Meg's 5th Grade Science Project

Megan had her final science project due this week.  She has had to do them for the last 3 years at this school.  Since she'll be moving into middle school next year I'm kind of hoping this is the last one but I'm sure I'm wrong.  The projects will just get bigger as we go.  Plus Andrew begins 3rd Grade next year and he'll start his first project.  I think I need to face the reality of school projects for the next several years. 

Megan did a lot of internet research trying to decide what she wanted to do.  There were several cool ideas but of course all the ones she wanted were super complicated and way over her grade level.  She finally settle on a soda project.  It was about what affect Coke vs. Diet Coke has on items.  We spent 3 weeks with cups all over the dinning room table.  Megan had to take a penny, nail, and eggshell out of the soda each day to take pictures and record the data.  She didn't like this process so much.

We had to do research on the chemicals in soda and what exactly we drink.  The end result was that of course soda is not good for you.  The stuff in soda is corrosive and can be used in fertilizer.  It's crazy that we drink it and like it.  Although both regular and diet are bad it seemed that the diet took longer to get to the same results.

She took in her board today and gave her class presentation and is all done.  She now awaits her grade and is hoping for 100% like she got last year.  She said her presentation was a little weak as she was the 1st in the class to present and she was nervous.  The projects aren't due till Friday so we are a bit early.  The teacher encourages students to turn in early so it makes it easier for him and the class.  We are glad to have it done and behind us.  She is now focused on her dead presidents report.  She is working on President Woodrow Wilson and having a blast.  She is already done so much and ahead of the class in her report.  She is loving it far more than the science project so onward we go.

Holiday Lights

We hit up Wild Waves for our final time for 2012.  They are open for a few weekends starting in December for Holiday lights.  This I think is the second year that they have done this so it was all new for us.  We were super excited to go and the kids couldn't wait as they love that place.

We got all bundled up and headed out to meet Jeff after work on Friday.  It was so cold you could see your breath puffing out but it wasn't going to stop this crew from having fun.  It was surprisingly pretty packed with people.  When we first got there the ride lines were small and we hit up our favorites.  Andrew if finally tall enough to ride the bumper cars by himself and he couldn't have been more thrilled.

We had fun hitting up the rides and just exploring the grounds.  It was pretty and reminded me of the local Zoo lights.  This was a tad bit more fun as we had rides we could go on to keep us entertained.  The wind on your face made most of the rides cold but my kids thought it was awesome.

We even got to see the tree lighting by Santa and then we stood in line to see him.  This is the first year that Megan has been uninterested in Santa at all.  She made mention to me several times that she knows he isn't real.  In years past she has been all into Santa but this was the first year that she clued in.  Jeff had a little chat with her and she is fine with it.  She pretty much already knew the truth as I think classmates have been talking and she's at that age.  It was funny though that she asked about the tooth fairy and Easter bunny.  She was still kind of holding out hope for them to be real but we decided that she's 10 and probably ready to know.  I think the no tooth fairy bugged her the most.  Funny girl.

She pretty much refused to even talk to Santa so we stood in line and Andrew went up and had a chat.  All he wants for Christmas is a magic set.  He was thrilled to talk to Santa and told Megan that he was real and she should talk to him.  Since she had no interest he told her she was probably going to get coal since she didn't talk to him while she had the chance.  Hahahaha  I love that kid he says the funniest things.

We only lasted for about 3 hours and then called it quits.  We were cold and hungry and had hit up all we wanted.  The lines started to get longer and it just wasn't as fun as when we go in the sun.  We were super happy to have had the chance to go and see the lights.  It was nice to be out with family.

I think we've decided we are going to take a year off maybe two before we decide to go back again.  We went so often that you do kind of get a little burnt out.  We are looking forward to our big family trip coming up.  We are headed to Disneyland and are counting down the days.  Can't wait.

Megan's Merchandise

Megan is a big 5th grader this year and she gets to participate in 5th Grade Market place.  The kids in 5th grade get to make homemade goods to sell to 3rd and 4th graders for class money.  Starting in 3rd grade the teachers all have class money that the kids can earn.  They buy stuff like "sit by a friend", "wear a hat", "no homework for 1 day" or school supplies.  You can earn money by doing various stuff in your class.  When you get to be a 5th grader it's hard to earn money so they have market place.  Megan was so thrilled to be able to have a store and sell stuff.

Grandma VoFo helped Megan make the bookmarks and earrings.  We are so thankful for her crafting skills and all the help.  Megan sold out of the 12 sets of earrings in no time at all.  They were a huge hit.  The bookmarks that she was super excited about only sold about half the 40 batch.  She thought they would be more popular as they were cheap but no go this year.  She also had 50 Gooey's and sold about 35 or so.  All in all she make about 2500 in class money.  She was a top seller and on top of the world.  At the end of the year they have a big auctions for stuff and she can't wait.  It was a very successful event for her.  I think we get to do one more this year and she's already trying to come up with more interesting stuff to sell.  We'll have to see what we can come up with.

Space Derby

This past week Andrew had his very first space derby with cub scouts.  We have waited about two months since we got the kit for this event and boy was he super excited.

While I was gone in CA one of Jeff's honey-do items was to help Andrew get is space shuttle built.  It came as two square pieces of wood that had to be glued together and sanded into shape.  Then of course painted to reflect your style.  I was super excited to get home and see that it was complete.

Jeff tells me that Andrew helped sand and paint his ship.  I found out at the derby that Megan also had a hand in the building and I know Jeff put his finishing touches on it. It ended up as a tiger theme type ship.  Jeff put the black tiger strips on it with a sharpie once it was all dry to give it some flair.   So you could say this was a family craft for sure.

Andrew was so hyper and excited he couldn't wait to go.  Once he got home from school and his homework was done he got on his uniform and counted down the minutes until it was time.  I'm not even sure the car was in park all the way before his door was open and he was headed inside.  He was seriously that excited to be apart of the space derby.

 Jeff was able to get off work in time to be able to be there.  This was the first space derby for the pack as well so there was a bit trial and error.  We had a slow start trying to get them to fly but finally got it figured out.  I'm told that the key is the rubber bands.  We went through lots of rubber bands and different number of winds on them.  All the boys had so much fun.

 Andrew raced around 3 - 4 times and he only one 1 time.  It bugged him at first to lose but once he got that 1 win that was all that mattered.  He had a ton of fun and is already talking about what he wants to do for the next space derby.  We tried to tell him about the pine wood derby cars that will be next but he was so full of the space derby I don't think he cared.  We'll have to see how that event goes.  I'm sure when we build the car he'll be just as excited as he was this night.

We love cub scouts around this house.  I sometimes wish Megan could join the pack.  She loves all the things he gets to do but still wants to be girly and have her own stuff.  It has been a whole new experience for me learning about cubs and each month is a new adventure.  I can't wait to see what we learn next.

Saying Goodbye

At the end of our ladies retreat we got the sad news that my Grandmother, Doris, had passed.  She had been struggling with dementia in a memory care facility for the last few years.  I haven't seen her as she began on this road and feel blessed to have the wonderful memories that I do instead.  My memories include what a strong woman she was and how no matter what she always had her act together.  She was always dressed perfectly and always prepared for visitors.  She rolled out the red carpet anytime we were there to visit.  She could put out a spread of food like no one else.  She was probably one of the best shoppers around.  She could put an outfit together that you'd never expect and it would be perfect.  She had the eye let me tell ya.  I miss fresh squeezed orange juice from Grandma's special orange trees and the way she could help you get it together.  She was never afraid of hard work and getting in there to make things right.

Her services were different for me.  It was more about the religious procedures and less about her life.  I did miss that personal touch but know it was exactly what she would have wanted.  The music was beautiful and it was great to see my family.  It felt like old times again when my Mom was around and I cherish the time I was there for this sad time.  It touched me deeply when I saw the effect it had on my brother.  We don't talk to much so to see him get emotional was hard for me.  It is never easy to say goodbye and I don't think I'll ever get used to it.

My Grandmother now joins my Grandpa and my Mom.  The picture above is the three of them.  I hope they have enjoyed their reunion.  It brings me to tears just to say that as it brings up a lot of emotional memories for me.  I am happy to have been born into the family that I was.  I will do my best to cherish every moment I have here.  I will do my best to remember what these great people have taught me and try and pass it to my children.  Although they will be missed they will not be forgotten by me.

Normandy 2012

Every year the ladies in my family get together for a little retreat.  We meet up in the same place every year to catch up with one another and share our burdens.  This whole event started back when my Mom first got sick with Breast Cancer many years ago.  We began as a way to heal each other around such a difficult time.  This gathering has continued on through the years.  I know I've blogged about in before but I'm not sure if I've given the history.

I've missed a few years since I went last.  My attendance has been a little hit and miss over the years.  It was really hard when my Mom passed to continue to go without her there.  I'd usually pop in for a little day visit and leave since it was only 30 minutes away from home.  I eventually began to go more and stay for longer.  It finally turned into the retreat it is today for me.  It was a very emotional struggle for me to attend some years.  Since moving to WA it is a lot of planning and effort to go but helps me stay connect to my roots.  The last time I went, a couple of years ago, I had a bit of a blow out with my Grandmother about my Mom.  It was a very hard time and lots of tears were shed during that trip.  I have since learned so much about myself and done a ton of healing.  I have harbored no ill will towards anyone but haven't been back since.  This year was the year that I came back to the group.

This year is also a big year for my Dad as he will be turning the big 70!!!  He didn't want a party or anything fancy just a little time from his kids.  I decided to make a trip of this.  So in the beginning of November I got myself on a plane and went home to CA.  I enjoyed several days with my Dad.  He has since said I wore him out.  I enjoyed just spending time with him and doing things he wanted to do.  It made me miss home a lot but it was nice to have that time.  I even got him to dig up old photos of him as a kid and talk about my family history with him.  I came home with more stuff to share with my kids so they don't forget the past.

My Aunt Debbie came in to go out to dinner with my family.  It was fun to have her with us.  She took me on to the retreat for the last couple of days of my trip.  Our numbers have changed since that first gathering.  We've lost a few and gained a few.  This was a totally different vibe then we've had in the past.  Our numbers seem to be getting smaller but we are still so connected.  This was all about sisterhood and being together.  Had fun shopping with these ladies.  That is saying a lot since shopping really isn't my thing.  It was nice to take a break from my daily duties and be with family like me.  I had a great time this year.

As our retreat ended Debbie brought out a pearled candle.  They started this tradition just recently to light the candle for those that we've lost and maybe say a few words.  We had just checked out of the cottage and were gathering for the lighting.  Debbie had just lite the candle and placed it on the table.  We were just gathering together when the phone rang.  My other Aunt got the dreaded call that my Grandmother had just passed.  Emotions began to fly as you can imagine.  It was a difficult way to end our time together as it marked a huge loss to our family.  It is amazing what these women can do in my family.  We came together for each other the best we could as we said our goodbyes so that my Aunts could go home to make plans.  I'm not sure I have the words to express my feelings at the close.  Family is so important and I cherish the moments I get to spend with them.

He was a very great man

In October our family was sadden to say goodbye to Jeff's Grandfather, Lou.  He had been suffering from dementia for several years and it was hard to see him in that state.  I'd rather keep my memories of what a great man he really was.

I can remember meeting him for the first time in CA. Laurie and I were the best of friends and I spent most of my time at her house.  I was over hanging out with Laurie when he asked me to have a chat in the other room.  I can say without a doubt how wonderful our talk was.  He had such a gentle spirit about him and I enjoyed every minute.  I really felt he was listening to every word I said and he really cared for me.  I'm not going to go into details but that first talk with him left a lasting impression on me.  I know he was a really great man.

                      The funeral services were so special as to include personal touches.  I loved hearing about his war experiences and since have gotten a copy of his stores from MarGene.  I plan to share them with my kids for family home evenings and make sure they know the sacrifices of our relatives.  I want to make sure this next generation doesn't forget the past especially those in our own family.  I am honored to have know him and been a part of his family.

Although it is difficult to say goodbye, I know he is in a better place.  I know he has been reunited with his wife as well as other loved ones.  I look forward to seeing him again and others someday.  He left a wonderful legacy behind with his children and those he came in contact with.  I hope I can learn from his example and keep it in my heart always.