Special project

Camryn and I had a little Mommy/Daughter time the other day, while Dad was at work, Aubrey was at daycare, and before we headed off to her doctor's appointment. It was finally quiet and peaceful in the house, and so we pulled out an art project that Auntie Beth had given us months (maybe years?) ago, and we worked together to create a mosaic stepping stone for our backyard. I think it turned out pretty well!

Bridging the Gap

This morning, our family got up bright and early, put on our track suits and tennies, and headed over to Tigard High. The mission? Help "bridge the gap," the funding gap that is, that seems to grow ever-wider each year. The Tigard-Tualatin Schools Foundation started this 5K/10K walk/run fundraiser last year, in an attempt to help them raise money to provide for important things that have been cut from the school district's budget. Things like music instruments, computers, and after school clubs and classes. In some cases, they've even paid for more FTE, (or more teachers.)

As a employee of the district, I see the importance every day of these programs and supplies that the kids are just plain doing without, and I recognize and respect the work of the volunteers who are working hard to provide them. In addition, Camryn will be starting Kindergarten this fall in one of the district's ten elementary schools. To me, this means that those "cuts," and those "do with outs" will now directly affect her and her education. Which is why we were truly motivated to do our (small) part and participate in the 5K walk this morning, as a family.

It was overcast, but warm, and Camryn's spirits were up. She was mostly happy to walk, run, jog and skip her way to the finish line, motivated especially by the music provided by the marimba band from her elementary school! I did give her a few piggy back rides along the way to rest her little legs, and Daddy (wisely) saved a Pixie Stick candy offered to her at a booth for the halfway point, which gave her both motivation, and a little sugar rush to finish the race. :) Aubrey mostly enjoyed the scenery and the wind in her face as she rode along in her stroller, but she was happy to be out and about too.

We hope this event raises awareness, raises money, and becomes a larger community tradition as we try to bridge the gap between what is available to our kids, and what should be.

Moneybags

Slowly, but surely, for the past five (and two) years, respectively, the girls have been collecting money in their piggy banks. Never wanting to spend, they've continued to add, and add. They've discovered that if Dad leaves change on the kitchen counter, Mom will give it to them, just to get it out of the way. They've discovered that if they find a coin on the ground, the "clink" of dropping it in said piggy is more satisfying than anything it could ever buy. But most important of all, they've discovered that both Grandpa and Papa are suckers for granddaughter kisses and hugs, and will gladly hand over cash if approached with batting lashes, puckered lips, and a "need" to fill the two piggies. Last weekend, Grandpa decided to clean out his own coin jar at home, and passed his loot on to the girls.

That night, Camryn and Daddy enjoyed some bonding time (and math lessons) as they counted the cash. None of us could believe what they discovered! So the next day, I took the girls to the bank, dragging their two giant ziplocs full of both coins and bills, and the kind teller dumped the loot into the coin machine. The verdict? The grand total of two piggy banks plus Grandpa's was just shy of $300!!! The girls each deposited $130 in their savings accounts, and left with a $20 bill in hand, for some end of summer fun spending. :) Remind me who to go to, next time I need a loan!

Washington County Fair

Last weekend, Grandma and Grandpa delivered on their yearly tradition of taking the girls to the Washington County Fair. It's a good thing, too, because otherwise the poor girls may very well have grown up without ever experiencing fair life.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I'm not great with messes. I prefer clean and tidy to down and dirty. So the thought of visiting farm animals, walzing past port-a-potties, and sniffing the smell of fried _______(fill in the blank) in the air, kind of turns my stomach.

The girls loved it though, enjoying everything from animals to carnival rides, to only "C" foods for lunch (Corndogs, Curly fries, and ice Cream). Thanks, Grandma, and Grandpa for making sure they get to experience a well-rounded childhood! ;)

Busy summer fun

The last week has been jam packed with summer fun. We've been spending lots of time with friends, including a trip to the zoo, berry picking, and a birthday party in the park. Man, is it going to be hard to say goodbye to summer!

A special haircut

Camryn gave herself a haircut tonight. Though not a large handful of hair, it was two separate chunks that I found on the kitchen floor. Each about six inches long.

My first reaction was disbelief. Then to laugh. But not too much as to let her see me. Then hysteria. She has to go to SCHOOL in four weeks! REAL SCHOOL! Four weeks is not enough time to grow this out, and I refuse to give in to the constant maintenance of bangs! I waffled between laughing, crying, and letting loose an angry tirade.

Instead, I told Camryn how disappointed I was. And I reminded her that she is the one who has to look like that while it grows out. I used my best "I'm so disappointed" teacher routine. It works every time on my fifth graders. I expected tears and fear of punishment. But, no. Her response? A nonchalant, "Mom. It was in my face." (She may as well have added an eye roll, and a "Duh!") I fear I have lost my power as the almighty Mother figure. She now thinks she knows more than me. (Sigh.)

Memory lane

This photo was taken at Mimi and Papa's house four years ago, when Camryn was just 1 1/2 years old. She was having the time of her life swimming and sunbathing on the back deck...


This photo was taken this summer, at age 5 1/2, as she enjoyed the very same activities. I can hardly believe it's the same kid!