Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Gluten Free
Well, Nathanael has still been having stomach problems even though he has been off of dairy for several months now. Soooo, we are now off of gluten.
It's a party at our house!
Background - Nathanael has been complaining about a stomach ache every night for over a year, along with (sorry for the TMI) diarrhea several times a week. At first we thought it was directly related to his seasonal allergies so we changed his allergy medication. After several weeks we realized that wasn't working, so we went to no dairy. That hasn't been working either.
Now we have no gluten.
And actually, it's working. He hasn't had a stomach ache since we took him off of it - and he's back on dairy so we can totally rule that out now. In two weeks he will go back on gluten and then we should have a good idea of wether or not he has an allergy. If it looks as though he does they will consider testing him for Celiac's. These next 3 1/2 weeks should be super fun.
So, here is what I have learned:
1) Little boys who are very tired will cry when they can't have Ramen noodles, or fresh out of the oven chocolate chip cookies that Nani made (and Mommy's who are tired may cry, too)
2) LOTS of things have gluten - even things you don't expect (like certain types of ice cream, and Reese's candy)
3) Our HEB has a HUGE gluten free section (yay, HEB!!)
4) That gluten free section is very expensive in comparison to 'regular' food
5) Siblings get mad when they can't eat the special snacks, while the kid with allergies gets mad because he has to eat the special snacks
Oh, and on a completely un-related note, my 1st grader isn't doing English, Math or Science at school and doesn't know what Social Studies is. But sometimes his teacher asks him what 2+2 is and stuff like that.
Yep, I have a feeling it's gonna be a looooooong year.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
New Blog
The kids and I have a new blog.
A Girl, Two Boys and a Book
It's not anything too special, just a place where we will review the different books that the kids have read - or where I'll warn you if I've read it and will NOT allow my children to read it. We are all excited about it and think that it's going to be a lot of fun! Heather designed the background for us (thank you sister!). You can find it on the left or clink the link above if you want to check it out.
A Girl, Two Boys and a Book
It's not anything too special, just a place where we will review the different books that the kids have read - or where I'll warn you if I've read it and will NOT allow my children to read it. We are all excited about it and think that it's going to be a lot of fun! Heather designed the background for us (thank you sister!). You can find it on the left or clink the link above if you want to check it out.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Learning
You learn new things every day. This week, for instance, I learned a few things.
Nathanael doesn't like elephants. Why? Because they can't jump. Have you ever thought about the fact that elephants can't jump? I've thought about their massive size, their amazing maternal instincts and their super cool noses and ears, but that's really about it.
Noah uses words and phrases that are way too big for 6 year olds. For instance, we were discussing something earlier today and he said, "Well, that would be disturbing." Indeed.
I also learned that the 'tween' or pre-teen age is not necessarily my favorite. As a matter of fact, I would rather face a room full of angry 2 year olds than deal with one 'tween' girl. (Seriously, it's stressful and exhausting. I need a nap just thinking about it!)
Nathanael doesn't like elephants. Why? Because they can't jump. Have you ever thought about the fact that elephants can't jump? I've thought about their massive size, their amazing maternal instincts and their super cool noses and ears, but that's really about it.
Noah uses words and phrases that are way too big for 6 year olds. For instance, we were discussing something earlier today and he said, "Well, that would be disturbing." Indeed.
I also learned that the 'tween' or pre-teen age is not necessarily my favorite. As a matter of fact, I would rather face a room full of angry 2 year olds than deal with one 'tween' girl. (Seriously, it's stressful and exhausting. I need a nap just thinking about it!)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Really?
Today, Noah wore his shorts to school backwards. When I asked him if it bothered him he said, "Nah, not really. I didn't even know they were backwards. Are they backwards?" This was followed by him attempting to look behind him and turning around in circles. Best way to describe it is to picture a dog chasing his tail.
That's what happens when Daddy takes them to school..........
Love you, baby!
Monday, August 22, 2011
First Day of School
Today was the first day of school.
In an attempt to avoid drama and make it to school on time I made sure that I woke Carlye up over 20 minutes before the boys. She doesn't wear make-up and I fix her hair, and yet she still wasn't finished getting dressed until AFTER the boys. Maybe she needs 30 minutes.......
I walked the children in to school today. Noah teared up a little bit when he walked into his classroom, but I was able to get a picture of him with his teacher:
I know that she is wonderful because she taught my niece two years ago. Noah was sad because he didn't have any friends in his class, but by the time I picked him up he told me that he 'made a million new friends and everybody wanted to play with me!'
After we dropped off little brother Nathanael did the run/walk to his classroom because he didn't want anyone to see me walking him to class. Being the wonderful mom that I am I chased him anyway and then snapped this picture:
Carlye let me walk her as far as the beginning of her hallway and then told me that was far enough. Crestfallen, I snapped this picture as my baby walked away from me.
Overall great first day. Carlye's teacher really DOESN'T have horns, Nathanael loves his class, and Noah could have a great day anytime and anywhere. I hope that tomorrow goes as well......
In an attempt to avoid drama and make it to school on time I made sure that I woke Carlye up over 20 minutes before the boys. She doesn't wear make-up and I fix her hair, and yet she still wasn't finished getting dressed until AFTER the boys. Maybe she needs 30 minutes.......
I walked the children in to school today. Noah teared up a little bit when he walked into his classroom, but I was able to get a picture of him with his teacher:
I know that she is wonderful because she taught my niece two years ago. Noah was sad because he didn't have any friends in his class, but by the time I picked him up he told me that he 'made a million new friends and everybody wanted to play with me!'
After we dropped off little brother Nathanael did the run/walk to his classroom because he didn't want anyone to see me walking him to class. Being the wonderful mom that I am I chased him anyway and then snapped this picture:
Carlye let me walk her as far as the beginning of her hallway and then told me that was far enough. Crestfallen, I snapped this picture as my baby walked away from me.
Overall great first day. Carlye's teacher really DOESN'T have horns, Nathanael loves his class, and Noah could have a great day anytime and anywhere. I hope that tomorrow goes as well......
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Tomorrow
Tomorrow is the first day of school.
I am not ready.
But then again, I never am - so ready or not, here we come!
I am not ready.
But then again, I never am - so ready or not, here we come!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Meet the Teacher
Well, last night was Meet the Teacher. The night where you find out that other people who may or may not care one iota for what your values and opinions may be, determine what adults and children will influence your child for better or for worse for the next 10 months.
yay.
We were THRILLED with Noah's and Nathanael's teachers. Noah's teacher taught my niece 2 years ago and is absolutely amazing. We couldn't have asked for a better teacher for the little guy. He was very sad, though, that he didn't have any of his friends in his class. :( Nathanael's teachers are wonderful as well, and I've know his homeroom teacher, Mrs. Martin, for years. He and my niece Cassie are on the same 'team' and will go back and forth between the two teachers. It will be great for both of them. Nathanael has several friends in his class, but he doesn't really care about that. As a matter of fact, he sees them as more of a distraction! Last year he even asked his teacher to move him because he was sitting by his best friend and had a hard time concentrating on his work.
Carlye, well - Carlye cried in the cafeteria when she saw who her home-room teacher would be. Apparently she's the meanest teacher in the school. (Carlye's words) And to make matters even worse her best friend is in the class where Carlye dreamed of being. Of course, Carlye sees this as a personal insult. Good news? Carlye will rotate through all 4 teachers. She would have had the same teacher for science, math, english, etc, no matter who her homeroom teacher is. Bad news? Well, for her it's that after 6 years of elementary school she doesn't have a single friend in her class. Not one. Nathanael said that it's a good thing because it will help her focus more, and she really needs to focus. (I'm sure you can imagine how she took that).
I've learned over the last several years that Heavenly Father puts my children in their classes and with their classmates for a reason, so I have to trust him. I couldn't stand one of Nathanael's teachers, and she was literally the best thing to ever happen to him. I don't know where we would be today without her and all that she did to prevent my son from being labeled with all kinds of learning disabilities! So I will breathe, and pray, and breathe some more - and possibly wipe away a few tears before it is all over. But I will know and trust that there is a reason for everything. We knew without a doubt that public school was the right choice for our kids this year, so now we have to rest in that.
Of course, next year is a whole 'nother story - and I'm already trying to figure out what on earth we are going to do with my oldest (because public school is out of the question after elementary school - for us). But, that's a problem for tomorrow. Today I have one gazillion papers to fill out that have to be returned on the first day of school.......
Question - why is that so many of us feel the need to explain our opinions to others and convince them that we are right? It's not really any of my business, and yet I find myself compelled to change people's minds if they don't see parenting and involvement in your child's lives the same way that I do. I have opinions on bed times and diet and PTO and reading and video games and movies - you name it, I've got an opinion on it. It's not that I don't like you, and for some reason the more I like you the more I care! And since I know I'm right I want you to know it, too.
I'm working on it, though. I really am, but I am definitely a work in progress!
yay.
We were THRILLED with Noah's and Nathanael's teachers. Noah's teacher taught my niece 2 years ago and is absolutely amazing. We couldn't have asked for a better teacher for the little guy. He was very sad, though, that he didn't have any of his friends in his class. :( Nathanael's teachers are wonderful as well, and I've know his homeroom teacher, Mrs. Martin, for years. He and my niece Cassie are on the same 'team' and will go back and forth between the two teachers. It will be great for both of them. Nathanael has several friends in his class, but he doesn't really care about that. As a matter of fact, he sees them as more of a distraction! Last year he even asked his teacher to move him because he was sitting by his best friend and had a hard time concentrating on his work.
Carlye, well - Carlye cried in the cafeteria when she saw who her home-room teacher would be. Apparently she's the meanest teacher in the school. (Carlye's words) And to make matters even worse her best friend is in the class where Carlye dreamed of being. Of course, Carlye sees this as a personal insult. Good news? Carlye will rotate through all 4 teachers. She would have had the same teacher for science, math, english, etc, no matter who her homeroom teacher is. Bad news? Well, for her it's that after 6 years of elementary school she doesn't have a single friend in her class. Not one. Nathanael said that it's a good thing because it will help her focus more, and she really needs to focus. (I'm sure you can imagine how she took that).
I've learned over the last several years that Heavenly Father puts my children in their classes and with their classmates for a reason, so I have to trust him. I couldn't stand one of Nathanael's teachers, and she was literally the best thing to ever happen to him. I don't know where we would be today without her and all that she did to prevent my son from being labeled with all kinds of learning disabilities! So I will breathe, and pray, and breathe some more - and possibly wipe away a few tears before it is all over. But I will know and trust that there is a reason for everything. We knew without a doubt that public school was the right choice for our kids this year, so now we have to rest in that.
Of course, next year is a whole 'nother story - and I'm already trying to figure out what on earth we are going to do with my oldest (because public school is out of the question after elementary school - for us). But, that's a problem for tomorrow. Today I have one gazillion papers to fill out that have to be returned on the first day of school.......
Question - why is that so many of us feel the need to explain our opinions to others and convince them that we are right? It's not really any of my business, and yet I find myself compelled to change people's minds if they don't see parenting and involvement in your child's lives the same way that I do. I have opinions on bed times and diet and PTO and reading and video games and movies - you name it, I've got an opinion on it. It's not that I don't like you, and for some reason the more I like you the more I care! And since I know I'm right I want you to know it, too.
I'm working on it, though. I really am, but I am definitely a work in progress!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Back to School Shopping
As a kid I LOVED back to school shopping.
Okay, as a grown up I do, too. There is nothing quite as much fun as buying a brand new box of crayons or pencils.
But back to school clothes shopping? That's a whole different kind of prickly cactus.
One of the main reasons is because Carl is very passionate about clothes shopping. Especially with our children. He very passionately despises it with all of his being.
So I don't know what any of us were thinking when we decided to do all of our clothes shopping on the way home from the beach. There were plenty of things that suggested that this might be a good idea. It was a little bit cooler at the beach, there are bigger and different stores that would ensure Carlye isn't wearing the same shirt as half of the other girls on the first day (which didn't bother her for a few years but now holds a nightmarish quality to it in her eyes), and we didn't have anything else to do that day.
Our first stop was a JCPenney at the mall. They were having a huge sale, and their children's department is as large as our entire store back home. Within moments Carlye had her arms, and mine, full of clothes (as long as it's modest I stay out of it - they don't even have to match any more!). A few minutes later Carl and the boys have returned. Nathanael had nothing - which is no big deal because he didn't need any clothes. Noah was holding one shirt.
One shirt! I was informed by all 3 of the male members of my family that this store didn't have anything. Bewildered, I looked up at the miles and miles of racks and encouraged them to try again. After all, we were on a budget and they were having an 80% off sale, people! Plus I got an extra $10 off for every $25 I spent!
But it was a no-go. After grabbing my phone out of my purse Nathanael and Noah settled down agains the wall to play Angry Birds while Carl sat in the chair next to the dressing room to check the weather. Carlye practically finished her shopping in one place and Noah walked out with a Lego Star Wars shirt.
From there it went down hill. We were finally able to grab some clothes for Noah at Target (even if Daddy wants to buy him clothes that are 2 sizes too small :), but shoe shopping was a disaster. They all already have tennis shoes, but we were wanting to get them some church shoes as well. Noah wanted black boots for his church shoes, and none of us are really sure what it is that Nathanael envisioned. All we know is that loafers are ugly if they have 2 different shades of brown on them because "they don't even match themselves!"
We left with 3 crying children. Noah and Nathanael because they were shoe-less and Carlye because we only let her buy two pair.
As sad as I am about school starting this trip may have helped just a little bit.......
Tonight, we meet the teachers!
Okay, as a grown up I do, too. There is nothing quite as much fun as buying a brand new box of crayons or pencils.
But back to school clothes shopping? That's a whole different kind of prickly cactus.
One of the main reasons is because Carl is very passionate about clothes shopping. Especially with our children. He very passionately despises it with all of his being.
So I don't know what any of us were thinking when we decided to do all of our clothes shopping on the way home from the beach. There were plenty of things that suggested that this might be a good idea. It was a little bit cooler at the beach, there are bigger and different stores that would ensure Carlye isn't wearing the same shirt as half of the other girls on the first day (which didn't bother her for a few years but now holds a nightmarish quality to it in her eyes), and we didn't have anything else to do that day.
Our first stop was a JCPenney at the mall. They were having a huge sale, and their children's department is as large as our entire store back home. Within moments Carlye had her arms, and mine, full of clothes (as long as it's modest I stay out of it - they don't even have to match any more!). A few minutes later Carl and the boys have returned. Nathanael had nothing - which is no big deal because he didn't need any clothes. Noah was holding one shirt.
One shirt! I was informed by all 3 of the male members of my family that this store didn't have anything. Bewildered, I looked up at the miles and miles of racks and encouraged them to try again. After all, we were on a budget and they were having an 80% off sale, people! Plus I got an extra $10 off for every $25 I spent!
But it was a no-go. After grabbing my phone out of my purse Nathanael and Noah settled down agains the wall to play Angry Birds while Carl sat in the chair next to the dressing room to check the weather. Carlye practically finished her shopping in one place and Noah walked out with a Lego Star Wars shirt.
From there it went down hill. We were finally able to grab some clothes for Noah at Target (even if Daddy wants to buy him clothes that are 2 sizes too small :), but shoe shopping was a disaster. They all already have tennis shoes, but we were wanting to get them some church shoes as well. Noah wanted black boots for his church shoes, and none of us are really sure what it is that Nathanael envisioned. All we know is that loafers are ugly if they have 2 different shades of brown on them because "they don't even match themselves!"
We left with 3 crying children. Noah and Nathanael because they were shoe-less and Carlye because we only let her buy two pair.
As sad as I am about school starting this trip may have helped just a little bit.......
Tonight, we meet the teachers!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Noah
Today Noah and I were sitting by each other and I said, "I like you, Noah.''
He said, "I know. Everybody likes me. And, well, if they don't I really don't notice it."
He said, "I know. Everybody likes me. And, well, if they don't I really don't notice it."
Monday, August 15, 2011
Day 5 (part 2)
For our anniversary we were supposed to have dinner on the balcony in our room. However, it was raining, so we ended up doing it right inside with the doors open. We have learned several important things.
First of all, when the give you cocktails and champagne for free and you refuse to drink them the wait staff will think you are crazy and will continually try to get you to drink it because it is free.
Secondly, Carl does NOT like canapés (and neither do I!), especially if they have caviars or duck mousse on them. He literally almost threw up! I know that it's awful, but I laughed so hard at the faces he was making!
Next we had crab cakes, and they were okay but by now Carl was getting worried about wether or not the dinner would be any good.
When they brought out the salad I think that he was relieved, and it was delicious.
The main course was steak and lobster and it was phenomenal, and the desserts were yummy.
It was a wonderful way to celebrate 15 years of marriage, and we laughed and laughed at everything until I think that the wait staff thought we were loony.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
School
Noah's new school haircut:
School starts soon.
we are so excited.
really.
Noah informed me that while he was with his Daddy he bought a new lunch box that will keep his Go-gurts frozen all the way until lunch. The only thing is, he thinks it might need batteries if I could please get him some.
Nathanael has turned into a total and complete hypochondriac. Every day something hurts. Stomach, back, - the other day he informed me that his ribs were hurting because he hasn't had enough protein to eat. It's been better since school has been out. He hasn't diagnosed himself with the bird flu or some strange disease that you only catch from rodents in third world countries, but that he is POSITIVE he was exposed to in the grocery store. I'm starting to learn that the gifted and talented program is code for teaching your children who are too smart for their own good how to function in the real world. I hope we can keep those biology books out of his hands this year. I'd hate for any of us to come down with any other strange and rarely known diseases. He also panics a lot when we are school shopping. If his school supply list asks for two red grading pens he is REALLY upset when I get the package of three, even after we discussed that more can be better and will not get him in trouble. His list also specified that he needed two packs of 150 count wide-ruled paper. When I realized that they were out of the 150 count packs I put three packs of 100 count into the shopping cart. I thought he was going to pass out in the middle of Target. And I'm not even going to go into the clothes shopping right now - ay ay ay!
Carlye has spent the summer praying for a best friend who is "like her" at school. She doesn't want to play with the mean girls, and she doesn't want to play baby on the playground. When I asked her what she was looking for in a friend she said, "You know, someone like me. Quiet, smart, pretty, likes to read....." At least we're doing a good job with self-esteem. I think.
Me? Well, I'm thrilled about the idea of a schedule again, although very un-thrilled about the amount of work it's going to take to get Carl back on one.....
School starts soon.
we are so excited.
really.
Noah informed me that while he was with his Daddy he bought a new lunch box that will keep his Go-gurts frozen all the way until lunch. The only thing is, he thinks it might need batteries if I could please get him some.
Nathanael has turned into a total and complete hypochondriac. Every day something hurts. Stomach, back, - the other day he informed me that his ribs were hurting because he hasn't had enough protein to eat. It's been better since school has been out. He hasn't diagnosed himself with the bird flu or some strange disease that you only catch from rodents in third world countries, but that he is POSITIVE he was exposed to in the grocery store. I'm starting to learn that the gifted and talented program is code for teaching your children who are too smart for their own good how to function in the real world. I hope we can keep those biology books out of his hands this year. I'd hate for any of us to come down with any other strange and rarely known diseases. He also panics a lot when we are school shopping. If his school supply list asks for two red grading pens he is REALLY upset when I get the package of three, even after we discussed that more can be better and will not get him in trouble. His list also specified that he needed two packs of 150 count wide-ruled paper. When I realized that they were out of the 150 count packs I put three packs of 100 count into the shopping cart. I thought he was going to pass out in the middle of Target. And I'm not even going to go into the clothes shopping right now - ay ay ay!
Carlye has spent the summer praying for a best friend who is "like her" at school. She doesn't want to play with the mean girls, and she doesn't want to play baby on the playground. When I asked her what she was looking for in a friend she said, "You know, someone like me. Quiet, smart, pretty, likes to read....." At least we're doing a good job with self-esteem. I think.
Me? Well, I'm thrilled about the idea of a schedule again, although very un-thrilled about the amount of work it's going to take to get Carl back on one.....
Day 5 (part 1) - with a video!
Day 5 - Skagway
Today we docked in Skagway, and it is a pretty little town. My favorite part was that we were able to call and talk to the kids while we were there. I miss them so much, but it is so wonderful to have Carl all to myself right now. We walked around the little town, and found the coolest things in the shops. We were able to get souvenirs for all of the kids and even found some super cool watches made completely out of wood. They were amazing! I really wanted to get one for my daddy because I know he would have appreciated the craftsmanship and design that went into them, but they were very expensive. For Carlye we bought some bear shaped earrings (for Carlye bear!) made out of jadite and a stuffed sea otter, Nathanael got an ulu knife and a vial with gold flakes in it and we bought Noah a coonskin hat and some brown Alaska socks. (Side note now that we're home - Noah wears his hat and socks ALL the time! I can't imagine that a coonskin cap would be all the comfortable in Texas, in August, but he doesn't seem to mind!)
In the afternoon we took a ferry boat over to Haines to go kayaking on Chilkoot Lake. On the way over we saw river otters, a whale and eagles.
River Otters:
A seal!
When we arrived in Haines we boarded an old school bus for the short trip to the lake. It was a beautiful drive, and it was so funny because we drove by a house made of wood and foam so that it would float when the tide came in! The salmon are running right now, and as we drove by the river that fed the lake we saw a momma brown bear and her two cubs, each with a salmon in their mouths. It was amazing. They are such beautiful, powerful animals. What surprised me was how close they came to the people who were fly fishing in the river! But they said there are enough salmon for everyone so no one is competing.
One of the bear cubs:
Kayaking was breath taking. The lake is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, it is probably one of my favorite outings in Alaska. Carl was scared because he was too tall to sit in the seats with the pedals so I had to steer the boat. I think I did okay, though! We saw salmon and birds and beautiful scenery......it was wonderful.
Carl wearing the "skirt" for the kayak - this keeps you nice and dry!
My face while we were watching the salmon spawning and dying in a little spot by the bank. It smelled really bad!
Carl's thoughts - I want to shoot a bear now. And I'm sad for the salmon 'cause they work so hard just to die. I'm just thankful Cari didn't tip the kayak.
Today we docked in Skagway, and it is a pretty little town. My favorite part was that we were able to call and talk to the kids while we were there. I miss them so much, but it is so wonderful to have Carl all to myself right now. We walked around the little town, and found the coolest things in the shops. We were able to get souvenirs for all of the kids and even found some super cool watches made completely out of wood. They were amazing! I really wanted to get one for my daddy because I know he would have appreciated the craftsmanship and design that went into them, but they were very expensive. For Carlye we bought some bear shaped earrings (for Carlye bear!) made out of jadite and a stuffed sea otter, Nathanael got an ulu knife and a vial with gold flakes in it and we bought Noah a coonskin hat and some brown Alaska socks. (Side note now that we're home - Noah wears his hat and socks ALL the time! I can't imagine that a coonskin cap would be all the comfortable in Texas, in August, but he doesn't seem to mind!)
In the afternoon we took a ferry boat over to Haines to go kayaking on Chilkoot Lake. On the way over we saw river otters, a whale and eagles.
River Otters:
A seal!
When we arrived in Haines we boarded an old school bus for the short trip to the lake. It was a beautiful drive, and it was so funny because we drove by a house made of wood and foam so that it would float when the tide came in! The salmon are running right now, and as we drove by the river that fed the lake we saw a momma brown bear and her two cubs, each with a salmon in their mouths. It was amazing. They are such beautiful, powerful animals. What surprised me was how close they came to the people who were fly fishing in the river! But they said there are enough salmon for everyone so no one is competing.
One of the bear cubs:
Kayaking was breath taking. The lake is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, it is probably one of my favorite outings in Alaska. Carl was scared because he was too tall to sit in the seats with the pedals so I had to steer the boat. I think I did okay, though! We saw salmon and birds and beautiful scenery......it was wonderful.
Carl wearing the "skirt" for the kayak - this keeps you nice and dry!
My face while we were watching the salmon spawning and dying in a little spot by the bank. It smelled really bad!
Carl's thoughts - I want to shoot a bear now. And I'm sad for the salmon 'cause they work so hard just to die. I'm just thankful Cari didn't tip the kayak.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Sunscreen
Have I ever told you how much I love going to the beach? I dont really like sand, I'm not a fan of swimming in water with other living beings that could eat me, the heat index is 117 (I'm seriously NOT kidding!), and my children, my husband and I are blessed with a wonderful combo of fair AND sensitive skin which makes extensive amounts of time in the sun just totally super fun.
This week we have bought 3 different types of sunscreens because my children were allergic to the first two. And what's even more special is that they are developing an allergy against this one too. Yay!
We have also spent $30 on long sleeved rash guards with an SPF of 50 in an attempt to prevent our children from developing skin cancer before the age of 12. $30 people. A piece! It's like being albino gives the rest of the world the freedom to rob you blind or take the alternative and burn to death. Truly tragic.
Even with all of our sun proofing my children were still burned on their eyelids, (Carlye sunscreened her face by herself), their backs and bellies where their rash guards rode up, and their arms where their sleeves pushed up.
Alaska, where are you when I need you!
This week we have bought 3 different types of sunscreens because my children were allergic to the first two. And what's even more special is that they are developing an allergy against this one too. Yay!
We have also spent $30 on long sleeved rash guards with an SPF of 50 in an attempt to prevent our children from developing skin cancer before the age of 12. $30 people. A piece! It's like being albino gives the rest of the world the freedom to rob you blind or take the alternative and burn to death. Truly tragic.
Even with all of our sun proofing my children were still burned on their eyelids, (Carlye sunscreened her face by herself), their backs and bellies where their rash guards rode up, and their arms where their sleeves pushed up.
Alaska, where are you when I need you!
Monday, August 8, 2011
The beach
I haven't posted anymore on Alaska because we are currently at the beach with our family. I will start again when we get home. Meanwhile, I have learned several things today.
When Noah runs in the dark, in the sand, on the beach, and his flip flops go flying off he will NOT stop to get them. Which means you get to spend 20 minutes looking for black flip flops. In the dark.
When we go out to eat and we tell our children they are not allowed to touch each other our words are supernaturally changed from English into a language our children are incapable of understanding.
Carlye thinks it's funny to work as hard as she can to make Nathanael as mad as she can. Then, when she gets in trouble she says, 'Yes, I did that. I'm so sorry." We have apparently failed to teach her it's better to NOT do it than to do it and apologize later.
When Noah runs in the dark, in the sand, on the beach, and his flip flops go flying off he will NOT stop to get them. Which means you get to spend 20 minutes looking for black flip flops. In the dark.
When we go out to eat and we tell our children they are not allowed to touch each other our words are supernaturally changed from English into a language our children are incapable of understanding.
Carlye thinks it's funny to work as hard as she can to make Nathanael as mad as she can. Then, when she gets in trouble she says, 'Yes, I did that. I'm so sorry." We have apparently failed to teach her it's better to NOT do it than to do it and apologize later.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Day 4
Day 4 - Juneau
This morning I am eating breakfast in our room, watching the scenery as we arrive in Juneau. We are going whale watching (YAY!!!!!!!) and then salmon fishing. I hope that Carl catches something today!
The whale watching was a dream come true. We saw a group of 11 adults and 1 baby humpback whale bubble net feeding. It was awe inspiring to watch them launch themselves up out of the water with their mouths agape, eating all the fish. Then they would roll and finally we would see their tails as they dove down to start the process all over again.
Next we found 2 transient killer whales that were hunting for food. Our captain had heard from other boats that there was a pod of 20 in the area as well, but we never tracked them down. I've never seen orcas in the wild, and it was a sight to behold.
Later we saw Dalls dolphins dance across the water, and we ended with a whale spouting right next the ship and the diving down below the water. I was able to snap a picture of the tail as it went under.
After a yummy lunch of king crab legs (brought in fresh off a boat!) we went salmon fishing on a boat named the Popeye with a delightfully crusty 78 year old fisherman as captain. There were 6 of us fishing, and I was the only girl. We only caught silvers, not the king salmon Carl was dreaming of, but he said that he had fun. The boat had a system where the deck hand sets up all the poles and then you take turns reeling them in. About halfway through the trip each of us had caught one or two when suddenly a pole next to us went off. Carl grabbed the pole, and he could tell it was a big one. Instead of keeping it for himself he handed the pole to a 16 year old on board who had only caught one fish. He ended up reeling in the biggest fish of the day. A 24 inch 16 pound silver. The deckhand (who happened to be a 21 year old girl who was completely adorable, which made it funny to see her hitting fish with baseball bats, stringing line and gutting fish) was upset with Carl for giving it up because she wanted him to catch a big one, and she razzed him the rest of the trip for giving up all the big ones (he had handed me a big one, too!).
It was fun, but I think next time we will be a little more picky about our fishing trips to make sure that Carl can fish for his king salmon. While we were fishing a few whales swam by and spouted, which was so neat because we were in such a little boat you could really see how big they were. The best part, though, was as we were leaving. Right next to the boat a whale breached and jumped completely out of the water. Then a second one followed it, and they both just keep jumping way up out of the water over and over again for almost 5 minutes.
I'm such a sap that I almost cried, it was such a dream come true for me! Our little deck hand told us that we were really lucky because only one in like a thousand people ever get to see that. My only regret is that I didn't have my camera, and it happened so quickly Carl wasn't able to get the first part of the "show." But it doesn't matter, I know I will never forget it.
Carl's thoughts - I think this was the most awesome day we had. Salmon aren't nearly what I thought they would be. Our red fish and trout here in the gulf are way more fun to fight - so are halibut. Killer whales are evil. I'm learning this.
Oh, and Alaska is way better than Texas right now.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Day 3
Day 3 - Ketchikan
Me calling the kids:
We were able to call the kids this morning! They were so funny! Carlye and Noah had so much to say, and Nathanael was very melancholy. We did our wilderness fishing today. I caught several small yellow eye, a grey (whatever that is), a shark that was so mad he was biting his own tail and came up looking like a doughnut, and a halibut.
Carl and I with my halibut:
My shark biting his tail:
My Shark:
A yellow eye:
Carl didn't catch anything!!!
Afterwards they took us back to a private island where they made us a gumbo out of my Halibut while we drank hot chocolate by the fire.
Dessert was a delicious blueberry bread pudding. I've been dreaming about it since we ate it 5 years ago, and it was just as good as I remembered! On the way back they threw our fish carcasses back into the sea. It was incredible, because as he did the eagles would come flying in and carry them off. Carl took several pictures, and I think they are beautiful! I have never seen eagles - let alone a wild bird!- that closely before. Their power and majesty is an amazing thing to behold. It is amazing to me the different beliefs of all the passengers on ship, because I don't understand how you can look at all of this and not be in awe of Our Heavenly Father and this beautiful world that He created just for us. We watched as the eagles would swoop down, within a mere 2 or 3 feet from the boat, and grab the fish in their powerful talons. Wow. It was such an amazing day!
We ate dinner in the Santa Fe dining room tonight, and Carl was so happy because they had guacamole on the table - it tasted just like Carlye's! Dinner was delicious, and we had a lovely couple to the left of us that reminded me of Grandma and Popi, and a kind couple from Arizona on the right. You don't always know what you're going to get when they seat you. Even though they are private tables they are so close to one another you are always in each others business.
After dinner we went and watched a singing illusionist in the theatre. His name was Darren something or other, and he really was very good. I didn't enjoy the show though, because you could tell that his real love was musical theatre (he's performed on Broadway and in Vegas), and he kept jumping back and forth between funny tricks and musical acts. I wish he had stuck with the musical theatre because he was a phenomenal actor and his voice was amazing as well.
Carl's thoughts - Ketchikan is such a cool town I wish we could have spent more time there. I thought about taking fishing lessons from Cari. Bread pudding is really good, though, when you are cold. And the eagles were definitely the best part of the trip. Next time I think we'll try something different. Maybe charter a fishing trip specifically for halibut.
Me calling the kids:
We were able to call the kids this morning! They were so funny! Carlye and Noah had so much to say, and Nathanael was very melancholy. We did our wilderness fishing today. I caught several small yellow eye, a grey (whatever that is), a shark that was so mad he was biting his own tail and came up looking like a doughnut, and a halibut.
Carl and I with my halibut:
My shark biting his tail:
My Shark:
A yellow eye:
Carl didn't catch anything!!!
Afterwards they took us back to a private island where they made us a gumbo out of my Halibut while we drank hot chocolate by the fire.
Dessert was a delicious blueberry bread pudding. I've been dreaming about it since we ate it 5 years ago, and it was just as good as I remembered! On the way back they threw our fish carcasses back into the sea. It was incredible, because as he did the eagles would come flying in and carry them off. Carl took several pictures, and I think they are beautiful! I have never seen eagles - let alone a wild bird!- that closely before. Their power and majesty is an amazing thing to behold. It is amazing to me the different beliefs of all the passengers on ship, because I don't understand how you can look at all of this and not be in awe of Our Heavenly Father and this beautiful world that He created just for us. We watched as the eagles would swoop down, within a mere 2 or 3 feet from the boat, and grab the fish in their powerful talons. Wow. It was such an amazing day!
We ate dinner in the Santa Fe dining room tonight, and Carl was so happy because they had guacamole on the table - it tasted just like Carlye's! Dinner was delicious, and we had a lovely couple to the left of us that reminded me of Grandma and Popi, and a kind couple from Arizona on the right. You don't always know what you're going to get when they seat you. Even though they are private tables they are so close to one another you are always in each others business.
After dinner we went and watched a singing illusionist in the theatre. His name was Darren something or other, and he really was very good. I didn't enjoy the show though, because you could tell that his real love was musical theatre (he's performed on Broadway and in Vegas), and he kept jumping back and forth between funny tricks and musical acts. I wish he had stuck with the musical theatre because he was a phenomenal actor and his voice was amazing as well.
Carl's thoughts - Ketchikan is such a cool town I wish we could have spent more time there. I thought about taking fishing lessons from Cari. Bread pudding is really good, though, when you are cold. And the eagles were definitely the best part of the trip. Next time I think we'll try something different. Maybe charter a fishing trip specifically for halibut.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Day 2
Day 2
I saw an adorable little sea otter swimming outside of the window this morning while I was sitting at the cafe.
We were at sea all day today, and Carl and I went exploring 'round about the ship. We mostly ate and sat on the balcony. It was so amazing as we watched a pod of humpbacks go by, spouting their fine mist into the air.
We ate at the International Dining Room for lunch today because we can't eat there in the evening - it's formal Captains Dinners only, which we didn't want to do.
For dinner we dined in the Pacific Moon dining room. Carl's goal is to try somewhere different every night until we've tried them all. This one was originally a Chinese food restaurant and is decorated accordingly. Tomorrow the adventures begin. We're going fishing! This was my favorite excursion when we came 5 years ago. I hope that it's still wonderful, and I hope that we catch some halibut to send home just like we did last time.
Carl's thoughts - I am just glad I didn't get sick. And this 52 degree weather beats 104 any day! I kept going outside just to enjoy the weather.
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