Family Night Fun

Nicole, Jess' parents, Lex with a bowl on her head, Daiz, and Ben-Man

Family Night: (def.) n. A weekly night of short Christian lessons, an activity,
treat, songs, and a little bit of chaos. Held on Mondays after dinner. Each
member of the family takes a turn being in charge of a part of the festivities.
Not to be confused with Family Fun Night which is games/movies/treats on
Friday night that mom gets ready.


Anyhoo- Lex was in charge of the lesson and needed me to make water
balloons. Normally, I would not be so inclined- but I will do anything for
the sake of "object lessons" or learning. So- I sat there and made water
balloons for 20 minutes.

Her lesson, thought entirely on her own: "We should all be baptized because
it will bring you blessings. Each person was then to share an aspect of baptism
that they knew to be true. Then, we were all to go outside. We all got to hold
"blessings" and shower them to others, so that they could have the blessings,
too. How fabulously gifted my child is:) She knew exactly what to do to be able
to throw some water balloons- when it wasn't even her turn for activity.
Brilliant. I'm not sure if the kids understood why we were throwing water
balloons- but that 20 seconds of fun was worth 20 more minutes of filling
them up. (although I won't do it again next Monday- sorry, guys.)

Half full or half empty

So here was my day as I see it:
*Woke up to crushed cereal on my bedroom floor, even though we have a "no food
out of kitchen" policy. Hmm. No biggy. Moving on...
*Kids have deep coughs, have to miss my training for the Tour de Y. Ok, I'll make
it up when Rhet gets home.
*Went to piano lessons. Got ticket for going through "emergency cut through only"
to turn left on Baston road. The day now officially stinks.
*Am now 20 minutes late for 30 minutes of piano instruction. And I have a child
that is not mine that I made late, as well.
*Go to my spin classes at night. Do two in a row to make up.
*Get a phone call to come home immediately to take Colby to emergency room.
*Ran out of Y and didn't get my spinning class signed off.
*Get home and Colby is sleeping. Had slammed finger in door. It was bleeding and
bruised.
*Took him to ER to get it checked out (broken or needed stitches) Sat for FOUR hours
for them to say he was fine and give us a band-aid.
*Got home at 2am and had a meeting in the morning at my house at 9am. Cleaned up
that night.

OK- how I should see the day...
*Kids let me sleep in a little, even though I had some mess to clean from it.
*Next piano lesson was canceled, so the kids got their full lesson.
*Rhet didn't care about the $120 ticket.
*Maybe my instructor will remember me on Saturday to sign my paper.
*Colby didn't need stitches or a cast and we had some good together time.
*I got to take a really long nap the next day and I didn't feel bad about it at all.
*My house got cleaned because people were coming over.

Maybe tomorrow I'll count my blessings.

Tour de Y

I had on my "to do" list before I turned 30 to run a marathon. There is a half-

marathon November 1 in Augusta. But frankly, running 13 miles just doesn't

appeal to me at the moment. Especially after running 13 miles, having to wear

a t-shirt that has the word "half" in it just doesn't seem fair.

INSTEAD... I am training for the Tour de Y. To qualify, you have to take 28

spinning classes before August 12. Then you "get" to be a part of the show:

Six 45 minute spinning classes back-to-back for a total of 4 1/2 hours of spinning.

The rules are:

1) can only get off the bike once for a bathroom break

2) have to keep heart rate up

3) can't stop:)

I am only on spin class number 8. That means I have to take 7 spinning classes

per week. Wish me luck!

PS No, the picture isn't me. I don't wear sports bras to exercise. That would

be scary- except to my husband, who says I always look beautiful, even in

the morning:)

Daisy and Lil

My little Daisy! Wooey!

Alexis and Ace

It would have given me a heart attack if I knew they were
doing all this on their own at the horse back camp.

Way to go, Alexis!

Air Force Museum in Utah

Dad is fired as a babysitter

Colby's bed/nap routine that I write down for a babysitter:

1. Give Colby a bottle

2. Turn fan on high

3. Turn off light

4. Sing Colby a song

5. Place him in bed on stomach

6. With pacifier in mouth and one in hand

7. Put blanky over him, he likes to hold it to get to sleep

8. If he cries, DON'T pick him up. Go in after 2 or 3 minutes and put him back on stomach with pacifier again and walk out.

9. Repeat until he goes to sleep. (maybe 2 or 3 times).

What happens when DAD BABYSITS:

Can you see how close Colby is to the edge of the bed? But- don't worry, little baby, I'm sure your daddy's reflexes are amazing when he is in REM sleep!

Swim day is every day

Day 3:Cooking Camp

Cooking Camp Finale: Let's host a party!!
A. Planning
budget
menu
servings
guest considerations (vegetarians? allergies?)
ingredient list

B. Preparing
What to make early.
What to make first thing. (baking)
What to make last (cut fruit- fridgerator dips on plates)
Set up: tables, chairs, cups, utensils, plates, serving spoons, tablecloth
Follow recipes. Do one thing at a time. Keep fridge stuff separate.
Add greenery/flowers/decorations

C. Be a good host
check on food/drinks
get peoples finished plates/cups from them
pick up along the way
make sure everyone is comfortable
keep food covered from bugs if outside
keep fridgerated foods cold

OUR FINAL MENU:
(Kids made it all:)
strawberry mice http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50362
fruit kabob http://www.recipezaar.com/Fruit-Kabobs-With-Coconut-Dressing-205109
lemonade
chilli cheese salsa dip with tortilla chips (crock pot)
little smokies in bbq sauce and honey (crock pot)
cucumber boats http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50387
pretzel treats http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=41019
Leftover Oreo pizza with cool whip dip

Then we had an impromptu backyard party in the sprinklers, slip-n-slide, and kiddy pool. A great, packed day. I was ready for a nap when Daisy came to me with a fat upper lip. "What's wrong, Dais?" "I'm just sad that cooking camp is over. Can we keep doing it?" "Umm, NO!!!!!" (with a sweet and dainty voice, of course)

video coming soon- when I figure out how to work

Next week: horseback riding camp. But alas, I am not the teacher and the girls will be there from 8-3 everyday. What shall I do? (Like having Ben and Colby is beans and I am a free bird. Sure.)

Day 2: Cooking Camp

Bring sibling to camp day: Jr Chefs Faith, Megan, Lex, Devin, Ben,
Haden (not pictured), and Daisy
A. Review Safety, Measurements
B. Baking:
following exact directions
leveling a cake
refridgerate first
C. Decorating:
food colors-color wheel (yellow, blue, red mixtures)
frosting thick or thin
Basic Frosting:
Ingredients:
1/3 c crisco
3 c powdered sugar
1 1/2 t vanilla
2 T milk
Directions:
Whip all together until creamy. Add more milk if you like it thinner.
Adding color to frosting. Different shades/brightness
Tips:
"round"=writing, dots
"t"=leaves
"star"=flowers, borders
"rectangle with fat side"= roses, fancy flowers
how to hold bag/pressure/guiding
Fun creations. Daisy has more on arms and mouth than on cake.

Day 1: Cooking Camp

Jr Chefs: Faith, Daisy, Lex, Megan, and Ben

Schedule:
A. Safety
Learn basic kitchen safety:
Handles on stove face inward.
Use back burners when able.
Clean hands before/after cooking.
Clean items in contact with raw meat and eggs immediately.
Don't put foods that are cooked on a plate that had raw meat on it.
No licking spoons or fingers while cooking. Sample after food with utensil used one time.
What is double dipping and why we shouldn't do it (at least when there are guests)
Keep appliances away from water.
How to crack an egg and separate whites from yolk. skip to end: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2nLawxhnmo (It only took two dozen eggs. They learned after a dozen, but it was so much fun we couldn't stop)
B. Recipes
Read the whole recipe first.
Make sure you have all ingredients.
Recipe contains:
title, list of ingredients, directions, prep time, cook time, servings
C=cup T=tablespoon t=teaspoon
Get to know those measurements:
1/2 c, 1/4 c, 1 c
1/4 t, 1/2 t, 1 t
wet vs. dry measuring cup
C. Around the world
different cultures have different etiquette and manners.
India: Mango Lassi
Ingredients:
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chopped mango
4 teaspoons sugar
ground cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
Blend together in blender and serve. Can be put in fridge for 24 hours.
Kids weren't anxious to go to India.

Mexico: Easy Empanadas
Ingredients:
1 ready made pie crust
1 can refried beans
1 jar salsa
1/2 cup shredded cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375*F. Roll pie crust flat and cut out circles with top of cup. Put dallop of beans in center of circle. Add dot of salsa on top. Sprinkle cheese on top of that. Fold the crust half over to the shape of a half-moon. Seal the edges with a fork and cook 8-10 minutes. Can serve with salsa.
Kids liked Mexico

Italy (kind of): Oreo Pizza
Ingredients:
brownie mix
1 1/2 c oreo cookie crumbs
1 c mini marshmellows
1/4 c reese's pieces
1/4 c heath pieces or chocolate morsels
Directions: Make brownies according to package direction in a pie plate. Bake as directed. Add marshmellows to hot brownies. Put back in oven for 2 minutes. Then sprinkle with other toppings, pressing lightly.
This was the favorite- but probably not actually found in Italy.

CRCT...a big joke

We prepared, we practiced, we pre-tested. I knew Alexis already had the material down. We had passed all the included information a half year ago...but I knew she wasn't used to standardized testing and needed to feel comfortable with the format. So- how did it go? Was she able to calmly answer the questions? Is she a good test taker? Does the test really evaluate her level? I guess we will never know...

"Dear Ms. Tucker-

There was an error with how the Reading exam was administered. Specifically, the examiner improperly read aloud the reading passages during the 1st grade test. As a result, the tests are considered invalid and will not be scored. There will not be re-testing. (etc. etc.)

Sincerely,

Georgia Virtual Academy"

This is the same proctor that spoke with an incredibly thick Jamaican accent. I love accents- but I could barely understand her and she is the one reading the passages to the first graders to mark an answer on which sounds they hear:)

Oh, well- Lex, you get an A+ in my book!

Flight Nightmare!

Adventures to the west...
What would YOU do:
*if your flight attendant starts telling the passenger what to do in case he DIES by hitting his head on the beverage cart.
*The two extra pilots come into first class and kick out those passengers to the back, and then strap themselves in, explaining that if the pilot dies or passes out, there would still be a possibility of landing the plane.
*The flight attendant hurredly gets out of his harness and comes to me to let me know where the hidden infant life vests are.
*He then makes us all move seats around so that the kids aren't all by Rhet and I, but that there is only one child per adult.
*Your ears start to feel like they are exploding.
*The flight attendants direct all persons to take off their glasses or any other sharp objects like pens and pencils and stow them- but not in the seatbag in front of you. To put away all laptops, books, or anything with a sharp corner.
*The flight attendants have the passengers practice "bracing" for an emergency landing. Then, getting out of the harness and showing Ben how to do it better.

Well, I would personally start to freak out... but luckily Rhet was there with a look of calmness and serenity that I know only comes from God telling him that all will be well.
Ben fell asleep face down in the brace position. I never turned off Daisy's itouch movie cause the odds of her getting back on a plane if the earphones were out were slim to nill-and the man next to her wasn't too friendly. I didn't want him to get ambushed by her questions or hospitality. Alexis was ok, cause she was next to her dad, the stalward one. I was just praying this would not occur again on my way back home, when Rhet wouldn't be around. (by the way, don't let your husband book the tickets. Plane ride from Salt Lake to Atlanta with an infant in lap, TWO lay-overs, one of them being THREE hours, no check on bags-all 5 bags with clothes, infant seat, and stroller carryons, leaving for the airport at 8:30 am and getting home at 1:00am.)
Anyway- the pressurization system went out, so we had to stay low and return to Atlanta going slow and low- which took a couple of hours. Memories, like the corner of my mind.

Jessica strikes again

This is one awesome story... I was at my in-laws church in Utah. I went out with Colby and saw a teenager sitting in the hall with a infant carrier and a baby doll inside. I said, "Oh, you almost got me. It looks real." (Thinking she is probably out with her kid sister, and this is the sister's doll.) She kind of snarled at me and I wondered what her deal was.

Later, I see her rubbing the doll, rocking the carrier, and treating the baby as if it were alive. I just thought- "Oh, no. This poor girl is schizophrenic or something, and I just offended her." I start looking closer and see a medical bracelet on her arm. "She is all alone with this doll. I bet no one treats her nice and she is treated as an outsider."

So... being the whacky girl that I am, I sat next to her and made conversation.

me: "I'm sorry for what I said earlier."
her:"Its ok, I get it all the time."
me: holding back all issues of weirdness..."Hi, there, cutie!...What is your baby's name?"

Then I get this look like I am the stupidest person in the world...

her: "It's a DOLL!"
me: Now, I am confused. I knew it was a doll. But I didn't think she knew it was a doll. She is saying this as she is gently stroking his head. "Oh, well, you were just taking such good care of him, that I wasn't sure."

Then came the kicker...
her: "It's for child development class. This bracelet has a sensor and the baby cries if you don't do all the things it needs."
me: "Uh...um...well... looks like you are doing a great job!"

It made for a great dinner time story. The best part ever was knowing it was a baby doll, but acting like I also thought it was a real baby- and cooing and talking to him like both of us have babies that we are entertaining in the hallway, like all good moms do.

I told you it was a good story.

A pirates life for me

Arr! Ahoy, mateys. I be swashbucklin' on thar' great, grand livin' room and wishin me had sum 'ole booty and doubloons instead o this here fake sword. Me sister lasses not be likin' me fun buccaneer games and they be wishin me were walkin the plank. The lasses are always lily-livered and landlubbers. Yeah, I say I be needed sum new jacks and gentleman o' fortunes to play with. Maybe that thar little nicker, Colby will join in my fun and no, ne'er be a squiffy. Yo, ho ho.

It's Colbster's Half Birthday

Mom? I think I see some food on the TV.

I'm a little tea-pot. Short and stout. Here is my shirt that won't go over my...

what is a synonym for "big melon" that rhymes with stout?

I could just sit here all day. Leave the bananas, I'm

not quite done yet. Just taking a breather.
Does it make me look skinnier if I suck in my cheeks like this?

Are we really simplifying?

"Kids-lets simplify. Instead of having different sports/arts teams, lets all vote and pick the same one so that we can all go on the same night."

"But I want gymnastics."

"I want ballet."

"I want karate."

"No, I forgot. I want soccer."

"I like basketball, too."

"That isn't fair. I said a long time ago I wanted t-ball."

"What about horseback riding and swimming lessons. Do they count, too?

"What about the sports that are different seasons. That isn't fair to do gymnastics all year when we could do baseball, basketball, and soccer instead."

"We already did what you wanted last week. We went to the restaurant you picked. It's my turn to pick now."

Look for updates with results of this deomocratic procedure...

maybe.

The one day at Disney with a camera

Top 12 Things you DO want to hear/see at Disney World

1. Mom, you are amazing. This is the best trip ever!
2. Dear, sweet wife... I am so glad you spent all that time researching and planning out each place in the order, time, and location that we should go. It made all the difference!
3. You sure are prepared. We will never be hungry, thirsty, need glowsticks, treats, or activities. You seriously thought of everything! It must have taken a long time to pack. And then to pack again each day for the parks. Thank you so much!
4. All tourists have gone home for the day due to overcast, nice breezy weather. Feel free to enjoy all the rides with no wait, height restrictions, or random things shooting at you getting you wet.
5. You can just stay at one theater, all the different shows, musical acts, and stunts will come to you.
6. Here are your segways for the family- including a special "Tucker" track with no obstacles, pushy people that don't have any manners, or those that think it is ok to run/bump/push into kids, cause they aren't really there. Oh, and there is a neck high wall so that your children won't see all the memorabilia that the two working parents with only one child have gotten.
7. Your family is so precious and well-mannered: no fussiness, exhaustion, or whining. Can I offer to pay for your entire trip-including, but not limited to meals, hotel, babysitter fees, and transportation? It would be my absolute pleasure!
8. Can we do it again? Do we have to go home?
9. I'm not scared. I don't care if the rides are loud, fast, in the dark, whirling, or crazy. I want to do them again and again.
10. It's no big deal to drive 6 hours and come and help for the day at the water park. That's what grandparents are for!
11. Colby was a dream to babysit. He had no problems taking formula. I would love to do it everyday!
12. Of course we'll go to bed so you and dad can spend some time together. You have been doing so much for us and we have had such a great time. How about we go to bed a little early. We will get our pajamas, brush our teeth, and sing our own songs. We'll light some candles for you and order some non-G rated movies and chocolate covered strawberries. You just sit back and enjoy your vacation. After all, it isn't just about the kids, you know!

Top 12 Things you DON'T want to hear/see at Disney World

1. Mom, this is a "little bored". Can we go back to the hotel now and go swimming?
2. Mom, we don't want to eat what you packed for lunch, we want to go to the character lunch and dinner. I don't know what "booked" means.
3. Where did those girls get their face painted/hair done/ and princess clothes? Can we get them here?
4. I don't want to carry my...water bottle, snacks, purse, Disney autograph book, baby, toys anymore. Can you carry them?
5. My feet hurt. Can you carry me?
6. How much longer do we have to wait?
7. You have to be 45" to ride.
8. Fireworks are at 10:00 pm.
9. Must be a strong swimmer to ride.
10. Part of ride takes place in the dark.
11. We left the camera at the hotel.
12. We brought our camera today. The batteries are dead.
13. I can't see.
14. Oh, you didn't know? This is the busiest week of the entire year. Have fun!