Photography Workshop

I stumbled onto an online photography workshop on bigpicture.com.  It is entitled Picture Fall.  Every morning the teacher sends us a prompt, which we go out and photograph and then post to our 'classroom'.  This has, so far, been an amazing experience.  I have learned so much about how to use my camera and how to get a good picture, it is incredible.  If you have the chance, I highly recommend you take a class with them!
Anyway, our prompt today was to pick a word that we felt we needed to be reminded of, a word that would mean something to us in our day to day lives.  Since I have been thinking a lot about where my true priorities lie, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to remind myself of what was really important.  Here is what I submitted:

    

Day 4 - Deer Ridge Park

The weather has been so nice lately, it is begging us to play outside!  We stopped by Culver's to grab a shake, then off to the park we went!

Day 3 - Legitimately Sick :(

Yuck, I caught the bug.  Don't think I have felt that bad in quite a while.  And worst of all, Steve and I came down with it on the same day.  Luckily it was only a 24 hour thing and he got sick in the morning and I was sick all night, so we tag teamed it and made it work.  It's hard to have kids when you're sick.  All I want is for someone to baby me and instead I have to focus on babying someone else.  Still wouldn't trade it though.
While I was half comatose on the couch I did notice something that changed my whole outlook.  Kira was doing to her baby doll some of the things I do to her.  She put her in the laundry basket and pushed her around the living room, then gave her big squeezes the way I do her.  I can think of no greater compliment than to know my daughter wants to be the type of mama I am.  It also gave me a reminder that I am being watched, so I really need to strive to be my best self.

Fun Stuff

I love fall!  Even better than the slightly cooler weather and Sam Adams Oktoberfest are all the awesome events that happen in this area!  Here are a few I found interesting:

The Renaissance Festival
I am super stoked about this being as I haven't gone n years.  I am definitely forcing my husband out there this season.  They have made a theme for each weekend:
For more info check their site:  www.texrenfest.com

Oct. 9 – 10 Oktoberfest
Oct. 16 – 17 1001 Dreams
Oct. 23 – 24 Pirates Adventure
Oct. 30 –31 All Hallows Eve
Nov. 2 – 3 School Days
Nov. 6 - 7 Roman Bacchanal
Nov. 13 - 14 Highland Fling
Nov. 20 - 21 Barbarian Invasion
Nov. 26-27 - 28 Celtic Christmas


For more info check their site:  www.texrenfest.com


There are all sorts of Pumpkin Patches opening up now that we are into October!


Old McDonald's Farm
They just got their pumpkins!  They have pony rides, a petting zoo with a bunch of different kinds of animals, and plenty of unique play spaces.  They are located at 3203 FM 1960 Rd E, Humble, TX 77338.


TGR Exotics
I just heard about this place, but it sounds awesome.  I definitely plan to take my kids there.  They have pumpkins, hayrides, a picnic area, a petting zoo with 'exotic' animals, and concessions.  At 1:30 they have a 'meet the keeper talk' where they bring out an animal to tell you about.  Admission is $5 for everyone over 2 and it is cash only.  


More to come as I find them...

Fun stuff for October 9-10

Fire Fest 2010 

Saturday, Oct 9 from 10am-5pm

It looks like fun, food, activities, and demonstrations.  I know a few little boys would would really enjoy it!

Crosby Community Center Boo Bash and Pumpkin Patch

Saturday, October 9 from 10am-3pm

A $7 wristband lets your kids participate in all of the activities including carnival games, crafts, hayrides, and a pumpkin patch.  Plus they have a craft boutique, a raffle and silent auction, and a sweet shoppe.  

Check it out at http://www.hcp4.net/press_releases/pdf/ccc/1010CCCBooBash.pdf

The Crosby Community Center is located at 409 Hare Road, Crosby 77532 

Day 2 - A Simple Day

Kira got very sick last night.  She spent a good portion of the early hours yaking.  She even managed to throw up on Steve's face while he was sleeping (ACK!)  He actually handled it quite well (probably better than I would have).  Poor angel... We had big Saturday plans, we were going to go to the Natural Science Museum and then have a picnic in the park across the street.  But instead we nursed our sick baby.  By afternoon she was feeling much better.  It gave us a great chance to spend some quality play time together, dancing around her room and giggling like little girls!

Kira loves clothes and has a very distinct sense of style.  She must get it from her daddy.  Those are my oldest brother's boot from when he was that small.  She practically forced me to dress her like that!

   

 Sometimes I wonder if the time we spend just chilling at home isn't just as quality as taking them out.  I can really give my whole focus to the girls when we are at home.  Don't get me wrong, we NEED to go out, otherwise we all go crazy, but these quiet days at home certainly have their benefits.

Day 1 - Trip to the Park

Ah, day 1 and already something of a test. Ariana is not sleeping well, therefore Steve and I aren't sleeping well.  There was definitely dialogue in my head this morning, but I powered through it and I feel so much better for it.  It actually turned out to be a pretty fantastic day.  Sometimes I think I function better when sleep deprived.  I had one of those mornings where we hung just around in our pjs.  I made pancakes and bacon, then actually managed to accomplish some of those little things that aren't priorities, but I want to get done.  Chores I actually enjoy, as opposed to things like dishes.  Both girls were having a hard time napping despite being very tired, so we ended up having a family nap on the couch.  Generally I prefer my kids to sleep in their beds because the quality is better, but today I caved.  It felt so good to cuddle up with Kira and get some much needed shut eye.  When we woke up we went to Angel Park.  It is a truly great place!  It was designed for kids with disabilities which is an amazing thing to do.  Plus, it makes it a lot easier for my 1 year old to get around.  I love that she can get exposure to people who are not particularly like her.  There was a braille alphabet, and the swings are full seats.

We ran all around and had tons of fun!  While the day got off to a rocky start, I am really glad I made this resolution.  It seems like it is changing things all around.  When we got home I sat on the couch and read a magazine, something I haven't done in a long time.  For the first time I didn't feel guilty about taking a little time for myself.  I knew I had already given my kids the best part of me, I wasn't denying them anything by keeping a small part for myself.  Steve and I loved on each other all day which was nice and much needed.  It seems like lately we are so cranky with each other, most likely just adjusting to everything happening in our lives.  We had some very overdue mama and daddy time (which Ariana decided to loudly poop in the middle of.  I am learning so much as a mama, like how to stay in the moment without really BEING in the moment!).  Overall it was a wonderful day.