Saturday, November 28, 2009

Bye Bob


We had to say goodbye to Bob on Thanksgiving Day.  sniff sniff
We love him and we are forever thankful to him for guarding us, playing with us, teaching our littlest to walk with the utmost of patience, and loving us.  You were a faithful friend.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Roman Road Building...our way

Today we tried to get some school done.  I'm a bit distracted with the whole Colorado thing and...well...there is that holiday coming up on Thursday!  We still managed to get lots done and finished off by making our own Roman Road.  We are reading the Story of the World and have been enjoying all of the projects that can come with it.  I just thought I'd share this one:

First she took a graham cracker and crushed it up for the sand.

Then she spread some whipped cream a whole graham cracker for the ... um ... well to make the sand stick.  Next she sprinkled some chopped nuts for the small stones.

Spread some yummy homemade store bought frosting for the cement.  Then she placed the cut up small marshmallows for the large cobblestones.

Ta Da!

Then we all had to eat her "Edible History" (her words).  It was disgustingly sweet and truly pretty gross.  But, hey, it's all good fun.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Pictures can be oh SO deceiving!
Home Hunt Update:



But first, Bob seems more himself (so say the reports from home!).  I know his time is coming, but thank goodness it is not just yet.

OK...back to the house.  Our dream house.  The House.  Wow.  It was amazing.  Not in a good way.  In a how-the-heck-is-this-the-house-in-the-pictures way!  This bucolic home in the pictures could be the set for Saw 6 (or whatever sequel they are on)!!  I've never seen the movies, but I know that they are super creepy.  That was this house...super creepy.

We have dubbed it the serial killer house.  No lie; it had a fire safety sticker that a child slept in a concrete room off the barn with a drain!  Maybe it was a recycled window and the room was for milking cows.  Maybe.  I'm going with the serial killer theme. 

On the other hand, we really did find a spectacular home.  I won't yet bore you with the details or jinx it by talking about it too much...let's just say it has something for everyone in the family.  Now we just have that minor detail of selling our home in So. Cal.  Anyone want a home in Orange County?

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Bob


Here we are getting ready to go away for the weekend to look at homes in a different state and our dog of over 13 years is failing...quickly.  He has been so brave and such a great companion to all of us.  Is it our packing suitcases that is hurrying him along?  Is it some predestined time chosen long ago and it is our poor planning that sends us away when he may need us most?

Should we stay home?  Should we wait for him to tell us more clearly that he wants some help dying?  I feel so creepy.  We'll be home Sunday evening.  Will he wait?

We have a dear family friend staying with Bob while we are away.  I had to call the vet and give my consent to let Bob die should it become clearer to our friend that it is time.  How the heck do you know?  I am praying that he will stay with Bob and pet him as the vet injects him for the last time.  I can't make him stay with Bob as I would, but I can ask and I can pray he will find the strength to stay with Bob.

I'm thinking I'm done with pets.  Just too darn sad.  I know, I know... but right now, that's how I feel.

Bye, Bobby

Monday, November 16, 2009

OC to CO


So Friday we are getting on a plane to Colorado and looking at homes...all of us; even E!  It is becoming clearer and clearer to us that we need to seek some financial peace.  Living in the OC with the giant mortgage and killer taxes is just not cutting it.  I do believe it is time to take a big bite of humble pie and give up the charade.

This is no small feat.  I do not believe that Coloradians think kindly of Californians.  We will need to be brave.  Actually the hardest part of this plan is the idea of leaving my folks.  The house in the picture actually has another little guest house with it.  Financially that particular house would not be giving us that financial peace...but...if my folks came with us (even just for extended vacations)....

See, here I go already pushing the financial envelope!  What happened to being frugal?  It's not like we would be buying any house outright.  No matter what we'll end up with a mortgage.  So why would I even think of looking at a house that is priced beyond our "financial peace" price?  I'd like to say because I would love to have my Mom and Dad live with us....and that IS part of it.  But, really, I think I don't want to take that giant of a piece of that humble pie.  I am a bit ashamed of myself.

On the other hand, I am very excited that all five of us are going anywhere!  Once you have adult children it seems as though these together-times are just heaven sent.  None of us knows what to expect out of this weekend except that we are going to explore the area, the homes, and on Sunday....The Tattered Cover in Denver before we catch our flight home (oops, I think my nerd is showing!).  I'm thinking we'll come home knowing that our clothes aren't warm enough and with a new resolve (hopefully) to get our present home on the market.

This Semester's Curriculum:

Since this is our first year homeschooling all of the choices are a little overwhelming to me.  This is what we came up with (and seem to be enjoying) so far!
We are having loads of fun and manage to get most of this done in 4 (or so) hours 4 days a week.  We have been making special efforts to get out and about at least a couple of days a week.  There has not been a lack of opportunities for fun around here this year!  We have done park days, picked our pumpkin at a farm, gone to an aquarium, taken a couple of classes at the Discovery Science Center, played at our local Recess on the Ranch, and lots of days playing with friends.  It's all good.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Escape!



I chose this picture for my very first post since it seems to capture the relief of the escape!  We have three daughters and have tried just about every version of schooling available.  With one in college, one in high school, and the littlest in 2nd grade I figured it was about time to try homeschooling the 2nd grader.  Why the heck did I wait so long??  We are having a great time.  I mean, so far we are having a great time.  We only started this school year...but still!  I regret not giving it a go with the big girls.

This picture was taken at a rehabilitated seal release.  My T and her friend pulled their money together and sponsored a sick harbor seal so they were invited to the release.  Very cool experience!  Those svelte little seals flap-flopped their way right into the waves.  They were obviously relieved/thrilled/happy to be in their ocean.  I'm sure the boaters and fishermen would have different ways of dealing with harbor seals in need, but I'm glad that my little T felt the need to help a creature.

Click here to see the release on YouTube.