Sunday Fun Day

Sundays are my favorite! It is the only day we usually don't have anywhere we have to be or anything we have to do, so it's always a day of rest and peace and catching up. This morning started with wrestling and giggles and watching our picture slide show. And when we were finally all ready to get out of the house, we headed over to the nursery to buy some plants to make our home more beautiful. Then, we had lunch at Twisted Root Burger Co. before stopping by the library, which is truly one of our favorite places. This afternoon brought naps, movies, laundry, reading, and even some legitimate work. It was a wonderful day, and I'm so thankful I got to spend it with most* of my people!

New roses to start the day

Wrestling with Dad

The nursery is a happy place!

Fun at Twisted Root Burger Co.

This month's breast cancer awareness special at Twisted Root is the Boobie Burger

*Weston is visiting Williamsburg with Nana this week, so he wasn't here with us. We missed him but know he is having a blast!

Explore Russia

You know how Russia is always in the news lately for being...difficult? Well, I've been having my own personal struggle with Russia that has absolutely nothing to do with the Russians. My newest Geography Explorer book, Explore Russia, was set to be published in May, before our summer trip. In fact, I even submitted it for publication THREE TIMES, but it kept coming back with technical difficulties, which made it unpublishable. So, I decided to leave it alone over the summer and come back to it later. When we got back from our travels, I set to work trying to unravel the problem. Basically, I had to start over with parts of it. Finally, I got the technical issues worked out and ordered my proof. Unfortunately, it came back with some glaring mistakes, and I had try again. AND AGAIN! But, I am proud to announce that persistence does pay off and the book has finally, FINALLY been published. The truth is, even though it was a pain, it may be my favorite Geography Explorer book to date. If you have a kid in your life who likes to learn about far-away places, or if you would just like to read something positive about an amazing country, check out Explore Russia on Amazon.

Aloha Friday

For some people, today was Friday the 13th. For us, it was Aloha Friday. Clay frequently wears his "Aloha suit" on Fridays, and today was no exception. But we added a bit more tropical flare today by having pineapple rice for lunch and fruit salad (made entirely by Clay) after dinner. I hope your day was also full of aloha!

It's Aloha Friday!

Getting an island vibe with pineapple rice

Clay's specialty is fruit salad

The mother of all homeschool days

I think I can say with some certainty that there will never be a homeschool day as epic as this one. I seriously doubt the stars will ever align again where we experience scissors, glue, a fire set purposely in a sink, and lunch from an oven set up in the backyard all on the same day.  In fact, I may just retire now so I can go out on my highest possible note. 

It just so happened that we had three big projects scheduled for today in three different classes. Clay has been desperate recently to add scissors and glue to art class and has not been satisfied with my suggested drawing activities. He has also been hinting at paint, so I decided I better take my chances with what seems to me possibly the lesser of the two evils. I ended up doing most of the cutting because "the pieces [were] too small," but Clay was 100% in charge of the glue, which still wasn't dry several hours after the completion of the project. He did produce a cute little pizza though and was very proud of his work.

Pizza Project

The younger boys have been studying about the Great Fire of London this week in history. Today, our project was to demonstrate the rapid spread of the fire through the densely packed city by coloring a picture of some houses set very close together and then setting it on fire. The boys were delighted and somewhat shocked that I deliberately set fire to their coloring pages in the sink. I have no pictures of this event, because I was playing an active fireman role and just didn't have a chance to grab my phone. Priorities, you know. 

Max and Weston have been learning about various forms of energy in science and have spent the last couple of days building a solar oven. They finished up just before lunch and were happy to be able to make quesadillas in their creation. 

Edible Science

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

All day today, Clay has been walking with "crutches." Sometimes his right knee hurts (just like mine), but sometimes it's both legs and his neck.

While I was making something new for dinner (my First for today), he came in and announced that he had "accomplished [his] task for the day!" Clearly, he's trying to show a little solidarity and in the process has absolutely melted my heart!

Imitation is truly the sincerest form of flattery!

La Duni and The Perot

This morning we had brunch at La Duni in Dallas. The food was wonderful, and it's always fun to try a place we've never been! After filling our tummies, we headed over to The Perot Museum, because Clay had some important business to conduct (and because we really love science museums). One of Clay's scouting requirements was to write down two questions about space to ask an expert, and then track down an expert at a museum or planetarium and ask the questions. Clay wanted to know, "Why does the moon appear smooth when you look at it, but if you go to it, it appears rough?" and "Why do the planets appear to be brighter than the stars?" He found his expert in the Expanding Universe Hall and did a great job of asking his questions and gathering the information! Once the business was taken care of, we were free to explore and enjoy the rest of the museum, and we had a great time.

La Duni Latin Cafe

Musical brothers

Fun in the Leap Frog Forest

Making silly Math jokes at the museum enterance

Asking an expert about space

T-Rex

Soaring with eagles

Learning about tornadoes

Total concentration

Revenge of the Robots

Big Day for the Little Man

Clay had his first soccer scrimmage this morning, and I can't even describe the all cuteness and chaos! It was adorable and somewhat comical to watch. We all had such a great time! Clay had lots of time in the field and also had a chance to play goalie.

Clay getting in on the field action

Guarding the goal

Making a big play

This afternoon, Clay had his first opportunity to sell popcorn with some other members of his Cub Scout pack at Walmart. He was the only Tiger scout there and therefore the youngest, but he held his own selling with the older scouts. He's a natural salesman, and he's super cute, so he had a lot working in his favor. We are just so proud of our little guy!

Who's going to say "No" to this sweet little Tiger Cub?!

Regatta and Cotillion

Clay got to participate in his first scout activity today: The Raingutter Regatta. He had a blast getting to wear his uniform and competing against the other Tiger Cubs.

Creating a mighty wind at the regatta

Meanwhile, Weston was off to participate in his first Cotillion class--a class designed to teach middle school and jr. high kids the basics of etiquette and ballroom dancing. He was a little nervous at first, but he enjoyed the class and looked so handsome.

Off to Cotillion

Sibling Week

Ruth's cross country team invited younger siblings to join them at practice this week and then participate in a special one-mile race at the meet today. Max, who was born to run, was the only one of Ruth's brothers to get in on the action, and he loved it. Both kids performed very well today, and we are proud of both of them!

Hitting it hard

Off they go!
(Apparently a lot of little brothers felt the need for speed!)

Focused on the finish line!

The Scouting Report

A couple of weeks ago, Weston joined a local Boy Scout troop and this afternoon took off on his first weekend campout. He is so pumped up about being part of this group and about checking things off his list to earn the merit badges. Everything about scouting seems to be right up his alley, and I'm so excited that he has this opportunity.

Inspired by his big brother, Clay decided to join Cub Scouts. We went to the first meeting last night, and today he got to go to the Scout Shop to pick up his uniform and accessories. Man, does he feel big, even though he's nowhere near big enough to actually fill out his uniform, which was the smallest size they had! This afternoon, he got to paint his boat for the Raingutter Regatta happening on Sunday, and he started working on the activities in his book. He's so proud of himself, and I'm glad I get to be his Tiger Adult Partner.

I'm proud of my guys and am eager to see how they learn and grow through these experiences!

My big Boy Scout, ready for the camping trip

My little Tiger Cub

Mouth Bling

We suspected the day was coming, but we didn't realize it would be today. We thought Weston was just going into the orthodontist for an evaluation, but he sure enough came out with a mouth full of metal. He's not overly thrilled about it, but he still managed to flash his sweet smile at me.

Showing off the bling

Diagnosis and Next Steps

So many of you have been incredibly kind and thoughtful to check on me and offer assistance since I injured my knee, so I thought you might be interested in hearing about my visit with the orthopedic doctor today. The ACL is definitely torn (actually "gone" is the word the doctor used when he showed me the images produced by the MRI) and a meniscus is torn. I have a month of physical therapy ahead of me before I can go in for surgery and then several more months of PT to get back to the active lifestyle I desire. The surgery has been scheduled for September 22, and I'm so thankful to have the ball rolling in a recovery direction. Thank you all for your concern and wishes for a quick recovery.

Nashville

On Saturday, we hit the road and headed to Nashville in pursuit of the Great American Eclipse, a trip we have been planning for two or three years. Before we left Dallas, we stopped at Chick-fil-A and bought a 200-piece party tray to nourish us for the journey. We had never catered a meal through the drive-through, to be wholly consumed in the car, so it felt like a pretty big deal. Ten hours later, with the nuggets long gone, we arrived, road weary but excited.

Road Trip!

On Sunday morning, we decided to explore Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, where I had my first true handicapped experience. The kids were pleased that, because of my situation, we were able to catch a golf cart out to the mansion rather than having to walk. Then, I transferred to a wheelchair for the actual tour but was only able to see the first floor of the mansion, since there wasn't an elevator. The mansion and grounds were very beautiful, but it was a hot, humid day and the crowd was great, so we didn't hang around too long after we had seen the main house. Later in the day, my parents, who were also in the area for the eclipse, came over to our hotel to hang out. We all thought it was pretty funny to meet up in Nashville, since we all live in the same state.

Andrew Jackson's Hermitage

How would you look on the 20?

Monday was the day of the Big Event, and we drove a little north of Nashville to the small town of Gallatin so we could be in the true center of the path of totality. We found a nice park with a playground where the kids could play and burn off some energy while we waited for the celestial show. It was such an amazing experience to see the sky darken and dusk fall in the middle of the day! The sky presented its sunset colors, the streetlights sparked to life, some stars and planets became visible, and the cicadas fired up their evening songs. And the vision of the moon blocking out all but the sun's corona is not one we will soon forget, even though my inadequate phone camera was powerless to capture the image. The entire event lasted no more than a few minutes, but it was powerful, and we were thankful to be a part of it. Back at the hotel, we rested for a while before heading out to dinner at Cock of the Walk, a fun place, with plenty of atmosphere, serving good ol' Southern food.

The Big Event
(The bottom left shows the streetlights coming on and the sunset colors;
The bottom right shows a star or planet just to the lower right of the sun)

Cock of the Walk

Tuesday was Jeff's and my 19th anniversary, which just doesn't even seem possible. I can tell you, it just gets better and better all the time! I'm so thankful that we chose each other to do life with. We spent the early part of the day hanging out around the hotel and lounging around the pool. Later in the day, we headed over to the Gaylord Opryland to look around and to have enjoy a nice anniversary dinner at Ravello. After dinner, we were off to the Grand Ole Opry. The boys sat in the balcony in the seats we had originally booked, while Ruth and I, making a last minute change, sat on the lower floor, in the handicapped section. It was such a fun show and so neat to be a part of something with such a long history.

Fun at the hotel pool

Anniversary dinner at the Gaylord Opryland

The Grand Ole Opry
(Clay was fascinated with the bass player and tried to imitate him.)

Yesterday, we made the long trek back to Flower Mound, though it seemed an easier trip than going, even with the absence of a large tray of chicken nuggets to keep us occupied. We had such a great time in Nashville and hope we will have occasion to return in the future.

Thankful

If you are following my Year of Firsts blog, you know that I injured my knee and am now hobbling around on crutches while wearing a giant knee brace. There was a moment this morning when I was tempted to give in to the "poor mes," but when I opened my eyes and looked around, all I could see was how much I have to be thankful for. In no particular order, here is what I'm thankful for today:

• I live in a one-story house.
• I have big kids that can get their own food, take their own baths, stay at the house while Jeff takes me to the doctor, work mostly independently or assist each other on school assignments, and help around the house in so many ways, plus one that is even able to drive.
• Jeff has a flexible schedule and is home most of the time.
• I do not have an out-of-home job I have to go to.
• The master shower that I have had contempt for since we moved into the house has a built-in seat and a combo shower head, which can easily be used as a handheld sprayer. 
• I have a network of extended family and friends who are willing to help out at a moment's notice and who are checking on me and praying for me.
• My sweet, sweet husband and kiddos who are quick to anticipate, inquire about, and meet my needs and who care deeply about my well being.
• An opportunity to practice patience and stillness, which are skills I definitely need to improve. 

First Day of School

It's hard to believe summer is over and it's time to get back into the routine of school, but here we are. Truthfully, though, the start of the school year is always very thrilling to me, and we are all very excited about what this year has in store for us. Following a few conversations about dressing for success, the kids voted to have "school uniforms" this year, which basically means they decided to adopt a business/business casual wardrobe for school days. For boys, we settled on collar shirts paired with slacks, dress shorts, or dark colored jeans, ties optional. For girls, those choices apply, as well as skirts and dresses. I've always believed there is a great deal of truth in the idea of dressing for success, and it seemed to prove out in our school day today, as everyone maintained an air of seriousness and seemed eager to perform at their highest level. Admittedly, this could be attributed to the fact that it was the first day of school and no one has gotten tired or burned out yet, but I'm choosing to believe that the clothes made at least some difference. I mean, one would seem to appear especially silly throwing a fit while wearing a tie, don't you think?! Either way, we had a great first day and look forward to accomplishing our goals and learning lots during this school year.

Watts Homeschool Students 

Clay ~ First Grade

Max ~ Fourth Grade

Weston ~ Sixth Grade

Ruth ~ Sophomore

Watts Homeschool Faculty

Celebrating 40

I turned 40 on Friday, and I did it right! My sweet hubby surprised me with a trip to the new Palafitos (overwater bungalows) in the Mexican Riviera. (He also surprised himself by accidentally revealing the gift to me months before he intended to!) We arrived at the resort on Wednesday around noon and instantly began to be treated like royalty. We had some lunch in the overwater restaurant and then took a walk around the resort, before settling into our amazing palafito. We spent the next few days lounging on our patio, alternating between the large lounge chair and the private pool, and eating large quantities of delicious food. On my birthday, the staff went all out to make sure my day was special. They put a sign on the door, decorated the bed when they did the turn-down service, delivered a beautiful dessert to the room, and even filled up our jacuzzi. It was such a special trip and a wonderful way to enter a new decade!

El Dorado Maroma Resort

Our beautiful palafito

Everything we ate was beautiful as well as delicious!

I certainly did feel special on my birthday!

*I am celebrating turning 40 all year long with a Year of Firsts. I am keeping a separate blog for documenting that journey, if you want to check it out.*

Transformation Tuesday

While our boys are away, Ruth and I are making the most of our girl time. Today we enjoyed a trip to the salon. We both knew we wanted drastic change, and we were pleasantly surprised to find out that our unwanted hair could be donated to an organization that provides wigs to cancer patients at no cost to them. That's definitely what I call a win-win!

Before

After