Growing in Grace

I have started listening to my audio workshops that I got through the Ultimate Homeschool Expo. The seminars that took place during the expo week aren’t up on the website yet, but in anticipation of the time delay that it would take to get everything edited and uploaded, Cindy Rushton provided lots of extra audio workshops for the attendees to tide them over until the rest were ready.

Last week I listened to one called “Say Goodbye to Supermom” And, let me tell you, I got a lot out of it. In fact, I got enough that I want to listen to it again and take notes so I can put the things that are most significant to me right in the front of my planner.

Since I really enjoyed that teaching, I thought I’d share something with you guys from Cindy Rushton. This is her article titled “50+ Ideas for Taking Care of Mom” reprinted here with her permission.

50+ Ideas for Taking Care of Mom!
By Cindy Rushton

Tired? Weary? Need some fresh ideas for taking care of mom? Feeling that push and pull on you as you balance all of the many demands in your life? Are you great about taking care of others, yet not quite so good about taking care of YOU? Has it been a long, long time since you have done the little things to just fill your cup back up? How about a few fresh ideas for filling your cup and ministering to your heart! I promise that these will be easy for you to do! Here goes:

–> Grab Your iPod and go for a long, long walk! I LOVE my iPod. I have it filled with great Praise and Worship music, teachings and workshops, podcasts, tutorials, etc. My iPod has become my “pocket pal” when I work on my chores, take care of business duties, or even get out for my walk. Talk about my best investment of 2006!

–> Laugh! Just sit there right now…laugh! Start small…just a little giggle! Then…laugh about laughing! Roll on the floor laughing! Feel better?

–> Begin a new Bible Study. Either find a Bible Study guide…or dig out Words to study on your own! For Word Studies, I LOVE my Strong’s Concordance. It helps to find all of the references of a certain word of interest. I also love my Vine’s Dictionary. I use it to look up the meanings of the words AND it also has other references for uses in Scripture. Another great help for Word Studies is my good old faithful Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. I LOVE it as a reference to deepen the studies. Usually it helps me to also find OTHER great studies to dig into also! Dig into the Word! It will feed your heart and soul during this tough time!

–> Meet a friend at the park and let the kids play while you visit.

–> Go for a drive around the city—look at the lights! Look at flowers. Look at the seasonal changes.

–> Look at photo albums. Remember the silly stories!

–> Watch the sunrise! Or, not an early bird? Watch the sunset!

–> Collect jokes and funnies! Barb Johnson…Chonda Pierce…Becky Freeman are just a few of my PERSONAL favorites! Get one of their books or videos. Then, snag some mom-time to just kick back and enjoy!

–> Chocolate! Chocolate Candy…Chocolate Bars…Chocolate Shakes…Chocolate Latte’s…CHOCOLATE! REALLY! Chocolate helps to release endorphins in the brain—plus! It tastes great to boot! So, why not grab a bit for mom-time!

–> Watch an old movie! Curl up under a great big quilt—even if you have to turn the air down COLD! Don’t forget to turn down the lights and turn off the phone!

–> Look at your old school albums! Your HAIR! Ha! Enough said.

–> Got a grassy hill nearby? Go to the top and just roll down it! Like a child! (Snowy? Get a sled! And SLIDE!)

–> Take the kids to the park—just WATCH them! They are adorable!

–> Begin a “Quote Book.” Collect quotes that encourage you to keep on, keeping on! Keep them in a special journal dedicated only to keeping your special quotes.

–> Memorize your favorite Psalm. Try out Psalm 91…or Psalm 61…or Psalm 35…or Psalm 37…Oh! Enjoy!

–> Begin a Tea Ministry. Doing for others ALWAYS lifts even the heaviest spirit. Get a tea basket to keep your goodies in…visit a shut-in…bless them. Then! Watch the blessing boomerang! You won’t be able to leave without a blessing.

–> Take the kids to a candy store—sample the Jelly Bellies…or Sweet Tarts…or Sour Gummy Worms.

–> Fly a kite!

–> Take a ride in the country. Turn up your praise music…roll the windows down…sing to the top of your lungs!

–> Watch a funny video! Elisabeth and I LOVE to watch old movies like If a Man Answers. It is one of our “chick flicks” that we always watch together. We love it! SO FUNNY! Chonda Pierce is another one of my picks. She is just totally hilarious. My children LOVE old comedy shows like I Love Lucy or The Three Stooges. Oh, you may want to watch anything! Just find something that will make you laugh hard!

–> Scrapbook! Pick photos that you MUST tell the story behind! Kick up your favorite music…spread out your goodies…and Scrap till you drop!

–> Read a biography of a GIANT in the faith! My favorites are Corrie ten Boom…Hudson Taylor…George Mueller…Amy Carmichael…Jim and Elisabeth Elliott…etc!

–> Get today’s newspaper and read the comics!

–> Get a yo-yo! PLAY!

–> Make Chocolate Chip Cookies with the kids! On a diet? Take them to someone who blesses you! Include a note of thanks and encouragement for all they do to bless you!

–> Go out and sit on your boat—watch the stars! (Oh, watch the sunset or sunrise, if you can too!)

–> Dig into the Bible and study what God says about trials…suffering…faith…death…depression…oppression…warfare…battle…

–> Read a new book! Normally ready non-fiction/how-to’s? Get a fiction book for a change! Normally read fiction? Get a humorous book! Renew your weary heart and mind!

–> Take a break and go for a long ride on a motorcycle! Don’t forget your headset and praise music!

–> Take a hike! Really! Find a nice nature trail OR go for the tough stuff!!

–> Go to the mall with your teenager! ENJOY!

–> Buy a Mp3 Player and some great praise music—turn it up! I LOVE my iPod! I have my iPod loaded with all of my favorite CDs. My favorites are Michael W. Smith’s Worship CD’s AND Hillsong’s Praise and Worship! The moment you enter into worship, you will enter into the very presence of God—so, turn it up and devour the presence of our precious Lord!

–> Pull out that old sewing machine and make some of those goodies that you have been wanting—new purse/tote…outfit…home decorations…doll clothes…etc!

–> Buy a “whoopee” Cushion…or “Bubba” teeth… At least your family will laugh!

–> Write out the funny family stories! Reminisce! Enjoy!

–> Go skating!

–> Try an afternoon of “Laser-Tag” with your teens! Get um!

–> Make Homemade Bread—KNEAD yourself!

–> Plan a regular Mommy Getaway. This is not an extra! It is essential! I plan getaways for different purposes: to just get alone with God to hear Him, to plan, to work on my homeschool and business projects, to just fill my cup back up. Decide what will fill you up. What do you need right now? Decide what will help meet that need. Gather your goodies: Bible, journal, iPod, camera (I love taking pictures of little treasures along the way), your planner, your computer/Idea Notebook, etc. Pull aside and take that time to just get-away and fill your cup back up!

–> Get a pet! My bird, Harley, has ministered to my heart MORE than I could remember! He is just SO funny! HE had the idea to “boogie” for Jesus! I had not danced for years! AND it is decent! Elisabeth’s new puppy, Pooh, is a TOTAL delight! I say all the time that she is JOY in fur! She has become my little buddy. She loves to sit with me while I work and follow me around while I am doing my chores. She keeps me in stitches. Struggling? Get a pet just for YOU…see that puppy in the window??

–> Take the day to go for a flight! Look at the whole world from a different perspective!

–> Dance! Turn up your favorite music and dance! Dance your heaviness away! Dance till you laugh! Dance in worship to the Lord! Jump! Lift your hands in praise and worship!

–> Clean out your house (only if this is NOT your struggle! Ha!). Attack those closets…cabinets…dusty bookshelves…paper piles!

–> Go out for a cup of coffee…tea…or a good old Coca-Cola! Meet your sweetheart or a mommy pal! Or…take your Bible and make it a special time with the Lord!

–> Find some silly-putty or slime—PLAY!

–> Get up earlier (or take regular breaks throughout the day!) for your quiet time! You may feel SO weak that you can barely concentrate—if so, just turn on praise music and lift up your arms in praise and adoration. Watch what happens! Make a list of your heartaches—lift them to the Father (then, hide them in your Prayer Journal—later they will be a praise record!). Dig into the Word for comfort…perspective…and hope for tomorrow! Really tough days? Well, when the Israelites had very HOT days, they had to gather MORE manna—in the heat of your battles and toughest trials gather a surplus! It will help you survive your struggle.

–> Make a quilt. You can EVEN cheat by making it on the sewing machine! ENJOY!

–> Take an afternoon to go to the movies. Get a big bucket of popcorn…a super-HUGE Coke…sour Gummy Worms (unless you are due a BIG DOSE OF CHOCOLATE!). Take your sweetheart…or a friend if you want to share! Pick a movie that will make you laugh like crazy…OR CRY your eyes out! ENJOY!

–> Ride three-wheelers! Get MUDDY!

–> Treat yourself to a leisurely afternoon (or a bunch of afternoons!) at the pool…park…or creek.

–> Try your hand at BOWLING. Take some friends!

–> Take time for tea—each day.

–> Exercise. Swim…walk…jog…hike…go skating…aerobics. Relieves stress AND boosts your health to boot.
Learn a new hobby! What have you been putting off that you have ALWAYS wanted to know? Pottery? Quilting? Flight Training? Smocking? Scrapbooking? Jewelry Making? Sewing? Crochet? Horse-back riding? Go for it! Now is the PERFECT time.

–> Treat yourself to a nice looooonnnnnngggg Bubble Bath! Don’t forget to set up your favorite music to play during your Bubble Bath. Also…be sure to fix a nice cup of tea (or a Latte!) or a nice big Coke that will last till the water gets cold! ENJOY!

–> Go to the park and just swing—HIGH!
Go get an ice-cream cone—with a double dip!

–> Do a “Promise” hunt in Scripture. Keep in a “Promise Notebook” of your very own! KNOW that they are yours.

–> Snuggle up for the afternoon to read a great book!

Got some fresh ideas? Don’t let this limit you! Let your brain GO! Find some things that will fill you back up and take care of you all along the way.

This is not an extra. This is an essential. Carve out time on your calendar today to just take care of mom!

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Need MORE Help?

How about the ULTIMATE mom-time? Yep! Check out our Ultimate Homeschool Expo! If you missed the live recording of the workshops, no problem! You can now hear ALL of the workshops at your convenience. They are CERTAIN to fill your cup to overflowing! Get your ticket today!

I hope you can use at least one of those ideas to help you through your next tough week.  I grabbed a couple out of there that I’m going to do right away.  I started a ‘promise notebook’ while we were out of town.  I decided to see what God’s promises for my kids were so I could start reciting them and praying them over the kiddos regularly.

Plus, I am not a fiction reader, but there is a book that has been recommended to me that I am going to pick up and give a whirl.

With summer on my doorstep, I have some extra time to do things for myself.  And, I already have a long summer to-do list.  But I will take the opportunity for some fun time and see what other things I can pull off the list to recharge my batteries.

Filed under: School Days on May 15th, 2008 | 3 Comments »

We got home late Monday night and it was really nice to fall into my own bed again.  We had a fantastic time and I’m very glad we went with dh, but I am glad to be in my own house once more.

I am thankful for the rest, perspective, and time off from regular household duties that I’ve had the past couple of weeks.  Plus I couldn’t have asked for more in the memory making adventures we had.

As is typical for me, I’m home with grand plans for my next project…redecorating the bedrooms.  I’ve got ideas for each room and enough fodder for a summer full of Tackle It Tuesdays!  Guess I should keep that camera handy :)

The final leg of our trip was three long days in the car with little respite from the close quarters.  We found out that our family is good for about 10 hours in the car and then all the kiddos hit their limit.  Once the magic number ten was passed, bickering was at an all time high and I wanted to get some noise cancelling headphones and check out.  But, someone had to referree and dh was the driver…so that duty fell to me.  It was my least favorite part of the whole trip!

I will say that the nicest stop we had on the way home was at a Texas Safety Rest Stop.  The idea was to create a rest area that provides a stop for the travelers so they can continue their trip feeling better and being truly refreshed.  And, they succeeded:

Evidently I wasn’t the only one thankful for the chance to stretch my legs:

And, we all enjoyed the change of pace for a few minutes:

Kudos to Texas for their thoughtful playground! :)

Yesterday we had to be up and running early, so today the kiddos are sleeping in.  It is quiet here and it’s almost 10:00 - a rare occurrence to be sure!  We are wrapping up school this week and will slide into our summer break by the end of the week.

What a great way to end our academic year!

Filed under: Family Ties on May 14th, 2008 | 5 Comments »

This week I finished the Frazzled Female Bible Study and wanted to record some of the points that really stuck out to me. I’ve had this study for months, but haven’t really been able to ‘get into it’ any time I picked it up.

One of my desires while we were away from home was to be able to spend some more time in Bible study than I generally do when things are rocking along at the speed of light as usual. So, I grabbed this book, along with a couple of others that I wanted to start (or finish if they’ve been started before) and spent any extra time delving into their pages and looking through the Word. I cannot tell you how fulfilling that was.

The premise of this study is how to find God’s peace in the midst of your typical chaotic life. And that’s exactly why I bought it. Sometimes there is so much chaos around me, God Himself seems untouchable and His peace is only something that I read about from time to time. I was looking for insight on how to bring that peace into my own life.

The more Bible studies I read, the more I think that I really know most of the basic ‘growing closer to God’ advice that is handed out in them. But, while I haven’t found anything completely life changing, I have found some gems that are certainly worth remembering.

The author, Cheri Wood, goes through four things that can keep us distracted from our relationship with Christ and then she spends time discussing that love relationship with Jesus in the other two chapters. The distractions include a negative attitude, not having enough time, difficult relationships with other people, and being physically, mentally, and emotionally frazzled.

For me, the most significant distraction is not having enough time. Although I don’t have a problem with many difficult relationships, there were some good points made in that section as well. She had some great practical tips for immediate application which were more tangible than ‘pray more’ like you will find in other books. Being a ‘do-er’ those practical tips were some of my favorite things in the book.

I plan to record my impressions of the time chapter and the interpersonal relationships chapter later this week. The study is short - six weeks - and includes a leader guide in the back. I think this would be a great study for a ladies group and would have enjoyed the give-and-take that a group provides. The reasonable price also makes the book appealing to a large audience. Overall, I think I should have pulled this off the shelf sooner instead of allowing to gather dust for so long.

Filed under: Adult Reading Nook on May 13th, 2008 | 2 Comments »

On the way home, we had to stop at the Grand Canyon. I mean, we were as close as you can get while driving on the main interstate and it would have been a shame to be that close and not take a detour for a couple of hours.

I was really excited about this particular side trip because dh and the kiddos have never been there and it is a really incredible, amazing experience. At least, it is to me. When the kiddos were asking about it, I was trying to explain what exactly the Grand Canyon is. And, while it is a canyon carved by the river over thousands of years, etc, etc…it is really just a big hole in the ground to the little ones.

Nevertheless, we did stop and looked down in the hole.

I felt like it was anti-climactic, but now the whole family can say we’ve seen the Grand Canyon. We took lots of pictures, but they certainly don’t do it justice. And we saw three lizards and a deer. The kiddos were more excited about the animals than the canyon.

And while we were at it, we drove through the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest as well.

All the side stops made our second day on the road one where we didn’t get very far, but we made memories that are worth the extra time that the drive will take.

Filed under: Family Ties on May 12th, 2008 | 3 Comments »

Since we are away today, we put together a little something for all the Mommies in our life.

This is for Mia & Nanny, Nanna & Granny.

We miss seeing you all today, but hope you have a wonderful celebration! Save my some pecan chicken ;)

Btw, ds3 *loved* doing this project, can’t you tell?

Filed under: Family Ties on May 11th, 2008 | 5 Comments »

A man that hath friends must show himself friendly. Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)

When I was growing up, my dad liked to say this verse to my sister and I whenever the subject of friends came up. It has been years since I’ve given it much thought.

In high school and college I had plenty of friends. The kind of friends that knew you well enough to be comfortable in silence. Girls who could finish my sentences and understood exactly why I reacted the way I did to those crazy boyfriends. Girls with whom I could laugh and cry and share my private thoughts. I trusted them and they trusted me and we knew that anytime we needed a listening ear or helping hand, we would be there for each other.

Those kinds of friendships don’t usually completely die. They often change and while you may become less close to those ladies, their friendship is still treasured. Moments reunited quickly lose all traces of time passed and conversation picks up just as easily as if we had only parted ways days ago.

As I became an adult, I lost friends to distance and life changes. I married young and had children younger than most of my schoolmates. My life became about dh and the kiddos. While I wouldn’t change that for anything, I became less attentive to my own friendships.

Over the past several months, I have become acutely aware of the need for friends in my life. Real friends.

My tendency toward self-sufficiency has been something I cling to. I keep people at arm’s length and don’t like to depend on anyone else. I’ve started to understand, however, that my walls are not only keeping me from seeming needy, they are keeping me from fostering real, deep, true friendships.

And, I miss those.

I’ve been making a more conscious effort to apply that verse my dad liked to trot out. I’m trying to be more friendly. Not just in a smile and speak when I see you on Sunday kind of way, but in a genuine way where I put myself out there and risk rejection. I want to share myself with like-minded ladies.

I want to hear how God is stretching them and I want to share my own highs and lows. When I feel like the world is crashing around me, I want to know I can call them and they’ll meet me for a coffee. When I need to see to a grown-up, they’ll grab their own kiddos and meet us at the playplace so I can have some adult conversation and the little ones can run their energy out.

And, you know what? God is putting those women in my life.

There are some awesome women whom I am privileged to call my friends. And I am stretching myself in certain ways to make sure I am cultivating those friendships. I am learning to pay attention to what my friends need from me. I want to make sure they know I value them.

God is showing me that He created us for fellowship and relationship. I am supposed to need people. Keeping myself at a distance and staying ’strong’ isn’t always the best way to be. I pray that I continue to see ways to open myself to new friendships and ways to enhance the friendships I already have.

Filed under: Inside My Head, Life with Jesus on May 10th, 2008 | 4 Comments »

Wednesday afternoon dh wrapped up his work at the plant and we were still undecided exactly what would happen on Thursday.  We tossed around several ideas including dh and the three big kiddos going to Disneyland without me and the littles and also we talked about heading straight home so we’d get there on Sunday.

In the end, we decided that if anyone went to Disneyland, we should all go…and we did!

Honestly, the day started out a bit rocky.  Beginning on Wednesday night, the wee one was running a fever.  Ds3 had done the same thing earlier in the week and after two days, he was fine.  But, he also had the advantage of mostly laying around and napping when he didn’t feel well.  The wee one didn’t have that advantage and was a crying mess when we got into the park.

That stressed me out and made me snappy with dh.  It wasn’t pretty.  Once I relaxed and the tylenol kicked in on the baby, things were better.  Within a couple of hours, things were fantastic and the rest of the day was absolutely wonderful!!

Their slogan is “The Happiest Place on Earth” and I have to believe that that is probably true.  Until closing time and *everyone’s* toddlers and preschoolers are whining and crying.  Not so happy then.

In a nutshell…we trained to be Jedi Knights, journeyed with Pinnochio, flew with Dumbo, roller coastered, galloped on the carousel, reapplied sunscreen, ate lunch, visited Minnie, met Mickey, danced with princesses, rode Space Mountain, toured outer space, discovered new inventions, and had a host of additional fun!

Here’s a taste:

There is some really cool artistry in the shrubs and hedges there.

Ds3 entertained himself while the bigger kiddos rode bigger rides.

This is my new toy that I got in anticipation of a day at Disneyland.

As you can see, all the cool kids have one.

Okay…look closely at this one and you can see dh and dd in the coaster in the top left corner of the picture.  Look at her little arms.  Heehee.

The wee one thought Disneyland looked a lot like everywhere else from his vantage point inside the stroller.

In Minnie’s Living Room

Mickey’s Couch

The Mouse Himself

The first costumed character we saw was Goofy.  Here is what ds3 thought of that:

Coolest souvenir ever was at the Star Wars shop.  The boys got to create their own lightsabers.  They picked out each piece that went into the construction of them.  We have had lots of lightsabers at home, but nothing compares to getting to design your own!

Ds1 kept talking about how Toontown really did look like you were in a cartoon.

When we danced with princesses, they brought out maypoles for everyone to dance around.  That’s dd behind Jasmine.

This shot is especially for my girlfriends who went to Disney with me 13 years ago.

By the end of the day, we were all winding down.

But we still had enough energy to detour into Downtown Disney to stop in at the Lego store.

By the time we made it to the car (we walked the 1/2 mile instead of riding the tram…maybe that will make up for the Holland Burger!), ds3 was completely spent.

This was such a great day!  I am so thankful to dh for not only taking us to Disneyland, but spoiling us rotten while we were there.

You know what’s funny?  We were there all day and there were THREE sections of the park that we didn’t set foot into.  Plus, in the sections where we did go, there were several rides that we didn’t get to.

The kiddos really had a great time.  Ds1 was thankful that we went and told us over and over throughout the day that he was having a good time.  It’s nice to hear that.

I would have really missed out if I had stayed behind with the little ones.  We are so blessed to have been able to travel with dh this trip.  We’ve been gone quite a while and would have missed him terribly if he were here alone.  The side trips have been wonderful bonuses for us, but above all, I’m glad we are together as a family.

Filed under: Family Ties on May 9th, 2008 | 6 Comments »

This is where you get to see what a dork I am.

When we watch TV, we don’t watch much ‘normal’ television. My mom teases us and says that she watches the regular stations when we aren’t there. When we are at her house, we watch mostly cable stations…HGTV, E!, VH1 (that’s my personal guilty pleasure), Court TV, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network.

We really like the Food Network and one afternoon we were watching Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri. He pulled up to a little diner and said he was following Route 66 and was in Victorville, California. This show was a few weeks ago when dh was out here alone. I immediately grabbed the phone and called him to see if he had seen Emma Jean’s Holland Burger.

Suer enough, the diner is about one mile from the plant where he was working. I told him that he *had* to go there because it was on Guy’s show! I was terribly excited!! Dh said he would probably not go there. Evidently it really did look like a dive.

One of the first things I said when we decided to come out with him was that we had to go to Holland Burger! Dh agreed, if for no other reason than it was easier to acquiesce than to listen to me talk about it over and over.

Tuesday afternoon, we went there for lunch!

Okay, I can see why you wouldn’t stop there on your own when visiting from out of town.

Evidently this place has quite a reputation. In addition to Guy’s lingering presence:

there are photos and autographs of other celebrity names such as Quentin Tarantino, who evidently filmed something in her diner.

It had a great atmosphere inside! Our meal started with glasses of water for everyone. I remember when you got a small glass of water at pretty much any restaurant as soon as you sat down. My kiddos had no idea why they got such tiny glasses with ‘just water’ in them.

We sat at the largest table in the place and I wasn’t sure we’d be able to eat in at all. Most of the tables seat four people and there are only about six tables in the whole building. There are stools around the counter that most people sit at. You could quickly tell the regulars as they came in and were greeted by name and their usual glass of tea or coffee was filled for them without a word.

The Holland Burger is actually a very simple burger. 1/2 pound of ground beef on a lightly toasted bun with mayo on the bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on the side.

Let me tell you though, it may be simple, but it was delicious! When I was finished, I got the discarded bun from dd’s plate and pulled off the lightly toasted part that was soaked with burger grease. Gracious…it was tasty. (Btw, if you are dieting along with me, you have a great chance to pull ahead this week!)

While we were there another table had some ladies from Wisconsin who were there after seeing the show also. They got autographs on their shirts before they left. As we were getting ready to leave, I asked if I could take the picture of the lady who runs the place. She was kind enough to get me behind the counter and have the cook snap a shot of us together.

I am so glad we went there and I never would have wandered into their place if it weren’t for the recommendation of the Food Network!

Filed under: Family Ties on May 8th, 2008 | 3 Comments »

Take four kiddos far from home who are starting to be a little stir crazy. Add in an awesome daddy. Shake and drop into a place where a kid can be a kid. You get one fun night! It’s a bit of a comfort to know that Chuck E Cheese is going to be the same wherever you are :)

Ds3 did get antsy when he thought Chuck E Cheese was headed our way…makes me wonder how he’ll do at Disneyland?!

One thing that was different though - we had children coming up to our kiddos asking for their tokens! This has *never* happened to us at CEC before and it was really weird! Boys, a bit older than our oldest, probably 10 or 11, came up and asked both dd and ds1 if they could have some tokens.

Dh saw it happen to dd and before he could get to her, she had given some to the boy. He rounded up the troops and explained to them that if anyone asked for their tokens they were to say that their daddy wouldn’t let them give tokens away.

This really confused ds2 because he frequently gives his tokens to his friends when we are at CEC at home and he didn’t understand why he couldn’t give them away here. So, we had a brief discussion about how sharing with our friends is different than people asking for our tokens when they don’t know us at all. Kind of a difficult concept for kids, especially when you are trying to foster generosity and selflessness in them most of the time!

Personally, I just couldn’t understand the thinking behind asking strangers for their game tokens. Then I heard a father telling his young son to get his F*$?@!g A$* over here so they could take a picture. And, I realized, once again, that we are not at home. And maybe I’m not as bad a parent as I sometimes think.

Filed under: Family Ties on May 7th, 2008 | 8 Comments »

Sunday we went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park and we had a blast!! We debated on the park or the zoo and decided to go with the park since it would be different than a regular zoo experience. And we are glad we did.

Instead of boring you with lots of words, I’ll entertain you with mostly pictures :)

These ‘lily pads’ wobble around when you walk on them. Ds 3 wasn’t sure about it, so dh had to cross with him.

The big draw of the Wild Animal Park is the natural habitat for many of the animals. This is an overlook where you can see the entire open area from above.

A tram ride takes you closer to the animals.

These gemsbok in the center of the picture are courting. The male walks right behind the female as close as he can get. She is grazing and is totally ignoring him. He keeps on walking right behind her until she finally gives in and agrees to mate. I have seen this kind of courting in humans too!!

This is one of EIGHT white rhinos left in the world. That’s right…the world. Her head weighs about 800 pounds and the rest of her body about 5000 pounds. The truck you see behind her is a $100 a head special tour that takes you *right up* to some of the animals in their habitat.

The guide pointed out that the lions LOVE this range rover and then she cracked me up by telling us that they got it off eBay for a steal because it didn’t run.

They have three female cheetahs who were raised by hand from the time they were two days old. We were at the cheetah exhibit when this woman entered the habitat and went right up to nuzzle and pet them. She assured us that this would not be possible if they had not been hand raised from such a young age.

Then, she got out a ‘toy’ and began to play with them. It was a pool divider float thing on the end of a string and she spun it around so they could chase it.

This is so you can hear the difference in the bat-eared fox’s hearing compared with regular hearing.

Lunch after the tram ride

You know you’re a blogger when you take a picture of your lunch so you can write about it. Lunch selections were yummy, especially considering we were at a zoo. And, it is clear you aren’t in the south when your tuna salad sandwich has bean sprouts on it :)

I had to add this one so you know I really was there :) And, I got in my exercise for the day by carrying the wee one most of the time (you can totally count that on The Daily Plate!)

The day seemed to fly by and before we knew it, it was time to head back to the hotel. We left tired and sweaty (I was even a bit sunburned) but very happy. Ds1 says it was his best day ever. He has a current obsession with cheetahs, so if we had only seen those and nothing else, he would have been completely satisfied.

We thoroughly enjoyed the day of fun with daddy!!

Filed under: Family Ties, Uncategorized on May 6th, 2008 | 3 Comments »