the children have gone mad.

TAKS is over.  It's Friday.  It's May, (well, almost).  There is literally screaming in the halls.  Help.

feeding my soul

Over at Mom's the Word this week I wrote about making the concious decision to slow down.  I know you all think it's my hippie chick taking over, but I truly feel that lately all I've been doing is complaining about my schedule and craziness in my life-much like a grandma complains of all her medical issues.  After a while, you just want to roll your eyes and tune her out!  But, I actually do see a light at the end of that tunnel.  And, it was a light of my own making.  After this weekend of complete quiet and still on the girl scout campout, and then a day of field tripping and walking down memory lane with Tanner, I really felt myself re-center, and refocus my life.  (NOW listen to this hippie chick a-talkin'!)  But, it's true.  This entire week of TAKS testing has left me homeless at school, so I've been incapable of getting there early to work on whatever was that never-ending to do list anyway, and it's MADE me let some things go.  By letting some pretty big things (for me) go, I've opened up space in my mind and my schedule, and the breathing room is AMAZING.  This week I took some time for a quiet happy hour to unwind from trapping adolescent boys from their food, and just this evening I was able to breathe in a night of softball and backyard music without thinking of my list.  Ok, well, I might have thought of my list-but I WAS SITTING STILL for HOURS!

Baby steps...but I have a plan, ok an outline for those baby steps.

First TAKS

Madison took her very first TAKS test today, and much to our dismay, was uber-nervous this morning.  We made her a fancy breakfast of eggs and bacon and sent her on her way, assuring her of her future success.

I think I even said, "It's almost a blow-off day.  Take your test, and then you get to READ the rest of the day!"

Her report this afternoon:  "I was the fifth one finished, and you were right! (specifically documenting that statement) I did know all the answers!

One down, one to go! 

First Grade Field Trip

Today, I played hooky and went on Tanner's First Grade Field Trip to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. We love the Fort Worth Museum in this family-with all 3 kids being veteran Museum School Scholars and all.  That's my Big Kid up there, but here he is on his first day of Museum School.

When we were in the baby and little kid phases, I looked forward to our weekly drive to Museum School.  I'd drop one kid off, and take the other one on a few errands, to the bookstore, and sometimes for a big fancy cookie.  After school, we'd browse through the exhibits or take a few minutes to play in the miniature grocery store.  We'd top off the weekly field trip with a picnic lunch by the water fountains or splurge on McDonald's if the weather wasn't just right.  I know my memories might be a little rosy, but I remember thinking to myself during so many of those picnics how precious those moments were, and how fast my babies were growing.  It was a time each week I made myself slow down and just be.

This last picture is a little of a cheat because it wasn't during our official Museum School Day, but I had offered to take Isaac to Museum School just because I was missing it so much myself.  So, I pulled the kids out of school for a day down at the Arts District and The Amon Carter Museum-and it was the same kind of day...the same kind of feeling.  That, and this may be the best picture I've ever taken of all three kids at once.

So, today was superfun on a few different levels.  The Museum is newly renovated, and superfancy.  We were both excited to see the new exhibits, and spend the day together just like "old times." 

His teacher gave me Tanner and three additional boys to chaperone throughout the Museum, which proved to be very....energizing!  The new Museum was amazing, with a new 4-D exhibit on Energy, hands-on physical science experiments, a new play area, and of course, the Omni.  The boys had an awesome time sprinting from one side of the Museum to the other taking in as much as possible before the day ended.

Jennifer and I signed the boys out, and quickly made our way through the Cowboy Museum upstairs (making mental notes to return with all children in tow.)  On our way home, we stopped at 7-11 for Slurpees-a new tradition, and a very much needed Diet Coke for me.  It was a perfect way to end the day, since we'd shared so many of our Museum School Days with Sam and Jenn, too.  Overall, a very superfun day...and with the possibility of super-sappiness on my part, I survived without even one tear...even as I watched the baby I strolled through those halls run and skip with his Big Kid First Grade Friends.

Girl Scout Camp Out-Year 3

Madison and I returned from our annual girl scout campout.  This made the third year in a row to hike up to Lake Murray and spend a few days sleeping in cabins, thinking up skits, and having your basic girl bonding.  It's amazing how much the girls have changed from just Last year-let alone the first year we went.  This year they did almost everything for themselves.  They knew what kindling was, and where to find it.  They organized their own hikes.  They thought of their own activities (including massive rock collections).  The helped assemble meals, and did the clean-up almost entirely independently.  It was kind of amazing.  Sharyn, Janet and I were there truly as chaperones, and had time to sit and chat about girl stuff, life stuff, mom stuff, and just your basic stuff stuff.  It was actually a really relaxing weekend-surprisingly so. 

There was of course drama-we are talking about girls here.  Sharyn led us in our first troop snipe hunt, and there were a few nonbelievers.  It was hilarious watching the girls run through the campsite doing tarzan yells and looking for "blinking" eyes in the woods though-hilarious.  In the end, it was agreed that our tactic was less than perfect, and better luck would be had the next time.  We had a little girl-clique drama, too.  I hate that, but don't know how to prevent it.  I wish I could make them see how they treat eachother, but it's the same with all girls of all ages-and I guess they just have to push through it.  I made them all "hug it out" when I could though, thinking maybe that would stay with them more than the hate and discontent of a spat here and there. 

They left camp this morning exhausted from all the hiking, laughing, running, and campfiring we could squeeze in one weekend, and slept most of the drive home.  I hope it was as fun for them as it was for me...the sappy side of watching them grow and change, and of course the relaxing side of a weekend away from the chaos of everyday.

Bluebonnets!

This was the best I could do.  Sometimes it feels like my kids conspire against me when all I want is one good picture.  I did pretty ok with Madison and Grady, but once Tanner saw the bees the party was over.  Way over.  Oh well, it's a moment, right?  Spring has Sprung!

the ivy got me again

It happens every year...specifically every spring.  The. Poison. Ivy.  I have a history with this plant.  A long, treacherous, itchy, maddening history.  My skin absolutely cannot stand this plant or the wind it rode in on.  I've had hives, open & oozing sores (nice, right?), complete body rash, and the list goes on.  It seems not every reaction is quite like the last reaction, making me question every dang time whether or not the itchy spot is indeed THE IVY.  But, once properly diagnosed, I make the mad dash to the nearest doctor to beg for mercy, a cortizone shot, and a steroid pack. 

If you ask me, those things should be sold over the counter.  Along with antibiotics that cure ear infections-but that's just me.

Here's how it went down this year...

Yesterday, I FINALLY got my chance to play out in the yard, and I weeded, planted, and raked one of my flower beds out front.  I'm always VERY careful no matter what I'm doing in the yard on the off chance that a cell of THE IVY is in a 10 mile radius of me.  I try not to touch my actual skin to the dirt, always wearing gloves and capris or long pants.  I always double check what plant I touch and scan all overgrown areas before treading in.  But, somehow that dang devil plant, finds me every time.  I think the culprit yesterday was one small sprig out back in the used-to-be-poison-ivy-forest.  I check the area every spring for any new signs of the dark plant, and yesterday stomped out one such tiny sprig.  The tiny sprig of death.

I came in for dinner and started itching my face.  CRAP!  I asked Todd and he agreed with my diagnosis, wherein I immediately stripped and washed all signs of nature off my body.  I also immediately took a benadryl-more to calm my nerves than the ivy.  For some reason, once I think about the ivy, it's all I can think about, and the situation worsens by the minute.  Sadly, I was not in time with my treatment, and my cheek itched all dang day, and once the sun came out this evening, the rash immediately spread down my neck and to my chest.  Within minutes.  It was crazy.  I jokingly texted Sharyn and Natalie asking if their husbands had an extra cortizone shot laying around-that I was headed to the clinic in town to fix this soon-to-be-crisis.  But, Natalie took me to heart, and texted immediately back that John would meet me at his office in 10 minutes.

AND HE DID!!

I felt so spoiled, and so completely grateful.  I explained my situation, and my disgust of the devil plant with him, and he also agreed with my diagnosis-gladly giving me the shot and prescription.  Sadly, he wouldn't give me a "to-go" shot just in case for the next time around.  But, literally within 15 minutes, my sanity was slowly returning and I could turn my attention to other things-like my children-whom I'd been ignoring all day answering all their questions with "I DON'T KNOW, DON'T YOU SEE THE ITCH ON MY FACE??"  That might have added one year of therapy for each of them.

I went ahead and took another benadryl tonight-just to seal the deal with this inflammation, so I might be a little high even as I type, but I'm so blissfully unitchy I don't care.  I love my friends, and their needles. 

Of course, I love my friends more than the needles.  :)

3D Tavern Fun

A few weeks ago, we traveled to the Big City to see How to Train Your Dragon.  We went to the Movie Tavern, and even paid full price for non-mantinee tickets.  On a sidenote-the Movie Tavern is the MOST awesome place to watch a kid movie.  Kids eat pizza.  Parents drink beer.  All is awesome.  Anyway, the movie was also in 3D!  With everyone sporting such a Glamour-Do, I had to snap a few pics to savor the moment.

my cup runneth over...

One of my best friends, Shelly, was robbed last week. The jerks took everything from the washer and dryer to her bras. Yes, her five awesome Victoria's Secret amazing bras that enhance even my chest. Jerks. As she began listing the things they took, it began to sound like the narrator from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. They took the packages, boxes, and BAGS! It was a heart-breaking week, but our little group quickly rallied around her, and lifted her spirits.

Our most master plan culminated this evening, in a happy hour with a surprise jewelry shower for Shelly. Of course her jewelry was stolen, with some very precious pieces, but her costume jewelry was taken as well. For me, that might be worse than the real stuff-I'd feel naked without my layers of beads and variety of silver hoops. She even mentioned that she felt like a boy at the baseball games on Saturday-wearing a baseball cap, but no accessories. We fixed that, and we fixed it good.

But, that's not really what this post is about. This post is about the feeling I had the moment I walked into Crystal's house, and the overwhelming calm that enveloped me as I greeted every person that came through the door. I was early (of course-I'm so broken), and when I walked in I was out of breath, spastic, and frazzled (again-of course). I explained I had no tissue paper, and I'd forgotten kid drinks. Crystal and Cheri both said (practically at once), "We've got it-don't worry." It was such a nice feeling to be coddled for a few seconds while someone just made something happen for me! As people began arriving, we all started (and sometimes finished) conversations about our day, our week, and our everyday. Kids were coming in and out of the kitchen, sneaking some of those "yummy grown up snacks," and we kept sending them right back outside to "enjoy the beautiful day." It really was beautiful by the way. We toasted Shelly, and wished her a happier week, and she basked in the glory of her new accessories. We all have pretty darn good taste, too.

I couldn't stay long-both Jennifer and I had to slam a quick drink, throw a present at Shelly, and head on back to work on the garage sale extravaganza planned for this weekend. But, as I hugged my goodbyes, it occurred to me how extremely blessed I am. My sappy factor went into overdrive as I fought back these stupid tears that seem to be permenantly stuck behind my eyeballs lately. I was instantly hit with overwhelming contentment and acceptance, and yes, Shelly-I know this gathering was in your honor, but I seem to have reaped a few bonus points of my own, and just in the midst of a few weeks that were trying to kill me. Dead. In the ground. Just when I thought I might not pull through, seeing all those smiling faces pulled me up.

Beautiful Minds. Ya-Ya. River Buddies. We seem to be carrying a few nicknames in our baskets, but no matter what you call us, I know we are there. And, I have this sneaky feeling, we always will be.

Crazy Town

Today was the 8th Grade TAKS test, which meant the 7th grade schedules were a little on the wacky side as well.  While we were waiting to be released, we slipped into just normal conversation.  The kids were asking my my favorite color, actor, etc...and somehow the subject of my home came up.

"Do you have a pool?"

"No."

"You DON'T HAVE A POOL???  What do you DO in the summer?"

That was a general exclamation from the entire class-not just one student by the way.  Wow.

Gary's New Blog!

As part of Gary's Birthday present, we set  him up a blog so that he has one place to post all his great bird pictures and other ramblings.  :)  Plus, I just love peer pressuring people into blogging.

http://www.scrogdog.blogspot.com/

Easter Sunday

I love Easter.  I love the celebration of going to Mass on Sunday, the new Easter outfits, the chocolate bunnies, and the newness of Spring.  The Easter Bunny left a few eggs and treats this morning, and then we headed to our old church in Keller for Mass.  I love that church-it has a cathedral feel to it, and I love that ceremony and tradition.  It was crowded though-wow there are a lot of people that go to church on Easter Sunday!  Since we'd given up beef for Lent, and Todd was going into hamburger withdrawl, we headed out for Lunch where Todd proceeded to order a side of beef, on a bun.  He's been miserable most of the day.  We stopped by Mom's on the way back into town, where the Easter Bunny had hidden a few more eggs, and left a few more treats.  Big Day.  In the midst of all the celebration, I managed to get a picture-which is always hard.  For some reason, it's much easier to get the crazy picture instead of the cute one...you'd think I'd be used to that by now.  Crazy Clan.  :)

Birthday Party Extravaganza

Yesterday, we had Grady's OFFICAL birthday party, complete with a jumphouse and FRIENDS.  The jumphouse arrived at noon, and (as you can see) the kids were quivering with excitement about that part of the event.  But, the friends didn't arrive until ONE, and all day Grady asked me "when are my friends coming?  Who's coming over?  Are they coming for MY BIRTHDAY?"  I guess it was the first birthday where he really "got" that the celebration was all about him, and he just ate that up.

I knew bouncehouses were fun, but I guess I did not realize the degree of fun to be had when there is one IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD.  The kids seriously jumped, wrestled, "flew," and ran in that thing for about 6 hours straight, if not longer.  Definitely worth the $110.  Definitely.  The fun and excitement were contagious, even if I had hoped for a Hot Wheels jumphouse, and ended up with a Super Hero jumphouse.  Grady thought it was AWESOME.

I'm so proud of this little birthday party, too, because I think we FINALLY managed to achieve that relaxed, hanging out kind of party we always strive for.  We had the bouncehouse set up out back, beer/caprisons/water/some-kind-of-crap-koolaid-drink in the cooler, snacks in the house, music playing, and chairs for everyone.  It was very low key, which was what made it so very, very fun. 
Grady wanted a tractor cake for his party, but there was a little mix-up at the cake lady, so he had a Toy Story cake with Tractor accessories thrown in for effect.  It's hard getting that third kid's stuff all together, ya know!  The first two kind of wear you out!  But, Grady didn't care, we talked up it's awesomeness, and he totally agreed.  He thought it was the BEST BIRTHDAY CAKE EVER, and so really-that's all that matters.

After blowing out the candles, and blowing those crazy little blow things that drive me insane, but that I always buy, we handed out cake to all the kids and directed them to the trampoline to feast-again very upscale and fancy party plans.

Not sure what is going on there with Tanner's face-always something around here.  :)  The kids had a blast having cake on the trampoline though-who knew?  And even when all the kids had returned to the superfun jumphouse, Grady lingered just relishing in his moment, and his day.

Yes, that is cake all over the trampline.  I'm pretty much a genius for that part of our plan.  Absolute genius.  After all the friends left, the Scroggins Clan took a turn in the jumphouse.  The day was so beautiful, I snuck in there to hide from clean up and hope for a nap.  I was quickly caught, and jumped upon by all the boys-including Marley who was completely stressed out by the entire experience.   Finally, it was time to say goodbye to the jumphouse, which I was worried about.  I wasn't quite sure Grady understood the fact that we had BORROWED it for the day, and I was right-but after a little coaxing and bribing, he came down of his ledge, and accepted the fact that the jumphouse was going to go visit another little boy to give that boy an awesome birthday, too.

Four years old.  Man, time really does bounce along.

Sprint is Finally Showing Up to the Dance!

http://now.sprint.com/evo/?id9=SEM_Google_C_Sprint_HTC

This is the phone that I will be the first in line to get once it is available. It is a very powerful phone if it can even be called a phone. It operates at DSL speed, acts as a hot spot for up to 8 devices (ie my itouch or computer can work anywhere now), has a 8 megapixel camera, can watch HD video and don't forget the 4.3 inch screen. Plus you have access to all of the main applications people are using these days on the iphone. This phone is ridiculous. If all of these features work well I will no longer have iphone envy.


Just come out with it already!