Historic 4th Ward School

The Historic 4th Ward School educated all children grades 1-12 in Virginia City from 1876-1939. Maggie and I LOVED roaming the halls happily imagining what it must have been like to be a student and teach there. We sat in the desks, wore the Dunce cap, and even rang the school bell like Miss Wilder on Little House on the Prairie...what could be better than that?

St. Mary's Catholic Church

St. Mary's in the Mountains is the oldest active

Catholic Church in Nevada.

A plaque inside read,

"...it still stands as that beautiful jewel,

a light set on a mountaintop

for all to see."

We agree...the church was a glorious sight to see!

Love Thursday

Today was a very relaxing day...hanging out at Burnt Cedar Beach watching Maggie attempt to catch crayfish. She actually caught one but later dropped her pail...a bittersweet release! the beaches here have wonderful rocks and pebbles...very smooth...somehow each summer we come home with a truckload. I even incorporated them into the mosaic back splash I finished last year!

Look Familiar?

Doesn't this remind you of the horrible "stick piles" that indicated something terrible was about to happen in the movie Blair Witch? Ian's movie influence is not a good one...

These are actually brush piles the fire crews around here create when creating defensible space. They do a lot of controlled burns around here...everyone is VERY conscious of possible fire dangers.

Cucumber Party

Today we canned pickled cucumbers and spicy jalapeno garlic cloves. Mom, Maggie, Ian and I actually canned 60 jars! Ian and I can't wait to get started on our own when we return to Houston...when will we find the time?

Tallac Historical Site/Taylor Creek

We visited the Tallac Historical Site. First, we stopped inside to see a film on historic Lake Tahoe and looked around their museum. Maggie tried her luck with a drill the Washoe Indians used...

The sight of this Native American canoe does not get Maggie any closer to getting into a modern day canoe!
We saw (and smelled) beautiful flowers, gardens, and butterflies on our walk around the estates.

We visited the Pope and Baldwin estates. They were absolutely lovely. Unfortunately, we were unable to view the Valhalla estate due to a wedding on the site.

Can you believe this tree is 400 years old?

We visited Taylor Creek Visitor Center.

We hiked about half a mile on Rainbow Trail to the stream profile chamber.

We all had a fun day today...as you can see by Maggie's dirty feet (I had no idea feet could get THAT dirty)! I'll spare you by not showing you mine!

West Shore Excursion

Ehrman Mansion Estates in West Shore Lake Tahoe, California.

Phipps Cabin on West Lake Tahoe Beach.

Delightful picnic at Sugar Pine Point State Park.

Inspiration Point

Fannette Island

Emerald Bay

Maggie LOVED climbing the waterfalls and rocks at Eagle Falls.

The frigid waters

of Lake Tahoe numb the body

but awaken the soul!

Sand Point Nature Trail

Today Caroline and Kari left for Houston. We got to go on a quick hike along Sand Point Nature Trail before they left. The girls really enjoyed climbing on the gigantic boulders along the water. We had a wonderful time sharing Tahoe with them and hope they had a great vacation!

Ian is here. We were able to pick him up from the airport when we dropped off the O'Connors... perfect timing! When we got back to the lake the smoke from the fires had returned with a vengeance! We stopped off at Burnt Cedar Beach to play on the playground and check out the smoke on the lake after dinner at The Saloon. You can't even see the mountains!

Spooner Lake/4th of July

We saw a fabulous 1/2 hour fireworks show on the beach! Happy 4th of July!

We hiked 2 miles around Spooner Lake.

We saw evidence of the Washoe Indians!

We enjoyed a fried chicken and watermelon picnic under the shade of the pine trees.

Love Thursday

Tonight after dinner we took a hike to see the sunset and possibly some fireworks from King's Beach. Along the way, Maggie picked up a big rock from the ground and guess what? You guessed it...a hole in the ground shaped like a heart!

Truckee River/Gatekeeper's Museum

Today was a really fun day! We went whitewater rafting down the Truckee River and had a wonderful time. Despite Maggie's irrational fear of canoes (and any similar feeling boat), she had a great experience. The day was gorgeous and enjoyed every moment of the 2 1/2 hour ride down the river. We stopped along the way and had a picnic on one of the pebbled shores. This time I was more careful about protecting my camera (last year I ruined mine). Afterwards, we went to the Gatekeeper's Museum which is a wonderful little log cabin museum dedicated to the Washoe Indians and their basket making, pioneers and Lake Tahoe history. There was a nature trail behind the cabin that took us down to the lake. There were dandelion seeds floating everywhere...as if it were snowing. It was magnificent. We were able to view huge rainbow trout native to the Truckee River from the historic "Fanny Bridge"... I was tempted to put a photo of the fannies looking down at the river but instead chose a more tasteful one of Maggie!

Sand Harbor/Zephr Cove

Today we went to Sand Harbor State Park. We love it because of the wonderful rocks. Maggie likes to climb on them and I love photographing them...it looks very Caribbean to me. The girls had a delightful time while Kari and I enjoyed sitting in the sun doing nothing but soak in the rays and watch our girls play! Afterwards, we went to Zephyr Cove to take a ride on the Tahoe Queen paddle boat and totally missed it! We ended up taking a sailing cruise on the Woodwind II and had a nice time. Unfortunately, the air was extremely foggy from smoke due to the wildfires in northern California so the view wasn't as good as we are used to. We ate a yummy meal at Ciao/Mien and headed home...we were exhausted!

Summer is Here!

Today started off early...we had to be at the airport at 6:00am! We had a wonderful surprise waiting for us. The sweet couple that sat next to us on the same flight last summer was next to us again! What are the odds? They are grandparent aged and totally remembered us. They asked about my health, where was Zada (our foster child for those that don't know), how were my parents, etc. Anyway, catching up with them made our flight zoom by! When we got to Reno, we visited with my parents for a bit at the airport, went to Circus Circus to see a show and play midway games and then it was time to pick up Maggie's neighborhood friend Caroline and her mom, Kari. We drove over Mt. Rose to get to Lake Tahoe, dropped our stuff off at the house and went straight to Incline Beach! That night we ate a wonderful meal at Lone Eagle Grille. Yum.

Goodbye Jason

Today was the last day of summer school. It is a mixed blessing for me. Of course, I am thrilled to no end it's over...I'm exhausted and tired. On the other hand, I sort of got attached to many of the kiddos...especially Jason.

Let me explain. Jason is autistic and I first met him when he was in Maggie's kindergarten class. He walked right up to me and licked my arm! Wow...who are you? I quickly found out that Jason is a very smart and loving child...just as all children are. I got to know Jason over the years and he quickly became a favorite with many of the teachers on campus. The kids appear to be protective and supportive of Jason and all that he does. I was a bit nervous when I found out he would be in my summer school class.

Jason knows a lot. He can tell me what he likes and doesn't like...he can be very opinionated and brutally honest. He can also have a political conversation. He is a Democrat and very pro Obama but says his parents are Republicans! Sadly, he doesn't do any work in class and his mother makes him do it all at home. The only work he somewhat completes every once in a while is writing in his journal. The other day he told me his wish for himself is to have a friend, his wish for our school is to have a big slide, his wish for our city is to be clean and his wish for the world would be no more earthquakes. Very insightful.

Anyway, about a week ago he got stuck on the phrase, "I like hearts." I think he said it a hundred times. He pulled some scraps of colored tissue paper from our recycle box and started cutting. I didn't say anything because he was busy and I had a lot to do with the other kids. After a day of this I looked more closely and noticed his cutting mania was actually hundreds of hearts of all sizes...perfect hearts!

You know what a heart lover I am...especially unexpected ones. I hated to see his hearts get thrown away. He put so much heart into his project! They were scattered everywhere. Maggie glued a lot of them onto a poster board with his picture on it with a note from me on back. I presented it to Jason and the children gave Jason a standing ovation! He was so proud of his hard work and he felt appreciated.

Jason will be going to a new school next year. A special school. I will miss him as will everyone else. I heart you Jason.

Sacred Sunday

Maggie's coming home today! Ian and I had a wonderful day together...sleeping in and skipping church, which is a rare thing. We meandered to the Farmer's Market and picked up our veggie/fruit needs for the week as well as a bunch of fresh garlic! Mom, Maggie and I are going to pickle cucumbers when we get to Tahoe next week. Anyway, we also stopped at Wabash Feed Store and

promised to go back when we return from Tahoe to get a Satsuma tree for me, a new Meyer Lemon tree for Maggie and get my dad a lime tree for his birthday in August...sounds like a great plan!

Afterwards, we went to my 2 favorite stores Casa Ramirez and Tansu on 19th Street in the Heights. I almost got an antique school desk...I've always wanted one...but in the end, didn't. I couldn't figure out where I would put it! I think I will regret that decision...just like the day we passed up getting my dream car in Tahoe...the Jeep Wagoneer!

I love this picture because Maggie and I decorated these crosses one day when she was in pre-k and had a great time. I made the one with the tile mosaic and she made the one with the glass bead design. The glass beads were all clear...she painted underneath each bead to get the desired color...very clever. The crosses are lying on a quilt mom and I made for Maggie when she was in kindergarten. The picture captures a lot of family memories.

Missing Maggie

Maggie is off to Crosby to spend the weekend with her great-grandmother Marion. Ian and I saw yet another movie, Baby Mama. It was my choice and I thought it was pretty cute.

It rained today and washed away the heart chalk drawings Maggie and I created the other day together...we haven't done sidewalk chalk in years. Kinda sad to see the hearts slip away into nothing.

I spent the day collecting goodies for Maggie to take on the plane for our trip to Lake Tahoe. I know she will be pleased!

Comet Girl

I took Maggie to a WNBA Comets game last night. It was a good game against another Texas Team...the San Antonio Stars. As you can see, Maggie had a blast. The tickets were a last minute idea so we had the worst tickets known to mankind...Maggie thought our seats were awesome. Last year we went to a championship game and had a lot of fun. I always forget about the Comets. I should go ahead and plan ahead and get some more tickets for the end of the season. The halftime show was hilarious...we saw the Senior Women Olympic Basketball Squad play...their ages ranged from 63-91 (yes, you read that right). It was amazing to see those ladies play and have such a great time. Maggie cheered for the 91 year-old grandma the loudest!

Love Thursday

Weird story. We had a stubborn bed of fire ants (yep, we're in Texas) that just wouldn't go away. I tried everything and didn't want to use pesticides that were harmful to the soil. I had one more trick up my sleeve...pour boiling water directly onto the anthill. Well, they did die and we never did have another anthill pop up afterwards. The grass died from the boiling water and guess what? It was heart shaped! Can you believe it? Maggie and I find hearts everywhere...I swear they come to us. Love is everywhere...

Our favorite things

Maggie's golden hair.

My favorite pair of purple pajama bottoms.

The sand on the beach at Lake Tahoe.

Our favorite blankets from Aunt Karen.

Grandma Jean's old pink pillowcase.

Clementine's fur.

All as soft as a butterfly's wings.

Surprises are always fun!

Today Maggie and I drove all the way to Cunningham Gas Co. in the Woodlands and back to get a cooler for our deck to surprise Ian. We made another pit stop at Whole Foods to fill it with all our favorite cold beverages. The cooler itself is made from old weathered barn wood, with a rust colored Texas state seal, a barn door handle and a handy bottle opener on the front. Ian will be delighted.

Mom's Teacher Assistant

What a girl! Maggie has been a big help to me in the classroom this summer! I hate to grade papers and she loves to do it...it's a win-win situation!

Sacred Sunday

I wanted to share one of my favorite hymns,

More Love to Thee, O Christ.

Have a restful and abundant week everyone.

*** Be sure to pause the music on my playlist to hear the hymn.

Pompeii

Today was a fun day...busy as usual! I woke up this morning thinking I could sleep in a bit but at the last moment realized I had a nutrition class at 8:00. I bolted out of bed and got there just in time! Since I was already out and about I went ahead and attended the 9:00 Jazzercize class. Glad I did. I had taken a week off due to an injury to the back of my knee (which apparently happened playing Wii DDR with Maggie!) and needed to let it heal a bit. I still need to schedule an orthopedist just for good measure! Anyway, by the time I got home Ian already made the girls eggs and biscuits for breakfast. Maggie had a friend of hers spend the night last night to see the new Disney movie premier of Camp Rock. Ian did the yard work and then we spent the day at the MFA to see the Pompeii exhibit before it left town. It was awesome and Maggie had a great time. We got home just in time to drop her off at a birthday slumber party. Ian and I are going to go out to dinner and to see The Happening...Ian's choice! I don't have high hopes, as Ian and I don't have the same movie taste at all! Wish me luck. Update...the movie was horrible! No big surprise!

Love Thursday

Maggie has been such a sport! I encouraged her to attend volleyball camp, zoo camp, etc. while I taught 3 1/2 weeks of summer school but she chose to come with me instead. I told her she could only go half days since Ian didn't have to go to work until lunch time...but she still makes me promise her each night at bedtime that I will wake her to go to school in the morning! The work is 3rd grade "drill & kill" boring but yet she still wants to go. So here, on Love Thursday, I wanted to honor Maggie and her desire to be with her mommy and leading the class with enthusiasm and joy!

Sour Lemons

Maggie's dream of homemade lemonade was shattered today. We had a CRAZY storm that blew through our neighborhood...I almost grabbed the kids and hid in the bathtub...and snapped her beloved lemon tree (among other things) in half! Maggie has been so upset...mourning as if she lost a member of our family...poor thing. She told me tomorrow she would be ready to collect the lemons and keep them in the house with her. Lemons go to Heaven, right?

The Strangers

Maggie has a slumber party every Saturday of this month...which means Ian and I can go out!

Well, I have to tell you, we wasted a good evening on the worst movie ever! We didn't even really know what we were getting into...we just showed up at the theater and watched "The Strangers." Good God, it's a good thing we didn't see this movie before we went to Round Top last month! We wouldn't have been able to sleep! We were so freaked out by the horrible suspense of the movie...we walked out at the end sick to our stomachs and exhausted! Please don't waste you time, money and sanity on this one! I wonder who watches movies like this...

*** I removed the trailer to this movie. It was too terrible to have on my blog! If you are going crazy with curiosity...check it out for yourself!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

Perfectly Polished

Today Maggie and I had a wonderful day day together. We got up and the 3 of us went to the Bayou City Farmers' Market and got some Indian food, gourmet cookies for my dad and salmonella-free tomatoes! We went later than usual and boy was it hot! Maggie and I got a pedicure (My OPI color was "My Chihuahua Bites!" and Maggie's was "I'm Indi-a Mood for Love"...what OPI color are you?). Then we went to lunch at La Madeline and afterwards went shopping for a few Father's Day gifts. Later on we went to our friends house for a bit and ended up coming home with half a watermelon! I love to spend mother/daughter time with Maggie. I am constantly amazed at how grateful she is for the things she has and the opportunities that come her way. We are so blessed by her.
This morning Maggie wanted to know how to make coffee. She made me the best cup of coffee (with my favorite whipped topping) a mommy could ever want!