31Jul / 2014

20 Years, 2 kids, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 snakes and 1 fish

On July 23rd, 1994, 20 years ago, Eric and I for better or worse said I do. Since then we have had a revolving door of pets and friends reside with us. However, lately we are keeping to our 11 year old daughter, Embug, 9 year old, Kristopher in regards to additional humans in the house. The animals far out number the humans with a boxer named Sammy, a Bichon Frise named Izzie, a very onry orange tabby named Ralphie, 2 snakes (Marty, Jr. and Bosco) and beta fish named Rainbow. So it is no wonder we needed a get away!

Long before we planned the destination for our 20th anniversary, we decided we would make it a family vacation. With that we agreed that a portion of the trip would allow us to enjoy time together and some just as a couple. The Hawk’s Cay Resort in Duck Key provided just the place. We arrived as the sun slipped below the horizon on July 22nd where we enjoyed a meal outside near the channel. It was a few hours after a rainstorm had come through and cooled the air making for a pleasant outdoor family meal.

The while the family slept I slipped out for a run. I will say humidity and warmth are not my friend. After 2 miles I unlaced my running shoes and traded them for a day poolside. We enjoyed spending the day going back and forth from the pool and a man-made lagoon/beach. The kids enjoyed water games and discovering resident anoles and iguanas who would occasionally make an appearance.

We were staying in a villa that was away from the actual hotel. It provided us with a condo like living space complete with two separate bedrooms (and two separate twin beds for the kids), front and back porches both upstairs and downstairs. Breakfast and lunch we utilized a limited grocery within the marina for coffee, breakfast biscuits and sandwich makings. Dinner the first night the kids ate at the villa while we enjoyed an anniversary outing. The outing included a sunset cruise and then dinner at “Hawk’s Cay” fine dining restaurant “Alma.” It was a nice evening for just the two of us to celebrate.

The next day we spent it once again at the pool and lagoon. Although there is no pictures the kids and Eric enjoyed messing around with a Kayak. Eric is still feeling the enjoyment of that excursion in his lower back.

Here are a few more images from our stay.

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30Jul / 2014

Cheeseburger in Paradise?

After a restful sleep at the TravelLodge we headed down historic Route 1 through the Keys all the way down into Key West.

We arrived in time to treat ourselves to a late lunch at the “Eaton Street Fish Market.” A find through the Urbanspoon app. While it derives most of it’s business from selling fresh caught local seafood and fish to those residing or staying in rental residences on the island, they serve a seasonal fresh menu. On this day we sampled the lobster roll, crab cake sandwich, seafood sandwich and salmon (the only non-local caught fish) sandwich all served with plantain chips. The food and the price was a delightful and delicious surprise.

We proceeded on our Key West adventure after lunch. We walked from the Gulf side of Duval Street to the Atlantic side. On this journey we treated ourselves to homemade ice cream, Historical Buildings (such as St. Paul’s Episcopal Church), many art galleries, and the obligatory tourist stop at the “Hog’s Breath Saloon” for a cool beverage and slice of Key Lime Pie.

We did not take a trolley ride, as Embug was feeling the effects of motion sickness from the congested drive down Route 1. However, if we ever venture to Key West again, that is something that I believe would be a great way to get to know more about the home of renown American author Ernest Hemingway.

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29Jul / 2014

Allligators, Mosquitos and Airboats, Oh my!

After a long evening drive the night before from Kennedy Space Center. We ended up at an unlikely motel. The TravelLodge recommended both on price and quality by Booking.com was a surprisingly great find. Many may have turned away as it is a one story true 70s style motel, complete with drive-up-to-your-door-and-park access. It looks very much like it probably did when these one-story temporary home-away-from-home motels were built. However, for $75 a night, including microwave, refrigerator and free hot breakfast it is the deal of the week if one is wanting to explore the Everglades.

On the morning of our planned Everglade adventure we stopped for the necessary Starbucks (mom always feels better about an outdoor adventure if it is prefaced with a cup of Starbucks!) and then headed to the Alligator Farm.

At the Alligator Farm there were threats of storm looming in the distance. The occasional boom of thunder and lightening didn’t deter us from our airboat ride. We saw alligators and cranes as we progressed through the Everglades. It is amazing how the boats glide over six inches to a foot or two of water and it is everywhere. During the airboat excursion we were given the thrill of high speeds and 360’s. The kids and adults loved it. I think we would have stayed on them all day if we had the option.

Once we finished the airboat ride we got to see the alligators being hand fed. This was a weeee bit daunting as the ‘gators’ seemed to have no problem crawling up the 3 foot chainlink fence that separate us from them. Of course, we and the 100 other people didn’t back away from the fence either.

Within minutes of the conclusion of the hand feeding a downpour commenced. In Arkansas I call it a “toad-floater.” We waited for a bit for it to die down enough to make a dash to our rental car and then we were off to find lunch.

One of the fun things about vacations is finding those not-so-common eateries.

Today was no exception. On our way from the Alligator Farm to the Everglades National Park we found “Gator Grill.” A little road side foodie stop. It had a lot of the feeling of a food truck. To our delight we were able to get grilled gator tail and frog legs. To Kritterman’s delight he was able to procure the best 1lb. bacon cheese burger he has ever had in his life. It was so delicious we returned at 5:30 for an early dinner. We knew it was the best ever and didn’t know when we might be back. On top of it, we were able to teach the kids the #1 rule of dining on vacation… “The hole-in-the wall places make the best local food.”

It was still a downpour when we finished our lunch visit to “Gator Grill.” Eric always knows if you throw in some wine tasting in with the nature hiking, momma is always a happier camper. So we drove down to “Schnebly’s Winery.” There we sampled wines made from avacado, guava, mango, and passion fruit. All fruits common to South Florida. It was a delight and we ended up taking two bottles from this most southern winery in the United States with us to enjoy later on the vacation.

Finally the rain let up and we were able to head into the Everglades. The forest and swamps are lush with growth. The Gumbo Limbo trees with their smooth bark, colorful crickets and quiet alligators were an astounding sight. Unfortunately the mosquitoes were out in mass after the rain and ate us alive. After walking two trails and attempting a third we jumped back into our rental vehicle. Mosquitos- 1, Wilson family- 0.

We then headed back to “Gator Grill.” The owner recommended we check out “Robert Was Here Fruitstand” where they graciously cut up a ripe mango we purchased. We also bought star fruit and passion fruit to enjoy on the next part of our journey. It was quite a lively fruitstand with a bit of an animal farm, John Deere Tractor collection and a dog who liked to stand on his dog house to get a better view.

Finally we ended the night at a FroYo shop near our hotel. Surprisingly, FroYo shops are not easy to find in SoFla and with my family that can be dangerous. Happy to locate our cool creamy FroYo, we were content and exhausted from an exciting day in the Everglades!

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28Jul / 2014

“One small step for man…”

The first full day of our vacation in Florida it only made sense for us to spend the day at Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

After the flight from Tampa and drive across state to Titusville the day before, we were refreshed and eager to see what KSC had to offer. This was a bucket list item especially for me (mom) who loves anything to do with NASA, space and Astronauts. (I secretly hope someday to become an astronaut or at least participate in the NASA Educator program.)

As we drove into the facility we were met with a huge sign that was overshadowed by a large ominous building that we would learn soon housed the Atlantis itself and the interactive exhibit dedicated to the NASA Shuttle Program.

When we arrived shortly before 10 we headed straight to the Atlantis exhibit. As you enter you wind your way up. Along the way on the walls are the quotes of astronauts from the many missions flown for the Shuttle program. (I love quotes and all of these were incredible that I couldn’t just do one.)

You then entered a room where the history of how the Shuttle program began was shared. All I can say is that you have to see it. The story of the birth of the Shuttle program made this 80’s baby tearful and proud. The introduction into the exhibit was breathtaking. When the magnificent production concluded the screen lifted and at eye-line you were met with the actual Atlantis Shuttle in all of its magnificence.

There were many points of interest in the exhibit. The kids loved the unusual facts that were part of the entire exhibit. They also enjoyed the interactive displays, including the touch screens and simulators. Kritterman loved the slide that took you to the bottom floor as well as the toilet. Emmarie enjoyed the opportunities to sit in a model of the cockpit and see how astronauts ate in the Unity room of the the Space Station.

The time flew by and before we knew it we needed to be at our very special planned lunch with an astronaut. This is something that can be purchased as part of the visit to KSC. It was a great day to select this opportunity, as KSC was celebrating the 45th anniversary of Apollo 11’s walk on the moon. Their contemporary, Jack Lausma, entertained us with stories and his own mission experiences, including being the only astronaut to land at the alternative White Sands, New Mexico location as lead on Columbia. Kritterman even got to ask the astronaut a question during a brief Q and A at the lunch. His question, “On one of your flights did anything get damaged where everything shut down?” Fortunately, not for Lausma, although he did mention others had not been so lucky.

Following lunch, we took a tour of the various points of interest that NASA utilizes for the space program including the famous launch pad where it dons the largest American flag in the world.

After the tour we had one last opportunity to see Astronaut Jack Lausma again. This time we got to speak with him and get his autograph. He mentioned in the brief conversation he had recently eaten dinner with Jim Lovell (Apollo 13) and his wife. He also encouraged Kristopher to become an astronaut and stressed to me as an educator how important it was to continue to foster a love and pursuit of the study of math and science.

This was an experience the whole family won’t soon forget.

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27Jul / 2014

…Getting There

Every summer we plan a family vacation. Sometimes they are more along the lines of a “stay-cation” and sometimes they are a full on travel-agent like planned event. This year we were met with a dilemma. This July was our 20th anniversary. Eric and I usually take a “big” trip every 5 years for our anniversary. We also wanted to take the kids on an adventure too. Time off and money dictated we couldn’t do both separately. So here we are now. Taking a trip together and celebrating 20 years of marriage.

The plane tickets were bought, lodging reservations made, car rental reserved and Pinterest packing list downloaded.

With 4 carry-on wheeled bags in tow, backpack for each of us and a large suitcase full of vacation necessities we were ready to go.

We flew Southwest, which is always a great experience… especially if you upgrade to the Early Check-in Status!

We left from Dallas-Love Field with a lay over in Houston on our way to Tampa, Florida.

It wasn’t long before our adventures began. While in Houston waiting for our connecting flight Emmarie and I made a stop at the ladies room. After a lengthy wait for Emmarie who did not exit from the stall, I went to check on her. Evidently her stall door stuck and she could not get out. Luckilly she’s 11 and can make her way under a bathroom stall door! To commemorate the event we took a snapshot of her with the stubborn stall door.

The trip continued. One of the sweetest things about my kids is the way they interact and play with one another. Today’s plane ride was no exception. Instead of being consumed with their own devices they opted to play card games to pass the time. Not once was there a disagreement over the rules or accusations of cheating. Made this mama’s heart proud (and secretly happy I packed the deck of cards)!

The adventure continued. Upon completing our paperwork for the rental car we went to retrieve it. Somehow we managed to get lost… IN THE AIRPORT! All was not lost, the car rental agency did not have the Explorer we had upgraded to, so in it’s place the only option was a 2015 BMW X5! Who knew it was Christmas in July!?!?!?

There were a few more mishaps along the way as we drove from Tampa to Titusville. To protect the innocent I will just let the readers know it is a very good thing to have leather seats and ziploc baggies when one is on vacation.

While there were some hiccups, the drive was enjoyable. It was especially enjoyable when an afternoon heating shower treated us to a full rainbow.

By the time we arrived in Titusville it was time for dinner. As I have done on many other vacations I used the Urban Spoon app on my iPhone to help choose a local restaurant. The app led us to Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant. The restaurant is surrounded by water and while you wait to be seated customers can see close to 3 dozen red-eared slider water turtles of various sizes actively swimming, a surprisingly large soft-shell turtle, multitudes of tilapia and one lone bright pure orange koi fish. The meal was decent in taste and price. I do think the Wilson family prefers their seafood with a Cajun flair and that may have skewed our opinion.

Following dinner we drove out to a barrier island, where, to our surprise about a dozen cats were hanging about, perhaps to feast off the fisherman’s throw backs.

It is so good to be on the trip and ready to embrace the adventures of the upcoming week as a family and as a couple. Stay tuned as more posts will follow sharing the much anticipated adventures this week will bring.

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03Jul / 2014

What’s cookin’?

Well, those that know me well enough know I can make my way around the kitchen, but in most cases I avoid it. Cooking is one of my least desired tasks.

Fortunately, that isn’t the case for Embug. She has a growing interests and enough confidence to give it a shot. So what was my approach? Probably not the standard best practices, but here it is.

I gave her some magazines that feature between 10 and 12 recipes per issue. Let her look through them and target 3-4 recipes she wanted to try that could be a meal for the family. We reviewed the ingredients list for them, preparation involved and then determined when she would make them. Together we made a grocery list. This first go around I did not take her with me to the store because it was on my way home from work. However, as part of this process I will involve her in the grocery buying as well.

Once I purchased all the ingredients, then it was up to her. I let her figure things out. She was very resourceful, Googling how to do things like clean a Portabello mushroom, and of course asking her dad and I for assistance when she needed it.

What I learned:

1. She has observed a lot over the years of seeing me and her dad “work” and “prepare” food in the kitchen.

2. She is very adventurous and always saw the learning in the process even when the final product wasn’t the hoped result.

3. She is quite the natural.

4. She enjoys this and it helps her “think” and “process” in a non-academic setting that is building problem-solving muscles that will benefit her in academic settings.

5. She grew in knowing herself and seeing what she is capable of doing.

Her first epicurean adventure was Portobello Mushroom Burgers:

She also made a seafood chowder one day when I was at work, but her dad was nearby (home office day). I didn’t get pictures of it, but she did phenomenal.

Her third adventure was Chicago Style Pan Pizza, which she did with the help of a good friend:

Her latest endeavor was Stuffing Filled Artichokes. It was a lot of work and minimal on the result. It was probably her biggest disappointment.

Funny thing about this is we, as a family, decided we did like the artichokes… even Kritter. Embug just determined the stuffing was unneccessary. So we will have steamed artichokes again… just not as the recipe calls.

Not a bad start for Embug and we all are so excited someone likes to whip up a storm in the kitchen!

If you have a suggestion for our budding chef please share! What ways is your home being adventurous via your children?

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30Jun / 2014

Crazy Hat Birthday Party

Kritterman wanted a crazy hat birthday party for his theme this year. Frankly it had me stumped. The first thing I did was do a full search on Pinterest. Lots of Dr. Seuss themed birthday ideas with the red white striped hat and lots or Halloween witch hat ideas… but epic fail on crazy hats. I, by nature, am not creative when it comes to an ORIGINAL idea. What I am decent at is being an #ideabandit and augmenting the idea to suit my ideas and needs.

Panic began to set in. What am I going to do? Then it hit me. What is the whole reason he wants a crazy hat themed party? To have fun and be silly with his friends.

So, then it was about focusing on him and his targeted goal. This involved getting his favorite cupcakes from Mugs Bakery. He doesn’t like just any cupcakes… this boy likes “Dark Chocolate Grenache Raspberry Filled Cupcakes.” Ordering sub sandwiches from the Walmart Deli (which was a deal: 6 foot long 2 meat, 1 cheese with lettuce, tomato, pickle, mustard and mayonaise for $32!), which was his request with Puff Cheetos and sliced watermelon. Finally, all I had left to plan was the main event. I decided to go with a game truck, but when I went online I discovered that they would set up a laser tag even on your property. I once again consulted the soon-to-be birthday boy what he would prefer. Hands down he chose the laser tag through a local affiliate of the Game Truck company.

My panic turned to peace. This was going to be a great crazy hat birthday party after all.

I had Kritter fill out the invitations (post cards provided by Game Truck) and he added for every attendee to wear a crazy hat.

I did forget a few things along the way. Balloons, matching plates and napkins for cute birthday decor for whatever reason escaped my to do list. Did it ruin anything? You decide…

It turned out to be a great party. The Game Truck Laser Tag was amazing (Eric, my husband was very impressed and gave them a generous tip). Kritter loved the sub sandwiches and cupcakes. Was it a crazy hat birthday party? If you ask him, it was. Did he have a great time having fun and being silly? 100%… MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

You want proof? Here’s a video slide show capturing some of the fun:

Moral to the story: Focus on the fun, don’t stress the details and don’t let Pinterest rob your joy. Simple and silly is always better than cute and matching.

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26Jun / 2014

Goodbye, Dear Jan…

Today I woke. Convinced myself that running while it was thundering outside may result in a lightning strike, and attempted to rest. Unsuccessful, I did what many do once they wake up, check my Facebook feed. There it was, Jan had left this world to join her Heavenly Father. Free from cancer, sin and the other perils of this sinful world. I must have been holding my breath, because I gasped for air and then quietly let the tears fall.

I am happy she is no longer suffering, but selfishly I want her here.

Mostly because I want the time I wasted when she was here to fix all the missed birthdays, opportunities to visit with her, and a second go around at being a better friend. Be the friend she was to me. I know she forgave my absent minded, busy, self-focused excuses, but now I am left with forgiving myself.

Jan was the first real friend I had when I moved to Waco. From the Facebook posts I have read, I am not the only one she was the “Welcome Wagon” to Waco. She was the one who brought me to a church family at Columbus Avenue, when I was struggling to find a church home. As we became closer, she was my walking partner, craft/stamper partner in crime, and mentor.

Jan showed me how blessed it is to be a mother and wife. She modeled how to “make” memories with her family and “make” cinnamon candy at Christmas.

When my own mother and family were too far away for holidays and baby showers, she eagerly jumped in to provide those moments.

Christmas with Jan her Family and Eric and I

Jan as lead hostess at my Baby Shower for my first born

Jan never missed a moment to foster, develop and deepen relationships with others. She would talk with you all night and then make you pancackes in the morning… she never left a heart or tummy empty at her home.

There were very few that came in to see me when I was still in my delivery “garb” when I had Embug. With her there was no question she should be there. For a scared first time mom, her hugs and words of reassurance were all I needed.

I wish I could say I did the same for her. She was amazing. Unlimitless love, devotion and friendship.

It was evident not only in her, but her children. Steve(her husband) and Jan loved each other and their kids ferociously. Their kids loved everyone around them as well.

Scott (Jan’s youngest) holding Embug under Jan’s watchful eye.

The service is Saturday. It will be a tearful, yet joyful celebration of Jan’s life and her new life in Heaven. I know many will miss her, I definitely will. What I will mourn, though, are the moments I did not take, and the opportunities I let slip by to do as Jan did, and live a life of ferocious, intentional and passionate love for others.

I am so thankful for the brief time that I had the blessing of being in Jan’s life. She taught me so many lessons about motherhood, marriage, friendship and crafting, yes, crafting.

On Saturday, Jan’s family has asked us to bring purple handmade cards with our sentiments inside. I have been hanging on to the one below for some time…

Why? I am not sure. I wish I had already sent it to her and had no purple card, but had to make a new one. I have some time to think about what I will write inside, but as of now… I have no idea what to say. I just keep thinking of what should have been said before my dear friend Jan was no longer here.

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24Jun / 2014

Can it be 9 Years Already?

Today we celebrate 9 years of life for Kritter. It has been a wonderful, exciting, lively 9 years. I cannot believe that in the same amount of time, 9 years from now we will be preparing for the next chapter in his life journey… most likely college. How did it go so fast?

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21Jun / 2014

Savoring the little things…

I started this blog to capture the more personal part of my life. I have been blogging for over a year professionally. The problem is, I want to thoroughly process and present a perfect post…. EVERY TIME.

What results… I don’t post.

So I didn’t post about Embug’s volleyball team winning the 12U championship.

I didn’t post about the end of the year awards for the kids.

Kritter with Mrs. Burnett- 2nd Grade Awards

Kritter with friends celebrating a great 2nd Grade year

Embug at 5th grade Graduation with Mrs. Daniel

Embug with one of her besties… all smiles for these future Middle Schoolers!

I didn’t post about the 5th grade clap out. The one most significant event that happens at Haslet Elementary on the last day of school to bid farewell to their oldest members of the student body.

Silly girls getting ready to exit the building.

I failed to post Embug’s choir singing “God Bless America” at the Rough Rider’s game in the 7th inning stretch at Dr. Pepper Ballfield in Frisco.

What I realize is that I am missing moments both big and small because I am waiting for the perfect time to create the perfect post. What’s the use of a blog if you don’t utilize it for what it was intended… right?

So I plan to be more intentional with posting and less concerned about how perfect it looks. For your grammar, spelling and format wardens… I apologize if my errors annoy you. This blog isn’t for you anyway. It is ultimately a journal of memories and moments that capture the beauty, struggles and human moments of my life and the life of my family. It is a legacy for my family that I wish to share with the world… and as a way for our family far and near to have a window into our lives. Frankly, I am not the best and keeping everyone up to speed.

So, in the first part I shared some big events that happened over the course of the last few weeks. Less “braggy” moments, but my personal favorites that I didn’t post were:

Embug totally digging the Indy Car Race at Texas Motor Speedway

Kritter explaining framerate to decrease lag in Minecraft.

Catching Embug and Kritter disagreeing while playing Minecraft. (love it… when I catch us being real)

And finally, Embug showing me how important it is to savor quiet moments with a cup of Jo. (I think she’s 11 going on 50!)

So here’s to capturing the real moments in life and learning from them. I love telling our story. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Until next time…

Remember…

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The Wilson Family Stories from Razorback Ranch

Posted by: The Bulldog Educator

20 Years, 2 kids, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 snakes and 1 fish

Cheeseburger in Paradise?

Allligators, Mosquitos and Airboats, Oh my!

“One small step for man…”

…Getting There

What’s cookin’?

Crazy Hat Birthday Party

Goodbye, Dear Jan…

Can it be 9 Years Already?

Savoring the little things…

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