Solid Rock Cafe!

I am definitely NOT the most organized mom in the class. Case in point, I haven't even started thinking about the costume for the book report that I believe is dues tomorrow.

So when we have anything "themed" that the girls have to dress for - I am always in a last minute panic and this year's spring musical was no exception! The theme was "50's dress. Cami came home and the conversation went like this;

Cami: "Mom - we have to dress like we are 50"

Me: 'Don't you mean dress like the 50's"?"

Cami: "no - dress like we are 50"

Me: "Ok(a bit sarcastic)- just borrow something of mine - I'm in my 50's"

Cami: "No (said indignantly)- you are 52 - that's no 50 and it won't work!" 

Once I cleared up that it was indeed "from the 50's" - the search was on and thanks to Facebook and some resourceful friends - we soon had two little 50's girls! 

 One of our most favorite things about our amazing school is the "arts" program. The entire school is involved in the Christmas production and the spring musical. It is truly all inclusive - and always Christ centered. Neither of my girls might otherwise do drama productions or music, but these two events ensure that they will have exposure to the arts and that will help them to cultivate an appreciation and love for them as they grow. 

 Not sure what exactly was going on here - and apparently Becky's friend Gavin has some doubts as well! 

 Cami got to have a scripture reading during the play - which was pretty cool! 

It was an awesome evening - I continue to be amazed at my girls - how they are growing and how they step out! 

Field Trip!!!!

Apparently, 4th grade is the year when you learn your state's history (it's been a looong time since I've been in 4th grade, so this was a bit of a surprise to me!) Part of this learning experience is a three day field trip to Sacramento. 

16 kids, 14 parents, two teachers...and away we went! We started off in the middle of the night (ok - 5 am really, but it felt like the middle of the night!) loaded the bus and drove for 8 hours. 

(as an aside, my experiences on bus trips involved Chinese guides, Chinese drivers, many freaked out little orphans and exhausted new parents - and that was easier than 8 hours with 16 fourth grades on the most uncomfortable bus on the planet!) 

We started at Marshall State Park - where the discovery of gold took place. It was a great first stop after being cooped up on the bus - and it was stunningly beautiful - and green! Our southern California kids were amazed by how green it was and all the trees! 

 The highlight of this stop was that the kids got to pan for gold - and everyone got at least a few flakes! 

The next day we went to Sutter Fort and then the California Railroad Museum - which was a very cool place! Even if you have no interest in railroads, this is a "don't miss" place! 

 And while Cami liked all the sites, she REALLY liked the time with her friends! 

 This has to be the biggest train ever on the planet.....

 Cami's favorite place on the trip was by far the art museum. It was unfortunately at the end of the second, very very long day - but for Cami, it was like coming home. 

I have to say although I was a very reluctant participant, I actually enjoyed this trip. There was too much packed into too short of a time, and we could live without the 8 hour bus ride (Cami and I actually flew home to avoid the 8 hour trip home!) - it was a great experience for my child - and at the end of the day, that's what mattered! 

See how we Go & Grow

My little runners!!! Two weeks ago, our school held their annual jog-a-thon. This has always been a favorite day for Cami. Becky...not as much, but she gives it her best. 

Becky was super serious as she ran - wouldn't make eye contact with me, wouldn't high five people as she ran by. She was "in her zone". PE is not her favorite subject at school. But she attacked the task, and got it over with.

 Cami, on the other hand - loves jog-a-thon. She is not particularly interested in team sports (she is way too "girly" for that) but for some reason, this event always sparks her. This year, she ran the most number of laps of all the 4th grade girls - and tied the #1 boys runner. 

Oh yeah, and by the way, earlier that day (3 hours) she was at the medical center, under anesthesia, having the pins removed from her fingers. You would never know it  - I did have to back pedal when we were in recovery and she told the charge nurse she would be running the jog-a-thon...apparently that's not on the list of "light activity" recommended!  

 And back at the ranch - I mean farm - we planted a garden that weekend. We might not have the best looking tomatoes in town, but my gardens are by far about the cutest farmers going. 

I recently remarked to a very old friend ("old" as in someone I have known for a very, very long time) that I feel like through all the ups and downs of the past few years, I have come out on the other side knowing for sure that I am doing exactly what God designed me to do. 

I may not always do it well, and more often than I care to admit I take my eyes of the One who knows the way, but I feel like right now, my feet are firmly on the path intended. 

When I think about the joy that I get out of the simple things like watching my girls plant a garden - and knowing that two summers ago we never could have attempted this - I can only marvel at how far we have come and grown and wait with anticipation to see how much more God has in store for all of us! 

Happy Day - Happy Place!

The actual princess Becky's birthday was spent with the princesses! We had the amazing gift of three days at Disneyland - and it happened to coincide with Becky's birthday and Katie's spring break. 

What lovely company they had for her birthday! 

  

 Besides the bedazzles princess's and the furry friends....we got more than a few rides in. Becky is our super cautious rider, and Cami is "bigger, faster, higher so there are only a handful that we can all ride together! 

It was a happy day at a happy place! 

Behind...but here's Becky's Birthday!

Wow - I have never gone this long without a post. In 7 years - never this long. I wish I had a compelling story to tell about what's kept me away - but basically its's been so "normal" around here, that the events are passing without much notice. 

This is a good thing. A very good thing. 

Now - on to the events!!!

Becky turned 7 a few weeks ago. It was a very fun filled weekend! We had a birthday lunch at school....

.........then a dance show in LA..........

.......then a birthday dinner with her best friend! 

And all of this took place BEFORE her actual birthday. Stay tuned tomorrow for the big day event! 

and you may have noticed....we have a bit of a penguin thing happening here!