FIRETRUCK at PRESCHOOL

The kids got a surprise visit from the Fire Department. The fireman that came to preschool did a fantastic job teaching the little preschoolers. He got down to their level and helped them to understand not to be scared of firemen in full suit.  He suited up completely, oxygen tank and all, and crawled around on the ground to show them how he would potentially search for someone/thing in a fire. I didn't realize just how alienlike a full suited fireman could potentially look like in smoke and fire until he talked about it. I thought he did a great job putting the kids at ease, even high five-ing them all on the ground.

The kids all got to check out the inside of the truck and spray the front hose. It was a great educational experience for them mixed in with some fun to keep their interest.

Some tips to remember...
*Get Out AND Stay Out-people always want to go back in for personal items, or to find their brother/sister/cat or dog. Let the fireman be the hero....
*Stop Drop and Roll-running when on fire will only fuel the fire. And since fire rises it will/could potentially breath up to your neck and face
*911-as soon as you spot/smell fire call the emergency number. They will be able to trace the call so give them as much information as possible but make sure you keep yourself safe too. The police and the fire department will be notified

Thanks for the fantastic educational experience

CORPUS CHRISTI IN OCTOBER

Despite the Idaho girl in me telling me the beach is no place to go in cold October, we went...and we enjoyed :)

For Karen's birthday we took her to one of her favorite relaxation places...the beach. And though the top temperature was only about 88 degrees, the water was warm, the sky was blue, and we had a ball. Well, until the wind came in so strong that the sand started beating against our faces(that wasn't fun).

So because I get so mesmerized by the kids playing at the beach, I have a hard time narrowing down pics. So here is just a plethora of "beach" pics from our trip last weekend.

 Madelyn's masterpiece...I think it was "Alamo" inspired

 Karate Kid in training

 I hope this isn't a flash into the future...buttcracks and beer cans...

I was super impressed with Corpus Christi. Very kid friendly, nice beach area, and WARM water. Another time we'll visit the USS Lexington-that would be fun. And sometime in the near future we'll venture down to Mustang Island and/or South Padre. All in the future, all to look forward too.

NEW HAIR

So I ventured out with a new hair color again....if everyone remembers about this time last year I dyed my hair DARK BROWN. It was a huge change but I have to say I really liked it. Well, by spring I decided to let the color fade and go back to my original. But in between that I tried a home kit of highlighting(which failed miserably) and also used some Sun-In...a HUGE no-no. After some major deep conditioning treatment, time for the Sun-In to grow out, and a rest from damaged hair I did it right.

So hold on to your seats....
this is me with dry hair minus any product....

 And this is Brittney...she's talented beyond belief. Not only is she a licensed beautician, but she is crafty in every way possible. Including her business she runs with her mom. You can find her at PEEKABOOBOWTIQUE . 

 Mid process...I've never ever had my hair professionally colored. I've never had my hair wrapped in foils. It was kind of fun :)

 "I feel pretty! Oh, so pretty!..."

  And the Finished product...

Love it! Thanks Brittney. You have a lifelong client(well at least as long as we live here)

HAPPY REUNIONS

This morning Brent was reunited with his parents after 18 months. There were smiles all around.

Karen and Don served a Temple Mission in Germany over the last 18 months. Their primary responsibilities were making sure things ran smoothing during/in between/before/after sessions. They worked in the clothing area, they greeted patrons, and most importantly they got the blessing of surrounding themselves with the spirit of the Temple day in and day out.

Their mission wasn't without it's ups and downs...ups being some FANTASTIC site seeing around Europe. Downs being some pretty major sicknesses between the two of them. But all in all I think Karen and Don would say it was an amazing experience and they were so very happy to serve for a second time(third for Don).

We're happy to have you home Karen and Don/Grandma and Grandpa!!

RESPECT

This week Marcus had to "finish the sentence" for one of his homework assignments and then draw a picture about it.

I think people should always remember to...."respect because we always need to be a good friend and respect other people and your family"

Ahhhhh...that's my boy :)

MY FIRST TUTORIAL

Check out my first tutorial on my HBCREATE BLOG...

THIS....

TO THIS...

 TO THIS...

MARCUS AND ME

Columbus Day brought playdates for Madelyn and Brian. So Marcus and I had some great one on one time. We played with homemade playdough. Then we experimented with homemade sidewalk paint...which turned out GREAT and was so easy. And then we battled Beyblades. But of course none of it was complete until we transformed into VAMPIRES....

All you need is 2 tbls cornstartch, 4 tbls water, food coloring, and a great imagination!

Then we started giggling about....nothing, really. Just had fun :)

 And got our demon faces on....ready to transform...

I had never played the Beyblades...I have to say its pretty addicting. THREE-TWO-ONE let it rip!!!!

It was some much needed Marcus and Mommy time. It just doesn't happen very often anymore; one on one time, I mean. He is such a great kid. A smart kid. And a good friend. He is personality plus and has the cute looks to go with it. He's a tender heart. And the older he gets the less I see blurts of aggression explode. He channels frustration into creativity; drawing, building robots, practicing his cool break dance moves, etc. To make a long story short...I sure love my "Marcus the Garkus"...my "Sparticus"...my "buddy", my "Mr. B", my "favorite big boy"...I sure love you Marcus!!