Kat, Alan, Madison, and Austin

figuring out life

2012-01-11T20:56:00.000-06:00

Madison suggested we skip school today since it was only a half day. I almost agreed, but we had a school play date at the park behind the school so I figured we should show up for the four hours. Earlier this week Madison was late for school, which means she isn't getting her free dress pass for Friday. This argument surfaced in trying to convince me to play hooky today. Her point of view was that it didn't matter if we got in trouble because we were already late and she wouldn't get to wear free dress anyway.

Pause.

I almost thought about convincing her this approach wasn't the best attitude....blah, blah, blah....

Pause.

But, then I thought about it. She was right. What do you have to loose. So, I said nothing and shrugged.

A Day at the Park.

2012-01-11T20:36:00.000-06:00

Fort building.

The girls designed a spa fort.

Cleaning?

The completed project.

Remembering

2012-01-05T23:14:00.003-06:00

Four years ago only one thing matter. Nothing else. I checked out of the world for a bit to take care of myself and a little girl. Then, I continued to check out to mentally survive. Today was a completely different day. As a mother of two, a loving wife, and an entrepreneur, the list of "to-do's" went into overdrive. January 5 is always blocked on the calendar for Emma, but extreme circumstances had me checked into the world today. Ever minute was planned out. I am not bitter, grateful, of course, but couldn't help to think how much more important that day was a few years ago.

A few days ago Madison was asking me how many children I want. Not sure why. I think it was a game...what would I do if I have SIX kids, FIVE kids, and so forth. Then her direct question of how many kids I want, had me answer a resounding THREE. That is a complicated answer because we always planned on having 2 children. If Emma would have survived, I am not sure if we would have the pleasure of knowing Austin. Could you even imagine the world without Austin? Me neither! Gosh, I hope that doesn't make me a horrible person. I do not wish one over the other....I would like to have my cake and eat it too. That would just make it perfect.

Today, we took a few moments to remember. Instead of singing the song sung at the memorial service, which is a tear jerker, we remembered this day as her birthday instead of her death anniversary. It felt good to sing happy birthday to her as we released her balloons.

Happy Birthday Emma! I wish you could have known these two:

Remembering 2009
Remembering 2010
Remembering 2011

Austin's Paradigm Sift

2012-01-02T23:30:00.001-06:00

Today.....

Austin changed. If you are a parent you know what this means. It happens right before you eyes and you stand there quite confused wondering how this is happening. You just saw your child yesterday and to have them wake up and talk a little more, be and act a little different, and be well...a little more grown up is just mind blowing.

Today Austin:

* completed more "complete" sentences and made a lot of sense
* answered our questions in complete affirmation
* can site recognize the number 0 and number 3
* told on his sister. Seriously, he told on his sister for the first time. I didn't even have to walk into the room before Madison started to defend herself. Awesome.
* drew a boat, aka ship

Today, that kid just grew up right before my eyes.

Cruise - Day 6

2011-12-31T23:58:00.001-06:00

Day at Sea

Soccer.

Ice Cream Mani & Pedi.

Skytrack.

The last sunset of 2011.

New Year’s Eve.

I love this blurry picture.

After this we stopped taking pictures. I think it had to do with the fishbowl we drank. Ouch. Yes, kids were at camp by this time. There is an incriminating picture of me riding a bell cart.

Happy New Year!!!

Cruise - Day 5

2011-12-30T23:00:00.000-06:00

Dzibilchaltun

We booked a Mayan Ruin and Beach combo excursion in Progresso. I read Progresso is really dirty and it was advised that if you want to do an excursion this is the place to do an organized activity since there isn’t much more offered. Well, unless you want to walk a really dirty town with a ton of wild dogs exploring for scrap remains. The reviews also did not lie in letting me know that these Mayan Ruins were a decent adventure. There was even a cenote, but it wasn’t appealing and there were way to many people for my taste. If the tour would have stopped there, the trip would have been a success. But, now, that would not make a very exciting story would it?

Since we were without kids on this trip, the typically pictures of couples in front of things became the theme. So, without a further ado, I present.....

Kat & Alan in front of a Mayan Ruin wall.

Kat & Alan in front of a Mayan Temple.

Kat & Alan in front of a Mayan Worship Chapel.

Kat on top of a Mayan Temple.

Alan standing next to the Yucca plant, a useful resource back in the day.

This is Kat & Alan at a horrible beach after the driver got us lost and then they ran out of beer. Two different types of beer. The cocktails were horrible. Then, they tried to serve us malt liquor over ice. Seriously. It sucked. We would have taken a cab back to the ship, but remembered the really dirty town with a crazy amount of wild dogs we had to travel through to reach port. So, we suffered though it.

The end.

Ps. Madison and Austin had the best time ever at Camp Carnival. By the way, if I haven’t told you the trick to getting Austin to go to camp, let me share that with you....Quite simple, ”Mommy has to go to work.” It works like a charm.

Cruise - Day 4

2011-12-30T07:11:00.000-06:00

Chankanaab - Cozumel, Mexico National Park

The national park is awesome IF you go to the very end where there is a grove of coconut tress and hammocks. Even with 4 cruise ships at port, there were a total of 20 people around you at any given time. There are other things to do at the park but I can’t tell you what they are. We did not move from this spot for about four hours. We were happy, the kids were happy, so the world is a happy place.

The beach chair became a catapult. Up.

Down.

Again, up.

And down.

Life is good.

Cruise - Day 3

2011-12-29T17:03:00.000-06:00

First port stop: Costa Maya. Curiosity got us off the boat even though the sun was not shiny while the kids stayed on the ship. Again, epic.

Pictures such as this would be facebook. But, alas no facebook. No internet. It is a little bit of an uncertain experience. Regardless, this is me sitting on the beach drinking a Pacifico.

That is about all we did since the port stop was less than desirable. Since someone asked if we were newlyweds, we thought a few cheesy pictures were fitting for the occasion.

As far as the port stop, stay on the ship and go to the spa.

Ronald, our server at dinner has figured us out by now. Lemonade with fruit umbrellas for the kids, pinot noir and a cheese plate for us. The dinner concludes with a napkin animal fold for Madison.

More food painting.

To finish the night off, we had a round of putt-putt and a daiquiri.

Cruise - day 2

2011-12-28T08:53:00.001-06:00

Day 2 started with a great morning of Camp Mom & Dad, aka Spa Cloud 9 and Serenity. while the kids enjoyed Camp Carnival. The rest of the day was spent trying to find a common ground of enjoyment. The hot tub is loved by all, but Mom & Dad had enough heat for one day. Austin loved the pool, but the salt water irritated Madison’s skin. Madison loved the water park, but the spraying of water was less desirable for the two year old. At this point Serenity seemed a distant memory. We were back at the hot tub.

Austin has become very meticulous in food painting. He makes a mess, but not a “crazy” mess and it is quite entertaining to watch. It actually keeps him still and quite while others finish their meal. These is proving useful on more than one occasion.

While Austin wrestled Austin down for a nap, Madison and I went to build a bear. Another friend. In the two days time, we have received so many friends that we need a separate suitcase to get them home. Upon arrival to our room, they received a package of sea friends, which included an octopus, a turtle, a whale, a dolphin,and a crab. Later, we received Freddy, the Carnival mascot as a gift from our travel agent. Now, a bear named Karla. This will be added to the Owl, we received at the PJ Party and the number of other friends we already brought on the trip. And, I am sure it is not the last friend we will receive on this trip.

The Elegant Evening Plan: Austin would go to Camp Carnival while Madison would join us for the elegant Captain’s dinner. What happened: Austin wouldn’t go to the camp. Instead he sat in Dad’s lap quietly and food painted. After dinner, Madison went to camp and Austin joined us for an evening of strolling, sipping, and musical acts. Have I mentioned Madison loves the camp? So much so that she is given up going to the beach at our first port, Costa Maya to stay on the ship and play. To make this perfectly clear, she is ok with us getting off the ship, going to the beach, not being in an arms reach of us so she can play at Camp Carnival. Epic. Austin, is not a fan Camp Carnival, only because he is attached to us, and hates the beach. Ugh. Dilemma.

My most favorite place on the ship? Deck 5, front of the ship below the bridge where it is pitch black and the sky is filled with a gazillion stars.

Carnival Magic - Day 1

2011-12-26T21:52:00.000-06:00

We walked the ship from end to end waiting to set sail. We are thrilled about our stateroom location and the room itself is quaint and perfect. Camp Carnival is a little piece of heaven. If you are ever concerned about feeling guilty of checking your children into a place where someone else watches your kid while on vaca, they easily put your worries to rest. Upon entry, they both took off and we no longer exist. The only problem today is it wasn’t open and tomorrow could not come quick enough.

We had a very tired boy on our hands so the majority of the day was spent wrestling him. Cooperation was at an all time low (but had many highs of cuteness) and we are all in bed super early and hoping for a fun day at sea.

My heaven I am looking forward to? Cloud 9 Spa where I booked Alan and I a 6 day cruise pass to enjoy many, many, many wonderful retreats.

American Girls + The Boys

2011-12-25T21:51:00.000-06:00

The girls love their American Girls.

We love their American Girls too.

Did I mention a lot?

They just make us all so happy.

Jonas and the red ballon.

Austin and the truck.

Epic.

Holiday Adventure - Crafts

2011-12-25T21:30:00.000-06:00

Madison loves crafts and what is better than an end-cap at Target to divulge in this craving. Simple enough, right? Of course it wouldn't be an adventure if it was that simple. Friendship bracelet kit with directions that can't quite be understood and a bottle cap bracelet kit which is a lot more uncomfortable than cute and a snow globe making kit which included the wildest directions with gloves and a mask to accommodate. Not making it up. What I find disconcerting is the one set of gloves and mask when clearly the directions recommends the adult supervision. Note: if you see these cute boxes in all their glitzy-marketing-glory, walk away. Walk. Away. Funny, though.

Holiday Adventure - Christmas Day

2011-12-25T14:48:00.000-06:00

About me? I got my first little blue box with earrings designed by Frank Ghery.

Holiday Adventure - Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T22:12:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve was spent at Ecclesia where two little angels had plans of having pretend coffee rather than partaking in the service. They arrived back in time to enjoy songs and candles though.

A few traditional holiday photos near the fireplace where the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

Holiday Adventure - Breakfast with the Gould's

2011-12-24T21:38:00.000-06:00

Holiday Adventure - Dinner with Zane

2011-12-23T22:52:00.000-06:00

Holiday Adventure - Heights Park

2011-12-23T17:13:00.000-06:00

Holiday Adventure - Creech Dinner

2011-12-22T23:27:00.001-06:00

The entire Creech family is finally together at last. While we have seen each other several times over the past five years, there has always been at least one person missing. It was nice to have the clan together again, now with the addition of two little boys. Jonas and Austin have much in common: music, guitars, balls, and trains.

Ava's dog Cole, which has been adopted by the Grandparents, was the subject of Ava's pretend play and dress up. Poor guy just went along with it. If Dog's could talk, I am sure he was bullied by Presley and Porter.

On this day in history, Austin learned to ride his tricycle.

A stroll around the neighborhood to see a few lights.

My favorite: series of decorative dogs with a "beware of dog" sign in the yard. On the street corner: a 50# bag of dog food, two chewed up chairs, and a door eaten though. Coincidence? Perhaps. Beware.

Austin's First Haircut

2011-12-21T17:20:00.000-06:00

Well, it's kinda his first hair cut. I have personally done a few trims, but Austin has not experienced a professional-sit-in-the-chair-torture-first-hait-cut. A movie, a lollipop, and a few trains and he finally calmed down and allowed for a few inches to be removed.

My Daughter's Hair

2011-12-21T17:09:00.000-06:00

I love my daughter's hair. A lot!. I think it is beautiful and long and lovely. It reminds me of my hair while I was her age. At some point I became a brunette, but secretly wishes I had my hair color when I was a little girl. It has the right amount of natural low lights and high lights. People pay a fortune for a hair color such as hers. Her hair reaches to her mid-back, which makes styling it fun. Some days it just gets a pony tail, but for the most part I enjoy taking the time to create a different style every day. I love brushing her hair at night. She would read a story at bedtime and I would just brush, and brush, and brush. I think this a perk (and a con) to have a daughter.

For months, Madison has requested to cut her hair sort and to have bangs. For weeks, this has been a request daily. I conveniantly had things come up and prolong the inevitable. I do not and did not want Madison to cut her hair. Yes, I have lots of control on this. I know this. I have to put the keys into the ignition and I have to drive the car and I have to pay for it. I could easily say no. But, alas, I did not and am supportive of the wish. Kinda.

I have an idea of the reason why she wanted to cut her hair though. Several weeks ago, Madison pulled out some old photo albums and started to reminisce of the "old times." You know, when "life was simple, we laughed, we wrestled, we went on trips".... Let's go a head and pull the thorn out of my heart. She went on to talk about, I mean balled her eyes out about how much she missed this or that dress, this or that memory, this or that part of her old room...you name it. It was pitiful and tragic. Her life apparently sucks now. To top to off, I couldn't pull out the past several albums and talk about how cool life is now because I haven't done them. I haven't even framed new photos and displayed them to show how cool life is. We are surrounded around by the past and pictures of a little girl with short hair.

So, short hair it is and I have a little girl looking up at me who now looks exactly the way she did when she was three. Just a little taller and a little more opinionated.

It's Just Called "Abstract""

2011-12-18T16:13:00.000-06:00

Winter Class Party

2011-12-18T15:49:00.000-06:00

The theme was set: gingerbread shaped cookies, snowmen pretzels, and a snow glob project.

There were many mishaps in this snow glob project, so let me share them with you.

1) Epoxy sucks. I don't care if there are different kinds and you have to buy the correct one. I have never used it and if I never have to use it again, I will be a very happy person. I don't care what the 15 websites said, epoxy is not my friend. Super glue works fine, but dries wicked fast, so you need a partner to make the glueing little figurines happen.

2) 15 websites also told me to also use oil based paint for the lids. Sure, if you have a month for it to dry and you are not making snow globes for 24 kids. Ugh! A can of spray paint works just fine. Again, making it for 1st graders...it doesn't need to be perfect.

3) Glycerin. Still not sure where you buy this, but mineral oil is not a substitute. Yep, those 15 different websites and the 6 different stores I spent the afternoon driving around to have upset me at this point.

After heading what I thought were several reliable sources, it seemed like I was set up for success. I did not have the luxury of time to "try this out." Regardless, the kids had a ball and didn't really care of my mishaps. It all worked out. Not perfect, but perfect enough.

Thanks goodness winter break has begun.

Winter Fest

2011-12-18T15:22:00.000-06:00

WinterFest '09

WinterFest '10

The 1st grade Dalmatians performed "El Nido" (Little Nest) at "The Season of Hope - Joy Around The World" Winter Fest.

My Mom has a tendency to close her eyes when taking pictures. This is her best effort to keep her eyes open. Good job Mom!

Santa Paw is a little creepy.

Mrs. Doty receiving Madison's holiday cheer: a bracelet she made.

Santa's Workshop

2011-12-12T14:37:00.000-06:00

While in Palestine, we stopped by Santa's workshop.

Cookies and Trains. Version of Heaven to some.

Polar Express

2011-12-12T14:02:00.001-06:00

BWS '06 - '08
BWS '09
BWS '10

We typically celebrate the holidays by having breakfast with Santa. This year, we took the Polar Express Train Ride. An awesome steam engine that takes you through the piney woods to the "north pole". Holiday carols, hot chocolate, cookies, pajamas, and yes, each child got the first gift of Christmas, a silver bell. It was really fun, except I had a crazy child that was very uncooperative on most requests. Love you Son, but you should did make this adventure a challenged.

The Santa was probably the worst Santa I had ever seen. Really, you could smile. Note to Santa, when you smile, your eyes smile, and my dear friend, that is all the facial expression you have.

Tree Decorating

2011-12-04T21:55:00.002-06:00

Tree 2009
Tree 2010

I think Madison made this ornament at school when she was two, maybe three. This two year old decided it would be a nice treat. Yuck.

This two year old has also decided it would be a good idea to play baby. Like, all of the time.

Madison and Austin received their annual Nutcrackers. By the end of the day, the ball was still intact. Miracles do happen.

Festival of Lights

2011-12-04T21:03:00.000-06:00

The story goes: path with lots of light displays.

the monkey's on the left are a little distirbuing

i have no idea what is happening here. but, funny.

Junie B. Jones

2011-12-04T16:36:00.000-06:00

We LOVE some Junie B. Jones. My favorite is the story of Handsome Warren. Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bell, Batman Smell (PS. So Does May) performing at Main Street Theater is awesome. We took the book to the performance to get signed and since we have almost every single book, I knew I would be safe in purchasing any more Junie B. stuff, probably. Not likely. The Junie B. Jones doll came home with us.

Here some Junie B.'s we do not have. For those reading and need Christmas gift inspiration for Madison, these would be great.

Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-ha-ha!

Junie B., First Grader: Cheater PantsTop-Secret, Personal Beeswax: A Journal by Junie B. (and Me!)

Junie B. Jones Is (almost) a Flower Girl

Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook

Junie B.'s These Puzzles Hurt My Brain! Book

Junie B.'s Essential Survival Guide to School

Annual Tree Cutting

2011-12-04T15:24:00.000-06:00

Tree 2009
Tree 2010

Austin: Cut down a tree? No problem.

Twister

2011-12-01T21:25:00.000-06:00

Wednesday night got a little interesting.

Whoopie Pies

2011-11-27T09:40:00.000-06:00

Grannyism #24: Everything in moderation. Even moderation. Katism #1: Except whoopie pies.

I ran across a whoopie pie cook book. Then, I found out I could purchase a whoopie pie pan. Inspired. Let's call this adventure the three days of whoopie pies.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies filled with cream cheese filling to celebrate Thanksgiving.

S'mores Whoppie Pies to celebrate the farm. Due to the burn ban, it is the next best thing.

Banana Nut Whoopie Pie filled with Peanut Butter filling to celebrate nothing more than Mimi making bread one morning and it inspired another creation.

Happiness.

Government Canyon Hike

2011-11-25T22:20:00.000-06:00

For some, it is not about the hiking destination but the actual journey. If you don't look at every stick and pick up every rock, then you might just miss the true purpose of a hike.

The Cove restaurant has become a favorite eatery of ours complete with slides, challenging rock walls, and basketballs.

Basketballs. Persistence. Determination.

I can do it. I can make that goal.

Almost. So close.

Thanksgiving Favorites.

2011-11-25T08:55:00.000-06:00

I like the art of cooking. I love slow cooking. I do not get to enjoy cooking as much as I once did. Even though we are pretty good at providing nutrious meals, they are generally quick and done is such a frenzy only to complete the chore of the nightly dinner. Holiday feasts are one of those times that I get to hide in the kitchen for several hours and just enjoy chopping, dicing, sautéing, baking, simmering, smelling, and tasting. It is not about a fancy table setting and matching dishes. It is about the essence of flavor and family. With the extension of loved ones to play with my most two favorite people in the world, it allows for me to imerse myself for a few hours. There are a few dishes we have falling in love with over the past years and have added a couple of new masterpieces to the menu this year. I thought I would share. Maybe one will the added to your family tradition.

Beet Salad, Feta, and Basil Pesto

Best Button Mushrooms

Kale and Pecorino Salad

Citrus Green Beans & Almonds

Savory Spinach and Artichoke Stuffing

Caramelized Carrots with Sage

Mac & Cheese

2011-11-25T08:49:00.000-06:00

If you have a good mac and cheese recipe, stand by it. If you are looking for a good one, this is it. My children do not like the breadcrumbs, so leave it out. Use whatever cheese you have on hand. My children have a passion for smoked gouda. Because I love variety, before I put the noodles in the casserole dish to bake, I divide the batch and add ingredients into one. One is left to be the simple essence of mac and cheese for the kids. The other takes on a life that includes whatever is on hand. It might be a combination of roasted caramelized onions and heirloom tomatoes or a blend of spinach and mushrooms. Really, whatever you like will just make this already good recipe, great.

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch cayenne
2 1/2 cups grated White Cheddar & Smoked Gouda
1/4 cup of bread crumbs
1/4 cup of parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter and set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Drain well.

Melt the remaining 5 tablespoons butter in a heavy 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, and stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, being careful not to let the flour brown. Using a whisk, add the milk in a steady stream and cook, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth, 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the salt, pepper, cayenne, and 2 cups of the cheese, and stir well. Add the noodles and stir well. Pour into the prepared dish.

In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese with the bread crumbs and parmesean. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 25 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Caramelized Carrots with Sage

2011-11-25T08:29:00.000-06:00

It's happiness. Promise.

olive oil

fresh sage

2 tablespoon brown sugar

1# carrots, sliced on a bias (I don't even peel them because that is what Jamie Oliver would do).
salt and pepper

Heat olive oil in sauté pan and fry the fresh sage leaves. Set aside. Add brown sugar to the pan and which until dissolved. Add the carrots and sauté until lightly tender. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the fried sage leaves. Serve immediately.

Savory Spinach and Artichoke Stuffing

2011-11-25T08:28:00.000-06:00

I just can't say enough about this dish. I was inspired by this many years ago when I was looking for a twist on a traditional stuffing recipe. This is an Emeril's recipe from food network. I pretty much follow it to the t.

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 1/2 pounds spinach, washed (3 cups cooked and roughly chopped)

2 cups chopped yellow onions

1 tablespoon roughly chopped garlic

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

3 (8 1/2-ounce) cans quartered artichoke hearts, any tough outer leaves removed

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

2 cups vegetable stock

2 tablespoons lemon juice

12 to 14 cups cubed (1-inch) day-old French bread (1 loaf)

1 pound Brie, rind removed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted, about 30 seconds. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Once cool, squeeze as much water from spinach as possible, then roughly chop, and reserve.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, 2 teaspoons of Italian Essence, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the artichokes and cook, stirring, another 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and reserve.

Combine the eggs, cream, vegetable stock, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon Italian Essence, remaining 2 teaspoons salt, and remaining 1 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the bread, spinach, artichoke mixture, brie, 1/4 cup Parmesan,

and parsley and stir to combine. If bread does not absorb all of liquid immediately then let rest until this happens, about 20 minutes.

Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan over the top and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Bake until firm in the center and golden brown, about 1 hour. Serve warm.

Citrus Green Beans & Almonds

2011-11-25T08:27:00.001-06:00

Just inspired. Fresh, local green beans and salty-lemon water will lead to the success of this dish.

2# of fresh green beans, ends trimmed
1/2 cup of lemon juice
sea salt
2 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup sliced almonds
mandarin oranges - not the oranges in the can, but the fresh little cutie oranges
juice from an orange

Bring water with lemon and salt to a boil. Add green beans and cook until al dente. Drain and cool in ice bath. Set aside. In sauté pan, toss green beans in olive oil to warm. Add sliced almonds, oranges, and juice from an orange and toss. Serve immediately.

Kale and Pecorino Salad

2011-11-25T08:24:00.000-06:00

I had the most enjoyable experience when Stephaine Green introduced this most amazing masterpiece to me. This is new introduction to the menu and it will probably live on to be a part of our menu well past Thanksgiving. It is just fantastic. I can't wait to be hungry again so I can eat more of it. Who knew kale could taste so good.

3/4 to 1 pound kale (lacinato or Tuscan kale if you can find it), stems and center ribs discarded, washed well
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 ounces shaved Pecorino Romano (1 cup)

Working in batches, cut kale crosswise into very thin slices.

Whisk together shallot, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until combined well.

Toss kale and pecorino in a large bowl with enough dressing to coat well, then season with salt and pepper.

Best Button Mushrooms

2011-11-25T08:23:00.000-06:00

I generally use 3 lbs of mushrooms because my family is crazy about some mushrooms. I divide the batch and sauté them in two pans to make sure they are caramelize and do not release their liquid. Liquid release leads to steamed mushrooms. Still good, but not as great as caramelization. Once they are caramelize, I put them in one pan to complete the recipe.

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 pounds whole small button mushrooms, wiped clean 3 tablespoons butter
Gray sea salt
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup white wine
1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves

In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the mushrooms. Do not move the mushrooms until they have caramelized on the bottom. If you toss them too soon, they will release their liquid and begin to steam. When the bottoms are caramelized, toss them and continue to cook for about 5 minutes.

Add the butter. Cook and toss for 5 minutes, until beautifully browned.

Season with salt and add the garlic. Saute another 2 minutes, and add the thyme, lemon juice, and white wine. Cook to evaporate the liquid.

Toss in the parsley and serve immediately.

Beet, Feta And Basil Pesto Salad

2011-11-25T08:22:00.000-06:00

Influenced by Monica Pope's T'afia.

I like to used goat feta, if you can find it. The actual recipe called for marjoram, but substituted basil pesto. If you get beets in your csa shares, this is the reason beets exist.

Beet greens? Blanch them for 30 seconds, cool, and roughly chop. Sauté in olive oil with garlic and pepper.

4 beets

ó cup local feta

6 tbls marjoram pesto

6 tsp pinenuts

Boil fresh beets until they are cooked all the way through (a knife will pass easily through it) and the

skin can be peeled with your fingertips. Set beets aside until cool. I refrigerated them. Once cool, peel and cube the

beets.

Basil Pesto

1/3 bunch parsley

1 bunch basil

1/3 tbls chopped garlic

1/6 cup almonds

1/6 cup romano-pecorino cheese

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2/3 tbl kosher salt

1/6 tbl black pepper, freshly ground

juice of 1/3 lemon

Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.

To assemble:

Spoon a tablespoon of marjoram pesto in the middle of a plate. In a stainless steel bowl, toss the beets with extra virgin olive oil and a little salt. Place beets on top of the pesto. Top with feta.

Life is....

2011-11-24T20:46:00.001-06:00

A tractor and a wagon. Exploration. A reclaimed metal slide. A truck. A swing. A trampoline. A pool. Dirt. Lots of dirt. Love. A sword fight. A great old oak tree. A couple of dogs.

Thanksgiving 2008
Thanksgiving 2009
Thanksgiving 2010

Papa's Tractor

2011-11-24T19:45:00.000-06:00

Papa and Mimi got a wagon for the farm. A wagon with a duel purpose for doing the farm work, but more importantly for pulling the grandkids.

Austin's First Dentist Trip

2011-11-22T20:29:00.001-06:00

Austin finally got to meet Dr. Moon and by no means was he falling for the cool tricks of carousels, rocking' shades, and toys the way Madison did. No way. But, in the end, he did score his own bag of goodies. I would say he was quite proud of himself. Photo compliment of Dr. Moon.

Madison's School Picture 2011

2011-11-22T16:34:00.000-06:00

She's cute.

Austin's School Picture 2011

2011-11-22T16:23:00.000-06:00

Spring 2010 school picture
Fall 2010 school picture
Spring 2011 school picture

Thank Mr. Dick Scott, wherever you are for a decent school picture. Finally!

She Lost Her Tooth

2011-11-15T21:45:00.001-06:00

It finally happened. That little tooth hung in there for weeks. I thought it would never come out. It drove Alan crazy. So much so, there was much anxiety and anxiousness around the house. Don't swallow it. Pull it so you don't loose it. Do you still have your tooth?

I can't believe my little girl is growing up. Comments of exasperation, such as "I can't believe you are loosing your first tooth. I think I am going to cry," brought replies of "Really, Mom? It's going to be ok...it's not like I am not going to die or anything."

According to economics, the going rate for a lost tooth is $3. We sent an email to the tooth fairy since Madison requested a princess-barbie-doll instead. You might know the one if you have little girls, you shop at target, and stand in the ridiculously long line on a regular occasion. It's right there for the impulse buy. Months of wanting it, but not wanting to give up allowance dollars, the tooth fairy finally delivered.

Ren Fest 2011

2011-11-13T21:44:00.000-06:00

photo credits to Alanna & Bethany. Thanks.

It all started with face painting.

We moved onto riding ponies and kings swings.

The Dragon Spin seemed like a good idea.

Seemed being the optimal word.

It ended with the sweetest thing I saw all day.

The crew.

Zoe's 7th Birthday

2011-11-06T22:11:00.000-06:00

Zoe's 7th birthday was held at Build-A-Bear on a Saturday afternoon at the Galleria. Much love to the Farmers. Much love.

On the way to the mall Madison decided that she wanted to give Austin a bear rather than getting another one for herself. This tender creature remarked that having two bears and Austin having none would not be fair. Who thinks like this?

Onto the party highlights. Bears on heads.

Kissing and making a wish on the bears heart.

Next stop: a walk through the mall and a glimpse into our future. Ugh.

6 & 2 - it is just perfect

2011-11-06T13:51:00.001-06:00

I am pretty sure the combination of Madison and Austin at 6 & 2 is just perfect. There is not much I would change. It's not that I think 6 is a perfect age or 2 is a perfect age, but them together at this moment in time is a beautiful thing. I would like to bottle it. Sure, sure....they will grow and the dynamics will change, for the better or for the worse, but if I could have my choice, I would like them to stay 6 & 2 forever.

Enjoy the moments of our family. There are so many great ones and if you are like me you will need a tissue and you might just have to watch it at least twice, and perhaps a few more times for good measure. Leslie, thank you for the great morning with my family.

www.clients.goodlightphotography.com/creech/2011/

Halloween 2011

2011-11-06T13:40:00.000-06:00

Pumpkin Carving 2011

2011-10-30T17:54:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin carving 2011 highlights:

* kid grossed out and threw up on Alan's knee
* exhausted from carving three pumpkins brought out the drill
* pumpkin drilling is awesome
* pumpkin snail was much more interesting than pumpkin guts
* i really, really, really liked pumpkin drilling

This year, I also had my hand in a little arts and crafts:

Hanging with Ezra

2011-10-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Cousin Ezra was in town from Italy so we gathered for a dinner and play date. Lupe Tortillas, the best of both worlds. That is until you walk into the Spring/Woodland location and there is no playground. No sandbox. No toy insight. Mr. Lupe Tortilla Dude - you were built on sandboxes and margaritas. Why in the world would you change a good thing?!

A large pile of rocks entertained instead.

This might just be a glimpse into my future.

Operation Gould

2011-10-20T23:11:00.000-05:00

While I would prefer to be the other friend sitting on the beach in Mexico, I am that friend who gets watch the kids. Love ya, mean it. Seriously though, Happy 10th Anniversary to my dear friends. Your kids are awesome, have eaten well, cleaned up, and have listened. Really, Violet is actually reacting and listening. She did get a tardy slip today, but her hair was cute and she was completely accessorized. Opportunity cost, I think. David is making it through the transition just fine. A few tears, but he preserves. He loves the dogs. Austin is completely protective and won't share me with David. Poor guy has been pushed a few too many times. Austin has spent some time out in his room. Well worth it because the make up hugs make your heart melt.

I call this one: Oh, smile for candy...no problem. The other...yeah right, that trick is getting old.

Dewberry Farm 2011

2011-10-09T17:11:00.000-05:00

Dewberry Farm 2009

Dewberry Farm 2010

Another adventure.

My biggest love of Dewberry is the old fashion pumpkin patch where you trample through the vines to pick your pumpkin. Tons of variety and a much more exciting than the grocery store purchase. But, the Texas drought of 2011 was hard to the crop and pumpkins were brought in from Missouri and Iowa. The farm made the best of it and laid them out in the pasture. Not quite the same, but fun regardless.

Night on the Hill

2011-10-09T10:20:00.001-05:00

The fall season brings more fun adventures on the Miller Outdoor Theater hill.

Between the nose and the mouth, Austin's fingers are consistently inserted into one or the other. A fitting picture.

Jan's But(t)

2011-09-27T22:45:00.002-05:00

The directions say "draw a picture of what is happening". For example, Jim is in a jet. So, you draw a plane with Jim in it. Pretty straight forward independent school work. Today, Madison received her school handout with a little bit of a mistake on it. She did exactly what the directions said. Seriously, one if the best laughs ever!

Note: but should be bug

1st Grade Self Portrait

2011-09-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

PreK

Kinder

1st Grade:

what goes up...must come down.

2011-09-13T21:16:00.000-05:00

6 years of being a Mother and and I can honestly brag that my children have never pushed, probed, or shoved things up their extremities. Lucky perhaps. Until Monday. Nothing like getting the call from the Nanny at 11 am to make your heart stop. (Note: Nanny's awesome and I do not blame her. I blame the 6 year old and her beaded necklace which broke and wasn't picked up). At first I thought she said: "There is a bee up Austin's nose." My response: "why are you calling me? Call 911." I was quickly correctly: "No, there is a BEAD." Well, there makes me breath a little easier.

Day canceled, car turned around, and the blue bead up a little guys nose was checked. He could breath and was in a relatively good mode. I wasn't going to tempt fate, so rather than tackling this extraction myself, I headed to the doctor. All ended well. Later, I still got to meet up with a colleague for lunch and ritas, which my son joined and was exceptionally corperative. Then, I got the most-fantastic-complete sentence: "I love you Mommy." Well, that just made my day perfect. Not asking for a bead up a nose to play hooky from work, but I'll take that admiration any day.

some days are just like that.

2011-09-13T09:37:00.000-05:00

Typical philosophy in life is to make the best of any situation regardless of the hand you have been dealt. I do not typically throw a pity party but, dang, sometimes you just have one of those days when nothing, and I mean nothing could go right. Continuos challenges and doors being shut was the theme on this day last week. It was a day when you really could use the Staple "reset" button. A day when you just need to quit. A day when you just needed someone to give you a "win." Just one. A day when you just can't wait for tomorrow. After all, tomorrow has to be better than this crappy day I am currently submerge in. As luck would have it, my fortune cookie at dinner confirmed that this day was indeed not my imagination. It really did suck. Damn you fortune cookie writer and your wit to just stick it to me. At this point, I would say that finding a dark corner and crawling in a fetal position is completely justified.

Swim Stunts

2011-09-11T22:10:00.000-05:00

I am truly amazed at how far we have come with this swimming thing. Just crazy.

Note to Mimi: this trampoline stunt only happened once. Ok, twice because I had to record it.

Grandparents Lunch

2011-09-11T21:55:00.000-05:00

Madison got hooked up with a very large piece of pound cake from Nana. That just made Grandparents Day the most awesome day ever. We missed you Mimi.

Labor Day

2011-09-11T21:46:00.000-05:00

Part I - Sunday.

I have a dog and sometimes he is cute.

Part II - Monday. It gets a little more rowdy. For more insight on this, click here.

One person, name unmentioned, really likes the spring chair float and does not give it up easily.

Until she met some very persistent girls

taking her down.

Austin's New Adventure

2011-09-01T11:31:00.000-05:00

Austin started his new adventure at St.Matthews where he apparently rules the roost. Give a guy a room filled with trains, more trucks than you can imagine, and dozens of dinosaurs and Mom does not exist. Concerned about drop off? No way. This guy has got one cool life. The room is large and the group is small. Plus, he gets to go to the gym where there are some of the coolest trikes, bikes, and balls to enjoy. I just get the backhanded wave. Hog heaven, as my Granddaddy would say. He welcomed his new teachers with firefly cookies (since that is the name of his classroom) and we said farewell to our teachers at MCC with apple shaped cookies that said thank you.

6 & 2 Well Check-up

2011-08-31T08:47:00.002-05:00

Madison weighs in at 43 lb 8 ox (43 percentile) and dynamite comes is small packed with a height of 3'6.5" (8.25 percentile).
Good reviews and healthy.
Nana - we are happy to report that she informed the doctor her favorite food is Pound Cake.

Austin weighs in at a whopping 29 lb 13 oz (72 percentile) and is destined to be on the basketball court at 36.5" (94 percentile).
If you want to be Austin's doctor, you have got to be quick.

Love

2011-08-30T14:30:00.000-05:00

...because I have time. She just about cried.

picasso

2011-08-29T22:31:00.000-05:00

* note: forgive the background. this was the past time while there was a garage/project honey-do being completed. we really do not live at a junk yard.

Puzzled

2011-08-29T21:19:00.000-05:00

While working on a slide puzzle:

Madison: Ugh! This puzzle is so hard. It is frustrating and not any fun.
Alan: Well, if was easy it wouldn't be any fun.
Madison: Maybe. But, I wouldn't be frustrated and that's fun.

Austin Turns Two!

2011-08-29T09:49:00.001-05:00

How in the world did this guys grow up? Just a month ago, only a few words came out of his mouth. Now, he sings and sings and sings just about anything. Gosh darn, his cute. Happy Birthday Austin. Two years old. Wow!

The Summer

2011-08-27T08:50:00.001-05:00

Where to start? When the blog writing comes to a halt for a few months, you know life just got a little more interesting. So, here is the recap. Professionally, it was a whirlwind of fabulous events. I was very fortunate to have so many great events and even some national marketing events well into the "slow" part of the summer to keep me busy. Personally, we were ever so lucky to go on a road trip in late June to Destin with some friends for a wonderful week of relaxation. Relaxation is a relative term during this time as Alan was in a career transition, which included job lost and a new career on the horizon. We finally had two offers on the table for the house. So, sunny Florida and white sandy beaches is where we waited out the game to see how it played out. During this time, Austin decided to flourish with his talking abilities. I received my first "I love you" from his small and cute voice. It went a little like this "uv youuuuuu." Madison was a fish in the water and didn't mind the sand between the toes.

July hit and it was the beginning of a new journey. Several job offers presented themselves and Alan is very happy with his job selection. A house offer was accepted, but little did we know that the timing of the sale and closing would create frantic mess in the Creech household. I can go on and on about the buying and selling of a house, both of which I absolute hate. Hate is a very strong word and I loath the process. Everything about it, I truly dislike. I am not sure who set up the systems, the negotiating, the back and forth, the concessions, the everything. Ugh. If I never buy or sell a house in my life, it may just make me the happiest person in the world.

As a family we decided 16 months ago to sell the house and to start a better life, a life without debt and worry. To live life differently, to travel more, to experience more. For years we tried to do the Dave Ramsey rules and steps to achieving this goal, but failed miserably. So, the bold move? Sell the biggest equity item we owned. Since we bought the house as a small 2-1 bungalow and remodeled into a modern 3-2, the profit on the house would take care of all those youthful expenditures and school loans. This all seemed like a responsible and logical plan.

Nothing but bad timing was on our side. The sale date and the move date to the lease house we selected didn't line up. Plus, we agree to a 48 hour walk through prior to the close date. Plus, I was out of town for a 4-day conference where I won a few awards prior to our close date. Plus, we have jobs that made the move during the week impossible so we only had one weekend to pack and move. Plus, we have two children and wanted to keep some sense of normality. Plus, on the eve of our last day in the house, I had a huge event. Plus, on the eve of our move in date, one week later, I was busy executing a very large event that was about to get national coverage. All I could do was go into survival mode. There was no time to really think.

The sentimental side of me was having a hard time letting go. This was our first house together where we brought two fabulous children into the world. Our third child never saw the house that we built for her. Looking back on that journey is one of the reason I have a hard time letting go. It funny how two people's perception on the same topic can be very different. Alan was ready to let go of what the house on 1352 Woodcrest represented. The extension of the house was designed for a little girl named Emma. The remodel was rushed and there were so many flaws. As an architect and a husband, the bad dry wall areas and unfinished projects continually reminded him of the pain and the heartache. Logically or not, I wanted to hold onto the pain. It was all I had left. I remember putting the garden back together. I remember the friends and families that came to replant the iris along our front drive way. I remember painting every single base board white as a friend stood beside me to give me strength. I remember the back breaking journey of laying the black rock around our house. I remember the second room being shut off until we were ready to open it up. I remember painting every wall as my method of soothing the pain. Everything about the process was for survival. I survived again.

Even though Alan and I have a few different feelings, neither one of us will ever forget. We also will never forget all the joy and laughter of our first house. So many birthdays, dinners, play dates, late nights holding our children, and love filled that house. If the walls could talk I think they would share the joys of Snuggle Sunday, pancakes in bed, bubble baths to the ceiling, story telling, dress up dance parties, and eating more cookie dough than actually baking.

As we moved into August and everything came crashing together I was incredibly bitter about the whole process and the final sale of the house. I truly felt that I wasn't getting anything I wanted. After all the house showings and accepting an offer, it was just happening too fast. I wanted to take a moment to reflect. I wanted to take a moment to say goodbye. I just wanted to cry. All I wanted was to cry. All I wanted was to spend the last few moments with my family on our last night in our first house and have a pity party. Not sure why I wanted a pity party. Emma probably would have told me to get up and put on my big girls panties.

The last night, Madison and Austin had one more bubble bath in the spa bathtub. I missed it. I had to work. I hate that I missed something so perfect.

The house was empty except for one small white cube sitting on the floor. Alan picked up Emma,  turned off the light, and left 1352 Woodcrest for the final time. On facebook, I asked our friends what their favorite memory was. These are some of the responses:

Cathleen Davis Watching the amazing transformation in your garden.   Drinking your delicious sangria with you. Watching you ride through the neighborhood with Madison in the bike trailer (a long while ago).
Sierra Gray Jones An amazing bottle of wine and some great conversation.
Angela Pennington Getting us all positioned for the familiy photo on the playground. :)
Laurie Pitzer Relaxing with you, and enjoying your sangria recipes!
Allana Spier Frischenmeyer Enjoying a great dinner with you guys and  attending a cookie decorating party! :)
Lacy Heit Helping Mandi 'Stevens' White change into her wedding dress before we went out to take pics :)
Jennifer Schafer the marriage of my son to your daughter...down the isle creech style...orange veil and a chicken little first dance.
Daphne Scruggs Fields: Madison taking my son inside immediately upon meeting him, leaving us on the front porch. Instant friends! I loved the garden right in the front yard. A super cool pirate pool out back Hearing about and seeing the amazing renovations you guys did. But honestly, my favorite memory, was watching Alan show George how to use the reel mower. It was just really sweet. Our childhood behind us, but now with kids of our own. And George LUVED it. He now has his own 16" reel mower. Hey... all that with one visit! Pretty memorable place, lol.
Rachel Trevenen Dirkmaat: I loved Madison's Alice in Wonderland party. What's not to love ... a painted rose, or playing croquet with flamingos, or eating delicious food? It was amazing. A close second was the night of homemade mac-n-cheese ... mmmm cheddar.
Mine: There are many. But, one of my favorites was when Madison walked out to the back yard on Christmas morning and saw the swing set her Daddy built for her.

Each one of our children have a tree in their honor. The Magnolia will stay in the Oak Forest subdivision and continue to grow. It is now 6 years old and is difficult to move. Since we are leasing a house, we really don't have a place where it would survive. I guess we will have the joy of driving past it in years to come to see how much it has grown, just as we watch our Madison continue to do the same. The olive tree for Austin was never planted in the ground, so that was an easy move. Emma's pomegranate was moved by the professionals and lives in a 100 gallon container. We continue to water it daily to keep it alive in the Houston heat and drought.

I have had several email correspondence with the new dwellers on Woodcrest. They are expecting a new baby in November and are in love with the house. They have expressed how they feel a positive energy whenever they enter their house. The gent of the house is a chef and we are happy to know that the south lawn garden will be used and enjoyed. I am sure they will do a make over of the kitchen, which is desperately needed. Not sure what the lady of the house does, but her emails are very articulate and kind. I have to pick up some left over mail, which is probably junk, but a really good excuse to meet them. With our community being very small, I am sure that our paths will cross.

Now, we have started our new adventure in a new house. Surprisingly, I am doing ok. The house is much bigger: two stories, two studies, four bedrooms and the kids are slowing adjusting. Madison will not be separated from us. If we are on level one, so is she. If we move to level two or walk outside, even for a moment, she is on our heals. If she is unsure where we are, she calls our names. Clearly, we are just in the other room. Her response is "Just wanted to let you know I love you" so she doesn't give off the vibe that she is a little uncomfortable in this large space. She is not fooling us. We turned the master suite downstairs into the playroom, which is by far my favorite room in the house, and all the sleeping rooms are upstairs.  Sleeping? Oh my, we have to cuddle with both of the kids until they fall asleep and then they both sneak into our rooms in the middle of the night. This is after we spent a whole lot of money painting, buying new bedroom furniture, sheets, night-lights, and the like. Bedtime ritual just went from 20 minutes to 45 minutes. And that is on a good day. We have a swimming pool. Yes! We have a swimming pool during the hottest summer on record. There is nothing better. The pain really just kinda goes away when you are enjoying the swimming pool. Life is getting back to normal. We even hosted a big birthday bash celebrating six and two.

Austin is talking and singing like crazy. He is going to be an engineer or an architect or both. He has zero interest in potty training. I suppose we should buy some pull ups, but are entering unchartered territory. Madison was a little above average and was potty trained by two years of age. No pressure Austin. His number one interest is grazing. If he could snack 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the boy would be even more happy than happy. Even being debt free, my grocery budget can't handle such a request. He is turning two in a few short days. His favorite word is "no" and is a do-it-myself-kinda-guy. He is leaving the Montessori Children's Cottage and moving over to St. Matthews in September. It's funny. I am kinda sad. I have always liked MCC infant center and it is very comfortable since both kids have gone there, but like the community surrounding St. Matthews. Every child and parent I have met from there I have connected with. I have butterflies as we move into a new world of friends and teachers. More change.

Madison is a first grader. Not quite ready for that. And second grade just sounds old. Let's not rush that. Ugh. She learned how to swim this summer. I am not sure how I did not know about Mrs. Nora. This lady is amazing and a saint. Not sure what special power she processes or what is in her water, but the kids drank it and miraculously swam. I do not care what your story is and the level of fear your child has, Mrs. Nora is a miracle worker. Madison, I think had a hard summer, but is resiliant. Give a girl a swimming pool and she'll tell you it was a GREAT summer. Unfortunately, she is getting more in tune with television and shows. For six years, third party entertainment has sat on the sideline and her imagination told the story. No longer. This girl loves to watch the tube. Again, more change.

Alan is settling into the new job. He leaves early, but gets home just as the kids are coming home from school. It works out really well and with life getting back to normal, we are starting to feel like a family again.  I am settling into a much welcomed routine. There is time again for dancing, singing, book ready, cooking, and playing. Everyone is in smiles. I have cried a few times and have driven passed the house more times that I want to admit, but I am also smiling. I think the new adventure is going to work out great.

These are a few of my favorite things...

2011-08-24T12:20:00.000-05:00

A few friends stayed late into the night for the birthday gift opening. The camera card was full and the batteries ran out of juice, but not before a few moments were captured on film. The oversize beanbag that was suppose to be pink accidentally got ordered as purple. Since it is Madison's second favorite color and compliments pink (her words), the gift was accepted. And Oh my! Someone finally got the Pocahontas outfit she has always wanted.

1st Grade Bound

2011-08-23T11:49:00.000-05:00

Having a first grader is way too much to swallow. I do not like it Sam I Am! The biggest challenge this year is they divided the GT kids into two classrooms. Something about diversity and IB focused. I am trying to be supportive and I get it, but truth me told this division has broken up my Mom's group. This is uncool.

Pre K | Kinder