weighs Max and takes his temp. 101.8. The ER hops into action. Max and I were immediately taken to a room and three RN's arrive and start IV's and taking blood. The ER doc shows up in the room a minute or two later. She was very compassionate but very straightforward. A fever in a neonate is a serious thing. He would need a full septic workup and a minimum of 48 hours in the hospital. He (and I) endured a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), catheterization, IV insertion and a lot of blood drawn. We were sent upstairs to an intermediate care unit where Max was hooked up to monitors and IV fluids and abx. When all was said and done they found enterovirus in his spinal fluid. Viral menigitis. All his bacterial cultures came back clear, Deo Gratias! It was a long few days and for a couple of them he was quite a miserable little boy, very feverish, not nursing, lethargic etc....but now he is nursing like a champ, alert, making eye contact and generally acting like a healthy, happy newborn.
He probably caught the virus from Grace or Ben or had been briefly ill with a headache and fever, despite us trying to keep them away from him. Separation and hand sanitizer only go so far unfortunately and we had no idea the severity of the virus-they just weren't that sick. Everyone else is still healthy.
Yet again, our experience at MCH was top-notch. Being in any hospital is a trying experience but I can't tell you how the staff at MCH could have been any better (aside from one old school hospitalist who tried to tell me to supplement with soy formula....:P but she took my 'no' as final and didn't push it)
So we're home, a little worse for wear but oh, so grateful everything turned out so well.

Sunbathing

2010-06-14T11:32:00.003-06:00

Introducing.....

2010-06-13T19:51:00.005-06:00

Maximilian Frederick.
June 11, 2010
7lbs 7 oz, 18 1/2 inches

OM World Finals

2010-06-03T14:59:00.002-06:00

Yes, Yes, I know all I ever do is post video and pictures. This video played at the OM World Finals opening ceremonies. Two snaps up to whomever can spot our team and their van. :D
Full synopsis of the trip available at: Sardines in a Can,Grilled Cheese Chic and eventually at Books and Brownies

PROM!!!!

2010-04-23T21:40:00.005-06:00

Katie and her friends, Ellie and Cody, heading out to the AACE (homeschool) prom.

Sugar Crash

2010-04-04T14:30:00.002-06:00

Easter Egg Hunt K-Family Style.

2010-04-04T13:19:00.005-06:00

Sprinkler time.....

2010-04-02T09:31:00.002-06:00

It's Good Friday, everyone knows it is Good Friday, I am not going to post anything, many of the blogs on my sidebar have some excellent Holy Week/Good Friday prayers and articles. Pretty much anything anyone else writes is head and shoulders over anything I could come up with or copy and paste.

Instead I am posting a cute video sent to Chris by a co-worker. Not very Good Fridayesque, I know, I know.

This takes the cake......

2010-04-01T08:04:00.004-06:00

our political representatives say ignorant things *all* the time, the vast majority suffer from 'foot in mouth disease'. This really takes the cake. Kudos to the Admiral (and everyone else in the gallery) for not bursting out laughing although the Amd. did smile. Listen carefully around 1:20.
Edited to add: It is being reported that Rep. Johnson suffers from Hepatitis C. That is a shame, it can be a devastating illness. If his cognitive abilities are being affected to the point that he is unable to grasp any longer basic concepts and principles such as 'islands don't tip over from overpopulation' I think it would be in the best interest of Rep. Johnson's health, the people he represents and the committees he serves on and votes on, if he were to resign.

Wildflowers.

2010-03-28T15:03:00.004-06:00

Texas is hot. Texas is often very dry. We have lots of poisonous critters and plants that sting but...... if we have a wet winter and somewhat moderate early spring, we are blessed with this for a few weeks:

It's like living in a Monet painting.....but with men in cowboy hats instead of top hats :D

P.S. Yes, Carol a couple of those are of your front field.

Elem OM Long Term Solution

2010-03-16T09:27:00.002-06:00

Our little elem OM team won the Long Term portion of the Regional Tournament but will not be advancing to State. :-( Here is their Regionals performance. They did a GREAT job and we are all very proud of them.

Watch.This.Movie.

2010-03-01T09:09:00.002-06:00

"Taking Chance" is a film of overwhelming emotional power, and consider: we weep for a man we never meet, whose face we never see, whose actions and attitudes are only learned secondhand through the memories of those that knew him well. PFC Chance Phelps remains distant to us, unknowable; he could be any of the thousands of names on the casualty rosters, who overwhelm us with their numbers but deserve to be honored one by one.

The film's power is even more impressive in that it earns such a deep reaction yet tells such a simple story. There is no melodrama, no action, no surprises, no conflict at all, except for the personal doubts of its main character. It is an unadulterated account of a quiet journey. Straightforward, unembellished.

I can't tell you how or if this movie will move you or what you will take away from it. All I can say, it is probably the best movie about the military I have ever seen. It is not pro or anti anything, military, the Iraq war, conservative or liberal etc....it is not about politics. It is about the men and women who serve, be it in combat, behind a desk or in a mortuary and about the citizens of this country.

I can't relate at all to this cartoon....

2010-02-11T13:43:00.001-06:00

REALLY, I can't :D

Makes you want to reach through the computer screen!

2010-02-11T13:16:00.004-06:00

If this just isn't the most precious face I've seen in a long, long time.
This is Nella. Her mom writes a great blog about Nella and her big sister, Lainey over at Enjoying the Small Things. It's on my sidebar.

Demonstration form from TKD tournament

2010-01-31T21:03:00.003-06:00

This was a demonstration musical form that Katie took part in at the taekwondo tournament this past Saturday. Both Katie and Jack did very well. In their respective groups, Jack placed first in forms and second in sparring and Katie placed first in weapons and fifth in forms.
More video and pics to come.

Money shot

2010-01-26T17:12:00.002-06:00

For those unable to watch the video.

Nueve

2010-01-22T14:55:00.002-06:00

Pardon the watermark. I'm cheap and used freeware to rip this video.

Lucy Funny

2010-01-18T12:16:00.002-06:00

While watching A Return to Cranford on Masterpiece Theater last night Lucy made us all laugh. A man (in mid 1800's dress) sits down at a table and unwraps his lunch from a yellowish paper packet. Lucy pipes up with, "He's having Whataburger!"

Christmas Meme

2009-12-21T09:25:00.003-06:00

I've been double dog dared by Carol at Sardines in Can. Having just watched 'A Christmas Story' I am particularly susceptible to the double-dog dare and since I have a million other things to do today I will take 20 minutes and do this meme. :D

The Tree
1. When Do You Put Up the Tree?
Third Sunday of Advent

2. Real or Fake?
Fake. We used to do real but I got sick of cleaning up needles into July and the hives I get from touching the tree during decorating and watering are icky. Of course, someone else could do the watering but let's be honest if I didn't do it we'd end up on the 10 O'clock news or in a fire dept 'don't let this be you.' safety tape.

3. Lights - What Color?
I like all white. Kids like colored. We have both.

4. Garland?
No. No tinsel either. Yuck.

5. Theme or No Theme?
Theme? BWHAHAHAHAHA. Our theme is and will be for the foreseeable future..."Breakable ornaments up top, non-breakable down below"

6. What Kind of Topper?
Angel. Karen, Nancy and I all bought the same angel topper many, many moons ago at Bridgewater Commons. They have probably moved on but our pretty little Victorian angel will probably top my tree forever.

7. What's Your Favorite Ornament?
Probably the Lenox train ornament.

8. What does your tree skirt look like?
my mom made it. It is reversible with two Christmas fabrics and eyelet trim. The cat loves to sleep on it :P

9. Where Do You Put Your Tree?
In the corner of the living room by my bedroom door. I prefer it in the dining room window but I am outvoted.

10. Who Decorates the Tree?
We all do, mostly the kids. I just try to keep the peace.

11. What's Under the Tree?
The cat. He thinks he is all sneaky and 'jungle-like' under there. Gifts go under on Christmas Eve after Midnight Mass.

12. Do You Put Candy Canes On Your Tree?
You have GOT to be kidding me. My kids. the sugar addicts who eat all my chocolate chips before I can make cookies, mooch all the cookies before I can give them away. You really think candy canes would stay on my tree as decoration? Really?

About the Food:
1. What's Your Favorite Christmas Cookie?
Creme de Menthe bars. Always have been.

2. Do You Bake Cookies and Give Them Away?
Yes.

3. Any Special Foods You Have Only at Christmas?
Yep. A lot of the cookies are only made at Christmas, same with Peppermint Bark and fudge.

4. What Do You Eat Christmas Eve?
We have no special tradition of food on Christmas Eve. It is usually something super simple as Christmas is our big eats day.

5. What Do You Eat Christmas Day?
Cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. I think I would have a mutiny if I tried to skip this. Real hot chocolate too. Dinner later is usually ham, sometimes something different, but is a big meal. Not quite as big as Thanksgiving but more then a typical dinner.

6. Do You Like Eggnog?
Yup. So do the kids. I buy HEB brand. It's one of those things I 'just don't make'

7. Do You Like Candy Canes?
Not a fan.

About The Decorations:
1. Where Do You Hang Your Stockings?
On the fireplace.

2. Do You Put Lights on Your House?
Yes. At this house whatever Chris feels like doing. In CT I did it as I hung them inside the porch.
3. Got Any Outside Lawn Decorations?
No and I have a particular dislike for inflatable decorations. Yes, I'm a snob. I've been contemplating a blog post on our 'cartoon culture' but this one sentence will probably be as much as I ever say on the subject.

4. Do You Put Up a Nativity?
Over the years my breakable on has been well, broken and I didn't even bother bringing out what we have left-Mary, Joseph, baby jesus, maybe a shepherd and a couple Wise Men. We, unlike it seems every other Catholic family on the planet, do not have a Fontanini set or intend to get one. I have two advent calendars-one which doubles as a nativity set when done and I just bought a Playmobile nativity set which has been a HUGE hit and I can't believe I didn't get one sooner.

5. Do You Hang Mistletoe Over Your Door?
No.

6. Got a Wreath on Your Front Door?
Yes. Usually a basic evergreen one with a red bow. This year Chris picked up a fake red berry one with some Texas-y iron stars etc.....I think it is cute. Jack hates it. Jack hates anything that isn't the same as last year. He is having issues with the 'bunched ornaments' on the tree among other things.

7. How Long Does it Take You to Decorate?
One evening to do the tree, one evening to do the rest of the house.

About the Movies/Shows:

1. Favorite Christmas TV Show?
Old Rankin/Bass Rudolph.

2. A Wonderful Life / Miracle on 34th Street / A Christmas Carol
Miracle on 34th St. I loved, loved, loved this movie when I was a kid. I looked forward to watching it every year. I like it is A Wonderful Life but can survive not watching it. I don't like A Christmas Carol, never have

3. Favorite Christmas Movie?The Polar Express, A Christmas Story and Elf

4. Have you ever seen the Nutcracker Suite Ballet live?Nope but every year mean to take the girls but always fail to deliver.

5. Ever Been to the Radio City Music Hall Show? No. Despite living within 60 miles of NYC for most of my life. I have been to RCMH, just not the Christmas show.

6. Ever Gone to the Movies on Christmas Day?
Yes. When we were in CT it was one of the few times a year we had a babysitter :D Thanks Mom!

Other Christmas Things:

1. Favorite Christmas Books?
Anything by Tomie dePaola.

2. Do You Stuff Your Stockings With Any Types of Food?Yes. Candy is my default, "oh crud, I don't have enough stocking stuffers!!!" stocking stuffer.

3. Do You Go to Church on Christmas or Christmas Eve?
Midnight Mass. A) because the boys are usually serving and b) it is so much nicer to get up on Christmas and not have to go anywhere.

4. Have You Ever Gone Caroling?
Yes but not for a long, long time. The kids have gone around the neighborhood the last few yeas.

5. Favorite Christmas Carol?
O Holy Night - Josh Groban singing.

6. Do You Believe in Santa? St. Nicholas or Santa Claus? In our house Santa Clause is a fun game-right up there with other pretend play but is no more real then Spiderman or imaginary friends.

7. Do You Leave Santa Cookies?
No.

8. What About Rudolph?See above.

9. What Was Your Best Christmas Gift?Dollhouse my grandfather made me.

10. Worst Gift?
I honestly can't think of one.

11. Do You Go To a "Work" Christmas Party? Most years. In CT Chris' work usually through a REALLY nice party, I looked forward to it all year. Here, they have a nice one, not fancy but nice and I enjoy seeing friends from work. Yes, I am friends with people Chris works with.

12. Do You Hate Going?
No.

13. Do You Send Christmas Cards?
I try. Some years I succeed, others I fail. Let's just say I am super grateful for photo cards and internet ordering.

14. Do You Make a List?
A) I'm Arlene's daughter. If I didn't make lists I'd be tossed out of the family.
B) I have 8 children. Eight. If I didn't have lists I'd be in big trouble.

15. Do You Check it Twice and Thrice?
Constantly. I can't ever remember what I've bought for who.

16. When do You Start Shopping?
When the money's there.

17. Do You Shop on Black Friday?
Rather chew glass.

18. Are You Ready for Christmas?
I'm doing OK. I need to send some packages today and then cross my fingers that when the USPS says 2-3 days for priority they mean it, even this week. As for the 'in house' stuff I'm set except for a lot of wrapping and maybe 1-2 small things.

Could you forgive?

2009-12-19T10:02:00.002-06:00

I'm a fan of Imaculee Ilibagiza. She is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide and has written two books on her experience. Left to Tell is a brief biography and the story of her survival during the 3 months the genocide went on, and a bit of her life aftewards. Led By Faith, is her follow up about her journey to forgive and her life after the genocide including marriage and emigration to the US. Sure, I had heard of the Rwandan genocide and watched the requisite Hollywood films but I didn't have the understanding of the scope and horror until I read Left to Tell. Still I have to say it wasn't Left to Tell that impacted me the most, it was Led By Faith. It took strength, faith and endurance to survive what she did, but I can't help but think finding it in herself to forgive, to really forgive those that perpetrated this evil was the truly heroic act. Now there has been a documentary made about the journey to forgiveness of the entire country. Due to the impossibility of prosecuting and imprisoning the 40,000 confessed murderers the gov't of Rwanda made the bold and controversial decision to release them back into society.

Babies!!

2009-12-16T18:33:00.003-06:00

Not mine.

I am so looking forward to this film. Babies, motherhood, life......the universality among the diversity is just wonderful. You can't tell me that that opening scene hasn't been witnessed by mothers everywhere for all of history.

UT priorities

2009-12-10T10:20:00.002-06:00

The University of Texas at Austin is ending participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program, the largest single campus departure in years from the program, which enjoys considerable prestige in some circles but is controversial in others. The university plans to shift the funds to need-based aid.

Last year, Texas was second only to Harvard University in the number of National Merit Scholars it enrolled (281). Some of the scholarships in the program (and all of those at Harvard) are sponsored by companies and other groups, but 213 of those who enrolled at Texas were sponsored by the university, which in recent years has sponsored more of the scholarships than all but a few other universities. (Last year, the University of Southern California sponsored more, 216 -- most colleges don't even top 50.)

and

University of Texas football coach Mack Brown will be paid $5 million a year, plus annual increases of $100,000 beginning next season and running through 2016, when his contract ends, the school’s governing board decided today.

The revised contract, recommended by UT President William Powers Jr. and men’s athletic director DeLoss Dodds, means that a one-time $2 million “service payment” in February for staying on the job will become part of his annual compensation package. His pay this season is $5 million — $3 million plus the $2 million service payment — but the previous contract did not provide for continuation of that service payment.

Brown’s guaranteed compensation will be $5.1 million next season, $5.2 million the following season and so forth.

For this season, Brown is also set to earn $250,000 for advancing to the national championship. Winning the national championship would add $450,000 to his bank account.

UT says they eliminated the NMS to focus that aid on need-based scholarships. Fine, put more money into the need-based kitty although I hope the decision isn't just based on who needs the money the most but on a combination of need and merit. And why was it necesssary to do away with *all* NMS instead of just cutting back the number they award?

Yet, not surprisingly, there are plenty of funds to make Mack Brown one of, if not the, highest paid college football coach in the country.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-11-29T20:11:00.003-06:00

We had a lovely Thanksgiving with my sister, Debbie, visiting from New Mexico. I was able to cook and *eat* T-day dinner. While I am still feeling pretty green most of the time I am orders of magnitude better then I was at this stage (11 weeks) with Lucy and Tristan.

We went to Garner State Park on Saturday. Most of us hiked some (namely Debbie and the older 6), there was some football tossing and plenty of rocks being thrown into the Frio.

Mitchell article

2009-11-14T12:36:00.003-06:00

The triple Mitchell ceremony was in the Randolph AFB newspaper and is now on the Texas CAP website. http://www.texascadet.org

Three Randolph Cadets Earn their Mitchell Award, November 6th 2009
13 November 09

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Three cadets members of the Randolph Composite Squadron received a prestigious cadet-level CAP award during a promotion ceremony Tuesday evening.

Stephen Turner, a Randolph High School senior, and his brother, Evan, a junior, joined Jackson Kuplack of La Vernia as recipients of the Brigadier General Billy Mitchell Award, which is presented to cadets who complete the leadership phase of their CAP program.

You can read the rest of the article at: http://www.texascadet.org/news/stories/2009/200911/Randolph%20Mitchell%20Ceremony/index.html

I'll get around to it

2009-11-07T17:20:00.001-06:00

I will blog about the trip to Austria and Jack's promotion...eventually.

Not the Mother I Want to Be.....

2009-10-24T07:59:00.002-06:00

I couldn't agree more....

Not The Mother I Want to Be...../

Home safe.

2009-10-20T04:28:00.003-06:00

We are exhasted but home safely. ALmost exactly 24 hours of travel door to door to get home. UGH! And yes, I am up at 5:30AM because I caught an awful cold and can't sleep. Chris and I had a fabulous time,many thanks to all the people who made it possible for me to go, Carol, Theresa and Sara, who helped by watching some of the brood. Also thanks to Cindi, Adriana and Martha! I'm working on getting pictures uploaded. It'll take a while. There are a lot and they are huge files. Salzburg

These are straight uploads, completely unedited. I have over 150 pictures, they probably won't all be up until at *least* later today.

40 Great movie moments in two minutes

2009-10-07T09:55:00.002-06:00

Lifted from Rachel over at Testosterhome.
Being an unapologetic movie buff, I just loved this. So clever.

Weather in TX

2009-09-30T10:14:00.001-06:00

I think I need an orthopedist on retainer.

2009-09-30T10:12:00.003-06:00

The gate is gone. T is proficient at stairs.
Yesterday he started climbing out of his crib. ::sigh::

DIY Space Camera

2009-09-17T08:35:00.003-06:00

This is super cool!!Homeschool project? My worry would be the package landing somewhere like a busy highway or through someone's roof.

Jack's email inbox this morning....

2009-09-16T10:40:00.002-06:00

It's official!! The ceremony is Nov 3rd.

Dear Cadet Second Lieutenant Jackson A _________

CONGRATULATIONS! You have earned the Brigadier General Billy Mitchell Award in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. Statistically speaking, you are now among the top 15% of all cadets nation-wide.

Your commander will pin the Cadet Second Lieutenant insignia onto your uniform at the next squadron meeting, if he or she has not done that already.

To view your newly-updated cadet record, please visit eServices.

As a Mitchell cadet, you may:
- Apply for college and flight scholarships - see cap.gov/scholarships
- Apply to attend Cadet Officer School - see cap.gov/ncsa
- Qualify for the grade of E-3, should you decide to enlist in the Air Force
- Qualify to enter the CAP senior member program as a Second Lieutenant, upon turning 21.

A high-ranking CAP officer or distinguished leader in your community will present you with your Mitchell Award certificate, which will be mailed to your squadron in the next few days. Please see your commander to discuss the details about your awards ceremony.

Needless to say we are quite proud of Jack. He's been working for this for almost 3 years.

No reminders needed...

2009-09-11T10:20:00.002-06:00

of what today is. Pray. Remember.

Men in Uniform

2009-09-04T09:19:00.002-06:00

Inspired by Margaret :

Wordless Everyday

2009-09-04T09:09:00.001-06:00

Due to a (hopefully temporary) handicap which makes typing (at least decent typing) difficult, I thought I'd post some photo only posts for a while. Different themes.

Another Sweet 16

2009-08-24T20:39:00.003-06:00

Katie is in CT for the last few days for her BFF's Sweet 16. Katie and Katie have been friends since they were 6. We all met one day in November 1999 at Wolfe Park in Monroe, CT. It seems like yesterday. I miss the F's but am very grateful that we are able to keep in contact and the girls get to visit once or twice a year.

Three beautiful girls, inside and out!

Katie F.-16, Katie K.-16, Sarah F.-14

P.S. We found my Katie's dress for $19.99 at Ross. SCORE!!

Black Bean Chocolate Cake

2009-08-06T20:48:00.002-06:00

Yes, BLACK BEANS!
This was recommended on a list of gluten free recipes a friend compiled. I found the idea intriguing and the reviews glowing so I thought.... what the heck!
I have tons of beans as Chris brings them home from work all the time.
I made it and it is FABULOUS. No, we are not going gluten free in our home but who can balk at losing the nutritionally poor white flour and replacing it nutrient rich beans??

I used the recipe from this blog:Black Bean Chocolate Cake

Healthy Flourless Chocolate Cake (slightly modified from original at Healthy Indulgences)

Makes a single 9" layer cake.

Ingredients:
1-15 ounce can of unseasoned black beans
OR 1 1/2 cup cooked beans, any color
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
6 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup erythritol plus 1/2 teaspoon pure stevia extract OR 1/4-1/3 cup honey plus 1 teaspoon stevia OR 1 cup Splenda OR 3/4 cup regular sugar
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon water (omit if using honey)

Mint Chocolate variation:
2 teaspoons mint extract (in place of 2 teaspoons vanilla)

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9" pan.

Drain and rinse beans in a strainer or colander. Shake off excess water. Place beans, 3 of the eggs, vanilla, stevia (if using) and salt into blender. Blend on high until beans are completely liquefied. No lumps! Whisk together cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Beat butter with sweetener until light and fluffy. Add remaining two eggs, beating for a minute after each addition. Pour bean batter into egg mixture and mix. Finally, stir in cocoa powder and water (if using), and beat the batter on high for one minute, until smooth. Scrape batter into pan and smooth the top. Grip pan firmly by the edges and rap it on the counter a few times to pop any air bubbles.

Bake for 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Cake is done with the top is rounded and firm to the touch. After 10 minutes, turn out cake from pan, and flip over again on to a cooling rack. Let cool until cake reaches room temperature, then cover in plastic wrap or with cake dome. For BEST flavor, let cake sit over night. I promise this cake will not have a hint of beaniness after letting it sit for eight hours!

I used regular sugar, butter etc...pretty much the same as a basic chocolate cake but instead of flour I used liquified canned black beans. I served it 'frosted' with Nutella :D It was divine. I don't do well with subsititutes, I find Tofurkey revolting, don't even show me margarine or 'butter substitute'. Either it's traditional/real or I would rather skip it. Trust me, this cake does NOT taste like beans. It is a 100% better than any box cake and is just about bakery quality in moistness and flavor. Try it. Let me know what you think.

Half monkey, half-mountain goat

2009-07-15T09:24:00.002-06:00

Half monkey, half mountain goat. This is what I tell people my children are made of.
Tristan is keeping the tradition alive. At 14 months old and weighing in at a whopping 20lbs he is capable of getting anywhere he wants (and usually shouldn't) be. This includes on all benches and chairs in the house which leads to to finding him on the kitchen table and trying to climb over the back of the couch. He doesn't say a word though, as is also typical of my kids at this age, with the exception of Emma (and anyone who knows her isn't surprised by that). He is very expressive and gets his point across just fine, just without language. It is interesting to observe how different children develop and now that I am a much more secure mother I can observe and enjoy the differences. When I was younger I would worry and feel challenged if a child the same age as one of mine was doing 'more'.

There is a beautiful little girl that shares space with us in the cry room almost every Sunday. She is a first and only (for now) and just precious. She is 3 weeks older than T. She talks. "Up", "Down", "Baby"....and Tristan...he does his best imitation of a clam. Just stares at her with his big blue eyes, thumb in his mouth, Smith in his other hand. (Smith is his lovey) and then he runs away while she sits. She doesn't walk yet. Her mom seems a little anxious about it and seeing mini-T running about makes her almost apologize for her daughters lack of walking. I wish I could tell her not to worry, in a year we probably won't be able to tell who walked first or talked first and in 5 years it certainly won't matter. Enjoy your little one, they grow up SO fast. When she walked and talked and ran are small, small, moments in the life of a child and parent. Like every other mom I dutifully filled in the baby books (at least for Katie) with first tooth, when she sat, when she rolled, when she walked, when she talked. Where are the lines to fill in the first time she shared without being told, prayed without being asked, comforted a friend in need, volunteered her time, stood up for what is right, asked a question I didn't know the answer to....and where are the pages and pages to enter all the things that I did and learned through her??

They did it!!

2009-06-20T18:28:00.003-06:00

Another summer, another CAP encampment. Ian completed his first Basic encampment and Jack completed Advanced Training Squadron. We are very, very proud of both our sons.
If you hop on over to Texas Cadet.org you can read about encampment and see pictures. If you look carefully you may even see Jack and Ian.

Crazy busy.

2009-06-18T21:11:00.002-06:00

I haven't been updating because I've just been too busy/tired. Katie's friend, Katie was here and the day before she left my niece, Ceci arrived. I got horribly ill at Emma's recital and then that went through everyone in the house but Christopher. Finally by Monday night, everyone felt well and Ceci had a nice visit. A few hours before I took Ceci to the airport on Wednesday I found a momma dog and her two pups next to our 70mph farm-to-market road and the last couple days have been consumed with taking care of them, taking them to the vet, finding homes and well...having two 7 week old puppies in the house. They are an absolute joy but a lot of work :D Tomorrow they will go to their new home with my friends Sharon and Ron . We will miss them but are thrilled that they will have such a wonderful place to grow up. I am sure they will be very, very loved. I have a few leads on a home for Momma. She seems to be a pure bred Golden Retriever and it shouldn't be too hard to find her a home. All three dogs have super dispositions. One of these days I plan to write quite the letter to the editor of the SA Express News regarding the phenomenon of dumping dogs out here in 'the country'. It is a real local problem, especially since we have no animal shelter in this county.

Must see family movie

2009-06-13T16:34:00.002-06:00

No I am not going to blog about 'Up, although I absolutely loved that film and recommend it to everyone, whether or not you have a child to take to the movies.

I'd like to recommned 'The Little Princess, not the Shirley Temple version, but the remake from the 90's. We watched it back when it was released and loved it then. I recently picked up the DVD out of the $5 bin. I am so glad I did. Unlike 99% of remakes it is much better than the original. It is visually stunning and the dialogue is superior. I cannot recommend it highly enough as a great family film, A Little Princess would be wonderful fare for a girls slumber party or for mom and daughters to watch together for a Girls Night Out.

Recital 2009

2009-06-13T16:16:00.003-06:00

Emma's dance recital was last night. She and all her classmates did a beautiful job. The dance academy decided not to do pictures this year. Last year's were awful and I think Miss Erin got an earful about it, poor sweet lady. I took some myself and I think they turned out well. I must have been channeling my favorite photographer, Uncle Bruce. :D Seriously, watching him take pictures over the last 37 years is the only reason I can take decent pictures now. His candids of friends and family are more precious to me than any posed shot from a portrait studio.

Robot fight

2009-06-04T20:42:00.002-06:00

I was told they were playing "Robot Wars". How pink butterfly wings fits into a robot costume, I didn't ask.

Sweet Sixteen

2009-06-04T11:16:00.003-06:00

Katie turned 16 yesterday. Her BFF from CT came down as a surprise and 4 other friends came over for a sleepover. Lots of Wii playing, eating of chocolate and laughing made for a fun evening. Chris took the little kids to see 'Up' and I hung out with the teens.
16 years have flown by.

Banana Pudding

2009-05-28T20:40:00.002-06:00

Delish!!

Banana Pudding

5-7 medium ripe bananas, sliced
1 box Nilla Wafers (I use store brand)
2 5oz boxes vanilla pudding, instant
3 cups milk
1 pint whipping cream
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Beat vanilla pudding mix, milk and half of the whipping cream and condensed milk until it starts to thicken. Beat remaining cream into whipped cream.

Put half the box of Nilla Wafers in the bottom of a 13x9 pan. Put half the pudding over them and then layer 1/2 the bananas. Repeat. Spread the whipped cream over all, garnish with more banana slices if you desire.
Cover and chill at least 3-4 hours, best if chilled overnight.

Sad news

2009-05-24T22:48:00.003-06:00

Baby Faith Hope has died. She lived 93 days and passed away peacefully in her mothers arms. Hopefully, her short life will help be a testimony to the value of ALL lives including those that aren't "perfect". 93 days. Quite a feat for the little girl who was supposed to be born still.
Many prayers for her mom, Myah, and the rest of Faith's family.

Dining-Out

2009-05-16T08:59:00.005-06:00

Last night was the Randolph Composite Squadron Dining-Out. Dining In's and Dining Out's are a military tradition. They are fun, relaxing time for bonding and camaraderie although they are still dictated by very specific military rules and traditions.

There are many, many toasts. The most meaningful is the POW toast that is a silent toast made with water. A lone table is set for a sympbolic POW.

Then you have the grog..... Grog is a vile conconction of nasty stuff meant as a punishment. After declaring a point of order any guest can call out another guest for an infraction of the Rules of the Mess but it must be in rhyme, there can be a rebuttal but it must also be in rhyme. This results in lots of laughter and people (mostly cadets and some senior members) drinking, at this dining-out, a grog of pineapple juice, beanie-weenies, animal crackers and something else I cannot recall. After a while it became apparent that the grog wasn't bad enough so the Vice-President of the Mess started getting creative. The best was when the cadet staff of Randolph (including Jack) had to do the can-can, while singing YMCA and imitating John Wayne.

On a more serious note the guest speaker, a retired colonel with an incredible career, gave an excellent speech about perseverence and serving others. The last item on the agenda was a bit of a surprise but something wonderful to witness. C/Lt. Col Castriatta recieved his appointment to the US Air Force Academy. Castriatta is a wonderful young man, who has done a lot to help Jack and many other cadets and I wish him well on his career in the Air Force.

"To the class of 2013!!"

"Hear, Hear!!"

Rules of the Mess tro be posted later.

Doctors who will do VBACs in San Antonio

2009-05-12T13:19:00.008-06:00

Dr. Gail Van Wingerden
Dr. Ricardo Munoz
Dr. Peter Kuhl

Dr.Munoz and Dr. Van use North Central Baptist. NCB is a nice hospital but it has a very high epidural rate and since these are the only two docs that do VBAC's the nurses aren't very comfortable with it from my experience. The NICU there is wonderful, especially Dr.Wearden, who is a driving force behind promoting/supporting breastfeeding in the NICU's all over San Antonio.

The Lonestar Midwives do VBAC's as does Dr. Peter Kuhl with Lonestar OB/Gyn. The midwives only use St Lukes Baptist and Dr. Kuhl uses St. Lukes and Methodist. St. Lukes isn't as aesthetically pleasing as Methodist or NCB but they practice couplet care and the L&D nurses, in my experience, are very comfortable with VBAC and unmedicated childbirth. If I have another baby I will not hesitate to return to Dr. Kuhl and St. Lukes. I've had 9 babies, in 9 facilities with 6 different practitioners (OB's and midwives) and Dr. Kuhl is my favorite. I've had some other good experiences and amazing physicians and midwives but for all around good match with my ideals, Dr. Kuhl and SLBH win.

I hear the Institute for Women's Health physicians also support VBAC but I have no experience or information on them aside from that they use St. Lukes.

The birth center in San Antonio supports VBAC also.

I love discussing my VBAC's and if anyone wants particulars of my experience having a VBAC in San Antonio please leave your contact info in the comm box.

Dressed for Texas

2009-05-12T12:58:00.003-06:00

This is the result of telling Lucy to "Go get dressed before you go outside."

Her logic isn't that far off. It was a hundred degrees. We have lots of things that can bite and sting as eveidenced by the 4ft rattlesnake skin we found and the 4ft whipsnake that tried to take up residence in our garage but is now rotting in our garbage can.

Still if that isn't an outfit that screams to neighbors, "Call CPS!" I don't know what is.

Hey! Chief!!

2009-05-06T15:07:00.003-06:00

Jack promoted to Chief (Chief Master Sgt) last night. I have video but Blogger is having issues...again. I do have photos of the evening but not of Jack's actual promotion ceremony, that is only on video. :sigh:
Chief is the highest NCO rank. Now, he has to get his Armstrong which is just an award, not a rank. After Armstrong is his Billy Mitchell Award, 2nd Lt.

One year ago.....

2009-05-02T07:25:00.002-06:00

A year ago today I was standing over a NICU warmer looking at my new and yet to be named baby boy struggle to breathe. His siblings hadn't seen him and wouldn't for a while and Chris and I were exhausted and scared.

Today, Tristan Karl is peacefully sleeping in his crib after sleeping the night through (\o/) getting up to nurse at 7AM and then going back to sleep. He will wake to a raucous house and be swept into someone's arms within minutes of waking. Yells of "Happy Birthday, Tristan" will ring throughout the house and he will smile. He will smile not because he knows it is his birthday or of the cake and presents to come but because he loves his brothers and sisters and they love him. This year started out rough but oh, what a joy it has been since. He has gotten more attention and cheers for all his firsts then Katie ever did. Being #8 is great!

Today, the only thing in common with May 2nd last year is the exhaustion.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. T. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nine Texans

MOM...BLOG MORE.

Call Sign Funny

{pretty,happy,funny,real} 4th of July edition

CAP Summer Part 3

{pretty,happy,funny,real}

Flying High

Solo

{pretty,happy,funny,real} First Holy Communion Edition

{pretty,happy,funny,real}

Shout out to Catholic Icing

Two down, Three to go

Any port in a storm..

You'd think I was pregnant......

{pretty,happy,funny,real}

Senior Pictures

{pretty,funny,happy, real}

Max Walks!

University of Dallas it is!

16 Texans

About Japan

Video editing

Good try Tristan!

Snow in South Texas

As requested by a certain someone...

And he stands too...

My very own Kewpie doll

Max and Santa

Happy Half-Birthday Max!!

Hazards of a 4 year old sister...

What a week looks like at our house...

Look who has arrived!

Thanks for the responses

If I got back to blogging regularly...

Corpus Christi Trip 2010

I'm published....sort of

3 months old!!

Random photos

Just another day in paradise...

Max video

When he wasn't looking.....

Poor #9...how will he get any attention?

Please say a prayer....

The pictures speak for themselves....

Almost August

Funbus headed to NM and CO

A thoughtful fellow....

Scent of Heaven..

World's Reaction to USA win...

Max and friends....

We're home.....again.

Sunbathing

Introducing.....

OM World Finals

PROM!!!!

Sugar Crash

Easter Egg Hunt K-Family Style.

Sprinkler time.....

This takes the cake......

Wildflowers.

Elem OM Long Term Solution

Watch.This.Movie.

I can't relate at all to this cartoon....

Makes you want to reach through the computer screen!

Demonstration form from TKD tournament

Money shot

Nueve

Lucy Funny

Christmas Meme

Could *you* forgive?

Babies!!

UT priorities

Thanksgiving Weekend

Mitchell article

I'll get around to it

Not the Mother I Want to Be.....

Home safe.

40 Great movie moments in two minutes

Weather in TX

I think I need an orthopedist on retainer.

Could you forgive?