I am the Master

I wrote this post on Saturday the 13th, a week ago, but it took until today to get the pics in!

Holy Smokes!!! What a week!!!!

Camping was super great! Fun time with the family and we got loads of "weather" which put us in the holiday spirit. Friday afternoon turned WINDY and the very blustery day turned into a very blustery night. The wind howled and the rain poured down. Sometime during the night the rain turned to hail and we woke up to an icy wonderland. The wind died down around 10 a.m. and the hail and sleet turned into snow. It was gorgeous! We spent most of the day inside in various locations (the motorhome, my uncle's trailer or the small rented condo) playing games and eating away.

Gavin became ill during the drive up (and by ill I mean that he yacked on the carpeted floor of the motorhome). He had a fever and felt terrible all day on Thanksgiving. He ate nothing more than a slice of bread! On Friday, he was better but still had a fever and later that night I noticed that he had a rash. By the time we got home he was on his way to a full recovery.
Monday started out in normal way, but after nap time Ella would not get up and she did not look like she felt well. We took her temp and discovered that she had a fever and just as we were about to call her Dad, she puked. In my lap. Thankfully it was no more than juice as she had not wanted to eat snack or lunch. She went home and rested, but by the evening she too had the rash. I had my suspicions, so I called to get her and Gavin into the doctor the next day. I had already planned to stay home with her, as Andy had a meeting that he couldn't miss. The doc confirmed my suspicion and pronounced it Scarlet Fever. He put us all on anitbiotics and sent us on our way. I worked on my paper and got my first major revision completed.

The next day, I had a fever and sore throat and Ella slept most of the day. This proved to be a blessing as I completed my second major revision on the thesis and had to have a plumber out to hydro jet our main sewer line to clear it of tree roots.

Thursday dawned with Ella and I feeling great, but not having been fever free for 24 hours, we both stayed home. We went to Target and ran a couple of errands before heading out for our big adventure. I had a doctors appointment to go to, but the tests that they ran didn't take very long so we were off to Burbank to see a special screening of "The Princess and the Frog". It was at the Disney Studios and was really cool. We met up with some friends and had a great time. The movie is super fantastic and they had a big Mardi Gras party afterwards! We got to meet EVERY princess (well, I took pictures of every princess while Ella hid behind my legs and waved). There were games, cupcakes and even an animator who worked on the film and was giving demonstrations. This may have been Ella's favorite part. She sat down at one of the tables and started drawing away! It was a wonderful event and it was even more wonderful to share it with my daughter.Friday we were back to work and school and it was like Monday after vacation all over again! The day really wiped me out. I had to finish our preschool version of "report cards" and write a lesson for next week and by the time the day was over I was ready to fall down. Ella had her dance class and then she and Gavin joined my in-laws for a movie night at their church. Andy and I took advantage of the time, grabbed a quick burger and then did the majority of our Christmas shopping. Whew! Later, Andy proof read my entire Thesis and reported that it only needed some minor cleaning up and a few changes. I slept so well!

Today, Andy worked on cleaning out the motorhome and putting up the Christmas lights while I have spent my day with my bum glued to the couch, computer on my lap, finishing my thesis. I am DONE! I even powered through and finished the 10 page Research Design Proposal!!! All I have left now, is to print both and then create a five slide power point presentation for class on Wednesday. AMEN!!!! I did it! I am so happy and releived and so very excited to spend some time with my family! In fact, I am not sure why I am still here on this computer and not playing Monopoly Jr. with them right now! Oh, wait, I heard whining.... I remember why.

Actually, I am off to make dinner and relax with some cocoa, next to a fire with my family while we watch a Christmas movie.

I did it.... I really did it... my Masters.... I can't beleive it!

4th of July

Not many words needed. Camping with family down by the water. Bike parade, boat ride, dancing, swimming and eating. Lots of fun, lots of love.

Summer is on!

Last week was awesome! I got to relax, sleep in, read and hang out with the kids. We watched "Hans Christian Anderson" from when I was a kid (KTLA ran a Family Film Festival on Sundays and that movie was shown every year!) They LOVED it and I loved that they loved it! We went to the library to sign up for the Reading Programs and the kids helped me with the grocery shopping.

We painted, did crafts, played outside, and started reading "Jungle Book", Ella couldn't hang with it and Gavin is balking at it a bit, but he is sticking it out with me and I am simplifying the language a bit. I baked and cooked every single meal from scratch! (I am already missing my Dream Dinners, however!)

Last Thursday I spent the entire day in the kitchen in preparation for our weekend in Carpinteria. We had the usual hot dogs, pancakes, etc.. but what I cooked ahead were Citrus Rosemary Ribs, Country Potato Salad (with a tangy ranch dressing, roasted potatoes, garlic, red onion and corn) and a Five Bean Salad. The work was well worth it, our meal was fabulous and I didn't have to do a thing but put into serving bowls!

The photo above is the view from our campsite! We went last year and it was heaven on earth! This year was a bit chilly and cloudy, but the sun did come out enough to get my cheeks pink and allow the kids to swim in the waves. Gavin tried body surfing and went in up to his chest and Ella was brave enough to go in to her ankles alone! It was loads of fun and although I am always happy to go, I am equally as happy to come home. I spent today trying to get the laundry done and the motorhome unpacked!

Today we started our summer activities! Gavin will be at Science Academy (Broadoaks at Whittier College) all day for the next two weeks. I missed him, but he came home tired and worn out and full of stories! Ella started swimming lessons which will continue for six weeks. Gavin will join her after Science Academy is done. He will go to Sports Camp for two weeks, but it is only a morning program, so he will catch up with us and swim at the same time as Ella!

I am working and trying to get in 15 hours per week at the office and Andy is teaching Summer School so he is gone in the mornings, but gets to join us for lunch everyday! He has a long list of honey-do's to fill his afternoons! I am so glad that summer is here, but I know that it is going to just fly by! I am really striving for a balance of work and play, busy and relaxed. We will see how I do... I am new to this kick back thing, but I think I am liking it!

My old "Martha" self even made an appearance today! I felt like making cupcakes, and so.. I did! Here they are:

I wanted to have a little of the beach with us today... but... I did not want 24 cupcakes sitting around my house while I am here, so I delivered plates of cupcakes to our friends and neighbors!

Tomorrow I will have coffee with a friend, grocery shop, take Ella to swimming, and work on my Student Teaching packet that is due at the end of the month. Gavin is having a friend over and I am going to read a magazine. See.. busy, but balanced! I think get it.... maybe....