I've mentioned before how I avoid watching the news, it's just too....much. Too much bad news, too much sensationalism, too much time to tell one stinkin' story... My preferred method of finding out what happens in the world is my Road Runner home page. Yesterday, I read about how the earthquake in California was caught on a taping of Judge Judy, of course, having never experienced an earthquake, I was curious.
We started to google more and found this tape.
An L.A. teen catches earthquake on video.
Then, later in the day, I found this one...
That's Hayden, in case you didn't recognize him and, apparently, while I was not looking, we moved to California.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Full Disclosure or Relative Obscurity
I vacillate between the two.
Over at The More, The Messier yesterday I won a contest. When I mailed the Suburban Correspondent my address so she could send my prize, she emailed me back and sent along some blogging tips. She suggested I give a little more freely of our details to make it easier on the newcomer to figure out the basics.
Makes sense to me. I know, when I first discover a blog, it is nice to have all the facts right there in front of me so I know who's who. So I started writing an "about me" blurb for my side bar. The more I wrote, and deleted, and wrote some more I realized that I don't know what I want people to know about me, so I stuck with the facts.
If I disclose that we homeschool, some will picture me in braids and a denim jumper before they even meet me. If that fact turns them off, they'll never stick around for the other fun stuff we do. If I merely mention homeschooling in my posts, some people will think "Oh wow, they homeschool, and they seemed so normal."
If I disclose that we have 5 kids, some will have expectations that I will never live up to. If I merely mention quite a few kids at a time, they may wonder if I do daycare? Or maybe they really do have a hand full of kids.
I have strong opinions about certain things, but usually will not voice them unless I am asked. I try not to whine and complain, but I'm human and sometimes it slips.
I guess what I want for people who discover my blog is to decide who we are on their own. I know the facts wouldn't hurt, but as far as our interests, I think you'll be able to figure them out if you stick around long enough.
We home school, but we haven't always.
Along with me and Matt there are 5 kids, 3 cats, and a tank full of fish living in our house.
Hailey (16)
Hayden (15)
Griffin (10)
Sam (6)
Isaac (4)
Our interests are varied and change on a daily basis.
We strive to do the right thing, but most of the time we don't know exactly what that is.
So there you have it. Happy medium. Obscure disclosure.
Stick around, if you figure us out, let me know, it might make my journey a littler easier.
Over at The More, The Messier yesterday I won a contest. When I mailed the Suburban Correspondent my address so she could send my prize, she emailed me back and sent along some blogging tips. She suggested I give a little more freely of our details to make it easier on the newcomer to figure out the basics.
Makes sense to me. I know, when I first discover a blog, it is nice to have all the facts right there in front of me so I know who's who. So I started writing an "about me" blurb for my side bar. The more I wrote, and deleted, and wrote some more I realized that I don't know what I want people to know about me, so I stuck with the facts.
If I disclose that we homeschool, some will picture me in braids and a denim jumper before they even meet me. If that fact turns them off, they'll never stick around for the other fun stuff we do. If I merely mention homeschooling in my posts, some people will think "Oh wow, they homeschool, and they seemed so normal."
If I disclose that we have 5 kids, some will have expectations that I will never live up to. If I merely mention quite a few kids at a time, they may wonder if I do daycare? Or maybe they really do have a hand full of kids.
I have strong opinions about certain things, but usually will not voice them unless I am asked. I try not to whine and complain, but I'm human and sometimes it slips.
I guess what I want for people who discover my blog is to decide who we are on their own. I know the facts wouldn't hurt, but as far as our interests, I think you'll be able to figure them out if you stick around long enough.
We home school, but we haven't always.
Along with me and Matt there are 5 kids, 3 cats, and a tank full of fish living in our house.
Hailey (16)
Hayden (15)
Griffin (10)
Sam (6)
Isaac (4)
Our interests are varied and change on a daily basis.
We strive to do the right thing, but most of the time we don't know exactly what that is.
So there you have it. Happy medium. Obscure disclosure.
Stick around, if you figure us out, let me know, it might make my journey a littler easier.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sneak Peek
Oooooo, We're so close to finishing the painting!
Here's the whole process speeded up.
Bus Kote on top.
We all helped sand down the body to get it ready for the paint.
White from windows down to ribs and the majority of the front and back.
The investent we just made in siding HAD to be protected. This was Matt's solution...this and a HVLP (high volume low pressure) valve kit. Hardly any overspray. I had my doubts, but Matt's idea worked like a charm. Why do I ever doubt him?
Grey from ribs to bottom and the bumpers
The kids kept occupied by re-reading the paper. The comics mostly.
Blue stripes started...
Matt should finish by supper. Check back for the unveiling sometime tomorrow.
Here's the whole process speeded up.
Bus Kote on top.
We all helped sand down the body to get it ready for the paint.
White from windows down to ribs and the majority of the front and back.
The investent we just made in siding HAD to be protected. This was Matt's solution...this and a HVLP (high volume low pressure) valve kit. Hardly any overspray. I had my doubts, but Matt's idea worked like a charm. Why do I ever doubt him?
Grey from ribs to bottom and the bumpers
The kids kept occupied by re-reading the paper. The comics mostly.
Blue stripes started...
Matt should finish by supper. Check back for the unveiling sometime tomorrow.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Wrong Shoes
I'm such a girl. Normally, it's a good thing. Today, I felt really silly about my choices.
You see, we went to the salvage yard today and I never, even for one moment, thought about my shoe choice.
If you remember this, I'm more of a barefoot kind of gal, so I don't have oodles and oodles of shoes, I have my Birkenstocks, which broke at Lifest and are now held together with duct tape. And I have this new pair of generic Crocks from Payless. I have a pair of tennis shoes, but I don't know where they are, it's summer for heaven's sake, I don't wear tennis shoes when it's hot. Oh and I have flip flops. That's it for shoes.
So that's what I wore to the salvage yard today.
After I got over the oozed mud between my toes and was able to feel every single stone I stepped on, I started imagining huge shards of glass and metal piercing through the sole. It made traversing this..... a little difficult.
But, nothing bad happened. Except I may not ever be able to wear my cute little pink and white mary janes ever again.
We found and extracted 8 seat belts, 6 overhead reading lights, 1 trunk seal and some various and sundry electrical items for the bus.
I learned that thistles, if left to grow this tall, produce flowers.
and these weeds were quite pretty too.
And I also got some great ideas for new planters for the back yard.
All in all, it was a successful trip.
You see, we went to the salvage yard today and I never, even for one moment, thought about my shoe choice.
If you remember this, I'm more of a barefoot kind of gal, so I don't have oodles and oodles of shoes, I have my Birkenstocks, which broke at Lifest and are now held together with duct tape. And I have this new pair of generic Crocks from Payless. I have a pair of tennis shoes, but I don't know where they are, it's summer for heaven's sake, I don't wear tennis shoes when it's hot. Oh and I have flip flops. That's it for shoes.
So that's what I wore to the salvage yard today.
After I got over the oozed mud between my toes and was able to feel every single stone I stepped on, I started imagining huge shards of glass and metal piercing through the sole. It made traversing this..... a little difficult.
But, nothing bad happened. Except I may not ever be able to wear my cute little pink and white mary janes ever again.We found and extracted 8 seat belts, 6 overhead reading lights, 1 trunk seal and some various and sundry electrical items for the bus.
I learned that thistles, if left to grow this tall, produce flowers.
and these weeds were quite pretty too.
And I also got some great ideas for new planters for the back yard.
All in all, it was a successful trip.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Fortunately
When I was a kid I had a book called Fortunately by Remy Charlip. I always loved the way something fortunate always followed something unfortunate. I don't really remember the whole story (I'll have to buy myself a copy) but what I do remember is it was an amusing story about Ned trying to get to a party. This book came to mind as I was thinking of how to summarize the rest of our Lifest vacation. Here goes my version:
Lifest Fortunately by Kari
Thursday,
Fortunately, Griffin was able to play dodge ball during the day when there is not much going on that would interest a 10 year old.
Unfortunately, it was really hot.
Fortunately, under the bleachers next to the dodge ball court it was shaded and breezy.
Unfortunately, there was not much for Isaac to do.
Fortunately, he's easily amused.
Unfortunately, forecasters were predicting even higher temperatures tomorrow
Fortunately, there were bathrooms and bubblers by the viewing area.
Unfortunately, there was no soap.
Fortunately, Sam had his scooter to keep him busy
Unfortunately, our other scooter had disappeared on Wednesday
Fortunately, Isaac had a soccer ball and Hailey had her camera.
Unfortunately, the weather turned sour and it started to rain.
Fortunately, we had plenty of dry space, friends and snacks
Unfortunately, the big kids left to have fun, and I was alone with the little boys and the noise of tents flapping. (I hate that noise)
Fortunately, it was quiet in the van and when the rain stopped there was a beautiful sunset.
Friday,
Fortunately, our bedding did not get too wet during yesterday's rain.
Unfortunately, it did get really wet in the morning rain.
Fortunately, we planned to go home to shower and pick up Matt.
Unfortunately, the van wouldn't start.
Fortunately, we knew what the problem was. (A cracked distributor cap and rain do not mix)
Unfortunately, we had no tools
Fortunately, lots of people offered help, we found tools and located the distributor cap under the doghouse.
Unfortunately, upon removal and drying off, the van still would not start.
Fortunately, we found a way to wash up with out paying (and waiting hours) for showers at the shower house.
Fortunately, Matt arrived as planned with ice, water, and more food! And the part for the van, which he fixed within 10 minutes of his arrival.
Unfortunately, we had to hurry through supper to get to the Steven Curtis Chapman concert.
Fortunately, The concert was an amazing testimony of faith.
Unfortunately, the loss of his 5 year old daughter only 6 weeks earlier had been heart wrenching.
Fortunately, we all lit candles in a tribute to his lost child and the night ended in fireworks.
Unfortunately, those were not the only bright flashing lights we saw that night.
Fortunately, Hayden arrived back at camp at 1:45 am right before the storms hit.
Unfortunately, the carport left at 2:07. We know because when we found our clock the next day with the battery blown out that's what time it read.
Fortunately, aided by the light produced by severe lightning, Hailey was able to alert us all as to it's where abouts
Unfortunately, by the time I got out of the collapsing tent, the carport and most of our camping gear was already half way down the street.
Fortunately, it crashed into the trailer instead of the tent behind us which diverted it in the direction of the street instead of into someone else's campsite. The trailer was shoved from the jack stands and pushed up tight to our tent.
Unfortunately, most of the poles were bent and the coverings were ripped
Fortunately, Hailey and I were able to start disassembling it while Matt carried sleepy little boys to the safety of the van.
Unfortunately, everything under the carport (except the cookstove) was scattered
Fortunately, I think we found everything and piled it together at covered it with tarps to be dealt with in the morning.
Unfortunately, sleeping was difficult that night.
Fortunately, we had 2 vans to spread out in instead of 1. I'm so glad the van wouldn't start earlier or we would have picked up Matt and only had 1 vehicle to sleep in.
Unfortunately, there was a lot of damage when we woke up in the morning
Fortunately, not everyone's stuff collapsed no one was injured.
Saturday
Fortunately, it was a beautiful cool, breezy day in which we could dry out and reassemble our site and enjoy the rest of Lifest without incident.
Unfortunately, we realized this was the last straw for our faithful tent.
Fortunately, we have the bus, and it's almost done!
Wrap up
Unfortunately, the nights were late for the entire festival.
Fortunately, the little boys can sleep anywhere.
And lastly, most fortunately, the potty was never disrupted.
Lifest Fortunately by Kari
Thursday,
Fortunately, Griffin was able to play dodge ball during the day when there is not much going on that would interest a 10 year old.
Unfortunately, it was really hot.
Fortunately, under the bleachers next to the dodge ball court it was shaded and breezy.
Unfortunately, there was not much for Isaac to do.
Fortunately, he's easily amused.
Unfortunately, forecasters were predicting even higher temperatures tomorrow
Fortunately, there were bathrooms and bubblers by the viewing area.
Unfortunately, there was no soap.
Fortunately, Sam had his scooter to keep him busy
Unfortunately, our other scooter had disappeared on Wednesday
Fortunately, Isaac had a soccer ball and Hailey had her camera.
Unfortunately, the weather turned sour and it started to rain.
Fortunately, we had plenty of dry space, friends and snacks
Unfortunately, the big kids left to have fun, and I was alone with the little boys and the noise of tents flapping. (I hate that noise)
Fortunately, it was quiet in the van and when the rain stopped there was a beautiful sunset.
Friday,
Fortunately, our bedding did not get too wet during yesterday's rain.
Unfortunately, it did get really wet in the morning rain.
Fortunately, we planned to go home to shower and pick up Matt.
Unfortunately, the van wouldn't start.
Fortunately, we knew what the problem was. (A cracked distributor cap and rain do not mix)
Unfortunately, we had no tools
Fortunately, lots of people offered help, we found tools and located the distributor cap under the doghouse.
Unfortunately, upon removal and drying off, the van still would not start.
Fortunately, we found a way to wash up with out paying (and waiting hours) for showers at the shower house.
Fortunately, Matt arrived as planned with ice, water, and more food! And the part for the van, which he fixed within 10 minutes of his arrival.
Unfortunately, we had to hurry through supper to get to the Steven Curtis Chapman concert.
Fortunately, The concert was an amazing testimony of faith.
Unfortunately, the loss of his 5 year old daughter only 6 weeks earlier had been heart wrenching.
Fortunately, we all lit candles in a tribute to his lost child and the night ended in fireworks.
Unfortunately, those were not the only bright flashing lights we saw that night.
Fortunately, Hayden arrived back at camp at 1:45 am right before the storms hit.
Unfortunately, the carport left at 2:07. We know because when we found our clock the next day with the battery blown out that's what time it read.
Fortunately, aided by the light produced by severe lightning, Hailey was able to alert us all as to it's where abouts
Unfortunately, by the time I got out of the collapsing tent, the carport and most of our camping gear was already half way down the street.
Fortunately, it crashed into the trailer instead of the tent behind us which diverted it in the direction of the street instead of into someone else's campsite. The trailer was shoved from the jack stands and pushed up tight to our tent.
Unfortunately, most of the poles were bent and the coverings were ripped
Fortunately, Hailey and I were able to start disassembling it while Matt carried sleepy little boys to the safety of the van.
Unfortunately, everything under the carport (except the cookstove) was scattered
Fortunately, I think we found everything and piled it together at covered it with tarps to be dealt with in the morning.
Unfortunately, sleeping was difficult that night.
Fortunately, we had 2 vans to spread out in instead of 1. I'm so glad the van wouldn't start earlier or we would have picked up Matt and only had 1 vehicle to sleep in.
Unfortunately, there was a lot of damage when we woke up in the morning
Fortunately, not everyone's stuff collapsed no one was injured.
Saturday
Fortunately, it was a beautiful cool, breezy day in which we could dry out and reassemble our site and enjoy the rest of Lifest without incident.
Unfortunately, we realized this was the last straw for our faithful tent.
Fortunately, we have the bus, and it's almost done!
Wrap up
Unfortunately, the nights were late for the entire festival.
Fortunately, the little boys can sleep anywhere.
And lastly, most fortunately, the potty was never disrupted.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Beach-Less Ball
At quite a few concerts at Lifest people let loose a little joy. At only one did these get close enough for us to get our hands on. And boy, did we get our hands on!
It's still far away...........but Sam and Isaac were hoping it would head their way.
Getting closer...
Their excitement could hardly be contained. If they were girls, they would have been squealing.
Isaac gets a little help from Daddy.
And follows up with a happy dance. Who here remembers Ed Grimley?
Tongue and all.
Griffin joins in.
More joy.
Take a closer look. JOY!!! TRIUMPH!!!
I was a little fearful of the way this was going to turn out. My boys can turn any game into "tackle". Tackle tag, tackle croquet, tackle Uno...you name it.
But look, everyone's still standing.
Good bye fun.
That whole affair lasted only a few minutes. Hailey is becoming quite talented at capturing the moment with her camera.
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