Summer S’mores

It’s that time of year again…time for s’mores.

Imagine it…a toasted marshmallow topped with melted chocolate and squished in between crunchy graham crackers.  The crackle of a fire and the smell of the smoke in the air.  Fireflies are starting to make their way out, sending their morse code signal to alert parents that it’s almost bed time.  Soon sticky fingers and sweaty little bodies will be in the bath and bath time means bed time and bed time means the count down to a quiet house and mindless tv.  Oh my.  Can you think of anything better?

These little sticky fingers couldn’t wait for a fire.  One and a half bars of chocolate and half a bag of marshmallows were consumed long before fire was ever hot enough to toast them.  I think I’m the only one who actually waited for the fire.

Half a bag of marshmallows calls for a happy dance…

I’m not sure what this face was about.  Maybe it had something to do with the fact that it was “the most boring day of his entire life” despite the fact that we went swimming and we ate watermelon at dinner and had s’mores for dessert.

I can tell…it’s going to be a good summer.

Teacher Appreciation Yarn Wreath

Friday was the last day of school.  I know one little boy who is relieved.  No more alarm going off at 6:30 (although he still gets up around that time).

To say thank you to Addison and Harry’s teachers I decided on a school themed yarn wreath.  This would also make a great start of the school year gift to get off on the right foot.  Nothing wrong with a little parent-teacher bribery with a cute craft. Continue reading →

Color Me Rad 5K

If you know me, you know I’m not a runner.  If you love running then more power to you but I just don’t get it.  Dear Husband ran two marathons and while he said he enjoyed the training and actual race I’m not sure if I truly believe him.

Running a 5K (while much more manageable than a marathon) has never really crossed my mind.  Until now.

Imagine running a 5K, starting out in your white t-shirt and shorts and ending up looking like this…

You may have heard of The Dirty Dash.  Those crazy runners have come up with a new 5K concept.  One in which you get blasted with color throughout the race.  That actually sounds…fun. Continue reading →

How I’m going to save money on my electric bill

It’s almost here…we’re done counting down the days and now counting down the hours.  Summer is one last bus ride away.

Along with the joys of summer comes the sorrow of our electric bill.  If last year was any indication of this year (and I’m praying that it’s not) then we’re in for a scorcher.  Water park and popsicle here we come.  But what am I to do about this dern electric bill? Continue reading →

Galveston Tree Sculpture and Historic Home Tour

I have a confession to make.  My entire life I’ve always pronounced Galveston; Gavelston.  I don’t know what it is but I have the hardest time putting the “l” before the “v.”  I feel like poor ‘ol George W. trying to give a speech on nuclear energy.  It never comes out just right.

On Saturday of our little Galveston trip we took a historic tour.  We met Bobby Sanderson (a 4th generation Galvestonian) at the visitor’s center for a two-hour tour.  He runs the Galveston Island Historic Tour and is a self-proclaimed expert on all things old on the island.  I have to admit that he was very knowledgeable and a great tour guide.  He took us on a tour of historic homes and tree sculptures.  In 2008 hurricane Ike ripped the island a new one and destroyed homes, trees, businesses, you name it.  At the time we wondered if the island was going to recover.  Those Galvestonians made lemonade out of those lemons and have come back with a bang.  There are new businesses catering to tourists along the sea wall and when a historic hotel on the pier was damaged beyond repair they tore that down and are about to open a new amusement park on the pier complete with roller coasters, ferris wheel and a Bubba Gump Shrimp.  Things are looking up for Galveston. Continue reading →

4th Annual Big Girl’s Tea

The school year is winding down, spring is giving way to summer and 5th grade girls are standing on the edge of a vast chasm.  They must cross a rickety bridge to get to the other side called middle school.  They eagerly look ahead to independence, 8th grade boys and mascara stashed in their back packs.  Before they take that step away from childhood I want to honor the girls they were and the women they will become with a Big Girl Tea Party. Continue reading →