L being presented with his awards for the school year. So proud of him for making honor roll. :)
Field Day 2010
The end of school is always busy with a lot of activities. But the best and my most favorite was always Field Day! L enjoyed his just as much, although the temperature outside was beyond hot, the kids all had fun and stayed hidrated thanks to Big C bringing extra water for them to drink.
Plantation, a home by any other name is just a home.
We visited this lovely plantation home over the weekend. I have been wanting to visit some of the beautiful plantations in East Texas for some time, and this past weekend offered up the opportunity to see this one.
As it looks today
As it looked 100 years ago
The formal dining is set and ready to serve
beautiful china and waterford crystal
The family room used for entertaining
The formal salon right off the front entrance to greet guests
I love the blue refridgerator. I wonder when it went out of fashion for us to have colorful fridges. Seems we only have the white, black or silver options these days. I know my kids can get a fire engine red one from pottery barn, I want one. ;)
More views of the kitchen
I am not sure what a Sweatheart book is, I should go do an internet search to see what this is all about.So that was our day on the plantation. Hope you enjoyed it through pictures.
Monday, May 24, 2010
New Zoo
Well, it's not new exactly, but it is new to us. We drove to Tyler to spend a day and went to the zoo there. It was fantastic. The layout of the park was very nice with winding paths and beautiful scenic views. The nimals were also much closer to us than they seem to be at the larger zoos we've been to.
L and lil C at the entrance to the zoo.
Some brightly colored birds
Hangin' infront of the flamingos
My guys..C seems to be the only one enjoying himself...haha, L was hot and lil C was more focused on what animals we'd see next.
All smiles!
The look, 'mom, you're such a dork' lol!
lil C wanted to have his picture taken with the turtle swimming by behind him, but couldn't look at the camera long enough for me, he was so focused on all the turtles in that pond.
A lazy longhorn
Aren't they just majestic birds? Beautiful!
Looking across the way at the alligators
Here's one now, looks as though he's smiling for the camera.
This sweet little cardinal flew down and landed right in my path. These are my absolute favorite birds so of course I had to snap a picture.
Heading back out of the park
One last picture before we go.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
1st TaeKwonDo Tournament
We finally got to witness our first Taekwondo tournament and it was exciting. L did a great job. He started out a bit nervous but then about half way through he really started feeling confident and doing well. What we thought would be about an hour of our day lasted from 10:30am to 5:00pm with an hour lunch. It was a long day, but at least we know what to expect for the next one and can plan accordingly.
Here L takes a break before begining team competitions.
Sparring, he got 3rd place, but he fought against 3rd and 5th graders...Super job!
Being goofy with his friend Mitchell.
Some more sparring
Winner of this round! :)
STOP! Don't Eat That!
Doesn't it always?
After learning about how all those chemicals absorb into the fruits and veggies, they are really some of the last things I want my children and family consuming.
Here's a list of the new 2010 Dirty Dozen in the produce department.
1. Celery can contain up to 64 chemical pesticides on them.
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like broccoli, radishes, and/or onions if you can't find organic celery.
2. Peaches can contain as many as 62 pesticides (Yikes!)
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like watermelon, tangerines, oranges, and/or grapefruit if you can't locate organic or locally grown peaches.
3. Strawberries cann contain up to 59 pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives include kiwi and pineapples, but of course like us, you can plant your own. The kids and I have already indulged in many tasty strawberries from our garden this year!
4. Apples can contain up to 52 pesticides! (And they say an apple a day keeps the doctor away)
Buy organic! They have organic apples at every grocers market I have been to, but if you can't find it the safer alternatives would include watermelon, bananas, and/or tangerines.
5. Blueberries (Oh no! Not Blueberries), they can contain up to 52 pesticides!
Buy your own here, I saw them at Lowes and the Home Depot...talk about something yummy to just pick off and eat while playing outside with the kids!
6. Nectarines can contain upto 33 different pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like watermelon, papaya, and/or mango (my mother in law LOVES mangos!) if you can't find organic.
7. Bell peppers can contain upto 49 different pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like green peas, broccoli, and/or cabbage if you can't find organic. Of course, you can also grow your own, we have some in our graden this year...red and yellow! Yum!
8. Spinach can contain upto 48 different pesticides!
Buy organic or plant your own. ;)
9. Kale
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives include cabbage, asparagus, and/or broccoli.
10. Cherries can contain upto 42 different pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like raspberries and cranberries if you can't find organic cherries.
11. Potatoes can contain upto 37 different pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like eggplant, cabbage, and/or mushrooms if you can't find organic locally produced potatoes.
12. Grapes can contain upto 34 different pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like kiwi and raspberries if you can't find organic locally grown grapes.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Where have I been?
The answer to that is school!
It's been an eventful several months and start of a new year. There's plenty to catch people up on and as I head into the final leg of the semester and focus on getting through finals I promise that you will be updated by some loooooong overdue posts.
Let me start back with where I left off.