go Mustangs!

Well, we’re back at it in full swing.  Mustang basketball was on the court for back to back games today.  The girls were a little… rusty.  They lost both games which is very unusual for them.  I’m going to blame it on all the fudge they ate over the Christmas break.

Pickles actually had a great game.  She had quite a number of rebounds and even scored twice.  When the final score is only 21-28 scoring twice is a pretty decent percentage!  And, she was 2 for 3 on her shots.  We’re still working on being more aggressive… the kid is just too nice.  I know she’s got it in her… I’ve seen it!!

Overall she had a great game… so proud of her!

Longhorn Caverns

Spring Break ended up being pretty quiet around here. Hubby thought we needed to do something so he called one evening and said, "I want to take the girls to the Longhorn Tavern either tonight or tomorrow."

I was confused. I told him that I thought that restaurant had closed down. That is, unless they reopened...

Hubby was confused. He didn't want to take the girls for a chicken fried steak dinner. He wanted to take them to a cave.

As in Longhorn CAVERNS.

Once we were on the same page, I told him I thought that was a great idea and that we should all go, making a day of it. The girls and I shopped for lunch stuff and picked out clothes to wear for the trip.

The morning we were to leave, Hubby got up and packed the cooler with all the food. I didn't have to do a thing! As we were leaving, we made a very spontaneous decision to go get SuperGirl a DS Lite for the trip. She's been suffering, watching her sisters play theirs on trips and not having her own to play on. I've been suffering, listening to the whining and wheeling-n-dealing that goes on in the back seat on trips. So. We went to Target first and got the kid a video game.

Then we hit the road, listening to 80's music on the XM Radio, visiting, and Pict-o-Chatting with each other. When we arrived, there was quite a crowd of people in the park area. We found a spot and picnicked, though it was a bit windy. The girls found an observation tower and they climbed up. Had I known then that the stairs were two sets of wobbly spiral stairs, I never would have let them go. After lunch, they got me up there. We're lucky I came back down. That was such torture!

We then went to get our tickets for the cave tour. It was quite interesting. The history behind the cave was fun to hear and the temperature inside was very comfortable! I loved that they held church down there, in the same place as the saloon... and that some folks would bring their Sunday clothes with them on Saturday night and just never go home in between. Indians used the big room for meetings and the rock for arrowheads. A bank robber once hid out down there, too!

Portions of the cave were huge, like a meeting room, and others, we had to walk all bent over to get through. All in all, it was a fun trip. We all learned something. We got to go somewhere where Hubby went often as a kid. And we all shared a memory. What a fun day!

Flat Gracie goes to Northern Ireland

Our names are Adam and Shirley Strong, and we live in Glengormley,Northern Ireland, which is 6 miles north of Belfast. We have a 9 month old daughter Beth and are expecting another baby in August. Recently we had the pleasure of hosting Flat Gracie. While she was with us, she wrote about her adventures:

My Adventures in Northern Ireland

In the middle of March I went to visit my grandparent's friends in Northern Ireland. We went to lots of interesting places and the weather that week was lovely! One of the first places I visited was Carrickfergus Castle which is 10 miles north of Belfast city centre on the shores of Belfast Lough. The castle is over 800 years old and is inthe town of Carrickfergus. Carrick means 'rock' in Gaelic and the name Carrickfergus means 'the rock of Fergus'. It is thought that the name comes from king Fergus who died nearby in the sea during a storm. You can walk around the castle, or get a guided tour, and see the life-size models. Some people get married in the banqueting hall in the castle and you can even have your birthday party in the vaults!

I also went to visit Belfast Castle which is in North Belfast on Cave Hill. The first Belfast Castle burned down so the castle I saw was only about 140 years old. There are lots of meetings and weddings held in the castle. It has lovely views over Belfast Lough.

Belfast has a very famous shipyard called Harland and Wolff which is about 150 years old. It was once the largest shipyard in the world and has built many famous ships including the Titanic which sank on its maiden voyage to New York. The shipyard now has two giant cranes called Samson and Goliath and I got my picture taken in front of them.

During my time in Northern Ireland I also went on a lovely walk along Belfast Lough and visited Belfast Zoo. Belfast Zoo is 75 years old this year and has more than 1,200 animals. Most of the animals are in danger in their natural habitat so the zoo does important work to make sure these endangered animals survive. I was very tired after my visit because it is a very steep climb in places!

kid farmers

This year, the kids are going to plant and care for their own garden. I found this really fun garden plan on the Better Homes and Gardens website. They have quite a few plans that are great for a starting point. Their garden will be small and manageable, fun to look at, and will actually have some edible vegetables, too (we hope!).

We gathered seeds from Home Depot and burpee.com. We also got a fun little seed starter tray/greenhouse kit. The seeds from Burpee were more expensive than what we paid in the store, but we had specific things we needed for this garden. There will be Jack-Be-Little pumpkins, Mini-Boo pumpkins, mammoth sunflowers, Queen Sophia marigolds, morning glories, sun gold tomatoes, and sparkler radishes. There will even be strawberries!!

Yesterday, the mailman came and brought our Burpee order. That was all we needed to get everything out and start planting! First we had to prepare our "soil." This dirt was small pellets that we had to water so they would expand. Don't they look gross? They smelled pretty icky, too.

Next, we planted seeds and labeled each section. This was fun, except when one of the sowers kept knocking dirt on the kitchen floor.

Next, we covered the tray with its little greenhouse cover, found it a warm spot out of direct sunlight, and left our little seeds to do their thing. When we checked on them this evening, a few of the seeds had already sprouted! We can't wait to get these plants in the ground, but they need some time here to get started and the Big Farmer has to make the girls a place to set up the garden. Stay tuned...

Flat Gracie goes to a Valentine lunch

LOVE IS ETERNAL

Today is February 14, 2009 -- Valentines Day
The weather is cool and sunny -- a perfect day.

Flat Gracie had lunch today with Grandmom and Grandad and a few of their friends. We went to the Brick Oven in Kempner, Texas. It is a favorite restaurant for our Sunday School class to gather for food, fun, and fellowship. What better way for Flat Gracie to celebrate Valentines Day than with couples who have been in love for a very, very long time.

We have learned many lessons about love through the years. The most important lesson is that God is Love. We have learned that love can endure through good times and bad. We have learned to accept the faults and weaknesses of others, because we ourselves have faults and weaknesses. We have learned that forgiveness is essential to love as God loves. We have learned that it is sometimes hard to love as God loves, but we have also learned that God's way is always the best way.

The Scriptures say it best.

Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
It does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
. . . love will last forever.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Flat Gracie goes to the ranch

FLAT GRACIE GOES TO THE RANCH

We are Flat Gracie's grandparents, Raiford and Linda Williams. We live on a 237 acre ranch in the city of Copperas Cove. We like to say that we are the largest ranch in town. Actually we have the only ranch in town.

We had Flat Gracie from February 9 through 11. We have had some rain this week. It was very welcome. The temperature has been rather mild, making us think that spring might be near.

Flat Gracie has been to the ranch many times to visit with Grandmom and Grandad. She especially likes to be here when her three cousins are here. They roam over the pastures to see what interesting things and places they can find. They have claimed and named several places as their "forts." They have brought some unusual things in from the pastures such as a turtle shell, golf balls, and an old bicycle.

Flat Gracie and the other grandchildren don't mind sharing the pastures with the cows, but when the bull comes around, they head for the house.

The tree house that Grandad built is a favorite place for Flat Gracie to play with her sisters and cousins. They even sometimes sleep up there.

At the first sign of spring Grandad starts getting his garden ready. Then he goes shopping for seed and plants. (Grandmom prefers flower seed.) Next it's time to plant. This spring and summer Flat Gracie and her sisters and cousins will get to help harvest and eat the vegetables that Grandad grow.

When work is done, the swing is a great place to rest with Grandad.

We always have fun when Flat Gracie comes to visit us.

Flat Gracie goes on a road trip

Flat Gracie took a little road trip with Grammy, PapPap, Aunt Melinda, and Baby Colin to surprise her! She stayed in a hotel on the way and got to stop on the Alabama border for a photo op. Isn't she small? Can you see her?

Flat Gracie goes grocery shopping

Well, what a day for Flat Gracie. Aunt Ginny wanted to take her to PA, but after she went through Security at the Airport, she couldn't find Flat Gracie. She called Uncle Tommy and he said Flat Gracie stayed in the car with him so she didn't get to go to PA. Uncle Tommy brought her over to Grammy's and she took Flat Gracie to Albertson's Grocery store to see Pap-Pap.

She helped stock shelves with her Grandfather. She it enjoyed it so much she started running around the store, here are the different places where we found her: In the oranges, bananas, lemons, limes, coconuts, and finally Juicey Juice!

Oh that Flat Gracie, she is soooo fast!

Flat Gracie goes to a basketball game

Hi again.

Flat Gracie came with us to see her cousin Ryan play basketball for Mt. Dora Middle School. This is a picture of us in the bleachers watching his game (Pap-pap, Grammy, Aunt Ginny, Cousin Ashleigh, Flat Gracie and Aunt Debbie). Unfortunately, we didn’t get a picture of Flat Gracie with Ryan. We were in a hurry because Flat Gracie decided to fly with Aunt Ginny to Pennsylvania to see her other cousins, Alexa and Austin.

Flat Gracie goes visiting

Hi Flatstudents!

This is Gracie's grandmother writing from Mount Dora, Florida. Mount Dora is not too far from Disney World and it is home to a lot of people who are mostly grandmothers and grandfathers. It is raining today, so Flat Gracie didn't get to do any fun things outside. So Flat Gracie went on some errands with us and visiting.

The first picture is of Flat Gracie and Grammy. Flat Gracie helped me pick out a couple of books to read from the Mt. Dora Library - thanks Flat Gracie!

The second picture is of Flat Gracie and Pap-Pap. We went to "Cupcake Delight" and Flat Gracie shared our special cupcakes. They were delicious - Thanks Flat Gracie!

The third picture is of Flat Gracie and Aunt Ginny in her sewing room. Aunt Ginny makes very special quilts for all her family and friends. This Christmas Flat Gracie and her sisters received beautiful quilts made especially for them by Aunt Ginny. Maybe Flat Gracie will bring her new quilt to school to show you. Thanks Aunt Ginny!

The fourth picture is of Flat Gracie and Uncle Tommy in his special garage! Uncle Tommy has a car that is an antique - it was made in 1931. Can you figure out how old the car is? Even though the car is very old, it is very beautiful because Uncle Tommy takes very good care of it and keeps it in his special garage! This picture is of Uncle Tommy and Flat Gracie sitting on his Harley Davidson Motor Cycle. Notice Uncle Tommy is wearing a helmet for safety! Thanks Uncle Tommy

The last picture is of Flat Gracie and Emma. Emma is a Shitzu and lives with Aunt Ginny and Uncle Tommy. Emma is very friendly and very sweet. She always wants a treat when you come visit her, so Flat Gracie gave her one. Thanks Flat Gracie - Woof, Woof!

Flat Gracie goes to Orlando

Hey flat students! This is Gracie William's Aunt Melinda. Flat Gracie has been here in Orlando, Florida with me, her Uncle Ryan and newest cousin, Colin. You know Orlando, right...home of Mickey and Minnie Mouse? We didn't get to take Flat Gracie to Disney World, but she has been before. I carried Flat Gracie around with me doing my chores around the house and running errands. I am a new mommy so that is pretty much all I do all day. I took a few pictures of Gracie helping me with a few things...Flat Gracie helped me play with Colin while I got some chores done. Then she helped me get Sidney, our dog, ready for her walk. She also had a quick bite to eat with Uncle Ryan and Colin before heading out for more chores!

Flat Gracie was with us from January 21-28th (sorry...I kept her a little too long, I know...I didn't want to send her off to someone else so soon because I miss her so much!). The weather here in Orlando is in the 70's and really sunny...that is why we are called the Sunshine State! It is supposed to get cold this weekend, though. Like I mentioned, Orlando is famous for Disney World, but the state of Florida is famous for it's oranges, alligators, sunshine and miles and miles of beautiful beaches! Gracie has already seen some of those beaches before, too.

She left us today and is on to her next adventure. I guess you guys will find out where she is soon enough! Have fun following my precious Flat Niece!!!

I love you, Gracie!
Aunt Melinda Smith

the great onion experiment

I have a friend whose son needed some assistance with a science experiment. Because it's always school around here, I thought it would be fun to assist and learn something ourselves along the way.

We were given six different methods of chopping onions and had to make note of how badly our eyes watered (or didn't water). And because everything is more fun with a friend, we grabbed another student who planned to do the experiment and did it together. Here are Giggles and Summer, ready to get started. Giggles looks sweet and happy, even when she is trying to look mean. Summer just scares me.

First up was the candle. We were told to burn a candle near the cutting area. Here are their thoughts and physical reactions:
Summer: "I want to cry right now.” Her eyes were watering and burning.
Giggles: “My eyes are wateringish.” Watering, couldn’t see.

The girls took a break to wash up and went for a sit on the front porch. Next on the chopping block (hee-hee) was the freezer. We put an onion in the freezer for five minutes before chopping it up. Notice that we have some Snickerdoodle Blue Bell ice cream. We found that in the back of the freezer. I don't know how in the world we have some left over...

Summer: “My eyes are starting to burn.” And as she was running out, red faced, she yelled, “Who do I sue???”
Giggles: “My throat stings… ow!” And then she ran out.

It appeared we may not make it through all six trials. We gave the girls a break... they rinsed their eyes and went outside to jump on the trampoline. Somewhere along the line, Summer tried to convince us that the onions were doing this to her eyelids...

Next, we tried chewing a piece of gum while chopping the onions. When asked, "What kind of gum do you have, Mrs. Shan?" I replied, "Blue."

Summer: “All my senses are burning.” and then... “I’m stinging and starting to water.” This one took a little longer for her eyes to react.
Giggles: “I’m trying to concentrate on not crying.” She had stinging eyes, but it took longer to react.

Next, we were on to holding bread in our mouths. They were to hold a piece of bread in their lips while chopping the onion.

Summer: “It burns!”
Giggles: “I’m done! IT BURNS!!! NO MORE ONIONS!!!” “Hey, the bread wasn’t that bad.”

While the girls were outside resting their eyes again, I washed their cutting boards and sprayed them with vinegar for the next trial. Upon looking for the budding scientists, we found that they'd gone for a little run. Hmm... it looks like the onion fumes have gone to their heads.

Here are their lovely reactions to the vinegar...
Summer: “Vinegar stinks!” Stinging… eyes watering.
Giggles: “Yuck, vinegar smells.” “Okay, so far, it’s (the chopping) not that bad.” “Watering now… kinda stings.”

And then we were on to the final test. Goggles. We all agreed this would probably be the best, most effective method of chopping onions. Of course, it's not the most fashionable but these girls are still cuties...

Summer: “Amazing!” A little bit of watering.
Giggles: Not major watering/burning.

All in all, it was a fun little experiment. They came to some conclusions... however, Dayna and I think a fresh pot of coffee and having your daughter cut the onions is the best way to get the job done without tears and stinging eyes! Oh, and in case you're wondering about the onion smell... my house smells like a chopped onion, but our hands don't! We used the little stainless steel trick... rubbing our hands on the stainless faucet as we washed. No onion smell here!

Here are their conclusions...

Summer's ranking…
1 – goggles
2 – gum
3 – vinegar
4 – bread
5 – candle
6 – freezer

Giggles's ranking…
1 – goggles
2 – vinegar
3 – gum
4 – bread
5 – freezer
6 – candle

These two don't care if they never see another onion. Can't say I blame them. Thanks for being such good sports!!