The Tale of Two Libraries

We started reading the classic novel, Tale of Two Cities, tonight.  Edward told me that it was fitting for the adventure we had today.  Some of the best things we have done as a family have taken place at the library summer programs.  We take full advantage of these events each summer.  Today that meant going to two different libraries in opposite directions!

We started out at a concert for the children at the San Antonio library.  This particular concert was pretty special…we have been a fan of this singer for MANY years.  We were introduced to Lucas Miller, the singing zoologist, when Amanda was a young participant in a wildlife educator’s workshop.  She was so excited when she came home with the first of many CDs.  Miller sang the songs that related to what we were teaching in our 4-H projects.  We especially loved the Wild...Wild...Wildlife song...but Snakes Aren't Slimy and The Bald Eagle's Song were played often as well.

Miller did not let us down...he had a great performance and we got a chance to thank him after the show.  Zaira and Brendan danced and all of us sang along with the music.  He even surprised us with a couple of new songs!  We also found out he has several books for sale as well.  We will have to check those out soon!

Our library adventure was not over...we took the children home and Michael, Zaira and I headed to the Spring Branch/Bulverde library for an adult program.  There was a one man show (Duffy Hudson) in which we learned about the life of Einstein.  This was a great show because it was both informative and entertaining...actually quite humorous!  Unfortunately, Zaira decided sitting quietly for over an hour was not her idea of fun, so I had to take her out after the first twenty minutes!  Michael on the other hand enjoyed hearing about Einstein’s life, the speed of light, time travel, gravity and space!  

Over the years at these events, our family has had the opportunity to have our picture taken with "famous people."  The actors get a kick out the photo opportunity and we fill our memories with the event and what we learned.  There is nothing like telling someone that you met Einstein and watch their reactions!  We have "met" Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, The Wright Brothers, Martha Washington, Bill Clinton...and many other historical characters!  It is a great way to make the information stick...instead of the "boring" school text!   

I wish all the children could have enjoyed the experience tonight.  Maybe he will come again as a different character in history.  We were told he also acts out Edgar Allen Poe, Dr. Seuss, and Charles Dickens!  

A big thanks to both libraries for helping us have a great experience.  Libraries help to keep the boredom of summer at bay!  The best part...Michael and I got to spend our 21st wedding anniversary doing what we love best...spending time with each other at the library!

Look Who I Found!

I grew up with six brothers and I love them all so much!  They all have their different personalities and quirks...don't we all?  For the most part I can keep track of their whereabouts and activities...HOWEVER, there is one brother who always finds a way to surprise me.

This last weekend we decided to head out for an adventure.  We went to church and then took a drive to Fredericksburg.  We explored the Wildseed Farm...drifting through the various paths of plants for sale and the gardens.  It was amazing to see the fields of flowers grown to produce seeds!  The gardens were so beautiful with shade to beat the summer heat.  We especially enjoyed the butterfly gardens and frog pond!  We also enjoyed a simple lunch in their cafe.

Then we went further into town to find the local hardware store to pick up some supplies to fix our closet.  This particular store also carries a line of furniture, which we love to buy.  The children were climbing all over the furniture and I was constantly trying to herd them out of the store.  At one point, I noticed a woman watching the scene before her and smiling.  As I walked past, I joked that the furniture must be durable to withstand my children.  We both had a chuckle and went on our way!

We made our way out of the store with our purchases.  Michael had to go back in to take care of a last minute item so we were waiting in the van outside of the store.   Then he comes running out shouting, "Michelle Reynolds...get out of the van and get in here...now!"   I was a little taken aback but this urgency but he repeated the directive so I got out and walked into the store.

AND THERE HE WAS...my brother, Damian...I was in shock!

You have to understand...I had not seen him in almost 5 years...He lives outside of Houston and works in the medical field...he was once a traveling nurse and then settled into a job there.  I have talked to him from time to time but he likes to live care-free and not much on plans...I love him for his free-spirit...and his creative mind!  BUT...it is hard to find him at times...I have children he has not even met!  LOL!

How did we end up in the same hardware store on the same weekend?  It was just one of those coincidences that I love to talk about on this blog!  It was an amazing surprise!

Also...there was a woman standing next to him who looked familiar!  I said, "What!?  I was just talking to you!  This is wrong!  We were talking to each other and we did not even realize who the other one was...that is just so wrong!!!"

By this time, customers and store clerks were watching us...we were some kind of event for this small store!  I told Damian that we had to get a picture together as we might not see each other again in a while.  We had a nice lady volunteer so we could all be in the picture.

Oh...and the truth is we MIGHT get a second opportunity to see him...as he has promised to visit our mom next weekend!  YAY!!!  Twice in a week....I hope we can make it happen!

Where Does the Time Go?

Two weeks ago, I planned to write a blog about Sean's birthday...we had a lot of fun!  Unfortunately, the time has just slipped away from me!  So...I decided to combine a couple of events that just prove my point that time goes by too quickly!

First, Sean just turned SEVENTEEN years old!!!  It seems like yesterday I was bringing home this roly-poly little bundle of joy from the hospital!  He was all smiles and curls, which I know is hard to believe for most who know him now.

We decided to dub this birthday his peach fuzz celebration.  Michael started off the morning (after breakfast in bed, of course) with a lesson in shaving!  Sean was getting quite the mustache albeit blonde and not very noticeable.  Michael thought he could use the skill and pulled out the necessary regalia to teach the lesson.  I even have pictures of his first shave!

We later celebrated with a grilled dinner that ended with grilled peaches over angel food cake and topped with ice cream!  However, we had to do some gross boy stuff first!

That's right...we spent the afternoon at our new museum find...Witte in San Antonio is so much fun.  They happened to have a really awesome exhibit about the 'impolite science' of the human body.  I wrote a little bit about this exhibit in my last post.  Let me just say, I was glad we had the chance to enjoy this with Michael or we would not have stayed long.  It was really a guy kind of fun...Mom just does not get it!

Then after a few days, we were able to find a good deal on a new mountain style bike for him  Thankfully, he realizes he is not quite ready for the four-wheeled variety of vehicle!  He loves his new bike and now all the boys race each other around the neighborhood!




The other big mind blowing experience in the last few days was related to Amanda.  She and a friend signed their first lease on an apartment!  Now...Amanda has lived on her own over the last couple of years but this was the first time HER NAME was on a lease.  Very proud of her!  She was so excited!  We were able to help her and her friends move things over to the new place.  I was glad we were a part of this big event in her life!

It is a cute apartment and just the right size.  They need a few items to make it complete but they have a good start.  We were able to supply a bedroom set and other items for the place...they really need another small bed and some living room furniture...sofa and coffee table.  And, the big wish item is a washer and dryer as they have the hook ups in their pantry.  I am sure they will be creative and make it happen!

Great moving buddies!

I went away a proud Momma but with a little sentimental twinge in my gut.  I cannot believe how quickly they leave the nest!  God bless them and help me to hold the little ones while I can as they will be gone soon and I will just have the memories!  It makes me want to keep this blog up-to-date even more!  So b looking for even more posts in the future!