As seen at under the ponderosas:
Four places I want to take my kids on vacation (w/in the next year):
1. Ashland with my son - for his first Shakespeare Festival!
2. Camping in Eastern OR (near Paisley) - to fish and go to the hot springs
3. Portland - to go to OMSI and the zoo
4. Prineville Reservoir - to camp and spend time with Scott's family
Four movies I could watch over and over with my kids:
1. The Parent Trap
2. Bend it Like Beckham
3. The Sandlot
4. October Sky
Four TV shows I love to watch with my kids:
1. The Fairly Odd Parents
2. Myth Busters
3. Over Haulin'
4. $40 a Day
Four restaurants I like to go to with my kids (note: we don't eat out much but these are our favorite places for a quick snack!):
1. Sno Cap in Sisters
2. Ben & Jerry's
3. DiLusso (they make the *best* hot chocolate)
4. Be Bop Biscotti (weekend Jazz)
Four things I want my kids to be good at:
1. Having fun
2. Being honest
3. Respecting themselves and others
4. Knowing the right time to be quiet - but also knowing the right time to make some noise!
Wednesday, May 31
Tuesday, May 30
Birds
There are soooo many birds at the new house. Some of them spend so much time in our yard that we are getting to know them and recognize them.
On Saturday Scott was on the porch roof, putting on "corners" and siding. A robin kept landing on the roof close by him, and flying back and forth between him and rustling around in the juniper tree in the front yard. Every once in a while it would fly further, but returned frequently. We only saw her once or twice on Sunday, which seemed interesting.
This is a little long, so click here to read more.
On Monday we found out why! Mama robin had built a nest in the juniper tree and her babies hatched. From the window in the stairway you can see the nest clearly, once you know where it is... and we were able to watch her feed her babies. We could see their little heads popping up and down looking for food. It was very cool! Can't wait to show the kids.
We had another bird-related incident this weekend. I think bluejays are very smart and either have a sense of humor or ... they are just mean. There is a cat in the neighborhood we call "Bob" because he has a short tail. He is a nice enough cat, and also a very good hunter. So good that I decided to stop filling our birdfeeders until we move in, because our back yard had turned into dead-bird-central due to Bob's prowess.
This weekend... Bob became pretty easy to find. Apparently he did something to irritate one of the bluejays in the area, because on Saturday it was following him around and swooping at him, making quite a bit of noise. Did you know that a bluejay call sounds vaguely like a laugh? It was funny to watch.
Then on Sunday there were two bluejays tormenting Bob...
And by the time we left on Monday evening there were four!!
They ganged up on him, and a couple would corner him while the other would swoop at him. He was on the run!
Poor Bob!
On Saturday Scott was on the porch roof, putting on "corners" and siding. A robin kept landing on the roof close by him, and flying back and forth between him and rustling around in the juniper tree in the front yard. Every once in a while it would fly further, but returned frequently. We only saw her once or twice on Sunday, which seemed interesting.
We had another bird-related incident this weekend. I think bluejays are very smart and either have a sense of humor or ... they are just mean. There is a cat in the neighborhood we call "Bob" because he has a short tail. He is a nice enough cat, and also a very good hunter. So good that I decided to stop filling our birdfeeders until we move in, because our back yard had turned into dead-bird-central due to Bob's prowess.
This weekend... Bob became pretty easy to find. Apparently he did something to irritate one of the bluejays in the area, because on Saturday it was following him around and swooping at him, making quite a bit of noise. Did you know that a bluejay call sounds vaguely like a laugh? It was funny to watch.
Then on Sunday there were two bluejays tormenting Bob...
And by the time we left on Monday evening there were four!!
They ganged up on him, and a couple would corner him while the other would swoop at him. He was on the run!
Poor Bob!
Sunday, May 28
Music
We traded our tickets to the Beck concert for tickets to the Ben Harper concert (thanks to Craig's List). The reasons for this were numerous but the deal breaker - gotta work on the house. And it was sooo much easier to NOT go work on the house on Friday night, than to STOP working on the house at 3pm on Saturday.
It was a good decision. But I am purposefully avoiding reading posts about the Beck show, lest I rethink things too much.
Ben Harper is, in short, beautiful. The set was great - lots of great rockin' tunes intermixed with acoustic numbers. Loved it. Went home happy and with a slight contact high.
This was my first show at the Les Schwab Amphitheater... other than one of the free Sunday Summer concerts. Why did I bring a chair? I never sat in it, not once. The blanket was a Very Good Thing though. (Side note: We are going to see Susan Tedeschi at the Britt Festival in September... is that more of a "chair" venue?)
A friend of mine works at the Alpenglow Cafe. She reports that Ben Harper, Laura Dern and their two beautiful children had breakfast there on Friday morning, and she was fortunate enough to be their server. The pancakes were a hit.
It was a good decision. But I am purposefully avoiding reading posts about the Beck show, lest I rethink things too much.
Ben Harper is, in short, beautiful. The set was great - lots of great rockin' tunes intermixed with acoustic numbers. Loved it. Went home happy and with a slight contact high.
This was my first show at the Les Schwab Amphitheater... other than one of the free Sunday Summer concerts. Why did I bring a chair? I never sat in it, not once. The blanket was a Very Good Thing though. (Side note: We are going to see Susan Tedeschi at the Britt Festival in September... is that more of a "chair" venue?)
A friend of mine works at the Alpenglow Cafe. She reports that Ben Harper, Laura Dern and their two beautiful children had breakfast there on Friday morning, and she was fortunate enough to be their server. The pancakes were a hit.
Friday, May 26
Weather
9am: sunny and clear
10am: sunny and clear
11am: sunny and clear
11:05am: rainstorm
11:10am: sunny and clear
noon: sunny and clear
1pm: sunny and clear
2pm: sunny and clear
2:30pm: sunny and clear
2:35pm: hailing... hard
2:45pm: sunny and clear
Welcome to Memorial Day Weekend in Central Oregon!
10am: sunny and clear
11am: sunny and clear
11:05am: rainstorm
11:10am: sunny and clear
noon: sunny and clear
1pm: sunny and clear
2pm: sunny and clear
2:30pm: sunny and clear
2:35pm: hailing... hard
2:45pm: sunny and clear
Welcome to Memorial Day Weekend in Central Oregon!
Monday, May 22
English
Cute
Click here to see what kind of American English I speak.
| Your Linguistic Profile:: |
| 55% General American English |
| 20% Upper Midwestern |
| 15% Yankee |
| 5% Dixie |
| 0% Midwestern |
Friday, May 19
Fresh Air
It smells so good outside!
Over the last few days, there have been a couple of thunderstorms. The rain last night (extremely heavy at times) really cleared the air and now it smells like spring!
Over the last few days, there have been a couple of thunderstorms. The rain last night (extremely heavy at times) really cleared the air and now it smells like spring!
Wednesday, May 17
Stripes
Stinky earned his third belt stripe at Tai Kwon Do last night. It was the yellow stripe for terminology. He also has his red stripe (poom se/forms) and his green stripe (blocks). One more stripe to go (blue - one steps) and then he will be ready for belt testing.
He is really enjoying TKD - the structure of the class is good and the instructor does a great job with him. It's nice to see him progressing and succeeding at any sport! He started in February and is a "white belt" (newbie/beginner) working towards his yellow belt. At first it was frustrating for him because several levels take the same class - so there are younger kids with more advanced belts because they have been doing this longer. He practices hard though and really pays attention - and now that all seems to be paying off.
He is really enjoying TKD - the structure of the class is good and the instructor does a great job with him. It's nice to see him progressing and succeeding at any sport! He started in February and is a "white belt" (newbie/beginner) working towards his yellow belt. At first it was frustrating for him because several levels take the same class - so there are younger kids with more advanced belts because they have been doing this longer. He practices hard though and really pays attention - and now that all seems to be paying off.
Tuesday, May 16
Canned
What little space that was left in our garage, was taken up by cans. Lots and lots of cans. So many cans that if you got to close to the quite imposing wall of cans (or even looked at it wrong), they would tumble down around you. Cans are VERY LOUD when a lot of them fall at once! I finally put my foot down last night and we took them back to the store to get a whopping 5 cents each. We had to fill up and take both cars on our mission.
Time to insert individual cans into can-crushing machine: 1 hour
Number of people inserting cans into machines: 5
Approximate number of cans: 1300
Amount of money received: $68.50
Average hourly wage per person: $13.70
Watching Scott insert the same 3 cans into a malfunctioning machine over and over (it would count them but then kick them into the "reject" bin) and racking up about $5:
PRICELESS
Time to insert individual cans into can-crushing machine: 1 hour
Number of people inserting cans into machines: 5
Approximate number of cans: 1300
Amount of money received: $68.50
Average hourly wage per person: $13.70
Watching Scott insert the same 3 cans into a malfunctioning machine over and over (it would count them but then kick them into the "reject" bin) and racking up about $5:
PRICELESS
Monday, May 15
Happy Mother's Day
This made me laugh out loud... hopefully it will brighten someone else's day too!
Thanks to Jake for the link.
Thanks to Jake for the link.
Friday, May 12
Haunted Olives
My co-worker, Rassmass, bid on a can of Haunted Olives on eBay and (accidentally) won.
If anyone is interested in these spooky marinated canned goods please let me know and I will get the message to him.
If anyone is interested in these spooky marinated canned goods please let me know and I will get the message to him.
Congratulations, Mrs. Renz!
This week we learned that Stinky's teacher has been chosen from more than 75,000 nominees nationwide to receive the 2006 Disney Teacher Award in celebration of her creativity, innovative teaching methods, and ability to inspire her students.
Congratulations, Mrs. Renz!
This is a little long, so click here to read the entire press release.
May 8, 2006
REDMOND TEACHER WINS NATIONAL DISNEY EDUCATION AWARD
Heather Renz, a fourth-grade teacher at Vern Patrick Elementary, has been chosen from more than 75,000 nominees nationwide to receive the 2006 Disney Teacher Award in celebration of her creativity, innovative teaching methods, and ability to inspire her students.
As one of only 44 Disney Teacher Honorees, Renz receives $10,000 from Disney and a trip to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., for a week of fun and celebration from July 29 to August 3. In addition, Disney awards $5,000 to Vern Patrick Elementary.
“Disney is dedicated to brightening the lives of children and we salute dedicated teachers like Mrs. Renz for using creativity in their classrooms to inspire our children to achieve more than they ever thought possible,” said Terry Wick, Vice President of Disney Worldwide Outreach. “We hope communities across the country will join us in thanking all their great teachers.”
Disney Teacher Honorees are selected by their peers/representatives of leading educational associations from across the United States and former Disney Teacher Honorees. Honorees come from every subject field and every level of PreK-12 teaching. Renz is one of three Honorees being recognized for intermediate education.
Creativity is key in Renz’s classroom. “As part of our U.S. studies, students chose a state, and then became the director of tourism for that state. They created a travel brochure, designed a postage stamp for their state, computed the mileage and gas cost to drive there, and wrote a persuasive letter convincing their family to take them there,” explained Renz.
“The thing that gets me out that door every day is that I truly see the future in my students’ eyes and I want to influence that future,” said Renz. “There is no greater honor, no better feeling than that of teaching.”
The Disney Teacher Awards do not simply honor one teacher; they also make an investment in that teacher’s educational community. In addition to the monetary awards, Disney will also fly Renz and Vern Patrick Principal Lisa Rawlings to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., in October for a six-day professional development institute where they can refine their own innovative teaching approaches by sharing ideas and learn how to engage other teachers to build an effective collaborative teaching culture at their school.
Once they return, Renz and Rawlings will work with experts from the Center for Collaborative Education in Boston to design a school-wide plan for making teaching more effective. Renz will take a leadership role, educating her fellow teachers in the creative techniques that have made her so successful at connecting with students.
“I am moving to Tom McCall, our newly constructed elementary school, next year. Staff are coming from six different buildings. The Disney Professional Development training comes at just the right time for us. We can build a powerful program using the collaborative culture knowledge, the power of joint examination of student work, and building teacher leadership from the professional development work,” said Renz.
“Exploration, discovery, teamwork, and technology are the cornerstones of Heather’s instruction,” wrote Rawlings in a letter to Disney. “Heather exemplifies teaching at its finest, defines collegiality, and embodies lifelong learning.”
During the week of celebratory events in Anaheim, five exceptional teachers will be chosen from the 44 Honorees. Four Outstanding Teachers and one Disney Teacher of the Year will receive an additional $15,000 from Disney.
“I hope I can represent every teacher and tell the story of pride, dedication, and honor those of us who are called to teach every day,” said Renz.
About Disney Worldwide Outreach: The Disney Teacher Awards program is part of Disney Worldwide Outreach. Disney is dedicated to making the wishes of families and children a reality through public service initiatives, community outreach and volunteerism in the areas of compassion, learning, the arts and the environment. In 2005, Disney contributed more than $190 million in cash, in-kind support and public service air time globally. Disney volunteers, company employees who donate their time to outreach projects, contributed more than 442,000 hours of service. For more information on Disney’s outreach initiatives, please visit www.disneyhand.com. For more on the Disney Teacher Awards, please visit www.disneyteacherawards.org
Congratulations, Mrs. Renz!
May 8, 2006
REDMOND TEACHER WINS NATIONAL DISNEY EDUCATION AWARD
Heather Renz, a fourth-grade teacher at Vern Patrick Elementary, has been chosen from more than 75,000 nominees nationwide to receive the 2006 Disney Teacher Award in celebration of her creativity, innovative teaching methods, and ability to inspire her students.
As one of only 44 Disney Teacher Honorees, Renz receives $10,000 from Disney and a trip to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., for a week of fun and celebration from July 29 to August 3. In addition, Disney awards $5,000 to Vern Patrick Elementary.
“Disney is dedicated to brightening the lives of children and we salute dedicated teachers like Mrs. Renz for using creativity in their classrooms to inspire our children to achieve more than they ever thought possible,” said Terry Wick, Vice President of Disney Worldwide Outreach. “We hope communities across the country will join us in thanking all their great teachers.”
Disney Teacher Honorees are selected by their peers/representatives of leading educational associations from across the United States and former Disney Teacher Honorees. Honorees come from every subject field and every level of PreK-12 teaching. Renz is one of three Honorees being recognized for intermediate education.
Creativity is key in Renz’s classroom. “As part of our U.S. studies, students chose a state, and then became the director of tourism for that state. They created a travel brochure, designed a postage stamp for their state, computed the mileage and gas cost to drive there, and wrote a persuasive letter convincing their family to take them there,” explained Renz.
“The thing that gets me out that door every day is that I truly see the future in my students’ eyes and I want to influence that future,” said Renz. “There is no greater honor, no better feeling than that of teaching.”
The Disney Teacher Awards do not simply honor one teacher; they also make an investment in that teacher’s educational community. In addition to the monetary awards, Disney will also fly Renz and Vern Patrick Principal Lisa Rawlings to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., in October for a six-day professional development institute where they can refine their own innovative teaching approaches by sharing ideas and learn how to engage other teachers to build an effective collaborative teaching culture at their school.
Once they return, Renz and Rawlings will work with experts from the Center for Collaborative Education in Boston to design a school-wide plan for making teaching more effective. Renz will take a leadership role, educating her fellow teachers in the creative techniques that have made her so successful at connecting with students.
“I am moving to Tom McCall, our newly constructed elementary school, next year. Staff are coming from six different buildings. The Disney Professional Development training comes at just the right time for us. We can build a powerful program using the collaborative culture knowledge, the power of joint examination of student work, and building teacher leadership from the professional development work,” said Renz.
“Exploration, discovery, teamwork, and technology are the cornerstones of Heather’s instruction,” wrote Rawlings in a letter to Disney. “Heather exemplifies teaching at its finest, defines collegiality, and embodies lifelong learning.”
During the week of celebratory events in Anaheim, five exceptional teachers will be chosen from the 44 Honorees. Four Outstanding Teachers and one Disney Teacher of the Year will receive an additional $15,000 from Disney.
“I hope I can represent every teacher and tell the story of pride, dedication, and honor those of us who are called to teach every day,” said Renz.
About Disney Worldwide Outreach: The Disney Teacher Awards program is part of Disney Worldwide Outreach. Disney is dedicated to making the wishes of families and children a reality through public service initiatives, community outreach and volunteerism in the areas of compassion, learning, the arts and the environment. In 2005, Disney contributed more than $190 million in cash, in-kind support and public service air time globally. Disney volunteers, company employees who donate their time to outreach projects, contributed more than 442,000 hours of service. For more information on Disney’s outreach initiatives, please visit www.disneyhand.com. For more on the Disney Teacher Awards, please visit www.disneyteacherawards.org
Monday, May 8
House Update
Still working away...
Scott worked like a maniac this weekend, and finished all the base boards, and trim around the cabinets, AND installed the handrails in the stairway. Yea! The painters are coming today to finish everything up - they will be there for a couple of days.
Also this weekend - water was turned on to the house. Which means no more port a potty! Wheeee!!!
This is a little long so click here if you want to read more!
My main job this weekend was to keep the kids out of Scott's way. We slept in on Saturday, then went to a garage sale, Butthead's soccer game, more garage sales, lunch at Izzy's, Macy's (some one had a gift card), and .... more garage sales. On Sunday the girls had to clean their room so not much fun to be had, as it took them all day.
On Saturday night we all went to a concert where a friend was playing with his band. It was fun! The kids were "groupies" and sat in the front right by the stage, which seemed to be entertaining to the singer along with everyone in the audience.
We all had a good time at Butthead's soccer game too. They played well but lost. It's tough for them - they are playing against traveling teams that play year-round since there are only 2 parks and rec teams. I think in the end they will be better soccer players for the experience though. I re-did Boo's hair wrap while we watched and cheered. Also got my first sunburn so it's officially spring!
At Macy's the girls both got new sunglasses, very cute. Butthead got blue and Boo got purple. And Boo got a very pink cowgirl hat with sparkly stuff on it... she loves it and wore it everywhere this weekend.
We definitely kept out of trouble... but I am still not ready for Monday!
Scott worked like a maniac this weekend, and finished all the base boards, and trim around the cabinets, AND installed the handrails in the stairway. Yea! The painters are coming today to finish everything up - they will be there for a couple of days.
Also this weekend - water was turned on to the house. Which means no more port a potty! Wheeee!!!
On Saturday night we all went to a concert where a friend was playing with his band. It was fun! The kids were "groupies" and sat in the front right by the stage, which seemed to be entertaining to the singer along with everyone in the audience.
We all had a good time at Butthead's soccer game too. They played well but lost. It's tough for them - they are playing against traveling teams that play year-round since there are only 2 parks and rec teams. I think in the end they will be better soccer players for the experience though. I re-did Boo's hair wrap while we watched and cheered. Also got my first sunburn so it's officially spring!
At Macy's the girls both got new sunglasses, very cute. Butthead got blue and Boo got purple. And Boo got a very pink cowgirl hat with sparkly stuff on it... she loves it and wore it everywhere this weekend.
We definitely kept out of trouble... but I am still not ready for Monday!
Friday, May 5
Conflicted
First, a confession:
I am hopelessly addicted to "Survivor"
I had never seen an episode of "Survivor", much less paid attention to the news surrounding the show, until I met Scott. He has been addicted since the very beginning. AND it's the only time of the week I can count on him to consistently sit down and not move for an hour. So I started watching too... and got hooked.
For the uninitiated, the show is comprised of three major events in each episode: a reward challenge, an immunity challenge, and tribal council. In between comes the drama - you get to see the players struggling with the physical, social and emotional trials and tribulations of living in the jungle. The social is definitely the most interesting. They really do cast the show based on personality and plant the seeds of conflict with the people that are selected.
So I am really disappointed that one of the most entertaining players, Shane, was voted out last night.
Shane is a nut job. Really! Last week he decided he missed his BlackBerry so he found a rock that looked like it, and sat and played with it. Urnh? Wha?!?! This week during the immunity challenge he had a tough time, and at the end he spouted off "only Terry is safe tonight at tribal council... dun, dun, duuuuun!" Despite his wackiness, he seems like a good guy though. He helps with the chores around camp and doesn't appear to be backstabbing anyone.
Don't get me wrong. I wasn't rooting for Shane to win $1M by any stretch of the imagination. But he is a little kooky and makes good TV.
And let's face it - the rest of the players are pretty boring. I am clinging to the hope that Terry the Terrific can't keep up his winning streak (he has so far won every immunity challenge and a good number of the reward challenges)... he is so boring and predictable and it really isn't fun to watch him win *every* competition.
I am hopelessly addicted to "Survivor"
I had never seen an episode of "Survivor", much less paid attention to the news surrounding the show, until I met Scott. He has been addicted since the very beginning. AND it's the only time of the week I can count on him to consistently sit down and not move for an hour. So I started watching too... and got hooked.
For the uninitiated, the show is comprised of three major events in each episode: a reward challenge, an immunity challenge, and tribal council. In between comes the drama - you get to see the players struggling with the physical, social and emotional trials and tribulations of living in the jungle. The social is definitely the most interesting. They really do cast the show based on personality and plant the seeds of conflict with the people that are selected.
So I am really disappointed that one of the most entertaining players, Shane, was voted out last night.
Shane is a nut job. Really! Last week he decided he missed his BlackBerry so he found a rock that looked like it, and sat and played with it. Urnh? Wha?!?! This week during the immunity challenge he had a tough time, and at the end he spouted off "only Terry is safe tonight at tribal council... dun, dun, duuuuun!" Despite his wackiness, he seems like a good guy though. He helps with the chores around camp and doesn't appear to be backstabbing anyone.
Don't get me wrong. I wasn't rooting for Shane to win $1M by any stretch of the imagination. But he is a little kooky and makes good TV.
And let's face it - the rest of the players are pretty boring. I am clinging to the hope that Terry the Terrific can't keep up his winning streak (he has so far won every immunity challenge and a good number of the reward challenges)... he is so boring and predictable and it really isn't fun to watch him win *every* competition.
Monday, May 1
House Update
Still working on the house... spent a lot of time there over the weekend, plugging away at all the details. Scott's parents and brother were there to help, along with David. Here's the scoop:
Siding is done on the front and North side of the house. (Thanks, David!)
Front decking has been installed... now we have a front porch! Scott installed the deadbolt and handle on the front door... so the ugly temporary one has been removed and we can start using that entrance.
Top section of the back deck is framed. The lower section still needs to be framed, and Scott is trying to decide whether that is a "now or later" project.
Kitchen countertops are IN! I love love loooove the jaw-droppingly gorgeous marble slab we selected for the island. WOW is an understatement. The granite has been installed on the countertops - it's a subtle black with some gray & quartz flecks that will look great once the under cabinet lights are installed.
Plumbing is making its way in. Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures that supposedly weren't available for the kids' showers mysteriously appeared and have been installed. (Yea!) Water should be turned on very very soon and I can hardly wait - the port a potty has lost its appeal! (oh wait it was *never* appealing...)
Still hoping to be in before my birthday... oh please, oh please!!!
Siding is done on the front and North side of the house. (Thanks, David!)
Front decking has been installed... now we have a front porch! Scott installed the deadbolt and handle on the front door... so the ugly temporary one has been removed and we can start using that entrance.
Top section of the back deck is framed. The lower section still needs to be framed, and Scott is trying to decide whether that is a "now or later" project.
Kitchen countertops are IN! I love love loooove the jaw-droppingly gorgeous marble slab we selected for the island. WOW is an understatement. The granite has been installed on the countertops - it's a subtle black with some gray & quartz flecks that will look great once the under cabinet lights are installed.
Plumbing is making its way in. Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures that supposedly weren't available for the kids' showers mysteriously appeared and have been installed. (Yea!) Water should be turned on very very soon and I can hardly wait - the port a potty has lost its appeal! (oh wait it was *never* appealing...)
Still hoping to be in before my birthday... oh please, oh please!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)