Unicycle Rose

Fourth Grade Favs

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 04:19:00 +0000

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens ... "

Remember when Julie Andrews sang "My Favortie Things" in The Sound of Music? That song played in my head as I reviewed student worksheets that will eventually end up in their Fourth Grade Memory Books. This latest was about their favorite things and here are some of their nine-year-old responses:

FAVORITE:
Flower: HIBISCUIT
Car: Ferrari, GO- CART
Time of Day: Breakfast, SLEEPING, 2:50 (school dismissal)
Thing to wear: Clothes, Panda Shirt, Skinny Jeans, CHOCOLATE
Section of the Newspaper: The top of it
Holiday: My Birthday

So cute!

One last Fourth Grade story worth sharing:
The class was reviewing the story of Adam and Eve.

"Adam and Eve lived in the perfect and beautiful Garden of Eden. God told them they could eat anything, except fruit from "The Tree of Knowledge." The snake (devil) slithered along and tempted Eve to eat from the tree. Eve disobeyed and ate the fruit. Suddenly Adam and Eve realized they were naked and hid. God was angry and when he found them he asked Adam if they ate from the tree. Adam immediately blamed the woman."

A fourth grader blurted out "That's what my dad does!"

All of the above Fourthgradeisms are my favortie things ;0)

Alliteration or Tongue Twister? You Decide!

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 01:10:00 +0000

I bought seeds to plant spring flowers. In the past, I have purposely popped in the nursery to purchase plants ready to plop in patio pots (Is that alliteration or a tongue twister?). Then, I would sit back and enjoy the process of watching them slowly take off. Not this year. Because of the upcoming (what seems to really-be-happening) Federal Employee Furloughs, we are trimming the fat! Twenty percent of my husband's pay will vanish for the rest of the year ... if things don't change FAST! Little things like buying seeds and using candles instead of electricity will make all the difference. Just kidding, we are planning on keeping the lights on. Cross your fingers that this whole shebang is just "Obama Drama" ;0)

We loved that long President's Day weekend. Lucas stayed with Overboard as he had a band commitment and the three of us drove up to Pine Mountain. We shared a cabin with another family that loves to hike and sled all day ... just like us! It was special having Daniel all to ourselves. Being that he is the second kid, he's never known a life without his brother. A highlight was hiking up to a frozen waterfall. It was amazing to see the flowing cascades, stoppped dead-cold (literally) in their tracks. My Teckie returned with poison oak, and I came home rejuvinated. Getting away and frolicking in the snow was a much needed break and blessing.

What an amazing sight!

As for Lucas, he drove Overboard all over town for four days in our third car he named Rex (NOT Wrecks). Overboard went Overboard (because that's who she is) with her first grandson. He described his stay "like having room service." He didnt' want to leave and keeps asking when we're going away next. With my Teckie's pay being slashed, sorry to disappoint Lucas, but we are staying put. Unless ... we win the lottery and that could happen. Remember dreams are free! Right? Right.

Daniel's team played their last CYBA game. They won! The have lost one game and that puts them in second place overall and ready to enter the playoffs this Saturday. As for his school team, their final game was Friday night, and although they won, they did not make the playoffs. The highlight of that game was the cheering section; Overboard, Tarry, Teckie, Cutie-Pie and Benson were all there to boost morale!

Chicken Report: We have six "day-old chicks" (yes, six more birds!) arriving by mail from Mc Murray Hatchery at the end of March. My son and Teckie are excited about the Spring arrival as I still scramble to find creative ways to eat, share and cook forty eggs a week! As I write this, we are dealing with two hens that are "broody." This sort of thing really happens, where hens (in this case, Spud and Festus) think they must sit on the eggs due to stubborn-motherly instinct. They won't move, eat or drink to protect those unfertilized eggs! It's crazy and if you try to move Spud, she pecks at your hand ... to the point that Daniel wears gloves when he forces her out. Mother Bears, Broody Chickens, and Moms everywhere share a common sense to protect Little Ones; real or imaginary ;0)

Finally, I wonder what God has planned for Unicycle Rose. My writing is tugged in a differnt direction that is new and exciting. This "blogging thing" has been amazing and a great way to keep up with family happenings. The truth that "In Life Balance is Everything!" remains alive, because it's true! I still encourage others "to keep the balance" and learn to ride a unicycle every chance I get!

However, for now, I'll follow my heart (I've always been the overemotional type) and take a pause. It could be for a week, months, or just a day. Really. I don't know. I'm trusting that God is working inside of me, my heart and keyboard. I want to follow His direction.

But before I "take five," I MUST prepare and post those perfectly preposterous "Fourthgradeisms" because they're pretty punchy and sure to make your lips purse pleasantly (is that alliteration or a tongue twister?)

Coming soon ;0)

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:06:00 +0000

On their way to Magic Mountain on Superbowl Sunday. See my beautiful Peach tree in background? Each pink blossom will be fruit. Cobbler anyone?

Signs of the times surround me. My blossoming peach tree is a sure sign that spring is around the corner. Sitting thru three basketball games a week watching Daniel is a sign that we’re mid-basketball season. AND, his CYBA team still stands undefeated! The Wildcat’s are "in the zone!"

Yes! He made the shot!

His school team, The Lions, won their first game by two measly hard-earned points. It was a relief to not be crushed for the third week in a row. Those Lions were pumped and sure relished the win! Let’s hope this happens again, because the taste of victory is sweet, especially after (so)many sour loses.

All wins or losses! There's that impossible balance that touches everything, even youth basketball leagues!

Another seasonal marker? The Birthday Sign.

This sign reminds me of the birthday stretch that runs from January to March for all my 1968 friends and family. This celebration cycle is in full swing. By pure accident, the sign I made for Uncle Dave in January is getting a full workout. It celebrated friends, Maki and Ayndrea’s birthdays, and on Super bowl Sunday Uncle Lui was honored with this eye-sore-ish, but festive creation. It announced Lui's forty-five years above ground arriving on Febraury 11th! His celebration started after spending the day at Magic Mountain with “the crew” of rollercoaster-crazed peeps. God Bless Aunts and Uncles eveywhere.

Oh! The oven timer just when off and that is a sign that my eight-egg casserole is done. I am going out for Italian food with the Women’s Retreat team, which is a relief because I am up to my unicycle seat with egg dishes. My border-high cholesterol is proof!

Oh, and my washing machine just signaled it’s time to rotate clothes.

Signs from the Superbowl Pool. Lucky Lucas won $100! Overboard was a winner too ;0)

Yes, signs, signs, everywhere signs …

Unicycle Rose's Chicken Update

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 04:08:00 +0000

Seven eggs today! Again, all different sizes and color. It’s sort of neat how individual these eggs are; sort of like people. All covered differently on the outside but various and softy-like on the inside. I've been picking up our eggs because of the boy’s busy schedules. I feel like the So-Cal-Caroline Ingalls’s putting on my boots and entering the coop with a bucket to collect the gems. This brood of chickens brings out the Pioneer-ette in me! Really! And … it’s not only the eggs, but gathering firewood at night, our peach tree is blossoming and Pa-Teckie strums the gee-tar at night. AWW, Shoot! Life is good ;0)

Benson lov'in on the chicken while Daniel hand-feeds her. Is it just me, or is this picture DANG KEWT?

Daniel and My Teckie visited the feed store this weekend and are planning to get them some baby chicks, just for the sheer joy of raising them! I am neutral on this fowl development. We absolutely don’t need eggs, but the experience is what they are after. Honestly, it seems, "unpretentious pleasures" are what make this often-crazy life matter AND "unpretentious pleasures" keep life effortlessly enjoyable. No?

Shoot Ya! Keep it simple. I'll keep you posted on the baby chick progress.

Next on our Chicken Report?

Alas, I announce THE WINNER of the 2012 Quote of the Year:

“Someone done-stole my shelless egg!”

- My Teckie, July 4, 2012, not joking

Balance Tip O’ The Week

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:46:00 +0000

Wash your hands – Mom said so!

This is every mother’s mantra, no? Staying healthy during the flu season is a balancing act in itself! Washing your “manos” too much leaves hands feeling tough like beef jerky, while not washing is disgusting and risky.

Beautiful day to hike, horrible day to feel rotten!

The dirty turth? Germs are not for sharing!

I chose this Balance Tip because Daniel is sick … again. He insisted going on our all day hike Monday, although he was not 100%. Driving home, he admitted he shouldn't have gone because he couldn’t breathe! That night he coughed his way through “Zero Dark Thirty.” Symptoms were growing faster than bad bacteria. Fevers, baths and much Advil later, bronchitis is “in da howse!”

He is on day two of steroids, breathing treatments and antibiotics. Alas, he is turning the corner towards good health. PTL! (That is text code for Praise The Lord!)

Here's a reminder to Always wash your hands before:
Preparing food or eating
Treating wounds, giving medicine, or caring for a sick or injured person
Before removing contact lenses

Always wash your hands after:

Preparing food, especially raw meat or poultry
Using the toilet or changing a diaper
Touching an animal or animal toys, leashes, or waste
Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hands
Treating wounds or caring for a sick or injured person
Handling garbage, household or garden chemicals, or anything that could be contaminated

This is my common sense Tip O' The Week

Good Luck keeping balance through the sick season!

A Question for Each of Us

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 16:22:00 +0000

The quote below is worth reading. It raises a question for each of us!
And, I don't mean "Now What?" This is much deeper ...

Becoming Ourselves
Kayla McClurg

When I reflect on the life and witness of Martin Luther King, Jr., one thing that strikes me is obvious: he didn't start out to be who he ended up being. He didn't set out to be a visionary leader, intent on making an impact on the country and culture of his day. He allowed himself to be created. Slowly, layer by layer, choice by choice, he became himself. He didn't choose "leader of a mass civil rights movement" from a list of vocational options. His identity emerged gradually from within as he yielded to the guidance of the community and listened and prayed and read and participated and took the risks of creativity that were uniquely his to take.

Underneath who we think we are, who people expect us to be, are as-yet-undiscovered aspects of our true identity--layers waiting to be uncovered. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the minister of a local church, husband and father, a dedicated preacher who devoted hours to preparing sermons that were theologically sound and probing. This was a good fit for him. He wasn't searching for a new identity. But he found himself interested in the writings of Henry David Thoreau about civil disobedience and Gandhi's thoughts about nonviolence. He became interested in some folks who were questioning the color barriers in their town and were beginning to devise ways to stand up to them. He didn't have answers, only questions. He followed the questions, exploring the hints that came layer by layer, thus becoming more of himself.

Twenty minutes later the same young man who had a reputation for giving sermons only after hours of preparation was standing before a crowd of about 4,000 people speaking extemporaneously of the challenges and opportunities that lay before them. Part of what he said was this:
Sometimes a person gets tired.... We are here this evening to say to those who have mistreated us so long that we are tired--tired of being segregated and humiliated, tired of being kicked by the brutal feet of oppression.... We come here tonight to be saved from the patience that makes us patient with anything less than freedom and justice.

King knew he had a calling--to be a preacher and a father and a citizen. What he discovered little by little was that these dreams would be fulfilled far beyond his imagination. What about us? Are we still becoming ourselves? Are our deepest callings still unfolding, beyond our imagination? Or have we become too patient with being less than we really are?

Information on Martin Luther King is borrowed from the biography called King, a Biography by David Levering Lewis.
Source: Unknown

Many Cheers to MLK, a faithful, God-seeking Man! Clink!

Now What?

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:22:00 +0000

Finally .... my huge Chicken Puzzle (It's 2 feet by 3 feet!) is completed and glued together.

Now what?

I wasn't sure either. So, I put her on my unicycle for a photo op.

My Pièce de résistance - "Chicken on a Unicycle"

I wish I could say that this puzzle represents the achievement of no snacking and self-control. I don't like to lie, so truth be told, I fell off the wagon/unicycle, but found peace and simple joy in placing each of the 1000 pieces. But, now what do I do with it? It's a ginormous chicken-shaped drink coaster or door mat!

I'm not a third wheel, I'm a Unicycle!

I have been diligent in riding Blanche and sleepwalking in the morning. My Teckie and I did our four-mile "Run N' Ride" this afternoon. We have perfect weather these days. Super sunny!

CHICKEN REPORT: Our real chickens are "chickeny." In other words, our feathered friends are stinky, squawky and busy. All eight of them are laying! We have more eggs than the Easter Bunny and I'm a tad burnout on egg dishes. Now what?

KID REPORT: Daniel's CYBA basketball team has won their first two games! I hope he is on a winning team this year. That would be a pleasant first. Lucas is driving us everywhere and has finals next week. He has talked us into dying his hair black with a wash-out dye. That took me some real soul-searching to allow, but that's a whole other Oprah. Speaking of which, did you see the Lance Armstrong interview? Did it leave you speechless? I'm not "sold" that he is regretful, other than regretting he got caught! Lance Armstrong is one guy who is asking himself, "Now What?" Perhaps, I should send Lance Armstrong the Chicken Puzzle since he will have plenty of empty display space for the large chicken puzzle on steroids..

Now back to cleaning house for Uncle Dave's Birthday party. Cheers to our loveable Uncle Dave who turned forty-five on the 17th! Cheers to chickens and unicycles everywhere!

Clink! Cluck! Clink!
(Now what?)

Balance Tip O’ the Week

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 01:00:00 +0000

My puzzle is an enjoyable-hard challenge,
The BEST kind!

Be Kind; Everyone You Meet

is Fighting a Hard Battle

Personal battles take on a gazillion different styles and characteristics. I’m talking about THAT battle (unique to each of us) to heed the angel or devil on our shoulders or, like many folks, who crusade a fight for good health or making the right decisions. Either way, we are all in the middle of something.

It’s true that things may look peachy-keen on the outside, but inside most are in a tug-of war with a person, place, thing, health, habit, fear, realtionship, finances or??? Just fill in the blank!

Why wouldn't you keep this Balance Tip handy? Especially at a time of year when bills are high, flu is rampant and sunny days are short. There’s not a soul on this planet that won’t benefit from grace, consideration and compassion.

BE KIND because everyone is in conflict whether big or small, obvious or not.

Fourthgradeisms

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:20:00 +0000

If you want to be creative, stay in part a child, with the creativity and invention that characterizes children before they are deformed by adult society.

~Jean Piaget

What is a Fourthgradeism? That's unintentional original thoughts that fly from my student's mouths that leave me laughing as I gently correct their misunderstanding.

For example, this one Fourthgradeism happened when we were reviewing abbreviations in English. Unrelated to the English lesson, I made conversation on the playground, and asked, “What part of town do you live in?” She answered, “Right by CARMEN DOCTOR. “

Carmen Doctor? Ahhh, “Dr.” translated to doctor, but I know she meant Carmen Drive!

A student asked me, what I wanted for Christmas when I was ten. Was it money? I responded that “back then” you received presents and not cash. However, I let him know that my grandfather gave me $50 and this was a BIG deal because thirty years ago fifty dollars was a lot of money. He thought about that, then asked, “Is that because of inflammation?”

“HUH?” I thought. Oh yes … Inflation, my friend, it’s inflation!

Another example? My students had to write a pen pal letter to practice basic letter structure. I cracked up when one of the letters I reviewed was addressed as follows:

Dear Unibrow, (yes UNIBROW!) Another one was being sent to MATILDA!

And finally, while reviewing California History and the road that, in 1769, Portola and Father Junipero Serra traveled on their expedition north along the Mexican BAJA peninsula ... a student’s hand shot up and he asked. “Is this the same guy who invented BAJA FRESH?”

Yes, these are the children that are yet to be altered by adult society! I love working in fourth grade!

Sweet Temptation

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 22:24:00 +0000

I can resist anything except temptation.”
― Oscar Wilde

Rolling along on my unicycle this morning, I laughed internally over a response I received from my post titled “The Puzzle of Balance.” The response is evidence that many are struggling to maintain healthy self-discipline or in other words, “keep the balance.”

This woman’s response is relatable, funny, and honest:

“Oh, UnicycleRose, you ALWAYS inspire me! My plan for the New Year was to start eating healthy. I have been sneaking ice cream every night because Jim (her husband) likes his ice cream at night and so I eat it after he goes to bed. I eat so much of it that I have to sneak out the next day and replace what I eat. So when Jim went to the store the other day I told him not to forget his ice cream; well he thought I told him to get me some ice cream and he bought 2 half gallons of it! Now, in the back of my mind I know that there is a half-gallon of chocolate chip in the freezer and by yesterday, it was all gone. So now I have to go out and replace it before he sees that it's gone! I don't know how I am going to live knowing that it's there and be able to resist eating it again. But I have to start eating healthy again and not gain my weight back. I pray and pray but I know God expects me to do the footwork! So I know exactly how you feel, and even though I don't do puzzles, I read.”

The visual of her story cracks me up! All that hijinx and tip-toeing around for ice cream!

Truth is … life can feel like a battle to do what you know you should do versus what the little devil on your shoulder is tempting you to do. I encourage you (and me) to flick him off like a bee and resist the sweet temptation.

Time to work on my puzzle ;0)

Sleepwalking

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:06:00 +0000

I was up at 5AM this morning to walk four miles. It’s crazy because, “Baby it’s cold outside” and I MUCH rather snuggle in bed. You might say that scootin' that early is pretty much sleepwalking. If THIS is what it takes to get my body back in balance, then it’s all good!

As for maintaining self-discipline, I slipped a bit today, but will forgive myself. When I returned from Fourth Grade I was hungry and had some “no-no’s.” I won’t let it get me down.

However, this morning my showered husband announced that since our "BIG WEIGH-IN" (don't try this at home) he has already lost 1.5 pounds! What is THAT? He cuts back to two helpings of dinner and only one dessert and still loses weight in forty-eight hours!

I say blame Eve! Why did she have to eat that darn apple? Women battling self-control across America are crawling up Holiday Hill with Quadro-Boob (Definition: when your boobs are too big and spilling out your bra and it looks like you have four of them) while men, "The Adams," zip up that very same hill on a motorcycle! It’s not fair! The truth is this: Life is not fair. Fare is what you pay to get on the bus!

So ... I am sleepwalking forward and sticking to my plan. Now, I shall have my newly-permitted son drive me on errands and hope he does not run another stop sign or throw the car into "drive" where he intended "reverse."

As for tomorrow? Quadro-Boob and I will attempt four miles on Blanche. I should not complain. If I have to gain weight, what better places to have it settle but Boob A and Boob B?

Let's stay positive people ;0)

The Puzzle of Balance

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:22:00 +0000

Day Two of practicing self-discipline and I haven’t fallen off balance … yet. Daniel came home from school sick, so we are loafing at home today. I admit I was happy to skip work. It was wonderful to see my students and their Christmas decorations draping fourth grade (still staying up by the popular nine-year-old vote), however, my body is lazy and tired … Snap out of it!

Chillin' with my sickie

Because of this challenge to shed “Festive Mode” and regain self-discipline, I have gone without my usual holiday “Eat, drink, and be merry” whenever I want routine. For the record, I am NOT giving up sweets or wine. Are you crazy? Vices are reserved for weekends; at least that’s the plan. The result, I hope, is a healthier, better-balanced life.

I realize to avoid snacking, my hands, and mind must stay busy because I’m a high energy gal. Funneling my “oomph” is key. THIS is where my busy body finds a solution in the simple joy of puzzle building.

If I want to eat junk (call me Candy Queen), I puzzle.

If I want a glass of wine, I puzzle.

Thanks Janet! Who knew the Baryard Strut is what I needed?

At the rate I feel temptation, it’s possible this Chicken Puzzle be done in a week!

Honestly though, it feels good to connect Baby Blobs of puzzle pieces to form a Big Momma piece. Not sure why, I do know that building a puzzle provides quiet time and a sense of accomplishment. On my living room puzzle table, I find peace and some back pain from hunching over. Like reading a good book, puzzling keeps me in self-discipline mode and brings balance to a busy life that’s hungry for restored steadiness.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of

power and love and self-control

2 Timothy 1:7

100%

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 20:11:00 +0000

Happy 100% Day!

This score hides from most of us during school years. A tough grade to achieve, I give kudos to Lucas for passing the Driver’s Permit Test with a 100%! Who does THAT … especially after missing fifteen the first time around? Lucas. This kid is a survivor on so many levels and I am pleased that he put the "pedal to the metal," so to speak, and prevailed. Lots of studying of the California driving laws occurred here these last weeks. The same time I was sitting on my Unicycle Butt enjoying “Festive Mode,” Lucas was soaking up driving laws like ShamWow!

After his first driving lesson today, he’s free to hop in the third “family car” we bought this week and go with any twenty-five-year-old (or above) licensed driver for practice. If you are available and don’t have prior convictions, please make contact.

This is where I miss Grandma Fish, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Matt. Taking a starter teen driver on the road is something only family is willing to risk. He has my Italian Clan to lean on as he learns the delicate-balance challenge of doing ten things at once (scan mirrors, clicker on, watch speed, slow down, pray, speed up, wink in reivew mirror, ignore cell phone, etc, etc.). I know he will make mistakes along the way. Again, if you are available and don’t have prior convictions, please make contact ;0)

Can you tell I am proud and frightened all in the same breath?

The Party is Over

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 20:21:00 +0000

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid

Proverbs 12:1

January is the time to redress in self-discipline

The Christmas trees are down for the count and Baby Jesus and his Holy Nativity crew tucked in for an eleventh-month slumber. Where Santa and Frosty sat, dusty circular frames stare back. With all the "Fluff-N-Stuff" of Christmas put away, my house looks bare as Howie Mandel's big head. It's so sparse without the lights, ornaments and chotchka ... I feel stripped bare without decorations in every nook and cranny of our home.

The naked truth is the month of January screams, "The Party is OVER!"

January is re-group and slow down time.
Down shift to third gear time (if forced to learn to drive a stick shift, you get it).
Back to work time (on Monday)

Like I said, "Party OVER!"
Leaving bad holiday habits behind is a good thing except it requires self-discipline. Any attempt at life balance, whether it be cutting back in one area, or creating new habits, strength of mind and restraint are required.

It is challenging, uncomfortable, even painful at times. At least for me. It's easier and more fun to stay in "Festive Mode," AKA:

Pajama mode.
Eat, drink, be fat and tipsy mode.
Forget boundaries, goals and indulge mode.
Come on, it's the American way mode!

That easy-mode road won’t lead to Balance and Satisfaction (BS). Here are some suggestions I found to work some positive BS into your life!
1. Discover ways to devote more time to the activities and people that matter most to you. This is a tough one.

2. Give yourself alone time. Hop in the bath or read a good book? I decided
to start a 1000 piece chicken puzzle as soon as I finish “Fierce Beauty” by Kim Meeder :0)

3. Exercise regularly. I took weeks off and can feel it! It takes mucho self-discipline to get me off my can. Yesterday, I hopped on Blanche for the first time in weeks and did a two-mile spin around the hood. Must.Do.That.Often!

January is the time to re-calibrate and love on me some good-old-fashioned discipline ... starting Monday, of course!!

High after Christmas, Hi to 2013!

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 20:50:00 +0000

Hello 2013 and cheers to the real-life-balance challenges that await all of us! Clink!

Rock climbing while waiting for our tram

I reflect on our family adventure to Palm Springs after Christmas. The highlight was the aerial tramway that, BTW, is the largest one in the world and only one-of-its kind in the western hemisphere. Oh, you want more tram trivia? Perhaps you hope to try out for Jeopardy in the New Year. Well, Alex Trabeck needs you to know that this tramcar holds 80 people and has a slow cabin floor rotation turning twice per trip. In this carefully balanced goliath, we moved from Valley Station up 12,708 feet in a cabin weighing 35,600 pounds. Talk about getting high after Christmas!

In my sick-little head, I feared the big earthquake would hit (I HATE seismic activity ) while traveling up to Mountain Station, suspended and swinging our way up to the San Jacinto State Park .... Game over! It stressed me to be soaring with many strangers speaking a potpourri of tongues, being held up by metal cables, traversing up where you can clearly see the San Andreas Fault from the top. I prayed. We made it safely, and the exploration began.

Beeee-u-tee-ful!

Our hike on the Desert View Trail was breathtaking. Literally! The air is so thin that high up that I soaked in God’s beautiful wonderland as I passed the inhaler around to Lucas and Daniel. And, it was freezing, having seven feet of snow and being 26 degrees!

To think just thirty minutes ago were we're in the desert and not in the arctic/alpine zone at 10,834 feet! The views of the Coachella Valley were amazing!

Waiting to head back to the desert

It was an exciting, memorable day and it ended back in Palm Springs at dinner with my parents. Then Overboard and I went to visit the Indians. In my family “Visit the Indians” is code for “go to the casino.” While there, I played single-hand black jack and won enough moola to buy the iPad I'm tapping on. I know, I can't believe it either! Nor can my Teckie whom is a PC software engineer and sooooo "Un-Apple." He was not supportive at first then I caught him with Irene the iPad in another room. It's all good, so sorry Bills Gates.

Feeling lucky!

Driving home from Palm Springs I knew darn well that it was, December 29^th, THE five-year anniversary of our house fire. However, this ride back home was not a “nail-biter” or full of anxiety like in 2007. I was sure that our casa would not be black with stinky ash or char and force us to move out for nine months to be rebuilt from the ceiling up. That was a crazy year!

My Teckie has his foot on recalled heater that started the Fire of 2007

On that note, while playing a holiday game, my son had to answer the question "Have you ever witnessed a Christmas miracle?" He thought about it and after some discussion Daniel concluded that the House Fire of 2007 was indeed a miracle, although at the time it felt like anything but a desired supernatural gift. However, God really can turn struggles into rainbows and unicorns, but we can't see that in the middle of the chaos!

2007 - Putting the house back together

As for celebrating New Years, it was gamey, not like hunting and shooting quail, but we played many family-friendly reindeer games, ate yummy food, and kissed our loved ones at midnight.

Celebrating 2013

Beware, he is driving to a street near you .... soon, maybe!

I pray for 2013 to be a BLESSED YEAR with a foundation of good health and togetherness (My top favs). Years are like humans, they come in all different forms, personality, and characteristics, don’t they? Some you treasure and others can’t move along fast enough as you hang on to hope that the next will be better. I commit to God no matter what circumstances attempt to push me out of balance. In closing this long post (thanks for hanging in there), I depend on Him in keeping good balance on and off my unicycle. I expect and anticipate many changes but know I can’t meet those trials or triumphs without Jesus Christ. Praise Him for surrounding me with love, acceptance of change, forgiveness, health and the valued encouragement to and from people He places in my path. To Him all the glory be!

Again, Cheers to 2013! CLINK!

Oh ya! Please pray for Lucas as he makes a second attempt at passing the driver’s permit test this Friday.

Yes, this will be a year of new experiences for us!

“Partying Like a Crosetti since 1944”

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 19:00:00 +0000

One of our Founding Fathers, John Crosetti

Our hostess Aunt Cindy with boyfriend Bill

The Party favor for the Crosetti Christmas party was a red-drink cozy with a picture of my Great-Grandpa John and the above quote, "Partying like a Crosetti since 1944." A bit of family history on John Crosetti. In 1900, at the age of 21, he left his family in the Piedmont area of Northern Italy and landed at Ellis Island ready to explore American and see what kind of life he could create for himself. Years later, the first documented Crosetti Christmas party was in 1944 under the auspices of Great-Grandpa John … and the merrymaking goes on, year after year, with new and old family members coming and going.

Miss Piggy getting all tied up in the festivities

This year’s host, Aunt Cindy, is a party planner so the entire gig was over the top. It was like a Christmas wedding reception on steriods! Straight out of a Martha Sterwart Magazine, Holiday Edition. She had festive ties for all the men to sport, and no detail forgotten. Even the green signature drink “The Crosettitini” kept in step with cranberries at the bottom of each glass. The Italian dinner of chicken marsala and lasagna left me feeling like my husband looked in the Santa suit! Stuffed!

We always have some fun gift game too. This year, the gift exchange required a ten-dollar present and the only caveat was we had to shop at the 99 Cent store. Imagine all that fun junk that was beautifully wrapped and handed out by Santa! Lucas loved his straw hat and cheap sunglasses!

Breath Santa!

Ho, ho, ho! My Teckie Santa did a jolly job, however his legs received the gift of a workout with all those bottoms, large and small, parked on his lap. I think the "little ones" believed him, but the pillow shoved in his suit was waaaay to big and when he sat down, it looked like he was gasping for air to make room for all that padding bursting from his chest.

It was a memorable night and worth the drive or flight for all who attended. Family is a blessing, but you already know that. Right?

Walking in a suburban-neighborhood wonderland

Another blessing? Good neighbors (think State Farm). We took our annual neighborhood-Christmas-lights walk one chilly night after dinner, cocoa and all. I love me those simple Christmas traditions! Check out the paper cups for the kids. Why, yes! Laughter was plentiful!

Today we pack for a road trip to Palm Springs. It’s good to know that the Wiener Sisters, Chickens, and our casa are in wonderful watchful eyes and hands! Thanks Hurd Family!

Christmas Day we had dinner at Overboard’s with our Hawaiian cousins, and were entertained by Lucas and Daniel’s magic fingers on guitar and piano. These two should take their show on the road! Ham and turkey dinner was delicious, thanks to Overboard and her cooking-for-an-army-thang! The leftovers were even better! Cheers to Italian Mothers everywhere! Clink!

We watched Elf for the third time in two weeks and I could sit through it again, just to hear my favorite line “But the children love the books.” Elf fans, I'm sure you get it!

The other Elf on the scene was Benson. At two, he's not grasping the concept of it all, clinging to the first gift he opened: a Chuckit for him to play with the dog. Everything paled next to this gift, despite receiving a mountain of awesome kiddie presents. Forget about a new camera, or perfume from Santa next year. After seeing the immense joy over a plastic doggie-ball thrower, I'd like a Chuckit in 2013!

Until then, we will continue to "Party like a Crosetti"

thanks to our start by Great-Grandpa John!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 21:47:00 +0000

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

I'm not a flake! It’s etched in my Italian genes that commitment and loyalty are golden. However with blogging, my dedication has sagged like Santa’s big bowl full of jelly-belly. Not apologizing, I wanted to state that work, kid-transport and life have pleasantly cluttered my writing path.

Now don’t get all worried and concerned (LOL!), this clutter hasn't blocked my unicycle path. I have still been riding Old Blanche four miles a week, although, after surgery recently I can’t hop on my old friend for another two weeks. Doctor’s orders! He also ordered me to stay off my feet for three days and I loved it! Permission to do nothing? I delightfully ate up that medical order like The Weiner Sisters in the hen house!

Christmas highlights have been abundant. After ten years of faking it with the Christmas tree, we bought a live one at our kid’s pleading. Other than the chaos of stringing on the lights, it has been all fun and fragrant. The pre-lit fake tree is in the other room and it's my “Mom Tree.” Read as: it’s all pretty with coordinating decorations spaced perfectly and hung just where I think they belong (think Gimball's Deaprtment store in Elf). Our live “Kid Tree” is adorned with loads of kid homemade and bought ornaments collected over the last fifteen years. Priceless and precious!

Meet Priceless and Precious

Like the quote above states, "presence of family really is the best gift around any tree!" On that note, we took Benson down Gemini Court which is this light-filled street on steroids with moving-wood-made theme decorations on every front lawn. Sort of like mini-suburban-Disneyland. How wonderful to see this neighborhood through the eyes of my two-year old nephew! Simple gifts are best ;0)

Heading to Gemini Court

Building Gingerbread houses came early this year. We had Grandma Fish, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Matt here from out-of-state and thought it best to create a village while all hands were on deck. This is always a fun tradition and the sugary smell that lingers all month makes my mouth water. Sa-weet stuff! Please pass the white frosting ... a little more ... more ...

Gingerbread Village 2012

Lucas’s Christmas Symphonic Band Concert was amazing! We are so impressed with every concert, and there is much more to come as he is participating in Winter Drum Line. He auditioned to play the electric guitar and got the part. He’s pumped over that, however, he wants to dye his hair black and get a tattoo. We said “HELL NO!” to a permanent tattoo and “Maybe” to a temporary wash-out black dye. I said, “Lord help us” (repeat ten times).

Overboard is Lucas's biggest band fan!

Currently, Daniel is Mr. Basketball, playing in two leagues. For Christmas, he announced that he wanted a new bible and KWA-KMP9 air-soft gun. Yes, a Bible and gun! California is definitely the wrong state for this kid! Daniel's future plans include “getting a wife” and moving to Montana. Once there, he wants to “buy some lumber and build a cabin.” We're sure going to miss him ;0)

News Break, Chicken Report: We have eight hens in our brood. That's after my Teckie had to break one's neck (named Timid) because she had a paralyzed leg that left her no feeling on one side. Timid did okay, draggin that leg around the coop like a sandbang. Then the poor-feathered thing pecked a hole in her numb side and gizzards were showing ... but that's a whole other Oprah. Thankfully, Daniel diligently cleans the chicken coop where we are getting 6 eggs a day! He loves those stinky birds and, for all I care, he can take them to Montana.

Cousins: Best Gift EVER!

Tomorrow night is THE Crosetti Chrismas party! This she-bang has been going on for fifty years (pictures below) and is the epitome of the presence of a happy (loud Italian) family all wrapped up in (shouting and singing at) each other. My family has a new batch of Little Ones (The Hawaiians are flying in!) and my Teckie is slated to play Santa Claus. He will do a fine job like many that have gone before him!

Crosetti Christmas Party, 1969, Great-Grandpa John Crosetti

Crosetti Christmas Party, 1977

Crosetti Christmas Party, 1982
I'm the one wearing a table cloth; far right.

Despite the joy of the season, sadness over friends lost, loved ones passed and the Connecticut school shooting makes me slow down and hold tighter to what really matters in this short life; good health and loved ones!

I still stand by my mantra that in life "Balance is Everything." To maintain that fragile place, make peace and gratitude your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! Oh, and to keep balance, pull your shoulders back and core straight when riding a unicycle. I'm just say'in...

I thank my God who delivers the gift of love to all!

Happy Birthday to our Hope and Savior, Jesus!

I Love Thursdays

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 02:30:00 +0000

Thursday is my “everything day.” Admittedly, it’s an off-balance day as it’s my only one away from Fourth Grade and I cram everything into the sunlight hours like an overstuffed carry-on bag.

I rode Blanche bright and early this morning, when kids were hustling to school, and cars to work. This was not my usual time to cruise four miles and it felt like helium; uplifting.

One construction worker shouted, “You haven’t been around in a while!” I blushed, realizing he was talking to me. Blanche must be the only unicycle that passes through there. Children walking and riding bikes to school stared with great surprise, as their lips pursed into round-donut circles, looking and pointing as if I had two heads. I forgot what it was like to ride around people. It was so busy and alive “out there.”

The best part was when I was close to home, a man walked up and was standing on the corner near the street light. Staring. Car keys in hand. My mind twittered … Is he looking at me? Surely not. But then, maybe. He’s not moving, just kindly looking on as I approached.

Getting closer, I hopped off Blanche. It seemed he had something to say.

He owns a business nearby, and had seen me riding in the past. His son also rides a unicycle and plays basketball, at the same time. Craaazzzy! I introduced myself and we stood there chatting it up, single-wheelie style. Nice guy. I love meeting new people!

As I rode away, I wondered if I was called to attempt this sport that requires idling; something I've yet to master. Oh, and dribbling a basketball while riding a unicycle? There stands another problem. But wait, there’s more! I would probably be the only female and I'm old-er (almost mid-forties baby!). Unlike this guy’s son who is probably a whippersnapper in his twenties, all limber and unicycle fit, reeking of balance and control as he gracefully idles while dribbling a basketball, big-white smile on, making it look easy. Jeesh! I'm snickering because it takes my every cell to unicycle this old-er body, taking deep breathes and soaking in God’s beautiful world while working up a healthy sweat and unintentionally entertaining the neighborhood. Just keeping good balance mile after mile, and not falling on my face is enough! Go figure.

Regardless, I think I will look into this unicycle basketball group. Maybe I can squeeze in watching a game with my kids or connect with some like-minded unicycle peeps … hopefully on a Thursday :0)

THE Father Stephen

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:54:00 +0000

Father Stephen and Lucas (20 months), 1998

Walking in darkness, God lends you people that emanate light and show you the way. For me, that was Farther Stephen Barber, 1997. He was the rotating chaplain for the UCLA Pediatric ICU and I was the freaked-out-mess-of-a-new-mom watching my infant suffer through two open-heart-surgeries that blossomed horrible side effects.

Father Stephen, Lucas, My Teckie, Miss Piggy and Lui

Father Stephen, a young Jesuit priest-in-training, was an angel at this time of turmoil. You see, we were meeting with the ethics committee at UCLA, contemplating taking our baby off life support and Father Stephen was right there comforting us. He stood inside of the extreme brokenness we were engulfed in.

Father Stephen walked with us into meetings with ethicists and doctors. We spent lunches on the UCLA campus chewing over the meaning of life (no matter how short), a real Jesus, death and everlasting life. Lucas was only four-months old at that time, with an array of ugly, yet, colorfully rare complications that would make any rainbow shy away. It was a dark time.

Fast-forward thirteen years...

Who knew Overboard had kept in touch with The Father Stephen? Overboard is a phenomenal lover of all things Catholic! She told me that he was in Southern California and she invited Father Stephen, yes, THE Father Stephen, to my nephew’s 2^nd birthday party. Flabbergasted, excited, and melancholy thoughts filled me at the thought of seeing him again. So much life and time had passed since he last visited our home in 1998.

Homecoming Dance, 2012

Now “Baby Lucas” is a healthy teenybopper, with a self-shaved head, magnetic draw towards guitar, struggling in sophomore geometry and flashing a beautiful (post-braces) smile. His Arizona friend Jenny, from Camp Del Corazon, was visiting that same weekend to attend Lucas’ Homecoming Dance. Man, I felt old!

You know what popped into my brain as I gazed at these old and new photos? It is bizarre, but what I thought. It was a 1970’s groovy-wooden plaque that hung in our Silver Strand beach house when I was a child. It read, “Time heals all things except crow’s feet.” Back then, I had no idea what it meant; five hand-painted blackbirds on pokey feet, some with wings spread out, standing under those words. How could time help their feet?

Now I get it! Time really is a great healer (except for those darn eye wrinkles).

Back to THE Father Stephen story … God is so good! You can tell by husband’s reaction in this photo that when Lucas formally met Father Stephen (with zilch memory of his babyhood) it was a special moment for the parents, grandparents and entire family. God’s abundant healing has grown Lucas up, as well as THE Father Stephen Barber. He is now the Head of Admissions for Loyal High school in Los Angeles.

Miracles do happen :0)

This man that watched my crushed new-mom-self emotionally bare naked spent an afternoon with us and shared dinner with my entire family. He held the table captive with stories of working as the chaplain at San Quentin Sate Prison, among other things. Who knew God was shaping us to become these “other people?” I had no idea. In the middle of that 1997 storm, I could not see that there was a bright, fully alive, and ordained future waiting to unfold.

Cheers to God’s goodness and to our friend,

THE Father Stephen! CLINK!

Oh, and, um, Happy Birthday Benson!

Oh, the Places You'll go!

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 04:05:00 +0000

As a kid, Dr. Seuss was my favorite author. He was a true-rhymsical wordsmith and always delivered a wonderful message to all ages.

In life, at one time or another, we all find ourselves in a life balance slump.
Dr. Seuss says it best in Oh, the Places You’ll Go!.

Uncle Scott and Daniel soaring to great heights!

“You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers, who soar to high heights.
You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don’t. Because, sometimes, you won’t.
I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true
and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then, that you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.”

~ Dr. Seuss
True That! Who hasn't seen great hights then been left in a Lurch?

And you'll come down from the Lurch with an upleasant bump!

Thank you to the Good Doctor Seuss for helping human-kind keep "the balance." The Fun Way ;o)

Confucius say ...

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 22:33:00 +0000

Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life

Labor Day is an American Federal Holiday recognized on the first Monday in September. This day "off" celebrates the social and economic contribution of workers. Our society has made it the touchpoint for summer's end and high society's marker for the last chance to fashionably wear white. It is also one of the busiest retail days of the year, right after Black Friday. Ironically, those who work in retail don't get Labor Day off. Go figure!

Work is officially over for Mr. Oppossum we (finally) caught Saturday night

Hopefully, you put your heels up and enjoyed time "off" from whatever your occupation. In a perfect world, we'd follow Confucius's advice and never "work" a day in our life. Dream on, Grasshopper! Most Americans are thankful to clock-into a job that pays these days ... Thank God for our employment!

No grind for us
Happy Labor Day!

Change-A-Roo Time

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Remember the movie The Bridges of Madison County? I loved the book and the movie, but the biggest take away was Clint Eastwood saying, “The only thing you can depend on in this life is change.” That quote has stuck in my head like caramel in a teenager's braces.

Shaved Lucas and his chemistry assignment

Change, is everywhere. Not just in carpools, hair color and couch cushions, but every-darn-where. It throws me off balance trying to adjust to the end-of-summer-start-of-school groove. Turmoil hid inside me because many new adjustments scattered my day, like toddler toys in every room of the house. This season is a clutter of changes. I hopped on Blanche and took her on a four-mile spin. I felt free and revitalized listening to good music, praying, mapping out life, and being an encourager to myself. At mile three, I started to feel the unicycle strain, however, I returned clear headed and rejuvenated, like after a good house cleaning.

Don't cha love Overboard's shirt?

My first week back in fourth grade went smooth like butter. The teacher I worked with for five years retired and my new boss is a bright, tech-savvy young ‘in. We make a good team.

Oh yes, Lucas came home from Camp Del Corazon without hair. He bid the mullet fare-the-well and his buddy shaved his head. Living hairless has served him well these blazing-hot first days of school. However, I miss the mullet. Thank goodness, hair is changeable and temporary!

Daniel LOVED his first week of sixth grade, signing up for flag football and reveling in the change that lockers and new class schedules bring. Today is his birthday and the morning was kicked off with Overboard waking him up with his favorite donut, singing Happy Birthday. However, he is a sad birthday boy … that brings me to The Chicken Report.

The good news is that we are collecting five eggs a day. The bad news? Today we shipped off the cutest and cuddliest hens because time has proven them to be growing-loud roosters. Is there any other kind? Why yes, there are. Quiet, feather-footed chickies that are mistaken for hens, until they start cockfighting and crowing at the crack of dawn! The past mornings my Teckie put them in the garage to cut down on the decibels of crowing my neighbors must hate. When we returned Boots and Queen, um, I mean King, Daniel had a droopy-broken-birthday heart.

I tried to convince my Teckie to exchange the roosters for feed, however, they returned with two little black "hens." Daniel's spirits shot up, as for mine? No comment.

Bye Boots and King the rooster formerly known as Queen the hen

This week I waved my white flag to life’s shifting cycles. Everything changes.

The trick is to keep good balance and juggle newness so that life is enjoyable, appreciated, love-filled and steady. When, and if, you feel overwhelmed? Hop on your unicycle :0 )

A Perfect Ten

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 01:09:00 +0000

It was a premature celebration (he was born on August 31^st) but one that had to unfold before the start of school, big brother’s return from Catalina Island and summer’s official ending … Please welcome … Daniel’s 12^th birthday! Yes, for the first time we caved and hosted a slumber party with thirteen buddies, sleeping in pitched tents and each doing a stellar job as energetic-competitive-sweaty preteen boys. It doesn't sound like a dream party to me, but was a hit with this crowd.

They played a game called Bigger or Better. Splitting them into two teams, they started with a paper clip and knocked on doors asking if they could have something bigger or better. Trading up and up until the game ended in 45 minutes, the Red Team won, returning with an 18-inch flatscreen TV with broken DVD player. The Black Team did great also, but stopped early, satisfied with a ginormous working nerf gun ... boys!

"Daniel Bingo” was our wind down before our BBQ dinner and then flashlights were handed out at dark. On our street, they played Flashlight Tag and Ghost in the Graveyard until a cake break. Daniel requested an ice cream cake with mint chocolate chip ice cream, and chocolate cake. Of course, I obliged and created a custom cake topper for this kid who soaks up the Military Channel like a dry sponge.

After all that? You think these kids would collapse. No! Cue “The Sugar High”. At 10:30, they watched Hunger Games (a surprisingly good movie with macabre story line) eating Fire Hot Cheetos, peanut butter pretzels and carrots. I feel like Overboard sharing food details. I can't help it, it must be in the Italian genes :0)

After the movie, our den rug was floating in a sea of crumbs only The Weiner Sisters and my niece-dog, Cinco, could appreciate.

A pooped out Cinco

We played many games to tire these kids out. Try as we did, they still had to be shushed a few times, finally sleeping about 3AM. At my age, going to bed at that horrendous hour is a bad sign. But to these sticky little dudes, it meant a fantastic night, an ideal celebration, or unintentional parent torture. You decide.

I hit the hay about 1:30 AM because I knew that chocolate-chip pancakes, homegrown oranges and thirty soon-to-be-scrambled fresh eggs were calling me after the five hours of sleep I devoured. It felt like fifteen minutes.

Those boys were up with the sun (an imposter “hen” was coca-doodle-dooing! Do you know what that means? Maybe another rooster? Stay tuned) and running around having nerf gun wars as my Teckie and I worked like a well-oiled machine pumping out breakfast. Of course, with a little help with some friends.

We get by with a little help from our friends!

This whole shebang was a rare undertaking because of the required responsibility and energy. Without a doubt, Daniel was worth every ounce of effort, gray hair and lost sleep.

Don't even think of blowing out my candles!

After the last boy was picked up, we asked Daniel how the party went. He quickly answered “It was a ten! A perfect, ten out of ten!”

Wooo Hooo! Raise your soda and let's "cheers" to twelve years of Daniel (clink!).

"The God Part"

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 04:12:00 +0000

Spending time in the Emergency Room with Lucas, we had hours of concentrated talking time. He told me about a story he heard at AMEN (our young men’s church Group). It went like this … There was a man who possessed great faith that every day he would thank God for things not yet received. He was so sure that God would pull through, sometimes waiting years, yet always keeping a heart of deep gratitude and constant thanksgiving every day. Lucas explained that it is all about having faith that God can and will do the impossible.

I liked the story and then he said, “But wait, let me get to The God Part.” Thinking we just went over “The God Part,” I zipped my lips as he went on.

“When Jenny (a dear friend, maybe more) told me she was backing out of going to Camp Del Corazon (www.campdelcorazon.org), I laid on the floor thanking God that she WOULD go.” In the ER, with oozing skin and swollen parts, Lucas was sharing “The God Part” of the story and how he tried the Faith Lesson learned at AMEN . How camp was only six days away and he was bummed that she said she could not go, but thanked God that she would.

At our Cousins Getaway, far removed from home life :0)

Let me back up … The reason we were in the ER was that while I was away this weekend with my cousins in Santa Barbara, my sons and their friends built a ramp. This bumpy incline barely qualified with ramp status. Just rusty nails and old-sloping-wood hammered together. Lucas jumped his bike off it.

Without a helmet.
On the pavement.
Crash!

He messed up the right side of his body and was covered in road rash, a huge swollen elbow and knee, much pain and a boy-zest for his many abrasions.

I know what you are thinking. Where was his father during the helmetless-jalopy-bike-ramp session? All I can deduct is that fathers have a different approach (or lack of) when it comes to supervising their sons.

Nuff said.

Back to the story.

Here is "The God Part." When Jenny went to withdraw from camp due to missing too many tests her first year of high school, she was told that if she did not attend they would not pay for her transportation from Arizona to California for future Camp Del Corazon (www.campdelcorazon.org) trips. THIS truth she could not live with and decided to suck it up and go. And, as I write this Lucas and Jenny are on day two of what Lucas calls the best part of every summer.

In the end of that long ER night, Lucas hobbled out with no broken parts, just an elbow contusion, irritated-gross skin, and a brain full of lectures on helmets from doctors, nurses, and me. Exhausted, I drove home, happy to have had the precious time with my fifteen-year-old son and amazed at how he is teaching me about "The God Part" of life.

Vacation Blues are the sign of a good time

noreply@blogger.com (UnicycleRose) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 04:14:00 +0000

It’s so cliché to say “I need a vacation from my vacation,”but we came back from Kauai exhausted, yet high as kites after all the adventure.

My tekie hanging on for dear life!!

The Vacation Blues clouded my head for a bit. Our visit was packed with ziplining over valleys and rivers, kayaking for miles, hiking to waterfalls, Zodiac boating with dolphins along the Na pali coast, exploring Kuaui, partying at a yummy luau and viewing the fake-looking-perfect sights everywhere(cue the swan).

In addition, we made new friends and I forced my guys to "shop" at Hilo Hatties. It just about killed them. Whew! Daniel tried scuba diving and both boys discovered they love virgin pina coladas (what’s not to love?).

Did I mention that wild chickens roam Kuaui everywhere, and I mean everywhere you go? It's like a petting zoo. Daniel playfully took it upon himself to catch a wild chicken or two. And, the Chicken Whisperer did it!

Just like home

We woke up to the crowing of many roosters. Truth be told, my Tekie and I wore ear plugs, unlike Lucas, who opted to sleep outside on the patio listening to the tropical rains fall at night.

Nature lover or future bum? You decide.

I admit when we returned to California I felt a bit out of balance due to the time change, but recalibrated after many naps and passing days. It is key to stay in balance to enjoy life, no? YES!

We are the corny tourists in matching Hawaiian garb ;0)

My thirsty plants, the Weiner Sisters and brood of chickens (still alive, but one is molting), were happy to have us home ... and it is good to be back in our groove.

It makes you appreciate the specialal times when you step out of the every-day routine for a stint. God's beautiful world is amazing!

A little slice of heaven

Being home means that Fourth Grade (AKA: work) starts next week, my son is deep into band camp, laundry is piled high and my husband jumped back on his treadmill of work. I am stealing away this weekend to Santa Barbara to spend time with my out-of-state cousins. All this before THE GRIND starts, and I still have the vacation spirit alive in me.

Two miles kayaking followed by a hike and lunch. This is where we landed. Not so bad, eh?

Visiting a Land of Oz is awesome, however, Dorothy was spot on when she said, "There's no place like home." It is the best place to return to!

The 1,2,3's of scuba diving

When our money tree starts blooming, we will return to this magical “Garden Island.” For now I hope you enjoyed some of my photos from this once-in-a-lifetime family vacation!

The Kuaui Krew

The Kauai week was a cherished tropical blessing!